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NASA NTRS1986

Numerical studies of motion and decay of vortex filaments

A computational code is developed for the integro-differential equations governing the motion of the centerlines of vortex filaments submerged in a background potential flow. These equations, which are derived from the method of matched asymptotic analysis, include the effect of decaying large-magnitude circumferential and axial velocity components in the vortical cores. Numerical examples are presented to assess the effect of large axial velocity and of nonsimilar initial profiles in vortical cores. The initial configurations of the filaments are chosen so as to fulfill the basic assumption of asymptotic analysis, which is the effective vortical core size is much smaller than all other length scales in the flowfield, e.g., the radius of curvature and interfilament distance. The computations are continued until the basic assumption is no longer valid, that is, when the merging or intersection of filaments have begun. Various types of local or global merging or intersection of filaments are classified and demonstrated by numerical examples.

Liu, C. H.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Near field pressure fluctuations in a circular jet

The vortical structures in shear layers govern many dynamic aspects of the jet, including entrainment of mass, transfer of momentum and noise generation. These structures develop from instability waves and undergo a merging process. Vortex merging reduces the time scale and increases the length scale of the shear layer. At the same time pressure fluctuations are induced by the unsteady motion. These pressure perturbations can exert high level dynamic loading on nearby structures, and radiate to the far field as noise. In this study, the generation mechanism of the pressure fluctuations and the radiation process are examined.

Ho, C. M.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Evolution and interaction of large interplanetary streams

A computer simulation for the evolution and interaction of large interplanetary streams based on multi-spacecraft observations and an unsteady, one-dimensional MHD model is presented. Two events, each observed by two or more spacecraft separated by a distance of the order of 10 AU, were studied. The first simulation is based on the plasma and magnetic field observations made by two radially-aligned spacecraft. The second simulation is based on an event observed first by Helios-1 in May 1980 near 0.6 AU and later by Voyager-1 in June 1980 at 8.1 AU. These examples show that the dynamical evolution of large-scale solar wind structures is dominated by the shock process, including the formation, collision, and merging of shocks. The interaction of shocks with stream structures also causes a drastic decrease in the amplitude of the solar wind speed variation with increasing heliocentric distance, and as a result of interactions there is a large variation of shock-strengths and shock-speeds. The simulation results shed light on the interpretation for the interaction and evolution of large interplanetary streams. Observations were made along a few limited trajectories, but simulation results can supplement these by providing the detailed evolution process for large-scale solar wind structures in the vast region not directly observed. The use of a quantitative nonlinear simulation model including shock merging process is crucial in the interpretation of data obtained in the outer heliosphere.

Whang, Y. C.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Vortex/boundary layer interaction

The second test case (longitudinal vortex above, but not merging with, a turbulent boundary layer) was investigated with flow visualization studies, and photographs selected. The results of quantitative data acquisition for the non-merging test case are presented. Other work in progress includes further flow visualization of the delta-wing wake. Considerable effort is being devoted to the development of graphical output routines.

Bradshaw, P.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Traffic scenario generation technique for piloted simulation studies

Piloted simulation studies of cockpit traffic display concepts require the development of representative traffic scenarios. With the exception of specific aircraft interaction issues, most research questions can be addressed using traffic scenarios consisting of prerecorded aircraft movements merged together to form a desired traffic pattern. Prerecorded traffic scenarios have distinct research advantages, allowing control of traffic encounters with repeatability of scenarios between different test subjects. A technique is described for generation of prerecorded jet transport traffic scenarios suitable for use in piloted simulation studies. Individual flight profiles for the aircraft in the scenario are created interactively with a computer program designed specifically for this purpose. The profiles are then time-correlated and merged into a complete scenario. This technique was used to create traffic scenarios for the Denver, Colorado area with operations centered at Stapleton International Airport. Traffic scenarios for other areas may also be created using this technique, with appropriate modifications made to the navigation fix locations contained in the flight profile generation program.

Williams, David H.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Plasma electron collection through biased slits in a dielectric

A large number of experimental and analytical efforts have been directed toward understanding the plasma sheath growth and discharge phenomena which lead to high-voltage solar array/space plasma interactions. An important question which has not been addressed is how the voltage gradient in the plasma sheath near the surface of such an array may affect these interactions. The purpose of the experimental study described in this paper is to examine the merging of the sheaths around biased slits in a dielectric and how this affects the collection of electrons through these slits. The data, which are obtained by emissive probes and direct measurement of the current collected through the slits, indicate that when the sheaths merge the current collection by the slits is significantly altered with the most positive slit collecting more electrons than it otherwise would. Therefore, the effect of a voltage gradient in the sheath around a solar array should be considered when evaluating solar array performance.

Carruth, M. R., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1986

DE-1 observations of solar wind-magnetosphere coupling processes in the polar cusp

Measurements of hot plasma distribution functions in the midaltitude polar cusp by the Dynamics Explorer-1 spacecraft have provided new information on the processes of magnetosheath plasma injection and transport and the dependence of these phenomena on solar-wind parameters. Results on magnetosheath plasma injection have included: (1) localization of the region of plasma injection to the high-latitude cusp-magnetosheath interface, (2) movement of this region toward lower latitudes as B(z) becomes more southward, (3) maintenance of quasi-neutrality of suprathermal plasmas within the cusp, and (4) support for merging-type injection at the high-latitude cusp boundary for northward IMF. Plasma flow measurements from Dynamics Explorer-1 have led to a global IMF-dependent convection model which contains both merging and viscous driving forces.

Burch, J. L.↗

NASA NTRS1987

On the 3-dimensional structure of plasmoids

The hypothesis that the IMF penetrates plasmoids causing them to be three- rather than two-dimensional is tested by comparing observations of By within plasmoids and related tail structures to upstream IMF By data. The magnetic topologies that result from the mergings of closed plasma sheet flux tubes and open tail lobe flux tubes at a near-earth neutral line, and merging near the tail flanks are described and studied. The particle signals and isotropic electron distributions are examined. It is observed that the IMF By penetrates plasmoids and that their structure is three-dimensional. In the three-dimensional model of plasmoids the reconnected plasma sheet field lines form a magnetic flux-ropelike structure. The three-dimensional model is utilized to analyze stagnant, slowly moving and earthward moving structures.

Hughes, W. J.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Weak solar fields and their connection to the solar cycle

Videomagnetograph observations of the weak solar magnetic fields are discussed. Intranetwork (IN) elements are found to emerge in bipolar form, but to flow in a random pattern rather than toward the network elements. Merging of IN fields is found to be more important than the ephemeral regions as a source of new network elements. Arguments for and against the hypothesis that all solar fields are intrinsically strong are considered. It is noted that reconnection and merging of magnetic fields take place continually under the conditions presently examined.

Zirin, Harold↗

NASA NTRS1988

Multiple satellite observations of leakage of particles from the magnetosphere

The properties of four potential sources for energetic ions and electrons in the magnetosheath are considered: upstream Fermi acceleration and shock drift acceleration of incident solar wind particles at the bow shock, acceleration of magnetosheath ions through merging at the magnetopause, and escape from the magnetosphere. A review of previous observations suggests that the magnetosphere is the dominant source of the magnetosheath energetic particle population. Despite recent work to the contrary, it is questioned whether energetic particle observations alone provide any evidence for merging at the dayside magnetopause.

Sibeck, D. G.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Recurrent solar wind structures in the outer heliosphere

The paper presents recent work on evolution of recurrent solar wind structures in the outer heliosphere. Corotating shocks, corotating interaction regions, and merged interaction regions are studied, and an MHD simulation model in which the jump conditions at all shock crossings satisfy the Rankine-Hugoniot solution is examined. Simulation results which describe the evolution of idealized recurrent solar wind structures between 14 AU and the termination shock are reported which show that merged interaction regions belonging to two to four consecutive solar rotations coalesce with each other between 30 AU and the termination shock to reshape the heliospheric structures. In the outer heliosphere, forward and reverse interplanetary shocks which continuously heat the solar wind plasma are investigated.

Whang, Y. C.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Scattering of positrons and electrons by alkali atoms

Absolute total scattering cross sections (Q sub T's) were measured for positrons and electrons colliding with sodium, potassium, and rubidium in the 1 to 102 eV range, using the same apparatus and experimental approach (a beam transmission technique) for both projectiles. The present results for positron-sodium and -rubidium collisions represent the first Q sub T measurements reported for these collision systems. Features which distinguish the present comparisons between positron- and electron-alkali atom Q sub T's from those for other atoms and molecules (room-temperature gases) which have been used as targets for positrons and electrons are the proximity of the corresponding positron- and electron-alkali atom Q sub T's over the entire energy range of overlap, with an indication of a merging or near-merging of the corresponding positron and electron Q sub T's near (and above) the relatively low energy of about 40 eV, and a general tendency for the positron-alkali atom Q sub T's to be higher than the corresponding electron values as the projectile energy is decreased below about 40 eV.

Stein, T. S.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Multi-element spherical shell generation

A nozzle assembly in a multi-element spherical shell generation system includes first and second side-by-side spaced apart nozzles and a web portion extending between and connecting the nozzles. The first nozzle has an inner orifice adapted to discharge a first filler material and an outer annular orifice separated from and defined in concentric relation about the inner orifice and adapted to discharge a first shell material. The second nozzle has an inner orifice adapted to discharge a second filler material and an outer annular orifice separated from and defined in concentric relation about the inner orifice and adapted to discharge a second shell material. A multi-element spherical shell can be formed through employment of the nozzle assembly by merger with one another after discharge from the outer orifices of the nozzles of a pair of adjacent annular streams of liquid or molten shell wall material of different compositions and encapsulation by the mixed shell wall materials of a common encapsulated core fluids also simultaneously discharged by the inner orifices nozzles. On the other hand, the pair of encapsulating streams of shell wall material can be of the same materials which merge together and encapsulate core fluids of different compositions which will merge together after discharge from the nozzles.

Morrison, Andrew D.↗

NASA NTRS1990

The development of the July 1989 1 deg x 1 deg and 30' x 30' terrestrial mean free-air anomaly data bases

In June 1986 a 1 x 1 deg/mean free-air anomaly data file containing 48955 anomalies was completed. In August 1986 a 30 x 30 min mean free-air anomaly file was defined containing 31787 values. For the past three years data has been collected to upgrade these mean anomaly files. The primary emphasis was the collection of data to be used for the estimation of 30 min means anomalies in land areas. The emphasis on land areas was due to the anticipated use of 30 min anomalies derived from satellite altimeter data in the ocean areas. There were 10 data sources in the August 1986 file. Twenty-eight sources were added based on the collection of both point and mean anomalies from a number of individuals and organizations. A preliminary 30 min file was constructed from the 38 data sources. This file was used to calculate 1 x 1 deg mean anomalies. This 1 x 1 deg file was merged with a 1 x 1 deg file which was a merger of the June 1986 file plus a 1 x 1 deg file made available by DMA Aerospace Center. Certain bad 30 min anomalies were identified and deleted from the preliminary 30 min file leading to the final 30 min file (the July 1989 30 min file) with 66990 anomalies and their accuracy. These anomalies were used to again compute 1 x 1 deg anomalies which were merged with the previous June 86 DMAAC data file. The final 1 x 1 deg mean anomaly file (the July 89 1 x 1 deg data base) contained 50793 anomalies and their accuracy. The anomaly data files were significantly improved over the prior data sets in the following geographic regions: Africa, Scandinavia, Canada, United States, Mexico, Central and South America. Substantial land areas remain where there is little or no available data.

Kim, Jeong-Hee↗

NASA NTRS1991

Planning The Route Of A Robotic Land Vehicle

Algorithm enables experimental robotic land vehicle to follow automatically route computed on basis of terrain-height-map data. Computer executing algorithm merges coarser global topographical data with finer local topographical data obtained through stereoscopic video system as vehicle moves along, then smoothes merged elevation map, interpolates map to evenly-horizontally-spaced grid points, and differentiates map to produce data on slopes and roughness for use in calculations of traversability and optimum route(s). Distance traveled minimized to extent possible consistent with avoidance of obstacles.

Gennery, Donald B.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Observations of multiple nucleus galaxies

Disturbed galaxies with two nuclei display the final state of the interaction process of two galaxies (Kollatschny et al., 1986; Fricke and Kollatschny, 1989). A few of these double nucleus galaxies contain Seyfert nuclei. Making the assumption that the Seyfert galaxies Mkn 231 and Mkn 273 are galaxies in the final state of merging, having strong tidal arms but unresolved nuclei, one can estimate that 4 percent of all Seyfert galaxies are in the merging process. The luminosities of multiple nucleus Seyfert galaxies are extremely high in comparison to morphologically undisturbed Seyfert galaxies. In a table, mean values of the visual and blue luminosities and of the far-infrared and radio (6 cm) luminosities as well as the H alpha fluxes are listed for both classes are shown. In addition, the authors have separated Seyfert 1 and Seyfert 2 galaxies. In all cases the luminosities of double nucleus Seyfert galaxies are higher by a factor of more than two with respect to undisturbed Seyfert galaxies. This result might be explained by higher luminosities in the early phases of a Seyfert's life-under the assumption that the nonthermal activity is triggered by tidal interaction-and/or additional strong starburst phenomena. Due to strong nuclear absorption, the UV spectra of these Seyfert nuclei are unusually weak. Corresponding to the Seyfert survey, the authors obtained the H alpha and far infrared radiation (FIR) luminosities as well as the (0III)5007/H beta line ratios of a small sample of non-Seyfert nuclei in double nucleus galaxies. The direct image and the velocity field of the double starburst galaxy Mkn 788 (Kollatschny et al., 1986) are shown. The authors compared their measurements with those of normal interacting galaxies of Keel et al. (1985) and Bushouse (1987). The mean FIR luminosity per nucleus in multiple systems is the same as that of interacting galaxies. But the mean H alpha luminosities as well as the (OIII)/H beta line ratios are higher by a factor of 1.5-2 than those of normal interacting galaxies.

Kollatschny, W.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Image segmentation by iterative parallel region growing and splitting

The spatially constrained clustering (SCC) iterative parallel region-growing technique is applied to image analysis. The SCC algorithm is implemented on the massively parallel processor at NASA Goddard. Most previous region-growing approaches have the drawback that the segmentation produced depends on the order in which portions of the image are processed. The ideal solution to this problem (merging only the single most similar pair of spatially adjacent regions in the image in each iteration) becomes impractical except for very small images, even on a massively parallel computer. The SCC algorithm overcomes these problems by performing, in parallel, the best merge within each of a set of local, possibly overlapping, subimages. A region-splitting stage is also incorporated into the algorithm, but experiments show that region splitting generally does not improve segmentation results. The SCC algorithm has been tested on various imagery data, and test results for a Landsat TM image are summarized.

Tilton, James C.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Simulation of period doubling of recurrent solar wind structures

Based on satellite observations of a recurrent solar wind structure conducted in 1974, an MHD simulation model, and input functions generated from plasma and magnetic field data, the continuing evolution of the solar wind structure outside 5 AU is studied. The model uses the Rankine-Hugoniot relations to describe the jumps in flow properties across the shocks, and it treats shocks as surfaces of discontinuity with zero thickness. Two interaction processes (the collision and the merging of shocks) play important roles in restructuring the solar wind in the outer heliosphere. The simulation result shows that period doubling occurs between 5 and 10 AU. The recurrent solar wind appears to be a persistent new structure between 10 and 20 AU, and it consists of one merged interaction region per solar rotation.

Whang, Y. C.↗