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At least 559 records · Page 31

Tidal interactions between spherical galaxies

The impulse approximation and full N-body experiments are used to investigate the changes in mass and binding energy which result from gravitational encounters between spherical galaxies. Models with King (1966) and de Vaucouleurs (1948) surface density profiles, and radial, tangential, and isotropic velocity distributions. Results based on the impulse approximation depend on two collision parameters (the impact parameter and the ratio of the perturbing mass to the relative velocity at infinity); they agree well with N-body results. The asymptotic limit, valid for distant encounters, is found to approximate the correct results only for impact parameters larger than 10 effective radii. It is therefore of little use in most situations of interest. No simple 'linear' or 'quadratic' dependence of energy and mass loss on collision strength is found, but rather, a smooth intermediate behavior. Cross sections depend very little on the internal velocity structure of the galaxy, but quite strongly on the surface density profile in its outer parts. The reasons why these results disagree with the conclusions of previous workers are discussed.

Aguilar, L. A.↗

Mass and momentum turbulent transport experiments with swirling confined coaxial jets. II

An experimental study of mixing downstream of swirling coaxial jets discharging into an expanded duct was conducted to obtain data for the evaluation and improvement of turbulent transport models currently used in a variety of computational procedures throughout the combustion community. A combination of laser velocimeter and laser induced fluorescence techniques was employed to obtain mean and fluctuating velocity and concentration distributions at selected axial and radial locations throughout the flow field. Flow visualization techniques were also employed to determine qualitatively the time dependent characteristics of the flow and the scale of turbulence. Simultaneous two component velocity and concentration/velocity measurements provided data which were used to determine the average momentum and mass transport rates for each of three measurement planes. Mixing for swirling flows occurred in several steps of axial and radial mean convective flow and was completed in one-third the length required for nonswirling flow. Comparison of the mass and momentum transport processes for swirling and nonswirling flows indicated that large differences existed in these processes between the two flows.

Roback, R.↗

Comparison of two propeller source models for aircraft interior noise studies

The sensitivity of the predicted synchrophasing (SP) effectiveness trends to the propeller source model issued is investigated with reference to the development of advanced turboprop engines for transport aircraft. SP effectiveness is shown to be sensitive to the type of source model used. For the virtually rotating dipole source model, the SP effectiveness is sensitive to the direction of rotation at some frequencies but not at others. The SP effectiveness obtained from the virtually rotating dipole model is not very sensitive to the radial location of the source distribution within reasonable limits. Finally, the predicted SP effectiveness is shown to be more sensitive to the details of the source model used for the case of corotation than for the case of counterrotation.

Mahan, J. R.↗

Integrated-light spectroscopy of globular clusters at the infrared Ca II lines

Integrated-light spectroscopy has been obtained for 27 globular clusters at the Ca II IR triplet. Line strengths and radial velocities have been measured from the spectra. For the well-studied clusters in the sample, the strength of the Ca II lines is very well correlated with previous metallicity estimates. Thus, the triplet is useful as a metallicity indicator in globular cluster integrated-light spectra. The greatly reduced effect of interstellar extinction at these wavelengths (compared to the blue region of the spectrum) has permitted observations of some of the most heavily reddened clusters in the Galaxy. For several such clusters, the Ca II triplet metallicities are in poor agreement with metallicity estimates from IR photometry by Malkan (1981). The strength of an interstellar band at 8621A has been used to estimate the amount of extinction towards these clusters. Using the new metallicity and radial-velocity data, the metallicity distribution, kinematics, and spatial distribution of the disk globular cluster system have been analyzed. Results very similar to those of Zinn (1985) have been found. The relation of the disk globulars to the stellar thick disk is discussed.

Armandroff, Taft E.↗

Initial drop size and velocity distributions for airblast coaxial atomizers

Phase Doppler measurements were used to determine initial drop size and velocity distributions after a complete disintegration of coaxial liquid jets. The Sauter mean diameter (SMD) distribution was found to be strongly affected by the structure and behavior of the preceding liquid intact jet. The axial measurement stations were determined from the photographs of the coaxial liquid jet at very short distances (1-2 mm) downstream of the observed break-up locations. Minimum droplet mean velocities were found at the center, and maximum velocities were near the spray boundary. Size-velocity correlations show that the velocity of larger drops did not change with drop size. Drop rms velocity distributions have double peaks whose radial positions coincide with the maximum mean velocity gradients.

Eroglu, H.↗

IMAGE EUV Observations and Modeling of the Plasmaspheric Density Trough Associated with the 24 May 2000 Geomagnetic Storm

The IMAGE EUV imager observed a plasmaspheric density trough in association with a geomagnetically active period on 24 May 2000. At EUV wavelengths, this density trough appeared as an Archimedes spiral extending from Earth's shadow to approximately 1800 MLT. We present an analysis of this density trough using simulated EUV images. Observational EUV images are subjected to edge analysis to establish the plasmapause L-shell and the location of the density trough in terms of L-shell, MLT extent, and radial width. The plasmaspheric density distribution is modeled using both static and dynamic models for the plasmasphere. The background plasmasphere is then numerically simulated using the 4-parameter plasmaspheric density model contained within the Global Core Plasma Model (GCPM) [Gallagher et al., 20001 and the Dynamic Global Core Plasma Model (DGCPM). Simulated EUV images of the model plasmasphere are produced once an artificial density depletion, matching the observed MLT extent and width, has been removed. Once the azimuthal extent and width of the trough have been simulated, the depth of the artificial density depletion is iteratively adjusted to produce simulated EUV images that approximate observation. The results of this analysis and discussion of possible origins for this density trough will be presented.

Adrian, M.L.↗

The Large-Scale Plasmaspheric Density Trough Associated With the 24 May 2000 Geomagnetic Storm: IMAGE EUV Observations and Global Core Plasma Modeling

The IMAGE EUV imager observed a plasmaspheric density, trough in association with a geomagnetically active period on 24 May 2000. In EUV, this density, trough appears as an Archimedes spiral extending from Earth's shadow to approximately 1900 MLT. We present an analysis of this density trough using simulated EUV images, Observational EUV images are subjected to edge analysis to establish the plasmapause L-shell and the location of the density trough in terms of L-shell, MLT extent, and radial width. The plasmaspheric density distribution is modeled using both static and dynamic models for the plasmasphere. The background plasmasphere is then numerically simulated using the 4-parameter plasmaspheric density model contained within the Global Core Plasma Model (GCPM) and the Dynamic Global Core Plasma Model (DGCPM). Simulated EUV images of the model plasmasphere are produced once an artificial density, depletion, matching the observed MLT extent and width, has been removed. Once the azimuthal extent and width of the trough have been simulated, the depth of the artificial density depletion is iteratively adjusted to produce simulated EUV images that approximate observation. The results of this analysis and discussion of possible origins for this density trough will be presented.

Adrian, M. L.↗

The Size Frequency Distribution of Small Main-Belt Asteroids

The asteroid size distribution informs us about the formation and composition of the Solar System. We build on our previous work in which we harvest serendipitously observed data of the Taurus region and measure the brightness and size distributions of Main-belt asteroids. This is accomplished with the highly sensitive MIPS 24 micron channel. We expect to catalog 104 asteroids, giving us a statistically significant data set. Results from this investigation will allow us to characterize the total population of small, Main-belt asteroids. Here we will present new results on the completeness of our study; on the presence of size distribution variations with inclination and radial distance in the belt; and early result on other archival fields.

Burt, Brian J.↗

Multi-Node Modeling of Cryogenic Tank Pressurization System using Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program

This paper presents a multi-node model of autogenous pressurization of cryogenic propellant in a flight tank using the Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP), a general purpose flow network code developed at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center. Tests were conducted to measure the pressure and temperatures at the various axial locations of the stratified ullage at 75% and 45% fill level. Liquid nitrogen was pressurized by gaseous nitrogen from a supply tank while the drain valve from the tank remained closed during the pressurization process. The ullage was discretized into 25 uniformly distributed nodes: 5 in the radial direction and 5 in the axial direction assuming the flow to be axisymmetric. Heat and mass transfer between the liquid and vapor has been modeled at the liquid vapor interface. Heat transfer between wall and vapor at the ullage has been accounted for by assuming heat transfer occurs by natural convection. The model also accounts for heat leak to the tank through the insulation and metal wall by heat conduction. The predicted pressures and temperatures are compared with the measured data.

Bandyopadhyay, Alak↗

An investigation of temperature distribution in cooled guide vanes

A numerical study to determine the temperature distribution in the guide vane blades of a radial inflow turbine is presented. A computer program was developed which permits the temperature distribution to be calculated when the blade is cooled internally using a combination of impingement and film cooling techniques. The study is based on the use of the finite difference method in a two dimensional heat conduction problem. The results are then compared to determine the best cooling configuration for a certain coolant to primary mass flow ratio.

Kotwal, R.↗

Recent Simulation Results on Ring Current Dynamics Using the Comprehensive Ring Current Model

Plasma sheet conditions and electromagnetic field configurations are both crucial in determining ring current evolution and connection to the ionosphere. In this presentation, we investigate how different conditions of plasma sheet distribution affect ring current properties. Results include comparative studies in 1) varying the radial distance of the plasma sheet boundary; 2) varying local time distribution of the source population; 3) varying the source spectra. Our results show that a source located farther away leads to a stronger ring current than a source that is closer to the Earth. Local time distribution of the source plays an important role in determining both the radial and azimuthal (local time) location of the ring current peak pressure. We found that post-midnight source locations generally lead to a stronger ring current. This finding is in agreement with Lavraud et al.. However, our results do not exhibit any simple dependence of the local time distribution of the peak ring current (within the lower energy range) on the local time distribution of the source, as suggested by Lavraud et al. [2008]. In addition, we will show how different specifications of the magnetic field in the simulation domain affect ring current dynamics in reference to the 20 November 2007 storm, which include initial results on coupling the CRCM with a three-dimensional (3-D) plasma force balance code to achieve self-consistency in the magnetic field.

Zheng, Yihua↗

Ground Tests of a Radial Air-Cooled Engine to Correct a Poor Circumferential Pressure-Recovery Distribution

This report presents the results of the tests of a power-plant installation to improve the circumferential pressure-recovery distribution at the face of the engine. An underslung "C" cowling was tested with two propellers with full cuffs and with a modification to one set of cuffs. Little improvement was obtained because the base sections of the cuffs were stalled. A set of guide vanes boosted the over-all pressures and helped the pressure recoveries for a few of the cylinders. Making the underslung cowling into a symmetrical "C" cowling evened the pressure distribution; however, no increases in front pressures were obtained. The pressures at the top cylinders remained low and the high pressures at the bottom cylinders were reduced. At higher powers and engine speeds, the symmetrical cowling appeared best from the standpoint of over-all cooling characteristics.

Gallagher, James J.↗

Thermal stresses in thick laminated composite shells

The paper provides an analytical formulation to investigate the thermomechanical behavior of thick composite shells subjected to a temperature distribution which varies arbitrarily in the radial direction. For illustrative purposes, shells under uniform temperature change are presented. It is found that thermal twist would occur even for symmetric laminated shells. Under uniform temperature rise, results for off-axis graphite/epoxy shells show that extensional-shear coupling can cause tensile radial stress throughout the shell and tensile hoop stress in the inner region. Laminated graphite/epoxy shells can exhibit negative effective thermal expansion coefficients in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Finally, the stacking sequence has a strong influence on the thermal stress distributions.

Yuan, F. G.↗

A Diagnostic Analysis of the Kennedy Space Center LDAR Network

The performance characteristics of the Kennedy Space Center Lightning Detection and Ranging (LDAR) network are investigated at medium-far range (50-300 km). A 19 month noise-filtered sample of LDAR observations is examined, from which it is determined that the "climatological" VHF source density as observed by LDAR falls off approximately 10 dB every 71 km of ground range from the network centroid. The underlying vertical distribution of LDAR sources is approximately normally distributed with a mean of 9 km and a standard deviation of 2.7 km, implying that loss of below-horizon sources has a negligible effect on column-integrated source densities within 200 km ground range. At medium to far ranges, location errors are primarily radial and have a slightly asymmetric distribution whose first moment increases as r(exp 2). A range calibration derived from these results is used to normalize source density maps on monthly, daily and hourly time scales and yields significant improvements in correlation with NLDN ground strike densities.

Boccippio, Dennis J.↗

Verification and Analysis of Formulation 4 of Langley for the Study of Noise From High Speed Surfaces

There are several approaches to the prediction of the noise from sources on high speed surfaces. Two of these are the Kirchhoff and the Ffowcs williams-Hawkings methods. It can be shown that both of these methods depend on the solution of the wave equation with mathematically similar inhomogeneous source terms. Two subsonic solutions known as Formulation 1 and 1A of Langley are simple and efficient for noise prediction. The supersonic solution known as Formulation 3 is very complicated and difficult to code. Because of the complexity of the result, the computation time is longer than the subsonic formulas. Furthermore, it is difficult to assess the accuracy of noise prediction. We have been searching for a new and simpler supersonic formulation without these shortcomings. In the last AIAA Aeroacoustics Conference in Toulouse, Farassat, Dunn and Brentner presented a paper in which such a result was presented and called Formulation 4 of Langley. In this paper we will present two analytic tests of the validity this Formulation: 1) the noise from dipole distribution on the unit circle whose strength varies radially with the square of the distance from the center and 2) the noise from dipole distribution on the unit sphere whose strength varies with the cosine of the angle from the polar axis. We will discuss the question of singularities of Formulation 4.

Farassat, F.↗

A Diagnostic Analysis of the Kennedy Space Center LDAR Network: Data Characteristics - 1

An analytical framework is developed in which to analyze climatological VHF (66 MHz) radiation measurements taken by the Kennedy Space Center Lightning Detection and Ranging (LDAR) network. A 19-month noise-filtered sample of LDAR observations is examined using this framework. It is found that the climatological VHF source density as observed by LDAR falls off approximately 10 dB every 71 km of ground range away from the network centroid (a 31 km e-folding scale). From this framework it is inferred that the underlying source distribution is likely inverse exponential in amplitude, with a log-slope of 126-147 mW(sup -1/2). The underlying vertical distribution of VHF sources is approximately normally distributed with a mean altitude of 9 km and a standard deviation of 2.7 km; this implies that the loss of below-horizon sources has a negligible effect on column-integrated source densities within 200 km ground range. At medium to far ranges, location errors are primarily radial and have a slightly asymmetric distribution whose first moment increases as range squared. Error moments estimated from observed lightning are significantly higher than those from aircraft-based signal generator or analytic solution estimates, suggesting that timing errors arising from poor signal identification and discrimination may dominate over timing errors arising from nominal sensor resolution. The VHF source properties of individual LDAR-observed flashes are computed and an analytic expression for flash detection efficiency vs. range is derived. This reveals nearly constant flash detection efficiency to 80-94 km range from the network centroid.

Boccippio, D. J.↗

A Diagnostic Analysis of the Kennedy Space Center LDAR Network: Data Characteristics - 1

An analytic framework is developed in which to analyze climatological VHF (66 MHz) radiation measurements taken by the Kennedy Space Center Lightning Detection and Ranging (LDAR) network. A 19 month noise-filtered sample of LDAR observations is examined using this framework. It is found that the climatological impulsive VHF source density as observed by LDAR falls off approximately 10 dB every 71 km of ground range away from the network centroid (a 31 km e-folding scale). The underlying vertical distribution of impulsive VHF sources is approximately normally distributed with a mean altitude of 9 km and a standard deviation of 2.7 km; this implies that the loss of below-horizon sources has a negligible effect on column-integrated source densities within a 200 km ground range. At medium to far ranges, location errors are primarily radial and have a slightly asymmetric distribution whose standard deviation increases as r(exp 2). Error moments estimated from observed lightning are significantly higher than those from aircraft-based signal generator or analytic estimates. LDAR bulk flash detection efficiency is predicted to be above 90% to 94-113 km range from the network centroid and to fall below 10% at ranges greater than 200-240 km.

Boccippio, D. J.↗