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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 415 records · Page 23

Preliminary study of a solar selective coating system using black cobalt oxide for high temperature solar collectors

Black cobalt oxide coatings (high solar absorptance layer) were deposited on thin layers of silver or gold (low emittance layer) which had been previously deposited on oxidized (diffusion barrier layer) stainless steel substrates. The reflectance properties of these coatings were measured at various thicknesses of cobalt for integrated values of the solar and infrared spectrum. The values of absorptance and emittance were calculated from the measured reflectance values, before and after exposure in air at 650 C for approximately 1000 hours. Absorptance and emittance were interdependent functions of the weight of cobalt oxide. Also, these cobalt oxide/noble metal/oxide diffusion barrier coatings have absorptances greater than 0.90 and emittances of approximately 0.20 even after about 1000 hours at 650 C.

Mcdonald, G.↗

Potential prediction needs in support of energy systems

The relationship between emerging energy systems and the natural environment is discussed, including selected examples to show that energy systems are tied to global solar terrestrial processess. The interdependence of resources, technology, and environmental impact is considered in terms of needed geophysical, atmospheric, and solar terrestrial data inputs. The need for long term basic research on the solar terrestrial system is emphasized.

Blake, R. L.↗

Logic analysis of complex systems by characterizing failure phenomena to achieve diagnosis and fault-isolation

A recent result shows that, for a certain class of systems, the interdependency among the elements of such a system together with the elements constitutes a mathematical structure a partially ordered set. It is called a loop free logic model of the system. On the basis of an intrinsic property of the mathematical structure, a characterization of system component failure in terms of maximal subsets of bad test signals of the system was obtained. Also, as a consequence, information concerning the total number of failure components in the system was deduced. Detailed examples are given to show how to restructure real systems containing loops into loop free models for which the result is applicable.

Wong, J. T.↗

Shipboard fisheries management terminals

The needs of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMGS), National Weather Service, and the U.S. Coast Guard for locational, biological, and environmental data were assessed. The fisheries conservation zones and the yellowfin tuna jurisdiction of the NMFS operates observer programs on foreign and domestic fishing vessels. Data input terminal and data transfer and processing technology are reviewed to establish available capability. A matrix of implementation options is generated to identify the benefits of each option, and preliminary cost estimates are made. Recommendations are made for incremental application of available off the shelf hardware to obtain improved performance and benefits within a well bounded cost. Terminal recommendations are made for three interdependent shipboard units emphasizing: (1) the determination of location and fishing activity; (2) hand held data inputting and formatting in the fishing work areas; and (3) data manipulation, merging, and editing.

Nagler, R. G.↗

Definition of optical systems payloads

The various phases in the formulation of a major NASA project include the inception of the project, planning of the concept, and the project definition. A baseline configuration is established during the planning stage, which serves as a basis for engineering trade studies. Basic technological problems should be recognized early, and a technological verification plan prepared before development of a project begins. A progressive series of iterations is required during the definition phase, illustrating the complex interdependence of existing subsystems. A systems error budget should be established to assess the overall systems performance, identify key performance drivers, and guide performance trades and iterations around these drivers, thus decreasing final systems requirements. Unnecessary interfaces should be avoided, and reasonable design and cost margins maintained. Certain aspects of the definition of the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility are used as an example.

Downey, J. A., III↗

The distribution of carbon monoxide and ozone in the free troposphere

The two-dimensional distributions of CO and O3 in the free troposphere during July and August, 1974, are discussed. The data confirm the previous findings that both of these gases are considerably more abundant in the northern hemisphere, but the degree of the asymmetry is somewhat different from what had been reported previously, especially for CO. When examined with respect to other available data sets, the conclusion is drawn that a pronounced seasonal cycle exists for CO in both hemispheres which may be driven by the likely seasonal cycle of the OH radical. The data also indicate that CO concentrations exhibit significant variability with height in the northern hemisphere, whereas southern hemispheric concentrations are quite constant with altitude except in cases where interhemispheric exchange of air may be occurring. A discussion on the vertical and horizontal transport processes inferred from the CO and O3 measurements is presented. The possible interdependence of the photochemical cycles of these two trace gases is also discussed.

Seiler, G.↗

The derivation of Halley parameters from observations

Nominal value model parameters for the nucleus (size, mass, rotation, albedo, hydrogen production) the dust and gas for P/Halley at 0.9 AU postperihelion are derived from the light curve and spectra of Halley and by modeling the effect of the nongravitational forces, e.g., the outgassing rocket type effect of the nucleus. In those cases where Halley observations are not sufficient, the average value derived from a larger set of other comets is used, or data from comet Bennett, Halley's best analog, are taken. A flow diagram shows how the parameter values are derived and to what extent these derived values are interdependent.

Newburn, R. L.↗

Aircraft turbofan noise

Turbofan noise generation and suppression in aircraft engines are reviewed. The chain of physical processes which connect unsteady flow interactions with fan blades to far field noise is addressed. Mechanism identification and description, duct propagation, radiation and acoustic suppression are discussed. The experimental technique of fan inflow static tests are discussed. Rotor blade surface pressure and wake velocity measurements aid in the determination of the types and strengths of the generation mechanisms. Approaches to predicting or measuring acoustic mode content, optimizing treatment impedance to maximize attenuation, translating impedance into porous wall structure and interpreting far field directivity patterns are illustrated by comparisons of analytical and experimental results. The interdependence of source and acoustic treatment design to minimize far field noise is emphasized. Area requiring further research are discussed and the relevance of aircraft turbofan results to quieting other turbomachinery installations is addressed.

Groeneweg, J. F.↗

Evaluation of SIR-A space radar for geologic interpretation: United States, Panama, Colombia, and New Guinea

Comparisons between LANDSAT MSS imagery, and aircraft and space radar imagery from different geologic environments in the United States, Panama, Colombia, and New Guinea demonstrate the interdependence of radar system geometry and terrain configuration for optimum retrieval of geologic information. Illustrations suggest that in the case of space radars (SIR-A in particular), the ability to acquire multiple look-angle/look-direction radar images of a given area is more valuable for landform mapping than further improvements in spatial resolution. Radar look-angle is concluded to be one of the most important system parameters of a space radar designed to be used for geologic reconnaissance mapping. The optimum set of system parameters must be determined for imaging different classes of landform features and tailoring the look-angle to local topography.

Macdonald, H.↗

Solar Terrestrial Observatory for future space station program

The Solar Terrestrial Observatory (STO) Science Study Group was established in 1979 to formulate a scientific strategy for the development of a Solar Terrestrial Observatory as an interdependent problem-oriented combination of solar, magnetospheric, and atmospheric instruments. In the scenario formed by the STO Science Study Group, the STO would be mounted on a long-lived Space Platform, carried into orbit, and serviced by the Space Shuttle. The proposed strategy focused on investigations of the physical processes that interlink the major regions of solar-terrestrial space. In reviewing that strategy, one quickly concludes that the STO objectives can be met, and in many ways enhanced, by using a Shuttle-serviced manned Space Station. This conclusion is reinforced by the results of earlier workshops devoted to manned Space Stations.

Roberts, W. T.↗

The derivation of Halley parameters from observations

Nominal value model parameters for the nucleus (size, mass, rotation, albedo, hydrogen production) the dust and gas for P/Halley at 0.9 AU postperihelion are derived from the light curve and spectra of Halley and by modeling the effect of the nongravitational forces, e.g., the outgassing rocket type effect of the nucleus. In those cases where Halley observations are not sufficient, the average value derived from a larger set of other comets is used, or data from comet Bennett, Halley's best analog, are taken. A flow diagram shows how the parameter values are derived and to what extent these derived values are interdependent. Previously announced in STAR as N82-23097

Newburn, R. L.↗

Restructurable controls for aircraft

Future aircraft with highly sophisticated controls are likely to have multiple interdependent failure modes which will be difficult for the pilot to recognize. Such failures may lead to unanticipated sequences of events from which the pilot cannot intuitively recover. Advances in the state-of-the-art in failure detection, failure identification, and control system technology suggest it may be feasible to detect and identify potentially catastrophic failures in flight controls and to restructure the controls in real time to execute a safe landing. Two accidents are reviewed, one in which the pilot successfully restructured the controls and one in which he did not, but for which a solution existed. The problem requirements and potential theoretical techniques which apply are also discussed.

Howell, W. E.↗

Space shuttle launch vehicle aerodynamic uncertainties: Lessons learned

The chronological development and evolution of an uncertainties model which defines the complex interdependency and interaction of the individual Space Shuttle element and component uncertainties for the launch vehicle are presented. Emphasis is placed on user requirements which dictated certain concessions, simplifications, and assumptions in the analytical model. The use of the uncertainty model in the vehicle design process and flight planning support is discussed. The terminology and justification associated with tolerances as opposed to variations are also presented. Comparisons of and conclusions drawn from flight minus predicted data and uncertainties are given. Lessons learned from the Space Shuttle program concerning aerodynamic uncertainties are examined.

Hamilton, J. T.↗

Characteristics of the MSFC, PDS microdensitometer

The results of several parametric studies carried out on the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Photometric Data System PDS-10 microdensitometer are summarized for the purposes of documenting the operation and limitations of the system for inhouse research and to provide a bench mark for comparison with other microdensitometers. The results are grouped into four general areas. These are: (1) system overall stability to drift, (2) photometric linearity and noise, (3) reproducibility, and (4) scanning performance. Test data taken in order to evaluate the interdependency of scan speed, noise and position are included. Shown also are results of tests for system stability, reproducibility, stray light and PMT settling time.

Fountain, W. F.↗

Evaluation and development of new VAS remote sensing algorithms

An algorithm, developed to permit the simultaneous retrieval of temperature/moisture profiles and surface skin temperature by direct analytical solution of the radiative transfer equation, alleviates the problem associated with the interdependencies of water vapor retrieval on temperature retrieval and their dependencies on surface emissions. Simultaneous solution of all these quantities is achieved in one calculation using the available radiance observations. Since only a single matrix inversion is required for the specification of all parameters, the solution is computationally efficient. Ancillary observations of temperature and/or moisture from surface sensors on aircraft can be readily incorporated into the solution. Simulation tests of the method indicate improved performance over the previous iterative technique, particularly for the lower troposphere and for water vapor.

Smith, W. L.↗

Sensitivity analysis of limit state functions for probability-based plastic design

The evaluation of the total probability of a plastic collapse failure P sub f for a highly redundant structure of random interdependent plastic moments acted on by random interdepedent loads is a difficult and computationally very costly process. The evaluation of reasonable bounds to this probability requires the use of second moment algebra which involves man statistical parameters. A computer program which selects the best strategy for minimizing the interval between upper and lower bounds of P sub f is now in its final stage of development. The relative importance of various uncertainties involved in the computational process on the resulting bounds of P sub f, sensitivity is analyzed. Response sensitivities for both mode and system reliability of an ideal plastic portal frame are shown.

Frangopol, D. M.↗

STARS: A general-purpose finite element computer program for analysis of engineering structures

STARS (Structural Analysis Routines) is primarily an interactive, graphics-oriented, finite-element computer program for analyzing the static, stability, free vibration, and dynamic responses of damped and undamped structures, including rotating systems. The element library consists of one-dimensional (1-D) line elements, two-dimensional (2-D) triangular and quadrilateral shell elements, and three-dimensional (3-D) tetrahedral and hexahedral solid elements. These elements enable the solution of structural problems that include truss, beam, space frame, plane, plate, shell, and solid structures, or any combination thereof. Zero, finite, and interdependent deflection boundary conditions can be implemented by the program. The associated dynamic response analysis capability provides for initial deformation and velocity inputs, whereas the transient excitation may be either forces or accelerations. An effective in-core or out-of-core solution strategy is automatically employed by the program, depending on the size of the problem. Data input may be at random within a data set, and the program offers certain automatic data-generation features. Input data are formatted as an optimal combination of free and fixed formats. Interactive graphics capabilities enable convenient display of nodal deformations, mode shapes, and element stresses.

Gupta, K. K.↗

Precedency control and other semantic integrity issues in a workbench database

Most database systems model the current state of a system of real world discrete and simple entities together with their relationships. By examining instead a database system that is a workbench and models more complicated entities, a fresh perspective is gained. Specifically, semantic integrity is analysed. Four aspects distinct from physical integrity are identified, namely - access, failure, concurrency and precedency. Access control is shown to be the consequence of semantic interdependency between data and its matching semantic routines. Failure, concurrency precedency controls are concerned with preventing processes interfering with each other. Precedency is a new concept in the database context. It expresses a constraint between processes that act on the database. As processes create, update and delete entities they in general obey a partial ordering imposed by the semantics of their actions. Precedency control ensures that data remains consistent with respect to this partial order.

Dampney, C. N. G.↗