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At least 343 records · Page 19

Io's surface composition - Observational constraints and theoretical considerations

Observations of line emission from neutral and ionic species in the Io-surrounding cloud, reflectance studies and theoretical considerations suggest Io's surface is unlike that of any other body in the solar system. The cloud has a peculiar composition which we show is probably not due to cloud/surface fractionation. Io's surface may be largely covered with an endogenically produced mixture of S and dehydrated salts, or by accretion-fractionated compounds modified by charge particle bombardment.

Fanale, F. P.↗

Strategic considerations in SETI, and a microwave approach

Plausible options in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), and the need to reserve a suitable portion of the EM (microwave) spectrum for SETI research, are discussed. Reasons for selection of a portion of the spectrum, specifically the 'water hole' near 1.5 GHz in the terrestrial microwave window (1-25 GHz), are presented, and competition with various emitters for that band (existing satellite downlink transmissions) is discussed. SETI search policies and options are summarized in a table. Speculative considerations guiding initial phases of the SETI pursuit are discussed.

Seeger, C. L.↗

Dust storms on Mars: Considerations and simulations

Aeolian processes are important in modifying the surface of Mars at present, and appear to have been significant in the geological past. Aeolian activity includes local and global dust storms, the formation of erosional features such as yardangs and depositional features such as sand dunes, and the erosion of rock and soil. As a means of understanding aeolian processes on Mars, an investigation is in progress that includes laboratory simulations, field studies of earth analogs, and interpretation of spacecraft data. This report describes the Martian Surface Wind Tunnel, an experimental facility established at NASA-Ames Research Center, and presents some results of the general investigation. Experiments dealing with wind speeds and other conditions required for the initiation of particle movement on Mars are described and considerations are given to the resulting effectiveness of aeolian erosion.

Greeley, R.↗

Considerations in STS payload environmental verification

Considerations regarding the Space Transportation System (STS) payload environmental verification are reviewed. It is noted that emphasis is placed on testing at the subassembly level and that the basic objective of structural dynamic payload verification is to ensure reliability in a cost-effective manner. Structural analyses consist of: (1) stress analysis for critical loading conditions, (2) model analysis for launch and orbital configurations, (3) flight loads analysis, (4) test simulation analysis to verify models, (5) kinematic analysis of deployment/retraction sequences, and (6) structural-thermal-optical program analysis. In addition to these approaches, payload verification programs are being developed in the thermal-vacuum area. These include the exposure to extreme temperatures, temperature cycling, thermal-balance testing and thermal-vacuum testing.

Keegan, W. B.↗

Model consideration of the bombardment event of the asteroidal belt by the planetesimals scattered from the Jupiter zone

The temporal evolutions of the planetesimals scattered from the Jupiter zone for different masses of the proto-Jupiter (2 = 0.1 and b = 1.0 of the present mass) are investigated. Due to the combined effects of the orbital evolution of the planetesimals and the elimination of these projectiles either via impact capture or injection into escape velocity by the outer planets, the whole scattering process lasts about 100 million yr for case (a) and about 10 million yr for case (b). The longer time scale may be a good estimate for the accretion time interval of Jupiter while the shorter one gives the upper time limit of the late heavy-bombardment epoch of the terrestrial planets due to planetesimals scattered from the Jupiter zone. Consideration of the collisional interaction of these projectiles with the asteroids indicates that the corresponding bombardment effect could be rather appreciable. From this point of view, the structure of the asteroidal belt could be affected significantly not only by Jupiter's gravitational perturbation effect but also by its early scattering process.

Ip, W.-H.↗

Isolation and confinement - Considerations for colonization

This paper discusses three types of isolation (sensory/perceptual, temporal, and social) that could adversely affect mankind in space. The literature dealing with laboratory and field experiments relevant to these areas is summarized and suggestions are given for dealing with these problems within the space colony community. Also, consideration is given to the potential effects of physical confinement and the need for usable space. Finally, a modification of Maslow's hierarchy of needs is proposed as a theoretical framework to understand and investigate mankind's psychological needs in space.

Akins, F. R.↗

System considerations for an earth radiation budget scanning radiometer

The objective of the scanning radiometer of the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite System is to measure the longwave and reflected shortwave radiation from the earth on a gridwork of approximately 250 km square regions in order to obtain one-month averages of flux with global coverage to an accuracy of 14 W/sq m. A number of considerations in the choice of some of the design parameters of the scanner are discussed. The error sources which must be considered in the design of a scanning radiometer designed to measure regional radiation budget are examined. An analysis of the system performance through spatial averaging is presented. The analysis provides insight into the effects of field of view, time response, onboard processing and spatial averaging.

Smith, G. L.↗

Design considerations for large space antennas

Performance requirements and costs for transportation, fabrication, and orbital assembly are the drivers in the design of large space antennas will range in size from approximately 30 m to 1 km in diameter and include radiometers, multibeam lens antennas, and microwave power transmission systems. Research and development is required to define comprehensive structural criteria for specific missions, to determine optimized geometries for truss elements and truss configurations and to establish requirements for joint design with consideration of tolerances, load transfer, thermal compatibility, and assembly and disassembly. Candidate structural elements, materials systems for the low pressure rapid cure of advanced composite materials, and various on orbit assembly and fabrication techniques must also be developed.

Johnson, R., Jr.↗

Structural concepts and experimental considerations for a versatile high-speed research airplane

Future aircraft may be hydrogen fueled and fly at hypersonic speeds. The resulting environments will require new structural concepts to satisfy performance goals. Large representative structures will have to be flight tested prior to commitment to a costly vehicle fleet. To perform flight tests, a versatile, economical, high-speed research airplane is defined. Results of this study including experimental considerations for a hypersonic research airplane are reported.

Jackson, L. R.↗

Gimbal bearing design considerations and friction control

The design considerations of bearing selection, bearing fits, bearing installation, and thermal control are discussed for a gimbal with a high stiffness, low friction torque requirement. Tradeoffs between a quad set of small diameter spread apart or a large diameter bearing pair resulted in a cleaner, lighter, stiffer unit with the latter selection. Bearing fits were designed to eliminate clearances with tolerances of .00127 mm 00005 in) on the bearing shafts and housings. The problems in metrology are discussed and a perferred technique for measurement of small cross-section bearings described. A technique for installation to assure proper seating of the bearing is offered. Where transient thermal conditions are involved, a method of controlling bearing friction by active control of bearing temperature gradients including the use of bearing unload test curves is described.

Kramer, N. R.↗

Some theoretical considerations of a stall proof airplane

For the stall proof airplane there should be a stabilizing pitching moment below the stall angle of attack of sufficient amount to prevent the attainment of the stall angle of attack which cannot be over-ridden by control deflections. This paper presents (1) a development of the moment equations to show the theoretical considerations of a stall proof airplane and (2) the nonlinear moment characteristics that must be obtained to satisfy the stall proof requirements. In addition, it is shown that an aerodynamic spoiler located on the under surface of the horizontal tail can be designed to meet these requirements of a stall proof airplane. Wind tunnel results are shown to validate assumptions and predictions.

Chevalier, H. L.↗

Economic and programmatic considerations for advanced transportation propulsion technology

Requirements for space transportation will increase after the Space Shuttle becomes operational. Shuttle derivatives and new earth-to-orbit vehicles are compared economically. The addition of both one and two new vehicle types are considered. Programmatic considerations are included in deriving a scenario which appears reasonable and includes the Space Shuttle, a heavy-lift cargo derivative of the Shuttle, a unique dual-fuel orbit transfer vehicle, and a small new earth-to-orbit vehicle in the foreseeable future. Large new orbital transfer and earth-to-orbit vehicles would be added when needed.

Martin, J. A.↗

Design considerations for silicon HLE solar cells

The high-low (H-L) junction in the emitter region that defines the high-low-junction emitter (HLE) solar cell suppresses the dark emitter recombination current J sub E so that the base recombination current dominates in determining the open-circuit voltage. For silicon cells this enables the achievement of considerably larger values of open-circuit voltage than those achievable in conventional structures. This paper describes experiments that demonstrate the achievement of J sub E suppression (to less than 5 x 10 to the -14th A/sq cm) and large open-circuit voltage (640 mV) in HLE test cells of two distinct types. In the first type (the diffused HLE structure) impurity diffusion forms the H-L junction in the emitter; in the second type (the oxide-charge-induced HLE structure) the H-L junction is formed in emitter material of relatively low doping concentration by an oxide-charge-induced electron accumulation layer.

Lindholm, F. A.↗

Considerations associated with the introduction of female crewmembers in spacecraft and space stations

This paper examines considerations of inclusion of female crewmembers in spacecraft and space stations. The anthropometric and physiological differences between males and females as related to spaceflight such as body dimensions, muscle strength characteristics, body posture, reach, and physiological differences are discussed. Crew provisions including inflight garments, hair style, cosmetics, personal hygiene, waste management, and personal privacy are described. Impacts on hardware design and crew performance, examples of effects on Orbiter systems, data on females and their performance under conditions analogous to spaceflight, and earth-based simulation experience are examined. It is concluded that no major problems have been found which would preclude females from space, and in the future the novelty of mixed crews will significantly decrease.

Brown, J. W.↗

Design considerations for mechanical face seals

Two companion reports deal with design considerations for improving performance of mechanical face seals, one of family of devices used in general area of fluid sealing of rotating shafts. One report deals with basic seal configuration and other with lubrication of seal.

Ludwig, L. P.↗

Considerations for design of future research and development interactive image analysis systems

Future interactive image analysis systems must provide for the increased processing requirements imposed by a thermal channel to LANDSAT-3 and the increased number of spectral channels with significantly higher spatial resolution provided by the LANDSAT-D thematic mapper. Other design considerations must include the rapidly changing technology in memories and special purpose processors, as well as the analyst-machine interface and the human factors involved. The centralized and distributed system approaches are examined in relation to the optimum design configuration of future systems.

Wilkinson, T. B.↗

Some considerations of the performance of two honeycomb gas path seal material systems

A standard Hastelloy-X honeycomb material and a pack aluminide coated honeycomb material were evaluated as to their performance as labyrinth seal materials for aircraft gas turbine engines. Consideration from published literature was given to the fluid sealing characteristics of two honeycomb materials in labyrinth seal applications, and their rub characteristics, erosion resistance, and oxidation resistance were evaluated. The increased temperature potential of the coated honeycomb material compared to the uncoated standard could be achieved without compromising the honeycomb material's rub tolerance, although there was some penalty in terms of reduced erosion resistance.

Bill, R. C.↗

Optical considerations in infrared heterodyne spectrometer design

The optical design considerations for optimization of sensitivity, tunability, and versatility of an infrared heterodyne spectrometer are discussed using the GSFC CO2 laser heterodyne spectrometer optical front end as an example. Problems related to the coherent nature of the laser local oscillator beam (e.g., interference effects at edges of optical elements and at the beam combining beamsplitter) are described and proper beamsplitter design discussed. Optimum matching to the telescope is discussed. The severe effects of large central obscuration on the coherent telescope efficiency are described and steps to partially recover the lost system sensitivity are proposed. Measurements made with the GSFC 48 inch telescope (linear obscuration rate = 0.5) and the KPNO McMathe telescope (no obscuration) are given as examples.

Kostiuk, T.↗