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Recent Generic Flight System (GFS) updates have necessitated revisions in the initial startup and restart control strategies. The design changes that have had the most impact on the control strategies are the addition of the Auxiliary Cooling and Thaw (ACT) system for preheating the lithium filled components, changes in the reactivity worths of the reflectors and safety-rods such that initial cold criticality is achieved with only a small amount of reflector movement following the withdrawal of the safety-rods, and the removal of the scram function from the reflectors. Revised control and operating strategies have been developed and tested using the SP-100 dynamic simulation model, ARIES-GFS. The change in the total reactivity worths of the reflectors and safety-rods has eliminated the need for the use of fast and slow reflector drive speeds during the initial on-orbit approach to criticality.

A method for measurement of rolling resistance of vehicles using only a single accelerometer measurement has been developed and a simple instrument has been constructed. Results of typical measurements on large, electrically propelled off-highway trucks are discussed.

This paper describes the results of the first step of a planned development program to produce a family of split path hydro-mechanical transmissions for military applications. The HMT-250 hydromechanical transmission has given superior performance, unlimited ability to change ratio without affecting service life, and a control system with the advantages of variable ratio. The control system and testing programs are described in detail.

This paper concerns a new technique designed to provide high performance reaction control systems for sounding rockets. Proportional control of differential thrust and simple adaptive control of thrust magnitude (based on the level of demanded thrust) is utilized. The control is being implemented with a combination of electronic and fluidic components for an Aerobee 150 sounding rocket payload whose goal is a pointing stability of 0.1 arc second.

A four-legged, 3000 lb, walking truck test bed has been developed and the test results have proved the feasibility of walking machines. Effectiveness of this control method where the machine mimics man’s arm and leg movements was shown by a variety of maneuverability experiments. Therefore, it has been proved that it is possible to develop this vehicle concept, and the control method involved, to effectively emulate animals in the way they travel on rough terrain. Human perception, judgment, and agility are transmitted through the machine in a manner that lets the operator easily imagine that the machine is merely an effective extension of his own appendages. The human psychomotor action, coupled with the power and ruggedness of the machine, provides a valuable marriage. It opens new vistas not only for rough terrain vehicles but also for a variety of other manipulative machines. Many jobs require the sensing acuity of man but are too tough for the frail human flesh.

An organic Rankine Bottoming cycle added to Diesel engines used for long-haul trucks has the potential of improving their peak fuel economy by up to 15% over a typical duty cycle. General Electric has developed a multi-vane rotary expander which has a measured isentropic brake efficiency of 80+% over a wide range of speed and power levels with organic working fluids. High cycle efficiency for design and off-design conditions is achieved with the multi-vane expander. The potential advantages of the multi-vane expander for the Diesel engine bottoming cycle include the elimination of a high speed gear box and the potential for over 80% isentropic engine efficiency. The multi-vane expander is a ruggedly built component running at Diesel engine speed. This paper describes the design and evaluation of a nominal 40 HP multi-vane expander for this application.

Today's instrument panel specifications for passenger cars are also applied to most light trucks and vans because internal company standards are dictating that light trucks and vans should approach the occupant safety of existing cars. In this presentation, we will examine the traditional specifications for pre-1988 model year, which center on a few key materials and part performance properties, and the increasing number of specifications which are being called for in 1988 model year and beyond, which require altogether new materials and processing systems. (Throughout this discussion, it should be noted that in referencing “automobiles” we are including light trucks and vans.)