Development and Application of Operational Techniques for the Inventory and Monitoring of Resources and Uses for the Texas Coastal Zone
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There are no author-identified significant results in this report.
The author has identified the following significant results. The most significant ADP result was the modification of the DAM package to produce classified printouts, scaled and registered to U.S.G.S., 71/2 minute topographic maps from LARSYS-type classification files. With this modification, all the powerful scaling and registration capabilities of DAM become available for multiclass classification files. The most significant results with respect to image interpretation were the application of mapping techniques to a new, more complex area, and the refinement of an image interpretation procedure which should yield the best results.
The influence of simulated turbulence on aircraft handling qualities was investigated. Pilot opinion of the handling qualities of a light general aviation aircraft were evaluated in a motion-base simulator using a simulated turbulence environment. A realistic representation of turbulence disturbances is described in terms of rms intensity and scale length and their random variations with time. The time histories generated by the proposed turbulence models showed characteristics which appear to be more similar to real turbulence than the frequently-used Gaussian turbulence model. In addition, the proposed turbulence models can flexibly accommodate changes in atmospheric conditions and be easily implemented in flight simulator studies. Six turbulence time histories, including the conventional Gaussian model, were used in an IFR-tracking task. The realism of each of the turbulence models and the handling qualities of the simulated airplane were evaluated. Analysis of pilot opinions shows that at approximately the same rms intensities of turbulence, the handling quality ratings transit from the satisfactory level, for the simple Gaussian model, to an unacceptable level for more realistic and compositely structured turbulence models.
The author has identified the following significant results. Image interpretation mapping techniques were successfully applied to test site 5, an area with a semi-arid climate. The land cover/land use classification required further modification. A new program, HGROUP, added to the ADP classification schedule provides a convenient method for examining the spectral similarity between classes. This capability greatly simplifies the task of combining 25-30 unsupervised subclasses into about 15 major classes that approximately correspond to the land use/land cover classification scheme.
This space bioprocessing contract effort was comprised of four general objectives. These were: (1) the evaluation of current separation processes, (2) the identification of problems relevant to the separation of important biologicals, (3) the identification of ground-based assay methods needed for pre- and postflight analysis of space bioprocessing separation technology; and (4) the establishment of methods to determine the efficiency of space bioprocessing separation procedures. Immunology was deemed advantageous to study the diversity of cells and cell products involved and the extensive interest being given to their separation. Upon recognition of a cellular or molecular agent as foreign to the body, the immune system becomes activated to produce cells whose function is to destroy that agent and cell products whose function is to inactivate the agent and assist in its destruction. Long after the agent is removed from the body, some cells remain in a state of readiness to continue these destructive actions specifically against that agent should further exposure to it occur. This is the basis of acquired immunity to disease.
The author has identified the following significant results. Four LANDSAT scenes were analyzed for the Harbor Island area test sites to produce land cover and land use maps using both image interpretation and computer-assisted techniques. When evaluated against aerial photography, the mean accuracy for three scenes was 84% for the image interpretation product and 62% for the computer-assisted classification maps. Analysis of the fourth scene was not completed using the image interpretation technique, because of poor quality, false color composite, but was available from the computer technique. Preliminary results indicate that these LANDSAT products can be applied to a variety of planning and management activities in the Texas coastal zone.
Regression analysis was applied to obtain a mathematical equation to determine a workload indicator in relation with the manpower required at the NASA. The equation thus derived was used to construct the requirements tables in the manning standards to improved management methods. Manning standards were discussed at a national conference.
There are no author-identified significant results in this report.
The use of automated, analytical techniques to aid medical support teams is suggested. Recommendations are presented for characterizing crew health in terms of: (1) wholebody function including physiological, psychological and performance factors; (2) a combination of critical performance indexes which consist of multiple factors of measurable parameters; (3) specific responses to low noise level stress tests; and (4) probabilities of future performance based on present and periodic examination of past performance. A concept is proposed for a computerized real time biomedical monitoring and health care system that would have the capability to integrate monitored data, detect off-nominal conditions based on current knowledge of spaceflight responses, predict future health status, and assist in diagnosis and alternative therapies. Mathematical models could play an important role in this approach, especially when operating in a real time mode. Recommendations are presented to update the present health monitoring systems in terms of recent advances in computer technology and biomedical monitoring systems.
Research in Photovoltaics and its applications is reported.
The state of the art of the aerodynamic energy concept, involving the use of active controls for flutter suppression, is reviewed. Applications of the concept include the suppression of external-store flutter of three different configurations of the YF-17 flutter model using a single trailing edge control surface activated by a single fixed-gain control law. Consideration is also given to some initial results concerning the flutter suppression of the 1/20 scale low speed wind-tunnel model of the Boeing 2707-300 supersonic transport using an activated trailing edge control surface.
High strength metal whiskers have a larger versatile field of application than monocrystalline whiskers. Although polycrystalline metal whiskers can be used for composites, preferably by extrusion in thermoplastics or by infiltration of resins or metals into whisker networks, the chief application at present may be the production and various use of whisker networks. Such networks can be produced up to high degrees of porosity and besides high mechanical strength, they have high inside surfaces and high electric conductivity. There are for instance, applications concerning construction of electrodes for batteries and fuel cells, catalysts and also new heat-exchanger material, capable of preparing fuel oil and gasoline in order to assist a high-efficiency combustion. The technical application of polycrystalline metal whiskers require their modification as well as the construction of a pilot production unit.
Recent studies indicate the promise of advanced LTA vehicles that can carry heavy loads and be capable of vertical takeoff and landing. Such airships may be combinations of aerostats and helicopters or modern versions of more conventional aircraft. These latter types would not be competitive with high speed modern jet air transports on established routes, but they would have a role in special situations and as long-endurance Naval and coastal surveillance aircraft. The most attractive and immediate market for modern airships in the field of short-range and heavy lift.
Typical spaceflight programs and their propulsion requirements as a comparison for possible propulsion systems are summarized. Chemical propulsion systems, solar, nuclear, or even laser propelled rockets with electrical or direct thermal fuel acceleration, nonrockets with air breathing devices and solar cells are considered. The chemical launch vehicles have similar technical characteristics and transportation costs. A possible improvement of payload by using air breathing lower stages is discussed. The electrical energy supply installations which give performance limits of electrical propulsion and the electrostatic ion propulsion systems are described. The development possibilities of thermal, magnetic, and electrostatic rocket engines and the state of development of the nuclear thermal rocket and propulsion concepts are addressed.
The Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU), a self-contained zero-gravity backpack designed for astronaut extravehicular activity, is discussed with reference to the system requirements and characteristics, and potential near-term and future uses. Attention is given to the MMU man-machine interfaces, propulsion capability, attitude control, crew restraint hardware, donning, doffing, activation, and deactivation. Specific applications discussed include: spacecraft inspection and servicing, assembly of large space systems, payload deployment/retrieval, and crew rescue.
Transportation systems or proposed changes in current systems are evaluated. Four principal evaluation criteria are incorporated in the process, operating performance characteristics as viewed by potential users, decisions based on the perceived impacts of the system, estimating what is required to reduce the system to practice; and predicting the ability of the concept to attract financial support. A series of matrix multiplications in which the various matrices represent evaluations in a logical sequence of the various discrete steps in a management decision process is used. One or more alternatives are compared with the current situation, and the result provides a numerical rating which determines the desirability of each alternative relative to the norm and to each other. The steps in the decision process are isolated so that contributions of each to the final result are readily analyzed. The ability to protect against bias on the part of the evaluators, and the fact that system parameters which are basically qualitative in nature can be easily included are advantageous.
Global scale diagnostics, regional diagnostics, and satellite IR data are discussed.
Performance parameters of the 800 x 800 three phase and virtual phase CCD imaging sensors for the planned Project Galileo and Space Telescope Wide Field/Planetary Camera are compared, and the significance of some of the parameters for device radiation performance is discussed. The problems encountered by the three phase device that resulted in its being considered not suitable for the Galileo mission are described, and the radiation hardening performed on the virtual phase device to permit it to cope with Jupiter's radiation belts is addressed. Major research tasks in the effort to advance the technology of large area virtual phase imagers are stated.