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Investigation of current university research concerning energy conversion and conservation in small single-family dwellings

An investigation was made of university research concerning energy conversion and conservation techniques which may be applied in small single-family residences. Information was accumulated through published papers, progress reports, telephone conversations, and personal interviews. A synopsis of each pertinent investigation is given. Finally, a discussion of the synopses is presented and recommendations are made concerning the applicability of concepts for the design and construction of NASA-Langley Research Center's proposed Technology Utilization House in Hampton, Virginia.

Grossman, G. R.↗

The spectrum of density perturbations in an expanding universe

The basic dynamic equations that govern the evolution of perturbations in a Friedmann-Lemaitre universe are derived. General solutions describing the evolution of adiabatic perturbations in the density of matter are obtained, and the choice of the appropriate initial conditions is examined. The various perturbation modes are compared, and the effects of decoupling on the perturbation spectrum are studied. The scheme used to follow the evolution of density perturbations through decoupling is based on an extension of the Eddington approximation to the radiative transfer equation, and is strictly valid in both optically thick and thin limits.

Silk, J.↗

Theories of the origin and nature of the universe

The origin of life on earth is seen arising as a natural consequence of a long series of physical and chemical processes taking place in association with evolution of the universe. The present theory is that any premordial earth atmosphere, resulting from accumulation from the primitive solar nebula, was probably swept away by the very intensive T Tauri stage of the solar wind. Subsequently, the present atmosphere and oceans of the earth were outgassed from the interior. Biochemical components of the gases were mainly water vapor and carbon dioxide.

A. G. W. Cameron↗

A microprocessor interface for the Ohio university prototype Omega navigation receiver

The Ohio University Omega Prototype Receiver is currently under final design and construction. As initially designed, digital and analog hardware outputs were provided for attachment of tape recorders or chart recording equipment for capture of Omega LOP data. The interface described was designed to demonstrate the concept of direct microprocessor attachment to the existing receiver to allow far more flexibility of output data handling than previously provided.

Lilley, R. W.↗

The University of Iowa Helios solar wind plasma wave experiment /E 5a/

This document describes the University of Iowa solar wind plasma wave experiment for the Helios missions (Experiment 5a). The objective of this experiment is the investigation of naturally occurring plasma instabilities and electromagnetic waves in the solar wind. To carry out this investigation, the experiment consists primarily of a 16-channel spectrum analyzer connected to the electric field antennas. The spectrum analyzer covers the frequency range from 20 Hz to 200 kHz and has an amplitude dynamic range which extends from .3 microvolts/m to 30 mV/m per channel. This spectrum analyzer, the antenna potential measurements, the shock alarm system and the supporting electronics are discussed in detail.

Gurnett, D. A.↗

Inhomogeneities in the early universe

The paper investigates certain nonlinear processes that are viable candidates for the mechanisms which produced large-scale inhomogeneities in the early Universe. Several nonlinear Lagrangians are presented for matter, the Korteweg-de Vries equation is analyzed, and the existence of solitons among its solutions is noted. A model based on the possibility of generating a cascade of solitons from an initial perturbation is proposed, and it is shown how large-scale inhomogeneities can be generated when an initial soliton fragments into many others through the nonlinear action of the terms in the Korteweg-de Vries equation. A second model is examined which is based on the interaction of matter with a strong radiation field (an almost monochromatic photon gas) and which involves changes in the refractive index of the vacuum. It is found that matter and radiation will not mix if the radiation field has a nonuniform intensity and that the matter will separate into dense portions or 'cosmological protogalaxies'. The evolution of these portions of matter is studied, and it is found that conditions would be appropriate for the interface between them and the surrounding radiation field to become unstable, giving rise to a turbulent layer.

Canuto, V.↗

Status review of liquid rocket static test range at Iowa State University

The liquid rocket static test range of the Iowa State University incorporates an Aerobee sustainer propulsion system consisting of a pressure fed (helium) liquid bipropellant (hypergolic) rocket engine with a regeneratively fuel-cooled thrust chamber assembly. The paper covers test results to date (including results of four test firings in the water expulsion mode), construction details of the test stand, the laboratory course syllabus, and the environmental impact statement.

Brodsky, R. F.↗

Calibration of a universal indicated turbulence system

Theoretical and experimental work on a Universal Indicated Turbulence Meter is described. A mathematical transfer function from turbulence input to output indication was developed. A random ergodic process and a Gaussian turbulence distribution were assumed. A calibration technique based on this transfer function was developed. The computer contains a variable gain amplifier to make the system output independent of average velocity. The range over which this independence holds was determined. An optimum dynamic response was obtained for the tubulation between the system pitot tube and pressure transducer by making dynamic response measurements for orifices of various lengths and diameters at the source end.

Chapin, W. G.↗

Gamma-ray Astrophysics: a New Look at the Universe

Gamma-ray astronomy which includes the spectral region from above approximately 100 keV to greater than or equal to 1000 GeV permits investigation of the most energetic photons originating in our galaxy and beyond and provides the most direct means of studying the largest transfers of energy occurring in astrophysical processes. Of all the electromagnetic spectrum, high-energy gamma-ray astronomy measures most directly the presence and dynamic effects of the energetic charged cosmic ray particles, element synthesis, and particle acceleration. Further, gamma rays suffer negligible absorption or scatterings as they travel in straight paths; hence, they may survive billions of years and still reveal their source. The high energy processes in stellar objects (including our Sun), the dynamics of the cosmic-ray gas, the formation of clouds and nebulae, galactic evolution and even certain aspects of cosmology and the origin of the universe may be explored by gamma-ray observations.

Trombka, J. I.↗

Rice University observations of the galactic center

The most sensitive of the four balloon fight observations of the galactic center made by Rice University was conducted in 1974 from Rio Cuarto, Argentina at a float altitude of 4 mbar. The count rate spectrum of the observed background and the energy spectrum of the galactic center region are discussed. The detector used consists of a 6 inch Nal(T 1ambda) central detector collimated to approximately 15 deg FWHM by a Nal(T lamdba) anticoincidence shield. The shield in at least two interaction mean free paths thick at all gamma ray energies. The instrumental resolution is approximately 11% FWHM at 662 keV. Pulses from the central detector are analyzed by two 256 channel PHA's covering the energy range approximately 20 keV to approximately 12 MeV. The detector is equatorially mounted and pointed by command from the ground. Observations are made by measuring source and background alternately for 10 minute periods. Background is measured by rotating the detector 180 deg about the azimuthal axis.

Meegan, C. A.↗

Gamma ray facilities at the University of Maryland cyclotron

A special beam line was set up in a separate shielded experimental room to provide a low background station for gamma-ray measurements at the University of Maryland cyclotron. The transmitted beam leaving the target is gathered in by a magnetic quadrupole lens located 1.8 m further downstream and focused on a Faraday cup located on the far side of the 2.5 m thick concrete shielding wall of the experimental room. A software computer program permits timing information ot be obtained using the cyclotron beam fine structure as a time reference for the observed gamma-ray events. Measurements indicate a beam fine structure width of less than 1.2 nanoseconds repeated, for example, in the case of 140 MeV alpha particles every 90 nanoseconds. Twelve contiguous time channels of adjustable width may be set as desired with reference to the RF signal. This allows the creation of 12 separate 8192 channel analyzers.

Hornyak, W. F.↗

The development of structure in the expanding universe

A model for clustering in an expanding universe is developed based on an application of the coagulation equation to the collision and aggregation of bound condensations. While the growth rate of clustering is determined by the rate at which density fluctuations reach the nonlinear regime and therefore depends on the initial fluctuation spectrum, the mass spectrum rapidly approaches a self-similar limiting form. This form is determined by the tidal processes which lead to the merging of condensations, and is not dependent on initial conditions.

Silk, J.↗

Universal time - Results from lunar laser ranging

A least squares analysis of lunar laser ranging observations from the McDonald Observatory is used to estimate universal time. In addition to the ranging observations, the analysis simultaneously takes into account the parameters representing the locations of McDonald and the lunar retroreflectors, the orbits of the earth and the moon, and the moon's physical libration. The root-mean-square of the postfit range residuals for the 5-year period from October 1970 to November 1975 is 28 cm. The results are compared with those obtained by the Bureau International de l'Heure and by Stolz et al. (1976), and the reasons for discrepancies are discussed. It is suggested that problems in modeling the moon's motion make difficult the determination of UT with the accuracy inherent in the ranging observations.

King, R. W.↗

The University of Chicago cosmic ray electrons and nuclei experiment on the H spacecraft

The University of Chicago instrument on the Heliocentric spacecraft (MEH experiment) will measure the energy spectrum of cosmic electrons in the range 5-400 MeV. In addition, the energy spectra and relative abundances of nuclei from protons to the iron group, with energies ranging from 30 MeV/n to 15 GeV/n, will be determined. Primary scientific objectives involve the study of the long and short term variability of these components as a probe of the structure of the heliosphere. Particles are identified by multiparameter analysis using the pulse height analyzed signals from eight active detectors - silicon solid state, plastic and crystal scintillators are solid and gas Cerenkov counters. Data return is optimized by a three level priority logic scheme.

Meyer, P.↗

Interstellar contact in an evolving universe

The evolution of organization in the universe is considered. It is proposed that a circum-solar community, and eventually a galactic community represent the next levels of organization in this evolutionary process. Possible strategies for detecting other technological civilizations in the galaxy are discussed.

Kuiper, T. B. H.↗

On the origin of Hawking mini black-holes and the cold early universe

A simple argument is outlined leading to the result that the mass of mini black holes exploding today is 10 to the 15th power g. A mathematical model is discussed which indicates that the equation of state is greatly softened in the high-density regime and a phase transition may exist, such that any length (particularly very small sizes) will grow with time irrespective of its relation to the size of the particle horizon. It is shown that the effect of spin-2 mesons with respect to the equation of state is to soften the pressure and make it negative. An analytical expression is given for the probability that any particular region in a hot early universe will evolve into a black hole.

Canuto, V.↗