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At least 37 records · Page 2

Turbulence in unsteady flow at high frequencies

Turbulent flows subjected to oscillations of the mean flow were simulated using a large-eddy simulation computer code for flow in a channel. The objective of the simulations was to provide better understanding of the effects of time-dependent disturbances on the turbulence of a boundary layer and of the underlying physical phenomena regarding the basic interaction between the turbulence and external disturbances. The results confirmed that turbulence is sensitive to certain ranges of frequencies of disturbances. However, no direct connection was found between the frequency of imposed disturbances and the characteristic 'burst' frequency of turbulence. New insight into the nature of turbulence at high frequencies was found. Viscous phenomena near solid walls were found to be the dominant influence for high-frequency perturbations.

Kuhn, Gary D.↗

Intelligent Robotic Systems Study (IRSS), phase 3

This phase of the Intelligent Robotic Systems Study (IRSS) examines some basic dynamics and control issues for a space manipulator attached to its worksite through a compliant base. One example of this scenario is depicted, which is a simplified, planar representation of the Flight Telerobotic Servicer (FTS) Development Test Flight 2 (DTF-2) experiment. The system consists of 4 major components: (1) dual FTS arms to perform dextrous tasks; (2) the main body to house power and electronics; (3) an Attachment Stabilization and Positioning Subsystem (ASPS) to provide coarse positioning and stabilization of the arms, and (4) the Worksite Attachment Mechanism (WAM) which anchors the system to its worksite, such as a Space Station truss node or Shuttle bay platform. The analysis is limited to the DTF-2 scenario. The goal is to understand the basic interaction dynamics between the arm, the positioner and/or stabilizer, and the worksite. The dynamics and controls simulation model are described. Analysis and simulation results are presented.

Source record↗

Comparison of modeled backscatter with SAR data at P-band

In recent years several analytical models were developed to predict microwave scattering by trees and forest canopies. These models contribute to the understanding of radar backscatter over forested regions to the extent that they capture the basic interactions between microwave radiation and tree canopies, understories, and ground layers as functions of incidence angle, wavelength, and polarization. The Santa Barbara microwave model backscatter model for woodland (i.e. with discontinuous tree canopies) combines a single-tree backscatter model and a gap probability model. Comparison of model predictions with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data and L-band (lambda = 0.235 m) is promising, but much work is still needed to test the validity of model predictions at other wavelengths. The validity of the model predictions at P-band (lambda = 0.68 m) for woodland stands at our Mt. Shasta test site was tested.

Wang, Yong↗

Micromachined TWTs for THz Radiation Sources

The Terahertz (THz) region of the electromagnetic spectrum (about 300 - 3000 GHz in frequency or about 0.1 - 1 mm free space wavelength) has enormous potential for high-data-rate communications, spectroscopy, astronomy, space research, medicine, biology, surveillance, remote sensing, industrial process control, etc. It has been characterized as the most scientifically rich, yet under-utilized, region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The most critical roadblock to full exploitation of the THz band is lack of coherent radiation sources that are powerful (0.001 - 1.0 W continuous wave), efficient (> 1%), frequency agile (instantaneously tunable over 1% bandwidths or more), reliable, and comparatively inexpensive. To develop vacuum electron device (VED) radiation sources satisfying these requirements, fabrication and packaging approaches must be heavily considered to minimize costs, in addition to the basic interaction physics and circuit design. To minimize size of the prime power supply, beam voltage must be minimized, preferably 10 kV. Solid state sources satisfy the low voltage requirement, but are many orders of magnitude below power, efficiency, and bandwidth requirements. On the other hand, typical fast-wave VED sources in this regime (e.g., gyrotrons, FELs) tend to be large, expensive, high voltage and very high power devices unsuitable for most of the applications cited above. VEDs based on grating or inter-digital (ID) circuits have been researched and developed. However, achieving forward-wave amplifier operation with instantaneous fractional bandwidths > 1% is problematic for these devices with low-energy (< 15 kV) electron beams. Moreover, the interaction impedance is quite low unless the beam-circuit spacing is kept particularly narrow, often leading to significant beam interception. One solution to satisfy the THz source requirements mentioned above is to develop micromachined VEDs, or "micro-VEDs". Among other benefits, micro-machining technologies provide superior high frequency wall conductivity as a result of superior surface smoothness compared with conventional mechanical or electric discharge machining approaches. Micro-VED technologies are already being applied to the development of millimeter-wave klystrons at Stanford Linear Accelerator Center and submillimeter-wave klystrons at the University of Leeds. We are investigating the use of micro-machining technologies to develop THz regime TWTs, with emphasis on folded-waveguide TWTs. The folded-waveguide TWT (FW-TWT) has several features that make it attractive for THz-regime micro-VED applications. It is a relatively simple circuit to design and fabricate, it is amenable to precision pattern replication by micro-machining, and it is has been demonstrated capable of forward-wave amplification with appreciable bandwidth. We are conducting experimental and computational studies of micro-VED FW-TWTs to examine their feasibility for applications at frequencies from 200 - 1000 GHz.

Booske, John H.↗

Structural control interaction

The basic guidance and control concepts that lead to structural control interaction and structural dynamic loads are identified. Space vehicle ascent flight load sources and the load relieving mechanism are discussed, along with the the characteristics and special problems of both present and future space vehicles including launch vehicles, orbiting vehicles, and the Space Shuttle flyback vehicle. The special dynamics and control analyses and test problems apparent at this time are summarized.

Ryan, R. S.↗

Lepton event rates in neutrino-nucleus DIS

In this work we have studied the nuclear effect in F{sub 2}{sup A}(x) and F{sub 3}{sup A}(x) weak structure functions and calculated {nu}-nucleus cross section using them by taking into account Fermi motion, binding energy, pion and rho meson cloud contributions and shadowing and anti-shadowing effects. The numerical calculations have been performed in a local density approximation using relativistic nuclear spectral functions which include nucleon correlations for nuclear matter. The results have been compared with the experimental results of NuTeV and CDHSW collaborations.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

pp{yields}p{Lambda}K{sup +} reaction in search for the K{sup -}pp state - quest for a kaonic nuclei

The dibaryonic kaonic nuclear bound state, K{sup -}pp is searched by studying an exclusive p+p{yields}p+{Lambda}+K{sup +} process at several beam energies. A signature of the K{sup -}pp is explored in a p+p{yields}X({identical_to}K{sup -}pp)+K{sup +} reaction that follows a decay of the X into p+{Lambda}. We found in a missing-mass {Delta}M(K{sup +}) spectrum and a {Lambda}p invariant-mass M({Lambda}p) spectrum of DISTO data at 2.85 GeV a resonance with M = 2267 MeV/c{sup 2} and {Gamma} = 118 MeV. Those events are found to be associated with a mono energetic kaon. We investigate this resonance as a candidate of the K{sup -}pp further also with a different beam energies.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

N-{Delta} weak transition

A short review of the Rein-Sehgal and isobar models is presented. The attention is focused on the nucleon-{Delta}(1232) weak transition form-factors. The results of the recent re-analyses of the ANL and BNL bubble chamber neutrino-deuteron scattering data are discussed.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Spacecraft environmental interactions: A joint Air Force and NASA research and technology program

A joint Air Force/NASA comprehensive research and technology program on spacecraft environmental interactions to develop technology to control interactions between large spacecraft systems and the charged-particle environment of space is described. This technology will support NASA/Department of Defense operations of the shuttle/IUS, shuttle/Centaur, and the force application and surveillance and detection missions, planning for transatmospheric vehicles and the NASA space station, and the AFSC military space system technology model. The program consists of combined contractual and in-house efforts aimed at understanding spacecraft environmental interaction phenomena and relating results of ground-based tests to space conditions. A concerted effort is being made to identify project-related environmental interactions of concern. The basic properties of materials are being investigated to develop or modify the materials as needed. A group simulation investigation is evaluating basic plasma interaction phenomena to provide inputs to the analytical modeling investigation. Systems performance is being evaluated by both groundbased tests and analysis.

Pike, C. P.↗

Determination of the Basic Parameters of Impact Interaction of Abrasive Particles Against the Blades of the Rotor Accelerator of a Centrifugal Mill

Ways to improve the efficiency with which materials are pulverized in impact centrifugal mills as well as ways of preventing wear of the blades are proposed. The problem is solved using equations that describe the motion of particles on the surface of the rotor in a polar coordinate system. It is discovered that the rate of impact of the particles against a blade increases linearly with increasing angular velocity. The angle of attack and radius of contact of a particle with the blade are independent of this velocity, though they are substantially affected by the initial position of the particles. The nature of the variation of the rate of impact and the angle of attack is determined, based on which possible wear of the blades may be predicted and measures taken to reduce wear.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Agreement for NASA/OAST - USAF/AFSC space interdependency on spacecraft environment interaction

A joint AF/NASA comprehensive program on spacecraft environment interactions consists of combined contractual and in house efforts aimed at understanding spacecraft environment ineraction phenomena and relating ground test results to space conditions. Activities include: (1) a concerted effort to identify project related environmental interactions; (2) a materials investigation to measure the basic properties of materials and develop or modify materials as needed; and (3) a ground simulation investigation to evaluate basic plasma interaction phenomena and provide inputs to the analytical modeling investigation. Systems performance is evaluated by both ground tests and analysis. There is an environmental impact investigation to determine the effect of future large spacecraft on the charged particle environment. Space flight investigations are planned to verify the results. The products of this program are test standards and design guidelines which summarize the technology, specify test criteria, and provide techniques to minimize or eliminate system interactions with the charged particle environment.

Pike, C. P.↗

Structure of Sesquisabinene Synthase 1, a Terpenoid Cyclase That Generates a Strained [3.1.0] Bridged-Bicyclic Product

The natural product sesquisabinene is a key component of the fragrant essential oil of the sandalwood tree, currently valued at $5,000/L. Sesquisabinene contains a highly strained [3.1.0] bicyclic ring system and is generated from farnesyl diphosphate in a reaction catalyzed by a class I terpenoid cyclase. To understand how the enzyme directs the formation of a strained hydrocarbon ring system, in this study we report the X-ray crystal structure of sesquisabinene synthase 1 (SQS1) from the Indian sandalwood tree ( Santalum album ). Specifically, we report the structure of unliganded SQS1 at 1.90 Å resolution and the structure of its complex with three Mg 2+ ions and the inhibitor ibandronate at 2.10 Å resolution. The bisphosphonate group of ibandronate coordinates to all three metal ions and makes hydrogen bond interactions with basic residues at the mouth of the active site. These interactions are similarly required for activation of the substrate diphosphate group to initiate catalysis, although partial occupancy binding of the Mg 2+ B ion suggests that this structure represents the penultimate metal coordination complex just prior to substrate activation. The structure of the liganded enzyme enables a precise definition of the enclosed active site contour that serves as a template for the cyclization reaction. This contour is very product-like in shape and readily fits an extended conformation of sesquisabinene and its precursor, the homobisabolyl cation. Structural comparisons of SQS1 with epi -isozizaene synthase mutants that also generate sesquisabinene suggest that [3.1.0] ring formation is not dependent on the isoprenoid tail conformation of the homobisabolyl cation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Construction of analytically solvable models for interacting species

The basic form of a model representation for systems of n interacting biological species is a set of essentially nonlinear autonomous ordinary differential equations. A generic canonical expression for the rate functions in the equations is reported which permits the analytical general solution to be obtained by elementary computation. It is shown that a general analytical solution is directly obtainable for models where the rate functions are prescribed by the generic canonical expression from the outset. Some illustrative examples are given which demonstrate that the generic canonical expression can be used to construct analytically solvable models for two interacting species with limit-cycle dynamics as well as for a three-species interdependence.

Rosen, G.↗

Physics Prospects with GlueX

The new experiment GlueX is currently being constructed at Jefferson Lab. The experiment was designed to search for hybrid mesons with exotic-quantum-numbers using a beam of linearly polarized photons incident on a liquid hydrogen target. We will discuss the discovery potential of the GlueX experiment and briefly overview its physics program.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Kinetic instabilities and turbulence in photonic plasma

The purpose of this proposal was to study the statistical dynamics of plasma and demonstrate it experimentally in all-optical systems. That this was possible followed from (1) a direct mapping between the equations of plasma kinetics and the nonlinear propagation of statistical light and (2) advances in photonic technology, which enabled versatile control of the input conditions and direct imaging of the output fields. At the start of the proposal, theory exploiting the optics plasma relationship was minimal, and few experiments had been performed. By the end, the field of photonic plasma had been firmly established. There were two main themes in the proposal. The first was optical confirmation of existing plasma theory, particularly where competing theories or numerical codes needed to be distinguished. The second was the genesis of new research directions for plasma, both fundamentally and for applications. These arose naturally from the proposed projects, as experiment raises different questions than theory, while optics gives a much different perspective than material science. The photonic analogues also provide a unified language for many issues that are difficult (and expensive) to study directly, such as high-energy laser-plasma interactions. Moreover, basic imaging techniques enable measurements that are difficult, if not impossible, in material plasma. For example, Debye shielding hides internal dynamics from outside detectors while nonlinear interactions must often be inferred by deviations from linear expectations. In contrast, optics allows the creation of a wide range of spatial and spectral distributions, along with high-resolution measurements in the full position-momentum phase space.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗