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At least 307 records · Page 17

An experimental analysis of critical factors involved in the breakdown process of leading edge vortex flows

Experimental crosswire measurements of the flowfield above a 70 and 75 degree flat plate delta wing were performed at a Reynolds number of 250,000. Survey grids were taken normal to the platform at a series of chordwise locations for angles of attack of 20 and 30 degrees. Axial and azimuthal vorticity distributions were derived from the velocity fields. The dependence of circulation on distance from the vortex core as well as on chordwise location was examined. The effects of nondimensionalization in comparison with other experimental data was made. The circulation distribution scales with the local semispan and grows approximately linearly in the chordwise direction. For regions of the flow outside of the vortex subcore, the circulation at any chordwise station was observed to vary logarithmically with distance from the vortex axis. The circulation was also found to increase linearly with angle of incidence at a given chordwise station. A reduction in the local circulation about the vortex axis occurred at breakdown. The spanwise distribution of axial vorticity was severely altered through the breakdown region and the spanwise distribution of axial vorticity present appeared to reach a maximum immediately preceding breakdown. The local concentration of axial vorticity about the vortex axis was reduced while the magnitude of the azimuthal vorticity decreased throughout the breakdown zone. The axial vorticity components with a negative sense, found in the secondary vortex, remained unaffected by changes in wing sweep or angle of attack, in direct contrast to the positive components. The inclusion of the local wing geometry into a previously derived correlation parameter indicated that the circulation of growing leading edge vortex flows were similar at corresponding radii from the vortex axis. It was concluded that the flow over a delta wing, upstream of the breakdown regions and away from the apex and trailing edge regions, is conical. In addition, the dominating factors leading to the onset of breakdown are felt to be the local circulation of the vortex and the accompanying pressure field.

Visser, Kenneth D.↗

Model Analysis of the Factors Regulating Trends and Variability of Methane, Carbon Monoxide and OH: 1. Model Validation

Methane (CH4) is the second most important anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG). Its 100-year global warming potential (GWP) is 25 times larger than that for carbon dioxide. The 100-yr integrated GWP of CH4 is sensitive to changes in OH levels. Methane's atmospheric growth rate was estimated to be more than 10 ppb yr(exp -1) in 1998 but less than zero in 2001, 2004 and 2005 (Kirschke et al., 2013). Since 2006, the CH4 is increasing again. This phenomena is yet not well understood. Oxidation of CH4 by OH is the main loss process, thus affecting the oxidizing capacity of the atmosphere and contributing to the global ozone background. Current models typically use an annual cycle of offline OH fields to simulate CH4. The implemented OH fields in these models are typically tuned so that simulated CH4 growth rates match that measured. For future and climate simulations, the OH tuning technique may not be suitable. In addition, running full chemistry, multi-decadal CH4 simulations is a serious challenge and currently, due to computational intensity, almost impossible.

OH↗

1-G Human Factors for Optimal Processing and Operability of Ground Systems up to CxP GOP PDR

During the mid stages of design development, up to Constellation Program (CxP) Preliminary Design Review (PDR), the requirements for leveraging I-G human factors for optimizing ground processing of Flight Hardware were mature for levels - 2, 3, 4, and 5. This paper gives an overview of the accomplishments achieved during that time. The main focus of this paper will be on the CxP Ground Operations Project human factors engineering analysis process using a Human Factors Engineering Analysis Tool (HFEAT) for developing the level- 5 requirements effecting the design development of the subsystems for Ground Support System (GSS), and Ground Support Equipment (GSE).

Stambolian, Damon B.↗

A human factors methodology for real-time support applications

A general approach to the human factors (HF) analysis of new or existing projects at NASA/Goddard is delineated. Because the methodology evolved from HF evaluations of the Mission Planning Terminal (MPT) and the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite Mission Operations Room (ERBS MOR), it is directed specifically to the HF analysis of real-time support applications. Major topics included for discussion are the process of establishing a working relationship between the Human Factors Group (HFG) and the project, orientation of HF analysts to the project, human factors analysis and review, and coordination with major cycles of system development. Sub-topics include specific areas for analysis and appropriate HF tools. Management support functions are outlined. References provide a guide to sources of further information.

Murphy, E. D.↗

Casper-1, Part 6: Uncertainty Quantification, Factor Effects, and Outlier Analysis for an On-Board Airplane Trajectory Prediction Function

This report presents data analysis results for a simulation-based approach named CASPEr (Characterization of Airplane State Prediction Error) to characterize the performance of onboard energy state and automation mode prediction functions for terminal area arrival and approach phases of flight over a wide range of conditions. In particular, the results include quantification of energy state (i.e., altitude and airspeed) prediction performance, models for prediction performance as a function of initial energy state (i.e., initial altitude, airspeed, and weight) and weather factors, and analysis of outlier prediction performance. Wind speed, wind direction, and wind gradient were found to be major factors in energy state prediction performance. Initial energy and gust intensity were also significant factors in airspeed prediction performance. Furthermore, the results suggest that errors in automation mode prediction may be a major contributor to outlier prediction performance.

Torres-Pomales, Wilfredo↗

The neutrino charge form-factor

Mathematical analysis and dispersion relations are used to obtain the general functional form of the neutrino charge form-factor. It is shown that if the scale for weak interactions is given by G, where G is the Fermi coupling constant, then for a large range of momentum transfer values, the form-factor may be approximated by a function that is linear in the square of the momentum transfer.

Mickens, R. E.↗

A mathematical approach to using the forgetting curve to evaluate experience and training factors in human reliability analysis

Traditional human reliability analysis (HRA) methods have difficulty dealing with the dynamic nature of factors such as time and rely on static and expert-judgment-based assessments of performance-shaping factors (PSFs) across limited levels. In this study, we introduce a mathematical approach for dynamically evaluating the experience and training PSF. Our proposed method integrates the psychological concept of the “forgetting curve” to evaluate how PSFs are impacted by the number of trainings and the time elapsed since training. To confirm the validity of the model, we provide experimental data fitted by identifying the quantitative relationship between training and human performance. This research enables dynamic and objective assessments, thus reducing reliance on subjective expert judgment and improving the accuracy of HRA.

99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

The Analysis of the Contribution of Human Factors to the In-Flight Loss of Control Accidents

In-flight loss of control (LOC) is currently the leading cause of fatal accidents based on various commercial aircraft accident statistics. As the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) emerges, new contributing factors leading to LOC are anticipated. The NASA Aviation Safety Program (AvSP), along with other aviation agencies and communities are actively developing safety products to mitigate the LOC risk. This paper discusses the approach used to construct a generic integrated LOC accident framework (LOCAF) model based on a detailed review of LOC accidents over the past two decades. The LOCAF model is comprised of causal factors from the domain of human factors, aircraft system component failures, and atmospheric environment. The multiple interdependent causal factors are expressed in an Object-Oriented Bayesian belief network. In addition to predicting the likelihood of LOC accident occurrence, the system-level integrated LOCAF model is able to evaluate the impact of new safety technology products developed in AvSP. This provides valuable information to decision makers in strategizing NASA's aviation safety technology portfolio. The focus of this paper is on the analysis of human causal factors in the model, including the contributions from flight crew and maintenance workers. The Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) taxonomy was used to develop human related causal factors. The preliminary results from the baseline LOCAF model are also presented.

Ancel, Ersin↗

Stress analysis and stress intensity factors for finite geometry solids containing rectangular surface cracks

The line method of analysis is applied to the Navier-Cauchy equations of elastic equilibrium to calculate the displacement field in a finite geometry bar containing a variable depth rectangular surface crack under extensionally applied uniform loading. The application of this method to these equations leads to coupled sets of simultaneous ordinary differential equations whose solutions are obtained along sets of lines in a discretized region. Using the obtained displacement field, normal stresses and the stress intensity factor variation along the crack periphery are calculated for different crack depth to bar thickness ratios. Crack opening displacements and stress intensity factors are also obtained for a through-thickness, center cracked bar with variable thickness. The reported results show a considerable potential for using this method in calculating stress intensity factors for commonly encountered surface crack geometries in finite solids.

Gyekenyesi, J. P.↗

Analysis of simulated measurements of earth emitted radiation using geometric shape factors, and some results from analysis of ESSA 7 and Nimbus 6 data

In the reported study, simulated measurements of earth radiation with wide field-of-view (WFOV) radiometers are reduced to earth fluxes through geometric shape factors. Estimates of emitted flux for global and zonal scales and for regions smaller than the detector field-of-view are compared to fluxes derived directly from a model. Geometric shape factors are used to estimate global, zonal, and regional averages of earth-emitted flux from measurements with WFOV detectors on the ESSA 7 satellite and the Nimbus 6 satellite. Zonal and global averages of emitted flux for each of the 3-month periods of ESSA 7 data are shown in a graph. Another graph shows zonal and global averages of emitted flux for August 1975 obtained with the aid of Nimbus 6. The data are compared to values reported by Green and Smith (1977) who used a spherical harmonic solution.

Weaver, W. L.↗

Analysis of the financial factors governing the profitability of lunar helium-3

Financial factors influencing the profitability of the mining and utilization of lunar helium-3 are examined. The analysis addressed the following questions: (1) which financial factors have the greatest leverage on the profitability of He-3; (2) over what range can these factors be varied to keep the He-3 option profitable; and (3) what ultimate effect could this energy source have on the price of electricity for U.S. consumers. Two complementary methods of analysis were used in the assessment: rate of return on incremental investment required and reduction revenue requirements (total cost to customers) achieved. Some of the factors addressed include energy demand, power generation costs with and without fusion, profitability for D-He(3) fusion, annual capital and operating costs, launch mass and costs, He-3 price, and government funding. Specific conclusions are made with respect to each of the companies considered: utilities, lunar mining company, and integrated energy company.

Kulcinski, G. L.↗