Combining high performance simulation, data acquisition, and graphics display computers

Issues involved in the continuing development of an advanced simulation complex are discussed. This approach provides the capability to perform the majority of tests on advanced systems, non-destructively. The controlled test environments can be replicated to examine the response of the systems under test to alternative treatments of the system control design, or test the function and qualification of specific hardware. Field tests verify that the elements simulated in the laboratories are sufficient. The digital computer is hosted by a Digital Equipment Corp. MicroVAX computer with an Aptec Computer Systems Model 24 I/O computer performing the communication function. An Applied Dynamics International AD100 performs the high speed simulation computing and an Evans and Sutherland PS350 performs on-line graphics display. A Scientific Computer Systems SCS40 acts as a high performance FORTRAN program processor to support the complex, by generating numerous large files from programs coded in FORTRAN that are required for the real time processing. Four programming languages are involved in the process, FORTRAN, ADSIM, ADRIO, and STAPLE. FORTRAN is employed on the MicroVAX host to initialize and terminate the simulation runs on the system. The generation of the data files on the SCS40 also is performed with FORTRAN programs. ADSIM and ADIRO are used to program the processing elements of the AD100 and its IOCP processor. STAPLE is used to program the Aptec DIP and DIA processors

General formalism for vibronic Hamiltonians in tetragonal symmetry and beyond

We derive general expansion formulas in vibrational coordinates for all bimodal Jahn–Teller and pseudo-Jahn–Teller Hamiltonians in tetragonal symmetry. Symmetry information of all the vibronic Hamiltonian matrix elements is fully carried by up to only 4 eigenvalues of symmetry operators. This problem-to-eigenvalue reduction enables us to handle thousands of vibronic problems in one work. The derived bimodal formulas can be easily extended to cover problems with one or more than two vibrational modes. They lay a solid foundation for future vibronic coupling studies of tetragonal systems. More importantly, the efficient derivation can be applied to handle (pseudo-)Jahn–Teller Hamiltonians for all problems with one principal symmetry axis

A History of the Joplin & Pittsburg Electric Railway Company, 1890-1929

This study was made to preserve the story of the Joplin & Pittsburg Railway Company, a transportation pioneer in the Pittsburg, Kansas, district. The study begins with the founding of Pittsburg, cursorily discusses the coming of steam trunk lines, and treats of the electric lines which were merged in 1910 to form the Joplin & Pittsburg Railway Company. From this juncture the study deals with the progress of the line until its end in 1929. Chronological order has been followed in the study in an effort to accentuate the cause and effect aspects of the company\u27s life. Labor troubles, extensions, and finances have been given considerable attention in order that it may be as apparent as possible why the corporation failed. Company records to 1929 are not extant, having been willfully destroyed by purchasers of the property in that year. Because of this, most material used in this study was taken from the Pittsburg Headlight. To determine the company\u27s expansions and obligations a book of franchises was used. This book is the personal property of J.A. Fenimore. For study of the early companies considerable amount of material was found in the Golden Jubilee Edition of the Pittsburg Headlight, and Sister M. Augustine Clarahan\u27s thesis, The Founding and Early Development of Pittsburg

Hybrid Solar Cell Integrating Photovoltaic and Thermoelectric Cell Elements for High Efficiency and Longevity.

Methods, systems and apparatus for a solar cell integrating photovoltaic and thermoelectric cell elements to form a hybrid solar cell. The cell has increased efficiency and longevity by combining operations of the photovoltaic and thermoelectric elements in at least three different modes of operation to increase electrical output per unit of panel area and to increase cell life, improve performance, and provide operational benefits under different environmental conditions

Hot Hydrogen Testing of Tungsten-Uranium Dioxide (W-UO2) CERMET Fuel Materials for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

CERMET fuel materials are being developed at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center for a Nuclear Cryogenic Propulsion Stage. Recent work has resulted in the development and demonstration of a Compact Fuel Element Environmental Test (CFEET) System that is capable of subjecting depleted uranium fuel material samples to hot hydrogen. A critical obstacle to the development of an NCPS engine is the high-cost and safety concerns associated with developmental testing in nuclear environments. The purpose of this testing capability is to enable low-cost screening of candidate materials, fabrication processes, and further validation of concepts. The CERMET samples consist of depleted uranium dioxide (UO2) fuel particles in a tungsten metal matrix, which has been demonstrated on previous programs to provide improved performance and retention of fission products1. Numerous past programs have utilized hot hydrogen furnace testing to develop and evaluate fuel materials. The testing provides a reasonable simulation of temperature and thermal stress effects in a flowing hydrogen environment. Though no information is gained about radiation damage, the furnace testing is extremely valuable for development and verification of fuel element materials and processes. The current work includes testing of subscale W-UO2 slugs to evaluate fuel loss and stability. The materials are then fabricated into samples with seven cooling channels to test a more representative section of a fuel element. Several iterations of testing are being performed to evaluate fuel mass loss impacts from density, microstructure, fuel particle size and shape, chemistry, claddings, particle coatings, and stabilizers. The fuel materials and forms being evaluated on this effort have all been demonstrated to control fuel migration and loss. The objective is to verify performance improvements of the various materials and process options prior to expensive full scale fabrication and testing. Post test analysis will include weight percent fuel loss, microscopy, dimensional tolerance, and fuel stability

Agriculture and climate change mitigation in the developing world

Agricultural activities in the developing world directly contribute about 4.23 GtCO2eq/y to the current anthropogenic forcing of the global climate, and indirectly a further approximately 3.93GtCO2eq/y through forest clearing and degradation. Together they constitute a quarter of the total global climate forcing from all sources. Many proven agricultural practices and policies can reduce this impact on the global climate without compromising food production, or reduce the climate impact per unit of agricultural production. A reasonable target by 2030 for climate mitigation in developing world agriculture, taking into account the large difference between technical potentials and economically viable adoption rates and noting the equity issues relating to the mitigation activities in the developing world, is around 1.2 GtCO2eq/y for agriculture (~ 22% of projected unmitigated agricultural emissions by 2030) and 1.2 GtCO2eq/y for avoided and more climate-appropriate land use changes (~ 30% of current land use change related emissions)

Fabrication of High Temperature Cermet Materials for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

Processing techniques are being developed to fabricate refractory metal and ceramic cermet materials for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP). Significant advances have been made in the area of high-temperature cermet fuel processing since RoverNERVA. Cermet materials offer several advantages such as retention of fission products and fuels, thermal shock resistance, hydrogen compatibility, high conductivity, and high strength. Recent NASA h d e d research has demonstrated the net shape fabrication of W-Re-HfC and other refractory metal and ceramic components that are similar to UN/W-Re cermet fuels. This effort is focused on basic research and characterization to identify the most promising compositions and processing techniques. A particular emphasis is being placed on low cost processes to fabricate near net shape parts of practical size. Several processing methods including Vacuum Plasma Spray (VPS) and conventional PM processes are being evaluated to fabricate material property samples and components. Surrogate W-Re/ZrN cermet fuel materials are being used to develop processing techniques for both coated and uncoated ceramic particles. After process optimization, depleted uranium-based cermets will be fabricated and tested to evaluate mechanical, thermal, and hot H2 erosion properties. This paper provides details on the current results of the project

Capillary Flow Experiments Began on the International Space Station

The Capillary Flow Experiments (CFEs) are a suite of fluid physics flight experiments designed to investigate capillary flows and phenomena in low gravity. Data obtained from the CFEs will be crucial to NASA s Space Exploration Initiative, particularly pertaining to fluids management systems such as fuels and cryogen storage systems, thermal control systems (e.g., water recycling), and materials processing in the liquid state. NASA s current plans for exploration missions assume the use of larger liquid propellant masses than have ever flown on interplanetary missions. Under low-gravity conditions, capillary forces can be exploited to control fluid orientation so that such large mission-critical systems perform predictably. The first of the CFE experiments has been conducted on the International Space Station, and the data are being analyzed. The experiment suite is described briefly

Developing behavioural observation scales to effectively help employees reduce interpersonal mistreatment in the workplace

This study explored the development of behavioural observation scales (BOS) based on the critical incidents of interpersonal interactions in the workplace. In particular, this study used a literature review and survey data (n=313) to gather 1126 critical incidents that detailed effective and ineffective behaviours related to interpersonal interactions between coworkers and interactions between managers and subordinates in the workplace. Then, using a coding process adapted from both the works of Brown and Hanlon (2004) and Latham and Wexley (1981), behavioural items were compiled to develop two separate BOS; one for interactions between coworkers and the other focusing on managerial and subordinate interactions. This study also provides insight on how these two BOS may benefit an organization and their employees and sets the landscape for a future study that will use these BOS to formulate goal setting interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence of workplace mistreatment