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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 757 records · Page 42
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1980

Ion heating by strong electrostatic ion cyclotron turbulence

A theory of the ion heating due to electrostatic ion cyclotron (EIC) waves in the auroral zone is presented. Due to the slowly convecting nature of the EIC mode, quasi-linear plateau formation cannot stabilize the waves, and growth occurs until the nonlinear mechanisms of ion resonance broadening and electron trapping provide saturation. The large amplitude and coherent nature of the resulting wave imply that quasi-linear theory provides only a lower limit to the ion heating. An upper bound on the heating rate is derived using a time-average model of ion dynamics in the coherent waves. The effects of ion heating in the presence of the magnetic gradient force and parallel electric fields are considered, with the result that perpendicular energies over 100 eV are easily attainable from a 1 eV source plasma. Perpendicular heating in the absence of a parallel electric field yields conical ion distributions, which in the presence of an electric field become field-aligned beams.

Lysak, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Radio and white-light observations of coronal transients

Optical, radio and X-ray evidence of violent mass motions in the corona has existed for some years but only recently have the form, nature, frequency and implication of the transients become obvious. In this paper the observed properties of coronal transients are reviewed, with concentration on the white-light and radio manifestations. The classification according to speeds seems to be meaningful, with the slow transients having thermal emissions at radio wavelengths and the fast ones nonthermal. The possible mechanisms involved in the radio bursts are then discussed and estimates of various forms of energy are reviewed. It appears that the magnetic energy transported from the sun by the transient exceeds that of any other form, and that magnetic forces dominate in the dynamics of the motions. The conversion of magnetic energy into mechanical energy, by expansion of the field, provides a possible driving force for the coronal and interplanetary shock waves.

Dulk, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Navigation of the Space Shuttle

Navigational systems and operations for the Space Shuttle are described. All navigational instrumentation is controlled from within the pressurized main cabin. Measurements of the state vector and the attitude are made with an inertial measurement unit (IMU), which uses data initialized at the moment of take-off. Orbital location is calculated in approximations using the initial propulsion conditions, models of the gravity field, and aerodynamic drag forces. Updates are periodically received from ground tracking stations. IMU continues attitude information, and additional references are made with an automated startracker device. Information can also be gathered by optical alignment, and future systems will include radar tracking in an approach mode. Deorbit is accompanied by IMU altitude measurements as well as calculations of altitude based on drag measurements. Barometric measurements begin at about 80,000 ft altitude. Signals are received from TACAN beginning at 145,000 ft, and the microwave scanning beam landing system is started at 20,000 ft. Various radionavigation systems are also employed in all flight phases.

Edwards, A., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Measurements in a pressure-driven and a shear-driven three-dimensional turbulent boundary layer

Results of mean velocity field, wall static pressure field and simultaneous, direct force measurements of the local wall shear stress magnitude and direction are reported for a pressure-driven and a shear-driven three-dimensional turbulent boundary layer. These data, particularly the direct force local wall shear data, were obtained to test the validity of several of the near-wall similarity models proposed in the literature for such flows.

Pierce, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Metal vapor arc switch electromagnetic accelerator technology

A multielectrode device housed in an insulator vacuum vessel, the metal vapor vacuum switch has high power capability and can hold off voltages up to the 100 kilovolt level. Such switches can be electronically triggered and can interrupt or commutate at a zero current crossing. The physics of arc initiation, arc conduction, and interruption are examined, including material considerations; inefficiencies; arc modes; magnetic field effects; passive and forced extinction; and voltage recovery. Heating, electrode lifetime, device configuration, and external circuit configuration are discussed. The metal vapor vacuum switch is compared with SCRs, GTOs, spark gaps, ignitrons, and mechanical breakers.

Mongeau, P. P.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Numerical Simulation of North Atlantic Sea Ice Variability, 1951 - 1980

A two-level dynamic-thermodynamic sea ice model is used to simulate the growth, drift and decay of sea ice in the Northern Hemisphere during a 30-year period, 1951 to 1980. The model is run with a daily timestep on a 222 km grid and is forced by interanually varying fields of geostrophic wind and temperature-derived thermodynamic fluxes. The objective is a quantitative description of large-scale sea ice variability in terms of the dynamic and thermodynamic processes responsible for the fluctuations, especially in the North Atlantic where sea ice represents a substantial input of fresh water. The fields of ice velocity and thickness contain strong seasonal as well as interannual variability. The mean drift pattern results in thicknesses of 4 to 5 m offshore of northern Canada and Greenland, while winter thicknesses of approximately 2 m are typical of Alaskan. Eurasian and East Greenland coastal waters. The 30-year mean fields are characterized by ecessive ice in the North Atlantic during winter and by a summer retreat that is more rapid than observed.

Walsh, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Development of a persistent chemical agent simulation system

A Persistent Chemical Agent Simulation System was developed (PCASS) to simulate, for force-on-force training exercises, the field environment produced by the presence of persistent chemical agents. Such a simulant system must satisfy several requirements to be of value as a training aid. Specifically, it must provide for realistic training which will generate competency in at least the following areas: (1) detection of the persistent agent presence; (2) proper use of protective equipment and procedures; (3) determination of the extent of contamination; and (4) decontamination of equipment and personnel.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1985

Kolmogorov and scalar spectral regimes in numerical turbulence

Velocity and passive-scalar spectra for turbulent fields generated by a forced three-dimensional simulation and Taylormicroscale Reynolds numbers up to 83 are shown to have distinct spectral regimes, including a Kolmogorov inertial subrange. Both one- and three-dimensional spectra are shown for comparison with experiment and theory, respectively. When normalized by the Kolmogorov dissipation scales velocity spectra collapse to a single curve and a high-wavenumber bulge is seen. The bulge leads to an artificially high Kolmogorov constant, but is consistent with recent measurements of the velocity spectrum in the dissipation regime and the velocity-derivative skewness. Scalar spectra, when normalized by the Oboukov-Corrsin scales, collapse to curves which depend only on Prandtl number and show a universal inertial-convective subrange, independent of Prandtl number. When normalized by the Batchelor scales, the scalar spectra show a universal dissipation regime which is independent of Prandtl numbers from 0.1 to 1.0. The time development of velocity spectra is illustrated by energy-transfer spectra in which distinct pulses propagate to high wavenumbers.

Kerr, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Acoustic radiation potential on a sphere in plane, cylindrical, and spherical standing wave fields

The method of Gor'kov is applied for deriving the acoustic radiation potential on a sphere in an arbitrary sound field. Generalized potential and force expressions are derived for arbitrary standing wave modes in rectangular, cylindrical, and spherical geometries for the case where the sphere radius is much smaller than the wavelength. Criteria for determining radiation-potential minima are derived and examples of characteristic spatial radiation-potential profiles are presented. Single modes that can sustain stable positioning are discussed for each geometry. The localizing force strengths for representative standing wave modes in the three geometries are also compared. The positioning of samples due to acoustic forces only are considered. However, the method developed is general and is extended to include gravity or other external forces.

Barmatz, M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Generalization of the quasi-geostrophic Eliassen-Palm flux to include eddy forcing of condensation heating

A modified Eulerian form of the Eliassen-Palm flux which includes the effect of eddy forcing on condensation heating is defined. With the two-dimensional vector flux in the meridional plane which is a function of the zonal mean eddy fluxes replaced by the modified flux, both the Eliassen-Palm theorem and a modified but more general form of the nonacceleration theorem for quasi-geostrophic motion still hold. Calculations of the divergence of the modified flux and of the eddy forcing of the moisture field are presented.

Stone, P. H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Approximation methods in gravitational-radiation theory

The observation of gravitational-radiation damping in the binary pulsar PSR 1913 + 16 and the ongoing experimental search for gravitational waves of extraterrestrial origin have made the theory of gravitational radiation an active branch of classical general relativity. In calculations of gravitational radiation, approximation methods play a crucial role. Recent developments are summarized in two areas in which approximations are important: (a) the quadrupole approxiamtion, which determines the energy flux and the radiation reaction forces in weak-field, slow-motion, source-within-the-near-zone systems such as the binary pulsar; and (b) the normal modes of oscillation of black holes, where the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin approximation gives accurate estimates of the complex frequencies of the modes.

Will, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Galaxy formation by mock gravity

Absorbing particles in an isotropic radiation field experience an attractive force due to their mutual shadowing. If the pre-galactic universe contained suitable sources of radiation and absorbing material, an instability caused by this effect may have led to the formation of galaxies and galaxy clusters. Other consequences include the segregation of galaxies from dark matter and a strong anisotropic far-infrared background.

Hogan, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

On the effect of leading edge blowing on circulation control airfoil aerodynamics

In the present context the term circulation control is used to denote a method of lift generation that utilizes tangential jet blowing over the upper surface of a rounded trailing edge airfoil to determine the location of the boundary layer separation points, thus setting an effective Kutta condition. At present little information exists on the flow structure generated by circulation control airfoils under leading edge blowing. Consequently, no theoretical methods exist to predict airfoil performance under such conditions. An experimental study of the flow field generated by a two dimensional circulation control airfoil under steady leading and trailing edge blowing was undertaken. The objective was to fundamentally understand the overall flow structure generated and its relation to airfoil performance. Flow visualization was performed to define the overall flow field structure. Measurements of the airfoil forces were also made to provide a correlation of the observed flow field structure to airfoil performance. Preliminary results are presented, specifically on the effect on the flow field structure of leading edge blowing, alone and in conjunction with trailing edge blowing.

Mclachlan, B. G.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Observation of enhanced properties in samples of silver oxide doped YBa2Cu3O(x)

Samples of YBa2Cu3O(x) doped with silver oxide (Tc is about 93 K) have exhibited attractive forces in gradient magnetic fields, both normal and tangential to the surfaces, which are more than twice the sample weight. This allows sample suspension below a rare earth magnet. Critical current density was increased by about 100 at 77 K. Persistent fields, flux pinning, magnetization, and modeling are described.

Peters, P. N.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Measurements of pressures on the wing of an aircraft model during steady rotation

An investigation has been conducted in the Spin Tunnel Facility at the NASA Langley Research Center to measure the pressures on the wing surfaces of a model of a Basic Training Aircraft during steady rotation. The tests were made to determine the nature of the wing pressure distribution during rotations typical of spin entry and steady spin. Comparisons are made between the forces and moments obtained from integrating the pressure field with those measured directly during rotary balance force tests. The results are also compared with estimates determined from a simple numerical model of the wing aerodynamic forces.

Martin, Colin A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

One-way nesting for a primitive equation ocean model

Prognostic numerical models for atmospheric and oceanic circulations require initial fields, boundary conditions, and forcing functions in addition to a consistent set of partial differential equations, including a state relation and equations expressing conservation of mass, momentum, and energy. Depending on the horizontal domain to be modeled, the horizontal boundary conditions are either physically obvious or extremely difficult to specify consistently. If the entire atmosphere is modeled, periodic horizontal boundary conditions are appropriate. On the other hand, the physical horizontal boundaries on the entire ocean are solid walls. Obviously, the normal velocity at a solid wall is zero while the specification of the tangential velocity depends on the mathematical treatment of the horizontal viscous terms. Limitations imposed by computer capacity and cost, as well as research interests, have led to the use of limited area models to study flows in the atmosphere and ocean. The limited area models do not have physical horizontal boundaries, merely numerical ones. Correctly determining these open boundary conditions for limited-area numerical models has both intrigued and frustrated numerical modelers for decades. One common approach is to use the closed or solid wall boundary conditions for a limited-area model. The argument given for this approach is that the boundary conditions affect flow near the walls but that none of these effects are propagated into the interior. Therefore, one chooses a big enough domain that the central region of interest is not corrupted by the boundary flow. Research in progress to model the North Atlantic circulation vividly illustrates the pitfalls of this approach. Two model runs are compared: (1) the southern boundary at 20S between latitudes 0 and 40W is artificially closed; and (2) the same boundary is specified as open with an inward transport of 15 Sv (determined from a global model with the same physics) uniformly spread across the boundary. A comparison of both runs is presented.

Blake, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Flow downstream of the heliospheric terminal shock - Magnetic field kinematics

A kinematic model of the interplanetary magnetic field in the heliosheath beyond the solar wind terminal shock is presented in order to evaluate the possible importance of MHD effects in that region of space. The need for this evaluation arises because the interplanetary magnetic field is compressed across the terminal shock and further amplified by the decreasing flow speed beyond the shock. Streamlines which approach the stagnation point before turning in the downstream direction lead to the strongest effects due to the extreme slowing of the solar wind and consequent compression of the embedded magnetic field. The magnetic volume force therefore cannot be neglected on streamlines that approach the heliopause in the upstream direction, where the volume containing them is a large fraction of the overall of the heliosheath in the upstream direction. The increase in the magnetic pressure may act to bring the upstream terminal shock significantly closer to the sun, potentially reconciling a conflict between models and observations.

Nerney, S.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Magnetic suspension characteristics of electromagnetic actuators

Electromagnetic actuators that use a current-carrying coil (which is placed in a magnetic field) to generate mechanical force are conceptually attractive components for active control of rotating shafts. In one concept that is being tested in the laboratory, the control forces from such actuators are applied on the flexibly supported bearing housings of the rotor. Development of this concept into a practical reality requires a clear and thorough understanding of the role of electromechanical parameters of these actuators in delivering the right amount of control force at the right phase into the rotor. The electromechanical parameters of the actuators investigated are the mass of the armature, stiffness of its suspension, electrical resistance, and inductance of the coils. Improper selection of these parameters can result in degradation in their performance, leading to mistuning between the actuator and the rotor. Through a simple analysis, it is shown that use of such mistuned actuators could result in sharp fluctuations in the phase of the control force delivered into the rotor around the critical speeds. These sharp fluctuations in phase, called 'Phase Glitches', are undesirable. Hence, future designs of controllers should take into account the undesirable mistuning effects between the actuator and the rotor caused by the phase glitches.

Rao, Dantam K.↗