TOPAZ II System Description
The TOPAZ II single-cell thermionic space reactor power system was designed, built and tested by the former Soviet Union (Russia). It has been purchased by the United States (U.S.) for...
TOPAZ II Qualification and Nuclear Testing Program
This paper presents an overview of the Topaz II qualification and nuclear test program. The program combines the joint efforts and resources of Russian and American specialists and organizations...
A Comparison of Propulsion Systems for Space Exploration
There are three promising propulsion systems that might be used for space missions: chemical, direct nuclear, and nuclear electric. Selecting the best system for a mission involves comparing...
A Discussion of Nuclear Propulsion in Space Travel
Nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) is gaining popularity as a safe alternative to conventional propulsion. Such alternatives are desirable to meet the goals of lunar colonization and manned...
Nuclear Propulsion
In this paper, the possibilities and safety of nuclear propulsion will be discussed and explained. The main focus pertains to the efficiency and safety of this form of propulsion. Nuclear...
Propulsion Systems for Future Space Exploration
There are many types of propulsion that are being considered for future space travel needs. These include nuclear, solar sail, magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters, and laser propulsion...
Propulsion Systems: Present and Future
Propulsion is the very essence of space travel. There are many types of propulsion. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Propulsion systems are constantly being improved just...
Solar Power Satellites
Earth's fossil fuel supply is dropping quickly. A new power source must be developed to save the remaining fuel and control pollution output. Solar power satellites are large satellites...
Construction of Large Lunar Structures by Fusion Welding of Sintered Regolith
Regardless of material used, construction of large lunar structures using indigenous resources is likely to requires joining of simple blocks or pieces. Fusion welding using an optical...
Optical Waveguide Solar Energy System for Lunar Material Processing
This paper summarizes a study of the optical waveguide (OW) solar energy system for lunar material processing. In the OW solar energy system, solar radiation is collected by the concentrator...
The History and Present Status of Microwave Aircraft
The history of microwave-powered aircraft is reviewed from the point of view of interaction between the technology of beamed microwave power transmission and the applications for it. the...
Dynamics of Nuclear Power Plant Structures with Foundation Interaction
This paper presents analyses and conclusions pertaining to a recorded earthquake motion felt at a nuclear power plant. The objective is to obtain frequency composition, assess damage potential,...
Monitoring of Structures During Repair of Underground Utilities
A collapse of underground utilities at a power plant required the constant monitoring of the surrounding structures during excavation and replacement of the damaged pipes. A computer-based...
Overview - Electrical Substation Structures Design Guide
The ASCE Substation Structures subcommittee of the Committee on Electrical Transmission Structures (CETS) is developing a substation structures design guide. The guide discusses the analysis...
Test Experience with Heavy Angle Dead End Lattice Transmission Towers
During the past three years, the Electric Power Research Institute's Transmission Line Mechanical Research Center has conducted full scale tests on three 500kV heavy angle dead end lattice...
Assessment and Upgrade of an Older Transmission Line
This paper discusses the various tools and procedures which have been used to assess and upgrade an older 130 kv tower line. The purpose of the assessment was to determine the line compliance...
ASCE GUIDE for Design of Guyed Transmission Structures
This paper describes the contents of a new ASCE guide for the selection and design of guyed electrical transmission structures. Guyed transmission structures present unique analysis and...
Investigating the Behavior of a Lattice Structural Section
Tests were conducted on a fully instrumented lattice section assembled using various connection types (bolted or welded). The results of this study show that bolt slippage can have a major...
Fatigue Damage Accumulation Under Stochastic Stress Histories
An extensive simulation study was performed to generate random Gaussian stress time histories from power spectral densities (psd's). The psd's of time histories were selected to represent...
Practical Application of Tuned Liquid Damper for Tall Buildings
Performance of TLD, based on the full-scale measurement of an actual tall building, is discussed in this paper. Wind induced vibration of the SYP Tower was measured during a gusty day,...
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