Address
MS 4-2
21000 Brookpark Road
Cleveland, OH 44135-3191
United StatesDescription
The Glenn Research Center investigates space
operations, aerospace technology and technologies needed for space
exploration such as power, propulsion, communications, fluids and
combustion, materials, structures, mechanical components, and
instrumentation and controls. Research is conducted that advances
both aeronautics and space including power and energy-conversion
systems; aircraft, space, and planetary communications; high
temperature propulsion materials; propulsion structures; mechanisms
and mechanical systems; and tribology and surface science. Research
and development work related to space exploration is performed in
the areas of in-space propulsion and nuclear systems; fluids
combustion and reacting subsystems, including gravity dependence;
systems integration and analysis; human research; and microgravity
science. Aerospace technology focuses on advanced turbine engine
propulsion and power systems; turbine engine noise reduction;
propulsion control and engine health management; instrumentation
systems; avionics; aircraft icing research; modeling and
simulation; and alternative fuel systems.
Mission
The Glenn Research Center's mission is to
work as a diverse team in partnership with government, industry,
and academia to increase national wealth, safety, and security,
protect the environment, and explore the universe. Glenn develops
and transfers critical technologies that address national
priorities through research, technology development, and systems
development for safe and reliable aeronautics, aerospace, and space
applications.
Technology Disciplines
Displaying 1 - 10 of 439
"NASA Flywheel" for iPad
Description:
Augmented reality application intended to highlight NASA Glenn's research efforts in the area of flywheel energy storage systems. The app utilizes a printed optical target, available on the GRC Flywheel Program brochure and through the NASA Glenn web portal, to present users with 3D views of flywheel hardware and space applications. Additional video and imagery are also inlcuded in the application package. The software has been compiled and bundled as an iOS app for the iPad and intended for release through the Apple App Store.
Details
| Internal Lab Reference ID | LEW-19133-1 |
| Patent Status | Open Source |
"NASA Glenn Research Center: The Early Years" for iPad
Description:
Photographic gallery type application containing imagery and descriptions from the GRC image archive. Photos and data cover the period from 1941-1979. The software has been compiled and bundled as an iOS app for the iPad and intended for release through the Apple App Store.
Details
| Internal Lab Reference ID | LEW-18993-1 |
| Patent Status | Open Source |
A Comprehensive C Controller For A Magnetically Supported Vertical Rotor: Version 1.0
Description:
FATMaCC (Five-Axis, Three-Magnetic-Bearing Control Code), is a versatile control code that possesses many desirable features that were not available in previous in-house controllers. The ultimate goal in designing this code was to achieve full rotor levitation and control at a loop time of 50 s. Using a 1-GHz processor the code will control a five-axis system in either a decentralized or a more elegant centralized (model control) mode at loop time of 56 s. In addition, it will levitate and control (with only minor modification to the input-output wiring) a two-axis and / or a four-axis system. Stable rotor levitation and control of any of the system mentioned above are accomplished through appropriate key presses to modify parameters, such as stiffness, damping, and bias. A signal generation block provides 11 excitation signals. An excitation signal is then superimposed on the radial bearing x- and y- control signals, thus producing a resultant force vector. By modulating the signals on the bearing x0 and y- axes with a cosine and sine function, respectively, a radial excitation force vector is made to rotate 360 about the bearing geometric center. The rotation of the force vector is achieved manually by using key press or automatically by engaging the " one-per-revolution" feature. Rotor rigid body modes can be excited by using the excitation module. Depending on the polarities of the excitation signal in each radial bearing, the bounce or tilt mode will be excited
Details
| Internal Lab Reference ID | LEW-17293-1 |
| Patent Status | U.S. Release Only |
A Giant Step in Jetliner Propulsion
Description:
GE Aircraft's GE90 is a high bypass turbofan jetliner engine capable of well over 84,700 pounds thrust. The turbofan is a propulsion system that compresses some of the air taken in, burns it in a combuster and expells it to generate power for driving the fan and compressor. A greater amount of air bypasses the combustion process. The GE90 pushes the cooler bypass air rearward with a fan to mix it with the hot exhaust gas; the result is a gain in thrust with minimal fuel expenditure. Over a billion dollars and several years went into its development, which included incorporating technologies developed by Lewis Research Center work done in the 1970s and from projects with SNECMA of France. The engine will power the 777 and other subsonic commercial widebodies.
Details
| Internal Lab Reference ID | GRC-SO-128 |
A Lifetime of Shine
Description:
Moen Incorporated identified a market need for more durable polished brass plumbing fixtures. NASA's Glenn Research Center is a leader in surface coating technology, which enhances the physical properties of a wide range of materials. The collaborative efforts of Glenn and Moen resulted in a new polished brass finish called LifeShine.R Based on testing results generated at NASA Glenn, Moen was able to manufacture an affordable, polished brass finish that is as durable as chrome, and resists deterioration. LifeShine is guaranteed to resist normal wear and tear and is even scratch-resistant to cleaning products as abrasive as steel wool. Moen was able to incorporate other colors into the LifeShine finish technology including classic gold, nickel, SatineT, Black OpalT, stainless, and copper. The company added titanium to LifeShine, making the finish even stronger and increasing its already superior durability. Highly resistant to salt and humidity, the LifeShine finish will remain intact even when the fixture is dented.
Details
| Internal Lab Reference ID | GRC-SO-21 |
A Look from the Inside
Description:
The cutting-edge imaging technology that enhances NASA's Hubble Space Telescope images is now helping physicians to perform micro-invasive arthroscopic surgery, which is the visual examination of an interior joint. Through a Space Act Agreement with Glenn Research Center, Micro Medical Devices, Inc., gained access to NASA's image enhancement expertise and technology in order to refine its micro-endoscope, a tool that enables surgeons to view what is happening inside the body on a screen, eliminating the need for a more invasive diagnostic procedure. The resulting product, the InnerVueT Diagnostic Scope System, is used in an office or outpatient service to evaluate conditions within a joint. While the InnerVue scope is primarily being applied to the knee and shoulder, other small joints such as the wrist, elbow, and ankle are being investigated. The scope only requires local anesthetic, allowing the patient to be alert during the procedure. Since the patient does not need to go offsite for testing, the InnerVue system puts a dynamic and active diagnostic test in the hands of the physician. The patient receives only one needle poke and may walk out of the office immediately after the procedure. InnerVueT is a trademark of Arthrotek, Inc.
Details
| Internal Lab Reference ID | GRC-SO-9 |
A Method for Reducing Broadband Noise
Description:
This NASA technology is ideally suited to absorb sounds below 1000 Hz (at the low end of human auditory range), which commercially available materials have struggled to absorb effectively. NASA innovators designed the acoustic liner to mimic the geometry and the low-frequency acoustic absorption of natural reeds. To provide excellent noise absorption that endures even in a variety of challenging conditions, researchers have created and tested prototypes of acoustic filters using thin and lightweight parallel-stacked tubes one-fourth to three-eights of an inch in diameter. The assembly can feature a porous or perforated face sheet positioned on one or more sides of the acoustic absorber layer to increase noise-reduction capability as needed. These filters have demonstrated exceptional acoustic absorption coefficients in the frequency range of 400 to 3000 Hz. Results indicate that these assemblies can be additively manufactured from synthetic materials, generally plastic; however, ceramics, metals, or other materials can also be used. The reeds can be narrow or wide, hollow or solid, straight or bent, etc., giving this acoustic liner remarkable flexibility and versatility to meet the needs of virtually any application. This technology effectively demonstrates that a new class of structures can now be considered for a wide range of environments and applications that need durable, lightweight, broadband acoustic absorption that is effective at various frequencies, particularly between 400 and 3000 Hz.
Abstract
Researchers at NASA's Glenn and Langley Research Centers have developed a groundbreaking bio-mimicking acoustic liner for quieting noisy environments. Conventional approaches have not been able to absorb sound effectively in the 400-3000 Hz range, thereby subjecting humans to excessive noise pollution at the low end of the auditory range. The NASA innovation relies on parallel-stacked tube filters, which improve noise reduction in this range by as much as 25% over conventional melamine or honeycomb solutions. Inspired by the structure of natural reeds, these porous tubes are arranged to maximize acoustic absorption while also realizing significant benefits in weight, size, and extreme-temperature functionality. Since broadband noise represents one of the most significant potential environmental constraints to increasing capacity, efficiency, and flexibility in a host of different arenas, this technology could prove invaluable in multiple applications including aircraft cabin liners, school buses and other vehicles, industrial environments, and building construction.
Benefits
Effective: Proven to reduce noise between 400 and 3000 Hz
Sub Title:
Thin and lightweight broadband acoustic absorbers inspired by nature
Details
| Internal Lab Reference ID | LEW-TOPS-109 |
| Patent Issue Date | Aug 16, 2017 |
Lab Representative
P:
216-433-3484A Method for Thermal Spraying of Coatings Using Resonant Pulsed Combustion
Description:
Unlike traditional thermal sprayer systems, this state-of-the-art resonant pulse combustion thermal sprayer is being designed to require no high-pressure fuel or air supply. Instead, fuel is naturally aspirated from the tank through one tube line and into the pulsejet, and air for initial ignition is ported through another line. Once operation begins, this air is no longer needed as additional air is naturally aspirated through the inlet. The feedstock for the metal coating is in rod form and easily inserted through an access port in the side of the device into the combustion chamber, resulting in a less expensive solution as compared to traditional powder coating systems.
Thrust from the combustor creates a periodic, high-speed jet, which is emitted from the tailpipe, downstream of the combustion chamber. The metal to be deposited melts in the combustion chamber, and then is carried downstream and ejected from the tailpipe at high speed where it impinges and solidifies on the target surface. The pulsejet operates only long enough to melt the material and deposit it onto the target, so the material spends minimal time in the combustion chamber. This feature avoids overheating and therefore forestalls problematic chemical changes such as oxidation. This non-steady combustion process also generates much higher impingement velocities that greatly enhance adhesion and add durability. NASA's device is mechanically simple and has potential to be used to create a mobile, high-volume spray unit.
This is an early-stage technology requiring additional development. Glenn welcomes co-development opportunities.
Abstract
Innovators at NASA's Glenn Research Center are developing a revolutionary way to apply a protective metal coating to otherwise vulnerable materials. This method takes resonant pulse combustion technology currently used for flight propulsion and makes it available in a handheld thermal spraying system. Normally, thermal spraying involves a steady combustion process that requires a supply of high-pressure fuel and oxidizer to achieve the high velocities necessary for adhesion. This process can lead to material remaining in the heating chamber for long periods of time, increasing the chances of coating-material oxidation. NASA's method of using resonant pulsed combustion in a thermal spray system produces very high velocities without a high-pressure supply, along with very short residence times. These upgrades greatly increase the ease and effectiveness of the coating process, even while reducing its cost.
Benefits
Better adhesion: Higher-velocity spray leads to more complete impingement on the surface material.
Sub Title:
Cutting-edge thermal spraying system applies metal coatings with improved adhesion and protection
Details
| Internal Lab Reference ID | LEW-TOPS-29 |
| Patent Number | 7,763,325 |
| Patent Issue Date | Aug 11, 2015 |
Lab Representative
P:
216-433-3484A Powerful New Engine
Description:
Through Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding from NASA's Glenn Research Center, Moller International created a new coating for rotary engines, which significantly improves the fuel consumption of a vehicle while reducing emissions. The new coatings are offered in the new RotapowerR engine, which is produced and distributed by Moller subsidiary, Freedom Motors, Inc. The coating allows the Rotapower engine to function smoother than other models, reducing wear and protecting the engine. The Rotapower engine has the ability to operate on a variety of fuels, including gasoline, natural gas, diesel, alcohol, and kerosene. A small and lightweight engine, it is projected to replace many of today's bulkier versions. The 10 horsepower model fits in the palm of one's hand, while the 160 horsepower model fits into a 5-gallon bucket. The clean running Rotapower engine is environmentally appealing, because it eliminates over 98 percent of the total emissions given off by traditional piston engines. Fewer pollutants are spewed into the air, making it especially attractive in areas where air pollution is a major problem. Due to the clean-burning nature of the engine, it meets the stringent standards set by the California Air Resources Board.
Details
| Internal Lab Reference ID | GRC-SO-19 |
A Software Platform for Post-Processing Waveform-Based NDE - V2.0
Description:
A Software Platform for Post-Processing Waveform-Based NDE - V2.0The NDE Wave
Details
| Internal Lab Reference ID | LEW-18460-1 |
| Patent Status | U.S. Release Only |
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Displaying 51 - 58 of 58
Structural Static Laboratory
Address:
21000 Brookpark Road
Cleveland
Region:
P: 2164333304Security Clearance : Non Security LabSquare Footage: 0 Structural testing is performed to verify the structural integrity of space flight and ground test hardware. Testing is also performed to verify the finite element analysis by measuring stiffness and induced stress at points in a test article. A structural test can be used to verify the modes of failure of a design when exposed to simulated service loads.
Turbomachinery Technology Facilities (ERB Complex)
Vacuum Facility 11 (VF-11) Bldg. 16
Vacuum Facility 12 (VF-12) Bldg. 301
Vacuum Facility 16 (VF-16) Bldg. 16
Vacuum Facility 7 (VF-7) Bldg. 16
Zero Gravity Research Facility (Zero-G)
Address:
21000 Brookpark Road
Cleveland
Region:
P: 2164333304Security Clearance : Non Security LabSquare Footage: 0 The Zero Gravity Research Facility (Zero-G) provides a near weightless or microgravity environment for a duration of 5.18 seconds. This is accomplished by allowing the experiment vehicle to free fall a distance of 132 meters.
Pages
The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive
Research,or EPSCoR,establishes partnerships with
government, higher education and industry that are designed to
effect lasting improvements in a state's or region's research
infrastructure, R&D capacity and hence, its national R&D
competitiveness.
The EPSCoR program is directed at those jurisdictions that have not
in the past participated equably in competitive aerospace and
aerospace-related research activities. Twenty-four states, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam
currently participate.Fivefederal agencies conduct
EPSCoR programs, including NASA.
NASA EPSCoR Jurisdictions and their Directors
View
EPSCoR Directors by State/Jurisdiction
The goal of EPSCoR is to provide seed funding that will enable
jurisdictions to develop an academic research enterprise directed
toward long-term, self-sustaining, nationally-competitive
capabilities in aerospace and aerospace-related research.
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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory and the State of Ohio to address the recurrence of harmful algal bloom (HAB) events in the Great Lakes.
Generally within a 4- to 8-week period in late summer, HABs pose a significant threat to humans and wildlife, form, spread, and then disappear. HABs commonly contain a toxin called microcystin, which poses a threat to human health and wildlife. For humans, microcystin can cause serious liver damage and has been linked to pansteatitis, a condition in which body fat becomes inflamed. Some scientists suggest a link between the presence of microcystin in drinking water and some forms of liver and colorectal cancer.
The toxin also can cause mass deaths of fish, and consuming them proves harmful. Early detection can minimize threats of toxic drinking water, provide alerts to close recreational areas around the Great Lakes, and decrease the potential for toxic fish entering the marketplace. Current remote sensing technologies used to monitor these events are limited. High-resolution satellite data (i.e., Landsat) provide spatial data, but are not capable of providing the spectral resolution needed to differentiate a HAB from a non-harmful algal bloom. Water sampling methods, which are time-consuming and expensive, had been prevalent.
The NASA-NOAA-Ohio collaboration used a hyperspectral imager mounted to NASA research aircraft. Hyperspectral imaging divides the electromagnetic spectrum into a multitude of bands that can be used to identify a spectral “signature” for a range of organism types. Hyperspectral imaging was used to detect the pigment phycocyanin, an indicator of microcystis, in low concentrations. NASA aircraft flew several missions over the Great Lakes while NOAA collected water samples for direct comparison. The hyperspectral imager scanned several sites in the central and western basins of Lake Erie, documenting concentrations of the algal pigment phycocyanin. The teams calibrated the results between the aerial remote sensing and the water sample measurements.
The close match suggested the unique hyperspectral signature for HABs, potentially allowing scientists to identify their formation early and reliably through remote sensing. The Great Lakes are the nation’s most important freshwater resource, with more than 60 million people in the region utilizing them for drinking water, transportation, recreation, food production, and manufacturing.
The Great Lakes:
- Contain over 80 percent of the U.S. supply of surface freshwater
- Contain 18 percent of the total global supply of freshwater
- Provide more than 500 beaches for recreation • Supply drinking water to more than 40 million U.S. and Canadian citizens
- Provide 56 billion gallons of water daily for municipal, agricultural, and industrial use.
These numbers demonstrate the imperative nature of monitoring the Great Lakes to address toxic conditions and underscore the importance of improved technologies to do so.
