Distributed propulsion and lightweight structures on transport aircraft pose a significant opportunity to meet next generation aircraft requirements including reduced fuel burn/emissions and enhanced takeoff/landing performance. The objective of this research is to conduct multidisciplinary design analysis and optimization to demonstrate a novel concept of flexible wing shaping aircraft using d...

Controllable propulsion of microscale and nanoscale devices enhanced with additional functionality would enable the realization of miniaturized robotic swimmers applicable to transport and assembly, actuators, and drug delivery systems. Following biological examples, existing magnetically actuated microswimmers have been designed to use flexibility or chirality, presenting fabrication challenge...

We present a detailed analysis of the self-propulsion of a model nanometer-scale motor by reactive molecular dynamics simulations. The nanomotor is decorated with catalysts on only one side that promotes exothermic reactions of the surrounding fuel. Unidirectional drift of the nanomotor is observed that is superimposed on its Brownian motion. The motor response upon the application of external ...

Laboratory-based simulators afford many advantages for studying physiology and biomechanics; however, they may not perfectly mimic wheelchair propulsion over natural surfaces. The goal of this study was to compare kinetic and temporal parameters between propulsion overground on a tile surface and on a dynamometer. Twenty-four experienced manual wheelchair users propelled at a self-selected spee...

Future reusable launch vehicles will depend on new propulsion technologies to lower system operational costs while maintaining adequate performance. Recently, a number of vehicle systems utilizing rocket-based combinedcycle (RBCC) propulsion have been proposed as possible low-cost space launch solutions. Vehicles using RBCC propulsion have the potential to combine the best aspects of airbreathi...

Little is known about how dynamic acceleration affects wheelchair-rider comfort. The current study was to test both the operation of an instrumented wheelchair by a wheelchair user over a Simulated Road Course (SRC) and the operation of the same instrumented wheelchair during normal daily activities (a field test) by test subjects. Sixteen subjects participated in the protocol. A SRC allowed co...

Wheelchair propulsion kinetic measurements require the use of custom pushrim force/moment measuring instruments which are not currently commercially available. With the ability to measure pushrim forces and moments has come the development of several dynamic metrics derived for analyzing key aspects of wheelchair propulsion. This paper presents several of the equations used to calculate or deri...

NASA’s Hyper-X Research Vehicle will provide a unique opportunity to obtain data on an operational airframe integrated scramjet propulsion system at true flight conditions. The airframe integrated nature of the scramjet engine with the Hyper-X vehicle results in a strong coupling effect between the propulsion system operation and the airframe’s basic aerodynamic characteristics. Comments on gen...

The Space Propulsion Robust Analysis Tool (SPRAT) project is developing technology support Space Shuttle ground operations personnel as they manage and carry out mission preparation analysis and related analyses in missions. The initial SPRAT prototype provides intelligent support and automation for mission analysis set-up and documentation for Propulsion consumables analysis. SPRAT models the ...

High-speed permanent magnet synchronous machines are of great interest in the applications where high utilization factor and e ciency are required. Depending on application, power requirements change from kilowatts to megawatts. To investigate power limits of high-speed machines, the present feasibility study focuses on a 20 megawatt (MW) electric drive for marine propulsion. However, in additi...