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An integral space power concept provides both the electrical power and propulsion from a common heat source and offers superior performance capabilities over conventional orbital insertion using chemical propulsion systems. This paper describes a hybrid (bimodal) system concept based on a proven, inherently safe solid fuel form for the high temperature reactor core operation and rugged planar thermionic energy converter for long-life steady state electric power production combined with NERVA-based rocket technology for propulsion. The integral system is capable of long-life power operation and multiple propulsion operations. At an optimal thrust level, the integral system can maintain the minimal delta-V requirement while minimizing the orbital transfer time. A trade study comparing the overall benefits in placing large payloads to GEO with the nuclear electric propulsion option shows superiority of nuclear thermal propulsion.

Acquiring and recording real-world vehicle operating and environmental conditions is becoming increasingly important for determining techniques to reduce fuel consumption and other operating costs. The operational characteristics of vehicles has been the object of considerable study, which has included component and vehicle tests under controlled conditions, and computer simulation. The selective gathering of pertinent information under in-service conditions has heretofore not been practicable nor reliable. This paper describes the use of Rockwell International's Tripmastertm on-board Instrumentation System applied to obtaining this information for use in the DOT/SAE Fuel Economy measurement study.

Activities within the Society of Automotive Engineers originating circa 1966 in Division 4 of the Iron and Steel Technical Committee Said the foundation for the contemporary approach to cumulative fatigue damage analysis and component lifetime predictive techniques. Previous and current activities of the Division 4 successor, the Fatigue Design and Evaluation Committee, have established the local stress-strain approach to ground vehicle durability as the industry-accepted methodology for fatigue design of critical components and structures subject to cyclic loading. This paper outlines the chronology of significant events and individuals within the Society of Automotive Engineers fatigue community that have advanced our comprehension, and offered solutions to the rather complex problem of durability by design.

Moving a company forward to meet the challenges of a changing and dynamic market requires a considerable amount of self-evaluation if long term success is to be guaranteed. There is no simple solution. Much to the disappointment of some purists, the true challenge for the U.S. auto industry is in balancing the long term with the all important short term measures of performance. Rockwell Automotive has embarked upon this process of change, adopting a company wide strategy for Total Quality Control. The foundation for this strategy places as much emphasis on startegic planning and organizational climate as it does on such currently poptdar techniques as QFD, Taguchi Methods, SPC and the Japanese.