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At least 343 records · Page 19

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NASA NTRS1982

Focusing of waves in turbulent inhomogeneous media

A stochastic method using geometrical acoustics is employed to investigate the growth of a large fluctuation in the amplitude of high-frequency waves or shocks propagating through turbulent, inhomogeneous media. Nonlinear terms are retained in the analysis to correctly model focusing and growth of singular fluctuations in the amplitude. A two-dimensional analysis reveals that fluctuations in the ray-tube area grow exponentially and every ray displays caustics. Probability densities for the appearance of caustics are provided, and moments of the ray-tube area distribution and amplitude-related statistics are formulated for distances far into the region of caustic formation. Finally, a relationship is defined between theoretical predictions and measurements on an image plane.

Kulkarny, V. A.↗

NASA NTRS1982

A transmittance-optimized, point-focus Fresnel lens solar concentrator

The development of a point-focus Fresnel lens solar concentrator for high-temperature solar thermal energy system applications is discussed. The concentrator utilizes a transmittance-optimized, short-focal-length, dome-shaped refractive Fresnel lens as the optical element. This concentrator combines both good optical performance and a large tolerance for manufacturing, deflection, and tracking errors. The conceptual design of an 11-meter diameter concentrator which should provide an overall collector efficiency of about 70% at an 815 C (1500 F) receiver operating temperature and a 1500X geometric concentration ratio (lens aperture area/receiver aperture area) was completed. Results of optical and thermal analyses of the collector, a discussion of manufacturing methods for making the large lens, and an update on the current status and future plans of the development program are included.

Oneill, M. J.↗

NASA NTRS1982

A point focusing collector for an integrated water/power complex

The utilization potential of the point focusing parabolic dish is identified. Its main design parameters are summarized. Performance tests and the utilization of the collector as primary energy source in a food-water-power complex are described. Process heat, heat storage, heat transfer, and cogeneration are discussed.

Zewen, H.↗

NASA NTRS1983

The Space Shuttle focused-technology program - Lessons learned

The results of a focused technology program (FTP), its management structure, the development of the Space Shuttle, and lessons applicable to future space programs such as a space station are discussed. A committee was formed by NASA in 1969 to define the technologies necessary for a reusable spacecraft. Basic and applied research assessments were featured at the beginning of the process. Working groups were established to cover all necessary areas, e.g., Operations, Structures and Materials, Aerothermodynamics, etc., and tasks were distributed to appropriate NASA centers. Funding was drawn from existing budgets. The FTP proceeded successfully because of an understanding of the respective roles of industry and government, the willingness of industry to invest early in a new technology, and the unclassified status of information generated by the program. The in-house design and technology transfer methods that brought the project to a technology demonstration phase are explored, noting the necessity for users to take part in the development within their field.

Fitzgerald, P. E., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Electrostrictive limit and focusing effects in pulsed photoacoustic detection

We give an analytical solution in the time and frequency domain for the cylindrical pressure wave generated by a laser pulse traveling in a liquid, which is valid over a wide range of laser beam dimensions and pulse durations. This leads to a simple prediction of the ultimate limitation set by the electrostrictive coupling and an easy analysis of the focusing effects on the photoacoustic signal. Two separate detection schemes were considered and show different behavior.

Heritier, J.-M.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Polymer coating of glass microballoons levitated in a focused acoustic field

Inertial confinement fusion (ICF) glass microballoons (GMBs) levitated in a focusing radiator acoustic device can be coated with liquid materials by deploying the liquid into the levitation field with a stepped-horn atomizer. The GMB can be forced to the center of the coating liquid with a strong acoustically generated centering force. Water solutions of organic polymers, UV-curable liquid organic monomers, and paraffin waxes have been used to prepare solid coatings on the surface of GMBs using this technique.

Young, A. T.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Theoretical studies in isoelectric focusing

A mathematical model has been developed which describes the steady state in an isoelectric focusing (IEF) system with ampholytes or monovalent buffers. The model is based on the fundamental equations describing the component dissociation equilibria, mass transport due to diffusion and electromigration, electroneutrality, and the conservation of charge. The validity and usefulness of the model has been confirmed by using it to formulate buffer systems in actual laboratory experiments. The model has been recently extended to include the evolution of transient states not only in IEF but also in other modes of electrophoresis.

Mosher, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Point-Focusing Solar-Power Distributed Receivers

Two-volume annual report describes development work aimed at achieving large-scale production of modular, point-focusing distributed receivers (PFDR's) for solar-powered generation of electricity or thermal power for industrial use.

Lucas, J. W.↗

NASA NTRS1984

A Transmittance-optimized, Point-focus Fresnel Lens Solar Concentrator

Oneill, M. J.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Orbiter radiator panel solar focusing test

Test data are presented which define the area around the Orbiter radiator panels for which the solar reflections are concentrated to one-sun or more. The concave shape of the panels and their specular silver/Teflon coating causes focusing of the reflected solar energy which could have adverse heating effects on equipment or astronaut extravehicular activity (EVA) in the vicinity of the radiator panels. A room ambient test method was utilized with a one-tenth scale model of the radiator panels.

Howell, H. R.↗

NASA NTRS1984

The effect of concentrator field layout on the performance of point-focus distributed receiver systems

The effect of concentrator field layout on the technical-economic performance of a point-focusing distributed receiver (PFDR) solar thermal power plant is presented. The plant design is based on the small community prototype system currently under development for JPL/DOE; parabolic dish concentrators are employed, and small heat engines are used to generate electricity at each dish. The effect of field size, array proportions, dish-to-dish spacing and packing fraction (concentrator-land area ratio) are presented for typical PFDR layouts. Economic analyses are carried out to determine optimum packing fraction as a function of site cost.

Pons, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Oblique focus ICCD laboratory evaluation

An oblique focus intensified charge coupled device (ICCD) was constructed and operated in a vacuum system. Special gratings were obtained and an optical system set up to try to model a candidate UV spectrometer (Milieu Interstellaire et Intergalactique-MISIG), and to produce small enough images to test the theoretical subpixel resolution capability of the ICCD system. The efforts were only partly successful. Based on the results, a similar detector was built and flown successfully on a Princeton rocket program.

York, D. G.↗

NASA NTRS1985

High-performance double-focusing mass spectrometer

Double focusing was first employed when mass spectrometers of a simpler design were not capable any longer to satisfy increasing demands in mass spectroscopy. One of the successful instruments of the 1930's was the mass spectrometer designed by Mattauch and Herzog (1934). The compactness of the Mattauch-Herzog geometry became particularly important in connection with studies involving the employment of rockets, satellites, or space probes. Another advantage of the considered spectrometer is related to the capability of measuring several masses of ions simultaneously. The instrument design was, therefore adopted for some rocket flights to the upper atmosphere, the investigation of the upper atmosphere of Mars, and for studying the upper atmosphere of Venus. Attention is given to laboratory applications involving the instrument in a somewhat enlarged version, and aspects of instrument operation and performance.

Nier, A. O.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Rotating Apparatus for Isoelectric Focusing

Remixing of separated fractions prevented. Improved isoelectric focusing apparatus helps to prevent electro-osmosis and convection, both of which cause remixing of separated fractions. Fractionating column segmented and rotated about horizontal axis: Only combined effects of both features fully effective in making good separations. Improved apparatus slowly rotated continuously or rocked (at rotational amplitude of at least 180 degrees) about its horizontal axis so average gravitational vector experienced by fluid is zero and convection is therefore suppressed. Electro-osmosis suppressed and convection further suppressed by separating column into disklike compartments along its length with filters. Experiments have shown dimensions of apparatus not critical. Typical compartment and column volumes are 2 and 40 ml, respectively. Rotation speeds lie between 3 and 30 rpm.

Bier, M.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Hormone Purification by Isoelectric Focusing

Various ground-based research approaches are being applied to a more definitive evaluation of the natures and degrees of electroosmosis effects on the separation capabilities of the Isoelectric Focusing (IEF) process. A primary instrumental system for this work involves rotationally stabilized, horizontal electrophoretic columns specially adapted for the IEF process. Representative adaptations include segmentation, baffles/screens, and surface coatings. Comparative performance and development testing are pursued against the type of column or cell established as an engineering model. Previously developed computer simulation capabilities are used to predict low-gravity behavior patterns and performance for IEF apparatus geometries of direct project interest. Three existing mathematical models plus potential new routines for particular aspects of simulating instrument fluid patterns with varied wall electroosmosis influences are being exercised.

Bier, M.↗

NASA NTRS1985

SS focused technology: Gateways and NOS's

The extensions and enhancements of the fiber optic data bus technology supported by the Space Station Focused Technology Program are discussed. This includes the operating software for the network called the Network Operating System (NOS); gateways and bridges for multiple network topologies; and very large scale topology implimentations to shrink the size and power of the Bus Interface Unit (BIU) down to more manageable dimensions. CMOS is being investigated for the lower speed (parallel) logic. Gallium arsendide is being studied for the high speed (serial) logic.

Hartenstein, R.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Focusing anisotropy of solar cosmic rays

Analysis of 50-MeV particle data from ICE and 1-GeV data from eight high-latitude neutron monitors of the February 16, 1984 solar cosmic ray event indicates that an exponential with scattering mean free path of greater than 2 AU and with index in the 1.3-1.7 range provides a better description of particle anisotropies than the first-order form, confirming the prediction from cosmic ray transport theories which incorporate the effect of adiabatic focusing into the usual pitch angle scattering formalism. The time profile of the event is largely a reflection of coronal transport processes, with good fits provided by a coronal diffusion coefficient of about 10 to the 18th sq cm/s and with velocity-dependent escape. The simple method of predicting the interplanetary scattering parameters has application where particle injection is nearly continuous, but where previously accelerated particles have filled the heliosphere with a large omnidirectional background.

Bieber, J. W.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Isoelectric focusing of dansylated amino acids in immobilized pH gradients

The 21 free amino acids commonly encountered in proteins have been transformed into 'carrier ampholyte' species by reacting their primary amino groups with dansyl chloride. These derivatives can thus be focused in an immobilized pH gradient covering the pH interval 3.1 to 4.1, except for arginine, which still retains a pI of 8.8. Due to their inherent fluorescence, the dansyl derivatives are revealed in UV light, with a sensitivity of the order of 2-4 ng/sq mm. All nearest neighbors are separated except for the following couples: Asn-Gln, Gly-Thr, Val-Ile and Cys-Cys2, with a resolving power, in a Delta(pI) scale, of the order of 0.0018 pH units. Except for a few cases (notably the aromatic amino acids), the order of pI values is well correlated with the pK values of carboxyl groups, suggesting that the latter are not altered by dansylation. From the set of pK(COOH)-pI values of the different amino acids, the pK of the tertiary amino group in the dansyl label has been calculated to be 5.11 + or - 0.06. Knowing the pK of the amino-dansyl and the pI of the excess, free dansyl label (pI = 3.34), a pK of 1.57 is derived for its sulfonic acid group.

Bianchi-Bosisio, Adriana↗