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At least 505 records · Page 28

The preparation of calcium superoxide for air breathing and scrubbing applications

There is interest in the preparation of high-purity calcium superoxide as an oxygen source for breathing apparatus because both the available oxygen and the capacity for carbon dioxide removal, per unit weight of superoxide, are higher than that of a number of other chemical oxygen sources. A review of earlier findings shows that the general method used by Vol'nov and coworkers for the decomposition of calcium peroxide diperoxyhydrate can yield preparations containing more than 58.4% calcium superoxide maximum predicted for an equimolar disproportionation reaction. The decomposition of solid calcium peroxide diperoxyhydrate is studied using an apparatus that allows good control of the critical reaction parameters. The removal of water from decomposing calcium peroxide diperoxyhydrate, before the same water has an opportunity to back react with the calcium superoxide formed in the reaction, constitutes the rationale of the experiments. Even with allowance for the anomalies observed in the analytical results, the yields appear to be in the 65+ percent range, and optimization of the experimental variables is still being pursued.

Ballou, E. V.↗

Noise as a tool for evaluating the activation of cathodes

Measurements, at low frequencies, of the shot noise current from space charge limited cathodes always produced results substantially in excess of theoretical predictions. Measuring the ratio (I sub eq)/S yielded a relation (I sub eq)/S = 1.288 V sub k = 1.288 k(T sub k)/e, independent of the operating point of the diode (triode) as long as all parts of the cathode had a full space charge controlled emission. This method was so sensitive as to permit detection of cathode temperature changes by 1 K, thus it allowed a powerful screening method between well and poorly activated cathodes, superior to dip tests and other current-voltage methods.

Kosmahl, H.↗

Forest Classification and Inventory System using Landsat, digital terrain, and ground sample data

Accurate timber inventory data for cost-effective forest management is the primary goal of a Forest Classification and Inventory System (FOCIS) designed to provide estimates of timber volume by species aggregated by compartments, townships, or other spatial management units. FOCIS uses Landsat spectral data, including a synthesized texture channel, and Forest Service ground sample data to produce timber volume-homogeneous classes through a two-step unsupervised clustering process. Registered digital terrain data, including derived slope angle and slope aspect channels, are used to predict species proportions through a trend surface model, again using ground sample data for model calibration. In the final stage of FOCIS, volume estimates and predicted species proportions are merged and aggregated to yield timber volumes by species within management areas.

Strahler, A. H.↗

Reflectance of a vegetation canopy using the Adding method

A modified vegetation reflectance model based on the Adding method is presented as a means to measure the interaction of shortwave radiation within a vegetation canopy. The canopy is conceptualized with reflecting and transmitting leaf facets, with the leaf orientations described by a leaf slope distribution, thereby yielding scattering matrices for canopy layers. The model predictions, when compared with ground-truth measurements, show good agreement except at visible wavelengths, where overestimations are observed. Conditions under which the model satisfies the reciprocity theorem are defined. Extension of the model by including azimuth is indicated.

Cooper, K.↗

Diffuse galactic gamma-ray line emission from nucleosynthetic Fe-60, Al-26, and Na-22 - Preliminary limits from HEAO 3

Data obtained during a two-week period in the fall of 1979 with the HEAO 3 gamma-ray spectroscopy experiment have been searched for diffuse galactic plane gamma-ray line emission expected t4 result from the decay of nucleosynthetic Fe-60, Al-26, and Na-22. With the possible exception of the 1809 keV line from Al-26 decay, for which a 2.6-omicron cosmic excess of (6.0 + or - 2.3) x 0.0001 photons/sq cm per sec per rad was measured, no positive detection was made. However, new limits ranging from 1.8 to 11 times 0.0001 photons/sq cm per sec per rad, at the 3-omicron level of confidence, have been placed on diffuse emission in these lines from the vicinity of the galactic center (between -30 and 30 deg). These limits are lower than some theories predict and thus place new constraints on the yields of these radionuclides in explosive nucleosynthesis and on the present rate of galactic nucleosynthesis.

Mahoney, W. A.↗

Superconducting electromagnets for large wind tunnel magnetic suspension and balance systems

A superconducting electromagnetic suspension and balance system for an 8 x 8-ft, Mach 0.9 wind tunnel is presented. The system uses a superconducting solenoid as a model core 70 cm long and with a 11.5 cm OD, and a combination of permanent magnet material in the model wings to produce the required roll torque. The design, which uses an integral cold structure rather than separate cryostats for mounting all control magnets, has 14 external magnets, including 4 racetrack-shaped roll coils. Helium capacity of the system is 3.0 to 3.5 l with idling boiloff rate predicted at 0.147 to 0.2 l/h. The improvements yielded a 50-percent reduction in the system size, weight, and cost.

Boom, R. W.↗

Lithospheric structure on Venus from tectonic modelling of compressional features

In previous studies, extensional models were used that incorporated realistic rheologies in order to constrain lithospheric structure. Lithospheric modelling is considered herein from the standpoint of compressional deformation. Features of presumed compressional tectonic origin are reviewed and a model for compressional folding based on lithospheric strength envelopes are presented that include the effects of both brittle and ductile yielding as well as finite elastic strength. Model predictions are then compared with the widths and spacings of observed tectonic features and it is concluded that the results are consistent with a thin crust overlying a relatively stronger mantle, with thermal gradients probably in the range of 10 to 15 deg/km.

Banerdt, W. B.↗

The growth and in situ characterization of chemical vapor deposited SiO2

This paper reports the results of studies of the kinetics of remote (indirect) plasma enhanced low pressure CVD growth of SiO2 on Si and InP and of the in situ characterization of the electrical surface properties of InP during CVD processing. In the latter case photoluminescence was employed as a convenient and sensitive noninvasive method for characterizing surface trap densities. It was determined that, provided certain precautions are taken, the growth of SiO2 occurs in a reproducible and systematic fashion that can be expressed in an analytic form useful for growth rate prediction. Moreover, the in situ photoluminescence studies have yielded information on sample degradation resulting from heating and chemical exposure during the CVD growth.

Iyer, R.↗

The surface albedo distribution of Pluto

Two distinct configurations have been established for the surface albedo distribution of Pluto on the basis of a model fitting absolute photometry data obtained over the 1954-1986 period. The two sets of model parameters primarily differ in the equatorial spots; these generate the rotational lightcurve, while the polar caps yield the orbital lightcurve. While the two models predict similar event lightcurves through the end of 1987, they begin to markedly differ in 1988. Mutual event observations made on January 13, 1988 exhibit agreement with only one of the equatorial spot configurations, having one bright and one dark spot.

Buie, Marc W.↗

Nonlinear interactions in mixing layers and compressible heated round jets

The nonlinear interactions between a fundamental instability mode and both its harmonics and the changing mean flow are studied using the weakly nonlinear stability theory of Stuart and Watson, and numerical solutions of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations. The first part focuses on incompressible cold (or isothermal; constant temperature throughout) mixing layers, and for these, the first and second Landau constants are calculated as functions of wavenumber and Reynolds number. It is found that the dominant contribution to the Landau constants arises from the mean flow changes and not from the higher harmonics. In order to establish the range of validity of the weakly nonlinear theory, the weakly nonlinear and numerical solutions are compared and the limitation of each is discussed. At small amplitudes and at low-to-moderate Reynolds numbers, the two results compare well in describing the saturation of the fundamental, the distortion of the mean flow, and the initial stages of vorticity roll-up. At larger amplitudes, the interaction between the fundamental, second harmonic, and the mean flow is strongly nonlinear and the numerical solution predicts flow oscillations, whereas the weakly nonlinear theory yields saturation. In the second part, the weakly nonlinear theory is extended to heated (or nonisothermal; mean temperature distribution) subsonic round jets where quadratic and cubic nonlinear interactions are present, and the Landau constants also depend on jet temperature ratio, Mach number and azimuthal mode number. Under exponential growth and nonlinear saturation, it is found that heating and compressibility suppress the growth of instability waves, that the first azimuthal mode is the dominant instability mode, and that the weakly nonlinear solution describes the early stages of the roll-up of an axisymmetric shear layer. The receptivity of a typical jet flow to pulse type input disturbance is also studied by solving the initial value problem and then examining the behavior of the long-time solution.

Jarrah, Yousef Mohd↗

Turbine blade tip and seal clearance excitation forces

Experimental and theoretical work done as Phase 3 of a program sponsored by MSFC to investigate the magnitude, origin, and parametric variations of destabilizing forces which arise in high power turbines due to blade-tip leakage effects are described. The two facilities which were built for this purpose are first described. The larger one is a closed, 2 atm pressurized Freon-12 flow loop in which is installed a 1:1 replica of the SSME first stage hydrogen turbine, which can be driven by the flow, and which generates about 14 KW of power into a load-absorbing DC generator. The smaller facility is used to measure the forces on labyrinth seals of the same type as those used in our turbine tests with a shrouded turbine. The seals can be kinematically whirled and spun (independently), and the inlet swirl can be set to a variety of values. Air is the working fluid (with atmospheric discharge) and the data are real-time pressure distributions in the seal glands. The five different unshrouded turbine configurations were tested with static offsets, plus one with a shroud band and a two-ridge seal. Theoretical models of various degrees of complexity were developed to help interpreting and extrapolating the data. The notion of partial work done by the fluid leaking through the tip gaps was put on a quantitative basis by examining the leakage vortex roll-up dynamics. This was used to obtain a theory of the work loss due to a uniform gap. Perturbation and multiple scale arguments were then used to extend this to the case of an eccentric turbine. This yields an unsteady, 3-D theory which can predict the distribution of the approach flow, and its effect on work defect, cross-forces, pressure patterns, and dynamic damping. The predictions agree qualitatively with the data and exhibit the correct trends, but the cross-forces are generally under-predicted.

Martinez-Sanchez, M.↗

CN radical reactions with hydrogen cyanide and cyanogen - Comparison of theory and experiment

The method of laser photolysis/laser-induced fluorescence is used to obtain absolute rate constants for CN radical reactions with HCN and C2N2. The rate constants were found to be temperature-dependent in the range 300-740 K and pressure independent in the range 100-600 Torr. Rice-Remsperger-Kassel-Marcus theory for both reactions employing the transition state parameters obtained by the BAC-MP4 method are made. These calculations yielded reasonable results for the CN + HCN reaction, predicting both the temperature dependence and pressure independence. No pressure effect was observed in the pressure range 100-1000 Torr at temperatures below 900 K, confirming the experimental results.

Yang, D. L.↗

Tensile Properties of 7075-T6 and 2024-T3 Aluminum-alloy Sheet Heated at Uniform Temperature Rates Under Constant Load

Results are presented of tests to determine the effect of heating at uniform temperature rates from 0.2 degrees to 100 degrees F. per second on the tensile properties of 7075-T6 d(75s-T6) and 2024-T3 (24s-T3) aluminum-alloy sheet under constant-load conditions. Yield and rupture stresses, obtained under rapid-heating conditions, are compared with results of elevated-temperature stress-strain tests for 1/2-hour exposure. Master yield-and-rupture-stress curves based on linear temperature-rate parameter are presented. Yield and rupture stresses and temperatures may be predicted by means of master curves and the parameter.

Heimerl, George J↗

Video Imaging System Particularly Suited for Dynamic Gear Inspection

A digital video imaging system that captures the image of a single tooth of interest of a rotating gear is disclosed. The video imaging system detects the complete rotation of the gear and divide that rotation into discrete time intervals so that each tooth of interest of the gear is precisely determined when it is at a desired location that is illuminated in unison with a digital video camera so as to record a single digital image for each tooth. The digital images are available to provide instantaneous analysis of the tooth of interest, or to be stored and later provide images that yield a history that may be used to predict gear failure, such as gear fatigue. The imaging system is completely automated by a controlling program so that it may run for several days acquiring images without supervision from the user.

Broughton, Howard↗

A Geosynchronous Lidar System for Atmospheric Winds and Moisture Measurements

An observing system comprised of two lidars in geosynchronous orbit would enable the synoptic and meso-scale measurement of atmospheric winds and moisture, both of which are key first-order variables of the Earth's weather equation. Simultaneous measurement of these parameters at fast revisit rates promises large advancements in our weather prediction skills. Such capabilities would be unprecedented and yield greatly improved and finer resolution initial conditions for models, make existing costly and cumbersome measurement approaches obsolete, and obviate the use of numerical techniques needed to correct data obtained using present observing systems. Additionally, simultaneous synoptic wind and moisture observations would lead to improvements in model parameterizations, and in our knowledge of small-scale weather processes. Technology and science data product assessments are ongoing. Results will be presented during the conference.

Emmitt, G. D.↗

Tensile Properties of 17-7 PH and 12 MoV Stainless-Steel Sheet under Rapid-Heating and Constant-Temperature Conditions

Results are presented of rapid-heating tests of 17-7 PH and 12 MoV stainless-steel sheet heated to failure at temperature rates from about 1 F to 170 F per second under constant-load conditions. Yield and rupture strengths obtained from rapid-heating tests are compared with yield and tensile strengths obtained from short-time elevated-temperature tensile tests (30-minute exposure). A rate-temperature parameter was used to construct master curves from which yield and rupture stresses or temperatures can be predicted. A method for measuring strain by optical means is described.

Manning, Charles R., Jr.↗

Runway Configuration Management with Offline Reinforcement Learning

Runway configuration management (RCM) is a challenging task, and it affects the efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS) and airport surface operations significantly. Each airport, depending on the geometry, capacity, local climate patterns, etc. has multiple configurations for the runway usage for arriving and departing flights. Many factors such as the incoming/outgoing traffic load, wind direction and speed, convective weather, cloud ceiling and other environmental factors might affect the choice of a runway configuration at any point in time. However, other factors such as safety measures and regulations, noise abatement, capacity of each configuration, and preference of the air traffic controllers (ATCs) can also play a significant role in selecting the configuration. A sub-optimal selection of the runway configuration, or delay in making configuration changes might result in significant increase in taxi times for aircraft on the surface of the airport, fuel and energy use of the aircraft, and maintenance costs. It can also lead to safety concerns, such as an aircraft performing one or more go-arounds before being able to land. All these factors make RCM an extremely important and challenging decision-making process for the ATCs. The current state of practice sets the runway configuration by the ATCs based on relevant information available at the time including weather, traffic, noise abatement, safety bounds, etc. This makes the decision-making process subjective based on the accuracy of the available information and the bias in human decision making. Unfortunately, this approach yields poor results (e.g., significant delays) if the predicted outcomes are uncertain and their relative impact is not well understood. This is especially evident when the uncertainty increases the size of possible predicted outcomes (combinatorial explosion in possible scenarios) that cannot be handled by human reasoning. On the other hand, an automated approach based on machine intelligence can make use of historical data and search through all (or significant amount of) possible scenarios under uncertainty and make well-informed decisions.

Milad Memarzadeh↗

Analysis of experimental results of the inlet for the NASA hypersonic research engine aerothermodynamic integration model

An aerodynamic engine inlet analysis was performed on the experimental results obtained at nominal Mach numbers of 5, 6, and 7 from the NASA Hypersonic Research Engine (HRE) Aerothermodynamic Integration Model (AIM). Incorporation on the AIM of the mixed-compression inlet design represented the final phase of an inlet development program of the HRE Project. The purpose of this analysis was to compare the AIM inlet experimental results with theoretical results. Experimental performance was based on measured surface pressures used in a one-dimensional force-momentum theorem. Results of the analysis indicate that surface static-pressure measurements agree reasonably well with theoretical predictions except in the regions where the theory predicts large pressure discontinuities. Experimental and theoretical results both based on the one-dimensional force-momentum theorem yielded inlet performance parameters as functions of Mach number that exhibited reasonable agreement. Previous predictions of inlet unstart that resulted from pressure disturbances created by fuel injection and combustion appeared to be pessimistic.

Andrews, E. H., Jr.↗