Search Results

A predictive automatic gear shift system is currently under development. The system optimizes the gear shift process, taking the conditions of the road ahead into account, such that the fuel consumption is minimized. An essential part of the system is a module that predicts the vehicle speed dynamics: This calculates a speed trajectory, i.e. the most probable vehicle speed the driver will desire for the upcoming section of the route. In the paper the theoretical background for predicting the vehicle speed, and simulation results of the predictive shift algorithm are presented.

The BepiColombo mission to planet Mercury requires the availability of advanced thermal control materials to cope with the extreme heat and radiation fluxes exposed to in the vicinity of Mercury. In a first activity, a new Multi-Layer Insulation has been developed able to withstand the high temperatures and particle fluxes. Advanced materials are used in the MLI for the reflection screens as well as for the spacers. In addition, a sun shield has been defined using a ceramic fabric. In a current activity a Solar Reflector Coating, an Optical Surface Reflector and an Infrared Rejection Device are being developed. This paper presents the current status in the development of the thermal insulation and other thermal control components required for the BepiColombo mission. The selection of the materials is presented and, as far as already available, results from the characterization testing.

The Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) is an unpressurized payload accommodation pallet located in the Space Shuttle cargo bay, which is designed to meet the International Space Station (ISS) logistics challenge on a commercial basis. The ICC is a pallet of modular design that meets standard Orbiter payload bay interfaces, and is used for Space Station re-supply of equipment and experiments. Within the Spacehab/Astrium cooperation, Astrium is responsible for ICC Mission and Integration Management as well as analytical (structural/thermal/electrical) and physical payload integration. This paper will focus on the thermal aspects to demonstrate these procedures. It will describe the input data/models provided by the payload responsibles, the way these data are incorporated into the overall thermal model and the first worst case analyses conducted to validate the ICC/payload system. This will be done using the example of the ICC 7A.1 logistics mission to the ISS.

This paper documents research sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to investigate the effects of alternative paint removal methods on aircraft structure. Industry data and specifications were identified that describe the effects and proper use of Plastic Media Blasting (PMB) on aircraft structures. A supplemental test program provided data on the specific substrate materials of interest to the FAA, anodized and alclad 2024-T3 aluminum in 0.032, 0.040, and 0.050-inch thicknesses. A technology survey of alternative paint removal methods was conducted, examining paint removal effectiveness, effect on the substrate, environmental impact, worker safety, and cost.