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At least 235 records · Page 13

A One-Hand Nut and Bolt Assembly Tool

Special wrench speeds nut and bolt assembly when insufficient room to hold nut behind bolthole with standard tool. C-clamp shaped box-andsocket-wrench assembly holds nut on blind side in alinement to receive bolt from open side.

Spencer, J. M.↗

MAGSAT anomaly field inversion and interpretation for the US

Long wavelength anomalies in the total magnetic field measured by MAGSAT over the United States and adjacent areas are inverted to an equivalent layer crustal magnetization distribution. The model is based on an equal area dipole grid at the Earth's surface. Model resolution, defined as the closest dipole spacing giving a solution having physical significance, is about 220 km for MAGSAT data in the elevation range 300-500 km. The magnetization contours correlate well with large scale tectonic provinces. A higher resolution (200 km) model based on relatively noise free synthetic "pseudodata" is also presented. Magnetic anomaly component data measured by MAGSAT is compared with synthetic anomaly component fields arising from an equivalent source dipole array at the Earth's surface generated from total field anomaly data alone. An excellent inverse correlation between apparent magnetization and heat flow in the western U.S. is demonstrated. A regional heat flow map which is presented and compared with published maps, predicts high heat flow in Nebraska and the Dakotas, suggesting the presence of a "blind" geothermal area of regional extent.

Mayhew, M. A.↗

Feed system design and experimental results in the uhf model study for the proposed Urbana phased array

The effects of atmospheric turbulence and the basis for the coherent scatter radar techniques are discussed. The reasons are given for upgrading the Radar system to a larger steerable array. Phase array theory pertinent to the system design is reviewed, along with approximations for maximum directive gain and blind angles due to mutual coupling. The methods and construction techniques employed in the UHF model study are explained. The antenna range is described, with a block diagram for the mode of operation used.

Loane, J. T.↗

Non-urban mobile radio market demand forecast

A national nonmetropolitan land mobile traffic model for 1990-2000 addresses user classes, density classes, traffic mix statistics, distance distribution, geographic distribution, price elasticity, and service quality elasticity. Traffic demands for business, special industrial, and police were determined on the basis of surveys in 73 randomly selected nonurban counties. The selected services represent 69% of total demand. The results were extrapolated to all services in the non-SMSA areas of the contiguous United States. Radiotelephone services were considered separately. Total non-SMSA mobile radio demand (one way) estimates are given. General functional requirements include: hand portability, privacy, reduction of blind spots, two way data transmission, position location, slow scan imagery.

Castruccio, P. A.↗

Progress report on the high resolution spectrograph for the Space Telescope

The instrument design is complete and many components and subsystems have been manufactured and tested. Solar-blind, multichannel, pulse counting detectors for two ultraviolet spectral bands have been developed and satisfactory flight units have been chosen. A large, lightweight graphite-epoxy optical bench, utilizing fingerplate joints with no metallic parts in order to minimize thermal expansion, has been built. Tests of the engineering model torque-motor-driven grating carrousel indicate that this critical system exceeds tight specifications for accurate and repeatable angular positioning. A complement of large, high-frequency gratings and an echelle is being completed in several laboratories. Software resident in a computer on the spacecraft will control the spectrograph with the capability to alter procedures in response to real-time evaluation of the data.

Brandt, J. C.↗

"Speaking" Microcomputer

Microcomputer system allows blind person to use portable computer and communicate with remote mainframe computer. System prepares data for transmission to mainframe, translates data transmitted from mainframe for its own use, and converts data ordinarily displayed on its video screen into synthesized speech.

Mandy, C.↗

Applications of aerospace technology in biology and medicine

Utilization of NASA technology and its application to medicine is discussed. The introduction of new or improved commercially available medical products and incorporation of aerospace technology is outlined. A biopolar donor-recipient model of medical technology transfer is presented to provide a basis for the methodology. The methodology is designed to: (1) identify medical problems and NASA technology that, in combination, constitute opportunities for successful medical products; (2) obtain the early participation of industry in the transfer process; and (3) obtain acceptance by the medical community of new medical products based on NASA technology. Two commercial transfers were completed: the ocular screening device, a system for quick detection of vision problems in preschool children, and Porta-Fib III, a hospital monitoring unit. Two institutional transfers were completed: implant materials testing, the application of NASA fracture control technology to improve reliability of metallic prostheses, and incinerator monitoring, a quadrupole mass spectrometer to monitor combustion products of municipal incinerators. Mobility aids for the blind and ultrasound diagnosis of burn depth are also studied.

Rouse, D. J.↗

Near-optimum design of GaAs-based concentrator space solar cells for 80 C operation

Using a detailed computer simulation model and reasonable values of optical, geometrical and material parameters from current published literature, parameter optimization studies were performed on two cell geometries, namely, the circular geometry for a Cassegrainian concentrator with 100 AM0, 80 C operation and the rectangular geometry for a venetian blind concentrator with 20 AM0, 80 C operation. For each cell geometry, three cell configurations were considered: p/n AlGaAs/GaAs; n/p AlGaAs/GaAs; and, n/p GaAs shallow homojunction. The studies show the possibility of designing GaAs-based space solar cells with beginning-of-life efficiencies exceeding 22 percent at 20 to 100 AM0, 80 C and probable efficiency degradation of less than 15 percent after a 70 percent reduction in diffusion length in each cell region.

Goradia, C.↗

Operation of a microchannel plate counting system in a mass spectrometer

A multiplier detector system has been developed as part of a mass spectrometer in an ion counting mode. During its operation ions striking a microchannel plate release pulses of electrons which are accelerated to a phosphor layer. The resulting flash of light is carried by a fiber-optic bundle to a photodiode array. The detector simultaneously counts ions throughout a mass spectrum covering more than 30 amu. It extends the mass spectrometer's operation toward low count rates for trace gas analysis. Each mass peak can be independently measured at count rates between 0.1 and 1000 counts/s. Higher rates on a few peaks do not blind the entire detector. The detector's capabilities have been demonstrated by measuring Kr and Xe isotopes in air at natural abundances. The mass spectrometer, detector, and readout electronics are sufficiently compact to permit use in a balloon-borne experiment.

Murphy, D. M.↗

Evaluation of antimotion sickness drug side effects on performance

The effects of antimotion-sickness drugs on the performance in computerized-pursuit-meter tests of groups of ten 18-30-yr-old male and female subjects are investigated experimentally using double-blind placebo techniques. The results are presented in tables and graphs and discussed in detail. The proficiency scores are as good as or better than placebo values for subjects given d-amphetamine (DA) 5 or 10 mg, promethazine (P) 25 mg + scopolamine (S) 400 ng + DA 10 mg, S 1 mg + DA 10 mg, S 250-600 ng, marezine 50 mg, meclizine 50 mg, dimenhydrinate 50 mg, S 1 mg + DA 5 mg, or P 25 mg + DA 10 mg. Significantly lower scores are seen in subjects given S 800 ng or 1 mg, P 25 mg (oral or IM), P 25 mg + S 400 ng, and P 25 mg oral + P 25 mg IM + DA 10 mg.

Wood, C. D.↗

Welding, Bonding and Fastening, 1984

A compilation of papers presented in a joint NASA, American Society for Metals, The George Washington University, American Welding Soceity, and Society of Manufacturing Engineers conference on Welding, Bonding, and Fastening at Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, on October 23 to 25, 1984 is given. Papers were presented on technology developed in current research programs relevant to welding, bonding, and fastening of structural materials required in fabricating structures and mechanical systems used in the aerospace, hydrospace, and automotive industries. Topics covered in the conference included equipment, hardware and materials used when welding, brazing, and soldering, mechanical fastening, explosive welding, use of unique selected joining techniques, adhesives bonding, and nondestructive evaluation. A concept of the factory of the future was presented, followed by advanced welding techniques, automated equipment for welding, welding in a cryogenic atmosphere, blind fastening, stress corrosion resistant fasteners, fastening equipment, explosive welding of different configurations and materials, solid-state bonding, electron beam welding, new adhesives, effects of cryogenics on adhesives, and new techniques and equipment for adhesive bonding.

Buckley, J. D.↗

Estimating the R-curve from residual strength data

A method is presented for estimating the crack-extension resistance curve (R-curve) from residual-strength (maximum load against original crack length) data for precracked fracture specimens. The method allows additional information to be inferred from simple test results, and that information can be used to estimate the failure loads of more complicated structures of the same material and thickness. The fundamentals of the R-curve concept are reviewed first. Then the analytical basis for the estimation method is presented. The estimation method has been verified in two ways. Data from the literature (involving several materials and different types of specimens) are used to show that the estimated R-curve is in good agreement with the measured R-curve. A recent predictive blind round-robin program offers a more crucial test. When the actual failure loads are disclosed, the predictions are found to be in good agreement.

Orange, T. W.↗

Thermoluminescence of Antarctic meteorites: A rapid screening technique for terrestrial age estimation, pairing studies and identification of specimens with unusual prefall histories

Thermoluminescence (TL) is a promising technique for rapid screening of the large numbers of Antarctic meteorites, permitting identification of interesting specimens that can then be studied in detail by other, more definite techniques. Specifically, TL permits determination of rough terrestrial age, identification of potential paired groups and location of specimens with unusual pre-fall histories. Meteorites with long terrestrial ages are particularly valuable for studying transport and weathering mechanisms. Pairing studies are possible because TL variations among meteorites are large compared to variations within individual objects, especially for natural TL. Available TL data for several L3 fragments, three of which were paired by other techniques, are presented as an example of the use of TL parameters in pairing studies. Additional TL measurements, specifically a blind test, are recommended to satisfactorily establish the reliability of this pairing property. The TL measurements also identify fragments with unusual pre-fall histories, such an near-Sun orbits.

Sutton, S. R.↗

Some design guidelines for discrete-time adaptive controllers

There have been many algorithms proposed for adaptive control which will provide globally asymptotically stable controllers if some stringent conditions on the plant are met. The conditions on the plant cannot be met in practice as all plants will contain high frequency unmolded dynamics therefore, blind implementation of the published algorithms can lead to disastrous results. This paper uses a linearization analysis of a non-linear adaptive controller to demonstrate analytically design guidelines which aleviate some of the problems associated with adaptive control in the presence of unmodeled dynamics.

Rohrs, C. E.↗

Quick-Release Panel Fastener

Quick-release fastener for panels actuated with just one hand. Fastener has no loose parts, does not require mating hardware, and used in blind hole in mating panel. New panel fastener selfcontained unit extending through congruent holes in two panels to be joined. Unit contracts to clamp panels together and expands to release them.

Fosdick, D. R.↗

Drilling Holes in Graphite/Epoxy

Relatively long-lived bit produces high-quality holes. Effective combination of cutting-tool design, feed, and speed determined for drilling 3/16-and-1/4-in. (0.48-and 0.65-cm) diameter holes in 0.18 in. (0.46cm) thick GM3013A or equivalent graphite/epoxy corrugated spar without backup material and without coolant. Developed to produce holes in blind areas, optimal techniques yielded holes of high quality, with minimal or acceptable delamination and/or fiber extension on drill-exit side.

Minlionica, Ronald↗

Observation of atmospheric ozone by dial with Raman lasers pumped by a KrF laser

Since the XeCl excimer laser (308 nm) was first used in Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) for stratospheric ozone detection, the XeCl ozone lidar became a useful tool for the monitoring of the stratospheric ozone concentration. Shorter wavelength lasers are needed for the observation of ozone in the troposphere where the ozone concentration is about one order of magnitude smaller than in the stratosphere. In 1983, tropospheric ozone was observed with the combination of the second Stokes line (290.4 nm) of stimulated Raman scattering from methane pumped by a KrF laser and the XeCl laser line. The measurement of the ozone distribution from ground to 30 km was reported, using three Stokes lines of Raman lasers pumped by a KrF laser. At wavelengths shorter than 295 nm, the background solar radiation is effectively suppressed by atmospheric ozone. Such a solar-blind effect can be expected when two wavelengths 277 and 290.4 nm are used for DIAL ozone detection. A preliminary measurement of the day time ozone distribution in the troposphere is presented using these wavelengths generated by a KrF laser with a Raman shifter. Analysis using the lidar equation predicts the maximum detectable range is 7 km.

Maeda, M.↗

Two-photon laser-induced fluorescence detection of OH

The TP-LIF OH sensor is based on the principle that a molecule having multiple energy states, all of which are bonding, can be pumped into the highest state with the resulting fluorescence being blue-shifted relative to all pumping wavelengths. In this way, one can successfully discriminate against virtually all noise sources in the system using long wavelength blocking filters in conjunction with solar-blind photomultiplier tubes. Thus, these systems tend to be signal limited rather than signal-to-noise limited as is true of the SP-LIF technique as well as other conventional analytical methods. The trick to achieving the above sampling scheme, with high efficiency, is in the use of high photon fluxes of short time duration. Obviously, the latter type of light source is fulfilled nicely by available pulsed lasers. From an operational point of view, however, this laser source needs to be tunable. The latter characteristic permits extremely high selectivity for the detection of a diatomic or simple polyatomic molecule by taking advantage of the high-resolution spectroscopic features of these type species.

Davis, D. D.↗