Results for “TOMOGRAPHY” — Page 22

NASA NTRS1985

A tomographic technique for aerodynamics at transonic speeds

Computer aided tomography (CAT) provides a means of noninvasively measuring the air density distribution around an aerodynamic model. This technique is global in that a large portion of the flow field can be measured. A test of the applicability of CAT to transonic velocities was studied. A hemispherical-nose cylinder afterbody model was tested at a Mach number of 0.8 with a new laser holographic interferometer at the 2- by 2-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel. Holograms of the flow field were taken and were reconstructed into interferograms. The fringe distribution (a measure of the local densities) was digitized for subsequent data reduction. A computer program based on the Fourier-transform technique was developed to convert the fringe distribution into three-dimensional densities around the model. Theoretical aerodynamic densities were calculated for evaluating and assessing the accuracy of the data obtained from the tomographic method.

Lee, G.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Three-dimensional, transonic rotor flow field reconstructed from holographic interferogram data

Holographic interferometry and computer-assisted tomography (CAT) are used to determine the transonic flow field of a model rotor blade in hover. A pulsed ruby laser records 40 interferograms with a 61 cm-diam view field near the model rotor-blade tip operating at a tip Mach number of 0.90. After digitizing the interferograms and extracting fringe-order functions, the data are transferred to a CAT code. The CAT code then calculates pressure coefficients in several planes above the blade surface. The values from the holography-CAT method compare favorably with previously obtained numerical computations and laser velocimeter measurements at most locations near the blade tip. The results demonstrate the technique's potential for three-dimensional transonic rotor flow studies.

Kittleson, J. K.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Dynamically supported geoid highs over hotspots: Observation and theory

Hotspots are associated with long wavelength geoid highs, an association that is even stronger when the geoid highs associated with subduction zones are removed. These associations are quantified by expanding the hotspot distribution in spherical harmonics and calculating correlation coefficients as a function of harmonic degree. The hotspot distribution spectrum is essentially white, with peaks at degrees 2 and 6. It is correlated positively with the slab residual geoid for degrees 2 to 6, with low seismic velocity in the lower mantle at degree 2, and with low seismic velocity in the upper mantle at degree 6. A variety of fluid mechanical models were tested for hotspots, including lithospheric delamination and hot plumes, by calculating their predicted dynamic geoid responses and comparing them to the observations. These models include the effects of temperature dependent rheology. The preferred hotspot model, based on observations of the geoid and seismic tomography, has plumes preferentially occurring in regions of large scale background temperature highs in a mantle with substantial viscosity increase with depth, although other models are possible.

Richards, M. A.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Reconstruction of a three-dimensional, transonic rotor flow field from holographic interferogram data

Holographic interferometry and computer-assisted tomography (CAT) are used to determine the transonic velocity field of a model rotor blade in hover. A pulsed ruby laser recorded 40 interferograms with a 2-ft-diam view field near the model rotor-blade tip operating at a tip Mach number of 0.90. After digitizing the interferograms and extracting fringe-order functions, the data are transferred to a CAT code. The CAT code then calculates the perturbation velocity in several planes above the blade surface. The value from the holography-CAT method compare favorably with previously obtained numerical computations in most locations near the blade tip. The results demonstrate the technique's potential for three-dimensional transonic rotor flow studies.

Yu, Y. H.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Transition region of the earth's upper mantle

The chemistry of the earth's mantle is discussed using data from cosmochemistry, geochemistry, petrology, seismology, and mineral physics. The chondritic earth, the upper mantle and the 400-km discontinuity, the transition region, lower mantle mineralogy, and surface wave tomography are examined. Three main issues are addressed: (1) whether the mantle is homogeneous in composition or chemically stratified, (2) whether the major element chemistry of the mantle is more similar to upper mantle peridotites or to chondrites, and (3) the nature of the composition of the source region of basalts erupted at midocean ridges.

Anderson, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1985

A tomographic technique for aerodynamics at transonic speeds

Computer aided tomography (CAT) provides a means of noninvasively measuring the air density distribution around an aerodynamic model. This technique is global in that a large portion of the flow field can be measured. A test of the applicability of CAT to transonic velocities was studied. A hemispherical-nose cylinder afterbody model was tested at a Mach number of 0.8 with a new laser holographic interferometer at the 2- by 2-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel. Holograms of the flow field were taken and were reconstructed into interferograms. The fringe distribution (a measure of the local densities) was digitized for subsequent data reduction. A computer program based on the Fourier-transform technique was developed to convert the fringe distribution into three-dimensional densities around the model. Theoretical aerodynamic densities were calculated for evaluating and assessing the accuracy of the data obtained from the tomographic method.

Lee, G.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Transonic rotor flow-measurement technique using holographic interferometry

Holographic interferometry is used to record interferograms of the flow near a hovering transonic rotor blade. A pulsed ruby laser recorded 40 interferograms with a 2 ft dia. view field near the model rotor blade tip operating at a tip Mach number of 0.90. The experimental procedure is presented and example interferograms recorded in the rotor's tip path plane. In addition, a method currently being pursued to obtain quantitative flow information using computer assisted tomography (CAT) with the holographic interferogram data, is outlined.

Kittleson, John K.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Reconstruction of a three-dimensional, transonic rotor flow field from holographic interferogram data

Holographic interferometry and computerized aided tomography (CAT) are used to determine the transonic velocity field of a model rotor blade in hover. A pulsed ruby laser recorded 40 interferograms with a 2 ft dia view field near the model rotor blade tip operating at a tip Mach number of 0.90. After digitizing the interferograms and extracting the fringe order functions, the data are transferred to a CAT code. The CAT code then calculates the perturbation velocity in several planes above the blade surface. The values from the holography-CAT method compare favorably with previously obtained numerical computations in most locations near the blade tip. The results demonstrate the technique's potential for three dimensional transonic rotor flow studies.

Kittleson, John K.↗

NASA NTRS1987

1986 Nuclear Science Symposium, 33rd, and 1986 Symposium on Nuclear Power Systems, 18th, Washington, DC, Oct. 29-31, 1986, Proceedings

Papers are presented on space, low-energy physics, and general nuclear science instrumentations. Topics discussed include data acquisition systems and circuits, nuclear medicine imaging and tomography, and nuclear radiation detectors. Consideration is given to high-energy physics instrumentation, reactor systems and safeguards, health physics instrumentation, and nuclear power systems.

Stubblefield, F. W.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Consequences of experimental transient rheology

Recent analyses of transient creep data for lower crustal and upper mantle substances are used to constrain the viscosity contrast across the 670 km discontinuity, and a 4-layer earth model in which both upper and lower mantles are described by a Burgers body rheology is assumed. Results indicate that the previously inferred viscosity variations would be reduced by a factor of ten using the new transient models. This result is in agreement with a revised viscosity estimate based on long-wavelength geoid anomalies and seismic tomography. Time-dependent perturbations to the gravity field from recent ice movements are shown to be significant.

Sabadini, Roberto↗

NASA NTRS1988

Measuring Flow By Holographic Interferometry

Flow field reconstructed by computer-aided tomography. Holographic interferogram formed on photographic plate by interference between object and reference beams. Double-exposure interferograms taken with blade rotating and stationary at various positions processed to reconstruct mathematically airflow about model helicopter rotor blade.

Yu, Yung H.↗

NASA NTRS1988

An illustration of the complexity of continent formation

It was pointed out that a consensus may be emerging in crustal growth models, considering the clustering of most growth curves and their uncertainties. Curves most distant from this clustering represent models involving extensive recycling of continental material back into the mantle, but the author wondered if geochemical signatures for this would be recognizable considering the lack of evidence from seismic tomography for discrete mantle reservoirs, and the likelihood of core-mantle interaction based on recent high pressure experiments. Unreactivated Archean rocks represent only 2 percent of present continental area, and the author was uncomfortable about basing inferences on what the early Earth was like on such a small amount of information. He feels that the hypothesis of continental assembly that needs testing is that of banging together of island arcs, such as in Indonesia today. As an example of how complex this process can be, the author described the geology of the Caribbean arc system, which shows evidence for reversals of subduction polarity, numerous collisional events, and substantial strike-slip movements. It seemed unlikely to the author that Archean examples would have been less complicated.

Burke, Kevin↗

NASA NTRS1988

Dynamically supported geoid highs over hotspots - Observation and theory

Hotspots are associated with long wavelength geoid highs, an association that is even stronger when the geoid highs associated with subduction zones are removed. These associations are quantified by expanding the hotspot distribution in spherical harmonics and calculating correlation coefficients as a function of harmonic degree. The hotspot distribution spectrum is essentially white, with peaks at degrees 2 and 6. It is correlated positively with the slab residual geoid for degrees 2 to 6, with low seismic velocity in the lower mantle at degree 2, and with low seismic velocity in the upper mantle at degree 6. A variety of fluid mechanical models were tested for hotspots, including lithospheric delamination and hot plumes, by calculating their predicted dynamic geoid responses and comparing them to the observations. These models include the effects of temperature dependent rheology. The preferred hotspot model, based on observations of the geoid and seismic tomography, has plumes preferentially occurring in regions of large scale background temperature highs in a mantle with substantial viscosity increase with depth, although other models are possible.

Richards, Mark A.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Nondestructive evaluation of advanced ceramics

A review is presented of Lewis Research Center efforts to develop nondestructive evaluation techniques for characterizing advanced ceramic materials. Various approaches involved the use of analytical ultrasonics to characterize monolythic ceramic microstructures, acousto-ultrasonics for characterizing ceramic matrix composites, damage monitoring in impact specimens by microfocus X-ray radiography and scanning ultrasonics, and high resolution computed X-ray tomography to identify structural features in fiber reinforced ceramics.

Klima, Stanley J.↗

NASA NTRS1988

The role of GPS in precise earth observation

The potential of the Global Positioning System (GPS) for precise earth observation is evaluated. It is projected that soon GPS will be utilized to track remote-sensing satellites with subdecimeter accuracy. The first will be Topex/Poseidon, a US/French ocean altimetry mission to be launched in 1991. In addition, it is suggested that developments planned for future platforms may push orbit accuracy near 1 cm within a decade. GPS receivers on some platforms will track the signals down to the earth limb to observe occultation by intervening media. This will provide comprehensive information on global temperature and climate and help detect the possible onset of a greenhouse effect. It is also projected that dual-frequency observations will be used to trace the flow of energy across earth systems through detection of ionospheric gravity waves, and to map the structure of the ionosphere by computer tomography.

Yunck, Thomas P.↗

NASA NTRS1989

A study of the effects of prolonged simulated microgravity on the musculature of the lower extremities in man - An introduction

The experimental approach and the protocol are described for a study designed to investigate the effect of prolonged microgravity (simulated by a continuous exposure of subjects to 30-d-long 6-deg headdown tilt) on the musculature of the lower extremities in humans. The objectives of this study are as follows: (1) to determine changes in the functional characteristics of knee joint flexor and extensor muscle group; (2) to examine changes in the histochemical, biochemical, electron microscopic, and computed tomographic characteristics of skeletal muscle; (3) to determine if functional characteristics of skeletal muscle would be normalized four weeks after the bedrest; and (4) to compare these results to those of spaceflight. Percutaneous muscle biopsy, computed tomography, anthropometry, and in vivo muscle strength measurements are to be used to assess mechanical, structural, and metabolic characteristics of skeletal muscle.

Buchanan, Paul↗

NASA NTRS1989

Volumetric visualization of 3D data

In recent years, there has been a rapid growth in the ability to obtain detailed data on large complex structures in three dimensions. This development occurred first in the medical field, with CAT (computer aided tomography) scans and now magnetic resonance imaging, and in seismological exploration. With the advances in supercomputing and computational fluid dynamics, and in experimental techniques in fluid dynamics, there is now the ability to produce similar large data fields representing 3D structures and phenomena in these disciplines. These developments have produced a situation in which currently there is access to data which is too complex to be understood using the tools available for data reduction and presentation. Researchers in these areas are becoming limited by their ability to visualize and comprehend the 3D systems they are measuring and simulating.

Russell, Gregory↗

NASA NTRS1989

Determinants of bone density among athletes engaged in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing activity

The effect of weight bearing activity on the bone density was investigated in athletes by comparing the measures of bone density of athletes engaged in weight-training programs with those of polo players and nonexercising subjects. All subjects had measurements of spinal trabecular and integral bone density by quantitative tomography, as well as determinations of hip bone density by dual photon absorptiometry. Results confirmed previous findings by Block et al. (1987) of significantly greater bone density among highly trained athletes compared with nonexercising subjects of similar age. Results also indicated that athletes engaged in non-weight-bearing forms of rigorous exercise had greater levels of bone density. However, as the participants in this study were exceptional athletes, engaged in a strenuous sport with both aerobic and heavy resistance components, a confirmation of these data is needed, using larger samples of individuals.

Block, Jon E.↗