Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Phase correlation”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 451 records · Page 25

The Kinematic and Microphysical Control of Storm Integrated Lightning Flash Extent

The objective of this preliminary study is to investigate the kinematic and microphysical control of lightning properties, particularly those that may govern the production of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in thunderstorms, such as flash rate, type and extent. The mixed-phase region is where the noninductive charging (NIC) process is thought to generate most storm electrification during rebounding collisions between ice particles in the presence of supercooled water. As a result, prior radar-based studies have demonstrated that lightning flash rate is well correlated to kinematic and microphysical properties in the mixed-phase region of thunderstorms such as updraft volume, graupel mass, or ice mass flux. There is also some evidence that lightning type is associated with the convective state. Intracloud (IC) lightning tends to dominate during the updraft accumulation of precipitation ice mass while cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning is more numerous during the downdraft-driven descent of radar echo associated with graupel and hail. More study is required to generalize these relationships, especially regarding lightning type, in a wide variety of storm modes and meteorological conditions. Less is known about the co-evolving relationship between storm kinematics, microphysics, morphology and three-dimensional flash extent, despite its importance for lightning NOx production. To address this conceptual gap, the NASA MSFC Lightning Nitrogen Oxides Model (LNOM) is applied to North Alabama Lightning Mapping Array (NALMA) and Vaisala National Lightning Detection NetworkTM (NLDN) observations following ordinary convective cells through their lifecycle. LNOM provides estimates of flash type, channel length distributions, lightning segment altitude distributions (SADs) and lightning NOx production profiles. For this study, LNOM is applied in a Lagrangian sense to well isolated convective cells on 3 April 2007 (single cell and multi-cell hailstorm, non-severe multicell) and 6 July 2007 (non-severe multi-cell) over Northern Alabama. The LNOM lightning characteristics are compared to the evolution of updraft and precipitation properties inferred from dual-Doppler and polarimetric radar analyses applied to observations from a nearby Doppler radar network, including the UA Huntsville Advanced Radar for Meteorological and Operational Research (ARMOR, C-band, polarimetric). The LNOM estimated SAD and lightning NOx production profiles are placed in the context of radar derived profiles of vertical motion, precipitation types and amounts. Finally, these analyses are used to determine if storm integrated flash channel extent is as well correlated to volumetric updraft and precipitation ice characteristics in the mixed phase region as flash rate for these individual convective cells.

Carey, Lawrence↗

Development of nontoxic heat transport fluids for habitat two-phase thermal control systems

A computational chemistry approach based on pattern recognition techniques is used to correlate molecules thermodynamic and chemical properties with its molecular structure. The potential to develop a suitable two-phase nontoxic heat transport working fluid for the spacecraft habitat environment is discussed. It is concluded that the perfluorocarbons represent a potentially useful class to consider as a source of the working fluids because of their low toxicity, thermal stability, and chemical inertness. The ADAPT software program is considered to be adequate to make structural and property predictions.

Parrish, Clyde F.↗

The quality of geological information derivable from high resolution reflectance spectra - Results for mafic silicates

High-resolution visible and near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectra of mafic silicates can be deconvolved to yield quantitative information concerning mineral mixture properties, and the results can be directly applied to remotely sensed data. Spectral reflectance measurements of laboratory mixtures of olivine, orthophyroxene, and clinopyroxene with known chemistries, phase abundances, and particle size distributions have been utilized to develop correlations between spectral properties and the physicochemical parameters of the samples. A large number of mafic silicate spectra were measured and examined for systematic variations in spectral properties as a function of chemistry, phase abundance, and particle size. Three classes of spectral parameters (ratioed, absolute, and wavelength) were examined for any correlations. Each class is sensitive to particular mafic silicate properties. Spectral deconvolution techniques have been developed for quantifying, with varying degrees of accuracy, the assemblage properties (chemistry, phase abundance, and particle size).

Cloutis, E. A.↗

EX-111 Thermal Emission from Hot White Dwarfs: The Suggested He Abundance-Temperature Correlation. EX-112: The Unique Emission Line White Dwarf Star GD 356

Progress in the EXOSAT data analysis program is reported. EXOSAT observations for four white dwarfs (WD1031-115, WD0004+330, WD1615-154, and WD0109-264) were obtained. Counting rates were unexpectedly low, indicating that these objects have a substantial amount of x-ray absorbing matter in their photosheres. In addition, soft x-ray pulsations characterized by a 9.25 minute cycle were discovered in the DA white dwarf V471 Tauri. A residual x-ray flux from the K dwarf companion can be seen during the white dwarf eclipse at orbital phase 0.0. Pronounced dips in the soft x-ray light curve occur at orbital phases 0.15, 0.18, and 0.85. The dips may be correlated with the triangular Lagrangian points of the binary orbit. Smaller dips at phases near the eclipse may be associated with cool loops in the K star corona. Data for the white dwarf H1504+65 was also analyzed. This object is particularly unusual in that its photoshere is devoid of hydrogen and helium. Finally, existing data on the white dwarf Sirius B were analyzed to see what constraints from other data can be placed on the properties of this star. Interrelationships between radius, rotational velocity, and effective temperature were derived.

Shipman, H. L.↗

Inferential Framework for Autonomous Cryogenic Loading Operations

We address problem of autonomous cryogenic management of loading operations on the ground and in space. As a step towards solution of this problem we develop a probabilistic framework for inferring correlations parameters of two-fluid cryogenic flow. The simulation of two-phase cryogenic flow is performed using nearly-implicit scheme. A concise set of cryogenic correlations is introduced. The proposed approach is applied to an analysis of the cryogenic flow in experimental Propellant Loading System built at NASA KSC. An efficient simultaneous optimization of a large number of model parameters is demonstrated and a good agreement with the experimental data is obtained.

Luchinsky, Dmitry G.↗

On the structure of artificially generated water wave trains

The structure of an artificially generated sinusoidal water wave train of fixed frequency under the influence of wind is analyzed. Artificially generated waves of 1 Hz are studied at seven wind speeds in the range of 140-400 cm/s. It is observed that the water wave train deformed by wind consists of two components at both the fundamental mode and the harmonics. The amplitude and phase of the wave components are derived, and the dispersion relation and component phase speeds are examined. The data reveal that the amplitude of the forced and free-traveling second harmonics correlate with previous theories, and that the deviation of the measured phase speed from the linear theory is caused by the nonlinearity of the primary wave, the interaction between short gravity waves and the primary wave, and the advection effects of wind drift.

Papadimitrakis, Yiannis A.↗

Definition of two-phase flow behaviors for spacecraft design

Two-phase flow, thermal management systems are currently being considered as an alternative to conventional, single phase systems for future space missions because of their potential to reduce overall system mass, size, and pumping power requirements. Knowledge of flow regime transitions, heat transfer characteristics, and pressure drop correlations is necessary to design and develop two-phase systems. A boiling and condensing experiment was built in which R-12 was used as the working fluid. A two-phase pump was used to circulate a freon mixture and allow separate measurements of the vapor and liquid flow streams. The experimental package was flown five times aboard the NASA KC-135 aircraft which simulates zero-g conditions by its parabolic flight trajectory. Test conditions included stratified and annual flow regimes in 1-g which became bubbly, slug, or annular flow regimes on 0-g. A portion of this work is the analysis of adiabatic flow regimes. The superficial velocities of liquid and vapor have been obtained from the measured flow rates and are presented along with the observed flow regimes.

Reinarts, Thomas R.↗

Application of phase-change technique to thin sections with heating on both surfaces

A numerical digital computer program was developed to calculate the heat-transfer coefficients for both sides of a one-dimensional finite slab subject to the boundary conditions ascribed to the phase-change coating heat-transfer technique. In a typical tunnel test situation where a thin wing was exposed to heating on both sides, the data reduction procedures for a semi-infinite slab gave heat-transfer coefficients as much as 375 percent too high on the side with the lowest heating. The results from the one-dimensional finite-slab procedure are presented in the form of correction factors to the solution for a semi-infinite slab in terms of parameters normally used with the phase-change heat-transfer technique. These correlations are not restricted to slab thickness or thermophysical properties and are easily used to obtain accurate data on thin model sections.

Hunt, J. L.↗

The use of color infrared aerial photography in determining salt marsh vegetation and delimiting man-made structures of Lynnhaven Bay, Virginia

Color infrared aerial photography was found to be superior to color aerial photography in an ecological study of Lynnhaven Bay, Virginia. The research was divided into three phases: (1) Determination of the feasibility of correlating color infrared aerial photography with saline wetland species composition and zonation patterns, (2) determination of the accuracy of the aerial interpretation and problems related to the aerial method used; and (3) comparison of developed with undeveloped areas along Lynnhaven Bay's shoreline. Wetland species composition and plant community zonation bands were compared with aerial infrared photography and resulted in a high degree of correlation. Problems existed with changing physical conditions; time of day, aircraft angle and sun angle, making it necessary to use several different characteristics in wetland species identification. The main characteristics used were known zonation patterns, textural signatures and color tones. Lynnhaven Bay's shoreline was 61.5 percent developed.

Holman, R. E., III↗

Operational considerations for the application of remotely sensed forest data from LANDSAT or other airborne platforms

Research in the application of remotely sensed data from LANDSAT or other airborne platforms to the efficient management of a large timber based forest industry was divided into three phases: (1) establishment of a photo/ground sample correlation, (2) investigation of techniques for multi-spectral digital analysis, and (3) development of a semi-automated multi-level sampling system. To properly verify results, three distinct test areas were selected: (1) Jacksonville Mill Region, Lower Coastal Plain, Flatwoods, (2) Pensacola Mill Region, Middle Coastal Plain, and (3) Mississippi Mill Region, Middle Coastal Plain. The following conclusions were reached: (1) the probability of establishing an information base suitable for management requirements through a photo/ground double sampling procedure, alleviating the ground sampling effort, is encouraging, (2) known classification techniques must be investigated to ascertain the level of precision possible in separating the many densities involved, and (3) the multi-level approach must be related to an information system that is executable and feasible.

Baker, G. R.↗

Spin prediction techniques

The NASA Langley Research Center has the responsibility to advance the state-of-the-art in the area of stall/spin technology. This includes the development and validation of experimental and analytical techniques for the prediction of stall/spin characteristics. As a part of this effort, a rotary balance facility located in the Langley spin tunnel was developed two and a half years ago to rapidly identify an airplane's aerodynamic characteristics in a rotational flow environment. On-line rotary balance data plots and on-line predicted steady spin modes permit the designer to develop, on site, a configuration highly resistant to spins, or one which has good spin characteristics, i.e., no spin equilibrium conditions possible with lateral-directional controls neutral, if the airplane is to be used for acrobatic maneuvers or training. The rotary balance data are also used to compute time histories of a spin's incipient, developed, and recovery phases. These spin analysis techniques and their correlation with spin tunnel model and full-scale flight results are discussed herein.

Bihrle, W., Jr.↗

Total ozone-solar activity relationship

Approximately six years of global ozone monthly mean data from the Nimbus 4 BUV instrument are compared with monthly values of solar activity using 10.7-cm flux, F(10.7), as a parameter. Several techniques are explored in calculating the correlation between the two data sets, and all are found to yield relatively high correlations, ranging from R = 0.68 for 'raw' monthly means to 0.94 using a six-month running mean for each data set. It is shown, however, that the bulk of the correlation derives from the long-term decreasing trends in both data sets. When the long-term trends are removed, a cross-correlation analysis produces a maximum with no phase shift or with the ozone variations leading the solar variations by one month, thereby reducing the likelihood of a cause and effect relationship on time scales of this order. In view of the current uncertainty in the long-term stability of the BUV instrument and the resulting uncertainty in any long-term trend derived from its data, it is considered unrealistic to draw firm conclusions about a solar cycle influence on total ozone from this satellite data set.

Reber, C. A.↗

3 keV to 2 MeV observations of four gamma-ray bursts

Simultaneous X and gamma ray spectra were obtained for four gamma ray burst events using satellite instrumentation. The P78-1 satellite proportional counters recorded X-ray data in the 3-10 keV range, while Pioneer Venus Orbiter and ISEE 3 sensors had a 3 keV lower limit for events. The positively correlated data covered the events GB 790307, 790325, 790504, and 790731. The time histories of the X and gamma ray energies did not correlate well. The post-gamma ray phase of GB 790307 displayed features of simple cooling, and in conjunction with soft X-ray data suggested an origin in an optically thin fireball. However, the data were equally well-fitted by a model of an emitting hot spot on a neutron star. The data negated any concept that gamma ray bursts evolve similarly to classical X-ray bursts.

Laros, J. G.↗

The structure, energetics and evolution of the dominant frequency-dependent three-dimensional atmospheric modes

The three-dimensional structure of the dominant modes of wintertime variability are examined, and the mode structures are determined by an EOF analysis of the coupled vertical mean and shear streamfunction fields for a wide range of time-scale classes. The time mean energy conversions are determined from a two-layer quasigeostrophic model. Lag-cross correlations between the dominant low-frequency modes tend to be small and/or symmetric about zero, the high frequency modes are found to show highly asymmetric sinusoidal cross correlation functions similar to traveling waves, and some intermediate and short-time scale modes exhibit correlations indicating an association with the decaying phases of blocking in the Pacific. It is suggested that the mean flow barotropic (baroclinic) instabilities are an important source of variance for some of the lowest (highest) fluctuations considered.

Schubert, S. D.↗

Thermal Control Working Group report

The Thermal Control Working Group limited its evaluation to issues associated with Earth orbiting and planetary spacecraft with power levels up to 50 kW. It was concluded that the space station technology is a necessary precursor but does not meet S/C 2000 needs (life, high heat flux, long term cryogenics, and survivability). Additional basic and applied research are required (fluid/materials compatibility and two phase system modeling). Scaling, the key issue, must define accelerated life test criteria. The two phase systems require 0g to 1 g correlation. Additional ground test beds are required and combined space environment tests of materials.

Haslett, Robert↗

Anomalous scattering of light on Triton

Researchers report here the discovery of an isolated region of anomalously forward scattering materials on the surface of Triton. The researchers' best-fit Hapke parameters indicate that regolith particles in the anomalous scattering region are not only less backward scattering, but also slightly lower in single scattering albedo than average materials on Triton's surface. While it might be possible to account for such differences in terms of differences in particle size and transparency, it is also possible that the anomalous region is compositionally distinct from other terrains. It is noteworthy that, for the anomalous region, there exists a distinctively strong spatial correlation between the photometric ratios at different phase angles, and that, relative to other terrains, the anomalous region reddens at a different rate with increasing phase angle.

Helfenstein, Paul↗

Rosat observations of PSR 0656 + 14 - A pulsating and cooling neutron star

Observations of the X-ray-emitting radio pulsar PSR 0656 + 14 with the Position Sensitive Proportional Counter on board Rosat on March 25, 1991 are reported. Pulsations at the radio period, about 0.385 s, were detected at a pulsed fraction of 14 +/-2 percent. A blackbody description yields a surface temperature of about (9.0 +/-0.4) x 10 exp 5 K, an equivalent column density of about (1.0 +/-0.2) x 10 exp 20/sq cm, and a stellar radius of 10 km under the assumption of a 500 pc source distance. A positive correlation is found to exist between the phase of the pulsed emission and the X-ray hardness, suggesting that the pulsations have their seat in a 'hot spot' on the neutron star surface. Implications of the models with regard to the cooling curve of neutron stars are discussed.

Finley, John P.↗

Passive remote sensing of stratospheric and mesospheric winds

A passive infrared sensor is described for remote sounding of the wind field in the stratosphere and mesosphere from near Earth orbital spacecraft. The instrument uses gas correlation spectroscopy together with electro-optic phase modulation techniques to measure winds in the 20- to 120-km altitude range globally, both in the day and at night, and with a vertical resolution of better than the atmospheric scale height. Measurement of temperature and the amounts of key atmospheric species may also be made simultaneously and in coincident fields of view with the wind observations. The sensor is currently being developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory as a candidate for the upcoming NASA Earth Observation System.

Mccleese, Daniel J.↗