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At least 1,567 records · Page 87

Numerical, Analytical, Experimental Study of Fluid Dynamic Forces in Seals: Description of Incompressible Fluid Seal Codes ICYL and IFACE - Volume 4

The objectives of the program were to develop computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes and simpler industrial codes for analyzing and designing advanced seals for air-breathing and space propulsion engines. The CFD code SCISEAL is capable of producing full three-dimensional flow field information for a variety of cylindrical configurations. An implicit multidomain capability allow the division of complex flow domains to allow optimum use of computational cells. SCISEAL also has the unique capability to produce cross-coupled stiffness and damping coefficients for rotordynamic computations. The industrial codes consist of a series of separate stand-alone modules designed for expeditious parametric analyses and optimization of a wide variety of cylindrical and face seals. Coupled through a Knowledge-Based System (KBS) that provides a user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI), the industrial codes are PC based using an OS/2 operating system. These codes were designed to treat film seals where a clearance exists between the rotating and stationary components. Leakage is inhibited by surface roughness, small but stiff clearance films, and viscous pumping devices. The codes have demonstrated to be a valuable resource for seal development of future air-breathing and space propulsion engines.

Liang, Anita D.↗

Numerical, Analytical, Experimental Study of Fluid Dynamic Forces in Seals Volume 6: Description of Scientific CFD Code SCISEAL

The objectives of the program were to develop computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes and simpler industrial codes for analyzing and designing advanced seals for air-breathing and space propulsion engines. The CFD code SCISEAL is capable of producing full three-dimensional flow field information for a variety of cylindrical configurations. An implicit multidomain capability allow the division of complex flow domains to allow optimum use of computational cells. SCISEAL also has the unique capability to produce cross-coupled stiffness and damping coefficients for rotordynamic computations. The industrial codes consist of a series of separate stand-alone modules designed for expeditious parametric analyses and optimization of a wide variety of cylindrical and face seals. Coupled through a Knowledge-Based System (KBS) that provides a user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI), the industrial codes are PC based using an OS/2 operating system. These codes were designed to treat film seals where a clearance exists between the rotating and stationary components. Leakage is inhibited by surface roughness, small but stiff clearance films, and viscous pumping devices. The codes have demonstrated to be a valuable resource for seal development of future air-breathing and space propulsion engines.

Athavale, Mahesh↗

Optically Based Flame Detection in the NASA Langley 8-ft High- Temperature Wind Tunnel

Two optically based flame-detection systems have been developed for use in NASA Langley's 8-Foot High-Temperature Tunnel (8-ft HTT). These systems are used to detect the presence and stability of the main-burner and pilot-level flames during facility operation. System design considerations will be discussed, and a detailed description of the system components and circuit diagrams will be provided in the Appendices of this report. A more detailed description of the manufacturing process used in the fabrication of the fiber-optic probes is covered in NASA TM-2001-211233.

Borg, Stephen E.↗

High Temperature Heat Rejection System for Large Heat Loads; Architecture and Trade Study Results

To investigate space nuclear reactor technologies, NASA has awarded several contracts under Project Prometheus, the Nuclear Systems Program. The effort described in this paper was performed under one of those contracts (the Brayton NRA) . Like all power conversion systems, nuclear power conversion systems operate at efficiencies less than 100% resulting in the need to reject waste heat to space. Several different HRSs (Heat Rejection Systems) potential designs have been identified for rejecting NEP (Nuclear Electric Power) waste heat and several of them for a CBC (Closed Brayton Cycle) power conversion system are described herein and the results of their initial analyses presented. The analyses presented were performed as part of an initial trade study to recommend a promising HRS for advancement of its TRL.

Nilitkin, Michael N.↗

Numerical, Analytical, Experimental Study of Fluid Dynamic Forces in Seals: Description of Seal Dynamics Code DYSEAL and Labyrinth Seals Code KTK - Volume 5

The objectives of the program were to develop computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes and simpler industrial codes for analyzing and designing advanced seals for air-breathing and space propulsion engines. The CFD code SCISEAL is capable of producing full three-dimensional flow field information for a variety of cylindrical configurations. An implicit multidomain capability allow the division of complex flow domains to allow optimum use of computational cells. SCISEAL also has the unique capability to produce cross-coupled stiffness and damping coefficients for rotordynamic computations. The industrial codes consist of a series of separate stand-alone modules designed for expeditious parametric analyses and optimization of a wide variety of cylindrical and face seals. Coupled through a Knowledge-Based System (KBS) that provides a user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI), the industrial codes are PC based using an OS/2 operating system. These codes were designed to treat film seals where a clearance exists between the rotating and stationary components. Leakage is inhibited by surface roughness, small but stiff clearance films, and viscous pumping devices. The codes have demonstrated to be a valuable resource for seal development of future air-breathing and space propulsion engines

Shapiro, Wilbur↗

Managing Science Operations during Planetary Surface Operations at Long Light Delay-Time Targets: The 2011 Desert RATS Test

Desert Research and Technology Studies (Desert RATS) is a multi-year series of hardware and operations tests carried out annually in the high desert of Arizona in the San Francisco Volcanic Field. Conducted since 1997, these activities are designed to exercise planetary surface hardware and operations in conditions where multi-day tests are achievable. Desert RATS 2011 Science Operations Test simulated the management of crewed science operations at targets that were beyond the light delay time experienced during Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) and lunar surface missions, such as a mission to a Near-Earth Object (NEO) or the martian surface. Operations at targets at these distances are likely to be the norm as humans move out of the Earth-Moon system. Operating at these distances places significant challenges on mission operations, as the imposed light-delay time makes normal, two-way conversations extremely inefficient. Consequently, the operations approach for space missions that has been exercised during the first half-century of human space operations is no longer viable, and new approaches must be devised.

Eppler, D. B.↗

Integrated RF/Optical Interplanetary Networking Preliminary Explorations and Empirical Results

Over the last decade interplanetary telecommunication capabilities have been significantly expanded--specifically in support of the Mars exploration rover and lander missions. NASA is continuing to drive advances in new, high payoff optical communications technologies to enhance the network to Gbps performance from Mars, and the transition from technology demonstration to operational system is examined through a hybrid RF/optical approach. Such a system combines the best features of RF and optical communications considering availability and performance to realize a dual band trunk line operating within characteristic constraints. Disconnection due to planetary obscuration and solar conjunction, link delays, timing, ground terminal mission congestion and scheduling policy along with space and atmospheric weather disruptions all imply the need for network protocol solutions to ultimately manage the physical layer in a transparent manner to the end user. Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN) is an approach under evaluation which addresses these challenges. A multi-hop multi-path hybrid RF and optical test bed has been constructed to emulate the integrated deep space network and to support protocol and hardware refinement. Initial experimental results characterize several of these challenges and evaluate the effectiveness of DTN as a solution to mitigate them.

Raible, Daniel E.↗

Open Source Next Generation Visualization Software for Interplanetary Missions

Mission control is evolving quickly, driven by the requirements of new missions, and enabled by modern computing capabilities. Distributed operations, access to data anywhere, data visualization for spacecraft analysis that spans multiple data sources, flexible reconfiguration to support multiple missions, and operator use cases, are driving the need for new capabilities. NASA's Advanced Multi-Mission Operations System (AMMOS), Ames Research Center (ARC) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) are collaborating to build a new generation of mission operations software for visualization, to enable mission control anywhere, on the desktop, tablet and phone. The software is built on an open source platform that is open for contributions (http://nasa.github.io/openmct).

software engineering↗

Flying Drones Beyond Visual Line of Sight Using 4G LTE: Issues and Concerns

The purpose of this paper is to address the extent in which 4G LTE can be used for air traffic management of small Unmanned Air Vehicles (sUAVs) and the limitations and enhancements that may be necessary. We provide a brief overview of the communications aspects of the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Traffic Management Project followed by the evolving trends in air traffic management including beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations concepts and current BVLOS operational systems. Issues and Concerns are addressed including the rapidly evolving global regulations and the resulting communications requirements as well LTE downlink and uplink interference at altitude and how that interference affects command and control reliability as well as application data capabilities and mobility performance.

Ivancic, William D.↗

Flying Drones Beyond Visual Line of Sight Using 4G LTE: Issues and Concerns

The purpose of this paper is to address the extent in which 4G LTE can be used for air traffic management of small Unmanned Air Vehicles (sUAVs) and the limitations and enhancements that may be necessary. We provide a brief overview of the communications aspects of the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Traffic Management Project followed by the evolving trends in air traffic management including beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations concepts and current BVLOS operational systems. Issues and Concerns are addressed including the rapidly evolving global regulations and the resulting communications requirements as well LTE downlink and uplink interference at altitude and how that interference affects command and control reliability as well as application data capabilities and mobility performance.

Ivancic, William D.↗

Functional Allocation Approach for Separation Assurance for Remotely Piloted Aircraft

A functional analysis framework is employed with the objective of exploring the separation assurance function for the remotely piloted aircraft system. The architecture of the remotely piloted aircraft system—highlighting several of the component systems and the functions resident onboard the remotely piloted aircraft and in the ground control station—is described to provide the context for understanding the complexity of the said system for a detailed functional analysis. The interactions between the agents of the separation assurance function belonging to the air traffic service provider, remotely piloted aircraft system operator and remotely piloted aircraft are described. Separation assurance by air traffic control, remain well clear by the remotely piloted aircraft system and collision avoidance onboard the remotely piloted aircraft are briefly discussed. The functional analysis framework is illustrated by relating the agents to the actions of (a) acquiring the surveillance information, (b) checking for conflicts, (c) creating the solutions for resolving conflicts and (d) implementing the conflict resolution solutions. This example is offered as a template by which a more detailed functional analysis of this and other functions could be developed. The architecture of the remotely piloted aircraft system is described to aid this process.

functional analysis↗

Functional Allocation Approach for Separation Assurance for Remotely Piloted Aircraft

A functional analysis framework is employed with the objective of exploring the separation assurance function for the remotely piloted aircraft system. The architecture of the remotely piloted aircraft system—highlighting several of the component systems and the functions resident onboard the remotely piloted aircraft and in the ground control station—is described to provide the context for understanding the complexity of the said system for a detailed functional analysis. The interactions between the agents of the separation assurance function belonging to the air traffic service provider, remotely piloted aircraft system operator and remotely piloted aircraft are described. Separation assurance by air traffic control, remain well clear by the remotely piloted aircraft system and collision avoidance onboard the remotely piloted aircraft are briefly discussed. The functional analysis framework is illustrated by relating the agents to the actions of (a) acquiring the surveillance information, (b) checking for conflicts, (c) creating the solutions for resolving conflicts and (d) implementing the conflict resolution solutions. This example is offered as a template by which a more detailed functional analysis of this and other functions could be developed. The architecture of the remotely piloted aircraft system is described to aid this process.

Functional analysis↗

Operator Station Design System - A computer aided design approach to work station layout

The Operator Station Design System is resident in NASA's Johnson Space Center Spacecraft Design Division Performance Laboratory. It includes stand-alone minicomputer hardware and Panel Layout Automated Interactive Design and Crew Station Assessment of Reach software. The data base consists of the Shuttle Transportation System Orbiter Crew Compartment (in part), the Orbiter payload bay and remote manipulator (in part), and various anthropometric populations. The system is utilized to provide panel layouts, assess reach and vision, determine interference and fit problems early in the design phase, study design applications as a function of anthropometric and mission requirements, and to accomplish conceptual design to support advanced study efforts.

Lewis, J. L.↗

Review of Ground Systems Development and Operations (GSDO) Tools for Verifying Command and Control Software

The Exploration Systems Development (ESD) Standing Review Board (SRB) requested the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) conduct an independent review of the plan developed by Ground Systems Development and Operations (GSDO) for identifying models and emulators to create a tool(s) to verify their command and control software. The NESC was requested to identify any issues or weaknesses in the GSDO plan. This document contains the outcome of the NESC review.

Aguilar, Michael L.↗

A CLIPS/X-window interface

The design and implementation of an interface between the C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) expert system development environment and the graphic user interface development tools of the X-Window system are described. The underlying basis of the CLIPS/X-Window is a client-server model in which multiple clients can attach to a single server that interprets, executes, and returns operation results, in response to client action requests. Implemented in an AIX (UNIX) operating system environment, the interface has been successfully applied in the development of graphics interfaces for production rule cooperating agents in a knowledge-based computer aided design (CAD) system. Initial findings suggest that the client-server model is particularly well suited to a distributed parallel processing operational mode in a networked workstation environment.

Pohl, Kym Jason↗

System for measuring passenger reaction to transportation-vehicle vibration

Equipment is capable of measuring frequencies from 0 to 50 Hz and is portable, light, inexpensive, and easily adaptable to field operations. System could be used in situations where it is necessary to record simultaneously subject response to other types of physical measurement or stimuli, such as temperature, noise, or pressure.

Clevenson, S. A.↗

Supercapacitor Electrolyte Solvents with Liquid Range Below -80 C

A previous NASA Tech Brief ["Low-Temperature Supercapacitors" (NPO-44386) NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 32, No 7 (July 2008), page 32] detailed ongoing efforts to develop non-aqueous supercapacitor electrolytes capable of supporting operation at temperatures below commercially available cells (which are typically limited to charging and discharging at > or equal to -40 C). These electrolyte systems may enable energy storage and power delivery for systems operating in extreme environments, such as those encountered in the Polar regions on Earth or in the exploration of space. Supercapacitors using these electrolytes may also offer improved power delivery performance at moderately low temperatures (e.g. -40 to 0 C) relative to currently available cells, offering improved cold-cranking and cold-weather acceleration capabilities for electrical or hybrid vehicles. Supercapacitors store charge at the electrochemical double-layer, formed at the interface between a high surface area electrode material and a liquid electrolyte. The current approach to extending the low-temperature limit of the electrolyte focuses on using binary solvent systems comprising a high-dielectric-constant component (such as acetonitrile) in conjunction with a low-melting-point co-solvent (such as organic formates, esters, and ethers) to depress the freezing point of the system, while maintaining sufficient solubility of the salt. Recent efforts in this area have led to the identification of an electrolyte solvent formulation with a freezing point of -85.7 C, which is achieved by using a 1:1 by volume ratio of acetonitrile to 1,3-dioxolane

Brandon, Erik↗

Radiation Observations with Satellite 1958 Alpha Explorer I

On 1 February 1958 at 0348 U.T. earth satellite 1958 Alpha (Explorer I) was launched from Cape Canaveral. This satellite contained a Geiger Muller tube for the measurement of the flux of energetic charged particles, and detectors for determining the micrometeorite flux and satellite temperature (see Figure 1), The high power transmitter and its associated instrumentation operated until partial exhaustion of the transmitter batteries on 12 February 1958. The transmitter reappeared briefly on 24 February, The low power system operated properly until about 0700 U,T, on 16 March, at which time the batteries powering the G.M. tube circuits became exhausted. During the operating time a large amount of data was recorded by a network of seventeen receiving stations. A sampling of early recordings was reduced and analyzed as they arrived from the receiving stations. These data, in conjunction with data from the first few orbits of 1958 Gamma (Explorer III), resulted in the announcement on 1 May 1958 of the region of high intensity radiation surrounding the earth (Van Allen, 1958), The detailed, complete reduction of the 1958 Alpha data has now been completed, This paper is a tabulation of all the data received from this satellite. It consists primarily of two parts. The first part is the master recording log on which are listed all recordings of the satellite signals obtained by the receiving station network. The actual data tabulation is contained in part two.

RADIATION↗