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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 1,315 records · Page 73

Quantitative evaluation of water quality in the coastal zone by remote sensing

Remote sensing as a tool in a waste management program is discussed. By monitoring both the pollution sources and the environmental quality, the interaction between the components of the exturaine system was observed. The need for in situ sampling is reduced with the development of improved calibrated, multichannel sensors. Remote sensing is used for: (1) pollution source determination, (2) mapping the influence zone of the waste source on water quality parameters, and (3) estimating the magnitude of the water quality parameters. Diffusion coefficients and circulation patterns can also be determined by remote sensing, along with subtle changes in vegetative patterns and density.

James, W. P.↗

A translator and simulator for the Burroughs D machine

The D Machine is described as a small user microprogrammable computer designed to be a versatile building block for such diverse functions as: disk file controllers, I/O controllers, and emulators. TRANSLANG is an ALGOL-like language, which allows D Machine users to write microprograms in an English-like format as opposed to creating binary bit pattern maps. The TRANSLANG translator parses TRANSLANG programs into D Machine microinstruction bit patterns which can be executed on the D Machine simulator. In addition to simulation and translation, the two programs also offer several debugging tools, such as: a full set of diagnostic error messages, register dumps, simulated memory dumps, traces on instructions and groups of instructions, and breakpoints.

Roberts, J.↗

MSFC's utilization of existing design technology in the Skylab program

In the design of Skylab use was made in a number of cases of technological experience obtained in connection with earlier phases of the space program. In the development of the payload shroud use was made of Saturn V flight data. The shroud thrusting joint system was an adaptation of a system flown on the Titan IIIC. Scientific airlock hardware for Skylab was available from the Apollo Program. The design of the Orbital Workshop was based on the technology base provided by Saturn programs. Details regarding the repair tools used for correcting orbital workshop meteoroid shield/solar array anomalies which occurred during the ascent are discussed along with a commercial concept for coolant resupply, giving attention to aid provided by already existing technological developments.

Eudy, R. G.↗

Index to NASA Tech Briefs, 1974

The following information was given for 1974: (1) abstracts of reports dealing with new technology derived from the research and development activities of NASA or the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, arranged by subjects: electronics/electrical, electronics/electrical systems, physical sciences, materials/chemistry, life sciences, mechanics, machines, equipment and tools, fabrication technology, and computer programs, (2) indexes for the above documents: subject, personal author, originating center.

Source record↗

Scheduling algorithm for mission planning and logistics evaluation users' guide

The scheduling algorithm for mission planning and logistics evaluation (SAMPLE) program is a mission planning tool composed of three subsystems; the mission payloads subsystem (MPLS), which generates a list of feasible combinations from a payload model for a given calendar year; GREEDY, which is a heuristic model used to find the best traffic model; and the operations simulation and resources scheduling subsystem (OSARS), which determines traffic model feasibility for available resources. The SAMPLE provides the user with options to allow the execution of MPLS, GREEDY, GREEDY-OSARS, or MPLS-GREEDY-OSARS.

Chang, H.↗

Vibroacoustic test plan evaluation: Parameter variation study

Statistical decision models are shown to provide a viable method of evaluating the cost effectiveness of alternate vibroacoustic test plans and the associated test levels. The methodology developed provides a major step toward the development of a realistic tool to quantitatively tailor test programs to specific payloads. Testing is considered at the no test, component, subassembly, or system level of assembly. Component redundancy and partial loss of flight data are considered. Most and probabilistic costs are considered, and incipient failures resulting from ground tests are treated. Optimums defining both component and assembly test levels are indicated for the modified test plans considered. modeling simplifications must be considered in interpreting the results relative to a particular payload. New parameters introduced were a no test option, flight by flight failure probabilities, and a cost to design components for higher vibration requirements. Parameters varied were the shuttle payload bay internal acoustic environment, the STS launch cost, the component retest/repair cost, and the amount of redundancy in the housekeeping section of the payload reliability model.

Stahle, C. V.↗

Constrained sloshing of liquid mercury in a flexible spherical tank

The mercury propellant tank system developed for use with solar electric propulsion was studied to analytically determine the resonant frequencies of the tank system and compare them with the anticipated control natural frequency of the spacecraft. The system consisted of a stainless steel spherical shell and a hemispherical elastometric diaphragm. The major analytical tool used was the NASTRAN program. Six mathematical models were developed. Resonant frequencies for six harmonics were obtained for each of the six models considered. The results show that the lowest resonant frequency for the tank system is about an order of magnitude greater than the anticipated control frequency of the spacecraft.

Lestingi, J.↗

Constrained sloshing of liquid mercury in a flexible spherical tank

The mercury propellant tank system developed for use with solar electric propulsion was studied to analytically determine the resonant frequencies of the tank system and compare them with the anticipated control natural frequency of the spacecraft. The system consisted of a stainless steel spherical shell and a hemispherical elastomeric diaphram which separates the mercury propellant and the gaseous nitrogen pressurant. The major analytical tool used was the NASTRAN program. Six mathematical models, which represent various amounts of mercury in the tank system were developed. Resonant frequencies for six harmonics were obtained for each of the six models considered. The results show that the lowest resonant frequency for the tank system is about an order of magnitude greater than the anticipated control frequency of the spacecraft.

Lestingi, J.↗

Space station thermal control surfaces

Mission planning documents were used to analyze the radiator design and thermal control surface requirements for both space station and 25-kW power module, to analyze the missions, and to determine the thermal control technology needed to satisfy both sets of requirements. Parameters such as thermal control coating degradation, vehicle attitude, self eclipsing, variation in solar constant, albedo, and Earth emission are considered. Four computer programs were developed which provide a preliminary design and evaluation tool for active radiator systems in LEO and GEO. Two programs were developed as general programs for space station analysis. Both types of programs find the radiator-flow solution and evaluate external heat loads in the same way. Fortran listings are included.

Maag, C. R.↗

A computational scheme usable for calculating the plume backflow region

The effects of the nozzle wall boundary layer on the plume flowfield are neglected in the majority of computational schemes which exist for the calculation of rocket engine exhaust plume flowfields. This neglect, which is unimportant in many applications, becomes unacceptable for applications where a surface which can be adversely affected by plume impingement forces, heating, or contamination is located behind the nozzle exit plane in what is called the 'plume backflow region'. The flow in this region originates in, and is highly affected by, the nozzle wall boundary layer. The inclusion of the effects of the boundary layer in the calculations is required for an appropriate determination of the flowfield properties within this region. A description is presented of the results of modifications of a method-of-characteristics computer program. The modifications were made to include the effects of the nozzle wall boundary layer on the plume flowfield. A comparison of computed and experimental data indicates that the employed computer program may be a useful tool for calculating the entire plume flowfield for liquid propellant rocket engines.

Cooper, B. P., Jr.↗

CADAT integrated circuit mask analysis

CADAT System Mask Analysis Program (MAPS2) is automated software tool for analyzing integrated-circuit mask design. Included in MAPS2 functions are artwork verification, device identification, nodal analysis, capacitance calculation, and logic equation generation.

Source record↗

Development and validation of a general purpose linearization program for rigid aircraft models

A FORTRAN program that provides the user with a powerful and flexible tool for the linearization of aircraft models is discussed. The program LINEAR numerically determines a linear systems model using nonlinear equations of motion and a user-supplied, nonlinear aerodynamic model. The system model determined by LINEAR consists of matrices for both the state and observation equations. The program has been designed to allow easy selection and definition of the state, control, and observation variables to be used in a particular model. Also, included in the report is a comparison of linear and nonlinear models for a high performance aircraft.

Duke, E. L.↗

Expert system for imaging spectrometer analysis results

Information on an expert system for imaging spectrometer analysis results is outlined. Implementation requirements, the Simple Tool for Automated Reasoning (STAR) program that provides a software environment for the development and operation of rule-based expert systems, STAR data structures, and rule-based identification of surface materials are among the topics outlined.

Borchardt, Gary C.↗

System capacity and economic modeling computer tool for satellite mobile communications systems

A unique computer modeling tool that combines an engineering tool with a financial analysis program is described. The resulting combination yields a flexible economic model that can predict the cost effectiveness of various mobile systems. Cost modeling is necessary in order to ascertain if a given system with a finite satellite resource is capable of supporting itself financially and to determine what services can be supported. Personal computer techniques using Lotus 123 are used for the model in order to provide as universal an application as possible such that the model can be used and modified to fit many situations and conditions. The output of the engineering portion of the model consists of a channel capacity analysis and link calculations for several qualities of service using up to 16 types of earth terminal configurations. The outputs of the financial model are a revenue analysis, an income statement, and a cost model validation section.

Wiedeman, Robert A.↗

ATAM - Automated Trade Assessment Modeling

Automated Trade Assessment Modeling program, ATAM, one of software tools designed to assess candidate architectures for data-management system of Space Station. Designed to discriminate among candidates having equally acceptable performance and reliability characteristics. Utilizes data base, defined by user, containing information on candidate architecture. Assesses such trade factors of system as weight, power consumption, and life-cycle cost. Produces detailed parameter assessments as well as single figure of merit for candidate architecture. Written in Microsoft FORTRAN.

Vallone, Antonio↗

A communication channel model of the software process

Reported here is beginning research into a noisy communication channel analogy of software development process productivity, in order to establish quantifiable behavior and theoretical bounds. The analogy leads to a fundamental mathematical relationship between human productivity and the amount of information supplied by the developers, the capacity of the human channel for processing and transmitting information, the software product yield (object size), the work effort, requirements efficiency, tool and process efficiency, and programming environment advantage. Also derived is an upper bound to productivity that shows that software reuse is the only means than can lead to unbounded productivity growth; practical considerations of size and cost of reusable components may reduce this to a finite bound.

Tausworthe, R. C.↗

A communication channel model of the software process

Beginning research into a noisy communication channel analogy of software development process productivity, in order to establish quantifiable behavior and theoretical bounds is discussed. The analogy leads to a fundamental mathematical relationship between human productivity and the amount of information supplied by the developers, the capacity of the human channel for processing and transmitting information, the software product yield (object size) the work effort, requirements efficiency, tool and process efficiency, and programming environment advantage. An upper bound to productivity is derived that shows that software reuse is the only means that can lead to unbounded productivity growth; practical considerations of size and cost of reusable components may reduce this to a finite bound.

Tausworthe, Robert C.↗