THE OAR PROBLEM-ORIENTED COUPLING EXPERIMENT

Abstract

The objectives of the experiment were (1) to test problem research methodology developed in previous phases of the OAR Technological Barriers Documentation Project, and (2) to test the hypothesis that exposing Air Force scientists to specific technological problems would aid in coupling research to practical purposes. An advanced technological objective of a competitive, flight-weight magnetrohydrodynamic (MHD) electrical generator was analyzed to define specific technological problems whose solution would make development of the envisioned device feasible. These problems were documented on single-page Problem Resumes and selectively disseminated to scientists in OAR laboratories with a request to contact a given individual if they could contribute to illumination of the problems. Dissemination of problems and resulting technical feedback were not sufficient to be statistically significant. Results indicated, however, that specific research needs can be identified and documented at modest cost and that their selective dissemination to Air Force scientists is in the Air Force's interests. The report includes specific recommendations on exploitation of problem documentation and problem research.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 14, 1970
Accession Number
AD0711389

Entities

People

  • Robert J. Massey

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Ceramic Materials
  • Computers
  • Contracts
  • Couplings
  • Dielectrics
  • Engineering
  • Engineers
  • Functional Analysis
  • Generators
  • High Temperature
  • Materials
  • Military Research
  • Scientists
  • Temperature Gradients
  • Three Dimensional
  • United States

Readers

  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Technical Research and Report Writing.