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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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The main propulsion system, solid rocket boosters, external tank, orbital maneuvering system, spacecraft orbital operations (thermal tests, attitude control and remote manipulator), and return to Earth are outlined for the first four STS missions.
One nemesis of the structural dynamist is the tedious task of reviewing large quantities of data. This data, obtained from various types of instrumentation, may be represented by oscillogram records, root-mean-squared (rms) time histories, power spectral densities, shock spectra, 1/3 octave band analyses, and various statistical distributions. In an attempt to reduce the laborious task of manually reviewing all of the space shuttle orbiter wideband frequency-modulated (FM) analog data, an automated processing system was developed to perform the screening process based upon predefined or predicted threshold criteria.
(Previously announced in STAR as N81-19057)
(Previously cited in issue 19, p. 3268, Accession no. A81-40912)
(Previously cited in issue 12, p. 1950, Accession no. A81-29507)
The difficulty in applying parameter estimation techniques to spinning airplanes is due in part to the unwieldy number of possible combinations of terms in the equations of motion, when the model structure is unknown. The combination of high angle of attack and high rotation rate results in aerodynamic functions which are quite complex. For wing dominated configurations it is advantageous to use aerodynamic theory to generate the model structure. In this way, the number of unknown parameters is reduced and the model accuracy may be increased. Under conditions for which the theory is inadequate, however, model accuracy may be reduced. Strip theory, for example, is incapable of predicting autorotative rolling moments indicated by wind tunnel tests at angles of attack exceeding 40 degrees. An improved aerodynamic theory would be necessary to successfully apply the technique advanced for such regions.
Previously cited in issue 3, p. 325, Accession no. A82-14379
An automatic go-around control system was evaluated on the Augmentor Wing Jet Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) Research Airplane (AWJSRA) as part of a study of an automatic landing system for a powered-lift STOL airplane. The results of the evaluation indicate that the go-around control system can successfully transition the airplane to a climb configuration from any initiation point during the glide-slope track or the flare maneuver prior to touchdown.
Substantial benefits of a full authority digital electronic engine control on an air breathing engine were demonstrated repeatedly in simulation studies, ground engine tests, and engine altitude test facilities. A digital engine electronic control system showed improvements in efficiency, performance, and operation. An additional benefit of full authority digital controls is the capability of detecting and correcting failures and providing engine health diagnostics.
To establish confidence in its overall performance, credible information on the synthetic aperture radar antenna's mechanical properties in orbit must be obtained. However, the antenna's size, design, and operating environment make it difficult to simulate operating conditions under 1-g Earth conditions. The Space Technology Experiments Platform (STEP) offers a timely opportunity to mechanically qualify and characterize the antenna design in a representative environment. The proposed experimental configuration would employ a half-system of the full-scale RADARSAT antenna which would be mounted on the STEP platform in the orbiter cargo bay such that it could be deployed and retracted in orbit (as shown in this figure). The antenna would be subjected to typical environmental exposures while an array of targets and sensors on the antenna support structure and reflecting surface are observed and monitored. In particular, the typical environments would include deployment and retraction, dynamic response to vehicle thruster or base exciter inputs, and thermal soak and transient effects upon entering or exiting Earth eclipse. The proposed experiment would also provide generic information on the properties of large space structures in space and on techniques to obtain the desired information.
Short-term compressive creep tests were conducted on three titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V coupons at three different stress levels at a temperature of 714 K (825 F). The test data were compared to several creep laws developed from tensile creep tests of available literature. The short-term creep test data did not correlate well with any of the creep laws obtained from available literature. The creep laws themselves did not correlate well with each other. Short-term creep does not appear to be very predictable for titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V. Aircraft events that result in extreme, but short-term temperature and stress excursions for this alloy should be approached cautiously. Extrapolations of test data and creep laws suggest a convergence toward predictability in the longer-term situation.
Instrumentation interfacing frequently requires the linking of intelligent systems together, as well as requiring the link itself to be intelligent. The airborne instrumentation computer system (AICS) was developed to address this requirement. Its small size, approximately 254 by 133 by 140 mm (10 by 51/4 by 51/2 in), standard bus, and modular board configuration give it the ability to solve instrumentation interfacing and computation problems without forcing a redesign of the entire unit. This system has been used on the F-15 aircraft digital electronic engine control (DEEC) and its follow on engine model derivative (EMD) project and in an OV-1C Mohawk aircraft stall speed warning system. The AICS is presently undergoing configuration for use on an F-104 pace aircraft and on the advanced fighter technology integration (AFTI) F-111 aircraft.
The G-112 aircraft built for exhibition exhibited at the ILA '84. The G-2500 engine designed especially for this purpose is economical, requires little maintenance and generates a power of 66 kW (90 Hp). The aircraft achieves a cruising speed of 185 km/h, using a drastically reduced amount of fuel, (only 17 liters aviation fuel or premium gasoline). This small two-seater requires only a very short takeoff and taxi run of about 250 meters.
Previously cited in issue 19, p. 2977, Accession no. A82-39135
The project-management system developed for NASA's participation in the X-29A aircraft development program is characterized from a theoretical perspective, as an example of a system appropriate to advanced, highly integrated technology projects. System-control theory is applied to the analysis of classical project-management techniques and structures, which are found to be of closed-loop multivariable type; and the effects of increasing project complexity and integration are evaluated. The importance of information flow, sampling frequency, information holding, and delays is stressed. The X-29A system is developed in four stages: establishment of overall objectives and requirements, determination of information processes (block diagrams) definition of personnel functional roles and relationships, and development of a detailed work-breakdown structure. The resulting system is shown to require a greater information flow to management than conventional methods. Sample block diagrams are provided.
Previously cited in issue 10, p. 1378, Accession no. A83-25963
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The modification and testing of a small electromechanical vibrator are described. The vibrator was designed for the flutter testing of aircraft wings and was built to specifications that make it compatible with the X-29 experimental aircraft. The device uses alternating electromagnetic forces to move a magnetic mass and produce vibration. Its unconventional way of producing vibration avoids the need for complex mechanisms and makes efficient use of space and weight.