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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.

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At least 649 records · Page 36

Theoretical models of X-ray emission from rich clusters of galaxies

After assessing the theory of cluster gas with polytropic equations of state, and discussing the prediction of local polytropic indices in the gas distribution, attention is given to the consequences of modifying the equation of state by thermal cooling in the central regions of the cluster. It is suggested that, if the equation of state can be understood locally, an attempt may be made at (1) predicting the X-ray luminosities of the clusters at distant cosmological epochs and (2) measuring the evolution of the cluster's potential, through observation of the evolution of X-ray luminosity and surface brightness.

Cowie, L. L.↗

Infrared sources in dense molecular clouds

Recent accomplishments in the infrared study of dense molecular clouds are reviewed, and the outstanding problems in the area are discussed. Such questions as whether clouds are collapsing, how they can be classified, and whether star formation is occurring on the edges of clouds are analyzed. Problems of determining size, energy distribution and luminosity, spectral features, evolutionary state, and energetics of infrared sources are discussed.

Evans, N. J., II↗

Optimal control of distributed parameter elastic systems

This paper presents an analytical solution to the Riccati equation for self-adjoint systems such as beams, plates, strings and membranes moving in space, and shows how the optimal control law can be implemented using the given solution. It is then shown that there always exists a self-adjoint operator describing the distribution of potential energy if the state space is appropriately augmented. A beam-like gravity-stabilized satellite moving in a circular orbit around the earth is used to illustrate the main results in this paper.

Juang, J.-N.↗

A summary of the UV, optical and IR properties of disks in CV's

The available observations of dwarf novae and novalike systems that are relevant to the study of accretion in cataclysmic variables are reviewed. This includes UV data from IUE and optical spectroscopy and infrared photometry. The flux distributions are compared to available steady state models to obtain an estimate of the mass accretion and the range of this parameter among the dwarf novae (U Gem, Z Cam and SU UMa types) and the novalikes (UX UMa, AM Her, DQ Her types). The normal and abnormal range of variation in the continuum and line fluxes is discussed.

Szkody, P.↗

The Surface Wave Dynamics Experiment (SWADE)

SWADE was developed to study the dynamics of the wave field development in the open ocean with the following specific objectives: (1) to understand the development of the wave directional spectrum under various conditions; (2) to determine the effect of waves on the air/sea transfers of momentum, heat, and mass; (3) to determine breaking distributions as a function of sea state, wind, and boundary stability; and (4) to provide data and analyses for ERS-1 validation. The experiment is designed for the winter of 1990 to 1991. Four buoys will be deployed for 6 months starting October 1990 and ending March 1991. During that time period, three intensive periods of 2 weeks duration each will be selected for frequent aircraft flights for wave data collection to satisfy scientific studies, as well as ERS-1 validation needs.

Long, S. R.↗

Texstar: The all-Texas educational satellite system

Longhorn Satellite Company (LSC) has designed Texstar, and educational satellite communications system which will be considered as a means of equalizing the distribution of educational resources throughout the state of Texas. Texstar will be capable of broadcasting live lectures and documentaries in addition to transmitting data from a centralized receiving-transmitting station. Included in the design of Texstar is the system and subsystem design for the satellite and the design of the ground stations. The launch vehicle used will be the Texas-built Conestoga 421-48. The Texstar system incorporates three small satellites in slightly inclined geosynchronous orbits. Due to the configuration and spacing of these satellites, the system will be accessed as if it were one large, geostationary satellite. Texstar is shown to be a viable option to the educational crisis in the state of Texas.

Source record↗

Applicative architectures for fault-tolerant multiprocessors

This paper proposes functional programming frameworks for the design of highly reliable multiprocessor systems. In contrast to imperative programming environments, a functional environment offers elegant, relatively simple, and efficient solutions to concurrent error detection and recovery problems in multiprocessors. Specific fault tolerance mechanisms for upset exposure, fault containment, secure task assignment, and recovery are developed for a class of applicative multiprocessor architectures. Verification of abstract behavioral characteristics of applicative tasks is used for exposing faults during the execution of tasks. The fault containment mechanism is based on isolation of stack and heap segments of tasks. A protocol for secure task assignment is defined between system components. The architecture permits incremental, distributed, and asynchronous backups of system state. Finally, recovery is accomplished, even in the worst cases, by reexecution of a small number of tasks.

Sharma, Madhumitra↗

The effects of weighting function errors on spatial filters for structural control

Distributed-effect sensors, which respond to spatially distributed inputs over a significant gauge length, encompass piezoelectric laminate films, modal-domain optical fiber sensors, and holographic sensors; they can be fabricated with spatially varying sensitivity to a distributed measurand for spatial filtering. Such spatial filters are configurable to extract various structural parameters from distributed measurements that cannot be directly measured by sensors. A modeling is presently conducted for distributed-effect sensors' integration into state-space structural models, noting the effects of fabrication errors on sensor operation.

Lindner, Douglas K.↗

Mission and Safety Critical (MASC): An EVACS simulation with nested transactions

The Extra-Vehicular Activity Control System (EVACS) Simulation with Nested Transactions, a recent effort of the MISSION Kernel Team, is documented. The EVACS simulation is a simulation of some aspects of the Extra-Vehicular Activity Control System, in particular, just the selection of communication frequencies. The simulation is a tool to explore mission and safety critical (MASC) applications. For the purpose of this effort, its current definition is quite narrow serving only as a starting point for prototyping purposes. (Note that EVACS itself has been supplanted in a larger scenario of a lunar outpost with astronauts and a lunar rover). The frequency selection scenario was modified to embed its processing in nested transactions. Again as a first step, only two aspects of transaction support were implemented in this prototype: architecture and state recovery. Issues of concurrency and distribution are yet to be addressed.

Auty, David↗

Functional test and calibration plan for the Lightning Imaging Sensor

The Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) wide field-of-view solid-state camera can measure the global distribution of lightning from LEO, through the use of a narrowband interference filter to detect the neutral O band at 777.4 nm. Prelaunch testing and calibration of the LIS has required three separate laboratory systems; absolute radiometric calibration of the sensor will be furnished over the whole spectral range by a high resolution monochromator and motorized gimbals.

Bergstrom, James W.↗

Applicative architectures for fault-tolerant multiprocessors

Functional programming frameworks for the design of highly reliable multiprocessor systems are proposed. In contrast to imperative programming environments, a functional environment offers elegant, relatively simple, and efficient solutions to concurrent error detection and recovery problems in multiprocessors. Specific fault tolerance mechanisms for upset exposure, fault containment, secure task assignment, and recovery are developed for a class of applicative multiprocessor architectures. Verification of abstract behavioral characteristics of applicative tasks is used for exposing faults during the execution of tasks. The fault containment mechanism is based on isolation of stack and heap segments of tasks. A protocol for secure task assignment is defined between system components. The architecture permits incremental, distributed, and asynchronous backups of system state. Finally, recovery is accomplished, even in the worst cases, by re-execution of a small number of tasks.

Sharma, Madhumitra↗

Results of wind tunnel tests of an ASRM configured 0.03 scale Space Shuttle integrated vehicle model (47-OTS) in the AEDC 16-foot transonic wind tunnel, volume 2

An experimental Aerodynamic and Aero-Acoustic loads data base was obtained at transonic Mach numbers for the Space Shuttle Launch Vehicle configured with the ASRM Solid Rocket Boosters as an increment to the current flight configuration (RSRB). These data were obtained during transonic wind tunnel tests (IA 613A) conducted in the Arnold Engineering Development Center 16-Foot transonic propulsion wind tunnel from March 27, 1991 through April 12, 1991. This test is the first of a series of two tests covering the Mach range from 0.6 to 3.5. Steady state surface static and fluctuating pressure distributions over the Orbiter, External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters of the Shuttle Integrated Vehicle were measured. Total Orbiter forces, Wing forces and Elevon hinge moments were directly measured as well from force balances. Two configurations of Solid Rocket Boosters were tested, the Redesigned Solid Rocket Booster (RSRB) and the Advanced Solid Rocket Motor (ASRM). The effects of the position (i.e., top, bottom, top and bottom) of the Integrated Electronics Assembly (IEA) box, mounted on the SRB attach ring, were obtained on the ASRM configured model. These data were obtained with and without Solid Plume Simulators which, when used, matched as close as possible the flight derived pressures on the Orbiter and External Tank base. Data were obtained at Mach numbers ranging from 0.6 to 1.55 at a Unit Reynolds Number of 2.5 million per foot through model angles of attack from -8 to +4 degrees at sideslip angles of 0, +4 and -4 degrees.

Marroquin, J.↗

Results of wind tunnel tests of an ASRM configured 0.03 scale Space Shuttle integrated vehicle model (47-OTS) in the AEDC 16-foot Transonic wind tunnel (IA613A), volume 1

An experimental Aerodynamic and Aero-Acoustic loads data base was obtained at transonic Mach numbers for the Space Shuttle Launch Vehicle configured with the ASRM Solid Rocket Boosters as an increment to the current flight configuration (RSRB). These data were obtained during transonic wind tunnel tests (IA 613A) conducted in the Arnold Engineering Development Center 16-Foot transonic propulsion wind tunnel from March 27, 1991 through April 12, 1991. This test is the first of a series of two tests covering the Mach range from 0.6 to 3.5. Steady state surface static and fluctuating pressure distributions over the Orbiter, External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters of the Shuttle Integrated Vehicle were measured. Total Orbiter forces, Wing forces and Elevon hinge moments were directly measured as well from force balances. Two configurations of Solid Rocket Boosters were tested, the Redesigned Solid Rocket Booster (RSRB) and the Advanced Solid Rocket Motor (ASRM). The effects of the position (i.e. top, bottom, top and bottom) of the Integrated Electronics Assembly (IEA) box, mounted on the SRB attach ring, were obtained on the ASRM configured model. These data were obtained with and without Solid Plume Simulators which, when used, matched as close as possible the flight derived pressures on the Orbiter and External Tank base. Data were obtained at Mach numbers ranging from 0.6 to 1.55 at a Unit Reynolds Number of 2.5 million per foot through model angles of attack from -8 to +4 degrees at sideslip angles of 0, +4 and -4 degrees.

Marroquin, J.↗

Moessbauer mineralogy of calcined Murchison meteorite

The three Antarctic meteorites B7904, Y82162, and Y86720 are unusual because they have characteristics in common with both CI and CM groups and because they apparently underwent thermal alteration after hydrous alteration on their parent body. They are also spectrally similar (visible and near-IR) to C, G, B, and F asteroids, which may imply that the surface materials on those asteroids may have undergone thermal alteration. Based on the reflectance spectra of samples of Murchison (CM2 carbonaceous chondrite) that were thermally altered in the laboratory (cryopumped and initial 10(exp -5) atm H2), Hiroi et al. concluded that putative thermal alteration occurred at temperatures of 600 to 1000 C. Similar experiments have been done on Murchison and reported mineralogical changes based on data from transmission electron diffraction microscopy, electron diffraction, and analytical electron microscopy. We report here the Mossbauer mineralogy of the same samples of thermally-altered Murchison. Mossbauer mineralogy gives the molar distribution of Fe among its oxidation states and iron-bearing mineralogies.

Morris, Richard V.↗

The Emission Time of Gamma-Ray Bursts

The concept of emission time tau N is suggested as a temporal parameter which is complementary to the classical parameters of duration times T 50 and T 90. The emission time is defined as the time of emission of N% of the total fluence. The definition adds the time bins of high fluence in decreasing fluence rank until N% of the fluence has been reached. The emission time interval excludes low-emission intervals of bursts and so the emission time characterizes the state of high power emission. The distribution of this new parameter is found to be bimodal for bright bursts. The distributions of emission time tau-30 and tau-50, for groups based on burst intensity, are also compared.

Mitrofanov, Igor G.↗

3-D Imaging In Virtual Environment: A Scientific Clinical and Teaching Tool

The advent of powerful graphics workstations and computers has led to the advancement of scientific knowledge through three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction and imaging of biological cells and tissues. The Biocomputation Center at NASA Ames Research Center pioneered the effort to produce an entirely computerized method for reconstruction of objects from serial sections studied in a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The software developed, ROSS (Reconstruction of Serial Sections), is now being distributed to users across the United States through Space Act Agreements. The software is in widely disparate fields such as geology, botany, biology and medicine. In the Biocomputation Center, ROSS serves as the basis for development of virtual environment technologies for scientific and medical use. This report will describe the Virtual Surgery Workstation Project that is ongoing with clinicians at Stanford University Medical Center, and the role of the Visible Human data in the project.

Ross, Muriel D.↗

Continuum Damage Mechanics Used to Predict the Creep Life of Monolithic Ceramics

Significant improvements in propulsion and power generation for the next century will require revolutionary advances in high-temperature materials and structural design. Advanced ceramics are candidate materials for these elevated temperature applications. High-temperature and long-duration applications of monolithic ceramics can place their failure mode in the creep rupture regime. An analytical methodology in the form of the integrated design program-Ceramics Analysis and Reliability Evaluation of Structures/Creep (CARES/Creep) has been developed by the NASA Lewis Research Center to predict the life of ceramic structural components subjected to creep rupture conditions. This program utilizes commercially available finite element packages and takes into account the transient state of stress and creep strain distributions (stress relaxation as well as the asymmetric response to tension and compression). The creep life of a component is discretized into short time steps, during which the stress distribution is assumed constant. Then, the damage is calculated for each time step on the basis of a modified Monkman-Grant (MMG) creep rupture criterion. The cumulative damage is subsequently calculated as time elapses in a manner similar to Miner's rule for cyclic fatigue loading. Failure is assumed to occur when the normalized cumulative damage at any point in the component reaches unity. The corresponding time is the creep rupture life for that component.

Powers, Lynn M.↗

Shuttle Return To Flight Experimental Results: Protuberance Effects on Boundary Layer Transition

The effect of isolated roughness elements on the windward boundary layer of the Shuttle Orbiter has been experimentally examined in the Langley Aerothermodynamic Laboratory in support of an agency-wide effort to prepare the Shuttle Orbiter for return to flight. This experimental effort was initiated to provide a roughness effects database for developing transition criteria to support on-orbit decisions to repair damage to the thermal protection system. Boundary layer transition results were obtained using trips of varying heights and locations along the centerline and attachment lines of 0.0075-scale models. Global heat transfer images using phosphor thermography of the Orbiter windward surface and the corresponding heating distributions were used to infer the state of the boundary layer (laminar, transitional, or turbulent). The database contained within this report will be used to formulate protuberance-induced transition correlations using predicted boundary layer edge parameters.

Liechty, Derek S.↗