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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 271 records · Page 15
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1980

Atmospheric effects on radiometric imaging from satellites under low optical thickness conditions

The interference that the atmosphere poses to analyzing the imagery taken by satellite-borne instruments is discussed, assuming a cloud-free, planar, and horizontally uniform atmosphere. An approximate explicit formula is derived for the earth-atmosphere system nadir-beam reflectivity in terms of the atmospheric parameters, object pixel reflectivity and surrounding area reflectivity, for the limiting case of an optically thin atmosphere. The concepts of the forward-scattering and the backward-scattering optical thickness are introduced, and it is shown that the atmospheric effects in a spectral band depend in a specific fashion on these atmospheric parameters and on the surface spectral reflectivity. In addition, contrast transmittance through the atmosphere, which affects the possibilities of photointerpretation, is discussed.

Otterman, J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Laser velocimetry technique applied to the Langley 0.3 meter transonic cryogenic tunnel

A low power laser velocimeter operating in the forward scatter mode was used to measure free stream mean velocities in the Langley 0.3 Meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel. Velocity ranging from 51 to 235 m/s was measured. Measurements were obtained for a variety of nominal tunnel conditions: Mach numbers from 0.20 to 0.77, total temperatures from 100 to 250 K, and pressures from 101 to 152 kPa. Particles were not injected to augment the existing Mie scattering materials. Liquid nitrogen droplets were the existing liqht scattering material. Tunnel vibrations and thermal effects had no detrimental effects on the optical system.

Gartrell, L. R.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Photometry and polarimetry of Saturn's rings from Pioneer Saturn

A profile of the average normal optical depth for Saturn's rings between 1.22 and 2.35 Saturn radii is examined. In the A and B rings, horizontal inhomogeneities make these values deceptive. A thinner component of the B ring with an optical depth below 0.08 covers up to 4% of its surface area. In the A ring, the more transparent component covers more than 7% of its area and has an optical depth greater than 0.10. These thinner parts of the rings would rarely be apparent from earth based observations. The particles of the C ring are larger than 15 microns and differ from those of the B and A rings. The C ring is either homogeneous with high albedo and forward scattering phase functions, or shows a gradient in albedo with distance from Saturn. Polarimetry of Saturn's ring provides only an upper limit (below 15%) which is consistent with ground-based predictions. Polarization in the outer A ring is negative.

Esposito, L. W.↗
NASA NTRS1980

First Voyager view of the rings of Saturn

Voyager 1 imaging data of the Saturn rings, taken at a resolution of 1000 km/line pair between September 3 and October 13, 1980 are discussed. It is pointed out that as the spacecraft approached Saturn, finer radial structure in the rings between and within the major divisions became apparent, together with extensive azimuthal structure in the B ring. It is shown that the fine structure observed in the rings cannot, for the most part, be attributed to classical resonances with the known inner satellites. Preliminary model calculations of ring brightness based on photometry data indicate that the particles of the A and B rings are characterized by a greater degree of diffuse backscattering ability than previously suspected, behaving like Lambert spheres, while those of the C ring are either darker or more highly forward scattering than the A or B ring particles.

Collins, S.A.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Far-ultraviolet diffuse galactic light

Diffuse galactic light is detected at very low galactic latitudes, and useful upper limits are obtained at moderate and high galactic latitudes. Together, these data indicate that the albedo of the interstellar grains is high (a greater than 0.5) and that the grains very strongly (g greater than 0.7) forward-scatter far-ultraviolet radiation.

Henry, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Pioneer fly-by of Saturn and its rings

Results acquired by the imaging photopolarimeter on board Pioneer 11 during the spacecraft fly-by of Saturn and its rings on September 1, 1979 are reviewed. Analysis of the broadband photometry and polarimetry obtained of the Saturn atmosphere has been used to determine a cloud top height of 300 mb and a scale height of the aerosol distribution about 1/4 that of the ambient gas, and to point out differences between the forward scattering and belt and zone characteristics of the Saturn and Jupiter atmospheres. Images of Saturn's rings have been used to derive a profile of ring optical depth between 1.22 and 2.35 Saturn radii, and reveal new divisions and thin rings and azimuthal variations in the brightness of the A ring not observable from earth. Linear polarization observations of Titan in red and blue light reveal that the aerosols near the top of the atmosphere have radii less than about 0.09 micron and that the optical thickness of the small aerosol layer is about 0.6 above an effectively depolarizing surface, and indicate radii of 2845 + or - 25 km and 2880 + or - 22 km in red and blue light, respectively. Earth-based and spacecraft data are consistent with the formation of rings structures as a result of Poynting-Robertson drag and gravitational satellite resonances with the original ice and rock particles.

Gehrels, T.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Application of the laser Doppler velocimeter in aerodynamic flows

Applications of the laser doppler velocimeter (LDV) are discussed. Measurements were made of the flowfield around a tangent-ogive model in a low turbulent, incompressible flow at an incidence of 45 deg. The free-stream velocity was 80 ft per second. The flowfield velocities in several cross-flow planes were measured with a 2-D, two-color LDC operated in a backscatter mode. Measurements were concentrated in the secondary separation region. A typical survey is given. The survey was taken at a model location where the maximum side force occurs. The overall character of the leeward flowfield with the influence of the two body vorticles are shown. Measurements of the velocity and density flowfields in the shock-layer region of a reentry-vehicle indented nose configuration were carried out at Mach 5. The velocity flowfield was measured with a 2-color, 2-D, forward-scatter LDV system. Because of the need to minimize particle lag in the shock-layer region, polystyrene particles with a mean diameter of 0.312 microns were used for the scattering particles. The model diameter was 6 inches.

Yanta, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Mars atmospheric opacity effects observed in the Northern Hemisphere by Viking orbiter imaging

Viking orbiter television camera observations of Mars contrasts show variations of atmospheric opacity in the Southern Hemisphere. The study is extended into the Northern Hemisphere, over a longer time period, and results in a detailed description of photometric changes at the lander sites, as seen from orbit. During the period of January 1977 to April 1978, a series of four storms at 202 deg, 264 deg, 40 deg and 86 deg latitudes have provided photometric changes and planetwide aerosol distributions for 18 months. It is found that the large, forward-scattering particles did not enter the atmosphere at the storm's onsets. A reduction of atmospheric transmission by over 20% at visual wavelengths remained for nearly one Martian year.

Thorpe, T. E.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Functional methods for waves in random media

Some basic ideas in functional methods for waves in random media are illustrated through a simple random differential equation. These methods are then generalized to solve certain random parabolic equations via an exponential representation given by the Feynman-Kac formula. It is shown that these functional methods are applicable to a number of problems in random wave propagation. They include the forward-scattering approximation in Gaussian white-noise media; the solution of the optical beam propagation problem by a phase-integral method; the high-frequency scattering by bounded random media, and a derivation of approximate moment equations from the functional integral representation.

Chow, P. L.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Functional methods for waves in random media

Some basic ideas in functional methods for waves in random media are illustrated through a simple random differential equation. These methods are then generalized to solve certain random parabolic equations via an exponential representation given by the Feynman-Kac formula. It is shown that these functional methods are applicable to a number of problems in random wave propagation. They include the forward-scattering approximation in Gaussian white-noise media; the solution of the optical beam propagation problem by a phase-integral method; the high-frequency scattering by bounded random media; and a derivation of approximate moment equations from the functional integral representation.

Chow, P. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

VLA observations of Saturn at 1.3, 2, and 6 cm

Radio maps with a resolution of 1.5 arcsec were made of Saturn at 1.3, 2, and 6 cm. The inclination of the ring plane was -5.4 deg. A fraction of 0.49 + or - 0.08 of Saturn's emitted light is transmitted through the rings at 2 and 6 cm. This value converts to an effective head-on or normal optical depth of 0.07 + or - 0.02. The transparency at this small inclination angle must be provided entirely by the regions of very low optical depth, e.g., the Cassini and Encke's Divisions, and to achieve the desired number this requires either a relatively large fraction of gaps or a strong forward scattering by the ring particles. The planetary disk appears to be much less limb darkened in the N-S than the E-W direction, while cuts across the planet, averaged over all directions, agree with the theoretical limb-darkening curves for a planet with a uniform atmosphere and solar abundances for all chemical elements.

De Pater, I.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Cosmic far-ultraviolet background radiation

It is demonstrated that interstellar dust grains forward-scatter far-ultraviolet radiation extremely strongly: the value of the Henyey-Greenstein scattering parameter g at 1425 A is shown to be at least 0.75; the actual value is very likely greater than 0.9. Also, observations of the Virgo cluster of galaxies sets a limit of tau greater than 2 x 10 to the 25th sec on the lifetime of 17-20 ev/C-squared heavy neutrinos, if such neutrinos are responsible for the gravitational binding of the cluster.

Henry, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Current status of visibility sensors for aviation

The development of a new increased range higher visibility was investigated. The visibility sensor that is currently is the Transmissometer. Current transmissometer technology provides only a factor of 10 dynamic range with a single base line. The FAA is preparing to install automated weather observing systems (AWOS) at many locations. These systems require visibilities up to approximately 5 miles. To use a transmissometer for this type of measurement, the base line must be about 1,000 feet; where alignment becomes very difficult to maintain. New technologies were developd for measuring visibility. Improved transmissometers, forward-scatter meters and back-scatter meters have become available. A current practical issue for visibility sensors is how to specify one that is good enough to meet the needs of aviation. The first question is what performance is required; how accurately must the sensor measure? Visibility sensors do not actually measure the visibility directly. The purpose of measuring the visibility is to predict what the pilot will see a considerable distance away from the sensor location. The atmosphere introduces considerable variation in the measurement and the basic sensor accuracy needed is difficult to define. The second question for high visibilities is what to use as the standard reference sensor. The third question pertains to the competitive procurement of visibility sensors, which is mandated at present. Two acceptance test procedures to be used to insure satisfactory sensor performance is examined.

David C. Burnham↗
NASA NTRS1984

Characteristics of inhomogeneous jets in confined swirling air flows

An experimental program to study the characteristics of inhomogeneous jets in confined swirling flows to obtain detailed and accurate data for the evaluation and improvement of turbulent transport modeling for combustor flows is discussed. The work was also motivated by the need to investigate and quantify the influence of confinement and swirl on the characteristics of inhomogeneous jets. The flow facility was constructed in a simple way which allows easy interchange of different swirlers and the freedom to vary the jet Reynolds number. The velocity measurements were taken with a one color, one component DISA Model 55L laser-Doppler anemometer employing the forward scatter mode. Standard statistical methods are used to evaluate the various moments of the signals to give the flow characteristics. The present work was directed at the understanding of the velocity field. Therefore, only velocity and turbulence data of the axial and circumferential components are reported for inhomogeneous jets in confined swirling air flows.

So, R. M. C.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The role of surface generated radicals in catalytic combustion

The role of surface generated OH radicals in determining the catalytic ignition characteristics for propane oxidation on platinum were studied. The experiments were conducted in a stacked-plate, catalyst bed. Transient measurements, during catalytic ignition, of the catalyst's axial temperature profile were made and the effect of equivalence ratio, inlet temperature and inlet velocity was investigated. These measurements will provide insights which will be useful in planning and interpreting to OH measurements. Attempts to measure OH concentration in the catalyst bed using resonance absorption spectroscopy were unsuccessful, indicating that OH concentrations are below 10 to the 16th power/cc but still possibly above equilibrium values. Measurements are currently underway using forward scatter laser induced fluorescence which should extend the OH detection limits several orders of magnitude below the equilibrium concentrations.

Santavicca, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

An experimental investigation of gas jets in confined swirling air flow

The fluid dynamics of jets in confined swirling flows which is of importance to designers of turbine combustors and solid fuel ramjets used to power missiles fired from cannons were examined. The fluid dynamics of gas jets of different densities in confined swirling flows were investigated. Mean velocity and turbulence measurements are made with a one color, one component laser velocimeter operating in the forward scatter mode. It is shown that jets in confined flow with large area ratio are highly dissipative which results in both air and helium/air jet centerline velocity decays. For air jets, the jet like behavior in the tube center disappears at about 20 diameters downstream of the jet exit. This phenomenon is independent of the initial jet velocity. The turbulence field at this point also decays to that of the background swirling flow. A jet like behavior in the tube center is noticed even at 40 diameters for the helium/air jets. The subsequent flow and turbulence field depend highly on the initial jet velocity. The jets are fully turbulent, and the cause of this difference in behavior is attributed to the combined action swirl and density difference. This observation can have significant impact on the design of turbine combustors and solid fuel ramjets subject to spin.

Mongia, H.↗
NASA NTRS1984

A new technique for measuring sputtering yields at high energies

The use of thin, self-supporting carbon catcher foils allows one to measure sputtering yields in a broad range of materials with high sensitivity. Analyzing the foils with Rutherford forward scattering, sputtered Al, Si and P surface densities down to 5 x 10 to the 13th per sq cm with uncertainties of about 20 percent have been measured.

Qiu, Y.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Behavior of turbulent gas jets in an axisymmetric confinement

The understanding of the mixing of confined turbulent jets of different densities with air is of great importance to many industrial applications, such as gas turbine and Ramjet combustors. Although there have been numerous studies on the characteristics of free gas jets, little is known of the behavior of gas jets in a confinement. The jet, with a diameter of 8.73 mm, is aligned concentrically in a tube of 125 mm diameter, thus giving a confinement ratio of approximately 205. The arrangement forms part of the test section of an open-jet wind tunnel. Experiments are carried out with carbon dioxide, air and helium/air jets at different jet velocities. Mean velocity and turbulence measurements are made with a one-color, one-component laser Doppler velocimeter operating in the forward scatter mode. Measurements show that the jets are highly dissipative. Consequently, equilibrium jet characteristics similar to those found in free air jets are observed in the first two diameters downstream of the jet. These results are independent of the fluid densities and velocities. Decay of the jet, on the other hand, is a function of both the jet fluid density and momentum. In all the cases studied, the jet is found to be completely dissipated in approximately 30 jet diameters, thus giving rise to a uniform flow with a very high but constant turbulence field across the confinement.

So, R. M. C.↗