Retention and application of Skylab experiences to future programs

The problems encountered and special techniques and procedures developed on the Skylab program are described along with the experiences and practical benefits obtained for dissemination and use on future programs. Three major topics are discussed: electrical problems, mechanical problems, and special techniques. Special techniques and procedures are identified that were either developed or refined during the Skylab program. These techniques and procedures came from all manufacturing and test phases of the Skylab program and include both flight and GSE items from component level to sophisticated spaceflight systems

The effects of waste management on profitability in a flexible packaging company

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering, 2017Waste results in material loss and cascades to production processes, affecting a company’s profitability. This research sought to answer to what extent the implementation of a solid waste management protocol in a flexible packaging company (FPC) improves profitability. The research focused on reducing waste from the gravure printing process, which was analysed using a Lean Six Sigma tool, DMAIC, that has been shown to increase productivity, reduce cost, reduce defects and standardise operations. Processes were implemented to ensure that quality substrate was input at the correct levels and transformed efficiently into sellable product. Additionally, new protocols were employed to control and manage waste, further increasing the FPC’s savings. These modifications reduced waiting down time by 78%, rework by 53%, and job-specific waste by 6%, which translated into a 17% improvement in profit on average. Thus, the research effectively demonstrates that a waste management protocol increases the profitability of a FPC.XL201

A Study of Training, Feedback, & Goal Setting for Improving Quality in an Organizational Setting

The current study investigated the effects of training, knowledge of results (KR), and goal setting on improving product quality in a field setting. Both practical and theoretical issues were addressed through the experimental design. A practical concern was the improvement of product quality in an organization. The theoretical issue was the increased understanding and utility of goal setting and knowledge of results for motivating workers\u27 quality behavior. Two existing departments (n=60 employees) of an aluminum window manufacturing plant were studied with the use of a multiple-baseline, within-subjects design across four experimental phases: a) baseline, b) training only, c) visual presentation of feedback, c) goal setting. The principal dependent variable was the percentage of inspected products conforming to established quality criteria. A secondary measure was the change in rework costs resulting from nonconforming quality

Index to 1981 NASA Tech Briefs, volume 6, numbers 1-4

Short announcements of new technology derived from the R&D activities of NASA are presented. These briefs emphasize information considered likely to be transferrable across industrial, regional, or disciplinary lines and are issued to encourage commercial application. This index for 1981 Tech Briefs contains abstracts and four indexes: subject, personal author, originating center, and Tech Brief Number. The following areas are covered: electronic components and circuits, electronic systems, physical sciences, materials, life sciences, mechanics, machinery, fabrication technology, and mathematics and information sciences

Spring contact probes: wear characteristics testing for electrical and mechanical parameters

The study considers the development and evaluation of spring contact probes used for automated testing of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and assemblies. It considers the evolution of circuit technology which originated from the introduction of the thermionic valve at the beginning of the century. Since the introduction of the integrated circuit in the 1960's, the industry has seen considerable advances in integrated and printed circuit miniaturisation with its associated effect on the testability of the completed assembly. The close spacing between the tracks and pads within the printed circuit board, which is possibly loaded on both sides with integrated circuits and other components with fine pitch termination spacings, has initiated the rapid development of a specialised electronic test industry to ensure product quality. [Continues.

Application of Optimization in Production, Logistics, Inventory, Supply Chain Management and Block Chain

The evolution of industrial development since the 18th century is now experiencing the fourth industrial revolution. The effect of the development has propagated into almost every sector of the industry. From inventory to the circular economy, the effectiveness of technology has been fruitful for industry. The recent trends in research, with new ideas and methodologies, are included in this book. Several new ideas and business strategies are developed in the area of the supply chain management, logistics, optimization, and forecasting for the improvement of the economy of the society and the environment. The proposed technologies and ideas are either novel or help modify several other new ideas. Different real life problems with different dimensions are discussed in the book so that readers may connect with the recent issues in society and industry. The collection of the articles provides a glimpse into the new research trends in technology, business, and the environment

Implementation of the 64-meter-diameter Antennas at the Deep Space Stations in Australia and Spain

The management and construction aspects of the Overseas 64-m Antenna Project in which two 64-m antennas were constructed at the Tidbinbilla Deep Space Communications Complex in Australia, and at the Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex in Spain are described. With the completion of these antennas the Deep Space Network is equipped with three 64-m antennas spaced around the world to maintain continuous coverage of spacecraft operations. These antennas provide approximately a 7-db gain over the capabilities of the existing 26-m antenna nets. The report outlines the project organization and management, resource utilization, fabrication, quality assurance, and construction methods by which the project was successfully completed. Major problems and their solutions are described as well as recommendations for future projects

Development of a real-time ultrasonic sensing system for automated and robotic welding

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.The implementation of robotic technology into welding processes is made difficult by the inherent process variables of part location, fit up, orientation and repeatability. Considering these aspects, to ensure weld reproducibility consistency and quality, advanced adaptive control techniques are essential. These involve not only the development of adequate sensors for seam tracking and joint recognition but also developments of overall machines with a level of artificial intelligence sufficient for automated welding. The development of such a prototype system which utilizes a manipulator arm, ultrasonic sensors and a transistorised welding power source is outlined. This system incorporates three essential aspects. It locates and tracks the welding seam ensuring correct positioning of the welding head relatively to the joint preparation. Additionally, it monitors the joint profile of the molten weld pool and modifies the relevant heat input parameters ensuring consistent penetration, joint filling and acceptable weld bead shape. Finally, it makes use of both the above information to reconstruct three-dimensional images of the weld pool silhouettes providing in-process inspection capabilities of the welded joints. Welding process control strategies have been incorporated into the system based on quantitative relationships between input parameters and weld bead shape configuration allowing real-time decisions to be made during the process of welding, without the need for operation intervention.British Technology Group (BTG

Automation and robotics for the National Space Program

The emphasis on automation and robotics in the augmentation of the human centered systems as it concerns the space station is discussed. How automation and robotics can amplify the capabilities of humans is detailed. A detailed developmental program for the space station is outlined