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At least 577 records · Page 32

Early flight test experience with Cockpit Displayed Traffic Information (CDTI)

Coded symbology, based on the results of early human factors studies, was displayed on the electronic horizontal situation indicator and flight tested on an advanced research aircraft in order to subject the coded traffic symbology to a realistic flight environment and to assess its value by means of a direct comparison with simple, uncoded traffic symbology. The tests consisted of 28 curved, decelerating approaches, flown by research-pilot flight crews. The traffic scenarios involved both conflict-free and blunder situations. Subjective pilot commentary was obtained through the use of a questionnaire and extensive pilot debriefing sessions. The results of these debriefing sessions group conveniently under either of two categories: display factors or task performance. A major item under the display factor category was the problem of display clutter. The primary contributors to clutter were the use of large map-scale factors, the use of traffic data blocks, and the presentation of more than a few aircraft. In terms of task performance, the cockpit displayed traffic information was found to provide excellent overall situation awareness.

Abbott, T. S.↗

Shuttle program. STS-7 feasibility assessment: IUS/TDRS-A

This Space Transportation System 7 (STS-7) Flight Feasibility Assessment (FFA) provides a base from which the various design, operation, and integration elements associated with Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-A can perform mission planning and analysis. The STS-7 FFA identifies conflicts, issues, and concerns associated with the integrated flight design requirements and constraints.

Source record↗

From inanimate matter to living systems

Since the early part of this century, the Genesis account of the origin and evolution of life has been explained as an extrapolation of astronomical and geochemical processes. The essence of the answer to date is a protoreproductive protocell of much biochemical and cytophysical competance. The processes of its origin, molecular ordering, and its functions are described. A crucial understanding is that of the nonrandomness of evolutionary processes at all stages (with perhaps a minor statistical component). In this way, evolution conflicts with statistical randomness; the latter is a favorite assumption of both scientific and creationistic critics of the proteinoid theory. The principle contribution of the proteinoid theory to the understanding of general biology is to particularize the view that evolutionary direction is rooted in the shapes of molecules, in stereochemistry. After molecules of the right kind first assembled to protocells, life in its various stages of evolution was an inevitable consequence. It is molecules that continue to assemble as part of living process and, in the role of enzymes, continue to direct life cycle of the cell.

Fox, S. W.↗

NASA aviation safety reporting system

Knowledge of limitations of the Air Traffic Control system in conflict avoidance capabilities is discussed. Assumptions and expectations held by by airmen regarding the capabilities of the system are presented. Limitations related to communication are described and problems associated with visual approaches, airspace configurations, and airport layouts are discussed. A number of pilot and controller reports illustrative of three typical problem types: occurrences involving pilots who have limited experience; reports describing inflight calls for assistance; and flights in which pilots have declined to use available radar services are presented. Examples of Alert Bulletins and the FAA responses to them are included.

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The chemistry of sodium chloride involvement in processes related to hot corrosion

Sodium chloride is one of the primary contaminants that enter gas turbine engines and contribute, either directly or indirectly, to the hot corrosion degradation of hot-gas-path components. The paper surveys the results of laboratory experiments along with thermodynamic and mass transport calculations, intended for elucidating the behavior of sodium chloride in combustion environments. It is shown that besides being a source of sodium for the formation of corrosive liquid Na2SO4, the NaCl itself contributes in other indirect ways to the material degradation associated with the high-temperature environmental attack. In addition, the experimental results lend credence to the conceptual scheme presented schematically (behavior of NaCl in a turbine engine combustion gas environment) and resolve conflicting aspects of relevant NaCl misconceptions.

Stearns, C. A.↗

The problem of nighttime stratospheric NO3

Detailed calculations of the behavior of the NO3 column content as a function of time after sunset show that it takes nearly 2 hours to increase from daytime values of approximately 10 to the 11th/sq cm to nighttime values of 10 to the 14th/sq cm. These results appear to be in conflict with the measured NO3-concentration rise time of 40 min after sunset obtained from the 662-nm absorption data of Noxon et al. (1978). Changes in the rate constants affecting the NO, NO2, NO3, N2O5 system, the atmospheric temperature, and the amount of NO2 are not able to bring the calculated rise time for the NO3 column content into agreement with observations.

Herman, J. R.↗

Some observations regarding the statistical determination of stress rupture regression lines

Observations concerning the statistical evaluation of creep data are presented. Methods currently employed in the determination of stress rupture regression lines can result in conflicting and necessarily invalid results. Anomalous behavior is principally associated with the selection of the dependent variable. However, it is the least squares method of curve fitting which introduces regression bias. Methods to improve the validity of least squares regressions are suggested.

Pizzo, P. P.↗

Deep space mission integration with the space transportation system

The Galileo mission is the first interplanetary mission scheduled to use the Space Transportation System (STS). Therefore, Galileo is the trailblazer for mission integration of a deep space mission with the STS. A short overview of the Galileo mission is presented as background for the discussion of the mission integration effort. The components of the STS and the mission integration system are defined, documentation requirements explained, the work of the Flight Design Working Group described, and several examples of the types of problems dealt with are given. The steps of mission integration are shown from introducing requirements into the system to resolving conflicts that arise between the payload project and the STS operator. Conclusions are drawn from the Galileo mission integration effort to aid future payload projects in working with the STS.

Gray, W. B.↗

Combining paleointensity methods - A dual-valued determination on lunar sample 10017,135

A single-heating procedure for the determination of two partially independent values of paleofield intensity for one sample is presented. The procedure combines data for Shaw-type and 'ARM-method' determinations furnishing the ratio thermoremanent magnetization (TRM) to ARM acquisition efficiency corrected for physicochemical alteration to the magnetic carriers. Applicability of the Shaw-method to Fe-bearing samples is demonstrated by simulated paleointensity determinations on synthetic samples containing multidomain grains. The combined Shaw-ARM procedure was applied to a linear basalt sample, but the Thellier-Thellier method could not provide a meaningful determination of the neighboring chip. These conflicting findings may be explained by multiple step-wise heatings causing more damage to carriers than a single heating procedure, and by the natural remanent magnetization in this lunar basalt not being a simple TRM.

Hoffman, K. A.↗

Space motion sickness

Research on the etiology, prediction, treatment and prevention of space motion sickness, designed to minimize the impact of this syndrome which was experienced frequently and with severity by individuals on the Skylab missions, on Space Shuttle crews is reviewed. Theories of the cause of space motion sickness currently under investigation by NASA include sensory conflict, which argues that motion sickness symptoms result from a mismatch between the total pattern of information from the spatial senses and that stored from previous experiences, and fluid shift, based upon the redistribution of bodily fluids that occurs upon continued exposure to weightlessness. Attempts are underway to correlate space motion sickness susceptibility to different provocative environments, vestibular and nonvestibular responses, and the rate of acquisition and length of retention of sensory adaptation. Space motion sickness countermeasures under investigation include various drug combinations, of which the equal combination of promethazine and ephedrine has been found to be as effective as the scopolomine and dexedrine combination, and vestibular adaptation and biofeedback training and autogenic therapy.

Homick, J. L.↗

Heat pipe cooling of power processing magnetics

The constant demand for increased power and reduced mass has raised the internal temperature of conventionally cooled power magnetics toward the upper limit of acceptability. The conflicting demands of electrical isolation, mechanical integrity, and thermal conductivity preclude significant further advancements using conventional approaches. However, the size and mass of multikilowatt power processing systems may be further reduced by the incorporation of heat pipe cooling directly into the power magnetics. Additionally, by maintaining lower more constant temperatures, the life and reliability of the magnetic devices will be improved. A heat pipe cooled transformer and input filter have been developed for the 2.4 kW beam supply of a 30-cm ion thruster system. This development yielded a mass reduction of 40% (1.76 kg) and lower mean winding temperature (20 C lower). While these improvements are significant, preliminary designs predict even greater benefits to be realized at higher power. This paper presents the design details along with the results of thermal vacuum operation and the component performance in a 3 kW breadboard power processor.

Hansen, I. G.↗

Temperature dependence of the rate coefficient for charge exchange of metastable O/+//2D/ with N2

Using a data base of aeronomical parameters measured on board the Atmosphere Explorer-C satellite, temperature dependence of the reaction rate coefficient is deduced for the charge exchange of O(+)(2D) with N2. The results indicate the Explorer values determined over the temperature range from 700 to 1900 K are not in conflict with laboratory measurements made at higher temperatures.

Torr, M. R.↗

Design and operation of the Pioneer Venus Orbiter ultraviolet spectrometer

The University of Colorado's ultraviolet spectrometer instrument carried on the Pioneer Venus Orbiter spacecraft is a 125-mm f/5 Ebert-Fastie design with a 250-mm Cassegrain telescope. The instrument has extensive logic to control the grating motor drive and to adapt the basic spectrometer to the constraints and opportunities of the mission. Success has been achieved in reconciling the conflicting requirements of spectroscopic, limb profile, and imaging observations. A description of the instrument operating techniques is given together with representative results of all three types.

Stewart, A. I. F.↗

Isotopic anomalies from neutron reactions during explosive carbon burning

The heavy isotopic anomalies observed recently in the fractionation and unknown nuclear inclusions from the Allende meteorite are explained by neutron reactions during the explosive carbon burning (ECB). This model produces heavy anomalies in the same zone where Al-26 and O-16 are produced, thus reducing the number of source zones required for the isotopic anomalies. Unlike the classical r-process, the ECB n-process avoids the problem with the Sr anomaly and may resolve the problem of conflicting time scales between Al-26 and the r-process isotopes I-129 and Pu-244. Experimental studies of Zr and Ce isotopic composition are proposed to test this model.

Lee, T.↗

Implications of the high-state iron-line feature and soft X-ray emission of Hercules X-1

The interpretation that the soft X-ray emission of Her X-1 is due to reprocessing of the primary hard X-rays intercepted by a plasma layer in the Alfven surface imposes quite a stringent - but not an unreasonable - constraint on its parameters. By using the Alfven shell parameters constrained by this interpretation, the degree of ionization of the Alfven shell is calculated. Because the flux of hard X-ray from the neutron star is greatly attenuated inside the Alfven shell, except for a skin depth from its inner surface, the degree of ionization is determined by photoionization due to soft X-rays produced within the Alfven shell. On one hand, the large soft X-ray luminosity, which is about the same as the hard X-ray luminosity, indicates that a substantial fraction of primary hard X-rays is absorbed by the Alfven shell. On the other hand, the fact that the hard X-ray spectrum of Her X-1 observed during the high state shows neither a significant absorption feature down to about 3 keV nor an iron K-absorption dip tells us that the hard X-rays observed at the earth are mostly not reprocessed. This apparent conflict is resolved if the Alfven shell is clumpy (i.e., made of streams or blobs). The observed iron-line feature around 6.5 keV (E.W. about 300 keV) is explained by fluorescent iron K photons produced as a by-product of reprocessing of the hard X-rays by the Alfven shell; for this a large enhancement of the iron abundance with respect to the solar value is not required.

Bai, T.↗

Polytetrafluoroethylene transfer film studied with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was rubbed against nickel in ultrahigh vacuum at loads up to 3.9 N and speeds up to 94 mm/sec. The transfer film formed on the nickel was analyzed using X-ray phototectron spectroscopy. The film was indistinguishable from bulk PTFE except for the possible presence of a small amount of NiF2. The transfer film was found to be about 1 molecule (0.5 nm) thick under all conditions; but at speeds above 10 mm/sec, there was evidence of bulk transfer in the form of fragments as well. The thickness measurements required a choice among conflicting published values of the inelastic mean free path for electrons in polymers. The values chosen gave internally consistent results.

Wheeler, D. R.↗

Alternative licensing arrangements and spectrum economics: The case of multipoint distribution service

At present, the Federal Communications Commission assigns radio licenses following a determination of the public interest. Whenever mutually conflicting license applications are filed, the Commission holds a comparative hearing. This assignment mechanism is criticized as cumbersome and unrealiable, and three alternatives are proposed: increasing the available spectrum, and either auctions or lotteries of radio licenses. An analysis is presented of the present system and these alternative arrangments for assigning rights to the frequency spectrum for the Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS). Although MDS is a relatively minor radio service, it serves as a prototype for message distribution services with a large potential for use in business communications. Moreover, the way in which the initial batch of MDS licenses was assigned provides a unique opportunity for empirical work on the economics of the licensing process.

Agnew, C. E.↗