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At least 667 records · Page 37

The NASA radiowave propagation program

The objectives of the NASA radiowave Propagation Program are to enable new satellite communication applications and to enhance existing satellite communication networks. These objectives are achieved by supporting radio wave propagation studies and disseminating the study results in a timely fashion. Studies initiated by this program in the 1980s enabled the infant concept of conducting mobile communications via satellite to reach a state of relative maturity in 1990. The program also supported the satellite communications community by publishing and revising two handbooks dealing with radio wave propagation effects for frequencies below and above 10 GHz, respectively. The program has served the international community through its support of the International Telecommunications Union. It supports state of the art work at universities. Currently, the program is focusing on the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) and its propagation needs. An overview of the program's involvement in the ACTS project is given.

Davarian, Faramaz↗

Ultrasonically-assisted Thermal Stir Welding System

A welding head assembly has a work piece disposed between its containment plates' opposing surfaces with the work piece being maintained in a plastic state thereof at least in a vicinity of the welding head assembly's stir rod as the rod is rotated about its longitudinal axis. The welding head assembly and the work piece experience relative movement there between in a direction perpendicular to the rod's longitudinal axis as the work piece is subjected to a compressive force applied by the containment plates. A first source coupled to the first containment plate applies a first ultrasonic wave thereto such that the first ultrasonic wave propagates parallel to the direction of relative movement. A second source coupled to the second containment plate applies a second ultrasonic wave thereto such that the second ultrasonic wave propagates parallel to the direction of relative movement.propagates parallel to the direction of relative movement.

Ding, R. Jeffrey↗

A Zonal Approach for Prediction of Jet Noise

A zonal approach for direct computation of sound generation and propagation from a supersonic jet is investigated. The present work splits the computational domain into a nonlinear, acoustic-source regime and a linear acoustic wave propagation regime. In the nonlinear regime, the unsteady flow is governed by the large-scale equations, which are the filtered compressible Navier-Stokes equations. In the linear acoustic regime, the sound wave propagation is described by the linearized Euler equations. Computational results are presented for a supersonic jet at M = 2. 1. It is demonstrated that no spurious modes are generated in the matching region and the computational expense is reduced substantially as opposed to fully large-scale simulation.

Shih, S. H.↗

Modeling shock-induced void collapse in single-crystal Ta systems at the mesoscales

Understanding the role of microstructural heterogeneities on the shock wave propagation and defect evolution behavior is essential to predicting the dynamic response of metals. Heterogeneities, such as voids, provide challenges to understanding the wave propagation behavior as the shock-void interaction can collapse the void and result in large plastic strains and significant heating (hot spot formation) in the metal. Accurate modeling of this phenomenon requires predicting the void collapse mechanisms and the related heat generation and dissipation mechanisms (hotspot formation) that determine the microstructure evolution. While molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can model the void collapse behavior, the time/length scale capabilities pose a challenge to connect with continuum models or the experimental scales. Here, this study presents the capability of the newly developed quasi-coarse-grained dynamics (QCGD) method that extends the MD simulations to larger system sizes and longer times to model this phenomenon. This study uses QCGD simulations to investigate the mechanisms of shock wave interactions with pre-existing voids in single-crystal Ta microstructures for variations in shock pressures, void size, and loading orientations. For a given orientation, the plasticity contributions and rates of void collapse are observed to vary with shock pressures and void size. The larger void sizes and higher pressures result in increased temperatures (hot spots) and faster void collapse rates and unravel the variations in the plasticity contributions. In addition, QCGD simulations investigate the post-collapse microstructure evolution as a release wave travels through the hot spot region. The simulations reveal that the reduction in temperatures due to heat dissipation initiates the dynamic recrystallization behavior in the hotspot regions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Acoustic radiation-induced static strains in solids

The controversy surrounding the magnitude of the radiation-induced static strain accompanying acoustic wave propagation in solids is resolved by a consideration of the associated Boussinesq radiation stress. Experimental verification of the results is presented for waves propagating along the pure mode directions of crystalline silicon.

Cantrell, John H.↗

Extended inertial range phenomenology of magnetohydrodynamic turbulence

A phenomenological treatment of the inertial range of isotropic statistically steady magnetohydrodynamic turbulence is presented, extending the theory of Kraichnan (1965). The role of Alfven wave propagation is treated on equal footing with nonlinear convection, leading to a simple generalization of the relations between the times characteristic of wave propagation, convection, energy transfer, and decay of triple correlations. The theory leads to a closed-form steady inertial range spectral law that reduces to the Kraichnan and Kolmogorov laws in appropriate limits. The Kraichnan constant is found to be related in a simple way to the Kolmogorov constant; for typical values of the latter constant, the former has values in the range 1.22-1.87. Estimates of the time scale associated with spectral transfer of energy also emerge from the new approach, generalizing previously presented 'golden rules' for relating the spectral transfer time scale to the Alfven and eddy-turnover time scales.

Matthaeus, William H.↗

4-day waves in the Venus atmosphere

Ultraviolet albedo contrasts in the Venus atmosphere are probably large-scale atmospheric waves propagating slowly with respect to the rapid cloud-top zonal winds. Using a simple theoretical model and profiles of mean wind and thermal structure based on Pioneer Venus data, planetary-scale gravity waves with phase velocities matching the speeds of the UV markings are found. An upward-propagating wave, and waves trapped at cloud levels are proposed as candidates to explain the observed UV features.

Covey, C.↗

Optimization of suppression for two-element treatment liners for turbomachinery exhaust ducts

Sound wave propagation in a soft-walled rectangular duct with steady uniform flow was investigated at exhaust conditions, incorporating the solution equations for sound wave propagation in a rectangular duct with multiple longitudinal wall treatment segments. Modal analysis was employed to find the solution equations and to study the effectiveness of a uniform and of a two-sectional liner in attenuating sound power in a treated rectangular duct without flow (M = 0) and with uniform flow of Mach 0.3. Two-segment liners were shown to increase the attenuation of sound as compared to a uniform liner. The predicted sound attenuation was compared with measured laboratory results for an optimized two-segment suppressor. Good correlation was obtained between the measured and predicted suppressions when practical variations in the modal content and impedance were taken into account. Two parametric studies were also completed.

Motsinger, R. E.↗

The velocity field of a coronal mass ejection - The event of September 1, 1980

The velocity field of a mass ejection that was observed by the coronagraph of the SMM satellite over the northwest limb of the sun at about 0600 UT on September 1, 1980 is studied in detail. A descriptive account of the event is given, concentrating on qualitative features of the mass motion and suggesting a possible origin of the unusual two-loop structure. The velocity field is analyzed quantitatively, and the implications of the results for the mass ejection theory are considered. It is concluded that a self-similar description of the velocity field is a gross oversimplification and that although some evidence of wave propagation can be found, the bright features in the mass ejection are plasma structures moving with frozen-in magnetic fields, rather than waves propagating through plasmas and magnetic fields.

Low, B. C.↗

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.↗

Kinetic Alfven Wave Electron Acceleration on Auroral Field Lines

Major results of the S3-3 Langmuir sweep study are published. Studies show statistics and average density and temperature variation on auroral field lines up to 8000 km altitude. Alfven wave papers were published. Our model of Alfven wave propagation on auroral field lines was successfully extended to handle varying density and magnetic field for the inertial mode. The study showed that Alfven wave can create time-dispersed electron signatures. A study was undertaken to extend Langmuir sweep I-V curves to handle the case of an kappa electron distribution as well as Maxwellian. The manuscript is in preparation. Participated in International Space Science Institute study of Alfvenic structures which resulted in a group review paper. The proposed work was to develop an extended model of Alfven wave propagation along auroral field lines to study electron acceleration. As part of this work, a major task was to characterize density and temperature along auroral field lines by using spacecraft Langmuir sweep data. The work that was completed under this funding was successful at both tasks. Three papers have been published as part of this work and a fourth manuscript is in preparation.

Kletzing, Craig A.↗

The Low-Frequency Variability of the Tropical Atlantic Ocean

Upper ocean temperature variability in the tropical Atlantic is examined from the Comprehensive Ocean Atmosphere Data Set (COADS) as well as from an ocean model simulation forced by COADS anomalies appended to a monthly climatology. Our findings are as follows: Only the sea surface temperatures (SST) in the northern tropics are driven by heat fluxes, while the southern tropical variability arises from wind driven ocean circulation changes. The subsurface temperatures in the northern and southern tropics are found to have a strong linkage to buoyancy forcing changes in the northern North Atlantic. Evidence for Kelvin-like boundary wave propagation from the high latitudes is presented from the model simulation. This extratropical influence is associated with wintertime North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) forcing and manifests itself in the northern and southern tropical temperature anomalies of the same sign at depth of 100-200 meters as result of a Rossby wave propagation away from the eastern boundary in the wake of the boundary wave passage. The most apparent association of the southern tropical sea surface temperature anomalies (STA) arises with the anomalous cross-equatorial winds which can be related to both NAO and the remote influence from the Pacific equatorial region. These teleconnections are seasonal so that the NAO impact on the tropical SST is the largest it mid-winter but in spring and early summer the Pacific remote influence competes with NAO. However, NAO appears to have a more substantial role than the Pacific influence at low frequencies during the last 50 years. The dynamic origin of STA is indirectly confirmed from the SST-heat flux relationship using ocean model experiments which remove either anomalous wind stress forcing or atmospheric forcing anomalies contributing to heat exchange.

Haekkinen, Sirpa↗

The influrence of an optical receiving system on statistical characteristics of a lidar signal

The effects connected with correlation of direct and backward waves propagating through the same randomly inhomogeneous media can be observed along the path with refection in a turbulent atmosphere. In particular, the mean intensity of the reflected wave can increase in comparison with the wave propagating in the forward direction at a doubled distance; the intensity fluctuations can become stronger. These effects depend on the strength of optical turbulence, as well as on the diffraction sizes of the exit apertures of the source and the reflector. However, the focusing of radiation reflected with a receiving telescope leads, in some cases, to the fact that the dependence of amplification effects on the parameters becomes essentially different. This should be taken into account when alayzing the lidar signals. The effect of backscattering amplification and amplification of the intensity fluctuations is discussed.

Zuev, A. E.↗

Acoustoelectric drag current in vanadium oxide films

Two different Mott insulator wires, vanadium dioxide and vanadium sesquioxide, were prepared on the piezoelectric LiNbO 3 substrates. Coupling of acoustic waves propagating in LiNbO 3 with free carriers in vanadium oxide gives rise to the acoustoelectric effect that manifests itself as the generation of direct electric current by the acoustic wave. According to a phenomenological model, the value of the effect strongly depends on the wires conductivity, which, for the vanadium-oxide films, changes by a few orders of magnitude. We demonstrated that this yields a significant enhancement of the direct current (DC) current generated in the wires at the metal–insulator transition temperatures. The sign of the generated DC voltage is different for excitations by surface and bulk acoustic wave modes, which may happen due to reverse wave propagation at the substrate surface. For each resonance mode, polarities of the generated DC signal are the same in both wires, despite the signs of charge carriers being different for these materials. It was shown that two complementary techniques (acoustoelectric and Hall effect measurements) yield opposite signs of charge carriers in VO 2 .

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Time-Accurate, Unstructured-Mesh Navier-Stokes Computations with the Space-Time CESE Method

Application of the newly emerged space-time conservation element solution element (CESE) method to compressible Navier-Stokes equations is studied. In contrast to Euler equations solvers, several issues such as boundary conditions, numerical dissipation, and grid stiffness warrant systematic investigations and validations. Non-reflecting boundary conditions applied at the truncated boundary are also investigated from the stand point of acoustic wave propagation. Validations of the numerical solutions are performed by comparing with exact solutions for steady-state as well as time-accurate viscous flow problems. The test cases cover a broad speed regime for problems ranging from acoustic wave propagation to 3D hypersonic configurations. Model problems pertinent to hypersonic configurations demonstrate the effectiveness of the CESE method in treating flows with shocks, unsteady waves, and separations. Good agreement with exact solutions suggests that the space-time CESE method provides a viable alternative for time-accurate Navier-Stokes calculations of a broad range of problems.

Chang, Chau-Lyan↗

Mantaray: A Rust Package for Ray Tracing Ocean Surface Gravity Waves

Ocean surface gravity waves are an important component of air-sea interaction, influencing energy, momentum, and gas exchanges across the ocean-atmosphere interface. In specific applications such as refraction by ocean currents or bathymetry, ray tracing provides a computationally efficient way to gain insight into wave propagation. In this paper, we introduce Mantaray, an open-source software package implemented in Rust, with a Python interface, that solves the ray equations for ocean surface gravity waves. Mantaray is designed for performance, robustness, and ease of use. The package is modular to facilitate further development and can currently be applied to both idealized and realistic wave propagation problems (Fig. 1).

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗