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At least 739 records · Page 41

An investigation of the Iosipescu and Asymmetrical Four-Point Bend tests for composite materials

The results of an extensive analytical and experimental investigation of the Iosipescu and Asymmetrical Four-Point Bend (AFPB) test methods are summarized. Finite element analyses were used to assess the influence of notch parameters and load locations on the stress state in the specimens. The shear moduli and shear strengths were experimentally measured for quasi-isotropic graphite-epoxy laminates using both the Iosipescu and the AFPB test methods with various combinations of notch parameters and load locations. The test results indicate that changes in the notch geometry and load locations aimed at improving the stress distribution in the test section result in unexpected changes in the failure mode.

Spigel, B. S.↗

Laser Doppler velocimeter multiplexer interface for simultaneous measured events

An Laser Doppler Velocimeter multiplexer interface (20) includes an event pulse synchronizer (162), which synchronizes data pulses from events A, B and C. Clock control (164) is connected to receive timing information on the data pushes from the synchronizer (162). Displays (24, 26, 28) are connected to receive clock signals from the clock control (164) for indicating a data rate for each of the measured events A, B and C. Display (3) is connected to receive clock signals form the clock control (164) to indicate a coincidence rate between data pulses for any selected combination of the measured events A, B and C. A multiplexer (156) receives the data pulses from the events A, B and C and rate data from the clock control (164). Multiplexer (156) has output (180) for supplying the data pulses and rate data to a single input of a data processing system. A multiplexer control (158) is connected to supply control signals to the multiplexer (156) for selecting the event data pulses and the rate data for output from the multiplexer (156). Multiplexer control (158) receives start signals from the pulse synchronizer (162) and user selected inputs for desired outputs from the multiplexer (156).

Dean R Harrison↗

Tailoring of composite links for optimal damped elasto-dynamic performance

A method is developed for the optimal design of composite links based on dynamic performance criteria directly related to structural modal damping and dynamic stiffness. An integrated mechanics theory correlates structural composite damping to the parameters of basic composite material systems, laminate parameters, link shape, and modal deformations. The inclusion of modal properties allows the selective minimization of vibrations associated with specific modes. Ply angles and fiber volumes are tailored to obtain optimal combinations of damping and stiffness. Applications to simple composite links indicate wide margins for trade-offs and illustrate the importance of various design variables to the optimal design.

Saravanos, D. A.↗

Revised scale lengths for cometary NH

New values for the Haser model scale lengths of NH are derived from extensive narrow-band photometry of comet P/Halley. The observations require a parent scale length which is 5-10 times larger than previously published values. It is shown that the newly determined scale lengths also give better agreement with recent observations of two other comets: P/Borrelly and Liller. When combined with fluorescence efficiency calculations by others, the present results indicate that NH production in typical comets, relative to that of other molecular species, is about 20 times greater than previously believed.

Schleicher, David G.↗

Tailoring of composite links for optimal damped elasto-dynamic performance

A method is developed for the optimal design of composite links based on dynamic performance criteria directly related to structural modal damping and dynamic stiffness. An integrated mechanics theory correlates structural composite damping to the parameters of basic composite material systems, laminate parameters, link shape, and modal deformations. The inclusion of modal properties allows the selective minimization of vibrations associated with specific modes. Ply angles and fiber volumes are tailored to obtain optimal combinations of damping and stiffness. Applications to simple composite links indicate wide margins for trade-offs and illustrate the importance of various design variables to the optimal design.

Saravanos, D. A.↗

Aliphatic hydrocarbons of the Murchison meteorite

Hydrocarbon fractions from the Murchison meteorite were prepared using benzene-methanol as the extraction solvent, fractionated on silica gel columns, and analyzed using gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry and IR and NMR techniques. Results indicate that the most abundant aliphatic hydrocarbon components of the Murchison meteorite are C15 to C30 branched-alkyl-substituted mono-, di-, and tricyclic alkanes. It is shown that the n-alkanes, methyl alkanes, and isoprenoid alkanes that are sometimes found in extracts of the Murchison meteorite are terrestrial contaminants.

Cronin, John R.↗

Optical constants of solid methane and ethane from 10,000 to 450/cm

Near- and mid-IR spectra of thin films of crystalling phase I and phase II C2H6 are presented using a combined least squares and Kramers-Kronig analysis. Complex refractive indices derived from these data are also presented. To obtain material in phase I, samples are annealed at 33 K for about 30 min; phase II is obtained by recooling below the transition temperature of 20.4 K. The derived optical parameters are shown. The infrared spectrum of phase I CH4 exhibits broad structureless absorptions at about 1300 and 2600/cm. On cooling the sample below 20.4 K (phase II), the absorptions are sharpened, and each band develops fine structure. The present results and those of Roux et al. (1979) are compared. The agreement with the real parts is found to be excellent; given the difference in resolution, the agreement with the imaginary parts is also good.

Pearl, J.↗

Low data rate coherent optical link demonstration using frequency stabilized solid state lasers

A low data rate laboratory heterodyne link demonstration operating at 1.06 micron using frequency stabilized Nd:YAG lasers was implemented. The data was modulated onto the optical carrier at 100 kbps using binary pulse position modulation. Phase coherent reception was achieved by closing the receiver phase tracking loop around the piezo-electric and temperature-tuned local oscillator laser. Initial frequency acquisition was accomplished by linearly scanning the LO frequency over the uncertainty range while a combined frequency and phase tracking loop searches for a lock indicator signal. The link performance was experimentally evaluated and compared to the theoretical predictions.

Chen, CHIEN-C.↗

Optimization of Orifice Geometry for Cross-Flow Mixing in a Cylindrical Duct

Mixing of gaseous jets in a cross-flow has significant applications in engineering, one example of which is the dilution zone of a gas turbine combustor. Despite years of study, the design of jet injection in combustors is largely based on practical experience. A series of experiments was undertaken to delineate the optimal mixer orifice geometry. A cross-flow to core-flow momentum-flux ratio of 40 and a mass flow ratio of 2.5 were selected as representative of an advanced design. An experimental test matrix was designed around three variables: the number of orifices, the orifice aspect ratio (long-to-short dimension), and the orifice angle. A regression analysis was performed on the data to arrive at an interpolating equation that predicted the mixing performance of orifice geometry combinations within the range of the test matrix parameters. Results indicate that mixture uniformity is a non-linear function of the number of orifices, the orifice aspect ratio, and the orifice angle. Optimum mixing occurs when the asymptotic mean jet trajectories are in the range of 0.35 less than r/R less than 0.5 (where r = 0 is at the mixer wall) at z/R = 1.0. At the optimum number of orifices, the difference between shallow-angled slots with large aspect ratios and round holes is minimal and either approach will lead to good mixing performance. At the optimum number of orifices, it appears possible to have two local optimums where one corresponds to an aspect ratio of 1.0 and the other to a high aspect ratio.

Sowa, W. A.↗

Test of the magneto optical filter during the comet P/Shoemaker-Levy 9 impacts on Jupiter. A Doppler signal detected?

The observations made in July 1994 on the impact of fragment A of the comet P/Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter are described. The instrumentation used was a magneto-optical filter, acting as a two-channel filter. The data showed a double-peak transient which occurred after the impact, and whose general properties indicated a true jovian origin. The peaks appear in absorption. A numerical simulation can explain the main characteristics of the observed signal where the two peaks have the same polarity and appear only in the channel at shorter wavelengths. The simulation carried out appeared to indicate that the observed signal could be produced by the combination of shock waves and the expanding material with a velocity of 13 +/- 8 km/s. This implies that two separate impacts may have been observed. The developed simulation can be extended to predict long term effects.

Cacciani, A.↗

Optimization of Orifice Geometry for Cross-Flow Mixing in a Cylindrical Duct

Mixing of gaseous jets in a cross-flow has significant applications in engineering, one example of which is the dilution zone of a gas turbine combustor. Despite years of study, the design of the jet injection in combustors is largely based on practical experience. The emergence of NO(x) regulations for stationary gas turbines and the anticipation of aero-engine regulations requires an improved understanding of jet mixing as new combustor concepts are introduced. For example, the success of the staged combustor to reduce the emission of NO(x) is almost entirely dependent upon the rapid and complete dilution of the rich zone products within the mixing section. It is these mixing challenges to which the present study is directed. A series of experiments was undertaken to delineate the optimal mixer orifice geometry. A cross-flow to core-flow momentum-flux ratio of 40 and a mass flow ratio of 2.5 were selected as representative of a conventional design. An experimental test matrix was designed around three variables: the number of orifices, the orifice length-to- width ratio, and the orifice angle. A regression analysis was performed on the data to arrive at an interpolating equation that predicted the mixing performance of orifice geometry combinations within the range of the test matrix parameters. Results indicate that the best mixing orifice geometry tested involves eight orifices with a long-to-short side aspect ratio of 3.5 at a twenty-three degree inclination from the center-line of the mixing section.

Kroll, J. T.↗

Effect of Baffle on Gravity-Gradient-Excited Slosh Waves and Spacecraft Moment and Angular-Momentum Fluctuations in Microgravity

The dynamical behavior of fluids affected by the asymmetric gravity gradient acceleration has been investigated. In particular, the effects of surface tension on partially filled rotating fluids applicable to a full-scale Gravity Probe-B Spacecraft dewar tank with and without baffles are studied. Results of slosh wave excitation along the liquid-vapor interface induced by gravity gradient acceleration indicate that the gravity gradient acceleration is equivalent to the combined effect of a twisting force and a torsional moment acting on the spacecraft. The results are clearly seen from one-up one-down and one-down one-up oscillations in the cross-section profiles of two bubbles in the vertical (r, z)-plane of the rotating dewar, and from the eccentric contour of the bubble rotating around the axis of the dewar in a horizontal (r, theta)-plane. As the viscous force, between liquid and solid interface, greatly contributes to the damping of slosh wave excitation, a rotating dewar with baffles provides more areas of liquid-solid interface than that of a rotating dewar without baffles. Results show that the damping effect provided by the baffles reduces the amplitude of slosh wave excitation and lowers the degree of asymmetry in liquid-vapor distribution. Fluctuations of angular momentum and fluid moment caused by the slosh wave excited by gravity gradient acceleration with and without baffle boards are also investigated. It is also shown that the damping effect provided by the baffles greatly reduces the amplitudes of angular momentum and fluid moment fluctuations.

Hung, R. J.↗

New COMPTEL results on pulsar studies at MeV energies

The Compton telescope (COMPTEL) onboard the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) detected the pulsar PSR B1951-32 at MeV energies, and found indications of a signal from PSR B0656+14. In the combined spectra from COMPTEL and the energetic gamma ray experiment telescope (EGRET) onboard CGRO, it can be seen that the maximum luminosities of these objects are reached in the COMPTEL energy range. These spectra can be compared with those from four other pulsars observed in MeV energies with COMPTEL. The spectral properties of five of the six pulsars, Vela, PSR B1509-58, PSR B1951-32 and PSR B0656+14, require breaks and bends at MeV energies. The sixth pulsar, the Crab pulsar, approximately follows a power law flux relation from keV to GeV energies. It is concluded that this spectral behavior may play a role in the discrimination between current gamma ray emission models.

Hermsen, W.↗

The Spatial Variation of Water and Ammonia near Jupiter's Great Red Spot

The CSHELL spectrometer at NASA's Infrared Telescope Facility was used in August 1996 to observe Jupiter at 5.18 microns. This wavelength sounds the 3-8 bar region in Jupiter's deep troposphere. A 1-arcsec-wide slit was aligned east-west on Jupiter and stepped from north to south across the Great Red Spot (GRS). Within our spectral bandpass are absorption lines of NH3 and a hot band of CH4. Radiative transfer models indicate that the strength of the CH4 feature is anti-correlated with gaseous H2O between 3 and 6 bars. The CH4 feature is predicted to be very strong for H2O abundances less than 10ppm and it should vanish when H2O > 300ppm. The depths of the observed CH4 and NH3 absorption features varied dramatically near the GRS. The center and east side (planetocentric) of the GRS is dry in both volatiles as indicated by strong CH4 absorption and a weak NH3 line. The CH4 line vanishes and the NH3 feature grows stronger on the west side of the GRS. We interpret this as due to a real variation in both volatiles - H2O and NH3 - due to a common dynamical mechanism. Water clouds are expected to be accompanied by saturated gaseous H2O profiles between 3 and 5 bars. The Galileo imaging team (Banfield et al 1998 Icarus 135, p230) deduced the presence of a cloud near the 4-bar level northwest of the GRS. Our data indicate that this same region is volatile rich; thus the combination of the two datasets provides a compelling case for a water cloud at this location. The deep volatile abundance does not correlate with 5-micron continuum opacity near the GRS. This suggests that the spatial variation of the 5-micron flux near the GRS is due primarily to NH3 clouds, rather than H2O clouds.

Bjoraker, G. L.↗

The Near-Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) Mission, the Mars Surveyor 2001 (MS01) Mission, and the Planetary Instrument Definition and Development Program (PIDDP)

The NEAR Mission was launched on February 17, 1996 for a three year cruise to the asteroid 433 Eros. During October, November, and December 1998 cruise measurements with the gamma-ray spectrometer were made at three different escape-window-width settings. These were done in order to understand how the count rate and peak width change as the window width settings change. Analysis of these spectra was completed using the latest version of the spectral analysis program, RobWin. Results as a function of energy were combined with the results from the Schlumberger-Doll Research experiments (described below). Laboratory measurements were needed to confirm efficiency calculations above 6 MeV and to understand the relationship between the full energy peak areas and the areas of the first and second escape peaks as a function of the escape peak widths. A week of measurements was made at Schlumberger-Doll Research using their 14-MeV pulsed neutron generator and large soil samples. Data were collected after adding iron and nickel to the sample to increase the emission of high-energy lines. Approximately 24 hours of data were accumulated at each of three escape peak window widths. These data were analyzed with RobWin. Combining results from the cruise measurements and the laboratory measurements indicated that both data sets had similar energy dependence and that this energy dependence was different from that obtained using standard Monte Carlo calculations. Alternate methods of simulating the response of the detector to changes in the escape window widths are being investigated.

Source record↗

Mechanical Properties of LaRC(tm) SI Polymer for a Range of Molecular Weights

Mechanical testing of an advanced polyimide resin (LaRC(tm)-SI) with known variations in molecular weight was performed over a range of temperatures below the glass transition temperature. Elastic and inelastic properties were characterized as a function of molecular weight and test temperature. It was shown that notched tensile strength is a strong function of both temperature and molecular weight, whereas stiffness is only a strong function of temperature. The combined analysis of calculated yield stress and notched tensile strength indicated that low molecular weight materials tended to fail in a brittle manner, whereas high molecular weight materials exhibited ductile failure. The microphotographs of the failure surfaces also supported these findings.

Whitley, Karen S.↗

Spectroscopy and Photometry of the Earth Grazer 2002 NY40

The near-Earth asteroid 2002 NY40 was discovered on July 14, 2002 by the LINEAR survey. The object was predicted to make a close pass by the Earth on August 18, which led to observations at a large range of wavelengths, including radar. The combination of visible and near-infrared spectroscopy/spectrophotometry gives some indication of the composition. Thermal emission in the 3-4m spectral region gives constraints on the albedo, which is consistent with the spectral type and with the available size from the radar measurements. The lightcurve was well measured by a large number of observers, which helps to determine the rotation phase of the observations at the various wavelengths. The favorable observing conditions and rapid dissemination of the astrometry have led to a good physical characterization of this object which is relatively rare for a newly discovered near-Earth asteroid.

Rivkin, A. S.↗

Interannual Variability of Ozone in the Polar Vortex during the Fall Season

Previous analysis has shown that the distribution of O3 at high northern latitudes in the lower-to-middle stratosphere at the beginning of the winter season has a characteristic distribution, which is consistent between in situ and satellite measurements. Initial O3 profiles in the vortex are similar to each other and are quite different from outside the vortex at the same latitude and also from a zonal mean climatology. In the vortex, O3 is nearly constant from 500 to above 800 K with a value near 3 ppmv. Values outside the vortex are up to a factor of 2 higher and increase significantly with potential temperature. Model analysis indicates that the characteristic vortex O3 profiles arise from a combination of seasonally accelerated photochemical loss at high latitudes and minimal transport of air from lower latitudes. Analysis of the relatively high-resolution POAM data shows that these characteristic O3 distributions are consistent from year to year and between the hemispheres. Here we emphasize analysis of the 24-year time series of O3 data from SBUV in the lower-to-middle stratosphere at high latitudes in the fall vortex. We find that the variability of O3 from SBUV is relatively small in this regime and no significant trend is detectable. The implications of the findings for stratospheric O3 chemistry and transport will be explored.

Bhartia, P. K.↗