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May 6, 2010
05/10
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Allen, H. J.; Busemann, A; Anderson, R. A.; Ball, C. L.; Barrett, C. A.; Bernatowicz, D. T.; Bertram, M. H.; Bogart, D.; Boswinkle, R. W., Jr.; Brooks, G. W.
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Nasa-university conference on space - nuclear, chemical and electric propulsion - aerodynamics, gas dynamics and plasma physics - vol ii
Topics: AERODYNAMICS, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, SPACE EXPLORATION, SPACE PROGRAMS, TECHNOLOGIES,...
NASA LeRC is currently developing a Fortran based model of a complete nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) vehicle that would be used for piloted and cargo missions to the Moon or Mars. The proposed vehicle design will use either a Brayton or K-Rankine power conversion cycle to drive a turbine coupled with a rotary alternator. Two thruster types are also being studied, ion and magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD). In support of this NEP model, Rocketdyne developed a power management and distribution (PMAD)...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION, NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, POWER...
This report serves as the second Addendum to NASA-SP-2009-566, "Human Exploration of Mars Design Reference Architecture 5.0." The data and descriptions contained within this Addendum capture some of the key assessments and studies produced since publication of the original document, predominately covering those conducted from 2009 through 2012. The assessments and studies described herein are for the most part independent stand-alone contributions. Effort has not been made to...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), MARS SURFACE, NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, SPACECRAFT...
To achieve the ambitious goals that NASA has outlined for the next decades considerable development of power technology will be necessary. This presentation outlines the development objectives for both space and aero applications. It further looks at the various power technologies that support these objectives and examines drivers that will be a driving force for future development. Finally, the presentation examines what type of non-traditional learning areas should be emphasized in student...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), SOLAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, TURBOGENERATORS, ION PROPULSION,...
Over the past several years, NASA has studied a variety of mission scenarios designed to establish a permanent human presence on the surface of Mars. Nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) is one of the possible elements in this program. During the initial stages of vehicle design work, careful consideration must be given to not only the shielding requirements of natural space radiation, but to the shielding and configuration requirements of the on-board reactors. In this work, the radiation...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, RADIATION DOSAGE, RADIATION...
This report was prepared by members of the Fuels, Materials and Related Technologies Panel, with assistance from a number of industry observers as well as laboratory colleagues of the panel members. It represents a consensus view of the panel members. This report was not subjected to a thorough review by DOE, NASA or DoD, and the opinions expressed should not be construed to represent the official position of these organizations, individually or jointly. Topics addressed include: requirement...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, NUCLEAR FUELS, NUCLEAR...
Laser propulsion can reduce fuel by 57 t to 105 t over chemical propulsion for a 144 t Lunar base, with no significant increase in trip time. Laser propulsion reduces trip time by a factor of 40 to 120 over nuclear electric propulsion and time in radiation belts by a factor of 100 to 1700. Either solar or nuclear driven laser diode arrays could produce multimegawatt beams, typically 3,700 t for a 235 MW laser system. Laser diode arrays have high payoff due to short wavelength (850 nm) and high...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), LASER POWER BEAMING, LASER PROPULSION, LUNAR BASES, NUCLEAR...
Capitalizing on past and future development of high temperature gas reactor (HTGR) technology, a low mass 15 MWe closed gas turbine cycle power system using a pellet bed reactor heating helium working fluid is proposed for Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) applications. Although the design of this directly coupled system architecture, comprising the reactor/power system/space radiator subsystems, is presented in conceptual form, sufficient detail is included to permit an assessment of overall...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), BRAYTON CYCLE, CLOSED CYCLES, GAS TURBINES, HEAT SOURCES,...
An interagency Nuclear Safety Working Group (NSPWG) was chartered to recommend nuclear safety policy, requirements, and guidelines for the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) nuclear propulsion program. These recommendations, which are contained in this report, should facilitate the implementation of mission planning and conceptual design studies. The NSPWG has recommended a top-level policy to provide the guiding principles for the development and implementation of the SEI nuclear propulsion...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), AEROSPACE SAFETY, MISSION PLANNING, NUCLEAR ELECTRIC...
This paper summarizes Phase I and II analysis results from NASA's recent Mars DRA 5.0 study which re-examined mission, payload and transportation system requirements for a human Mars landing mission in the post-2030 timeframe. Nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) propulsion was again identified as the preferred in-space transportation system over chemical/aerobrake because of its higher specific impulse (I(sub sp)) capability, increased tolerance to payload mass growth and architecture changes, and...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), MARS LANDING, SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS, ROCKET ENGINE DESIGN,...
Group One of the NASA Lunar Enabler Project has designed the primary chassis and boom structures for the lunar vehicle. Both components also feature V-clamps that were adapted to interface connections within the structure. The chassis features a front end, rear end section, middle cross-section, and face plate. The rear section contains an extra compartment for the engine, hydraulic pump, fuel bottles, and oil reservoir necessary for the wheel drives. Each section consists of tubular aluminum...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), BOOMS (EQUIPMENT), CHASSIS, DESIGN ANALYSIS, LUNAR ROVING...
Basic guidelines are presented for a nuclear space power system which utilizes heat pipes to transport thermal power from a fast nuclear reactor to an out of core thermionic converter array. Design parameters are discussed for the nuclear reactor, heat pipes, thermionic converters, shields (neutron and gamma), waste heat rejection systems, and the electrical bus bar-cable system required to transport the high current/low voltage power to the processing equipment. Dimensions are compatible with...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, SPACE POWER REACTORS, SPACECRAFT...
The ion thruster is one of several forms of space electric propulsion being considered for use on future SP-100-based missions. One possible major mission ground rule is the use of a single Space Shuttle launch. Thus, the mass in orbit at the reactor activation altitude would be limited by the Shuttle mass constraints. When the spacecraft subsystem masses are subtracted from this available mass limit, a maximum propellant mass may be calculated. Knowing the characteristics of each type of...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), EFFICIENCY, ELECTRIC PROPULSION, ION PROPULSION, MISSION...
The Safe Affordable Fission Engine (SAFE) test series addresses Phase I Space Fission Systems issues in it particular non-nuclear testing and system integration issues leading to the testing and non-nuclear demonstration of a 400-kW fully integrated flight unit. The first part of the SAFE 30 test series demonstrated operation of the simulated nuclear core and heat pipe system. Experimental data acquired in a number of different test scenarios will validate existing computational models,...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), PROPULSION SYSTEM PERFORMANCE, PERFORMANCE TESTS, NUCLEAR...
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251
Jun 21, 2010
06/10
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Ritchie, D. W
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Sky radiation effects on output of solar cells at 80,000 feet
Topics: NASA PROGRAMS, FLYBY MISSIONS, LOGIC DESIGN, MATERIALS TESTS, MISSION PLANNING, NOZZLE FLOW,...
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May 31, 2011
05/11
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Tumer, Irem Y
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The purpose of health monitoring systems is to detect failures or defects for increased safety and performance and to provide on-condition maintenance with reduced costs. The problems associated with health monitoring systems include high rates of false alarms and missed failures, which make monitoring an unreliable and costly task. The reason for this is that unaccounted variations invalidate signal modeling assumptions. Our approach was to focus on vibration monitoring of rotating components....
Topics: BRAYTON CYCLE, NUCLEAR ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION, NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, ENERGY CONVERSION...
NASA has completed a preliminary mission and systems study of nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) systems for 'split-sprint' human exploration and related robotic cargo missions to Mars. This paper describes the study, the mission architecture selected, the NEP system and technology development needs, proposed development schedules, and estimated development costs. Since current administration policy makers have delayed funding for key technology development activities that could make Mars...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), MANNED MARS MISSIONS, NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, PROPULSION...
This paper describes potential heat rejection design concepts for Brayton power conversion systems. Brayton conversion systems are currently under study by NASA for Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) and surface power applications. The Brayton Heat Rejection Subsystem (HRS) must dissipate waste heat generated by the power conversion system due to inefficiencies in the thermal-to-electric conversion process. Sodium potassium (NaK) and H2O are two coolant working fluids that have been investigated...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), BRAYTON CYCLE, HEAT PIPES, NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION,...
The high impulse of electric propulsion makes it an attractive option for manned interplanetary missions such as a manned mission to Mars. This option is, however, dependent on the availability of high energy sources for propulsive power in addition to that required for the manned interplanetary transit vehicle. Two power system technologies are presented: nuclear and solar. The ion thruster technology for the interplanetary transit vehicle is described for a typical mission. The power...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), LONG DURATION SPACE FLIGHT, MANNED MARS MISSIONS, MANNED...
The purpose of the meeting was to review the work performed in fiscal year 1992 in the areas of nuclear thermal and nuclear electric propulsion technology development. These proceedings are an accumulation of the presentations provided at the meeting along with annotations provided by authors. The proceedings cover system concepts, technology development, and system modeling for nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) and nuclear electric propulsion (NEP). The test facilities required for the...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), CONFERENCES, NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, NUCLEAR PROPULSION,...
The Hybrid Inflatable DSH combined with electric propulsion and high power solar-electric power systems offer a near TRL-now solution to the space radiation crew dose problem that is an inevitable aspect of long term manned interplanetary flight. Spreading program development and launch costs over several years can lead to a spending plan that fits with NASA's current and future budgetary limitations, enabling early manned interplanetary operations with space radiation dose control, in the near...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), AEROSPACE MEDICINE, RADIATION DOSAGE, NUCLEAR ELECTRIC...
The Nuclear Electric Vehicle Optimization Toolset (NEVOT) optimizes the design of all major nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) vehicle subsystems for a defined mission within constraints and optimization parameters chosen by a user. The tool uses a genetic algorithm (GA) search technique to combine subsystem designs and evaluate the fitness of the integrated design to fulfill a mission. The fitness of an individual is used within the GA to determine its probability of survival through successive...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, SPACECRAFT PROPULSION,...
Electric propulsion, whether powered by solar generators or by nuclear reactors, offers a valuable solution to the problems posed by chemical in-space propulsion. It maybe argued that solar electric propulsion is more applicable to near-Earth missions or to missions to the nearer planets, whereas nuclear electric propulsion remains operational even in the vicinity of the far outer planets. Taking into account considerations such as cost and safety it can be concluded that both types of electric...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), ELECTRIC PROPULSION, NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, CHEMICAL...
Solar electric propulsion (SEP) is being used for a variety of planetary missions sponsored by ESA, JAXA, and NASA and nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) is being considered for future, flagship-class interplanetary missions. Radioisotope electric propulsion (REP) has recently been shown to effectively complement SEP and NEP for missions to high-AU targets with modest payload requirements. This paper investigates the application of an advanced REP for a sample return from the comet Tempel 1. A...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), SAMPLE RETURN MISSIONS, TEMPEL 1 COMET, RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPES,...
The following topics are presented: background; Global Positioning System (GPS) methodology overview; the graphical user interface (GUI); current models; application to space nuclear power/propulsion; and interfacing requirements. The discussion is presented in vugraph form.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION, GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM, NUCLEAR...
The Safe Affordable Fission Engine (SAFE) test series addresses Phase 1 Space Fission Systems issues in particular non-nuclear testing and system integration issues leading to the testing and non-nuclear demonstration of a 400-kW fully integrated flight unit. The first part of the SAFE 30 test series demonstrated operation of the simulated nuclear core and heat pipe system. Experimental data acquired in a number of different test scenarios will validate existing computational models,...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), END-TO-END DATA SYSTEMS, FISSION, ION ENGINES, MATHEMATICAL...
Covered here is the second phase of a broad scoped and systematic study of space transfer concepts for human lunar and Mars missions. The study addressed issues that were raised during Phase 1, developed generic Mars missions profile analysis data, and conducted preliminary analysis of the Mars in-space transportation requirements and implementation from the Stafford Committee Synthesis Report.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), MARS (PLANET), MARS LANDING, MISSION PLANNING, ORBIT TRANSFER...
Engineers at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) have designed several heat pipe cooled reactor concepts, ranging in power from 15 kWt to 800 kWt, for both surface power systems and nuclear electric propulsion systems. The Safe, Affordable Fission Engine (SAFE) is now being developed in a collaborative effort between LANL and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (NASA/MSFC). NASA is responsible for fabrication and testing of non-nuclear, electrically heated modules in the Early Flight Fission...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), FISSION, HEAT PIPES, APPROXIMATION, TRANSIENT HEATING,...
The critical evaluation and subsequent redesign of the power conversion subsystem of the spacecraft are covered. As part of that evaluation and redesign, prototype heat pipe components for the heat rejection system were designed fabricated and tested. Based on the results of these tests in conjunction with changing mission requirements and changing energy conversion devices, new system designs were investigated. The initial evaluation and redesign was based on state-of-the-art fabrication and...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), FABRICATION, HEAT PIPES, HEAT RADIATORS, NUCLEAR ELECTRIC...
Conceptual designs for O2/H2 chemical and resistojet propulsion systems for the space station was developed and evaluated. The evolution of propulsion requirements was considered as the space station configuration and its utilization as a space transportation node change over the first decade of operation. The characteristics of candidate O2/H2 auxiliary propulsion systems are determined, and opportunities for integration with the OTV tank farm and the space station life support, power and...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), HYDROGEN OXYGEN ENGINES, NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION,...
A potassium-Rankine power conversion system model was developed under Contract No. NAS3-25808 for the NASA-LeRC. This model predicts potassium-Rankine performance for turbine inlet temperatures (TIT) from 1200 - 1600 K, TIT to condenser temperature ratios from 1.25-1.6, power levels from 100 to 10,000 kWe, and lifetimes from 2-10 years. The model is for a Rankine cycle with reheat for turbine stage moisture control. The model assumes heat is supplied from a lithium heat transport loop. The...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), HEAT TRANSFER, INLET TEMPERATURE, NUCLEAR ELECTRIC...
Equations and charts are presented that permit rapid estimation of propulsion-system performance requirements for some typical deep-space missions. A number of advanced propulsion concepts for which performance estimates are available are compared with respect to their capability for flyby, rendezvous, and roundtrip planetary missions. Based on these estimates, the gas-core nuclear fission rocket and the pulsed fusion rocket yield the fastest trip times to the near planets. For round trips to...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), MISSION PLANNING, PROPULSION SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS,...
Various aspects of nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) systems analysis and modeling are discussed. The following specific topics are covered: (1) systems analysis challenges; (2) goals for NEP systems analysis; (3) the Nuclear Propulsion Office approach; and (4) NEP subsystem model development. The discussion is presented in vugraph form.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES,...
Studies over the last decade have shown radioisotope-based nuclear electric propulsion to be enhancing and, in some cases, enabling for many potential robotic science missions. Also known as radioisotope electric propulsion (REP), the technology offers the performance advantages of traditional reactor-powered electric propulsion (i.e., high specific impulse propulsion at large distances from the Sun), but with much smaller, affordable spacecraft. Future use of REP requires development of...
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Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, HALL THRUSTERS, ION ENGINES,...
This technical memorandum describes models and calculational procedures to fully characterize the nuclear island of power sources for nuclear electric propulsion. Two computer codes were written: one for the gas-cooled NERVA derivative reactor and the other for liquid metal-cooled fuel pin reactors. These codes are going to be interfaced by NASA with the balance of plant in order to make scoping calculations for mission analysis.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), COMPUTER PROGRAMS, GAS COOLED REACTORS, LIQUID METAL COOLED...
An overview of Department of Energy space nuclear propulsion programs is presented in outline and graphic form. DOE's role in the development and safety assurance of space nuclear propulsion is addressed. Testing issues and facilities are discussed along with development needs and recent research activities.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, NUCLEAR PROPULSION, SPACECRAFT...
A mission/system study of Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) for early robotic planetary science mission applications has been conducted. Subject missions considered included a Mars orbiter with a Phobos and Deimos Rendezvous; a Comet Kopff Rendezvous; a Multiple Mainbelt Asteroid Rendezvous (MMBAR); an Asteroid (Vesta) Sample Return; a Trojan Asteroid (Odysseus) Rendezvous; and a Jupiter mini Grand Tour. The purpose of the study was to determine if 'near-term' NEP technology could be used on an...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, ROBOTICS, SPACE MISSIONS,...
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254
Jul 11, 2010
07/10
by
LEBLANC, G
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DISTANCE PREDICTING METHODS FOR AIRCRAFT BRAKING PERFORMANCE IS DISCUSSED FOR THE CASE WHEN BRAKING IS NOT LIMITED BY THE BRAKES, BUT BY THE CHARACTERISTICS OF TIRE-RUNWAY CONTACT. RECENTLY DEVELOPED FIGHTER AND LARGE CAPACITY TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT REQUIRE THAT STOPPING DISTANCES AND RUNWAY LENGTHS BE ACCURATELY CORRELATED FOR DIFFERENT TOUCHDOWN VELOCITIES, WIND, AND RUNWAY CONDITIONS.
Topics: NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, SPACECRAFT CONFIGURATIONS, PAYLOADS, SPACECRAFT DESIGN, TEMPERATURE...
MPD (MagnetoPlasmaDynamic) thrusters demonstrated between 2000 and 7000 seconds specific impulse at efficiencies approaching 40 percent, and were operated continuously at power levels over 500 kW. These demonstrated capabilities, combined with the simplicity and robustness of the thruster, make them attractive candidates for application to both unmanned and manned orbit raising, lunar, and planetary missions. To date, however, only a limited number of thruster configurations, propellants, and...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), ELECTRIC ROCKET ENGINES, MAGNETOPLASMADYNAMICS, NUCLEAR...
Three Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) systems are evaluated in the context of the two following criteria: (1) power levels (P)--10-50 Mw; and (2) core life (D)--2-10 yrs. The three types of reactors are as follows: (1) high temperature gas-cooled reactors of the NERVA derivative type; (2) lithium-cooled advanced fuel pin--one-phase flow; and (3) lithium-cooled Cermet--one-phase flow. The discussion is presented in vugraph form.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), MISSION PLANNING, NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, PROPULSION...
Efforts were made to develop a thermionic energy conversion TEC technology appropriate for nuclear electric propulsion missions. This space TEC effort was complementary to the terrestrial TEC studies sponsored by the Department of Energy which had the goal of topping fossil fuel power plants. Thermionic energy conversion was a primary conversion option for space reactors because of its: (1) high operating temperature; (2) lack of moving parts; (3) modularity; (4) established technology; and (5)...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), ENERGY CONVERSION EFFICIENCY, NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION,...
The topics are presented in viewgraph form and include the following: Nevada test site geographic location; location of NRDA facilities, area 25; assessment program plan; program goal, scope, and process -- the New Nuclear Rocket Program; nuclear rocket engine test facilities; EMAD Facility; summary of final assessment results; ETS-1 Facility; and facilities cost summary.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), ENGINE TESTS, NEVADA, NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, NUCLEAR...
The nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) concept design developed in support of the Space Transfer Concepts and Analysis for Exploration Missions (STCAEM) study is presented. The evolution of the NEP concept is described along with the requirements, guidelines, and assumptions for the design. Operating modes and options are defined and a systems description of the vehicle is presented. Artificial gravity configuration options and space and ground support systems are discussed. Finally, an...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), INTERPLANETARY SPACECRAFT, LUNAR SPACECRAFT, NUCLEAR ELECTRIC...
Fission technology can enable rapid, affordable access to any point in the solar system. If fission propulsion systems are to be developed to their full potential; however, near-term customers must be identified and initial fission systems successfully developed, launched, and utilized. Successful utilization will simultaneously develop the infrastructure and experience necessary for developing even higher power and performance systems. To be successful, development programs must devise...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, PROPULSION SYSTEM...
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May 31, 2011
05/11
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Haberle, R. M.; Hollingsworth, J. L.; Colaprete, A.; Bridger, A. F. C.; McKay, C. P.; Murphy, J. R.; Schaeffer, J.; Freedman, R
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For many years, the NASA/Ames Mars General Circulation Model (GCM) has been built around the UCLA B-grid dynamical core. An attached tracer transport scheme based on the aerosol microphysical model of Toon et al. (1988) provided a tool for studying dust storm transport and feedbacks (Murphy et al., 1995). While we still use a B-grid version of the model, the Ames group is now transitioning to the ARIES/GEOS Goddard C-grid dynamical core (Suarez and Takacs, 1995). The C-grid produces smoother...
Topics: BRAYTON CYCLE, POWER CONVERTERS, NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, ENERGY CONVERSION EFFICIENCY, NUCLEAR...
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Jun 1, 2011
06/11
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Gayda, John; Gabb, Timothy P.; Ellis, David L
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Gas turbine engines for future subsonic transports will probably have higher pressure ratios which will require nickelbase superalloy disks with 1300 to 1400 F temperature capability. Several advanced disk alloys are being developed to fill this need. One of these, CH98, is a promising candidate for gas turbine engines and is being studied in NASA s Advanced Subsonic Technology (AST) program. For large disks, residual stresses generated during quenching from solution heat treatments are often...
Topics: NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, ELECTRIC POWER, GAS COOLED REACTORS, FUSION PROPULSION, PROPULSION...
Power management and distribution (PMAD) technology is discussed in the context of developing working systems for a piloted Mars nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) vehicle. The discussion is presented in vugraph form. The following topics are covered: applications and systems definitions; high performance components; the Civilian Space Technology Initiative (CSTI) high capacity power program; fiber optic sensors for power diagnostics; high temperature power electronics; 200 C baseplate...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), AEROSPACE ENGINEERING, HIGH TEMPERATURE ENVIRONMENTS,...
Multi-kilowatt electric propulsion systems are well developed and have been used on commercial and military satellites in Earth orbit for several years. Ion and Hall thrusters have also propelled robotic spacecraft to encounters with asteroids, the Moon, and minor planetary bodies within the solar system. High power electric propulsion systems are currently being considered to support piloted missions to near earth asteroids, as cargo transport for sustained lunar or Mars exploration, and for...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), ELECTRIC PROPULSION, MARS MISSIONS, NUCLEAR ELECTRIC...
The feasibility is investigated of using nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) for slow freighter ships traveling from a 500 km low Earth orbit (LEO) to the Moon's orbit about the Earth, and on to Mars. NEP is also shown to be feasible for transporting people to Mars on long conjunction-class missions lasting about nine months one way, and on short sprint missions lasting four months one way. Generally, it was not attempted to optimize ion exhaust velocities, but rather suitable parameters to...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), CHEMICAL PROPULSION, EXHAUST VELOCITY, ION PROPULSION, MANNED...
A preliminary failure mode, failure effect, and criticality analysis of the major subsystems of nuclear electric propulsion is presented. Simplified reliability block diagrams are also given. A computer program was used to calculate the reliability of the heat rejection subsystem.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION, RELIABILITY ANALYSIS, COMPUTER...
