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Computer system VISTA, automatically plots selective PERT networks in order to develop accurate, standardized scheduling documentation as an essential element to project planning. This automation of plotting networks generates standardized networks due to a priority scheme adopted for calculating paths between events.
Engineering, finance, and personnel management methods and computer techniques for cost reduction and reliability in project planning
Composite photographs of the surface flow and shadowgraphs of the shock wave pattern are presented that depict the hypersonic flow field of a typical delta wing space shuttle orbiter. Results from a wind tunnel test in air are given in side, oblique, and projected plan views for angles of attack from 0 to 60 deg. The tests were conducted at a Mach number of 7.4 and for Reynolds numbers based on body length of 6,000,000 and 9,000,000. The interrelationship is shown for the intersecting bow and wing leading edge waves with the surface flow for angles of attack for which: (1) the leading edge wave is attached, and (2) the leading edge wave is detached.
The Earth Resources Laboratory sea remote sensing program has concentrated on project planning, data acquisition procedures, and data preparation techniques to establish a firm procedural basis for the program. Most of these procedural elements were established and proven during the three missions conducted in 1971. It is anticipated that the program in 1972 will see the analysis completed on the Mississippi Sound series and the first series of Eastern Gulf experiments allowing increased emphasis to be given to more intensive technique development studies, the interrelationship of parameters for the measurement and prediction of water circulation, and the demonstration of the application of these techniques.
The author has identified the following significant results. Quasi-operational information products for coastal zone management have been prepared using ERTS-1 imagery and collateral aerial photography. These products were applied to the practical regulation, protection, and management of New Jersey's coastal environment. Procedures were developed for the operational use of ERTS-1 data products within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection. Successful analysis and product preparation for operational needs centered on four major coastal resource problem areas: (1) detection of environmental changes in coastal areas, (2) siting of ocean outfalls, (3) monitoring of offshore waste disposal, and (4) calculation of recession rates along the Atlantic Shore. The utility and monetary benefits derived from ERTS and aircraft imagery for each problem area have been determined. The NJDEP estimates the possibility of $620,000 yearly savings through the use of an operational ERTS system and a one-time savings of $2.8 million on current or planned projects if a truly operational ERTS type satellite were available.
Tasks were performed in two areas: (1) systems analysis and (2) algorithmic development. The major effort in the systems analysis task was the development of a recommended approach to the monitoring of resource utilization data for the Large Area Crop Inventory Experiment (LACIE). Other efforts included participation in various studies concerning the LACIE Project Plan, the utility of the GE Image 100, and the specifications for a special purpose processor to be used in the LACIE. In the second task, the major effort was the development of improved algorithms for estimating proportions of unclassified remotely sensed data. Also, work was performed on optimal feature extraction and optimal feature extraction for proportion estimation.
A complete description is given of the IVE physical and performance design requirements as evolved in this study. The data are presented in a format to facilitate the development of an item specification. Data were used to support the development of the project plan data (schedules, cost, etc.) contained in Volume 4 of this report.
Project planning for two series of simple experiments on the effect of zero gravity on the melting and freezing of metals and nonmetals is described. The experiments will be performed in the Long Duration Exposure Facility, and their purpose will be to study: (1) the general morphology of metals and nonmetals during solidification, (2) the location of ullage space (liquid-vapor interfaces), and (3) the magnitude of surface tension driven convection during solidification of metals and nonmetals. The preliminary design of the experiments is presented. Details of the investigative approach, experimental procedure, experimental hardware, data reduction and analysis, and anticipated results are given. In addition a work plan and cost analysis are provided.
The LANDSAT Follow-On satellite consists of two major systems: the instrument module and the Multi-Mission Modular Spacecraft (MMS). The instrument module contains the thematic mapper and the five-band multispectral scanner instruments. The instrument module also includes the solar array, the tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS) antenna, and the wideband data module. The MMS contains the modularized and standardized power, propulsion, attitude control, and command and data handling subsystems. The Shuttle will be supporting the LANDSAT Follow-On system. The LANDSAT Follow-On Project plans two Delta 3910 launches. The first is scheduled for 1981; the second Delta launch will occur as needed to keep one satellite operational on orbit. The second satellite will be ready six months after the first. It could be launched any time after that. Shuttle support of the system could begin in early 1983 but would be scheduled to start after the second Delta launch.
The AMPS Program Specification delineates the AMPS Program requirements consistent with the resources defined in the AMPS Project Plan. All subsidiary specifications and requirements shall conform to the requirements presented. The requirements hierarchy for the AMPS program is illustrated. A brief description of each of the requirements documents and their intended use is provided.
The status of the Space Transportation System (STS) is reviewed. The management structure and project planning status are discussed, including considerations of STS utilization, payloads, cost assessments, and pricing policy.
The automated multistage substructuring capability now available in NASTRAN level 16 is shown to provide a number of unexpected tools for use in both project planning and the structural design cycle. The payoffs in terms of improved design, more reliable results, and confidence are extra benefits added to the savings in cost and schedule that can be realized. To realize these advantages, some old stereotypical assumptions of what substructuring entails are must be challenged.
The Network Generation Program (NETGEN), which creates logic networks from task chart data is presented. NETGEN is written in CDC FORTRAN IV (Extended) and runs in a batch mode on the CDC 6000 and CYBER 170 series computers. Data is input via a two-card format and contains information regarding the specific tasks in a project. From this data, NETGEN constructs a logic network of related activities with each activity having unique predecessor and successor nodes, activity duration, descriptions, etc. NETGEN then prepares this data on two files that can be used in the Project Planning Analysis and Reporting System Batch Network Scheduling program and the EZPERT graphics program.
Mission and system concepts relating to the SEPS project will be discussed as well as an overview of current project planning. SEPS system concept descriptions will be limited to in-house NASA concepts. The capabilities of the in-house concepts to meet a wide range of mission requirements will be described to give an indication of potential capabilities SEPS can provide to the space mission planners.
Once potential wind turbine sites (either for single installations or clusters) are identified through siting procedures, actual evaluation of the sites must commence. This evaluation is needed to obtain estimates of wind turbine performance and to identify hazards to the machine from the turbulence component of the atmosphere. These estimates allow for more detailed project planning and for preliminary financing arrangements to be secured. The site evaluation process can occur in two stages: (1) utilizing existing nearby data, and (2) establishing and monitoring an onsite measurement program. Since step (2) requires a period of at least 1 yr or more from the time a potential site has been identified, step (1) is often an essential stage in the preliminary evaluation process. Both the methods that have been developed and the unknowns that still exist in assessing the representativeness of available data to a nearby wind turbine site are discussed. How the assessment of the representativeness of available data can be used to develop a more effective onsite meteorological measurement program is also discussed.
The space station concept was studied, and the program was defined. The project planning efforts are described.
The multihundred kilowatt electrical power aspects of a mannable space platform in low Earth orbit is analyzed from a cost and technology viewpoint. At the projected orbital altitudes, Shuttle launch and servicing are technically and economically viable. Power generation is specified as photovoltaic consistent with projected planning. The cost models and trades are based upon a zero interest rate (the government taxes concurrently as required), constant dollars (1980), and costs derived in the first half of 1980. Space platform utilization of up to 30 years is evaluated to fully understand the impact of resupply and replacement as satellite missions are extended. Such lifetimes are potentially realizable with Shuttle servicing capability and are economically desirable.
Performance parameters of the 800 x 800 three phase and virtual phase CCD imaging sensors for the planned Project Galileo and Space Telescope Wide Field/Planetary Camera are compared, and the significance of some of the parameters for device radiation performance is discussed. The problems encountered by the three phase device that resulted in its being considered not suitable for the Galileo mission are described, and the radiation hardening performed on the virtual phase device to permit it to cope with Jupiter's radiation belts is addressed. Major research tasks in the effort to advance the technology of large area virtual phase imagers are stated.