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The work reported in this paper has been conducted by a team from GE-Aircraft Engines, GE-CR&D, and Sundstrand under a contract sponsored by the USAF, Wright Laboratories, WPAFB, Contract No. F33615-90-C-2052. The objective of this contract is to prove the feasibility of an Integral Starter/Generator (IS/G) through the preliminary design stage and demonstrate the starter/ generator technology in the externally mounted version utilizing switched reluctance machine technology. This paper will report on the progress for the EIS/G-system through the initial testing stage. Comparison of the finished hardware with the design results presented earlier will lead of the paper. This is followed by the discussion of the early testing results for the system testing. Recommendation on additional testing will be presented at the end of the paper.

The approach that was utilized to start up and requalify manufacture of the thermoelectric unicouple devices for the Cassini RTG (Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator) program are described in this paper. Key elements involved in this effort were: engineering review of specifications; training of operators; manufacturing product verification runs; and management review of results. Appropriately, issues involved in activating a fabrication process that has been idle for nearly a decade, such as upgrading equipment, adhering to updated environmental, health, and safety requirements, or approving new vendors, are also addressed. The cumulative results of the startup activities have verified that a production line for this type of device can be reopened successfully.

To facilitate the development of the Space Reactor Power System (SRPS) controller, a rapid prototyping and multi-phased development methodology is being utilized. The rapid prototyping environment used in the development models both the controller and the system being controlled. Since the validation of the SRPS control strategies is a long lead activity to ensure the required safety and control features, the SRPS controller development is carried out in phases, starting with normal modes of operation and followed by transient and off-normal modes. In every phase, the rapid prototyping of the control strategies is used (1) to establish well-defined controller requirements, (2) to perform fast identification of changes and refinement of the strategies, and (3) to conduct in-phase correction and optimization of the strategy and component development.

Today's instrument panel specifications for passenger cars are also applied to most light trucks and vans because internal company standards are dictating that light trucks and vans should approach the occupant safety of existing cars. In this presentation, we will examine the traditional specifications for pre-1988 model year, which center on a few key materials and part performance properties, and the increasing number of specifications which are being called for in 1988 model year and beyond, which require altogether new materials and processing systems. (Throughout this discussion, it should be noted that in referencing “automobiles” we are including light trucks and vans.)

An organic Rankine Bottoming cycle added to Diesel engines used for long-haul trucks has the potential of improving their peak fuel economy by up to 15% over a typical duty cycle. General Electric has developed a multi-vane rotary expander which has a measured isentropic brake efficiency of 80+% over a wide range of speed and power levels with organic working fluids. High cycle efficiency for design and off-design conditions is achieved with the multi-vane expander. The potential advantages of the multi-vane expander for the Diesel engine bottoming cycle include the elimination of a high speed gear box and the potential for over 80% isentropic engine efficiency. The multi-vane expander is a ruggedly built component running at Diesel engine speed. This paper describes the design and evaluation of a nominal 40 HP multi-vane expander for this application.

The principal design features of the NASA QCSEE UnderThe-Wing and Over-The-Wing powered lift propulsion systems are given. In the UTW engine, these include noise reduction features, a variable pitch low pressure ratio fan, a fan drive reduction gear, an advanced core and low pressure turbine with a low pollution combustor, a digital control, and advanced composite construction for the inlet, fan frame, fan exhaust duct, and variable area fan exhaust nozzle. The OTW engine is similar but has higher fan pressure and a fixed pitch fan. Both engines are scheduled to be fabricated and tested starting in 1976.

Previous studies had demonstrated the economic and technical feasibility of producing high-quality forgings for aircraft turbine engine parts from hot-isostatically pressed (HIP) Rene 95 powder billets. The present program was aimed at developing a production practice for making HIP + forged turbine discs. The major goal was improved product fabricability and reliability with minimum cost. The program was conducted using argon atomized Rene 95 powder. Experimental studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of powder characteristics, HIP parameters, preform design, and forging conditions on forgeability, microstructure, and mechanical properties. The results of these studies were incorporated into a pilot production run in which 10 disc forgings were made and evaluated. The selected process involved the consolidation of -60 mesh powder to full density by hot-isostatic pressing at a temperature above the γ' solvus temperature.

A method for measurement of rolling resistance of vehicles using only a single accelerometer measurement has been developed and a simple instrument has been constructed. Results of typical measurements on large, electrically propelled off-highway trucks are discussed.

Aircraft starting and generating systems heretofore have been largely the result of joining together available components. Recent studies have demonstrated that substantial benefits in weight, cost, size, and performance may be realized through a total system approach. This paper identifies the types of information required, and the methods of system analysis employed, to design an optimized system.

A four-legged, 3000 lb, walking truck test bed has been developed and the test results have proved the feasibility of walking machines. Effectiveness of this control method where the machine mimics man’s arm and leg movements was shown by a variety of maneuverability experiments. Therefore, it has been proved that it is possible to develop this vehicle concept, and the control method involved, to effectively emulate animals in the way they travel on rough terrain. Human perception, judgment, and agility are transmitted through the machine in a manner that lets the operator easily imagine that the machine is merely an effective extension of his own appendages. The human psychomotor action, coupled with the power and ruggedness of the machine, provides a valuable marriage. It opens new vistas not only for rough terrain vehicles but also for a variety of other manipulative machines. Many jobs require the sensing acuity of man but are too tough for the frail human flesh.

Storable powerplants are needed in many applications of submerged ocean systems. On the basis of cost effectiveness alone, it is shown that storable fuel cell powerplants for fixed and slowly moving mobile systems offer significant advantages over a range from 0.005 to 30 kW in the mission energy range from 0.01 to 100 megawatt-hr. Analysis of high pressure gaseous storage (compatible with deep submergence hulls) shows significant fuel storage volume advantages over storage of cryogenic hydrogen and oxygen. A unique hybrid fuel storage system, using LOX and high pressure hydrogen at LOX temperature shows reduced displacement, compared to both gaseous and pure cryogenic systems, for modest endurance periods. Long term storage involves substantial volume penalties for cryogenic reactants. High pressure gas storage may, however, be substantially excelled on a storage volume basis by solid reagents used to produce hydrogen and oxygen for the fuel cell as needed.

This paper discusses some of the objectives, results, and implications of GE's electric vehicle and component systems developments to date. The experimental vehicle is covered in detail. The vehicle's styling, construction, materials, power system, operating costs, and performance are discussed with some alternatives and attendant economic considerations. The paper also presents a brief discussion of the power system requirements, performance, and economics of several potential electric vehicles as well as a critique of the potential power sources presently announced as having promise for electric vehicle propulsion. The paper includes pictures, tables, and graphs describing the experimental vehicle and illustrating the points discussed relative to other potential vehicles, power systems, batteries, and fuel cells.

THE CONCEPT of an electric motor mounted inside the rim of a large wheel provides several advantages: flexibility, weight and cost reductions, and adaptability to established operating and maintenance patterns. A heavy-duty traction motor drive has been designed that eliminates the need for mechanical drive lines, differentials, and hydraulic torque converters. This paper describes the gear train, lubrication system, brakes, and ventilation of such a drive. Also discussed is the engine-generator set for an electric wheel motor.*