Abstract: This invention reduces a molten salt, solar central receiver's size, pressure loss and cost by using a loose-tight-loose twist, twisted-tape insert inside the receiver's tubes to enhance the tube's heat transfer coefficient. This twist staging is designed to provide a higher heat transfer coefficient in the receiver's central region where the solar flux is high and a reduced pressure loss at the low solar flux entrance and exit end regions. Because the twisted-tape enhances the tube's heat transfer ability it can be made larger in diameter than a smooth bore tube at an equivalent pressure loss. This reduces the number of tubes which results in a substantial reduction in receiver cost.

Abstract: A V-shaped singlet delta oxygen manifold for a chemical iodine oxygen laser wherein singlet delta oxygen is produced in one or more reaction zones and enters the interior of the V-shaped manifold. The V-shape of the integral manifold causes the singlet delta oxygen containing gas to undergo rapid change in flow area and a consequent rapid increase in velocity. The integral manifold also directs the singlet delta oxygen entering the V-shaped manifold to the open end of the V which is connected to a nozzle for injecting singlet delta oxygen into a laser cavity for providing energy to a laser beam. The V-shape enables a uniform pressure along its arms for introducing the singlet delta oxygen to the inside of the singlet delta oxygen manifold and directs the flow of the singlet delta oxygen to the nozzle.

Abstract: This invention relates to fiber optic networks for the two way communication of light signals. One optic fiber may carry bidirectional signals to many nodes connected to the optic fiber by bidirectional passive optic couplers. Passive unidirectional to bidirectional passive optic couplers can bridge between bidirectional optic fiber networks and unidirectional fiber optic networks. Thus optical signals can be transported to and from each node to all other nodes such that each node is in contact with all the other nodes on the network.

Abstract: An oxidation protection coating for metal substrate surfaces. The coating, according to a preferred embodiment, comprises an initial or first layer of a glass-ceramic, such as a barium aluminosilicate composed chiefly of baria, silica and alumina; or mullite, composed of silica-alumina or, alternatively, baria-silica. Titanium dioxide, nickel oxide or SnO.sub.2 can be added. The next layer of the coating is comprised of alumina or silicon carbide. The third or final layer is comprised of a thin layer of silica or a high-silica material, e.g., a silica containing 4% B.sub.2 O.sub.3. For a thicker third layer, particles of a dark solid, such as boron silicide, ferrous oxide, ferric oxide, nickel oxide, manganese dioxide, carbon or silicon carbide, can be incorporated. The three-layer coating provides high emittance and low catalytic activity for the recombination of oxygen and nitrogen, as well as being a hydrogen diffusion barrier.

Abstract: A compact diffuser for recovering pressure from a supersonic flow with boundary layers. Sharp splicer plates near the wails form boundary layer scoops and separate the flow into an inner coreflow chapel and outer chambers containing small supersonic ejector nobles. The coreflow without boundary layers undergoes a single near-normal shock to recover pressure. The boundary layers are pumped to the recovery pressure in the outer ejector chambers. The subsonic part of the boundary layer flow to the outer chambers can be choked against boundary layer scoop inlet corners to isolate the upstream flow. The leading edge angle of the splicers may be selected to help induce coreflow shocking.

Abstract: A variable pin length stir friction welding method wherein the stir friction welding pin penetrates the workpiece as the workpiece translates. The stir friction welding pin starting at a zero penetration and extending to the depth needed to repair a weld or to make a weld. Then withdrawing the pin to zero penetration as the work is translated. The weld path is thus ramped into and out of the workpiece leaving no holes which need to be repaired. Circumferential welds can be made by keeping the pin extended to the welding depth for at least one complete revolution of the weld.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a rocket engine combustion chamber comprising assembling a liner having cooling channels, a plurality of throat support sections, and a structural jacket having inlet and outlet manifolds. Then heating the assembly in a pressurized furnace to bond the assembled parts to each other.

Abstract: The tool comprises the first step of providing a first software component, serving as a timing element, for receiving global synchronization commands as input and issuing global simulation scheduler task dispatch commands as output. A second software component is provided, serving as a global simulation scheduler, for receiving the global simulation scheduler task dispatch commands as input, synchronizing discrete event model and continuous model task dispatch as a function of simulation time, and issuing local simulation scheduler task dispatch commands as output. At least a single third software component is provided, serving as a local simulation scheduler, for receiving the local simulation scheduler task dispatch commands as input and issuing local simulation task execution commands as output. The combination of these steps provides a processing environment wherein the local simulation task execution commands invoke user supplied simulation application tasks in a time synchronized manner.

Abstract: The axially stiff link provides a rigid connection linking two shaft segments (1, 2) of a shaft such that it can bend and or twist yet remain rigid with no slop for high tolerance positioning applications. The link is composed of two rolling elements (4) attached to the shaft segments (1, 2) having a rolling line contact (10) with each other. The rolling elements (4) are held together and preloaded by a ring spring (6) which encircles a portion of the rolling element extending transversely from the shaft segment and engages it by rolling line contact (8). The rolling elements may be solid plain curved portions of the shaft ends, a cylindrical bar, cylindrical bar pairs, or conical pairs to provide for torsional as well as axial bending in the link. Closely spaced perpendicularly disposed axial links provide for 2 axis bending of the shaft.

Abstract: The sacrificial tube shock attenuation device services as a deformable energy absorbing system designed to be employed between a bumper receiving a potentially destructive force and a payload which is to be protected from the force. The device is composed of a tube assembly running through and aligning apertures of a maul, or series of mauls, which is (are) attached to the bumper and the apertures of a pair of stators, or multiple pairs of stators, that each maul is situated between. The stators are attached to the payload. When overloaded the maul(s) moves relative to the stators causing a misalignment of their respective apertures resulting in deformation of the tube assembly. A simple tube assembly may be comprised of a single tube. A more complex tube assembly may be comprised of multiple tubes within tubes depending on the anticipated overload. In a multi-tube assembly the inner tubes receive the load consecutively as the misalignment of the apertures of the maul and stators progresses.

Abstract: A turbopump assembly comprises first pump section housing, a second pump section housing, and a common rotatable shaft positioned within said housings which further define First and second pump sections. The housings and rotatable shaft also define internal manifolds selectably positioned in the first pump section and second pump section whereby said first pump section, second pump, and internal manifolds form an integrated turbine and dual pump configuration.

Abstract: The identifiable bullet includes a jacket having sidewalls and a rear base; a bullet core contained within the jacket, the bullet core comprising a rear end; and, an identification member positioned between the rear base and the rear end. The invention provides an inexpensive method to add identification members to bullets that will remain legible following cartridge discharge, bullet impact and post firing environments.

Abstract: In the construction of cylindrical tanks having end domes wherein the domes are attached by stir friction welding, a wagon wheel is placed inside the tank at the interface of the tank cylinder and the dome such that it provides backup support for the pressure exerted by the stir friction welding tool and strengthens the weld area and the tank by being welded into the tank by the stir friction welding process.

Abstract: A stir friction welding tool with a variable length pin relative to the shank of the tool is disclosed. The pin is moveable from a totally retracted position relative to the shank such that the shank may engage a workpiece without the pin engaging the workpiece. The pin then may be slowly extended into the work piece. The stir friction welding tool may also have a variable diameter shank to provide a variable volume cavity. Then as the pin is extended further into the workpiece the variable width shank can expand to increase the circumference of the shoulder and the volume of the cavity in the shank such that the pin length to cavity volume are within a range to insure a good surface material flow and a high weld quality using the stir friction welding process.

Abstract: This invention provides a means of achieving the close control of iodine flow rate, temperature of the resulting combined gaseous mixture of iodine in diluent gas, as well as the rapid start and stop response time needed for full-scale laser operation. It comprises an iodine charge stored as a solid and is heated to converted the iodine to a liquid, a means to heat the iodine under pressure to extend the liquid temperature range of iodine, an atomizer for complete vaporization of the iodine, a helium iodine mixer to provide heat for iodine vaporization purporting iodine to helium proportion mass ratio and provides for complete mixing and a flow control system which controls the low iodine flow rates accurately.

Abstract: A system and process for enhancing the surface of a material for cleaning, material removal or preparation for adhesive bonding or etching. An environment is provided which includes a skin region in which charged particles may be generated. An exposure region is spaced from the skin region. A material may be positioned in the exposure region which contains neutral, chemically active particles generated by the charged particles. When the material to be altered is positioned in the exposure region, a desired surface of the material chemically reacts with the neutral, chemically active particles so as to alter the surface as desired for cleaning, material removal or as preparation for adhesive bonding or etching.

Abstract: A variable splitting optical coupler includes a first port assembly, a second port assembly, a movable deflecting element assembly and a third port assembly. The first port assembly includes a first lensing element and receives a first optical signal. The second port assembly includes a second lensing element and emits a variable transmitted portion of the first optical signal. The movable deflecting element assembly includes a movable deflecting element positioned between the first and second port assemblies. The third port assembly includes a third leasing element. The movable deflecting element is so positionable and the third port assembly is so positioned and arranged so that a deflected portion of the first optical signal is deflected from the deflecting element and directed through the third port assembly. The variable transmitted portion of the first optical signal is directed through the second port assembly without being deflected by the deflecting element.

Abstract: A light weight photovoltaic concentrator having a foldable, easily deployed structure for concentrating solar rays on solar cells for generating electricity is disclosed. The photovoltaic concentrator features a concentrator which can be inflated, for ease of deployment, to a shape for reflecting sunlight onto solar cells. The solar cells are protected from overheating by a protective infrared coating and by being attached to a heat pipe with a fin for radiating excess heat. The inflatable concentrator is inflated by gas stored in the central arm which supports one end of the concentrator. The concentrator is inflated until the epicenters of the front and rear surfaces reach a specified distance and the concentrator is thereafter maintained at this position by addition of additional gas as needed to compensate for leakage. The concentrator may have a means of stiffening the inflated reflective surface by chemical changes activated after the concentrator is deployed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented process is disclosed for processing incoming target data from a focal plane or scanning radar to accomplish multiple Target Tracking. Inputs are pixel plane coordinates and intensity of target blips. The Intelligent Target Tracking Processor (ITTP) employs an optimal target tracking algorithm. An optimal observation-to-track assignment exists when all target blips in a new frame of target data are matched up with nearby tracks, such that the sum of all the distances from each target blip to its assigned track is minimized. An expert system is used to control overall processing flow and provide efficient allocation of computing resources. Target blips without near neighbors are allowed to go directly to a real track table of established tracks, if their coordinates match-up with projected tracking gates. Otherwise, target blips are tested sequentially against two-frame, three-frame, and four- or higher-frame discriminants, to reject blips not belonging to established tracks.

Abstract: Super cooling the cryogenic liquid propellant in a vehicle propellant tank densities the propellant allowing the vehicle propellant tank to carry more fuel in the same volume tank while lowering the vapor pressure and thus the tank operating pressure. Lowering the tank operating pressure reduces the stress and therefore allows the walls of the tank to be thinner. Both the smaller tank volume and thinner tank wall results in an overall smaller and lighter vehicle with increased payload capability. The cryogenic propellant can be supercooled well below the normal boiling point temperature level by transporting the liquid propellant from the vehicle tanks to a ground based cooling unit which utilizes a combination of heat exchanger and compressor. The compressor lowers the coolant fluid bath pressure resulting in a low temperature boiling liquid which is subsequently used to cool the recirculating liquid. The cooled propellant is then returned to the vehicle propellant tank.