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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1976

Hybrid theory and calculation of e-N2 scattering

A theory of electron-molecule scattering is developed which is a synthesis of close-coupling and adiabatic-nuclei theories. Specifically, the theory is close-coupling with respect to vibrational degrees of freedom and adiabatic-nuclei with respect to rotation. It can be applied to any number of partial waves required; the remaining ones can be calculated purely in one or the other approximation. A theoretical criterion based on fixed-nuclei calculations is given which indicates those partial waves and energy domains requiring the various approximations. The theory allows all cross sections (pure rotational, vibrational, simultaneous vibration-rotation, differential, and total) to be calculated, and explicit formulas for all these cross sections are given. The theory is applied to low-energy e-N2 scattering. The fixed-nuclei results are such that the criterion shows clearly that vibrational close coupling is necessary, but only for the Pi sub g partial wave. It is found that the close-coupling calculation for this wave gives rise to the substructure as well as the gross structure of the 2.4-eV resonance and that vibrational excitation cross sections are about twice as large as previously inferred.

Chandra, N.↗
NASA NTRS1978

A review of the theory of trailing edge noise

Literature on the theory of the generation of sound by the interaction of low Mach number turbulent flow with the edge of a semi-infinite rigid plate is critically reviewed. Three different approaches to the subject are identified, consisting of theories based on (1) Lighthill's acoustic analogy; (2) the solution of special, linearized hydroacoustic problems; and (3) ad hoc aerodynamic source models. When appropriately interpreted, all relevant theories produce essentially identical predictions in the limit of very small Mach numbers. None of the theories discusses the implications of the Kutta condition, however, nor of the effect of forward flight and source motion relative to the trailing edge. An outline of a redevelopment of the theory is included to give a unified view of the problem, exhibit the significance of the various approximations, and incorporate the effect of mean motion and of the Kutta condition.

Howe, M. S.↗
NASA NTRS1978

A review of the theory of trailing edge noise

A critical review is presented of the literature on the theory of the generation of sound by the interaction of low Mach number turbulent flow with the edge of a semi-infinite rigid plate. Three distinct approaches to the subject are identified, consisting of theories based on (1) Lighthill's acoustic analogy, (2) the solution of special, linearized hydroacoustic problems and (3) ad hoc aerodynamic source models. It is shown that, when appropriately interpreted, all relevant theories produce essentially identical predictions in the limit of very small Mach numbers. In none of the theories, however, are the implications of the Kutta condition discussed, nor of the effect of forward flight and source motion relative to the trailing edge. Accordingly this review includes an outline of a redevelopment of the theory which gives a unified view of the problem, exhibits the significance of the various approximations, and incorporates the effect of mean motion and of the Kutta condition.

Howe, M. S.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Scattering by non-spherical particles of size comparable to a wavelength - A new semi-empirical theory

An approximate method is proposed for evaluating the interaction of randomly oriented, nonspherical particles with the total intensity component of electromagnetic radiation. When the particle size parameter, x, the ratio of particle circumference to wavelength, is less than some upper bound x(o) (about 5), Mie theory is used. For x greater than x(o), the interaction is divided into three components: diffraction, external reflection, and transmission. Physical optics theory is used to obtain the first of these components; geometrical optics theory is applied to the second; and a simple parameterization is employed for the third. The predictions of this theory are found to be in very good agreement with laboratory measurements for a wide variety of particle shapes, sizes, and refractive indexes. Limitations of the theory are also noted.

Pollack, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A Lagrangian mean theory of wave, mean-flow interaction with applications to nonacceleration and its breakdown

A review is given of new Lagrangian mean theory of wave transport. Attention is focused on the so-called 'nonacceleration' theorem, and it is shown that such a theorem arises naturally in the Lagrangian mean framework. Also discussed is a simple example of the Stokes drift, a concept which is central to nonacceleration. The Lagrangian mean theory substantially simplifies and unifies the understanding of wave driving in cases where nonacceleration is violated because of wave transience and dissipation. Moreover, the theory has given new insights in one particular case, that of Rossby gravity wave, mean-flow interaction. These insights have successfully explained some hitherto unresolved paradoxes in the theory of the quasi-biennial oscillation of zonal wind in the equatorial stratosphere. Some brief remarks are also made concerning some of the outstanding difficulties of the theory in need of future investigation.

Dunkerton, T.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A test of two theories for the low-frequency cutoffs of nonthermal continuum radiation

A discussion and analysis of two theories that differently identify the low-frequency cutoffs of nonthermal continuum radiation are presented. The cold plasma theory and an alternate one proposed by Jones (1976) are compared experimentally with the use of continuum radiation data obtained in the outer magnetosphere by the Imp 6 and ISEE 1 spacecraft. It is found that the characteristics of this specific radiation are consistent with those expected of ordinary and extraordinary mode waves described by the cold plasma theory and it is shown that the cutoff frequencies occur at the local plasma frequency and R = 0 cutoff frequency as proposed by the same theory. The inconsistencies which were found between the Jones theory (1976) and observation are presented, and in addition no evidence is found for a component of continuum radiation propagating in the Z mode in the outer magnetosphere.

Shaw, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

On the theory of coronal heating mechanisms

The present state-of-the-art of two classes of theories of coronal heating is examined: (1) heating by acoustic processes in the 'nonmagnetic' parts of the atmosphere (the shock-wave theory is an example); and (2) heating by electrodynamic processes in the magnetic regions of the corona (beta much less than 1) either by MHD waves or current heating in regions with high electric current densities (flare-type heating). It is concluded that the mechanism of the heating of the solar chromosphere and corona remains an open question, especially in explaining detailed atmospheric structures. The acoustic theory might be correct with little modification for most of the chromosphere, but as soon as the atmosphere shows a high degree of structure as in the corona and transition layer the magnetic field must play a dominant role. It appears that the current heating theories have a small range of applicability, while the MHD-wave theories are the most promising.

Kuperus, M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Theory and experiment in gravitational physics

New technological advances have made it feasible to conduct measurements with precision levels which are suitable for experimental tests of the theory of general relativity. This book has been designed to fill a new need for a complete treatment of techniques for analyzing gravitation theory and experience. The Einstein equivalence principle and the foundations of gravitation theory are considered, taking into account the Dicke framework, basic criteria for the viability of a gravitation theory, experimental tests of the Einstein equivalence principle, Schiff's conjecture, and a model theory devised by Lightman and Lee (1973). Gravitation as a geometric phenomenon is considered along with the parametrized post-Newtonian formalism, the classical tests, tests of the strong equivalence principle, gravitational radiation as a tool for testing relativistic gravity, the binary pulsar, and cosmological tests.

Will, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Misconceptions in recent papers on special relativity and absolute space theories

Several recent papers which purport to substantiate or negate arguments in favor of certain theories of absolute space have been based on fallacious principles. This paper discusses three related instances, indicating where misconceptions have arisen. It is established, contrary to popular belief, that the classical Lorentz ether theory accounts for all the experimental evidence which supports the special theory of relativity. It is demonstrated that the ether theory predicts the null results obtained from pulsar timing and Moessbauer experiments. It is concluded that a measurement of the one-way velocity of light has physical meaning within the context of the Lorentz theory, and it is argued that an adequately designed experiment to measure the one-way velocity of light should be attempted.

Torr, D. G.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A survey of unified constitutive theories

The state of the art of time temperature dependent elastic viscoplastic constitutive theories which are based on the unified approach werre assessed. This class of constitutive theories is characterized by the use of kinetic equations and internal variables with appropriate evolutionary equations for treating all aspects of inelastic deformation including plasticity, creep, and stress relaxation. More than 10 such unified theories which are shown to satisfy the uniqueness and stability criteria imposed by Drucker's postulate and Ponter's inequalities are identified. The theories are compared for the types of flow law, kinetic equation, evolutionary equation of the internal variables, and treatment of temperature dependence. The similarities and differences of these theories are outlined in terms of mathematical formulations and illustrated by comparisons of theoretical calculations with experimental results which include monotonic stress-strain curves, cyclic hysteresis loops, creep and stress relaxation rates, and thermomechanical loops. Numerical methods used for integrating these stiff time temperature dependent constitutive equations are reviewed.

Chan, K. S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Nonisentropic unsteady three dimensional small disturbance potential theory

Modifications that allow for more accurate modeling of flow fields when strong shocks are present were made into three dimensional transonic small disturbance (TSD) potential theory. The Engquist-Osher type-dependent differencing was incorporated into the solution algorithm. The modified theory was implemented in the XTRAN3S computer code. Steady flows over a rectangular wing with a constant NACA 0012 airfoil section and an aspect ratio of 12 were calculated for freestream Mach numbers (M) of 0.82, 0.84, and 0.86. The obtained results are compared using the modified and unmodified TSD theories and the results from a three dimensional Euler code are presented. Nonunique solutions in three dimensions are shown to appear for the rectangular wing as aspect ratio increases. Steady and unsteady results are shown for the RAE tailplane model at M = 0.90. Calculations using unmodified theory, modified theory and experimental data are compared.

Gibbons, M. D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Analysis of laminated composite plates using a higher-order shear deformation theory

A higher-order deformation theory is used to analyse laminated anisotropic composite plates for deflections, stresses, natural frequencies and buckling loads. The theory accounts for parabolic distribution of the transverse shear stresses, and requires no shear correction coefficients. A displacement finite element model of the theory is developed, and applications of the element to bending, vibration and stability of laminated plates are discussed. The present solutions are compared with those obtained using the classical plate theory and the three-dimensional elasticity theory.

Phan, N. D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Nonisentropic unsteady three dimensional small disturbance potential theory

Nonisentropic modifications to the three-dimensional transonic small disturbance (TSD) theory, which allows for more accurate modeling of transonic flow fields, are described. The modified flux equation and entropy corrections are presented; the Engquist-Osher differencing (1980) is added to the solution algorithm in order to eliminate the velocity overshoots upstream of shocks. The modified theory is tested in the XTRAN3S finite difference computer code. Steady flows over a rectangular NACA 0012 wing with an aspect ratio of 12 are calculated and compared to Euler equation solutions; good correlation is observed between the data and the modified TSD theory provides more accurate data, particularly for the lift curve slope. The nonisentropic theory is evaluated on an RAE tailplane model for steady and unsteady flows and the modified theory results agree well with the experimental data.

Gibbons, M. D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Reassessment of the theory of stimulated Raman scattering

A modification of the standard theory of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) first proposed by Sparks (1974, 1975) is analyzed and shown to incorporate a possibly important physical effect; however, its original formulation is incorrect. The analysis is based on an exact numerical integration of the coupled equations of the modified theory, the results of which are compared with both the conventional theory of SRS and with one set of experimental data. A reformulation of the modified theory is suggested that leads to a gain which is in somewhat better agreement with the data than is the conventional theory.

Fralick, G. C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Comment on the three-body theory for period changes in RS CVn systems

In the three-body theory for period variations in RS CVn systems, the timing residuals are interpreted as light-travel time differences as the eclipsing system moves about the barycenter of the triple. These residuals can require a larger orbit than Kepler's law allows, given the time scale of the period variations. For only two of eight systems investigated, SV Cam and V471 Tau, is the theory plausible in that the inferred barycentric motion of the binary is smaller than the orbit of the third body, and the inferred properties of the third body are both reasonable and consistent with its remaining hidden. The theory is thus not a general theory for period changes. Observational testing of the theory is straightforward and may lead to the detection of 'brown dwarfs' associated with eclipsing systems through their kinematic effects.

Van Buren, D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Recent developments in rotary-wing aerodynamic theory

Current progress in the computational analysis of rotary-wing flowfields is surveyed, and some typical results are presented in graphs. Topics examined include potential theory, rotating coordinate systems, lifting-surface theory (moving singularity, fixed wing, and rotary wing), panel methods (surface singularity representations, integral equations, and compressible flows), transonic theory (the small-disturbance equation), wake analysis (hovering rotor-wake models and transonic blade-vortex interaction), limitations on computational aerodynamics, and viscous-flow methods (dynamic-stall theories and lifting-line theory). It is suggested that the present algorithms and advanced computers make it possible to begin working toward the ultimate goal of turbulent Navier-Stokes calculations for an entire rotorcraft.

Johnson, W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

On a third-order shear deformation theory for laminated composite shells

A higher-order theory based on an assumed displacement field in which the surface displacements are expanded in powers of the thickness coordinate up to the third order is presented. The theory allows parabolic description of the transverse shear stresses, and therefore the shear correction factors of the usual shear deformation theory are not required in the present theory. The theory also accounts for small strains but moderately large displacements (i.e., von Karman strains). A finite-element model based on independent approximations of the displacements and bending moments (i.e., mixed formulation) is developed. The element is used to analyze cross-ply and angle-ply laminated shells for bending.

Liu, C. F.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Structure of a viscoplastic theory

The general structure of a viscoplastic theory is developed from physical and thermodynamical considerations. The flow equation is of classical form. The dynamic recovery approach is shown to be superior to the hardening function approach for incorporating nonlinear strain hardening into the material response through the evolutionary equation for back stress. A novel approach for introducing isotropic strain hardening into the theory is presented, which results in a useful simplification. In particular, the limiting stress for the kinematic saturation of state (not the drag stress) is the chosen scalar-valued state variable. The resulting simplification is that there is no coupling between dynamic and thermal recovery terms in each evolutionary equation. The derived theory of viscoplasticity has the structure of a two-surface plasticity theory when the response is plasticlike, and the structure of a Bailey-Orowan creep theory when the response is creeplike.

Freed, Alan D.↗