Fluidic pressure regulators

Three basic areas for possible application of fluidic control to rocket engine subsystems were identified and six subsystem configurations were analyzed for study. Results provide indication of tradeoffs involved between conventional and fluidic regulators and should be of interest to control and applications engineers who need to make similar analyses

The Hilbert Action in Regge Calculus

The Hilbert action is derived for a simplicial geometry. I recover the usual Regge calculus action by way of a decomposition of the simplicial geometry into 4-dimensional cells defined by the simplicial (Delaunay) lattice as well as its dual (Voronoi) lattice. Within the simplicial geometry, the Riemann scalar curvature, the proper 4-volume, and hence, the Regge action is shown to be exact, in the sense that the definition of the action does not require one to introduce an averaging procedure, or a sequence of continuum metrics which were common in all previous derivations. It appears that the unity of these two dual lattice geometries is a salient feature of Regge calculus.Comment: 6 pages, Plain TeX, no figure

An equitriangular integral transform and its applications

Equitriangular integral transform for solving boundary value problems in viscous flow and heat transfe

Opacification of high temperature fibrous insulation

A study was conducted to determine the merits of adding particulate materials to silica fiber felts to increase their resistance to the passage of thermal radiation. Laboratory samples containing 5, 10, and 15 percent of chromium oxide, silicon carbide, and titanium dioxide were prepared and evaluated in accordance with ASTM C-518 thermal conductivity test method at 425 C (800 F) mean temperature. The titania particles averaging 3-4 micrometers in diameter were found to be the most effective. This was followed by a short plant run, in order to confirm the initial results on the laboratory samples. These samples were tested according to ASTM C-201 High Temperature Calorimeter from 93 C to 760 C (200 F to 1400 F) mean temperature. The ten percent by weight of titania resulted in an optimum effectiveness, and reduced the conductivity over 20% at 760 C (1400 F)

The challenging scales of the bird: Shuttle tile structural integrity

The principal design issues, tests, and analyses required to solve the tile integrity problem on the space shuttle orbiters are addressed. Proof testing of installed tiles is discussed along with an airflow test of special tiles. Orbiter windshield tiles are considered in terms of changes necessary to ensure acceptable margins of safety for flight

Experimental constraints on the polarizabilities of the 6s^2 1S0 and 6s6p 3P0 states of Yb

We utilize accurate experimental data available in the literature to yield bounds on the polarizabilities of the ground and first excited states of atomic Yb. For the 6s^2 1S0 ground state, we find the polarizability alpha to be constrained to 134.4<alpha<144.2 in atomic units, while for the 6s6p 3P0 excited state we find 280.1<alpha<289.9. The uncertainty in each of these values is 1.0. These constraints provide a valuable check for ab initio and semi-empirical methods used to compute polarizabilities and other related properties in Yb.Comment: 7 pages, 1 figur

Silicon MINP solar cells

The MINP solar cell concept refers to a cell structure designed to be a base region dominated device. Thus, it is desirable that recombination losses are reduced to the point that they occur only in the base region. The most unique feature of the MINP cell design is that a tunneling contact is utilized for the metallic contact on the front surface. The areas under the collector grid and bus bar are passivated by a thin oxide of tunneling thickness. Efforts must also be taken to minimize recombination at the surface between grid lines, at the junction periphery and within the emitter. Results of both theoretical and experimental studies of silicon MINP cells are given. Performance calculations are described which give expected efficiencies as a function of base resistivity and junction depth. Fabrication and characterization of cells are discussed which are based on 0.2 ohm-cm substrates, diffused emitters on the order of 0.15 to 0.20 microns deep, and with Mg MIS collector grids. A total area AM 1 efficiency of 16.8% was achieved. Detailed analyses of photocurrent and current loss mechanisms are presented and utilized to discuss future directions of research. Finally, results reported by other workers are discussed