Briefs: Physical Sciences

Single-Crystal YAG Reinforcement Preforms for Refractory Composites

Preforms (essentially, shaped mats) of single-crystal yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) fibers can now be readily fabricated in net size and shape, with tailored orientation of...

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Resonant Microstrip Patch Antenna as Ice-Thickness Gauge

Researchers at Johnson Space Center (JSC) recently demonstrated that the resonant microstrip patch antenna (RMPA), which has been proven in commercial applications, can be applied with...

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

GPS "Compound Eye" Attitude Sensor

A proposed Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor would give information on approximate attitude as well as on position. Unlike other GPS-based attitude sensors, this attitude sensor would not depend on...

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Eclipse Aerotow Dynamics Experiment

NASA Dryden Flight Research Center is supporting a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract between the U.S. Air Force Research Labs and Kelly Space & Technology (KST). KST's...

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Direct Thrust-Measurement Technique Applied to an F-15 Airplane

Direct measurement of aircraft-engine thrust by use of strain gauges offers several advantages over traditional model-based methods of calculating thrust, provided that care is...

Briefs: Physical Sciences

Quadrupole Mass Analyzer Based on Linear Ion Trap

An improved quadrupole mass analyzer (QMA) has been proposed for use in determining the compositions of gas mixtures. The proposed QMA would incorporate two major innovations over traditional...

Briefs: Physical Sciences

Acoustical-Sensor Assemblies for Use in Flows

Improved sensor assemblies have been invented for measuring acoustic signals in gases or liquids flowing in or around any of a variety of moving or stationary objects. Examples of such objects...

Briefs: Physical Sciences

Computing Chemical Kinetics With Low-Dimensional Manifolds

A method of computing the concentrations of chemical species in chemically reacting flows includes, among other things, utilization of a prior chemical-kinetic method based on a...

Briefs: Physical Sciences

Inflatable Membrane Reflectors for Multiple-Purpose Applications

Experiments have demonstrated the feasibility of inflatable reflectors with very low system aerial densities of the order of 1 kg/m². Diverse applications include radio and...

Briefs: Materials

Durable Advanced Flexible Reusable Surface Insulation

Continuing efforts to develop lightweight, flexible thermal-insulation blankets that withstand high temperatures have led to design and fabrication concepts that effect the following...

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Experiment on Quasi-Tailless Flight of an X-31A Airplane

An experiment consisting of flight tests on the X-31A airplane (see figure) has demonstrated the ability to use thrust vectoring to replace the functions of stabilization and turn...

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Making Curved Diffractive Optics by E-Beam Lithography

Electron-beam (e-beam) lithography has shown promise as a technique for fabricating diffractive optical elements on nonflat substrates. Such optical elements could include convex or...

Briefs: Medical

Improved Suit for Protection During Abrasive Blasting

An improved suit to be worn by a worker during abrasive blasting has been developed. Denoted an environmentally controlled abrasive-blasting suit (ECAB), it provides comprehensive...

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Biotelemetry Using Implanted Unit To Monitor Preterm Labor

A biotelemetric system for monitoring key physiological parameters of a fetus and its uterine environment is undergoing development. The main purpose of the monitoring is to detect...

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

LaNi₅₋ₓMₓ Alloys for Ni/Metal Hydride Electrochemical Cells

Studies of physical and chemical effects in the hydride-forming electrodes of rechargeable nickel/metal hydride electrochemical cells have yielded results that now guide...

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Novel Coating Technology Improves Ball Lenses for Fiber Coupling

Small ball (full sphere) lenses in the 0.5-mm to 3.0-mm diameter range offer a number of practical advantages for fiber-to-fiber coupling and fiber collimation. Ball lenses are...

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Two-Axis Reflective Device for Image Stabilization and Beamsteering

Scientists, astronomers, optical re-searchers, and manufacturers frequently require two-axis reflective optical mechanisms to meet the requirements of robust beamsteering...

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Compact Magnetic-Sensor Units for Detecting Mines

Compact, low-power-consumption magnetic-sensor units called "integrated sensor system" (ISS) units are being developed for detecting buried mines and arsenals without exposing human searchers...

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Finite-Width Coplanar-Waveguide Patch Antenna

The upper part of Figure 1 illustrates an antenna derived by widening the middle strip conductor of a finite-width coplanar waveguide (FCPW) to form a rectangular patch. An FCPW offers all the...

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Crimping Thin PTFE Tubes Onto Thin Stainless-Steel Tubes

A crimping technique has been developed for fastening polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tubes of 0.032-in. (0.81-mm) outside diameter and 0.0105-in. (0.267-mm) inside diameter onto...

Briefs: Materials

Ceramic Composites of ZrB₂, HfB₂, ZrC, HfC, and SiC

Improved zirconium- and hafnium-based ceramic composites have been invented in an effort to obtain better resistance to ablation at high temperature. These ceramics are suitable for use...