The Challenge of Mining He-3 on the Lunar Surface: How All the Parts Fit Together
After the initial confirmation of the existence of He-3 on the lunar surface in 1985, there has been a flurry of activity both in the U.S. and abroad to find the best method of garnering...
A Summary of the NEPSTP Nuclear Safety Program
The Nuclear Electric Propulsion Space Test Program (NEPSTP) is sponsored by the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) to demonstrate and evaluate the Russian-built TOPAZ II nuclear...
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...
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...
Lunar Mining
Mining the moon for materials that can be used for the advancement of space research would be very profitable. It would be necessary to develop equipment for mining. There would be a need...
A Simple Method of Producing Lunar Soil Simulants for Engineering Studies
This paper suggests that it is possible to obtain large quantities of simulated lunar regolith that can be used for feasibility studies of lunar base construction and excavation machinery...
Design Criteria for Lunar Construction Equipment
It is anticipated that lunar installations will, from the beginning, require moving and assembly of components and the use of lunar regolith as a construction material. The functional...
Dynamic Optimization by Small Variation of the System Layout
Dynamic problems have been usually considered in the speed for frequency domain. However, most machines, structures or mechanisms are usually interconnected subsystems, overconstrained...
Coupling Translation and Rocking Motions
In the design of concrete block foundations for rotating and reciprocating machines, it is important to avoid resonant conditions. Therefore, accurate determination of the frequencies...
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...
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...
Characterization of an ER Active Member
In the presence of strong electric fields (kV/mm), electrorheological (ER) materials change form viscous fluids to yielding materials. The class of ER materials used in this study have...
Dynamic Characteristics of Translational Lattice Domes
The feasibility of using lattice domes of various shapes generated by translating a variety of parametric polygons is illustrated and the dynamic characteristics of these lattices determined....
Dulles International Airport Construction Challenges
The expansion of the Main Terminal at Dulles International Airport was anticipated and planned for during the original construction of the building in 1962. The most difficult portions...
Development of Hydro-Scheduling Model for Optimal Joint Operation of Multi-Reservoir Systems
Multipurpose reservoirs in a reservoir system are not limited to supplying ample amounts of water and electricity, but also provide other water demands such as flood control, navigation,...
Problems Faced by Faculty in Minority Institutions
The primary objective of this paper is to list some problems faced by faculty engaged in both research and instruction in Minority Institutions (MIs) and to suggest solutions to them....
Design and Implementation of an Optimal Real-Time Hydropower Generation Scheduling System for the Lower Colorado River in Texas
The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) of Texas supplies water and electric power to over 800,000 persons in Central Texas. A real-time decision support system is being developed and...
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