Performance of finned thermal capacitors

The performance of typical thermal capacitors, both in earth and orbital environments, was investigated. Techniques which were used to make predictions of thermal behavior in a one-g earth environment are outlined. Orbital performance parameters are qualitatively discussed, and those effects expected to be important under zero-g conditions are outlined. A summary of thermal capacitor applications are documentated, along with significant problem areas and current configurations. An experimental program was conducted to determine typical one-g performance, and the physical significance of these data is discussed in detail. Numerical techniques were employed to allow comparison between analytical and experimental data

Solar residential heating and cooling system

System has been placed in operation to verify technical feasibility of using solar energy to provide residential heating and cooling. Complete system analysis was performed to provide design information

A design handbook for phase change thermal control and energy storage devices

Comprehensive survey is given of the thermal aspects of phase change material devices. Fundamental mechanisms of heat transfer within the phase change device are discussed. Performance in zero-g and one-g fields are examined as it relates to such a device. Computer models for phase change materials, with metal fillers, undergoing conductive and convective processes are detailed. Using these models, extensive parametric data are presented for a hypothetical configuration with a rectangular phase change housing, using straight fins as the filler, and paraffin as the phase change material. These data are generated over a range of realistic sizes, material properties, and thermal boundary conditions. A number of illustrative examples are given to demonstrate use of the parametric data. Also, a complete listing of phase change material property data are reproduced herein as an aid to the reader

Solar residential heating and cooling system development test program

A solar heating and cooling system is described, which was installed in a simulated home at Marshall Space Flight Center. Performance data are provided for the checkout and initial operational phase for key subsystems and for the total system. Valuable information was obtained with regard to operation of a solar cooling system during the first summer of operation. Areas where improvements and modifications are required to optimize such a system are discussed

Design and operation of a solar heating and cooling system for a residential size building

The first year of operation of solar house is discussed. Selected design information, together with a brief system description is included. The house was equipped with an integrated solar heating and cooling system which uses fully automated state-of-the art. Evaluation of the data indicate that the solar house heating and cooling system is capable of supplying nearly 100 percent of the thermal energy required for heating and approximately 50 percent of the thermal energy required to operate the absorption cycle air conditioner

The ecological niche of storm-petrels in the North Pacific and a global model of dimethylsulfide concentration

Thesis (M.S.) University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2010Ecological niche modeling techniques were used to create global, monthly predictions of sea surface dimethylsulfide (DMS) concentrations, and breeding season distribution of Leach's Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma luncorhoa) and Fork-Tailed Storm-Petrel (O. furcata) in the North Pacific. This work represents the first attempt to model DMS concentrations on a global scale using ecological niche modeling, and the first models of Storm-Petrel distribution for the North Pacific. Storm-Petrels have been shown to be attracted to DMS, and it is therefore likely that a model of sea surface DMS concentration would help explain and predict Storm-Petrel distribution. We have successfully created the most accurate models of sea surface DMS concentrations that we are currently aware of with global correlation (r) values greater than 0.45. We also created Storm-Petrel models with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of greater than 0.90. Using just DMS as a predictor variable we were also able to create models with AUC values upwards of 0.84. Future conservation efforts on pelagic seabird species may be dependent on models like the ones created here, and it is therefore important that these methods are improved upon to help seabird management on all scales (global, national, regional and local).General introduction -- Storm-petrels of the North Pacific -- Dimethylsulfide -- Ecological niche modeling -- Data mining (TreeNet) -- Study goals -- References -- 1. Predicting monthly surface seawater dimethylsulfide (DMS) concentrations on a global scale using a machine learning algorithm (TreeNet) -- 2. Predicted distribution of storm-petrels (Oceanodroma) in the North Pacific using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), TreeNet and dimethylsulfide (DMS) concentrations -- Acknowledgements -- Literature cited -- General conclusions -- Dimethylsulfide -- Storm petrels -- Final conclusions -- References -- Appendices

Use of the Marshall Space Flight Center solar simulator in collector performance evaluation

Actual measured values from simulator checkout tests are detailed. Problems encountered during initial startup are discussed and solutions described. Techniques utilized to evaluate collector performance from simulator test data are given. Performance data generated in the simulator are compared to equivalent data generated during natural outdoor testing. Finally, a summary of collector performance parameters generated to date as a result of simulator testing are given

Empirical model for quasi direct current interruption with a convoluted arc

This contribution considers various aspects of a quasi direct current, convoluted arc produced by a magnetic field (B-field) connected in parallel with an RLC circuit that have not been considered in combination. These aspects are the arc current limitation due to the arc convolution, changes in arc resistance due to the B-field and material ablation, and the relative significance of the RLC circuit in producing an artificial current zero. As a result, it has been possible to produce an empirical equation for predicting the current interruption capability in terms of the B-field magnitude and RLC components

Pressure Relief Tunnel System at US22/SR7 Interchange, OH

Construction of the US22/SR7 interchange in Steubenville, OH resulted in the need to excavate the toe of the steep 350 ft. high slope overlooking the Ohio River. To maintain the stability of the slope, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) chose to construct a 4 tier, 130- ft. high, 2,200 ft. long tieback anchor retaining wall. During the design phase, it became apparent that reductions in both the tieback loading and cost could be realized by lowering the groundwater levels in the hillside. A Pressure Relief Tunnel System (PRTS) was selected from several drainage options. The PRTS consists of a 1,945 ft. long tunnel, excavated parallel to, and 200 ft. behind, the retaining wall, and a series 85 ft. long, sub-vertical drainage holes drilled upward from inside the tunnel. This paper presents the design of the PRTS, an outline of the instrumentation program and a comparison of the observed and expected drawdowns

Syntax circuitry: a mobile game for practicing programming language syntax

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics [1], computer science professions are among the fastest growing occupations in the U.S., and computer science occupations will add more than half a million new jobs in the next ten years. A similar need for computer professionals is expected in Kazakhstan. Simultaneously, universities in the U.S. and worldwide are seeing poor retention rates in computer science, a major reason being that students often view the early courses in the subject as uninteresting and dull [2]. Game-based learning is one of many techniques proposed to address this issue [2,3,4,5]. We have developed a mobile game that provides an engaging way for students to practice (not learn) the basic syntax of C, C++ and Java (since these languages share the same syntax for basic constructs like declarations, selection and iteration). Learning programming language syntax is a tedious process. Practicing by programming is, of course, ideal, but we believe that a game which is fun to play in their spare time will help students get used to distinguishing correct syntactical constructs quickly