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At least 703 records · Page 39
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1984

Simple performance model for ring and line cusp ion thrusters

A model is developed for high magnetic field strength cusped thrusters which results in a single equation describing the thruster performance. Such a simple result is made possible by formulating the model in terms of the average energy expended in producing ions in the discharge plasma and the fraction of these ions that are extracted into the beam. A key feature of the model is that it allows one to calculate the average plasma ion energy cost as a function of the propellant utilization knowing only thruster geometric design parameters and the propellant gas. The model is exercised to indicate the effects on performance resulting from changes in the extracted ion fraction, the quality of the containment of primary electrons, the propellant mass flow rate, the propellant gas and the transparency of the accelerator system to neutral atoms.

Brophy, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS2020

Beam Propagation Through Atmospheric Turbulence Using an Altitude-Dependent Structure Profile with Non-Uniformly Distributed Phase Screens

Modeling the effects of atmospheric turbulence on optical beam propagation is a key element in the design and analysis of free-space optical communication systems. Numerical wave optics simulations provide a particularly useful technique for understanding the degradation of the optical field in the receiver plane when the analytical theory is insufficient for characterizing the atmospheric channel. Motivated by such an application, we use a split-step method modeling the turbulence along the propagation path as a series of thin random phase screens with modified von Karman refractive index statistics using the Hufnagel-Valley turbulence profile to determine the effective structure constant for each screen. In this work, we employ a space-to-ground case study to examine the irradiance and phase statistics for both uniformly and non-uniformly spaced screens along the propagation path and compare to analytical results. We find that better agreement with the analytical theory is obtained using a non-uniform spacing with the effective structure constant for each screen chosen to minimize its contribution to the scintillation in the receiver plane. We evaluate this method as a flexible alternative to other standard layered models used in astronomical imaging applications.

Chahine, Yousef K.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Theoretical studies of a molecular beam generator

We consider the problem of modeling a high temperature diatomic gas N2 flowing through a converging-diverging high expansion nozzle. The problem is modeled in two ways. The first model uses a single temperature with variable specific heats as functions of this temperature. For the second model we assume that the various degrees of freedom all have a Boltzmann population distribution which means that each degree of freedom has its own temperature and consequently each system state can be characterized by these temperatures. This suggests the formulation of a second model with a vibrational degree of freedom as having its own temperature along with a rotational-translational degree of freedom with its own temperature. Initially the vibrational degree of freedom is excited by heating the gas to a high temperature. As the high temperature gas expands through the nozzle throat there is a sudden drop in the rotational-translational temperature along with a finite relaxation time for the vibrational degree of freedom to achieve equilibrium with the rotational-translational degree of freedom. That is, the temperature change that occurs when the N2 gas passes through the nozzle throat is so great that the changes in the vibrational degree of freedom lags behind the rotational-translational energy changes. The resulting relaxation time is finite. It is in this context that the term nonequilibrium is used. That is, the term nonequilibrium denotes the fact that the energy content of the various degrees of freedom are characterized by two temperatures. We neglect any chemical reactions resulting from the high temperatures which could also add nonequilibrium effects. We develop the basic equations for the two models in various forms in order to check the derivations with other sources. The final form which is solved numerically consists of the scaled equations in a conservative dimensionless form.

Heinbockel, John H.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Nature and location of the source of plasma sheet boundary layer ion beams

Onsager et al. (1991) have put forward a model of the formation of the plasma sheet boundary layer (PSBL) which relies on a steady source of plasma from a spatially extended plasma sheet, together with steady equatorward and earthward ExB convection of field lines due to reconnection at a downtail neutral line. This model is a synthesis of earlier proposals and it explains such features as an electron layer exterior to the ion boundary layer, ion velocity dispersion, counter streaming beams, low-speed cutoffs in the beams. It also explains the apparent evolution of the ion beams through 'kidney bean' shaped velocity-space distributions toward quasi-isotropic shells without invoking pitch angle scattering or energy diffusion. In this paper we explore two ramifications of the model. In principle we can map, as a function of time, the downtail neutral line distance and establish whether or not it is retreating during substorm recovery. We can also reconstruct the plasma distribution function near the neutral line to see if it is most consistent with mantle or plasma sheet plasma. We perform this analysis using International Sun Earth Explorer (ISEE) Fast Plasma Experiment (FPE) data for two plasma sheet recovery events, one on March 1, 1978, and the other on April 18, 1978. On March 1, 1978, we find evidence for an initial retreat from around 110 to 160 R(sub E) in the first 15 min; little further retreat occurs thereafter. On April 18, 1978, the neutral line location ranges from as little as 40 R(sub E) tailward of the satellite to as much as 200 R(sub E), but there is no evidence for a systematic retreat. The reconstructed ion distributions for these events are most consistent with a plasma sheet origin for the March 1 case and possibly plasma mantle or low-latitude boundary layer for the April 18 case.

Elphic, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Characterization of the High-Albedo NEA 3691 Bede

Characterization of NEAs provides important inputs to models for atmospheric entry, risk assessment and mitigation. Diameter is a key parameter because diameter translates to kinetic energy in atmospheric entry. Diameters can be derived from the absolute magnitude, H(PA=0deg), and from thermal modeling of observed IR fluxes. For both methods, the albedo (pv) is important - high pv surfaces have cooler temperatures, larger diameters for a given Hmag, and shallower phase curves (larger slope parameter G). Thermal model parameters are coupled, however, so that a higher thermal inertia also results in a cooler surface temperature. Multiple parameters contribute to constraining the diameter. Observations made at multiple observing geometries can contribute to understanding the relationships between and potentially breaking some of the degeneracies between parameters. We present data and analyses on NEA 3691 Bede with the aim of best constraining the diameter and pv from a combination of thermal modeling and light curve analyses. We employ our UKIRT+Michelle mid-IR photometric observations of 3691 Bede's thermal emission at 2 phase angles (27&43 deg 2015-03-19 & 04-13), in addition to WISE data (33deg 2010-05-27, Mainzer+2011). Observing geometries differ by solar phase angles and by moderate changes in heliocentric distance (e.g., further distances produce somewhat cooler surface temperatures). With the NEATM model and for a constant IR beaming parameter (eta=constant), there is a family of solutions for (diameter, pv, G, eta) where G is the slope parameter from the H-G Relation. NEATM models employing Pravec+2012's choice of G=0.43, produce D=1.8 km and pv≈0.4, given that G=0.43 is assumed from studies of main belt asteroids (Warner+2009). We present an analysis of the light curve of 3691 Bede to constrain G from observations. We also investigate fitting thermophysical models (TPM, Rozitis+11) to constrain the coupled parameters of thermal inertia (Gamma) and surface roughness, which in turn affect diameter and pv. Surface composition can be related to pv. This study focuses on understanding and characterizing the dependency of parameters with the aim of constraining diameter, pv and thermal inertia for 3691 Bede.

Wooden, Diane H.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Characterization of the High-Albedo NEA 3691 Bede

Characterization of NEAs provides important inputs to models for atmospheric entry, risk assessment and mitigation. Diameter is a key parameter because diameter translates to kinetic energy in atmospheric entry. Diameters can be derived from the absolute magnitude, H(PA=0deg), and from thermal modeling of observed IR fluxes. For both methods, the albedo (pv) is important - high pv surfaces have cooler temperatures, larger diameters for a given Hmag, and shallower phase curves (larger slope parameter G). Thermal model parameters are coupled, however, so that a higher thermal inertia also results in a cooler surface temperature. Multiple parameters contribute to constraining the diameter. Observations made at multiple observing geometries can contribute to understanding the relationships between and potentially breaking some of the degeneracies between parameters. We present data and analyses on NEA 3691 Bede with the aim of best constraining the diameter and pv from a combination of thermal modeling and light curve analyses. We employ our UKIRT+Michelle mid-IR photometric observations of 3691 Bede's thermal emission at 2 phase angles (27&43 deg 2015-03-19 & 04-13), in addition to WISE data (33deg 2010-05-27, Mainzer+2011). Observing geometries differ by solar phase angles and by moderate changes in heliocentric distance (e.g., further distances produce somewhat cooler surface temperatures). With the NEATM model and for a constant IR beaming parameter (eta=constant), there is a family of solutions for (diameter, pv, G, eta) where G is the slope parameter from the H-G Relation. NEATM models employing Pravec+2012's choice of G=0.43, produce D=1.8 km and pv≈0.4, given that G=0.43 is assumed from studies of main belt asteroids (Warner+2009). We present an analysis of the light curve of 3691 Bede to constrain G from observations. We also investigate fitting thermophysical models (TPM, Rozitis+11) to constrain the coupled parameters of thermal inertia (Gamma) and surface roughness, which in turn affect diameter and pv. Surface composition can be related to pv. This study focuses on understanding and characterizing the dependency of parameters with the aim of constraining diameter, pv and thermal inertia for 3691 Bede.

magnitude↗
NASA NTRS1987

On the generation of broadband electrostatic noise

Linear theory analysis and particle simulation studies were carried out to understand the mechanisms generating broadband electrostatic noise (BEN) and the effects of BEN on particles as well as the nonlinear saturation level in the geomagnetic tail region. Streaming ion beams as well as warm ions and electrons are used to model the plasma-sheet particle population. When the beam ion temperature is comparable to the temperature of the warm plasma-sheet particles, electrostatic ion cyclotron instabilities become unstable, giving rise to low-frequency noise at omega less than about n(Omega i), where Omega i is the ion gyrofrequency.

Ashour-Abdalla, M.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Aeroservoelastic Wind-Tunnel Tests of a Free-Flying, Joined-Wing SensorCraft Model for Gust Load Alleviation

A team comprised of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Boeing, and the NASA Langley Research Center conducted three aeroservoelastic wind-tunnel tests in the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel to demonstrate active control technologies relevant to large, exible vehicles. In the first of these three tests, a full-span, aeroelastically scaled, wind-tunnel model of a joined-wing SensorCraft vehicle was mounted to a force balance to acquire a basic aerodynamic data set. In the second and third tests, the same wind-tunnel model was mated to a new, two-degree-of-freedom, beam mount. This mount allowed the full-span model to translate vertically and pitch. Trimmed flight at -10% static margin and gust load alleviation were successfully demonstrated. The rigid body degrees of freedom required that the model be own in the wind tunnel using an active control system. This risky mode of testing necessitated that a model arrestment system be integrated into the new mount. The safe and successful completion of these free-flying tests required the development and integration of custom hardware and software. This paper describes the many systems, software, and procedures that were developed as part of this effort. The balance and free ying wind-tunnel tests will be summarized. The design of the trim and gust load alleviation control laws along with the associated results will also be discussed.

Scott, Robert C.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Dynamic rain fade compensation techniques for the advanced communications technology satellite

The dynamic and composite nature of propagation impairments that are incurred on earth-space communications links at frequencies in and above the 30/20 GHz Ka band necessitate the use of dynamic statistical identification and prediction processing of the fading signal in order to optimally estimate and predict the levels of each of the deleterious attenuation components. Such requirements are being met in NASA's Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) project by the implementation of optimal processing schemes derived through the use of the ACTS Rain Attenuation Prediction Model and nonlinear Markov filtering theory. The ACTS Rain Attenuation Prediction Model discerns climatological variations on the order of 0.5 deg in latitude and longitude in the continental U.S. The time-dependent portion of the model gives precise availability predictions for the 'spot beam' links of ACTS. However, the structure of the dynamic portion of the model, which yields performance parameters such as fade duration probabilities, is isomorphic to the state-variable approach of stochastic control theory and is amenable to the design of such statistical fade processing schemes which can be made specific to the particular climatological location at which they are employed.

Manning, Robert M.↗
NASA NTRS1972

An experimental-theoretical study of free vibrations of plates on elastic point supports

A theoretical and experimental study is made to investigate the effect on plate vibrations of varying the stiffness of corner elastic point supports. A theoretical model is developed using a Rayleigh-Ritz analysis which approximates the plate mode shapes as products of free-free beam modes. The elastic point supports are modelled both as massless translational springs, and springs with tip masses. The tip masses are included to better represent the experimental supports. An experiment is constructed using the bending stiffness of horizontal beams to support a square plate at its four corners. The stiffness of these supports can be varied over such a range that the plate fundamental frequency is lowered to 40% of the rigid support frequency. The variation with support stiffness of the frequencies of the first eight plate modes is measured, and compared with the theoretical results. The plate mode shapes for rigid supports are analyzed using holographic interferometry. There is excellent agreement between the theoretical and experimental results, except for high plate modes where the theoretical model is demonstrated to be inadequate.

Leuner, T. R.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Blade frequency program for nonuniform helicopter rotors, with automated frequency search

A computer program for determining the natural frequencies and normal modes of a lumped parameter model of a rotating, twisted beam, with nonuniform mass and elastic properties was developed. The program is used to solve the conditions existing in a helicopter rotor where the outboard end of the rotor has zero forces and moments. Three frequency search methods have been implemented. Including an automatic search technique, which allows the program to find up to the fifteen lowest natural frequencies without the necessity for input estimates of these frequencies.

Sadler, S. G.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Classical laser.

In this paper a completely classical model for laser action is discussed. An active medium consisting of classical anharmonic oscillators interacts with a classical electromagnetic field in a resonant cavity. Comparison with the case of a medium consisting of harmonic oscillators shows the significance of nonlinearities for producing self-sustained oscillations in the radiation field. The results for the classical model are found to be similar to those for a semiclassical model of the ammonia-beam maser. The conclusion is that laser action is not intrinsically a quantum-mechanical effect. The classical-laser theory as given in this paper can also be applied to the case of the electron-cyclotron maser.

Borenstein, M.↗
NASA NTRS1976

On some structure-turbulence interaction problems

The interactions between a turbulent flow structure; responding to its excitation were studied. The turbulence was typical of those associated with a boundary layer, having a cross-spectral density indicative of convection and statistical decay. A number of structural models were considered. Among the one-dimensional models were an unsupported infinite beam and a periodically supported infinite beam. The fuselage construction of an aircraft was then considered. For the two-dimensional case a simple membrane was used to illustrate the type of formulation applicable to most two-dimensional structures. Both the one-dimensional and two-dimensional structures studied were backed by a cavity filled with an initially quiescent fluid to simulate the acoustic environment when the structure forms one side of a cabin of a sea vessel or aircraft.

Maekawa, S.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Dynamic fracture of advanced fiber composites

Efforts to investigate some of the theoretical bases for the dynamic fracture of graphite fiber reinforced composites are described. In particular, the initiation of unstable fracture in unidirectional cracked composites, dynamic crack propagation as modeled by orthotropic double cantilever beams, and interlaminar stresses for laminates having arbitrary stacking sequences are summarized.

Williams, J. H., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Radio frequency performance predictions for the hoop/column point design

Preliminary antenna pattern tests were conducted to determine if catastrophic effects were produced by cables (conducting) in the aperture. This test consisted of an apex feed illuminating a 3 meter solid reflector. A hoop/column configuration was used in positioning the various wires and cables. Radiation patterns were measured at 7 GHz and 10 GHz. No catastrophic effects were observed for this configuration, but additional tests are required to determine the effects for more precision multiple beam applications. In order to better understand the scattering and blockage effects on multiple beam performance, a 35 GHz model was used to model somewhat a single quad aperture configuration. Experimental results using this models are presented in graphs.

Campbell, T. G.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Computer simulation of spacecraft charging on SCATHA

Computer simulation to determine spacecraft charging on P78-2 (SCATHA) during a substorm and for modeling the effects of electron beam emission on the P78-2 ground potential for a variety of beam voltages and currents was used. Measured and computed spacecraft potentials are obtained to within several hundred eV. Computation of the electron beam emission effects on the spacecraft ground potential are shown. It is concluded that the spacecraft ground potential can be controlled by emitting an electron beam.

Rubin, A. G.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Hardware verification of distributed/adaptive control

Adaptive control techniques are studied for their future application to the control of large space structures, where uncertain or changing parameters may destabilize standard control system designs. The approach used is to examine an extended Kalman filter estimator, in which the state vector is augmented with the unknown parameters. The associated Riccatti equation is linearized about the case of exact knowledge of the parameters. By assuming that parameter variations occur slowly, the filter complexity is reduced further yet. Simulations on a two degree-of-freedom oscillator demonstrate the parameter-tracking capability of the filter, and an implementation on the JPL Flexible Beam Facility using an incorrect model shows the adaptive filter/optimal control to be stable where a standard Kalman filter/optimal control design is unstable.

Eldred, D. B.↗