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At least 577 records · Page 32

Linear continuous and sampled-data systems

Program performs general analysis of linear and continuous, discrete and sampled-data systems using state-variable techniques. Program is especially suited analysis of linearized control system problems. It also can be used to model system described by combination of differential equations and Laplace transform blocks, such as aircraft control system.

Edwards, J. W.↗

Data analysis for the accelerated test

Test variables discussed graphically include the effects of: (1) ambient temperature; (2) depth of the discharge; (3) discharge rate; (4) percent of recgargel (5) KOH concentration; (6) KOH volume; (7) charge rate and (8) negative per charge.

Bogner, S.↗

Diurnal variability of regional cloud and clear-sky radiative parameters derived from GOES data. I - Analysis method. II - November 1978 cloud distributions. III - November 1978 radiative parameters

Cloud cover is one of the most important variables affecting the earth radiation budget (ERB) and, ultimately, the global climate. The present investigation is concerned with several aspects of the effects of extended cloudiness, taking into account hourly visible and infrared data from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satelite (GOES). A methodology called the hybrid bispectral threshold method is developed to extract regional cloud amounts at three levels in the atmosphere, effective cloud-top temperatures, clear-sky temperature and cloud and clear-sky visible reflectance characteristics from GOES data. The diurnal variations are examined in low, middle, high, and total cloudiness determined with this methodology for November 1978. The bulk, broadband radiative properties of the resultant cloud and clear-sky data are estimated to determine the possible effect of the diurnal variability of regional cloudiness on the interpretation of ERB measurements.

Minnis, P.↗

Diurnal variability of the hydrologic cycle in a general circulation model

In the present Colorado State University GCM simulation-based analysis of the diurnal and semidiurnal variability of precipitation, precipitable water, evaporation, cloudiness, horizontal moisture flux convergence, and cloud radiative forcing, a realistic afternoon precipitation maximum is obtained over land in warm rainy regions, as well as an early morning maximum over the oceans. The model has been further used to investigate the bases for the oceanic diurnal-precipitation cycle; the results thus obtained indicate that such an oceanic cycle occurs even in the absence of neighboring continents, and tends to have a morning maximum, although the observed phenomenon is generally stronger than the results indicate.

Randall, David A.↗

A probabilistic fatigue analysis of multiple site damage

The variability in initial crack size and fatigue crack growth is incorporated in a probabilistic model that is used to predict the fatigue lives for unstiffened aluminum alloy panels containing multiple site damage (MSD). The uncertainty of the damage in the MSD panel is represented by a distribution of fatigue crack lengths that are analytically derived from equivalent initial flaw sizes. The variability in fatigue crack growth rate is characterized by stochastic descriptions of crack growth parameters for a modified Paris crack growth law. A Monte-Carlo simulation explicitly describes the MSD panel by randomly selecting values from the stochastic variables and then grows the MSD cracks with a deterministic fatigue model until the panel fails. Different simulations investigate the influences of the fatigue variability on the distributions of remaining fatigue lives. Six cases that consider fixed and variable conditions of initial crack size and fatigue crack growth rate are examined. The crack size distribution exhibited a dominant effect on the remaining fatigue life distribution, and the variable crack growth rate exhibited a lesser effect on the distribution. In addition, the probabilistic model predicted that only a small percentage of the life remains after a lead crack develops in the MSD panel.

Rohrbaugh, S. M.↗

Analysis of penetration and mixing of gas jets in supersonic cross flow

The JETPEN analysis for gas jets in a supersonic cross flow developed earlier at APL/JHU has been extended in several important ways. First, the treatment of cases with injection at angles other than 90 deg has been redone. Next, the second of the three regions formerly treated has been eliminated. Third, the region downstream of the Mach disk for underexpanded cases has been reformulated such that turbulent entrainment of main stream fluid into the plume is modeled, and the equations of motion are solved marching downstream. These changes now permit prediction of the variation in composition, mixing area growth and all other flow variables along the plume. The analysis has been verified by comparison of predictions and experiment over a wide range of conditions. The result is an analysis capable of reliable predictions of the major flowfield variables that can be run on a PC.

Billig, F. S.↗

Estimating regression coefficients from clustered samples: Sampling errors and optimum sample allocation

A number of surveys were conducted to study the relationship between the level of aircraft or traffic noise exposure experienced by people living in a particular area and their annoyance with it. These surveys generally employ a clustered sample design which affects the precision of the survey estimates. Regression analysis of annoyance on noise measures and other variables is often an important component of the survey analysis. Formulae are presented for estimating the standard errors of regression coefficients and ratio of regression coefficients that are applicable with a two- or three-stage clustered sample design. Using a simple cost function, they also determine the optimum allocation of the sample across the stages of the sample design for the estimation of a regression coefficient.

Kalton, G.↗

Analysis And Control System For Automated Welding

Automated variable-polarity plasma arc (VPPA) welding apparatus operates under electronic supervision by welding analysis and control system. System performs all major monitoring and controlling functions. It acquires, analyzes, and displays weld-quality data in real time and adjusts process parameters accordingly. Also records pertinent data for use in post-weld analysis and documentation of quality. System includes optoelectronic sensors and data processors that provide feedback control of welding process.

Powell, Bradley W.↗

Rapid X-ray variability in the Seyfert galaxy NGC 6814

In contrast with the Tennant et al (1981) sample of over 30 active galactic nuclei, HEAO 1 A-2 high time resolution X-ray observations of the X-ray emitting Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 6814 show strong X-ray variability on time scales of less than 3 hr. On a time scale of 90 min, the mean flux varied by a factor of about 2.5, and a characteristic time for variability of 100 + 60 or - 25 sec is obtained by autocorrelation analysis. There is no indication of spectral variability with an upper limit on a change in the power law spectral index of less than about 0.37, for a factor 2 change in intensity. The constraints of such rapid variability on a range of X-ray source mechanisms is discussed.

Tennant, A. F.↗

Prediction of radio frequency power generation of Neptune's magnetosphere from generalized radiometric Bode's law

Magnetospheric radio frequency emission power has been shown to vary as a function of both solar wind and planetary values such as magnetic field by Kaiser and Desch (1984). Planetary magnetic fields have been shown to scale with planetary variables such as density and angular momentum by numerous researchers. This paper combines two magnetic scaling laws with the radiometric law to yield 'Bode's'-type laws governing planetary radio emissions. Further analysis allows the reduction of variables to planetary mass and orbital distance. These generalized laws are then used to predict the power otuput of Neptune to be about 1.6 x 10 to the 7th W; with the intensity peaking at about 3 MHz.

Million, M. A.↗

A Comparison of the Variability of the Symbiotic X-ray Binaries GX 1+4, 4U 1954+31, and 4U 1700+24 from Swift/BAT and RXTE/ASM Observations

We present an analysis of the X-ray variability of three symbiotic X-ray binaries, GX 1+4, 4U 1700+24, and 4U 1954+31, using observations made with the Swift Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) and the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) All-Sky Monitor (ASM). Observations of 4U 1954+31 with the Swift BAT show modulation at a period near 5 hours. Models to explain this modulation are discussed including the presence of an exceptionally slow X-ray pulsar in the system and accretion instabilities. We conclude that the most likely interpretation is that 4U 1954+31 contains one of the slowest known X-ray pulsars. Unlike 4U 1954+31, neither GX 1+4 nor 4U 1700+24 show any evidence for modulation on a timescale of hours. An analysis of the RXTE ASM light curves of GX l+4, 4U 1700+24, and 4U 1954+31 does not show the presence of periodic modulation in any source, although there is considerable variability on long timescales for all three sources. There is no modulation in GX 1+4 on either the optical 1161 day orbital period or a previously reported 304 day X-ray period. For 4U 1700+24 we do not confirm the 404 day period previously proposed for this source from a shorter duration ASM light curve.

Corbet, R. H. D.↗

Reduction method with system analysis for multiobjective optimization-based design

An approach for reducing the number of variables and constraints, which is combined with System Analysis Equations (SAE), for multiobjective optimization-based design is presented. In order to develop a simplified analysis model, the SAE is computed outside an optimization loop and then approximated for use by an operator. Two examples are presented to demonstrate the approach.

Azarm, S.↗

The analysis of the transient pressure response of the shuttle EPS-ECS cryogenic tanks with external pressurization systems

An analysis of transient pressures in externally pressurized cryogenic hydrogen and oxygen tanks was conducted and the effects of design variables on pressure response determined. The analysis was conducted with a computer program which solves the compressible viscous flow equations in two-dimensional regions representing the tank and external loop. The external loop volume, thermal mass, and heat leak were the dominant design variables affecting the system pressure response. No significant temperature stratification occurred in the fluid contained in the tank.

Barton, J. E.↗

Analysis of multigrid methods on massively parallel computers: Architectural implications

We study the potential performance of multigrid algorithms running on massively parallel computers with the intent of discovering whether presently envisioned machines will provide an efficient platform for such algorithms. We consider the domain parallel version of the standard V cycle algorithm on model problems, discretized using finite difference techniques in two and three dimensions on block structured grids of size 10(exp 6) and 10(exp 9), respectively. Our models of parallel computation were developed to reflect the computing characteristics of the current generation of massively parallel multicomputers. These models are based on an interconnection network of 256 to 16,384 message passing, 'workstation size' processors executing in an SPMD mode. The first model accomplishes interprocessor communications through a multistage permutation network. The communication cost is a logarithmic function which is similar to the costs in a variety of different topologies. The second model allows single stage communication costs only. Both models were designed with information provided by machine developers and utilize implementation derived parameters. With the medium grain parallelism of the current generation and the high fixed cost of an interprocessor communication, our analysis suggests an efficient implementation requires the machine to support the efficient transmission of long messages, (up to 1000 words) or the high initiation cost of a communication must be significantly reduced through an alternative optimization technique. Furthermore, with variable length message capability, our analysis suggests the low diameter multistage networks provide little or no advantage over a simple single stage communications network.

Matheson, Lesley R.↗

Coronal energy distribution and X-ray activity in the small scale magnetic field of the quiet sun

The energy distribution in the small-scale magnetic field that pervades the solar surface, and its relationship to X-ray/coronal activity are discussed. The observed emission from the small scale structures, at temperatures characteristic of the chromosphere, transition region and corona, emanates from the boundaries of supergranular cells, within coronal bright points. This emission is characterized by a strong temporal and spatial variability with no definite pattern. The analysis of simultaneous, multiwavelength EUV observations shows that the spatial density of the enhanced as well as variable emission from the small scale structures exhibits a pronounced temperature dependence with significant maxima at 100,000 and 1,000,000 K. Within the limits of the spatial (1-5 arcsec) and temporal (1-5 min) resolution of data available at present, the observed variability in the small scale structure cannot account for the coroal heating of the quiet sun. The characteristics of their emission are more likely to be an indicator of the coronal heating mechanisms.

Habbal, S. R.↗

Discerning Trends in Performance Across Multiple Events

Mass Data is a computer program that enables rapid, easy discernment of trends in performance data across multiple flights and ground tests. The program can perform Fourier analysis and other functions for the purposes of frequency analysis and trending of all variables. These functions facilitate identification of past use of diagnosed systems and of anomalies in such systems, and enable rapid assessment of related current problems. Many variables, for computation of which it is usually necessary to perform extensive manual manipulation of raw downlist data, are automatically computed and made available to all users, regularly eliminating the need for what would otherwise be an extensive amount of engineering analysis. Data from flight, ground test, and simulation are preprocessed and stored in one central location for instantaneous access and comparison for diagnostic and trending purposes. Rules are created so that an event log is created for every flight, making it easy to locate information on similar maneuvers across many flights. The same rules can be created for test sets and simulations, and are searchable, so that information on like events is easily accessible.

Slater, Simon↗

Design sensitivity analysis using EAL. Part 2: Shape design parameters

A numerical implementation of shape design sensitivity analysis of built-up structures is presented, using the versatility and convenience of an existing finite element structural analysis code and its data base management system. This report is a continuation of a previous report on conventional design parameters. The finite element code used in the implementation presented is the Engineering Analysis Language (EAL), which is based on a hybrid analysis method. It has been shown that shape design sensitivity computations can be carried out using the database management system of EAL, without writing a separate program and a separate data base. The material derivative concept of continuum mechanics and an adjoint variable method of design sensitivity analysis are used to derive shape design sensitivity information of structural performances. A domain method of shape design sensitivity analysis and a design component method are used. Displacement and stress functionals are considered as performance criteria.

Dopker, B.↗