Applications of the space perspective to aviation
A brief history of weather forecasting was presented starting in the seventeen hundreds with George Hadley to modern day satellite applications.
John S. Theon↗
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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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A perspective of theoretical and applied computational fluid dynamics
The present effectiveness and future promise of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are discussed. The CFD ideal of computer-designed flight vehicles and the progress that has been made toward its achievement, expressed in terms of primary and secondary pacing items, are also addressed. The primary pacing items listed by Chapman - grid generation, turbulence modeling, solution methodology development, and mainframe computer methods and architecture - are modified and reviewed. Important secondary pacing items in CFD development are also examined: algorithm development, complex geometry definition, and predata and postata processing. In addition, user requirements placed on CFD computer codes are defined and some problems associated with the dissemination of CFD technology are identified.
Kutler, P.↗
Space solar cell technology development - A perspective
The developmental history of photovoltaics is examined as a basis for predicting further advances to the year 2000. Transistor technology was the precursor of solar cell development. Terrestrial cells were modified for space through changes in geometry and size, as well as the use of Ag-Ti contacts and manufacture of a p-type base. The violet cell was produced for Comsat, and involved shallow junctions, new contacts, and an enhanced antireflection coating for better radiation tolerance. The driving force was the desire by private companies to reduce cost and weight for commercial satellite power supplies. Liquid phase epitaxial (LPE) GaAs cells are the latest advancement, having a 4 sq cm area and increased efficiency. GaAs cells are expected to be flight ready in the 1980s. Testing is still necessary to verify production techniques and the resistance to electron and photon damage. Research will continue in CVD cell technology, new panel technology, and ultrathin Si cells.
Scott-Monck, J.↗
Space stations - A historical perspective
This paper discusses the historical evolution of the space station concept, with particular attention to NASA plans in the 1960-1980 period. Emphasis is given to the changing justification presented for station development during that period and to the political context within which station proposals were evaluated.
Logsdon, J. M.↗
International cooperation and competition in space - A current perspective
International cooperative efforts undertaken by NASA are evaluated and consideration is given to the proposed space station. The Shuttle RMS and Spacelab were constructed through efforts of Canadian and European companies and the ESA. Landsat, with its widely dispersed technology and data, has encouraged international access to its capabilities and start-up of follow-on programs in other countries. Space station planning is proceeding with a view to worldwide utilization of space and to the commitment and resources other nations are willing to place in the station. It is conceded that administrative difficulties will arise if the space station is a completely international effort guided by NASA. Additionally, concern will be present for technology leaks, national security implications on the space station, and reasonably fulfilling the benefits expected by those who become partners in the construction and operation of the station.
Pedersen, K. S.↗
Introduction: Historical perspective on the HCMM program
When some thermal radiation sensitive devices on U.S. meteorological satellites generated low resolution images showing temperature variations on Earth's land and sea surfaces during the middle 1960's, interest was aroused in the potential of thermal sensing in geology, agriculture, soil moisture, ground water, water temperature, and vegetation applications. The concept of using the property of thermal inertia to identify materials, particularly those of a geologic nature can be traced to the same time period that marks the flight of the first LANDSAT - Spacecraft systems and their performance, and capabilities are reviewed as well as achievements in hydrology, geology, agriculture, pedology, and urban climate effects applications.
Source record↗
Global Change: A Biogeochemical Perspective
A research program that is designed to enhance our understanding of the Earth as the support system for life is described. The program change, both natural and anthropogenic, that might affect the habitability of the planet on a time scale roughly equal to that of a human life is studied. On this time scale the atmosphere, biosphere, and upper ocean are treated as a single coupled system. The need for understanding the processes affecting the distribution of essential nutrients--carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, sulfur, and water--within this coupled system is examined. The importance of subtle interactions among chemical, biological, and physical effects is emphasized. The specific objectives are to define the present state of the planetary life-support system; to ellucidate the underlying physical, chemical, and biological controls; and to provide the body of knowledge required to assess changes that might impact the future habitability of the Earth.
Mcelroy, M.↗
The dynamics of software development project management: An integrative systems dynamic perspective
Rather than continuing to focus on software development projects per se, the system dynamics modeling approach outlined is extended to investigate a broader set of issues pertaining to the software development organization. Rather than trace the life cycle(s) of one or more software projects, the focus is on the operations of a software development department as a continuous stream of software products are developed, placed into operation, and maintained. A number of research questions are ""ripe'' for investigating including: (1) the efficacy of different organizational structures in different software development environments, (2) personnel turnover, (3) impact of management approaches such as management by objectives, and (4) the organizational/environmental determinants of productivity.
Vandervelde, W. E.↗
Solar cell metallization: Historical perspective
Solar cell metallization design requirements are discussed. Space applications and terrestrial applications are considered. Cost factors are discussed in relation to design analysis.
Taylor, W. E.↗
An aeroelastician's perspective of wind tunnel and flight experiences with active control of structural response and stability
Active controls technology is assessed based on a review of most of the wind-tunnel and flight tests and actual applications of active control concepts since the late sixties. The distinction is made between so-called ""rigid-body'' active control functions and those that involve significant modification of structural elastic response or stability. Both areas are reviewed although the focus is on the latter area. The basic goals and major results of the various studies or applications are summarized, and the anticipated use of active controls on current and near-future research and demonstration aircraft is discussed. Some of the ""holes'' remaining in the feasbility/benefits demonstration of active controls technology are examined.
Hanson, P. W.↗
Spacescapes/Payloads for the Arts: Administrative and Technical Aspects of the New Wave Ruby Falls Get Away Special Project are Reviewed in Perspective
The production of artificial auroras for use in environmental art is discussed. The involvement of NASA and the space shuttle program in projects or the arts is reviewed.
Davis, J.↗
Planetary science: A lunar perspective
An interpretative synthesis of current knowledge on the moon and the terrestrial planets is presented, emphasizing the impact of recent lunar research (using Apollo data and samples) on theories of planetary morphology and evolution. Chapters are included on the exploration of the solar system; geology and stratigraphy; meteorite impacts, craters, and multiring basins; planetary surfaces; planetary crusts; basaltic volcanism; planetary interiors; the chemical composition of the planets; the origin and evolution of the moon and planets; and the significance of lunar and planetary exploration. Photographs, drawings, graphs, tables of quantitative data, and a glossary are provided.
Taylor, S. R.↗
New perspectives for advanced automobile diesel engines
Computer simulation results are presented for advanced automobile diesel engine performance. Four critical factors for performance enhancement were identified: (1) part load preheating and exhaust gas energy recovery, (2) fast heat release combustion process, (3) reduction in friction, and (4) air handling system efficiency. Four different technology levels were considered in the analysis. Simulation results are compared in terms of brake specific fuel consumption and vehicle fuel economy in km/liter (miles per gallon). Major critical performance sensitivity areas are: (1) combustion process, (2) expander and compressor efficiency, and (3) part load preheating and compound system. When compared to the state of the art direct injection, cooled, automobile diesel engine, the advanced adiabatic compound engine concept showed the unique potential of doubling the fuel economy. Other important performance criteria such as acceleration, emissions, reliability, durability and multifuel capability are comparable to or better than current passenger car diesel engines.
Tozzi, L.↗
STS science and applications payloads - An evolving perspective
The present investigation is mainly concerned with a reexamination of the Spacelab payload process. The candidate missions are considered in connection with discipline payloads or laboratories. Attention is given to the Space Biomedical Laboratory (SBL), the Space Plasma Lab (SPL), the Astronomy Research Laboratory (Astro), the Shuttle High Energy Astrophysics Laboratory (SHEAL), the Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF), the Solar Optical Telescope (SOT), the Materials Sciences Laboratory (MLS), the Environmental Observations Mission (EOM), the Shuttle Radar Lab (SRL), the International Microgravity Laboratory (IML), and the Payload of Opportunity Carrier (POOC). The POOC is a low cost means of placing experiments aboard the Shuttle in the cargo bay.
Sander, M. J.↗
The National Transonic Facility - A research perspective
The capabilities of the National Transonic Facility (NTF) at NASA-Langley and its impact on aerodynamics investigations are surveyed. The fan-driven, closed-circuit transonic wind tunnel has an 8.2 sq ft slotted test section. Trials can be run from Mach 0.2-1.2, pressures of 1-8.9 atm, and temperatures of -320 to 150 F using nitrogen as the working gas. Instrumentation has been developed for monitoring force, pressure, attitude, deformation, temperature, skin friction, flow transition, and flow velocity as well as visualizing flows around the models. Pressures of 15-130 psi are available, as are Re up to 120 million at Mach 1. Correlations are being made with flight data from the Shuttle, 767, X-29A, and TACT aircraft for real-world extrapolations. The NTF, when combined with computational fluid dynamics techniques, will permit testing of aerodynamically sophisticated shapes while narrowing the design goals for each model during basic research in fluid mechanics, transport, and aerodynamic phenomena.
Campbell, J. F.↗
Space industrialization: A national perspective
Space industrialization (or commercialization) has the potential to be a major player in America's space program. If this potential is to be realized, however, industrialization efforts must be considered within the context of the other major portions of the space program: shuttle, space station, and civil remote sensing. Further, development efforts must be based upon a sound scientific and technical understanding of the products and processes, and there must be a trained cadre of dedicated individuals willing to devote time and effort to this effort. There remain considerable risks and uncertainties. Given all this, the best path to follow would seem to be a long term, balanced commitment, emphasizing government, industry, and academia partnerships. Several points are addressed: (1) the place of space industrialization in the overall national space program; (2) the meaning of space industrialization with respect to the historic, national aims of space; and (3) specifically what is being industrialized.
Reis, V. H.↗
The bulk-Moon MgO/FeO ratio: A highlands perspective
Compositional data for nonmare (highlands) samples suggest that the Moon's mg ratio (MgO/FeO) is higher than general estimates. Geochemically representative highlands soils have mg ratios of 0.66 (Apollo 16), 0.69 (Luna 20) and 0.73 (ALHA81005). These soils are mixtures of unrelated pristine nonmare rocks, of which there are at least three groups: Mg-rich rocks, ferroan anorthosites, and KREEP. Other than Mg-rich rocks, virtually all pristine rocks have mg 0.65. Thus, assuming the mixing process that sampled Mg-rich materials was random, the average mg of Mg-rich parent magmas was probably at least 0.70. More direct evidence can be derived from the Mg-rich rocks themselves. Nine of them have bulk-rock mg 0.87. Two (15445 A and 67435 PST) contain Fo(92) olivine. Production of melts that crystallized Fo(92) olivine implies that the mg ratios of source regions in lunar mantle were commensurably high. A quantification of this constraint is developed assuming that the parent melts formed by equilibrium (batch) partial melting. Implications of the model are discussed.
Warren, P. H.↗
Propulsion and power systems perspective
Evolution from the original vehicle size and configuration to the present Space Shuttle is discussed with emphasis on the propulsion and power systems.
Thibodaux, J. G., Jr.↗