Materials for Space Applications: Volume 851

by Mircea Chipara (Editor), David L. Edwards (Editor), Roberto S. Benson (Editor)

Severe-environment survivability is the key factor in the development of new space materials. These materials must exhibit excellent physical properties accompanied by lightweight, reusability, and multifunctional capabilities, or must be related to processes that involve either low-energy consumption or a highly efficient method of energy storage, conversion or production. This book offers a scientific and technical discussion and analysis of modifications induced by extreme conditions of the space environment. Contributions focus on: polymers and composites based on polymeric matrices; the effect of the space environment and of the simulated space environment on materials; the effect of ionizing radiations and electromagnetic radiation on polymers and composite materials; and the stability of polymeric materials against the atomic oxygen attack. Safety issues require accurate estimations of the reliability of space materials and, in particular, of nanomaterials and associated devices. The role of these materials in future space projects such as the solar sail and the space elevator, as well as in near future missions, is addressed.

Genres: History

604 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[J.M. Hushour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking out evidence for pre-Christian religions, folk beliefs, and worldviews is a tricky affair that has dogged scholars for decades. In witchcraft studies, much of the evidence for this comes from inquisitional texts and testimonies, and can thus be attributed to evidence-under-pressure, as well as the need for conformity to existing beliefs, read: whatever the interrogators want you to say.
Filotas digs in, though, and pores through pastoral texts, sermons, and lectures over many centuries and tries to at least begin to collate some data on what "pagans" believed, what survived and, eventually, what they transmuted into. A lot of scholars like Lecouteux and Ginzburg see witchery as a survival of this and that was my primary reason for reading it.
There is a treasure trove of relevant stuff here, and little analysis, and what there is is, blessedly, hesitant. Everything is covered here, from deities and idolatry to funeral customs, crossroads, and food taboos. The Christian reaction is refocused as a reaction to extant customs, rather than a mere obliterating force.
A great work which sets the foundation for a lot insanely fascinating future work, one could hope!