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At least 937 records · Page 52

Considerations for acoustic emission monitoring of spherical Kevlar/epoxy composite pressure vessels

We are continuing to research the applications of acoustic emission testing for predicting burst pressure of filament-wound Kevlar 49/epoxy pressure vessels. This study has focused on three specific areas. The first area involves development of an experimental technique and the proper instrumentation to measure the energy given off by the acoustic emission transducer per acoustic emission burst. The second area concerns the design of a test fixture in which to mount the composite vessel so that the acoustic emission transducers are held against the outer surface of the composite. Included in this study area is the calibration of the entire test setup including couplant, transducer, electronics, and the instrument measuring the energy per burst. In the third and final area of this study, we consider the number, location, and sensitivity of the acoustic emission transducers used for proof testing composite pressure vessels.

Hamstad, M. A.↗

Aperture and detector cavity considerations for wide and medium field-of-view radiometers

It is anticipated that comparison ground calibration radiometers for the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite System (ERBSS) may well incorporate a receiver cavity to facilitate the electrical substitution calibration capability. The radiometers were specifically developed for direct solar measurements and incorporate narrow fields of view with total included angles of not more than 15 degrees. Special cavity design characteristics are required to achieve the potential accuracy of this type of radiometer. Adequate conical cavity designs have been developed to assure the five reflections which an entering photon must experience before it is allowed to exit the radiometer. Attention is given to the proposed hemispherical aperture configuration, typical paths of unwanted incoming radiation, a resolution of a skew ray into axial components, and aspects of cavity design.

Babcock, R. A.↗

The University of Colorado OSO-8 spectrometer experiment. I - Introduction and optical design considerations

The optical design of the high-resolution ultraviolet spectrometer prepared for the OSO-8 spacecraft is discussed. The instrument is a conventional 1 m Ebert-Fastie spectrometer fed by a Cassegrainian telescope. The instrument operates in the spectral range 1200-2000 A with spectral resolution of order 0.02 A. Spatial resolution is about 2.5 arcsec normal to the direction of the slit and is selectable from about 3 arcsec to 15 arcmin along the direction of the slit. Time resolution for the single spectrometer channel is selectable according to the needs of an individual observation and is limited to a maximum sampling rate of 40 ms per data point. The instrument is controlled by an internal general purpose computer.

Bruner, E. C., Jr.↗

Detectability limit and uncertainty considerations for laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy in flames

Laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy of flames is discussed, and derived uncertainty relations are used to calculate detectability limits due to statistical errors. Interferences due to Rayleigh scattering from molecules as well as Mie scattering and incandescence from particles have been examined for their effect on detectability limits. Fluorescence trapping is studied, and some methods for reducing the effect are considered. Fluorescence trapping places an upper limit on the number density of the fluorescing species that can be measured without signal loss.

Daily, J. W.↗

On the definition of the Listing-geoid taking into consideration different height systems

An attempt is made to define the geoid on the basis of geodetic height systems determined from sea-surface topographic data. Existing height systems are corrected using sea-surface data. An equipotential surface is then chosen in such a way as to minimize the sum of the squares of the deviations from the corrected height systems. This equipotential surface is defined as the geoid. A least squares procedure is used to realize this definition.

Lelgemann, D.↗

Considerations of crack growth and plasticity in finite element analysis

A finite-element analysis was made of crack growth in a center-cracked specimen subjected to monotonically increasing load until the point of fast fracture. Since part of the specimen experienced unloading, the boundary value problem which was formulated was based upon incremental theory of plasticity. Experimental load and crack size records were utilized. Linear relations between plastic energy and crack growth were observed. Fracture toughness parameters, which were evaluated at the onset of unstable crack propagation from finite-element analysis, were in good agreement with those determined experimentally.

Lee, J. D.↗

Technology transfer policy considerations

Two approaches to the problem of using advanced technology for specific applications are presented. The first and more usual approach is to identify a problem and look for the appropriate technology to solve it. The second, favored by the author, is to pursue the momentum of technological development and find applications for it. It is pointed out that a problem may be identified only after a new technology comes into being. The development of the automobile during a period when there was no ready market for it is mentioned by way of illustration, i.e., the automobile created its own market and thereby helped solve the problem of transporting people and goods.

Frosch, R. A.↗

SPS cost considerations

Recent solar power satellite (SPS) system definition studies have emphasized cost estimation for the operational phase of an SPS program, in order to assess economic practicality of SPS. A cost analysis approach is described. Cost results for a silicon photovoltaic SPS are reported, showing SPS costs from $1700 to $2700 per kilowatt and busbar power costs from 3 cents to 7 cents per kilowatt-hour. Rationales behind the estimates are discussed.

Woodcock, G. R.↗

Structural/thermal considerations for design of large space platform structures

A method is described for placing a large, STS-compatible platform on orbit utilizing a construction method employing both deployable and erectable structures. A multifunctional mechanism is used for deployable structures and an on-orbit assembly is used for erectable structures. Also analyses are discussed which assess the thermal distortion of a simple open truss and a more complex truss.

Barclay, D. L.↗

Large space platform control avionics considerations

A number of areas requiring technology efforts are identified. Some of these areas associated with the avionics-oriented technologies required for design and operation of many of these large spacecraft are discussed.

Fisher, J. G.↗

Secondary emission effects on spacecraft charging: Energy distribution considerations

The conditions under which multiple valued solutions occur by computing the floating potential of an isolated eclipses surface on a geosynchronous orbit spacecraft were examined. Different approximations for the electron spectra during a geomagnetic substorm were used. The result indicates that if the incident electron flux has a Maxwellian energy distribution, the ratio of the secondary emitted current to the incident electron current is independent of the spacecraft potential. In this case a single value solution to the current equation occurs.

Sanders, N. L.↗

Study report on combining diagnostic and therapeutic considerations with subsystem and whole-body simulation

Current applications of simulation models for clinical research described included tilt model simulation of orthostatic intolerance with hemorrhage, and modeling long term circulatory circulation. Current capabilities include: (1) simulation of analogous pathological states and effects of abnormal environmental stressors by the manipulation of system variables and changing inputs in various sequences; (2) simulation of time courses of responses of controlled variables by the altered inputs and their relationships; (3) simulation of physiological responses of treatment such as isotonic saline transfusion; (4) simulation of the effectiveness of a treatment as well as the effects of complication superimposed on an existing pathological state; and (5) comparison of the effectiveness of various treatments/countermeasures for a given pathological state. The feasibility of applying simulation models to diagnostic and therapeutic research problems is assessed.

Furukawa, S.↗

Robust stability of linear systems: Some computational considerations

The cases of both additive and multiplicative perturbations were discussed and a number of relationships between the two cases were given. A number of computational aspects of the theory were also discussed, including a proposed new method for evaluating general transfer or frequency response matrices. The new method is numerically stable and efficient, requiring only operations to update for new values of the frequency parameter.

Laub, A. J.↗

Statistical considerations in design of spacelab experiments

After making an analysis of experimental error sources, statistical models were developed for the design and analysis of potential Space Shuttle experiments. Guidelines for statistical significance and/or confidence limits of expected results were also included. The models were then tested out on the following proposed Space Shuttle biomedical experiments: (1) bone density by computer tomography; (2) basal metabolism; and (3) total body water. Analysis of those results and therefore of the models proved inconclusive due to the lack of previous research data and statistical values. However, the models were seen as possible guides to making some predictions and decisions.

Robinson, J.↗

Consideration of sample return and the exploration strategy for Mars

The scientific rationale and requirements for a Mars surface sample return were examined and the experience gained from the analysis and study of the returned lunar samples were incorporated into the science requirements and engineering design for the Mars sample return mission. The necessary data sets for characterizing Mars are presented. If further analyses of surface samples are to be made, the best available method is for the analysis to be conducted in terrestrial laboratories.

Bogard, D. C.↗