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NASA NTRS1986

The Archean geology of the Godthabsfjord Region, southern west Greenland (includes excursion guide)

The part of the West Greenland Archean gneiss complex centered around Godthabsfjord and extending from Isukasia in the north to south Faeringehavn is studied. Extensive outcrops of 3800 to 3400 Ma rocks can provide some direct evidence of conditions and processes that operated on the Earth in the early Archean. However, the ways in which primary characteristics have been modified by later deformation, metamorphism, and chemical changes are first taken into account. The rocks exposed are the products of two major phases of accretion of continental crust, at 3800 to 3700 Ma and 3100 to 29 Ma. The main features of these two accretion phases are similar, but careful study of the least modified rocks may reveal differences related to changes in the Earth in the intervening period. The combination of excellent exposure over an extensive area, relatively detailed geological mapping of much of the region, and a considerable volume of isotopic and other geochemical data gives special insights into processes that operated at moderately deep levels of the crust in the Archean. Of particular interest is the effect of late Archean granulite facies metamorphism on early Archean rocks, especially the extent to which isotope systems were disturbed. Similar processes may well have partly or wholly destroyed evidence of more ancient components of other high grade terrains. This account does not attempt to be an exhaustive review of all work carried out on the geology of the region. Rather, it attempts to summarize aspects of the geology and some interest in the context of early crustal genesis.

Mcgregor, V. R.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Linear and nonlinear dynamic analysis of redundant load path bearingless rotor systems

The bearingless rotorcraft offers reduced weight, less complexity and superior flying qualities. Almost all the current industrial structural dynamic programs of conventional rotors which consist of single load path rotor blades employ the transfer matrix method to determine natural vibration characteristics because this method is ideally suited for one dimensional chain like structures. This method is extended to multiple load path rotor blades without resorting to an equivalent single load path approximation. Unlike the conventional blades, it isk necessary to introduce the axial-degree-of-freedom into the solution process to account for the differential axial displacements in the different load paths. With the present extension, the current rotor dynamic programs can be modified with relative ease to account for the multiple load paths without resorting to the equivalent single load path modeling. The results obtained by the transfer matrix method are validated by comparing with the finite element solutions. A differential stiffness matrix due to blade rotation is derived to facilitate the finite element solutions.

Murthy, V. R.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Cosmic ray sources, acceleration and propagation

A review is given of selected papers on the theory of cosmic ray (CR) propagation and acceleration. The high isotropy and a comparatively large age of galactic CR are explained by the effective interaction of relativistic particles with random and regular electromagnetic fields in interstellar medium. The kinetic theory of CR propagation in the Galaxy is formulated similarly to the elaborate theory of CR propagation in heliosphere. The substantial difference between these theories is explained by the necessity to take into account in some cases the collective effects due to a rather high density of relativisitc particles. In particular, the kinetic CR stream instability and the hydrodynamic Parker instability is studied. The interaction of relativistic particles with an ensemble of given weak random magnetic fields is calculated by perturbation theory. The theory of CR transfer is considered to be basically completed for this case. The main problem consists in poor information about the structure of the regular and the random galactic magnetic fields. An account is given of CR transfer in a turbulent medium.

Ptuskin, V. S.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Image gathering and processing - Information and fidelity

In this paper we formulate and use information and fidelity criteria to assess image gathering and processing, combining optical design with image-forming and edge-detection algorithms. The optical design of the image-gathering system revolves around the relationship among sampling passband, spatial response, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Our formulations of information, fidelity, and optimal (Wiener) restoration account for the insufficient sampling (i.e., aliasing) common in image gathering as well as for the blurring and noise that conventional formulations account for. Performance analyses and simulations for ordinary optical-design constraints and random scences indicate that (1) different image-forming algorithms prefer different optical designs; (2) informationally optimized designs maximize the robustness of optimal image restorations and lead to the highest-spatial-frequency channel (relative to the sampling passband) for which edge detection is reliable (if the SNR is sufficiently high); and (3) combining the informationally optimized design with a 3 by 3 lateral-inhibitory image-plane-processing algorithm leads to a spatial-response shape that approximates the optimal edge-detection response of (Marr's model of) human vision and thus reduces the data preprocessing and transmission required for machine vision.

Huck, F. O.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Impact of chopping on image quality in the SIRTF telescope

The initial Phase-A concept for the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF), which was established in 1981, is concerned with a cryogenically cooled, 85 cm diameter, f/24 Ritchey-Chretien telescope, followed by a Multiple Instrument Chamber (MIC), containing six scientific instruments. In 1982, the Phase-A concept was reviewed with the aim to assess the technical readiness for the next phase of development. Various areas of concern were subsequently investigated in three parallel studies by industry. Two of the arising questions are considered in the present paper, taking into account the system and technology implications of achieving diffraction-limited resolution at 2 microns, and the limitations on the size of the imaging field under this condition. The conducted study takes into account an evaluation of the different methods of chopping. Attention is given to the telescope parameters, symmetric chopping, asymmetrical chopping, focus and alignment errors, the wavefront-error budget, and image quality.

Bottema, M.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Effect of rotation on isotropic turbulence - Computation and modelling

This paper uses numerical simulation to analyse the effects of uniform rotation on homogeneous turbulence. Both large-eddy and full simulations were made. The results indicate that the predominant effect of rotation is to decrease the rate of dissipation of the turbulence and increase the lengthscales, especially those along the axis of rotation. These effects are a consequence of the reduction, due to the generation of inertial waves, of the net energy transfer from large eddies to small ones. Experiments are also influenced by a more complicated interaction between the rotation and the wakes of the turbulence-generating grid which modifies the nominal initial conditions in the experiment. The latter effect is accounted for in simulations by modifying the initial conditions. Finally, a two-equation model is proposed that accounts for the effects of rotation and is able to reproduce the experimental decay of the turbulent kinetic energy.

Bardina, J.↗

NASA NTRS1984

The new space transportation system and the Solar Maximum Repair Mission

A development history, program management and performance capability assessment account is presented for the NASA Solar Maximum Repair Mission conducted by the Space Shuttle Orbiter, which incorporated extravehicular activity as an integral part of servicing efforts. It was determined soon after assessment of the Solar Maximum Mission satellite's hardware malfunction that such a repair mission could be undertaken by the Orbiter at substantially lower cost than the construction and launch of a comparable new spacecraft. A photographic account is given of the various stages of the Shuttle Orbiter-based repair procedure.

Turner, D. N.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Nonlinear astrophysical Alfven waves - Onset and outcome of the modulational instability

The nonlinear development of Alfven waves is numerically studied, with applications to Alfven waves in astrophysical plasmas. It is found that amplitude-modulated Alfven wave packets undergo a collapse instability in which the wave packets become more intense and of smaller spatial extent. The wave packet steepening is eventually halted in a process most aptly described as soliton formation. A simple analytic model based on the method of characteristics can account for many of the results of the numerical calculations. The instability probably cannot prevent particle pitch angle isotropization due to self-generated Alfven waves. Nonlinear effects of the collapse may modify the process by which energetic electrons are reaccelerated by plasma turbulence. The model calculations can semiquantitatively account for properties of shock-associated Alfven waves in the solar system.

Spangler, S. R.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Instabilities in line-driven stellar winds. II - Effect of scattering

An earlier analysis (Owocki and Rybicki) of the linear instability of line-driven stellar winds is extended to take proper account of the dynamical effect of scattered radiation. The principal findings are as follows: (1) the drag effect of the mean scattered radiation does indeed greatly reduce the contribution of scattering lines to the instability at the very base of the wind, but the instability growth rate associated with such lines rapidly increases as the flow moves outward from the base, reaching more than 50 percent of the growth rate for pure absorption lines within a stellar radius of the surface, and eventually reaching 80 percent of that rate at large radii; (2) perturbations in the scattered radiation field may be important for the propagation of wind disturbances, but they have little effect on the wind instability; (3) the contribution of a strongly shadowed line to the wind instability is often reduced compared to that of an unshadowed line, but its effect is not one of damping in the outer parts of the wind. The primary conclusion derived from these results is thus that, even when all scattering effects are taken into account, the bulk of the flow in a line-driven stellar wind is still highly unstable.

Owocki, S. P.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Coupled hydromagnetic wave excitation and ion acceleration upstream of the Jovian bow shock

We extend the Lee (1982) self-consistent theory of upstream wave excitation and particle energization to address observations by Voyager 2 of sunward propagating MHD waves and diffuse suprathermal particle populations upstream of the Jovian bow shock. Two new ideas are incorporated into the theory. First, the interplanetary seed wave population is taken to be an equal admixture of waves propagating both toward and away from the shock parallel to the interplanetary magnetic field. Second, finite connection times are incorporated approximately into the theory in an effort to understand whether the particle spectra at high energy are limited by particle escape or finite connection time. It is found that finite connection times dominate the particle distribution at energies above 40 keV. In this manner the suprathermal proton distributions can be accounted for by a multiple reflection, shock acceleration theory. We find that the theory can also account for the low-frequency waves observed upstream of the shock in conjunction with the suprathermal ions.

Smith, C. W.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Books and monographs on finite element technology

The present paper proviees a listing of all of the English books and some of the foreign books on finite element technology, taking into account also a list of the conference proceedings devoted solely to finite elements. The references are divided into categories. Attention is given to fundamentals, mathematical foundations, structural and solid mechanics applications, fluid mechanics applications, other applied science and engineering applications, computer implementation and software systems, computational and modeling aspects, special topics, boundary element methods, proceedings of symmposia and conferences on finite element technology, bibliographies, handbooks, and historical accounts.

Noor, A. K.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Small Martian valleys - Pristine and degraded morphology

This study is concerned with a more detailed investigation of the small valley networks on Mars. The dual nature of many valley systems is pointed out, taking into account a relatively fresh-appearing network portion versus an apparent larger, less distinct network system. These separate network characteristics are referred to as pristine and degraded. The valley networks included in this study are all located in the equatorial zone of heavily cratered uplands, between latitudes 30 deg N and 40 deg S. Aspects of network morphology are examined, taking into account drainage density, network dissection ratio, and valley length parameters. Age relationships are also discussed, giving attention to crater age, counting problems, a conservative method, and a crater-fraction method.

Baker, V. R.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Strong scintillations during atmospheric occultations Theoretical intensity spectra

Each of the two Voyager spacecraft launched in 1977 has completed a reconnaissance of the Jovian and Saturnian systems. In connection with occultation experiments, strong scintillations were observed. Further theoretical work is required before these scintillations can be interpreted. The present study is, therefore, concerned with the derivation of a theory for strong scattering during atmospheric occultation experiments, taking into account as fundamental quantity of interest the spatial spectrum (or spectral density) of intensity fluctuations. Attention is given to a theory for intensity spectra, and numerical calculations. The new formula derived for Phi-i accounts for strong scattering of electromagnetic waves during atmospheric occultations.

Hinson, D. P.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Molecular photoionization processes of astrophysical and aeronomical interest

An account is given of aspects of photoionization processes in molecules, with particular reference to recent theoretical and experimental studies of partial cross sections for production of specific final electronic states and of parent and fragment ions. Such cross sections help provide a basis for specifying the state of excitation of the ionized medium, are useful for estimating the kinetic energy distributions of photoejected electrons and fragment ions, provide parent-and fragment-ion yields, and clarify the possible origins of neutral fragments in highly excited rovibronic states. A descriptive account is given of photoionization phenomena, including tabulation of valence- and inner-shell potentials for some molecules of astrophysical and aeronomical interest. Cross sectional expressions are given. Various approximations currently employed in computational studies are described briefly, threshold laws and high-energy limits are indicated, and distinction is drawn between resonant and direct photoionization phenomena. Recent experimental and theoretical studies of partial photoionization cross sections in selected compounds of astrophysical and aeronomical relevance are described and discussed.

Langhoff, P. W.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Mass fluxes and magnetic structures in the chromosphere and the transition region - Canopies

Preliminary results of applying a model of canopy-type magnetic lines to account for observed mass fluxes in the chromosphere and transiton region are presented. A set of center-to-limb data obtained in H-alpha and C IV, and to which the model is applied, is reported. The C IV line is assumed to form everywhere at the same height, and the H-alpha formation height is derived by assuming that the absorption coefficient is proportional to the local density. The density ratio between H-alpha and C IV levels is taken to be 100. From the results, it is concluded that the model accounts for the low ratio of radial velocities C IV/H-alpha at r = 0, the increase of H-alpha velocity near the limb, and the general center-to-limb behavior in both lines.

Mein, P.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Inversion methods for satellite studies of the Earth Radiation Budget - Development of algorithms for the ERBE mission

The Earth Radiation Budget Experiment carries a three-channel scanning radiometer and a set of nadir-looking wide and medium field-of-view instruments for measuring the radiation emitted from earth and the solar radiation reflected from earth. This paper describes the algorithms which are used to compute the radiant exitances at a reference level ('top of the atmosphere') from these measurements. Methods used to analyze data from previous radiation budget experiments are reviewed, and the rationale for the present algorithms is developed. The scanner data are converted to radiances by use of spectral factors, which account for imperfect spectral response of the optics. These radiances are converted to radiant exitances at the reference level by use of directional models, which account for anisotropy of the radiation as it leaves the earth. The spectral factors and directional models are selected on the basis of the scene, which is identified on the basis of the location and the long-wave and shortwave radiances. These individual results are averaged over 2.5 x 2.5 deg regions. Data from the wide and medium field-of-view instruments are analyzed by use of the traditional shape factor method and also by use of a numerical filter, which permits resolution enhancement along the orbit track.

Smith, G. L.↗

NASA NTRS1985

The Space Station - Past, present and future with some thoughts on some legal questions that need to be addressed

The history of the concept of a space station is briefly considered, taking into account a story written by Hale (1869), quantitative work provided by Oberth and Tsiolkovsky, von Braun, and the U.S. decision regarding the establishment of a space station. Arguments in favor of constructing a space station are related to the utility of a laboratory in earth orbit, the importance of a repair and maintenance base for satellites, the provision of capabilities for the commercial utilization of space, and the employment of a space station as a staging base for missions to the moon, Mars, and, possibly, the asteroids. Plans for the implementation of the Space Station concept are discussed, taking into account also legal issues involved in such an implementation. Attention is given to questions regarding the applicability of the Liability convention, U.S. domestic law, the domestic law of other countries, and four treaties.

Hosenball, S. N.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Application of photogrammetry to the study of volcano-glacier interactions on Mount Wrangell, Alaska

Most Alaskan volcanoes are glacier covered and provide excellent opportunities to study interactions between glaciers and volcanoes. The present paper is concerned with such a study, taking into account the Mt. Wrangell (4317 m) which is the northernmost active volcano (solfatara activity) on the Pacific Rim (62 deg N; 144 deg W). While the first photographs on the summit of Mt. Wrangell were published more than 75 years ago, research there began in 1953 and 1954. Satellite images reveal activity at the summit of Mt. Wrangell. However, the resolution is not sufficient for conducting important measurements regarding ice volume losses. For this reason, vertical aerial photographs of the summit were obtained, and a field trip to the summit was conducted. Aspects of photogrammetry are discussed, taking into account questions of ground control, aerial photography, topographic mapping, digital cross sections, and orthophotos.

Benson, C. S.↗