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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 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1980

Phobos and deimos: Analysis of surface features, ejecta dynamics and a volatile loss mechanism

The question of whether the crater population on Phobos represents a production population or an equilibrium population is considered. The absolute ages of cratered surfaces are interpreted and analyzed. A computer program was developed to study the dynamics of material ejected from Martian satellites and to investigate the hypothesis that at least some of the extensive set of linear features discovered on the surface of Phobos could be the result of secondary cratering from the Stickney impact. The possibility that Deimos was catastrophically disrupted by a large impact but subsequently reaccreted is considered as well as the probability the Phobos had an impact nearly large enough to disrupt it are also discussed.

Davis, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Control and dynamics study for the satellite power system. Volume 1: MPTS/SPS collector dynamic analysis and surface deformation

The basic dynamic properties and performance characteristics of the microwave power transmission satellite antenna were analyzed in an effort to develop criteria, requirements, and constraints for the control and structure design. The vibrational properties, the surface deformation, and the corresponding scan loss under the influence of disturbances are considered.

Wang, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

A basis for the analysis of surface geometry of spiral bevel gears

Geometrical procedures helpful in the fundamental studies of the surface geometry of spiral bevel gears are summarized. These procedures are based upon: (1) fundamental gear geometry and kinematics as exposited by Buckingham, et al; (2) formulas developed from differential geometry; and (3) geometrical concepts developed in recent papers and reports on spiral bevel gear surface geometry. Procedures which characterize the geometry so that the surface parametric equations, the principal radii of curvature, and the meshing kinematics are systematically determined are emphasized. Initially, the focus in on theoretical, logarithmic spiral bevel gears as defined by Buckingham. The gears, however, are difficult to fabricate and are sometimes considered to be too straight. Circular-cut spiral bevel gears are an alternative to this. Surface characteristics of crown circular cut gears are analyzed.

Huston, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Analysis of surface pressure distributions on two elliptic missile configurations

The state-of-the-art methods for predicting missile aerodynamic characteristics do not accurately predict the loads of missile configurations with bodies of elliptic cross section. An investigation of this problem found significant nonlinear flow disturbance on the windward surface of a 3:1 elliptic body at Mach 2.50 in addition to the nonlinear vortical flows which develop on the leeside. A nonlinear full-potential flow method (NCOREL) was found to provide extremely accurate pressure estimates for attached-flow conditions and the vortex prediction method contained in the state-of-the-art method (NOSEVTX) was shown to accurately calculate body vortices and leeside pressures.

Allen, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Improved silicon nitride for advanced heat engines

The AiResearch Casting Company baseline silicon nitride (92 percent GTE SN-502 Si sub 3 N sub 4 plus 6 percent Y sub 2 O sub 3 plus 2 percent Al sub 2 O sub 3) was characterized with methods that included chemical analysis, oxygen content determination, electrophoresis, particle size distribution analysis, surface area determination, and analysis of the degree of agglomeration and maximum particle size of elutriated powder. Test bars were injection molded and processed through sintering at 0.68 MPa (100 psi) of nitrogen. The as-sintered test bars were evaluated by X-ray phase analysis, room and elevated temperature modulus of rupture strength, Weibull modulus, stress rupture, strength after oxidation, fracture origins, microstructure, and density from quantities of samples sufficiently large to generate statistically valid results. A series of small test matrices were conducted to study the effects and interactions of processing parameters which included raw materials, binder systems, binder removal cycles, injection molding temperatures, particle size distribution, sintering additives, and sintering cycle parameters.

Yeh, H. C.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Reflector surface distortion analysis techniques (thermal distortion analysis of antennas in space)

A group of large computer programs are used to predict the farfield antenna pattern of reflector antennas in the thermal environment of space. Thermal Radiation Analysis Systems (TRASYS) is a thermal radiation analyzer that interfaces with Systems Improved Numerical Differencing Analyzer (SINDA), a finite difference thermal analysis program. The programs linked together for this analysis can now be used to predict antenna performance in the constantly changing space environment. They can be used for very complex spacecraft and antenna geometries. Performance degradation caused by methods of antenna reflector construction and materials selection are also taken into consideration. However, the principal advantage of using this program linkage is to account for distortions caused by the thermal environment of space and the hygroscopic effects of the dry-out of graphite/epoxy materials after the antenna is placed into orbit. The results of this type of analysis could ultimately be used to predict antenna reflector shape versus orbital position. A phased array antenna distortion compensation system could then use this data to make RF phase front corrections. That is, the phase front could be adjusted to account for the distortions in the antenna feed and reflector geometry for a particular orbital position.

Sharp, R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

GENSURF: A mesh generator for 3D finite element analysis of surface and corner cracks in finite thickness plates subjected to mode-1 loadings

A computer program that generates three-dimensional (3D) finite element models for cracked 3D solids was written. This computer program, gensurf, uses minimal input data to generate 3D finite element models for isotropic solids with elliptic or part-elliptic cracks. These models can be used with a 3D finite element program called surf3d. This report documents this mesh generator. In this manual the capabilities, limitations, and organization of gensurf are described. The procedures used to develop 3D finite element models and the input for and the output of gensurf are explained. Several examples are included to illustrate the use of this program. Several input data files are included with this manual so that the users can edit these files to conform to their crack configuration and use them with gensurf.

Raju, I. S.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Analysis of surface wave propagation in a grounded dielectric slab covered by a resistive sheet

Both parallel and perpendicular polarized surface waves are known to propagate on lossless and lossy grounded dielectric slabs. Surface wave propagation on a grounded dielectric slab covered with a resistive sheet is considered. Both parallel and perpendicular polarizations are examined. Transcendental equations are derived for each polarization and are solved using iterative techniques. Attenuation and phase velocity are shown for representative geometries. The results are applicable to both a grounded slab with a resistive sheet and an ungrounded slab covered on each side with a resistive sheet.

Shively, David G.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Mars dust storm simulations: Analysis of surface stress

The primary mechanism by which dust is inserted into the Martian atmosphere is the interaction of low-level atmospheric motions with the planet's surface. Near-surface winds exert a shear stress upon dust particles resting on the Martian surface, and at some lower threshold limit of stress magnitude, approximately 0.04 N-m(exp -2), particles are set into motion. Wind tunnel studies indicate that the first particles are too large to remain in suspension in the Martian atmosphere, but their impact back upon the surface can set smaller suspendable particles into motion. This process is termed saltation. Numerical simulations of Martian dust storms were carried out via the interactive coupling of the NASA Ames Mars general circulation Model with an aerosol transport/microphysical model.

Murphy, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Stability analysis of surface tension effects on a double-diffusive layer

The linear stability characteristics of a fluid layer with simultaneous temperature and concentration gradients in a reduced gravity field are examined. The surface tension of the fluid is assumed to be a linear function of temperature and concentration. It is concluded that a small amount of gravity may damp out oscillatory instability or may alter its dynamics so that instability appears as steady convection. The onset of salt-finger instability may be in the overstable mode due to the surface tension method. The Lewis and Prandtl numbers of the material have a strong influence on the stability boundaries and onset characteristics of the system.

Chen, C. F.↗
NASA NTRS1993

surf3d: A 3-D finite-element program for the analysis of surface and corner cracks in solids subjected to mode-1 loadings

A computer program, surf3d, that uses the 3D finite-element method to calculate the stress-intensity factors for surface, corner, and embedded cracks in finite-thickness plates with and without circular holes, was developed. The cracks are assumed to be either elliptic or part eliptic in shape. The computer program uses eight-noded hexahedral elements to model the solid. The program uses a skyline storage and solver. The stress-intensity factors are evaluated using the force method, the crack-opening displacement method, and the 3-D virtual crack closure methods. In the manual the input to and the output of the surf3d program are described. This manual also demonstrates the use of the program and describes the calculation of the stress-intensity factors. Several examples with sample data files are included with the manual. To facilitate modeling of the user's crack configuration and loading, a companion program (a preprocessor program) that generates the data for the surf3d called gensurf was also developed. The gensurf program is a three dimensional mesh generator program that requires minimal input and that builds a complete data file for surf3d. The program surf3d is operational on Unix machines such as CRAY Y-MP, CRAY-2, and Convex C-220.

Raju, I. S.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Optoelectronic Instruments For Analysis Of Surface Defects

Family of portable optoelectronic instruments developed to facilitate inspection of surface flaws like gouges, scratches, raised metal, and dents on large metal workpieces subject to surface-finish requirements. Instrument brought to workpiece and semiautomatically makes electronic record of three-dimensional shape of flaw. Entire inspection process takes only minutes. Prototype instrument includes structured-light microscope. Concept involves projection of known pattern of light onto surface inspected. Topography of surface determined from distortion of pattern as viewed through instrument.

Collins, J. David↗
NASA NTRS1995

Semiempirical Analysis of Surface Alloy Formation

The BFS method for alloys is applied to the study of surface alloy formation. This method was previously used to examine the experimental STM observation of surface alloying of Au on Ni(110) for low Au coverages by means of a numerical simulation. In this work, we extend the study to include other cases of surface alloying for immiscible as well as miscible metals. All binary combinations of Ni, Au, Cu, and Al are considered and the simulation results are compared to experiment when data is available. The driving mechanisms of surface alloy formation are then discussed in terms of the BFS method and the available results.

Bozzolo, Guillermo↗
NASA NTRS2003

Analysis of Surface and Bulk Behavior in Ni-Pd Alloys

The most salient features of the surface structure and bulk behavior of Ni-Pd alloys have been studied using the BFS method for alloys. Large-scale atomistic simulations were performed to investigate surface segregation profiles as a function of temperature, crystal face, and composition. Pd enrichment of the first layer was observed in (111) and (100) surfaces, and enrichment of the top two layers occurred for (110) surfaces. In all cases, the segregation profile shows alternate planes enriched and depleted in Pd. In addition, the phase structure of bulk Ni-Pd alloys as a function of temperature and composition was studied. A weak ordering tendency was observed at low temperatures, which helps explain the compositional oscillations in the segregation profiles. Finally, based on atom-by-atom static energy calculations, a comprehensive explanation for the observed surface and bulk features will be presented in terms of competing chemical and strain energy effects.

Bozzolo, Guillermo↗
NASA NTRS2004

3D Surface Reconstruction and Automatic Camera Calibration

Illustrations in this view-graph presentation are presented on a Bayesian approach to 3D surface reconstruction and camera calibration.Existing methods, surface analysis and modeling,preliminary surface reconstruction results, and potential applications are addressed.

Jalobeanu, Andre↗