NASA researchers recently demonstrated successful real-time fault detection and isolation of a virtual reusable launch vehicle main propulsion system. Using a detailed simulation of a vehicle propulsion system to produce synthesized sensor readings, the NASA team demonstrated that advanced diagnostic algorithms, running on flight-like computers, can, in real time, successfully diagnose the pres...

In this paper, a fully-distributed system-level control architecture is described for dispatching, routing, and collision avoidance of multiple passive vehicles moving in a guideway network formed by a multitude of propulsion units. Propulsion units cooperate using a communication network with a topology identical to that of the guideway network, eliminating the need for explicit knowledge of g...

OBJECTIVE To investigate the characteristics of mechanical energy and power flow of the upper limb during wheelchair propulsion. DESIGN Mechanical energy and power flow of segments were calculated. BACKGROUND Very few studies have taken into account the mechanical energy and power flow of the musculoskeletal system during wheelchair propulsion. Mechanical energy and power flow have proven t...

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...

A novel multi-mode spacecraft propulsion concept is presented. The concept combines chemical monopropellant and electric pulsed inductive thruster technology to include shared propellant and shared conical nozzle. Geometry calculations show that existing conical pulsed inductive thruster experiments are typical of large (1000-4000 N) chemical monopropellant thruster nozzles. Performance and pro...

Over the last 10 years the electrical propulsion fleet grew three times faster than the world fleet. This paper provides an overlook of the main drivers supporting this impressive growth and explores supporting drivers for future growth. The paper also explores two emerging technologies in electrical propulsion and distribution and how these influence ship design: DC distribution and energy sto...