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At least 163 records · Page 9

Technology Development and Infusion by NASA's Entry Systems Modeling Project

This presentation describes recent development of modeling and simulation technologies by NASA's Entry Systems Modeling Project and their infusion into the Agency's exploration missions. Technology development is organized and prioritized using a system-level perspective, resulting in four broad technical areas of investment: (1) Thermal protection material modeling, (2) Shock layer kinetics and radiation, (3) Computational and experimental aerosciences, and (4) Guidance, navigation, and control. The presentation will illustrate how applied research can meaningfully impact flight programs by highlighting a few recent contributions: Orion and Mars 2020 radiative heating margin policy; Study of radiative heating at Titan; Aerothermal-mechanical erosion due to dust at Mars; Modeling the PICA-NuSil system; and contributions to modeling of parachutes for entry systems.

Barnhardt, Michael D.↗

Primary Electric Propulsion Technology Study

An investigation of the 30-cm engineering-model-thruster technology with emphasis placed on the development of models for understanding and predicting the operational characteristics and wear-out mechanisms of the thruster as a function of operating or design parameters is presented. The task studies include: (1) the wear mechanisms and wear rates that determine the useful lifetime of the thruster discharge chamber; (2) cathode lifetime as determined by the depletion of barium from the barium-aluminate-impregnated-porous-tungsten insert that serves as a barium reservoir; (3) accelerator-grid-system technology; (4) a verification of the high-voltage propellant-flow-electrical-isolator design developed under NASA contract NAS3-20395 for operation at 10-kV applied voltage and 10-A equivalent propellant flow with mercury and argon propellants. A model was formulated for predicting performance.

Poeschel, R. L.↗

Description and expected performance of flight-model, 12-gigahertz, output stage tube for the communications technology satellite

The flight model output stage tube for the Communications Technology Satellite is described. The output stage tube is a 12-GHz, 200-W, coupled cavity traveling wave tube. The tube has a multistage depressed collector for efficiency enhancement. Collector cooling is accomplished by direct radiation to space. Expected rf performance and factors affecting on orbit performance and life are discussed.

Chomos, G. J.↗

ECUT: Energy Conversion and Utilization Technologies program. Heterogeneous catalysis modeling program concept

Insufficient theoretical definition of heterogeneous catalysts is the major difficulty confronting industrial suppliers who seek catalyst systems which are more active, selective, and stable than those currently available. In contrast, progress was made in tailoring homogeneous catalysts to specific reactions because more is known about the reaction intermediates promoted and/or stabilized by these catalysts during the course of reaction. However, modeling heterogeneous catalysts on a microscopic scale requires compiling and verifying complex information on reaction intermediates and pathways. This can be achieved by adapting homogeneous catalyzed reaction intermediate species, applying theoretical quantum chemistry and computer technology, and developing a better understanding of heterogeneous catalyst system environments. Research in microscopic reaction modeling is now at a stage where computer modeling, supported by physical experimental verification, could provide information about the dynamics of the reactions that will lead to designing supported catalysts with improved selectivity and stability.

Voecks, G. E.↗

Software Engineering Technology Infusion Within NASA

Abstract technology transfer is of crucial concern to both government and industry today. In this paper, several software engineering technologies used within NASA are studied, and the mechanisms, schedules, and efforts at transferring these technologies are investigated. The goals of this study are: 1) to understand the difference between technology transfer (the adoption of a new method by large segments of an industry) as an industry-wide phenomenon and the adoption of a new technology by an individual organization (called technology infusion); and 2) to see if software engineering technology transfer differs from other engineering disciplines. While there is great interest today in developing technology transfer models for industry, it is the technology infusion process that actually causes changes in the current state of the practice.

Zelkowitz, Marvin V.↗

In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) Development Program

The question "Why In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU)?" is addressed in this presentation. The reasons given concentrate on Cost reduction, Mass reduction, Risk reduction, the expansion of human exploration and presence and the enabling of industrial exploitation. A review of the Martian and Lunar resources available for ISRU is presented. Other ISRU concepts (i.e., In-Situ Consumable production (ISCP) and In-Situ Propellant Production (ISPP)) are introduced and further explained. The objectives of a Mars ISRU System Technology (MIST) include (1) the characterization of technology and subsystem performance for mission modeling and technology funding planning, (2) reduce risk and concerns arising from sample return and human missions utilizing ISRU, and (3) demonstrate the environmental suitability of ISRU components/processes and systems. A proof of concept demonstration schedule and a facility overview for MIST is presented.

Sanders, Jerry↗

Certification Coordination Roadmap

Innovative technology has to prove itself in the context of legacy regulations. The knowledgeable technologist must engage standards process and regulating authorities to understand their roles and to advise the effect of new technology, and with manufacturers to demonstrate technology benefit. A model for Innovative Technology Environment relating NASA to industry, standards and regulation is described. The needs of the standards community of the X-57 are identified, and a NASA standards structure is described. No NASA project works with standards and regulatory organizations like the X-57.

Schlickenmaier, Herbert↗

Acoustic Performance of Novel Fan Noise Reduction Technologies for a High Bypass Model Turbofan at Simulated Flights Conditions

Two novel fan noise reduction technologies, over the rotor acoustic treatment and soft stator vane technologies, were tested in an ultra-high bypass ratio turbofan model in the NASA Glenn Research Center s 9- by 15-Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel. The performance of these technologies was compared to that of the baseline fan configuration, which did not have these technologies. Sideline acoustic data and hot film flow data were acquired and are used to determine the effectiveness of the various treatments. The material used for the over the rotor treatment was foam metal and two different types were used. The soft stator vanes had several internal cavities tuned to target certain frequencies. In order to accommodate the cavities it was necessary to use a cut-on stator to demonstrate the soft vane concept.

Elliott, David M.↗

Evaluation of GIS Technology in Assessing and Modeling Land Management Practices

There is an increasing concern of land owners to protect and maintain healthy and sustainable agroecosystems through the implementation of best management practices (BMP). The objectives of this study were: (1) To develop and evaluate the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS) technology for enhancing field-scale management practices; (2) evaluate the use of 2-dimensional displays of the landscape and (3) define spatial classes of variables from interpretation of geostatistical parameters. Soil samples were collected to a depth of 2 m at 15 cm increments. Existing data from topographic, land use, and soil survey maps of the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station were converted to digital format. Additional soils data which included texture, pH, and organic matter were also generated. The digitized parameters were used to create a multilayered field-scale GIS. Two dimensional (2-D) displays of the parameters were generated using the ARC/INFO software. The spatial distribution of the parameters evaluated in both fields were similar which could be attributed to the similarity in vegetation and surface elevation. The ratio of the nugget to total semivariance, expressed as a percentage, was used to assess the degree of spatial variability. The results indicated that most of the parameters were moderate spatially dependent Biophysical constraint maps were generated from the database layers, and used in multiple combination to visualize results of the BMP. Understanding the spatial relationships of physical and chemical parameters that exists within a field should enable land managers to more effectively implement BMP to ensure a safe and sustainable environment.

Archer, F.↗

Development of microgravity, full body functional reach envelope using 3-D computer graphic models and virtual reality technology

In microgravity conditions mobility is greatly enhanced and body stability is difficult to achieve. Because of these difficulties, optimum placement and accessibility of objects and controls can be critical to required tasks on board shuttle flights or on the proposed space station. Anthropometric measurement of the maximum reach of occupants of a microgravity environment provide knowledge about maximum functional placement for tasking situations. Calculations for a full body, functional reach envelope for microgravity environments are imperative. To this end, three dimensional computer modeled human figures, providing a method of anthropometric measurement, were used to locate the data points that define the full body, functional reach envelope. Virtual reality technology was utilized to enable an occupant of the microgravity environment to experience movement within the reach envelope while immersed in a simulated microgravity environment.

Lindsey, Patricia F.↗

Architecture for Survivable System Processing (ASSP)

The Architecture for Survivable System Processing (ASSP) Program is a multi-phase effort to implement Department of Defense (DOD) and commercially developed high-tech hardware, software, and architectures for reliable space avionics and ground based systems. System configuration options provide processing capabilities to address Time Dependent Processing (TDP), Object Dependent Processing (ODP), and Mission Dependent Processing (MDP) requirements through Open System Architecture (OSA) alternatives that allow for the enhancement, incorporation, and capitalization of a broad range of development assets. High technology developments in hardware, software, and networking models, address technology challenges of long processor life times, fault tolerance, reliability, throughput, memories, radiation hardening, size, weight, power (SWAP) and security. Hardware and software design, development, and implementation focus on the interconnectivity/interoperability of an open system architecture and is being developed to apply new technology into practical OSA components. To insure for widely acceptable architecture capable of interfacing with various commercial and military components, this program provides for regular interactions with standardization working groups (e.g.) the International Standards Organization (ISO), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Selection of a viable open architecture is based on the widely accepted standards that implement the ISO/OSI Reference Model.

Wood, Richard J.↗

Summary of analytical model improvement method and related technology

The research project which resulted in the AMI (Analytical Model Improvement) method was funded by the Langley Research Center from 1979 through 1985. The objective was to develop a method for obtaining improved dynamic models of structures by using both test data and numerical analysis. The research was successfully performed and the method was applied to a real structure having a realistic NASTRAN model with over 500 degrees of freedom. The method and its application are briefly discussed as well as other indirect benefits in related technical areas.

Berman, Alex↗

Session on techniques and resources for storm-scale numerical weather prediction

The session on techniques and resources for storm-scale numerical weather prediction are reviewed. The recommendations of this group are broken down into three area: modeling and prediction, data requirements in support of modeling and prediction, and data management. The current status, modeling and technological recommendations, data requirements in support of modeling and prediction, and data management are addressed.

Droegemeier, Kelvin↗

Propel: Tools and Methods for Practical Source Code Model Checking

The work reported here is an overview and snapshot of a project to develop practical model checking tools for in-the-loop verification of NASA s mission-critical, multithreaded programs in Java and C++. Our strategy is to develop and evaluate both a design concept that enables the application of model checking technology to C++ and Java, and a model checking toolset for C++ and Java. The design concept and the associated model checking toolset is called Propel. It builds upon the Java PathFinder (JPF) tool, an explicit state model checker for Java applications developed by the Automated Software Engineering group at NASA Ames Research Center. The design concept that we are developing is Design for Verification (D4V). This is an adaption of existing best design practices that has the desired side-effect of enhancing verifiability by improving modularity and decreasing accidental complexity. D4V, we believe, enhances the applicability of a variety of V&V approaches; we are developing the concept in the context of model checking. The model checking toolset, Propel, is based on extending JPF to handle C++. Our principal tasks in developing the toolset are to build a translator from C++ to Java, productize JPF, and evaluate the toolset in the context of D4V. Through all these tasks we are testing Propel capabilities on customer applications.

Mansouri-Samani, Massoud↗

Modeling Turboshaft Engines for the Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology Project

Turboshaft engine performance and weight models were developed to support conceptual propulsion and vehicle mission design and performance under the Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) Project. These models were developed using open data sources, assuming current and advanced technology levels, and range from 650 to 7,500 shaft output horsepower (485 to 5,600 kW). Documenting the methodology, assumptions, and resulting performance realizes important benefits NASA and the aviation community. NASA concept vehicle efforts using these propulsion models can be more readily shared among the government, industry and university community as common baselines to support current and future work. Assessing the benefits of advanced technologies and new configurations can be facilitated using these models, which helps guide technology investment. As the various modeling conceptual vehicle and mission analysis environments advanced, these models can be used directly for broader systems analysis studies, including optimization within the propulsion model itself. To perform this effort, the turboshaft engine is briefly discussed, highlighting the specific components and their expected performance characteristics over the power range and technology levels considered. Engine configurations will also be discussed as they will vary based on power output and assumed technology level. Engine performance, such as airflow, power output and weight will be reported, noting trends that are important for system studies. The effect of advanced propulsion technologies on RVLT concept vehicles are also reported. Finally, potential future propulsion modeling work will be proposed.

Snyder, Christopher A.↗

Modeling Turboshaft Engines for the Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology Project

Turboshaft engine performance and weight models were developed to support conceptual propulsion and vehicle mission design in support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Aeronautics Mission Research Directorate's (ARMD) Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) Project. These models were developed using open data sources, assuming current and advanced technology levels, and range from 650 to 7,500 shaft output horsepower (485 to 5,600 kilowatts). Documenting the methodology, assumptions, and resulting performance realizes important benefits for NASA and the aviation community. NASA concept vehicle efforts using these propulsion models can more readily shared among the government, industry and university community as common baselines to support current and future work. Assessing the benefits of advanced technologies and new configurations can be facilitated using these models, which helps guide technology investment. As the various modeling conceptual vehicle and mission analysis environments advance, these models can be used directly for broader systems analysis studies, including optimization within the propulsion model itself. To perform this effort, the turboshaft engine is briefly discussed, highlighting the specific components and their expected performance characteristics over the power range and technology levels considered. Engine configurations will also be discussed as they will vary based on power output and assumed technology level. Engine performance, such as airflow, power output and weight will be reported, noting trends that are important for system studies. The effect of advanced propulsion technologies on RVLT-concept vehicles are also reported. Finally, potential future propulsion modeling work will be proposed.

Snyder, Christopher A.↗

Detector Modeling and CMB Polarimetry Technology Development at GSFC

Pixel size limits the resolution in the focal plane. This should be accounted for in optical design. Alternatively, this reduces the effective number of independent detectors. Polarization and scattering are intrinsically related, and both are more severe at low pnambda. Future work: Quantification of the pixel cross-coupling- calculate a theoretical covariance matrix to predict performance of future detector arrays.

Chuss, David T.↗