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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

rustpix

rustpix is a high-performance, open-source Rust library with first-class Python bindings (via PyO3) for processing pixel-detector data in neutron imaging. It targets time-stamping detectors such as Timepix3 (TPX3) at ORNL's Spallation Neutron Source (VENUS beamline), where each detected neutron deposits charge across a cluster of pixels within a very high-rate event stream (96M+ hits/sec). rustpix parses TPX3 event data in parallel using memory-mapped I/O, offers four interchangeable clustering algorithms (ABS adjacency-based search, DBSCAN, graph/union-find connected components, and a parallel grid method), and extracts weighted, super-resolved centroids to produce neutron-event lists. A streaming architecture lets it process files larger than available memory. rustpix is distributed as a pip-installable Python package (with NumPy integration), Rust crates, a command-line tool, and an interactive GUI; it writes HDF5, Apache Arrow, and CSV; and it is designed to extend to TPX4 and other detector types. Released as open-source under the MIT License.

Zhang, Chen [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL),↗

Evaluating Technology Adoption Risks in Early-Stage Materials Research

Development of new technologies often begins with fundamental materials science research. Decisions at this stage can shape factors related to the eventual adoption readiness of the technology, such as process scalability or materials availability. Here we present the early-Stage Technology Evaluation for Adoption Risks (STEAR) framework as a method for qualitatively assessing metrics spanning four categories of adoption risks: value proposition, market acceptance, resource maturity, and license to operate. We conduct a case study applying STEAR to different methanol production processes at a range of technology readiness levels and demonstrate how the assessment identifies key challenges related to adoption readiness. Finally, we discuss efforts to expand the applicability and utility of STEAR, including focus group feedback and complementary quantitative analysis methods.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Useful new technology

An information booklet on the Technology Utilization program is presented. Industrial benefits, how to obtain technological data, special publications, Regional Dissemination Centers, multidisciplinary application teams, interagency activities, and patents and licenses are described briefly.

Source record↗

Phased Project Planning Guidelines

NHB 7121.2 is the initial publication of the guidelines for implementation of the Phased Project Planning (PPP) concept prescribed by NPD 7121,1A. These guidelines are applicable to the planning and approval activities which lead to the implementation of major new research and development projects as defined in NPD 7121.1A as well as to major modifications or extensions of approved projects. They should, therefore, be reflected in the Project Approval Documents which serve as the basic documentation for project definition, guidance and control throughout NASA. The purpose of PPP is to provide, through defined phases, an adequate basis for management decisions on the extent to which project activities can be properly undertaken and commitments made. However, these guidelines do not prescribe detailed format and content of plans and other documents and reports used to apply the PPP concept. Similarly, the work content of phases and the information requirements described herein are not checklists. They are included to assist in understanding the intent of the PPP concept and should not be viewed as rigid or inflexible. PPP, as a concept for orderly planning and definition of new major R&D undertakings, must be adapted to the peculiarities of each individual case. However, the flexibility permitted for adaptation should not be considered as a license for major variation which would compromise the objectives that underlie the concept. Cognizant NASA officials are expected to pursue their project planning and definition activities in reasonable conformance with these guidelines and to request only those exceptions or deviations which are clearly necessary and justified. These guidelines will be modified as determined necessary on the basis of experience. Comments or suggestions for changes should be directed to the Office of Organization and Management.

Source record↗

A narrowband, crystal controlled biomedical telemetry system.

A miniature, single-channel, crystal-controlled transmitter has been developed for biomedical applications. A narrow-band frequency modulation (plus or minus 7 kHz) of the RF is used to achieve maximum operating range with minimum transmitting power. The radiated power is limited to stay within the 50 microvolts/m at 15 m FCC requirement for low-power transmitters in the 88- to 108-MHz band. This technique offers a number of advantages. First only manufacturer's type approval is required for the device and the user does not need a license. Second maximum operating range can be achieved within the FCC power limitations by using a narrow-band that is consistent with the required medical information bandwidth. A third advantage in using the 88- to 108-MHz band is that the commercial FM stations are relatively widely spaced and carefully regulated so that by selecting the transmitter's frequency in the guard band between stations, minimum interference from other transmitter sources is encountered.

Westbrook, R. M.↗

LANDSAT image studies as applied to petroleum exploration in Kenya

The Chevron-Kenya oil license, acquired in 1972, covers an area at the north end of the Lamu Embayment. Immediately after acquisition, a photogeologic study of the area was made followed by a short field inspection. An interpretation of LANDSAT-1 images as a separate attempt to improve geological knowledge was completed. The method used in the image study, the multispectral characteristics of rock units and terrain, and the observed anomalous features as seen in the LANDSAT imagery are described. It was found that the study helped to define the relationship of the Lamu Embayment and its internal structure with surrounding regional features, such as the East Africa rifting, the Rudolf Trough, the Bur Acaba structural ridge, and the Ogaden Basin.

Miller, J. B.↗

Technical assistance for law-enforcement communications: Case study report

Methods developed to improve police communications systems are described. Use of queueing analysis shows several ways of improving time of response to inquiries made from the field for license plate checks and for information on current wants and warrants, through a state multiple switcher network. Design criteria for more efficient centralized switching equipment are developed. A message load problem experienced in a dispatch center is analyzed, showing that communications could be improved by adding communications channels, not by adding people.

Reilly, N. B.↗

Analysis of nuclear waste disposal in space, phase 3. Volume 2: Technical report

The options, reference definitions and/or requirements currently envisioned for the total nuclear waste disposal in space mission are summarized. The waste form evaluation and selection process is documented along with the physical characteristics of the iron nickel-base cermet matrix chosen for disposal of commercial and defense wastes. Safety aspects of radioisotope thermal generators, the general purpose heat source, and the Lewis Research Center concept for space disposal are assessed as well as the on-pad catastrophic accident environments for the uprated space shuttle and the heavy lift launch vehicle. The radionuclides that contribute most to long-term risk of terrestrial disposal were determined and the effects of resuspension of fallout particles from an accidental release of waste material were studied. Health effects are considered. Payload breakup and rescue technology are discussed as well as expected requirements for licensing, supporting research and technology, and safety testing.

Rice, E. E.↗

An experimental evaluation of head-up display formats

Three types of head-up display format are investigated. Type 1 is an unreferenced (conventional) flight director, type 2 is a ground referenced flight path display, and type 3 is a ground referenced director. Formats are generated by computer and presented by reflecting collimation against a simulated forward view in flight. Pilots, holding commercial licenses, fly approaches in the instrument flight mode and in a combined instrument and visual flight mode. The approaches are in wind shear with varied conditions of visibility, offset, and turbulence. The displays are equivalent in pure tracking but there is a slight advantage for the unreferenced director in poor conditions. Flight path displays are better for tracking in the combined flight mode, possibly because of poor director control laws and the division of attention between superimposed fields. Workloads is better for the type 2 displays. The flight path and referenced director displays are criticized for effects of symbol motion and field limiting. In the subjective judgment of pilots familiar with the director displays, they are rated clearly better than path displays, with a preference for the unreferenced director. There is a fair division of attention between superimposed fields.

Naish, J. M.↗

Technical change in US industry: A cross-industry analysis

The nature of the public policies which have influenced the pace and pattern of technical progress in a number of American industries is studied with the view of assessing the broad effects of these policies. The industries studied are agriculture, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, computers, civil aircraft, automobiles and residential construction. The policies considered include research and development funding as well as government procurement, education, information dissemination, patent protection, licensing, regulations, and anti-trust policies.

Nelson, R. R.↗

NASA Redox Storage System Development Project

The Redox Storage System Technology Project was jointly supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and NASA. The objectives of the project were to develop the Redox flow battery concept and to probe its technical and economic viability. The iron and chromium redox couples were selected as the reactants. Membranes and electrodes were developed for the original mode of operating at 25 C with the reactants separated by an ion-exchange membrane. Analytical capabilities and system-level operating concepts were developed and verified in a 1-kW, 13-kWh preprototype system. A subsequent change was made in operating mode, going to 65 C and using mixed reactants. New membranes and a new electrode catalyst were developed, resulting in single cell operation as high as 80 mA/sq cm with energy efficiencies greater than 80 percent. Studies indicate a likely system cost of about $75/kWh. Standard Oil of Ohio (Sohio) has undertaken further development of the Redox system. An exclusive patent license was obtained from NASA by Sohio. Transfer of Redox technology to Sohio is supported by the NASA Technology Utilization Office.

Hagedorn, N. H.↗

Salton Sea Solar Pond Power Plant Design Study and Regional Applicability

Ormat collected and organized the data base and conducted conceptual plant design, performance, and cost analysis. JPL conducted site-specific studies related to solar pond chemistry, soil biological activity, and dike design and construction. WESTEC conducted environmental investigation studies and performed an environmental assessment. SCE provided planning support for licensing and permitting and technical evaluations of the system design and cost estimate.

R. L. French↗

A note on the proposed UK VHF radar

The proposal for the establishment of a VHF radar in the UK is still under active consideration, although for financial reasons no start has yet been made on an installation. Several changes have been made to the scheme as described and these are listed. (1) The initial installation will be suitable for stratosphere-troposphere (ST) operation only using 64 antennas and 2 power modules. (2) An existing site is being examined on the west coast of Wales, which because it is a former Loran ground station is provided with the buildings, power and communications facilities to enable a radar to be assembled much more quickly than a green field site would allow. Because the site is not within a mountain valley as originally intended, careful early attention will have to be given to the possible problems of local interference and sea-surface returns. (3) Preliminary discussions with the UK licensing authorities suggest that a frequency of 47 MHz is more likely than 50 MHz. (4) Minor changes are planned in the antenna array connection scheme of the 400-element mesosphere-stratosphere-troposphere (MST) array to allow more precise sidelobe suppression to be achieved in the receive mode.

Hall, A. J.↗

On the measurement of pilot perceptual workload - A comparison of assessment techniques addressing sensitivity and intrusion issues

A flight simulator-based study was conducted to examine fourteen distinct mental workload estimation measures, including opinion, secondary task, physiological, and primary task measures. Both the relative sensitivity of the measures to changes in mental workload and the differential intrusion of the changes on primary task performance were assessed. The flight task was varied in difficulty by manipulation of the presentation rate and complexity of a hazard-perception task that required each of 48 licensed pilots to rely heavily on their perceptual abilities. Three rating scales (Modified Cooper-Harper, Multi-descriptor, and Workload-Compensation-Interference/Technical Effectiveness), two secondary task measures (time estimation and tapping regularity), one physiological measure (respiration frequency), and one primary task measure (danger-condition response time) were reliable indicants of workload changes. Recommendations for applying the workload measures are presented.

Casali, J. G.↗

Computer-aided testing of pilot response to critical in-flight events

This research on pilot response to critical in-flight events employs a unique methodology including an interactive computer-aided scenario-testing system. Navigation displays, instrument-panel displays, and assorted textual material are presented on a touch-sensitive CRT screen. Problem diagnosis scenarios, destination-diversion scenarios and combined destination/diagnostic tests are available. A complete time history of all data inquiries and responses is maintained. Sample results of diagnosis scenarios obtained from testing 38 licensed pilots are presented and discussed.

Giffin, W. C.↗

The northern Utah satellite (NUSAT) communications link

During the planning Stages of the NUSAT satellite, an obvious issue to be discussed was the method of communications to be used. The frequencies would have to be high enough to pass through the atmosphere relatively unattenuated but low enough that antennas and transmission lines would not be so critical in length and properties that unexperienced students would have difficulty with handling them. In conversations with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Washington D.C., the frequencies of 450.000 MHz and 137.900 MHz were decided upon and applied for licensing. The 450.000 MHt up-link is used on a "non-interference" basis to control the satellite while the 137.900 MHz frequency down-links data from the satellite. A reasonable amount of time was spent discussing the mods of transmission to be used in communication with the satellite. Representatives of the amateur radio satellite organization, AMSAT, were contacted for ides. This organization seems to favor AM types of emissions such as CW to control their OSCAR series of satellites and also the current Phase 111 unit. NUSAT personnel felt, however, that there would be merit in the improved signal to noise ratio usually obtained in an FM mode. Doppler shift of the transmitted information on the NUSAT also had to be considered. The final decision WBS to use Audio Frequency Shift Keying (AFSK) modulated on an FM carrier. In this mode the audio tones used would not shift frequency with Doppler - only the carrier would shift in frequency. If necessary, the receivers could be fitted with a form of AFC control or simply have enough bandwidth to handle the Doppler shift with an acceptable increase in noise.

Lee Barrett↗

High temperature polyimide blends

In a continuing effort to synthesize polymers that are readily processable and that exhibit state-of-the-art characteristics, LARC-TPI (Mitsui) and polyimidesulfone (PISO2) were blended and subjected to a limited melt flow and thermal properties characterization. Mitsui Toatsu of Japan, working under a licensing agreement with NASA, synthesized an imidized version of LARC-TPI molding powder that exhibited an extraordinarily high level of softening when heated to 300 C. Subsequently, a study of the calorimetric and rheological properties was accomplished by NASA-Langley on that material. The thermoplastic polyimidesulfone that possesses processability similar to polysulfones and the solvent resistance of the polyimides was synthesized and characterized at NASA-Langley in the early 1980's.

Burks, Harold D.↗

Commercial objectives, technology transfer, and systems analysis for fusion power development

Fusion is an inexhaustible source of energy that has the potential for economic commercial applications with excellent safety and environmental characteristics. The primary focus for the fusion energy development program is the generation of central station electricity. Fusion has the potential, however, for many other applications. The fact that a large fraction of the energy released in a DT fusion reaction is carried by high energy neutrons suggests potentially unique applications. In addition, fusion R and D will lead to new products and new markets. Each fusion application must meet certain standards of economic and safety and environmental attractiveness. For this reason, economics on the one hand, and safety and environment and licensing on the other, are the two primary criteria for setting long range commercial fusion objectives. A major function of systems analysis is to evaluate the potential of fusion against these objectives and to help guide the fusion R and D program toward practical applications. The transfer of fusion technology and skills from the national labs and universities to industry is the key to achieving the long range objective of commercial fusion applications.

Dean, Stephen O.↗