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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 1,729 records · Page 96
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1983

NASA priority technologies

Significant research areas deserving of attention within the NASA Space Research and Technology program are discussed, noting that the program is pursed to strengthen the U.S. technology base, improve low-cost access to space, and to aid in the expanded use of space, including a space station. Study areas being pursued include new Orbiter thermal protection system materials, developing longer-life reusable engines, and providing the technology for orbital transfer vehicle propulsion and aeroassisted braking. Attention is also being given to CFD techniques for entry body and rocket engine design, verifying the feasibility of advanced sensor concepts, defining the technology for large deployable RF antennas, and improving on-board data management systems. Of particular concern is to establish technologies which will enhance and extend a permanent manned presence in space.

Sadin, S. R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Automotive Stirling engine development program - Overview and status report

The current status of the automotive-Stirling-engine development program being undertaken by DOE and NASA Lewis is reviewed. The program goals and the reference-engine design are explained, and the modifications introduced to improve performance and lower manufacturing costs are discussed and illustrated, including part-power optimization; increased operating temperature (from 720 to 820 C); 45.4-kg weight reduction; elimination of Co and reduction of Cr used; and improved seals, ceramic components, and high-temperature alloys. The test program, some difficulties encountered, and results after 2042 h are summarized.

Nightingale, N. P.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Comparisons of rational engineering correlations of thermophoretically-augmented particle mass transfer with STAN5-predictions for developing boundary layers

Modification of the code STAN5 to properly include thermophoretic mass transport, and examination of selected test cases developing boundary layers which include variable properties, viscous dissipation, transition to turbulence and transpiration cooling. Under conditions representative of current and projected GT operation, local application of St(M)/St(M),o correlations evidently provides accurate and economical engineering design predictions, especially for suspended particles characterized by Schmidt numbers outside of the heavy vapor range.

Gokoglu, S. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Predicting the Fatigue life of Structures

Report reviews fracture-mechanics technology for predicting life expectancy of structural components subjected to cyclic loads. Report covers analytical tools for modeling and forecasting subcritical fatigue-crack growth in structures. It emphasizes use of tools in practical, day-to-day problems of engineering design, development, and decisionmaking.

Besuner, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Research in computer science

Several short summaries of the work performed during this reporting period are presented. Topics discussed in this document include: (1) resilient seeded errors via simple techniques; (2) knowledge representation for engineering design; (3) analysis of faults in a multiversion software experiment; (4) implementation of parallel programming environment; (5) symbolic execution of concurrent programs; (6) two computer graphics systems for visualization of pressure distribution and convective density particles; (7) design of a source code management system; (8) vectorizing incomplete conjugate gradient on the Cyber 203/205; (9) extensions of domain testing theory and; (10) performance analyzer for the pisces system.

Ortega, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Vehicle/engine integration

VEHICLE/ENGINE Integration Issues are explored for orbit transfer vehicles (OTV's). The impact of space basing and aeroassist on VEHICLE/ENGINE integration is discussed. The AOTV structure and thermal protection subsystem weights were scaled as the vehicle length and surface was changed. It is concluded that for increased allowable payload lengths in a ground-based system, lower length-to-diameter (L/D) is as important as higher mixture ration (MR) in the range of mid L/D ATOV's. Scenario validity, geometry constraints, throttle levels, reliability, and servicing are discussed in the context of engine design and engine/vehicle integration.

Cooper, L. P.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Care 3 model overview and user's guide, first revision

A manual was written to introduce the CARE III (Computer-Aided Reliability Estimation) capability to reliability and design engineers who are interested in predicting the reliability of highly reliable fault-tolerant systems. It was also structured to serve as a quick-look reference manual for more experienced users. The guide covers CARE III modeling and reliability predictions for execution in the CDC CYber 170 series computers, DEC VAX-11/700 series computer, and most machines that compile ANSI Standard FORTRAN 77.

Bavuso, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Research in computer science

Synopses are given for NASA supported work in computer science at the University of Virginia. Some areas of research include: error seeding as a testing method; knowledge representation for engineering design; analysis of faults in a multi-version software experiment; implementation of a parallel programming environment; two computer graphics systems for visualization of pressure distribution and convective density particles; task decomposition for multiple robot arms; vectorized incomplete conjugate gradient; and iterative methods for solving linear equations on the Flex/32.

Ortega, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Instrument Systems Analysis and Verification Facility (ISAVF) users guide

The ISAVF facility is primarily an interconnected system of computers, special purpose real time hardware, and associated generalized software systems, which will permit the Instrument System Analysts, Design Engineers and Instrument Scientists, to perform trade off studies, specification development, instrument modeling, and verification of the instrument, hardware performance. It is not the intent of the ISAVF to duplicate or replace existing special purpose facilities such as the Code 710 Optical Laboratories or the Code 750 Test and Evaluation facilities. The ISAVF will provide data acquisition and control services for these facilities, as needed, using remote computer stations attached to the main ISAVF computers via dedicated communication lines.

Davis, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Frequency and site selection criteria for MST radars, part 5.1A

The majority of mesosphere-stratosphere-troposphere (MST) and ST radars are located in or near mountainous terrain. When measuring horizontal velocities, the terrain is a small factor, but when measuring vertical velocities, the meteorological noise induced by rough terrain can severely limit the usefulness of the observations. When the variance of the vertical velocity is too large, it is not possible to suitably filter the data to detect the small synoptic-scale signal with reasonable statistical confidence. The variance of vertical velocity at all tropospheric levels is directly related to the low level wind speed during flow over rough terrain. It is suggested that the synoptic-scale vertical velocity can be measured by ST radars where the terrain is smooth. The large-scale vertical velocity cannot always be reliably determined from MST radar data when the underlying terrain is rough. The vertical velocity is potentially on of future radar site selections, taking into account the desired meteorological applications of the data and engineering design factors. If the synoptic-scale vertical velocity is a desired variable, the radar should not be located near mountains.

Nastrom, G. D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A modal parameter extraction procedure applicable to linear time-invariant dynamic systems

Modal analysis has emerged as a valuable tool in many phases of the engineering design process. Complex vibration and acoustic problems in new designs can often be remedied through use of the method. Moreover, the technique has been used to enhance the conceptual understanding of structures by serving to verify analytical models. A new modal parameter estimation procedure is presented. The technique is applicable to linear, time-invariant systems and accommodates multiple input excitations. In order to provide a background for the derivation of the method, some modal parameter extraction procedures currently in use are described. Key features implemented in the new technique are elaborated upon.

Kurdila, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Cavitation erosion size scale effects

Size scaling in cavitation erosion is a major problem confronting the design engineers of modern high speed machinery. An overview and erosion data analysis presented in this paper indicate that the size scale exponent n in the erosion rate relationship as a function of the size or diameter can vary from 1.7 to 4.9 depending on the type of device used. There is, however, a general agreement as to the values of n if the correlations are made with constant cavitation number.

Rao, P. V.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Comet nucleus gamma-ray spectrometer penetrator - An in situ nucleus composition experiment

An engineering design study of a comet nucleus penetrator system for in situ determinations of comet composition is presented. The system is designed for participation in the Comet Rendezvous/Asteroid Flyby mission to comet Kopff in 1996. The instrumentation payload of the penetrator system will include a passive gamma-ray spectrometer; a high frequency response accelerometer for measurements of the impact deceleration profile of the system as it penetrates to the nucleus of the comet; and several thermocouples mounted along the length of the penetrator to measure temperature and temperature gradients. The mechanical, electrical and thermal interfaces between the penetrator and the Mariner Mark II spacecraft are described. A series of line drawings is provided which illustrates the proposed configuration of the system.

Swenson, B. L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Control plate for shock-boundary layer interaction

Paper describes tests and computations for a relatively unique technique to greatly reduce/eliminate the separation region for shock-boundary layer interactions. A number of studies have shown that the usual effects of such interactions include increased local heating and wall pressures, thickening of the boundary layer and a decrease in the momentum of the flow and, for stronger waves, flow separation. This flow situation is particularly prevalent in supersonic and hypersonic inlets where severe performance degradation can occur due to flow separation. High performance engine design generally requires a uniform entering flow field with little stagnation pressure loss. Previous approaches to the problem involved primarily active devices (e.g., suction or blowing); the present paper considers a passive device. The boundary layer separation control technique considered herein involves the placement of an embedded plate in the outer portion of the boundary layer and parallel to the wall. This control plate is situated such that the incident shock impinges upon and reflects from its surface, thus greatly lessening the pressure gradient in the low momentum near wall region.

Goodman, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Integrated multi-sensory control of space robot hand

Dexterous manipulation of a robot hand requires the use of multiple sensors integrated into the mechanical hand under distributed microcomputer control. Where space applications such as construction, assembly, servicing and repair tasks are desired of smart robot arms and robot hands, several critical drives influence the design, engineering and integration of such an electromechanical hand. This paper describes a smart robot hand developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for experimental use and evaluation with the Protoflight Manipulator Arm (PFMA) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).

Bejczy, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Langley Research Center Standard for the Evaluation of Socket Welds

A specification utilized for the nondestructive evaluation of socket type pipe joints at Langley Research Center (LaRC) is discussed. The scope of hardware shall include, but is not limited to, all common pipe fittings: tees, elbows, couplings, caps, and so forth, socket type flanges, unions, and valves. In addition, the exterior weld of slip on flanges shall be inspected using this specification. At the discretion of the design engineer, standard practice engineer, Fracture Mechanics Engineering Section, Pressure Systems Committee, or other authority, four nondestructive evaluation techniques may be utilized exclusively, or in combination, to inspect socket type welds. These techniques are visual, radiographic, magnetic particle, and dye penetrant. Under special circumstances, other techniques (such as eddy current or ultrasonics) may be required and their application shall be guided by the appropriate sections of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (B&PVC).

Berry, R. F., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Burner liner thermal/structural load modelling

The objective of this program is to develop a thermal data transfer computer program module for the burner liner thermal structural load modeling program. This will be accomplished by (1) reviewing existing methodologies for thermal data transfer and selecting three heat transfer codes for application in this program; (2) evaluating the selected codes to establish criteria for developing a computer program module to transfer thermal data from the heat transfer codes to selected stress analysis codes; (3) developing the automated thermal load transfer module; and (4) verifying and documenting the module. In aircraft turbine engine hot section components, cyclic thermal stresses are the most important damage mechanism. Consequently, accurate and reliable prediction of thermal loads is essential to improving durability. To achieve this goal, a considerable effort over the past 20 years has been devoted to the acquisition of engine temperature test data, as well as the development of accurate, reliable, and efficient computer codes for the prediction of steady state and transient temperatures and for the calculation of elastic and inelastic cyclic stresses and strains in hot section components. There is a need for continued development of these codes, because the availability of more accurate analysis techniques for complex configurations has enabled engine designers to use more sophisticated designs to achieve higher cycle efficiency and reduce weight.

Maffeo, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Productivity increase through implementation of CAD/CAE workstation

The tracking and communication division computer aided design/computer aided engineering system is now operational. The system is utilized in an effort to automate certain tasks that were previously performed manually. These tasks include detailed test configuration diagrams of systems under certification test in the ESTL, floorplan layouts of future planned laboratory reconfigurations, and other graphical documentation of division activities. The significant time savings achieved with this CAD/CAE system are examined: (1) input of drawings and diagrams; (2) editing of initial drawings; (3) accessibility of the data; and (4) added versatility. It is shown that the Applicon CAD/CAE system, with its ease of input and editing, the accessibility of data, and its added versatility, has made more efficient many of the necessary but often time-consuming tasks associated with engineering design and testing.

Bromley, L. K.↗