Assessment of Directions in Microgravity and Physical Sciences Research at NASA
Assessment of Directions in Microgravity and Physical Sciences Research at NASA

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2003-07-11

Total Pages: 123

ISBN-13: 0309086396

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For thirty years the NASA microgravity program has used space as a tool to study fundamental flow phenomena that are important to fields ranging from combustion science to biotechnology. This book assesses the past impact and current status of microgravity research programs in combustion, fluid dynamics, fundamental physics, and materials science and gives recommendations for promising topics of future research in each discipline. Guidance is given for setting priorities across disciplines by assessing each recommended topic in terms of the probability of its success and the magnitude of its potential impact on scientific knowledge and understanding; terrestrial applications and industry technology needs; and NASA technology needs. At NASA's request, the book also contains an examination of emerging research fields such as nanotechnology and biophysics, and makes recommendations regarding topics that might be suitable for integration into NASA's microgravity program.

Nanomaterials
Nanomaterials

Author: Simona Clichici

Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand

Published: 2020-02-19

Total Pages: 247

ISBN-13: 1789846161

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In the last decade, nanomaterials have become a double-edged sword. On one hand, nanomaterials have proven their limitless potential not only for technological applications, but also for medical ones. On the other hand, the increasing use of these nanomaterials has raised concerns regarding their safety for environmental and human health, due to their potential toxicity. The toxic effects of nanomaterials depend on their type, surface geometry, diameter, length and function. This book intends to provide a comprehensive evidence-based overview of nanomaterial toxicity, from their synthesis and characterization, environmental impact, tests to assess their toxicity in vitro and in vivo, ways to modulate their impact on living organisms, to their beneficial use in biomedical applications.

An Approach to Assessing the Technical Feasibility and Market Potential of a New Automotive Device
An Approach to Assessing the Technical Feasibility and Market Potential of a New Automotive Device

Author: Rand Zero Emission Fuel Saver Study Team

Publisher: Rand Corporation

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 85

ISBN-13: 0833041622

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Save the World Air (STWA) has developed magnet-based devices, including its Zero Emission Fuel Saver (ZEFS), that it claims can improve vehicle fuel economy and reduce emissions. These devices are designed to be fitted as original equipment onto internal combustion engines or to be retrofitted onto existing engines. STWA asked the RAND Corporation to help develop a plan for assessing the technical basis required for successful commercialization of ZEFS. STWA also sought RAND's advice in examining potential market opportunities for ZEFS. This report summarizes RAND's analysis of these two issues, concluding the following. Application of magnetic fields has not been shown in the literature to lower the viscosity of automotive fuels. Along with empirical testing, establishing a theoretical basis underlying the effect of magnetic fields on fuel viscosity, surface tension, and atomization might provide useful information for developing and evaluating magnetic field-based fuel treatment devices. So far, the test results for use of the device are, at best, mixed. Should further laboratory analysis and in-use testing provide clearer and more positive outcomes, the market potential for the device will depend significantly on the advances realized from other technologies and regulatory policies and on its cost-effectiveness relative to other outcomes.