Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Davis, B. K..
The advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) will be a free-flying observatory for high-quality observations and research in the X-ray spectrum. AXAF is planned to be launched in 1991 by the Shuttle and maintained in-orbit over a period of 15 years. This paper presents a summary of the AXAF program and describes several possible configurations which resulted from Phase A studies.
System utilizes Freon cycle and includes boiler turbogenerator with heat exchanger, regenerator and thermal-control heat exchangers, low-pressure and boiler-feed pumps, and condenser. Exchanger may be of interest to engineers and scientists investigating new energy sources.
This paper describes a solar-electric power and active thermal control system for spacecraft with solar energy to electricity conversion efficiency of more than 20%. Briefly, the solar heat energy is absorbed by flat plate collectors yielding above 70% of the energy incident for conversion by an organic condensing cycle. The cycle operates between 132 and 6.67 deg C. The working fluid is F-114 which flows through a solar collector to absorb heat, then through a regenerator and into the radiator where it is condensed to a liquid. The cold liquid flows through two paths, one providing regenerator cooling, the other providing spacecraft thermal control. The system total weight is about 170kg/kW of electrical energy produced. The dynamic system replaces batteries by a thermal capacitor for eclipse period energy storage, thereby eliminating many battery charging and control problems as well as improving efficiency and weight characteristics of the system.
Gun facilitates adhesive bonding of thermoplastic-backed studs to smooth, hard surfaces. Such studs can be used for mounting loads where defacement with drilled holes cannot be tolerated. These studs can be easily removed by softening the plastic bonding with heat from the gun.
Emission spectroscopy method for contamination monitoring of inert gas metal arc welding
Electrodeposited nickel, spherical pressure vessel fabrication for cryogenic storage