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At least 253 records · Page 14

Reflection Spectrum of Two Level Atoms by an Evanescent Laser Wave

An exact solution and numerical calculation of the reflection of two level atoms by atomic mirror are presented. The curve of reflection coefficient against Rabi frequency calculated shows some new features, and the physical machanism underlying is analyzed.

Tan, Weihan↗

The Dissipation in Laser and in Coherent State

The general process in lasers is defined in the photon number representation d rho(sub n)/dt = mu(sub 0)(u - mu(sub 1) u(exp 2) + mu(sub 2) u(exp 2) + mu(sub 3) u(exp 3)...)rho(sub n), where u is the matrix change operation u rho(sub n) = rho(sub n - 1) - rho(sub n), and mu(sub 1), mu(sub 2),...are the coefficients. In the same way as previous papers, we deduced the generating function G(sub 0)(z,t).

Tan, Weihan↗

The AFDD International Dynamic Stall Workshop on Correlation of Dynamic Stall Models with 3-D Dynamic Stall Data

A variety of empirical and computational fluid dynamics two-dimensional (2-D) dynamic stall models were compared to recently obtained three-dimensional (3-D) dynamic stall data in a workshop on modeling of 3-D dynamic stall of an unswept, rectangular wing, of aspect ratio 10. Dynamic stall test data both below and above the static stall angle-of-attack were supplied to the participants, along with a 'blind' case where only the test conditions were supplied in advance, with results being compared to experimental data at the workshop itself. Detailed graphical comparisons are presented in the report, which also includes discussion of the methods and the results. The primary conclusion of the workshop was that the 3-D effects of dynamic stall on the oscillating wing studied in the workshop can be reasonably reproduced by existing semi-empirical models once 2-D dynamic stall data have been obtained. The participants also emphasized the need for improved quantification of 2-D dynamic stall.

Tan, C. M.↗

Detecting the dynamical state of the atmosphere from the orbital decay of the ODERACS spheres

The orbital decay curve of a satellite having constant cross-sectional area and in circular orbit can furnish valuable information regarding the dynamical state of the atmosphere. It is shown that a rectilinear decay curve having constant downward slope (zero curvature) should indicate that the atmosphere was undergoing compression during that period. A decay curve having concavity upwards (positive curvature) will strongly indicate that the atmosphere was in a contracting phase. A decay curve with downward concavity (negative curvature) may indicate an expanding, a stationary or a contracting atmosphere. This theory, when applied to the orbital decay of the Orbital Debris Radar Calibration Spheres (ODERACS) satellites, indicates that during the period from Day 90 through Day 240 in the year 1994, the atmosphere was very definitely in a compression mode. During this period, ODERACS Sphere 1 faced nearly constant densities while Sphere 6 actually encountered progressively smaller air densities as they descended. The atmospheric scale height as calculated from the orbital data of Spheres 1 and 6 diminished steadily during the same period. It is shown that Spheres 1 and 6 descended faster and slower respectively, than the level of constant air density equal to 5 x 10 kg/m . During a brief period from Day 240 through Day 290, the atmosphere reversed to a strongly expanding mode. Thereafter, the atmosphere reverted back to a compression mode from Day 290 through Day 390, 1994.

Tan, Arjun↗

Expendable Launch Vehicle Studies

Analytical support studies of expendable launch vehicles concentrates on the stability of the dynamics during launch especially during or near the region of maximum dynamic pressure. The in-plane linearized dynamic equations of a generic launch vehicle with multiple flexible bending and fuel sloshing modes are developed. The design of a robust LQR controller based on the reduced order system is accomplished using the parameter perturbation technique. The ELV modeling and analysis team has spent the past three years working on the theoretical development and application of sensitivity analysis to solve eigenvalue problems associated with structural dynamics. Specific application areas include stochastic vibrations, viscously damped vibrations and nonlinear dynamics. In stochastic linear vibrations, sensitivity analysis methods have been developed which determined the expectation and variance of the response for given probability density functions of various stochastic parameters. Examples worked include beam vibrations with up to six stochastic parameters; and the eigensensitivity results differ little from those obtained, with much effect, from Monte Carlo techniques. For viscously damped vibrations, eigensensitivity analysis has given excellent results for homogeneous beams, modeled by either quadratic or quartic eigenvalue equations. Specific applications include Kevin and Maxwell-type viscoelastic beams.

Bainum, P. M.↗

Modeling the low-altitude trapped radiation environment

The predictions of models of trapped energetic particle radiation at low altitudes, including the NASA trapped radiation models, are compared with low altitude measurements of energetic protons and electrons. Knowledge of the trapped energetic particle radiation at low altitudes in the vicinity of the south Atlantic magnetic anomaly is considered to be important for the analysis of the space environmental effects on space systems in this region. The long term trends in the observations are generally consistent with the NASA trapped radiation models. The discrepancies between the models and observations are currently being investigated using a 3D diffusive model and realistic atmospheric and magnetic field models. The requirements for future work and development of low altitude trapped radiation environment models are discussed.

Fung, Shing F.↗

Applications of Parallel Computation in Micro-Mechanics and Finite Element Method

This project discusses the application of parallel computations related with respect to material analyses. Briefly speaking, we analyze some kind of material by elements computations. We call an element a cell here. A cell is divided into a number of subelements called subcells and all subcells in a cell have the identical structure. The detailed structure will be given later in this paper. It is obvious that the problem is "well-structured". SIMD machine would be a better choice. In this paper we try to look into the potentials of SIMD machine in dealing with finite element computation by developing appropriate algorithms on MasPar, a SIMD parallel machine. In section 2, the architecture of MasPar will be discussed. A brief review of the parallel programming language MPL also is given in that section. In section 3, some general parallel algorithms which might be useful to the project will be proposed. And, combining with the algorithms, some features of MPL will be discussed in more detail. In section 4, the computational structure of cell/subcell model will be given. The idea of designing the parallel algorithm for the model will be demonstrated. Finally in section 5, a summary will be given.

Tan, Hui-Qian↗

Optimum Combining of Residual Carrier Array Signals in Correlated Noises

An array feed combining system for the recovery of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) loss due to antenna reflector deformation has been implemented and is currently being evaluated on the Jet Propulsion Laboratory 34-m DSS-13 antenna. The current signal-combining system operates under the assumption that the white Gaussian noise processes in the received signals from different array elements are mutually uncorrelated. However, experimental data at DSS 13 indicate that these noise processes are indeed mutually correlated. The objective of this work is to develop a signal-combining system optimized to account for the mutual correlations between these noise processes. The set of optimum combining weight coefficients that maximizes the combined signal SNR in the correlated noises environment is determined. These optimum weights depend on unknown signal and noise covariance parameters. A maximum-likelihood approach is developed to estimate these unknown parameters to obtain estimates of the optimum weight coefficients based on residual carrier signal samples. The actual combined signal SNR using the estimated weight coefficients is derived and shown to converge to the maximum achievable SNR as the number of signal samples increases. These results are also verified by simulation. A numerical example shows a significant improvement in SNR performance can be obtained, especially when the amount of correlation increases.

Tan, H. H.↗

Exterior and Interior Polar Cusps: Observations from Hawkeye

Hawkeye plasma, magnetic field, and plasma wave instruments directly sampled the throat of the northern polar cusp as the orientation of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) changed from southward to northward on July 3, 1974. Two distinct regions in the polar cusp were identified based on magnetic field, plasma flow and magnetic and electric noise: the interior and exterior cusps. The observations show highly variable flows in the exterior portion of the cusp and constantly strong dawn-dusk flows in the interior portion during periods of strong IMF By component. Results of a minimum variance analysis of the magnetic field at each cusp interface crossing provides evidence that the magnetopause surface normal deviated highly from empirical models. During intervals of relatively steady solar wind dynamic pressure, the motion of the cusp relative to the slow moving spacecraft was modulated by the varying IMF clock angle as observed by IMP 8 in the upstream solar wind. The motion did not show a correlation with internal processes monitored by the A E index. We propose that observed plasma flow patterns and cusp motion are results of reconnection between the IMF and the magnetospheric magnetic field. Flow velocity observed in the interior cusp is consistent with stress balance for a reconnection process. This unique interval provides an opportunity for detailed studies of the plasma, magnetic field, and plasma wave properties in both the exterior and interior cusp.

Chen, S.-H.↗

Design and Testing of an Automated System using Thermochromatic Liquid Crystals to Determine Local Heat Transfer Coefficients for an Impinging Jet

Using thermochromatic liquid crystal to measure surface temperature, an automated transient method with time-varying free-stream temperature is developed to determine local heat transfer coefficients. By allowing the free-stream temperature to vary with time, the need for complicated mechanical components to achieve a step temperature change is eliminated, and by using the thermochromatic liquid crystals as temperature indicators, the labor intensive task of installing many thermocouples is omitted. Bias associated with human perception of the transition of the thermochromatic liquid crystal is eliminated by using a high speed digital camera and a computer. The method is validated by comparisons with results obtained by the steady-state method for a circular Jet impinging on a flat plate. Several factors affecting the accuracy of the method are evaluated.

Tan, Benjamin↗

Handbook on Face Gear Drives with a Spur Involute Pinion

The use of face gears in power transmission and drive systems has a significant number of benefits. Face gears allow a variety of new transmission arrangements as well as high reduction ratio capability. This leads to drive system weight reduction and improvements in performance. In this work, basic information about the design and analysis of face gear drives is presented. The work considers face gears in mesh with spur involute pinions for both intersecting axes and offset drives. Tooth geometry, kinematics, generation of face gears with localized bearing contact by cutting and grinding, avoidance of tooth undercutting, avoidance of tooth pointing, tooth contact analysis, and algorithms for the simulation of meshing and contact arc all topics which are discussed. In addition, applications of face gear drives are presented. Included are design uses in aerospace applications such as helicopter transmissions, split-torque face gear arrangements, comparisons of face gears with bevel gears, and general design considerations.

Litvin, F. L.↗

A Monolithic W-Band Three-Stage LNA Using 0.1 Micron InAlAs/InGaAs/InP HEMT Technology

A monolithic W-band three-stage Low Noise Amplifiers (LNA) based on 0.1 um pseudomorphic InAlAs/InGaAs/InP (High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) has been developed. this LNA demonstrated a noise figure of 4.3 dB and an associated small signal gain of 19 dB at 100 GHz with a low dc power consumption of 20 mW. This is the best reported monolithic W-band LNA performance using InP-based HEMT technology and demonstrates the potential of InP HEMT technology for higher millimeter-wave applications.

Wang, H.↗

The Deep Space 4/Champollion Comet Rendezvous and Lander Technology Demonstration Mission

The Deep Space 4/Champollion mission is designed to test and validate technologies for landing on and anchoring to small bodies, and sample collection and transfer, in preparation for future sample return missions from comets, asteroids, and satellites. in addition, DS-4 will test technologies for advanced, multi-engine solar electric propulsion (SEP) systems, inflatable-rigidizable solar arrays, autonomous navigation and precision guidance for landing, autonomous hazard detection and avoidance, and advanced integrated avionics and packaging concepts. Deep Space-4/Champollion consists of two spacecraft: an orbiter/carrier vehicle which includes the multi-engine SEP stage, and a lander, called Champollion, which will descend to the surface of the 46P/Tempel 1 cometary nucleus. The spacecraft will launch in April, 2003 and land on the comet in September, 2006 Deep Space 4/Champollion is a joint project between NASA and CNES, the French space agency.

Smythe, William D.↗

Three-Dimensional Aerodynamic Instabilities In Multi-Stage Axial Compressors

This thesis presents the conceptualization and development of a computational model for describing three-dimensional non-linear disturbances associated with instability and inlet distortion in multistage compressors. Specifically, the model is aimed at simulating the non-linear aspects of short wavelength stall inception, part span stall cells, and compressor response to three-dimensional inlet distortions. The computed results demonstrated the first-of-a-kind capability for simulating short wavelength stall inception in multistage compressors. The adequacy of the model is demonstrated by its application to reproduce the following phenomena: (1) response of a compressor to a square-wave total pressure inlet distortion; (2) behavior of long wavelength small amplitude disturbances in compressors; (3) short wavelength stall inception in a multistage compressor and the occurrence of rotating stall inception on the negatively sloped portion of the compressor characteristic; (4) progressive stalling behavior in the first stage in a mismatched multistage compressor; (5) change of stall inception type (from modal to spike and vice versa) due to IGV stagger angle variation, and "unique rotor tip incidence" at these points where the compressor stalls through short wavelength disturbances. The model has been applied to determine the parametric dependence of instability inception behavior in terms of amplitude and spatial distribution of initial disturbance, and intra-blade-row gaps. It is found that reducing the inter-blade row gaps suppresses the growth of short wavelength disturbances. It is also concluded from these parametric investigations that each local component group (rotor and its two adjacent stators) has its own instability point (i.e. conditions at which disturbances are sustained) for short wavelength disturbances, with the instability point for the compressor set by the most unstable component group. For completeness, the methodology has been extended to describe finite amplitude disturbances in high-speed compressors. Results are presented for the response of a transonic compressor subjected to inlet distortions.

Tan, Choon S.↗

Land Use Effects on Atmospheric C-13 Imply a Sizable Terrestrial CO2 Sink in Tropical Latitudes

Records of atmospheric CO2 and 13-CO2, can be used to distinguish terrestrial vs. oceanic exchanges of CO2 with the atmosphere. However, this approach has proven difficult in the tropics, partly due to extensive land conversion from C-3 to C-4 vegetation. We estimated the effects of such conversion on biosphere-atmosphere C-13 exchange for 1991 through 1999, and then explored how this 'land-use disequilibrium' altered the partitioning of net atmospheric CO2 exchanges between ocean and land using NOAA-CMDL data and a 2D, zonally averaged atmospheric transport model. Our results show sizable CO2 uptake in C-3-dominated tropical regions in seven of the nine years; 1997 and 1998, which included a strong ENSO event, are near neutral. Since these fluxes include any deforestation source, our findings imply either that such sources are smaller than previously estimated, and/or the existence of a large terrestrial CO2 sink in equatorial latitudes.

Townsend, Alan R.↗

Polyimide Composites from 'Salt-Like' Solution Precursors

Four NASA Langley-developed polyimide matrix resins, LaRC(TM)-IA, LaRC(TM)-IAX, LaRC(TM)-8515 and LaRC(TM)-PETI-5, were produced via a 'saltlike' process developed by Unitika Ltd. The salt-like solutions (65% solids in NMP) were prepregged onto Hexcel IM7 carbon fiber using the NASA LaRC multipurpose tape machine. Process parameters were determined and composite panels fabricated. The temperature dependent volatile depletion rates, the thermal crystallization behavior and the resin rheology were characterized. Composite molding cycles were developed which consistently yielded well consolidated, void-free laminated parts. Composite mechanical properties such as the short beam shear strength; the longitudinal and transverse flexural strength and flexural modulus; the longitudinal compression strength and modulus; and the open hole compression strength and compression after impact strength were measured at room temperature and elevated temperatures. The processing characteristics and the composite mechanical properties of the four intermediate modulus carbon fiber/polyimide matrix composites were compared to existing data on the same polyimide resin systems and IM7 carbon fiber manufactured via poly(amide acid) solutions (30-35% solids in NMP). This work studies the effects of varying the synthetic route on the processing and mechanical properties of the polyimide composites.

Cano, Roberto J.↗

Development of Face Gear Technology for Industrial and Aerospace Power Transmission

Tests of a 250 horsepower proof-of-concept (POC) split torque face gear transmission were completed by The Boeing Company in Mesa, Arizona, while working under a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Technology Reinvestment Program (TRP) This report provides a summary of these cooperative tests, which were jointly funded by Boeing and DARPA Design, manufacture and testing of the scaled-power TRP split torque gearbox followed preliminary evaluations of the concept performed early in the program The testing demonstrated the theory of operation for the concentric, tapered face gear assembly The results showed that the use of floating pinions in a concentric face gear arrangement produces a nearly even torque split The POC split torque tests determined that, with some improvements, face gears can be applied effectively in a split torque configuration which yields significant weight, cost and reliability improvements over conventional designs.

Heath, Gregory F.↗

Reduction of Convection in Closed Tube Vapor Transport Experiments

The primary objective of this effort was to develop a method for suppressing convective flows during the growth of mercurous chloride crystals by vapor transport in closed tubes to levels approaching those obtained in the microgravity environment. Mercurous chloride was chosen because it is a technologically interesting acoustical optical material whose optical properties are believed to be affected by convective flows. Since the Grashof number scales as the cube of the smallest dimension in the flow system, reduction of the size scale can be extremely effective in reducing unwanted convective flows. However, since materials of practical interest must be grown at least on the cm scale, reduction of the overall growth system is not feasible. But if the region just above the growing crystal could be restricted to a few mm, considerable reduction in flow velocity would result. By suspending an effusive barrier in the growth ampoule just above the growth interface, it should be possible to reduce the convective velocity in this vicinity to levels approaching flows in microgravity. If successful, this growth technique will offer a screening test for proposed space experiments that involve vapor transport to see if reduction of convection will result in improved material and will set a new standard against which the improvements obtained in microgravity may be judged. In addition, it may provide an improved method for preparing materials on Earth whose growth is affected adversely by convection. If the properties of this material can be improved there is a potential commercial interest from Brimrose Inc., who has agreed to fabricate and test devices from the crystals we have grown. This report describes the development of the growth facility, the purification processes developed for preparing the starting material, and the results from growth experiments with and without the effusive baffle. Mercurous chloride turned out to be a more difficult material to deal with than originally anticipated. At growth temperatures, it is extremely sensitive to practically any impurity which causes it to form oxychlorides and/or to decompose into elemental mercury and bichloride of mercury. We were unable to find a suitable method for protecting the magnetic material used to suspend the effusion barrier from the attack of mercurous chloride vapor. Although we were successful in growing single crystals of mercurous chloride without the effusion baffle, they exhibited severe microcracking which we attribute to wall-induced thermal stresses. This leads us to believe that uncontrolled convection may not be the most important problem in the development of this material and a new growth process was attempted that eliminates the wall-induced stress. Unfortunately, the grant ran out before this new method could be adequately tested.

Naumann, R. J.↗