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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 667 records · Page 37
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2014

Low-speed Aerodynamic Investigations of a Hybrid Wing Body Configuration

Two low-speed static wind tunnel tests and a water tunnel static and dynamic forced-motion test have been conducted on a hybrid wing-body (HWB) twinjet configuration. These tests, in addition to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, have provided a comprehensive dataset of the low-speed aerodynamic characteristics of this nonproprietary configuration. In addition to force and moment measurements, the tests included surface pressures, flow visualization, and off-body particle image velocimetry measurements. This paper will summarize the results of these tests and highlight the data that is available for code comparison or additional analysis.

Vicroy, Dan D.↗
NASA NTRS2014

The Enhanced Injection and Mixing Project at NASA Langley

An overview of a research project aimed at enhancing fuel injection and mixing for scramjet engines at flight Mach numbers greater than 8 is presented. The specific objectives of this project are to increase knowledge and understanding of the fundamental physics governing scramjet fuel-air mixing, to develop strategies for improving injector performance and to develop functional relationships between mixing efficiency, losses due to mixing (such as total pressure loss, drag) and combustor/mixing length. The research approach consists of a closely coupled experimental and computational effort with experiments intended for exploring injection concepts and for anchoring computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The experiments are being conducted in the NASA Langley Arc-Heated Scramjet Test Facility and consist of helium injection into a Mach 6 air stream. Measurements include in-stream helium mole fraction, Pitot pressure, and total temperature as well as wall pressures and temperatures. Additionally, nitric oxide planar laser-induced fluorescence (NO PLIF) imaging will be used for flow visualization of the fuel plume. The numerical simulations, performed with the VULCAN CFD code, provide flowfield details unobtainable from the experiment. The current paper describes the experimental apparatus and diagnostic systems which have been developed and/or tested in preparation for the mixing tests and discusses numerical simulations performed to reduce the risk associated with the experimental design.

K F Cabell↗
NASA NTRS2015

VISIONS: Remote Observations of a Spatially-Structured Filamentary Source of Energetic Neutral Atoms near the Polar Cap Boundary During an Auroral Substorm

We report initial results from the VISualizing Ion Outflow via Neutral atom imaging during a Substorm (VISIONS) rocket that flew through and near several regions of enhanced auroral activity and also sensed regions of ion outflow both remotely and directly. The observed neutral atom fluxes were largest at the lower energies and generally higher in the auroral zone than in the polar cap. In this paper, we focus on data from the latter half of the VISIONS trajectory when the rocket traversed the polar cap region. During this period, many of the energetic neutral atom spectra show a peak at 100 electronvolts. Spectra with peaks around 100 electronvolts are also observed in the Electrostatic Ion Analyzer (EIA) data consistent with these ions comprising the source population for the energetic neutral atoms. The EIA observations of this low energy population extend only over a few tens of kilometers. Furthermore, the directionality of the arriving energetic neutral atoms is consistent with either this spatially localized source of energetic ions extending from as low as about 300 kilometers up to above 600 kilometers or a larger source of energetic ions to the southwest.

Polar Cap↗
NASA NTRS2016

Alternative Bio-Derived JP-8 Class Fuel and JP-8 Fuel: Flame Tube Combustor Test Results Compared using a GE TAPS Injector Configuration

This paper presents results from tests in a NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) flame tube facility, where a bio-derived alternate fuel was compared with JP-8 for emissions and general combustion performance. A research version of General Electric Aviation (GE) TAPS injector was used for the tests. Results include 2D, planar laser-based imaging as well as basic flow visualization of the flame. Four conditions were selected that simulate various engine power conditions relevant to NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Supersonics and Environmentally Responsible Aviation Projects were tested.

optical diagnostics↗
NASA NTRS2017

Optical Flow for Flight and Wind Tunnel Background Oriented Schlieren Imaging

Background oriented Schlieren images have historically been generated by calculating the observed pixel displacement between a wind-on and wind-o image pair using normalized cross-correlation. This work uses optical flow to solve the displacement fields which generate the Schlieren images. A well established method used in the computer vision community, optical flow is the apparent motion in an image sequence due to brightness changes. The regularization method of Horn and Schunck is used to create Schlieren images using two data sets: a supersonic jet plume shock interaction from the NASA Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel, and a transonic flight test of a T-38 aircraft using a naturally occurring background, performed in conjunction with NASA Ames and Armstrong Research Centers. Results are presented and contrasted with those using normalized cross-correlation. The optical flow Schlieren images are found to provided significantly more detail. We apply the method to historical data sets to demonstrate the broad applicability and limitations of the technique.

Image processing↗
NASA NTRS2019

Cluster Analysis of IRIS Spectroscopic Line Profiles and SDO/AIA EUV Emission in Observations and RMHD Simulations of the Solar Atmosphere

Spatially-resolved observations from the IRIS and SDO/AIA satellites, especially when coupled with realistic 3D RMHD simulations, are a powerful tool for analysis of processes in the solar chromosphere, transition region, and corona. However, the complexity of the data makes understanding the observations and modeling results difficult. In this work, we apply unsupervised clustering algorithms for analysis of observational and synthetic chromospheric Mg II h&k 2796Å&2803Å and transition region C II 1334Å&1335Å line profiles observed by IRIS, and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) emission observed by SDO/AIA, for various types of problems. The synthetic line profiles are computed for simulations of the quiescent solar atmosphere (using the StellarBox and RH1.5 codes). The K-Means clustering algorithm is applied, and the selection of an optimal number of clusters is supported by the average silhouette width technique. We discuss applications of the line profile clustering method to 1) visualization of computational and observational spectroscopic imaging data; 2) understanding of evolutionary trends and behavior patterns of quiet Sun emission and during solar flares; and 3) recognition of heating events and shock waves.

Sadykov, Viacheslav↗
NASA NTRS2003

Enhanced Raman Microprobe Imaging of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

We explore Raman microprobe capabilities to visualize single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Although this technique is limited to a micron scale, we demonstrate that images of individual SWCNTs, bundles or their agglomerates can be generated by mapping Raman active elementary excitations. We measured the Raman response from carbon vibrations in SWCNTs excited by confocal scanning of a focused laser beam. Carbon vibrations reveal key characteristics of SWCNTs as nanotube diameter distribution (radial breathing modes, RBM, 100-300 cm(exp -1)), presence of defects and functional groups (D-mode, 1300-1350 cm(exp -1)), strain and oxidation states of SWCNTs, as well as metallic or semiconducting character of the tubes encoded in the lineshape of the G-modes at 1520-1600 cm(exp - 1). In addition, SWCNTs are highly anisotropic scatterers. The Raman response from a SWCNT is maximal for incident light polarization parallel to the tube axis and vanishing for perpendicular directions. We show that the SWCNT bundle shape or direction can be determined, with some limitations, from a set of Raman images taken at two orthogonal directions of the incident light polarization.

Hadjiev, V. G.↗
NASA NTRS2001

NASA/NOAA/AMS Earth Science Electronic Theatre

The NASA/NOAA/AMS Earth Science Electronic Theater presents Earth science observations and visualizations in a historical perspective. Fly in from outer space to Florida and the KSC Visitor's Center. Go back to the early weather satellite images from the 1960s see them contrasted with the latest International global satellite weather movies including killer hurricanes & tornadic thunderstorms. See the latest spectacular images from NASA and NOAA remote sensing missions like GOES, NOAA, TRMM, SeaWiFS, Landsat 7, & new Terra which will be visualized with state-of-the art tools. Shown in High Definition TV resolution (2048 x 768 pixels) are visualizations of hurricanes Lenny, Floyd, Georges, Mitch, Fran and Linda. See visualizations featured on covers of magazines like Newsweek, TIME, National Geographic, Popular Science and on National & International Network TV. New Digital Earth visualization tools allow us to roam & zoom through massive global images including a Landsat tour of the US, with drill-downs into major cities using 1 m resolution spy-satellite technology from the Space Imaging IKONOS satellite, Spectacular new visualizations of the global atmosphere & oceans are shown. See massive dust storms sweeping across Africa. See ocean vortexes and currents that bring up the nutrients to feed tiny plankton and draw the fish, giant whales and fisherman. See the how the ocean blooms in response to these currents and El Nino/La Nina climate changes. The demonstration is interactively driven by a SGI Octane Graphics Supercomputer with dual CPUs, 5 Gigabytes of RAM and Terabyte disk using two projectors across the super sized Universe Theater panoramic screen.

Hasler, Fritz↗
NASA NTRS1993

The 3-D Moons: The Voyager stereo atlas of the outer solar system

Comprehension and analysis of geologic features on any planet is enhanced manyfold by a clear perception between albedo and topography. On many of the icy satellites significant albedo contrasts due to mixtures of dark rocky and bright icy materials can be associated with topographic features. Subtle topographic features can be masked by albedo variation and under high solar illumination albedo and topography can be difficult to separate. To this end we are compiling an atlas of stereo image pairs of the outer solar system based on Voyager imaging for the investigation of various geologic problems and for general use. For the icy satellites, general perceptions of topography are usually gleaned from shape-from-shading information in the images processed by the human brain (i.e. visual inspection). With few exceptions, actual topography has been measured on a spot-by-spot basis using shadow heights or photoclinometry, or along limb profiles (where geographic context may be unavailable). Shadow heights are limited to regions within approximately 10 deg of the terminator and images with resolution better than approximately 1 km/pixel. Photoclinometric scans can be used more widely but are subject to a variety of errors, primarily uncertain assumptions of uniform scene albedo or poorly understood photometry. Stereoscopic analysis, where available, has the potential for greatly expanding topographic perception.

Schenk, P.↗
NASA NTRS1994

In-flight imaging of transverse gas jets injected into transonic and supersonic crossflows: Design and development

The design and development of an airborne flight-test experiment to study nonreacting gas jets injected transversely into transonic and supersonic crossflows is presented. Free-stream/crossflow Mach numbers range from 0.8 to 2.0. Planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) of an iodine-seeded nitrogen jet is used to visualize the jet flow. Time-dependent images are obtained with a high-speed intensified video camera synchronized to the laser pulse rate. The entire experimental assembly is configured compactly inside a unique flight-test-fixture (FTF) mounted under the fuselage of the F-104G research aircraft, which serves as a 'flying wind tunnel' at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. The aircraft is flown at predetermined speeds and altitudes to permit a perfectly expanded (or slightly underexpanded) gas jet to form just outside the FTF at each free-stream Mach number. Recorded gas jet images are then digitized to allow analysis of jet trajectory, spreading, and mixing characteristics. Comparisons will be made with analytical and numerical predictions. This study shows the viability of applying highly sophisticated groundbased flow diagnostic techniques to flight-test vehicle platforms that can achieve a wide range of thermo/fluid dynamic conditions. Realistic flow environments, high enthalpies, unconstrained flowfields, and moderate operating costs are also realized, in contrast to traditional wind-tunnel testing.

Wang, Kon-Sheng Charles↗
NASA NTRS1987

Structure of unsteady flows at leading- and trailing-edges: Flow visualization and its interpretation

Unsteady two- and three-dimensional flow structure at leading and trailing edges of bodies can be characterized effectively using recently developed techniques for acquisition and interpretation of flow visualization. The techniques addressed here include: flow image/surface pressure correlations; 3-D reconstruction of flow structure from flow images; and interactive interpretation of flow images with theoretical simulations. These techniques can be employed in conjunction with: visual correlation and ensemble-averaging, both within a given image and between images; recognition of patterns from images; and estimates of velocity eigenfunctions from images.

Rockwell, D.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Correction of perceived first-order distortions in holography.

Consideration of the problem of distortion posed by a long-wavelength hologram as a three-dimensional display to be viewed by an observer who is included in the distortion problem. The effects of holographic distortion upon the observer's image perception are examined. The inclusion of the visual perception process into the description of holographic imagery necessarily complicates the analysis, but at the same time increases the degrees of freedom by which the image can be altered. It is shown that these additional degrees of freedom make it possible to overcome the problem of unequal longitudinal and lateral magnification.

Winter, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Computation and parallel implementation for early vision

The problem of early vision is to transform one or more retinal illuminance images-pixel arrays-to image representations built out of such primitive visual features such as edges, regions, disparities, and clusters. These transformed representations form the input to later vision stages that perform higher level vision tasks including matching and recognition. Researchers developed algorithms for: (1) edge finding in the scale space formulation; (2) correlation methods for computing matches between pairs of images; and (3) clustering of data by neural networks. These algorithms are formulated for parallel implementation of SIMD machines, such as the Massively Parallel Processor, a 128 x 128 array processor with 1024 bits of local memory per processor. For some cases, researchers can show speedups of three orders of magnitude over serial implementations.

Gualtieri, J. Anthony↗
NASA NTRS1989

Geometric transformations for video compression and human teleoperator display

A method for bandwidth-efficient processing of video imagery to be viewed by the teleoperator of a remotely-operated vehicle on which the camera is mounted is described. The method comprises image coding, transmission, and reconstruction. It is assumed that the transmission bandpass is the limiting factor rather than encoding/decoding schemata; that image coding and reconstruction will be done within the general abilities of the NASA/TI Programmable Remapper; and that the ratio of retained local detail to the operator's visual resolution is held constant throughout the large-field image that is seen. Novel features include that the compression and reconstruction address certain characteristics of the human visual system, that two-way communication controls a moving 'fovea' in the transformation, and that resolution varies over the image. Conventional motivations accommodated include the Cartesian raster-scan nature of available imagers and display devices and a need for low bandwidth in the image transmission. Unique image processing hardware, NASA's Programmable Remapper, allows demonstration of the method. Once refined, the technology could be adapted to special purpose imagers and display devices, or otherwise to dedicated image processing hardware.

Juday, Richard D.↗
NASA NTRS1994

A land-surface Testbed for EOSDIS

The main objective of the Testbed project was to deliver satellite images via the Internet to scientific and educational users free of charge. The main method of operations was to store satellite images on a low cost tape library system, visually browse the raw satellite data, access the raw data filed, navigate the imagery through 'C' programming and X-Windows interface software, and deliver the finished image to the end user over the Internet by means of file transfer protocol methods. The conclusion is that the distribution of satellite imagery by means of the Internet is feasible, and the archiving of large data sets can be accomplished with low cost storage systems allowing multiple users.

Emery, William↗
NASA NTRS1993

Particle-Displacement Tracking In Particle-Image Velocimetry

Particle images processed rapidly and automatically into velocity-vector maps. This technique requires no processing of photographic plates, no tedious visual recognition and manual designation of large numbers of image features for subsequent processing, little or no interruption by technician and is order of magnitude faster than any of prior techniques.

Wernet, Mark P.↗