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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 361 records · Page 20

Effects of Air-Fuel Spray and Flame Formation in a Compression-Ignition Engine

High-speed motion pictures were taken at the rate of 2,500 frames per second of the fuel spray and flame formation in the combustion chamber of the NACA combustion apparatus. The compression ratio was 13.2 and the speed 1,500 revolutions per minute. An optical indicator was used to record the time-pressure relationship in the combustion chamber. The air-fuel ratio was varied from 10.4 to 365. The results showed that as the air-fuel ratio was increased definite stratification of the charge occurred in the combustion chamber even though moderate air flow existed. The results also showed the rate of vapor diffusion to be relatively slow.

Rothrock, A M↗

Non-Rocket Missile Rope Launcher

The method, installation, and estimation for delivering payload and missiles into outer space are presented. This method uses, in general, the engines and straight or closed-loop cables disposed on a planet surface. The installation consists of a space apparatus, power drive stations located along trajectory of the apparatus, the cables connected to the apparatus and to the power stations, a system for suspending the cable, and disconnected device. The drive stations accelerate the apparatus up to hypersonic speed. The estimations and computations show the possibility of making these projects a reality in a short period of time (see attached project: launcher for missiles and loads). The launch will be very cheap $1-$2 per LB. We need only light strong cable, which can be made from artificial fibers, whiskers, nanotubes, which exist in industry and scientific laboratories.

Bolonkin, Alexander↗

Stand-alone digital data storage control system including user control interface

A storage control system includes an apparatus and method for user control of a storage interface to operate a storage medium to store data obtained by a real-time data acquisition system. Digital data received in serial format from the data acquisition system is first converted to a parallel format and then provided to the storage interface. The operation of the storage interface is controlled in accordance with instructions based on user control input from a user. Also, a user status output is displayed in accordance with storage data obtained from the storage interface. By allowing the user to control and monitor the operation of the storage interface, a stand-alone, user-controllable data storage system is provided for storing the digital data obtained by a real-time data acquisition system.

Wright, Kenneth D.↗

Three dimensional empirical mode decomposition analysis apparatus, method and article manufacture

An apparatus and method of analysis for three-dimensional (3D) physical phenomena. The physical phenomena may include any varying 3D phenomena such as time varying polar ice flows. A repesentation of the 3D phenomena is passed through a Hilbert transform to convert the data into complex form. A spatial variable is separated from the complex representation by producing a time based covariance matrix. The temporal parts of the principal components are produced by applying Singular Value Decomposition (SVD). Based on the rapidity with which the eigenvalues decay, the first 3-10 complex principal components (CPC) are selected for Empirical Mode Decomposition into intrinsic modes. The intrinsic modes produced are filtered in order to reconstruct the spatial part of the CPC. Finally, a filtered time series may be reconstructed from the first 3-10 filtered complex principal components.

Gloersen, Per↗

Continuous Fourier transform method and apparatus

An input analog signal to be frequency analyzed is separated into N number of simultaneous analog signal components each identical to the original but delayed relative to the original by a successively larger time delay. The separated and delayed analog components are combined together in a suitable number of adders and attenuators in accordance with at least one component product of the continuous Fourier transform and analog signal matrices to separate the analog input signal into at least one of its continuous analog frequency components of bandwidth 1/N times the bandwidth of the original input signal. The original analog input signal can be reconstituted by combining the separate analog frequency components in accordance with the component products of the continuous Fourier transform and analog frequency component matrices. The continuous Fourier transformation is useful for spectrum analysis, filtering, transfer function synthesis, and communications.

Munoz, R. M.↗

Portable Electromyograph

A portable electronic apparatus records electromyographic (EMG) signals in as many as 16 channels at a sampling rate of 1,024 Hz in each channel. The apparatus (see figure) includes 16 differential EMG electrodes (each electrode corresponding to one channel) with cables and attachment hardware, reference electrodes, an input/output-and-power-adapter unit, a 16-bit analog-to-digital converter, and a hand-held computer that contains a removable 256-MB flash memory card. When all 16 EMG electrodes are in use, full-bandwidth data can be recorded in each channel for as long as 8 hours. The apparatus is powered by a battery and is small enough that it can be carried in a waist pouch. The computer is equipped with a small screen that can be used to display the incoming signals on each channel. Amplitude and time adjustments of this display can be made easily by use of touch buttons on the screen. The user can also set up a data-acquisition schedule to conform to experimental protocols or to manage battery energy and memory efficiently. Once the EMG data have been recorded, the flash memory card is removed from the EMG apparatus and placed in a flash-memory- card-reading external drive unit connected to a personal computer (PC). The PC can then read the data recorded in the 16 channels. Preferably, before further analysis, the data should be stored in the hard drive of the PC. The data files are opened and viewed on the PC by use of special- purpose software. The software for operation of the apparatus resides in a random-access memory (RAM), with backup power supplied by a small internal lithium cell. A backup copy of this software resides on the flash memory card. In the event of loss of both main and backup battery power and consequent loss of this software, the backup copy can be used to restore the RAM copy after power has been restored. Accessories for this device are also available. These include goniometers, accelerometers, foot switches, and force gauges.

De Luca, Gianluca↗

Volumetric leak detector

Portable volumetric leak detector measures leakage in the range of 5 to 40 cc/hr. The detector, a fluid displacing apparatus, measures the leakage of gases across valve seats and checks components and systems of components independent of size in relatively short periods of time.

Elser, M. J.↗

A stimulator for laboratory studies of motion sickness in cats

A motion sickness device is described which produces motion sickness in about 40 percent of an unselected population of unrestrained female cats during a 30-min exposure at 0.28 Hz. The apparatus provides a gentle wave stimulus, similar to that provided by an amusement park Ferris Wheel. Two cats may be tested at the same time. This device is useful for studies of putative antimotion sickness drugs or the biochemical basis of the emetic response to motion.

Crampton, G. H.↗

Use of aluminum as an oxidation barrier for titanium

A study is conducted of the use of aluminum coatings as oxidation retardants for Ti alloys, using room temperature normal emittance and spectral emittance as bases for the characterization of oxidation properties with and without the coatings. Thermal exposures were conducted in a thermogravimetric analysis apparatus in which specimen weight was continuously monitored. The results obtained indicate that the weight gains are proportional to the square root of the time for uncoated alloys and for 649 C-exposed aluminum-coated alloys. For the 704 C-exposed aluminum-coated alloys, weight gain exhibits a low rate for short and a high rate for long exposure times, implying that the 0.5-micron coating's protection decreases for long exposures at this temperature.

Unnam, J.↗

Alkali metal thermoelectric converter (AMTEC) electrode lifetime studies

Experimental studies are being conducted at JPL to identify long life, high area power density electrodes for AMTEC. Power versus time measurements are being made in a demountable electrode test cell and, for longer term experiments, a self-contained recirculating cell. The experimental apparatus and procedures are described in detail. The results show that thin film molybdenum electrodes can be designed to produce power near 0.5 W/sq cm for over two hundred hours. Also, platinum/tungsten electrodes exhibit power densities that are stable near 0.5 W/sq cm. If the performance of these electrodes is verified for longer periods (thousands of hours), then practical AMTEC systems will be possible.

Bankston, C. Perry↗

Biofilm monitoring coupon system and method of use

An apparatus and method is disclosed for biofilm monitoring of a water distribution system which includes the mounting of at least one fitting in a wall port of a manifold in the water distribution system with a passage through the fitting in communication. The insertion of a biofilm sampling member is through the fitting with planar sampling surfaces of different surface treatment provided on linearly arrayed sample coupons of the sampling member disposed in the flow stream in edge-on parallel relation to the direction of the flow stream of the manifold under fluid-tight sealed conditions. The sampling member is adapted to be aseptically removed from or inserted in the fitting and manifold under a positive pressure condition and the fitting passage sealed immediately thereafter by appropriate closure means so as to preclude contamination of the water distribution system through the fitting. The apparatus includes means for clamping the sampling member and for establishing electrical continuity between the sampling surfaces and the system for minimizing electropotential effects. The apparatus may also include a plurality of fittings and sampling members mounted on the manifold to permit extraction of the sampling members in a timed sequence throughout the monitoring period.

Sauer, Richard L.↗

Chemicals Reduce Need To Mow Grass

Brief report discusses use of herbicides Roundup(R), Campaign(R), and Oust(R) to retard growth of Argentine bahia grass. Herbicide applied by use of spraying apparatus pulled by tractor. "Chemical mowing" keeps grass at "freshly mowed" height with less mechanical mowing. Applied to grass on shoulders of roads, reducing time spent on mowing.

Humphrys, Brooks↗

Combustion of Aerosolized Metal Particles in Microgravity

The combustion behavior and interaction effects of multiple metal particles are addressed in this project. The microgravity environment presents a unique opportunity to create an "aerosol" consisting of relatively large, 50-300 micron diameter particles, so that both cloud flame structure and individual particle combustion behavior can be characterized simultaneously. The microgravity experiments are conducted using the 2.2 s NASA Lewis Research Center drop tower. Each test includes aerosolizing metal particles under microgravity, a delay required to produce a steady aerosol, and igniting such an "aerosol" at constant pressure using a hot wire igniter. The flame structure and details of individual particle combustion are visualized using both high speed movie and regular speed video cameras. Combustion products are collected and analyzed after the experiment. A detailed description of the experimental apparatus is given elsewhere. Microgravity experiments with magnesium particle aerosols have been conducted and experiments with zirconium particles are currently in progress. A numerical, time dependent model of the flame propagation in magnesium aerosol is being developed.

Dreizin, E. L.↗

Apparatus for in-situ nondestructive measurement of Young's modulus of plate structures

A method and apparatus for determining stiffness of a plate-like structure including a monolithic or composite laminate plate entails disposing a device for generating an acoustical pulse against a surface of the plate and disposing a detecting device against the same surface spaced a known distance from the pulse-generating device, and using the pulse-generating device to emit a pulse so as to create an extensional wave in the plate. The detecting device is used to determine a time of flight of the wave over the known distance, and the wave velocity is calculated. A Young's modulus of the plate is determined by a processor based on the wave velocity. Methods and apparatus for evaluating both isotropic plates and anisotropic laminates are disclosed.

Huang, Jerry Qixin↗

Making sense from space-time data in laboratory experiments on space plasma processes

A number of visualization techniques are discussed in a laboratory experiment designed to study phenomena that occur in space. Visualization tools are used to design the apparatus, collect data, and make one-, two-, and three-dimensional plots of the results. These tools are an indispensable part of the experiment because the data sets are hundreds of megabytes in size and rapid turnaround is required.

Gekelman, Walter↗

Method and apparatus for assessing cardiovascular risk

The method for assessing risk of an adverse clinical event includes detecting a physiologic signal in the subject and determining from the physiologic signal a sequence of intervals corresponding to time intervals between heart beats. The long-time structure of fluctuations in the intervals over a time period of more than fifteen minutes is analyzed to assess risk of an adverse clinical event. In a preferred embodiment, the physiologic signal is an electrocardiogram and the time period is at least fifteen minutes. A preferred method for analyzing the long-time structure variability in the intervals includes computing the power spectrum and fitting the power spectrum to a power law dependence on frequency over a selected frequency range such as 10.sup.-4 to 10.sup.-2 Hz. Characteristics of the long-time structure fluctuations in the intervals is used to assess risk of an adverse clinical event.

Albrecht, Paul↗

The Future Polarized Target Program at Jefferson Lab

Polarized targets have played a crucial role in Jefferson Lab's exploration of nuclear structure over the past four decades. The three original experimental halls have seen 19 separate installations of polarized solid or gas targets for use in the particle physics scattering experiments, and this trend will continue in the next decade. Five polarized target systems are in preparation for use at JLab in the coming years. Hall B will see the use of two solid polarized targets, one longitudinally polarized to the beam, the other transversely, as well as a novel 3He gas polarized target. In Hall C, new experiments will augment the tensor polarization in dynamically polarized solids. Plans are under development to bring a polarized solid target to Jefferson Lab's photon beam hall, Hall D, for the first time. To support these efforts, the JLab polarized target group is building a test laboratory to develop dynamic nuclear polarization techniques, as well as an apparatus to irradiate target material using electrons from JLab's injector test facility. In this talk, we will explore the development progress and plans for each of these efforts.

Maxwell, James [Thomas Jefferson National Accelera↗

An electronic system for measuring thermophysical properties of wind tunnel models

An electronic system is described which measures the surface temperature of a small portion of the surface of the model or sample at high speeds using an infrared radiometer. This data is processed along with heating rate data from the reference heat gauge in a small computer and prints out the desired thermophysical properties, time, surface temperature, and reference heat rate. This system allows fast and accurate property measurements over thirty temperature increments. The technique, the details of the apparatus, the procedure for making these measurements, and the results of some preliminary tests are presented.

Corwin, R. R.↗