Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Vector Potential”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 307 records · Page 17
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

Reduction method for thermal analysis of complex aerospace structures

A reduction method which combines classical Rayleigh-Ritz modal superposition techniques with contemporary finite-element methods is applied to transient nonlinear thermal analysis of aerospace structures. The essence of the method is the use of a few thermal modes from eigenvalue analyses as basis vectors to represent the temperature response in the structure. The method is used to obtain approximate temperature histories for a portion of the Shuttle orbiter wing subject to reentry heating and for a large space antenna reflector subject to heating associated with a low Earth orbit. The reduction method has excellent potential for significant size reduction for radiation-dominated problems such as the antenna reflector. However, for conduction-dominated problems such as the Shuttle wing, especially those with complex spatial and temporal variations in the applied heating, additional work appears necessary to find alternate sources of basis vectors which will permit significant problem size reductions.

Shore, C. P.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Comparison of satellite theories

The accuracy of five mathematical models in computing a nominal orbit for the Vanguard 2 satellite by using a position velocity vector is considered. Either numerical integration or analytical theories are used in all models as well as the same force model that corresponds to a potential with the zonal harmonics to order four. The amounts of spread in the values of the total energy and the z-component of the angular momentum for a set of times are considered as measures of accuracy.

Hertz, H. G.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Model-size reduction technique for the analysis of symmetric anisotropic structures

A two-step computational procedure is presented for reducing the size of the analysis model for an anisotropic symmetric structure to that of the corresponding orthotropic structure. The key elements of the procedure are: (1) decomposition of the stiffness matrix into the sum of an orthotropic and nonorthotropic (anisotropic) parts; and (2) successive application of the finite element method and the classical Rayleigh-Ritz technique. The finite element method is first used to generate few global approximation vectors (or modes). Then the amplitudes of these modes are computed by using the Rayleigh-Ritz technique. The global approximation vectors are selected to be the solution corresponding to zero nonorthotropic matrix and its various-order derivatives with respect to an anisotropic tracing parameter (identifying the nonorthotropic material coefficients). The size of the analysis model used in generating the global approximation vectors is identical to that of the corresponding orthotropic structure. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is demonstrated by means of numerical examples and its potential for solving other quasi-symmetric problems is discussed.

Noor, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Nonpotential features observed in the magnetic field of an active region

A unique coordinated data set consisting of vector magnetograms, H-alpha photographs, and high-resolution ultraviolet images of a solar active region is used, together with mathematical models, to calculate potential and force-free magnetic field lines and to examine the nonpotential nature of the active region structure. It is found that the overall bipolar magnetic field of the active region had a net twist corresponding to net current of order 3 x 10 to the 12th A and average density of order 4 x 10 to the -4th A/sq m flowing antiparallel to the field. There were three regions of enhanced nonpotentiality in the interior of the active region; in one the field had a marked nonpotential twist or shear with height above the photosphere. The measured total nonpotential magnetic energy stored in the entire active region was of order 10 to the 32nd ergs, about 3 sigma above the noise level.

Gary, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Using Satellite Observations to Infer the Relationship Between Cold Pools and Subsequent Convection Development

Cold pools are increasingly being recognized as important players in the evolution of both shallow and deep convection; hence, the incorporation of cold pool processes into a number of recently developed convective parameterizations. Unfortunately, observations serving to inform cold pool parameterization development are limited to select field programs and limited radar domains. However, a number of recent studies have noted that cold pools are often associated with arcs-lines of shallow clouds traversing 10 100 km in visible satellite imagery. Boundary layer thermodynamic perturbations are plausible at such scales, coincident with such mesoscale features. Atmospheric signatures of features at these spatial scales are potentially observable from satellites. In this presentation, we discuss recent work that uses multi-sensor, high-resolution satellite products for observing mesoscale wind vector fluctuations and boundary layer temperature depressions attributed to cold pools produced by antecedent convection. The relationship to subsequent convection as well as convective system longevity is discussed. As improvements in satellite technology occur and efforts to reduce noise in high-resolution orbital products progress, satellite pixel level (10 km) thermodynamic and dynamic (e.g. mesoscale convergence) parameters can increasingly serve as useful benchmarks for constraining convective parameterization development, including for regimes where organized convection contributes substantially to the cloud and rainfall climatology.

thermodynamics↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

TPSAS-NF1676L-11456-DND

NASA’s precision scheduling and spacing research has matured to show the high potential of merging efficient flows in high density operations - Precision scheduling and efficient delay distribution minimizes early descent from enroute altitude and low-altitude vectoring - Precision merging and spacing control improves throughput - Enables the extended use of flight path optimization based procedures FAA/NASA/Industry collaboration is needed to accelerate implementation of ADS-B applications in a way that achieves the full benefit of NextGen operations to those that equip in high density airspace Integrated precision scheduling and spacing will to offer immediate and systematic benefits to airlines in many environments, even with different equipage levels and traffic densities

Harry Swenson↗
NASA NTRS1990

The significance of vector magnetic field measurements

Observations of four flaring solar active regions, obtained during 1980-1986 with the NASA Marshall vector magnetograph (Hagyard et al., 1982 and 1985), are presented graphically and characterized in detail, with reference to nearly simultaneous Big Bear Solar Observatory and USAF ASW H-alpha images. It is shown that the flares occurred where local photospheric magnetic fields differed most from the potential field, with initial brightening on either side of a magnetic-neutral line near the point of maximum angular shear (rather than that of maximum magnetic-field strength, typically 1 kG or greater). Particular emphasis is placed on the fact that these significant nonpotential features were detected only by measuring all three components of the vector magnetic field.

Hagyard, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Preliminary study of the use of the STAR-100 computer for transonic flow calculations

A description is presented for a new explicit algorithm for solving the transonic small-disturbance potential equation on the STAR-100 computer. The STAR computer has a 'pipeline' type of processor which is very efficient in doing arithmetic operations on long vectors. Unfortunately, the successive line over-relaxation method, which represents the best method for solving the considered equation, is not suitable for vector-arithmetic procedures. The described algorithm, however, can be vectorized to make an employment of the STAR-100 possible. It is found that a use of the new algorithm for solving the equation on the STAR-100 computer can almost halve the computer time required for this type of computation when compared to successive line over-relaxation on the CYBER 175 computer.

Keller, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Stability analysis of flexible wind turbine blades using finite element method

Static vibration and flutter analysis of a straight elastic axis blade was performed based on a finite element method solution. The total potential energy functional was formulated according to linear beam theory. The inertia and aerodynamic loads were formulated according to the blade absolute acceleration and absolute velocity vectors. In vibration analysis, the direction of motion of the blade during the first out-of-lane and first in-plane modes was examined; numerical results involve NASA/DOE Mod-0, McCauley propeller, north wind turbine and flat plate behavior. In flutter analysis, comparison cases were examined involving several references. Vibration analysis of a nonstraight elastic axis blade based on a finite element method solution was performed in a similar manner with the straight elastic axis blade, since it was recognized that a curved blade can be approximated by an assembly of a sufficient number of straight blade elements at different inclinations with respect to common system of axes. Numerical results involve comparison between the behavior of a straight and a curved cantilever beam during the lowest two in-plane and out-of-plane modes.

Kamoulakos, A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Electric auxiliary power unit for Shuttle evolution

The Space Shuttle Orbiter currently uses three hydrazine fueled auxiliary power units (APUs) to provide hydraulic power for the vehicle aerodynamic surface controls, main engine thrust vector control, landing gear, steering, and brakes. Electric auxiliary power units have been proposed as possible replacements to the hydrazine auxiliary power units. Along with the potential advantages, this paper describes an Electric APU configuration and addresses the technical issues and risks associated with the subsystem components. Additionally, characteristics of an Electric APU compared to the existing APU and the direction of future study with respect to the Electric APU is suggested.

Meyer, Doug↗
NASA NTRS2012

Predictive Sea State Estimation for Automated Ride Control and Handling - PSSEARCH

PSSEARCH provides predictive sea state estimation, coupled with closed-loop feedback control for automated ride control. It enables a manned or unmanned watercraft to determine the 3D map and sea state conditions in its vicinity in real time. Adaptive path-planning/ replanning software and a control surface management system will then use this information to choose the best settings and heading relative to the seas for the watercraft. PSSEARCH looks ahead and anticipates potential impact of waves on the boat and is used in a tight control loop to adjust trim tabs, course, and throttle settings. The software uses sensory inputs including IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), stereo, radar, etc. to determine the sea state and wave conditions (wave height, frequency, wave direction) in the vicinity of a rapidly moving boat. This information can then be used to plot a safe path through the oncoming waves. The main issues in determining a safe path for sea surface navigation are: (1) deriving a 3D map of the surrounding environment, (2) extracting hazards and sea state surface state from the imaging sensors/map, and (3) planning a path and control surface settings that avoid the hazards, accomplish the mission navigation goals, and mitigate crew injuries from excessive heave, pitch, and roll accelerations while taking into account the dynamics of the sea surface state. The first part is solved using a wide baseline stereo system, where 3D structure is determined from two calibrated pairs of visual imagers. Once the 3D map is derived, anything above the sea surface is classified as a potential hazard and a surface analysis gives a static snapshot of the waves. Dynamics of the wave features are obtained from a frequency analysis of motion vectors derived from the orientation of the waves during a sequence of inputs. Fusion of the dynamic wave patterns with the 3D maps and the IMU outputs is used for efficient safe path planning.

Huntsberger, Terrance L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Calculation of secondary-electron escape currents from inclined-spacecraft surfaces in a magnetic field

In low Earth orbit, the geomagnetic field B(vector) is strong enough that secondary electrons emitted from spacecraft surfaces have an average gyroradius much smaller than typical dimensions of large spacecraft. This implies that escape of secondaries will be strongly inhibited on surfaces which are nearly parallel to B(vector), even if a repelling electric field exists outside them. This effect is likely to make an important contribution to the current balance and hence the equilibrium potential of such surfaces, making high voltage charging of them more likely. Numerically calculated escaping secondary electron fluxes are presented for these conditions. For use in numerical spacecraft charging simulations, an analytic curve fit to these results is given which is accurate to within 3% of the emitted current.

Laframboise, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Direct discretization of planar div-curl problems

A control volume method is proposed for planar div-curl systems. The method is independent of potential and least squares formulations, and works directly with the div-curl system. The novelty of the technique lies in its use of a single local vector field component and two control volumes rather than the other way around. A discrete vector field theory comes quite naturally from this idea and is developed. Error estimates are proved for the method, and other ramifications investigated.

Nicolaides, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Research Data Alliance: Understanding Big Data Analytics Applications in Earth Science

The Research Data Alliance (RDA) enables data to be shared across barriers through focused working groups and interest groups, formed of experts from around the world - from academia, industry and government. Its Big Data Analytics (BDA) interest groups seeks to develop community based recommendations on feasible data analytics approaches to address scientific community needs of utilizing large quantities of data. BDA seeks to analyze different scientific domain applications (e.g. earth science use cases) and their potential use of various big data analytics techniques. These techniques reach from hardware deployment models up to various different algorithms (e.g. machine learning algorithms such as support vector machines for classification). A systematic classification of feasible combinations of analysis algorithms, analytical tools, data and resource characteristics and scientific queries will be covered in these recommendations. This contribution will outline initial parts of such a classification and recommendations in the specific context of the field of Earth Sciences. Given lessons learned and experiences are based on a survey of use cases and also providing insights in a few use cases in detail.

Riedel, Morris↗
NASA NTRS1979

A new approach to the solution of large, full matrix equations: A two-dimensional potential flow feasibility study

An approach to the solution of matrix problems resulting from integral equations of mathematical physics is presented. Based on the inherent smoothness in such equations, the problem is reformulated using a set of orthogonal basis vectors, leading to an equivalent coefficient problem which can be of lower order without significantly impairing the accuracy of the solution. This approach was evaluated using a two-dimensional Neumann problem describing the inviscid, incompressible flow over an airfoil. Two different kinds of mode functions were investigated, namely eigenfunction series and Fourier series. The method using Fourier series was found preferable. It uses all of the coefficients from a Fast Fourier Transform algorithm in an approximate method which exploits the known structure of the transformed coefficient matrix and very promising results for the flow over a realistic airfoil are obtained. On the basis of the results presented here, an order of magnitude reduction in this computer time can be expected for such problems as compared with the time for a direct matrix solution.

James, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

The aerodynamics of bodies in a rarefied ionized gas with applications to spacecraft environmental dynamics

The objectives are to provide a parametric description of the electrostatic interaction of a mesosonic, collisionless plasma with conducting bodies on the order of 1 to 10 Debye lengths in size, and to extend this description to the satellite-ionospheric interaction, where possible. Experimental findings include: the wake of the geometrically complex body appears to be a linear superposition of the wakes of its simple geometric components; and vector ion flux measurements show converging ion streams at the wake axis and direct evidence of ion streams deflected from the wake axis by the positive space charge potential associated with the axial ion peak. The extension to the satellite-ionospheric interaction utilizes qualitative scaling and indicates that similar, but smaller amplitude, wake structures may be expected for small or highly charged bodies. However, for large bodies at small potentials, the structure may be diffused by the thermal ion motion and the dispersion resulting for space charge potentials.

Stone, N. H.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Planar ion trap (retarding potential analyzer) experiment for atmosphere explorer

The retarding potential analyzer and drift meter were carried aboard all three Atmosphere Explorer spacecraft. These instruments measure the total thermal ion concentration and temperature, the bulk thermal ion velocity vector and some limited properties of the relative abundance of H(+), He(+), O(+) and molecular ions. These instruments functioned with no internal failures on all the spacecraft. On AE-E there existed some evidence for external surface contamination that damaged the integrity of the RPA sweep grids. This led to some difficulties in data reduction and interpretation that did not prove to be a disastrous problem. The AE-D spacecraft functioned for only a few months before it re-entered. During this time the satellite suffered from a nutation about the spin axis of about + or - 2 deg. This 2 deg modulation was superimposed upon the ion drift meter horizontal ion arrival angle output requiring the employment of filtering techniques to retrieve the real data.

Hanson, W. B.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Infrared solar physics from the South Pole

Infrared (IR) observations of the sun could greatly benefit from the quality of the South Pole as an IR site, and the potential for multi-day sequences of uninterrupted observations. A nearly continuous picture of the evolution of the magnetic field in solar active regions could be obtained using vector magnetographs, especially vector magnetographs which incorporate IR array detectors. Observations of the sun over a range of wavelengths in the IR continuum could also be used to study the vertical propagation characteristics of the solar p-mode oscillations.

Deming, Drake↗