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Watson, V. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Watson, V. R..

Use of a personal computer for dynamical engineering illustrations in a classroom and over an instructional TV network

A personal computer has been used to illustrate physical phenomena and problem solution techniques in engineering classes. According to student evaluations, instruction of concepts was greatly improved through the use of these illustrations. This paper describes the class of phenomena that can be effectively illustrated, the techniques used to create these illustrations, and the techniques used to display the illustrations in regular classrooms and over an instructional TV network. The features of a personal computer required to apply these techniques are listed. The capabilities of some present personal computers are discussed and a forecast of the capabilities of future personal computers is presented.

Watson, V. R.

Comparison of PASCAL and FORTRAN for solving problems in the physical sciences

The paper compares PASCAL and FORTRAN for problem solving in the physical sciences, due to requests NASA has received to make PASCAL available on the Numerical Aerodynamic Simulator (scheduled to be operational in 1986). PASCAL disadvantages include the lack of scientific utility procedures equivalent to the IBM scientific subroutine package or the IMSL package which are available in FORTRAN. Advantages include a well-organized, easy to read and maintain writing code, range checking to prevent errors, and a broad selection of data types. It is concluded that FORTRAN may be the better language, although ADA (patterned after PASCAL) may surpass FORTRAN due to its ability to add complex and vector math, and the specify the precision and range of variables.

Watson, V. R.

The NASA Ames Research Center one- and two-dimensional stratospheric models. Part 2: The two-dimensional model

The two-dimensional model of stratospheric constituents is presented in detail. The derivation of pertinent transport parameters and the numerical solution of the species continuity equations, including a technique for treating the stiff differential equations that represent the chemical kinetic terms, and appropriate methods for simulating the diurnal variations of the solar zenith angle and species concentrations are discussed. Predicted distributions of tracer constituents (ozone, carbon 14, nitric acid) are compared with observed distributions.

Whitten, R. C.

Model predictions of latitude-dependent ozone depletion due to supersonic transport operations

Results are presented from a two-dimensional model of the stratosphere that simulates the seasonal movement of ozone by both wind and eddy transport, and contains all the chemistry known to be important. The calculated reductions in ozone due to NO2 injection from a fleet of supersonic transports are compared with the zonally averaged results of a three-dimensional model for a similar episode of injection. The agreement is good in the northern hemisphere, but is not as good in the southern hemisphere. Both sets of calculations show a strong corridor effect in that the predicted ozone depletions are largest to the north of the flight corridor for aircraft operating in the northern hemisphere.

Borucki, W. J.

Model predictions of latitude-dependent ozone depletion due to aerospace vehicle operations

Results are presented from a two-dimensional model of the stratosphere that simulates the seasonal movement of ozone by both wind and eddy transport, and contains all the chemistry known to be important. The calculated reductions in ozone due to NO2 injection from a fleet of supersonic transports are compared with the zonally averaged results of a three-dimensional model for a similar episode of injection. The agreement is good in the northern hemisphere, but is not as good in the southern hemisphere. Both sets of calculations show a strong corridor effect in that the predicted ozone depletions are largest to the north of the flight corridor for aircraft operating in the northern hemisphere.

Borucki, W. J.

The Ames two-dimensional stratosphere-mesospheric model

A two-dimensional model of the stratosphere and mesosphere has recently been developed at Ames Research Center. The model contains chemistry based on 18 species that are solved for at each step and a seasonally-varying transport model based on both winds and eddy transport. The model is described and a preliminary assessment of the impact of supersonic aircraft flights on the ozone layer is given.

Whitten, R. C.

Measurements of supersonic jet aircraft wakes in the stratosphere

Progress is reported in an experimental program consisting of making supersonic aircraft wakes visible in the stratosphere so that photographs can be taken which yield wake dimensions vs time, and so that aircraft equipped with instruments which measure key exhaust species can find and penetrate the wakes. The object is to provide verification of fluid dynamic and chemical models. Three available models are summarized, and the experimental methods used are described. The Lockheed model predictions correspond in general most closely to experimental wake cross-sectional aerea. NO data are in reasonable agreement with NO predictions, but chemical models are relatively undeveloped, and additional measurements of exhaust products are needed before verification of chemical models becomes possible. However, the overall feasibility of wake visualization for model verification is substantiated. It is emphasized that significant model differences exist that must be resolved before reliable predictions can be made in the wake regimes studied.

Farlow, N. H.

Electric arc apparatus Patent

Electric arc heater with supersonic nozzle and fixed arc length for use in high temperature wind tunnels

Shepard, C. E.