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At least 667 records · Page 37

Modeling marine boundary-layer clouds with a two-layer model: A one-dimensional simulation

A two-layer model of the marine boundary layer is described. The model is used to simulate both stratocumulus and shallow cumulus clouds in downstream simulations. Over cold sea surfaces, the model predicts a relatively uniform structure in the boundary layer with 90%-100% cloud fraction. Over warm sea surfaces, the model predicts a relatively strong decoupled and conditionally unstable structure with a cloud fraction between 30% and 60%. A strong large-scale divergence considerably limits the height of the boundary layer and decreases relative humidity in the upper part of the cloud layer; thus, a low cloud fraction results. The efffects of drizzle on the boundary-layer structure and cloud fraction are also studied with downstream simulations. It is found that drizzle dries and stabilizes the cloud layer and tends to decouple the cloud from the subcloud layer. Consequently, solid stratocumulus clouds may break up and the cloud fraction may decrease because of drizzle.

Wang, Shouping↗

The Flowfield Characteristics of a Mach 2 Diamond Jet

The potential for using a novel diamond-shaped nozzle which may allow for superior mixing characteristics of supersonic jets without significant thrust losses is explored. The results of flow visualization and pressure measurements indicate the presence of distinct structures in the shear layers, not normally observed in shear layers of axisymmetric and rectangular jets. As characteristics of these features suggests that they are a manifestation of significant streamwise vorticity in the shear layers. Despite the distinct nature of the flowfield structure of the present shear layer, the global growth rates of this shear layer were found to be very similar to its two-dimensional and axisymmetric counterparts. These and other observations suggest that the presence of streamwise vorticity may not play a significant role in the global development of a compressible shear layer.

Washington, Donnell↗

Shear layer excitation, experiment versus theory

The acoustical excitation of shear layers is investigated. Acoustical excitation causes the so-called orderly structures in shear layers and jets. Also, the deviations in the spreading rate between different shear layer experiments are due to the same excitation mechanism. Measurements in the linear interaction region close to the edge from which the shear layer is shed are examined. Two sets of experiments (Houston 1981 and Berlin 1983/84) are discussed. The measurements were carried out with shear layers in air using hot wire anemometers and microphones. The agreement between these measurements and the theory is good. Even details of the fluctuating flow field correspond to theoretical predictions, such as the local occurrence of negative phase speeds.

Bechert, D. W.↗

Three-layered models of Ganymede and Callisto - Compositions, structures, and aspects of evolution

The structural models presently defined for Ganymede and Callisto, which encompass a pure-ice upper layer, a mixed ice/rock lower mantle, and a rock core, incorporate three alternative rock component candidates representing various degrees of silicate hydration and oxidation. The three-layered model facilitates close study of the radius increase required for the internal differentiation of an ice-rock satellite; such expansion is determined to be most significant early in the process, and less so as differentiation approaches completion. The probability of postaccretional melting due to radiogenic heating is calculated.

Mueller, Steve↗

Peeled film GaAs solar cells for space power

Gallium arsenide (GaAs) peeled film solar cells were fabricated, by Organo-Metallic Vapor Phase Epitaxy (OMVPE), incorporating an aluminum arsenide (AlAs) parting layer between the device structure and the GaAs substrate. This layer was selectively removed by etching in dilute hydrofloric (HF) acid to release the epitaxial film. Test devices exhibit high series resistance due to insufficient back contact area. A new design is presented which uses a coverglass superstrate for structural support and incorporates a coplanar back contact design. Devices based on this design should have a specific power approaching 700 W/Kg.

Wilt, D. M.↗

Internal structure and shape of Mimas

The observed triaxial ellipsoid shape of Mimas, in conjunction with a mean density of 1137 kg/cu cm, is presently used as the basis of hydrostatic equilibrium and nonhydrostatic models of internal structure whose outer layers are sufficiently strong to support part of the tidal load. Such plausible internal structures are consistent with the shape and density constraints as (1) a two-layer model in hydrostatic equilibrium, (2) a hydrostatic model with four layers of equal depth, and (3) a nonhydrostatic constant-density model with an elastic lithosphere; these models admit either homogeneous or heterogeneous accretion, as well as either a cold thermal history or melting and differentiation.

Ross, M. N.↗

Structure of rough-wall turbulent boundary layers

Recent experiments have shown that, in rough-wall turbulent boundary layers, drag varies systematically with the spanwise aspect ratio lambda(z) (span/height) of roughness elements. In this paper, the effect of lambda(z) on turbulence structure has been examined. Based on lambda(z), the roughness in a transversely grooved surface with lambda(z) much greater than 1 is the opposite extreme of model plant canopies with lambda(z) much less than 1, studied in wind tunnels, whereas sandgrain is an intermediate type. Second-, third-, and fourth-order turbulence moments have been measured in turbulent boundary layers over transversely grooved and smooth surfaces and compared with available turbulence structure measurements over other types of surfaces. The near-wall turbulence structure is found to vary with lambda(z). The instantaneous motions involved in the flux of shear stress near the wall in smooth and transversely grooved surfaces are opposite in sign to those in three-dimensional roughness. The former is explained in terms of hairpin vortices alone, while the latter group is modeled to have an additional vortex (the so-called necklace vortex which straddles a three-dimensional roughness element near its base).

Bandyopadhyay, Promode R.↗

Microwave properties of peeled HEMT devices sapphire substrates

The focus of this research is to demonstrate the first full radio frequency characterization of high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) device parameters. The results of this research are used in the design of circuits with peeled HEMT devices, e.g. 10 GHz amplifiers. Devices were fabricated using two HEMT structures grown by molecular beam epitaxy methods. A 500 A AlAs release layer for 'peel off' was included under the active layers of the structure. The structures are a homogeneously doped Al(0.3)GA(0.7)As/GaAs and a delta doped square well Al(.23)Ga(.77)As/GaAs HEMT structure. Devices were fabricated using a mesa isolation process. Contacts were done by sequentially evaporating Au/Ge/Au/Ni/Au followed by rapid thermal anneal at 400 C for 15 seconds. Gates were wet etch recessed and 1 to 1.4 micron Ti/Au gate metal was deposited. Devices were peeled off the GaAs substrate using Apiezon wax to support the active layer and a HF:DI (1:10) solution to remove the AlAs separation layer. Devices were then attached to sapphire substrates using van der Waals bonding.

Young, Paul G.↗

Observations of a large-scale vortex-like structure in the deep-tail plasma sheet boundary layer

ISEE-3 observations of a large-scale vortexlike structure in the deep tail of the magnetosphere at X(GSM) = -217 earth radii are reported. The structure is characterized by two clockwise rotations of the energetic-ion anisotropy vector. Variations in the magnetic-field vector approximately 180 deg out of phase with the ion variations are observed. This structure is most likely the signature within the magnetosphere of a surface wave at the magnetopause driven by a Kelvin-Helmholtz instability. Conditions inside and outside of the magnetosphere, as observed by ISEE-3 and ISEE-2, respectively, are examined; these conditions suggest that the surface wave is most likely propagating in the slow mode.

Sanderson, T. R.↗

Horizontal structure of midlatitude sporadic-E layers observed by incoherent scatter radar

The investigation reported is concerned with a model considered by Whitehead (1972). The partial transparency of the sporadic-E layer observed on certain occasions is attributed to regions of high electron density embedded in the layer. Observations obtained with an incoherent scatter radar facility are presented. Taking into account all factors, it is concluded that the partial transparency of sporadic-E layers, on the occasions of these observations, are explained by the Whitehead model.

Miller, K. L.↗

Development of sputtered techniques for thrust chambers

Procedures for closing out coolant passages in regeneratively cooled thrust chambers by triode sputtering, using post and hollow Cu-0.15 percent Zr cathodes are described. The effects of aluminum composite filler materials, substrate preparation, sputter cleaning, substrate bias current density and system geometry on closeout layer bond strength and structure are evaluated. High strength closeout layers were sputtered over aluminum fillers. The tensile strength and microstructure of continuously sputtered Cu-0.15 percent Zr deposits were determined. These continuous sputtered deposits were as thick as 0.75 cm. Tensile strengths were consistently twice as great as the strength of the material in wrought form.

Mullaly, J. R.↗

Electromagnetic structure of the magnetopause and boundary layer

After a review of the properties and predictions of the closed and open models of the magnetopause, OGO-5 magnetometer data are used to illustrate various observed signatures of the magnetopause current layer and the adjacent plasma boundary layer. Among the topics touched upon are: fluctuations, diamagnetic effects, and field aligned currents in the boundary layer; one dimensionality of the magnetopause; presence and absence of a magnetic field component perpendicular to the magnetopause; finite ion gyroradius effects. A brief summary is given of existing Vlasov theory for the description of tangential, rotational, and contact discontinuities. Special attention is paid to the tangential momentum balance and the jump conditions at a rotational discontinuity. Low frequency fluctuations are discussed with emphasis on the signatures of the tearing mode.

Sonnerup, B. U. O.↗

The structure of a separating turbulent boundary layer. IV - Effects of periodic free-stream unsteadiness

Measurements were obtained of the sinusoidal unsteadiness of the free stream velocity during the separation of the turbulent boundary layer. Data were gathered by single wire and cross-wire, anemometry upstream of flow detachment, by laser Doppler velocimetry to detect the movement of the flow in small increments, and by a laser anemometer in the detached zone to measure turbulence and velocities. The study was restricted to a sinusoidal instability frequency of 0.61 and a ratio of oscillation amplitude to mean velocity of 0.3. Large amplitude and phase variations were found after the detachment, with unsteady effects producing hysteresis in the relationships between flow parameters. The detached shear layer decreased in thickness with increasing free-stream velocity and increases in the Reynolds shear stress. Deceleration of the free stream velocity caused thickening in the shear layer and upstream movement of the flow reversal location. The results are useful for studies of compressor blade and helicopter rotors in transition.

Simpson, R. L.↗

The thermal structure of the atmospheric surface boundary layer on Mars as modified by the radiative effect of aeolian dust

A computational simulation, based on Mariner 9 data, was performed for the thermal characteristics of the Martian atmospheric surface boundary layer in clear and dust-filled conditions. A radiative transfer model consisting of the atmospheric enthalpy rate equation, the radiative flux integrated over the 0.2-50 microns, the solid angle interval, and 0.50 km altitudes, broken into 52 levels. Mariner 9 IR data for CO2 absorption lines were included in the form of a temperture-dependent equation, while the line-widths were interpreted in terms of the pressure dependene as well as temperature. The lines covered the regions from 1-50 microns and varying conditions of dust content in the atmosphere. Attention was given to the thermal coupling between the ground and the atmosphere. It was found that convective heat exchange develops quickly due to radiative heating of the Martian desert surface, but does not cool the surface because of the attenuated atmosphere. The model predictd the 100 K temperature variations in the dusty atmosphere, as observed by the Viking thermal mapper. It is suggested that radiative flux convergence is as important as convection at equivalent efficiencies.

Pallmann, A. J.↗

The structure of a separating turbulent boundary layer. V Frequency effects on periodic unsteady free-stream flows

The results of experimental trials to obtain measurements of the effects of frequency on the sinusoidal variations in the free stream velocity over a separating turbulent boundary layer are reported. An oscillation frequency of 0.596 Hz was examined, in conjunction with a free stream velocity of 10.18 m/sec. Hot-wire anemometers measured the velocity upstream of the separation and the phase-averaged skin friction, while the velocities in the detached flow zone and the downstream velocity were assayed with a laser anemometer. Large amplitude and phase variations developed at the beginning of separation, producing hysteresis in the relationships between flow parameters. Increases in the free stream velocity decreased the detached shear layer thickness, while in the deceleration segment of the cycle the separated shear layer grew thicker. The results are in a frequency range that are significant for axial compressor blades and helicopter blades.

Simpson, R. L.↗