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At least 613 records · Page 34
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

Structure of the plasmapause from ISEE 1 low-energy ion and plasma wave observations

Low-energy ion pitch angle distributions are compared with plasma density profiles in the near-earth magnetosphere using ISEE 1 observations. The classical plasmapause determined by the sharp density gradient is not always observed in the dayside region, whereas there almost always exists the ion pitch angle distribution transition from cold, isotropic to warm, bidirectional, field-aligned distributions. In the nightside region the plasmapause density gradient is typically found, and it normally coincides with the ion pitch angle distribution transition. The sunward motion of the plasma is found in the outer part of the 'plasmaspheric' plasma in the dusk bulge region.

Nagai, T.↗
NASA NTRS1991

An inverse inviscid method for the design of quasi-three dimensional rotating turbomachinery cascades

A new inverse inviscid method suitable for the design of rotating blade sections lying on an arbitrary axisymmetric stream-surface with varying streamtube width is presented. The geometry of the axisymmetric stream-surface and the streamtube width variation with meridional distance, the number of blades, the inlet flow conditions, the rotational speed and the suction and pressure side velocity distributions as functions of the normalized arc-length are given. The flow is considered irrotational in the absolute frame of reference and compressible. The output of the computation is the blade section that satisfies the above data. The method solves the flow equations on a (phi 1, psi) potential function-streamfunction plane for the velocity modulus, W and the flow angle beta; the blade section shape can then be obtained as part of the physical plane geometry by integrating the flow angle distribution along streamlines. The (phi 1, psi) plane is defined so that the monotonic behavior of the potential function is guaranteed, even in cases with high peripheral velocities. The method is validated on a rotating turbine case and used to design new blades. To obtain a closed blade, a set of closure conditions were developed and referred.

Bonataki, E.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Material processing of convection-driven flow field and temperature distribution under oblique gravity

A set of mathematical formulation is adopted to study vapor deposition from source materials driven by heat transfer process under normal and oblique directions of gravitational acceleration with extremely low pressure environment of 10(exp -2) mm Hg. A series of time animation of the initiation and development of flow and temperature profiles during the course of vapor deposition has been obtained through the numerical computation. Computations show that the process of vapor deposition has been accomplished by the transfer of vapor through a fairly complicated flow pattern of recirculation under normal direction gravitational acceleration. It is obvious that there is no way to produce a homogeneous thin crystalline films with fine grains under such a complicated flow pattern of recirculation with a non-uniform temperature distribution under normal direction gravitational acceleration. There is no vapor deposition due to a stably stratified medium without convection for reverse normal direction gravitational acceleration. Vapor deposition under oblique direction gravitational acceleration introduces a reduced gravitational acceleration in vertical direction which is favorable to produce a homogeneous thin crystalline films. However, oblique direction gravitational acceleration also induces an unfavorable gravitational acceleration along horizontal direction which is responsible to initiate a complicated flow pattern of recirculation. In other words, it is necessary to carry out vapor deposition under a reduced gravity in the future space shuttle experiments with extremely low pressure environment to process vapor deposition with a homogeneous crystalline films with fine grains. Fluid mechanics simulation can be used as a tool to suggest most optimistic way of experiment with best setup to achieve the goal of processing best nonlinear optical materials.

Hung, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

The aerodynamic design of the oblique flying wing supersonic transport

The aerodynamic design of a supersonic oblique flying wing is strongly influenced by the requirement that passengers must be accommodated inside the wing. It was revealed that thick oblique wings of very high sweep angle can be efficient at supersonic speeds when transonic normal Mach numbers are allowed on the upper surface of the wing. The goals were motivated by the ability to design a maximum thickness, minimum size oblique flying wing. A 2-D Navier-Stokes solver was used to design airfoils up to 16 percent thickness with specified lift, drag and pitching moment. A new method was developed to calculate the required pressure distribution on the wing based on the airfoil loading, normal Mach number distribution and theoretical knowledge of the minimum drag of oblique configurations at supersonic speeds. The wing mean surface for this pressure distribution was calculated using an inverse potential flow solver. The lift to drag ratio of this wing was significantly higher than that of a comparable delta wing for cruise speeds up to Mach 2.

Vandervelden, Alexander J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Multiparameter linear least-squares fitting to Poisson data one count at a time

A standard problem in gamma-ray astronomy data analysis is the decomposition of a set of observed counts, described by Poisson statistics, according to a given multicomponent linear model, with underlying physical count rates or fluxes which are to be estimated from the data. Despite its conceptual simplicity, the linear least-squares (LLSQ) method for solving this problem has generally been limited to situations in which the number n(sub i) of counts in each bin i is not too small, conventionally more than 5-30. It seems to be widely believed that the failure of the LLSQ method for small counts is due to the failure of the Poisson distribution to be even approximately normal for small numbers. The cause is more accurately the strong anticorrelation between the data and the wieghts w(sub i) in the weighted LLSQ method when square root of n(sub i) instead of square root of bar-n(sub i) is used to approximate the uncertainties, sigma(sub i), in the data, where bar-n(sub i) = E(n(sub i)), the expected value of N(sub i). We show in an appendix that, avoiding this approximation, the correct equations for the Poisson LLSQ (PLLSQ) problems are actually identical to those for the maximum likelihood estimate using the exact Poisson distribution. We apply the method to solve a problem in high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy for the JPL High-Resolution Gamma-Ray Spectrometer flown on HEAO 3. Systematic error in subtracting the strong, highly variable background encountered in the low-energy gamma-ray region can be significantly reduced by closely pairing source and background data in short segments. Significant results can be built up by weighted averaging of the net fluxes obtained from the subtraction of many individual source/background pairs. Extension of the approach to complex situations, with multiple cosmic sources and realistic background parameterizations, requires a means of efficiently fitting to data from single scans in the narrow (approximately = 1.2 keV, HEAO 3) energy channels of a Ge spectrometer, where the expected number of counts obtained per scan may be very low. Such an analysis system is discussed and compared to the method previously used.

Wheaton, Wm. A.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Retrieval of Precipitation Profiles from Multiresolution, Multifrequency, Active and Passive Microwave Observations

In this study, a technique for estimating vertical profiles of precipitation from multifrequency, multiresolution active and passive microwave observations is investigated. The technique is applicable to the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) observations and it is based on models that simulate high-resolution brightness temperatures as functions of observed reflectivity profiles and a parameter related to the rain drop-size-distribution. The modeled high-resolution brightness temperatures are used to determine normalized brightness temperature polarizations at the microwave radiometer resolution. An optimal estimation procedure is employed to minimize the differences between the simulated and observed normalized polarizations by adjusting the drop-size-distribution parameter. The impact of other unknowns that are not independent variables in the optimal estimation but affect the retrievals is minimized through statistical parameterizations derived from cloud model simulations. The retrieval technique is investigated using TRMM observations collected during the Kwajalein Experiment (KWAJEX). These observations cover an area extending from 5 deg to deg N latitude and 166 deg to 172 deg E longitude from July to September 1999, and are coincident with various ground-based observations, facilitating a detailed analysis of the retrieved precipitation. Using the method developed in this study, precipitation estimates consistent with both the passive and active TRMM observations are obtained. Various parameters characterizing these estimates, i.e. the rain rate, the precipitation water content, the drop-size-distribution intercept, and the mass weighted mean drop diameter, are in good qualitative agreement with independent experimental and theoretical estimates. Combined rain estimates are in general higher than the official TRMM Precipitation Radar (PR) only estimates for the area and the period considered in the study. Ground-based precipitation estimates, derived from an analysis of rain gauge and ground radar data, are in better agreement with the combined estimates than with the TRMM PR-only estimates, which suggests that information useful for improving the radar-only estimates is contained in the brightness temperature data.

Grecu, Mircea↗
NASA NTRS1980

A note of sound radiation from distributed sources

The power output from a normally vibrating strip radiator is expressed in alternative general forms, one of these being chosen to refine and correct some particular estimates given by Heckl for different numerical ratios of strip width to wave length. An exact and explicit calculation is effected for sinusoidal velocity profiles when the strip width equals an integer number of half wave lengths.

Levine, H.↗
NASA NTRS1979

A note on sound radiation from distributed sources

The power output from a normally vibrating strip radiator is expressed in alternative general forms, one of these being chosen to refine and correct some particular estimates given by Heckl for different numerical ratios of strip width to wave length. An exact and explicit calculation is effected for sinusoidal velocity profiles when the strip width equals an integer number of half wave lengths.

Levine, H.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Inclination distributions and size measurements of hemlock and red spruce needles

Needle inclination angle distributions were plotted for 5 and 10 deg intervals for two hemlock trees and one red spruce. The distributions for the hemlock and spruce were similar, with the peak normal angle occurring between 10 and 20 deg. These distributions are between two theoretical (planophile and spherical) leaf angle distributions. The results can be used as an input to radiative transfer models that require a distribution of the orientation of the scattering elements of the canopy.

Kimes, Daniel S.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Correlation for temperature profiles in the plane of symmetry downstream of a jet injected normal to a crossflow

A correlation method is presented for approximating the temperature distribution in the plane of symmetry downstream of a jet injected normal to a uniform crossflow. Correlations are developed for the scaling parameters required to define the temperature profile at any desired location from the dimensionless universal form which has been experimentally observed. Profiles calculated using the correlation methods are compared with experimental profiles for several momentum and density ratios at various downstream distances.

Holdeman, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Description and calibration of the Langley 6- by 19-inch transonic tunnel

A description and calibration is presented of the Langley 6- by 19-inch transonic tunnel which is a two-dimensional facility with top and bottom slotted walls used for testing two-dimensional airfoil sections. Basic tunnel-empty Mach number distributions and schlieren flow photographs as well as integrated normal-force coefficients, pitching-moment coefficients, surface-pressure distributions, and schlieren flow photographs of an NACA 0012 airfoil calibration model are presented. The Mach number capability of the facility is from 0.5 to about 1.1 with a corresponding Reynolds number range of 1.5 million to 3 million based on a 4.0-in. model chord. Comparisons of experimental results from the tests with previous data are also presented.

Ladson, C. L.↗
NASA NTRS1973

The optical oblateness of Mars

Two yellow and two blue photometric plates of Mars obtained on the near-opposition date of November 21/22, 1958 were studied with a microdensitometer. The plates were provided with a photometric tube scale. The measurements were converted into absolute normalized intensities with the aid of integrated magnitudes of the planet adopted from other sources. Exposures, coordinates and isophotic points are discussed together with the normalization of isophotic radii, standard distributions of brightness, reduced radii, atmospheric levels, and apparent oblateness.

Opik, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

A high order theory for uniform and laminated plates

A theory of plate deformation is derived which accounts for the effects of transverse shear deformation, transverse normal strain, and a nonlinear distribution of the in-plane displacements with respect to the thickness coordinate. The theory is compared with lower order plate theories through application to a particular problem involving a plate acted upon by a sinusoidal surface pressure. Comparison is also made with exact elasticity solution of this problem. It is found that when the ratio of the characteristic length of the load pattern to the plate thickness is of the order of unity, lower order theories are inadequate and the present high order theory is required to give meaningful results. Results are given for the bending of symmetric cross-ply and angle-ply laminates. Comparison with exact elasticity solutions indicates that the present plate theory is sufficiently accurate for predicting the behavior of thick laminates.

Lo, K. H.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Analysis of delamination in unidirectional and crossplied fiber composites containing surface cracks

A two-dimensional hybrid stress finite element analysis is described which was used to study the local stress field around delamination cracks in composite materials. The analysis employs a crack tip singularity element which is embedded in a matrix interlayer between plies of the laminate. Results are given for a unidirectional graphite/epoxy laminate containing a delamination emanating from a surface crack through the outside ply. The results illustrate several aspects of delamination cracks: (1) the localization of the singular stress domain within the interlayer; (2) the local concentration of stress in the ply adjacent to the crack; (3) the nature of the transverse normal and interlaminar shear stress distributions; and (4) the relative magnitudes of K sub 1 and K sub 2 associated with the delamination. A simple example of the use of the analysis in predicting delamination crack growth is demonstrated for a glass/epoxy laminate. The comparisons with experimental data show good agreement.

Wang, S. S.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Model aerodynamic test results for two variable cycle engine coannular exhaust systems at simulated takeoff and cruise conditions. Comprehensive data report. Volume 3: Graphical data book 1

A graphical presentation of the aerodynamic data acquired during coannular nozzle performance wind tunnel tests is given. The graphical data consist of plots of nozzle gross thrust coefficient, fan nozzle discharge coefficient, and primary nozzle discharge coefficient. Normalized model component static pressure distributions are presented as a function of primary total pressure, fan total pressure, and ambient static pressure for selected operating conditions. In addition, the supersonic cruise configuration data include plots of nozzle efficiency and secondary-to-fan total pressure pumping characteristics. Supersonic and subsonic cruise data are given.

Nelson, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Vacuum UV and soft X-ray optical emissions from electron impact on metals

Spectrograms from 2200 to 20 A of optical emissions produced by a simple lamp using fast (3-10-keV) electron impact on tungsten and tantalum targets are presented. The lamp dissipated up to 5 kW/sq cm on the target surface, simultaneously cleaning the surface and generating bremsstrahlung in the soft X-ray region with 3-keV electron impact and longer wavelength transition radiation at the higher energy. In both the bremsstrahlung and transition radiation modes, the lamp emissions were of sufficient strength and reproducibility to qualify the two mechanisms as potential processes for use in a secondary standard light source. Calculated spectral distributions of transition radiation for normally incident electrons on tungsten, tantalum, and aluminum targets, with a viewing direction 45 deg from the normal, are also shown.

Hughes, R. H.↗