[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 144 (Thursday, November 3, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S12349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NASA GLENN RESEARCH AWARDS

  Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the dedicated team 
of scientists, engineers, and innovators of NASA's Glenn Research 
Center in Cleveland for their hard work and perseverance. I have 
recognized in previous years the award-winning work of researchers and 
engineers at NASA Glenn and am proud to do so again today.
  The Glenn Research Center has come up with a wide range of products 
that not only contribute to further progress in our space exploration 
mission, but also provide for remarkable enhancements in the quality of 
life of citizens throughout the United States. Through NASA's 
commercialization initiatives, these products have enabled the creation 
of new jobs in the country, thereby encouraging additional economic 
growth nationwide.
  This year, four products introduced by NASA Glenn have been 
distinguished among the ``Top 100 Most Technologically Significant 
Products of the Year.'' They have been recognized by the editors of 
Research & Design Magazine and awarded four of the ``R&D 100'' awards--
awards known by many as the ``Oscars of Invention.'' Their remarkable 
achievements clearly illustrate the high level of professionalism that 
distinguishes the Glenn Research Center, its employees, and the 
numerous organizations and individuals who work in partnership with the 
Center.
  It is with great pride that I recognize each of the award 
participants and congratulate them for their outstanding work. In 
developing an award-winning family of rod-coil block copolymers, Dr. 
Mary Ann Meador and Dr. James Kinder of Glenn's Materials Division have 
improved ionic conductivity in lithium polymer batteries. These new 
polymers will enable cost-saving advances in battery technologies, 
resulting in improvements to products ranging from mobile phones to 
fuel cells. Through this important innovation, it will be possible to 
offer lower manufacturing costs, while increasing battery safety to 
meet future aerospace application requirements.
  The NASA Glenn Sensors and Electronics Branch team has been 
recognized for its development of a new sensor-based fire detection 
system that effectively recognizes the presence of fire while screening 
out false alarms. Dr. Gary Hunter led the development effort in 
collaboration with colleagues from Case Western Reserve University, the 
Ohio State University, Makel Engineering, and the Federal Aviation 
Administration. This revolutionary device will improve fire alarms in 
cargo and baggage compartments of commercial aircraft and is also 
specifically adapted to fit the requirements of the International Space 
Station.
  The Center also has received recognition for its work on a material 
known as the Glenn Refractory Adhesive for Bonding and Exterior Repair, 
GRABER. This material, which was considered for use in the Space 
Shuttle Return to Flight program, was developed and tested by Dr. 
Mrityunjay ``Jay'' Singh, now a four-time ``R&D 100'' award winner, and 
Tarah Shpargel of NASA Glenn's Ceramics Branch. This dynamic material 
will allow in-space repair of both large and small cracks in the space 
shuttle thermal protection system--a capability that is absolutely 
essential for the safety and success of future Space Shuttle missions 
following the tragic loss of the Columbia. In addition to its 
applications in space, GRABER has a number of potential industrial 
applications due to its low cost and excellent adhesive properties.
  Finally, NASA Glenn's Numerical Evaluation of Stochastic Structures 
Under Stress, NESSUS, software program has been recognized as an award 
winner this year. The NESSUS program combines state-of-the-art 
algorithms with general-purpose numerical analysis methods to predict 
responses in hi-tech systems, such as aerospace and automotive 
structures, biomechanics, and gas turbine engines. Dr. Shantaram Pai, 
of Glenn's Structural Mechanics and Dynamics Branch, was responsible 
for developing the probabilistic heat transfer module integrated in the 
system and managing the integration of nine other NASA-developed 
modules into NESSUS, enabling analysis of a diverse range of problems.
  I extend my most genuine congratulations to everyone who participated 
in each of NASA Glenn's award-winning projects.

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