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At least 451 records · Page 25

Gas-Phase Reaction Pathways and Rate Coefficients for the Dichlorosilane-Hydrogen and Trichlorosilane-Hydrogen Systems

As part of NASA Ames Research Center's Integrated Process Team on Device/Process Modeling and Nanotechnology our goal is to create/contribute to a gas-phase chemical database for use in modeling microelectronics devices. In particular, we use ab initio methods to determine chemical reaction pathways and to evaluate reaction rate coefficients. Our initial studies concern reactions involved in the dichlorosilane-hydrogen (SiCl2H2--H2) and trichlorosilane-hydrogen (SiCl2H-H2) systems. Reactant, saddle point (transition state), and product geometries and their vibrational harmonic frequencies are determined using the complete-active-space self-consistent-field (CASSCF) electronic structure method with the correlation consistent polarized valence double-zeta basis set (cc-pVDZ). Reaction pathways are constructed by following the imaginary frequency mode of the saddle point to both the reactant and product. Accurate energetics are determined using the singles and doubles coupled-cluster method that includes a perturbational estimate of the effects of connected triple excitations (CCSD(T)) extrapolated to the complete basis set limit. Using the data from the electronic structure calculations, reaction rate coefficients are obtained using conventional and variational transition state and RRKM theories.

Dateo, Christopher E.↗

Responses across the gravity continuum: hypergravity to microgravity

In response to hypergravity, it appears that the larger the animal, the greater the response, if present. Therefore, the response of a rat exceeds that of a mouse in the same hypergravity environment. When investigated in the microgravity environment of space flight, this appears to hold true. The lack of definitive data obtained in space for either species makes the extrapolation of the continuum to levels below Earth-gravity problematic. However, in systems where responses are detected for both space flight and acceleration by centrifugation, a gravitational continuum is present supporting the "principle of continuity". For those and similar systems, it appears that the use of hypergravity could be used to predict responses to space flight.

Review, Tutorial↗

Center-to-Limb Variation of the Polarization of Mg II H & K Lines as Measured by CLASP2

Who cares? Magnetograms in the upper chromosphere are needed for accurate magnetic coronal extrapolations. The CLASP2 sounding rocket took spatially resolved spectropolarimetric data of Mg II h & k in the upper chromosphere, that can be used as a pathfinder to routine magnetograms. This work: Preliminary results of the center-to-limb variation (CLV) of the linear polarization in the quiet sun. We compare the signals to recent theoretical calculations of the expected polarization which include PRD, J-state interference, and magneto-optical effects.

Rachmeler, Laurel↗

The epoch state navigation filter

The formulation of a recursive maximum likelihood navigation system employing reference position and velocity vectors as state variables is presented. Convenient forms of the required variational equations of motion are developed together with an explicit form of the associated state transition matrix needed to refer measurement data from the measurement time to the epoch time. Computational advantages accrue from this design in that the usual forward extrapolation of the covariance matrix of estimation errors can be avoided without incurring unacceptable system errors. Simulation data for earth orbiting satellites are provided to substantiate this assertion.

Battin, R. H.↗

Shuttle Orbiter Contingency Abort Aerodynamics: Real-Gas Effects and High Angles of Attack

An important element of the Space Shuttle Orbiter safety improvement plan is the improved understanding of its aerodynamic performance so as to minimize the "black zones" in the contingency abort trajectories [1]. These zones are regions in the launch trajectory where it is predicted that, due to vehicle limitations, the Orbiter will be unable to return to the launch site in a two or three engine-out scenario. Reduction of these zones requires accurate knowledge of the aerodynamic forces and moments to better assess the structural capability of the vehicle. An interesting aspect of the contingency abort trajectories is that the Orbiter would need to achieve angles of attack as high as 60deg. Such steep attitudes are much higher than those for a nominal flight trajectory. The Orbiter is currently flight certified only up to an angle of attack of 44deg at high Mach numbers and has never flown at angles of attack larger than this limit. Contingency abort trajectories are generated using the data in the Space Shuttle Operational Aerodynamic Data Book (OADB) [2]. The OADB, a detailed document of the aerodynamic environment of the current Orbiter, is primarily based on wind-tunnel measurements (over a wide Mach number and angle-of-attack range) extrapolated to flight conditions using available theories and correlations, and updated with flight data where available. For nominal flight conditions, i.e., angles of attack of less than 45deg, the fidelity of the OADB is excellent due to the availability of flight data. However, at the off-nominal conditions, such as would be encountered on contingency abort trajectories, the fidelity of the OADB is less certain. The primary aims of a recent collaborative effort (completed in the year 2001) between NASA and Boeing were to determine: 1) accurate distributions of pressure and shear loads on the Orbiter at select points in the contingency abort trajectory space; and 2) integrated aerodynamic forces and moments for the entire vehicle and the control surfaces (body flap, speed brake, and elevons). The latter served the useful purpose of verification of the aerodynamic characteristics that went into the generation of the abort trajectories.

Prabhu, Dinesh K.↗

Determination of Extrapolation Distance With Pressure Signatures Measured at Two to Twenty Span Lengths From Two Low-Boom Models

A study was performed to determine a limiting separation distance for the extrapolation of pressure signatures from cruise altitude to the ground. The study was performed at two wind-tunnel facilities with two research low-boom wind-tunnel models designed to generate ground pressure signatures with "flattop" shapes. Data acquired at the first wind-tunnel facility showed that pressure signatures had not achieved the desired low-boom features for extrapolation purposes at separation distances of 2 to 5 span lengths. However, data acquired at the second wind-tunnel facility at separation distances of 5 to 20 span lengths indicated the "limiting extrapolation distance" had been achieved so pressure signatures could be extrapolated with existing codes to obtain credible predictions of ground overpressures.

Mack, Robert J.↗

The Global Albedo of the Moon at 1064 nm from LOLA

The Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) measures the backscattered energy of the returning altimetric laser pulse at its wavelength of 1064 nm, and these data are used to map the reflectivity of the Moon at zero-phase angle with a photometrically uniform data set. Global maps have been produced at 4 pixels per degree (about 8 kilometers at the equator) and 2 kilometers resolution within 20 deg latitude of each pole. The zero-phase geometry is insensitive to lunar topography, so these data enable characterization of subtle variations in lunar albedo, even at high latitudes where such measurements are not possible with the Sun as the illumination source. The geometric albedo of the Moon at 1064 nm was estimated from these data with absolute calibration derived from the Kaguya Multiband Imager and extrapolated to visual wavelengths. The LOLA estimates are within 2 sigma of historical measurements of geometric albedo. No consistent latitude-dependent variations in reflectance are observed, suggesting that solar wind does not dominate space weathering processes that modify lunar reflectance. The average normal albedo of the Moon is found to be much higher than that of Mercury consistent with prior measurements, but the normal albedo of the lunar maria is similar to that of Mercury suggesting a similar abundance of space weathering products. Regions within permanent shadow in the polar regions are found to be more reflective than polar surfaces that are sometimes illuminated. Limiting analysis to data with slopes less than 10 deg eliminates variations in reflectance due to mass wasting and shows a similar increased reflectivity within permanent polar shadow. Steep slopes within permanent shadow are also more reflective than similar slopes that experience at least some illumination. Water frost and a reduction in effectiveness of space weathering are offered as possible explanations for the increased reflectivity of permanent shadow; porosity is largely ruled out as the sole explanation. The south polar crater Shackleton is found to be among the most reflective craters in its size range globally but is not the most reflective, so mass wasting cannot be ruled out as a cause for the crater's anomalous reflectance. Models of the abundance of ice needed to account for the reflectance anomaly range from 3 to 14% by weight or area depending on assumptions regarding the effects of porosity on reflectance and whether ice is present as patches or is well mixed in the regolith. If differences in nanophase iron abundances are responsible for the anomaly, the permanently shadowed regions have between 50 and 80% the abundance of nanophase iron in mature lunar soil.

PSR↗

Externally-blown-flap noise

Noise data were obtained with a large externally blown flap model. A fan-jet engine exhaust was simulated by a 1/2-scale bypass nozzle supplied by pressurized air. The nozzle was pylon mounted on a wing section having a double-slotted flap for lift augmentation. Noise radiation patterns and spectra were obtained for nozzle exhaust velocities between 400 and 1150 ft/sec. The blown flap noise data are in good agreement with previous small model results extrapolated to test conditions by Strouhal scaling. The results indicate that blown flap noise must be suppressed to meet STOL aircraft noise goals.

Dorsch, R. G.↗

Heat flow experiment

The heat flow experiment installed on the lunar surface during the Apollo 15 flight is described. Subjects discussed are: (1) the experiment concept and design, (2) the operations of the experiment, (3) the employment of the experiment on the lunar surface at Hadley Rille site, (4) subsurface lunar temperatures, and (5) extrapolation of sensor temperatures to equilibrium values. Graphs of the data obtained from the experiment are provided.

Langseth, M. G., Jr.↗

Externally-blown-flap noise.

Noise data were obtained with a large externally blown flap model. A fan-jet engine exhaust was simulated by a 1/2-scale bypass nozzle supplied by pressurized air. The nozzle was pylon mounted on a wing section having a double-slotted flap for lift augmentation. Noise radiation patterns and spectra were obtained for nozzle exhaust velocities between 400 and 1150 ft/sec. The blown flap noise data are in good agreement with previous small model results extrapolated to test conditions by Strouhal scaling. The results indicate that blown flap noise must be suppressed to meet STOL aircraft noise goals.

Dorsch, R. G.↗

Statistical theory and methodology for remote sensing data analysis with special emphasis on LACIE

Crop proportion estimators for determining crop acreage through the use of remote sensing were evaluated. Several studies of these estimators were conducted, including an empirical comparison of the different estimators (using actual data) and an empirical study of the sensitivity (robustness) of the class of mixture estimators. The effect of missing data upon crop classification procedures is discussed in detail including a simulation of the missing data effect. The final problem addressed is that of taking yield data (bushels per acre) gathered at several yield stations and extrapolating these values over some specified large region. Computer programs developed in support of some of these activities are described.

Odell, P. L.↗

Two-phase choked flow of subcooled oxygen and nitrogen

Data are presented for two-phase critical flow through nozzles. Test results from two converging-diverging nozzles and two separate test facilities are in excellent agreement. The critical flow rate and critical flow pressure ratio data conclusively demonstrate that the principle of corresponding states can be applied to two-phase choked flow through nozzles. Normalizing parameters were developed to correlate these data, and current theories can provide an adequate means for extrapolating to other fluids. Such information can be useful for cryogenic fluid storage applications.

Hendricks, R. C.↗

Accelerated iterative calculation of transonic nacelle flowfields

A method is presented for the calculation of inviscid, supercritical flowfields about axisymmetric inlet cowls. A finite-difference calculation is performed in a simple, rectangular domain obtained from the nacelle geometry by a nearly-conformal mapping procedure. Type-dependent finite-differences are constructed using a coordinate-independent, 'rotated' differencing scheme. Methods of accelerating convergence of the iterative solution are demonstrated including a hybrid fast-Poisson-solver/relaxation scheme and an extrapolated relaxation procedure. Calculated pressure distributions are compared with experimental data for a variety of Mach numbers and mass-flow ratios, and show generally good agreement.

Caughey, D. A.↗

Determination of volume fraction in multiphase systems using incomplete pole figures

The determination of the volume fraction of a second phase in a multiphase sample by X-ray diffraction becomes more difficult if the diffracting planes have a preferred orientation. Lopata and Kula have described a method of treating this problem using complete pole figures for each of the phases. With some samples, it is not always possible or convenient to obtain data over the full hemisphere. Equations and an example are given which require X-ray data over a limited range of approximately 0 to 75 deg. This can be obtained by reflection without a specially cut sample or transmission data. A series of Legendre polynomials are fitted to data collected while spinning the sample about its normal. An extrapolation is made possible by introducing two conditions on the end points which must be satisfied if the extrapolation functions are to be valid.

Houska, C. R.↗

Seasat altimeter height calibration

The Seasat altimeter was calibrated for height bias using four overflight passes of Bermuda which were supported by the Bermuda laser. The altimeter data was corrected for: tides, using recorded tide gauge data; propagation effects, using meteorological data taken around the time of each pass; acceleration lag; and sea state bias, including both surface effects and instrumental effects. Altimeter data for each of the four passes was smoothed and extrapolated across the island. Interpolation between passes then produced an equivalent altimeter measurement to the geoid at the laser site, so that the altimeter bias could be estimated without the use of a geoid model. The estimated height bias was 0.0 + or - 0.07.

Kolenkiewicz, R.↗

Sensitivity analysis of cool-down strategies for a transonic cryogenic tunnel

Guidelines and suggestions substantiated by real-time simulation data to ensure optimum time and energy use of injected liquid nitrogen for cooling the Langley 0.3-Meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel (TCT) are presented. It is directed toward enabling operators and researchers to become cognizant of criteria for using the 0.3-m TCT in an energy- or time-efficient manner. Operational recommendations were developed based on information collected from a validated simulator of the 0.3-m TCT and experimental data from the tunnel. Results and trends, however, can be extrapolated to other similarly constructed cryogenic wind tunnels.

Thibodeaux, J. J.↗

The Tunguska event - No cometary signature in evidence

It is suggested that existing data on the 1908 Tunguska fall precludes an interpretation of the object as an either active or extinct comet fragment. Because a fireball of the Tunguska mass is not efficiently decelerated by the earth's atmosphere, it would at an entry velocity of about 30 km/sec have had to resist aerodynamic pressures greater than one billon dyn/sq cm before disintegrating. The inherently extremely fragile cometary material could not have survived a load of this magnitude. The data on Type II fireballs with prominent terminal flares are extrapolated, to estimate Tunguska's critical dynamic pressure at the same time of explosion as being of the order of 200 million dyn/sq cm, and its preexplosion velocity as about 10 km/sec, thereby ruling out a comet-like orbit. The Tunguska object is most consistently described as a small Apollo-type asteroid, 90-190 m across.

Sekanina, Z.↗

On stellar X-ray emission

Stellar X-ray astronomy represents an entirely new astronomical discipline which has emerged during the past five years. It lies at the crossroads of solar physics, stellar physics, and general astrophysics. The present review is concerned with the main physical problems which arise in connection with a study of the stellar X-ray data. A central issue is the extent to which the extrapolation from solar physics is justified and the definition (if possible) of the limits to such extrapolation. The observational properties of X-ray emission from stars are considered along with the solar analogy and the modeling of X-ray emission from late-type stars, the modeling of X-ray emission from early-type stars, the physics of stellar X-ray emission, stellar X-ray emission in the more general astrophysical context, and future prospects.

Rosner, R.↗