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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 631 records · Page 35

An arrayed hot-film sensor for detection of laminar boundary-layer flow disturbance spatial characteristics

An arrayed hot-film sensor has been developed for use in laminar boundary-layer research for the detection of crossflow or Goertler vortices. This sensor has been developed to detect spatial variations in heat transfer which are characteristic of crossflow or Goertler vortices. The sensor is ultimately intended for flight research applications. This paper describes the sensor, its priciples of operation, signal analysis techniques, and experimental results illustrating the spatial detection capabilities of this specialized hot-film device. Discretely placed spheres placed in the boundary layer created alternating regions of undisturbed and disturbed laminar flow over a prototype sensor. Flow visualization results were correlated with the sensor output to demonstrate the ability of the sensor to determine the spatial boundaries of localized disturbances in laminar flow. This work represents the initial steps toward the validation and calibration of an arrayed hot-film sensor for the detection of crossflow or Goertler vorticity wavelength and/or wave frequency.

Wusk, M. S.↗

Rapid 500-mb cyclogenesis and anticyclogenesis

The process of intensification of 500-mb cyclones and anticyclones as represented in NMC's 500-mb analyses is investigated, using a sample of records for 500-mb cyclones and anticyclones drawn from the cool season of September 1983 through May 1984 to determine the statistically large intensification rates and thus to establish criteria for rapid intensification. From the catalog of all rapidly intensifying 500-mb cyclones and anticyclones defined by these criteria, seasonal and geographical frequency distributions of cyclogenesis and anticyclogenesis is constructed. It is shown that, for the data sample used in this analysis, the operational forecast models tend to underpredict rapid developments of 500-mb cyclones and anticyclones.

Alberta, Timothy L.↗

Introduction in IND and recursive partitioning

This manual describes the IND package for learning tree classifiers from data. The package is an integrated C and C shell re-implementation of tree learning routines such as CART, C4, and various MDL and Bayesian variations. The package includes routines for experiment control, interactive operation, and analysis of tree building. The manual introduces the system and its many options, gives a basic review of tree learning, contains a guide to the literature and a glossary, and lists the manual pages for the routines and instructions on installation.

Buntine, Wray↗

The crush of new earth science data knocking at our door

The reasons for collecting massive amounts of earth science data in the Earth Observing System (EOS) Project are discussed. A processing hierarchy for handling the data is described, and the prospects for adequate throughput and storage for operational data analysis in the EOS era are addressed. Needs for successful exploratory data analysis are examined, and the policy issues implicated by the large stream of EOS data are considered.

Kahn, Ralph↗

An advanced manned launch system concept

A two-stage fully reusable rocked powered concept is defined and analyzed in detail for the Advanced Manned Launch System missions. The concept elements include a Mach 3 staging unmanned glideback booster and a 149-ft long winged orbiter with an external payload canister with a 15-ft diameter and 30-ft long payload bay. The booster and orbiter main propulsion system is a lightweight derivative of the current Space Shuttle Main Engine. The primary mission is the Space Station Freedom logistics mission, 40,000-lb payload with two crew members and eight passengers. The structural design and material selection, the thermal protection system, the integral cryogenic tanks and insulation, the propulsion system, and the modular payload canister system are described. The ground and flight operations approach analysis, the manufacturing and certification plan, and the technology development requirements are also discussed.

Stone, H. W.↗

Introduction to IND and recursive partitioning, version 1.0

This manual describes the IND package for learning tree classifiers from data. The package is an integrated C and C shell re-implementation of tree learning routines such as CART, C4, and various MDL and Bayesian variations. The package includes routines for experiment control, interactive operation, and analysis of tree building. The manual introduces the system and its many options, gives a basic review of tree learning, contains a guide to the literature and a glossary, lists the manual pages for the routines, and instructions on installation.

Buntine, Wray↗

Low cost missions to explore the diversity of near Earth objects

We propose a series of low-cost flyby missions to perform a reconnaissance of near-Earth cometary nuclei and asteroids. The primary scientific goal is to study the physical and chemical diversity in these objects. The mission concept is based on the Pegasus launch vehicle. Mission costs, inclusive of launch, development, mission operations, and analysis are expected to be near $50 M per mission. Launch opportunities occur in all years. The benefits of this reconnaissance to society are stressed.

Belton, Michael J. S.↗

Analysis of reentry into the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) for the LifeSat mission

This study investigates the reentry of the LifeSat vehicles into the WSMR. The LifeSat mission consists of two reusable reentry satellites, each carrying a removable payload module, which scientists will use to study long-term effects of microgravity, Van Allen belt radiation, and galactic cosmic rays on living organisms. A series of missions is planned for both low-Earth circular orbits and highly elliptic orbits. To recover the payload module with the specimens intact, a soft parachute landing and recovery at the WSMR is planned. This analysis examines operational issues surrounding the reentry scenario to assess the feasibility of the reentry.

Hametz, M.↗

Mars aqueous chemistry experiment

The Mars Aqueous Chemistry Experiment (MACE) is designed to conduct a variety of measurements on regolith samples, encompassing mineral phase analyses, chemical interactions with H2O, and physical properties determinations. From these data, much can be learned or inferred regarding the past weathering environment, the contemporaneous soil micro-environments, and the general chemical and physical state of the Martian regolith. By analyzing both soil and duricrust samples, the nature of the latter may become more apparent. Sites may be characterized for comparative purposes and criteria could be set for selection of high priority materials on future sample return missions. Progress for the first year MACE PIDDP is reported in two major areas of effort: (1) fluids handling concepts, definition, and breadboard fabrication and (2) aqueous chemistry ion sensing technology and test facility integration. A fluids handling breadboard was designed, fabricated, and tested at Mars ambient pressure. The breadboard allows fluid manipulation scenarios to be tested under the reduced pressure conditions expected in the Martian atmosphere in order to validate valve operations, orchestrate analysis sequences, investigate sealing integrity, and to demonstrate efficacy of the fluid handling concept. Additional fluid manipulation concepts have also been developed based on updated MESUR spacecraft definition. The Mars Aqueous Chemistry Experiment Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) facility was designed as a test bed to develop a multifunction interface for measurements of chemical ion concentrations in aqueous solution. The interface allows acquisition of real time data concerning the kinetics and heats of salt dissolution, and transient response to calibration and solubility events. An array of ion selective electrodes has been interfaced and preliminary calibration studies performed.

Clark, Benton C.↗

NASA's program in lidar remote sensing

Several major NASA research efforts in lidar remote sensing are reviewed, with attention given to hardware and key sensor issues along with results and expectations. The discussion covers temperature and pressure measurements, measurements methods and instrumentation, pressure data, wind field measurements, atmospheric backscatter measurement, aerosol and cloud measurements, and water vapor measurement. Consideration is also given to the applicability of lidar measurements to problems of operational weather analysis and forecasting, climate studies, mesoscale and severe storm analysis and forecastig, and studies of atmosphere/surface interface.

Theon, John S.↗

The role of small missions in planetary and lunar exploration

The Space Studies Board of the National Research Council charged its Committee on Planetary and Lunar Exploration (COMPLEX) to (1) examine the degree to which small missions, such as those fitting within the constraints of the Discovery program, can achieve priority objectives in the lunar and planetary sciences; (2) determine those characteristics, such as level of risk, flight rate, target mix, university involvement, technology development, management structure and procedures, and so on, that could allow a successful program; (3) assess issues, such as instrument selection, mission operations, data analysis, and data archiving, to ensure the greatest scientific return from a particular mission, given a rapid deployment schedule and a tightly constrained budget; and (4) review past programmatic attempts to establish small planetary science mission lines, including the Planetary Observers and Planetary Explorers, and consider the impact management practices have had on such programs. A series of small missions presents the planetary science community with the opportunity to expand the scope of its activities and to develop the potential and inventiveness of its members in ways not possible within the confines of large, traditional programs. COMPLEX also realized that a program of small planetary missions was, in and of itself, incapable of meeting all of the prime objectives contained in its report 'An Integrated Strategy for the Planetary Sciences: 1995-2010.' Recommendations are provided for the small planetary missions to fulfill their promise.

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Study and Analysis of The Robot-Operated Material Processing Systems (ROMPS)

This is a report presenting the progress of a research grant funded by NASA for work performed during 1 Oct. 1994 - 31 Sep. 1995. The report deals with the development and investigation of potential use of software for data processing for the Robot Operated Material Processing System (ROMPS). It reports on the progress of data processing of calibration samples processed by ROMPS in space and on earth. First data were retrieved using the I/O software and manually processed using MicroSoft Excel. Then the data retrieval and processing process was automated using a program written in C which is able to read the telemetry data and produce plots of time responses of sample temperatures and other desired variables. LabView was also employed to automatically retrieve and process the telemetry data.

Nguyen, Charles C.↗

Virtual reality applications in robotic simulations

Virtual reality (VR) provides a means to practice integrated extravehicular activities (EVA)/remote manipulator system (RMS) operations in the on-orbit configuration with no discomfort or risk to crewmembers. VR afforded the STS-61 crew the luxury of practicing the integrated EVA/RMS operations in an on-orbit configuration prior to the actual flight. The VR simulation was developed by the Automation and Robotics Division's Telepresence/Virtual Reality Lab and Integrated Graphics, Operations, and Analysis Lab (IGOAL) at JSC. The RMS Part Task Trainer (PTT) was developed by the IGOAL for RMS training in 1988 as a fully functional, kinematic simulation of the shuttle RMS and served as the RMS portion of the integrated VR simulation. Because the EVA crewmember could get a realistic view of the shuttle and payload bay in the VR simulation, he/she could explore different positions and views to determine the best method for performing a specific task, thus greatly increasing the efficiency of use of the neutral buoyancy facilities.

Homan, David J.↗

Spaceport Florida Authority: Business Plan

The Spaceport Florida Authority (SFA) was established under Florida Statute by the Governor and Legislature to assist the development of our nation's space transportation industry and to generate new space-related jobs, investment and opportunities statewide. Included in the Authorities' business plan is the statement of work and list of team members involved in creating the report, SFA's current operating concept, market analysis, assessment of accomplishments, a sample operating concept and a "roadmap to success".

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