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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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NASA NTRS1982

NASA research activities in aeropropulsion

NASA is responsible for advancing technologies related to air transportation. A sampling of the work at NASA's Lewis Research Center aimed at improved aircraft propulsion systems is described. Particularly stressed are efforts related to reduced noise and fuel consumption of subsonic transports. Generic work in specific disciplines are reviewed including computational analysis, materials, structures, controls, diagnostics, alternative fuels, and high-speed propellers. Prospects for variable cycle engines are also discussed.

Mccarthy, J. F., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Selling to NASA

The prospective NASA contractor is provided with information that describes the agency and its procurement practices. Products include ideas, manufacturing capabilities, fabricated components, construction, basic materials, and specialized services. NASA assistance in marketing these and other products is emphasized. Small and minority business enterprises are discussed. The agency's scientific and technical information activities are also discussed.

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NASA NTRS1981

Photogeologic mapping in central southwest Bahia, using LANDSAT-1 multispectral images

The interpretation of LANDSAT multispectral imagery for geologic mapping of central southwest Bahia, Brazil is described. Surface features such as drainage, topography, vegetation and land use are identified. The area is composed of low grade Precambrian rocks covered by Mezozoic and Cenozoic sediments. The principal mineral prospects of economic value are fluorite and calcareous rocks. Gold, calcite, rock crystal, copper, potassium nitrate and alumina were also identified.

Dejesusparada, N.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Methodology of the interpretation of remote sensing data and applications in geology

Methods used for interpreting orbital (LANDSAT) data for regional geological mapping in Brazil are examined. Particular attention is given to the levels of analysis used for studying geomorphology, structural geology, lithology, stratigraphy, surface geology, and dynamic processes. Examples of regional mapping described include: (1) rock intrusions in SE Sao Paulo, the southern parts of Minas Gerais, and the states of Rio de Janeiro, and Espiritu Santo; (2) a preliminary survey of Pre-Cambrian geology in the State of Piaui; and (3) the Gondwana Project - surveying Jaguaribe plants. Mineral exploration in Rio Grande do Sul, and the geology of the Alcalino complex of Itatiaia are discussed as well as the use of automatic classifications of rock intrusions and of ilmenite deposits in the Floresta Region. Aerial photography, side looking radar, and thermal infrared scanning are other types of remote sensors also used in prospecting for geothermal anomalies in the city of Caldas Novas-Goias.

Dejesusparada, N.↗

NASA NTRS1981

National Aeronautics and Space Administration fundamental research program. Information utilization and evaluation

In the second half of the 1980's NASA can expect to face difficult choices among alternative fundamental and applied research, and development projects that could potentially lead to improvements in the information systems used to manage renewable resources. The working group on information utilization and evaluation believes that effective choices cannot be made without a better understanding of the current and prospective problems and opportunities involved in the application of remote sensing to improve renewable research information systems. A renewable resources information system is defined in a broad context to include a flow of data/information from: acquisition through processing, storage, integration with other data, analysis, graphic presentation, decision making, and assessment of the affects of those decisions.

Estes, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1981

X-Ray astronomy the 1980's

The status of the current understanding of important problems to which X-ray astronomical techniques can be applied is summarized and the prospects for such research in the future is discussed. Relatively near-term X-ray astronomical research objectives are presented. The importance of a continuing program of balloon-borne research as a cost effective means by which studies at energies in excess of 20 keV may be performed is emphasized. The scientific opportunities presented by the Space Transpotation System to develop low cost experiments which are beyond the scope of balloon-borne capabilities are also highlighted.

Holt, S. S.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Effects off system factors on the economics of and demand for small solar thermal power systems

Market penetration as a function time, SPS performance factors, and market/economic considerations was estimated, and commercialization strategies were formulated. A market analysis task included personal interviews and supplemental mail surveys to acquire statistical data and to identify and measure attitudes, reactions and intentions of prospective SPS users. Interviews encompassed three ownership classes of electric utilities and industrial firms in the SIC codes for energy consumption. A market demand model was developed which utilized the data base developed, and projected energy price and consumption data to perform sensitivity analyses and estimate potential market for SPS.

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NASA NTRS1982

Advances in gamma-ray line astronomy

Gamma ray line observations of solar flares, gamma ray transients, and the galactic center are reviewed and interpreted. Prospects of future line detections are discussed.

Ramaty, R.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Developments in high-precision gamma-ray burst source studies

The source location data analyzed by the first and second interplanetary gamma ray burst spacecraft networks are reviewed. The possibilities of additional networks and of related studies in other disciplines, and the prospects for real time optical transient observations and for the definition of gamma ray burst sources by optical transient astronomy are also reviewed.

Cline, T. L.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Computational aerodynamics and design

The availability of supercomputers and the ingenuity of computational aerodynamics in design, and prospects for continued advancement are assessed.

Ballhaus, W. F., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Development status of a preprototype water electrolysis subsystem

A preprototype water electrolysis subsystem was designed and fabricated for NASA's advanced regenerative life support program. A solid polymer is used for the cell electrolyte. The electrolysis module has 12 cells that can generate 5.5 kg/day of oxygen for the metabolic requirements of three crewmembers, for cabin leakage, and for the oxygen and hydrogen required for carbon dioxide collection and reduction processes. The subsystem can be operated at a pressure between 276 and 2760 kN/sq m and in a continuous constant-current, cyclic, or standby mode. A microprocessor is used to aid in operating the subsystem. Sensors and controls provide fault detection and automatic shutdown. The results of development, demonstration, and parametric testing are presented. Modifications to enhance operation in an integrated and manned test are described. Prospective improvements for the electrolysis subsystem are discussed.

Martin, R. B.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Cost and performance projections for SPS photovoltaic blankets

An estimate, based on optimistic projections of current technology, is given for the specific power of photovoltaic blankets which might be achieved if the SPS concept was to be implemented. A simultaneous consideration of cost and technical requirements is used to identify key blanket technologies which must be developed for this reference system. The terrestrial photovoltaic experience coupled with new technology is used to develop cost estimates for the blanket, assuming an annual demand of 5 GW and a manufacturing industry dedicated to blanket production. The results indicate that blanket specific power goals may be exceeded, but there is little prospect that the cost goals can be met. This argues for a reconsideration of the photovoltaic option based on more expensive but higher performance blankets.

Scott-Monck, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Life in the universe; Proceedings of the Conference, Moffett Field, CA, June 19, 20, 1979

Papers are presented concerning the nature and distribution of life in the universe, particularly in the areas of the origins of life, life-supporting environments, the evolution of life in the Galaxy, and the detectability of technological civilizations. Specific topics include a preliminary discussion of the role of life in the universe, followed by examination of the role of water in thin films and cold environments in the origin of life, the relation between atmospheric composition and evolution, the possibility of planetary orbits in multiple star systems, and the prospects for detecting extrasolar planetary systems. Attention is also given to the origin of protein synthesis, the evolution of intelligence in multicellular organisms, the manifestations of advanced civilizations, and plans and principles for SETI.

Billingham, J.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Models for protocellular photophosphorylation

Several photoreactions for transducing light energy have been analyzed for their relevance as models for protocellular photophosphorylation. Inorganic ions and compounds could have played a role in protocellular photophosphorylation. Organic catalysts may have been the next significant agents used by protocells for photophosphorylation. Membranous photophosphorylation probably became the most recent type of photoenergy transduction to be acquired by protocells; it is still used by modern cells although components of the other types of phosphorylation are found in present day cells. Recorded yields of energy-rich phosphates from the model reactions discussed are small. Arguments are advanced that such yields could have been sufficient to have fueled protocellular metabolism, which was probably very slow compared to modern cellular metabolism. Future prospects for research in this area are discussed.

Bahn, P. R.↗

NASA NTRS1981

International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment, 15th, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, May 11-15, 1981, Proceedings. Volumes 1, 2 & 3

Developments related to advanced sensors and sensor systems are being examined, taking into account advanced aerospace remote sensing systems for global resource applications, spaceborne radar observation of the earth surface, a concept for an advanced earth resources satellite system, technologies for the multispectral mapping of earth resources, and the use of Landsat images and morphologic analogs in space exploration. Other topics discussed are related to modeling for terrain analysis, digital processing and analysis of remotely sensed data, microwave remote sensing, new discoveries from planetary remote sensing, and data base utilization. Advances in the area of luminescence are also considered along with future plans and prospects concerning the remote sensing of the earth from space.

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NASA NTRS1981

Meteorological lidar developments

A research program on remote optical measurements of humidity and temperature is summarized, and new results are given of such measurements as well as new data on the near IR absorption spectrum of H2O. The basic atmospheric technique is differential absorption lidar (DIAL) using narrow band, tunable dye lasers. Approximate wavelengths are 720, 820, 940 nm (H2O) and 690, 760 nm (O2; temperature). The requisite absorption line strengths and widths are measured in a controlled environment by means of grating spectroscopy and tunable lasers. Prospects for routine lidar meteorology, even from airplane and satellite platforms, appear excellent in several important applications; the conditions and the optical properties of the atmosphere can be obtained remotely by these means.

Wilkerson, T. D.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Assessment of advanced technologies for high performance single-engine business airplanes

The prospects for significantly increasing the fuel efficiency and mission capability of single engine business aircraft through the incorporation of advanced propulsion, aerodynamics and materials technologies are explored. It is found that turbine engines cannot match the fuel economy of the heavier rotary, diesel and advanced spark reciprocating engines. The rotary engine yields the lightest and smallest aircraft for a given mission requirement, and also offers greater simplicity and a multifuel capability. Great promise is also seen in the use of composite material primary structures in conjunction with laminar flow wing surfaces, a pusher propeller and conventional wing-tail configuration. This study was conducted with the General Aviation Synthesis Program, which can furnish the most accurate mission performance calculations yet obtained.

Kohlman, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Telemetry methods for monitoring physiological parameters

The use of telemetry to monitor various physiological functions is discussed. The advantages of the technique and the parameters that it can monitor are assessed, and the main telemetry systems, including pressure telemetry, flow telemetry, and multichannel telemetry, are detailed. Human applications of implanted flow transducers, total implant versus backpack telemetry, the use of power sources and integrated circuits in telemetry, and the future prospects of the technique in hypertension treatment and research are discussed.

Fryer, T. B.↗