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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 487 records · Page 27
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1977

Introduction: Man and his total environment

Environmental changes and the utilization of finite resources are analyzed. Beyond the satisfaction of basic physical needs, the advancement of civilization toward an ever-improving quality of like is likewise dependent upon mans' interaction with his entire environment. This larger system is controlled externally by electromagnetic and particle energy from the sun and internally by the dynamic interchange of energy between the solid earth, oceans, the atmosphere, and the magnetosphere. This exchange of energy that determines the structure of the earth's environemental system is evaluated.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1976

The human operator in manual preview tracking /an experiment and its modeling via optimal control/

A manual preview tracking experiment and its results are presented. The preview drastically improves the tracking performance compared to zero-preview tracking. Optimal discrete finite preview control is applied to determine the structure of a mathematical model of the manual preview tracking experiment. Variable parameters in the model are adjusted to values which are consistent to the published data in manual control. The model with the adjusted parameters is found to be well correlated to the experimental results.

Tomizuka, M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

On the origin of Uranus' rings

The role of Miranda-Ariel orbital resonances in determining the structure of the rings of Uranus is discussed. In particular, it is argued that the three-body orbital resonances of Miranda and Ariel may function as a mechanism for the formation of narrow rings, rather than as a mechanism for trapping freely orbiting particles; the formation of narrow rings, in this hypothesis, would involve an inelastic collision process. The narrowness of the resonances may account for the sharply defined ring boundaries.

Ip, W.-H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Physics of the primitive solar accretion disk

The theory of viscous accretion disks developed by Lynden-Bell and Pringle (1974) has been applied to the evolution of the primitive solar nebula. The additional physical input needed to determine the structure of the disk is described. A series of calculations was carried out using a steady flow approximation to explore the effects on the disk properties of variations in such parameters as the angular momentum and accretion rate of the infalling material from a collapsing interstellar cloud fragment. The more detailed evolutionary calculations involved five cases with various combinations of parameters. It was concluded that the late stages of evolution of the disks would be dominated by the effects of mass loss from the expansion of a hot disk corona into space, and the effects of this were included in the evolutionary calculations. A new theory of comet formation is formulated upon these results. The most important result is the conclusion that the primitive solar accretion disk was repeatedly unstable against axisymmetric perturbations, in which rings would form and collapse upon themselves, with the subsequent formation of giant gaseous protoplanets.

Cameron, A. G. W.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Ionization equilibrium and radiative energy loss rates for C, N, and O ions in low-density plasmas

The results of calculations of the ionization equilibrium and radiative energy loss rates for C, N and O ions in low-density plasmas are presented for electron temperatures in the range 10,000-10,000,000 K. The ionization structure is determined by using the steady-state corona model, in which electron impact ionization from the ground states is balanced by direct radiative and dielectronic recombination. With an improved theory, detailed calculations are carried out for the dielectronic recombination rates in which account is taken of all radiative and autoionization processes involving a single-electron electric-dipole transition of the recombining ion. The radiative energy loss processes considered are electron-impact excitation of resonance line emission, direct radiative recombination, dielectronic recombination, and electron-ion bremsstrahlung. For all three elements, resonance line emission resulting from 2s-2p transitions produces a broad maximum in the energy loss rate near 100,000 K.

Jacobs, V. L.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Microscale instabilities in stream interaction regions

The microstructure of solar wind stream interaction regions is considered theoretically with emphasis on the role of several electrostatic kinetic instabilities which may be important within the stream interface and the compression region. Inside of 1 AU, the interface is likely to be stable against the electrostatic streaming instabilities considered. Between 1 and 2 AU, the interface will excite the magnetized ion-ion instability. The compression region is also found to be unstable beyond 1 AU where the modified two-stream instability, beam-cyclotron instability, and ion-acoustic instability are important in determining the structure of the compressive pulses as they evolve into forward and reverse shocks. It is concluded that the modified two-stream instability and beam-cyclotron instability predominately play a role in heating the electrons to the threshold for the ion-acoustic instability. Various electrostatic plasma waves, ranging in frequency from the lower-hybrid to harmonics of the electron cyclotron frequency, would be produced by these instabilities. Their signature should also be seen by high time resolution measurements of the temperature of the various plasma species.

Eviatar, A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Flame characteristics of a NASA contra swirler module

Results are presented for an investigation of the structure of unconfined propane flames stabilized on a NASA contra-swirl can. General flame characterization, flame visualization by sodium chloride, temperature measurements, combustion products analysis, nitric oxide concentrations, and laser anemometer studies are considered. The results are discussed relative to sodium chloride visualization, temperature distributions, chemical composition of flames, nitric oxide distributions, and velocity distributions. It is shown that unconfined propane-air flames can be stabilized downstream of a NASA contra-swirl can under a wide range of airflow rates and fuel-air ratios. However, on increasing fuel input from the lowest at which flames can be stabilized, a compact recirculation zone-stabilized flame is formed. The effect of confinement on changes in flame shape and structure is determined.

Thompson, D.↗
NASA NTRS1979

On self-consistent waves and their stability in warm plasma. I - Construction of the self-consistent waves

Clemmow's (1974) work is extended to include the case of large-amplitude self-consistent waves in warm plasmas both with and without a constant embedded magnetic field. Attention is given to determining the structure and basic properties of large-amplitude self-consistent waves in a warm plasma in the presence of a constant embedded magnetic field. It is shown that the class of large-amplitude self-consistent waves found by Clemmow for a cold plasma can be extended to allow for a thermal spread in the particles' motions. Some of the interesting variations and dependences of such waves with a constant embedded magnetic field are emphasized.

Lee, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1979

An evaluation of the Goddard Space Flight Center Library

The character and degree of coincidence between the current and future missions, programs, and projects of the Goddard Space Flight Center and the current and future collection, services, and facilities of its library were determined from structured interviews and discussions with various classes of facility personnel. In addition to the tabulation and interpretation of the data from the structured interview survey, five types of statistical analyses were performed to corroborate (or contradict) the survey results and to produce useful information not readily attainable through survey material. Conclusions reached regarding compatability between needs and holdings, services and buildings, library hours of operation, methods of early detection and anticipation of changing holdings requirements, and the impact of near future programs are presented along with a list of statistics needing collection, organization, and interpretation on a continuing or longitudinal basis.

Herner, S.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Microscale instabilities in stream interaction regions

A theoretical investigation of the microstructure of solar wind stream interaction regions is presented. The role of several electrostatic kinetic instabilities is discussed which may be important within the stream interface and the compression region. Inside of 1 AU the interface is likely to be stable against the electrostatic streaming instabilities considered. Between 1 and 2 AU it is argued that the interface will excite the magnetized ion-ion instability. The compression region is also found to be unstable beyond 1 AU, where the modified two-stream instability, beam-cyclotron instability, and ion-acoustic instability will be important in determining the structure of the compressive pulses as they evolve into forward and reverse shocks. It is concluded that the modified two-stream instability and beam-cyclotron instability predominately play a role in heating the electrons to the threshold for the ion-acoustic instability.

Eviatar, A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Determination of an oblique wing aircraft's aerodynamic characteristics

In this paper, the integration of wind tunnel and flight test procedures are studied for specifying aerodynamic model forms. A procedure is described which employs a stepwise regression method to systematically determine model structures and F-ratio statistics to rank the importance of each aerodynamic coefficient within a given model. Application of this technique and wind tunnel procedures to an oblique-wing aircraft indicate that the aircraft's measured and estimated response are in good agreement at both small and large wing skew angles

Travassos, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Thermal conductivity of Rene 41 honeycomb panels

Effective thermal conductivities of Rene 41 panels suitable for advanced space transportation vehicle structures were determined analytically and experimentally for temperature ranges between 20.4K (423 F) and 1186K (1675 F). The cryogenic data were obtained using a cryostat whereas the high temperature data were measured using a heat flow meter and a comparative thermal conductivity instrument respectively. Comparisons were made between analysis and experimental data. Analytical methods appear to provide reasonable definition of the honeycomb panel effective thermal conductivities.

Deriugin, V.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Surface mapping of selected regions in the Orion Nebula

Low dispersion, large aperture, ultraviolet spectra of selected regions in the Orion Nebula were obtained with the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) scientific instrument. Spectra obtained at 35 contiguous locations defining a mosaic within the nebula were used to generate monochromatic images of high spatial resolution at the wavelengths of the ultraviolet emission lines. Image processing techniques were utilized to generate and analyze these ultraviolet surface maps. The imagery at the three wavelengths studied shows definite differences in the spatial distribution of emission from the CII CIII and OII ions. Ways of using the imagery to determine ionization structure and C/O abundance ratios throughout the regions observed are developed, in addition to means of analyzing the extensive continuum measurements in terms of dust scattering characteristics.

Perry, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A model of the origin of the Jovian ring

Assuming that the micron-sized particles making up the bright Jovian ring are fragments of erosive collisions between micrometeoroid projectiles and large parent bodies, a physical model of the ring is calculated. This leads to a well-defined size distribution for the ejecta, whose optical properties can be compared with observation. The (most likely silicate) ejecta material maximum diameter is estimated to be 0.1 micron, and most likely the result of Io volcanic activity. The impact model's determination of ejecta size distribution in turn determines the structure of the ring, with the largest ejecta forming the bright ring, medium-sized ejecta forming a disk that extends to the Jovian atmosphere, and small ejecta forming a faint halo whose structure is dominated by electromagnetic forces.

Gruen, E.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Production readiness verification testing

A Production Readiness Verification Testing (PRVT) program has been established to determine if structures fabricated from advanced composites can be committed on a production basis to commercial airline service. The program utilizes subcomponents which reflect the variabilities in structure that can realistically be expected from current production and quality control technology to estimate the production qualities, variation in static strength, and durability of advanced composite structures. The results of the static tests and a durability assessment after one year of continuous load/environment testing of twenty two duplicates of each of two structural components (a segment of the front spar and cover of a vertical stabilizer box structure) are discussed.

James, A. M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Studies of planetary upper atmospheres through occultations

The structure, composition, dynamics and energy balance of planetary upper atmospheres through interpretation of steller occultation data from Uranus is discussed. The wave-optical problem of modelling strong scintillation for arbitrary turbulent atmospheres is studied, as well as influence of turbulence. It was concluded that quasi-global features of atmospheric structure are accurately determined by numerical inversion. Horizontally inhomogeneous structures are filtered out and have little effect on temperature profiles.

Elliot, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Mass loss from cool stars, facts, fads, and fallacies

The accumulation of observational material (ultraviolet spectroscopic measures, quantitative optical spectroscopy, and X-ray photometry) and its use in discerning the presence and character of mass loss across the cool half of the H-R diagram and establishing constraints on theoretical models are discussed. Analogies with closed and open solar magnetic structures are found. Two determinants of atmospheric wind structure, temperature and gravity, may suffice in a most superficial way to define the wind and atmospheric structure in a star, however it is apparent that there is still a missing parameter which may stem from magnetic activity and its particular configuration. Theories that appear successful in reproducing observed line profiles, wind temperatures, and terminal velocities incorporate Alfven wave heating and momentum deposition. Successive observations of an active binary (lambda and G8III-IV) and a supergiant star, alpha Aqr (G2 Ib) revealed that magnetic activity and perhaps mass loss occur on restricted regions of a stellar surface and that long-term structures are present in the wind. These phenomena are present in the solar atmosphere and wind and may be considered a general characteristic of stellar winds.

Dupree, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Mesoscale damage patterns of Hurricane Frederic in relation to enhanced SMS imagery

An F-scale analysis of Hurricane Frederic (September 12 and 13, 1979) was performed in order to determine the structural damage patterns attributed to the storm. Enhanced SMS imagery revealed patterns of mesoscale features as well as features related to the shielding effects of trees and the grouping effect of structures. The scatter in estimating the damage scale was + or - 1 F-scale. It is shown that discrepancies in recorded wind speed and the estimated wind-speed from the F-scale are the result of different damage mechanisms of hurricane and tornado winds. Radar echoes revealed that the structure of Hurricane Frederic changed from an axisymmetric center to an instantaneous center of rotation. Finally, it is suggested that major hurricane wind and water damage be investigated in greater detail by aerial photography, damage vector mapping, and ground surveys.

Fujita, T. T.↗