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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 379 records · Page 21

Optical systems engineering - A tutorial

The paper examines the use of the systems engineering approach in the design of optical systems, noting that the use of such an approach which involves an integrated interdisciplinary approach to the development of systems is most appropriate for optics. It is shown that the high precision character of optics leads to complex and subtle effects on optical system performance, resulting from structural, thermal dynamical, control system, and manufacturing and assembly considerations. Attention is given to communication problems that often occur among users and optical engineers due to the unique factors of optical systems. It is concluded that it is essential that the optics community provide leadership to resolve communication problems and fully formalize the field of optical systems engineering.

Wyman, C. L.↗

Scientific exploration of the moon

The paper reviews efforts undertaken to explore the moon and the results obtained, noting that such efforts have involved a successful interdisciplinary approach to solving a number of scientific problems. Attention is given to the interactions of astronomers, cartographers, geologists, geochemists, geophysicists, physicists, mathematicians and engineers. Earth based remote sensing and unmanned spacecraft such as the Ranger and Surveyor programs are discussed. Emphasis is given to the manned Apollo missions and the results obtained. Finally, the information gathered by these missions is reviewed with regards to how it has increased understanding of the moon, and future exploration is considered.

El-Baz, F.↗

Integrated Analysis Capability (IAC) development

The technical and programmatic aspects of the integrated analysis capability (IAC) are described. The (IAC) is an interdisciplinary analysis system containing a wide range of general purpose analysis programs that are interfaced via a common data base and a unified executive. The system is designed with significant interactive capability as well as the capability to support the entire range of design phases from the definition phase to the verification phase. The system functions as a standalone or interfaced with IPAD.

Young, J. P.↗

Assessment of Superflux relative to marine science and oceanography

A general assessment of the Superflux project is made in relation to marine science and oceanography. It is commented that the program clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of state-of-the-art technology required to study highly dynamic estuarine plumes, and the necessity of a broadly interdisciplinary, interactive remote sensing and shipboard program required to significantly advance the understanding of transport processes and impacts of estuarine outflows.

Esaias, W. E.↗

Integrated analysis of engine structures

The need for light, durable, fuel efficient, cost effective aircraft requires the development of engine structures which are flexible, made from advaced materials (including composites), resist higher temperatures, maintain tighter clearances and have lower maintenance costs. The formal quantification of any or several of these requires integrated computer programs (multilevel and/or interdisciplinary analysis programs interconnected) for engine structural analysis/design. Several integrated analysis computer prorams are under development at Lewis Reseach Center. These programs include: (1) COBSTRAN-Composite Blade Structural Analysis, (2) CODSTRAN-Composite Durability Structural Analysis, (3) CISTRAN-Composite Impact Structural Analysis, (4) STAEBL-StruTailoring of Engine Blades, and (5) ESMOSS-Engine Structures Modeling Software System. Three other related programs, developed under Lewis sponsorship, are described.

Chamis, C. C.↗

Role of IAC in large space systems thermal analysis

Computer analysis programs to evaluate critical coupling effects that can significantly influence spacecraft system performance are described. These coupling effects arise from the varied parameters of the spacecraft systems, environments, and forcing functions associated with disciplines such as thermal, structures, and controls. Adverse effects can be expected to significantly impact system design aspects such as structural integrity, controllability, and mission performance. One such needed design analysis capability is a software system that can integrate individual discipline computer codes into a highly user-oriented/interactive-graphics-based analysis capability. The integrated analysis capability (IAC) system can be viewed as: a core framework system which serves as an integrating base whereby users can readily add desired analysis modules and as a self-contained interdisciplinary system analysis capability having a specific set of fully integrated multidisciplinary analysis programs that deal with the coupling of thermal, structures, controls, antenna radiation performance, and instrument optical performance disciplines.

Jones, G. K.↗

MAGSAT for geomagnetic studies over Indian region

Progress in the preparation of software for converting data tapes produced on an IBM system to data readable on a DEC-10 system, in the creation of awareness of the utility of MAGSAT data among users in India, and in making computer programs supplied by NASA operational on the DEC-10 system is reported. Papers presented to Indian users, at the IAGA fourth scientific assembly, at a symposium on interdisciplinary approaches to geomagnetism, and a paper published in Science Today are included.

Rastogi, R. G.↗

Nimbus-7 (-G) post launch report: Mission success

Nimbus-7, the last of the Nimbus series satellites, was launched from the Space and Missile Test Center at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California on October 24, 1978. The purpose of the mission was to collect global data of the Earth's atmosphere, oceans and polar ice with a payload of eight interdisciplinary research experiments. These experiments represent both domestic and international, scientific and governmental communities.

Edelson, B. I.↗

Progress in thermostructural analysis of space structures

A finite element space structures research focused on the interdisciplinary problems of heating, thermal, and structural analysis is discussed. Slender member shadowing effects, and cable stiffened structures are described.

Thornton, E. A.↗

Remote sensing programs and courses in engineering and water resources

The content of typical basic and advanced remote sensing and image interpretation courses are described and typical remote sensing graduate programs of study in civil engineering and in interdisciplinary environmental remote sensing and water resources management programs are outlined. Ideally, graduate programs with an emphasis on remote sensing and image interpretation should be built around a core of five courses: (1) a basic course in fundamentals of remote sensing upon which the more specialized advanced remote sensing courses can build; (2) a course dealing with visual image interpretation; (3) a course dealing with quantitative (computer-based) image interpretation; (4) a basic photogrammetry course; and (5) a basic surveying course. These five courses comprise up to one-half of the course work required for the M.S. degree. The nature of other course work and thesis requirements vary greatly, depending on the department in which the degree is being awarded.

Kiefer, R. W.↗

Remote sensing education at the University of British Columbia

The development, current status, and organization of the University of British Columbia's interdisciplinary graduate program in remote sensing are described. Specialized programs are tailored to meet student's needs and interest and can range from the theoretical development of technology (sensor development, modelling, and computer analysis) to specialized application of remote sensing in resource analysis such as the determination of vegetation damage, land classification, and land use. The courses and faculty members are listed.

Murtha, P. A.↗

Human operator performance of remotely controlled tasks: Teleoperator research conducted at NASA's George C. Marshall Space Flight Center. Executive summary

The combination of human and machine capabilities into an integrated engineering system which is complex and interactive interdisciplinary undertaking is discussed. Human controlled remote systems referred to as teleoperators, are reviewed. The human factors requirements for remotely manned systems are identified. The data were developed in three principal teleoperator laboratories and the visual, manipulator and mobility laboratories are described. Three major sections are identified: (1) remote system components, (2) human operator considerations; and (3) teleoperator system simulation and concept verification.

Shields, N., Jr.↗

The materials processing research base of the Materials Processing Center. Report for FY 1982

The work described, while involving research in the broad field of materials processing, has two common features: the problems are closed related to space precessing of materials and have both practical and fundamental significance. An interesting and important feature of many of the projects is that the interdisciplinary nature of the problem mandates complementary analytical modeling/experimental approaches. An other important aspect of many of the projects is the increasing use of mathematical modeling techniques as one of the research tools. The predictive capability of these models, when tested against measurements, plays a very important role in both the planning of experimental programs and in the rational interpretation of the results. Many of the projects described have a space experiment as their ultimate objective. Mathematical models are proving to be extremely valuable in projecting the findings of ground - based experiments to microgravity conditions.

Flemings, M. C.↗

Land-related global habitability science issues

The scientific investigation of the viewpoint of the biosphere that living organisms and their physical and chemical environment are bound, inseparable parts of one set of closely coupled global processes of the global biogeochemical system, life and life support cycles, is discussed as one of the major scientific challenges of the next decade by building from understanding land processes to interdisciplinary, holistic studies of biospheric dynamics including human impacts.

Source record↗

Thermal-structural analysis of large space structures - An assessment of recent advances

Recent advances in modeling, analyzing, and understanding the thermal-structural responses of large space structures are reviewed, and uncertainties in the thermal-structural analysis are identified. Typical heat-load, thermal, and structural analyses requirements for large space structures are discussed using a design for a future large spacecraft as an example. The current status of heating, thermal, and structural analyses is then reviewed, and computer programs used in research and design are discussed. The need to develop efficient methods for integrating the interdisciplinary analyses is emphasized.

Thornton, E. A.↗

Status of Understanding for Bearing Materials

The structural materials and potential failure modes for high technology aircraft gas turbine bearings are reviewed. Among the failure modes discussed for iron-base through-hardened bearing materials are fatigue, surface distress, and corrosion. It is shown that the sub-surface initiated rolling-contact fatigue failure mode is reasonably well understood and in most cases can be controlled by proper material selection and design. Current bearing materials provide long life and high reliability in existing applications. A new generation of materials are being developed which will provide improved fracture toughness, better corrosion resistance, and a further extension of bearing fatigue life. Bearing problems due to surface distress, caused by a variety of surface and near surface anomalies, are less well understood. This area will require the implementation of an interdisciplinary effort to improve the level of understanding of metallic surface-lubricant reactions and interactions.

E N Bamberger↗

In Situ Data

In-situ planetary data include all measurements made by a wide variety of instruments whose sensors are exposed directly to the planetry environment. Typical measurements include those of magnetic fields, energetic particle densities and energy distributions, plasma wave characteristics, ionospheric and neutral gas densities, temperatures, composition and motions. A large body of scientists in the United States, and the world, are involved in research using in-situ data. Many of these scientists are associated with Mission investigations groups which provide specific types of in-situ data. These groups, in the course of data analysis, use data provided by similar groups. The interdisciplinary nature of these investigations fosters exchange and reliance upon one another for data is heavy. To a lesser extent, correlative data sets are obtained from the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC). However, the data entries often have limited temporal and spatial resolution, are of uncertain quality, and are usually available only for measurements that are several years old.

Source record↗

Information systems - Issues in global habitability

The present investigation is concerned with fundamental issues, related to information considerations, which arise in an interdisciplinary approach to questions of global habitability. Information system problems and issues are illustrated with the aid of an example involving biochemical cycling and biochemical productivity. The estimation of net primary production (NPP) as an important consideration in the overall global habitability issue is discussed. The NPP model requires three types of data, related to meteorological information, a land surface inventory, and the vegetation structure. Approaches for obtaining and processing these data are discussed. Attention is given to user requirements, information system requirements, workstations, network communications, hardware/software access, and data management.

Norman, S. D.↗