Estimating reliability by application of matrix representation

Technique based upon matrix representation and matrix collapsing calculates the probability of successfully completing manned missions and of returning the spacecrew safely to earth. This technique provides analytic expressions for each subsystem, making it possible to relate changes in subsystem reliability directly to mission success and crew safety

Registration verification of SEA/AR fields

A method of field registration verification for 20 SEA/AR sites for the 1979 crop year is evaluated. Field delineations for the sites were entered into the data base, and their registration verified using single channel gray scale computer printout maps of LANDSAT data taken over the site

Reference for radiographic film interpreters

Reference of X-ray film images provides examples of weld defects, film quality, stainless steel welded tubing, and acceptable weld conditions. A summary sheet details the discrepancies shown on the film strip. This reference aids in interpreting and evaluating radiographic film of weldments

Discrimination in Metropolitan Housing Markets: Phase 3 - Native Americans

This paper documents the results of a pilot paired testing program to examine the treatment of Native Americans by real estate agents in rental housing markets in three states and owner-occupied housing markets in one state. The study finds that the level of discrimination experienced by Native Americans in rental markets exceed those experienced by Hispanics, Blacks, and Asian-Americans.

Observation of cone and rod photoreceptors in normal subjects and patients using a new generation adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope.

We demonstrate the capability of a new generation adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) to resolve cones and rods in normal subjects, and confirm our findings by comparing cone and rod spacing with published histology measurements. Cone and rod spacing measurements are also performed on AOSLO images from two different diseased eyes, one affected by achromatopsia and the other by acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR). The potential of AOSLO technology in the study of these and other retinal diseases is illustrated

Dustbuster: a compact impact-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer for in situ analysis of cosmic dust

We report on the design and testing of a compact impact-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer for analysis of cosmic dust, suitable for use on deep space missions. The instrument, Dustbuster, incorporates a large target area with a reflectron, simultaneously optimizing mass resolution, particle detection, and ion collection. Dust particles hit the 65-cm2 target plate and are partially ionized by the impact. The resulting ions, with broad energy and angular distributions, are accelerated through a modified reflectron, focusing ions of specific m/z in space and time to produce high-resolution mass spectra. The cylindrically symmetric instrument is 10 cm in diameter and 20 cm in length, considerably smaller than previous in situ dust analyzers, and can be easily scaled as needed for specific mission requirements. Laser desorption ionization of metal and mineral samples embedded in the impact plate simulated particle impacts for evaluations of instrument performance. Mass resolution in these experiments ranged from 60–180, permitting resolution of isotopes. The mass spectrometer can be combined with other instrument components to determine dust particle trajectories and sizes

The total flow concept for geothermal energy conversion

A geothermal development project has been initiated at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory (LLL) to emphasize development of methods for recovery and conversion of the energy in geothermal deposits of hot brines. Temperatures of these waters vary from 150 C to more than 300 C with dissolved solids content ranging from less than 0.1% to over 25% by weight. Of particular interest are the deposits of high-temperature/high-salinity brines, as well as less saline brines, known to occur in the Salton Trough of California. Development of this resource will depend on resolution of the technical problems of brine handling, scale and precipitation control, and corrosion/erosion resistant systems for efficient conversion of thermal to electrical energy. Research experience to date has shown these problems to be severe. Hence, the LLL program emphasizes development of an entirely different approach called the Total Flow concept