Results from several experiments at White Sands Missile Range aimed at assessment of falling-sphere density data

Evaluation of atmospheric density data obtained by inflatable falling sphere

Current limiting mechanisms in electron and ion beam experiments

The emission and collection of current from satellites or rockets in the ionosphere is a process which, at equilibrium, requires a balance between inward and outward currents. In most active experiments in the ionosphere and magnetosphere, the emitted current exceeds the integrated thermal current by one or more orders of magnitude. The system response is typically for the emitted current to be limited by processes such as differential charging of insulating surfaces, interactions between an emitted beam and the local plasma, and interactions between the beam and local neutral gas. These current limiting mechanisms have been illustrated for 20 years in sounding rocket and satellite experiments, which are reviewed here. Detailed presentations of the Spacecraft Charging at High Altitude (SCATHA) electron and ion gun experiments are used to demonstrate the general range of observed phenomena

Jet noise from co-axial nozzles over a wide range of geometric and flow parameters

Free field pure jet noise data were taken for a large range of coaxial nozzle configurations. The core nozzles were circular (1 to 4 in. diameter) and plug types. The fan to core area ratio varied from 0.7 to 43.5, while the velocity ratio typically varied from 0 to 1. For most cases the two nozzles were coplanar but large axial extensions of either nozzle were also tested. Correlation of the data resulted in a simple procedure for estimating ambient temperature subsonic coaxial jet noise spectra over a wide range of geometric and flow parameters

Changes over time in population level transport satisfaction and mode of travel: a 13 year repeat cross-sectional study, UK

Aim: The aim of the study was to examine changes over time in satisfaction with usual transport mode, explore individual and area level characteristics as mediators in the likelihood of transport satisfaction, and whether any changes in transport satisfaction varied by these factors over time. Methods: Adults from West Central Scotland, United Kingdom, who participated at both waves of the repeat cross-sectional ‘Transport, Health and Well-being Study’ conducted in 1997 (n=2735) and 2010 (n=2024) were assessed. Individuals completed a detailed postal questionnaire at both time points including self-rated satisfaction with usual transport mode (using a seven point scale subsequently dichotomised to a binary outcome of satisfied (1–2) and other (3–7)). Participants reported usual transport mode for travel to various destinations. A multilevel logistic regression model was used and individuals were nested within areas (c. 4000 population). Results: At the 2010 sweep, two thirds (n=1345) of individuals were satisfied with their transport choice. Those with fair/poor health were less satisfied with their usual transport compared to those in better health (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.49, p<0.001). Access to a car was associated with overall transport satisfaction (OR 2.63, p<0.001) and the effect of deprivation on transport satisfaction was mitigated when adjusted by household car access. Transport satisfaction increased more from 1997 to 2010 for retired individuals compared to those in employment (OR 1.40, p=0.032), and for those who travelled by public transport (OR 2.39, p=0.005) and using multiple modes (OR 2.19, p<0.001) compared to those who travelled by car. Conclusions: The proportion of those who travelled using public transport, active modes or by multiple mode increased journey satisfaction over time at a greater rate than those who travelled by car, highlighting that continued efforts should be made to promote these more active transport modes which have potential to impact on health

Are changes in neighbourhood perceptions associated with changes in self-rated mental health in adults? A 13 year repeat cross-sectional study, UK

The aim of this study was to examine changes in neighbourhood perceptions on self-rated mental health problems over time, and to explore demographic, geographic and socio-economic factors as determinants of increased or decreased anxiety and depression symptoms. We conducted a repeat cross-sectional study of individuals (N: 4480) living in the same areas of west central Scotland in 1997 and 2010. Individuals were asked to complete a questionnaire at both time-points, containing 14 questions relating to neighbourhood perceptions and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A three-level linear regression model was fitted to HADS scores and changes in neighbourhood perceptions over time; controlling for a number of individual and area-level variables. Overall, area-level mean HADS scores decreased from 1997 to 2010. When adjusted for individual and area-level variables, this decrease did not remain for HADS anxiety. Applying an overall 14-scale neighbourhood perception measure, worsening neighbourhood perceptions were associated with small increases in depression (0.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01 to 0.07) and anxiety (0.04, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.08) scores over time. This highlights a need for local and national policy to target areas where neighbourhood characteristics are substantially deteriorating in order to ensure the mental health of individuals does not worsen

Remote systems development

Potential space missions of the nineties and the next century require that we look at the broad category of remote systems as an important means to achieve cost-effective operations, exploration and colonization objectives. This paper addresses such missions, which can use remote systems technology as the basis for identifying required capabilities which must be provided. The relationship of the space-based tasks to similar tasks required for terrestrial applications is discussed. The development status of the required technology is assessed and major issues which must be addressed to meet future requirements are identified. This includes the proper mix of humans and machines, from pure teleoperation to full autonomy; the degree of worksite compatibility for a robotic system; and the required design parameters, such as degrees-of-freedom. Methods for resolution are discussed including analysis, graphical simulation and the use of laboratory test beds. Grumman experience in the application of these techniques to a variety of design issues are presented utilizing the Telerobotics Development Laboratory which includes a 17-DOF robot system, a variety of sensing elements, Deneb/IRIS graphics workstations and control stations. The use of task/worksite mockups, remote system development test beds and graphical analysis are discussed with examples of typical results such as estimates of task times, task feasibility and resulting recommendations for design changes. The relationship of this experience and lessons-learned to future development of remote systems is also discussed

Analysis of aerothermal loads on spherical dome protuberances

Hypersonic flow over spherical dome protuberances was investigated to determine increased pressure and heating loads to the surface. The configuration was mathematically modeled in a time-dependent three-dimensional analysis of the conservation of mass, momentum (Navier-Stokes), and energy equations. A boundary mapping technique was used to obtain a rectangular parallelepiped computational domain, a MacCormack explicit time-split predictor-corrector finite difference algorithm was used to obtain solutions. Results show local pressures and heating rates for domes one-half, one, and two boundary layer thicknesses high were increased by factors on the order of 1.4, 2, and 6, respectively. Flow over the lower dome was everywhere attached while flow over the intermediate dome had small windward and leeside separations. The higher dome had an unsteady windward separation region and a large leeside separation region. Trailing vortices form on all domes with intensity increasing with dome height. Discussion of applying the results to a thermally bowed thermal protection system are presented

Active experiments in modifying spacecraft potential: Results from ATS-5 and ATS-6

The processing of data from onboard spacecraft instruments are described. The modification of spacecraft potentials is reviewed. Analysis of this data yielded the following results: (1) electron emission (E approximately 10 electron-volts) did not perturb the status of a satellite at low potential the absolute value of phi approximately 50 volts by more than 50 volts (the ATS 5 low energy limit), (2) emission of a low energy plasma (E approximatey 10 volts) does not change low potentials (the absolute value of phi approximately 5 volts) by more than a few volts (ATS 6 low energy resolution), (3) when ATS 6 entered eclipse in the presence of a high energy plasma (10 keV), the neutralizer suppressed any rise in the absolute value of phi (within a few volts resolution), (4) when the electron emitter on ATS 5 operated, it served to discharge negative potentials from thousands to hundreds of volts, and (5) when the neutralizer on ATS 6 was operated, it served to discharge kilovolt potentials to below 50 volts. Low altitude (100 - 300 km) experiments with KV electron beams are studied. Differential charging was eliminated by the operation of the main thruster on ATS 6 clamped on the spacecraft at -5 volts

Turbulence spectra in the noise source regions of the flow around complex surfaces

The complex turbulent flow around three complex surfaces was measured in detail with a hot wire. The measured data include extensive spatial surveys of the mean velocity and turbulence intensity and measurements of the turbulence spectra and scale length at many locations. The publication of the turbulence data is completed by reporting a summary of the turbulence spectra that were measured within the noise source locations of the flow. The results suggest some useful simplifications in modeling the very complex turbulent flow around complex surfaces for aeroacoustic predictive models. The turbulence spectra also show that noise data from scale models of moderate size can be accurately scaled up to full size

Apollo experience report: Command and service module controls and displays subsystem

A review of the command and service module controls and displays subsystem is presented. The subsystem is described, and operational requirements, component history, problems and solutions, and conclusions and recommendations for the subsystem are included