Abstract: The general purpose of the invention is to develop a high specific energy nickel electrode for a nickel based battery system. The invention discloses a method of producing a lightweight nickel electrode which can be cycled to deep depths of discharge (i.e., 40% or greater of electrode capacity). These deep depths of discharge can be accomplished by depositing the required amount of nickel hydroxide active material into a lightweight nickel fiber substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for producing a highly-textured surface on a copper substrate with only extremely small amounts of texture-inducing seeding or masking material. The texture-inducing seeding material is delivered to the copper substrate electrically switching the seeding material in and out of a circuit loop.

Abstract: A fiber preform is partially infiltrated with a ceramic material.A porous solid polymer is formed by reaction forming the infiltrated preform which is then pyrolized. Microporous carbon in the composite matrix is converted into silicon carbide.

Abstract: A test system is disclosed that enables the testing of microwave components in a controlled environment without disturbing that environment. The system includes a test fixture which holds the calibration standards and the component being tested, and environmental control chamber, and a microwave switching system. The system provides a coaxial connection to microwave testing equipment, such as an automatic network analyzer (ANA) and facilitates both calibration and testing while maintaining environmental integrity.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing skin friction of an object in relative motion to a fluid. A skin forming a boundary between the object and the fluid, the skin having holes through which micro-blowing of air is blown and a transmitting mechanism for transmitting air through the skin. The skin has an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer being a low permeable porous sheet, the outer layer being a plate having high aspect ratio high porosity, and small holes. The system may further include a suction apparatus for suctioning air from the outer layer. The method includes the steps of transmitting air through the inner layer and passing the air transmitted through the inner layer to the outer layer. The method may further include the step of bleeding air off the outer layer using the suction apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for manufacturing a free standing solid metal part. In the present invention metal droplets are ejected in a nozzleless fashion from a free surface pool of molten metal by applying focused acoustic radiation pressure. The acoustic radiation pressure is produced by high intensity acoustic tone bursts emitted from an acoustic source positioned at the bottom of the pool which directs the acoustic energy at the pool surface. The metal droplets are electrostatically charged so their trajectory can be controlled by electric fields that guide the droplets to predetermined points on a target. The droplets impinge upon the target and solidify with the target material. The accretion of the electrostatically directed solidified droplets forms the free standing metal part.

Abstract: A scanning mode sensor and method is provided for detection of flow inhomogeneities such as shock. The field of use of this invention is ground test control and engine control during supersonic flight.Prior art measuring techniques include interferometry, Schlieren, and shadowgraph techniques. These techniques, however, have problems with light dissipation.The present method and sensor utilizes a pencil beam of energy which is passed through a transparent aperture in a flow inlet in a time-sequential manner so as to alter the energy beam. The altered beam or its effects are processed and can be studied to reveal information about flow through the inlet which can in turn be used for engine control.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is directed to a method and apparatus for an arcjet starter. The invention discloses a method of moving an arc from the subsonic region of the thruster to the supersonic region by introducing a pressurized propellant into the casuty of the anode.

Abstract: Self calibrating a pyrometer includes taking two different temperatures thereby generating two voltage spectra, calculating the spectra ratio R of the two voltage spectra, determining the slope of the plot of the logarithm of the spectrum ratio versus c.sub.2 /.lambda. to arrive at a relationship between T.sub.1 and T.sub.2, solving for T.sub.1 within the spectra ratio, and arriving at a value for T.sub.2 by substituting experimentally measured values for R into the spectra ratio equation. This method is then repeated for the determination of T.sub.2. The pyrometer calibration constant h.sub..lambda. can then be determined by dividing the measured voltage spectra by the planck function at the known temperature (i.e., T.sub.1 or T.sub.2). Measurement of subsequent temperatures can now be determined by measuring the voltage spectra and dividing by the calibration constant h.sub..lambda. which will result in a planck function L.sub..lambda. (T) which can be solved to yield the surface temperature.

Abstract: A hydrogen sensitive metal alloy contains palladium and titanium to provide a larger change in electrical resistance when exposed to the presence of hydrogen. The alloy is deposited on a substrate and a thin film and connected across electrical circuitry to provide a sensor device that can be used for improved sensitivity and accuracy of hydrogen detection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of simulating a pseudosun using a solar simulator. In the present invention the collector and lens of a lamp are designed to properly focus a plurality of light beams onto a segmented turning mirror. The path of light rays are traced from the lamp to the collector and then finally to the lens to control the solid and tangential magnification of the solar simulator. The segmented turning mirror is located at the focal point of the light beam and redirects the light into a vacuum chamber.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of removing organic protective coatings from a painting. In the present invention degraded protective coatings such as lacquers, acrylics, natural resins, carbons, soot, and polyurethane are safely removed from the surface of a painting without contact to the surface of the painting. This method can be used for restoration of paintings when they have been damaged, through age, fire, etc.