Development and test of advanced composite components. Center Directors discretionary fund program

This report describes the design, analysis, fabrication, and test of a complex bathtub fitting. Graphite fibers in an epoxy matrix were utilized in manufacturing of 11 components representing four different design and layup concepts. Design allowables were developed for use in the final stress analysis. Strain gage measurements were taken throughout the static load test and correlation of test and analysis data were performed, yielding good understanding of the material behavior and instrumentation requirements for future applications

Insights from the downhole dynamometer database

The Downhole Dynamometer Database is a compilation of test data collected with a set of five downhole tools built by Albert Engineering under contract to Sandia National Laboratories. The downhole dynamometer tools are memory tools deployed in the sucker rod string with sensors to measure pressure, temperature, load, and acceleration. The acceleration data is processed to yield position, so that a load vs. position dynagraph can be generated using data collected downhole. With five tools in the hole at one time, all measured data and computed dynagraphs from five different positions in the rod string are available. The purpose of the Database is to provide industry with a complete and high quality measurement of downhole sucker rod pumping dynamics. To facilitate use of the database, Sandia has developed a Microsoft Windows-based interface that functions as a visualizer and browser to the more than 40 MBytes of data. The interface also includes a data export feature to allow users to extract data from the database for use in their own programs. Following a brief description of the downhole dynamometer tools, data collection program, and database content, this paper will illustrate a few of the interesting and unique insights gained from the downhole data

Forage Sorghum and Corn Silage Response to Full and Deficit Irrigation

There is limited information on forage sorghum and corn silage yield response to full and deficit irrigation in Kansas. The objective of this study was to generate information on forage sorghum (brown mid-rib hybrids (BMR and non-BMR)) and corn silage yield response to different levels of irrigation as influenced by irrigation capacity in southwest Kansas. Preliminary results indicate the effect of irrigation capacity on forage yield was significant (P = 0.0009) in 2014 but not 2015, probably due to high growing season rainfall received in 2015. Corn silage produced significantly (p \u3c 0.05) higher biomass at all irrigation capacities compared to forage sorghum hybrids in 2015. BMR forage sorghum produced significantly lower biomass compared to non-BMR hybrid in both 2014 and 2015 (P \u3c 0.05). The highest amounts of forage produced for corn silage, BMR, and non-BMR forage sorghum were 24.6, 17.4, and 21.1 tons/a adjusted to 65%, moisture respectively. Water productivity ranged from 1.0 to 1.4 dry matter tons/a/in. More research is needed under normal and dry years to quantify forage sorghum and corn silage yield and forage quality response to full and deficit irrigation

Effects of Altering Supplementation Frequency During the Pre-Partum Period of Beef Cows Grazing Dormant Native Range

Spring-calving beef cattle that are grazing low-quality (\u3c 7% crude protein) dormant forage typically are unable to meet their maintenance requirements for protein. Providing a protein supplement (\u3e 30% crude protein) is recommended to decrease losses of body weight and body condition. Nutrient supplementation when forage quality is poor or limited is one of the largest expenditures for forage-based beef cattle operations. The expansion of the ethanol industry has afforded many producers in corn and sorghum-producing regions an alternative to traditional oilseed-based protein supplements. The availability and nutrient profile of distiller’s grains with solubles (DDG) has made it popular as a supplement for cows that are grazing dormant lowquality forages. Decreasing supplementation frequency reduces costs for labor and fuel. Previous research has shown no difference in body weights or body condition scores of cows supplemented with distiller’s grains daily, once every three days, or once every six days; however, the proportion of cows that ate hay during the 60 minutes immediately after supplementation was less on the day of supplementation for cows supplemented once every six days compared to cows supplemented daily. The observed decrease in hay consumption following supplementation could potentially decrease total organic matter intake during late gestation. More frequent supplementation may increase organic matter intake and improve performance during the month before parturition. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate effects of altering frequency of supplementing distiller’s grains during the last 28 days of gestation with respect to performance of spring-calving beef cows consuming low-quality dormant native range

Performance of Beef Replacement Heifers Supplemented With Dried Distillers Grains With Solubles Versus a Mixture of Soybean Meal and Finely Ground Sorghum Grain

Costs of feed, labor, and equipment to develop heifers in a traditional confined feeding system are relatively high. Producers can greatly reduce input costs by developing heifers on dormant native range; however, heifers are unable to consume sufficient protein from the forage base. Suboptimal protein intake will reduce forage digestion and result in poor performance. Supplemental protein is required during these times to increase forage intake and digestion. The most efficient way of providing supplemental protein to heifers consuming lowquality (\u3c7% crude protein) forage is by feeding high-protein supplements (\u3e30% crude protein). Producers traditionally have used high-quality oilseed meals to supplement the necessary protein, but expansion of the ethanol industry has made dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) a potentially less expensive supplement option for producers in corn- and sorghum-producing areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of daily supplementation of DDGS vs. a mixture of soybean meal and finely ground sorghum grain on performance of replacement heifers grazing low-quality dormant native range

Effects of Altering Supplementation Frequency During the Pre-Partum Period of Beef Cows Grazing Dormant Native Range

Spring-calving beef cattle that are grazing low-quality (\u3c 7% crude protein) dormant forage typically are unable to meet their maintenance requirements for protein. Providing a protein supplement (\u3e 30% crude protein) is recommended to decrease losses of body weight and body condition. Nutrient supplementation when forage quality is poor or limited is one of the largest expenditures for forage-based beef cattle operations. The expansion of the ethanol industry has afforded many producers in corn and sorghum-producing regions an alternative to traditional oilseed-based protein supplements. The availability and nutrient profile of distiller’s grains with solubles (DDG) has made it popular as a supplement for cows that are grazing dormant low-quality forages. Decreasing supplementation frequency reduces costs for labor and fuel. Previous research has shown no difference in body weights or body condition scores of cows supplemented with distiller’s grains daily, once every three days, or once every six days; however, the proportion of cows that ate hay during the 60 minutes immediately after supplementation was less on the day of supplementation for cows supplemented once every six days compared to cows supplemented daily. The observed decrease in hay consumption following supplementation could potentially decrease total organic matter intake during late gestation. More frequent supplementation may increase organic matter intake and improve performance during the month before parturition. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate effects of altering frequency of supplementing distiller’s grains during the last 28 days of gestation with respect to performance of spring-calving beef cows consuming low-quality dormant native range

Performance of Beef Replacement Heifers Supplemented with Dried Distillers Grains or a Mixture of Soybean Meal and Ground Sorghum Grain

The feed, labor, and equipment costs of developing heifers in a confined feeding system are relatively high. High Plains beef producers can reduce input costs by developing heifers on dormant native range; however, heifers are typically unable to consume sufficient crude protein (CP) from the low-quality (\u3c 7% CP) forage base. Insufficient dietary protein reduces forage digestion and performance potential of growing heifers. Supplementing protein when forage quality was poor has previously been reported to increase forage intake and forage digestibility, which resulted in acceptable levels of performance. An efficient means of supplying supplemental protein to heifers consuming low-quality forage is through the use of supplements with relatively high crude protein concentrations (\u3e 30% CP). Traditionally, producers have used oilseed meals in this capacity, but with the expansion of the ethanol industry, dried distillers grains with solubles (DDG) have become widely available as an alternative protein source for producers in corn and sorghum-producing regions. Adequate heifer body weight and body condition score at first breeding are essential to minimize age at first calving and to increase lifetime productivity. Therefore, the objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation of DDG or an approximately isonitrogenous mixture of soybean meal and ground sorghum grain on growth and reproductive performance of replacement heifers grazing low-quality, dormant native range

Student Opportunities with NASA

The presentation is intended to interest the next generation in joining the NASA workforce and to inspire them to pursue careers in science and technology and with NASA

An Overview of Lessons Learned from Sonic-Boom Flight Research Projects Conducted by NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center

This presentation describes the planning and executing of large scale sonic-boom acoustics tests as a part of LBFD testing with the goal to give the future teams the road-map for how to efficiently and effectively plan and execute these types of tests

An Overview of Lessons Learned from Sonic-boom Flight Research Projects Conducted by NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center

Over the course of four years, a team of aerospace engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Armstrong Flight Research Center completed four projects, each with the objective to research sonic-boom signatures from a ground-and building-level perspective. The relatively compressed timeline of these projects resulted in many lessons learned. With each successive project, these lessons have been more relied upon and referenced. This paper provides a high-level overview of the teams relevant lessons learned and the importance of these lessons for future projects