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At least 1,765 records · Page 98

Structural dynamics division research and technology accomplishments for FY 1992 and plans for FY 1993

The purpose of this paper is to present the Structural Dynamics Division's research accomplishments for F.Y. 1992 and research plans for F.Y. 1993. The work under each Branch (technical area) is described in terms of highlights of accomplishments during the past year and highlights of plans for the current year as they relate to 5-year plans for each technical area. This information will be useful in program coordination with other government organizations and industry in areas of mutual interest.

Wynne, Eleanor C.↗

NASA historical report. First six years of NASA: A concise chronology

This chronology was compiled to satisfy numerous requests for highlights of historical information on the activities during the first six years that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has existed as the Federal agency conducting the U.S. program for the scientific exploration of space and the exploitation of space science and technology for peaceful uses. The chronology shows the following: highlights of NASA's administrative, organizational, and policy; NASA milestones in space science and technology; items reflecting contributions of NASA offices, centers, and individuals; major policy statements by the President and NASA administrators; and a summary item reflecting evolution, growth, and accomplishments of NASA.

Holme, Molly↗

Calculating intersections of surfaces in screen space

When surfaces intersect, one may desire to highlight the intersection curve in order to make the shape of the penetrating surfaces more visible. Highlighting the intersection is especially helpful when the surfaces become transparent, because transparency makes the intersections less evident. A technique for locating intersections in screen space using only the information locally available to a pixel is discussed. The technique is designed to exploit parallelism at the pixel level and was implemented on the Pixel-Planes 5 graphics supercomputer.

Banks, David C.↗

Wind tunnel investigation of three axisymmetric cowls of different lengths at Mach numbers from 0.60 to 0.92

Pressure distributions on three inlets having different cowl lengths were obtained in the Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel. The cowl diameter ratio (highlight diameter to maximum diameter) was 0.85 and the cowl length ratios (cowl length to maximum diameter) were 0.337, 0.439, and 0.547. The cowls had identical nondimensionalized (with respect to cowl length) external geometry and identical internal geometry. The internal contraction ratio (highlight area to throat area) was 1.250. The inlets had longitudinal rows of static pressure orifices on the top and bottom (external) surfaces and on the contraction (internal) and diffuser surfaces. The afterbody was cylindrical in shape, and its diameter was equal to the maximum diameter of the cowl. Depending on the cowl configuration and free-stream Mach number, the mass-flow ratio varied between 0.27 and 0.87 during the tests. Angle of attack varied from 0 to 4.1 deg at selected Mach numbers and mass-flow ratios, and the Reynolds number varied with the Mach number from 3.2x10(exp 6) to 4.2x10(exp 6) per foot.

Re, Richard J.↗

Supervised fully polarimetric classification of the Black Forest test site: From MAESTROI to MAC Europe

A study on the performance of a supervised fully polarimetric maximum likelihood classifier for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data when applied to a specific classification context: forest classification based on age classes and in the presence of a sloping terrain is presented. For the experimental part, the polarimetric AIRSAR data at P, L, and C-band, acquired over the German Black Forest near Freiburg in the frame of the 1989 MAESTRO-1 campaign and the 1991 MAC Europe campaign was used, MAESTRO-1 with an ESA/JRC sponsored campaign, and MAC Europe (Multi-sensor Aircraft Campaign); in both cases the multi-frequency polarimetric JPL Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (AIRSAR) radar was flown over a number of European test sites. The study is structured as follows. At first, the general characteristics of the classifier and the dependencies from some parameters, like frequency bands, feature vector, calibration, using test areas lying on a flat terrain are investigated. Once it is determined the optimal conditions for the classifier performance, we then move on to the study of the slope effect. The bulk of this work is performed using the Maestrol data set. Next the classifier performance with the MAC Europe data is considered. The study is divided into two stages: first some of the tests done on the Maestro data are repeated, to highlight the improvements due to the new processing scheme that delivers 16 look data. Second we experiment with multi images classification with two goals: to assess the possibility of using a training set measured from one image to classify areas in different images; and to classify areas on critical slopes using different viewing angles. The main points of the study are listed and some of the results obtained so far are highlighted.

Degrandi, G.↗

Structural dynamics division research and technology accomplishments for FY 1993 and plans for FY 1994

The purpose is to present the Structural Dynamics Division's research accomplishments for F.Y. 1993 and research plans for F.Y. 1994. The work under each Branch (technical area) is described in terms of highlights of accomplishments during the past year and highlights of plans for the current year as they relate to 5-year plans for each technical area. This information will be useful in program coordination with other government organizations and industry in areas of mutual interest.

Wynne, Eleanor C.↗

Turbomachinery CFD on parallel computers

The role of multistage turbomachinery simulation in the development of propulsion system models is discussed. Particularly, the need for simulations with higher fidelity and faster turnaround time is highlighted. It is shown how such fast simulations can be used in engineering-oriented environments. The use of parallel processing to achieve the required turnaround times is discussed. Current work by several researchers in this area is summarized. Parallel turbomachinery CFD research at the NASA Lewis Research Center is then highlighted. These efforts are focused on implementing the average-passage turbomachinery model on MIMD, distributed memory parallel computers. Performance results are given for inviscid, single blade row and viscous, multistage applications on several parallel computers, including networked workstations.

Blech, R. A.↗

Space Station Freedom propulsion activities

The technical highlights and accomplishments made at NASA LeRC in the development of the Space Station Freedom (SSF) propulsion system are discussed. The objectives are as follows: develop and characterize resistojet-thruster components and assemblies; develop and characterize hydrogen-oxygen thruster components; and conduct system trade studies. The research projects primarily characterize propulsion performance and life. Other tests include environmental impacts, such as exhaust gas profiles and electromagnetic interference. The technical activities that are highlighted are being conducted at LeRC within the Aerospace Technology and Space Station Freedom directorates. These activities include the following: derivation of design analysis models; trade studies of design options; propulsion system impact studies; and component testing for characterization and design verification.

Spera, David A.↗

The Aluminum Falcon: a Low Cost Modern Commercial Transport

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) released a Request For Proposal (RFP) in the form of an undergraduate design competition for a 153 passenger jet transport with a range of 3,000 nautical miles. The primary requirement for this aircraft was low cost, both in acquisition and operation, with a technology availability date of the year 2000. This report presents the Non-Solo Design Group's response to the RFP, the Aluminum Falcon (AF-1). Non-Solo's approach to development was to take the best elements of seven individual preliminary designs, then combine and refine them. The resulting aircraft meets or exceeds all requirements of both the RFP and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Highlights include a revolutionary wing planform, known as an M-wing, which offers many advantages over a conventional aft swept wing. For example, the M-wing lessens the travel in the aircraft center of gravity caused by fuel being stored in the wing. It also reduces the amount of torque imposed on the center wing box because more of the lifting load acts near the fuselage joint, rather than behind it. In essence, the M-wing offers the best of both worlds: using a forward swept wing root places the aerodynamic center of the wing further forward and allows the landing gear to be placed without the use of a yahudi. At the same time, with the outboard section swept backward the tip retains an amount of aeroelastic dampening that is lost on a completely forward swept wing. The result is a wing which has many advantages of a straight, unswept wings without the severe compressibility effects at high Mach numbers. Other highlights include judicious use of composites, giving recognition to the importance of weight and its effect on aircraft cost and performance, and an advanced passenger entertainment system which can be used as a source of revenue for the airlines. This aircraft meets the low-cost doctrine with an acquisition cost of $29 million and a direct operating cost of 3.5 cents per seat mile. The AF-1 incorporates new ideas with existing technology to result in an aircraft that will retain market viability well into the next century.

Bryant, Mark↗

High spectral resolution in the solar spectrum

A session dedicated to high spectral resolution in the solar spectrum, covering topics of calibration, atmospheric correction, geology/pedology, inland water, and vegetation, is reported. The session showed a high degree of diversity in the topics and the approaches used. It was highlighted that high spectral resolution data could provide atmospherically corrected ground level calibrated reflectance values. Important advances were shown in the use of radiative transfer models applied either on water bodies or vegetation. Several studies highlighted the high degree of redundancy contained in high spectral resolution data.

Baret, F.↗

SCOS 2: An object oriented software development approach

The Spacecraft Control and Operations System 2 (SCOS 2), is intended to provide the generic mission control system infrastructure for future ESA missions. It represents a bold step forward in order to take advantage of state-of-the-art technology and current practices in the area of software engineering. Key features include: (1) use of object oriented analysis and design techniques; (2) use of UNIX, C++ and a distributed architecture as the enabling implementation technology; (3) goal of re-use for development, maintenance and mission specific software implementation; and (4) introduction of the concept of a spacecraft control model. This paper touches upon some of the traditional beliefs surrounding Object Oriented development and describes their relevance to SCOS 2. It gives rationale for why particular approaches were adopted and others not, and describes the impact of these decisions. The development approach followed is discussed, highlighting the evolutionary nature of the overall process and the iterative nature of the various tasks carried out. The emphasis of this paper is on the process of the development with the following being covered: (1) the three phases of the SCOS 2 project - prototyping & analysis, design & implementation and configuration / delivery of mission specific systems; (2) the close cooperation and continual interaction with the users during the development; (3) the management approach - the split between client staff, industry and some of the required project management activities; (4) the lifecycle adopted being an enhancement of the ESA PSS-05 standard with SCOS 2 specific activities and approaches defined; and (5) an examination of some of the difficulties encountered and the solutions adopted. Finally, the lessons learned from the SCOS 2 experience are highlighted, identifying those issues to be used as feedback into future developments of this nature. This paper does not intend to describe the finished product and its operation, but focusing on the journey to arrive there, concentrating therefore on the process and not the products of the SCOS 2 software development.

Symonds, Martin↗

High Velocity Oxygen Fuel Spraying of Erosion and Wear Resistant Coatings on Jet Engine Parts

High velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) spraying is the most recent development in the field of thermal spraying. The importance of this technique for the repair and new part manufacturing of jet engine parts is rapidly increasing. The HVOF uses a supersonic oxygen-fuel flame to heat and accelerate the powder particles that form the coating. The high particle velocity results in a high density and a low porosity, a high bond strength, and a high macro and micro hardness of the coating. The high quality of the HVOF coatings makes it possible to use these coatings on high loaded, rotating parts in jet engines. This paper will highlight the use of HVOF processes to apply erosion resistant cermet coatings to high pressure compressor blades. These blades are exposed to severe erosion. Next to the D-gun process, HVOF spraying is the only nonproprietary technique that can be used to apply these high performance coatings. Also the use of the HVOF process to apply wear resistant coatings and superalloys to jet engine parts will be discussed. The difference between HVOF coatings and plasma sprayed coatings will be highlighted. During HVOF spraying, the parts are exposed to a high heat flow. Solutions to avoid overheating, especially of titanium parts, will be presented.

A T J Verbeek↗

Computational support of the laminar flow supersonic wind tunnel, CNSFV code development, Maglev, and grid generation

This final report covers the work done on corporate agreement NCC2-616 over a period of 5 1/2 years. It is broken into three segments of approximately 1 1/2 to 2 years each. The report is a summary report and is not intended to be comprehensive of all the work done under this corporate agreement. A more complete coverage of the work done is obtained from the papers and reports listed in the 'Papers' section. Additional reporting of significant work was done through 'Technical Highlights' and 'Research and Technical Summaries'. A listing of copies are given in the 'Technical Highlights and R and T' section. The work was also reported in a series of seminars, conference meetings, branch reviews, workshops, and project reviews. A list of these talks is given in the 'Presentation' section. Also during this time three students ranging from high school to graduate level were supervised. A list of the students and the type of work accomplished is given in the 'Mentoring' section. The report concludes with the 'Appendices' sections which include the three papers produced during the last 1 1/2 years of this corporate agreement.

Klopfer, Goetz H.↗

Annual report to the Chairman and Ranking Minority Members, House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. Status of open recommendations: Improving operations of federal departments and agencies

Each year, GAO's work contributes to many legislative and executive branch actions that result in significant financial savings and other improvements in government operations. Some, but not all, are identified through GAO's system for periodically following up to determine the status of actions taken on the recommendations made in its audit and evaluation reports. In fiscal year 1994, GAO made 1,450 recommendations, but, more importantly, about 4,400 GAO recommendations made over the past 5 years have been implemented. This report includes summary information on the status of all GAO recommendations that have not been fully implemented and highlights some of the key ones. This information should help congressional and agency leaders prepare for upcoming appropriations and oversight activities and stimulate further actions to achieve the desired improvements in government operations. In addition to including printed issue area summaries highlighting the ipact of GAO's work and the key open recommendations, this volume includes a set of computer diskettes with details on all open recommendations.

Source record↗

Gamma-ray astronomy--A status report

Gamma-rays provide us with powerful insight into the highest energy processes occurring in the cosmos. This review highlights some of the progress in our understanding of gamma-ray astronomy that has been enabled by new data from GRANAT and the Compton Gamma-Ray Observaatory, and suggests requirements for future progress. In particular, the unique role of the International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory (INTEGRAL) mission and concurrent multiwavelength observations is highlighted.

Holt, Stephen S.↗

Adaptive wall technology for minimization of wind tunnel boundary interferences - where are we now?

The status of adaptive wall technology to improve wind tunnel simulations for 2- and 3-D testing is reviewed. This technology relies on the test section flow boundaries being adjustable, using a tunnel/computer system to control the boundary shapes without knowledge of the model under test. This paper briefly overviews the benefits and shortcomings of adaptive wall testing techniques. A historical perspective highlights the disjointed development of these testing techniques from 1938 to present. Currently operational transonic Adaptive Wall Test Sections (AWTSs) are detailed, showing a preference for the simplest AWTS design with two solid flexible walls. Research highlights show that quick wall adjustment procedures are available and AWTSs, with impervious or ventilated walls, can be used through the transonic range up to M(sub infinity) = 1.2. The requirements for production testing in AWTSs are discussed, and conclusions drawn as to the current status of adaptive wall technology. In 2-D testing, adaptive wall technology is mature enough for general use, even in cryogenic wind tunnels. In 3-D testing, this technology has not been pursued aggressively, because of the inertia against change in testing techniques, and preconceptions about the difficulties of using AWTSs.

Wolf, Stephen W. D.↗

History, a projection of the future: A rotary wing perspective

The success and failure of past vehicle concepts is reviewed in an attempt to highlight some of the advanced vehicle concepts attempted in the past failed because of a lack of appreciation, by both the sponsors and the developer, for the technical and societal requirements critical to their success. This paper will review the history of some attempts to provide both good hover and forward flight efficiency and will point out some of the technical and societal obstacles encountered. Two examples, that of the tiltrotor and tiltwing vehicles. will be highlighted show the different paths followed by a successful and an unsuccessful concept. The outlook for future VTOL/rotary wing concepts will be evaluated.

Huston, Robert J.↗

A Wind Tunnel Investigation of Three NACA 1-Series Inlets at Mach Numbers up to 0.92

Pressure distributions on three NACA 1-series inlets have been obtained in the Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel. The cowl diameter ratio (ratio of cowl highlight diameter to cowl maximum diameter) was 0.85 for all three inlets. The cowl length ratio (ratio of cowl length to cowl maximum diameter) was 1.0 for two of the inlets (NACA 1-85-100) and 0.439 for the other (NACA 1-85-43.9) inlet. One of the inlets with a cowl length ratio of 1.0 had an internal contraction ratio (ratio of highlight area to throat area) of 1.009 and the other had a contraction ratio of 1.250. The inlet with a cowl length ratio of 0.439 also had an internal contraction ratio of 1.250. All three inlets had longitudinal rows of static pressure orifices on the top and bottom external cowl surfaces. The inlet with a contraction ratio of 1.009 also had a row of static pressure orifices on the side of the cowl (external surface). The two inlets with a contraction ratio of 1.250 had a longitudinal row of static pressure orifices on the diffuser surface.

Re, Richard J.↗