Analysis of a two-fluid EHD power generator including effects of compressibility

A detailed analysis and method of calculation is presented for determining the complete thermodynamic cycle of either a one-fluid or a two-fluid electrohydrodynamic (EHD) power generator. The analysis takes fully into account the compressibility of the media. Parameters are included which express the thermodynamic losses in the various components of the overall system. The severe restriction on output created by the electrical breakdown limit of the medium is clearly shown. The method for computing the net-electrical work output per unit mass of primary fluid and the net overall thermal efficiency of the system is carefully developed. The calculation procedure is illustrated by a completely worked out numerical example. The techniques presented here may be used to determine the performance possibilities and limitations of various one-fluid and two-fluid EHD power generators. (Author)Prepared for: U.S. Department of Energyhttp://archive.org/details/analysisoftwoflu00gawaInteragency Agreement No ER-78-A-03-2122N

Gas properties computational procedure suitable for electronic calculators

A calculating procedure is presented, based on a least squares polynomial approximation, for duplicating existing tabular values of selected thermodynamic and transport properties of various important gases. Most of the data refer to ideal gases; however, for functions of both temperature and pressure , the pressure has been specified such that the polynomial approximations have only temperature as the independent variable. Suggested algorithms for polynomial evaluations up to the sixth degree are presented and optimized for hand-held or desk top calculators. Using the suggested polynomial fits and a suitable calculator, it is possible to duplicate existing table values for the various functions of the selected gases without interpolation of reference to the tables per se. The error of the included fits is generally less than 0.5%. With the lowest order approximation the error can be as high as 1%. (Author)The work reported herein is the outcome of a directed study course (AE 4900) in the Department of Aeronautics.http://archive.org/details/gaspropertiescom00andrNAApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Anode phenomena in a collision-dominated plasma

Anodes display either a glow mode or a constricted mode in plasmas of interest for MHO generator applications. The purpose of this paper is to outline the conditions underlying the existence of anode constrictions or anode spots in conjunction with criteria governing the anode glow. A steady current flowing through velocity and thermal boundary layers is investigated. The sheath and the ambipolar region are considered from an approximation theory viewpoint, and then the nonexistence of a one-dimensional Cartesian or diffuse mode for a nonreacting anode region is shown using the continuum equations for electrostatic probes.This work is supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research

Web Syndication in a Multilevel Security Environment

In this thesis, we demonstrate the feasibility of a novel multilevel web application that merges the ability to share sensitive information with cutting-edge Web 2.0 communication paradigms: we develop a multilevel web aggregation service, allowing web content at various classifications to be gathered together and browsed. The architecture supports read-down across subscriptions, supports receiving near-real-time delivery of new low web content to high subjects and demonstrates several thoughtful, ergonomic user interfaces relevant in a multilevel security context. The architecture was prototyped and evaluated using the current Monterey Security Architecture (MYSEA) research system.http://archive.org/details/websyndicationin1094538482Civilian, Naval Postgraduate SchoolApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

EHD Research: Final report for the year 1968-69

The research in electrohydrodynamics is concerned with how charged particles can be generated in the laboratory with a potentially useful range of sizes, of charge, and of number density. It is suggested that refined measurement techniques are needed to check on just what is being injected into the flow. The effects of turbulence on the EHD process and, particularly, on breakdown are being studied. The report discusses in some detail the possible role of turbulence on the mean effective mobility of charged particles. On the experimental side, a laboratory facility was built and then improved by the addition of a larger test section and other equipment. Work is proceeding to further develop and refine the instrumentation. Two types of injectors were operated, namely, molecular and two phase, and the latter shows potential for efficient operation. It was concluded tentatively that turbulence in the carrier fluid increases its breakdown potential, and that turbulent air may be a suitable medium for the EHD energy conversion process. (Author)http://archive.org/details/ehdresearchfinal00biblN

"I am your mother and your father!": In vitro derived gametes and the ethics of solo reproduction

In this paper, we will discuss the prospect of human reproduction achieved with gametes originating from only one person. According to statements by a minority of scientists working on the generation of gametes in vitro, it may become possible to create eggs from men’s non-reproductive cells and sperm from women’s. This would enable, at least in principle, the creation of an embryo from cells obtained from only one individual: ‘solo reproduction’. We will consider what might motivate people to reproduce in this way, and the implications that solo reproduction might have for ethics and policy. We suggest that such an innovation is unlikely to revolutionise reproduction and parenting. Indeed, in some respects it is less revolutionary than in vitro fertilisation as a whole. Furthermore, we show that solo reproduction with in vitro created gametes is not necessarily any more ethically problematic than gamete donation—and probably less so. Where appropriate, we draw parallels with the debate surrounding reproductive cloning. We note that solo reproduction may serve to perpetuate reductive geneticised accounts of reproduction, and that this may indeed be ethically questionable. However, in this it is not unique among other technologies of assisted reproduction, many of which focus on genetic transmission. It is for this reason that a ban on solo reproduction might be inconsistent with continuing to permit other kinds of reproduction that also bear the potential to strengthen attachment to a geneticised account of reproduction. Our claim is that there are at least as good reasons to pursue research towards enabling solo reproduction, and eventually to introduce solo reproduction as an option for fertility treatment, as there are to do so for other infertility related purposes

Library 2.0: the effectiveness of social media as a marketing tool for libraries in educational institutions

In an attempt to market their services and connect with potential users, and particularly young people, many libraries are opening accounts on social media platforms. Research suggests a contradiction between the advice relating to marketing and that regarding the use of social media in libraries, with the former emphasising the importance of the user at the centre of all considerations and the latter placing library staff as central to decisions. In this work we attempt to re-address this imbalance by surveying the current state of library activity on Twitter and, by means of questionnaires, investigate the experiences and motivations of librarians (n=58) in using social media and whether students (n=498) are willing to engage with the library in this manner and why. Our findings confirm that libraries in the sector are indeed struggling to foster interest in their social media activities and go some way to understanding why this is so, leading to a number of conclusions and recommendations for practitioners