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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 433 records · Page 24
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1988

Abundance effects on the Cepheid distance scale

A new investigation of the dependence of the period-luminosity (PL) and period-luminosity-color (PLC) relations on the helium and metal abundances in classical Cepheids is presented. Composition dependences are assigned to all quantitites under study, so that the results represent a true theoretical prediction. It is found that the PLC relation in B,V magnitudes is at least five times more sensitive to chemical composition than is the PL relation. If the PL relation is adopted and the helium abundance is held fixed, a Cepheid with Z = 0.005 should be fainter than one with Z = 0.02 by about 0.04 mag. Since the slope of the predicted PL relation is independent of chemical composition, the PL relation can be considered to be effectively universal. Additional supporting observational evidence is described, and theoretical results are also presented for the bolometric PL relation, whose slope and dependence on metal abundance should be roughly applicable to infrared observations of Cepheids.

Stothers, Richard B.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Space Experiments with Particle Accelerators (SEPAC)

The purpose of Space Experiments with Particle Accelerators (SEPAC) on the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS 1) mission, is to carry out active and interactive experiments on and in the earth's ionosphere, atmosphere, and magnetosphere. The instruments to be used are an electron beam accelerator (EBA), plasma contactor, and associated instruments the purpose of which is to perform diagnostic, monitoring, and general data taking functions. Four major classes of investigations are to be performed by SEPAC. They are: beam plasma physics, beam-atmosphere interactions, the use of modulated electron beams as transmitting antennas, and the use of electron beams for remote sensing of electric and magnetic fields. The first class consists mainly of onboard plasma physics experiments to measure the effects of phenomena in the vicinity of the shuttle. The last three are concerned with remote effects and are supported by other ATLAS 1 investigations as well as by ground-based observations.

Obayashi, Tatsuzo↗
NASA NTRS1990

USSR Space Life Sciences Digest, issue 31

This is the thirty first issue of NASA's Space Life Sciences Digest. It contains abstracts of 55 journal papers or book chapters published in Russian and of 5 Soviet monographs. Selected abstracts are illustrated with figures and tables from the original. The abstracts in this issue have been identified as relevant to 18 areas of space biology and medicine. These areas include: adaptation, biological rhythms, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, endocrinology, enzymology, genetics, group dynamics, habitability and environmental effects, hematology, life support systems, metabolism, microbiology, musculoskeletal system, neurophysiology, nutrition, operational medicine, psychology, radiobiology, and space biology and medicine.

Hooke, Lydia Razran↗
NASA NTRS1991

Finite element analysis of nonlinear flutter of composite panels

A finite element formulation is developed to analyze large-amplitude panel flutter of arbitrary laminated plates. The plates considered are anisotropic composite, thin rectangular panels. The equations of motion for an oscillating plate are determined and solved by linearizing the nonlinear stiffness matrices. The solution procedure is presented to determine the limit-cycle motions which are caused by the large deflections and vibrations induced by the areodynamic load. The aerodynamic load is defined by the first-order piston theory. Examples studied include cross-ply laminates with various numbers of layers and three-layer angle-ply laminates with different lamination angles. The effects of simply supported and clamped boundary conditions of a cross-ply laminate are also examined.

Dixon, Iain R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Progress of magnetic suspension and balance systems for wind tunnels in the USSR

Magnetic Suspension and Balance Systems (MSBS) for wind tunnels are being developed in order to solve the principal problems of aerodynamics which cannot be solved by conventional means: (1) measurements of aerodynamic loads acting on the aircraft models without the effects of mechanical supporting devices; and (2) the study of base pressure. This paper traces the progress of MSBS for wind tunnels in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The paper describes electromagnetic configuration, position sensing, and control and calibration systems of two wind tunnel MSBS existing in the CIS. The features of high-angle-of-attack control and roll control are discussed. The results of preliminary experiments on high-angle-of-attack and roll controls, digital control, and aerodynamic testing are also presented.

Kuzin, A. V.↗
NASA NTRS1991

On dipolarization and its relation to the substorm current wedge

The near-earth properties of magnetospheric substorms are investigated using the Hesse and Birn (1991) self-consistent 3D MHD model of magnetotail activity. The simulation shows that an increase of Bz, a decrease of the cross-tail current, and an increase of region-1 field-aligned currents occurs roughly simultaneously, consistent with the empirical picture described by McPherron et al. (1973). It was also found that the region where the cross-tail current is reduced and diverted is located tailward from the dipolarization region. The results indicate that the apparent tailward propagation of the dipolarization effects does not support an earlier suggestion that the underlying process is initiated further earthward.

Hesse, Michael↗
NASA NTRS1992

Domain-specific functional software testing: A progress report

Software Engineering is a knowledge intensive activity that involves defining, designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. In order to build effective systems to support Software Engineering activities, Artificial Intelligence techniques are needed. The application of Artificial Intelligence technology to Software Engineering is called Knowledge-based Software Engineering (KBSE). The goal of KBSE is to change the software life cycle such that software maintenance and evolution occur by modifying the specifications and then rederiving the implementation rather than by directly modifying the implementation. The use of domain knowledge in developing KBSE systems is crucial. Our work is mainly related to one area of KBSE that is called automatic specification acquisition. One example is the WATSON prototype on which our current work is based. WATSON is an automatic programming system for formalizing specifications for telephone switching software mainly restricted to POTS, i.e., plain old telephone service. Our current approach differentiates itself from other approaches in two antagonistic ways. On the one hand, we address a large and complex real-world problem instead of a 'toy domain' as in many research prototypes. On the other hand, to allow such scaling, we had to relax the ambitious goal of complete automatic programming, to the easier task of automatic testing.

Nonnenmann, Uwe↗
NASA NTRS1993

In search of ice-stream sticky spots

The form drag of large bedrock bumps sticking into the base of an ice stream can produce effective 'sticky spots' supporting large basal shear stress. Bedrock regions surrounded by lubricating till at the same topographic level can cause sticky spots, but tend to collect lubricating water and thus are unlikely to support a shear stress of more than a few tenths of a bar unless they contain abundant large bumps. Raised regions on the ice-air surface also can cause moderate increases in the shear stress supported on the bed beneath. Surveys of large-scale bedrock roughness, strain grids across the margins of ice-surface highs, and possibly, water-pressure measurements in regions of thin or zero till would help identify and characterize sticky spots.

Alley, Richard B.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Well-resolved observations by ISEE 2 of ion dispersion in the magnetospheric cusp

During a prolonged period of southward IMF on October 30, 1978, the ISEE 2 spacecraft observed an unusually prolonged and distinct region of ion energy-time dispersion in the dayside dawn magnetosphere. Observed plasma features included the (1) presence of magnetosheath electrons and initial absence of magnetosheath ions and (2) subsequent arrival and energy-time dispersion of magnetosheath ions as the spacecraft transited outbound from 6.03 to 7.66 Earth radii. We use ISEE 2 ion measurements to illustrate these dispersive time-of-flight effects and to support our interpretation of a location in the north magnetospheric cusp. Ion energy dispersion persists for about 35 min and includes well-resolved sequences of magnetosheath and magnetospheric ion distributions. We focus primarily on observations and time-of-flight analysis of ions from the magnetosheath, which are observed simultaneously entering and exiting the cusp at different energies. We discuss the observational support and shortcomings of various ion injection locations and durations and conclude that quasi-steady merging at the dayside magnetopause, with ion dispersion caused by spacecraft motion away from the last closed field line, is the most likely scenario.

Phillips, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1930

Strength in Shear of the Thin Curved Sheets of Alclad

This note is on an investigation made to obtain information on the strength of thin curved sheets of Alclad in shear. Designers may utilize this material as a strength member as well as for a covering for the wings and fuselages. A reduction may then be made in the size of the internal strength members. These experiments were undertaken with the object of securing the maximum value from the metal in this respect. The point at which buckling occurs is of primary importance. The buckling shear of a curved thin plate was determined mathematically and also experimentally. The following formula was obtained mathematically: s=K E t/r in which s is the unit shear, K is a constant, E is the modulus of elasticity, t is the thickness of the material, and r is the radius of curvature. The value of K as determined by the experiments was found to be .075. This formula applies only when s is within the elastic limit of the material. The breaking point of the material was obtained in most of the tests as a matter of information and the results are included in this report. The effect of the supporting ribs was determined by varying the number used.

Smith, George Michael↗
NASA NTRS1993

Stochastic dynamics of baroclinic waves

The maintenance of variance and attendant heat flux in linear, forced dissipative baroclinic shear flows subject to stochastic excitation is examined. The baroclinic problem, is intrinsically nonnormal and its stochastic dynamics is found to differ significantly from the more familiar stochastic dynamics of normal systems. When the shear is sufficiently great in comparison to dissipative effects, stochastic excitation supports highly enhanced variance levels in these nonnormal systems compared to variance levels supproted by the same forcing and dissipation in related normal systems. The eddy variance and associated heat flux are found to arise in response to transient amplification of a subset of forcing functions that obtain energy from the mean flow and project this energy on a distinct subset of response functions (EOFs) that are in turn distinct from the set of normal modes of the system. A method for obtaining the dominant forcing and response functions as well as the distribution of heat flux for a given flow is described.

Farrell, Brian F.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Alternate physical formats for storing data in HDF

Since its inception HDF has evolved to meet new demands by the scientific community to support new kinds of data and data structures, larger data sets, and larger numbers of data sets. The first generation of HDF supported simple objects and simple storage schemes. These objects were used to build more complex objects such as raster images and scientific data sets. The second generation of HDF provided alternate methods of storing data elements, making it possible to do such things as store extendible objects with in HDF, to store data externally from HDF files, and support data compression effectively. As we look to the next generation of HDF, we are considering fundamental changes to HDF, including a redefinition of the basic HDF object from a simple object to a more general, higher-level scientific data object that has certain characteristics, such as dimensionality, a more general atomic number type, and attributes. These changes suggest corresponding changes to the HDF file format itself.

Folk, Mike↗
NASA NTRS1993

The Stimulus Movement Effect: Allocation of Attention or Artifact?

In previous reports, including one by the author, learning has been shown to benefit by having discriminanda move rather than remain stationary. This stimulus movement effect might be attributed to several theoretical mechanisms, including attention, topological memory, and exposure duration. The series of experiments reported in this article was designed to Contrast these potential explanatory factors. Ten rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were tested on a variety of computerized tasks in which the stimuli remained stationary, flashed, or moved at systematically varied speeds. Performance was significantly best when the sample stimulus moved quickly and was poorest when the stimulus remained stationary. Further analysis of these data and other previously published data revealed that the distribution of the stimulus movement effect across trials supported an attention allocation interpretation.

Washburn, David A.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Buckling and Damage Resistance of Transversely-Loaded Composite Shells

Experimental and numerical work was conducted to better understand composite shell response to transverse loadings which simulate damage-causing impact events. The quasi-static, centered, transverse loading response of laminated graphite/epoxy shells in a [+/-45(sub n)/O(sub n)](sub s) layup having geometric characteristics of a commercial fuselage are studied. The singly-curved composite shell structures are hinged along the straight circumferential edges and are either free or simply supported along the curved axial edges. Key components of the shell response are response instabilities due to limit-point and/or bifurcation buckling. Experimentally, deflection-controlled shell response is characterized via load-deflection data, deformation-shape evolutions, and the resulting damage state. Finite element models are used to study the kinematically nonlinear shell response, including bifurcation, limit-points, and postbuckling. A novel technique is developed for evaluating bifurcation from nonlinear prebuckling states utilizing asymmetric spatial discretization to introduce numerical perturbations. Advantages of the asymmetric meshing technique (AMT) over traditional techniques include efficiency, robustness, ease of application, and solution of the actual (not modified) problems. The AMT is validated by comparison to traditional numerical analysis of a benchmark problem and verified by comparison to experimental data. Applying the technique, bifurcation in a benchmark shell-buckling problem is correctly identified. Excellent agreement between the numerical and experimental results are obtained for a number of composite shells although predictive capability decreases for stiffer (thicker) specimens which is attributed to compliance of the test fixture. Restraining the axial edge (simple support) has the effect of creating a more complex response which involves unstable bifurcation, limit-point buckling, and dynamic collapse. Such shells were noted to bifurcate into asymmetric deformation modes but were undamaged during testing. Shells in this study which were damaged were not observed to bifurcate. Thus, a direct link between bifurcation and atypical damage could not be established although the mechanism (bifurcation) was identified. Recommendations for further work in these related areas are provided and include extensions of the AMT to other shell geometries and structural problems.

Wardle, Brian L.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Mesospheric Observations and Modeling of the Zeeman Split 233.9 GHz O-18O-16 line

Observations made from Kitt Peak, AZ, of the 233.9 GHz emission line of O-18O-16 in the upper stratosphere and lower mesosphere are reported. A good model fit to the line is obtained by incorporation of pressure and temperature broadening effects, as well as a Zeeman splitting algorithm that uses a standard geomagnetic field model and a paramagnetic Hamiltonian description of the molecular energy states. These observations are used, along with the well known O-18O-16 mixing ratio, to establish absolute calibration for observations of other chemical species from Kitt Peak. Repeated measurements show no change in this absolute calibration between observation dates. The wide magnetic splitting (+/-1.8 MHz) exhibited by this line with only six Zeeman components provides a unique test of middle atmosphere Zeeman effect model calculations, supporting the use Of 02 lines by microwave atmospheric sounders to measure pressure and temperature.

Sandor, Brad J.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) Methods: Their Synergy with Computer Technology in Design Process

The paper identifies speed, agility, human interface, generation of sensitivity information, task decomposition, and data transmission (including storage) as important attributes for a computer environment to have in order to support engineering design effectively. It is argued that when examined in terms of these attributes the presently available environment can be shown to be inadequate a radical improvement is needed, and it may be achieved by combining new methods that have recently emerged from multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) with massively parallel processing computer technology. The caveat is that, for successful use of that technology in engineering computing, new paradigms for computing will have to be developed - specifically, innovative algorithms that are intrinsically parallel so that their performance scales up linearly with the number of processors. It may be speculated that the idea of simulating a complex behavior by interaction of a large number of very simple models may be an inspiration for the above algorithms, the cellular automata are an example. Because of the long lead time needed to develop and mature new paradigms, development should be now, even though the widespread availability of massively parallel processing is still a few years away.

Sobieszczanski-Sobieski, Jaroslaw↗
NASA NTRS1999

Multidisciplinary Design Optimisation (MDO) Methods: Their Synergy with Computer Technology in the Design Process

The paper identifies speed, agility, human interface, generation of sensitivity information, task decomposition, and data transmission (including storage) as important attributes for a computer environment to have in order to support engineering design effectively. It is argued that when examined in terms of these attributes the presently available environment can be shown to be inadequate. A radical improvement is needed, and it may be achieved by combining new methods that have recently emerged from multidisciplinary design optimisation (MDO) with massively parallel processing computer technology. The caveat is that, for successful use of that technology in engineering computing, new paradigms for computing will have to be developed - specifically, innovative algorithms that are intrinsically parallel so that their performance scales up linearly with the number of processors. It may be speculated that the idea of simulating a complex behaviour by interaction of a large number of very simple models may be an inspiration for the above algorithms; the cellular automata are an example. Because of the long lead time needed to develop and mature new paradigms, development should begin now, even though the widespread availability of massively parallel processing is still a few years away.

Sobieszczanski-Sobieski, Jaroslaw↗
NASA NTRS1999

Low-Speed Investigation of Upper-Surface Leading-Edge Blowing on a High-Speed Civil Transport Configuration

The paper identifies speed, agility, human interface, generation of sensitivity information, task decomposition, and data transmission (including storage) as important attributes for a computer environment to have in order to support engineering design effectively. It is argued that when examined in terms of these attributes the presently available environment can be shown to be inadequate. A radical improvement is needed, and it may be achieved by combining new methods that have recently emerged from multidisciplinary design optimisation (MDO) with massively parallel processing computer technology. The caveat is that, for successful use of that technology in engineering computing, new paradigms for computing will have to be developed - specifically, innovative algorithms that are intrinsically parallel so that their performance scales up linearly with the number of processors. It may be speculated that the idea of simulating a complex behaviour by interaction of a large number of very simple models may be an inspiration for the above algorithms; the cellular automata are an example. Because of the long lead time needed to develop and mature new paradigms, development should begin now, even though the widespread availability of massively parallel processing is still a few years away.

Banks, Daniel W.↗