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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 469 records · Page 26
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1971

Development of techniques for measuring pilot workload

An objective method of assessing information workload based on physiological measurements was developed. Information workload, or reserve capacity, was measured using a visual discrimination secondary task and subjective rating of task difficulty. The primary task was two axis (pitch and roll) tracking, and the independent variables in this study were aircraft pitch dynamics and wind gust disturbances. The study was structured to provide: (1) a sensitive, nonloading measure of reserve capacity, and (2) an unencumbering reliable measurement of the psychophysiological state. From these, a measured workload index (MWI) and physiological workload index (PWI) were extracted. An important measure of the success of this study was the degree to which the MWI and PWI agreed across the 243 randomly-presented, four-minute trials (9 subjects X 9 tasks X 3 replications). The electrophysiological data collected included vectorcardiogaram, respiration, electromyogram, skin impedance, and electroencephalogram. Special computer programs were created for the analysis of each physiological variable. The digital data base then consisted of 82 physiological features for each of the 243 trials. A prediction of workload based on physiological observations was formulated as a simultaneous least-squares prediction problem. A best subset of 10 features was chosen to predict the three measures of reserve capacity. The cannonical correlation coefficient was .754 with a chi squared value of 91.3 which allows rejection of the null hypothesis with p of .995.

Spyker, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Stimulus control in pigeons after extended discriminative training

The effects of amount of training on conditioned inhibition and on the degree of stimulus control were studied using pigeons. The ability of an S- associated with non-reinforcement of suppress positive reinforced behavior was acquired very rapidly during discriminative training. Increased S+, S- training appeared to weaken this conditioned inhibitory effect while at the same time more S+ training apparently increased the amount of external inhibition (non-conditioned inhibition) of positively reinforced behavior by a novel stimulus. Behavioral contrast and incremental generalization gradients along the S- dimension (inhibitory dimensional control) were absent at all stages of training. Behavioral contrast and inhibitory dimensional control are therefore not necessary concomitants of conditioned inhibition by an S-. A new method of assessing the suppressive effects of stimuli during generalization tests was described.

Yarczower, M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Ergonomics research methods

Various factors used in ergonomic research are given. They are: (1) anthrometric measurement, (2) polyeffector method of assessing the functional state of man, (3) galvanic skin reaction, (4) pneumography, (5) electromyography, (6) electrooculography, and (7) tachestoscopy. A brief summary is given of each factor and includes instrumentation and results.

Uspenskiy, S. I.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Scientific and technical services directed toward the development of planetary quarantine measures for automated spacecraft

Planetary quarantine requirements and parameters are evaluated for their effects upon automated spacecraft flights data describing the heat resistance of naturally occuring microorganisms and sterilization requirements are analyzed and a possible method for assessment of these data is developed. Pertinent data from planetary mission microbial contamination logs are compiled and maintained in the quarantine document system.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1974

Brain stem auditory evoked responses in human infants and adults

Brain stem evoked potentials were recorded by conventional scalp electrodes in infants (3 weeks to 3 years of age) and adults. The latency of one of the major response components (wave V) is shown to be a function both of click intensity and the age of the subject; this latency at a given signal strength shortens postnatally to reach the adult value (about 6 msec) by 12 to 18 months of age. The demonstrated reliability and limited variability of these brain stem electrophysiological responses provide the basis for an optimistic estimate of their usefulness as an objective method for assessing hearing in infants and adults.

Hecox, K.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Technology for return of planetary samples

The problem of returning a Mars sample to Earth was considered. The model ecosystem concept was advanced as the most reliable, sensitive method for assessing the biohazard from the Mars sample before it is permitted on Earth. Two approaches to ecosystem development were studied. In the first approach, the Mars sample would be introduced into the ecosystem and exposed to conditions which are as similar to the Martian environment as the constitutent terrestrial organisms can tolerate. In the second approach, the Mars sample would be tested to determine its effects on important terrestrial cellular functions. In addition, efforts were directed toward establishing design considerations for a Mars Planetary Receiving Laboratory. The problems encountered with the Lunar Receiving Laboratory were evaluated in this context. A questionnaire was developed to obtain information regarding important experiments to be conducted in the Planetary Receiving Laboratory.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1976

Space-to-earth power transmission system

A preliminary analysis was conducted to establish the requirements of a space-to-earth microwave power transmission system. The need for accurate phase control on the transmitter was established and methods for assessing the impact of power density and thermal constraints on system performance were demonstrated. Potential radio frequency interference was considered. The sensitivity of transmission system scale to variations in power source, transportation and orbital fabrication and assembly costs was also determined.

Stevens, G. H.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Optical contamination - Its prevention in the XUV spectrographs flown by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in the Apollo Telescope Mount

During construction and testing of the XUV spectrographs flown in the ATM by the Naval Research Laboratory, many problems associated with optical contamination were encountered. Solving these problems required setting up a contamination prevention program to select the materials used in constructing the instruments and to delineate procedures in assembling, testing, and storing the instruments. A brief description is given of methods of assessing the effects of contamination and of the procedures used to prevent contamination.

Hunter, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Effective thermal conductivity determination for low-density insulating materials

That nonlinear least squares can be used to determine effective thermal conductivity was demonstrated, and a method for assessing the relative error associated with these predicted values was provided. The differences between dynamic and static determination of effective thermal conductivity of low-density materials that transfer heat by a combination of conduction, convection, and radiation were discussed.

Williams, S. D.↗
NASA NTRS1977

An analysis of the technical status of high level radioactive waste and spent fuel management systems

The technical status of the old U.S. mailine program for high level radioactive nuclear waste management, and the newly-developing program for disposal of unreprocessed spent fuel was assessed. The method of long term containment for both of these waste forms is considered to be deep geologic isolation in bedded salt. Each major component of both waste management systems is analyzed in terms of its scientific feasibility, technical achievability and engineering achievability. The resulting matrix leads to a systematic identification of major unresolved technical or scientific questions and/or gaps in these programs.

English, T.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Crater evolutionary tracks

The technique proposed in the present paper for studying planetary surface processes is based on the measurement of crater rim height, h, depth, d, and diameter, D. The h/d and d/D ratios provide a quantitative description of crater morphology as well as a quantitative method for assessing the relative importance of competing crater modification processes (since h, d, and D change as a crater is degraded by surface processes, and h/d and d/D change with time). Different classes of processes produce distinctive evolutionary tracks on an h/d versus d/D diagram. Tracks for three general classes of crater modification (processes adding material to the crater; processes redistributing the material within the crater vicinity; and processes removing the material from the crater vicinity) are calculated, and h/d and d/D ratios for craters on the earth, moon, and Mars are compared.

Schubert, G.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Satellite Power System (SPS) student participation

A assessment of methods which are appropriate to initiate student participation in the discussion of a satellite power system (SPS) is presented. Methods which are incorporated into the campus environment and the on-going learning experience are reported. The discussion of individual methods for student participation includes a description of the technique, followed by comments on its enhancing and limiting factors, references to situations where the method has been demonstrated, and a brief consideration of cost factors. The two categories of recommendations presented are: an outline of fourteen recommendations addressing specific activities related to student participation in the discussion of SPS, and three recommendations pertaining to student participation activities in general.

Ladwig, A.↗
NASA NTRS1979

A marching method for calculating line and continuum radiation in high energy flow fields

A method is presented for calculating nongrey radiative fluxes and intensities in a highly ionized, low temperature plasma with extreme line broadening. The method was developed to study radiative heating phenomena in the mass-injected hypersonic shock-layer environments characteristic of outer planet atmospheric entry, although it is not limited to such studies. The radiative properties model assumed local thermodynamic equilibrium and used standard continuum and molecular band models. The atomic line model, however, used a frequency-marching method for the frequency integration, which not only accounted completely for line overlapping (reabsorption) effects, but compared favorably in economy with the best equivalent-width methods. An assessment of hydrogen line-far-wing treatments, with recommendations for engineering models, is also presented.

Bolz, C. W., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Recent advances in materials toxicology

An overview of the fire toxicology program, its principal objectives and approach, is outlined. The laboratory methods of assessing pyrolysis product toxicity for two experiments are presented. The two experiments are: a comparison of test end points; and an evaluation of operant techniques. A third experiment is outlined for a comparison of full-scale and laboratory toxicity tests, with the purpose of determining animal survivability in full-scale tests. Future research plans are also outlined.

Russo, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1979

The requirements and feasibility of business planning in the office of space and terrestrial applications

The feasibility of applying strategic business planning techniques which are developed and used in the private sector to the planning of certain projects within the NASA Office of Space and Terrestrial Applications was assessed. The methods of strategic business planning that are currently in use in the private sector are examined. The typical contents of a private sector strategic business plan and the techniques commonly used to develop the contents of the plan are described, along with modifications needed to apply these concepts to public sector projects. The current long-range planning process in the Office of Space and Terrestrial Applications is reviewed and program initiatives that might be candidates for the use of strategic business planning techniques are identified. In order to more fully illustrate the information requirements of a strategic business plan for a NASA program, a sample business plan is prepared for a hypothetical Operational Earth Resources Satellite program.

Greenberg, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Atomic emission spectroscopy

The relationship between the Slater-Condon theory and the conditions within the atom as revealed by experimental data was investigated. The first spectrum of Si, Rb, Cl, Br, I, Ne, Ar, and Xe-136 and the second spectrum of As, Cu, and P were determined. Methods for assessing the phase stability of fringe counting interferometers and the design of an autoranging scanning system for digitizing the output of an infrared spectrometer and recording it on magnetic tape are described.

Andrew, K. H.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The potential for damage from the accidental release of conductive carbon fibers from aircraft composites

The paper considers the potential for damage from the accidental release of conductive carbon fibers from aircraft composites. The electrical conductivity of carbon and graphite fibers has led to electrical equipment damage from the inadvertent release of virgin fibers into the atmosphere; an accidental release of carbon fibers from filamentary composites from the burning of crashed commercial airliners could damage electrical and electronic equipment. The experimental and analytical results by NASA of the methods of assessing the extent of potential damage in terms of costs is presented; the NASA materials research program to provide alternate or modified composites to overcome electrical hazards of carbon composites in aircraft structures is described.

Bell, V. L.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Performance considerations in long-term spaceflight

Maintenance of skilled performance during extended space flight is of critical importance to both the health and safety of crew members and to the overall success of mission goals. An examination of long term effects and performance requirements is therefore a factor of immense importance to the planning of future missions. Factors that were investigated include: definition of performance categories to be investigated; methods for assessing and predicting performance levels; in-flight factors which can affect performance; and factors pertinent to the maintenance of skilled performance.

Akins, F. R.↗