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At least 613 records · Page 34
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1973

Time variation of Martian regional contrasts.

Observations of contrast changes in blue light on Mars in 1969 and 1971 are presented. Seasonal effects evidently can be evaluated from these data, although nonseasonal effects are also present. A diurnal variation is noted for certain features during both apparitions. This variation cannot be fully accounted for without considering meteorological effects. An example of a contrast reversal in ultraviolet light is presented. The suggestion is made that during the Martian season covered herein, variability of the bright areas controlled the apparent contrasts observed.

Thompson, D. T.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Effect of configuration variation on externally blown flap noise

The sensitivity of flap interaction noise to variations in engine-under-the-wing externally blown flap geometry was investigated with a large cold-flow model. Both 2- and 3-flap wing sections (7-ft chord) with trailing flap angles up to 60 deg were employed. Exhaust nozzles included coaxial, plug, and 8- and 13-inch diameter conical configurations. These nozzles were tested at two positions below the wing. The effects of these geometry variations on noise level, directivity, and spectral shape are summarized in terms of exhaust flow parameters evaluated at the nozzle exit and at the flap impingement station. The results are also compared with limited flap noise data available from tests using real engines.

Dorsch, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Amplitude variations of whistler-mode signals caused by their interaction with energetic electrons of the magnetosphere

Whistler mode waves that propagate through the magnetosphere exchange energy with energetic electrons by wave-particle interaction mechanisms. Using linear theory, a detailed investigation is presented of the resulting amplitude variations of the wave as it propagates. Arbitrary wave frequency and direction of propagation are considered. A general class of electron distributions that are nonseparable in particle energy and pitch-angle is proposed. It is found that the proposed distribution model is consistent with available whistler and particle observations. This model yields insignificant amplitude variation over a large frequency band, a feature commonly observed in whistler data. This feature implies a certain equilibrium between waves and particles in the magnetosphere over a wide spread of particle energy, and is relevant to plasma injection experiments and to monitoring the distribution of energetic electrons in the magnetosphere.

Bernard, L. C.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Dynamic techniques for studies of secular variations in position from ranging to satellites

Satellite laser range measurements were applied to the study of latitude variation arising from polar motion, and the solid-earth and ocean tidal distortion of the earth's gravity field. Experiments involving two laser tracking stations were conducted. The relative location of one station with respect to the other was determined by performing simultaneous range measurements to a satellite from two stations several hundred kilometers apart. The application of this technique to the San Andreas Fault Experiment in California is discussed. Future capabilities of spacecraft equipped with laser retroreflectors include: (1) determination of the product of the earth's mass and gravitational constant; (2) measurement of crustal and tectonic motions; (3) determination of the elastic response of the solid-earth tidal forces; (4) measurement of the amplitudes and phase of certain components of the ocean tides; and (5) self-monitoring of the latitude and height variations of the tracking station.

Smith, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Solar luminosity variations and the climate of Mars

Attempts to resolve the solar neutrino flux problem have led to suggestions of large scale oscillations in the solar luminosity on a geological time scale. A simple climatological model of Mars indicates that its climate may be much more sensitive to luminosity changes than the earth's because of strong positive feedback mechanisms at work on Mars. Mariner-9 photographs of Mars show an abundance of large sinuous channels that point to an epoch of higher atmospheric pressures and abundant liquid water. Such an epoch could have been the result of large-scale, solar luminosity variations. However, our climatological model suggests that other less controversial mechanisms, such as obliquity or polar albedo changes, also could have led to such an epoch. As more becomes known about Mars, it may prove possible to formulate a history of Martian climate. By discovering effects that cannot be due to other mechanisms one may be able to form a chronology of solar luminosity variations to compare with data from the earth.

Toon, O. B.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Causes of forbush decreases and other cosmic ray variations

The relationship between neutron monitor variations and the intensity variations of the interplanetary magnetic field is studied, using Deep River data and IMP-series satellite data. In over 80% of the cases studied, identifiable depressions of the cosmic ray intensity are associated with magnetic field enhancements of several hours duration and intensity above 10 gamma. Conversely, each magnetic field enhancement has an identifiable effect (though not necessarily a marked depression) on the cosmic ray intensity. Long lasting Forbush decreases are found to be the consequence of the successive action of several such features. An explanation is presented and discussed.

Barouch, E.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Hingeless rotor theory and experiment on vibration reduction by periodic variation of conventional controls

The reduction of the n per rev. pitch-, roll- and vertical vibrations of an n-bladed rotor by n per rev. sinusoidal variations of the collective and cyclic controls is investigated. The numerical results presented refer to a four-bladed, 7.5-foot model and are based on frequency response tests conducted under an Army-sponsored research program. The following subjects are treated: extraction of the rotor transfer functions (.073R hub flapping and model thrust versus servo valve command, amplitude and phase), calculation of servo commands (volts) required to compensate .073R hub flapping (3P and 5P) and model thrust (4P), evaluation of the effect of the vibratory control inputs on blade loads, and theoretical prediction of the root flapbending moments generated by 0 to 5P perturbations of the feathering angle and rotor angle of attack. Five operating conditions are investigated covering advance ratios from approximately 0.2 to 0.85. The feasibility of vibration reduction by periodic variation on conventional controls is evaluated.

Sissingh, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Radial thickness variation in impact crater ejecta - Implications for lunar basin deposits

An expression is proposed for radial thickness variations in lunar impact crater ejecta. The expression was inferred from available cratering data and semi-empirical calculations for approximate modeling of variations in ejecta thickness with the increasing range of lunar craters. A table of predicted stratigraphic sections for the Apollo Landing sites is included. The predictions were made by using this expression. The results suggest that the pre-Nubium crustal material at upland Apollo sites lies at depths of above 280 up to 1940 m.

Mcgetchin, T. R.↗
NASA NTRS1974

The discrete complementary variational principle and optimal control systems

A discrete complementary variational principle is developed and applied to linear and nonlinear discrete-time optimal control systems. Using the variational approach, a primal-dual relationship is established. This relationship provides a precise measure of system suboptimality independent of any a priori knowledge of the optimal solution.

Chan, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Effect of configuration variation on externally blown flap noise

The sensitivity of flap interaction noise to variations in engine-under-the-wing externally blown flap geometry was investigated with a large cold-flow model. Both two- and three-flap wing sections (7-ft chord) with trailing flap angles up to 60 deg were employed. Exhaust nozzles included coaxial, plug, and 8- and 13-in.-diam conical configurations. These nozzles were tested at two positions below the wing (19-1/4 and 29-1/4 in.). The effects of these geometry variations on noise level, directivity, and spectral shape are summarized in terms of exhaust flow parameters evaluated at the nozzle exit and at the flap impingement station. The results are also compared with limited flap noise data available from tests using real engines.

Dorsch, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Useful extremum principle for the variational calculation of matrix elements

Variational principles are considered for the approximate evaluation of the diagonal matrix elements of an arbitrary known linear Hermitian operator. A method is derived that is immediately applicable to the variational determination of both the off-diagonal and diagonal matrix elements of normal and modified Green's functions.

Gerjuoy, E.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Extraterrestrial solar energy and its possible variations

Values of the solar constant and solar spectrum have been adopted as design standards for NASA space vehicles and as engineering standards by IES/ASTM. High resolution spectral data for the UV and visible range, normalized to these standards have been derived. Applications of these results for weather analysis, air pollution, ozone production, and atmospheric energy exchange are reviewed. Indications of possible variations in solar energy, total and spectral, and their influence on the earth-atmosphere system are examined. Programs for future studies of these variations from satellites and high-altitude aircraft are discussed.

Thekaekara, M. P.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Diurnal variations of HOx and NOx in the stratosphere

The diurnal variations of odd hydrogen (OH, HO2, H2O2) and odd nitrogen compounds (NO, NO2, HNO3) are investigated by using a one-dimensional time-dependent model containing both chemistry and eddy transport. These variations are discussed in terms of relevant processes.-

Whitten, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Spectroscopic observations of spatial and temporal variations on Venus

Details of the Table Mountain spectroscopic patrol of Venus in September-October 1972 are given. The data indicate systematic variation over the disc, with more CO2 absorption near the terminator than at the limb, and slightly more in the southern than in the northern hemisphere. The semiregular four-day variation, reported to occur simultaneously over the disk at 8689 A by Young et al. (1973), is confirmed by observations of the 7820 A and 7883 A CO2 bands.

Young, A. T.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Time variation of the H2O maser and infrared continuum in late-type stars

Observations of the variability of the 1.35-cm H2O and 2.2-micron emission from eight late M stars are described. A comparison of the microwave and infrared variations is of interest because the bulk of the stellar energy is radiated in the near-infrared and because at least one theory (Litvak 1969) hypothesizes near-infrared maser pumping via the 2.7-micron H2O vibration-rotation band. Variations at the two wavelengths appear to be correlated and possible explanations for this correlation are discussed.

Schwartz, P. R.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Interpretation of epsilon Aurigae. II - Infrared excess, secondary light variations, and plausible formation of a planetary system

Infrared excess based on the disk model proposed in a previous paper was computed. It was found that the disk alone will emit infrared radiation below the margin of detection. However, if individual condensations are present, the combined result of the disk proper and the condensations yields results of infrared excesses that are consistent with observations. The presence of condensations also makes the secondary light variation understandable. An elementary theory is developed that analyzes such light variations. The result of the analysis yields the size of the orbit of the condensation around the secondary component.

Huang, S.-S.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Bursts of relativistic electrons from Jupiter observed in interplanetary space with the time variation of the planetary rotation period

Bursts of Jovian electrons in the energy range 3 to 30 Mev have been detected to distances of the order of 1 AU from the planet. The duration of each burst was about two to three days, and the maximum intensity increased with increasing distance from the sun. These events could not be correlated with known solar activity. The conclusion that these electrons originated at Jupiter and were accelerated within the Jovian magnetosphere is based on observations of three of these bursts. The power spectrum of the temporal variations of the 6- to 30-MeV electron flux showed a persistent peak at Jupiter's rotation frequency (corresponding to the ten hour rotation period) out to distances greater than 100,000,000 km from the planet. The slope, or spectral index, of the differential energy spectrum measured as a function of time displayed the ten-hour cyclic variation in the value of the index, which was earlier found to be characteristic of the electrons within the Jovian magnetosphere.

Chenette, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Possibility of controlling the earth's negative charge and the unitary variation of its electric field by cosmic rays

The dependence of the atmospheric conductivity upon the cosmic ray intensity, the possibility of charge generation in thunderstorms by cosmic rays, the dependence of the troposphere electricity on the stratosphere, the relationship between the unitary variation of the earth's electric field intensity and that of cosmic ray intensity (daily, yearly and 11-year latitudinal dependence of both values), deny first, the exceptional role of the tropospheric processes in maintaining the terrestrial charge and unitary variation, and, second, compel one to consider the cause mentioned above to be the result of the influence of cosmic rays.

Bragin, Y. A.↗