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At least 739 records · Page 41

An experimental study of a three-dimensional shock wave/turbulent boundary-layer interaction at a hypersonic Mach number

Experimental data for a series of three-dimensional shock-wave/turbulent-boundary-layer interaction flows at Mach 8.2 are presented. The test bodies, composed of sharp fins fastened to a flat-plate test surface, were designed to generate flows with varying degrees of pressure gradient, boundary-layer separation, and turning angle. The data include surface-pressure, heat-transfer, and skin-friction distributions, as well as limited mean flowfield surveys both in the undisturbed and interaction regimes. The data were obtained for the purpose of validating computational models of these hypersonic interactions.

Kussoy, M. I.↗

The vortex interaction in a propeller/stator flow field

The vortex interaction encounered in the flow field of a propeller and a stator has been investigated using smoke flow visualization. A stator at angle of attack was used to generate a line vortex which interacted with the helical vortex filaments generated by a propeller. Changes in the relative vortex strengths and vortex rotational directions yielded several distinct vortex structures. Axial flow in the vortex cores is determined to influence the development of the vortex interaction.

Johnston, R. T.↗

Interplanetary magnetic field control of the Mars bow shock - Evidence for Venuslike interaction

The Mars bow shock location and shape have been determined by examining the Phobos spacecraft magnetometer data. Observations show that the position of the terminator bow shock varies with interplanetary magnetic field orientation in the same way as at Venus. The shock is farthest from Mars in the direction of the interplanetary electric field, consistent with the idea that mass loading plays an important role in the solar wind interaction with Mars. The shock cross section at the terminator plane is asymmetric and is controlled by the interplanetary magnetic field. The shock is farther from Mars during solar maximum. Thus the solar wind interaction with Mars appears to be Venuslike, with a magnetic moment too small to affect significantly the solar wind interaction.

Zhang, T. L.↗

Investigation of rotor wake interactions with a body in low speed forward flight

Wind tunnel tests are reported in which the unsteady aerodynamic interactions between rotor wake and a body are examined for the case of low-speed flight. A wide-field shadowgraph is employed to visualize the rotor-tip vortices during the interactions, and the pressure signatures are measured and correlated with wake trajectories. Consideration is given to unsteady potential-flow theory to estimate the pressure loads from measured wake trajectories. The pressure signatures are very different upstream of, downstream of, and at the wake-impingement point, at which point large transient loads are transferred to the body. Rotor wake is characterized, and the wake filaments impinge on the advancing side of the body first. The pressure signatures present a complex and varying range of patterns, but it is determined that vortex surface interactions can be modeled using potential-flow analysis.

Bi, Nai-Pei↗

Wind tunnel investigation of the interaction and breakdown characteristics of slender wing vortices at subsonic, transonic, and supersonic speeds

The vortex dominated aerodynamic characteristics of a generic 65 degree cropped delta wing model were studied in a wind tunnel at subsonic through supersonic speeds. The lee-side flow fields over the wing-alone configuration and the wing with leading edge extension (LEX) added were observed at M (infinity) equals 0.40 to 1.60 using a laser vapor screen technique. These results were correlated with surface streamline patterns, upper surface static pressure distributions, and six-component forces and moments. The wing-alone exhibited vortex breakdown and asymmetry of the breakdown location at the subsonic and transonic speeds. An earlier onset of vortex breakdown over the wing occurred at transonic speeds due to the interaction of the leading edge vortex with the normal shock wave. The development of a shock wave between the vortex and wing surface caused an early separation of the secondary boundary layer. With the LEX installed, wing vortex breakdown asymmetry did not occur up to the maximum angle of attack in the present test of 24 degrees. The favorable interaction of the LEX vortex with the wing flow field reduced the effects of shock waves on the wing primary and secondary vortical flows. The direct interaction of the wing and LEX vortex cores diminished with increasing Mach number. The maximum attainable vortex-induced pressure signatures were constrained by the vacuum pressure limit at the transonic and supersonic speeds.

Erickson, Gary E.↗

Environmental interactions of the Space Station Freedom electric power system

The Space Station Freedom will be operating in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environment. LEO environment operation results in different potential interactions with the Space Station systems including the Electric Power Systems (EPS). These potential interactions result in environmental effects which include neutral species effects such as atomic oxygen erosion, effects of micrometeroid and orbital debris impacts, plasma effects, ionizing radiation effects, and induced contamination degradation effects. The EPS design and its interactions with the LEO environment are described. The results of analyses and testing programs planned and performed thus far to resolve the environmental concerns related to the EPS and its function in the LEO environment are discussed.

Nahra, Henry K.↗

The Solar Array Module Plasma Interactions Experiment (SAMPIE): Science and technology objectives

The Solar Array Module Plasma Interactions Experiment (SAMPIE) is an approved NASA Space Shuttle space flight experiment to be launched in Jul. 1993. The SAMPIE experiment is designed to investigate the interaction of high voltage space power systems with ionospheric plasma. To study the behavior of solar cells, a number of cell coupons, representing technologies of current interest, will be biased to high voltages to characterize both negative potential arcing and positive potential current collection. Additionally, various theories of arc suppression will be tested by including several specially modified cell coupons. Finally, SAMPIE will include experiments to study the basic nature of these interactions. The rationale for a space flight experiment, the measurements to be made, the significance of the expected results, and the current design status of the flight hardware are described.

Hillard, G. Barry↗

Solar Array Module Plasma Interaction Experiment (SAMPIE): Technical requirements document

The Solar Array Module Plasma Interactions Experiment (SAMPIE) is a NASA shuttle space flight experiment scheduled for launch in early 1994. The SAMPIE experiment will investigate plasma interactions of high voltage space power systems in low earth orbit. Solar cell modules, representing several technologies, will be biased to high voltages to characterize both arcing and plasma current collection. Other solar modules, specially modified in accordance with current theories of arcing and breakdown, will demonstrate the possibility of arc suppression. Finally, several test modules will be included to study the basic nature of these interactions. The science and technology goals for the project are defined in the Technical Requirements Document (TRD) which is presented here.

Hillard, G. Barry↗

Pathways of Understanding: the Interactions of Humanity and Global Environmental Change

How humans, interacting within social systems, affect and are affected by global change is explored. Recognizing the impact human activities have on the environment and responding to the need to document the interactions among human activities, the Consortium for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN) commissioned a group of 12 scientists to develop a framework illustrating the key human systems that contribute to global change. This framework, called the Social Process Diagram, will help natural and social scientists, educators, resource managers and policy makers envision and analyze how human systems interact among themselves and with the natural system. The Social Process Diagram consists of the following blocks that constitute the Diagram's structural framework: (1) fund of knowledge and experience; (2) preferences and expectations; (3) factors of production and technology; (4) population and social structure; (5) economic systems; (6) political systems and institutions; and (7) global scale environmental processes. To demonstrate potential ways the Diagram can be used, this document includes 3 hypothetical scenarios of global change issues: global warming and sea level rise; the environmental impact of human population migration; and energy and the environment. These scenarios demonstrate the Diagram's usefulness for visualizing specific processes that might be studied to evaluate a particular global change issues. The scenario also shows that interesting and unanticipated questions may emerge as links are explored between categories on the Diagram.

Jacobson, Harold K.↗

Wave-particle interactions in the magnetosphere of Uranus

The Voyager 2 encounter of Uranus has provided observations of plasma waves in and near the magnetosphere. These data, while the first from Uranus, will also be the only direct information on wave-particle interactions at this planet for many years to come. The observations include electrostatic waves upstream of the bow shock, turbulence in the shock Bernstein emissions and whistler mode waves in the magnetosphere, broadband electrostatic noise in the magnetotail, and a number of the other types of plasma waves which have yet to be clearly identified. Each of these types of waves exist in a plasma environment which both supports the growth of the waves and is modified by interactions with the waves. Wave-particle interactions provide the channels through which the waves can accelerate, scatter, or thermalize the plasmas. The most spectacular example in the case of Uranus is the extremely intense whistler mode activity in the inner magnetosphere which is the source of strong pitch angle diffusion. The resulting electron precipitation is sufficient to produce the auroral emissions observed by Voyager. The strong diffusion, however, presents the problem of supplying electrons in the range of 5 to 40 keV in order to support the losses to the atmosphere.

Kurth, W. S.↗

Experiments on shock/vortex interactions

The interaction between a shock wave and a supersonic streamwise vortex is a fundamental fluid-dynamics problem with numerous practical applications. This paper describes an experimental study of this phenomenon. In particular, supersonic streamwise vortices of varying strength and Mach number were generated and measured using five-hole and total-temperature probes. In addition, the interactions between a vortex and either an oblique or a normal shock wave were visualized using schlieren and planar-laser-scattering techniques. The mean-flow measurements show both similarities and differences between the supersonic streamwise vortex and its incompressible counterpart, while the flow-visualization results show that the shock/vortex interaction is always unsteady and that, under certain conditions, the vortex can burst. The conditions necessary for supersonic vortex breakdown are presented.

Cattafesta, L. N., III↗

A near-infrared imaging survey of interacting galaxies - The small angular-size Arp systems

Near-IR images of a large sample of interacting galaxies selected from the Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies by Arp (1966) have been obtained. Approximately 180 systems have been imaged in at least two, and usually three of the standard JHK bands. The survey and the observing and data reduction procedures, are described, and contour plots and aperture photometry are presented. Future papers will analyze the imaging data by groupings based on interaction type, stage, and progenitors. The goals of the analysis are to explore the relationships between galaxy interactions, activity, and morphology by studying the structure of the near-IR luminosity distribution, where extinction effects are much reduced relative to the optical and the major stellar mass component of galaxies dominates the observed light.

Bushouse, Howard A.↗

Dynamical interactions between the middle atmosphere and thermosphere

Based on modeling some interactions between the middle atmosphere and thermosphere are presented. The interactions studied include the thermospheric circulations driven by radiative and auroral heating affecting the O concentration and temperature of the upper mesosphere through the exchange of chemical energy. Considering Kellog's mechanism, an interaction between the mesosphere and thermosphere that is driven by Joule heating is discussed.

Mayr, H. G.↗

Behavioral interactions across various aircraft types - Results of systematic observations of line operations and simulations

The NASA/UT Line/LOS checklist is designed to capture critical components of crew interaction. The behaviors deemed critical to flight crew interaction include briefings, communications, inquiry, assertion/advocacy, and decisions communicated and acknowledged. Data shows significant behavioral interaction differences as a function of aircraft type, indicating that crew size and technology level were at least partly driving that difference.

Clothier, Cathy C.↗

On the nature of the interaction between structures and actuators in vibration suppression

This lecture presents a summary of work on the analysis of the interaction between a structure, an actuator used to suppress the vibration of the structure, and the control law implemented by the actuator. Two control applications are considered. First, a proof-mass actuator with experimentally verified dynamics, capable of being used in a space structure configuration is examined. This is connected to a cantilevered beam modeled as a single degree of freedom system. Secondly, an electric motor, again with experimentally verified dynamics, is used to slew a beam modeled by a partial differential equation. Both the experimental and numerical configuration predict the presence of potential instabilities in system performance if proper consideration is not given to interactions between the control law, the structure and the actuator. In addition, an understanding of the interaction is shown to greatly effect performance. In particular it is shown that judicious choice of actuator parameters greatly improves closed loop performance.

Inman, Daniel J.↗

Computational analysis of ramjet engine inlet interaction

A computational analysis of a ramjet engine at Mach 3.5 has been conducted and compared to results obtained experimentally. This study focuses on the behavior of the inlet both with and without combustor backpressure. Increased backpressure results in separation of the body side boundary layer and a resultant static pressure rise in the inlet throat region. The computational results compare well with the experimental data for static pressure distribution through the engine, inlet throat flow profiles, and mass capture. The computational analysis slightly underpredicts the thickness of the engine body surface boundary layer and the extent of the interaction caused by backpressure; however, the interaction is observed at approximately the same level of backpressure both experimentally and computationally. This study demonstrates the ability of two different Navier-Stokes codes, namely RPLUS and PARC, to calculate the flow features of this ramjet engine and to provide more detailed information on the process of inlet interaction and unstart.

Duncan, Beverly↗

Venus and Mars: Atmospheres, ionospheres, and solar wind interactions; Proceedings of the Chapman Conference, Balatonfured, Hungary, June 4-8, 1990

The present conference discusses the evolution and chemistry-surface interactions of the Venus and Mars atmospheres, the properties of thermospheric gravity waves on earth, Venus, and Mars, far-UV remote sensing of Mars and Venus, in situ results for the Venus ionosphere, radio occultation data for the Mars and Venus ionospheres, and solar-wind interactions with Mars. Also discussed are evidence for waves in the Venus and Mars atmospheres, an interpretation of the large-scale ionospheric magnetic fields of the Venus and Mars daysides' ionospheric plasma, a computer model of solar wind interaction with Venus and Mars, and solar-wind effects on the atmospheric evolution of Venus and Mars.

Luhmann, Janet G.↗

Local interactions in renormalization methods for Navier-Stokes turbulence

Two distinct renormalization-group (RG) approaches are applied to Navier-Stokes turbulence: epsilon-RG and recursive RG. Epsilon-RG takes into account only nonlocal interactions and utilizes an infinitesimal subgrid (unresolvable scale) shell limit. Recursive RG takes into account both nonlocal and local interactions and does not require an infinitesimal subgrid shell limit to be taken. The role of local interactions and the introduction of RG-induced nonlinearities are discussed and clarified.

Zhou, YE↗