Re-entry Flight Demonstration Number One (RFD-1): Design, Development, and Performance of the Re-entry Vehicle (open access)

Re-entry Flight Demonstration Number One (RFD-1): Design, Development, and Performance of the Re-entry Vehicle

This report documents the design, development, and performance of the flight vehicle for Re-entry Flight Demonstration Number One (RFD-1).
Date: May 1964
Creator: Erickson, C. E.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Re-entry Flight Demonstration No. 1 (RFD-1): Optical Data and Fuel-Element Experiment (open access)

Re-entry Flight Demonstration No. 1 (RFD-1): Optical Data and Fuel-Element Experiment

This report on the RFD-1 optical data and external fuel-element experiment includes a description of the instruments and test components used, a presentation of the data obtained, an explanation of the methods of data reduction employed, and a statement of the conclusions derived. It covers the theory, design, qualification tests, flight-test data, and results of the external fuel-element experiment. Also presented is a theoretical analysis of observed versus predicted ablation times and altitudes for the external fuel elements. In addition, this report presents recommendations for improvements to data acquisition and reduction methods in future, similar flight tests.
Date: October 1964
Creator: White, I. B.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Re-entry Flight Demonstration Number One (RFD-1): Data Book (open access)

Re-entry Flight Demonstration Number One (RFD-1): Data Book

Re-entry flight demonstration number one (RFD-1) was launched on May 22, 1963 from the Scout launch complex at NASA Wallops Station, Wallops Island, Virginia.
Date: September 1964
Creator: Erickson, C. E.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Re-entry Flight Demonstration Number One (RFD-1): Preflight Disassembly Analysis and Observed Disassembly of the Simulated SNAP-10A Reactor (open access)

Re-entry Flight Demonstration Number One (RFD-1): Preflight Disassembly Analysis and Observed Disassembly of the Simulated SNAP-10A Reactor

Abstract: This report describes the SNAP-10A Simulated Test Reactor, the test philosophy of Re-entry Flight Demonstration Number One, the analytical analysis of reactor disassembly, and the results of the flight test.
Date: September 1964
Creator: Klett, R. D.; Hysinger, T. M. & Robertson, M. M.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Re-entry Flight Demonstration Number One (RFD-1): Final SNAP-10A Safety Flight-Test Plan (open access)

Re-entry Flight Demonstration Number One (RFD-1): Final SNAP-10A Safety Flight-Test Plan

Abstract: This report constitutes the RFD-1 Safety Flight Plan for investigating the disassembly, distraction, and disposal of the SNAP-10A reactor during re-entry.
Date: March 1964
Creator: Erickson, C. E.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Phantom Gage Dimensioning (Combined Part/Gage specifications) (open access)

Phantom Gage Dimensioning (Combined Part/Gage specifications)

Abstract: This memorandum discusses a new design definition technique, requiring no standard, which pictorially shows part and gage limits on the same drawing. When functional gages, test fixtures, or optical chart gages are the selected inspection method, design, manufacturing process, and gage engineers can use these drawings directly to replace the usual standards-based drawings. In essence, this advanced technology visually describes true position dimensioning and tolerancing. It enables product designers to directly control the acceptance process.
Date: July 1964
Creator: Roth, E. S.
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Cumulative Binomial Distribution Computer (open access)

The Cumulative Binomial Distribution Computer

Acknowledgement: The cumulative Binomial Distribution Computer incorporates valuable suggestions made by supervision and members of the Sandia Corporation Reliability Department.
Date: October 1964
Creator: Muench, J. O.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Construction of a Sea-Level, Transisthmian Canal Using Nuclear Explosives (open access)

Construction of a Sea-Level, Transisthmian Canal Using Nuclear Explosives

Partial abstract: "This report is based: (1) on information developed in earlier high explosive experiments which determined the optimum spacing and burial depth of charges in a row to produce a channel uniformly wide and deep, and (2) on the Sedan and Danny Boy experiments, which provided data on dimensions of nuclear craters in both soil and basalt rock. This information has been combined with the 1947 route surveys of the Panama Canal company, and estimates have been made not only of the number and yield of nuclear explosives required to excavate a Transisthmian canal with nuclear explosives, but also of the cost of the explosives and the cost of their replacement."
Date: February 1964
Creator: Vortman, Luke J.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Re-entry Flight Demonstration Number One (RFD-1): Atmospheric Sciences Support (open access)

Re-entry Flight Demonstration Number One (RFD-1): Atmospheric Sciences Support

Abstract: Data from the atmospheric sciences support systems for RFD-1 on May 22, 1963, at Bermuda Island, are presented. These data were taken for purposes of later analysis of the ballistic performance of the re-entry vehicle and of the heat transfer mechanisms within it, and for studies of the motion of ablated particles in the atmosphere.
Date: October 1964
Creator: Coonce, C. A.
System: The UNT Digital Library