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At least 541 records · Page 30

Kinetic and thermodynamic properties of a convecting plasma in a two-dimensional dipole field

Charged particle guiding center motion is considered in the magnetic field of a two-dimensional ('line') dipole on which is superimposed a small, static, perpendicular electric field. The parallel equation of motion is that of a simple harmonic oscillator for cos theta, the cosine of magnetic colatitude theta. Equations for the perpendicular electric and magnetic drifts are derived as well as their bounce-averaged forms. The latter are solved to yield a bounce-averaged guiding center trajectory, which is the same as that obtained from conversation of magnetic moment mu, longitudinal invariant J, and total (kinetic plus electrostatic) energy K. The algebraic simplicity of the trajectory equations is also manifest in the forms of the invariants. An interesting result is that guiding centers drift in such a way that they preserve the values of their equatorial pitch angles and (equivalently) mirror latitudes. The most general Maxwellian form of the equilibrium one-particle distribution function f is constructed from the invariants, and spatially varying density and pressure moments, parallel and perpendicular to the magnetic field, are identified. Much of the paper deals with the more restricted problem in which f is specified as a bi-Maxwellian over a straight line of finite length in the equatorial plane of the dipole and perpendicular to field lines. This might be thought of as specifying a cross-tail ion injection source; our formalism then describes the subsequent spatial development. The distribution away from the source is a scaled bi-Maxwellian but one that is cut off at large and small kinetic energies, which depend on position. Density and pressure components are reduced from the values they would have if the total content of individual flux tubes convected intact. The equatorial and meridional variations of density and pressure components are examined and compared systematically for the isotropic and highly anisotropic situations. There appears to be little qualitative difference due to anisotropy. An anisotropy measure is defined, and its spatial variation determined as a signature of possible MHD instability. Extreme values are found, larger than at the source, but the plasma beta in such regions is probably so low as to render the effect inconsequential energetically. Finally, the possible consequence of 'nonadia- batic' pressure profiles on electrostatic interchanges is considered, and a boundary delineating stabilizing and destabilizing regions determined.

Huang, T. S.↗

An optimal Space Shuttle ascent trajectory for the first orbital flight test

An optimal solution of the ascent trajectory of the Space Shuttle for the first orbital flight test is presented; the optimization is a minimum propellant, four-control problem in yaw angle, roll angle, pitch angle and vacuum thrust of each Space Shuttle main engine. Piecewise linear segments with juncture points treated as parameters are employed to model the controls. Equations of motion for a three-dimensional flight with pitch plane moment balance about an oblate are integrated numerically with a fourth-order Runge-Kutta method; two- and one-dimensional cubic spline function curve fits of aerodynamic coefficients are used during the first and second stages, respectively. The constraint minimization problem is solved with the Davidon-Fletcher-Powell function method.

Johnson, I. L., Jr.↗

Design Guidelines for the Application of Forebody and Nose Strakes to a Fighter Aircraft Based on F-16 Wind Tunnel Testing Experience

During the YF-16 and F-16 developmental wind tunnel test program, numerous variations in nose and forebody strakes were investigated. These data were reviewed, and the strake aerodynamic characteristics coalesced into design guidelines for the application of strakes to fighter aircraft. The design guides take the form of general equations governing the modification of forebody strakes to obtain a linear pitching moment curve and the calculation of the resulting lift and drag increments. Additionally, qualitative comments are made concerning the effects of strake geometry on lateral/directional stability. It is concluded that the generation of incremental strake lift is primarily dependent upon the area affected by the strake-induced vortex and that strake planform is of secondary importance. Forebody strakes have small beneficial effects on lateral/directional stability if properly designed; however, significant gains are easily attained with nose strakes.

Smith, C. W.↗

Stability, vibration and passive damping of partially restrained imperfect columns

A theoretical and experimental study of slender tubular columns for possible use in space structures is conducted in the presence of partial rotational end restraints. Explicit formulas are derived for computing the buckling load and the lowest natural frequency of perfectly straight uniform elastic members with rotational end restraints possessing linear moment-rotation characteristics. An exact solution in the form of a transcendental equation, and a numerical solution using second-order finite-differences are also presented. The presence of an initial imperfection is also incorporated into the numerical procedure. Vibration tests are conducted on an imperfect tubular steel member in the absence of an axial load. A damping concept consisting of a string-mass assembly is explored. Three passive damping configurations involving combinations of three lead shots were investigated. The three lead shot configurations provided considerably greater damping than the single lead shot.

Razzaq, Z.↗

Electrostatic waves in the magnetosphere of Uranus

Observations of electrostatic waves in the magnetosphere of Uranus are discussed with attention focused on the Bernstein emissions. The most intense Bernstein waves were observed near the magnetic equator of the planet, even though the tilt of the Uranian magnetic moment is very large relative to the rotational axis. In addition to the Bernstein modes, a number of highly sporadic emissions were detected in the vicinity of the Miranda L shell.

Kurth, W. S↗

Frequency analysis via the method of moment functionals

Several variants are presented of a linear-in-parameters least squares formulation for determining the transfer function of a stable linear system at specified frequencies given a finite set of Fourier series coefficients calculated from transient nonstationary input-output data. The basis of the technique is Shinbrot's classical method of moment functionals using complex Fourier based modulating functions to convert a differential equation model on a finite time interval into an algebraic equation which depends linearly on frequency-related parameters.

Pearson, A. E.↗

Center for Modeling of Turbulence and Transition (CMOTT). Research briefs: 1990

Brief progress reports of the Center for Modeling of Turbulence and Transition (CMOTT) research staff from May 1990 to May 1991 are given. The objectives of the CMOTT are to develop, validate, and implement the models for turbulence and boundary layer transition in the practical engineering flows. The flows of interest are three dimensional, incompressible, and compressible flows with chemistry. The schemes being studied include the two-equation and algebraic Reynolds stress models, the full Reynolds stress (or second moment closure) models, the probability density function models, the Renormalization Group Theory (RNG) and Interaction Approximation (DIA), the Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS).

Povinelli, Louis A.↗

A modal model for SCOLE structural dynamics

Information on a modal model for the Spacecraft Control Laboratory (SCOLE) is given in viewgraph form. A partial differential equation model covering roll bending, pitch bending, torsion, shear forces, and bending moments is given.

Joshi, Suresh M.↗

Center for Modeling of Turbulence and Transition (CMOTT): Research Briefs, 1992

The progress is reported of the Center for Modeling of Turbulence and Transition (CMOTT). The main objective of the CMOTT is to develop, validate and implement the turbulence and transition models for practical engineering flows. The flows of interest are three-dimensional, incompressible and compressible flows with chemical reaction. The research covers two-equation (e.g., k-e) and algebraic Reynolds-stress models, second moment closure models, probability density function (pdf) models, Renormalization Group Theory (RNG), Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS).

Liou, William W.↗

Frequency analysis via the method of moment functionals

Several variants are presented of a linear-in-parameters least squares formulation for determining the transfer function of a stable linear system at specified frequencies given a finite set of Fourier series coefficients calculated from transient nonstationary input-output data. The basis of the technique is Shinbrot's classical method of moment functionals using complex Fourier based modulating functions to convert a differential equation model on a finite time interval into an algebraic equation which depends linearly on frequency-related parameters.

Pearson, A. E.↗

Flexure and the role of inplane force around coronae on Venus

Large coronae on Venus, such as Artemis and Latona, are rimmed by conspicuous trenches and associated outer rises. Sandwell and Schubert have observed that these systems resemble terrestrial subduction zones in planform and have succeeded in fitting an elastic plate bending equation to the inferred flexural topography. However, the first zero crossing bending moments required are -2.5 x 10(exp 17) N for Artemis and -5.0 x 10(exp 16) N for Latona. Since these moments are similar in magnitude to those of subducting slabs on Earth, a rollback subduction mechanism was proposed to explain the flexure around the largest coronae, although a differential thermal subsidence model is sufficient to account for the topography around some coronae. The purpose is to investigate the effect of inplane force as a possible alternative to large applied moments in producing flexure at Artemis and Latona. The close correlation of gravity to topography on Venus implies the absence of a low viscosity zone and the strong coupling of the lithosphere to mantle convection. If coronae are the surface manifestations of mantle plumes, they may be the sites of active convective stress coupling. As the upwelling reaches the lithosphere, it spreads radially outward, inducing shear tractions on the base of the plate. In addition, the hot, expanding corona may load the surrounding plate horizonally. Both the basal shear stresses and radial loading can be treated as an equivalent compressive inplane force in the mechanical lithosphere, which contributes to the bending of the outlying plate. Using a model that relates inplane force to the measured gravity anomalies, a rough value of the inplane force at Artemis was calculated. Recent Pioneer Venus spherical harmonic gravity models indicate a geoid anomaly of about 75 m over Artemis, which corresponds to an estimated inplane force on the order of -1x10(exp 13) N/m. The gravity model is unable to resolve Latona, but an inplane force of similar dimensions is assumed. The maximum possible inplane force based on the expected rheology can be constrained by using the approximate 5 K/km thermal gradient inferred from the best fit 30 km elastic plate at Artemis and Latona. For a dry olivine flow law in the upper mantle, the compressional load limit of the 60 km thick mechanical lithosphere is -4 x 10(exp 13) N/m. This value is equivalent to a load of -8 x 10(exp 13) N/m on a 30 km thick elastic plate.

Brown, C. David↗

Conditional statistics in a turbulent premixed flame derived from direct numerical simulation

The objective of this paper is to briefly introduce conditional moment closure (CMC) methods for premixed systems and to derive the transport equation for the conditional species mass fraction conditioned on the progress variable based on the enthalpy. Our statistical analysis will be based on the 3-D DNS database of Trouve and Poinsot available at the Center for Turbulence Research. The initial conditions and characteristics (turbulence, thermo-diffusive properties) as well as the numerical method utilized in the DNS of Trouve and Poinsot are presented, and some details concerning our statistical analysis are also given. From the analysis of DNS results, the effects of the position in the flame brush, of the Damkoehler and Lewis numbers on the conditional mean scalar dissipation, and conditional mean velocity are presented and discussed. Information concerning unconditional turbulent fluxes are also presented. The anomaly found in previous studies of counter-gradient diffusion for the turbulent flux of the progress variable is investigated.

Mantel, Thierry↗

Large-Amplitude, High-Rate Roll Oscillations of a 65 deg Delta Wing at High Incidence

The IAR/WL 65 deg delta wing experimental results provide both detail pressure measurements and a wide range of flow conditions covering from simple attached flow, through fully developed vortex and vortex burst flow, up to fully-stalled flow at very high incidence. Thus, the Computational Unsteady Aerodynamics researchers can use it at different level of validating the corresponding code. In this section a range of CFD results are provided for the 65 deg delta wing at selected flow conditions. The time-dependent, three-dimensional, Reynolds-averaged, Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations are used to numerically simulate the unsteady vertical flow. Two sting angles and two large- amplitude, high-rate, forced-roll motions and a damped free-to-roll motion are presented. The free-to-roll motion is computed by coupling the time-dependent RANS equations to the flight dynamic equation of motion. The computed results are compared with experimental pressures, forces, moments and roll angle time history. In addition, surface and off-surface flow particle streaks are also presented.

Chaderjian, Neal M.↗

Development of an Uncertainty Model for the National Transonic Facility

This paper introduces an uncertainty model being developed for the National Transonic Facility (NTF). The model uses a Monte Carlo technique to propagate standard uncertainties of measured values through the NTF data reduction equations to calculate the combined uncertainties of the key aerodynamic force and moment coefficients and freestream properties. The uncertainty propagation approach to assessing data variability is compared with ongoing data quality assessment activities at the NTF, notably check standard testing using statistical process control (SPC) techniques. It is shown that the two approaches are complementary and both are necessary tools for data quality assessment and improvement activities. The SPC approach is the final arbiter of variability in a facility. Its result encompasses variation due to people, processes, test equipment, and test article. The uncertainty propagation approach is limited mainly to the data reduction process. However, it is useful because it helps to assess the causes of variability seen in the data and consequently provides a basis for improvement. For example, it is shown that Mach number random uncertainty is dominated by static pressure variation over most of the dynamic pressure range tested. However, the random uncertainty in the drag coefficient is generally dominated by axial and normal force uncertainty with much less contribution from freestream conditions.

Walter, Joel A.↗

Magnetic Suspension Wind Tunnel Reconstruction Using an Extended Kalman Filter Framework

A Kalman filter tool has been created for processing data from NASA Langley’s Magnetic Suspension and Balance System. The filter is formulated to estimate aerodynamic parameters of a model that is levitated magnetically in the test section of the wind tunnel. The Kalman filter tool is a modification of an existing code that has been in use for solving trajectory reconstruction problems and has been validated through previous use supporting many flight projects. Modifications to the code were implemented to add the capability to process data from the magnetic suspension wind tunnel. In particular, the main modifications were to the equations of motion to add models for magnetic and aerodynamic forces and moments. The code has been tested using simulation data to provide a known truth for verification.

Christopher D. Karlgaard↗

Development of a triple-moment ice-phase cloud microphysics scheme and its application to the Single Column Atmosphere Model

Parameterization of cloud microphysics is critical for accurate simulation of weather and climate, in which the characteristics of cloud particle spectrum inevitably further affect climate simulation by changing the cloud evolution and cloud radiation effects. The popular currently used double-moment cloud microphysics schemes in numerical models can predict the intercept (N 0 ) and slope (λ) parameters of cloud particle spectrum but cannot predict the spectral shape parameter (μ), which hinders accurate description of cloud physical processes in climate models. Therefore, in the present study, we built upon the ideas of previously developed triple-moment cloud microphysics scheme, considered radar reflectivity factor as the third predictor in addition to number and mass concentration, and introduced its related prediction equation to the Single Column Atmosphere Model Version 5.3 (SCAM5.3). Moreover, the relevant microphysical process formulas in the model were revised, and a triple-moment ice-cloud microphysics scheme was constructed to predict the μ of ice particle spectrum. Based on this model, a 29-day case of the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program in the summer of 1997 (ARM97) was simulated, and the differences in cloud fraction and radiation simulations between the double- and triple-moment schemes were analysed. The μ of ice particle spectrum predicted by the triple-moment scheme mainly ranged from 0 to 4; the peak value was around 2, and at least 85% of the μ values were greater than the default 0. Therefore, the μ=0 setting in the double-moment scheme is unreasonable. Moreover, the developed triple-moment ice-cloud microphysics scheme yielded a narrower ice particle spectrum, which was closer to the observation results of previous studies, than the double-moment cloud microphysics scheme (e.g., height=233 hPa). Furthermore, compared with the double-moment scheme, the triple-moment scheme achieved closer simulations of the cloud fraction observations, particularly for ice clouds in the upper levels. Considering the close association between cloud fraction and radiation, the error with the triple-moment scheme was smaller than that with the double-moment scheme regardless of the shortwave (surface downward shortwave radiation, net downward shortwave radiation at the top of the atmosphere, and net shortwave radiation at the surface) or longwave (surface downward longwave radiation and net longwave radiation at the surface) flux density. Finally, the improvement mechanism of the triple-moment scheme on cloud fraction and radiation simulations was explored. The major reason is that the triple-moment scheme weakens the autoconversion of ice crystal to form snow and enhances the growth process of ice crystal deposition, thereby increasing the mass concentration of ice crystals and ice cloud fraction. Overall, the developed triple-moment ice-cloud microphysics scheme can help improve the simulation ability of models for cloud-climate feedback and other processes.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Estimation of Lower-Body Kinetics from Loading Profile and Kinematics Alone, Without Measured Ground Reaction Forces

Biomechanical models of human motion can estimate kinetic outcomes, such as joint moments, joint forces and muscle forces. Typically, one performs an inverse dynamics (ID) analysis to compute joint moments from joint angles and measured external forces. Sometimes it is impractical to measure ground reaction forces and moments (GRF&M). We devised an empirical method for performing ID analysis of resistance exercises without measured GRF&M. The method solves the multibody dynamics equations of motion with four key assumptions about the GRF&M that reduce the number of unknowns. The assumptions are 1) negligible ground reaction moments, 2) fixed lateral/medial location of the center of pressure (COP), 3) equal fore/aft location of the COP between the feet, and 4) constant angle of the GRF vector relative to the vertical axis in the frontal plane. We used evaluation trials from a spaceflight countermeasure resistance training device to test this approach. Four participants performed squat and deadlift exercises at various loads. We compared results from traditional ID analysis to results without measured GRF&M using our method. We found that joint moment trajectories in the sagittal plane were qualitatively similar in shape between the two methods, and the amount of root mean squared error (RMSE), measured by difference in joint moment impulse, was typically under 10 percent. Non-sagittal joint moment trajectories, which are much lower in overall magnitude, were not qualitatively similar in shape between the two methods. Non-sagittal moments displayed much higher RMSE, with typical values well over 50 percent. These findings were further supported by validation metrics (Sprague and Geers' P and M metrics, Pearson's r correlation coefficient). Based on these findings, we concluded that useful kinetic results are obtained from ID analysis of squat and deadlift exercises, even when GRF&M are not measured, as long as the outcomes of interest lie in the sagittal plane.

computational modeling↗