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At least 685 records · Page 38

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NASA NTRS1980

LAPR: An experimental aircraft pushbroom scanner

A three band Linear Array Pushbroom Radiometer (LAPR) was built and flown on an experimental basis by NASA at the Goddard Space Flight Center. The functional characteristics of the instrument and the methods used to preprocess the data, including radiometric correction, are described. The radiometric sensitivity of the instrument was tested and compared to that of the Thematic Mapper and the Multispectral Scanner. The radiometric correction procedure was evaluated quantitatively, using laboratory testing, and qualitatively, via visual examination of the LAPR test flight imagery. Although effective radiometric correction could not yet be demonstrated via laboratory testing, radiometric distortion did not preclude the visual interpretation or parallel piped classification of the test imagery.

Wharton, S. W.↗

NASA NTRS1981

LAPR - An experimental pushbroom scanner

A three-band Linear Array Pushbroom Radiometer (LAPR) was built and flown on an experimental basis by NASA, at the Goddard Space Flight Center. The functional characteristics of the instrument and the methods used to preprocess the data, including radiometric correction, are described. The radiometric sensitivity of the instrument was tested and compared to that of the Thematic Mapper and the Multispectral Scanner. The radiometric correction procedure was evaluated quantitatively, using laboratory testing, and qualitatively, by visual examination of the LAPR test flight imagery. Although effective radiometric correction could not yet be demonstrated by laboratory testing, radiometric distortion did not preclude the visual interpretation or classification of the test imagery.

Wharton, S. W.↗

NASA NTRS1989

A computational study on the interaction between a vortex and a shock wave

A computational study of two-dimensional shock vortex interaction is discussed in this paper. A second order upwind finite volume method is used to solve the Euler equations in conservation form. In this method, the shock wave is captured rather than fitted so that the cases where shock vortex interaction may cause secondary shocks can also be investigated. The effects of vortex strength on the computed flow and acoustic field generated by the interaction are qualitatively evaluated.

Meadows, Kristine R.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Computation of solid/liquid phase change including free convection - Comparison with data

A computational model is presented for solid/liquid phase-change energy transport including free convection fluid flow in the liquid phase. The computational model considers the velocity components of all nonliquid control volumes to be zero but fully solves the coupled mass-momentum problem within the liquid. The thermal energy model includes the entire domain and employs an enthalpy-like model and a recently developed method for handling the phase-change interface nonlinearity. Convergence studies are performed and comparisons made with experimental data for two different problems. Grid independence is achieved, and the comparison with experimental data indicates excellent quantitative prediction of the melt fraction evolution. Qualitative data are also provided as velocity vector and isotherm plots. The computational costs incurred are quite low by comparison with other models.

Schneider, G. E.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Scientific applications of frequency-stabilized laser technology in space

A synoptic investigation of the uses of frequency-stabilized lasers for scientific applications in space is presented. It begins by summarizing properties of lasers, characterizing their frequency stability, and describing limitations and techniques to achieve certain levels of frequency stability. Limits to precision set by laser frequency stability for various kinds of measurements are investigated and compared with other sources of error. These other sources include photon-counting statistics, scattered laser light, fluctuations in laser power, and intensity distribution across the beam, propagation effects, mechanical and thermal noise, and radiation pressure. Methods are explored to improve the sensitivity of laser-based interferometric and range-rate measurements. Several specific types of science experiments that rely on highly precise measurements made with lasers are analyzed, and anticipated errors and overall performance are discussed. Qualitative descriptions are given of a number of other possible science applications involving frequency-stabilized lasers and related laser technology in space. These applications will warrant more careful analysis as technology develops.

Schumaker, Bonny L.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Numerical modeling of preburner flowfield

This work is intended to numerically predict the flowfields inside the preburner of the Space Shuttle Main Engine. The computer code (FDNS) based on pressure correction method is modified and adapted with an elliptic grid generator. The original configuration of the preburner in conjunction with downstream gas turbines has been simplified geometrically and numerically modeled at its full power in this work. The computational results are presented and qualitatively discussed with test data collected in NASA/MSFC.

Chow, A. S.↗

NASA NTRS2018

Simulating the Clamped Tapered Beam Specimen Under Quasi-Static and Fatigue Loading Using Floating Node Method

As part of the NASA Advanced Composites Project (ACP), a sub-element has been designed to provide validation data for progressive damage analysis models. The clamped tapered beam is a cross-ply laminated composite specimen designed to validate the simulation of the onset of matrix cracks and their interaction with delaminations, including delamination migration. A tapered geometry was used to localize the first damage occurrence in the tapered region, without prescribing an initial crack. The boundary and loading conditions were chosen to favor delamination growth and subsequent migration after the first damage occurrence. The typical sequence of events consists of a matrix crack located at the tapered region, leading to delamination onset, followed by delamination growth and subsequent delamination migration to a different interface via a dominant matrix crack. The Clamped Tapered Beam (CTB) was tested in both quasi-static and fatigue regimes. The results obtained are used in this study to assess and validate a methodology based on the Floating Node Method (FNM) implemented as an Extended Interface Element. In this methodology, quasi-static and fatigue damage formation and development are modeled by combining FNM to represent crack networks, with Directional Cohesive Zone Elements (DCZE) and Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT), respectively. Qualitatively, the methodology is capable of predicting the sequence of events and overall failure morphology. Quantitatively, the simulation results generally bound the experimental data, based on the range of the characterization data used. In this paper, the results from quasi static and fatigue simulations are compared and correlated with experimental data.

Seshadri, B. R.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Robust quantification of the diamond nitrogen-vacancy center charge state via photoluminescence spectroscopy

Nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are at the heart of many emerging quantum technologies, all of which require control over the NV charge state. Hence, methods for quantification of the relative photoluminescence intensities of the NV 0 and NV − charge states, i.e., a charge state ratio, are vital. Several approaches to quantify NV charge state ratios have been reported but are either limited to bulk-like NV diamond samples or yield qualitative results. We propose an NV charge state quantification protocol based on the determination of sample- and experimental setup-specific NV 0 and NV − reference spectra. The approach employs blue (400–470 nm) and green (480–570 nm) excitation to infer pure NV 0 and NV − spectra, which are then used to quantify NV charge state ratios in subsequent experiments via least squares fitting. We test our dual excitation protocol (DEP) for a bulk diamond NV sample and 20 and 100 nm nanodiamond particles and compare results with those obtained via other commonly used techniques such as zero-phonon line fitting and non-negative matrix factorization. We find that DEP can be employed across different samples and experimental setups and yields consistent and quantitative results for NV charge state ratios that are in agreement with our understanding of NV photophysics. By providing robust NV charge state quantification across sample types and measurement platforms, DEP will support the development of NV-based quantum technologies.

Color center laser spectroscopy↗

DOE OSTI2021

CFD-DEM study of bubble properties in a cylindrical fluidized bed of Geldart Group D particles and comparison with prior MRI data

Numerical simulations of a freely bubbling cylindrical fluidized bed are carried out using a coupled computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method (CFD-DEM) model and compared to recent experimental data. The experiments were conducted using high-resolution and high-frequency magnetic resonance imaging providing high-fidelity data of the bubbling within a central 10 mm slice of the bed. Qualitatively, we nd more regular (i.e., less chaotic) structures in the simulated beds than observed experimentally. Quantitatively, however, the bubble diameter and number of bubbles as a function of height within the bed is predicted well by the base model. Unfortunately, the regularity in the simulations manifests as a considerable discrepancy in the speed of the (dense) emulsion phase. The simulated velocity probability distribution functions show an accumulation of low-speed regions and deficiency of high-speed regions. A simple parametric study of the base model is also carried out considering many of the most common CFD-DEM modeling parameters. It is found that the fluid grid size, geometry resolution, transfer kernel and drag law did not have a significant effect on bubble or particle dynamics.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2023

Geometric phase in coupled cluster theory

It has been well-established that the topography around conical intersections between excited electronic states is incorrectly described by coupled cluster and many other single reference theories (the intersections are “defective”). Despite this, we show both analytically and numerically that the geometric phase effect (GPE) is correctly reproduced upon traversing a path around a defective excited-state conical intersection (CI) in coupled cluster theory. The theoretical analysis is carried out by using a non-Hermitian generalization of the linear vibronic coupling approach. Interestingly, the approach qualitatively explains the characteristic (incorrect) shape of the defective CIs and CI seams. Moreover, the validity of the approach and the presence of the GPE indicate that defective CIs are local (and not global) artifacts. This implies that a sufficiently accurate coupled cluster method could predict nuclear dynamics, including geometric phase effects, as long as the nuclear wavepacket never gets too close to the conical intersections.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

NASA NTRS1988

Surface flow visualization of separated flows on the forebody of an F-18 aircraft and wind-tunnel model

A method of in-flight surface flow visualization similar to wind-tunnel-model oil flows is described for cases where photo-chase planes or onboard photography are not practical. This method, used on an F-18 aircraft in flight at high angles of attack, clearly showed surface flow streamlines in the fuselage forebody. Vortex separation and reattachment lines were identified with this method and documented using postflight photography. Surface flow angles measured at the 90 and 270 degrees meridians show excellent agreement with the wind tunnel data for a pointed tangent ogive with an aspect ratio of 3.5. The separation and reattachment line locations were qualitatively similar to the F-18 wind-tunnel-model oil flows but neither the laminar separation bubble nor the boundary-layer transition on the wind tunnel model were evident in the flight surface flows. The separation and reattachment line locations were in fair agreement with the wind tunnel data for the 3.5 ogive. The elliptical forebody shape of the F-18 caused the primary separation lines to move toward the leeward meridian. Little effect of angle of attack on the separation locations was noted for the range reported.

Fisher, David F.↗

NASA NTRS1951

On stability and turbulence of fluid flows

This investigation is divided into two parts, the treatment of the stability problem of fluid flows on the one hand, and that of the turbulent motion on the other. The first part summarizes all previous investigations under a unified point of view, that is, sets up as generally as possible the conditions under which a profile possesses unstable or stable characteristics, and indicates the methods for solution of the stability equation for any arbitrary velocity profile and for calculation of the critical Reynolds number for unstable profiles. In the second part, under certain greatly idealizing assumptions, differential equations for the turbulent motions are derived and from them qualitative information about several properties of the turbulent velocity distribution is obtained.

FLOW, TURBULENT↗

DOE OSTI2025

Impact of melt viscosity on filler dispersion in elastomeric nanocomposites

Compounding of commercial nanocomposites usually involves the addition of viscosity enhancers such as binder resins in ink jet inks, and paints. Contrary to this, plasticizers such as process oils are added to reduce the melt viscosity and ease processability of reinforced elastomers. Nanofillers such as silica and carbon black are typically added to reinforce rubber and enhance performance of automotive tire treads. Filler dispersion has traditionally been qualitatively (indirectly) assessed by measuring the properties of reinforced elastomers. While dispersion can be quantified by examining filler agglomeration through surface roughness measurements and microscopy, the size-scale dependence for these hierarchical fillers has usually been ignored. Here, we have recently devised a method to quantify nano-scale dispersion of fillers using Ultra small-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) techniques. This method is advantageous since it directly links the controllable processing/compounding parameters such as the mixing speed, mixer geometry, residence time (or mixing duration), melt density, flow gap distance, and melt viscosity to nano-scale dispersion. While our previous studies have explored the impact of different processing parameters, this study specifically investigates the impact of melt viscosity on nano-scale filler dispersion in elastomer compounds. Commercially available polybutadienes with different Mooney viscosities were used in conjunction with different grades and amounts of process oils to modify the melt viscosity.

Carbon black↗

NASA NTRS1974

Prediction of pump cavitation performance

A method for predicting pump cavitation performance with various liquids, liquid temperatures, and rotative speeds is presented. Use of the method requires that two sets of test data be available for the pump of interest. Good agreement between predicted and experimental results of cavitation performance was obtained for several pumps operated in liquids which exhibit a wide range of properties. Two cavitation parameters which qualitatively evaluate pump cavitation performance are also presented.

Moore, R. D.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Modeling arson - An exercise in qualitative model building

A detailed example is given of the role of von Neumann and Morgenstern's 1944 'expected utility theorem' (in the theory of games and economic behavior) in qualitative model building. Specifically, an arsonist's decision as to the amount of time to allocate to arson and related activities is modeled, and the responsiveness of this time allocation to changes in various policy parameters is examined. Both the activity modeled and the method of presentation are intended to provide an introduction to the scope and power of the expected utility theorem in modeling situations of 'choice under uncertainty'. The robustness of such a model is shown to vary inversely with the number of preference restrictions used in the analysis. The fewer the restrictions, the wider is the class of agents to which the model is applicable, and accordingly more confidence is put in the derived results. A methodological discussion on modeling human behavior is included.

Heineke, J. M.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Considerations for the application of finite element beam modeling to vibration analysis of flight vehicle structures

The manner of representing a flight vehicle structure as an assembly of beam, spring, and rigid-body components for vibration analysis is described. The development is couched in terms of a substructures methodology which is based on the finite-element stiffness method. The particular manner of employing beam, spring, and rigid-body components to model such items as wing structures, external stores, pylons supporting engines or external stores, and sprung masses associated with launch vehicle fuel slosh is described by means of several simple qualitative examples. A detailed numerical example consisting of a tilt-rotor VTOL aircraft is included to provide a unified illustration of the procedure for representing a structure as an equivalent system of beams, springs, and rigid bodies, the manner of forming the substructure mass and stiffness matrices, and the mechanics of writing the equations of constraint which enforce deflection compatibility at the junctions of the substructures. Since many structures, or selected components of structures, can be represented in this manner for vibration analysis, the modeling concepts described and their application in the numerical example shown should prove generally useful to the dynamicist.

Kvaternik, R. G.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Simulation of three-dimensional compressible viscous flow on the Illiac IV computer

Complicated three-dimensional viscous transonic flows about bodies at high angles of attack are solved on the Illiac IV computer. It is shown that certain approximate forms of the compressible Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations can be computed about realistic three-dimensional geometries with relative ease on the Illiac IV. The ease and efficiency with which this can be done depend on the approximations made in the basic equations, the choice of the numerical algorithm used for the solution, and the data-base system that controls the data management and identifies and manipulates the vectors. A pencil data-base system is found to be particularly suitable for the approximations and numerical method chosen to produce the results presented. In addition, some comparisons are made of computer predictions with experimental results for various lows about hemisphere-cylinders in both subsonic and supersonic free streams. The same viscous model and numerical model are used, showing good qualitative agreement in the location of separation lines and pressure distributions.

Pulliam, T. H.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Adaptive Array for Weak Interfering Signals: Geostationary Satellite Experiments

The performance of an experimental adaptive array is evaluated using signals from an existing geostationary satellite interference environment. To do this, an earth station antenna was built to receive signals from various geostationary satellites. In these experiments the received signals have a frequency of approximately 4 GHz (C-band) and have a bandwidth of over 35 MHz. These signals are downconverted to a 69 MHz intermediate frequency in the experimental system. Using the downconverted signals, the performance of the experimental system for various signal scenarios is evaluated. In this situation, due to the inherent thermal noise, qualitative instead of quantitative test results are presented. It is shown that the experimental system can null up to two interfering signals well below the noise level. However, to avoid the cancellation of the desired signal, the use a steering vector is needed. Various methods to obtain an estimate of the steering vector are proposed.

Steadman, Karl↗