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At least 487 records · Page 27

Onthe stability of carbonicacid under conditions in the atmosphere of Venus

Results of quantum statistical mechanical calculations and thermodynamic evaluation of the structure of H2CO3 and its stability against dissociation are reported. Under temperature and pressure conditions near the surface of Venus, carbonic acid would predominatly dissociate into H2O and CO2 and, hence, could not contribute to any significant absorption there.

Khanna, R. K.↗

SNAP 10A thermal control coatings.

SNAP-10A high emittance white coating, noting stability at 600 degrees F, irradiation and vacuum and mechanical vibration

SURFACE STABILITY↗

Numerical modeling of enclosure convection

A numerical study on the steady and unsteady natural convection in two-dimensional rectangular enclosures has been performed by a time-accurate ADI finite difference scheme. The study covered a range of Rayleigh numbers between 1000 and 10 to the 7th, aspect ratios between 0.2 and 10.0, and tilt angles between -90 (heating from bottom) and +90 deg (heating from top). Various Prandtl numbers have been studied, but only the results of water (Pr = 7.0) are reported here due to space limitations. The physics revealed, however, includes the convection phenomena and the Rayleigh-Benard stability, as well as the combined mechanism of these two. The onset of secondary cells is determined by using a velocity map, which is simpler and cleaner, instead of a streamline plot. The critical Ra number for the occurrence of these secondary cells is shown to be lower than can be detected by experimental studies. On the Rayleigh-Benard stability part, a second transition from stable single-cell convection to periodic multicellular convection is disclosed.

Duh, J. C.↗

High performance addition-type thermoplastics (ATTs) - Evidence for the formation of a Diels-Alder adduct in the reaction of an acetylene-terminated material and a bismaleimide

Recently, the concept and demonstration of a new versatile synthetic reaction for making a large number of high-performance addition-type thermoplastics (ATTs) were reported. The synthesis shows promise for providing polymers having an attractive combination of easy processability, good toughness, respectable high temperature mechanical performance, and excellent thermo-oxidative stability. The new chemistry involves the reaction of an acetylene-terminated material with a bismaleimide or benzoquinone. In order to clarify the reaction mechanism, model compound studies were undertaken in solutions as well as in the solid state. The reaction products were purified by flash chromatography and characterized by conventional analytical techniques including NMR, FT-IR, UV-visible, mass spectroscopy, and high pressure liquid chromatography. The results are presented of the model compound studies which strongly support the formation of a Diels-Alder adduct in the reaction of an acetylene-terminated compound and a bismaleimide or benzoquinone.

Pater, R. H.↗

Physics of systematic frequency variations in hydrogen masers

The frequency stability of hydrogen masers for intervals longer than 10 exp 4 s is currently limited by systematic processes. The physics of frequency-determining mechanisms internal to the maser that are susceptible to systematic variations, and the connections between these internal mechanisms and external environmental factors are discussed. From estimates of the magnitudes of systematic effects, it is found that the primary internal mechanisms limiting long-term maser frequency stability are cavity pulling, at the level of parts in 1015 per day, and wall shift variations, at the level of parts in 10 exp 16 to parts in 10 exp 15 per day. Strategies for reducing systematic frequency variations are discussed.

Mattison, Edward M.↗

Tracking and data relay satellite system configuration and tradeoff study. Volume 1: Study summary

A study was conducted to determine the configuration and tradeoffs of a tracking and data relay satellite. The study emphasized the design of a three axis stabilized satellite and a telecommunications system optimized for support of low and medium data rate user spacecraft. Telecommunications support to low and high, or low medium, and high data rate users, considering launches with the Delta 2914, the Atlas/Centaur, and the space shuttle was also considered. The following subjects are presented: (1) launch and deployment profile, (2) spacecraft mechanical and structural design, (3) attitude stabilization and control subsystem, and (4) reliability analysis.

Hill, T. E.↗

Instability thresholds for flexible rotors in hydrodynamic bearings

Two types of fixed pad hydrodynamic bearings (multilobe and pressure dam) were considered. Optimum and nonoptimum geometric configurations were tested. The optimum geometric configurations were determined by using a theoretical analysis and then the bearings were constructed for a flexible rotor test rig. It was found that optimizing bearings using this technique produces a 100% or greater increase in rotor stability. It is shown that this increase in rotor stability is carried out in the absence of certain types of instability mechanisms such as aerodynamic crosscoupling. However, the increase in rotor stability should greatly improve rotating machinery performance in the presence of such forces as well.

Allaire, P. E.↗

Long-term photothermal/humidity testing of photovoltaic module polymer insulations and cover films

The life expectancies of Tedlar and other polymer films considered for use as cover materials in terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules were investigated by exposing them for more than 13,000 h on an outdoor test stand and for up to 10,000 h in several accelerated multistress environments. Visual observations and diagnostic analyses of weight and mechanical strength losses were periodically conducted to assess the nature and rate of degradation of mechanical properties and to assess the effects of film thickness and UV stabilizer content. Spectroscopic analyses of pristine and degraded materials linked weight and mechanical property losses to the underlying photothermal/photooxidation chemistry. It is shown that heavy doses of UV stabilizers prolong, while elevated temperatures shorten, the useful life of these materials; humidity plays only a minor role. The most heavily UV-stabilized films are expected to operate usefully in a PV module front-cover application for only five to ten years. The performance of none of the tested films appears consistent with the 20-30 year life goals of the PV industry.

Mon, G.↗

The effect of Mach number on the stability of a plane supersonic wave

The influence of compressibility on the mechanisms governing the various stages of transition in a supersonic wake is investigated. Results from linear stability theory are used to provide physical insights into the observed reduction in growth rate at high Mach numbers. A newly developed hybrid algorithm is used to solve the compressible inviscid linear disturbance equations. Growth rates for both antisymmetric and symmetric modes of two-dimensional and oblique waves are computed for a wide range of Mach numbers. Results from two and three-dimensional direct numerical simulations of a forced compressible time-developing wake are presented in order to understand the nonlinear stages of transition at high Mach numbers. Observed nonlinear growth rate comparisons are made for wakes at two different Mach numbers. The reduction in growth rate at high Mach numbers is explained by examining contour plots of baroclinic torques and the product of dilatation and vorticity.

Chen, Jacqueline H.↗

Morphological instability of a thermophoretically growing deposit

The stability of the planar interface of a structureless solid growing from a depositing component dilute in a carrier fluid is studied when the main solute transport mechanism is thermal (Soret) diffusion. A linear stability analysis, carried out in the limit of low growth Peclet number, leads to a dispersion relation which shows that the planar front is unstable either when the thermal diffusion factor of the condensing component is positive and the latent heat release is small or when the thermal diffusion factor is negative and the solid grows over a thermally-insulating substrate. Furthermore, the influence of interfacial energy effects and constitutional supersaturation in the vicinity of the moving interface is analyzed in the limit of very small Schmidt numbers (small solute Fickian diffusion). The analysis is relevant to physical vapor deposition of very massive species on cold surfaces, as in recent experiments of organic solid film growth under microgravity conditions.

Castillo, Jose L.↗

Effects of Blade Sweep on V-22 Whirl Flutter and Loads

A CAMRAD II model of the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor was constructed for the purpose of analyzing the effects of blade design changes on whirl flutter. The model incorporated a dual load-path griplyoke assembly, a swashplate coupled to the transmission, and a drive train. A multiple-trailer free wake was used for loads calculations. The effects of rotor design changes on whirl-mode stability were calculated for swept blades and offset tip masses. A rotor with swept tips and inboard tuning masses was examined in detail to reveal the mechanisms by which these design changes affect stability and loads. Certain combinations of design features greatly increased whirl-mode stability, with (at worst) moderate increases to loads.

Acree, C. W., Jr.↗

Effects of V-22 Blade Modifications on Whirl Flutter and Loads

A CAMRAD II model of the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor was constructed for the purpose of analyzing the effects of blade design changes on whirl flutter. The model incorporated a dual load-path grip/yoke assembly, a swashplate coupled to the transmission case, and a drive train. A multiple-trailer free wake was used for loads calculations. The effects of rotor design changes on whirl-mode stability were calculated for swept blades and offset tip masses. A rotor with swept tips and inboard tuning masses was examined in detail to reveal the mechanisms by which these design changes affect stability and loads. Certain combinations of design features greatly increased whirl-mode stability, with (at worst) moderate increases to loads.

Acree, C. W., Jr.↗

Effects of Swept Tips on V-22 Whirl Flutter and Loads

A CAMRAD II model of the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor was constructed for the purpose of analyzing the effects of blade design changes on whirl flutter. The model incorporated a dual load-path grip/yoke assembly, a swashplate coupled to the transmission case, and a drive train. A multiple-trailer free wake was used for loads calculations. The effects of rotor design changes on whirl-mode stability were calculated for swept blades and offset tip masses. A rotor with swept tips and inboard tuning masses was examined in detail to reveal the mechanisms by which these design changes affect stability and loads. Certain combinations of design features greatly increased whirl-mode stability, with (at worst) moderate increases to loads.

Acree, C. W., Jr.↗

Mechanisms of degradation of graphite composites in a simulated space environment

Attention is given to degradation mechanisms for graphite/polysulfone and graphite/epoxy laminates exposed to ultraviolet and high-energy electron radiation in vacuum up to 960 equivalent sun hours and to 10 to the 9th rads, respectively. The materials showed good electron radiation stability as indicated by the low G values for gas formation and no evidence of mechanical property changes. Quantum yields for gas formation indicate poor stability to ultraviolet radiation. Mechanical property measurements did not show significant changes up to 960 ESH, with the possible exception of P1700/C6000. The main products of irradiation were identified as hydrogen and methane, along with high levels of CO and CO2.

Giori, C.↗

Studies on laminar boundary-layer receptivity to freestream turbulence near a leading edge

An experimental study of the generation of Tollmien-Schlichting waves and wave packets in a flat-plate boundary-layer by weak freestream turbulence has been conducted with the intent of clarifying receptivity mechanisms. Emphasis was placed upon the properties of such waves at stations as far forward as the minimum critical Reynolds number. It was found that alteration of the flow about the leading edge, due either to an asymmetry associated with lift, or due to a change of the fineness ratio of the leading edge, altered the T-S wave amplitude at early stations. The subsequent growth of the waves proceeded faster than expected according to certain stability theory results. Speculation regarding receptivity mechanisms is made.

Kendall, James M.↗

Computational solution of chemistry problems

AB initio quantum chemical techniques have been used to investigate weakly bound complexes of H2O and SO2. An energy gradient program was used to locate stable structures for the H2O, SO2 complexes, and SCF calculations were carried out to determine the binding energies of complexes with multiple water molecules. A 4-31G basis set was used for most potential energy searches. More accurate basis sets including a generally contracted basis set with d orbitals on the sulfur were used for geometry and binding energy verification. For single water complexes, five different stable geometries were located with binding energies between 4 and 11 Kcal mol(-1), suggesting a binding shell for H2O around SO2 and a mechanism for the formation of an SO2-containing water droplet. Calculations on one of the complexes utilizing a larger double zeta basis and d functions on the sulfur atom lead to adjusted binding energies in the range 3 to 8 Kcal mol(-1). Very little charge transfer between SO2 and H2O was present. Addition of more than one H2O was found to be energetically favorable although the addition of the fourth water in certain geometries did not increase the stability of the complex. An alternative mechanism for the tropospheric gas phase production of acid rain is suggested.

Ake, Robert L.↗

Stability and optimal control theory of hereditary systems with applications from oscillating flying vehicles, mechanical systems, and robotics

The author derives an equation determining the dynamics of the deterministic model of a flying vehicle. He next examines a simplified mechanical problem whose optimal feedback control strategy is investigated. From there robotics are incorporated into the mathematical model to develop an equation describing optimal control of the dynamics.

Chukwu, Ethelbert Nwakuche↗