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At least 469 records · Page 26

On the uniqueness of linear moving-average filters for the solar wind-auroral geomagnetic activity coupling

The relation between the solar wind input to the magetosphere, VB(sub South), and the auroral geomagnetic index AL is modeled with two linear moving-average filtering methods: linear prediction filters and a driven harmonic oscillator in the form of an electric circuit. Although the response of the three-parameter oscillator is simpler than the filter's, the methods yield similar linear timescales and values of the prediction-observation correlation and the prediction Chi(exp 2). Further the filter responses obtained by the two methods are similar in their long-term features. In these aspects the circuit model is equivalent to linear prediction filtering. This poses the question of uniqueness and proper interpretation of detailed features of the filters such as response peaks. Finally, the variation of timescales and filter responses with the AL activity level is discussed.

Vassiliadis, D.↗

Three models of the vibrating ulna.

Evaluation of the ability of three models of the ulna to predict ulnar resonant frequency. The ulna is considered to be a uniform cylindrical tube made of homogeneous isotropic material. In model I the tube is attached at each end to rigid supports by hinges, in model II the tube is attached to rigid supports by springs rather than hinges, while model III is the same as model II except for the addition of a spring-mass system simulating an accelerometer strapped to the wrist. It is found that all three models exhibit comparable effectiveness in predicting the allowed cyclic vibration frequency, although model I is marginally better than models II or III in predicting this parameter. All three models also yield relatively realistic values for Young's modulus. In terms of results, therefore, there is no clear choice between the models. However, owing to greater costs incurred with models II and III, it is concluded that model I is the most useful, even though it is the least 'realistic' of the three models evaluated.-

Jurist, J. M.↗

Introduction

The author has identified the following significant results. The objectives of the investigation were: (1) to evaluate the effect of water stress, disease, and leaf area on the reflectance characteristics of wheat; (2) to evaluate disease losses in terms of yield and water use; and (3) to predict disease severity and economic loss.

Source record↗

Ejecta from large craters on the moon - Comments on the geometric model of McGetchin et al

Amendments to a quantitative scheme developed by T. R. McGetchin et al. (1973) for predicting the distribution of ejecta from lunar basins yield substantially thicker estimates of ejecta, deposited at the basin rim-crest and at varying ranges beyond, than does the original model. Estimates of the total volume of material ejected from a basin, illustrated by Imbrium, also are much greater. Because many uncertainties affect any geometric model developed primarily from terrestrial analogs of lunar craters, predictions of ejecta thickness and volume on the moon may range within at least an order of magnitude. These problems are exemplified by the variability of T, thickness of ejecta at the rim-crest of terrestrial experimental craters. The proportion of T to crater rim-height depends critically upon scaled depth-of-burst and whether the explosive is nuclear or chemical.

Pike, R. J.↗

Computer assisted thermal-vacuum testing

In testing complex systems and components under dynamic thermal-vacuum environments, it is desirable to optimize the environment control sequence in order to reduce test duration and cost. This paper describes an approach where a computer is utilized as part of the test control operation. Real time test data is made available to the computer through time-sharing terminals at appropriate time intervals. A mathematical model of the test article and environmental control equipment is then operated on using the real time data to yield current thermal status, temperature analysis, trend prediction and recommended thermal control setting changes to arrive at the required thermal condition. The data acquisition interface and the time-sharing hook-up to an IBM-370 computer is described along with a typical control program and data demonstrating its use.

Petrie, W.↗

Operator performance and localized muscle fatigue in a simulated space vehicle control task

Fourier transforms in a special purpose computer were utilized to obtain power spectral density functions from electromyograms of the biceps brachii, triceps brachii, brachioradialis, flexor carpi ulnaris, brachialis, and pronator teres in eight subjects performing isometric tracking tasks in two directions utilizing a prototype spacecraft rotational hand controller. Analysis of these spectra in general purpose computers aided in defining muscles involved in performing the task, and yielded a derived measure potentially useful in predicting task termination. The triceps was the only muscle to show significant differences in all possible tests for simple effects in both tasks and, overall, was the most consistently involved of the six muscles. The total power monitored for triceps, biceps, and brachialis dropped to minimal levels across all subjects earlier than for other muscles. However, smaller variances existed for the biceps, brachioradialis, brachialis, and flexor carpi ulnaris muscles and could provide longer predictive times due to smaller standard deviations for a greater population range.

Lewis, J. L., Jr.↗

Cropping management using color and color infrared aerial photographs

The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) is a widely accepted tool for erosion prediction and conservation planning. Solving this equation yields the long-term average annual soil loss that can be expected from rill and inter-rill erosion. In this study, manual interpretation of color and color infrared 70 mm photography at the scale of 1:60,000 is used to determine the cropping management factor in the USLE. Accurate information was collected about plowing practices and crop residue cover (unharvested vegetation) for the winter season on agricultural land in Pheasant Branch Creek watershed in Dane County, Wisconsin.

Morgan, K. M.↗

Current collection from the space plasma through defects in high voltage solar array insulation

For spacecraft operation in the near Earth environment, solar cell arrays constitute the major source of reliable long term power. Optimization of mass and power efficiency results in a general requirement for high voltage solar arrays. The space plasma environment, though, can result in large currents being collected by exposed solar cells. The solution of a protective covering of transparent insulation is not a complete solution, inasmuch as defects in the insulation result in anomalously large currents being collected through the defects. Tests simulating the electron collection from small defects in an insulation have shown that there are two major collection modes. The first mode involves current enhancement by means of a surface phenomenon involving the surrounding insulator. In the second mode the current collection is enhanced by vaporization and ionization of the insulators materials, in addition to the surface enhancement of the first mode. A model for the electron collection is the surface enhanced collection mode was developed. The model relates the secondary electron emission yield to the electron collection. It correctly predicts the qualitative effects of hole size, sample temperature and roughening of sample surface. The theory was also shown to predict electron collection within a factor of two for the polymers teflon and polyimide.

Stillwell, R. P.↗

Venus mesosphere and thermosphere. II - Global circulation, temperature, and density variations

The Dickinson and Ridley (1977) symmetric, two-dimensional hydrodynamical model framework is presently used as the basis of a reexamination of the circulation and structure of the Venus thermosphere recently revealed by Pioneer Venus observations. The observed day-to-night variation of composition and temperatures can largely be derived by a wave-drag parameterization yielding a weaker circulation system than that predicted prior to Pioneer Venus. It is also suggested that eddy diffusion is a minor contributor to the maintenance of observed day and nightside densities, and that eddy coefficients are smaller than than those of one-dimensional composition models previously employed.

Bougher, S. W.↗

System capacity and economic modeling computer tool for satellite mobile communications systems

A unique computer modeling tool that combines an engineering tool with a financial analysis program is described. The resulting combination yields a flexible economic model that can predict the cost effectiveness of various mobile systems. Cost modeling is necessary in order to ascertain if a given system with a finite satellite resource is capable of supporting itself financially and to determine what services can be supported. Personal computer techniques using Lotus 123 are used for the model in order to provide as universal an application as possible such that the model can be used and modified to fit many situations and conditions. The output of the engineering portion of the model consists of a channel capacity analysis and link calculations for several qualities of service using up to 16 types of earth terminal configurations. The outputs of the financial model are a revenue analysis, an income statement, and a cost model validation section.

Wiedeman, Robert A.↗

Shuttle-derived densities in the middle atmosphere

NASA Space Shuttle flights have furnished a basis for the derivation of middle-atmosphere densities with unprecedented vertical resolution; an archival data base is now available that furnishes extensive information for the evaluation of existing model estimates for latitudinal and seasonal effects, as well as the improvement of mean monthly predictions. The High Resolution Accelerometry Package results yield extensive large-amplitude, low-frequency density variations throughout the thermosphere. The Inertial Measurement Unit results show abrupt density shifts at all latitudes, with visible shears being observed that can be correlated to summer activity.

Gamble, Joe D.↗

Structural evaluation of composite fuselage structure fabricated using a THERM-X process

An experimental and analytical program has been implemented to evaluate the structural performance of complex composite parts made using THERM-X processing techniques. Preliminary analysis shows 22-percent cost savings for parts made with a THERM-X process over parts made with conventional manufacturing methods. Results of building-block tests from the coupon to the element level, which represent structural details of the curved integrally stiffened panel selected as the full-scale article, are also reported. Comparisons with baseline results and analytical predictions show that THERM-X processing yields parts with stiffness and strength comparable to or slightly better than conventional manufacturing procedures. Compression strength after low-speed impact damage (caused by a drop weight impactor) is also comparable to parts fabricated with conventional methods.

Kassapoglou, Christos↗

The case for the relativistic hot big bang cosmology

What has become the standard model in cosmology is described, and some highlights are presented of the now substantial range of evidence that most cosmologists believe convincingly establishes this model, the relativistic hot big bang cosmology. It is shown that this model has yielded a set of interpretations and successful predictions that substantially outnumber the elements used in devising the theory, with no well-established empirical contradictions. Brief speculations are made on how the open puzzles and work in progress might affect future developments in this field.

Peebles, P. J. E.↗

Characterization and modeling for dilute and dense sprays

The present numerical modeling of dilute and dense spray combustion solves the governing gas-phase equations in Eulerian coordinates by means of a time-marching multiple pressure correction procedure that is based on the operator-splitting technique. A sequence of validating cases involving (1) nonevaporating, (2) evaporating, (3) burning, (4) dilute, and (5) dense spray cases is undertaken; it is found that in the combusting dilute spray case, the present procedure correctly predicts the general features of flows and yields qualitative agreement with experimental data. In the other cases, reasonably good agreement with experimental results is obtained.

Chen, C. P.↗

H2O-H2SO4 system in Venus' clouds and OCS, CO, and H2SO4 profiles in Venus' troposphere

A coupled problem of diffusion and condensation is solved for the H2SO4-H2O system in Venus' cloud layer. The position of the lower cloud boundary, profiles of the H2O and H2SO vapor mixing ratios, and of the H2O/H2SO4 ratio of sulfuric acid aerosol and its flux are calculated as functions of the column photochemical production rate of sulfuric acid. Variations of the lower cloud boundary are considered. Our basic model, which is constrained to yield f(sub H2O)(30km) = 30 ppm, predicts the position of the lower cloud boundary at 48.4 km coinciding with the mean Pioneer Venus value, the peak H2SO4 mixing ratio of 5.4 ppm, and the H2SO4 production rate phi(sub H2SO4) = 2.2 x 10(exp 12) cm(exp -2)s(exp -1).

Krasnopolsky, V. A.↗

Optimal Tuner Selection for Kalman Filter-Based Aircraft Engine Performance Estimation

A linear point design methodology for minimizing the error in on-line Kalman filter-based aircraft engine performance estimation applications is presented. This technique specifically addresses the underdetermined estimation problem, where there are more unknown parameters than available sensor measurements. A systematic approach is applied to produce a model tuning parameter vector of appropriate dimension to enable estimation by a Kalman filter, while minimizing the estimation error in the parameters of interest. Tuning parameter selection is performed using a multi-variable iterative search routine which seeks to minimize the theoretical mean-squared estimation error. This paper derives theoretical Kalman filter estimation error bias and variance values at steady-state operating conditions, and presents the tuner selection routine applied to minimize these values. Results from the application of the technique to an aircraft engine simulation are presented and compared to the conventional approach of tuner selection. Experimental simulation results are found to be in agreement with theoretical predictions. The new methodology is shown to yield a significant improvement in on-line engine performance estimation accuracy

Simon, Donald L.↗

Computational Assessment of the Aerodynamic Performance of a Variable-Speed Power Turbine for Large Civil Tilt-Rotor Application

The main rotors of the NASA Large Civil Tilt-Rotor notional vehicle operate over a wide speed-range, from 100% at take-off to 54% at cruise. The variable-speed power turbine offers one approach by which to effect this speed variation. Key aero-challenges include high work factors at cruise and wide (40 to 60 deg.) incidence variations in blade and vane rows over the speed range. The turbine design approach must optimize cruise efficiency and minimize off-design penalties at take-off. The accuracy of the off-design incidence loss model is therefore critical to the turbine design. In this effort, 3-D computational analyses are used to assess the variation of turbine efficiency with speed change. The conceptual design of a 4-stage variable-speed power turbine for the Large Civil Tilt-Rotor application is first established at the meanline level. The design of 2-D airfoil sections and resulting 3-D blade and vane rows is documented. Three-dimensional Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes computations are used to assess the design and off-design performance of an embedded 1.5-stage portion-Rotor 1, Stator 2, and Rotor 2-of the turbine. The 3-D computational results yield the same efficiency versus speed trends predicted by meanline analyses, supporting the design choice to execute the turbine design at the cruise operating speed.

Welch, Gerard E.↗