Showing papers on "Conceptual design published in 1977"

Closed-cycle gas dynamic laser design investigation

Abstract: A conceptual design study was made of a closed cycle gas-dynamic laser to provide definition of the major components in the laser loop. The system potential application is for long range power transmission by way of high power laser beams to provide satellite propulsion energy for orbit changing or station keeping. A parametric cycle optimization was conducted to establish the thermodynamic requirements for the system components. A conceptual design was conducted of the closed cycle system and the individual components to define physical characteristics and establish the system size and weight. Technology confirmation experimental demonstration programs were outlined to develop, evaluate, and demonstrate the technology base needed for this closed cycle GDL system.

Practicality of automated highway systems, volume i: summary report

Abstract: The determination of AHS practicality was based on evaluating various design concepts in relation to both technical and socio-economic design considerations. The project included the determination of system objectives, the conceptual design of candidate systems to meet these objectives and evaluation of the most promising candidate systems. This final report is presented in three volumes. Volume I contains a summary of the entire report. The detailed analyses are presented in Vols. II and III. This study has produced a large number of results. These results indicate that there are many positive arguments for developing an Automated Highway System, as well as indicate the areas of design uncertainty. The basic reason for concluding that the AHS is practical is based on the following four facts: (1) The demand analysis clearly indicates that the increased average speed for automobile travel, which is provided by AHS, plays a dominant role in determination of mode split potential. (2) All of the major aspects of AHS design have been analyzed, in a preliminary fashion, and have been found to be technically feasible. (3) There are four major design concepts generated (or reaffirmed) by this study that provide a unique advantage to AHS from either a technological or a cost standpoint. They are (a) use of an existing right-of-way for AHS lane construction, (b) design of a "smart" vehicle to minimize dependence on communication with the wayside, (c) use of an electric motor for private vehicle propulsion on the guideway, and (d) utilization of a system owned "partial pallet" including command and control equipment and, possibly, an electric motor. (4) An indirect benefit of increased lane capacity can be obtained through automated control. This reduces the amount of dislocations needed to support any increase in automobile travel. (FHWA)

A Risk-Based Approach to Advanced Reactor Design

Abstract: This paper describes an investigation of an optimization-with-constraints method, which uses a hypothetically acceptable level of risk as a constraint, for use in design of liquid metal fast breeder reactor (LMFBR) nuclear power generating stations. No attempt was made during the investigation to define the level of the acceptable risk. Major problems inherent in development of an optimization-with-constraints approach to risk-based design are discussed. Further development of the approach should be along two lines (both of which would require a computer program capable of handling about 50 decision variables): 1. develop a tool for use by product engineers in plant conceptual design; 2. develop a combined risk allocation/optimization-with-constraints methodology.

Orbiter Thermal Protection System Development

Abstract: The development of the Space Shuttle Orbiter Thermal Protection System (TPS) is traced from concept definition, through technical development, to final design and qualification for manned flight. A sufficiently detailed description of the TPS design is presented to support an indepth discussion of the key issues encountered in conceptual design, materials development, and structural integration. Emphasis is placed on the unique combination of requirements which resulted in the use not only of revolutionary design concepts and materials, but also of unique design criteria, newly developed analysis, testing and manufacturing methods, and finally of an unconventional approach to system certification for operational flight. The conclusion is drawn that a significant advance in all areas of thermal protection system development has been achieved which results in a highly efficient, flexible, and cost-effective thermal protection system for the Orbiter of the Space Shuttle System.

Reliability analysis of the proposed hierarchical computer control system for large steel manufacturing complexes

Abstract: This report summarizes the reliability analyses that were performed on the conceptual design of the control system using the GRASP simulation

Conceptual design of a laser fusion power plant

Abstract: A conceptual design of a laser fusion power plant is extensively discussed. Recent advances in high gain targets are exploited in the design. A smaller blanket structure is made possible by use of a thick falling region of liquid lithium for a first wall. Major design features of the plant, reactor, and laser systems are described. A parametric analysis of performance and cost vs. design parameters is presented to show feasible design points. A more definitive follow-on conceptual design study is planned. (RME)

Controlled Fusion and Reactors of the Tokamak Type

Abstract: Research on fusion reactor problems has increased dramatically as the plasma physics of magnetic confinement continues to make substantial progress. As part of this research several studies (1–6) have been completed on the conceptual design of future fusion reactors. The purpose of these studies is to identify the key technological problems associated with fusion reactors and thereby guide future research. A description of one such conceptual design can be used to serve as an introduction to the broad field of fusion technology, particularly if it is combined with other work that generally surveys the technological aspects of most approaches to fusion power (6,7). In this paper, a detailed description of the UWMAK-III conceptual tokamak reactor design (8) is given and it serves to highlight the important technological areas.

Conceptual design of single turbofan engine powered light aircraft

Abstract: The conceptual design of a four place single turbofan engine powered light aircraft was accomplished utilizing contemporary light aircraft conventional design techniques as a means of evaluating the NASA-Ames General Aviation Synthesis Program (GASP) as a preliminary design tool. In certain areas, disagreement or exclusion were found to exist between the results of the conventional design and GASP processes. Detail discussion of these points along with the associated contemporary design methodology are presented.

Man-Machine Design Considerations in Satellite Data Management.

Abstract: : The report is divided into three sections: Section I is an introduction to human information processing theory with implications of the human information processing capacity and limitations for the Satellite Data Management (SDM) 'User Pipe'; Section II incorporates two subsections dealing with man/computer relationships and computer decision aiding techniques: no attempt is made to specify specific design considerations for SDM--only implications can be inferred; Section III is an attempt to relate the first two general sections to some of the anticipated conceptual design issues for Satellite Data Management (Author)

Coordinated safeguards for materials management in a nitrate-to-oxide conversion facility

Abstract: The conceptual design of a materials management system for safeguarding special nuclear materials in a plutonium nitrate-to-oxide conversion facility is developed and evaluated Dynamic material balances are drawn from information provided by nondestructive-analysis techniques, process-control instrumentation, and conventional chemical analyses augmented by process-monitoring devices Powerful statistical methods, cast in the framework of decision analysis and applied to unit-process accounting areas, ensure adequate spatial and temporal quantification of possible diversion with minimal process disruption Modeling and simulation techniques assist in evaluating the sensitivity of the system to various diversion schemes and in comparing safeguards strategies Features that would improve the safeguardability of the conversion process are discussed

Conceptual design - a polemic

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter explains the concept of conceptual design. The conference title, Design for Need , supposes that design is not at the moment for need or for the right needs. However, an advertisement for the conference in the American Industrial Design Magazine makes no reference whatsoever to the meaning of the conference title. It is pointed out that Thomas Markus' paper at the 1971 Design Participation conference is the most accurate analysis of the differences between reformist and revolutionary designers. The former, typically from a middle-class leftish background, try to make the design process transparent to the public gaze, and to provide ranges of alternative solutions so that compromises may be affected. But the revolutionary rejects both this and the conservative/patronage-oriented way in favor of working for a real transfer of power. Design's practitioners can operate inside a giant and immediate feedback system in which hypothesis and deduction, simulation, action, thought, intuition, logic, art, polemics, creativity, objectivity, and subjectivity can all thrive.

Innovative Aircraft Design Study (IADS), Task II. Volume I.

Abstract: : The study was concerned with the conceptual design and evaluation of military heavy logistics transport aircraft entering service in the 1990-2000 time period. Design paylaods of 200,000-600,000 lb. and design ranges of 3600-7200 nm were considered. Takeoff field length was 8000 ft. in most cases. Suitability for commercial usage was a major objective. Computer aided design techniques were employed extensively for airplane synthesis and analysis. The study was accomplished in two phases. Phase I included parametric design and analysis of transports in the payload/range categories cited above. An advanced technology review, including evaluations and sensitivity analyses, was accomplished. These studies indicated that substantial gains were possible in reducing operating costs by incorporating both the low risk technology and innovative designs available in 1985, and advanced technology such as composite structures available at a later time. Additional effort is required to identify this increased cost of higher risk advanced technology to determine its cost effectiveness. In Phase II, a baseline mission requiring 3600 nm radius and 400,000 lb. payload was selected.

Closed-cycle gas dynamic laser design investigation. Final report

Abstract: A conceptual design study was made of a closed cycle gas-dynamic laser to provide definition of the major components in the laser loop. The system potential application is for long range power transmission by way of high power laser beams to provide satellite propulsion energy for orbit changing or station keeping. A parametric cycle optimization was conducted to establish the thermodynamic requirements for the system components. A conceptual design was conducted of the closed cycle system and the individual components to define physical characteristics and establish the system size and weight. Technology confirmation experimental demonstration programs were outlined to develop, evaluate, and demonstrate the technology base needed for this closed cycle GDL system.