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At least 433 records · Page 24

Prolongation structures of nonlinear evolution equations

A technique is developed for systematically deriving a 'prolongation structure' - a set of interrelated potentials and pseudopotentials - for nonlinear partial differential equations in two independent variables. When this is applied to the Korteweg-de Vries equation, a new infinite set of conserved quantities is obtained. Known solution techniques are shown to result from the discovery of such a structure: related partial differential equations for the potential functions, linear 'inverse scattering' equations for auxiliary functions, Backlund transformations. Generalizations of these techniques will result from the use of irreducible matrix representations of the prolongation structure.

Wahlquist, H. D.↗

Accurate integration of geostationary orbits with Burdet's focal elements

The theory of Burdet's focal elements (1969) is outlined. The differential equations are presented, and the initial value problem is described together with the transformation to rectangular coordinates and classical elements. The focal elements are well defined for zero eccentricity and inclination and can be adopted for the computation of elliptic, parabolic, and hyperbolic motion. For the numerical integration of near-geostationary orbits, a comparison of the efficiency is made between focal elements, Kustaanheimo-Stiefel (1971) theory, and rectangular coordinates. For this class of orbits, a higher accuracy has been obtained by integrating elements than integrating rectangular coordinates.

Flury, W.↗

Equations for the determination of humidity from dewpoint and psychrometric data

A general expression based on the Claperon-Clausius differential equation that relates saturation vapor pressure, absolute temperature, and the latent heat of transformation was derived that expresses saturation vapor pressure as a function of absolute temperature. This expression was then used to derive general expressions for vapor pressure, absolute humidity, and relative humidity as functions of either dewpoint and ambient temperature or psychrometric parameters. Constants for all general expressions were then evaluated to give specific expressions in both the international system of units and U.S. customary units for temperatures above and below freezing.

Parish, O. O.↗

Simplified combustion noise theory yielding a prediction of fluctuating pressure level

The first order equations for the conservation of mass and momentum in differential form are combined for an ideal gas to yield a single second order partial differential equation in one dimension and time. Small perturbation analysis is applied. A Fourier transformation is performed that results in a second order, constant coefficient, nonhomogeneous equation. The driving function is taken to be the source of combustion noise. A simplified model describing the energy addition via the combustion process gives the required source information for substitution in the driving function. This enables the particular integral solution of the nonhomogeneous equation to be found. This solution multiplied by the acoustic pressure efficiency predicts the acoustic pressure spectrum measured in turbine engine combustors. The prediction was compared with the overall sound pressure levels measured in a CF6-50 turbofan engine combustor and found to be in excellent agreement.

Huff, R. G.↗

Somali Basin, Chain Ridge, and origin of the Northern Somali Basin gravity and geoid low

Geophysical data are used to investigate the origin of the Northern Somali Basin and its relationship to surrounding tectonic elements. The results show the Northern Somali Basin to be the third of a series of oceanic basins separated by long transform faults created during movement between East and West Gondwanaland. The flexure resulting from differential subsidence across Chain Ridge along with the difference in lithospheric thermal structure on either side of it can account for the amplitude and shape of the observed geoid step and gravity anomalies across Chain Rige. It is suggested that the geoid and gravity low over the Northern Somali Basin may result from the superposition of a continental edge effect anomaly and the fracture zone edge effect anomaly.

Cochran, James R.↗

Optimal force distribution for payload positioning using a planar dual-arm robot

This paper presents a parameter optimization technique for deciding the force distribution on a payload being transported along a predetermined trajectory using two planar manipulator arms. The methodology begins by transforming the singular dynamics of two-arm transport to an ordinary set of differential equations and then proceeds to obtain a relation between the torques exerted by each arm. This relation is then used in a quadratic torque cost which is subsequently minimized to yield an optimal torque distribution. Significant savings in energy were found to occur when the arms were allowed to interact by transmission of forces through the payload. Even more significant are the savings found over one-arm transport of payloads where the arm torques are fixed by the prescribed trajectory.

Carignan, C. R.↗

Modeling of linear isentropic flow systems

A modeling approach for linear isentropic flow systems based on the quasi-one-dimensional Euler equations of non-viscous, compressible flow are presented. Such systems are representative of certain high speed propulsion systems. Accurate models useful in control system studies are developed. A supersonic inlet is considered, and the resulting set of partial differential equations with boundary conditions is solved for a linear transfer matrix using Laplace transforms.

Sarantopoulos, Athan D.↗

Modeling of linear isentropic flow systems

A modeling approach for linear isentropic flow systems based on the quasi-one-dimensional Euler equations of non-viscous, compressible flow are presented. Such systems are representative of certain high speed propulsion systems. Accurate models useful in control system studies are developed. A supersonic inlet is considered, and the resulting set of partial differential equations with boundary conditions is solved for a linear transfer matrix using Laplace transforms.

Sarantopoulos, Athan D.↗

Improvement in the Shape Memory Response of Ti50.5Ni24.5Pd25 High-Temperature Shape Memory Alloy with Scandium Microalloying

A Ti(50.5)Ni(24.5)Pd25 high-temperature shape memory alloy (HTSMA) is microalloyed with 0.5 at. pct scandium (Sc) to enhance its shape-memory characteristics, in particular, dimensional stability under repeated thermomechanical cycles. For both Ti(50.5)Ni(24.5)Pd25 and the Sc-alloyed material, differential scanning calorimetry is conducted for multiple cycles to characterize cyclic stability of the transformation temperatures. The microstructure is evaluated using electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy. Isobaric thermal cycling experiments are used to determine transformation temperatures, dimensional stability, and work output as a function of stress. The Sc-doped alloy displays more stable shape memory response with smaller irrecoverable strain and narrower thermal hysteresis than the baseline ternary alloy. This improvement in performance is attributed to the solid solution hardening effect of Sc.

Atli, K. C.↗

An explicitly solvable energy-conserving algorithm for pitch-angle scattering in magnetized plasmas

In this work, we develop an Explicitly Solvable Energy-Conserving (ESEC) algorithm for the Stochastic Differential Equation (SDE) describing the pitch-angle scattering process in magnetized plasmas. The Cayley transform is used to calculate both the deterministic gyromotion and stochastic scattering, affording the algorithm to be explicitly solvable and exactly energy conserving. An unusual property of the SDE for pitch-angle scattering is that its coefficients diverge at the zero velocity and do not satisfy the global Lipschitz condition. Consequently, when standard numerical methods, such as the Euler-Maruyama (EM), are applied, numerical convergence is difficult to establish. For the proposed ESEC algorithm, its energy-preserving property enables us to overcome this obstacle. We rigorously prove that the ESEC algorithm is order 1/2 strongly convergent. This result is confirmed by detailed numerical studies. For the case of pitch-angle scattering in a magnetized plasma with a constant magnetic field, the numerical solution is benchmarked against the analytical solution, and excellent agreements are found.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Stabilization by modification of the Lagrangian

In order to reduce the error growth during a numerical integration, a method for stabilizing the differential equations of Keplerian motion is offered. It is characterized by the use of the eccentric anomaly as independent variable in such a way that the time transformation is given by a generalized Lagrange formalism. The control terms in the equations of motion obtained by this modified Lagrangian give immediately a completely Lyapunov-stable set of differential equations. The equation of time integration is modified by a control term which leads to an integral which defined the time element for the perturbed Keplerian motion.

Baumgarte, J. W.↗

Fibronectin is a survival factor for differentiated osteoblasts

The skeletal extracellular matrix produced by osteoblasts contains the glycoprotein fibronectin, which regulates the adhesion, differentiation and function of various adherent cells. Interactions with fibronectin are required for osteoblast differentiation in vitro, since fibronectin antagonists added to cultures of immature fetal calvarial osteoblasts inhibit their progressive differentiation. To determine if fibronectin plays a unique role in fully differentiated osteoblasts, cultures that had already formed mineralized nodules in vitro were treated with fibronectin antagonists. Fibronectin antibodies caused >95% of the cells in the mature cultures to display characteristic features of apoptosis (nuclear condensation, apoptotic body formation, DNA laddering) within 24 hours. Cells appeared to acquire sensitivity to fibronectin antibody-induced apoptosis as a consequence of differentiation, since antibodies failed to kill immature cells and the first cells killed were those associated with mature nodules. Intact plasma fibronectin, as well as fragments corresponding to the amino-terminal, cell-binding, and carboxy-terminal domains of fibronectin, independently induced apoptosis of mature (day-13), but not immature (day-4), osteoblasts. Finally, transforming growth factor-beta1 partially protected cells from the apoptotic effects of fibronectin antagonists. Thus, in the course of maturation cultured osteoblasts switch from depending on fibronectin for differentiation to depending on fibronectin for survival. These data suggest that fibronectin, together with transforming growth factor-beta1, may affect bone formation, in part by regulating the survival of osteoblasts.

NASA Center ARC↗

Photovoltaic Cable Connectors: A Comparative Assessment of the Present State of the Industry

The consequences of failure for balance-of-systems components (such as photovoltaic (PV) cable connectors) include offline module string(s); low system voltage; arc, ground, insulation, and overtemperature faults; triggered fuse(s); system shutdown; and fire. The degradation modes for connectors are studied here through an industry survey and its subsequent examination, which are compared with field-degraded specimens. A total of 117 specimens were obtained from a variety of locations and climates or accelerated tests. A failure analysis for connectors from PV installations was developed (and applied to 54 specimens), including nondestructive examinations (photography, a custom resistance-current scan, and X-ray computed tomography) and destructive examinations (featuring milling of the external plastic, extraction of the internal convolute spring, and potting and polishing in cross section). Surface and through-thickness composition of the metal pins and springs was quantified using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to verify the base polymer materials and compare the chemical structure of the connector body, bushing, end nut, and o-ring. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were used to further verify the degradation of the same polymeric components.

cable connectors↗

Year-around survey and manipulation experiments reveal differential sensitivities of soil prokaryotic and fungal communities to saltwater intrusion in Florida Everglades wetlands

Global sea-level rise is transforming coastal ecosystems, especially freshwater wetlands, in part due to increased episodic or chronic saltwater exposure, leading to shifts in biogeochemistry, plant- and microbial communities, as well as ecological services. Yet, it is still difficult to predict how soil microbial communities respond to the saltwater exposure because of poorly understood microbial sensitivity within complex wetland soil microbial communities, as well as the high spatial and temporal heterogeneity of wetland soils and saltwater exposure. To address this, we first conducted a two-year survey of microbial community structure and bottom water chemistry in submerged surface soils from 14 wetland sites across the Florida Everglades. We identified ecosystem-specific microbial biomarker taxa primarily associated with variation in salinity. Bacterial, archaeal and fungal community composition differed between freshwater, mangrove, and marine seagrass meadow sites, irrespective of soil type or season. Especially, methanogens, putative denitrifying methanotrophs and sulfate reducers shifted in relative abundance and/or composition between wetland types. Methanogens and putative denitrifying methanotrophs declined in relative abundance from freshwater to marine wetlands, whereas sulfate reducers showed the opposite trend. A four-year experimental simulation of salt-water intrusion in a pristine freshwater site and a previously saltwater-impacted site corroborated the highest sensitivity and relative increase of sulfate reducers, as well as taxon-specific sensitivity of methanogens, in response to continuously pulsing of saltwater treatment. Collectively, these results suggest that besides increased salinity, saltwater-mediated increased sulfate availability leads to displacement of methanogens by sulfate reducers even at low or temporal salt exposure. In conclusion, these changes of microbial composition could affect organic matter degradation pathways in coastal freshwater wetlands exposed to sea-level rise, with potential consequences, such as loss of stored soil organic carbon.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Stabilization by modification of the Lagrangian

In order to reduce the error growth during a numerical integration, a method of stabilization of the differential equations of the Keplerian motion is offered. It is characterized by the use of the eccentric anomaly as an independent variable in such a way that the time transformation is given by a generalized Lagrange formalism. The control terms in the equations of motion obtained by this modified Lagrangian give immediately a completely Liapunov-stable set of differential equations. In contrast to other publications, here the equation of time integration is modified by a control term which leads to an integral which defined the time element for the perturbed Keplerian motion.

Baumgarte, J. W.↗

Towards a heat- and mass-balanced kinetic model of TATB decomposition

We report TATB (1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene) was thermally degraded by two small-scale analytical methods – simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis (SDT) and a hot-stage microscope with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis capabilities. SDT used ramped heating, isothermal soaking, and thermal pretreatment at various conditions. The heat flow and mass loss were monitored during various treatment conditions to derive chemical decomposition kinetics and Arrhenius parameters. FTIR experiments used isothermal heating, and changes were monitored spectroscopically. Solid samples generated at specific conditions were collected from both methods and were analyzed by DMSO extraction followed by chemical speciation by optical and mass spectrometric methods. Characterization provided the following reaction insights: TATB decreases in a sigmoidal pattern in isothermally heated samples. Other soluble products gradually increase in concentration and then abruptly decline in concentration during the second exotherm, such as diamino-dinitro-benzofurazan and amino-nitro-benzodifurazan. FTIR showed gradual changes in the amino and nitro functionality, shifting positions and decreasing intensity for the first 40 min. Then the solid gradually appeared more like an amorphous C with N incorporated, similar to previous studies on thermally degraded TATB-type materials. Extracted residues (DMSO-soluble components removed) examined by FTIR showed an abrupt change in chemical composition between 40- and 45-min isothermal treatment, indicating early forming solids are different than later forming residues. A reliable mass- and energy-balanced global reaction network must include at least two autocatalytic reactions, either in parallel or series, and at least one must have an explicit initiation reaction having a low activation energy.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Space Shuttle Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor nozzle natural frequency variations with burn time

The effects of erosion and thermal degradation on the Space Shuttle Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) nozzle's structural dynamic characteristics were analytically evaluated. Also considered was stiffening of the structure due to internal pressurization. A detailed NASTRAN finite element model of the nozzle was developed and used to evaluate the influence of these effects at several discrete times during motor burn. Methods were developed for treating erosion and thermal degradation, and a procedure was developed to account for internal pressure stiffening using differential stiffness matrix techniques. Results were verified using static firing test accelerometer data. Fast Fourier Transform and Maximum Entropy Method techniques were applied to the data to generate waterfall plots which track modal frequencies with burn time. Results indicate that the lower frequency nozzle 'vectoring' modes are only slightly affected by erosion, thermal effects and internal pressurization. The higher frequency shell modes of the nozzle are, however, significantly reduced.

Lui, C. Y.↗

Compressible Laminar Boundary Layer over a Yawed Infinite Cylinder with Heat Transfer and Arbitrary Prandtl Number

The equations are presented for the development of the compressible laminar boundary layer over a yawed infinite cylinder. For compressible flow with a pressure gradient the chordwise and spanwise flows are not independent. Using the Stewartson transformation and a linear viscosity-temperature relation yields a set of three simultaneous ordinary differential equations in a form yielding similar solutions. These equations are solved for stagnation-line flow for surface temperatures from zero to twice the free-stream stagnation temperature and for a wide range of yaw angle and free-stream Mach number. The results indicate that the effect of yaw on the heat-transfer coefficient at the stagnation line depends markedly on the free-stream Mach number. An unusual result of the solutions is that for large yaw angles and stream Mach numbers the chordwise velocity within the boundary layer exceeds the local external chordwise velocity, even for a highly cooled wall.

Reshotko, Eli↗