Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “level set”

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 NTRS1981

A measurement of the cosmic-ray antiproton flux and a search for antihelium

Balloon-borne instrument measurements are presented of the cosmic-ray antiproton flux between 130 and 320 MeV, as well as the results of a search for antihelium between 130 and 370 MeV per nuclear. The antiprotons are found to have a spectral shape similar to the protons, down to about 100 MeV. Calculations of the expected flux of these particles under the assumption that they were created by collisions of high-energy cosmic rays with the interstellar gas, using the standard leaky box model for propagation in the Galaxy, predict a flux two orders of magnitude smaller than that observed. The discrepancy between calculation and experiment may be evidence that cosmic-ray protons have passed through more than 5.0 g/sq cm of material during their lifetime. The search for cosmic-ray antihelium sets a 95% confidence level upper limit on the antihelium/helium ratio of 0.000022.

Buffington, A.↗
NASA NTRS1983

A helicopter flight investigation of roll-control sensitivity, damping and cross coupling in a low altitude lateral maneuvering task

A helicopter in-flight simulation was conducted to determine the effects of variations in roll damping, roll sensitivity, and pitch and roll rate cross-coupling on helicopter flying qualities in a low altitude maneuver. The experiment utilized the UH-1H helicopter in-flight simulator, which is equipped with the V/STOLAND avionics system. The response envelope of this vehicle allowed simulation of configurations with low to moderate damping and sensitivity. A visual, low level slalom course was set up, consisting of constant speed and constant altitude S-turns around the 1000 ft makers of an 8000 ft runway. Results are shown in terms of Cooper-Harper pilot ratings, pilot commentary, and statistical and frequency analyses of the lateral characteristics. These results show good consistency with previous ground simulator results and are compared with existing flying qualities criteria.

Corliss, L. D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Ab initio study of BeCN, MgCN, CaCN and BaCN

The structure and energetics of the BeCN, MgCN, CaCN and BaCN molecules are studied at both the Hartree-Fock and singles plus doubles configuration-interaction level using Gaussian basis sets of at least triple-zeta plus double polarization quality. All molecules are predicted to be linear, with the isocyanide structures more stable by 0.3 to 0.5 eV than the corresponding cyanides. The theoretical dissociation energies (De) in eV with an estimated uncertainty are (with the experimental values in parentheses): Be-NC 4.2 + or - 0.1 (4.46 + or - 0.29), Mg-NC 3.45 + or - 0.1 (4.21 + or - 0.22), Ca-NC 4.2 + or - 0.1 (4.46 + or - 0.22) and Ba-NC 4.5 + or 0.2 (4.87 + or - 0.26).

Bauschlicher, C. W., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The role of scientists in developing Hubble Space Telescope

The objective of the Hubble Space Telescope Program is to build and operate a high-performance, fully-instrumented and long-lived optical observatory in earth orbit. Key Program elements are (1) a logistic strategy of Shuttle launch/maintenance and TDRSS communications, (2) overall responsibility at the MSFC Project for developing both the flight and ground systems, and (3) scientific participation in ST development and responsibility after launch for conducting the observing program. The ST Project is a management structure with a budget and schedule for delivering an ST system capable of achieving its established scientific objectives. The Project distributes through contracts the responsibility for supplying particular components, but retains the responsibility for system-level integrity. Scientists have set the performance objectives and now support the Project during the development stage by providing (1) PI management of the five Science Instruments, (2) continuing translations of scientific requirements into engineering specifications, (3) oversight of designs and performance tests, and (4) specific expertise on technical concerns.

Brown, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Space Mathematics: A Resource for Secondary School Teachers

A collection of mathematical problems related to NASA space science projects is presented. In developing the examples and problems, attention was given to preserving the authenticity and significance of the original setting while keeping the level of mathematics within the secondary school curriculum. Computation and measurement, algebra, geometry, probability and statistics, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry, matrix algebra, conic sections, and calculus are among the areas addressed.

Kastner, Bernice↗
NASA NTRS1986

The importance of atomic and molecular correlation on the bonding in transition metal compounds

The determination of accurate spectroscopic parameters for molecular systems containing transition metal atoms is shown to require extensive data sets and a high level correlation treatment, and techniques and their limitations are considered. Extensive results reported on the transition metal atoms, hydrides, oxides, and dimers makes possible the design of a calculation to correctly describe the mixing of different atomic asymptotes, and to give a correct balance between molecular bonding and exchange interactions. Examples considered include the dipole moment of the 2Delta state of NiH, which can help determine the mixture of 3d(8)4s(2) and 3d(9)4s(1) in the NiH wavefunction, and the bonding in CrO, where an equivalent description of the relative energies associated with the Cr 3d-3d atomic exchange and the Cr-O bond is important.

Bauschlicher, Charles W., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Space station contamination considerations

The external induced environment generated by space station activity, or more specifically by gases, particles, and light background is discussed. These contaminant species must be controlled if sensitive systems, such as solar energy collectors or science experiments exposed to the external environment are to function properly. The requirements generally set limits on the level of gas species, matter deposited on surfaces and light background levels over various spectral regions. They also address environment monitoring and contamination controls during manufacturing. Limits on effluent release and system leakages are in turn derived from these requirements.

Leger, L.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Theoretical confirmation of a 4-Delta ground state for FeH

Large CAS SCF/multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) and modified coupled pair functional (MCPF) calculations are carried out for the 4-Delta and 6-Delta states of FeH using very large Gaussian basis sets. At the MCPF level, 3s and 3p correlation preferentially lowers the 4-Delta state by 0.10 eV. Adding this inner-shell correlation effect to our best CAS SCF/MRCI+Q valence treatment results in a 4-Delta-6 Delta separation of 0.16 eV. This supports the interpretation of the photodetachment spectra of Stevens et al. (1983) that places the 6-Delta state about 0.25 eV above the 4-Delta ground state.

Bauschlicher, Charles W., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1988

A CLIPS prototype for autonomous power system control

The model of the system assumes a constant power source and loads (experiments) whose power demands exceed the supply. Experiments are described by their name, power consumption, time for a complete run, present status and the state of the load. The power consumption of each load is set at a constant level but can be dynamically modified by the operator. The status specifies if the experiment is running, paused, completed or failed. The state compensates for the lack of actual feedback sensor data, by signifying the stability of the load. Experiments are scheduled to keep as many running as possible with the current system limitations. A graphics oriented user interface is embedded into the rule-based system to enable an operator to easily experiment with the system.

Vezina, James M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Software For Development Of Expert Systems

Modular software system helps create efficient artificial-intelligence computer programs. STAR*TOOL system: Set of high-level software tools; assists programmers in creation of efficient knowledge-based software systems. Provides language and capabilities for compilation of application programs written in Common LISP. Features modularity enabling elimination of unnecessary capabilities from final application program and achieves greater computing performance. Runs on any computer that supports Common LISP and has sufficient memory. Provides programmer with necessary software tools to build wide variety of reasoning and inference engines for such applications as planning, diagnosis and analysis, and simulation.

James, Mark L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Exploiting replication in distributed systems

Techniques are examined for replicating data and execution in directly distributed systems: systems in which multiple processes interact directly with one another while continuously respecting constraints on their joint behavior. Directly distributed systems are often required to solve difficult problems, ranging from management of replicated data to dynamic reconfiguration in response to failures. It is shown that these problems reduce to more primitive, order-based consistency problems, which can be solved using primitives such as the reliable broadcast protocols. Moreover, given a system that implements reliable broadcast primitives, a flexible set of high-level tools can be provided for building a wide variety of directly distributed application programs.

Birman, Kenneth P.↗
NASA NTRS1989

The role of diabatic heating in maintaining the upper-tropospheric baroclinic zone in the South Pacific

The four-dimensional structure of the region in the South Pacific convergence zone (SPCZ) during January 10-18, 1979 is studied using a modified set of ECMWF FGGE level III-b analyses. The effects of kinematic and thermodynamic processes on maintaining the upper baroclinic region corresponding with the subtropical jet are analyzed. The role of adiabatic and diabatic processes in the maintenance of baroclinicity in the area of the SPCZ is examined using the frontogenetical function. It is observed that the processes affecting the evolution of baroclinicity in the SPCZ region differ from those in the middle latitude; possible reasons for these differences are proposed.

Robertson, Franklin R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Olympus propagation studies in the US: Receiver development and the data acquisition system

Virginia Tech has developed two types of receivers to monitor the Olympus beacons, as well as a custom data acquisition system to store and display propagation data. Each of the receiver designs uses new hybrid analog/digital techniques. The data acquisition system uses a stand alone processor to collect and format the data for display and subsequent processing. The launch of the Olympus satellite with its coherent beacons offers new opportunities to study propagation effects at 12.5, 20, and 30 GHz. At Virginia Tech, the satellite is at 14 degrees in elevation, which allows us to measure low elevation angle effects. However, to make these measurements, a very accurate and stable measurement system is required. Virginia Tech has constructed a complex receiving system which monitors the Olympus beacons and all parameters associated with propagation research. In the current configuration, researchers have developed a receiver which frequency locks to the less fade susceptible 12.5 GHz beacon. Since all beacons on the satellite are driven from a single master oscillator, drift in the 12.5 GHz beacon implies corresponding drifts in the 20, and 30 GHz beacons. The receivers for the 20 and 30 GHz systems derive their frequency locking information from the 12.5 GHz system. This widens the dynamic range of the receivers and allows the receivers to maintain lock in severe fade conditions. In addition to monitoring the beacons, the sky noise is monitored with radiometers at each frequency. The radiometer output is used to set the clear air level for each beacon measurement. Researchers also measure the rain rate with several tipping bucket rain gauges placed along the propagation path.

Mckeeman, John C.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Directory interchange format manual, version 3.0

The Directory Interchange Format (DIF) is a data structure used to exchange directory level information about data sets among information systems. The format consists of a number of fields that describe the attributes of a directory entry and text blocks that contain a descriptive summary of and references for the directory entry. All fields and the summary are preceded by labels identifying their contents. All values are ASCII character strings. The structure is intended to be flexible, allowing for future changes in the contents of directory entries.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1991

A potential energy surface for the process H2 + H2O yielding H + H + H2O - Ab initio calculations and analytical representation

Extensive ab initio calculations on the ground state potential energy surface of H2 + H2O were performed using a large contracted Gaussian basis set and a high level of correlation treatment. An analytical representation of the potential energy surface was then obtained which reproduces the calculated energies with an overall root-mean-square error of only 0.64 mEh. The analytic representation explicitly includes all nine internal degrees of freedom and is also well behaved as the H2 dissociates; it thus can be used to study collision-induced dissociation or recombination of H2. The strategy used to minimize the number of energy calculations is discussed, as well as other advantages of the present method for determining the analytical representation.

Schwenke, David W.↗
NASA NTRS1990

The photoelectron spectroscopy of ZnCl2

The ionization energies (IEs) corresponding to the Cl ligand electrons and the Zn 3d electrons in ZnCl2, computed using large Gaussian basis sets and a high level of correlation treatment, are presented. The IEs for the Cl ligand electrons are in excellent agreement with those determined from photoelectron spectra. The IEs corresponding to the Zn 3d electrons agree with experiment relatively well in absolute magnitude, but differ in order. The vibrational frequencies of the ground state agree very well with experiment, and predictions are made for the corresponding frequencies in the positive ion.

Bauschlicher, Charles W., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Theoretical study of the C-H bond dissociation energies of CH4, C2H2, C2H4, and H2C2O

The successive C-H bond dissociation energies of CH4, C2H2, C2H4, and H2C2O (ketene) are determined using large-basis sets and a high level of correlation treatment. For CH4, C2H2, and C2H4 the computed values are in excellent agreement with experiment. Using these results, the values 107.9 + or - 2.0 and 96.7 + or - 2.0 kcal/mol are recommended for the C-H bond dissociation energies of H2C2O and HC2O, respectively.

Bauschlicher, Charles W., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Technology needs for lunar and Mars space transfer systems

The determination of appropriate space transportation technologies and operating modes is discussed with respect to both lunar and Mars missions. Three levels of activity are set forth to examine the sensitivity of transportation preferences including 'minimum,' 'full science,' and 'industrialization and settlement' categories. High-thrust-profile missions for lunar and Mars transportation are considered in terms of their relative advantages, and transportation options are defined in terms of propulsion and braking technologies. Costs and life-cycle cost estimates are prepared for the transportation preferences by using a parametric cost model, and a return-on-investment summary is given. Major technological needs for the programs are listed and include storable propulsion systems; cryogenic engines and fluids management; aerobraking; and nuclear thermal, nuclear electric, electric, and solar electric propulsion technologies.

Woodcock, Gordon R.↗