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At least 289 records · Page 16

Tracking atmospheric trace gases by spectroscopy from Kitt Peak

Researchers analyzed solar spectra obtained with the 1-m Fourier Transfer Spectrometer (FTS) for absorption by CO2, CH4, N2, CO, HF, and HCl. During the period 1979 to 1985, they found that the CO2 total column amount was increasing 0.4 percent/year, CH4 was up 1.1 percent/year, while N2O shows no detectable trend. CO undergoes a large seasonal variation that masks any long-term trend within the observational time span. Stratospheric HF doubles in strength, displaying a conspicuous single-point increase that coincided with the mystery volcanic event of that era. Researchers are now attempting to resume the observations as resources permit.

Wallace, Lloyd↗

The ultraviolet and visible light variability of BP Tauri - Possible clues for the origin of T Tauri star activity

BP Tau is a moderate-strength T Tauri star, which has previously been studied photometrically by Vrba et al. (1986, 1989) and shown to have a 7.6-day light cycle. Here, BP Tau was reobserved in order to monitor this star with the IUE satellite. In conjunction with the UV spectroscopy, nearly simultaneous ground-based optical photometry was also obtained. At optical wavelengths, the star was initially found to be varying with a period of 7.6 days. This variability suddenly vanished and was followed by a quiescent state that lasted about 11 days. The star then resumed its variability with a period of about 6.1 days. The UV continuum and most of the UV emission lines appeared to vary in phase with the optical flux. No variations were observed on the very short timescales ranging from several hours to half a day, expected on the basis of axisymmetric, quasi-steady-state accretion disk models of T Tauri stars. However, the nearly week-long variations that were observed may be consistent with a magnetically buffered accretion model, which has been proposed by Uchida and Shibata.

Simon, Theodore↗

Update on results of SPRE testing at NASA

The space power research engine (SPRE I), a free-piston Stirling engine with a linear alternator, was tested as a candidate for high-capacity space power. A portion of the test data from the SPRE I, essentially in its baseline configuration while operating with helium at heat exchanger metal temperature ratios ranging from 1.6 to 2.4 and mean cycle pressures of 7.5 and 15.0 Mpa, are presented. HFAST computer code predictions are presented for comparison. The measured results at 7.5 and 15 MPa, from the first day, from the first day of testing, at temperature ratios from 1.6 to 2.0 agreed fairly well with the HFAST code predictions; within -8.8 percent to +11.9 percent for PV power and -2.7 to +1.07 percentage points for PV efficiency. Measured compression-space pressure amplitude was 5.1 to 11.1 percent below predictions; although these results were within the error bands, there was poorer agreement than observed for previous tests, and the transducer calibration is suspect. All of the dynamic pressure transducer calibrations will be verified before testing is resumed. Measured pressure phase angles were within -1.95 percent to +5.37 percent of the predictions, which is much closer than previously observed. The poor agreement of the measured heat flow to the heater with the code appears to be due to thermocouple degradation.

Cairelli, James E.↗

Visualization of DNA molecules in time during electrophoresis

For several years individual DNA molecules have been observed and photographed during agarose gel electrophoresis. The DNA molecule is clearly the largest molecule known. Nevertheless, the largest molecule is still too small to be seen using a microscope. A technique developed by Morikawa and Yanagida has made it possible to visualize individual DNA molecules. When these long molecules are labeled with appropriate fluorescence dyes and observed under a fluorescence microscope, although it is not possible to directly visualize the local ultrastructure of the molecules, yet because they are long light emitting chains, their microscopic dynamical behavior can be observed. This visualization works in the same principle that enables one to observe a star through a telescope because it emits light against a dark background. The dynamics of individual DNA molecules migrating through agarose matrix during electrophoresis have been described by Smith et al. (1989), Schwartz and Koval (1989), and Bustamante et al. (1990). DNA molecules during agarose gel electrophoresis advance lengthwise thorough the gel in an extended configuration. They display an extension-contraction motion and tend to bunch up in their leading ends as the 'heads' find new pores through the gel. From time to time they get hooked on obstacles in the gel to form U-shaped configurations before they resume their linear configuration.

Lubega, Seth↗

Development of a Common User Interface for the Launch Decision Support System

The Launch Decision Support System (LDSS) is software to be used by the NASA Test Director (NTD) in the firing room during countdown. This software is designed to assist the NTD with time management, that is, when to resume from a hold condition. This software will assist the NTD in making and evaluating alternate plans and will keep him advised of the existing situation. As such, the interface to this software must be designed to provide the maximum amount of information in the clearest fashion and in a timely manner. This research involves applying user interface guidelines to a mature prototype of LDSS and developing displays that will enable the users to easily and efficiently obtain information from the LDSS displays. This research also extends previous work on organizing and prioritizing human-computer interaction knowledge.

Scholtz, Jean C.↗

Time management displays for shuttle countdown

The Intelligent Launch Decision Support System project is developing a Time Management System (TMS) for the NASA Test Director (NTD) to use for time management during Shuttle terminal countdown. TMS is being developed in three phases: an information phase; a tool phase; and an advisor phase. The information phase is an integrated display (TMID) of firing room clocks, of graphic timelines with Ground Launch Sequencer events, and of constraints. The tool phase is a what-if spreadsheet (TMWI) for devising plans for resuming from unplanned hold situations. It is tied to information in TMID, propagates constraints forward and backward to complete unspecified values, and checks the plan against constraints. The advisor phase is a situation advisor (TMSA), which proactively suggests tactics. A concept prototype for TMSA is under development. The TMID is currently undergoing field testing. Displays for TMID and TMWI are described. Descriptions include organization, rationale for organization, implementation choices and constraints, and use by NTD.

Beller, Arthur E.↗

The 77 day periodicity in the flare rate of cycle 22

The ocurrence times of major flares of solar cycle 22 are analyzed to detect periodicities. It is found that a periodicity of 77 d was in operation in the 15-m interval from 1988 November to 1990 February for six cycles. During the rest of 1990 no periodicity was discernible; however, it seems that the 77-d periodicity resumed in 1991. This 77-d period is interpreted as the third subharmonic of the fundamental period of about 25.5 d. In this interpretation, the 154-d periodicity is the sixth subharmonic. It is also found that when the 77-d periodicity or the 154-d periodicity is in operation the occurrence rate of major flares is much higher than is expected form the relative sunspot number.

Bai, T.↗

A practical low-boom overpressure signature based on minimum sonic boom theory

A brief resume of sonic boom minimization methods is given to provide a background for a new, empirical modification of the Seebass and George minimum-nose-shock sonic boom F-function and signature. The new 'hybrid' F-function has all the inherent flexibility of application found with the Darden-modified Seebass and George F-function. In addition, it has enhanced this flexibility and applicability with neglegible increase in nose and/or tail shock strength. A description of this 'hybrid' F-function and signature is provided, and the benefits of using them to design high-performance, low-boom aircraft are discussed.

Mack, Robert J.↗

Autonomous power system: Integrated scheduling

The Autonomous Power System (APS) project at NASA Lewis Research Center is designed to demonstrate the abilities of integrated intelligent diagnosis, control and scheduling techniques to space power distribution hardware. The project consists of three elements: the Autonomous Power Expert System (APEX) for fault diagnosis, isolation, and recovery (FDIR), the Autonomous Intelligent Power Scheduler (AIPS) to determine system configuration, and power hardware (Brassboard) to simulate a space-based power system. Faults can be introduced into the Brassboard and in turn, be diagnosed and corrected by APEX and AIPS. The Autonomous Intelligent Power Scheduler controls the execution of loads attached to the Brassboard. Each load must be executed in a manner that efficiently utilizes available power and satisfies all load, resource, and temporal constraints. In the case of a fault situation on the Brassboard, AIPS dynamically modifies the existing schedule in order to resume efficient operation conditions. A database is kept of the power demand, temporal modifiers, priority of each load, and the power level of each source. AIPS uses a set of heuristic rules to assign start times and resources to each load based on load and resource constraints. A simple improvement engine based upon these heuristics is also available to improve the schedule efficiency. This paper describes the operation of the Autonomous Intelligent Power Scheduler as a single entity, as well as its integration with APEX and the Brassboard. Future plans are discussed for the growth of the Autonomous Intelligent Power Scheduler.

Ringer, Mark J.↗

Growing wheat to maturity in reduced gas pressures

The main objective of this project was to determine assimilation of CO2 and efficiency of water use in wheat grown to maturity in a low pressure total gas pressure environment. A functional test of the low pressure plant growth chamber system was accomplished in February and March of 1993 wherein this objective was partially achieved. Plants were grown to maturity in the chambers. Data were actively collected during the first 29 days. The plants were allowed to maintain themselves at the CO2 compensation point until day 45 of the study at which point active atmospheric regulation was resumed. This provided data at the vegetative and reproductive stages of the life cycle of the plants. However, this information may not be representative of the performance of the plants due to the loss of low pressure on a number of days during the study, which affected the plants by changing the pressure potential of the tissues. The performance of the system will be discussed on a component by component basis. The maintenance of the plants at the CO2 compensation point was driven by the failure of the computer program operating the system. The software problems that arose during the functional test have since been corrected. Results from the functional test also indicated that the plants were not receiving adequate light and nutrients. The growth chambers have been relocated and the growth room modified to compensate for these deficiencies.

Rykiel, Edward J., Jr.↗

The parsec-scale jets in 3C 273 and 3C 345

We present recent centimeter-wavelength 'global-array' VLBI images of the quasars 3C 273 and 3C 345 with dynamic ranges in excess of 3000:1. They trace the jet emission on scales from r about 5 parsecs out to about 200 parsecs. The maps of 3C273 at 18 cm wavelength show a well-collimated one-sided jet with a wavy ridge line; these wiggles exist on size scales ranging from about 1 pc to over 10 kpc. We show that the well-known superluminal flow extends to r about 120 pc. Images of 3C 345 at 6 cm wavelength from data taken in 1989 and 1990 show surprising features not seen in lower dynamic-range maps of this otherwise well-studied quasar: the inner part of the jet shows edge-brightening, which is important for modeling of jet confinement. The jet fades out very abruptly at r about 40 pc, then reappears at about 70 pc; beyond 70 pc, the resumed jet flares and is more diffuse than an extrapolation of the inner jet would predict. This morphology is reminiscent of M 87, and is suggestive of a shock wave.

Unwin, Stephen C.↗

Voice input/output capabilities at Perception Technology Corporation

Condensed resumes of key company personnel at the Perception Technology Corporation are presented. The staff possesses recognition, speech synthesis, speaker authentication, and language identification. Hardware and software engineers' capabilities are included.

Ferber, Leon A.↗

Elastic Properties in Tension and Shear of High Strength Nonferrous Metals and Stainless Steel - Effect of Previous Deformation and Heat Treatment

A resume is given of an investigation of the influence of plastic deformation and of annealing temperature on the tensile and shear elastic properties of high strength nonferrous metals and stainless steels in the form of rods and tubes. The data were obtained from earlier technical reports and notes, and from unpublished work in this investigation. There are also included data obtained from published and unpublished work performed on an independent investigation. The rod materials, namely, nickel, monel, inconel, copper, 13:2 Cr-Ni steel, and 18:8 Cr-Ni steel, were tested in tension; 18:8 Cr-Ni steel tubes were tested in shear, and nickel, monel, aluminum-monel, and Inconel tubes were tested in both tension and shear. There are first described experiments on the relationship between hysteresis and creep, as obtained with repeated cyclic stressing of annealed stainless steel specimens over a constant load range. These tests, which preceded the measurements of elastic properties, assisted in devising the loading time schedule used in such measurements. From corrected stress-set curves are derived the five proof stresses used as indices of elastic or yield strength. From corrected stress-strain curves are derived the secant modulus and its variation with stress. The relationship between the forms of the stress-set and stress-strain curves and the values of the properties derived is discussed. Curves of variation of proof stress and modulus with prior extension, as obtained with single rod specimens, consist in wavelike basic curves with superposed oscillations due to differences of rest interval and extension spacing; the effects of these differences are studied. Oscillations of proof stress and modulus are generally opposite in manner. The use of a series of tubular specimens corresponding to different amounts of prior extension of cold reduction gave curves almost devoid of oscillation since the effects of variation of rest interval and extension spacing were removed. Comparison is also obtained between the variation of the several properties, as measured in tension and in shear. The rise of proof stress with extension is studied, and the work-hardening rates of the various metals evaluated. The ratio between the tensile and shear proof stresses for the various annealed and cold-worked tubular metals is likewise calculated. The influence of annealing or tempering temperature on the proof stresses and moduli for the cold-worked metals and for air-hardened 13:2 Cr-Ni steel is investigated. An improvement of elastic strength generally is obtained, without important loss of yield strength, by annealing at suitable temperature. The variation of the proof stress and modulus of elasticity with plastic deformation or annealing temperature is explained in terms of the relative dominance of three important factors: namely, (a) internal stress, (b) lattice-expansion or work-hardening, and (c) crystal reorientation. Effective values of Poisson's ratio were computed from tensile and shear moduli obtained on tubular specimens. The variation of Poisson's ratio with plastic deformation and annealing temperature is explained in terms of the degree of anisotropy produced by changes of (a) internal stress and (b) crystal orientation.

METALS - ELASTICITY↗

An investigation of cotton for parachute cloth

This is a resume of the work of the Bureau of Standards on a cotton parachute cloth for use as a substitute for silk in the event of an emergency curtailing the supply. Cotton yarn of high strength in proportion to its weight and otherwise specially suitable for parachute cloth was developed. Cloth woven from this yarn in the bureau mill was equal or superior to parachute silk in strength and tear resistance, met the requirements with respect to air permeability, and weighed only a few tenths of an ounce per square yard more than the silk cloth. Practical trials of cotton parachutes carried out by the Navy Department clearly indicate that the cotton parachute closely approaches the silk parachute in performance as to rate of descent, opening time, strength and ability to function when stored in the pack for sixty days. The increase in weight of the equipment resulting from the use of cotton cloth instead of silk is considered to be well within practicable limits. A specification for cotton parachute cloth and the way in which the requirements of the specification have been met are given. Cotton yarns suitable for parachute cloth are now being woven commercially in the United States.

Appel, Wm D↗

Considerations of Air Flow in Combustion Chambers of High-Speed Compression-Ignition Engines

The air flow in combustion chambers is divided into three fundamental classes - induced, forced, and residual. A generalized resume is given of the present status of air flow investigations and of the work done at this and other laboratories to determine the direction and velocity of air movement in auxiliary and integral combustion chambers. The effects of air flow on engine performance are mentioned to show that although air flow improves the combustion efficiency, considerable induction, friction, and thermal losses must be guarded against.

Spanogle, J A↗

The forces and moments on airplane engine mounts

A resume of the equations and formulas for the forces and moments on an aircraft-engine mount is presented. In addition, available experimental data have been included to permit the computation of these forces and moments. A sample calculation is made and compared with present design conditions for engine mounts.

Donely, Philip↗

Astronomical Methods in Aerial Navigation

The astronomical method of determining position is universally used in marine navigation and may also be of service in aerial navigation. The practical application of the method, however, must be modified and adapted to conform to the requirements of aviation. Much of this work of adaptation has already been accomplished, but being scattered through various technical journals in a number of languages, is not readily available. This report is for the purpose of collecting under one cover such previous work as appears to be of value to the aerial navigator, comparing instruments and methods, indicating the best practice, and suggesting future developments. The various methods of determining position and their application and value are outlined, and a brief resume of the theory of the astronomical method is given. Observation instruments are described in detail. A complete discussion of the reduction of observations follows, including a rapid method of finding position from the altitudes of two stars. Maps and map cases are briefly considered. A bibliography of the subject is appended.

Beij, K Hilding↗

Flow and Drag Formulas for Simple Quadrics

This report gives the pressure distribution and resistance found by theory and experiment for simple quadrics fixed in an infinite uniform stream of practically incompressible fluid. The experimental values pertain to air and some liquids, especially water; the theoretical refer sometimes to perfect, again to viscid fluids. For the cases treated the concordance of theory and measurement is so close as to make a resume of results desirable. Incidentally formulas for the velocity at all points of the flow field are given, some being new forms for ready use derived in a previous paper. (author)

Zahm, A F↗