Access To Space
http://accesstospace.nasa.gov/
Access To Space is a Web site created by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. It is partly used by individuals and businesses interested in putting something into orbit, but it is also a very large and growing information source. The Mission Design section has a database of missions (both in progress and underway) and access mode information about various launch vehicles. It prompts for registration, but visitors can log in as guests. The Tech Space and Jump Space sections have many links to aerospace technology and related developments, and University Space is currently under construction. This site is perfect for researching different methods of space access and scheduled launches. [CL]
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US Army Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation Command
http://www.stricom.army.mil/
The US Army's Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation Command (STRICOM) researches and implements technology that is used to prepare troops for combat situations. Much of the group's work involves virtual reality and computer graphics. Two directorates on STRICOM's Web site (Research and Engineering and Operations and Support) have information about several divisions within the organization and the projects with which they have been involved. The Cool Tech section has a technology gallery with a photo archive and demonstrations using the Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML). A special browser plugin is required for the demos, however. [CL]
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Making Mathematics: Mentored Research Projects for Young Mathematicians
http://www2.edc.org/makingmath/
Making Mathematics is a great way for middle and high school students to get involved in mathematics research. The program matches a student or group of students with a mentor (a professional mathematician or graduate student). The student then works on an open-ended research problem and corresponds with his/her mentor via email. The student's teacher can also participate or communicate directly with the mentor. The Making Mathematics Web site has information about possible research projects and applications for students, mentors, and teachers. There are even some examples of completed student work. This can be a very rewarding and educational experience for ambitious math students. Registration is required. [CL]
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Underfloor Air Technology
http://www.cbe.berkeley.edu/underfloorair/Default.htm
Underfloor Air Technology is "a method of delivering space conditioning in offices and other commercial buildings that is increasingly being considered as a serious alternative to conventional ceiling-based air distribution systems." The Center for the Built Environment at the University of California, Berkeley conducts research on this form of air conditioning to determine its advantages. There is an in-depth analysis given on the Web site that explains what the technology is, how it is applied, and where it has been implemented. A glossary and list of frequently asked questions are very helpful for people new to the subject, and there are also many details such as code requirements and construction issues for the more experienced visitor. [CL]
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JPL Sensor Webs Project
http://sensorwebs.jpl.nasa.gov/
The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory has devised a remarkable new type of sensor that could revolutionize the way scientists gather data. A Sensor Web is a network of many individual sensors that are about the size of a ping-pong ball. By themselves, they collect a single measurement-like temperature or humidity. But an entire Sensor Web can be spread out over a very large area and collect vast amounts of data remotely. The Sensor Webs Web site has a lot of information about the technology and its applications. A fun activity for kids is also given that teaches the basic techniques that Sensor Webs use to collect data. [CL]
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Rapid Prototyping Laboratory: Stanford University [.pdf]
http://www-rpl.stanford.edu/
In today's technology-driven marketplace, groundbreaking advances are made daily, and many companies are struggling to keep up. Rapid prototyping is a system that decreases a product's time-to-market, which can give companies that practice it an edge. Stanford University's Rapid Prototyping Laboratory is very active in research, and its Web site has information on the many projects with which it has been involved. The research section is divided into three parts: applications, processes, and planning. Additionally, there is a large collection of theses and conference papers that are available for free download. [CL]
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California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology
http://www.calit2.net/
The California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology is an advanced research and development organization whose goal is to "extend the reach of the current information infrastructure throughout the physical world to enable anytime/anywhere access." Highlights and news stories from the Institute are given on its Web site, as well as a multimedia section with live Webcasts and a video archive. The Institute has taken an original approach to "layered" research; a detailed overview is given for each research department that comprises one of the five layers of the new Internet. [CL]
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FreeCalc.com: Online Applications for Engineering Design
http://www.freecalc.com/
FreeCalc.com has over fifteen engineering design applications developed by Beacon Engineers Inc, which are useful for quick calculations for work or research. The applications can be used freely online; to be able to save your work and get further benefits, a subscription is required. Categories include general engineering, liquid and gas flow, fans and HVAC, pumps, heat transfer, vessels and tanks, and civil and structural engineering. Each application has a very easy-to-use interface, and there are many options from which to choose. Equipment data sheets are also given on the site for quick printing and submittal to suppliers. There are several additional applications under development. [CL]
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