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At least 505 records · Page 28

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NASA NTRS1980

Modeling of vortex generated sound in solid propellant rocket motors

There is considerable evidence based on both full scale firings and cold flow simulations that hydrodynamically unstable shear flows in solid propellant rocket motors can lead to acoustic pressure fluctuations of significant amplitude. Although a comprehensive theoretical understanding of this problem does not yet exist, procedures were explored for generating useful analytical models describing the vortex shedding phenomenon and the mechanisms of coupling to the acoustic field in a rocket combustion chamber. Since combustion stability prediction procedures cannot be successful without incorporation of all acoustic gains and losses, it is clear that a vortex driving model comparable in quality to the analytical models currently employed to represent linear combustion instability must be formulated.

Flandro, G. A.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Turbulence and the stability of molecular clouds

Molecular clouds may be stabilized against gravitational collapse by the turbulent velocity field within them. It is suggested that the energy derived from differential galactic rotation can maintain the turbulent flow in the interstellar medium. The characteristic decay time for interstellar turbulence is found to be about 10-billion years. The rate and efficiency of star formation in giant molecular clouds reflect the stochastic nature of turbulence.

Fleck, R. C., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Performance evaluation and calibration of a modular multiband radiometer for remote sensing field research

A multiband radiometer suitable for operation from helicopter, small plane, truck, or tripod platforms was developed. The standard unit is equipped with the seven thematic mapper spectral bands with an added band from 1.5 to 1.30 microns; however, up to eight user specified bands from 0.4 to 15 microns may be installed under clean field conditions. Results of prototype tests of the spectral responsivity of the detectors, the transmittance of the optical filters as a function of wavelength, the fields of view, and the system linearity, temperature stability, noise performance, and dynamic range were evaluated. Minor modifications were made to the instrument and the results of final testing are reported.

Robinson, B. F.↗

NASA NTRS1982

The lower hybrid drift instability in nonantiparallel reversed field plasmas

The lower hybrid drift instability is investigated in nonantiparallel reversed field plasmas, i.e., the magnetic fields on either side of a neutral line are not antiparallel. Such a magnetic field configuration contains magnetic shear, which has a stabilizing influence on the lower hybrid drift instability. It is found that magnetic shear has an inhibiting effect on the linear penetration of the lower hybrid drift mode toward the neutral line. The implications of this result to reconnection processes in the magnetosphere (i.e., the nose and the magnetotail) are discussed.

Huba, J. D.↗

NASA NTRS1982

On the nature of particles in Saturn's spokes

It is noted that an observed deviation of the angular velocity of spoke features from the Keplerian value can yield the charge to mass (q/m) ratio of spoke particles. Observations in the literature of spoke motion are consistent with q/m in the neighborhood of -10 coul/kg. Since a lower limit on q is one electronic charge, this value yields a lower limit to the size of spoke particles of approximately 0.01 micron. The criteria for electrostatically ejecting small particles from larger parent bodies suggest an upper limit of approximately 1,000 m for the parent bodies. The stability of the grains to electrostatic disruption or field emission yields an upper limit of approximately 3 microns for the spoke particle size. It also leads to the conclusion that the spoke particles must consist of material that is stronger than loose dust balls.

Thomsen, M. F.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Normal Mode Initialization

The objective of this research is the development and implementation of normal mode procedures for use with the GLAS analysis/forecast system. Specific tasks of this work include: (1) high latitude filtering of model fields to preserve the GLAS GCM's linear stability during integration; (2) development of nonlinear normal mode initialization (NLNMI) processes, both adiabatic and diabatic. Using NLNMI to initialize GLAS analyses; investigation of the impact of normal mode initialization on the GLAS analysis/forecast system, especially in regard to data assimilation; and (3) diagnosis of the 1-3 day systemic forecast errors of the GLAS GCM.

Bloom, S. C.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Transition control by periodic suction-blowing

The applicability of active control of transition by period suction-blowing is investigated via direct numerical simulations of the Navier-Stokes equations. The time-evolution of finite-amplitude disturbances in plane channel flow is compared in detail with and without control. The analysis indicates that for relatively small three-dimensional amplitudes, a two-dimensional control effectively reduces disturbance growth rates even for linearly unstable Reynolds numbers. After the flow goes through secondary instability, three-dimensional control seems necessary to stabilize the flow. An investigation of the temperature field suggests that passive temperature contamination is operative to reflect the vorticity dynamics during transition.

Biringen, S.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Numerical simulation of transitional flow

The applicability of active control of transition by periodic suction-blowing is investigated via direct simulations of the Navier-Stokes equations. The time-evolution of finite-amplitude disturbances in plane channel flow is compared in detail with and without control. The analysis indicates that, for relatively small three-dimensional amplitudes, a two-dimensional control effectively reduces disturbance growth rates even for linearly unstable Reynolds numbers. After the flow goes through secondary instability, three-dimensional control seems necessary to stabilize the flow. An investigation of the temperature field suggests that passive temperature contamination is operative to reflect the flow dynamics during transition.

Biringen, Sedat↗

NASA NTRS1987

A numerical study of transition control by periodic suction-blowing

The applicability of active control of transition by periodic suction-blowing is investigated via direct numerical simulations of the Navier-Stokes equations. The time-evolution of finite-amplitude disturbances in plane channel flow is compared in detail with and without control. The analysis indicates that, for relatively small three dimensional amplitudes, a two dimensional control effectively reduces disturbance growth rates even for linearly unstable Reynolds numbers. After the flow goes through secondary instability, three dimensional control seems necessary to stabilize the flow. An investigation of the temperature field suggests that passive temperature contamination is operative to reflect the flow dynamics during transition.

Biringen, Sedat↗

NASA NTRS1986

Opportunity for academic research in a low-gravity environment - Crystal growth

The history of basic and applied research on crystal growth (CG), especially of semiconductor materials, is reviewed, stressing the dominance (at least in the U.S.) of industrial R&D projects over academic programs and the need for more extensive fundamental investigations. The NASA microgravity research program and the recommendations of the University Space Research Association are examined as they affect the availability of space facilities for academic CG research. Also included is a report on ground experiments on the effectiveness of magnetic fields in controlling vertical Bridgman CG and melt stability, using the apparatus employed in the Apollo-Soyuz experiments (Witt et al., 1978); the results are presented in graphs and briefly characterized. The role of NASA's microgravity CG program in stimulating academic work on CG, the importance of convection effects, CG work on materials other than semiconductors, and NSF support of CG research are discussed in a comment by R. F. Sekerka.

Matthiesen, D. H.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Sulfur as a surface passivation for InP

The use of liquid and gas phase sulfur pretreatment of the surface of InP as a way to form a near-ideal passivated surface prior to chemical vapor deposition of SiO2 was investigated. Results of high-frequency and quasi-static capacitance-voltage measurements, as well as enhancement mode insulated gate field-effect transistor (FET) transductance and drain current stability studies, all support the efficacy of this approach for metal-insulator-semiconductor application of this semiconductor. In particular, surface state values in the range of 10 to the 10th to a few 10 to the 11th/sq cm per eV and enhancement mode FET drain current drifts of less than 5 percent over a 12 h test period were measured.

Iyer, R.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Collisionless reconnection in a quasi-neutral sheet near marginal stability

Particle simulations are used to investigate the process of collisionless reconnection in a magnetotail configuration which includes a pressure gradient along the tail axis and tail flaring. In the absence of electron stabilization effects, the tearing mode is stabilized when the ion gyrofrequency in the normal field exceeds the growth rate in the corresponding one-dimensional current sheet. The presence of a low-frequency electromagnetic perturbation in the lobes can serve to destabilize a marginally stable current sheet by producing an extended neutral-sheet region which can then undergo reconnection. These results help to explain how X-type neutral lines, such as those associated with the onset of magnetospheric substorms, can be formed in the near-earth plasma sheet.

Pritchett, P. L.↗

NASA NTRS1990

MIS capacitor studies on silicon carbide single crystals

Cubic SIC metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) capacitors with thermally grown or chemical-vapor-deposited (CVD) insulators were characterized by capacitance-voltage (C-V), conductance-voltage (G-V), and current-voltage (I-V) measurements. The purpose of these measurements was to determine the four charge densities commonly present in an MIS capacitor (oxide fixed charge, N(f); interface trap level density, D(it); oxide trapped charge, N(ot); and mobile ionic charge, N(m)) and to determine the stability of the device properties with electric-field stress and temperature. The section headings in the report include the following: Capacitance-voltage and conductance-voltage measurements; Current-voltage measurements; Deep-level transient spectroscopy; and Conclusions (Electrical characteristics of SiC MIS capacitors).

Kopanski, J. J.↗

NASA NTRS1992

The rapidly moving telescope - A progress report

A ground-based optical telescope system has been constructed with the capability to locate fast optical transients that may be associated with gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). The instrument has been integrated and operated during a shakedown period at GSFC, Maryland. Results of 35 hours of 'state mode' data are presented. The telescope has the proven capability to slew to any point on the night sky within 1.0 sec, track that position with better than one arcsecond stability, and image a 9 x 12 arcmin field of view with 1 arcsec angular resolution with 1.5 sec time resolution. The telescope-CCD camera system has a sensitivity of 13th magnitude for transients and 14th mag for field stars. In the 35 hr of operation many single frame transients of instrumental and optical origin have been observed; no two-sequential frame astrophysical transients have been identified. The combined rate of instrumental transients (predominantly sea-level muons) is 7.2/hr and of optical transients (satellite glints, airplane strobe lights, and meteors) is 5.1/hr. The RMT will operate in conjunction with the MIT Explosive Transient Camera survey instrument at Kitt Peak National Observatory, Tucson. The RMT is now being installed at Kitt Peak. Full operation will begin this summer.

Barthelmy, S. D.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Calorimetric studies of the ammonia-water system with application to the outer solar system

A series of heating experiments was performed on the condensed ammonia-water system using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The water-rich samples were cooled quickly to below 130 K, then heated at a variety of rates. Rather than a single peritectic melt at 176 K, expected for the equilibrium system of water ice and ammonia dihydrate, four enthalpic transitions were repeatedly seen in the temperature range 150-176 K. These transitions are generally consistent with the earlier calorimetric results of Van Kasteren (1973), who interpreted the lowest temperature exotherm as crystallization of an amorphous ammonia-water compound formed during cooling. We propose that both sets of experiments are seeing the crystallization of ammonia monohydrate, which is metastable relative to the dihydrate, followed by partial remelting and crystallization of dihydrate upon further heating. The apparent stability of the monohydrate in the dihydrate equilibrium field implies a potentially complex behavior of ammonia-water ices in satellites. Possible self-heating of the mixture by several tens of degrees up to the 170 K eutectic could make mobilization of ammonia-water liquids in icy satellite interiors energetically easier than previously thought.

Yarger, Jeffery↗

NASA NTRS2000

Structure and Dynamics of the Polar Regions of Mars from MGS Topography and Gravity

The Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) spacecraft has been engaged in systematic mapping of Mars since insertion into Mars orbit in September, 1997. The objectives of the MGS mission are to globally map Mars as well as to quantify seasonal changes on the planet. MGS geophysical/geodetic observations of topography from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) and gravity from the Radio Science investigation are providing significant new insights on both static and time-varying aspects of the polar regions of Mars. These observations have implications for polar processes on diurnal seasonal and climatic timescales. Thus far, MOLA has collected over 300 million precise measurements of Martian topography and cloud heights. The instrument has also provided measurements of the width of the backscattered optical pulse and of the 1064 nm reflectivity of the Martian surface and atmosphere. The along-track resolution of MOLA ground shots is approx. 300 m and the across-track spacing in the polar regions is a maximum of about four kilometers. The vertical accuracy of the topography is determined by the precision recovery of spacecraft orbits from the Radio Science investigation, which includes MOLA altimetry in the form of crossovers. This accuracy is currently approx. one meter. The gravity field is derived from X-band Doppler tracking with typical accuracy of 0.03 to 0.05 mm/s averaged over ten seconds. Current Mars gravity fields are to approximately degree and order 80 but are interpretable to the approximate degree and order 60 (spatial resolution < 180 km), which represents an estimate of the approximate coefficient limit of a field that can be produced without a power law constraint on the gravitational field inversion, which is commonly imposed for solution stability. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Zuber, Maria T.↗

NASA NTRS1999

In Search of the Physics: NASA's Approach to Airframe Noise

An extensive numerical and experimental study of airframe noise mechanisms associated with a subsonic high-lift system has been performed at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). Investigations involving both steady and unsteady computations and experiments on small-scale models with part-span flaps and full-span flaps are presented. Both surface (steady and unsteady pressure measurements, hot films, oil flows, pressure sensitive paint) and off-surface (5 holeprobe, particle-imaged velocimetry, laser velocimetry, laser light sheet measurements) were taken in the LaRC Quiet Flow Facility (QFF) and several hard-wall tunnels. Experiments in the Low Turbulence Pressure Tunnel (LTPT) included Reynolds number variations up to flight conditions. Successful microphone array measurements were also taken providing both acoustic source maps on the model, and quantitative spectra. Critical directivity measurements were obtained in the QFF. NASA Langley unstructured and structured Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes codes modeled the steady aspects of the flows. Excellent comparisons with surface and off-surface experimental data were obtained. Subsequently, these meanflow calculations were utilized in both linear stability and direct numerical simulations of the flow fields to calculate unsteady surface pressures and farfield acoustic spectra. Accurate calculations were critical in obtaining not only noise source characteristics, but shear layer correction data as well. Techniques utilized in these investigations as well as brief overviews of the results are given.

Macaraeg, Michele G.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Video image stabilization and registration--plus

A method of stabilizing a video image displayed in multiple video fields of a video sequence includes the steps of: subdividing a selected area of a first video field into nested pixel blocks; determining horizontal and vertical translation of each of the pixel blocks in each of the pixel block subdivision levels from the first video field to a second video field; and determining translation of the image from the first video field to the second video field by determining a change in magnification of the image from the first video field to the second video field in each of horizontal and vertical directions, and determining shear of the image from the first video field to the second video field in each of the horizontal and vertical directions.

Hathaway, David H.↗