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At least 433 records · Page 24

Large-Scale Magnetic Microcalorimeter: Modeling and Multiplexing

We will present performance predictions for a large-scale magnetic microcalorimeter detector array intended for a potential future X-ray astrophysics mission. The focal plane comprises three distinct array designs, necessitating over 100,000 pixels to meet the scientific objectives. Our presentation will describe the results of numerical modeling aimed at estimating the energy resolution and detector responses for each array. Additionally, we will discuss the application of microwave multiplexing technology for the comprehensive readout of the entire sensor array.

x-ray↗

Development of a facility for large-scale testing of multistory buildings

Current experimental research pertaining to response of structures subjected to lateral loads such as strong winds or earthquake motions is limited to either tests of single structural components or small scale multistory structures. The feasibility of developing a facility where large scale multistory structures could be loaded to failure is discussed. The test facility would consist of a series of hydraulic actuators mounted on reaction frames currently in use at the Marshall Space Flight Center for structural testing of spacecraft components. The actuators would be controlled from signals computed by an on-line analysis of measured data. This method of loading could be used to simulate inertial forces resisted by a structure behaving in the non linear range of response subjected to motion at the base or to impulses along the height as would occur during a strong earthquake or wind.

Abrams, D. P.↗

Overview of Large-Scale Transport into the Arctic in the Chemistry Climate Model Initiative (CCMI) Simulations

The transport of trace gases and aerosols is a major uncertainty in the modeling of Arctic tropospheric composition. Here we compare the large-scale midlatitude-to-Arctic transport properties among different models participating in the Chemistry Climate Modeling Initiative (CCMI). Among simulations of the recent past (1980-2010) we show that there are substantial (~30-45%) differences in transport to the Arctic free troposphere, as diagnosed through use of idealized tracers emitted over the Northern Hemisphere (NH) midlatitude surface and subject to prescribed uniform loss. In addition, we show that the spread among tracers with predominantly land-based sources is correlated with the spread in the location of the Hadley Cell edge, while the spread in tracers with zonally uniform sources is also related to differences in (parameterized) convection over oceans. Interestingly, comparisons with simulations constrained with analysis fields reveal similar, if not larger, transport differences, compared to the free-running simulations, indicating that caution should be taken when interpreting simulations constrained with analyzed winds. Finally, among simulations of the 21st century we show that models project a consistent, albeit small (~5-10%), increase in transport from the NH midlatitude surface to the Arctic upper troposphere.

Large-Scale Transpor↗

Stability of large-scale systems

A survey is presented of the results obtained in a stability study of large scale systems based upon the comparison principle and vector Liapunov function.

Siljak, D. D.↗

The effect of large-scale eddies on climatic change.

A parameterization for the fluxes of sensible heat by large-scale eddies developed in an earlier paper is incorporated into a model for the mean temperature structure of an atmosphere including only these fluxes and the radiative fluxes. The climatic changes in this simple model are then studied in order to assess the strength of the dynamical feedback and to gain insight into how dynamical parameters may change in more sophisticated climatic models. The model shows the following qualitative changes: (1) an increase in the solar constant leads to increased static stability, decreased dynamic stability, and stronger horizontal and vertical winds; (2) an increase in the amount of atmospheric absorption leads to decreased static and dynamic stability, and stronger horizontal and vertical winds; and (3) an increase in rotation rate leads to greater static and dynamic stability, weaker horizontal winds, and stronger vertical winds.

Stone, P. H.↗

On the development of noise-producing large-scale wavelike eddies in a plane turbulent jet

The paper studies the development of large-scale wavelike eddies in a two-dimensional turbulent jet, extending earlier work on the mixing region (Liu, 1974). The basic mean flow developes from one of mixing-region type with an initially specified boundary-layer thickness into a fully developed jet. This study brings out the role of the varicose and sinuous modes as they develop in a growing mean flow. In general, it is found that, for a given frequency parameter, the varicose mode has a shorter streamwise lifetime than the sinuous mode. For lower frequencies, the latter persists past the end of the potential core only to become subject to dissipation by the enhanced fine-scale turbulent activity in that region.

Merkine, L.-O.↗

Large-scale variations in observed Antarctic Sea ice extent and associated atmospheric circulation

The 1974 Antarctic large scale sea ice extent is studied from data from Nimbus 2 and 5 and temperature and sea level pressure fields from the Australian Meteorological Data Set. Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer data were three-day averaged and compared with 1000 mbar atmospheric pressure and sea level pressure data, also in three-day averages. Each three-day period was subjected to a Fourier analysis and included the mean latitude of the ice extent and the phases and percent variances in terms of the first six Fourier harmonics. Centers of low pressure were found to be generally east of regions which displayed rapid ice growth, and winds acted to extend the ice equatorward. An atmospheric response was also noted as caused by the changing ice cover.

Cavalieri, D. J.↗

The large scale dust distribution in the inner galaxy

Initial results are presented from a new large-scale survey of the first quadrant of the galactic plane at wavelengths of 160, 260, and 300 microns. The submillimeter wavelength emission, interpreted as thermal radiation by dust grains, reveals an optically thin disk of angular width about 0.09 deg (FWHM) with a mean dust temperature of 23 K and significant variation of the dust mass column density. Comparison of the dust column density with the gas column density inferred from CO survey data shows a striking spatial correlation. The mean luminosity per hydrogen atom is found to be 2.5 x 10 to the -30th W/H, implying a radiant energy density in the vicinity of the dust an order of magnitude larger than in the solar neighborhood. The data favor dust in molecular clouds as the dominant submillimeter radiation source.

Hauser, M. G.↗

Management of large-scale technology

Two major themes are addressed in this assessment of the management of large-scale NASA programs: (1) how a high technology agency was a decade marked by a rapid expansion of funds and manpower in the first half and almost as rapid contraction in the second; and (2) how NASA combined central planning and control with decentralized project execution.

Levine, A.↗

Vibration and flutter characteristics of the SR7L large-scale propfan

An investigation of the vibration characteristics and aeroelastic stability of the SR7L Large-Scale Advanced Propfan was performed using a finite element blade model and an improved aeroelasticity code. Analyses were conducted for different blade pitch angles, blade support conditions, number of blades, rotational speeds, and freestream Mach numbers. A finite element model of the blade was used to determine the blade's vibration behavior and sensitivity to support stiffness. The calculated frequencies and mode shape obtained with this model agreed well with the published experimental data. A computer code recently developed at NASA Lewis Research Center and based on three-dimensional, unsteady, lifting surface aerodynamic theory was used for the aeroelastic analysis to examine the blade's stability at a cruise condition of Mach 0.8 at 1700 rpm. The results showed that the blade is stable for that operating point. However, a flutter condition was predicted if the cruise Mach number was increased to 0.9.

August, Richard↗

The development of a capability for aerodynamic testing of large-scale wing sections in a simulated natural rain environment

A research technique to obtain large-scale aerodynamic data in a simulated natural rain environment has been developed. A 10-ft chord NACA 64-210 wing section wing section equipped with leading-edge and trailing-edge high-lift devices was tested as part of a program to determine the effect of highly-concentrated, short-duration rainfall on airplane performance. Preliminary dry aerodynamic data are presented for the high-lift configuration at a velocity of 100 knots and an angle of attack of 18 deg. Also, data are presented on rainfield uniformity and rainfall concentration intensity levels obtained during the calibration of the rain simulation system.

Bezos, Gaudy M.↗

Large-scale structure of the heliospheric magnetic field - 1976-1991

A uniform set of computed large-scale coronal fields derived from photospheric field observations now exists for the interval 1976 to the present. Using this data base we can begin to compare Solar Cycle 21 with Solar Cycle 22. The character of the field and its evolution are the same, but many of the particulars are different. The polar field was about 25 percent stronger at solar minimum in 1986 than in 1976, consequently the heliospheric current sheet was confined to a narrower latitude range. In the rising phase of Cycle 21 a strong 4-sector pattern developed; the same pattern was not present in Cycle 22. Other differences include the timing of the polar field reversals and changes in latitudinal extent of the current sheet.

Hoeksema, J. T.↗

Aft-End Flow of a Large-Scale Lifting Body During Free-Flight Tests

Free-flight tests of a large-scale lifting-body configuration, the X-38 aircraft, were conducted using tufts to characterize the flow on the aft end, specifically in the inboard region of the vertical fins. Pressure data was collected on the fins and base. Flow direction and movement were correlated with surface pressure and flight condition. The X-38 was conceived to be a rescue vehicle for the International Space Station. The vehicle shape was derived from the U.S. Air Force X-24 lifting body. Free-flight tests of the X-38 configuration were conducted at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California from 1997 to 2001.

Banks, Daniel W.↗

Mass Efficiencies for Common Large-Scale Precision Space Structures

This paper presents a mass-based trade study for large-scale deployable triangular trusses, where the longerons can be monocoque tubes, isogrid tubes, or coilable longeron trusses. Such structures are typically used to support heavy reflectors, solar panels, or other instruments, and are subject to thermal gradients that can vary a great deal based on orbital altitude, location in orbit, and self-shadowing. While multi layer insulation (MLI) blankets are commonly used to minimize the magnitude of these thermal disturbances, they subject the truss to a nonstructural mass penalty. This paper investigates the impact of these add-on thermal protection layers on selecting the lightest precision structure for a given loading scenario.

triangular truss↗

Solar large-scale positive polarity magnetic fields and geomagnetic disturbances

Unlike the negative polarity solar magnetic field large-scale regular features that correlate with enhanced solar activity regions, the positive polarity regular formations formed in the weak and old background magnetic fields seem to correlate well with geomagnetically enhanced periods of time (shifted for 4 days), which means that they seem to be the source of the quiet solar wind. This behavior of the large intervals of heliographic longitude with prevailing positive polarity fields may be followed to the end of the 18th cycle, during the declining part of the 19th cycle, and during the first half of the present 20th cycle of solar activity.

Bumba, V.↗