Stories
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Briefs: Information Technology
A set of special digital all-pass finite- impulse- response (FIR) filters produces phase shifts equivalent to delays that equal fractions of the sampling or clock period of a telemetry-...
Briefs: Physical Sciences
Assessment of Models of Chemically Reacting Granular Flows
A report presents an assessment of a general mathematical model of dense, chemically reacting granular flows like those in fluidized beds used to pyrolize biomass. The model incorporates submodels that have been described in several NASA Tech Briefs articles, including "Generalized...
Briefs: Physical Sciences
Numerical Study of Pyrolysis of Biomass in Fluidized Beds
A report presents a numerical-simulation study of pyrolysis of biomass in fluidized-bed reactors, performed by use of the mathematical model described in "Model of Fluidized Bed Containing Reacting Solids and Gases" (NPO-30163), which appears elsewhere in this issue of NASA Tech Briefs. The...
Briefs: Physical Sciences
The figure depicts an example of proposed compact water-quality sensors that would contain integrated arrays of ion-sensitive electrodes (ISEs). These sensors would serve as electronic...
Briefs: Physical Sciences
A mathematical model has been developed for describing the thermofluid dynamics of a dense, chemically reacting mixture of solid particles and gases. As used here, "dense"...
Briefs: Physical Sciences
A technique for the fabrication of piezoelectric actuators that generate acceptably large forces and deflections at relatively low applied voltages involves the stacking and diffusion...
Briefs: Materials
Experiments have shown that superlattices that comprise alternating epitaxial layers of dissimilar paraelectric perovskites can exhibit large changes in permittivity with the application of...
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
A relatively inexpensive instrumentation system that includes units that are connected to thermocouples and that are parts of a radio-communication network has been developed to enable monitoring of...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Very-large-scale integrated (VLSI) analog binaural signal-processing circuits have been proposed for use in detecting and locating leaks that emit noise in the ultrasonic frequency...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The cascade back-propagation (CBP) algorithm is the basis of a conceptual design for accelerating learning in artificial neural networks. The neural networks would be implemented as analog...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
A number of display systems primarily used in specialized areas such as aviation, space (NASA), and military/defense employ non-standard video signal...
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The multidisciplinary concept of "bioinspired engineering of exploration systems" (BEES) is described, which is a guiding principle of the continuing effort to develop biomorphic explorers as...
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
An improved method of fabrication of cathodes of microbatteries is based on electrophoretic deposition. Heretofore, sputtering (for deposition) and the use of photoresist and liftoff...
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
An improved design for multiple-well microscope cells and an associated improved method of fabricating them have been devised. [As used here, "well" denotes a cavity that has a...
Briefs: Software
Manufacturing companies must bring high-quality products to market faster than ever before. This tightened timeframe significantly impacts the manufacturing supply chain — a familiar...
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Wheel Design Verified With FEA Software
This paper examines an aluminum wheel design used with a run-flat tire called an extended mobility technology (EMT) tire, which can be safely driven without air for at least 80 km (50 miles). The setup of the finite element model of the wheel is discussed in detail, along with a parametric study of the...
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
A piezoelectrically actuated shutter is undergoing development for use in experiments on laser cooling of atoms. The shutter is required to be compatible with ultrahigh vacuum [pressure of 10-9...
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
In March of 1999, five pilots performed flight tests to evaluate the handling qualities of an F/A-18 research airplane equipped with a small-displacement center stick (ministick)...
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Curved mirrors of a proposed type would comprise lightweight sheets or films containing integral, biologically inspired actuators for controlling their surface figures. These mirrors could...
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Deformable mirrors of a proposed type would be equipped with relatively-large-stroke microscopic piezoelectric actuators that would be used to maintain their reflective surfaces in precise shapes....
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
A class of lightweight, deployable, thin-shell, curved mirrors with built-in precise-shape-control actuators is being developed for high-resolution scientific imaging. This technology incorporates a...
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Planar two-dimensional arrays of thermopiles intended for use as thermal-imaging detectors are to be fabricated by a process that includes surface micromachining. These thermopile arrays are...
Articles: Photonics/Optics
Many imaging applications in the near-infrared (NIR) region of the spectrum require sensors that see beyond the traditional charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor’s spectral range. A standard uncoated CCD detector...
Briefs: Motion Control
The torque-limited touchdown bearing system (TLTBS) is a backup mechanical- bearing system for a high-speed rotary machine in which the rotor shaft is supported by magnetic bearings in...
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
An improved method and prior methods of deadbeat direct torque control involve the use of pulse-width modulation (PWM) of applied voltages. The prior methods are based on the use of stator...
Briefs: Information Technology
Collaborative Software Development Approach Used To Deliver the New Shuttle Telemetry Ground Station
United Space Alliance (USA) developed and used a new software development method to meet technical, schedule, and budget challenges faced...
Briefs: Physical Sciences
Turbulence in Supercritical O₂/H₂ and C₇H₁₆/N₂ Mixing Layers
This report presents a study of numerical simulations of mixing layers developing between opposing flows of paired fluids under supercritical conditions, the purpose of the study being to elucidate chemical-species- specific aspects of turbulence. The simulations were...
Briefs: Physical Sciences
An improved design has been proposed for a cryostat of a type that maintains a desired low temperature mainly through boiloff of a liquid cryogen (e.g., liquid nitrogen) at atmospheric...
Briefs: Materials
Over the last 40 years, a series of misconceptions regarding mica capacitor applications has led novice users to consistently over- derate wound or...
Top Stories
INSIDER: Medical
Brain Implant Enables Safer Drug Delivery
Features: Medical
Built to Adapt: Rethinking Contract Manufacturing for a New Era
Features: Materials
OEM Toll Processing Advances High-Value Products
From the Editor: Medical
From The Editor: Charting the Technologies That Will Shape Medtech in 2026
INSIDER: Medical
Oxygen Scavenger Doubles Biosensor Performance
Features: AR/AI
Engineering for the Future: The Trends Transforming Medtech in 2026
Ask the Expert
John Chandler on Achieving Quality Motion Control
FAULHABER MICROMO brings together the highest quality motion technologies and value-added services, together with global engineering, sourcing, and manufacturing, to deliver top quality micro motion solutions. With 34 years’ experience, John Chandler injects a key engineering perspective into all new projects and enjoys working closely with OEM customers to bring exciting new technologies to market.
Webcasts
Podcasts: Medical
How Wearables Are Enhancing Smart Drug Delivery
Podcasts: Medical
Developing Sustainable Drug-Delivery Devices
Podcasts: Design
Smarter Pathways for Precision Drug Delivery in Cancer Care
On-Demand Webinars: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Understanding Testing and Compliance Requirements for Wireless Medical Devices
Podcasts: AR/AI
Personalized Medicine and Drug Delivery
Podcasts: Green Design & Manufacturing
Inside Story
Inside Story: Trends in Packaging and Sterilization
Eurofins Medical Device Testing (MDT) provides a full scope of testing services. In this interview, Eurofins’ experts, Sunny Modi, PhD, Director of Package Testing; and Elizabeth Sydnor, Director of Microbiology; answer common questions on medical device packaging and sterilization.