Abstract This paper talks about the ways in which the shuttle is designed to overcome basic heat transfer problems during launch, orbit and re-entry. The main points in this paper are the active and passive systems in the TPS and the history of the shuttle design.
From the Paper "10...9...8...Patiently the Space Shuttle waits on the launch pad...7...6... everything is in place...5...4... all functions are working properly...3... the conditions are comfortable on the coast of Florida, and the temperature is nice and warm...2...1... IGNITION! (Figure #1) The sudden burn of the rockets jolts the humongous craft to life. As streams of flame shoot out its lower portion, the craft begins to inch skyward. In no time its speed has increased, and it begins hurtling through the air towards its mission. While still inside Earth's atmosphere, the airflow over the Shuttle begins to warm the craft's surface, until it becomes "white hot." Then, the craft breaks free of the atmosphere's restraints, plunging into the freezing void of outer space. The Space Shuttle must be able to withstand these temperature extremes and still accomplish its mission objectives. After the mission, as the craft returns to Earth, it again encounters tremendously high temperatures as it re-enters Earth's atmosphere. The Shuttle encounters a lot of atmospheric resistance and slows itself down through this phase, then finally glides to a comfortable rest at Edwards Air Force Base in sunny Southern California, where the astronauts and craft must prepare to begin the process all over again. These intense hot and cold extremes drive scientists and design engineers as they work to control the internal temperature of the space shuttle throughout the various phases of its journey. They do this by using many creative systems such as specially designed tiles and radiator systems, to both reflect and radiate heat that would otherwise be dangerous to the craft and crew."
Abstract This paper discusses what the universe is made up of, its age, how stars are formed and what is the future of our solar system. It discusses the history of the exploration of the universe. The author explains how In this century large telescopes are set up, far away from city lights and traffic to gather the best data for studying the skies. A brief overview of the theories on the origin of the universe is also given. The author concludes that although new theories are constantly being proposed and science is constantly to answer the question "Where did we come from"? , until now, no answer has satisfied everyone.
From the Paper "Man's fascination with the heavens is as old as recorded history itself. Astronomers from all civilizations"medieval to the present times"carefully observed the stars and their relative position in the night sky. Even in the medieval times, astronomers universally observed two features: that stars tended to drift westward with each passing night; and, despite this apparent movement, stars were always in a fixed position relative to each other. Anything that man could not explain, ending up fascinating him?as did the stars. It has been stated that when man loses his desire to explore the unknown, the human race will have sounded its own death knell."
Tags: universe, astronomy, stars, westward, observations, fixed, position
Abstract The following paper examines how both Einstein and Curie were two geniuses of the world of science who were declared outsiders because there were great odds against their success. This paper looks at the way in which they managed to overcome all obstacles and dissolve all barriers to turn their dreams into reality. The way in which their persistence and perseverance in early life also helped them later in their scientific work, is also discussed.
From the Paper "It has often been noticed that people who contribute much to a particular field are the ones who were either at some disadvantage in their early life or suffered from some obstacles that stopped them from entering the field. Yet these very people managed to overcome all odds to reach the place where they had dreamed of arriving and thus revolutionized the world in their own way. We see that extraordinary people all around us are the ones who were once considered even less than ordinary and were therefore barred from entering their chosen area of work. It was only after they managed to overcome the obstacles and through single-minded determination managed to bring revolution in their own sphere that the world was forced to take notice."
Abstract The following paper takes a look at the historical discovery of black holes, the current mindset about what they are and how they relate to the universe. The writer asserts that while the evidence is circumstantial at best, it is becoming more unified with each new discovery.
From the Paper "Since the advent of science fiction the Black Hole theory has been used to add dimension and character to many books and movies. The space ships are sucked into Black Holes never to be heard from again, aliens are believed to emerge from them and they are used as portals to new universes according to fictional history. The use of the theory of Black Holes in fictional works is something that allows artistic license about what they are and what they aren't and what scientists believe at this point to be true."
The development and use of magnetic levitation (maglev) propulsion systems in North America and around the world as an alternative mode of transportation.
Abstract With air travel and the highways becoming increasingly congested, the need for an efficient, fast and comfortable mode of alternative travel has been felt in many countries of the world. One of the possible solutions is the Magnetic Levitation Propulsion System or high-speed trains called the Maglev train (short for magnetic levitation). The recent question mark over the safety of air travel and the fear of flying created among the general public by the events of 9/11 has renewed interest in the Maglev technology. This paper discusses how the Magnetic Levitation Propulsion System works and briefly overviews its history of development. The different types of designs developed so far, the cost of developing such systems, and the potential for its expansion and use in transportation systems in the United States and all over the world is also discussed. The author uses photographs and plan drawings to illustrate points.
From the Paper "We all know that the opposite poles of a magnet attract while the like poles repel each other. This is the basic principle on which the Magnetic Levitation Propulsion System works. In magnetic propulsion systems, powerful electromagnets are used. The three basic components of a maglev train system are: A large electrical power source, metal coils that line the track or guide-way, and large magnets attached to the underside of the train. There is no conventional engine in maglev trains. Instead, the force for propulsion is achieved by a combination of the magnetic fields created by the electrified coils in the tracks (called the guideways) and the guideway walls."
Tags: James, R., Powell, Gordon, T., Danby, Transrapid, Amtrak
Abstract Discusses an experiment of the shielding of radiation. The experiment uses fluid flow measurements and the method of continuous flow to determine the coefficient of viscosity. Includes the calculations and results of the said experiment as well as diagrams. Discusses the conclusions and several human errors that happened when carrying out the experiment.
From the Paper "There are two different ways water can flow this can be either streamline or turbulent. When a liquid has a streamline its particles flow in regular and smooth paths called streamlines. In this type of motion the viscous drag opposing the flow is proportional to the average velocity of the liquid. In turbulent flow, the particles have irregular motion therefore the viscous drag is proportional to the square of the velocity. "
Abstract The paper argues the scientific big bang theory and order in the development of our universe. It describes the hierarchy of events and the Great Chain of Being theory. In particular, it discusses the electron atom nucleus universe expands origin universe Big Bang primordial ball creation overall order. This paper is well formatted with intelligent depth to the argument of the creation of life and our planet.
From the Paper "Electrons circle the nucleus of an atom. Untold trillions of atoms collide together and explode. The universe expands. Electrons race down the copper wires of an electric cable. The sun shines. Leaves digest the sunlight, produce nutrients, live, grow, die, and fall to the ground. The wind bears aloft the leaves, scatters them over earth and sea. The tide moves them, pushes them up into rivers where at last they settle into the mud. Salmon swim upstream; lay their eggs on the muddy bottoms of lakes and rivers. A powerful grizzly bear nuzzles the icy water of a mountain brook. His great paw sweeps into the water and catches a darting salmon. Men come; establish a city on the banks of the stream. They drive the bear off. Their boats coast upon the surface of the sparkling water. Nets plumb the frigid depths, resurface filled with salmon. The men eat the salmon. The salmon are digested, turned into fodder for a thousand other creatures and into the food that builds civilizations. Digested again, these minute particles break down into molecules, and the molecules into atoms. A lone atom floats off in the vast emptiness of space. Electrons circle the atom's nucleus. These are cycles, yes, but wherein lays their ultimate origin? Is there a connection between all that makes up the universe? Is there a plan?"
Abstract This paper briefly describes the different forms of heat transfer. Heat transfer is a process that occurs on the molecular level. The basics of the process are defined, with three heat transfer mechanisms identified-- conduction, convection and radiation.
From the Paper "In metals, thermal energy is transported by conduction band electrons. This is based on understanding molecular orbital bands. This refers to solids that form a lattice, including metals. These lattice metals are understood by looking at the lattice itself as one large molecule rather than looking at it as individual atoms. The electron orbitals of the atoms overlap, creating a continuous band covering a range of energies that extends throughout the lattice (Shriver, D.F., Atkins, P.W., & Langford, C.H. Inorganic Chemistry. New York: Oxford University Press, 1994, p. 91)."
Abstract The paper discusses dry-cell batteries which were invented as an alternative to higher leaking, long lasting batteries. Today's advanced electronics are demanding more battery power and it is not unusual for a highly developed electronic item to go through two or three sets of batteries in a day. The paper shows that as technology advances, the stronger the battery demand and this brought about the invention of the dry-cell battery. The purpose of this technical research is to define dry cell batteries, their kinetic make-up, and how are they recycled.
From the Paper "Recycling batteries saves the environment and ensures proper disposal. There are many programs which assist in helping individuals learns how to recycle batteries. There is one program called "Charge Up To Recycle" which educates people on the recycling process, and the companies that recycle batteries. The objective of this program is to make everyone aware of the available services and encourage them to participate in recycling of the batteries. There are some battery recycle facilities that charge a small fee for used up batteries, but most of these facilities will take the batteries free of charge. The purpose of the battery manufacturers is to get everyone involved in recycling old batteries. Recycling batteries can be very beneficial to the air, eliminating lots of air pollution."
Abstract The following paper discusses acoustics signals that detect the presence and location of commercially useful fish, map the ocean floor to establish the safest paths for supertankers, explore the earth's geological formations and discover oil deposits in the ocean floor.
From the Paper "At a bottom of the permanent thermocline or below it, water temperature is uniform. Here, the pressure of the water column due to the depth takes over. The sound speeds then increase on account of increase in pressure. (Pacific) The deep sound channel axis is between 600 and 1,200 m below the sea surface at low and middle latitudes. This is deepest in the subtropics and come to the surface in high latitudes, where sound propagates in the surface layer. (Pacific)
Sound waves can be "trapped" in the deep sound channel and propagate in long distances. This is because these waves go through little attenuation beyond that, and this is due to geometric scattering or spread as well as minor volume scattering in water."
From the Paper "The Nobel Prize is perhaps the most coveted recognition of excellence in a given field. In 1997, the Nobel Prize in Physics was given to Professor Steven Chu of Stanford University along with two of his colleagues, William D. Phillips and Claude Cohen-Tannoudji. The contributions of these three men mounted over the span of more than a decade of research and experimentation, culminating in the development of groundbreaking new methods to cool and trap atoms with laser light.
Steven Chu has been an avid Physics enthusiast ever since his high school days in Garden City, New York, where under the tutelage of his Advanced Placement Physics teacher he was given his first taste of genuine lab experience(College Board Online, 1998)."
From the Paper "The engineering definitions, methods of analysis, and significance of many elements of the study of fluid mechanics are presented.
Definitions and Fluid Properties
Fluids can be either liquids or gases, and fluid mechanics "refers to the study of the behavior of fluids, either at rest or in motion." Nunn elaborates that there are "two main physical properties defining a fluid: density and viscosity." Nunn then subdivides fluid mechanics into three major categories of ideal fluid flow, in which density is constant and viscous effects are negligible; compressible flow, in which density varies from place to place throughout the fluid and viscosity effects are trivial or..."
Reviews work on practical & conceptual connections between modern science & mysticism, Western & Eastern approaches to reality, focusing on the need for balance between the two.
2,925 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 1 source, 1997, $ 103.95
From the Paper "The search for knowledge in the West today is based very much on the scientific method and on rational inquiry, and this is often contrasted with the way of knowing in Eastern mysticism. The two means of ascertaining knowledge are normally considered to be far apart, but in Fritjof Capra's book The Tao of Physics, parallels are found between the two approaches which show that the insights of modern physics actually offer more explanation for certain elements of mysticism. The conclusion is that as the people of the world try to educate themselves in the sciences, they would do well to educate themselves in and to practice spiritualism and mysticism as well and so to gain insight from both ways of knowing.
Different cultures produce their own particular way of structuring the world they see around them. They use religion.."
From the Paper " Recently there has been considerable public concern and scientific interest over the hazards associated with exposure of plants to extremely low frequency electrical fields (60-Hz), particularly those related to high voltage electric transmission lines. Using specific examples, this paper discusses the detrimental impact of such electric field on various aspects of plant development and growth including root elongation and electrotropism, phloem transport efficiency, species susceptibility and flowering rhythms.
Each plant cell consists of a highly conductive cytoplasmic core surrounded by a thin insulating plasma membrane which is in turn surrounded by a porous - but rigid - cell wall. The insulating plasma membrane plays a prominent role in the electrochemical balance between the cell cytoplasm and the.."
From the Paper " Lise Meitner (1878-1968) overcame extraordinary odds to become one of the great physicists of the twentieth century. At a time when Austrian women were denied higher education and during a later time when Jews were persecuted and murdered, Meitner managed to obtain her doctorate and lead an extremely successful professional life. Her private life centered around her friends, many of them colleagues, and she did not marry or have, so far as is known, any romantic involvements. Politics and other circumstances denied her some of the rewards and the professional continuity that her achievement entitled her to enjoy. And, late in life, she was also distressed (even after having failed to get full credit for her role in the discovery of nuclear fission) to be identified with the development of the atomic bomb. Meitner, however, always said that she was very..."
