Böcker av National Materials Advisory Board

The Helium Privatization Act of 1996 (PL 104-273) directs the Department of the Interior to begin liquidating the US Federal Helium Reserve by 2005 in a manner consistent with "minimum market disruption" and at a price given by a formula specified in the act. This report is the product of that mandate.

States that US Air Force (USAF) planners have envisioned that uninhabited air vehicles (UAVs), working in concert with inhabited vehicles, will become an integral part of the future force structure. This title also states that plans are based on the premise that UAVs have the potential to augment, or even replace, inhabited aircraft in missions.

Provides a strategy to address the technical needs and priorities associated with the US Air Force's aging airframe structures. This book includes a summary of the structural status of the aging force, identification of technical issues and research recommendations.

The reduction of the fire hazard of fuel is critical to improving survivability in impact-survivable aircraft accidents. This title reviews the state of development, technological needs, and promising technology for the future development of aviation fuels that are most resistant to ignition during a crash.

Assesses the state of computer-based imaging technology in forensic firearms identification. This book evaluates law enforcement database of images of crime-related cartridge cases and bullets and recommends ways to improve the usefulness of technology for suggesting leads in criminal investigations.

The security of the US commercial aviation system has grown since the 1970's when the hijacking of aircraft became a serious problem. This book focuses on data fusion as a means to improve the ability of the suite of airport detection systems and access control systems to detect and prevent attacks.

Focuses on millimeter-wavelength/terahertz imaging and spectroscopy technologies that offer promise in meeting aviation security requirements. This report provides a description of the basic operation of these imaging systems, an assessment of their component technologies, and an analysis of various system concepts.

Advanced polymer matrix composites are expected to play a greater role in future military systems. This report provides an assessment of fiber technology and industries, a discussion of R&D opportunities for DOD, and recommendations about accelerating technology transition, reducing costs, and improving understanding of the design methodology.

The Department of Defense (DOD) asked the NRC to assess the status and impacts of the global spread of MSE R&D. This report presents a discussion of drivers affecting US companies decisions about location of MSE R&D, an analysis of impacts on the US economy and national security, and recommendations to ensure continued US access to MSE R&D.

Describes the Conference on Fire and Smoke-Resistant Materials. This work identifies trends in aircraft fire safety and research directions for the FAA program. It contains 15 papers and summaries of the workshop sessions concerning toxicity issues, fire performance parameters, drivers for materials development, and materials technology.

High performance synthetic fibers are key components of composite materials. This book stresses the need for redesigning university curricula to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of fiber science and technology. It also urges greater government and industry cooperation in support of academic instruction in fiber-related disciplines.