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At least 523 records · Page 29
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2004

Iron K Lines from Accretion Disks: Models for Line Production and Spectroscopic Constraints

Measured profiles of the iron K lines provide important dynamical information about emitting matrial in compact objects. However, much of the modeling work which has been used to infer the location and origin of line observed from AGN and galactic black hole sources is based on highly simplified assumptions about the microphysics of K line emission. In particular, many of the intrinsic line energies, widths and emissivities are based on central-field atomic calculations. We present the results of new calculations of the quantities for the entire iron isonuclear sequence, and demonstrate that the intrinsic K line spectra contain considerably more complexity than has been previously considered. We also present calculations of iron K emission and absorption spectra which include the new data, including the local spectrum radiated from an X-ray illuminated accretion disk. The implications for the interpretation of observed iron K lines from black hole sources will be discussed.

Kallman, Timothy↗
NASA NTRS1972

A slope reversal video processor having amplitude and pulse width discrimination.

A timing discriminator whose output is relatively insensitive to input pulse width and amplitude is described. The video-handling technique is known as slope reversal processing and is based on tapped delay line estimation methods. The concept, design, breadboard construction, and preliminary laboratory test results are reviewed. The processor system features (1) a peak input voltage dynamic range of 80x starting at 100 microvolts; (2) a four stage preamplifier/line-driver having a voltage gain of 2400x; (3) a tapped delay-line estimator implemented for slope reversal triggering by differential comparison; (4) a nominal plus or minus 2.5 nsec shift of the output trigger leading edge over the entire input voltage range, (5) up to 7 dB discrimination against pulse widths less than 35 nsec; and (6) up to one order of magnitude reduction in the false alarm rate compared to a constant fraction system.

Hoge, F. E.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Remote sensing in Iowa agriculture: Identification and classification of Iowa's crops, soils and forestry resources using ERTS-1 and complimentary underflight imagery

The author has identified the following significant results. Springtime ERTS-1 imagery covering pre-selected test sites in Iowa showed considerable detail with respect to broad soil and land use patterns. Additional imagery has been incorporated into a state mosaic. The mosaic was used as a base for soil association lines transferred from an existing map. The regions of greatest contrast are between the Clarion-Nicollet-Webster soil association area and adjacent areas. Landscape characteristics in this area result in land use patterns with a high percentage of pasture, hay, and timber. The soil association areas of the state that have patterns interpreted to be associated with intensive row crop production are: Moody, Galva-Primghar-Sac, Clarion-Nicollet-Webter, Tama-Muscatine, Dinsdale-Tama, Cresco-Lourdes, Clyde, Kenyon-Floyd-Clyde, and the Luton-Onawa-Salix area on the Missouri River floodplain. Forestland estimates have been attained for an area in central Iowa using wintertime ERTS-1 imagery. Visual analysis of multispectral, temporal imagery indicates that temporal analysis for cropland identification and acreage analyses procedures may be a very useful tool. Combinations of wintertime, springtime, and summertime ERTS-1 imagery separate most vegetation types. Timing can be critical depending upon crop development and harvesting times because of the dynamic nature of agricultural production.

Mahlstede, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Interplanetary stream magnetism - Kinematic effects

The particle density and the magnetic-field intensity and direction are calculated for volume elements of the solar wind as a function of the initial magnetic-field direction and the initial speed gradient. It is assumed that the velocity is constant and radial. These assumptions are approximately valid between about 0.1 and 1.0 AU for many streams. Time profiles of the particle density, field intensity, and velocity are calculated for corotating streams, neglecting effects of pressure gradients. The compression and rarefaction of the magnetic field depend sensitively on the initial field direction. By averaging over a typical stream, it is found that the average radial field intensity is inversely proportional to the square of the heliocentric distance, whereas the average intensity in the direction of the planets' motion does not vary in a simple way, consistent with deep space observations. Changes of field direction may be very large, depending on the initial angle; but when the initial angle at 0.1 AU is such that the base of the field line corotates with the sun, the spiral angle is the preferred direction at 1 AU. The theory is also applicable to nonstationary flows.

Burlaga, L. F.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Microwave absorption of oxygen measured with a Fabry-Perot spectrometer

A semiconfocal configuration of a Fabry-Perot interferometer is described, which can be used for measuring moderately weak absorption at a fixed microwave frequency as a function of pressure by measuring the change in the Q of the system when the gas is introduced. An accuracy of 0.3 dB/km at 58.82 GHz is achieved with just conventional laboratory equipment. The absorption need not be resonant, and can be determined as a function of such physical factors as pressure, temperature, and mixture composition. Oxygen absorption measurements support calculations based on theories of line overlap inside the oxygen absorption band at subatmospheric pressure.

Poon, R. K. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The linear Fresnel lens - Solar optical analysis of tracking error effects

Real sun-tracking solar concentrators imperfectly follow the solar disk, operationally sustaining both transverse and axial misalignments. This paper describes an analysis of the solar concentration performance of a line-focusing flat-base Fresnel lens in the presence of small transverse tracking errors. Simple optics and ray-tracing techniques are used to evaluate the lens solar transmittance and focal-plane imaging characteristics. Computer-generated example data for an f/1.0 lens indicate that less than a 1% transmittance degradation occurs for transverse errors up to 2.5 deg. In this range, solar-image profiles shift laterally in the focal plane, the peak concentration ratio drops, and profile asymmetry increases with tracking error. With profile shift as the primary factor, the ninety-percent target-intercept width increases rapidly for small misalignments, e.g., almost threefold for a 1-deg error. The analytical model and computational results provide a design base for tracking and absorber systems for the linear-Fresnel-lens solar concentrator.

Cosby, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Aerodynamic performance of axial-flow fan stage operated at nine inlet guide vane angles

The overall performance of a fan stage with nine inlet guide vane angle settings is presented. These data were obtained over the stable flow range at speeds from 60 to 120 percent of design for vane setting angles from -25 to 42.5 degrees. At design speed and design inlet guide vane angle, the stage has a peak efficiency of 0.892 at a pressure ratio of 1.322 and a flow of 25.31 kg/s. The stall margin based on peak efficiency and stall was 20 percent. Based on an operating line passing through the peak efficiency point at the design setting angle, the useful operating range of the stage at design speed is limited by stall at the positive setting angles and by choke at the negative angles. At design the calculated static thrust along the operating line varied from 68 to 114 percent of that obtained at design setting angle.

Moore, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Emission measures derived from far ultraviolet spectra of T Tauri stars

Spectroscopic diagnostics based on UV emission line observations have been developed to study the solar chromosphere, transition region, and corona. The atmospheric properties that can be inferred from observations of total line intensities include the temperature, by identifying the ionic species present; the temperature distribution of the emission measure, from the absolute intensities; and the electron density of the source, from line intensity ratios sensitive to the electron density. In the present paper, the temperature distribution of the emission measure is estimated from observations of far UV emission line fluxes of the T Tauri stars, RW Aurigae and RU Lupi, made on the IUE. A crude estimate of the electron density of one star is obtained, using density-sensitive line ratios.

Cram, L. E.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Gravity and magnetic anomaly modeling and correlation using the SPHERE program and Magsat data

The spherical Earth inversion, modeling, and contouring software were tested and modified for processing data in the Southern Hemisphere. Preliminary geologic/tectonic maps and selected cross sections for South and Central America and the Caribbean region are being compiled and as well as gravity and magnetic models for the major geological features of the area. A preliminary gravity model of the Andeas Beniff Zone was constructed so that the density columns east and west of the subducted plates are in approximate isostatic equilibrium. The magnetic anomaly for the corresponding magnetic model of the zone is being computed with the SPHERE program. A test tape containing global magnetic measurements was converted to a tape compatible with Purdue's CDC system. NOO data were screened for periods of high diurnal activity and reduced to anomaly form using the IGS-75 model. Magnetic intensity anomaly profiles were plotted on the conterminous U.S. map using the track lines as the anomaly base level. The transcontinental magnetic high seen in POGO and MAGSAT data is also represented in the NOO data.

Braile, L. W.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Intercenter Problem Reporting and Corrective Action System (PRACAS)

The Kennedy Space Center is transforming the PRACA bath automatic data processing (ADP) system of today into a fully integrated data base with on-line update and retrieval capabilities. The present manual system of reporting (Datafax, mail, and telephone) to the off-site design and engineering organizations is to be replaced by direct access to the most current information as it accrues at KSC or VAFB. Two major goals of the Intercenter PRACA are to provide a single data depository for both launch sites and to fully integrate the problem data with engineering data as well as other relevant information. The resulting ADP system can provide a closed loop system for problem reporting, corrective action and recurrence control that should serve the engineering community as well as reliability and quality assurance at the launch sites, KSC and VAFB, and at the design centers, JSC and MSFC.

Brock, G. H.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Data and results of a laboratory investigation of microprocessor upset caused by simulated lightning-induced analog transients

A methodology was developed a assess the upset susceptibility/reliability of a computer system onboard an aircraft flying through a lightning environment. Upset error modes in a general purpose microprocessor were studied. The upset tests involved the random input of analog transients which model lightning induced signals onto interface lines of an 8080 based microcomputer from which upset error data was recorded. The program code on the microprocessor during tests is designed to exercise all of the machine cycles and memory addressing techniques implemented in the 8080 central processing unit. A statistical analysis is presented in which possible correlations are established between the probability of upset occurrence and transient signal inputs during specific processing states and operations. A stochastic upset susceptibility model for the 8080 microprocessor is presented. The susceptibility of this microprocessor to upset, once analog transients have entered the system, is determined analytically by calculating the state probabilities of the stochastic model.

Belcastro, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Refinement and evaluation of helicopter real-time self-adaptive active vibration controller algorithms

A Real-Time Self-Adaptive (RTSA) active vibration controller was used as the framework in developing a computer program for a generic controller that can be used to alleviate helicopter vibration. Based upon on-line identification of system parameters, the generic controller minimizes vibration in the fuselage by closed-loop implementation of higher harmonic control in the main rotor system. The new generic controller incorporates a set of improved algorithms that gives the capability to readily define many different configurations by selecting one of three different controller types (deterministic, cautious, and dual), one of two linear system models (local and global), and one or more of several methods of applying limits on control inputs (external and/or internal limits on higher harmonic pitch amplitude and rate). A helicopter rotor simulation analysis was used to evaluate the algorithms associated with the alternative controller types as applied to the four-bladed H-34 rotor mounted on the NASA Ames Rotor Test Apparatus (RTA) which represents the fuselage. After proper tuning all three controllers provide more effective vibration reduction and converge more quickly and smoothly with smaller control inputs than the initial RTSA controller (deterministic with external pitch-rate limiting). It is demonstrated that internal limiting of the control inputs a significantly improves the overall performance of the deterministic controller.

Davis, M. W.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Climatic consequences of very high CO2 levels in Earth's early atmosphere

Earth has approximately 60 bars of carbon dioxide tied up in carbonate rocks, or roughly 2/3 the amount of CO2 of Venus' atmosphere. Two different lines of evidence, one based on thermodynamics and the other on geochemical cycles, indicate that a substantial fraction of this CO2 may have resulted in the atmosphere during the first few hundred million years of the Earth's history. A natural question which arises concerning this hypothesis is whether this would have resulted in a runaway greenhouse affect. One-dimensional radiative/convective model calculations show that the surface temperature of a hypothetical primitive atmosphere containing 20 bars of CO2 would have been less than 100C and no runaway greenhouse should have occurred. The climatic stability of the early atmosphere is a consequence of three factors: (1) reduced solar luminosity at that time; (2) an increase in planetary albedo caused by Rayleigh scattering by CO2; and (3) the stabilizing effects of moist convection. The latter two factors are sufficient to prevent a CO2-induced runaway greenhouse on the present Earth and for CO2 levels up to 100 bars. It is determined whether a runaway greenhouse could have occurred during the latter stages of the accretion process and, if so, whether it would have collapsed once the influx of material slowed down.

Kasting, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1985

An update of the total-strain version of SRP

An updated procedure for characterizing an alloy and predicting cyclic life by using the total strain range version of strainrange partitioning (TS-SRP) has been developed. The principal feature of this update is a new procedure for determining the intercept of time dependent elastic strain range versus cyclic life lines. The procedure is based on an established relation between failure and the cyclic stress-strain response of an alloy. The stress-strain response is characterized by empirical equations presented in this report. These equations were determined with the aid of a cyclic constitutive model. The procedures presented herein reduce the testing required to characterize an alloy. Failure testing is done only in the high strain, low life regime; cyclic stress-strain response is determined from tests conducted in both the high and low strain regimes. These tests are carried out to stability of the stress-strain hysteresis loop but not to failure. Thus both the time and costs required to characterize an alloy are greatly reduced. This approach was evaluated and verified for two nickel base superalloys, AF2-1DA and Inconel 718.

Saltsman, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Climatic consequences of very high CO2 levels in Earth's early atmosphere

Earth has approximately 60 bars of carbon dioxide tied up in carbonate rocks, or roughly 2/3 the amount of CO2 of the atmosphere of Venus. Two different lines of evidence, one based on thermodynamics and the other on geochemical cycles, indicate that a substantial fraction of thes CO2 may have resided in the atmosphere during the first few hundred million years of the Earth's history. A natural question which arises is whether this much CO2 would have resulted in a runaway greenhouse effect. One dimensional radiative/convective model calculations presented showed that the surface temperature of a hypothetical primitive atmosphere containing 20 bars of CO2 was less than 100 C; thus no runaway greenhouse effect would have occurred. The climatic stability of the early atmosphere is a consequence of three factors: reduced solar luminosity at that time, an increase in planetary albedo caused by Rayleigh scattering by CO2, and the stabilizing effects of a moist convection. The latter two factors are sufficient to prevent a CO2 induced runaway greenhouse effect on the present Earth as well, for CO2 levels up to 100 bars. Further studies are being undertaken to determine whether a runaway greenhouse effect could have occurred during the latter stages of the accretion process and, if so, whether it would have collapsed one the influx of material slowed down.

Katsing, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Measurement of angular distribution of sound emission from training projectiles in subsonic flight

Training projectiles with nose ring cavities that produce intense whistles in stationary free-jet tests were shot in a relatively straight-line trajectory. A ground based microphone was used to obtain the angular distribution of sound intensity produced from the subsonically flying projectile. Data reduction required calculation of Doppler and attenuation factors which were determined based on a non-linear trajectory. Also, the directional sensitivity of the microphone was measured and used in the data reduction. Significant angular variation of sound intensity produced from the projectile was found which can be used to plot an intensity contour map on the ground. A full-scale field test confirmed the validity of the aeroacoustic concept of producing a relatively intense whistle from the projectile, and the usefulness of a real-time data acquisition system.

Cho, Y. I.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Investigation of the Challenger Accident

The work of the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident (hereafter referred to as the Rogers Commission) and the work of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in investigating the causes of the accident were reviewed. In addition to reviewing the five volumes of the Rogers Commission, the entire direct on-line Rogers Commission data base, which included full-text and document retrieval capability was also reviewed. The findings and recommendations contained also include materials submitted for the record, staff investigations, interviews, and trips.

Source record↗