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At least 739 records · Page 41

Body mass, composition, and food intake in rabbits during altered acceleration fields

Mature male Polish rabbits were subjected to varying gravitational fields in an animal centrifuge in order to evaluate the effects of acceleration and deacceleration on body mass, body composition, and food intake. The acceleration field intensity was increased by 0.25-G increments to a maximum of 2.5 G at intervals which permitted physiological adaptation at each field. Control animals of the same age were maintained at earth gravity under identical conditions of constant-light environment at a room temperature of 23 + or - 5 C. It is shown that increasing the acceleration-field intensity leads to a decrease in body mass. The regulated nature of this decreased body mass is tested by the response to an additional three-day fasting of animals adapted physiologically to 2.5 G. Ad libitum food intake per kg body mass per day tends to increase in chronically accelerated animals above 1.75 G. Increase in water content in centrifuged animals after physiological adaptation to 2.5 G is the result of decreasing body fat. Body mass and food intake returned to the precentrifuged levels of control animals within six weeks after cessation of centrifugation.

Katovich, M. J.↗

Physical effects at the cellular level under altered gravity conditions

Several modifications of differentiated functions of animal cells cultivated in vitro have been reported when cultures have been exposed to increased or decreased inertial acceleration fields by centrifugation, clinorotation, and orbital space flight. Variables modified by clinorotation conditions include inertial acceleration, convection, hydrostatic pressure, sedimentation, and shear stress, which also affect transport processes in the extracellular chemical environment. Autocrine, paracrine and endocrine substances, to which cells are responsive via specific receptors, are usually transported in vitro (and possibly in certain embryos) by convection and in vivo by a circulatory system or ciliary action. Increased inertial acceleration increases convective flow, while microgravity nearly abolishes it. In the latter case the extracellular transport of macromolecules is governed by diffusion. By making certain assumptions it is possible to calculate the Peclet number, the ratio of convective transport to diffusive transport. Some, but not all, responses of cells in vitro to modified inertial environments could be manifestations of modified extracellular convective flow.

Todd, Paul↗

Thermoviscoelastic characterization and prediction of Kevlar/epoxy composite laminates

The thermoviscoelastic characterization of Kevlar 49/Fiberite 7714A epoxy composite lamina and the development of a numerical procedure to predict the viscoelastic response of any general laminate constructed from the same material were studied. The four orthotropic material properties, S sub 11, S sub 12, S sub 22, and S sub 66, were characterized by 20 minute static creep tests on unidirectional (0) sub 8, (10) sub 8, and (90) sub 16 lamina specimens. The Time-Temperature Superposition-Principle (TTSP) was used successfully to accelerate the characterization process. A nonlinear constitutive model was developed to describe the stress dependent viscoelastic response for each of the material properties. A numerical procedure to predict long term laminate properties from lamina properties (obtained experimentally) was developed. Numerical instabilities and time constraints associated with viscoelastic numerical techniques were discussed and solved. The numerical procedure was incorporated into a user friendly microcomputer program called Viscoelastic Composite Analysis Program (VCAP), which is available for IBM PC type computers. The program was designed for ease of use. The final phase involved testing actual laminates constructed from the characterized material, Kevlar/epoxy, at various temperatures and load level for 4 to 5 weeks. These results were compared with the VCAP program predictions to verify the testing procedure and to check the numerical procedure used in the program. The actual tests and predictions agreed for all test cases which included 1, 2, 3, and 4 fiber direction laminates.

Gramoll, K. C.↗

Component response to random vibratory motion of the carrier vehicle

Two physical models of component plus supporting substructure are considered. Each model consists of a rigid body attached to a moving base by means of linear springs and viscous dampers. The second model differs from the first in that its dampers are elastically supported. The first model receives the more extensive treatment. Base motion, assumed a random translational motion parallel to a fixed axis, is prescribed only to the extent that the power spectral density (PSD) of its acceleration is given; and, as given, its plot on log-log graph paper is a series of straight line segments, each segment having an extremity in common with the adjacent segment. Closed expressions are given for the mean squares of base acceleration, base velocity, and base displacement. The component is restricted to planar motion and allowed two degrees of freedom, one translational and one rotational. Integral expressions are given for the mean squares of component response variables, the transfer functions essential to mean square computation being available via the equations of motion. Closed expressions are given for mean squares of certain of the response variables for the case wherein the base acceleration PSD is constant.

Tuell, L. P.↗

Gravity and the cell: Intracellular structures and Stokes sedimentation

Plant and certain animal embryos appear to be responsive to the gravity vector during early stages of development. The convection of particle sedimentation as the basis for the sensing of gravity is investigated using the cells of wheat seedlings, amphibian embryos, and mammals. Exploration of the mammalian cell for sedimenting particles reveals that their existence is unlikely, especially in the presence of a network of microtubules and microfilaments considered to be responsible for intracellular organization. Destruction of these structures renders the cell susceptible to accelerations several times g. Large dense particles, such as chromosomes, nucleoli, and cytoplasmic organelles are acted upon by forces much larger than that due to gravity, and their positions in the cell appear to be insensitive to gravity.

Todd, P.↗

Predicting dynamic performance limits for servosystems with saturating nonlinearities

A generalized treatment for a system with a single saturating nonlinearity is presented and compared with frequency response plots obtained from an analog model of the system. Once the amplitude dynamics are predicted with the limit lines, an iterative technique is employed to determine the system phase response. The saturation limit line technique is used in conjunction with velocity and acceleration limits to predict the performance of an electro-hydraulic servosystem containing a single-stage servovalve. Good agreement was obtained between predicted performance and experimental data.

Webb, J. A., Jr.↗

NASA/FAA general aviation crash dynamics program - A status report

The objective of the Langley Research Center general aviation crash dynamics program is to develop technology for improved crash safety and occupant survivability in general aviation aircraft. The program involves three basic areas of research: controlled full-scale crash testing, nonlinear structural analyses to predict large deflection elasto-plastic response, and load attenuating concepts for use in improved seat and subfloor structure. Both analytical and experimental methods are used to develop expertise in these areas. Analyses include simplified procedures for estimating energy dissipating capabilities and complex computerized procedures for predicting airframe response. These analyses are being developed to provide designers with methods for predicting accelerations, loads, and displacements of collapsing structure. Tests on typical full-scale aircraft and on full- and sub-scale structural components are being performed to verify the analyses and to demonstrate load attenuating concepts.

Thomson, R. G.↗

A broad look at solar physics adapted from the solar physics study of August 1975

The current status of our knowledge of the basic mechanisms involved in fundamental solar phenomena is reviewed. These include mechanisms responsible for heating the corona, the generation of the solar wind, the particle acceleration in flares, and the dissipation of magnetic energy in field reversal regions, known as current sheets. The discussion covers solar flares and high-energy phenomena, solar active regions; solar interior, convection, and activity; the structure and energetics of the quiet solar atmosphere; the structure of the corona; the solar composition; and solar terrestrial interactions. It also covers a program of solar research, including the special observational requirements for spectral and angular resolution, sensitivity, time resolution, and duration of the techniques employed.

Parker, E.↗

Testosterone enhances C-14 2-deoxyglucose uptake by striated muscle

The effect of testosterone propionate (TP) on C-14 2-deoxyglucose (C-14 2DG) uptake was studied in the rat levator ani muscle in vivo using the autoradiographic technique. Following a delay of 1 to 3 h after injecting TP, the rate of C-14 2DG uptake in experimental animals began to increase and continued to increase for at least 20 h. The label, which corresponds to C-14 2-deoxyglucose 6-phosphate, as demonstrated by chromatographic analysis of muscle extracts, was uniformly distributed over the entire muscle and was predominantly in muscle fibers, although nonmuscular elements were also labeled. The 1 to 3 h time lag suggests that the TP effect may be genomic, acting via androgen receptors, rather than directly on muscle membranes. Acceleration of glucose uptake may be an important early event in the anabolic response of the rat levator ani muscle to androgens.

Toop, J.↗

Gamma-ray and optical observations of the 1979 November 8 solar flare

The solar flare on 1979 November 8 11h 21m 28s UT was observed by the Tel Aviv telescope of the Big Bear Solar Observatory and the High Resolution Gamma-Ray Spectrometer on the High Energy Astronomy Observatory HEAO 3. Photographs in alpha hydrogen show the development of the flare and a subsequent Moreton wave. Although the flare was not detected with the high spectral resolution germanium detectors, the HEAO C-1 CsI shield detected a statistically significant signal above 80 keV, from 420 to 585 keV, and above 3.8 MeV. The temporal structure of microwave, optical, X-ray, and gamma-ray emission is consistent to within about 1 s with a simultaneous flare response at all energies. There is no evidence for either second-stage acceleration of charged particles (Bai and Ramaty, 1979) or a delay between gamma-ray and X-ray continuum emission due to energy-dependent electron energy loss times (Bai and Ramaty).

Riegler, G. R.↗

An airfoil pitch apparatus-modeling and control design

The study of dynamic stall of rapidly pitching airfoils is being conducted at NASA Ames Research Center. Understanding this physical phenomenon will aid in improving the maneuverability of fighter aircraft as well as civilian aircraft. A wind tunnel device which can linearly pitch and control an airfoil with rapid dynamic response is needed for such tests. To develop a mechanism capable of high accelerations, an accurate model and control system is created. The model contains mathematical representations of the mechanical system, including mass, spring, and damping characteristics for each structural element, as well as coulomb friction and servovalve saturation. Electrical components, both digital and analog, linear and nonlinear, are simulated. The implementation of such a high-performance system requires detailed control design as well as state-of-the-art components. This paper describes the system model, states the system requirements, and presents results of its theoretical performance which maximizes the structural and hydraulic aspects of this system.

Andrews, Daniel R.↗

Electron acceleration to high energies at quasi-parallel shock waves in the solar corona

In the solar corona shock waves are generated by flares and/or coronal mass ejections. They manifest themselves in solar type 2 radio bursts appearing as emission stripes with a slow drift from high to low frequencies in dynamic radio spectra. Their nonthermal radio emission indicates that electrons are accelerated to suprathermal and/or relativistic velocities at these shocks. As well known by extraterrestrial in-situ measurements supercritical, quasi-parallel, collisionless shocks are accompanied by so-called SLAMS (short large amplitude magnetic field structures). These SLAMS can act as strong magnetic mirrors, at which charged particles can be reflected and accelerated. Thus, thermal electrons gain energy due to multiple reflections between two SLAMS and reach suprathermal and relativistic velocities. This mechanism of accelerating electrons is discussed for circumstances in the solar corona and may be responsible for the so-called 'herringbones' observed in solar type 2 radio bursts.

Mann, G.↗

Going Up

The accelerated Leadership Option (ALO) combines business management and systems engineering studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) culminating in a Master of Science degree, with a one year developmental assignment. The program accelerates the development process of exceptionally promising project leaders to positions of increased responsibility. Participants are selected because of technical expertise and proven leadership abilities.

Douglas, Freddie, III↗

Tunnel effect measuring systems and particle detectors

Methods and apparatus for measuring gravitational and inertial forces, magnetic fields, or wave or radiant energy acting on an object or fluid in space provide an electric tunneling current through a gap between an electrode and that object or fluid in space and vary that gap with any selected one of such forces, magnetic fields, or wave or radiant energy acting on that object or fluid. These methods and apparatus sense a corresponding variation in an electric property of that gap and determine the latter force, magnetic fields, or wave or radiant energy in response to that corresponding variation, and thereby sense or measure such parameters as acceleration, position, particle mass, velocity, magnetic field strength, presence or direction, or wave or radiant energy intensity, presence or direction.

Kaiser, William J.↗

Tunnel effect measuring systems and particle detectors

Methods and apparatus for measuring gravitational and inertial forces, magnetic fields, or wave or radiant energy acting on an object or fluid in space provide an electric tunneling current through a gap between an electrode and that object or fluid in space and vary that gap with any selected one of such forces, magnetic fields, or wave or radiant energy acting on that object or fluid. These methods and apparatus sense a corresponding variation in an electric property of that gap and determine the latter force, magnetic fields, or wave or radiant energy in response to that corresponding variation, and thereby sense or measure such parameters as acceleration, position, particle mass, velocity, magnetic field strength, presence or direction, or wave or radiant energy intensity, presence or direction.

Kaiser, William J.↗

Tunnel effect wave energy detection

Methods and apparatus for measuring gravitational and inertial forces, magnetic fields, or wave or radiant energy acting on an object or fluid in space provide an electric tunneling current through a gap between an electrode and that object or fluid in space and vary that gap with any selected one of such forces, magnetic fields, or wave or radiant energy acting on that object or fluid. These methods and apparatus sense a corresponding variation in an electric property of that gap and determine the latter force, magnetic fields, or wave or radiant energy in response to that corresponding variation, and thereby sense or measure such parameters as acceleration, position, particle mass, velocity, magnetic field strength, presence or direction, or wave or radiant energy intensity, presence or direction.

Kaiser, William J.↗

High-Heat-Flux Cyclic Durability of Thermal and Environmental Barrier Coatings

Advanced ceramic thermal and environmental barrier coatings will play an increasingly important role in future gas turbine engines because of their ability to protect the engine components and further raise engine temperatures. For the supersonic vehicles currently envisioned in the NASA fundamental aeronautics program, advanced gas turbine engines will be used to provide high power density thrust during the extended supersonic flight of the aircraft, while meeting stringent low emission requirements. Advanced ceramic coating systems are critical to the performance, life and durability of the hot-section components of the engine systems. In this work, the laser and burner rig based high-heat-flux testing approaches were developed to investigate the coating cyclic response and failure mechanisms under simulated supersonic long-duration cruise mission. The accelerated coating cracking and delamination mechanism under the engine high-heat-flux, and extended supersonic cruise time conditions will be addressed. A coating life prediction framework may be realized by examining the crack initiation and propagation in conjunction with environmental degradation under high-heat-flux test conditions.

Zhu, Dongming↗