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At least 163 records · Page 9

Post-flight BET products for the 2nd discovery entry, STS-19 (51-A)

The post-flight products for the second Discovery flight, STS-19 (51-A), are summarized. The inertial best estimate trajectory (BET), BT19D19/UN=169750N, was developed using spacecraft dynamic measurements from Inertial Measurement Unit 2 (IMU2) in conjunction with the best tracking coverage available for any of the earlier Shuttle entries. As a consequence of the latter, an anchor epoch was selected which conforms to an initial altitude of greater than a million feet. The Extended BET, ST19BET/UN=274885C, incorporated the previously mentioned inertial reconstructed state information and the Langley Atmospheric Information Retrieval System (LAIRS) atmosphere, ST19MET/UN=712662N, with some minor exceptions. Primary and back-up AEROBET reels are NK0165 and NK0201, respectively. This product was only developed over the lowermost 360 kft altitude range due to atmosphere problems but this relates to altitudes well above meaningful signal in the IMUs. Summary results generated from the AEROBET for this flight are presented with meaningful configuration and statistical comparisons from the previous thirteen flights. Modified maximum likelihood estimation (MMLE) files were generated based on IMU2 and the Rate Gyro Assembly/Accelerometer Assembly (RGA/AA), respectively. Appendices attached define spacecraft and physical constants utilized, show plots of the final tracking data residuals from the post-flight fit, list relevant parameters from the BET at a two second spacing, and retain for archival purpose all relevant input and output tapes and files generated.

Kelly, G. M.↗

Post-perihelion brightening of Halley's Comet: A case of nuclear summer

Increased brightness and gas production rates for Halley's comet after perihelion are explained as a result of seasonal effects on an obliquely rotating nucleus. The highly eccentric cometary orbit causes a rapid change in solar declination as the comet rounds perihelion, resulting in drastic changes in the insolation reaching the Northern and Southern Hemispheres of the nucleus. The rapid heating of the Northern Hemisphere post-perihelion likely results in substantial cracking of the non-volatile surface crust due to thermal stresses, exposing areas of fresh volatile ices. The orientation of the triaxial ellipsoid nucleus may also play a role in exposing more surface area to continuous sunlight and sublimation after perihelion. Post-perihelion brightening models based on heat flow and storage in sub-surface layers of the nucleus pre-perihelion are likely not viable because of the low thermal conductivities of porous, low density cometary surface materials.

Weissman, Paul R.↗

Static performance of an axisymmetric nozzle with post-exit vanes for multiaxis thrust vectoring

An investigation was conducted in the static test facility of the Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel to determine the flow-turning capability and the nozzle internal performance of an axisymmetric convergent-divergent nozzle with post-exit vanes installed for multiaxis thrust vectoring. The effects of vane curvature, vane location relative to the nozzle exit, number of vanes, and vane deflection angle were determined. A comparison of the post-exit-vane thrust-vectoring concept with other thrust-vectoring concepts is provided. All tests were conducted with no external flow, and nozzle pressure ratio was varied from 1.6 to 6.0.

Berrier, Bobby L.↗

NASA's post-Challenger safety program - Themes and thrusts

The range of managerial, technical, and procedural initiatives implemented by NASA's post-Challenger safety program is reviewed. The recommendations made by the Rogers Commission, the NASA post-Challenger review of Shuttle design, the Congressional investigation of the accident, the National Research Council, the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel, and NASA internal advisory panels and studies are summarized. NASA safety initiatives regarding improved organizational accountability for safety, upgraded analytical techniques and methodologies for risk assessment and management, procedural initiatives in problem reporting and corrective-action tracking, ground processing, maintenance documentation, and improved technologies are discussed. Safety issues relevant to the planned Space Station are examined.

Rodney, G. A.↗

The magnetic geometry and structure of the giant post-flare arch of 21-22 May, 1980

The photospheric line-of-sight magnetic field distribution of a giant post-flare arch observed on May 21-22, 1980 is used to determine the three-dimensional topology of the coronal field above the flare site. It is proposed that the arch is the by-poduct of magnetic reconnection occurring far above the flare site. The field lines undergoing reconnection link more distant parts of the active region and are topologically distinct from those which thread the underlying post-flare loops.

Poletto, G.↗

The yield and post-yield behavior of high-density polyethylene

An experimental and analytical evaluation was made of the yield and post-yield behavior of high-density polyethylene, a semi-crystalline thermoplastic. Polyethylene was selected for study because it is very inexpensive and readily available in the form of thin-walled tubes. Thin-walled tubular specimens were subjected to axial loads and internal pressures, such that the specimens were subjected to a known biaxial loading. A constant octahederal shear stress rate was imposed during all tests. The measured yield and post-yield behavior was compared with predictions based on both isotropic and anisotropic models. Of particular interest was whether inelastic behavior was sensitive to the hydrostatic stress level. The major achievements and conclusions reached are discussed.

Semeliss, M. A.↗

Open hole and post-impact compression fatigue of stitched and unstitched carbon/epoxy composites

The performance is studied of a stitched uniweave fabric composite and that of a toughened tape composite. The effects of stitching on compression fatigue life are addressed. Post impact compression fatigue and open hole fatigue tests were run on an AS4/3501-6 uniweave with stitching and a toughened IM7/8551-7 tape without stitching. Stitching was found to increase the thickness and consequently the weight of the composite material. The two materials were compared on an equal carbon content basis as well as on an equal weight basis. The excess thickness in the stitched uniweave composite was responsible for the lower fatigue life, on an equal carbon basis, compared to the toughened resin tape composite. Comparison of fatigue lives on an equal carbon content basis indicated that puncture or crimp type damage from stitching has very little effect on compression failure. Post impact fatigue test showed that although the damage area in the stitched uniweave composite was twice that of the toughened tape composite, the fatigue lives of the stitched composite were significantly longer than those of the toughened composite. Thus, it appears that the increase in thickness from stitching is much more of a penalty than crimped fibers or puncture type damage from stitching.

Portanova, M. A.↗

Computational flow simulation of liquid oxygen in a SSME preburner injector element LOX post

Liquid oxygen (LOX) is simulated as an incompressible flow through a Space Shuttle main engine fuel preburner injector element LOX post for the full range of operating conditions. Axial profiles of axial velocity and static pressure are presented. For each operating condition analyzed, the minimum pressure downstream of the orifice is compared to the vapor pressure to determine if cavitation could occur. Flow visualization is provided by velocity vectors and stream function contours. The results indicate that the minimum pressure is too high for cavitation to occur. To establish confidence in the CFD analysis, the simulation is repeated with water flow through a superscaled LOX post and compared with experimental results. The agreement between calculated and experimental results is very good.

Rocker, Marvin↗

Central cores of post-collapse clusters

By means of conventional static models, the modelling of post-collapse-core star clusters is shown. The rationale adopted is that core collapse will cause the formation of binary stars, which stabilize the cluster and make it static again, but with a very high central concentration. It is shown that the models require massive remnant stars at the cluster centers, and that the fitting of static models to post-collapse-core clusters determines how many such stars are needed.

King, Ivan R.↗

Capturing, using, and managing quality assurance knowledge for shuttle post-MECO flight design

Ascent initialization values used by the Shuttle's onboard computer for nominal and abort mission scenarios are verified by a six degrees of freedom computer simulation. The procedure that the Ascent Post Main Engine Cutoff (Post-MECO) group uses to perform quality assurance (QA) of the simulation is time consuming. Also, the QA data, checklists and associated rationale, though known by the group members, is not sufficiently documented, hindering transfer of knowledge and problem resolution. A new QA procedure which retains the current high level of integrity while reducing the time required to perform QA is needed to support the increasing Shuttle flight rate. Documenting the knowledge is also needed to increase its availability for training and problem resolution. To meet these needs, a knowledge capture process, embedded into the group activities, was initiated to verify the existing QA checks, define new ones, and document all rationale. The resulting checks were automated in a conventional software program to achieve the desired standardization, integrity, and time reduction. A prototype electronic knowledge base was developed with Macintosh's HyperCard to serve as a knowledge capture tool and data storage.

Peters, H. L.↗

The development of a post-test diagnostic system for rocket engines

An effort was undertaken by NASA to develop an automated post-test, post-flight diagnostic system for rocket engines. The automated system is designed to be generic and to automate the rocket engine data review process. A modular, distributed architecture with a generic software core was chosen to meet the design requirements. The diagnostic system is initially being applied to the Space Shuttle Main Engine data review process. The system modules currently under development are the session/message manager, and portions of the applications section, the component analysis section, and the intelligent knowledge server. An overview is presented of a rocket engine data review process, the design requirements and guidelines, the architecture and modules, and the projected benefits of the automated diagnostic system.

Zakrajsek, June F.↗

The development of a post-test diagnostic system for rocket engines

An effort was undertaken by NASA to develop an automated post-test, post-flight diagnostic system for rocket engines. The automated system is designed to be generic and to automate the rocket engine data review process. A modular, distributed architecture with a generic software core was chosen to meet the design requirements. The diagnostic system is initially being applied to the Space Shuttle Main Engine data review process. The system modules currently under development are the session/message manager, and portions of the applications section, the component analysis section, and the intelligent knowledge server. An overview is presented of a rocket engine data review process, the design requirements and guidelines, the architecture and modules, and the projected benefits of the automated diagnostic system.

Zakrajsek, June F.↗

Large angle transient dynamics (LATDYN) documentation. Post-processor manual

The post processor program was developed to view Large Angle Transient Dynamics (LATDYN) output data in predefined, predetermined formats. The post processor is used for plotting data, creating and maintaining a data base of plotting requests, comparing and manipulating data sets in the data base, and the preparing plots for documentation.

Mitchum, Maria V.↗

Performance effects resulting from plugged liquid oxygen posts of the Space Shuttle Main Engine Injector

The paper discusses the performance effects resulting from plugged LOX posts of the Space Shuttle Main Engine Injector. The simulation was performed with the REFLEQS 2-D code. Analysis was performed axisymmetrically and injector surface was divided into several regions to account for the mixture ratio variation on the injector surface. The reduction of vaccum specific impulse was approximately 0.01 second per plugged LOX post. This reduction is an order of magnitude higher than the result of Space Shuttle flight reconstruction data. It is presumed that this overprediction is due to the axisymmetric simulation that smears local effects.

Kim, S.↗

Examination of the effect of propulsion system performance variables on the life prediction for the SSME Lox Post

The main objective is to calculate damage evolution at the critical location of selected components of reusable space propulsion systems as the function of their operating environments and to relate the evolution of damage at the critical locations to the performance variables of the propulsion system using advanced constitutive and damage models. The models so developed will be oriented toward use in an advanced diagnostic/prognostic health monitoring system for reusable propulsion systems. The components to be modelled include a Lox Post (injector element), a thrust chamber, and a turbine blade. The study conducted on the Lox Post is reported.

Russell, D. A.↗

Initial accomplishments of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) atmosphere revitalization (AR) predevelopment operational system test (POST) for the Space Station Freedom (SSF)

Initial results of the integrated AR POST conducted by Boeing at Marshall Space Flight Center in 1992 are presented. The three baselined ECLSS Man Tended Capability AR assemblies were integrated and operated in a closed door chamber in which the internal atmosphere was monitored. The test provides a prerequisite checkout of the AR subsystem in preparation for longer duration tests in which the AR subsystem will be integrated with the Water Recovery Management subsystem. The integrated AR POST will serve as an early test bed to evaluate the integration of the space station ECLSS AR subsystem during design maturation.

Dunn, Kevin H.↗

Post-buckling of geometrically imperfect shear-deformable flat panels under combined thermal and compressive edge loadings

The static post-buckling of simply-supported flat panels exposed to a stationary nonuniform temperature field and subjected to a system of subcritical in-plane compressive edge loads is investigated. The study is performed within a refined theory of composite laminated plates incorporating the effect of transverse shear and the geometric nonlinearities. The influence played by a number of effects, among them transverse shear deformation, initial geometric imperfections, the character of the in-plane boundary conditions and thickness ratio are studied and a series of conclusions are outlined. The influence played by the complete temperature field (i.e., the uniform through thickness and thickness-wise gradient) as compared to the one induced by only the uniform one, is discussed and the peculiarities of the resulting post-buckling behaviors are enlightened.

Librescu, L.↗

Error analysis of real time and post processed or bit determination of GFO using GPS tracking

The goal of the Navy's GEOSAT Follow-On (GFO) mission is to map the topography of the world's oceans in both real time (operational) and post processed modes. Currently, the best candidate for supplying the required orbit accuracy is the Global Positioning System (GPS). The purpose of this fellowship was to determine the expected orbit accuracy for GFO in both the real time and post-processed modes when using GPS tracking. This report presents the work completed through the ending date of the fellowship.

Schreiner, William S.↗