Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “discover”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 613 records · Page 34

Periodic orbits in the Planar General Three-Body Problem

The article contains a numerical study of periodic solutions of the Planar General Three-Body Problem. Several new periodic solutions have been discovered and are described. In particular, there is a continuous family with variable masses, extending all the way from the elliptic restricted problem to the general problem with three equal masses. All our examples have special symmetry properties which are described in detail. Finally we also suggest some important applications to the natural satellites of the solar system.

Broucke, R.↗

Hybrid measurement chains for the SAS-C spacecraft

Spacecraft electronic systems usually demand tight packaging. It was this consideration which initially forced us to consider hybrid circuits for the analog signal processing circuits in the Small Astronomy Satellite-C (SAS-C) scientific payload. We gradually discovered that increased reliability, low power consumption, and reduced program costs all followed. This paper will attempt to share our laboratory's first experience with hybrid circuits and indicate those areas which we found to be important.

Goeke, R. F.↗

Cool flame quench distances

The results of a brief experimental investigation are presented which confirm the expectation that cool flame quenching distances should be larger than hot flame quenching distances. It is also discovered that whereas quenching distances for hot flames reach their minimum values near stoichiometric conditions, cool flame quenching distances are least under rich conditions. Rich conditions are well known to favor cool flame formation.

Ryason, P. R.↗

Pulsar fluctuation spectra and the generalized drifting-subpulse phenomenon. II

Pulsar observations at meter wavelengths have been analyzed to investigate pulse-to-pulse variations and to identify regions of the pulse profile which display distinct statistical properties. Fluctuation spectra of eight recently discovered pulsars are presented along with a description of the drifting-subpulse phenomenon in several objects with quasiperiodic responses in their fluctuation spectra. A quantitative analysis of the drifting-subpulse phenomenon in PSR 0031-07 and PSR 0809+74 is given which emphasizes the broad-band nature of the phenomenon. A summary of the memory exhibited by pulsars with time scales of about 50 periods is given.

Backer, D. C.↗

+Gz tolerance in man after 14-day bedrest periods with isometric and isotonic exercise conditioning

The effects of isometric and isotonic exercise training on post-bedrest +Gz tolerance were determined. In general, 14-day bedrest resulted in a significant loss of Gz tolerance, as previously discovered. At 2.1 Gz, neither the isometric nor the isotonic exercises regimens resulted in a significant increase in post-bedrest Gz tolerance. However, following isometric exercise, restoration of about half the tolerance decrement occurred at 3.2 Gz and 3.8 Gz. Possible reasons for this partial restoration of tolerance are put forward.

Greenleaf, J. E.↗

Observations of low energy gamma-ray bursts with SAS-2

The present paper reports on the low-energy gamma-ray bursts observed by the plastic scintillator anticoincidence dome of the Small Astronomy Satellite-2 (SAS-2) gamma-ray telescope. SAS-2 detected two events observed by other satellites and discovered one which was subsequently confirmed by other satellite observations. Two events seen by other satellites were not detected by SAS-2, probably due to earth occultation. The event detection threshold for SAS-2 was almost two orders of magnitude lower than that of the Vela satellites.

Oegelman, H.↗

Photometric observations of Mercury from Mariner 10

The elimination of the residual image problem which plagued previous Mariner imaging systems allowed photometry of moderately high quality to be carried out on Mercury by Mariner 10. The conclusions from the photometric analysis are as follows. To a surface resolution of 20 km, Mercury is covered with a dark fine-grained soil similar to the lunar regolith. No regions having anomalous polarization or color were discovered, which might have implied large amounts of metallic Fe or exposed bare rock. Photoclinometry suggests that the center of the Caloris Basin may be about 9 km below the outside rim. The heavily cratered plains have albedos of about 0.17, somewhat brighter than the lunar highlands. The albedos of the darker smooth plains and the interiors of bright fresh craters are systematically higher than their lunar counterparts. One consistent interpretation of the color and albedo relationships is that the dark smooth plains resemble the low-Ti, low-Fe lunar maria and that the crust is generally low in Ti, metallic Fe, and Fe(3+).

Hapke, B.↗

Impulsive solar flare X-rays greater than 10 keV and some characteristics of cosmic gamma-ray bursts

Observations of impulsive solar flare X-rays greater than 10 keV are summarized and their interpretation in terms of nonthermal and thermal electron spectra is discussed. This is followed by a brief consideration of models of the hard X-ray source and the requirements of the electron acceleration process during the flash phase of solar flares. Finally, the characteristics of the recently discovered cosmic gamma-ray bursts are compared with those of the impulsive solar X-ray bursts. If both types of emissions are interpreted as bremsstrahlung from energetic electrons, then the electron spectra must be widely different in the two cases. For example, in case of solar flares, most of the energy is carried by electrons with energies of about 5 keV. On the other hand, electrons with kinetic energy of about 300 keV carry most of the energy in the cosmic source.

Kane, S. R.↗

Studies of the infrared source CRL 2688

Infrared, optical, and radio observation are described of a newly discovered galactic infrared source. Most of the radiation comes from a 1.''5 diameter infrared source at a temperature of about 150 K, but some visible emission in the form of a symmetrical highly polarized reflection nebulosity is also seen. The object could represent either a very early or a very late stage in stellar evolution.

Ney, E. P.↗

Influence of probe geometry on pitot-probe displacement in supersonic turbulent flow

An experiment was conducted to determine the varying effects of six different probe-tip and support-shaft configurations on pitot tube displacement. The study was stimulated by discrepancies between supersonic wind-tunnel tests conducted by Wilson and Young (1949) and Allen (1972). Wilson (1973) had concluded that these discrepancies were caused by differences in probe geometry. It is shown that in fact, no major differences in profiles of streamwise velocity over streamwise velocity at boundary-layer edge vs normal coordinate over boundary-layer total thickness result from geometry. The true cause of the discrepancies, however, remains to be discovered.

Allen, J. M.↗

Phosphine on Jupiter and implications for the Great Red Spot

A study of the chemistry and photochemistry of the recently discovered phosphine in the atmosphere of Jupiter suggests that the red colorations on this planet result from photochemical production of red phosphorus particles. Chemical-dynamical models of this red phosphorus haze imply that the intensity of the red coloration is a strong function of the strength of vertical turbulent mixing in the atmosphere. If the Jovian Great Red Spot is a region of considerable dynamical activity our model provides a self-consistent explanation for the redness of this region in comparison to the rest of the planet.

Prinn, R. G.↗

Search for solid conductors of Na/+/ and K/+/ ions - Five new conductors

Five new conductors of positive Na and K ions, for use as separators in high energy secondary batteries, have been discovered. They include: (1) the pyrochlores NaTaWO6 and NaTa2O5F; (2) the bcc form of NaSbO3; and (3) the niobates 2Na2O-3Nb2O5 and 2K2O-3Nb2O5, with the alkali ions probably in open layers of the completely determined structure. On the basis of approximately 40 structure types, generalizations have been made regarding the relation between structure and ionic transport.

Singer, J.↗

Postflight Evaluation of Atlas-Centaur AC-5 (Launched 2 March 1965)

The Atlas-Centaur AC-5 vehicle was launched from ETR Complex 36A on March 2., 1965 at 8:25.04 a.m. EST. Within about 1 second after launch the thrust of the Atlas booster engine decayed rapidly; the vehicle settled back on the launch pad and was quickly destroyed by fire and explosion. Considerable damage was sustained by the launch complex and its associated equipment. Loss of booster engine thrust was due to fuel depletion at the turbopump inlets, which is attributed to closure of the fuel prevalve or the staging valve. To preclude the recurrence of either of these fuel valving malfunctions, the following corrective action has been taken: The remote control actuator has been replaced by manual operation of the Atlas fuel prevalve; the internal passage dimensions in the staging valve have been increased to lessen the hydraulic load on the valve poppet. In addition to the Atlas fuel system malfunction, a failure in the power control circuitry of the Centaur guidance computer resulted in partial removal of power at umbilical ejection. To prevent such a guidance system failure on future flights some redundant circuitry has been eliminated and more rigorous checkout procedures have been adopted. No further anomalies were discovered in the telemetered data prior to the Atlas booster thrust decay. A prime objective of the AC-5 flight was to place a dynamic model of the Surveyor spacecraft in a simulated lunar transfer trajectory. An important facet of this problem is the demonstration of a launch-on-time capability in accordance with the proper Earth-moon relation. The window opening time was established at 8:25 a.m. EST; thus the actual launch occurred within 4 seconds of the planned time.

Source record↗

Three strategies for conservation

The three strategies considered as energy conservation oriented were given: national energy conservation, electrification, and diversification. The first one applies to the near term period (now-1985), the second one to the mid term (1985-2000), and the third one to the far term (2000- ). The rest of this section was focussed on the near term period. The following proposed actions were considered: (1) roll back the price of newly discovered oil, (2) force conversion of many power plants from gas and oil to coal, (3) freeze gasoline production for three years at 1972 levels, (4) mandate automobile mileage requirements, (5) require industry to improve energy efficiency, and (6) require manufacture of household appliances with greater efficiency. Each of these six actions was described and discussed in more detail.

Source record↗

Clinical biochemistry

The objectives of the biochemical studies conducted for the Apollo program were (1) to provide routine laboratory data for assessment of preflight crew physical status and for postflight comparisons; (2) to detect clinical or pathological abnormalities which might have required remedial action preflight; (3) to discover as early as possible any infectious disease process during the postflight quarantine periods following certain missions; and (4) to obtain fundamental medical knowledge relative to man's adjustment to and return from the space flight environment. The accumulated data presented suggest that these requirements were met by the program described. All changes ascribed to the space flight environment were subtle, whereas clinically significant changes were consistent with infrequent illnesses unrelated to the space flight exposure.

W.C. Alexander↗

Improved toughness of silicon carbide

Several techniques were employed to apply or otherwise form porous layers of various materials on the surface of hot-pressed silicon carbide ceramic. From mechanical properties measurements and studies, it was concluded that although porous layers could be applied to the silicon carbide ceramic, sufficient damage was done to the silicon carbide surface by the processing required so as to drastically reduce its mechanical strength. It was further concluded that there was little promise of success in forming an effective energy absorbing layer on the surface of already densified silicon carbide ceramic that would have the mechanical strength of the untreated or unsurfaced material. Using a process for the pressureless sintering of silicon carbide powders it was discovered that porous layers of silicon carbide could be formed on a dense, strong silicon carbide substrate in a single consolidation process.

Palm, J. A.↗

Hydrogeological investigations in the Pampa of Argentina

In large areas of the Argentinian Pampa the salinization of ground water creates water supply difficulties. Investigations of satellite imagery (Landsat-1 and Skylab) which were based on an extensive ground survey revealed that differences in the vegetation cover are closely related to depth and salinity of ground water. Narrow elongated depressions called bajos are often the only indication of fresh ground water. They can be easily detected on the imagery. Due to their high resolution, Skylab photos even allow a quantitative estimation of fresh ground water situated below the bajos. In general however Landsat-1 imagery sufficed for evaluation. In the area of the Rio Tercero a fossil drainage pattern was discovered and in Corrientes province, soil types could be discriminated and compared to the Soil Map of the World.

Kruck, W.↗