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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

Remote sensing and disaster monitoring - A review of applications in Indonesia

The role played by remote sensors on-board the Landsat and NOAA-7 satellites in monitoring and management of three catastrophic events that took place in 1982 and 1983 in Indonesia (two major volcanic eruptions and a large-scale forest fire) is assessed. The modes of operation of the satellite platforms, the types of data derived, and data availability to the users are described, and the sources of failures and delays (such as the presence of clouds, technical and computer errors, red-tape, etc.) are examined. The major drawbacks of the Landsat-supplied information for monitoring short-lived and fast-changing events were the insufficient frequency of data acquisition, delayed delivery of data, and extended times needed for data distribution and processing. Indonesia's NOAA-7 and GMS sensors, although of low spatial resolution, offered higher frequency of data collection, and profited from the existence of a local receiving station. The present value of the space-based imagery is seen mainly in the baseline assessment of the disaster-prone areas, which can assist in preparing these areas for the impending catastrophic events.

Malingreau, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Geology and petrology of the Apollo 15 landing site - Past, present, and future understanding

The main objectives of the Apollo 15 lunar mission were to investigate and sample materials from the Apennine Front (expected to be Imbrium ejecta and pre-Imbrian materials), the Hadley Rille, and the mare lavas of Palus Putredinis. The Hadley Rille was found to be a collapsed lava tube or channel, and from it, many mare basalt samples were collected which form two main chemical groups of the same age (3.3 b.y.), isotopic characteristics, and rate-earth element patterns. One group, olivine-normative, contains many vescular specimens and shows an olivine fraction trend. The other group, quartz-normative, is pigeonite-phyric and contains both vitrophyric and coarse-grained samples but exhibits little fractionation. The Apennine Front samples include such highland materials as ferroan anorthosites, spinel-bearing troctolites, norites, impact melts and metamorphosed breccias. A conspicuous component of the regolith breccias is volcanic green glass. The Apennine Front is characterized by a low-KREEP composition, a composition which has never been found as a pristine igneous rock type. Another unexpected discovey was the common occurrence of 3.5 b.y. old volcanic KREEP basalts. It is concluded that all major lunar processes can be profitably studied from the samples and observations at this single location.

Spudis, P. D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

A technique for lowering risks during contract negotiations

In this day and age of sophisticated weapon and space system procurements, negotiations of the statement of work, technical requirements, and schedule may be as protracted as the negotiation of costs and profit. A major problem facing the program manager during contract negotiations is what affect changes in schedule, technical requirements, and contract terms have on the price. In many instances, after the statement of work has been redrafted, the contractor will be obliged to reprice the work, either on the spot or after a short recess in the negotiations. In this paper, a method for organizing the negotiation process is presented to reduce the risks incurred by the seller. The method is built upon regression analysis and two illustrative examples of its use are provided.

Lehman, D. H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

On the Maxwellian distribution, symmetric form, and entropy conservation for the Euler equations

The Euler equations of gas dynamics have some very interesting properties in that the flux vector is a homogeneous function of the unknowns and the equations can be cast in symmetric hyperbolic form and satisfy the entropy conservation. The Euler equations are the moments of the Boltzmann equation of the kinetic theory of gases when the velocity distribution function is a Maxwellian. The present paper shows the relationship between the symmetrizability and the Maxwellian velocity distribution. The entropy conservation is in terms of the H-function, which is a slight modification of the H-function first introduced by Boltzmann in his famous H-theorem. In view of the H-theorem, it is suggested that the development of total H-diminishing (THD) numerical methods may be more profitable than the usual total variation diminishing (TVD) methods for obtaining wiggle-free solutions.

Deshpande, S. M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Project analysis and integration economic analyses summary

An economic-analysis summary was presented for the manufacture of crystalline-silicon modules involving silicon ingot/sheet, growth, slicing, cell manufacture, and module assembly. Economic analyses provided: useful quantitative aspects for complex decision-making to the Flat-plate Solar Array (FSA) Project; yardsticks for design and performance to industry; and demonstration of how to evaluate and understand the worth of research and development both to JPL and other government agencies and programs. It was concluded that future research and development funds for photovoltaics must be provided by the Federal Government because the solar industry today does not reap enough profits from its present-day sales of photovoltaic equipment.

Macomber, H. L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Cal Poly Space Project G-279

The Cal Poly Space Project is an effort on the part of several highly motivated students to deploy a space canister which will examine the effects of microgravity on electroplating and immiscible metals. The experiments will be controlled and monitored by a specialized triple redundancy system developed to defer the possible electronic errors due to uncontrollable factors such as photons from the Sun. With the finalization of the payload design and the near completion of the data control system, the integration phase of the project is anticipated to be completed and the project ready for launching by early 1987. It is hoped that the experiments will lead to new insights in space research and also prove profitable to industry.

Farley, David R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Flat-plate solar array project. Volume 1: Executive summary

In 1975, the U.S. Government contracted the Jet Propulsion Lab. to develop, by 1985, in conjunction with industry, the photovoltaics (PV) module and array technology required for widespread use of photovoltaics as a significant terrestrial energy source. As a result, a project that eventually became known as the Flat Plate Solar Array (FSA) Project was formed to manage an industry, university, and Government team to perform the necessary research and development. The original goals were to achieve widespread commercial use of PV modules and arrays through the development of technology that would allow them to be profitably sold for $1.07/peak watts (1985 dollars). A 10% module conversion efficiency and a 20 year lifetime were also goals. It is intended that the executive summary provide the means by which one can gain a perspective on 11 years of terrestrial photovoltaic research and development conducted by the FSA Project.

Callaghan, W.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Satellite operations support expert system

The Satellite Operations Support Expert System is an effort to identify aspects of satellite ground support activity which could profitably be automated with artificial intelligence (AI) and to develop a feasibility demonstration for the automation of one such area. The hydrazine propulsion subsystems (HPS) of the International Sun Earth Explorer (ISEE) and the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUS) were used as applications domains. A demonstration fault handling system was built. The system was written in Franz Lisp and is currently hosted on a VAX 11/750-11/780 family machine. The system allows the user to select which HPS (either from ISEE or IUE) is used. Then the user chooses the fault desired for the run. The demonstration system generates telemetry corresponding to the particular fault. The completely separate fault handling module then uses this telemetry to determine what and where the fault is and how to work around it. Graphics are used to depict the structure of the HPS, and the telemetry values displayed on the screen are continually updated. The capabilities of this system and its development cycle are described.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1987

Measurement science and manufacturing science research

The research program of Semiconductor Research Corp. is managed as three overlapping areas: Manufacturing Sciences, Design Sciences and Microstructure Sciences. A total of 40 universities are participating in the performance of over 200 research tasks. The goals and direction of Manufacturing Sciences research became more clearly focused through the efforts of the Manufacturing Sciences Committee of the SRC Technical Advisory Board (TAB). The mission of the SRC Manufacturing Research is the quantification, control, and understanding of semiconductor manufacturing process necessary to achieve a predictable and profitable product output in the competitive environment of the next decade. The 1994 integrated circuit factory must demonstrate a three level hierarchy of control: (1) operation control, (2) process control, and (3) process design. These levels of control are briefly discussed.

Phillips, D. Howard↗
NASA NTRS1987

Impatience versus achievement strivings in the Type A pattern: Differential effects on students' health and academic achievement

Psychometric analyses of college students' responses to the Jenkins Activity Survey, a self-report measure of the Type A behavior pattern, revealed the presence of two relatively independent factors. Based on these analyses, two scales, labeled Achievement Strivings (AS) and Impatience and Irritability (II), were developed. In two samples of male and female college students, scores on AS but not on II were found to be significantly correlated with grade point average. Responses to a health survey, on the other hand, indicated that frequency of physical complaints was significantly correlated with II but not with AS. These results suggest that there are two relatively independent factors in the Type A pattern that have differential effects on performance and health. Future research on the personality factors related to coronary heart disease and other disorders might more profitably focus on the syndrome reflected in the II scale than on the Type A pattern.

Spence, Janet T.↗
NASA NTRS1988

AlGaAs heterojunction lasers

The characterization of 8300 A lasers was broadened, especially in the area of beam quality. Modulation rates up to 2 Gbit/sec at output powers of 20 mW were observed, waveform fidelity was fully adequate for low BER data transmission, and wavefront measurements showed that phase aberrations were less than lamda/50. Also, individually addressable arrays of up to ten contiguous diode lasers were fabricated and tested. Each laser operates at powers up to 30 mW CW in single spatial mode. Shifting the operating wavelength of the basic CSP laser from 8300 A to 8650 A was accomplished by the addition of Si to the active region. Output power has reached 100 mW single mode, with excellent far field wave front properties. Operating life is currently approx. 1000 hrs at 35 mW CW. In addition, laser reliability, for operation at both 8300 A and 8650 A, has profited significantly from several developments in the processing procedures.

Goldstein, B.↗
NASA NTRS1987

GRADIO three-axis electrostatic accelerometers

Dedicated accelerometers for satellite gravity gradiometry (GRADIO project) are described. The design profits from experience acquired with the CACTUS accelerometer payload of the satellite CASTOR-D5B and studies of highly accurate accelerometers for inertial navigation. The principle of operation, based on a three-axis electrostatic suspension of a cubic proof mass, is well suited for the measurements of accelerations less than 0.0001 m/sec/sec. A resolution better than 10 to the minus 11th power m/sec/sec/sq root Hz is expected.

Bernard, A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Power requirements for mining and microwave processing of extraterrestrial resources

Research in progress on the use of nuclear power in mining the Martian moons for volatiles and hydrocarbons as well as to power microwave generators for processing both lunar regolith and the spoils from the Martian mines into building materials is described. Previous work on mining the Martian moons developed estimates for the costs and power requirements for extracting and shipping any volatiles that might be found on Phobos and Diemos. The costs were compared to the cost of shipping the same volatiles from Earth and it was found that the mining operation would break even for launch costs from Earth as low as ninety dollars per pound (198 dollars/kg). Above this figure the mines would generate a profit. Based on the results of recent work on the microwave processing of lunar regolith it was decided to refine the concept description. Work under way and to be reported deals with a better definition of the power required for mine operations, nuclear propulsion, and microwave materials processing.

Raymond S. Leonard↗
NASA NTRS1987

A comparative study of some mathematical models of the mean wind structure and aerodynamic drag of plant canopies

A semianalytical method for describing the mean wind profile and shear stress within plant canopies and for estimating the roughness length and the displacement height is presented. This method incorporates density and vertical structure of the canopy and includes simple parameterizations of the roughness sublayer and shelter factor. Some of the wind profiles examined are consistent with first-order closure techniques while others are consistent with second-order closure techniques. Some profiles show a shearless region near the base of the canopy; however, none displays a secondary maximum there. Comparing several different analytical expressions for the canopy wind profile against observations suggests that one particular type of profile (an Airy function which is associated with the triangular foliage surface area density distribution) is superior to the others. Because of the numerical simplicity of the methods outlined, it is suggested that they may be profitably used in large-scale models of plant-atmosphere exchanges.

Massman, William↗
NASA NTRS1987

The economics of mining the Martian moons

The costs for extracting and shipping volatiles such as water, carbon, and nitrogen that might be found on Phobos and Deimos are estimated. The costs are compared to the cost of shipping the same volatiles from earth, assuming the use of nuclear powered mining facilities and freighters. Mineral resources and possible products from the Martian moons, possible markets for these products, and the costs of transporting these resources to LEO or GEO or to transportation nodal points are examined. Most of the technology needed to mine the moons has already been developed. The need for extraterrestrial sources of propellants for ion propulsion systems and ways in which the mining of the moons would reduce the cost of space operations near earth are discussed. It is concluded that it would be commercially viable to mine the Martian moons, making a profit of at least a 10 percent return on capital.

Leonard, Raymond S.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Economic geology of lunar Helium-3

Economic geology evaluation of lunar He-3 should answer the question: Can lunar He-3 be sold on Earth with sufficient profit margins and low enough risk to attract capital investment in the enterprise. Concepts that relate to economic geology of recovering He-3 from the lunar maria are not new to human experience. A parametric cost and technology evaluation scheme, based on existing and future data, is required to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the comprehensive economic feasibility and return on investment of He-3 recovery from the lunar maria. There are also many political issues which must be considered as a result of nuclear fusion and lunar mining.

Schmitt, Harrison H.↗
NASA NTRS1988

A Very Large Area Network (VLAN) knowledge-base applied to space communication problems

This paper first describes a hierarchical model for very large area networks (VLAN). Space communication problems whose solution could profit by the model are discussed and then an enhanced version of this model incorporating the knowledge needed for the missile detection-destruction problem is presented. A satellite network or VLAN is a network which includes at least one satellite. Due to the complexity, a compromise between fully centralized and fully distributed network management has been adopted. Network nodes are assigned to a physically localized group, called a partition. Partitions consist of groups of cell nodes with one cell node acting as the organizer or master, called the Group Master (GM). Coordinating the group masters is a Partition Master (PM). Knowledge is also distributed hierarchically existing in at least two nodes. Each satellite node has a back-up earth node. Knowledge must be distributed in such a way so as to minimize information loss when a node fails. Thus the model is hierarchical both physically and informationally.

Zander, Carol S.↗
NASA NTRS1987

A bootstrap lunar base: Preliminary design review 2

A bootstrap lunar base is the gateway to manned solar system exploration and requires new ideas and new designs on the cutting edge of technology. A preliminary design for a Bootstrap Lunar Base, the second provided by this contractor, is presented. An overview of the work completed is discussed as well as the technical, management, and cost strategies to complete the program requirements. The lunar base design stresses the transforming capabilities of its lander vehicles to aid in base construction. The design also emphasizes modularity and expandability in the base configuration to support the long-term goals of scientific research and profitable lunar resource exploitation. To successfully construct, develop, and inhabit a permanent lunar base, however, several technological advancements must first be realized. Some of these technological advancements are also discussed.

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