Browse Items (165 total)

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  "A Comparison of Advanced Cooling Techniques for Rocket Thrust Chambers".

  The document is a technical paper for Astronautics and Aerospace Engineering Magazine.The copy has handwritten notes that appear to be for revisions. The abstract states "In the early days of rocket propulsion, two primary methods were employed for cooling the walls of thrust chambers. These were uncooled metal chambers where the heat sink capacity of the chamber and nozzle wall materials limited the operating duration, and regeneratively cooled chambers where one of the propellants was circulated in a cooling jacket which constituted the chamber wall. Today, there are at least fourteen different methods with variations for cooling the combustion devices and nozzles of liquid propellant, solid propellant, and/or nuclear rocket propulsion engines. It is the intent of this paper to examine these methods, to describe for each the useful range of operating conditions, as well as present and likely future applications, to define their limitations and associated problems. Emphasis is primarily placed on liquid rocket engines."
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  "A comparison of four control systems proposed for Saturn V launch vehicles."

  Presented are the results of a study comparing four proposed control systems for the first stage flight of Saturn V launch vehicles. The primary basis of comparison is the effect on structural loads, using the bending moments at three stations as load indicators. Two of the systems sense only the vehicle attitude and attitude rate, while the other two systems also sense the lateral acceleration. A yaw plane wind response analysis, including rigid body translation, rigid body rotation, four bending modes, five slosh modes, and a non ideal control system, was performed. The winds used in the study were the Marshall synthetic profile and three selected Jimsphere-measured real wind profiles. Load relief obtained from the addition of accelerometer feedback in the control loop amounted to about 10 percent at maximum bending moment station. In view of predicted structural capabilities of the vehicle, this reduction in loads was not considered sufficient to offset the added complexity and the slight reduction in rigid body stability .
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  "A survey of propulsion problems as related to space vehicle design."

  Incomplete document. Displays errors in space-vehicle design as they relate to space travel.
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  "Communication from the President of the United States transmitting the report of the President's Materials Policy Commission, June 1952."

  Includes bibliographical references.; Original format: paperback book (42 pages); Cover title: Resources for freedom : the outlook of energy resources, volume III. Contains plans and analyses of potential future energy sources.
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  "Component Failure Effect on Systems: An Analytical Model".

  Prepared by R. L. Parkhill, Section Chief, Saturn S-IVB Reliability Analysis and J. Pauperas JR., Asst. Section Chief, Saturn S-IV Reliability Analysis. Presented to the 4th Annual Seminar on Reliability for Space Vehicles, Los Angeles, California, December 6, 1963. This paper presents techniques originated by Douglas Engineering working under NASA contract NAS7-1. Prepared as a record of the study conducted for the Administrative Engineer on the Department Overhead Account No. 9703.; SUMMARY: In today's complex systems, such as Saturn, many traditional reliability analysis concepts are not acceptable. Because of time and budget restrictions, and the requirement to provide a "man rated" space vehicle, the Douglas Saturn Engineering Reliability Section has developed a new analytical approach; it is called "criticality ranking". It is a "totem pole" of components whose single failure may lead to system loss. "Criticality ranking" is one of the results of an analytical model which encompasses failure effect and reliability prediction. This paper describes this analytical model, discusses some of the techniques and ground rules, and presents examples. A discussion of the application of the results is also included.
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  "Computer Controlled Power Application for the Saturn Launch Vehicle".

  This paper describes a real-time digital computer program that controls the application of electrical power to the S-IVB stage of the Saturn vehicle at Cape Kennedy, Florida. Douglas Aircraft Company, the S-IVB stage manufacturer, provided NASA with the program requirements relative to the energizing sequence, voltage and current measurement tolerances, and vehicle system operational tests. International Business Machines Corporation provided NASA with the computer program to satisfy the task requirements. The program conjoined the components of the Electrical Support Equipment (two RCA 110A computers and control and instrumentation devices) into a closed loop system. The supporting operating system program by IBM is described.
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  "Computer Redundancy: Design, Performance, and Future".

  Discusses the importance of redundancy as a safety measure in electronic systems.
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  "Corrosion problems associated with the Saturn space vehicles."

  Corrosion problems associated with space vehicles, in general, are discussed as contrasted to those problems experienced with structures in an earth atmosphere. Primary emphasis is placed on structural alloys in this discussion, although some corrosion failures experienced in various mechanical components are described. General corrosion prevention measures are indicated, and solutions to specific corrosion failures described. Major failures experienced have been attributed to stress corrosion cracking, rather than general or galvanic type corrosion. Most such failures have occurred with only five different materials: three aluminum alloys - 7075-T6, 7079-T6, and 2024-T6; and two precipitation hardening stainless steels - 17-7PH and AM 355. Corrective actions were different in each case, but involved either a complete change to another material, a change to a different temper of the same alloy, or a modification of the heat treatment and/or general processing techniques. General conclusions are that the types of failures described could be avoided by: a more suitable selection of alloys in the initial design, a realistic review of the environments that could be encountered in the service lifetime of the component, lowering stresses, improving process controls, and effecting better familiarization of design personnel with the with the overall stress corrosion problem in an effort to reduce human error.; Preprint 18e.; Materials for re-entry and spacecraft systems - spacecraft materials.; Materials Conference, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, March 31 - April 4, 1968.
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  "Decision Procedure for Minimizing Costs of Calibrating Liquid Rocket Engines."

  Prior to acceptance of a liquid rocket engine for use in Saturn vehicles, the average thrust of two consecutive tests without an intervening calibration must satisfy specification requirements. The contractor may recalibrate after the first and subsequent tests if he so chooses, based upon decision limits, until the above requirement is met.
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  "Design and Development of a Zero-G Vapor Liquid Separator For Use in Cryogenic Fluid Power Systems."

  During long coast periods of zero-gravity, storage vessels for the cryogenic liquids proposed for use in some power transmission systems undergo random distribution of the liquid and vapor phases therein. Thus, when heat flow into the vessel causes the vessel pressure to build-up requiring venting to maintain a safe value, the likelihood of venting the valuable liquid phase, as well as the vapor, results. To preclude this eventuality, various devices for separating the liquid and vapor phases and venting just the vapor have been studied and carried into the experimentation stages.
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  "Design Concepts of Ground DDAS in Saturn 1B/V ESE."

  In the Saturn IB/V programs the sheer quantity of data required for computer processing and ESE display makes it necessary to provide an efficient data acquisition system. For much of the data originating in the launcher this requirement is satisfied by the Ground Digital Data Acquisition System (DDAS). This paper provides a technical description of the Ground DDAS with emphasis placed on the unique design concepts of this telemetry system.
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  "Development Effort to Achieve Reliability."

  Presented at the 6th West Coast Reliability Symposium, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 20 February 1965.The development of a large liquid rocket engine can represent the expenditure of several hundred million dollars of effort. Before 30 percent of the contracted development funds have been expended, however, the engine will probably have operated for the mission duration. The capability to operate at least one successful test early in a development program is evidence of achieving a minimal reliability level, but the major objective of the development program is producing a design which performs reliably. A rocket engine reliability prediction must view reliability as a dynamic concept, constantly being altered by development effort.
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  "Development of LOX-Hydrogen Engines for the Saturn Apollo Launch Vehicles."

  During the development of the RL-10 and J-2 engines, many problems were encountered. Solutions to the significant problems are contained. A description of these LOX-Hydrogen engines, outlining the unique features of each will be given. Performance parameters for both engine systems are tabulated. Specific applications to various stages are shown.
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  "Development of LOX/RP-1 Engines for Saturn/Apollo Launch Vehicles."

  The development of liquid rocket engines follow similar patterns regardless of engine size. During the development of the H-1 and F-1 engines, many problems were encountered. Methods of solving the combustion instability problem are discussed. A description is given of the major components of each engine, outlining their unique features. The requirements for an insulation cocoon are discussed. Problems associated with materials substitution are provided; also highlighted is the fact that problems occur after engine deliveries and require continued development support. Safety features incorporated on the engines are mentioned. Solution to problems encountered in flight are discussed. Upratings of both engines systems are presented graphically.; On the NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) unclassified. Can also be found on AIAA.
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  "Development of Separable Connectors for the Saturn S-IV Stage."

  The purpose of this paper is to present information, in the area of separable connectors as they pertain to the Saturn S-IV Program.
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  "Development of the NASA/Grumman Lunar Module."

  Paper regarding the actions and achievement of the Grumman Aerospace Corporation.
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  "Development of the Saturn S-IV and S-IVB Liquid Hydrogen Tank Internal Insulation."

  In April of 1960 the Douglas Aircraft Company was awarded a contract to develop the second and uppermost stage for the Saturn I space booster. In order to realize the high specific impulse available, this stage, called the S-IV, was to utilize liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen as the propellants. After burn-out of the first stage, the S-IV Stage was to ignite its engines at an altitude of approximately 200,000 feet, burn for approximately 8 minutes, and inject a 20,000 lb spacecraft into a low earth orbit. This program represented Douglas's first major endeavor with liquid hydrogen. It was necessary to develop an insulation for the S-IV Stage that was capable of withstanding the thermal shock associated with loading, could provide adequate insulative properties to limit the flow of heat into the hydrogen, and was of minimum weight. This latter fact cannot be over emphasized because every extra pound of insulation is one less pound of available payload weight.
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  "Digest of FY-64 Funded Advanced Studies: August 1966."

  This paper outlines the major advantages of digital transducers and describes the principles and features (1) direct digital transducers, (2) indirect digital transducers, (3) quasi-digital transducers, and (4) A to D transducers. The mutual effect of transducers and systems will be discussed briefly, and some trends of transducer research and development will be presented.
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  "Digital Simulation of an Aerospace Vehicle."

  The rapid development of computer technology and the creation of new engineering oriented languages has established that general purpose digital computers are now extremely suitable to perform simulation of large scale physical systems. With Aerospace Vehicle Simulation (AVS), an effort has been undertaken at MSFC to simulate continuous and discrete dynamics of an aerospace vehicle and its ground support equipment on a large digital computer. This simulation produces a copy of the physical vehicle configuration and its functions in the form of a large scale mathematical model in the computer. AVS will be an essential part of an integrated information system which can be used by several laboratories and offices at MSFC for the design, checkout, test, and management of aerospace vehicles.
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  "Digital Transducers."

  This paper outlines the major advantages of digital transducers and describes the principles and features (1) direct digital transducers, (2) indirect digital transducers, (3) quasi-digital transducers, and (4) A to D transducers.
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  "Dynamic Environments of the S-IV and S-IVB Saturn Vehicles."

  The vibration and acoustic environments of the S-IV and S-IVB Stages of the Saturn vehicle are summarized. A brief review of techniques used to predict the dynamic environments of the S-IV and S-IVB vehicles is presented. This review includes discussions on the prediction of rocket exhaust noise, boundary layer noise, sinusoidal vibrations, and random vibrations for the S-IV and S-IVB vehicles. In addition, sine-random vibration conversions are given.
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  "Dynamic Problems in Launch Vehicles and Spacecraft."

  Addresses improving spacecraft safety by resolving various known dynamic problems.
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  "Effects of High-Pressure Hydrogen on Steels."

  Hydrogen embrittlement of steels is hardly a new subject, but the effects of high-pressure hydrogen have been treated in detail only more recently and to a much more limited extent. Thus, most investigations of hydrogen embrittlement have been concerned with hydrogen in metals, while for the high-pressure hydrogen problem, we are more concerned with metals in(in contact with) hydrogen. I believe there is a difference and, certainly,different mechanisms of embrittlement are at least possible.; Presented at the Central Florid Section, American Welding Society, Orlando, Florida, 14 November 1967 and North Alabama Chapter, American Society for Metals, Huntsville, Alabama, 16 November 1967.
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  "Engineering Safety Into Missile-Space Systems."

  Safety Engineering, as applied to complex missile and space systems, has developed a new methodology referred to as "System Safety Engineering." The requirement for a comprehensive approach to safety which is included as a contractually covered adjunct to the design, development, and operational phases of a systems life cycle has become apparent from costly missile mishap experience. The general concepts and accomplishments of this new engineering discipline are described along with possible beneficial relationships with Reliability and other recognized organizational elements engaged in safety related activities.
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  "Extensions of Saturn."

  This paper discusses the possible applications of Saturn vehicles to future space exploration. Potential missions utilizing Apollo derived hardware are examined. Research, development, and operations in earth orbit as well as lunar exploration, unmanned and manned interplanetary exploration are reviewed. These hypothetical missions are discussed in the context of the present and potential capability of three configurations of the Saturn vehicle; an uprated Saturn I, a three-stage Saturn V and a four-stage Saturn V. NOTE: Work presented herein was conducted by the Douglas Missiles and Space Systems Division under company-sponsored research and development funds. Therefore, the concepts and objectives described within this paper reflect the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily constitute endorsement by NASA, the Air Force, or any other U.S. Government organization. The nominal performance numbers presented are typical of the current configurations and possible future vehicle configurations.
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  "Fabricating the Saturn S-IC Booster."

  AIAA Second Annual Meeting, San Francisco, California. Discusses the fabrication process of the Saturn S-IC booster.
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  "Flight Software Development Laboratory."

  A man-in-the-loop computer facility has been created using a digital computer, display terminal,and space vehicle flight computer to enable programmers to check out flight programs in a simulated space flight environment. The simulation requires a real time multi-programmed environment, which is supplied by a control system capable of scheduling programs on 32 levels of priority interrupt as well as answering demands for service at the display terminal. A special interface device permits visibility and control of the flight program as it executes in the flight computer. On-line inputs from the programmer at the display terminal and outputs from data collection and reduction routines to the display screen are executed in real time. The Flight Software Development Laboratory has proved to be very useful in reducing program preparation time and increasing flight program confidence.
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  "Fulfilling the Aerospace Engineer's Responsibility for Product Reliability."

  The management techniques described in the paper support the Saturn S-IVB Program which is being conducted for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Marshall Space Flight Center.
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  "Government Grants & Contracts."

  The Army medical contract, grant, and research interest in the bio-science area.
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  "Helium Utilization in the Apollo/Saturn V Vehicle."

  Helium is used extensively throughout the Apollo/Saturn V space vehicle for a number of applications. The welding use is not discussed since it is a special topic. In the first stage (S-IC), helium is used for liquid oxygen tank pressurization during vehicle checkout and launch.
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  "High Energy Missions for Saturn."

  Presented to Society of Automotive Engineers, Advanced Launch Vehicle & Propulsion Systems. When the Apollo lunar landing project is complete, the Saturn and Apollo hardware will only have begun to realize their ultimate potential for space exploration. The immense reserve of Apollo technology, facilities, and booster capability can then be directed to the achievement of national goals which lie far beyond the initial lunar landing. In achieving the Apollo lunar objectives, large investments will have been made in launch facilities, tracking systems, propulsion techniques, reentry systems, lunar landing systems and rendezvous technologies. Although developnent in these specialized areas has been tailored to the needs of Apollo, numerous studies by NASA and industry have demonstrated the feasibility of using the spacecraft, launch vehicles, and operating techniques for missions far more complex than lunar landings. Amortization of this hardware will prove cost-effective for missions of more sophisticated applications.
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  "History of MSFC Reliability Philosophy."

  Paper given to North East Chapter , Mississippi Society of Professional Engineers. Essay discussing the history of the MSFC Reliability Philosophy.
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  "Improving the Uprated Saturn I."

  This paper discusses five improved versions of the Uprated Saturn I that were studied by the Chrysler Corporation Space Division, supported by the Douglas Aircraft Corporation.
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  "Instrumentation Programming for Computer Controlled Digital Data Processing."

  A number of considerations are necessary in instrumentation programming, many of which are either not applicable or applicable to a lesser degree in other types of programming. This paper discusses these problems in general terms and illustrates how they have been dealt with specifically. The latter is done by describing the programming and operation of a data reduction system.
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  "Liquid Rocket Engines."

  This paper presents a discussion on liquid propellant rocket engines. The first part contains a discussion on liquid propellants, including a description of various propellant types such as cryogenic, storable,bipropellant, and monopropellant. This part also points out desirable physical properties and includes a section on performance outlining the methods by which performance is calculated and shows performance for various liquid rocket propellant combinations.
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  "Liquid Rocket Propellant Compatibility Testing."

  Material-propellant compatibility as related to liquid rocket propulsion system design criteria is discussed and applicable test methods to derive usable design data are presented. Test methods, with emphasis on metallic materials, are discussed and the shortcomings of a number of these test methods are pointed out. These tests include static immersion tests, stress-corrosion tests, flow tests, impact tests, and tests to determine the effect of cracks and notches in metals on compatibility. A general outline for the evaluation of metallic and nonmetallic materials with respect to propellant compatibility is presented.
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  "Man, Machine, and Automatic Test Operations."

  Essay detailing the relationship between men and machines."
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  "Management problems faced in making future manned space exploration decisions."

  This paper presents in synoptic form, an analysis of the management problems being faced in making fuhlre manned spaceflight decisions. It is an attempt to view the manned space program in total perspective - its relationship to other scientific research, other national programs, the role of Congress, the President's role, industry's role, and then show their relative influence and impact on decisior, making for the Post-Apollo period.
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  "Manned Launch Vehicle Development."

  Includes handwritten notes. Includes references to slides. Essay remarking on how space vehicles will interact on the moon's surface.
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  "Manned Lunar Landing via Rendezvous."

  Paper to be presented at the IAS National Meeting on Manned Space Flight. Focuses on operations leading to injection of the space craft into the lunar transfer trajectory.