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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 19 records

NECAP 4.1: NASA's Energy-Cost Analysis Program input manual

The computer program NECAP (NASA's Energy Cost Analysis Program) is described. The program is a versatile building design and energy analysis tool which has embodied within it state of the art techniques for performing thermal load calculations and energy use predictions. With the program, comparisons of building designs and operational alternatives for new or existing buildings can be made. The major feature of the program is the response factor technique for calculating the heat transfer through the building surfaces which accounts for the building's mass. The program expands the response factor technique into a space response factor to account for internal building temperature swings; this is extremely important in determining true building loads and energy consumption when internal temperatures are allowed to swing.

Jensen, R. N.↗

Solar heating and domestic hot water system installed at North Dallas High School

The solar energy system located at the North Dallas High School, Dallas, Texas is discussed. The system is designed as a retrofit in a three story with basement, concrete frame high school building. Extracts from the site files, specification references for solar modification to existing building heating and domestic hot water systems, drawings, installation, operation and maintenance instructions are included.

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Upwind Buildings Effects on Test Section Performance of the NFAC 80- by 120-Foot Wind Tunnel

In 2013, a new development began that would put multi-story buildings within the exclusion zone of the 80- by 120- Foot Wind Tunnel (80x120) inlet that exceeded the then existing building height restriction. This raised questions concerning whether the tunnel could operate within the acceptable turbulence limits of ≤ 0.5% in the axial direction over 75% area in the wind tunnel test section. The goal of this testing was to determine the validity of this hypothesis. Testing was performed using the 1/50th-scale model of the 80- by 120-FootWind Tunnel within the full-scale facility test section to characterize the model’s test section turbulence levels as a function of wind direction with the presence of the upwind buildings that are currently being constructed. This paper reports the first testing performed to date on the 80x120 inlet as-built under controlled test conditions for wind magnitude and wind onset direction for a variety of buildings in the inlet external flow field, including no buildings (the control case). This testing determined that, at rated operational conditions the upwind blockages caused no increase in turbulence intensity levels measured in the test section and, in some limited cases, caused the turbulence levels to decrease. Lastly, looking at generic rectangular blockages showed that, to have a discernible effect on test section turbulence levels, scaled 100-ft tall blockages need to be within 600 ft of the existing inlet.

Upwind Buildings Effects↗

Solar heating for a restaurant--North Little Rock, Arkansas

Hot water consumption of large building affects solar-energy system design. Continual demand for hot water at restaurant makes storage less important than at other sites. Storage capacity of system installed in December 1979 equals estimated daily hot-water requirement. Report describes equipment specifications and modifications to existing building heating and hot water systems.

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Feasibility and concept study to convert the NASA/AMES vertical motion simulator to a helicopter simulator

The conceptual design for converting the vertical motion simulator (VMS) to a multi-purpose aircraft and helicopter simulator is presented. A unique, high performance four degrees of freedom (DOF) motion system was developed to permanently replace the present six DOF synergistic system. The new four DOF system has the following outstanding features: (1) will integrate with the two large VMS translational modes and their associated subsystems; (2) can be converted from helicopter to fixed-wing aircraft simulation through software changes only; (3) interfaces with an advanced cab/visual display system of large dimensions; (4) makes maximum use of proven techniques, convenient materials and off-the-shelf components; (5) will operate within the existing building envelope without modifications; (6) can be built within the specified weight limit and avoid compromising VMS performance; (7) provides maximum performance with a minimum of power consumption; (8) simple design minimizes coupling between motions and maximizes reliability; and (9) can be built within existing budgetary figures.

Belsterling, C. A.↗

Public policy for solar heating and cooling

Recent analyses indicated that solar heating and cooling systems for residential buildings are nearly economically competitive with conventional fossil fuel or electric systems, the former having higher initial cost but a lower operating cost than the latter. The paper examines obstacles to the widespread acceptance and use of solar space conditioning systems and explores some general policies which could help to overcome them. The discussion covers such institutional barriers limiting the adoption of solar technologies as existing building codes, financing constraints, and organizational structure of the building industry. The potential impact of financial incentives is analyzed. It is noted that a tax incentive of 25% could speed the use of solar energy by 7 to 8 years and produce an 8% reduction in fossil fuel use by 1990. A preliminary incentive package which could be helpful in promoting solar energy both at federal and state levels is proposed, and the necessary incentive level is analysed.

Hirshberg, A. S.↗

Lessons Learned From Designing and Building Low Organic Outgassing Cleanrooms for NASA OSIRIS-REx and Hayabusa2 Curation Facility

NASA Johnson Space Center Astromaterials Acquisition and Curation Office completed construction and commissioning of the OSIRIS-REx and Hayabusa2 cleanroom laboratory suites along with new precision cleaning and advanced curation laboratories consisting of ISO Class 5, 6, and 7 cleanrooms. The new curation facilities are designed for initial receiving, basic characterization, curation processing, and preliminary examination of carbonaceous asteroidal material. The facilities are also designed to enable long-term pristine sample storage to preserve the scientific integrity of each sample to enable future research by the international science community. The scientific study of organics is critical for both missions. The OSIRIS-REx mission instituted a stringent contamination control plan for low organics. Given these mission requirements and long-term storage preservation requirements, cleanroom construction materials were carefully selected to not hinder the scientific search for amino acids and the study of organics in the samples. Cleanroom candidate construction materials were researched for the HVAC system, floors, walls, ceiling, and plenum areas. The team chose several candidate materials that were further tested for their specific outgassing characteristics using ASTM E-595 per ASTM E-2312. The information gained provided the foundation for the final design selection of the cleanroom materials. While material selection is important before and during the facility design phase, the construction phase is where these choices are implemented by the prime construction contractor through final product and material submittals. These submittals are the last check point and changes are often submitted due to engineering/construction conflicts, especially when renovating an existing building. Any new material or equipment/product change must be identified and scrutinized for low particulate shedding and outgassing properties. In some cases, quick testing of new material is required, and compromises must be made in real-time. Careful selection and implementation of cleanroom materials significantly reduced organic and inorganic contamination beyond normal cleanroom baselines.

astromaterials curation↗

Lessons Learned From Designing and Building Low Organic Outgassing Cleanrooms for NASA OSIRIS-REx and Hayabusa2 Curation Facility

NASA Johnson Space Center Astromaterials Acquisition and Curation Office completed construction and commissioning of the OSIRIS-REx and Hayabusa2 cleanroom laboratory suites along with new precision cleaning and advanced curation laboratories consisting of ISO Class 5, 6, and 7 cleanrooms. The new curation facilities are designed for initial receiving, basic characterization, curation processing, and preliminary examination of carbonaceous asteroidal material. The facilities are also designed to enable long-term pristine sample storage to preserve the scientific integrity of each sample to enable future research by the international science community. The scientific study of organics is critical for both missions. The OSIRIS-REx mission instituted a stringent contamination control plan for low organics. Given these mission requirements and long-term storage preservation requirements, cleanroom construction materials were carefully selected to not hinder the scientific search for amino acids and the study of organics in the samples. Cleanroom candidate construction materials were researched for the HVAC system, floors, walls, ceiling, and plenum areas. The team chose several candidate materials that were further tested for their specific outgassing characteristics using ASTM E-595 per ASTM E-2312. The information gained provided the foundation for the final design selection of the cleanroom materials. While material selection is important before and during the facility design phase, the construction phase is where these choices are implemented by the prime construction contractor through final product and material submittals. These submittals are the last check point and changes are often submitted due to engineering/construction conflicts, especially when renovating an existing building. Any new material or equipment/product change must be identified and scrutinized for low particulate shedding and outgassing properties. In some cases, quick testing of new material is required, and compromises must be made in real-time. Careful selection and implementation of cleanroom materials significantly reduced organic and inorganic contamination beyond normal cleanroom baselines.

astromaterials curation↗

Feasibility study of an aerospace museum in the western United States. Volume 1: Summary, conclusions, and recommendations

A survey of existing aerospace museums in the U.S. and a study of the feasibility of establishing an aerospace museum in the western U.S. are summarized. It is recommended that prime consideration be given to carefully considered support of development of existing aerospace exhibits rather than establishment of a new major museum. In the event that the decision is made to pursue the establishment of a new museum, Los Angeles is considered to be the most favorable location. In particular, because of the large attendance and existing building space at the California Museum of Science and Industry at Los Angeles, it is recommended that this museum's proposal be given first consideration. Supporting surveys of aerospace museums, funding, and related studies are also summarized.

Source record↗

Solar heating and hot water system installed at Cherry Hill, New Jersey

The solar heating and hot water system installed in existing buildings at the Cherry Hill Inn in Cherry Hill, New Jersey is described in detail. The system is expected to furnish 31.5% of the overall heating load and 29.8% of the hot water load. The collectors are liquid evacuated tube type. The storage system is an above ground insulated steel water tank with a capacity of 7,500 gallons.

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KSC facilities status and planned management operations

A status report is presented on facilities and planned operations at the Kennedy Space Center with reference to Space Shuttle launch activities. The facilities are essentially complete, with all new construction and modifications to existing buildings almost finished. Some activity is still in progress at Pad A and on the Mobile Launcher due to changes in requirements but is not expected to affect the launch schedule. The installation and testing of the ground checkout equipment that will be used to test the flight hardware is now in operation. The Launch Processing System is currently supporting the development of the applications software that will perform the testing of this flight hardware.

Gray, R. H.↗

Update of KSC activities for the space transportation system

The paper is a status report on the facilities and planned operations at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) that will support Space Shuttle launches. The conversion of KSC facilities to support efficient and economical checkout and launch operations in the era of the Space Shuttle is nearing completion. The driving force behind the KSC effort has been the necessity of providing adequate and indispensable facilities and support systems at minimum cost. This required the optimum utilization of existing buildings, equipment and systems, both at KSC and at Air Force property on Cape Canaveral, as well as the construction of two major new facilities and several minor ones. The entirely new structures discussed are the Shuttle Landing Facility and Orbiter Processing Facility. KSC stands ready to provide the rapid reliable economical landing-to-launch processing needed to ensure the success of this new space transportation system.

Gray, R. H.↗

Solar heating and hot water system installed at Arlington Raquetball Club, Arlington, Virginia

A solar space and water heating system is described. The solar energy system consists of 2,520 sq. ft. of flat plate solar collectors and a 4,000 gallon solar storage tank. The transfer medium in the forced closed loop is a nontoxic antifreeze solution (50 percent water, 50 percent propylene glycol). The service hot water system consists of a preheat coil (60 ft. of 1 1/4 in copper tubing) located in the upper third of the solar storage tank and a recirculation loop between the preheat coil and the existing electric water heaters. The space heating system consists of two separate water to air heat exchangers located in the ducts of the existing space heating/cooling systems. The heating water is supplied from the solar storage tank. Extracts from site files, specification references for solar modifications to existing building heating and hot water systems, and installation, operation and maintenance instructions are included.

Source record↗

Programming methodology for a general purpose automation controller

The General Purpose Automation Controller is a multi-processor architecture for automation programming. A methodology has been developed whose aim is to simplify the task of programming distributed real-time systems for users in research or manufacturing. Programs are built by configuring function blocks (low-level computations) into processes using data flow principles. These processes are activated through the verb mechanism. Verbs are divided into two classes: those which support devices, such as robot joint servos, and those which perform actions on devices, such as motion control. This programming methodology was developed in order to achieve the following goals: (1) specifications for real-time programs which are to a high degree independent of hardware considerations such as processor, bus, and interconnect technology; (2) a component approach to software, so that software required to support new devices and technologies can be integrated by reconfiguring existing building blocks; (3) resistance to error and ease of debugging; and (4) a powerful command language interface.

Sturzenbecker, M. C.↗

Lightweight and High-Resolution Single Crystal Silicon Optics for X-ray Astronomy

We describe an approach to building mirror assemblies for next generation X-ray telescopes. It incorporates knowledge and lessons learned from building existing telescopes, including Chandra, XMM-Newton, Suzaku, and NuSTAR, as well as from our direct experience of the last 15 years developing mirror technology for the Constellation-X and International X-ray Observatory mission concepts. This approach combines single crystal silicon and precision polishing, thus has the potential of achieving the highest possible angular resolution with the least possible mass. Moreover, it is simple, consisting of several technical elements that can be developed independently in parallel. Lastly, it is highly amenable to mass production, therefore enabling the making of telescopes of very large photon collecting areas.

X-ray optics↗

The widest practicable dissemination: The NASA technical report server

The search for innovative methods to distribute NASA's information lead a gross-roots team to create the NASA Technical Report Server (NTRS), which uses the World Wide Web and other popular Internet-based information systems as search engines. The NTRS is an inter-center effort which provides uniform access to various distributed publication servers residing on the Internet. Users have immediate desktop access to technical publications from NASA centers and institutes. This paper presents the NTRS architecture, usage metrics, and the lessons learned while implementing and maintaining the services over the initial 6-month period. The NTRS is largely constructed with freely available software running on existing hardware. NTRS builds upon existing hardware and software, and the resulting additional exposure for the body of literature contained will allow NASA to ensure that its institutional knowledge base will continue to receive the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination.

Nelson, Michael L.↗

The widest practicable dissemination: The NASA technical report server

The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 established NASA and charged it to 'provide for the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination of information concerning...its activities and the results thereof.' The search for innovative methods to distribute NASA's information lead a grass-roots team to create the NASA Technical Report Server (NTRS), which uses the World Wide Web and other popular Internet-based information systems as search engines. The NTRS is an inter-center effort which provides uniform access to various distributed publication servers residing on the Internet. Users have immediate desktop access to technical publications from NASA centers and institutes. The NTRS is comprised of several units, some constructed especially for inclusion in NTRS, and others that are existing NASA publication services that NTRS reuses. This paper presents the NTRS architecture, usage metrics, and the lessons learned while implementing and maintaining the services over the initial six-month period. The NTRS is largely constructed with freely available software running on existing hardware. NTRS builds upon existing hardware and software, and the resulting additional exposure for the body of literature contained will allow NASA to ensure that its institutional knowledge base will continue to receive the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination.

Nelson, Michael L.↗

The Widest Practicable Dissemination: The NASA Technical Report Server

The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 established NASA and charged it to "provide for the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination of information concerning [...] its activities and the results thereof." The search for innovative methods to distribute NASA s information lead a grass-roots team to create the NASA Technical Report Server (NTRS), which uses the World Wide Web and other popular Internet-based information systems as search engines. The NTRS is an inter-center effort which provides uniform access to various distributed publication servers residing on the Internet. Users have immediate desktop access to technical publications from NASA centers and institutes. The NTRS is comprised of several units, some constructed especially for inclusion in NTRS, and others that are existing NASA publication services that NTRS reuses. This paper presents the NTRS architecture, usage metrics, and the lessons learned while implementing and maintaining the services over the initial 6-month period. The NTRS is largely constructed with freely available software running on existing hardware. NTRS builds upon existing hardware and software, and the resulting additional exposure for the body of literature contained will allow NASA to ensure that its institutional knowledge base will continue to receive the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination.

Nelson, Michael L.↗