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At least 433 records · Page 24

Lightning protection of wind turbines

Possible damages to wind turbine components due to lightning strikes are discussed and means to prevent the damage are presented. A low resistance path to the ground is noted to be essential for any turbine system, including metal paths on nonmetal blades to conduct the strike. Surge arrestors are necessary to protect against overvoltages both from utility lines in normal operation and against lightning damage to control equipment and contactors in the generator. MOS structures are susceptible to static discharge injury, as are other semiconductor devices, and must be protected by the presence of static protection circuitry. It is recommended that the electronics be analyzed for the circuit transient response to a lightning waveform, to induced and dc current injection, that input/output leads be shielded, everything be grounded, and lightning-resistant components be chosen early in the design phase.

Dodd, C. W.↗

AGT100 turbomachinery

High-performance turbomachinery components have been designed and tested for the AGT100 automotive engine. The required wide range of operation coupled with the small component size, compact packaging, and low cost of production provide significant aerodynamic challenges. Aerodynamic design and development testing of the centrifugal compressor and two radial turbines are described. The compressor achieved design flow, pressure ratio, and surge margin on the initial build. Variable inlet guide vanes have proven effective in modulating flow capacity and in improving part-speed efficiency. With optimum use of the variable inlet guide vanes, the initial efficiency goals have been demonstrated in the critical idle-to-70% gasifier speed range. The gasifier turbine exceeded initial performance goals and demonstrated good performance over a wide range. The radial power turbine achieved 'developed' efficiency goals on the first build.

Tipton, D. L.↗

Plasma behavior during energetic electron streaming events further evidence for substorm-associated magnetic reconnection

A recent study showed that streaming energetic (more than 200 keV) electrons in earth's magnetotail are statistically associated with southward magnetic fields and with enhancements of the AE index. It is shown here that the streaming electrons characteristically are preceded by an approximately 15-minute period of tailward plasma flow and followed by a dropout of the plasma sheet, thus demonstrating a clear statistical association between substorms and the classical signatures of magnetic reconnection and plasmoid formation. Additionally, a brief upward surge of mean electron energy preceded plasma dropout in several of the events studied, providing direct evidence of localized, reconnection-associated heating processes.

Bieber, J. W.↗

Martian surface properties indicated by the opposition effect

Radiative transfer expressions are used to derive average surface particle single-scattering albedos, phase functions and porosities from a photometric comparison of Viking Orbiter opposition measurements of the Martian Arabia, Syrtis Major and Elysium Planitia regions with several generic features. The best functional fit to the data includes consideration of atmospheric scattering, two-particle populations and surface roughness. It is found that (1) the presence of high albedo, high porosity surface particles is ubiquitous, (2) opposition surge is absent in the Syrtis Major region, and (3) the Chryse areas possess the largest surface roughness.

Thorpe, T. E.↗

Short-term planetary-scale interactions over the tropics and midlatitudes during northern winter. I - Contrasts between active and inactive periods

Objectively analyzed 200 mb winds of four winters are used to study the short-term (several days) teleconnections between planetary-scale circulation components over the monsoon region. The composited structures suggest that during very actively northeasterly monsoon (surge) periods, the midlatitude and tropical circulation components vary in a coherent way. The jet streak and local Hadley circulation over East Asia, the divergent flow over the maritime continent, and the equatorial Walker circulations over the Pacific and Indian Oceans all strengthen steadily, while the secondary jet streak over West Asia weakens. During inactive (break) periods the midlatitude circulation components all exhibit reversed changes, while the variations in the tropics are less coherent, although still showing reversed tendencies. The results basically verify the short-term teleconnection model proposed by Chang and Lau (1980), but more complex processes in the acceleration of the midlatitude jet streaks are indicated. In addition, the contrast between the very active and break monsoon periods suggests the relative importance of tropical versus midlatitudinal forcings in different regions of the monsoon circulation.

Chang, C.-P.↗

Petrology of dune sand derived from basalt on the Ka'u Desert, Hawaii

Dune sand from the Ka'u Desert, southwest flank of Kilauea volcano, Hawaii, is moderately well-sorted (median = 1.60 Phi, deviation = 0.60, skewness = 0.25, kurtosis = 0.68) and composed mostly of frosted subangular particles of basalt glass ('unfractionated' olivine-normative tholeitte), olivine, lithic fragments (subophitic and intersertal basalts; magnetite-ilmenite-rich basalts), reticular basalt glass, magnetite, ilmenite, and plagioclase, in approximately that order of abundance. Quantitative lithological comparison of the dune sand with sand-sized ash from the Keanakakoi Formation supports suggestions that the dune sand was derived largely from Keanakakoi ash. The dune sand is too well sorted to have been emplaced in its present form by base-surge but could have evolved by post-eruption reworking of the ash.

Gooding, J. L.↗

Ferrographic and spectrometer oil analysis from a failed gas turbine engine

An experimental gas turbine engine was destroyed as a result of the combustion of its titanium components. It was concluded that a severe surge may have caused interference between rotating and stationary compressor that either directly or indirectly ignited the titanium components. Several engine oil samples (before and after the failure) were analyzed with a Ferrograph, a plasma, an atomic absorption, and an emission spectrometer to see if this information would aid in the engine failure diagnosis. The analyses indicated that a lubrication system failure was not a causative factor in the engine failure. Neither an abnormal wear mechanism nor a high level of wear debris was detected in the engine oil sample taken just prior to the test in which the failure occurred. However, low concentrations (0.2 to 0.5 ppm) of titanium were evident in this sample and samples taken earlier. After the failure, higher titanium concentrations ( 2 ppm) were detected in oil samples taken from different engine locations. Ferrographic analysis indicated that most of the titanium was contained in spherical metallic debris after the failure. The oil analyses eliminated a lubrication system bearing or shaft seal failure as the cause of the engine failure.

Jones, W. R., Jr.↗

Unsteady flow phenomena in industrial centrifugal compressor stage

The results of an experimental investigation on a typical centrifugal compressor stage running on an atmospheric pressure test rig are shown. Unsteady flow was invariably observed at low flow well before surge. In order to determine the influence of the statoric components, the same impeller was repeatedly tested with the same vaneless diffuser, but varying return channel geometry. Experimental results show the strong effect exerted by the return channel, both on onset and on the behavior of unsteady flow. Observed phenomena have been found to confirm well the observed dynamic behavior of full load tested machines when gas density is high enough to cause appreciable mechanical vibrations. Therefore, testing of single stages at atmospheric pressure may provide a fairly accurate prediction of this kind of aerodynamic excitation.

Bonciani, L.↗

Energy efficient engine low-pressure compressor component test hardware detailed design report

The aerodynamic and mechanical design description of the low pressure compressor component of the Energy Efficient Engine were used. The component was designed to meet the requirements of the Flight Propulsion System while maintaining a low cost approach in providing a low pressure compressor design for the Integrated Core/Low Spool test required in the Energy Efficient Engine Program. The resulting low pressure compressor component design meets or exceeds all design goals with the exception of surge margin. In addition, the expense of hardware fabrication for the Integrated Core/Low Spool test has been minimized through the use of existing minor part hardware.

Michael, C. J.↗

A broadband VLF burst associated with ring current electrons

A determination is made of the source of a broadband VLF burst observed during the inbound plasmapause crossing of the explorer 45 spacecraft on April 2, 1972 in the late stage of a geomagnetic storm. Electric and magnetic receiver data from the satellite were spectrally analyzed, showing a 1-3 kHz whistler component and an emission broadening event comprising enhancement of the 1.0 and 1.78 kHz electric field intensities by several orders of magnitude. A corresponding and simulaneous enhancement of the ring current electrons was observed. The emission band spreading was attributed to the generation of quasi-electrostatic short wavelength whistler mode emissions by hot bi-maxwellian electrons surging into the domain of low density magnetized cold plasma. The inner edge of the plasma sheet, which was the source of the electrons, was not far from the event.

Maeda, K.↗

Observations of parallel ion energization in the equatorial region

In this paper an example of bounce-phase-clustered ions such as earlier reported by Mellwain (1976), Quinn (1978) and Quinn and Mellwain (1979) is examined in detail. The cluster has small pitch angle, but investigation of the energy time dispersion properties of the cluster reveals that it was formed at the equator. The acceleration region extended over about 2.4 earth radii along the field direction. It is suggested that the ion cluster is set up by acceleration during a transient convection surge, and the properties of such a process are discussed.

Quinn, J. M.↗

Use of Seasat synthetic aperture radar and Landsat multispectral scanner subsystem data for Alaskan glaciology studies

Three Seasat synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and three Landsat multispectral scanner subsystem (MSS) scenes of three areas of Alaska were analyzed for hydrological information. The areas were: the Dease Inlet in northern Alaska and its oriented or thaw lakes, the Ruth and Tokositna valley glaciers in south central Alaska, and the Malaspina piedmont glacier on Alaska's southern coast. Results for the first area showed that the location and identification of some older remnant lake basins were more easily determined in the registered data using an MSS/SAR overlay than in either SAR or MSS data alone. Separately, both SAR and MSS data were useful for determination of surging glaciers based on their distinctive medial moraines, and Landsat data were useful for locating the glacier firn zone. For the Malaspina Glacier scenes, the SAR data were useful for locating heavily crevassed ice beneath glacial debris, and Landsat provided data concerning the extent of the debris overlying the glacier.

Hall, D. K.↗

Damping of thermoacoustic oscillations

A commonly encountered and troublesome problem in cryogenic systems is related to the occurrence of thermoacoustic oscillations (TAO). The oscillations are accompanied by large heat fluxes which can cause large increases in the boiloff from dewars. Such a boiloff can lead to a serious degradation in performance. It appears, therefore, highly advisable to incorporate mechanisms for damping TAO in those parts of the system where there oscillations might occur. The present investigation is concerned with the criteria for the design of such damping mechanisms. Attention is given to the theory regrading the suppression of TAO, a damper consisting of a capillary with a surge tank, and porous solid dampers.

Tward, E.↗

NASA/NOAA implementation of the USAID-sponsored satellite ground station and data processing facility for Bangladesh

A description is given of a project to transfer multiple environmental satellite data reception, processing, and interpretation capabilities from the U.S. to Bangladesh. The goal of the project is to improve the management of resources related primarily to agriculture, water development, forestry, and fisheries. It is also hoped to improve the existing cyclone/storm surge warning system. An account is given of the interagency and international cooperation underlying the project. The remote-sensing installation in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is described, and the most likely system applications are summarized. Attention is also given to the special requirements concerning this type of technology transfer, and an assessment is made of the project's practical value to Bangladesh.

Dodge, J. C.↗

Development of controlled diffusion airfoils for multistage compressor application

A series of Controlled Diffusion Airfoils has been developed for multistage compressor application. These airfoils are designed analytically to be shock free at transonic Mach number and to avoid suction surface boundary layer separation for a range of inlet conditions necessary for stable compressor operation. They have demonstrated, in cascade testing, higher critical Mach number, higher incidence range, and higher loading capability than standard series airfoils designed for equivalent aerodynamic requirements. These airfoils have been shown, in single and multistage rig testing, to provide high efficiency, high loading capability, and ease of stage matching, leading to reduced development costs and improved surge margin. The Controlled Diffusion Airfoil profile shapes tend to have thicker leading and trailing edges than their standard series counterparts, leading to improved compressor durability.

Hobbs, D. E.↗

Coronal transients in FE XIV 5303A: First two-dimensional photoelectric ground-based observations

An observational program was undertaken at Sacramento Peak Observatory to photoelectrically detect coronal transients. Continuous observations are made in the Fe XIV 5303A green line, utilizing the 40 cm coronagraph and the Photoelectric Coronal Photometer. Scans at three heights above the limb are combined to form a low resolution picture of the greenline corona every 20 to 30 minutes. Difference pictures, relative to an initial scan, are generated to search for sudden changes in the corona. The first few days of operation of this program have yielded three low-lying events ( 1.55 solar radii) following minor chromospheric activity (a surge and eruptive prominences), which propagated up through the corona with velocities on the order of 100 km/s.

Altrock, R. C.↗

The 1950 sulfur flow of Mauna Loa: Considerations for Io

Some of the geological relationships observed in the Mauna Loa sulfur flow may apply in considering volcanic processes on Io. Given the presence of sulfur/sulfur compounds in the eruption plumes and on the surface of Io, it is likely that extensive secondary deposits of sulfur exist, some of which may be of fumarolic origin and analogous to the Mauna Loa deposit. Given the likelihood of silicate volcanism of Io based on the inferred material properties of some flows, and the attendant high temperatures for silicate volcanism, it is likely that the secondary surface deposits of sulfur would have been mobilized without being heated to the high viscosity stage. Mobilized sulfur flows on Io may flow long distances as a result of: (1) low viscosities in the melting range; (2) sustained effusion resulting from continued heating source area; (3) continued remobilization within the flow as a consequence of surges from the source; and (4) extension via lava tubes, or similar conduits through which there is little heat loss. Sulfur flows may form a relatively thin veneer over silicate flows and other surface units, given their fluidity and low mobilization temperature. Active splashing and splattering may spread sulfur over a wider area contributing the bright blooms observed in association with some Ionian flows.

Greeley, R.↗

Unsteady flow in turbomachinery: An overview

The importance of understanding and modeling the unsteady flow phenomena in turbomachinery is discussed. Historical events in the application and development of gas turbines for aircraft propulsion are traced. Technology advancements over the years are highlighted with focus on the compression system components. Trends in compressor research within the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA)/National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are noted. The impact of technology advancements on the increased occurrences of unsteady flow related problems in advanced engine development programs is discussed. The impact of the new and more demanding requirements being imposed on the propulsion system to meet advanced aircraft mission needs are also noted. Brief discussions on the present day understanding and modeling capability of the unsteady flow phenomena are presented to include discussions on rotating stall, surge, flutter, forced response and noise generation.

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