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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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NASA NTRS1977

Limitations to growth of microorganisms on Uranus, Neptune, and Titan

Reappraisal of the probabilistic policy toward planetary contamination by terrestrial microorganisms carried aboard space probes is suggested on the grounds that assignment of numerical probabilities to qualitatively unknown phenomena, as expressed in Phillips's (1974) formulation of the probability of contamination, is inappropriate. As an alternative, it is proposed that fundamental knowledge of the interacting nature of life on earth, interrelations between terrestrial organisms, and continuing effects of these organisms on earth's atmosphere and surface should guide the formulation of a sounder scientific quarantine policy. Simple conservative atmospheric models most favorable for life on Uranus and Neptune are examined. It is concluded that terrestrial microorganisms will not grow on either planet due to limitations of liquid water, atmospheric convection to lethal depths, the absence of energy sources and nutrients, the presence of ammonia and hydrogen, insufficient concentrations of biologically necessary ions, and the lack of a surface. The likelihood of terrestrial microorganism growth on Titan is found to be vanishingly small.

Margulis, L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Comment of fitting ab initio intermolecular potentials for scattering calculations

The angular dependence of the interaction between two rigid linear rotors is considered, and one of the two expansions in current use is shown to be inappropriate. Interpolation of tabulated radial interactions is also discussed, and numerical tests are presented which demonstrate the accuracy of Lagrange and spline algorithms as a function of the spacing between points.

Green, S.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The influence of multispectral scanner spatial resolution on forest feature classification

Inappropriate spatial resolution and corresponding data processing techniques may be major causes for non-optimal forest classification results frequently achieved from multispectral scanner (MSS) data. Procedures and results of empirical investigations are studied to determine the influence of MSS spatial resolution on the classification of forest features into levels of detail or hierarchies of information that might be appropriate for nationwide forest surveys and detailed in-place inventories. Two somewhat different, but related studies are presented. The first consisted of establishing classification accuracies for several hierarchies of features as spatial resolution was progressively coarsened from (2 meters) squared to (64 meters) squared. The second investigated the capabilities for specialized processing techniques to improve upon the results of conventional processing procedures for both coarse and fine resolution data.

Sadowski, F. G.↗
NASA NTRS1978

NASA aviation safety reporting system

The study deals with 165 inadvertent operations on or into inappropriate portions of the aircraft areas at controlled airports. Pilot-initiated and controller-initiated incursions are described and discussed. It was found that a majority of the pilot-initiated occurrences involved operation without a clearance; controller-initiated occurrences usually involved failure to maintain assured separation. The factors associated with these occurrences are analyzed. It appears that a major problem in these occurrences is inadequate coordination among the various system participants. Reasons for this, and some possible solutions to various aspects of the problem, are discussed. A sample of reports from pilots and controllers is presented. These relate to undesired occurrences in air transport, general aviation, and air traffic control operations; to ATC coordination problems; and to a recurrent problem in ASRS reports, parachuting operations. A sample of alert bulletins and responses to them is presented.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1979

Hydrazine monopropellant reciprocating engine development

A hydrazine fueled piston engine for providing 11.2 kW was developed to satisfy the need for an efficient power supply in the range from 3.7 to 74.6 kW where existing nonair-breathing power supplies such as fuel cells or turbines are inappropriate. The engine was developed for an aircraft to fly to 21.3 km and above and cruise for extended periods. A remotely piloted aircraft and the associated flight control techniques for this application were designed. The engine is geared down internally (2:1) to accommodate a 1.8 m diameter propeller. An alternator is included to provide electrical power. The pusher-type engine is mounted onto the aft closure of the fuel tank, which also provides mounting for all other propulsion equipment. About 20 hrs of run time demonstrated good efficiency and adequate life. One flight test to 6.1 km was made using the engine with a small fixed-pitch four-bladed propeller. The test was successful in demonstrating operational characteristics and future potential.

Akkerman, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Microcracks in lunar rocks

Lunar samples contain abundant open microcracks that have closure characteristics completely unlike any shocked terrestrial rock; however, the microcracks present in the lunar rocks before the rocks reached the surface of the moon were likely similar to the microcracks in the shocked terrestrial rocks. Because the microcracks present in the lunar rocks in situ inside the moon were different, radically different, from the microcracks present today in returned lunar samples, any property that is sensitive to microcracks measured on the returned lunar samples is inappropriate for predicting that property as a function of depth in the moon. Therefore, many data that have been measured already on lunar samples simply do not apply to rocks in situ inside the moon. A plausible mechanism with which to account for the difference in microcrack characteristics of lunar samples on the surface of the moon and the microcrack characteristics of lunar rock in situ inside the moon is thermal cycling during residence on the moon's surface.

Simmons, G.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Space Resources and Space Settlements

This publication contains the technical papers from the five task groups that took part in the 1977 Ames Summer Study on Space Settlements and Industrialization Using Nonterrestrial Materials. The study was sponsored by the following NASA Headquarters organizations: Office of Space Science, Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology, and Office of Space Transportation Systems. The NASA Ames Research Center hosted the study and provided administrative support through its Life Sciences Directorate. Expert assistance in the many aspects of the study came from NASA Headquarters, NASA centers, universities, industry, and from individual consultants. This summer study was the largest and most comprehensive investigation of space manufacturing and habitation to date; forty senior research workers and ten students participated. The six-week study was preceded by several months of planning and preparation, and was followed by extensive work on manuscript checking, review, and assembly. The study topics reflected the research areas requiring the most intensive attention as ofrnid-1977; they were: Group I: Regenerative life-support systems and controlled environment agriculture. Group II: Parametric studies of efficient habitats in space. Time and cost analysis of a space manufacturing program plan. Group III: Detection and analysis of special classes of asteroids suitable as material resources for space manufacturing; studies of retrieval missions. Group IV: Electromagnetic mass drivers for use as interorbital engines, as devices to launch lunar material into space, and as tugs for the retrieval of asteroidal material. Group V: Chemical processing of non terrestrial material in space; manufacture of metals and glass fibers, beneficiation, and design of processing plants. These five task groups each produced two or more technical papers, signed by the contributing members. The papers were subjected to independent peer review by scientists not connected with the study. During the course of the study, frequent formal and informal exchanges of information occurred between task groups, so that the entire effort evolved in a coherent fashion and was directed toward common goals. However, each group remained responsible for the choice of its topics and for its conclusions. A listing of all the participants is given on pages vii-x. It would be inappropriate for me to single out particular people or groups for special mention, since all involved applied their skills with dedication and enthusiasm. Instead, I thank everyone for their contributions to the success of the study, and also for making it a united and warmly cooperative personal experience.

John Billingham↗
NASA NTRS1979

Turbulence effects on flame speed and flame structure

Turbulence effects on methane-air flames stabilized in grid turbulence were investigated through measurements of flame speed and mean and fluctuating flame temperature profiles. Published turbulent flame speed correlations were able to correlate the experimental flame speed data but were contradictory in indicating flame structure and combustion mechanisms. A simple, one-dimensional, wrinkled laminar flame model was used to predict characteristic flame temperature fluctuation levels. Comparison of these predictions with measured temperature fluctuations indicated that the majority of the flames studied were wrinkled laminar flames. However, a wrinkled laminar flame structure was inappropriate for the most intensely turbulent flames examined.

Smith, K. O.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Polarization from Thomson scattering of the light of a spherical, limb-darkened star

The polarized flux produced by the Thomson scattering of the light of a spherical, limb-darkened star by optically thin, extrastellar regions of electrons is calculated and contrasted to previous models which treated the star as a point source. The point-source approximation is found to be valid for scattering by particles more than a stellar radius from the surface of the star but is inappropriate for those lying closer. The specific effect of limb darkening on the fractional polarization of the total light of a system is explored. If the principal source of light is the unpolarized flux of the star, the polarization is nearly independent of limb darkening.

Rudy, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The parameters and measurements of the destabilizing actions of rotating machines, and the assumptions of the 1950's

The measurability of destabilizing actions is demonstrated for a rotor built to produce a forward circular, self excited malfunction (gas whip). It is argued that the continued use of past modeling technqiues is unfortunate in that it has led to the use of inappropriate words to express what is happening and a lack of full understanding of the category of forward circular whip instability mechanisms.

Bently, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Synthesized voice approach callouts for air transport operations

A flight simulation experiment was performed to determine the effectiveness of synthesized voice approach callouts for air transport operations. Flight deck data was first collected on scheduled air carrier operations to describe existing pilot-not-flying callout procedures in the flight context and to document the types and amounts of other auditory cockpit information during different types of air carrier operations. A flight simulation scenario for a wide-body jet transport airline training simulator was developed in collaboration with a major U.S. air carrier and flown by three-man crews of qualified line pilots as part of their normally scheduled recurrent training. Each crew flew half their approaches using the experimental synthesized voice approach callout system (SYNCALL) and the other half using the company pilot-not-flying approach callout procedures (PNF). Airspeed and sink rate performance was better with the SYNCALL system than with the PNF system for non-precision approaches. For the one-engine approach, for which SYNCALL made inappropriate deviation callouts, airspeed performance was worse with SYNCALL than with PNF. Reliability of normal altitude approach callouts was comparable for PNF on the line and in the simulator and for SYNCALL in the simulator.

Simpson, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Hydrazine monopropellant reciprocating engine development

A hydrazine-fueled piston-type engine for providing 11.2 kW (15 hp) has been developed to satisfy the need for an efficient power supply in the range from 3.7 to 74.6 kW (5 to 100 hp) where existing nonair-breathing power supplies such as fuel cells or turbines are inappropriate. The engine was developed for an aircraft to fly to 21.3 km (70,000 ft) and above and cruise for extended periods. The NASA Hugh L. Dryden Flight Research Center developed a remotely piloted aircraft and the associated flight control techniques for this application. About 20 hr of run time have demonstrated good efficiency and adequate life. One flight test to 6.1 km (20,000 ft) has been made using the engine with a small fixed-pitch four-bladed propeller. The test was successful in demonstrating operational characteristics and future potential.

Akkerman, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Improvements to the accuracy of the IUE wavelength scales in high dispersion

The data base of Pt-Ne emission lines used to calibrate the IUE high dispersion wavelength scales was scrutinized to improve the internal consistency of the adopted laboratory wavelength values and provide a homogeneous, documented line list, which IUE Guest Observers may use to evaluate quantitatively those Pt-Ne spectra taken to calibrate their data. After deletion of incorrect or inappropriate data in the old data base (lines with incorrect wavelength assignments; lines which are too faint, too bright, or blended; lines which fall near reseau marks, etc.) and the addition of several new entries, a total of 172 Pt-Ne lines for the SWP camera and 164 Pt-Ne lines for the LWR camera are now used for routine wavelength calibration in the high dispersion mode.

Turnrose, B. E.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A theory of human error

Human errors tend to be treated in terms of clinical and anecdotal descriptions, from which remedial measures are difficult to derive. Correction of the sources of human error requires an attempt to reconstruct underlying and contributing causes of error from the circumstantial causes cited in official investigative reports. A comprehensive analytical theory of the cause-effect relationships governing propagation of human error is indispensable to a reconstruction of the underlying and contributing causes. A validated analytical theory of the input-output behavior of human operators involving manual control, communication, supervisory, and monitoring tasks which are relevant to aviation, maritime, automotive, and process control operations is highlighted. This theory of behavior, both appropriate and inappropriate, provides an insightful basis for investigating, classifying, and quantifying the needed cause-effect relationships governing propagation of human error.

Mcruer, D. T.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Enlightened Use of Passive Voice in Technical Writing

The passive voice as a normal, acceptable, and established syntactic form in technical writing is defended. Passive/active verb ratios, taken from sources including 'antipassivist' text books, are considered. The suitability of the passive voice in technical writing which involves unknown or irrelevant agents is explored. Three 'myths' that the passive (1) utilizes an abnormal and artificial word order, (2) is lifeless, and (3) is indirect are considered. Awkward and abnormal sounding examples encountered in text books are addressed in terms of original context. Unattractive or incoherent passive sentences are explained in terms of inappropriate conversion from active sentences having (1) short nominal or pronominal subjects or (2) verbs with restrictions on their passive use.

Trammell, M. K.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A theory of human error

Human error, a significant contributing factor in a very high proportion of civil transport, general aviation, and rotorcraft accidents is investigated. Correction of the sources of human error requires that one attempt to reconstruct underlying and contributing causes of error from the circumstantial causes cited in official investigative reports. A validated analytical theory of the input-output behavior of human operators involving manual control, communication, supervisory, and monitoring tasks which are relevant to aviation operations is presented. This theory of behavior, both appropriate and inappropriate, provides an insightful basis for investigating, classifying, and quantifying the needed cause-effect relationships governing propagation of human error.

Mcruer, D. T.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Space Shuttle flying qualities and flight control system assessment study

The suitability of existing and proposed flying quality and flight control system criteria for application to the space shuttle orbiter during atmospheric flight phases was assessed. An orbiter experiment for flying qualities and flight control system design criteria is discussed. Orbiter longitudinal and lateral-directional flying characteristics, flight control system lag and time delay considerations, and flight control manipulator characteristics are included. Data obtained from conventional aircraft may be inappropriate for application to the shuttle orbiter.

Myers, T. T.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Ni partitioning between diopside and silicate melt - A redetermination by ion microprobe and recognition of an experimental complication

The capabilities of and potential problems with ion microprobe analysis are illustrated in the determination of Ni distribution between silicate melt and diopside as a function of concentration. Samples of diopside and a melt in the albite-anorthite-diopside system were doped with Ni to levels of 5.22 and 1.08 wt % and 1060, 138, 42 and 30 ppm, and with 3 ppm of Ni-63, and characterized by both electron and ion microprobe techniques. Measurements of Ni-62 distribution by the ion probe method give a ratio of 1.87 for the ratio of count rates in the diopsides with the glass, which is slightly lower than the value of 2.05 obtained from beta-track mapping. The measurements required the secondary ion signal to be linear with concentration in the range measured, and a calibration to correct for differential secondary ion yields from different phases. It is found, however, that partition coefficients measured for Ni-58 and Ni-60 are not constant with Ni concentration, probably due to Ni migration during crystallization. The results thus show ion microprobe analyses to be feasible for simultaneous measurements of distributions of more than one element, and of elements inappropriate for beta-track mapping or electron probe analysis.

Steele, I. M.↗