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At least 649 records · Page 36

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NASA NTRS1983

Minimal upper mantle temperature variations consistent with observed heat flow and plate velocities

Heat-flow and plate-velocity measurements are used to model upper-mantle temperature variations; the results are intended to form the basis for a gravity-field-variation model and are also applicable to the interpretation of petrological and seismological data. A 5-deg grid is used, a depth of 280 km is chosen as the fully convecting level, and it is assumed that 85 percent of the global heat production (4.0 x 10 to the 13th W) comes from below this level. The velocity field is calculated by integrating the momentum equations down to 280 km (assuming laterally homogeneous viscosity and density) and then used to determine the temperature fields. The results are presented in graphs, tables, and maps. The largest lateral temperature differences are about 1500 C and occur in the top 20 km, where the largest (about 200 C/Myr) nonlinear terms of the energy equation are also found. Below 50 km, heat transfer becomes more convective than conductive, and the most significant temperature variation appears in the form of negative 'tongues' as cold as -825 C at about 100 km. Temperature variations of at least + or - 180 C are calculated at the fully convecting level.

Kaula, W. M.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Manual for a workstation-based generic flight simulation program (LaRCsim), version 1.4

LaRCsim is a set of ANSI C routines that implement a full set of equations of motion for a rigid-body aircraft in atmospheric and low-earth orbital flight, suitable for pilot-in-the-loop simulations on a workstation-class computer. All six rigid-body degrees of freedom are modeled. The modules provided include calculations of the typical aircraft rigid-body simulation variables, earth geodesy, gravity and atmospheric models, and support several data recording options. Features/limitations of the current version include English units of measure, a 1962 atmosphere model in cubic spline function lookup form, ranging from sea level to 75,000 feet, rotating oblate spheroidal earth model, with aircraft C.G. coordinates in both geocentric and geodetic axes. Angular integrations are done using quaternion state variables Vehicle X-Z symmetry is assumed.

Jackson, E. Bruce↗

NASA NTRS1986

Interface stability in a slowly rotating, low gravity tank Experiments

Analytical models of liquid in partially-filled rotating tanks predict both the shape of the interface between the liquid and its vapor, and the stability of that interface. The models are of necessity incomplete and experimental data are needed to assess the approximations made. Presented are preliminary experimental studies both in the laboratory and in the low-gravity environment of a free-falling aircraft. Emphasis is placed on bubbles which intersect the container boundaries. Measurements of rotating equilibrium bubble shapes are in agreement with theoretical profiles derived from Laplace's formula. The interface shape depends on the contact angle, the radius of intersection with container, and the ratio of centrifugal force to surface tension.

Leslie, F.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Wave Dynamics and Transport in the Stratosphere

The report discusses: (1) Gravity waves generated by tropical convection: A study in which a two-dimensional cloud-resolving model was used to examine the possible role of gravity waves generated by a simulated tropical squall line in forcing the quasi-biennial oscillation was completed. (2) Gravity wave ray tracing studies:It was developed a linear ray tracing model of gravity wave propagation to extend the nonlinear storm model results into the mesosphere and thermosphere. (3) tracer filamentation: Vertical soundings of stratospheric ozone often exhibit laminated tracer structures characterized by strong vertical tracer gradients. (4) Mesospheric gravity wave modeling studies: Although our emphasis in numerical simulation of gravity waves generated by convection has shifted from simulation of idealized two-dimensional squall lines to the most realistic (and complex) study of wave generation by three-dimensional storms. (5) Gravity wave climatology studies: Mr. Alexander applied a linear gravity wave propagation model together with observations of the background wind and stability fields to compute climatologies of gravity wave activity for comparison to observations. (6) Convective forcing of gravity waves: Theoretical study of gravity wave forcing by convective heat sources has completed. (7) Gravity waves observation from UARS: The objective of this work is to apply ray tracing, and other model technique, in order to determine to what extend the horizontal and vertical variation in satellite observed distribution of small-scale temperature variance can be attributed to gravity waves from particular sources. (8) The annual and interannual variations in temperature and mass flux near the tropical tropopause. and (9) Three dimensional cloud model.

Holton, James R.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Modelling the solution growth of TGS crystals in low gravity

The experimental growth of triglycine sulfate (TGS) crystals from aqueous solution is modeled here in two dimensions using the PHOENICS finite volume code. Simulations are carried out for steady, impulsive, and periodic accelerations in order to determine tolerable acceleration levels. Scaling arguments are used to estimate the times required for thermal and solutal variations from the initial equilibrium state to be diffusively transported throughout the system, and to obtain order of magnitude information on the relative magnitudes of diffusive and convective transport. The computed concentration fields reflect the features of the concentration distributions found experimentally during experiments conducted aboard Spacelab 3 in 1985.

Nadarajah, Arunan↗

NASA NTRS1975

Wall mounted heat exchanger characterization

Analytical models are presented for describing the heat and mass transfer and the energy distribution in the contents of a cryogenic propellant tank, under varying gravity levels. These models are used to analytically evaluate the effectiveness of a wall heat exchanger as a means of controlling the pressure in the tank during flight and during fill operations. Pressure and temperature histories are presented for tanks varying in size from 4 to 22.5 feet in diameter and gravity levels from 0-1. Results from the subscale test program, utilizing both non-cryogenic and cryogenic fluid, designed to evaluate a tank wall heat exchanger are described and compared with the analytical models. Both the model and test results indicate that a passive tank wall heat exchanger can effectively control tank pressure. However, the weight of such a system is considerably higher than that of an active mixer system.

Bullard, B. R.↗

NASA NTRS1979

An isostatic model for the Tharsis province, Mars

A crust-upper mantle configuration is proposed for the Tharsis province of Mars which is isostatic and satisfies the observed gravity data. The model is that of a low density upper mantle compensating loads at both the surface and crust-mantle boundary. Solutions are found for lithospheric thickness greater than about 300 km, for which the stress differences are less than 750 bars. This model for Tharsis is similar to the compensation mechanism under the Basin and Range province of the western United States. These provinces also compare favorably in the sense that they are both elevated regions of extensional tectonics and extensive volcanism.

Sleep, N. H.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Assessing Huygens Probe Entry, Descent, and Landing at Titan Simulation using Dragonfly Atmosphere Model

Dragonfly is a New Frontiers Program mission that will deliver a rotorcraft to Saturn's moon, Titan. This mission follows Huygens as the previous mission that successfully landed a vehicle on Titan. A flight mechanics simulation of Dragonfly's Entry, Descent, and Landing sequence has been developed using the Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories II. The simulation incorporates several subsystem models, including aerodynamics, gravity, and mass properties, to fully capture the multi-body six degree of freedom dynamics. Among all the subsystem models that inform the Entry, Descent, and Landing dynamics, the atmosphere model of Titan is a critical component. The atmosphere model characterizes the density, temperature, pressure, and winds that the entry vehicle experiences during the descent. This impacts several aspects of the descent such as the peak heating, aerodynamics, parachute release conditions, the dynamics of the vehicle and parachutes, and the landing ellipse. In the course of developing Dragonfly, an updated model of the Titan atmosphere has been created corresponding to Dragonfly's arrival in the mid-2030s, approximately one Titan year after the Huygens mission successfully landed a probe on Titan. This work leverages previous work done to investigate Huygens EDL sequence to assess the atmosphere model developed for Dragonfly. This is done by utilizing the updated Titan atmosphere model, the Dragonfly atmosphere model, within the Huygens POST2-based flight simulation with the goal of characterizing the differences between the atmospheric models and assessing how the Dragonfly atmosphere model impacts Huygens entry dynamics.

Huygens↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Assessing Huygens Probe Entry, Descent, and Landing at Titan Simulation using Dragonfly Atmosphere Model

Entry Descent Landing↗

NASA NTRS1998

Long-Term Global Morphology of Gravity Wave Activity Using UARS Data

Progress in research into the global morphology of gravity wave activity using UARS data is described for the period March-June, 1998. Highlights this quarter include further progress in the analysis and interpretation of CRISTA temperature variances; model-generated climatologies of mesospheric gravity wave activity using the HWM-93 wind and temperature model; and modeling of gravity wave detection from space-based platforms. Preliminary interpretations and recommended avenues for further analysis are also described.

Eckermann, Stephen D.↗

NASA NTRS1982

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

Consideration is being given to representing the magnetic field in the area 40 deg N to 83 deg N by means of functions in spherical coordinates. A solution to Laplace's equation for the magnetic potential over a restricted area was found, and programming and testing are currently being carried out. Magnetic anomaly modelling is proceeding. The program SPHERE, which was adapted to function correctly on the Cyber computer, is now operational, for deriving gravity and magnetic models in a spherical coordinate system.

Coles, R. L.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Modeling Self-Pressurization and Spray Bar Pressure Control of A Cryogenic Storage Tank in Normal Gravity

This paper presents computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models for simulating self-pressurization and spray-bar pressure control processes in a large-scale liquid hydrogen storage tank under normal gravity conditions. For self-pressurization, the model employs the kinetics-based Schrage equation alongside the volume-of-fluid (VOF) method to account for interfacial mass transfer. The CFD predictions of pressure and temperature are compared with experimental data from the Multipurpose Hydrogen Test Bed (MHTB) experiment, and the predicted interfacial mass transfer rates are also presented. A CFD model simulating pressure control using a spray bar has also been developed. An Eulerian-Lagrangian approach models the interactions between discrete droplets and the continuous ullage (vapor) phase. The spray model is coupled with the VOF method by tracking droplets in the ullage and removing them when they reach the liquid interface. The T-sat model calculates droplet-ullage heat and mass transfer, where droplets warm up to the saturation temperature corresponding to the ullage vapor pressure before evaporating while remaining at the saturation temperature. The evolution of tank pressure, vapor temperature, and liquid temperature predicted by the CFD model is validated against data from the MHTB spray-bar mixing experiment. Overall, the CFD models agree with experimental data, demonstrating their capability to simulate self-pressurization and pressure control processes in large-scale cryogenic storage tanks. These models can be valuable tools for designing and optimizing cryogenic fluid management systems in future applications.

Computational Fluid Dynamics↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Modeling Self-Pressurization and Spray Bar Pressure Control of A Cryogenic Storage Tank in Normal Gravity

This paper presents computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models for simulating self-pressurization and spray-bar pressure control processes in a large-scale liquid hydrogen storage tank under normal gravity conditions. For self-pressurization, the model employs the kinetics-based Schrage equation alongside the volume-of-fluid (VOF) method to account for interfacial mass transfer. The CFD predictions of pressure and temperature are compared with experimental data from the Multipurpose Hydrogen Test Bed (MHTB) experiment, and the predicted interfacial mass transfer rates are also presented. A CFD model simulating pressure control using a spray bar has also been developed. An Eulerian-Lagrangian approach models the interactions between discrete droplets and the continuous ullage (vapor) phase. The spray model is coupled with the VOF method by tracking droplets in the ullage and removing them when they reach the liquid interface. The T-sat model calculates droplet-ullage heat and mass transfer, wherein droplets warm up to the saturation temperature corresponding to the ullage vapor pressure before evaporating while remaining at the saturation temperature. The evolution of tank pressure, vapor temperature, and liquid temperature predicted by the CFD model is validated against data from the MHTB spray-bar mixing experiment. Overall, the CFD models agree with experimental data, demonstrating their capability to simulate self-pressurization and pressure control processes in large-scale cryogenic storage tanks. These models can be valuable tools for designing and optimizing cryogenic fluid management systems in future applications.

Self-Pressurization↗

NASA NTRS1955

Free-Spinning-Tunnel Investigation to Determine the Effect of Spin-Recovery Rockets and Thrust Simulation on the Recovery Characteristics of a 1/21-Scale Model of the Chance Vought F7U-3 Airplane, TED No. NACA AD 3103

An investigation of a l/21-scale model of the Chance Vought F7U-3 airplane in the co&at-load- condition has been conducted in the Langley 20-foot free-spinning tunnel, The recovery characteristics of the model were determined by use of spin-recovery rockets for the erect and inverted spinning condition. The rockets were so placed as to provide either a yawing or rolling moment about the model center of gravity. Also included in the investigation were tests to determine the effect of simulated engine thrust on the recovery characteristics of the model. On the basis of model tests, recoveries from erect and inverted spins were satisfactory when a yawing moment of 22,200 foot-pounds (full scale) was provided against the spin by rockets attached to the wing tips; the anti-spin yawing moment was applied for approximately 9 seconds, (full scale). Satisfactory recoveries were obtained from erect spins when a rolling moment of 22,200 foot-pounds (full scale) was provided with the spin (rolls right wing down in right spin). Although the inverted spin was satisfactorily terminated when a rolling moment of equal magnitude was provided, a roll rocket was not considered to be an optimum spin-recovery device to effect recoveries from inverted spins for this airplane because of resulting gyrations during spin recovery. Simulation of engine thrust had no apparent effect on the spin recovery characteristics.

Burk, Sanger H., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1976

On the recovery of gravity anomalies from high precision altimeter data

A model for the recovery of gravity anomalies from high precision altimeter data is derived which consists of small correction terms to the inverse Stokes' formula. The influence of unknown sea surface topography in the case of meandering currents such as the Gulf Stream is discussed. A formula was derived in order to estimate the accuracy of the gravity anomalies from the known accuracy of the altimeter data. It is shown that for the case of known harmonic coefficients of lower order the range of integration in Stokes inverse formula can be reduced very much.

Lelgemann, D.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Thermospheric gravity waves - Observations and interpretation using the transfer function model (TFM)

This paper presents some numerical experiments performed with the TFM to study the various wave components excited in the auroral regions that propagate through the thermosphere and lower atmosphere, and to demonstrate the properties of realistic source geometries. The model is applied to the interpretation of satellite measurements, and gravity waves seen in the thermosphere of Venus are discussed. Gravity waves are prominent in the terrestrial thermosphere polar region and can be excited by perturbations in Joule heating and Lorentz force due to magnetospheric processes. Observations from the Dynamics Explorer-2 satellite are used to illustrate the complexity of the phenomenon and to review the TFM that is utilized.

Mayr, H. G.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Magnetohydrodynamic Convection in the Outer Core and its Geodynamic Consequences

The Earth's fluid outer core is in vigorous convection through much of the Earth's history. In addition to generating and maintaining Earth s time-varying magnetic field (geodynamo), the core convection also generates mass redistribution in the core and a dynamical pressure field on the core-mantle boundary (CMB). All these shall result in various core-mantle interactions, and contribute to surface geodynamic observables. For example, electromagnetic core-mantle coupling arises from finite electrically conducting lower mantle; gravitational interaction occurs between the cores and the heterogeneous mantle; mechanical coupling may also occur when the CMB topography is aspherical. Besides changing the mantle rotation via the coupling torques, the mass-redistribution in the core shall produce a spatial-temporal gravity anomaly. Numerical modeling of the core dynamical processes contributes in several geophysical disciplines. It helps explain the physical causes of surface geodynamic observables via space geodetic techniques and other means, e.g. Earth's rotation variation on decadal time scales, and secular time-variable gravity. Conversely, identification of the sources of the observables can provide additional insights on the dynamics of the fluid core, leading to better constraints on the physics in the numerical modeling. In the past few years, our core dynamics modeling efforts, with respect to our MoSST model, have made significant progress in understanding individual geophysical consequences. However, integrated studies are desirable, not only because of more mature numerical core dynamics models, but also because of inter-correlation among the geophysical phenomena, e.g. mass redistribution in the outer core produces not only time-variable gravity, but also gravitational core-mantle coupling and thus the Earth's rotation variation. They are expected to further facilitate multidisciplinary studies of core dynamics and interactions of the core with other components of the Earth.

Kuang, Weijia↗

NASA NTRS1990

A gravitational test of wave reinforcement versus fluid density models

Spermatozoa, protozoa, and algae form macroscopic patterns somewhat analogous to thermally driven convection cells. These bioconvective patterns have attracted interest in the fluid dynamics community, but whether in all cases these waves were gravity driven was unknown. There are two conflicting theories, one gravity dependent (fluid density model), the other gravity independent (wave reinforcement theory). The primary objectives of the summer faculty fellows were to: (1) assist in sample collection (spermatozoa) and preparation for the KC-135 research airplane experiment; and (2) to collaborate on ground testing of bioconvective variables such as motility, concentration, morphology, etc., in relation to their macroscopic patterns. Results are very briefly given.

Johnson, Jacqueline Umstead↗