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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.

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At least 361 records · Page 20
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1977

Imperfection surveys on a 10-ft-diameter shell structure

The results of an extensive imperfection survey on a 10-ft-diameter integrally stiffened cylindrical shell are presented. The shape of the measured initial imperfections is clearly influenced by details of the shell construction. The modal components of the measured imperfection surface as a function of the circumferential and of the axial wave numbers are calculated. The discrete axial power spectral density functions and the corresponding root-mean-square values of the imperfections are also determined for given circumferential wave numbers. Using the Fourier coefficients of the measured initial imperfections, buckling loads are calculated by solving the nonlinear Donnell-type imperfect shell equations iteratively. The calculated lowest buckling load compares favorably with the values usually recommended for similar shell structures.

Arbocz, J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Interaction of a turbulent-jet noise source with transverse modes in a rectangular duct

A turbulent jet was used to excite transverse acoustic modes in a rectangular duct. The pressure spectrum showed asymmetric singularities (pressure spikes) at the resonant frequencies of the duct modes. This validates previously published theoretical results. These pressure spikes occurred over a range of jet velocities, orientations, and inlet turbulence levels. At the frequency of the spike, the measured transverse pressure shape matched the resonant mode shape.

Succi, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Laser excited fluorescence in the cesium-xenon excimer and the cesium dimer

Argon ion laser lines are used to excite fluorescence in a mixture of cesium and xenon. Excimer band fluorescence is observed at higher pressures (about 1 atm) while at lower pressures (several torr) a diffuse fluorescence due to the cesium dimer is observed whose character changes with exciting wavelength. The excimer fluorescence is shown to be directly related to the location of the exciting wavelength within previously measured Cs/Xe line shapes. This fact suggests that the excimer systems may be efficiently pumped through these line shapes. Qualitative energy-level schemes are proposed to explain the observations in both the excimer and dimer systems.

Exton, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Comparison of gravimetric geoids with GEOS 3 altimetric geoid

The paper examines how well GEOS 3 radar altimeter estimates of geoid height compare with data from independently determined gravimetric geoids. To this end, GEOS 3 altimeter estimates of geoid height are compared with 1 by 1 deg gravimetric geoids in the North Atlantic, Northwest Pacific, and Indian oceans. There exist constant offsets and long-wavelength discrepancies between the two sets of data. Although some difficulties exist with constant offset and long-wavelength discrepancies, the GEOS 3 radar altimeter appears to detect geological features such as deep-sea trenches and is an excellent instrument for acquiring measurements of the shape of the ocean surface.

Chapman, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Initial test bed concentrator characterization

The operational characteristics and the mirror alignment technique of the test bed concentrator control system are highlighted. The final design of the TBC control system provided one axis of fast slew capability so that either the Sun acquisition or emergency off-Sun mode could be obtained in a minimum time. The procedure for getting on and off Sun is to run the elevation axis up to the approximate elevation of the Sun for the particular time of acquisition and then slew the concentrator on Sun in azimuth. The automatic Sun-acquisition system is controlled by two Sun sensors, one for each axis; each has a 2deg acquisition cone angle within which the concentrators are programmed to point. The mirror alignment technique chosen utilized a semi-distant incandescent light source which produced a reflected image on the focal point target. The concentrator was boresighted to the light by moving the concentrator while sighting along the cross hairs and through the apertures in the disks to the light source resulting in a maximum point error of 0.11 deg. Test plans to install a solar flux mapper to characterize the solar spot and to measure the size, shape, and intensity of the Sun's image are outlined.

Starkey, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

The structure and emplacement of cinder cone fields

The paper examines the structure and emplacement of cinder cone fields. Terrestrial cinder cone fields occur in volcanic provinces upon the flanks of major volcanoes or within relatively flat-lying volcanic fields. Measurements of cone shape and distribution were made in three volcano cone fields and three platform cone fields, and it was found that modal average values of cone basal diameter are on the order of 300 to 400 m within volcano cone fields and 900 to 1000 m within platform cone fields. The average morphometric parameters for the six fields indicate that cone diameter is positively correlated with cone separation distance, and that the size and spacing of cinder cones formed on the flanks of volcanoes is less than the size and spacing of cones constructed in volcanic fields.

Settle, M.↗
NASA NTRS1983

An experimental study of three-dimensional shock wave/boundary layer interactions generated by sharp fins

The interaction between a turbulent boundary layer and a shock wave generated by a sharp fin with leading edge sweepback was investigated. The incoming flow was at Mach 2.96 and at a unit Reynolds number of 63 x 10 to the 6th power 0.1 m. The approximate incoming boundary layer thickness was either 4 mm or 17 mm. The fins used were at 5 deg, 9 deg and 15 deg incidence and had leading edge sweepback from 0 deg to 65 deg. The tests consisted of surface kerosene lampblack streak visualization, surface pressure measurements, shock wave shape determination by shadowgraphs, and localized vapor screen visualization. The upstream influence lengths of the fin interactions were correlated using viscous and inviscid flow parameters. The parameters affecting the surface features close to the fin and way from the fin were also identified. Essentially, the surface features in the farfield were found to be conical.

Lu, F. K.↗
NASA NTRS1983

High-resolution submillimeter-wave radiometry of supersonic flow

The recent development of a high-resolution submillimeter-wave heterodyne radiometer has made possible the first measurements of H2O molecule rotational line excitation temperatures and detailed profiles in supersonic flow. Absorption signals were measured across the flow for the 2/11/ from 2//02/ (752 GHz) para-H2O rotational transition against a hot background. These signals decrease downstream owing to the volume expansion of the gas away from the sonic nozle exit in the high-vacuum chamber. Radiative transfer calculations based on the large-velocity-gradient approximation and multilevel statistical equilibrium agree with these results and with the measured spectral line shapes. The data reveal nearly isentropic gas expansion and cooling. These studies have shown that submillimeter-wave heterodyne radiometry can be useful for remote sensing of supersonic flow with low mass flux, provided the signal transmission is through a dry or thin atmosphere.

Dionne, G. F.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The next generation microwave sounder for weather satellites

Microwave sounders are multichannel microwave radiometers for measuring atmospheric temperature (or humidity) profiles. These devices are also known as microwave spectrometers because a sounder typically has a number of channels measuring the spectral shape of an absorption line. Each channel of the sounder responds essentially to a given layer of the atmosphere. The characteristics of currently employed microwave sounders on satellites are briefly examined, and new features expected in connection with the introduction of the next generation sounders are discussed. There will probably be an increase in the number of oxygen channels with the objective to extend the weighting function height coverage into the stratosphere and to improve the temperature retrieval accuracy. Other features are to be related to better surface resolution, auxiliary channels, and water vapor sounding.

Shiue, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Particle phase function measurements by a new Fiber Array Nephelometer: FAN 1

A fiber array polar nephelometer of advanced design, the FAN I is capable of in-situ phase function measurements of scattered light from man-made or natural atmospheric particles. The scattered light is measured at 100 different angles throughout 360 degrees, thus providing a potential measurement of the asymmetry of irregularly shaped particles. Phase functions can be measured at 10 to 100 Hz rates and the range of measurable single particle sizes is from 5 micron m to as large as 8mm. For particles smaller than 5 micro m the ensemble average can be measured. The FAN I is microprocessor controlled and the data may be stored on floppy disk or printed out in tabular and/or graphical form. The optical head may be separated from the computer system for operation in field or adverse conditions. Examples of laboratory measured scattering phase functions obtained with the FAN I for spherical particles is given to illustrate its measurement capabilities.

Farmer, W. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Barrier height determination on Schottky contacts formed at the back contact-semiconductor interface of degraded solar cells

A method is described of determining an equivalent circuit for solar cells which have degraded as a result of the formation of a rectifying Schottky barrier at the back contact. An excellent fit of experimental data has been achieved using SCEPTRE with an equivalent circuit derived from the shape of the measured current voltage characteristics. One key parameter of the Schottky barrier diode, the reverse saturation current, can be used to determine the barrier potential. The barrier potential increases as the cell is stressed with 0.5 volts being a typical experimentally determined value for a degraded cell.

Misiakos, K.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Structural optimization of large ocean-going structures

Ocean-going vehicles and platforms are among the largest structures in the world and are subjected to relatively harsh conditions of motions and loads. Some of them, such as semi-submersible platforms, are a relatively new type of structure and hence there is no formal, well evolved and established structural design code as there is for more traditional structures. More recently, efforts have also been made to develop a design method of this type for ships and other ocean structures. One of the many advantages of a rationally based design method is versatility; it can be used for structures that have widely differing purposes, measures of merit, shapes and sizes. The purpose is to describe a rationally based design method that has been developed within the field of ocean structures, in order that persons dealing with other types of structure can judge whether and to what extent its various features may be useful for those other types. Also, even though some features may not be applicable they might stimulate some useful ideas.

Hughes, O. F.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The ionospheric extent of P/Halley from ground based operations during the 1985-1986 apparition

Spatial profiles of H2O(+) emission in the inner coma of P/Halley on 8 dates during the 1985 to 1986 apparition are presented. The profiles are derived from two dimensional CCD spectrograms taken with the spectrograph slit oriented along the cometary radius vector. The observations cover the range from 16 Oct. 1985 (r = 2.14 AU preperihelion) to 6 June 1986 (r = 2.14 AU postperihelion). The surface brightness profile of the 6198A H2O(+) emission line is calibrated in terms of the column density of H2O(+) ions. The profile from 14.4 Mar. 1986 is compared with the Giotto Ion Composition Experiment measurement of the shape of the H2O(+) space density profile. The ionosphere becomes larger and steeper in the sunward direction with an increasing water production rate.

Mccarthy, Patrick J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Antenna pattern study

Prediction of antenna radiation patterns has long been an important function in the design of command, communication, and tracking systems for rocket vehicles and spacecraft. An acceptable degree of assurance that a radio link will provide the required quality of data or certainty of correct command execution must be acquired by some means if the system is to be certified as reliable. Two methods have been used to perform this function: (1) Theoretical analysis, based on the known properties of basic antenna element types and their behavior in the presence of conductive structures of simple shape, and (2) Measurement of the patterns on scale models of the spacecraft or rocket vehicle on which the antenna is located. Both of these methods are ordinarily employed in the antenna design process.

Harper, Warren↗
NASA NTRS1990

Optical Detection Of Deformations Of An Antenna

Proposed control subsystem generates small aiming-bias signals to correct for deviations of 70-m-diameter reflector of microwave antenna from its ideal shape. Takes optical measurements to determine deformations produced by such environmental factors as wind, gravity, and thermal differentials. Using these measurements, subsystem estimates misalignment of radiation pattern caused by deformations. Signals to correct for estimated misalignment added to angle-command signals of main antenna-aiming system. To measure deviations laser ranging devices placed at base of feed on rigid intermediate reference structure, white retroreflectors placed on parts that deviate from assigned positions relative to intermediate reference structure.

Schumacher, L. L.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Interface demarcation in GaAs by current pulsing

GTE Laboratories is currently conducting a program to investigate the effect of convection in the melt on the properties of bulk grown gallium arsenide (GaAs). In addition to extensive ground based experimentation, a Get Away Special growth system has been developed to grow two GaAs crystals aboard the Space Shuttle, each with a one inch diameter. In order to perform a complete segregation analysis of the crystals grown in space, it is necessary to measure the interface shape and growth rate as well as the spatial distribution of the selenium dopant. The techniques for interface demarcation in selenium doped GaAs by current pulsing have been developed at GTE Laboratories and successful interface demarcation has been achieved for current pulses ranging from 20 to 90 amps, in both single crystal and polycrystalline regions.

Matthiesen, D. H.↗
NASA NTRS1991

The application of high spectral and spatial resolution imaging spectrometers for locating downed aircraft

The utility of high-resolution imaging spectrometer data is examined as an aid in locating downed aircraft by using a unique spectral signature while not requiring the extremely high spatial resolution needed to identify an aircraft by shape. Ground spectral measurements of several airplane wings, overflight spectral measurements of aircraft scenes, and the rationale for the chosen spectral signature are presented. It is concluded that imaging spectrometers which can detect and spatially locate a narrow-band spectral signature filling only a few pixels appear to have a utility for search and rescue aircraft or satellite systems as a aid in locating small downed aircraft. This spectral feature would have to be added to the surface coatings applied to aircraft. Proposed for use as such a spectral signature is a significant negative reflectance slope, in the 520 to 580 nm interval.

Gatlin, James A.↗