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At least 739 records · Page 41

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NASA NTRS1984

Grain-refining heat treatments to improve cryogenic toughness of high-strength steels

The development of two high Reynolds number wind tunnels at NASA Langley Research Center which operate at cryogenic temperatures with high dynamic pressures has imposed severe requirements on materials for model construction. Existing commercial high strength steels lack sufficient toughness to permit their safe use at temperatures approaching that of liquid nitrogen (-320 F). Therefore, a program to improve the cryogenic toughness of commercial high strength steels was conducted. Significant improvement in the cryogenic toughness of commercial high strength martensitic and maraging steels was demonstrated through the use of grain refining heat treatments. Charpy impact strength at -320 F was increased by 50 to 180 percent for the various alloys without significant loss in tensile strength. The grain sizes of the 9 percent Ni-Co alloys and 200 grade maraging steels were reduced to 1/10 of the original size or smaller, with the added benefit of improved machinability. This grain refining technique should permit these alloys with ultimate strengths of 220 to 270 ksi to receive consideration for cryogenic service.

Rush, H. F.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Technology requirements for large flexible space structures

Research, test, and demonstration experiments necessary for establishing a data base that will permit construction of large, lightweight flexible space structures meeting on-orbit pointing and surface precesion criteria are discussed. Attention is focused on the wrap-rib proof-of-concept antenna structures developed from technology used on the ATS-6 satellite. The target structure will be up to 150 m in diameter or smaller, operate at RF levels, be amenable to packaging for carriage in the Shuttle bay, be capable of being ground-tested, and permit on-orbit deployment and retraction. Graphite/epoxy has been chosen as the antenna ribs material, and the antenna mesh will be gold-plated Mo wire. A 55-m diam reflector was built as proof-of-concept with ground-test capability. Tests will proceed on components, a model, the entire structure, and in-flight. An analytical model has been formulated to characterize the antenna's thermal behavior. The flight test of the 55-m prototype in-orbit offers the chance to validate the analytical model and characterize the control, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of the antenna configuration.

Wada, B. K.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Application of a full potential method for computation of three-dimensional supersonic flows

A nonlinear aerodynamic analysis technique based on the full potential equation in conservative form has been modified to permit treatment of supersonic flows with embedded subsonic regions (typically near the fuselage-canopy juncture and the wing leading edge). Solution procedures for the equations do not require any specific form of geometry or physical grid system. This results in the capability to analyze easily very complex geometries provided the posed problem lies within the isentropic restrictions of the full potential theory. Characteristic signal propagation theory is used to monitor the type dependent flow and a conservative switching scheme is employed to transition from the supersonic marching algorithm to a subsonic relaxation procedure and vice versa. An implicit approximate factorization scheme is used to solve the finite-difference equations. These modifications now permit analysis of fully three-dimensional flowfields including the interference effects due to lifting surface wakes. Improved grid generation capability allows analysis of complete complex aircraft geometries (fuselage, wing, tail, wing wake, and tail wake). Results are presented showing very good correlations with experimental surface pressure data and aerodynamic force data at both design and off-design operating points. Configurations examined include several waverider concepts, an arrow wing-body with wake, an advanced tactical fighter concept, and a fighter forebody-canard configuration.

Jones, K. M.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Submillimeter astronomy and the problem of star formation

Sources that have traditionally been called 'protostars,' because they were strong emitters of infrared radiation embedded in dust clouds, are now recognized to be 'newly formed' stars instead. Recent developments in submillimeter astronomy should permit a redoubling of efforts to find bodies that are the actual predecessors of newly formed stars. This renewed search for true protostars will be aided by advances that have occurred in submillimeter spectroscopy; these will permit an analysis of the physical conditions and chemical constitution of cooler protostellar clouds, and may provide insight into circumstances favoring protostellar collapse.

Harwit, M.↗

NASA NTRS1983

User alternatives in post-processing for raster-to-vector conversion

A number of Landsat-based coniferous forest stratum maps have been created of the Eldorado National Forest in California. These maps were produced in raster image format which is not directly usable by the U.S. Forest Service's vector-based Wildland Resource Information System (WRIS). As a solution, raster-to-vector conversion software has been developed for processing classified images into polygonal data structures. Before conversion, however, the digital classification images must be simplified to remove high spatial variance ('noise', 'speckle') and meet a USFS ten acre minimum requirement. A post-processing (simplification) strategy different from those commonly used in raster image processing may be desired for preparing maps for conversion to vector format, because simplification routines typically permit diagonal connections in the process of reclassifying pixels and forming new polygons. Diagonal connections are often undesirable when converting to vector format because they permit polygons to effectively cross over each other and occupy a common location. Three alternative methodologies are discussed for simplifying raster data for conversion to vector format.

Logan, T. L.↗

NASA NTRS1984

The millimeter and submillimeter laboratory spectrum of methyl formate in its ground symmetric torsional state

Over 200 rotational lines of methyl formate in its ground (v sub t = 0), symmetric (A) torsional state have been measured in the frequency range 140-550 GHz. Analysis of these and lower frequency transitions permits accurate prediction (below 0.1 MHz) of over 10,000 transitions at frequencies below 600 GHz with angular momentum J lower than 50. The measured spectral lines have permitted identification of over 100 new methyl formate lines in Orion.

Plummer, G. M.↗

NASA NTRS1984

On the identification of normal modes of oscillation from observations of the solar periphery

The decomposition of solar oscillations into their constituent normal modes requires a knowledge of both the spatial and temporal variation of the perturbation to the sun's surface. The task can be especially difficult when only limited spatial information is available. Observations of the limb-darkening function, for example, are probably sensitive to too large a number of modes to permit most of the modes to be identified in a power spectrum of measurements at only a few points on the limb, unless the results are combined with other data. In this paper a procedure is considered by which the contributions from quite small groups of modes to spatially well resolved data obtained at any instant can be extracted from the remaining modes. Combining these results with frequency information then permits the modes to be identified, at least if their frequencies are low enough to ensure that modes of high degree do not contribute substantially to the signal.

Gough, D. O.↗

NASA NTRS1985

High-Performance Heat Pipe

Single vapor channel and single liquid channel joined by axial slot. New design, permits high heat-transport capacity without excessively reducing heat-transfer efficiency. Contains two large axial channels, one for vapor and one for liquid, permitting axial transport and radial heat-transfer requirements met independently. Heat pipe has capacity of approximately 10 to sixth power watt-inches (2.5 X 10 to sixth power watt-cm) orders of magnitude greater than heat capacity of existing heat pipes. Design has high radial-heat-transfer efficiency, structurally simple, and has large liquid and vapor areas.

Alario, J. P.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Holder for Ultrasonic Evaluation of Small-Diameter Tubes

Simple holder eliminates requirement for expensive turntable. Holder works by rotating cylindrical specimens about y-axis. Rotation synchronized with movement of transducer to permit testing without use of turntable. Holder attached to crossmember of scanning bridge with C-clamp. Permits testing of small-diameter tubes rapidly, accurately, and economically. Designed for use with commercially available electromechanical drum-type ultrasonic immersion testing device used for nondestructive evaluation of variety of materials.

Taylor, E. C.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Flywheel-powered X-ray generator

The use of a small flywheel appears to be a practical alternative to other power sources for mobile X-ray system applications. A 5 kg flywheel has been constructed which runs at 10 krpm and stores 30 KJ while requiring less than 500 W to bring the system up to speed. The wheel is coupled to an aircraft alternator and can yield pulsed power levels over 50 KWp. The aircraft alternator has the advantage of high frequency output which has also permitted the design of smaller high voltage transformers. A series of optical sensors detecting shaft position function as an electronic commutator so that the alternator may operate as a motor to bring the wheel up to operating speed. The system permits the generation of extremely powerful X-rays from a variety of low power sources such as household power outlets, automobile batteries or sources of poorly regulated electrical power such as those found in third world countries.

Siedband, M. P.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Extended moment arm anti-spin device

A device which corrects aerodynamic spin is provided in which a collapsible boom extends an aircraft moment arm and an anti-spin parachute force is exerted upon the end of the moment arm to correct intentional or inadvertent aerodynamic spin. This configuration effects spin recovery by means of a parachute whose required diameter decreases as an inverse function of the increasing length of the moment arm. The collapsible boom enables the parachute to avoid the aircraft wake without mechanical assistance, retracts to permit steep takeoff, and permits a parachute to correct spin while minimizing associated aerodynamic, structural and in-flight complications.

Whipple, R. D.↗

NASA NTRS1985

A Preliminary Assessment of LANDSAT-4 Thematic Mapper Data

The geometric errors for image to map rectification of one Thematic Mapper (TM) scene of an area near Windsor, Ontario were studied. The scene had been produced on computer compatible tape by NASA and contained radiometric and system corrections for geometric distortions. The geometric properties of TM photographic imagery permitted very good fitting to map detail using simple scaling techniques to localized areas and, using simple scaling, the overall geometry remained with 500 meters or 0.4 mm at the image scale of 1:1,141,600. An affine transformation, permitting differential scaling, slightly improves the fit to about 400 meters or 0.35 mm at image scale. The imagery shows promise of having the needed additional resolution and spectral discrimination to provide map revision information in urban-rural areas where the MSS sensor is considered inadequate. The late-season prairie image, however, did not hold such promise, and judgement must be reserved until images are acquired at other seasons in this particular geographic area.

Goodenough, D. G.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Advanced 2-frequency ocean sensing radar using high resolution antenna beams

The opportunity to use a large space antenna system for remote sensing applications permits the creation of an advanced ocean sensing radar that combines the abilities of previously developed techniques. The 15 meter antenna will permit much higher angular and spatial resolution at the surface that will lead to techniques of observing ocean wave heights and the directional spectrum that had not previously been feasible from space. At the same time, sensors to measure ocean surface winds can be in operation and the data from both can be combined to increase the accuracy of each individual sensor. The existing capabilities and sensor techniques with typical data characteristics for the individual measurement of sea surface quantities are outlined.

Weissman, D. E.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Solar Seismology from Space. a Conference at Snowmass, Colorado

The quality of the ground based observing environment suffers from several degrading factors: diurnal interruptions and thermal variations, atmospheric seeing and transparency fluctuations and adverse weather interruptions are among the chief difficulties. The limited fraction of the solar surface observable from only one vantage point is also a potential limitation to the quality of the data available without going to space. Primary conference goals were to discuss in depth the scientific return from current observations and analyses of solar oscillations, to discuss the instrumental and site requirements for realizing the full potential of the seismic analysis method, and to help bring new workers into the field by collecting and summarizing the key background theory. At the conclusion of the conference there was a clear consensus that ground based observation would not be able to provide data of the quality required to permit a substantial analysis of the solar convection zone dynamics or to permit a full deduction of the solar interior structure.

Ulrich, R. K.↗

NASA NTRS1984

An experimental investigation of the angular scattering and backscattering behaviors of the simulated clouds of the outer planets

A cryogenic, 50 liter volume Planetary Cloud Simulation Chamber has been constructed to permit the laboratory study of the cloud compositions which are likely to be found in the atmospheres of the outer planets. On the basis of available data, clouds composed of water ice, carbon dioxide, and liquid and solid ammonia and methane, both pure and in various mixtures, have been generated. Cloud microphysical observations have been permitted through the use of a cloud particle slide injector and photomicrography. Viewports in the lower chamber have enabled the collection of cloud backscattering data using 633 and 838 nm laser light, including linear depolarization ratios and complete Stokes parameterization. The considerable technological difficulties associated with the collection of angular scattering patterns within the chamber, however, could not be completely overcome.

Sassen, K.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Free-zone electrophoresis of animal cells. 1: Experiments on cell-cell interactions

The electrophoretically migrating zones wasa monitored. The absence of fluid flows in the direction of migration permits direct measurement of electrophoretic velocities of any material. Sedimentation is orthogonal to electrokinetic motion and the effects of particle-particle interaction on electrophoretic mobility is studied by free zone electrophoresis. Fixed erythrocytes at high concentrations, mixtures of fixed erythrocytes from different animal species, and mixtures of cultured human cells were studied in low ionic strength buffers. The electrophoretic velocity of fixed erythrocytes was not altered by increasing cell concentration or by the mixing of erythrocytes from different species. When zones containing cultured human glial cells and neuroblastoma cells are permitted to interact during electrophoresis, altered migration patterns occur. It is found that cell-cell interactions depends upon cell type.

Todd, P. W.↗

NASA NTRS1984

A high-speed digital signal processor for atmospheric radar, part 7.3A

The Model SP-320 device is a monolithic realization of a complex general purpose signal processor, incorporating such features as a 32-bit ALU, a 16-bit x 16-bit combinatorial multiplier, and a 16-bit barrel shifter. The SP-320 is designed to operate as a slave processor to a host general purpose computer in applications such as coherent integration of a radar return signal in multiple ranges, or dedicated FFT processing. Presently available is an I/O module conforming to the Intel Multichannel interface standard; other I/O modules will be designed to meet specific user requirements. The main processor board includes input and output FIFO (First In First Out) memories, both with depths of 4096 W, to permit asynchronous operation between the source of data and the host computer. This design permits burst data rates in excess of 5 MW/s.

Brosnahan, J. W.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Simulation of complex three-dimensional flows

The concept of splitting is used extensively to simulate complex three dimensional flows on modern computer architectures. Used in all aspects, from initial grid generation to the determination of the final converged solution, splitting is used to enhance code vectorization, to permit solution driven grid adaption and grid enrichment, to permit the use of concurrent processing, and to enhance data flow through hierarchal memory systems. Three examples are used to illustrate these concepts to complex three dimensional flow fields: (1) interactive flow over a bump; (2) supersonic flow past a blunt based conical afterbody at incidence to a free stream and containing a centered propulsive jet; and (3) supersonic flow past a sharp leading edge delta wing at incidence to the free stream.

Diewert, G. S.↗