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At least 595 records · Page 33
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NASA NTRS1980

Small scale wind perturbation analysis for vertically rising launch vehicles

This paper discusses the determination of small-scale vertical wind spectra used with space flight and ballistic technology. In particular, Jimsphere, a precision balloon wind sensor with high radar reflectivity is considered. Gross wind velocity data is analyzed to subtract the steady-state wind and wind change-shear effects. A residue of small wind perturbations is left in the horizontal (scalar) along the vertical direction. An analysis leading to formulation of the covariance function with altitude is presented. The function is decoupled to yield an almost periodic representation of the vertical wind perturbations. Forcing functions are determined when the representation is coupled with the vehicle velocity characteristics.

Chenoweth, H. B.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A numerical method for solving the equations of compressible viscous flow

Although much progress has already been made in solving problems in aerodynamic design, many new developments are still needed before the equations for unsteady compressible viscous flow can be solved routinely. This paper describes one such development. A method for solving these equations has been devised that: (1) is second-order accurate in space and time; (2) is unconditionally stable; (3) preserves conservation form; (4) requires no block or scalar tridiagonal inversions; (5) is simple and straightforward to program (estimated 10% modification for the update of many existing programs); (6) is more efficient than present methods; and (7) should easily adapt to current and future computer architectures. Computational results for laminar and turbulent flows at Reynolds numbers from 300,000 to 3 x 10 to the 7th and at CFL numbers as high as 1000 are compared with theory and experiment.

Maccormack, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Supersonic viscous flow over cones at incidence

The conically symmetric Navier-Stokes equations are solved by MacCormack's method for the supersonic flow past sharp cones at incidence. To provide closure for the case of turbulent flows, a scalar eddy-viscosity model based on mixing length hypotheses is used. The results are compared with available experimental data.

Mcrae, D. S.↗
NASA NTRS1981

An objective method for determining the generalized transport tensor for two-dimensional Eulerian models

An objective method for deriving the components of a generalized transport tensor for a two-dimensional model is presented. Representative meridional and vertical velocities and thermodynamic scalars at a uniform grid are used to reduce the problem to the solution of two flux equations for two unknowns. One unknown is the stream-function, coefficient of an antisymmetric tensor, which corrects the Eulerian mean motions for Stokes drift; the other is a time constant, which converts the deviatory velocity tensor to a symmetric transport tensor. The complete asymmetric tensor, called a transport tensor, has a divergence which yields both advection and diffusion by the deviatory velocities. Advantages and disadvantages of Lagrangian and Eulerian averages are discussed, and meridional-vertical velocity correlations are provided.

Danielsen, E. F.↗
NASA NTRS1981

SAR processing on the MPP

The processing of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) signals using the massively parallel processor (MPP) is discussed. The fast Fourier transform convolution procedures employed in the algorithms are described. The MPP architecture comprises an array unit (ARU) which processes arrays of data; an array control unit which controls the operation of the ARU and performs scalar arithmetic; a program and data management unit which controls the flow of data; and a unique staging memory (SM) which buffers and permutes data. The ARU contains a 128 by 128 array of bit-serial processing elements (PE). Two-by-four surarrays of PE's are packaged in a custom VLSI HCMOS chip. The staging memory is a large multidimensional-access memory which buffers and permutes data flowing with the system. Efficient SAR processing is achieved via ARU communication paths and SM data manipulation. Real time processing capability can be realized via a multiple ARU, multiple SM configuration.

Batcher, K. E.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Use of Magsat anomaly data for crustal structure and mineral resources in the US midcontinent

Magnetic profiles on individual satellites tracks were examined to identify bad (nonterrestrially-based) data points r profiles. Anomaly profiles for the same satellite track, but at different passes were compared for parallel tracks and for tracks that cross. The selected and processed data were plotted and contoured to develop a preliminary magnetic anomaly map. The map is similar in general morphology to NASA's Magsat global scalar anomaly map, but has more detail which is related to crustal properties. Efforts have begun to interpret the satellite magnetic anomalies in terms of crustal character. The correlation of magnetics with crustal petrology may have a much larger tectonic implication. Th possibility of there being an ultramafic lower crust along one zone as a consequence of a continental collision/subduction which helped form the midcontinent craton in Precambrian times is being investigated.

Carmichael, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Investigation of antarctic crust and upper mantle using MAGSAT and other geophysical data

The isolation of the crustal magnetic anomaly field is discussed. Slowly spatially varying ring current fields were modeled as a least squares fit to each MAGSAT pass over Antarctica. Selection criteria were applied to data from 3000 MAGSAT passes to remove field aligned currents, yielding 87 data sets used to construct a scalar magnetic anomaly map for regions south of 55 S latitude. Internal tests performed on MAGSAT data and comparisons with the POGO map indicated that the general anomaly features are of crustal origin. The sources of anomalies generated in continental and in oceanic regions are discussed. Correlations were found between crustal magnetic anomalies and known geologic features over West and East Antarctica and over the surrounding oceanic regions.

Bentley, C. R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Experience with a vectorized general circulation weather model on Star-100

A version of an atmospheric general circulation model was vectorized to run on a CDC STAR 100. The numerical model was coded and run in two different vector languages, CDC and LRLTRAN. A factor of 10 speed improvement over an IBM 360/95 was realized. Efficient use of the STAR machine required some redesigning of algorithms and logic. This precludes the application of vectorizing compilers on the original scalar code to achieve the same results. Vector languages permit a more natural and efficient formulation for such numerical codes.

Soll, D. B.↗
NASA NTRS1981

The reduction, verification and interpretation of MAGSAT magnetic data over Canada

Procedures were established to select quiet, least-disturbed MAGSAT data in an effort to study the magnetic field originating in the solid Earth. A preliminary map of scalar field anomalies over Canada and adjacent regions was produced. Data from Fort Churchill magnetic observatory (an auroral zone station) were used in classifying MAGSAT passes as quiet, unsettled, or disturbed. Determinations of long-term quiet levels at Canadian magnetic observatories are being made. For the time interval of each MAGSAT pass, the deviations of the mean hourly values of the magnetic field components are determined from these quiet levels, in particular for Fort Churchill. Primary processing all CHRONINT tapes received to date, involved decoding orbit records, decimating data records, selecting time intervals and latitude intervals, and producing output tapes carrying records with data point time, position and magnetic information. Subsequent processing converts the coordinate system from geocentric to geodetic and removes a reference field.

Coles, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1981

MAGSAT and aeromagnetic data in the North American continent

Problems were encountered in deriving a proper reference field to be subtracted from the aeromagnetic data obtained from Project MAGNET. Field models tried thus far do not seem to eliminate properly the main field. The MAGSAT data in the North American continent for the period November 1 to December 22, 1979 are being compiled and compared with MAGNET data. Efforts are being made to eliminate the orbital bias errors. A computer program was developed and successfully tested which computes a topographic profile of the Curie depth isotherm which fits best to the observed vector or scalar field magnetic data.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1982

Guidelines for developing vectorizable computer programs

Some fundamental principles for developing computer programs which are compatible with array-oriented computers are presented. The emphasis is on basic techniques for structuring computer codes which are applicable in FORTRAN and do not require a special programming language or exact a significant penalty on a scalar computer. Researchers who are using numerical techniques to solve problems in engineering can apply these basic principles and thus develop transportable computer programs (in FORTRAN) which contain much vectorizable code. The vector architecture of the ASC is discussed so that the requirements of array processing can be better appreciated. The "vectorization" of a finite-difference viscous shock-layer code is used as an example to illustrate the benefits and some of the difficulties involved. Increases in computing speed with vectorization are illustrated with results from the viscous shock-layer code and from a finite-element shock tube code. The applicability of these principles was substantiated through running programs on other computers with array-associated computing characteristics, such as the Hewlett-Packard (H-P) 1000-F.

Miner, E. W.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Investigation from Japanese MAGSAT team

The acquisition of tapes which contain vector and scalar data decimated at an interval of 0.5 sec, together with time and position data, is reported. Progress in the study of magnetic anomalies in the vicinity of Japan and in electric currents in the ionosphere and magnetosphere is also reported. MAGSAT data was used in obtaining a map of total force anomaly for the area of latitude 10-70 deg N and longitude 110-170 deg E. One of the outstanding features in the map of the magnetic anomaly is a negative magnetic anomaly in the Okhotsk Sea, which is of geophysical interest because of its possible connection with high heat flow values in that area.

Fukushima, N.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Investigation of geomagnetic field forecasting and fluid dynamics of the core

It was established that the total absolute magnetic flux crossing the core- mantle boundary has been a constant of the core motion for the last 50 years. This provides a scalar constraint that could be added to the geometric modelling procedure. The GSFC 8 8/80 model is being evaluated. The absolute magnetic flux linking the CMB to that model was plotted as a function of time during the span covered by the data, and increasing truncation level. The inclusion of the standard error of each Gauss coefficient derived from the statistics of fit in the GSFC 9/80 model is useful. The magnitude and sense (upwelling or downe welling) of vertical fluid motion adjacent to the core-mantle boundary was calculated using the model. Standard errors were found to be sufficiently small at all but one or two of the 40 or more critical points of B sub r. They do not nearly overlap the value gamma u/gamma r = 0. It is concluded that the core is upwelling and downwelling at an observationally detectable level.

Benton, E. R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

An investigation of MAGSAT and complementary data emphasizing precambrian shields and adjacent areas of West Africa and South America

The problems associated with the use of an interactive magnetic modeling program are reported and a publication summarizing the MAGSAT anomaly results for Africa and the possible tectonic associations of these anomalies is provided. An overview of the MAGSAT scalar anomaly map for Africa suggested a correlation of MAGSAT anomalies with major crustal blocks of uplift or depression and different degrees of regional metamorphism. The strongest MAGSAT anomalies in Africa are closely correlated spatially with major tectonic features. Results indicate that the Bangui anomaly may be caused by a central old Precambrian shield, flanked to the north and south by two relatively young sedimentary basins.

Hastings, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The reduction, verification and interpretation of MAGSAT magnetic data over Canada

Correlations between the MAGSAT scalar anomaly map produced at the Earth Physics ranch and other geophysical and geological data reveal relationships between high magnetic field and some metamorphic grade shields, as well as between low magnetic field and shield regions of lower metamorphic grade. An intriguing contrast exists between the broad low anomaly field over the Nasen-Gakkel Ridge (a spreading plate margin) and the high anomaly field over Iceland (part of a spreading margin). Both regions have high heat flow, and presumably thin magnetic crust. This indicates that Iceland is quite anomalous in its magnetic character, and possible similarities with the Alpha Ridge are suggested. Interesting correlations exist between MAGSAT anomalies around the North Atlantic, after reconstructing the fit of continents into a prerifting configuration. These correlations suggest that several orogenies in that region have not completely destroyed an ancient magnetization formed in high grade Precambrian rocks.

Coles, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1981

MAGSAT data processing: A report for investigators

The in-flight attitude and vector magnetometer data bias recovery techniques and results are described. The attitude bias recoveries are based on comparisons with a magnetic field model and are thought to be accurate to 20 arcsec. The vector magnetometer bias recoveries are based on comparisons with the scalar magnetometer data and are thought to be accurate to 3 nT or better. The MAGSAT position accuracy goals of 60 m radially and 300 m horizontally were achieved for all but the last 3 weeks of Magsat lifetime. This claim is supported by ephemeris overlap statistics and by comparisons with ephemerides computed with an independent orbit program using data from an independent tracking network. MAGSAT time determination accuracy is estimated at 1 ms. Several errors in prelaunch assumptions regarding data time tags, which escaped detection in prelaunch data tests, and were discovered and corrected postlaunch are described. Data formats and products, especially the Investigator-B tapes, which contain auxiliary parameters in addition to the basic magnetometer and ephemeris data, are described.

Langel, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Topological analysis of computed three-dimensional viscous flow fields

Computed solutions of the time-dependent, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations for three dimensional flows having thin shear layers are analyzed using topological concepts. Specific examples include the transonic flow over a body of revolution with conical afterbody at moderate angles of incidence to the free stream. Experimental flow-visualization techniques are simulated graphically to visualize the computed flow. Scalar and vector fluid dynamics properties such as pressure, shear stress, and vorticity on the body surface are presented as topological maps, and their relationship to one another in terms of orientation and singular points is discussed. The extrapolation from these surface topologies toward the understanding of external flow-field behavior is and demonstrated.

Deiwert, G. S.↗
NASA NTRS1982

A model-based technique for predicting pilot opinion ratings for large commercial transports

A model-based technique for predicting pilot opinion ratings is described. Features of this procedure, which is based on the optimal-control model for pilot/vehicle systems, include (1) capability to treat "unconventional" aircraft dynamics, (2) a relatively free-form pilot model, (3) a simple scalar metric for attentional workload, and (4) a straightforward manner of proceeding from descriptions of the flight task environment and requirements to a prediction of pilot opinion rating. The method was able to provide a good match to a set of pilot opinion ratings obtained in a manned simulation study of large commercial aircraft in landing approach.

Levison, W. H.↗