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At least 433 records · Page 24

The Tethered Balloon Current Generator - A space shuttle-tethered subsatellite for plasma studies and power generation

The objectives of the Tethered Balloon Current Generator experiment are to: (1) generate relatively large regions of thermalized, field-aligned currents, (2) produce controlled-amplitude Alfven waves, (3) study current-driven electrostatic plasma instabilities, and (4) generate substantial amounts of power or propulsion through the MHD interaction. A large balloon (a diameter of about 30 m) will be deployed with a conducting surface above the space shuttle at a distance of about 10 km. For a generally eastward directed orbit at an altitude near 400 km, the balloon, connected to the shuttle by a conducting wire, will be positive with respect to the shuttle, enabling it to collect electrons. At the same time, the shuttle will collect positive ions and, upon command, emit an electron beam to vary current flow in the system.

Williamson, P. R.↗

Time variations of aerosols in the stratosphere following Mount St. Helens eruptions

Samples of stratospheric aerosols collected with U-2 aircraft for several months following the first three major eruptions of Mount St. Helens were analyzed for ash and liquid acid content. Ash grain sizes and compositions vary depending on collection altitude, location within the drifting cloud, and days following their injection. s computers Size distributions of ash particles vary with altitude. Generally small particles are depleted more rapidly at low altitudes (12 km) than at higher altitudes (17-18 km). Although samples collected 1 day after the first eruption of May 18, 1980, were dry, flow marks on the aircraft indicated parts of the cloud contained heavy acid concentrations. Indeed, all other samples obtained within 1 to 4 days after later eruptions (May 25 and June 12, 1980) were covered with copious amounts of liquid acid. Proportions of liquid to ash varied considerably depending on sampling location and cloud age. Because the acid-coated ash globules were large, they rapidly fell from the stratosphere until, by late June 1980, only a residue of acid droplets remained. Size distributions and concentrations of these droplets varied considerably.

Farlow, N. H.↗

Jovian magnetospheric neutral wind and auroral precipitation flux

A theoretical model of the Jovian magnetosphere is used to describe the mechanism by which energy is transported from Jupiter's rotation into heavy ions precipitating into the atmosphere, and resulting in intense ultraviolet aurora. The flow and magnetic field configurations used in the model are drawn from data collected by the Voyager orbiter. It is shown that the observed Jovian auroral radiation power is supplied by the precipitation of heavy ions of Iogenic origin. The ions are created by a charge exchange between the Io torus and fly as neutrals to the outer magnetosphere. A small fraction of the ions are photoionized in the outer magnetosphere where they acquire a magnetic moment determined by the local corotation electric field and planetary magnetic field. As the ions diffuse inward they are energized adiabatically. A schematic drawing illustrating the evolution of this process is provided. It is also shown that Jupiter may be a significant source of heavy ions for the solar wind by means of photoionization of a neutral wind. Secondary charge exchange in the outer magnetosphere could supply a flux of minimum energy neutral atoms that may have been measured by the Voyager Low Energy Charged Particle detector (LECP).

Eviatar, A.↗

Pumped two-phase heat transfer loop

A pumped loop two-phase heat transfer system, operating at a nearly constant temperature throughout, includes a plurality of independently operating grooved capillary heat exchanger plates supplied with working fluid through independent flow modulation valves connected to a liquid supply line, a vapor line for collecting vapor from the heat exchangers, a condenser between the vapor and the liquid lines, and a fluid circulating pump between the condenser and the heat exchangers.

Edelstein, Fred↗

Pumped two-phase heat transfer loop

A pumped loop two-phase heat transfer system, operating at a nearly constant temperature throughout, includes several independently operating grooved capillary heat exchanger plates supplied with working fluid through independent flow modulation valves connected to a liquid supply line, a vapor line for collecting vapor from the heat exchangers, a condenser between the vapor and the liquid lines, and a fluid circulating pump between the condenser and the heat exchangers.

Edelstein, Fred↗

Satellite measurements of Birkeland currents

Evidence collected via satellite that confirms the presence of field-aligned currents which flow into and away from the auroral and polar regions is reviewed. These observations support the hypotheses of Birkeland and Alfven that these currents play an important role in auroral phenomena. Birkeland's contributions to the study of currents and waves are discussed, and the principal characteristics of Birkland currents are considered. The role of Birkeland currents in the auroral phenomena is examined.

Potemra, T. A.↗

Effect of lubricant jet location on spiral bevel gear operating temperatures

An experimental study was conducted to determine the effect of lubricant jet location on spiral bevel gear bulk temperatures. Transient surface temperatures were also measured. Tests were conducted on aircraft quality spiral bevel gears in a closed loop test facility. Thermocoupled pinions and an infrared microscope were used to collect the pertinent data. A single fan jet lubricated the test gears. Lubricant flow rate (lubricant jet pressure) and applied torque were also varied. The results showed that jet placement had a significant effect on the gear bulk temperatures.

Handschuh, Robert F.↗

Preliminary design of an intermittent smoke flow visualization system

A prototype intermittent smoke flow visualization system for studying the flowfield of an aircraft in flight has been constructed and demonstrated. It provides discrete pulses of dense white smoke suitable for video imaging to determine the unsteady vortex core trajectory of fluid elements in a high angle-of-attack flowfield. Two methods of pulsing the smoke were initially investigated: (1) periodically diverting the smoke between two exit ports and (2) completely blocking the smoke flow for short times. System dynamics have been modeled mathematically, data have been collected in a wind tunnel with blockage times up to 80 milliseconds, and the prototype is currently being flown on a general aviation airplane to collect three-dimensional video data. Three different plenum chamber sizes are available. Data collected so far are consistent and repeatable, though care must be taken to provide adequate contrast levels for accurate video resolution. Camera frame rates of at least 180 frames/second and wide angle lenses for the video cameras are needed to acquire meaningful vortex core velocities and accelerations for the general aviation test aircraft installation.

Ward, D. T.↗

Numerical simulations of the electrodynamic interactions between the Tethered-Satellite-System and space plasma

The first Tethered-Satellite-System (TSS-1), scheduled for a flight in late 1992, is expected to provide relevant information related to the concept of generating an emf in a 20-km-long (or longer) conducting wire. This paper presents numerical simulations of the electrodynamic interactions between the TSS system and space plasma, using a 2D and 3D models of the system. The 2D case code simulates the motion of a long cylinder past a plasma, which is composed of electrons and H(+) ions. The system is solved by allowing the plasma to flow past the cylinder with an imposed magnetic field. The more complex 3D case is considered to study the dynamics in great detail. Results of 2D simulation show that the interaction of a satellite with plasma flowing perpendicularly to the magnetic field results in an enhancement in the current collection.

Vashi, Bharat I.↗

Two-Dimensional Transport Studies for the Composition and Structure of the Io Plasma Torus

The overall objective of this project is to investigate the roles of local and spatially extended plasma sources created by Io, plasma torus chemistry, and plasma convective and diffusive transport in producing the long-lived S(+), S(++) and O(+) radial ribbon structures of the plasma torus, their System III longitude and local-time asymmetries, their energy sources and their possible time variability. To accomplish this objective, two-dimensional [radial (L) and System III longitude] plasma transport equations for the flux-tube plasma content and energy content will be solved that include the convective motions for both the east-west electric field and co-rotational velocity-lag profile near Io s orbit, radial diffusion, and the spacetime dependent flux-tube production and loss created by both neutral-plasma and plasma-ion reaction chemistry in the plasma torus. For neutral-plasma chemistry, the project will for the first time undertake the calculation of realistic three-dimensional, spatially-extended, and time-varying contributions to the flux-tube ion-production and loss that are produced by Io's corona and extended neutral clouds. The unknown two-dimensional spatial nature of diffusion in the plasma transport will be isolated and better defined in the investigation by the collective consideration of the foregoing different physical processes. For energy transport, the energy flow from hot pickup ions (and a new electron source) to thermal ions and electrons will be included in investigating the System III longitude and local-time temperature asymmetries in the plasma torus. The research is central to the scope of the NASA Sun-Earth Connection Roadmap in Quest II Campaign 4 "Comparative Planetary Space Environments" by addressing key questions for understanding the magnetosphere of planets with high rotation rates and large internal plasma sources and, in addition, is of considerable importance to the NASA Solar System Exploration Science Theme. In this regard, Jupiter is the most extreme example with its rapid rotation and with its inner Galilean satellite Io providing the dominant plasma source for the magnetosphere.

Smyth, William H.↗

Overview of Icing Physics Relevant to Scaling

An understanding of icing physics is required for the development of both scaling methods and ice-accretion prediction codes. This paper gives an overview of our present understanding of the important physical processes and the associated similarity parameters that determine the shape of Appendix C ice accretions. For many years it has been recognized that ice accretion processes depend on flow effects over the model, on droplet trajectories, on the rate of water collection and time of exposure, and, for glaze ice, on a heat balance. For scaling applications, equations describing these events have been based on analyses at the stagnation line of the model and have resulted in the identification of several non-dimensional similarity parameters. The parameters include the modified inertia parameter of the water drop, the accumulation parameter and the freezing fraction. Other parameters dealing with the leading edge heat balance have also been used for convenience. By equating scale expressions for these parameters to the values to be simulated a set of equations is produced which can be solved for the scale test conditions. Studies in the past few years have shown that at least one parameter in addition to those mentioned above is needed to describe surface-water effects, and some of the traditional parameters may not be as significant as once thought. Insight into the importance of each parameter, and the physical processes it represents, can be made by viewing whether ice shapes change, and the extent of the change, when each parameter is varied. Experimental evidence is presented to establish the importance of each of the traditionally used parameters and to identify the possible form of a new similarity parameter to be used for scaling.

Anderson, David N.↗

Parametric Study of Carbon Nanotube Production by Laser Ablation Process

Carbon nanotubes form a new class of nanomaterials that are presumed to have extraordinary mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. The single wall nanotubes (SWNTs) are estimated to be 100 times stronger than steel with 1/6th the weight; electrical carrying capacity better than copper and thermal conductivity better than diamond. Applications of these SWNTs include possible weight reduction of aerospace structures, multifunctional materials, nanosensors and nanoelectronics. Double pulsed laser vaporization process produces SWNTs with the highest percentage of nanotubes in the output material. The normal operating conditions include a green laser pulse closely followed by an infrared laser pulse. Lasers ab late a metal-containing graphite target located in a flow tube maintained in an oven at 1473K with argon flow of 100 sccm at a 500 Torr pressure. In the present work a number of production runs were carried out, changing one operating condition at a time. We have studied the effects of nine parameters, including the sequencing of the laser pulses, pulse separation times, laser energy densities, the type of buffer gas used, oven temperature, operating pressure, flow rate and inner flow tube diameters. All runs were done using the same graphite target. The collected nanotube material was characterized by a variety of analytical techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). Results indicate trends that could be used to optimize the process and increase the efficiency of the production process.

Arepalli, Sivaram↗

Development and Validation of Physics Based Models for Ice Shedding

Calculations for ice accretion and shedding are presented for a model scale rotor in hover. The aerodynamic characteristics of the rotor are first computed using a combined blade element-momentum theory. The effective angles of attack, and the local flow velocity are used within the NASA Glenn solver LEWICE to estimate the collection efficiency. The computed convection efficiency and the surface pressure distribution from a panel method within LEWICE are used to estimate the ice accretion over the rotor blades over an elapsed time interval. Finally, a force balance approach is used to establish shedding events where the centrifugal force over the ice mass exceeds the adhesive forces at the rotor surface and the cohesive forces between adjacent masses of ice. Preliminary comparisons with test data acquired at the Pennsylvania State Icing Research Tunnel are presented. Sensitivity of the ice shedding events to surface roughness, adhesive strength, cohesive strength, and ambient conditions is discussed.

Gupta, Avani↗

Time-Resolved PIV for Space-Time Correlations in Hot Jets

Temporally Resolved Particle Image Velocimetry (TR-PIV) is being used to characterize the decay of turbulence in jet flows a critical element for understanding the acoustic properties of the flow. A TR-PIV system, developed in-house at the NASA Glenn Research Center, is capable of acquiring planar PIV image frame pairs at up to 10 kHz. The data reported here were collected at Mach numbers of 0.5 and 0.9 and at temperature ratios of 0.89 and 1.76. The field of view of the TR-PIV system covered 6 nozzle diameters along the lip line of the 50.8 mm diameter jet. The cold flow data at Mach 0.5 were compared with hotwire anemometry measurements in order to validate the new TR-PIV technique. The axial turbulence profiles measured across the shear layer using TR-PIV were thinner than those measured using hotwire anemometry and remained centered along the nozzle lip line. The collected TR-PIV data illustrate the differences in the single point statistical flow properties of cold and hot jet flows. The planar, time-resolved velocity records were then used to compute two-point space-time correlations of the flow at the Mach 0.9 flow condition. The TR-PIV results show that there are differences in the convective velocity and growth rate of the turbulent structures between cold and hot flows at the same Mach number.

Wernet, Mark P.↗

Orbiter Aerodynamic Acceleration Flight Measurements in the Rarefied-Flow Transition Regime

Acceleration data taken from the Orbital Acceleration Research Experiment (OARE) during reentry on STS-62 have been analyzed using calibration factors taken on orbit. This is the first Orbiter mission which collected OARE data during the Orbiter reentry phase. The data examined include the flight regime from orbital altitudes down to about 90 km which covers the free-molecule-flow regime and the upper altitude fringes of the rarefied-flow transition into the hypersonic continuum. Ancillary flight data on Orbiter position, orientation, velocity, and rotation rates have been used in models to transform the measured accelerations to the Orbiter center-of-gravity, from which aerodynamic accelerations along the Orbiter body axes have been calculated. Residual offsets introduced in the measurements by unmodeled Orbiter forces are identified and discussed. Direct comparisons are made between the OARE flight data and an independent micro-gravity accelerometer experiment, the High Resolution Accelerometer Package (HiRAP), which also obtained flight data on reentry during the mission down to about 95 km. The resulting OARE aerodynamic acceleration measurements along the Orbiter's body axis, aid the normal to axial acceleration ratio in the free-molecule-flow and transition-flow regimes are presented and compared with numerical simulations from three direct simulation Monte Carlo codes.

Blanchard, Robert C.↗

Time Resolved PIV for Space-Time Correlations in Hot Jets

Temporally Resolved Particle Image Velocimetry (TR-PIV) is the newest and most exciting tool recently developed to support our continuing efforts to characterize and improve our understanding of the decay of turbulence in jet flows -- a critical element for understanding the acoustic properties of the flow. A new TR-PIV system has been developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center which is capable of acquiring planar PIV image frame pairs at up to 25 kHz. The data reported here were collected at Mach numbers of 0.5 and 0.9 and at temperature ratios of 0.89 and 1.76. The field of view of the TR-PIV system covered 6 nozzle diameters along the lip line of the 50.8 mm diameter jet. The cold flow data at Mach 0.5 were compared with hotwire anemometry measurements in order to validate the new TR-PIV technique. The axial turbulence profiles measured across the shear layer using TR-PIV were thinner than those measured using hotwire anemometry and remained centered along the nozzle lip line. The collected TR-PIV data illustrate the differences in the single point statistical flow properties of cold and hot jet flows. The planar, time-resolved velocity records were then used to compute two-point space-time correlations of the flow at the Mach 0.9 flow condition. The TR-PIV results show that there are differences in the convective velocity and growth rate of the turbulent structures between cold and hot flows at the same Mach number

Wernet, Mark P.↗

Time Resolved Particle Image Velocimetry in Nozzle Flow

Temporally resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV) is the newest and most exciting tool recently developed to support our continuing efforts to characterize and improve our understanding of the decay of turbulence in jet flows—a critical element for understanding the acoustic properties of the flow. A new TR-PIV system has been developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center which is capable of acquiring planar PIV image frame pairs at up to 25 kHz. The data reported here were collected at Mach numbers of 0.5 and 0.9 and at temperature ratios of 0.89 and 1.76. The field of view of the TR-PIV system covered six nozzle diameters along the lip line of the 50.8 mm diameter jet. The cold flow data at Mach 0.5 were compared with hotwire anemometry measurements in order to validate the new TR-PIV technique. The axial turbulence profiles measured across the shear layer using TR-PIV were thinner than those measured using hotwire anemometry and remained centred along the nozzle lip line. The collected TR-PIV data illustrate the differences in the single point statistical flow properties of cold and hot jet flows. The planar, time-resolved velocity records were then used to compute two-point space–time correlations of the flow at the Mach 0.9 flow condition. The TR-PIV results show that there are differences in the convective velocity and growth rate of the turbulent structures between cold and hot flows at the same Mach number.

Temporally Resolved Particle Image Velocimetry↗