NASA 1988 SBIR Phase 1 Solicitation

Project Title:

Numerical Modelling of Turbulence and Combustion Processes

01.01-1515
Numerical Modelling of Turbulence and Combustion Processes
Cambridge Hydrodynamics, Inc.
P.O. Box 1403
Princeton
NJ
08542
A.
Yakhot
(609-683-1515)
LeRC

Abstract:

his project endeavors to develop a three-dimensional computer code based on renormalization-group
(RNG) differential transport models for turbulent, heat, mass, and momentum transfer
and combustion processes in strongly non-stationary, strongly separated, internal
flows. Preliminary results of applying these novel models to non-stationary and separated
flows, including flow over a backward-facing step, oscillatory pipe flow, and shock-induced
separation on an airfoil, suggest that the models will be very effective for this
class of difficult flows. In addition, recent extensions of the RNG method give a
description of turbulent combustion that promises significant advances in modelling
these complex problems.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Applications would be in numerical modelling
of complex internal flows of propulsion systems.

Project Title:

Efficient Computation of Viscous Internal Flows

01.01-1708A
Efficient Computation of Viscous Internal Flows
Propulsion Research Associates
1017 Oakwood Drive
Westmont
IL
60559
S. P.
Vanka
(312-654-1708)
LeRC

Abstract:

umerical computation of detailed, multi-dimensional, fluid-flow processes is important
for design and understanding the performance of propulsion devices. The solution
of the time-averaged, Navier-Stokes equations governing elliptic fluid flows (with
recirculations) presents a challenging task and requires substantial amounts of computational
time. The innovation in this project is a new numerical tool based on a number of
novel computational techniques that hitherto have been applied to solve very simple
model problems. The techniques proposed are:  multi-grid cycling, coupled solvers,
local mesh refinement, and vectorization. This approach holds promise of obtaining
efficient and accurate numerical solutions that can be free of finite-difference
errors and yet be affordable from the viewpoint of computational costs.  Under Phase
I of the project, the applicability and benefits of these techniques will be demonstrated.
The development and validation of the computer program would be performed Phase II.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The savings possible for industries which would
use the proposed accurate, low-cost computer program for routine design calculations
of multidimensional flows translate into significant commercial potential.

Project Title:

Gas Turbine Combustor for Low Pattern Factor and Low NOx Emission

01.02-0731
Gas Turbine Combustor for Low Pattern Factor and Low NOx Emission
SOL-3 Resources, Inc.
76 Beaver Road
Reading
MA
01867
Jerry O.
Melconian
(617-942-0731)
LeRC

Abstract:

An innovative annular combustor configuration for aircraft and other gas turbine
engines is based on a variable-residence-time concept. The design allows large fuel
particles adequate time to completely burn in the circumferentially mixed primary
zone and has the potential of permitting higher turbine inlet temperature by reducing
the pattern factor and providing a major reduction in NOx emission.  High durability
of the combustor is achieved by use of the incoming air for dual functions. The experimental
and analytical efforts of this project are aimed at predicting the performance of
this novel combustor and comparing it with that of a state of the art combustor currently
being designed for an engine of 10 lb/sec air flow. A major gas turbine engine manufacturer
and a world renowned authority on combustion will support the design and development
efforts required for this project.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The combustor concept is applicable to all gas
turbine engines for commercial and military aircraft.

Project Title:

Fiber-Optic, Fluid-Flow Sensor

01.03-0690
Fiber-Optic, Fluid-Flow Sensor
Aurora Optics, Inc.
1777 Walton Road - Suite 408
Blue Bell
PA
19422
Laurence N.
Wesson
(215-646-0690)
LeRC

Abstract:

The objective of this project is to develop and demonstrate a fiber-optic, fluid-flow
sensor that will lead to all-optical, flight-data and engine-control instruments
for high performance aircraft. By mounting a photo-elastic pressure sensor on the
side of a vortex-swirl flow housing, pressure pulses may be sensed. The pressure-pulse
frequency is a linear function of flow rate in a vortex swirl meter. The pressure
sensor is a device partially developed under a 1986 NASA SBIR Phase I contract which
has been applied to vortex swirl flow measurements by the company's personnel. This
project, however, will create a passive optical device, addressed solely by optical
fibers, which will utilize the firm's existing generic electronic interface unit.
The resulting flow meter will be tested over a range of flow rates determined in
consultation by NASA and over a range of temperatures from -55 F to +150 F.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Commercial applications are in military or commercial
aircraft instrumentation for measurement of fuel-flow rate, air flow, and airspeed.

Project Title:

Silicon Carbide MOSFETs for High-Temperature, Small-Signal Amplifiers

01.03-5709A
Silicon Carbide MOSFETs for High-Temperature, Small-Signal Amplifiers
Cree Research, Inc.
2810 Meridian Parkway, Suite 176
Durham
NC
27713
John W.
Palmour
(919-361-5709)
LeRC

Abstract:

Silicon carbide possesses properties that allow operation of electronic devices at
high-temperatures: a theoretical maximum operating temperature of 925 C for cubic-SiC
(beta) and 1240 C for alpha-SiC (6H). Both forms, having high breakdown electric
fields (ten times that of Si and GaAs), allow high-power operation. Recent research
has demonstrated depletion-mode, metal-oxide-semiconductor, field-effect transistors
(MOSFETs) in -SiC with good characteristics at temperatures as high as 650 C, the
highest temperature ever reported for a solid-state transistor. These devices failed
at 700 C due to failure of the thin gate insulator and not the semiconductor. Process
research has also yielded 6H-SiC thin films having a much lower defect density than
-SiC films.
This project will fabricate MOSFETs in both the depletion- and inversion-mode using
the higher quality 6H-SiC thin film. It will investigate inversion-mode MOSFETs in
the -SiC for use in small signal amplification.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Applications would be where operation of small
signal amplifiers at high temperatures is required and where radiation resistance
is desirable.

Project Title:

Fast Optical Switch for Multi-Mode-Fiber-Optic-Based Control Systems

01.03-7070
Fast Optical Switch for Multi-Mode-Fiber-Optic-Based Control Systems
Geo-Centers, Inc.
7 Wells Avenue
Newton Centre
MA
02159
Bruce N.
Nelson
(617-964-7070)
LeRC

Abstract:

Optical switches will be an integral part of advanced aircraft control systems for
directing optical signals to and from control system nodes and from arrays of sensors
and actuators to electro-optic interfaces. Available optical switches for use with
multi-mode-fiber optics are limited in switching speed to approximately 10 ms. This
project is directed to the development of a fast optical switch which will be compatible
with multi-mode-fiber optics and have an activation time of less than 1 ms. This
switch will significantly increase the bandwidth capability of advanced aircraft
control systems using multi-mode optical fibers.
The Phase I effort will determine the feasibility of the optical switching technique
through laboratory experimentation. A two crystal, optical, single-pole-double-throw
switch will be designed, fabricated, and evaluated during the Phase I effort.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  An application for the proposed optical switch
could be use in the next generation of commercial aircraft control systems employing
multi-mode-fiber-optic cable.

Project Title:

H2O2 Three-Body Reaction Rates at High Temperatures

01.04-9030
H2O2 Three-Body Reaction Rates at High Temperatures 
Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover
MA
01810
William J.
Marinelli
(508-475-9030)
LeRC

Abstract:

Scramjet propulsion requires efficient fuel burning at low static pressures and high
internal velocities. Calculations based on equilibrium chemistry are not valid under
these conditions because many of the bi-molecular propagation and ter-molecular recombination
reactions are slow. Modelling with finite-rate chemistry is hindered by poor knowledge
of many of the three-body rate coefficients. This project uses innovative laser-induced
fluorescence diagnostics in a unique facility to measure these rates at high temperatures.
Radical species of interest will be produced cleanly by laser flash photolysis of
parent compounds. 
In Phase I, system capability will be demonstrated by measuring one of the three-body
rates at a temperature of 1000 K and determining the sensitivity of the diagnostic
method. Phase II of the project would measure several three-body rate coefficients
as a function of temperature.
otential Commercial Applications:  The uses would be in the the development of single-stage-to-orbit
vehicles.

Project Title:

Conceptual Design of Ramfan Hypersonic Engine

01.05-0999
Conceptual Design of Ramfan Hypersonic Engine
CCS Associates
P.O. Box 563
Bethel Park
PA
15102
Calvin C.
Silverstein
(412-221-0999)
LeRC

Abstract:

The need exists for aircraft propulsion engines which can operate efficiently at
flight speeds above Mach 3. An innovative hypersonic cruise engine, called the ramfan
which incorporates both a ramjet and a fan, will be investigated. The project objectives
are: to establish the current status of critical ramfan technologies, to determine
the performance potential of the ramfan, and to assess the merits of the ramfan compared
to a ramjet. These objectives will be achieved through the performance of three tasks.
In Task 1, the critical ramfan technologies will be reviewed and their important
features identified. In Task 2, parametric studies of ramfan design and performance
characteristics will be conducted, and a preliminary conceptual design will be prepared.
In Task 3, the feasibility of the ramfan concept will be assessed, and R&D requirements
identified.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The ramfan engine is potentially applicable to
the propulsion of commercial transport aircraft at hypersonic speeds.

Project Title:

New Computational Method for Aeroelastic Problems in Turbomachines

01.06-9282
New Computational Method for Aeroelastic Problems in Turbomachines
Continuum Dynamics, Inc.
P.O. Box 3073
Princeton
NJ
08543
Oddvar O.
Bendiksen
(609-734-9282)
LeRC

Abstract:

This project will test a novel and fundamentally different approach to calculations
of aeroelastic and structural response of compressor and turbine engine rotors. The
first phase of this effort will attempt to demonstrate the feasibility of coupling
a finite-difference Euler code to a general purpose finite-element code using a mixed
Eulerian-Lagrangian formulation. Part of this work consists of demonstrating the
feasibility of carrying out time-accurate Euler calculations on a mixed-topology,
periodic, deformable, cascade mesh using a finite-volume scheme with adaptive dissipation.
This work includes establishing the necessary conformity relations at the fluid-structure
interface and showing that a consistent mixed finite-difference, finite-element discretization
can be achieved. Aeroelastic calculations for a prototype cascade problem will be
initiated in Phase I; this code would be developed into a research tool in Phase
II and a commercial code in Phase III.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Results from this project could increase the
capability of supercomputers for studies of fluid-structure interactions in all fields
of engineering and, specifically, for the turbojet industry.

Project Title:

Automated Application of Navier-Stokes Solutions to Mechanical Design

02.01-0333A
Automated Application of Navier-Stokes Solutions to Mechanical Design
Scientific Research Associates, Inc.
50 Nye Road, Box 1058
Glastonbury
CT
06033
Ralph
Levy
(203-659-0333)
MSFC

Abstract:

Ducts are currently designed through an iterative series of calculations and tests
to obtain a duct meeting the design criteria. The proposed innovation would provide
an easily utilized tool for design of a duct which is optimum for a specific application.
Because many modern CFD codes currently require specialized expertise in aerodynamics
and numerical methods, the design engineer who has the greatest need for these modern
computational tools is often unable personally to utilize them. The innovation of
the proposed effort is the combination of three elements:  1) existing robust computational
techniques for computing two-dimensional and three-dimensional turbulent flow, 2)
efficient, proven optimization techniques for multidimensional engineering problems,
and 3) a workstation-based interface that would allow modern CFD codes to be accessible
to many design engineers.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  A powerful computational tool usable by a broad
range of design engineers could be the basis for a commercial venture by the firm.

Project Title:

Techniques for Determining Goodness of Computational Meshes

02.01-0618
Techniques for Determining Goodness of Computational Meshes
Computational Mechanics Company, Inc.
3701 North Lamar, Suite 201
Austin
TX
78705
Jon M.
Bass
(512-467-0618)
MSFC

Abstract:

In computational fluid dynamics, finite-difference or finite-element grids are often
generated using methods which can define fine meshes where required by detailed features
of the flow or provide, through adaptive schemes, smooth orthogonal meshes with minimal
distortion. Methods which predict the mesh goodness and the quality of the solution
do not exist. This project addresses these needs through study of several pre-and
post-processing techniques. In the pre-processor, guidelines for an acceptable mesh
will be provided via an a-posteriori estimation of the error potentially developed
with a given mesh. An adaptive technique will then pre-process the mesh before expensive
calculation is performed. Post-processing will use data from a computed solution
and rigorous a-posteriori error estimates to judge the overall quality of the solution
and, by using extraction and extrapolation routines, enhance the solutions of important
flow problems. Initial studies will focus on steady two-dimensional Euler and Navier-Stokes
equations.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The new meshes and codes will provide a package
of potentially great value to the aerospace industry.

Project Title:

Goodness-of-Grid Measures

02.01-4456
Goodness-of-Grid Measures
Program Development Corporation of Scarsdale, Inc.
300 Hamilton Ave., #409
White Plains
NY
10601
Peter R.
Eiseman
(914-761-1732)
ARC

Abstract:

Numerical grid generation is a critical link in the chain of events leading to numerical
solutions of partial differential equations of fluid mechanics. However, it is often
(if not always) very difficult to ascertain how "good" a given grid is, particularly
for three-dimensional configurations. This project is aimed at developing true, quantitative
measures of a "good" grid along with improvements in adaptive grid strategies. The
formulation of these measures will be based on the geometric characteristics of the
flow field region, the variations in solution behavior, and the numerical algorithm
under consideration. The method will offer an ability to select an "optimal" grid
associated with the application being addressed and will provide diagnostic tools
for grid systems.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Engineers and scientists performing design analyses
of complex systems may use the results of this project.

Project Title:

Three-Dimensional Interactive Grid Generation

02.01-5682
Three-Dimensional Interactive Grid Generation
Visual Computing, Inc.
883 North Shoreline Blvd., B-210
Mountain View
CA
94043
Jeffrey Q.
Cordova
(415-961-5682)
ARC

Abstract:

This project concerns the development of a three-dimensional interactive grid package.
The novel aspects include a universal algorithm for generating multiple-zone, structured
and unstructured grids and the design of a visually oriented user interface. Visually
integrated software produced from this effort would allow generation meshes for CFD
projects up to 100 times faster than is now possible. This speedup is comparable
to that afforded by the use of next generation computer hardware. 
Phase I will focus on developing a two-dimensional algorithm and exploring user interface
issues associated with the display of three-dimensional manifolds. Phase II of the
research will involve extending the two-dimensional algorithm to three-dimensions
and integrating it with the user interface. Phase II will also include the development
and use of new three-dimensional input devices.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The results of this project could be used in
CFD projects.

Project Title:

Microcomputer-Based Control of a Large Cryogenic Wind Tunnel

02.02-0794
Microcomputer-Based Control of a Large Cryogenic Wind Tunnel
Vigyan Research Associates, Inc.
30 Research Drive
Hampton
VA
23666
Sundareswara
Balakrishna
(804-865-1400)
LARC

Abstract:

The quality of data generated in a cryogenic tunnel such as the high-Reynolds-number,
National Transonic Facility (NTF) depends on the stability of the flow states. The
variation of the flow states is highly nonlinear and coupled to the tunnel control
inputs. The 0.3-meter transonic cryogenic tunnel at Langley Research Center, which
was the proof-of-concept demonstration for the NTF, has been operated under closed-loop
control for eight years. Recently, full microcomputer control has demonstrated temperature
stability within a range  0.15 K, Reynolds number within  0.03 million, and Mach
number within  0.002. The control system applies a lumped-parameter method and standard,
commercial, microcomputer hardware with flexible software written in a high-level,
real-time language. The aim of this project is to apply this approach to the control
system for the National Transonic Facility.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  A software-dominant approach is expected to provide
an economical method
o control large, cryogenic wind tunnels.

Project Title:

Laser Velocimetry Processor for Hypersonic Flows

02.05-0056
Laser Velocimetry Processor for Hypersonic Flows
Physical Research, Inc.
25500 Hawthorne Boulevard - #2300
Torrance
CA
90505-6828
Dariush
Modarress
(213-378-0056)
ARC

Abstract:

Accurate and detailed experimental data such as velocity distributions in complex
flow fields at hypersonic speeds are required for validation of the analysis methods
of computational fluid dynamics. While laser velocimetry (LV) has been successfully
used in transonic and supersonic flows, its application to hypersonic flows requires
signal processors which are generally not available to date. The purpose of this
project is to develop LV signal processors which can accept and process signals from
small (0.2 to 0.3 micron) particles, analyze Doppler signals with frequencies of
100 MHz and higher, provide a wide dynamic range for the signal frequency and amplitude,
and operate in flows of short duration.
During Phase I of the project, the system design will be completed for a LV processor
capable of measuring three components of velocity for high-speed flows. The processor
will be based on 32-bit architecture and will be developed and delivered to NASA
during Phase II of the program.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The product would be a laser velocimetry signal
processor for research in three dimensional, hypersonic flows in short-duration wind
tunnels.

Project Title:

Mechanisms of Energy Accommodation on Catalytic Surfaces

02.05-1050A
Mechanisms of Energy Accommodation on Catalytic Surfaces
Chemical Dynamics Corporation
9560 Pennsylvania Avenue
Upper Marlboro
MD
20772
Bruce C.
Garrett
(301-599-1050)
ARC

Abstract:

The goal of this project is the development of innovative theoretical approaches
to gain an understanding of the microscopic mechanisms of gas-surface interactions,
chemical energy accommodation, and surface catalytic reactions. The complex process
of surface heating will be divided into its components and studied independently
without the complications of competing processes. These studies comprise two parts:
construction of realistic models of the interaction potentials as a function of internuclear
distances and dynamical calculations of the motion of the atoms using the potential
energy surfaces.
Phase I focusses on the rate of oxygen atom recombination reactions on a metal surface.
The specific objectives are the development of realistic interaction potentials to
describe reactive gas-surface interactions, the implementation of new dynamical methods
to calculate the rate of gas-surface processes, the establishment of the reliability
of the methods, and the identification of the features of the systems controlling
the recombination rates.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Understanding the mechanisms of surface heating
could lead to the development of a computer software package and associated services
for the aerospace industry.

Project Title:

Temperature-Dependent Energy Transfer Recombination on Surfaces

02.05-1050B
Temperature-Dependent Energy Transfer Recombination on Surfaces
Chemical Dynamics Corporation
9560 Pennsylvania Avenue
Upper Marlboro
MD
20772
Pazhayannur K.
Swaminathan
(301-599-1050)
JSC

Abstract:

Gas-surface interactions and recombination reactions, the key elementary processes
responsible for surface heating in hypersonic flows, will be computationally explored.
The innovative technology draws from the embedded atom and diatomic molecule methods,
the quasi-classical trajectory method, molecular dynamics simulations, and stochastic
heat-path modelling based on generalized Langevin equations.
Phase I will establish the basic technical feasibility of providing information for
one chosen system on the partitioning of energy accommodation from various sources:
translational, internal, and chemically released energy. This will be done while
modelling the effect of the received energy within the condensed phase which is known
to go beyond simple heating. Phase II will significantly enhance the body of knowledge
on various selected materials and processes and lead to a distilled physical picture
of the microscopic aspects of the surface heating problem that will be fundamentally
based.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Applications lie in many areas of chemical industry
(catalysis), the aerospace industry (NASP, AOTV, hypersonic reentry, etc.), and in
military technology.

Project Title:

An Oblique-Detonation-Wave, Ram-Accelerator-Driven Hypersonic Test Facility

02.05-8848
An Oblique-Detonation-Wave, Ram-Accelerator-Driven Hypersonic Test Facility
Advanced Projects Research International
5301 North Commerce Ave., Suite A
Moorpark
CA
93021
Joseph W.
Humphrey
(805-523-2585)
LaRC

Abstract:

Current wind tunnels are inadequate for the high stagnation temperature and pressure
conditions above Mach 8, and present ballistic technology cannot meet these requirements.
Concepts, therefore, are needed to provide the capability of accelerating masses
to six kilometers per second and above. This project will analyze and design a novel
oblique-detonation-wave (ODW), ram-accelerator-driven propulsion concept for the
acceleration of tube-launched projectiles to hypersonic velocities. Preliminary analysis
indicates that an ODW ram accelerator can be designed to use conventional gaseous
propellants for accelerating projectiles of practical size to velocities of six kilometers
per second and above.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The ram acceler-ator could be applied to research
on re-entry vehicles and hypersonic transports, to launch planetary probes, and as
a mass driver in Earth orbit.

Project Title:

Hypersonic Thermophysics Code

02.05-9030A
Hypersonic Thermophysics Code
Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover
MA
01810
Hartmut H.
Legner
(508-457-9030)
LaRC

Abstract:

A hypersonic, aerothermodynamic flow-field computer program with emphasis on finite-rate
and real-gas effects will be developed. At planetary entry and earth return velocities,
dissociation and recombination of atmospheric molecules and radiative phenomena have
important effects on transport properties within the flow field, on heat transfer
to the vehicle, and on aerodynamic coefficients. The innovation is a fully implicit,
fully coupled, numerical integration method that provides reliable, stable, non-equilibrium
solutions over a wide range of conditions from very slow reactions to situations
arbitrarily close to equilibrium. A viscous shock layer formulation will be established
for shock structures in rarefied applications with radiation and ablation coupling
and surface chemistry effects. In Phase I, a non-equilibrium, boundary-layer code
with kinetics and transport properties appropriate to earth and Mars entry will be
developed. In Phase II, this will be extended to a viscous shock layer code with
the noted features.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Possible applications include improved design
of space vehicles for planetary, planetary-return, and earth missions.

Project Title:

Model Development for Exhaust Plume Effects on

02.06-2008A
Model Development for Exhaust Plume Effects on
Launch Stand Design
SECA, Inc.
3311 Bob Wallace Avenue - #203
Huntsville
AL
35805
S. D.
Smith
(205-534-2008)
MSFC

Abstract:

Existing computational models for determining pressure and thermal effects induced
by rocket plumes are too expensive for routine design of launch stands. For launch
stands at NASA-KSC, the design process included use of five different computer codes
that required a considerable amount of manual intervention for a single calculation.
A unified, design model will be developed to treat arbitrary launch stand geometries
with little or no user interaction from input of data to the output of impact pressure,
heating rate, and temperature distributions. The program will combine an inviscid
and viscous, two-dimensional, axisymetric flow code with a plume impingement model.
This model will include effects of real-gas properties, chemical reactions, two-phases,
and viscous-mixing. The output of this project will be a validated, efficient tool
for predicting pressure and thermal effects on launch stands produced by liquid-and
solid-rocket launch vehicles and missiles.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Uses could be in the design of launch stands
and engine test facilities for NASA, the Department of Defense, and commer-cial launch
operations.

Project Title:

Effects of Charge Separation in Hypersonic, Ionized Flows

02.07-8581
Effects of Charge Separation in Hypersonic, Ionized Flows
Remtech, Inc.
3304 Westmill Drive
Huntsville
AL
35805
Peter A.
Liver
(205-536-8581)
MSFC

Abstract:

The flow field around hypersonic vehicles is in chemical and thermal non-equilibrium
due to significant dissociation and ionization in the region of shock waves and surfaces.
Ambipolar diffusion of ions and electrons in these flow regions causes charge separation
and induces electric fields that affect thermophysical properties and flow dynamics
of multi-component gases. Since these effects are not included in current flow-field
analyses, this project will attempt to establish the theoretical and computational
procedure to include effects of charge separation into current
computer
programs and to assess the significance for future computational fluid dynamics models.
Phase I will define a set of species and fluid dynamics equations, a calculation
procedure fo
thermophysical
and
transport properties for multi-component gas mixtures, and an efficient procedure
to decouple
species
and
thermophysical calculations from fluid dynamics solutions. The analysis will be implemented
in the PARC
ier-Stokes codes in Phase II to assess the significance of the phenomenon of charge
separation.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The results of the may contribute to improvements
in computational models for hypersonic vehicles.

Project Title:

Solution of the Navier-Stokes Equations on Unstructured Grids Based on Adaptive Methods

02.08-0618
Solution of the Navier-Stokes Equations on Unstructured Grids Based on Adaptive Methods
and Operator Splitting
Computational Mechanics Company, Inc.
3701 North Lamar, Suite 201
Austin
TX
78705
Jon M.
Bass
(512-467-0618)
ARC

Abstract:

  Today, the majority of CFD calculations apply standard fixed-grid, finite-difference
methods which cannot exploit current computing power nor deliver highly accurate
simulations of fine-scale, complex flows. To solve complex flow problems that are
not now treated satisfactorily, innovative computational procedures representing
a significant departure from conventional, finite-difference flow solvers must be
developed.  This project addresses two basic ideas for developing a new family of
CFD codes: operator-splitting techniques that provide special, high-order schemes
for the convection and diffusion steps in an unsteady, Navier-Stokes calculation
and special h-p adaptive schemes on unstructured grids.
Phase I focusses on operator-splitting methods for Euler equations on unstructured
grids giving particular attention to explicit methods that are second-order accurate
in time. Reliable a-posteriori error estimators will provide a basis for h-p adaptivity.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  A new family of commercial CFD codes that are
crucial for the design of aerospace systems and other external flows could result.

Project Title:

Aerodynamic Control of NASP-Type Vehicles Through Vortex Manipulation

02.08-9316B
Aerodynamic Control of NASP-Type Vehicles Through Vortex Manipulation
Eidetics International, Inc.
3415 Lomita Boulevard
Torrance
CA
90505
Gerald N.
Malcolm
(213-326-8228)
ARC

Abstract:

It is well known that aircraft configurations with a high fineness ratio or highly
swept delta wings, can experience significant low-speed handling problems while operating
at angles-of-attack representative of take-off, approach, and landing. This project
aims to show that alternative methods of aerodynamic control, vortex control concepts,
can either augment or, to some degree, replace conventional control methods. New
concepts for low-speed control could enhance optimization of the airframe design
to meet hypersonic requirements.
Phase I will consist of water tunnel flow visual-ization experiments with proposed
National Aerospace Plane (NASP) configurations or an acceptable "generic" NASP configuration
to identify the most promising methods of controlling the critical vortices including
local surface blowing and minor geometric configuration changes that could be produced
by the controlled movement of small non-conventional control surfaces. Success in
the Phase I feasibility studies could lead to further development through wind tunnel
testing in Phase II.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications: The results could apply to the design of high-performance
military and commercial aircraft.

Project Title:

Joined-Wing, Tilt-Rotor Aircraft Study

02.09-7121
Joined-Wing, Tilt-Rotor Aircraft Study
ACA Industries, Inc.
28603 Trailriders Drive
Rancho Palos Verdes
CA
90274
Julian
Wolkovitch
(213-539-7121)
ARC

Abstract:

The joined-wing airplane employs two sets of wings rigidly connected together to
form a triangulated, self-bracing structure. Structural analyses and wind-tunnel
tests have shown that, compared to cantilever-wing aircraft, joined-wing aircraft
are lighter and stiffer and have lower induced drag. The joined wing also permits
thinner airfoils to be used, thus increasing the Mach Number for drag divergence
and the maximum speed. Applied to tilt-rotor aircraft, in addition to the advantages
cited, the joined wing may reduce adverse downwash effects in hover. This project
will delineate joined-wing, tilt-rotor configurations that give maximum increases
in performance. It will compare the performance and aeroelastic characteristics of
joined-wing versus cantilever configurations and outline detailed analyses and tests
which will provide a data base for design of joined-wing, tilt-rotor aircraft.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  This project may lead to performance improvements
for military and civil tilt-rotor aircraft which will combine the hover capability
of helicopters with the cruise speed of fixed-wing aircraft.

Project Title:

A Novel Potential- and Viscous-Flow Coupling Technique for Computing Helicopter Flow

02.09-9090
A Novel Potential- and Viscous-Flow Coupling Technique for Computing Helicopter Flow
Fields
Analytical Methods, Inc.
2133  152nd Avenue, N.E.
Redmond
WA
98052
J. Michael
Summa
(206-643-9090)
ARC

Abstract:

Because of the complexity of the helicopter flow field, a zonal method of analysis
of computational aerodynamics is required. In this project, a new procedure for coupling
potential-and viscous-flow calculation schemes by an overlapping, velocity-coupling
technique is to be developed. The unique feature is that potential-flow, surface-singularity
strengths are obtained directly from the Navier-Stokes solution at a smoother inner
fluid boundary. The closed-loop iteration method proceeds until the velocity field
is converged. This coupling should provide the means of more accurate viscous computations
of the near-body and rotor flow fields with resultant improved analysis of such important
performance parameters as helicopter fuselage drag and rotor air loads.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  This work could apply to designing helicopters
with better lift and drag performance, reduced noise, and reduced vibrations.

Project Title:

Very High Temperature Fiber Sensors

02.11-0161
Very High Temperature Fiber Sensors
LaserGenics Corporation
Box 611330
San Jose
CA
95161-1330
Richard G.
Schlecht
(408-433-0161)
LaRC

Abstract:

Advanced wind tunnel instrumentation will require highly sensitive devices for measuring
temperatures in the range of 1800 C to 3000 C. In order to make accurate temperature
measurements in this extreme environment, new concepts in sensor design will have
to be employed, because available thermometry devices will not perform reliably in
this environment. Fiber optic sensors offer a possible solution but available fibers
of glass or silica cannot withstand this temperature range. This project addresses
the use of single-crystal, fiber optics which can be used at these extremely high
temperatures. A variety of high temperature refractory, single-crystal fibers will
be grown with different dopants in the tip of the fiber that will serve as a blackbody
radiation source. The emission from this source will then be detected and analyzed
to determine the tip temperature.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  A number of uses may occur in process control
in the steel, chemical, semiconductor industries, in fossil fuel and nuclear power
generation plants, and in research in plasma physics, fusion, MHD, combustion, and
chemistry.

Project Title:

Non-Intrusive, Fast-Response Oxygen Monitoring

02.11-1322
Non-Intrusive, Fast-Response Oxygen Monitoring
System for High-Temperature Flows
Southwest Sciences, Inc.
1570 Pacheco Street - Suite E-11
Santa Fe
NM
87501
Alan C.
Stanton
(505-984-1322)
LaRC

Abstract:

This project addresses the need for fast-response measurement of molecular oxygen
concentrations in high-temperature flows for research on hypersonic air-breathing
engines as well as in combustion research and control. The innovation uses inexpensive,
room-temperature, laser diodes operating at near-infrared wavelengths and combined
with high-frequency, FM detection techniques. This approach should yield a non-intrusive
oxygen monitor with high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, the capability for an extremely
fast response. In comparison with other optically based methods, the proposed approach
uses exceptionally reliable and inexpensive laser sources which can readily be combined
with fiber optics for multi-point monitoring. The feasibility of the technique will
be evaluated in Phase I by measurements in a room-temperature absorption cell and
in the post-flame gases of a methane-oxygen flame.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Applications may develop in monitoring or controlling
combustion processes,
ndustrial chemical plants, and toxic gas emissions.

Project Title:

Acousto-Fluidic Noise Generators for Aircraft

02.12-3077
Acousto-Fluidic Noise Generators for Aircraft
Component Structure Testing
Defense Research Technologies, Inc.
354 Hungerford Drive
Rockville
MD
20850
Allen B.
Holmes
(301-762-3077)
LaRC

Abstract:

Current noise generators now in use by the NASA-LaRC Acoustic Research Facility are
electro-mechanical devices which operate at low temperatures (70 F) and produce noise
evels up to 168 db. Since testing of advanced aircraft structures and materials to
noise levels up to 190 db at elevated temperatures is required, this project is examining
the technical feasibility of using fluidic oscillators to generate both narrow-band
(constant frequency) and broad-band noise using high temperature (1800 F) propellant
gas flows to generate noise in the 190 db power range. In the present state-of-the-art,
however, fluidic sound generators are miniature devices which have been operated
at low pressures and flow rates to produce sound pressure levels of approximately
130 db.
The Phase I effort will survey fluidic devices for use as hot-gas noise generators
in the Acoustic Research Facility. The results will be used to assess the feasibility
of scaling up oscillator designs to generate the desired noise power levels.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The applications could be in testing advanced
structures and materials for supersonic aircraft.

Project Title:

Aircraft Icing Performance Measurement System

03.01-0533
Aircraft Icing Performance Measurement System
Innovative Dynamics
Cornell University Research Park - 244 Langmuir Laboratory
Ithaca
NY
14850-1296
Gail A.
Hickman
(607-257-0534)
ARC

Abstract:

This project deals with a unique solid-state, low-cost, rugged ice detection system
to reduce the hazards of aircraft icing. This system will sense an impending wing-stall
condition of an aircraft by directly measuring the intensity of turbulent airflow
induced by ice accretion. The key system components are piezoelectric transducers
for sensing boundary-layer pressure fluctuations and a microcomputer for digital
signal processing. The incorporation of a wireless data link will enable simple implementation
of a non-intrusive system easily retro-fitted on aerodynamic surfaces, engine inlets,
and fuel tanks. Flight tests will be performed on a Grumman AA-5 aircraft with simulated
leading edge ice to demonstrate system feasibility. If successful, this work will
lead to the development of an operational ice detection system during the Phase II.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The product could be a low-cost sensor for de-icing
systems of current and future aircraft fleets, both civilian and military.

Project Title:

Unstructured Triangular Mesh/Navier-Stokes Method for Aerodynamics of Aircraft with

03.01-9457
Unstructured Triangular Mesh/Navier-Stokes Method for Aerodynamics of Aircraft with
Ice
Accretion
Nielsen Engineering & Research, Inc.
510 Clyde Avenue
Mountain View
CA
94043-2287
Steven C.
Caruso
(415-968-9457)
LeRC

Abstract:

Ice accretion on fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft can cause aerodynamic penalties
such as increased drag, decreased lift, reduced stall angle, increased stall speed
and increased engine horsepower requirements. There is currently a need for effective
design methods for ice protection systems to be used for qualification and certification
of aircraft and for research into icing phenomena. Current icing analyses consist
of three basic components: water-droplet trajectory calculations, determination of
ice deposition and growth, and a flow-field analysis which is used both for the evaluation
of the droplet trajectories and of the aerodynamic penalties. This project concerns
the development of an innovative, flow-field prediction method in which the Navier-Stokes
equations are solved on an unstructured, triangular (tetrahedral in three dimensions)
mesh system. This method is intended to be used in an overall icing simulation scheme.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Improved under-standing of aircraft icing could
decrease development time and costs of ice protection systems and aid in the qualification
and certification of aircraft.

Project Title:

A Liquid Water Content Meter

03.02-9282
A Liquid Water Content Meter
Continuum Dynamics, Inc.
Box 3073
Princeton
NJ
08543
Alan J.
Bilanin
(609-734-9282)
LaRC

Abstract:

There is growing evidence that, under very heavy rainfall rates, airfoils will suffer
aerodynamic performance penalties. Rainfall rates and liquid water content (LWC)
are directly correlated. NASA testing planned for later this year will attempt to
quantify these penalties as a function of LWC to determine at what level LWC-induced
performance degradation presents a serious hazard. It is currently not known for
what period of time or at what altitude high LWCs in the atmosphere will be encountered,
since instrumentation to make these measurements has not yet been developed. This
project investigates the feasibility of developing an aircraft-mounted LWC probe
which will ascertain the LWC from measurements of water film thickness and determine
the probability of a hazard caused by heavy rainfall rates.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The LWC probe might become a standard warning
indicator in aircraft cockpits if research shows that high rainfall rates are hazardous
to aircraft operations, .

Project Title:

A Stochastic, Optimal, Feedforward and Feedback Control Methodology for Super-Agility

03.03-0371
A Stochastic, Optimal, Feedforward and Feedback Control Methodology for Super-Agility
Information & Control Systems, Inc.
28 Research Drive
Hampton
VA
23666
Nesim
Halyo
(804-865-0371)
LaRC

Abstract:

A new combined feedforward and feedback control design methodology will be investigated
for multi-input, multi-output dynamical systems such as the modern tactical aircraft.
In particular, the design of controllers for super-agility is addressed by an innovative
concept of determining the unconstrained stochastic, optimal, feed forward control
law to achieve high maneuverability within a greatly expanded flight envelope. The
approach is applicable to high-performance aircraft with static instability, numerous
control effectors, and thrust vectoring with requirements for integration of aerodynamic,
propulsive, and flexible modes. The structure of the optimal feedforward and feedback
controllers and algorithms to compute the required control parameters will be demonstrated
by simulation of a typical design problem.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Applications could occur in the design of control
systems for military and commercial aircraft including supersonic transports and
aerospace planes.

Project Title:

Agility Management System for High-Performance Aircraft

03.03-9316A
Agility Management System for High-Performance Aircraft
Eidetics International, Inc.
3415 Lomita Boulevard
Torrance
CA
90505
John
Hodgkinson
(213-326-8228)
LaRC

Abstract:

An innovative approach is proposed which would add adaptive features to current angle-of-attack
and load-factor-limiter concepts to aid pilots in energy and agility management during
operation of high-performance aircraft. The agility management system would be scheduled
with aircraft motion quantities to give the pilot improved control and cuing of turn
rate and excess specific power. It would be applicable to any high-performance aircraft,
current or future, which has a flight control system with sufficient sensed quantities
available.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  This innovation would be of interest to suppliers
of aircraft, flight control systems, and propulsion systems.

Project Title:

Multilevel Motion Processing for Autonomous Helicopters

03.04-7300
Multilevel Motion Processing for Autonomous Helicopters
Advanced Decision Systems
1500 Plymouth Street
Mountain View
CA
94043-1230
Daryl T.
Lawton
(415-960-7300)
ARC

Abstract:

A fundamental problem with automating nap-of-the-earth helicopter flight is the extraction
and representation of information about the rapidly changing relationship between
the helicopter and its environment. In this project, analysis of motion involves
several explicit levels of processing and representation for determining image motion
and building environmental inferences. The different levels, which constrain and
direct each other significantly, range from very local and simple descriptions of
temporal changes in image intensity to qualitative and potentially robust descriptions
of the relative depths of coherent environmental surfaces and occlusion boundaries.
This range of representation and constraints can effectively address problems associated
with the typically brittle environmental inferences associated with motion processing.
The results will supply NASA with an extensive set of algorithms that can be tested
and combined. This is particularly important since the exact use and nature of motion
processing for helicopter systems will vary based upon several evolving factors.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Analysis of dynamic visual information could
be applied to industrial inspection, surveillance, change detection, and robot guidance
and navigation.

Project Title:

Experimental Investigation on the Detection of Transitioning Flow-Fields

03.05-0533
Experimental Investigation on the Detection of Transitioning Flow-Fields
Innovative Dynamics
Cornell University Research Park - 244 Langmuir Laboratory
Ithaca
NY
14850-1296
Joseph J.
Gerardi
(607-257-0533)
ARC

Abstract:

The objective of this project is to develop a unique, aerodynamic flow sensor that
will passively sense laminar, transitional, and turbulent boundary-layer flow. This
innovation incorporates a thin, solid-state polymer film that senses both normal
and shear boundary layer forces. Preliminary tests on the wing of a Grumman AA-5
test plane yielded data that resembles the classical Tollmien-Schlichting waves that
occur in the boundary layer transition region. This technology will be extended to
produce the advanced, passive, boundary-layer transition detection system that can
operate non-intrusively and reliably throughout the subsonic flight envelope. Prototype
hardware will consist of a piezoelectric sensor array strip with an integrated data
telemetry link. A data processing and display unit will receive and process the data
and display the stream-wise boundary layer profile in a real-time or averaging mode.
During Phase I, the prototype will be installed on the NASA F-104/FTF for flight
test and calibration.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The boundary-layer transition detection system
could be used as a feedback sensor for an adaptive wing and for flow measurements
on wind tunnel models and flight test aircraft.

Project Title:

Applications of Transputers in Aircraft Flight Research

03.05-8161A
Applications of Transputers in Aircraft Flight Research
Sparta, Inc.
23041 Avenida de la Carlota - Suite 400
Laguna Hills
CA
92653
Marle D.
Hewett
(714-768-8161)
ARC

Abstract:

The innovative concept proposed herein involves a low-cost, high-performance, expandable,
highly reliable, airborne, auxiliary digital computer for conducting flight research
in high performance aircraft. This flight research computer would perform on-board
computations such as display generation, trajectory optimization, parameter identification,
and advanced control algorithms. It will be based on transputer technology which
is adaptable in size, shape, weight, performance (computer throughput), and tasks
(applications software) and can accommodate a wide range of flight research applications.
The algorithms will be research programs written in "C", Ada, and/or FORTRAN.
This innovation parallels a NASA in-house development of a transputer application
to data acquisition, pre-processing and filtering, compression, and telemetry. The
flight research computer, however, addresses on-board digital computation requirements
directly related to flight research and must interface with a larger variety of data
sources than the instrumentation computer.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The flight research computer has military, FAA,
NASA, and commercial applications and could be used by academic institutions which
conduct flight research.

Project Title:

Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Thermometry for Hypersonic Flight Research

03.06-0333
Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Thermometry for Hypersonic Flight Research
Scientific Research Associates, Inc.
50 Nye Road - Box 1058
Glastonbury
CT
06033
Brian E.
Thompson
(203-659-0333)
LaRC

Abstract:

This project will investigate two innovative instruments for flight research at Mach
numbers between 4 and 15. One is a steady-state spectro-fluorimeter, and the other,
a laser-induced-fluorescence thermometer for non-intrusive measurements in the middle
atmosphere. The spectro-fluorimeter would gather information about the fluorescence
characteristics of air which would then be applied to the design of a time-resolved,
laser-induced-fluorescence thermometer to obtain distributions of mean and fluctuating
temperatures in the boundary layer of hypersonic flight research vehicles. The innovative
time-resolved measurement can produce useful results at low fluorescence intensities
and provide quenching corrections needed for practical application of fluorescence
to flight research.
Phase I would assess both instruments by evaluating critical aspects of resolution
of fluorescence signals and fluorescence characteristics of the real gases at flight
conditions. Engineering design, research, and development in Phase II would provide
prototypes of the spectral fluorimeter and fluorescence thermometer for flight testing
during Phase III.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The could be in flight research on future Shuttle
generations, hypersonic reentry vehicles, planetary probes, and hypersonic transport
aircraft.

Project Title:

Sensors for Flight Research

03.06-5287
Sensors for Flight Research
Research Innovation Implementation, Inc.
2201 Donley
Austin
TX
78758
Jon M.
Schroeder
(512-832-5287)
ARC

Abstract:

Polymeric, printed-circuit board technology has permits resistors, capacitors, inductors,
and even diodes to be formed as micro-scale components while interconnecting integrated
circuits. This technology has been advanced by using computer-aided manufacture for
polymer-additive and subtraction methods for multi-layer chip interconnections. By
using this method, micro-scale devices, such as accelerometers, sensors, and motors,
can be fabricated. This project involves the design, development, and batch manufacturing
of a variety of active and passive devices which can be used as sensors, actuators,
and transducers for flight research. By using polymer materials and integrated circuit
techniques at the board level, a nearly finished, integrated-board system results.
A combination of methods will be used to produce custom sensors as well as production
parts. The process is extremely repeatable and will produce a wide variety of lightweight
electro-mechanical sensors and transducers with integrated electronics and photo-optical
links.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The commercial marketplace could benefit from
a light-weight, fast-response, reliable, and technically improved sensor with an
electronic interface that can be manufactured automatically at low cost.

Project Title:

Interferometric Imaging and Frequency Estimation of Surface Vibration Patterns

03.06-5649
Interferometric Imaging and Frequency Estimation of Surface Vibration Patterns
Daedalus Enterprises, Inc.
Box 1869
Ann Arbor
MI
48106
Keith A.
More
(313-769-5649)
ARC

Abstract:

The project investigates the feasibility for developing an instrument for measuring
surface vibration patterns using an innovative combination of laser illumination
and interferometric imaging coupled to a novel digital signal processor. The effort
will investigate the feasibility of optical heterodyne detection in terms of beam
alignment, stability, and noise to determine whether a heterodyne receiver can be
built. In addition, a significant part of the effort will be devoted to designing
a digital processor with sufficient speed to sample the high frequency data and to
mosaic pixels over larger surface areas. Successful completion of this project will
result in the preliminary design and performance prediction for a new instrument
to be used for the accurate measurement of vibration patterns of structural surfaces
for aeronautical and aerospace vehicles.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Applications are expected in the design of commercial
aircraft and other vehicles in which vibration of structural surfaces is a critical
design parameter.

Project Title:

Numerical Optimization of Single-Stage-to-Orbit Configuration with Inequality Constraints

03.07-1500
Numerical Optimization of Single-Stage-to-Orbit Configuration with Inequality Constraints
Integrated Systems, Inc.
2500 Mission College Boulevard
Santa Clara
CA
95054
M. Michael
Briggs
(408-980-1500)
LaRC

Abstract:

The objective of this project is to perform numerical optimization of hypersonic
body configurations applicable to single-stage-to-orbit aerospace plane configurations.
A new, interior quadratic programming procedure with rapid convergence, recently
developed by the firm, allows complex problems to be solved numerically by converting
the optimization process into a problem in nonlinear programming. The new algorithm
is embedded within an augmented Lagrangian approach for solving general, nonlinear
programming problems. This project will develop a general control-oriented method
for specifying the body optimization algorithm. The body geometry subroutine will
provide definition of the external shapes of hypersonic vehicles for the computational
fluid dynamics code that will be used to evaluate the performance index. Performance
indices (cost functions) will be constructed that reflect the principal measures
of merit, and inequality constraints will be applied to represent heating rate and
component packaging constraints at various levels. Optimization runs will be accomplished
to define the optimum body shapes for various flight conditions.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The resulting software package can be offered
as a commercial product that simplifies the application of modern numerical methods
to configuration optimization.

Project Title:

Intelligent Hypertext Systems for Aerospace Knowledge Representation

03.09-9915
Intelligent Hypertext Systems for Aerospace Knowledge Representation
Engineering Research and Consulting, Inc.
Box 417
Tullahoma
TN
37388
Z. George
Shi
(615-455-9915)
ARC

Abstract:

Knowledge about aerospace ground testing often consists of diffuse and dispersed
sets of information that is hard to collect and more difficult to understand and
master. This project is designed to utilize artificial intelligence technology for
assisting users to locate and understand technical information in manuals for planning
and conducting tests in wind tunnel and for increasing the efficiency of training
personnel in testing procedures. A computerized manual will be created in the form
of Hypertext and an advisory system which stores experts' knowledge and experience.
The combined Hypertext manual and advisory system is termed an Intelligent Hypertext
(IH) System.
Phase I of the project will implement a prototype IH-system for conducting transonic
wind tunnel testing. Phase II of the project will extend the concepts to encompass
aerodynamic testing knowledge in expanded domains including supersonic, hypersonic,
and low-speed V/STOL tunnels.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  A general system for capturing and manipulating
aerospace engineering knowledge could become a commercial venture.

Project Title:

Expert Systems for Flight Control Systems Verification

03.10-8161
Expert Systems for Flight Control Systems Verification
Sparta, Inc.
23041 Avenida de la Carlota - Suite 400
Laguna Hills
CA
92653-1507
Pio
de Feo
(714-768-8161)
ARC

Abstract:

This innovation applies a knowledge-based system for automatic verification and optimization
of flight control systems (FCS). The major elements include: real-time simulation
of the aircraft's dynamics, the flight-control computers (FCC), and the test and
optimization manager (TOM). The TOM, thekey component, accepts high level test objectives
from the test engineer, translates them into sets of initial conditions for the aircraft
simulation and the FCC, controls execution, collects test outputs, and performs the
fine tuning of the control laws all automatically. It will be implemented using available
artificial intelligence software and hosted in a workstation. The benefits of this
approach are: increased confidence in the verification process through the use of
prior experience that may not exist within small teams of test engineers, effective
utilization of equipment which is typically in high demand, and rapid flight test
turnaround.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The results of this project could applied by
military and commercial airframe and avionic companies and for other real-time, critical
applications such as automated control of nuclear reactors.

Project Title:

Voice I/O for Flight Management Systems

03.11-2526
Voice I/O for Flight Management Systems
Emerson & Stern Associates, Inc.
10150 Sorrento Valley Road - Suite 210
San Diego
CA
92121
S. E.
Hutchins
(619-457-2526)
ARC

Abstract:

This effort will investigate the feasibility of a voice I/O (input/output) system
for commercial aircraft to facilitate interaction with a sophisticated flight management
system. The I/O system incorporates a speech recognizer with near natural language
capabilities and a speech synthesizer that is both easily understood and clearly
identifiable as "machine speech."   Development of these innovations rely on the
firm's existing voice I/O capabilities for real-time speech processing.
Work in Phase I includes collecting and analyzing voice interactions in the cockpit,
defining a command language for the sample application of database inquiry and response,
determining human performance on this command language at various noise levels, analyzing
supra-segmental data, developing appropriate "machine speech" with proprietary tools,
adapting the firm's speech algorithms to cockpit noise conditions, comparing recognizer
performance to human performance, and, finally, comparing the intelligibility of
human speech to "machine speech."

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Voice I/O could be useful in commercial airliners,
single-pilot craft, helicopters, and tactical aircraft. Other applications include
communications and dispatching centers, factory automation, and air traffic control.

Project Title:

EEG-Based Metric for Flight Deck Workload Assessment

03.11-3474
EEG-Based Metric for Flight Deck Workload Assessment
Charles River Analytics Inc.
55 Wheeler Street
Cambridge
MA
02138
Greg L.
Zacharias
(617-491-3474)
LaRC

Abstract:

The Phase I effort will evaluate feasibility of an electroencephalographic (EEG),
real-time metric for use in flight deck workload assessment and future self-adaptive
automated cockpits. The approach will center on the use of the steady-state, visually
evoked response (ssVER) and involve active probing under a range of perceptual and
cognitive loading conditions. On-line measurements will be processed to yield workload-sensitive
ssVER model parameters which will be incorporated in a VER-based metric, for real-time
workload and mental state assessment. This metric will be validated via five tasks:
the current ssVER measurement system will be realized on a personal computer, a simulated
flight deck management task will be implemented, a validation experiment will be
conducted to demonstrate the proposed methodology, candidate metrics will be specified
and evaluated based on the experimental results, and the feasibility of prototype
development will be assessed and the Phase II program outlined.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Uses could occur in supervisory task and process
management situations, such as in rail traffic management, chemical plants, and power
generation. 

Project Title:

Software System for Predicting Engineering Properties of Polymer Matrix Resins

04.01-1049
Software System for Predicting Engineering Properties of Polymer Matrix Resins
Advanced Materials Design, Inc.
1291 East Cumberland Avenue
West Lafayette
IN
47906
Alok K.
Kulshreshtha
(317-497-1049)
LeRC

Abstract:

An integrated software package will be developed to predict the engineering properties
of polymers used as matrix resins in aerospace composites. The software is built
upon a nonlinear visco-elastic constitutive equation that acknowledges the fundamental
deformation processes. The constitutive equation predicts the complete stress-strain
behavior including yield for glassy polymers in arbitrary, time-dependent, three-dimensional
deformation fields. The objective of this project will be to develop an efficient,
robust, and user friendly code that can assist polymer scientists and engineers in
developing new resins for advanced aerospace applications.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The software will enable order of magnitude reduction
in the time and expense required to develop and/or evaluate new polymers for engineering
applications.

Project Title:

Improved CVD Silicon Carbide Fibers

04.01-2681
Improved CVD Silicon Carbide Fibers
Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
520-B Danbury Road
New Milford
CT
06776
Ward C.
Stevens
(203-355-2681)
LeRC

Abstract:

Engines of high thrust-to-weight ratio and hypersonic vehicles require high-temperature
structural materials which depend on the availability of suitable fiber reinforcements.
Commercially available silicon carbide fibers formed by chemical vapor deposition
(CVD) suffer from poor creep resistance, a result of free silicon found at the grain
boundaries. This problem, a direct result of the fiber fabrication process, limits
their use to temperatures less than 1000 C. A unique source reagent for CVD has been
developed for the electronics community which enables the reproducible growth of
stoichiometric, single-crystal, silicon carbide for high power electronic devices.
This reagent should enable the fabrication of a silicon-free, silicon carbide fiber,
which should be creep resistant to 1550 C.
Phase I will determine the physical properties and the high-temperature mechanical
properties of monofilament silicon carbide made by CVD using this innovative, "molecular-source"
reagent. Phase II will more fully develop the properties of the fiber and develop
a manufacturing process for its production.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The applications would be in hot sections of
high-temperature turbofan and turbojet engines and structures on hypersonic vehicles.

Project Title:

Continuous, On-Board, Non-Destructive Monitoring of Degradation of Fiber Composites

04.02-3779
Continuous, On-Board, Non-Destructive Monitoring of Degradation of Fiber Composites
Technology Integration and Development Group, Inc.
One Progress Road
Billerica
MA
01821
Gino A
Pinto
(508-667-3779)
LeRC

Abstract:

Composite materials are being introduced into a variety of critical aerospace applications.
Damage develops in these composites due to fatigue and environmental effects. Monitoring
the condition of these composites is, therefore, needed in order to assess the composite's
structural reliability. This project addresses the feasibility of an in-service,
microsensor-based, health monitoring system in order to determine degradation in
the composite's stiffness and strength properties and predict the composite's useful
remaining service life. In situ analysis techniques will be used to determine degradation
in composite structural stiffness properties. Strength degradation will be determined
through a recently developed correlation between degradation of stiffness and strength.
Microsensors and microactuators will be considered as low-cost, low-weight candidates
for an in-service system. Implementation schemes devised for the proper implementation
of the sensors into the composites will also be considered in Phase I.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Applications could occur in all industries which
manufacture or utilize composite structures.

Project Title:

Prepregging for High-Temperature Thermoplastics

04.03-3200A
Prepregging for High-Temperature Thermoplastics
Foster-Miller, Inc.
350 Second Avenue
Waltham
MA
02254
Richard W.
Lusignea
(617-890-3200)
LaRC

Abstract:

The development of high-quality, producible, high-temperature, thermoplastic carbon
composites is being sought by the aerospace industry. New thermoplastic composites
will meet the required high specific performance of all classes of advanced aircraft,
will reduce fabrication and life-cycle cost, and will greatly simplify maintainability.
One of the major obstacles to high-temperature, thermoplastic carbon composites has
been the inability to produce continuously a uniform, void-free prepreg, the first
step in composite fabrication. This project will evaluate a novel prepregging method
using high-shear strain-rates to reduce melt viscosity of the polymer and provide
very complete wetting and distribution of the fibers. The method will provide improvements
over current resin composites, including elimination of voids, uniform fiber distribution,
and high volume percent (over 60%) of fiber. Prepregged material will be fabricated
into composite test samples for mechanical testing and microscopic analysis.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The process could be applied in producing primary
and secondary structures of commercial aerospace vehicles, high-temperature electronics,
and light-weight, impact-resistant structures for automobiles.

Project Title:

Thermally Stable, Low Dielectric Films for Aerospace Applications

04.03-5224
Thermally Stable, Low Dielectric Films for Aerospace Applications
Maxdem Inc.
267 South Fair Oaks Avenue
Pasadena
CA
91105
Neil H.
Hendricks
(818-793-5224)
LaRC

Abstract:

The goal of this project is to prepare new thermoplastic polyquinolines with excellent
combinations of thermo
oxidative stability and desirable electrical properties. Samples of the new polymers
will be cast into film
and provided to the Polymeric Materials Division at NASA-LaRC evaluation of mechanical
and electrical properties. The aromatic polyquinolines are characterized by very
high glass
ransition temperatures (Tg) and good retention of properties below Tg. In addition,
the dielectric properties of one derivative are reported to be excellent. Tough,
transparent polyquinoline films may be cast from solution and may require no post-cure
stages. This suggests that polyquinolines may be useful as films and coatings in
aerospace applications. Tailoring of the polyquinoline structure to optimize performance
characteristics will be based on structure-property relationships observed in polyimide
chemistry.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Polyquinolines may replace existing polymers
that are currently used for wire coatings, capacitors, etc. at the extremes of required
use temperatures.

Project Title:

Thermal Control Coatings for Composite Structures

04.03-7356R
Thermal Control Coatings for Composite Structures
DSET Laboratories, Inc.
Box 1850 Black Canyon Stage I
Phoenix
AZ
85029
John E.
Bruzuskiewicz
(602-465-7356)
LaRC

Abstract:

This project addresses the development of a thermal-control coating to maintain advanced
composite materials within a specified temperature range. The principal effort will
be devoted to formulating a manufacturable, atomic-oxygen-resistant spacecraft coating
having both the requisite s/ ratio (= 0.8) and stability in the ultraviolet environment
in space. Emphasis will be given to tailoring s/ employing metal and metal-flake
pigments with and without additional pigments in low-outgassing binder systems.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Commercial applications could occur in the aerospace
industry for years to come.

Project Title:

Synthesis of High-Purity Refractory Beryllides

04.04-7648
Synthesis of High-Purity Refractory Beryllides
MSNW, Inc.
P.O. Box 865
San Marcos
CA
92069
George H.
Reynolds
(619-744-7648)
LaRC

Abstract:

This project will examine alternative methods for synthesis of high-purity refractory
beryllides in either powder, foil, or bulk form. Analytical efforts and process modeling
will focus on those methods which are capable of producing two-component, intermetallic
compounds of the required stoichiometry while simultaneously reducing the contamination
levels or increasing the purity of product materials relative to the starting materials
used. The Phase I effort will result in the process design of one or more systems
for pilot-scale production of high-purity refractory beryllide powders, foils, or
bulk materials in Phase II. 

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The refractory beryllides could be useful in
flight-weight structures for missile components, turbine engine compressor blading,
and truss elements for space structures.

Project Title:

Hydrogen Collectors for Space Flight Applications

04.06-0236
Hydrogen Collectors for Space Flight Applications
Ultramet
12173 Montague Street
Pacoima
CA
91331
Richard B.
Kaplan
(818-899-0236)
GSFC

Abstract:

In order to avoid over-board venting of the hydrogen gas used in various ways in
space, a high-performance, light-weight, and simple system is required to collect
and store hydrogen. This project will investigate the feasibility of infiltrating
a carbon foam with a hydrogen-absorbing, intermetallic compound by a variation of
the chemical vapor deposition process. The resultant composite foam structure will
meet the requirements of being lightweight, having a high surface area with which
to capture hydrogen, and being simple in design and use.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The material developed in this project could
be used for collecting and retaining hydrogen, deuterium, and tritium for nuclear
energy applications or for upper atmosphere testing.

Project Title:

Erosion- and Oxidation-Resistant Protective Coating for Polyimide Sheeting

04.07-2260
Erosion- and Oxidation-Resistant Protective Coating for Polyimide Sheeting
Midwest Research Microscopy, Inc.
5510 West Florist Avenue
Milwaukee
WI
53218
Norman A.
Draeger
(414-527-2260)
JSC

Abstract:

Polymide materials, notably Kapton, find use in the outer coverings of space vehicles
for purposes such as thermal insulation. While exposed to the energetic atomic oxygen
present in a low-earth orbital environment, the Kapton undergoes a degradation process.
It has already been found that a coating of silicon oxide or aluminum oxide over
the Kapton greatly extends its service life during this exposure to oxygen. However,
the oxide coatings are brittle and subject to cracking. The purpose of this project
is to develop a coating with the desirable protective properties of the earlier films
but with much more resistance to cracking. Secondarily, it would also be desirable
for this new film to be UV-opaque, since UV radiation also causes a chemical degradation
of Kapton.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The coating may be used to protect Kapton surfaces
used in microelectronic applications exposed to an oxidizing atmosphere. The production-scale
coating technique could have a number of commercial uses.

Project Title:

Perfluoropolyether Copolymers Containing Tetrafluoroethylene Oxide

04.07-3812
Perfluoropolyether Copolymers Containing Tetrafluoroethylene Oxide
Exfluor Research Corporation
Box 7807
Austin
TX
78713-7807
Timothy J.
Juhlke
(512-454-3812)
LeRC

Abstract:

The goal of this project is to prepare a series of substituted methylene oxides containing
perfluoroether compounds. The fluids prepared are intended to model high-molecular-weight
perfluoropolyethers which will have similar structural features. The model compounds
will be prepared using newly developed direct fluorination techniques which convert
hydrocarbons of appropriate structure directly to perfluorocarbons. The perfluoroethers
produced will be used in surface studies as well as in aggressive environments where
their comparative stabilities will be measured. Upon identifying structures with
exceptional properties, perfluoropolyether fluids and elastomers based on those structures
will be developed. All of the polymers modeled by the proposed structures are accessible
using our technology and each is expected to give fluid with low pour points and
high oxidative stabilities as well as oxidatively stable elastomers with very low
glass-transition temperatures (-60 to -90 C).

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications: (None specifically identified by the firm.)  

Project Title:

Titanium Carbide Used to Protect Carbon Composites

04.07-6410
Titanium Carbide Used to Protect Carbon Composites
Tracer Technologies, Inc.
20 Assemble Square Drive
Somerville
MA
02145
Fraser
Walsh
(617-776-6410)
JSC

Abstract:

The objective of this project is to demonstrate the technical feasibility of increasing
the thermal tolerance and metal wettability of carbon composite materials through
the application of a titanium-carbide ceramic to their surface. The application process
will be laser-based and will result in the covalent bonding of the ceramic to the
carbon substrate surface. The ceramic-layered carbon composite will be protected
from thermal damage by the ceramic layer and from the stresses of thermal cycling
by the covalent bond between the layer and the carbon surfaces. The ceramic layer
will increase the wettability of the carbon substrate to molten metals and thus enhance
its use in the manufacture of graphite-reinforced, metal-matrix composites. Titanium-carbide-protected
carbon composites will be formed and stressed at high temperature to demonstrate
thermal tolerance and oxidation resistance. Metal wettability will also be demonstrated.
Ceramic layer physical and chemical characteristics will be determined using scanning
electron microscope and Auger profile analysis.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The ceramic-layered carbom composite could be
used as the external surface of heat exchangers of hypersonic airplanes, in space
structures, and as the matrix material in aircraft brake disks.

Project Title:

Conditions for Thermal-Cycle Testing of Long-Life Radiator Coatings

04.07-9399
Conditions for Thermal-Cycle Testing of Long-Life Radiator Coatings
Boundary Technologies, Inc.
366 Lexington Drive
Buffalo Grove
IL
60089
Robert S.
Alwitt
(312-537-9399)
JSC

Abstract:

An anodic aluminum oxide coating has been recommended for the Space Station crew
systems radiator. Cracking by thermal fatigue is its probable long-term failure mechanism,
but it is not clear how to perform accelerated thermal-cycle tests to get a reliable
prediction of lifetime. This project will measure the stress and the temperature
dependence of stress of anodic coatings. A thermal strain parameter is defined in
terms of a temperature of zero stress, To. Coatings prepared to have a wide range
of To are expected to also have a wide range of lifetimes. In Phase I, the extreme
values for To will be determined experimentally as well as To values for two particular
coatings for which accelerated thermal cycle test data are available. If it seems
feasible to use the To criterion as a guide in preparing cycle test specimens, this
will be done in Phase II. The cycle test data can then be extrapolated to predict
lifetime of operational coatings for known To. In Phase II, some particular questions
will be examined regarding stability of these coatings in zero-humidity space environment
and the possibility of preparing coatings with a structure that improves fracture
toughness.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The concepts developed in this work will be of
value to those working on improved anodic oxide coatings for aircraft.

Project Title:

Non-Linear Optical Properties of Polyphenylenes

04.08-5224
Non-Linear Optical Properties of Polyphenylenes
Maxdem, Inc.
267 S. Fairoaks Avenue
Pasadena
CA
91105
Neil H.
Hendricks
(818-793-5224)
JPL

Abstract:

Several novel polyphenylene polymers will be prepared and their nonlinear susceptibilities
measured. These polymers offer a unique combination of synthetic versatility and
electronic properties.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications: Polymers with high third-order susceptibilities
are expected to lead to practical applications in optical data processing, communications,
and computation.

Project Title:

Differential Phase Acoustic Microscopy for Micro-NDE

04.09-6425A
Differential Phase Acoustic Microscopy for Micro-NDE
Bio-Imaging Research, Inc.
425 Barclay Avenue
Lincolnshire
IL
60069
M.
Nikoonahadd
(312-634-6425)
LaRC

Abstract:

The goal of this project is to demonstrate an acoustic differential-phase microscope.
This device, the acoustic counterpart of the Nomarski differential-phase-contrast
optical microscope, would be useful for NDE imaging and for characterizing minute
variations in the elastic properties of specimens with high lateral resolution, for
example, the stress patterns in solids, ion-implanted semiconductors, titanium-titanium
diffusion bonds, grains in solids, and composites. A dual-beam acoustic lens provides
two adjacent acoustic foci; the phase difference between the signals received from
these two foci will result in the image contrast. The Phase I tasks are to identify
the samples of interest to NASA, fabricate two dual-beam lenses for surface and subsurface
imaging, develop the electronics for driving the dual-beam lenses and for phase sensitive
detection, and perform surface and subsurface differential phase imaging at 50 MHz
(resolution of 30 um).
During Phase II the frequency will be extended to 300 MHz for an expected lateral
resolution of 5 um. For Phase III we intend to seek funding from commercial manufacturers
of acoustic microscopes for a 1 GHz system.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  In terms of commercialization, this microscope
provides a sensitive means for probing the elastic properties of specimens with high
lateral resolution.

Project Title:

NDE Methods for Micro-Structural Characterization of Metal-Matrix Composites

04.09-7780
NDE Methods for Micro-Structural Characterization of Metal-Matrix Composites
Advanced Research & Applications Corp.
425 Lakeside Drive
Sunnyvale
CA
94086
Robert N.
Yancey
(408-733-7780)
LaRC

Abstract:

Metal-matrix composite materials, the use of which has grown significantly in the
past decade, are being considered for critical components such as turbine engines
and primary aircraft structures. Ensuring the integrity of metal-matrix composites
is crucial to their use in these critical applications. The strength and lifetime
of these materials are determined by the fiber-matrix interface reaction zone and
the residual stress state, two parameters which are difficult to measure. Dual-energy
microtomography is an innovative method to investigate non-destructively the fiber-matrix
region. This project will review current understanding of the characteristics of
the fiber-matrix interface and the residual stress state of metal-matrix composites,
and experimentally evaluate the feasibilitiy of dual-energy microtomography to measure
these characteristics. Design specifications and a conceptual design will also be
compiled for a complete non-destructive tomographic, microstructural imaging system
for metal-matrix composites for future Phase II development.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  A microstructural imaging system could apply
to commercial development of new materials and aide in the non-destructive inspection
of existing structures.

Project Title:

Superconducting Fibers of Bi(Pb)-Ca-Sr-Cu-O

04.10-0161
Superconducting Fibers of Bi(Pb)-Ca-Sr-Cu-O
LaserGenics Corporation
P.O. Box 611330
San Jose
CA
95161-1330
Richard
Schlecht
(408-433-0161)
LeRC

Abstract:

High temperature superconductivity has recently become the subject of intense scientific
investigation. Present materials are prepared by sintering the oxide powder components
and pressing into pellets. This results in a microcrystalline structure that has
many disadvantages:  the contact between the microcrystals increases the resistance,
the composition is not stable, the material cannot be readily formed into useful
geometries, and the material lacks strength. This project will investigate the growth
of the new high temperature superconducting material, lead doped Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O, using
the laser-heated, pedestal-growth technique. This technique has a great deal of flexibility
and results in fibers that are as pure as the starting material. By controlling the
growth atmosphere and growth temperature, the composition and the crystal phase can
be controlled.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Applications could ensue for motors, generators,
computers, electronics, electromagnets, research, and power transmission.

Project Title:

Atomic Oxygen Source for Superconducting Thin-Film Fabrication

04.10-1691
Atomic Oxygen Source for Superconducting Thin-Film Fabrication
Ionwerks
2215 Addison
Houston
TX
77030
J. Albert
Schultz
(713-667-1691)
JPL

Abstract:

The possibility of fabricating superconducting material using a low-energy, high-flux,
atomic oxygen source will be explored. The goal will be both to improve the epitaxial
growth of superconducting thin films on substrates and to remove the need for harsh
annealing in an oxygen environment.

Potential Commercial Application:  The commercial benefits of this work would be
a technique for the fabrication of superconductors on heat-sensitive substrates such
as gallium-arsenide

Project Title:

The Stability of High-Temperature Superconducting Materials in Low-Earth Orbits

04.10-6410A
The Stability of High-Temperature Superconducting Materials in Low-Earth Orbits
Physical Sciences Inc.
635 Slaters Lane, Suite G101
Alexandria
VA
22314
J. T.
Schriempf
(703-548-6410)
LeRC

Abstract:

The new high temperature superconducting materials attractive for use aboard spacecraft
because components utilizing such materials would require minimal refrigeration.
Whether these materials can be used in space depends, in part, on their resistance
to the deleterious conditions encountered in the space environment. This project
focuses on determining the effects of the atomic oxygen found in low earth orbits
(LEO) upon the material, YBa2Cu3Ox, which has a critical temperature, Tc, as high
as 92 K and can be prepared as a thin or thick film by various techniques.
The approach is to prepare films of YBa2Cu3Ox with different initial concentrations
of oxygen and to expose these to atomic oxygen bombardment simulating that encountered
in LEO. The principal objective will be to correlate damage with oxygen content (in
Phase I) to optimize the formulation of the candidate films which will be radiation-hardened
for application in the LEO environment (in Phase II).

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  These results could aid in the use of superconducting
materials on the surfaces of spacecraft for free-space communications from LEO.

Project Title:

Laser Technique in Superconducting Film Deposition

04.10-9030
Laser Technique in Superconducting Film Deposition
Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover
MA
01810
Christopher J.
Rollins
(508-477-9030)
JPL

Abstract:

A fabrication method is proposed for deposition of wide-area, homogenous thin films
of high-Tc, oxide superconductor using a double-pulse, laser-driven, detonation-wave
thruster as the deposition source. The device will use laser ablation of bulk superconductors
followed by detonation-wave processing and hypersonic nozzle expansion of resulting
gases to generate a homogenous atom beam. Films will be deposited on substrates of
sapphire, yttrium-stabilized zirconia, and magnesium oxide. Samples will be characterized
by structural and chemical analysis, DC resistance and magnetoresistance versus temperature,
and AC magnetic susceptibility, using standard techniques.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The outcome could be far-infrared detectors and
microwave circuits such as low loss transmission lines and filters having significant
value in communications applications, both military and industrial, as well as in
scientific research.

Project Title:

Magnetic Beneficiation of Lunar Soil

04.11-4415
Magnetic Beneficiation of Lunar Soil
Exportech Company Inc.
P.O. Box 588
New Kensington
PA
15068
Robin R.
Oder
(412-337-4415)
JSC

Abstract:

This project addresses magnetic recovery from lunar soil of ilmenite (source of helium-3,
oxygen, titanium, iron, and sulfur), agglutinates (source of elemental iron), glassy
components (source of refractory materials), and anorthite (feedstock for electro-chemical
production of valuable elements such as oxygen, silicon, aluminum, and calcium).
 Measurements will be made of the magnetic susceptibility and particle size dependencies
of the distribution of material recovered from the minus-150-micron-size fractions
of five lunar highland and mare samples by dry magnetic separation methods.
In Phase I, a preliminary design will be prepared for a ParaTrap magnetic separator
which would be used in Phase II.  The separator will be designed for continuous dry
beneficiation of feebly magnetic and finely sized lunar soils under conditions simulating
the lunar environment.  In addition, preliminary designs will be prepared in Phase
I for simulants for lunar soils suited for the work of Phase II. 

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications: The ParaTrap Method could be applied in beneficiation
of pulverized coals, recovery of metals from steel processing wastes, and minerals
processing.  The lunar soil simulants could be used by NASA contractors for lunar
engineering studies.

Project Title:

Production of Oxygen and Other Products by Pyrolysis of Lunar Materials

04.11-9030
Production of Oxygen and Other Products by Pyrolysis of Lunar Materials
PSI Technology
20 New England Business Center
Andover
NA
01810
Constance L.
Senior
(508-475-9030)
JSC

Abstract:

The innovation investigated in this project is the production of oxygen by pyrolysis
of common lunar minerals using concentrated solar radiation. Oxygen production is
possible via pyrolysis of metal oxides because of the formation of gaseous suboxides
(or metal vapor) that can be condensed without re-oxidation. This project represents
the first attempt to test the pyrolysis concept on simulated lunar material and the
first experiment to use concentrated solar radiation as an energy source for vaporization
of minerals. In Phase I, the effort will address vaporizing two feedstocks available
on the moon (ilmenite and anorthite) with the intent of maximizing the amount of
oxygen produced. The experimental program will be complemented by a thermodynamic
analysis of the vaporization and condensation phenomena. If successful, Phase I will
have demonstrated the feasibility of the pyrolysis of minerals common to the lunar
regolith and will have developed guidelines for identifying materials that are most
attractive for pyrolysis.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The obvious application of this work is to manufacturing
in space or in a lunar environment.

Project Title:

Sintering of Advanced Ceramic Materials with a Tunable Microwave Cavity

04.12-2010
Sintering of Advanced Ceramic Materials with a Tunable Microwave Cavity
Wavemat, Inc.
44780 Helm Street
Plymouth
MI
48170
Raymond F.
Decker
(313-454-0020)
LeRC

Abstract:

An existing single-mode, microwave applicator will be employed to investigate ceramic
sintering. The applicator design is unique in coupling efficiency and offers internal
tuning for single-mode or controlled multi-mode operation. The project will define
a large sample matrix in which the sintering parameters are systematically varied.
The microstructure of the sintered ceramics will be evaluated and reported. These
data will be an important contribution to the literature and an invaluable aid to
the design of advanced microwave process equipment and sintering of advanced ceramic-based
materials. This will be a cooperative effort with personnel at Michigan State University
who will serve as technical consultants on the project and will provide the support
to evaluate the sintered ceramics.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Ceramic materials having improved properties
could have applications for armor, superconductors, structures, and health care products.

Project Title:

Improvements to the Laser Float-Zone Process

04.12-8476
Improvements to the Laser Float-Zone Process
Penn Laboratories, Inc.
83 Mountain Ridge Road
Cartersville
GA
30120
Wayne
Penn
(404-974-8476)
LeRC

Abstract:

The float-zone method offers the opportunities for advancing materials technology
by producing single-crystal fibers for metal-matrix and intermetallic-matrix composite
materials for use in aerospace structures. This project addresses improved processing
methods for the production of fibers having low density, high-temperature strength,
and high elastic modulus that match the thermal coefficients of and are chemically
compatible with metallic and intermetallic matrices. The company, with its investment
in the laser float-zone technique and its experience with lasers and controlled processes,
is prepared to develop innovations for the production of crystal fibers.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Continuous, single-crystal, multiple fibers has
applications for aerospace and commercial manufacturing of metal-matrix composite
materials.

Project Title:

Kinematics Development Tool for Manipulators with Redundant Degrees of Freedom

05.01-0300A
Kinematics Development Tool for Manipulators with Redundant Degrees of Freedom
Odetics Inc.
1515 S. Manchester Avenue
Anaheim
CA
92805
John Forrest
Hawk
(714-758-0300)
JPL

Abstract:

While several software packages exist for modeling and generating dynamic simulations
of general manipulators, no software package simply and automatically provides forward
and inverse kinematics which can be used in both real-time controllers and general-purpose
simulations. The construction of such a tool is the objective of this project. This
tool will provide a simple, reliable means of generating the forward kinematics,
Jacobian, and inverse kinematics code for manipulators with any number of redundant
degrees of freedom.
Phase I will define the algorithms, the inputs and outputs, the internal language,
and the simplification rules used by the kinematics development tool. The tool will
be coded and further developed in Phase II.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  As a symbolic control system code generator,
this tool's value will be recognized by the aerospace, nuclear, military, and industrial
sectors.

Project Title:

Dual-Arm Collision Avoidance Algorithm

05.01-0300B
Dual-Arm Collision Avoidance Algorithm
Odetics Inc.
1515 S. Manchester Avenue
Anaheim
CA
92805
Timothy
Larson
(714-758-0300)
JPL

Abstract:

The challenge of making multiple robotic arm systems work synchronously in a common
workspace requires resolution of control issues encompassing collision avoidance,
compensation for dynamic forces induced on the payload carried by the arms, and cooperative
manipulation of a payload. This project will to undertake the definition, development
and testing of an algorithm which will determine when collisions are imminent for
two robotic manipulators moving in the same workspace. This will enable the manipulators
to slow down or stop before a collision occurs. The collision avoidance algorithm
will consist of two subsidiary algorithms:  the collision feasibility algorithm and
the collision detection algorithm. The proposed technique is innovative because the
collision avoidance calculations are computationally simple, permitting rapid execution
and allowing real-time operation.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Applications consist of military systems maintenance
and ordnance preparation, in hazardous materials handling, and for maintenance and
repair in high-risk situations.

Project Title:

Discrete Adaptive Control and Adaptive Neural Networks for Robot Manipulators

05.01-1225
Discrete Adaptive Control and Adaptive Neural Networks for Robot Manipulators
Netrologic, Inc.
5080 Shoreham Place, Suite 201
San Diego
CA
92122
Dan
Greenwood
(619-587-0970)
JPL

Abstract:

Robot controllers have concentrated on the use of digital computers with continuous-time,
centralized control schemes. Continuous-time operation can lead to degraded performance
and instabilities. Centralized control requires extensive computer memory and time
to process information from all joints, and it is not fail-safe. The main objective
of this project is to develop a discrete-time, decentralized, adaptive control scheme
for real-time, digital control of high performance robot manipulators and to demonstrate
its performance. Decentralized (independent joint) control is suitable for parallel
processing within a distributed computer architecture. This project will also investigate
the applicability of neural network concepts to adaptive control of robot manipulators.
Phase I will be devoted to the development of control schemes, computer simulation,
and a feasibility study of adaptive neural network for robot control. Phase II could
see the implementation of the control schemes on a PUMA 562 arm and demonstration
of its performance.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  This project could introduce robust robotic controllers
for commercial applications, especially in hazardous environments where sensors are
expected to fail.

Project Title:

Reaction Compensation System for Microgravity Tele-Robots

05.01-5200
Reaction Compensation System for Microgravity Tele-Robots
Sparta, Inc.
4901 Corporate Drive
Huntsville
AL
35805-6201
William
Teoh
(205-837-5282)
MSFC

Abstract:

A novel reaction compensation system is an answer to the needs of designing robitic
systems that are reactionless. Any robotic system for use in the space station must
be reactionless so as not to disturb the acceleration environment it is in. The feasibility
of designing and subsequently building a reaction compensation system (RCS) will
be investigated. Personnel at the company have developed several preliminary concepts.
These concepts will be further studied, culminating in the selection of a single
design that is cost effective and meets the above-mentioned needs.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Reactionless robots would apply to microgravity
experiments, manufacturing, and space industrialization.

Project Title:

A Visual Language, Telerobotic Operator Interface for Rapid Implementation of Autonomous

05.01-5600
A Visual Language, Telerobotic Operator Interface for Rapid Implementation of Autonomous
Tasks
TeleRobotics International, Inc.
8410 Oak Ridge Highway
Knoxville
TN
37931
H. Lee
Martin
(615-690-5600)
LaRC

Abstract:

Space construction and satellite servicing activities require machines that can perform
human manipulation without the actual presence of an astronaut. Advanced manipulation
would benefit from incorporating the human thought process into the autonomous procedures
used by robotic systems. This project addresses the use of visual language communications
to enhance the interface between the human operator and the manipulator. This visual
language will allow the rapid modeling and integration of manipulation,  sensing,
and decision making by creating a flowchart of the activities and the decision process.
The integrated software system accomplishes the rest by writing coded instructions.
Phase I applies the company's previous visual language developments including the
demonstrated ability to control multiple manipulator arms. This innovation will incorporate
sensory systems to aid in the autonomous decision making for telerobotic applications.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  A visual language interface for real-time process
control has unlimited commercial prospects as indicated by the market for the company's
commercial visual language now used in 22 countries as an interface for computer-based
training (in French, Nordic, and Japanese versions). 

Project Title:

A Perception System for Object Recognition, Acquisition, and Tracking in Cluttered

05.01-8024
A Perception System for Object Recognition, Acquisition, and Tracking in Cluttered
Environments
Intelligent Recognition Systems
6925 Canoga Ave., Suite 102
Canoga Park
CA
91303
Jerry A.
Burman
(818-702-4762)
MSFC

Abstract:

The use of human resources in space can be made more efficient with the aid intelligent
systems which can perform intricate or mundane tasks with minimal human interaction
through a flexible man-machine interface. This project will develop a sophisticated
perception system that can be integrated with a variety of imaging sensors and is
capable of autonomously recognizing objects from arbitrary, three-dimensional perspectives.
In addition, the system will be capable of autonomous or operator designated object
acquisition and tracking in cluttered environments against stationary or moving objects.
Phase I effort will establish the preliminary requirements for the system and concentrate
on critical elements of the perception system: object recognition, acquisition, tracking,
and operator interface. A simulation will be developed to demonstrate the key aspects
of the system using artificially generated image data. The simulation should validate
the basic building blocks of the system and bound its overall performance.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Uses could include quality control inspection
systems for manufacturing, robotic control for product assembly, and automated security
systems.

Project Title:

A Single-View, Three-Dimensional Object Recognition System

05.01-8500
A Single-View, Three-Dimensional Object Recognition System
KMS Fusion, Inc.
3853 Research Park Drive - Box 1567
Ann Arbor
MI
48106-1567
Theodore B.
Ladewski
(313-769-8500)
LaRC

Abstract:

NASA needs robust, accurate, and efficient three-dimensional vision systems for Space
Station construction, maintenance, and operations. These vision systems must be able
to operate reliably in cluttered environments having poor natural illumination and
containing potentially many different objects which may be in relative motion. Existing
vision systems using cameras are too inflexible and slow. Similarly, systems employing
laser range finders are slow and suffer from severe signal-to-noise problems. To
address these needs, a state-of-the-art object recognition system will be developed
which: determines object type, location, and orientation from a single view; operates
in poorly lit environments cluttered with many occluding objects; can detect a wide
range of objects stored in its database; is fast enough to track object movement
between frames; and can use rugged, reliable hardware.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Industrial applications include automatic inspection,
assembly, maintenance, and obstacle avoidance.

Project Title:

Centerline Imaging System for End-Effector Tools

05.03-0718
Centerline Imaging System for End-Effector Tools
Olis Engineering
Box 408
Sedalia, C

80135
Carter K.
Lord
(303-688-0718)
MSFC

Abstract:

The purpose of this project is to develop a true centerline imaging system for use
with end-effector tools. The need for this type of imaging system was identified
during the course of a previous study to develop inflatable end effectors for handling
delicate composite structural components. An inflatable end-effector tools shows
promise for the addition of a centerline imaging system with minimum redesign of
the end-effector tool. This project will design a centerline imaging system for that
end-effector tool, fabricate a prototype of the end-effector tool with the centerline
imaging system, and test the system at NASA facility that is compatible with the
proposed innovation.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  This system could apply to the use of teleoperators
for military systems, space construction and servicing, marine exploration, hazardous
material handling, and salvage operations.

Project Title:

A Parallel Processor for Simulating Manipulators and Other Mechanical Systems

05.03-1100
A Parallel Processor for Simulating Manipulators and Other Mechanical Systems
Electronic Associates, Inc.
185 Monmouth Parkway
West Long Branch
NJ
07764
George
Hannauer
(201-229-1100)
GSFC

Abstract:

As mechanical systems such as manipulators and actuators become more complex, the
computational burden makes it increasingly difficult to maintain a real-time solution
for simulation in design or real-time control. This project deals with an innovative,
parallel-computer architecture for simulation of mechanical systems that has evolved
from analog rather than von Neumann digital computers. As such, it offers a considerable
improvement in speed; preliminary estimates indicate it is 10 to 100 times faster
than conventional architectures. The design has been validated for a small version
of the architecture consisting of a single module (a small number of tightly-coupled
processors). In Phase I, a version with several modules will be evaluated. Solution
speed would be increased by modifying the scheduling algorithms. The extended architecture
will be investigated by programming several applications to obtain detailed speed
comparisons with conventional architectures. The principal Phase II effort is to
construct a prototype to verify the Phase I timing assumptions.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  A method for rapid, low-cost  simulation of mechanical
systems could have uses for the design of automobiles, aircraft, missiles, power
generators, and many other products.

Project Title:

Torque-Balanced Drives for Space Station Applications

05.03-1391
Torque-Balanced Drives for Space Station Applications
Nastec, Inc./Transmission Research, Inc.
10823 Magnolia Drive
Cleveland OH, 44106


William J.
Anderson
(216-231-6570)
LeRC

Abstract:

To eliminate dynamic disturbances to the Space Station and its on-board experiments,
it would be desirable to provide actuator drives and drives for dynamic experiments
which have a zero net output torque. This can be accomplished by utilizing drives
with dual, counter-rotating, torque-balanced outputs. The innovation is a planetary
traction drive with dual, roller clusters each feeding an output. The two outputs
are at equal speed and torque and opposite rotation. A specific drive ratio, torque
requirement, and speed will be studied in Phase I. Drive kinematics, size, life,
and expected performance will be defined. A final design and manufacturing drawings
will be completed. A test program for Phase II will be delineated.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Uses could be for torque-balanced drives for
scientific instruments and dual drives for propulsion systems.

Project Title:

Lightweight, Permanent-Magnet Actuators and Manipulators

05.03-5649
Lightweight, Permanent-Magnet Actuators and Manipulators
Advanced Materials Corporation (c/o Mellon Institute)
4400 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh
PA
15213-2683
E. B.
Boltich
(412-268-5651)
MSFC

Abstract:

Permanent magnets based on Nd2Fe14B and Pr2Fe14B exhibit very high magnetic-energy-products

at room temperature. Slight modifications of these compositions by adding cobalt
and aluminum have extended their utility over a wide temperature range. For example,
a Pr-Fe-B magnet recently produced in the firm's laboratory exhibited a high energy-product
which translates into a higher torque-to-weight ratio for many electro-mechanical
systems. Phase I includes design studies and development of prototypes of limited-displacement
actuators and reluctance position sensors equipped with Pr-Fe-B permanent magnets.
These devices are expected to function smoothly and reliably over a wide temperature
range in electro-mechanical systems for telerobots. In view of their high torque-to-weight
ratio, they are expected to reduce the mass required for certain space applications.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Low-weight, permanent magnets could be used for
robot motors, instrumentation for medical applications, automobile parts, and electro-hydraulic
actuators in aircraft.

Project Title:

Composite, Six-Axis Force Sensor with Embedded Optical Sensors

05.03-7070
Composite, Six-Axis Force Sensor with Embedded Optical Sensors
Geo-Centers, Inc.
7 Wells Avenue
Newton Centre
MA
02159
Bruce N.
Nelson
(617-964-7070)
GSFC

Abstract:

Sensory feedback is required to allow robots to perform complex tasks in unstructured
environments. Six-axis force sensors are used to monitor the forces acting between
a robotic gripper, tooling bit or other device, and the robot arm. Electronic sensors
are limited in dynamic sensing range and are sensitive to the adverse effects of
electromagnetic interference. Additionally, strain gauges sensors can separate from
their supporting structure and render the six-axis force sensor useless. This project
investigates the feasibility of an optical, six-axis force sensor fabricated from
composite materials (fiber-reinforced, organic matrix) with embedded optical sensors
for strain sensing. This novel technique will circumvent many of the difficulties
associated with electronic sensors.
The Phase I effort will determine the effect of composite material cross-section,
the composite material, and the optical-strain-gauge configuration on the performance
capabilities of single-axis force sensors. An optically based six-axis force sensor
will be designed, fabricated, and evaluated as part of the Phase I program.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Six-axis force sensors for robots could find
commercial applications in the automotive, aerospace, and general manufacturing industries.

Project Title:

Cableless Power and Signal Transfer for Robot End-Effector with Integrated Sensor

05.03-8822
Cableless Power and Signal Transfer for Robot End-Effector with Integrated Sensor
System
Automated Dynamics Corporation
105 Jordan Road
Troy
NY
12180
David
Hauber
(518-283-8822
LaRC

Abstract:

Cables used for both power and signal transfer across the wrist joints of robotic
end effectors can limit rotation of the wrist, decrease reliability, and interfere
with arm motion. It should be feasible to transmit signals along with power on two
wires through the wrist joint without physical contact by means of a rotary transformer.
The effective bandwidth can be extended by placing "intelligent" functions on the
end effector and transmitting only high-level command and control sequences providing
that the sensors and actuators on the robot end-effector are fully integrated. This
project involves designing the transformer for optimal data transfer in terms of
bandwidth and error detection and correction, developing a compact, rugged controller
for the end-effector, and integrating end-effector functions with the controller.
After demonstrating the cableless end effector-control in Phase I, Phase II would
focus on miniaturizing, ruggedizing, and extending the available functions and would
bring the system to market for government and industrial applications.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Applications are those that require reliable
data acquisition and control capabilities on continuously rotating systems such as
turrets, rolling mills, and turbines.

Project Title:

Parallel Implementation of Algorithms for Robotic Sensory Fusion

05.03-9200
Parallel Implementation of Algorithms for Robotic Sensory Fusion
Perceptics Corporation
725 Pellissippi Parkway
Knoxville
TN
37933-0991
R. C.
Gonzalez
(615-966-9200)
GSFC

Abstract:

This project focusses on the parallel implementation of algorithms for robotic sensory
fusion involving the use of multiple sensors such as video, range, proximity, touch,
force, and torque. The innovation in this project is the parallel multi-sensing as
well as the parallel processing of sensory cues to allow fast identification of objects
in realistic work spaces in order to perform authentic robotic tasks. The need for
this sensory and computer technology cuts across the board of NASA activities including
deployment, maintenance, and repair missions. The equipment necessary for the execution
of this project is in place. The firm has recently integrated one of the largest
massively parallel computers in the nation: a 1024-processor NCUBE hypercube. A versatile
and complete robotic workstation equipped with all the sensors necessary for this
project is available at the University of Tennessee. As a result, the chances of
technical success and likelihood of commercialization of the outcome are high.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Applications could result from implementation
of specific sensory algorithms in a hypercube computer, a principal architecture
in the field of massively parallel machines.

Project Title:

Robotic Adaptive Grasping with a Capacitance-Array Tactile Sensing System

05.04-5900
Robotic Adaptive Grasping with a Capacitance-Array Tactile Sensing System
Extrude Hone Corporation
8075 Pennsylvania Avenue
Irwin
PA
15642
Donald G.
Risko
(412-863-5900)
JSC

Abstract:

Adaptive grasping of various objects by a single end-effector is required for robots
designed to operate in space. A sensor system that can be integrated with a flexible
end-effector to provide target recognition and controlled gripping is the focus of
this project. Basic research conducted by the proposer on capacitance sensor technology
indicates that capacitance between a sensor and a target can produce tactile information.
Furthermore, capacitance sensors are light weight and robust thereby making them
excellent candidates for space robotic systems.
Phase I will investigate the applicability and environmental suitability of a capacitance
sensing system to space robots. An adaptive-control philosophy and limitations will
be established. Phase II would establish and demonstrate an adaptive grasping system
with the objective of obtaining the maximum of information from a single sensor (or
array of sensors) with minimal reliance on sensor fusion schemes in order to reduce
the complexity of hardware and software.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Intelligent machine applications via real-time
sensor feedback could be applied to sophisticated tasks, such as assembly.

Project Title:

Sensor-Based, Whole-Arm Manipulation for Adaptive Grasping

05.04-8622
Sensor-Based, Whole-Arm Manipulation for Adaptive Grasping
Intelligent Automation Systems, Inc.
300 Bent Street, Suite 200
Cambridge
MA
02141
Steven J.
Gordon
(617-354-3830)
JSC

Abstract:

This project involves the design of a novel manipulation system which can control
contacts with objects along all surfaces of its links. This whole-arm manipulation
(WAM) system is capable of grasping and manipulating a varied set of objects far
larger than the set which may be manipulated by a conventional arm using an attached
gripper. Recently developed tactile sensing technology and joint-torque sensing will
allow the WAM manipulator to control multiple contacts stably anywhere along its
links. The objectives for Phase I are to determine important space and terrestrial
based tasks for an autonomous or telerobotic hand-arm system, assess the state of
the art in WAM and tactile-sensing technology, perform analyses and an experiment
on an existing WAM manipulator to determine the accuracy of integrating joint-torque
and tactile sensor information to control a WAM arm, and propose specifications for
a WAM system design.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Uses consist of performing tasks in hazardous
and unstructured environments, assembling parts, maintaining underwater systems,
and emulating human limbs.

Project Title:

An Automated Wire Guide for Robotic Welding Applications

05.05-2200
An Automated Wire Guide for Robotic Welding Applications
General Digital Industries, Inc.
6705 Odyssey Drive
Huntsville
AL
35806
Troy D.
Manley
(205-837-2200)
MSFC

Abstract:

While much effort has been expended recently in automatic control of processes for
robotic welding of space structures, the positioning of the weld wire remains dependent
on a human operator. Because misalignment of the weld wire can result in defects
that are difficult to detect, the process is subject to the vagaries of all human-controlled
operations: inattention, varying experience level among operators, and failure to
take timely action. An automated weld wire guide is proposed to position the wire
as the arc is established and maintain proper position in spite of varying cast of
the wire, height of the surface, departures from seam center, and other changes in
situation that now require human intervention. 
The Phase I effort will determine the functions and requirements for an automated
wire guide for robotic welding of the berthing ports of the space station. It will
determine the feasibility ofimplementing a guide using available sensors, process
and motion control algorithms, and artificial intelligence technology.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Applications would be in automated welding equipment
for reasons of productivity or quality control.

Project Title:

An Artificial Intelligence System for Process Monitoring, Situation Assessment, and

05.05-4502
An Artificial Intelligence System for Process Monitoring, Situation Assessment, and
Response Planning
Seer Systems, Inc.
119 Cardiff Road
Pittsburgh
PA
15237
Harry E.
Pople, Jr.
(412-366-4502)
JSC

Abstract:

The innovation being addressed in this project is a new architecture for artificial
intelligence systems called Eagol. Unlike typical artificial intelligence shells,
this system incorporates a strong reasoning model derived from detailed cognitive
studies of decision making in a variety of arenas, including internal medicine diagnosis,
operations of nuclear power plants, and intelligence analysis. Principal features
of the language i