Technology 2000, volume 1

The purpose of the conference was to increase awareness of existing NASA developed technologies that are available for immediate use in the development of new products and processes, and to lay the groundwork for the effective utilization of emerging technologies. There were sessions on the following: Computer technology and software engineering; Human factors engineering and life sciences; Information and data management; Material sciences; Manufacturing and fabrication technology; Power, energy, and control systems; Robotics; Sensors and measurement technology; Artificial intelligence; Environmental technology; Optics and communications; and Superconductivity

Application of IPAD to missile design

The application of an integrated program for aerospace-vehicle design (IPAD) to the design of a tactical missile is examined. The feasibility of modifying a proposed IPAD system for aircraft design work for use in missile design is evaluated. The tasks, cost, and schedule for the modification are presented. The basic engineering design process is described, explaining how missile design is achieved through iteration of six logical problem solving functions throughout the system studies, preliminary design, and detailed design phases of a new product. Existing computer codes used in various engineering disciplines are evaluated for their applicability to IPAD in missile design

An integrated information system to support energy policy formulation in South Africa : a conceptual study

Ph.D. (Energy Studies)The underlying assumption of this thesis is that information is critical for effective energy policy support. The objectives set and attained for this study were to: • assess existing solutions to the problem of supplying energy information; • consider developments in integrated conceptual solutions to the problems; • identify and analyse data structures for providing a single integrated information system as a solution; • evaluate and identify local energy and economic data sources for input to the proposed system; • provide a framework for information outputs in such an integrated system; and • make recommendations on the practical implementation of the conceptual . solution. The concepts underlying the basic assumption, and other parameters were clarified in Chapter 1. In particular, the link between policy formulation, modeling, and data collection, management and dissemination was shown. A study and assessment of existing energy information systems was then carried out. This investigated national systems in South Africa and other countries, and the systems of three international organisations. The structure and management of these energy information systems was assessed, as was the degree to which each provided the necessary support for policy formulation. Legislation was, where applicable, also considered. It was determined from this study and assessment that there were no integrated information systems to provide adequate information for energy policy makers through a single access point. An integrated single access point system was postulated at the conceptual level in Chapter 3. The major contribution to this conceptualisation is the concept of a single standardised referential data set A single referential data set can be used to classify all data at every level of the proposed integrated national energy information system. This integrated approach supports policy formulation and allows for the most efficient use of national resources in maintaining information. The proposed system was considered as a data flow model, to provide an overview of the collection, processing and dissemination of data. Next, a system model was developed. This divided the system into two broad divisions: the central control functions, including the referential data set; and the data modules, which provide the structure for capturing and maintaining the collected data. The final stage in this chapter . was the development of a data model which shows the relationships between the elements of the system model, particularly the relationship between the referential data set and all other data. In Chapter 4, this data model was developed further to identify entity sets and their content descriptions. It indicates in tabular format the structure of the different system components, and then shows diagrammatically the high level linkages between these components; This analysis of the proposed system is the precursor to work by systems analysts who are responsible for the final design specifications for system software. In Chapter 5 the objective was to determine sources of data for input to the national system. The South African energy economy was briefly studied and assessed for both supply and demand side information. Finally in Chapter 6, a set of output templates was developed. Once fully implemented, these will provide system users with all the necessary information to support policy formulation. Desired outputs from a system must be known before the system is designed, and are therefor included

Technology 2001: The Second National Technology Transfer Conference and Exposition, volume 2

Proceedings of the workshop are presented. The mission of the conference was to transfer advanced technologies developed by the Federal government, its contractors, and other high-tech organizations to U.S. industries for their use in developing new or improved products and processes. Volume two presents papers on the following topics: materials science, robotics, test and measurement, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, electronics, and software engineering

Space benefits: The secondary application of aerospace technology in other sectors of the economy

Over 580 examples of the beneficial use of NASA aerospace technology by public and private organizations are described to demonstrate the effects of mission-oriented programs on technological progress in the United States. General observations regarding technology transfer activity are presented. Benefit cases are listed in 20 categories along with pertinent information such as communication link with NASA; the DRI transfer example file number and individual case numbers associated with the technology and examples used; and the date of the latest contract with user organizations. Subject, organization, geographic, and field center indexes are included

COBE's search for structure in the Big Bang

The launch of Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) and the definition of Earth Observing System (EOS) are two of the major events at NASA-Goddard. The three experiments contained in COBE (Differential Microwave Radiometer (DMR), Far Infrared Absolute Spectrophotometer (FIRAS), and Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (DIRBE)) are very important in measuring the big bang. DMR measures the isotropy of the cosmic background (direction of the radiation). FIRAS looks at the spectrum over the whole sky, searching for deviations, and DIRBE operates in the infrared part of the spectrum gathering evidence of the earliest galaxy formation. By special techniques, the radiation coming from the solar system will be distinguished from that of extragalactic origin. Unique graphics will be used to represent the temperature of the emitting material. A cosmic event will be modeled of such importance that it will affect cosmological theory for generations to come. EOS will monitor changes in the Earth's geophysics during a whole solar color cycle

Energy. A continuing bibliography with indexes, issue 18

This issue of Energy lists 1038 reports, journal articles, and other documents announced between April 1, 1978 and June 30, 1978 in Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports (STAR) or in International Aerospace Abstracts (IAA). The coverage includes regional, national and international energy systems; research and development on fuels and other sources of energy; energy conversion, transport, transmission, distribution and storage, with special emphasis on use of hydrogen and of solar energy. Also included are methods of locating or using new energy resources. Of special interest is energy for heating, lighting, for powering aircraft, surface vehicles, or other machinery