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NASA NTRS1980

Strongly turbulent stabilization of electron beam-plasma interactions

The stabilization of electron beam interactions due to strongly turbulent nonlinearities is studied analytically and numerically for a wide range of plasma parameters. A fluid mode coupling code is described in which the effects of electron and ion Landau damping and linear growth due to the energetic electron beam are included in a phenomenological manner. Stabilization of the instability is found to occur when the amplitudes of the unstable modes exceed the threshold of the oscillating two-stream instability. The coordinate space structure of the turbulent spectrum which results clearly shows that soliton-like structures are formed by this process. Phenomenological models of both the initial stabilization and the asymptotic states are developed. Scaling laws between the beam-plasma growth rate and the fluctuations in the fields and plasma density are found in both cases, and shown to be in good agreement with the results of the simulation.

Freund, H. P.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Tribological characteristics of nitrogen (N+) implanted iron

The effect of implantation of nitrogen ions (1.5 MeV) on the friction and wear characteristics of pure ion sliding against M-50 steel (unimplanted) was studied in a pin-on-disk sliding friction apparatus. Test conditions included room temperature (25 C), a dry air atmosphere, a load of 1/2 kg (4.9 N), sliding velocities of 0.043 to 0.078 m/sec (15 to 25 rpm), a pure hydrocarbon lubricant (n-hexadecane), or a U.S.P. mineral oil and nitrogen ion implantation doses of 5x10 to the 15th power and 5x10 to the 17th power ions/sq cm. No differences in wear rates were observed in the low dose experiments. In the high dose experiments, small reductions in initial (40 percent) and steady state (20 percent) wear rates were observed for nitrogen implanted iron riders as compared with unimplanted controls. No differences in average friction coefficients were noted for either dose. Auger electron spectroscopy combined with argon ion bombardment revealed a subsurface Gaussian nitrogen distribution with a maximum concentration of 6 atomic percent at a depth of 0.8 microns. Similar analysis within the wear scar of an implanted rider after 20 microns of wear yielded only background nitrogen concentration. No inward migration of nitrogen ions was observed.

Jones, W. R.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Tribological characteristics of nitrogen (N+) implanted iron

Jones, W. R., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Deployable Truss Member

Compact telescoping roll extends 24 times its length. Roll telescopes into extended truss member when force is applied. Truss members deployed by various means. Truss member initially constructed in its stowed state with appropriate sheet material rolled around central core. For deployment truss extends by centrifugal force to form cone. With both ends fastened to prevent unrolling, rigid truss member formed.

Frink, N. T.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Magnetic field amplification and generation in hypervelocity meteoroid impacts with application to lunar paleomagnetism

A one-dimensional numerical model for the expansion of impact-produced vapor clouds is used to investigate magnetic field generation mechanisms in events such as meteor collisions with the moon. The resulting cloud properties, such as ionization fraction, electrical conductivity, radial expansion velocity, mass density, and energy density are estimated. The model is initiated with the peak shock states and pressure thresholds for incipient and complete vaporization of anorthosite lunar surface materials by iron and GA composition meteorites. The expansion of the spherical gas cloud into a vacuum was traced with a one-dimensional explicit lagrangian hydrodynamic code. The hypervelocity impact plasmas produced are found to be significant in the amplitudes and orientations of the magnetic fields generated. An ambient magnetic field could have been provided by the core dynamo, which would have interacted with the expanding plasmas and formed induced paleomagnetic fields. Several other field-contribution mechanisms are discussed and discarded as potential remanent magnetism contributors.

Hood, L. L.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Interstellar clouds - From a dynamical perspective on their chemistry

The possibility is examined that in the course of its dynamical evolution, a single mass of interstellar gas would exhibit properties of diffuse clouds, dense clouds and finally also of clouds perturbed by shocks or intense UV or X-ray radiation generated by a star of its own creation. This concept provides a common thread through the bewildering diversity of physical and chemical compositional properties shown by interstellar clouds. From this perspective, instead of being static objects, interstellar clouds are possibly incessantly evolving from initially diffuse to later dense state and then to star formation which ultimately restructures or disperses the remaining cloud material to begin the whole evolutionary process once again. Based on a simplified study of interstellar chemistry from a dynamical perspective, the ideas are presented as an heuristic: to encourage thought on the future direction of molecular astrophysics and the need to consider the chemical behavior of interstellar clouds in conjunction with, rather than in isolation from, their dynamical behavior. A physical basis must be sought for the semiempirical temperature formula which has been given a critical role in the collapse of diffuse clouds. Self-shielding effects in the chemistry of CO were neglected and this drawback should be removed; the ability of the model to explain the fractional abundances of more complex molecules, such as cyanopolyynes, should be examined.

Prasad, S. S.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Global functions in global-local finite-element analysis of localized stresses in prismatic structures

An important consideration in the global local finite-element method (GLFEM) is the availability of global functions for the given problem. The role and mathematical requirements of these global functions in a GLFEM analysis of localized stress states in prismatic structures are discussed. A method is described for determining these global functions. Underlying this method are theorems due to Toupin and Knowles on strain energy decay rates, which are related to a quantitative expression of Saint-Venant's principle. It is mentioned that a mathematically complete set of global functions can be generated, so that any arbitrary interface condition between the finite element and global subregions can be represented. Convergence to the true behavior can be achieved with increasing global functions and finite-element degrees of freedom. Specific attention is devoted to mathematically two-dimensional and three-dimensional prismatic structures. Comments are offered on the GLFEM analysis of NASA flat panel with a discontinuous stiffener. Methods for determining global functions for other effects are also indicated, such as steady-state dynamics and bodies under initial stress.

Dong, Stanley B.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Performance bounds on parallel self-initiating discrete-event

The use is considered of massively parallel architectures to execute discrete-event simulations of what is termed self-initiating models. A logical process in a self-initiating model schedules its own state re-evaluation times, independently of any other logical process, and sends its new state to other logical processes following the re-evaluation. The interest is in the effects of that communication on synchronization. The performance is considered of various synchronization protocols by deriving upper and lower bounds on optimal performance, upper bounds on Time Warp's performance, and lower bounds on the performance of a new conservative protocol. The analysis of Time Warp includes the overhead costs of state-saving and rollback. The analysis points out sufficient conditions for the conservative protocol to outperform Time Warp. The analysis also quantifies the sensitivity of performance to message fan-out, lookahead ability, and the probability distributions underlying the simulation.

Nicol, David M.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Unstructured mesh methods for CFD

Mesh generation methods for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) are outlined. Geometric modeling is discussed. An advancing front method is described. Flow past a two engine Falcon aeroplane is studied. An algorithm and associated data structure called the alternating digital tree, which efficiently solves the geometric searching problem is described. The computation of an initial approximation to the steady state solution of a given poblem is described. Mesh generation for transient flows is described.

Peraire, J.↗

NASA NTRS1991

ETARA PC version 3.3 user's guide: Reliability, availability, maintainability simulation model

A user's manual describing an interactive, menu-driven, personal computer based Monte Carlo reliability, availability, and maintainability simulation program called event time availability reliability (ETARA) is discussed. Given a reliability block diagram representation of a system, ETARA simulates the behavior of the system over a specified period of time using Monte Carlo methods to generate block failure and repair intervals as a function of exponential and/or Weibull distributions. Availability parameters such as equivalent availability, state availability (percentage of time as a particular output state capability), continuous state duration and number of state occurrences can be calculated. Initial spares allotment and spares replenishment on a resupply cycle can be simulated. The number of block failures are tabulated both individually and by block type, as well as total downtime, repair time, and time waiting for spares. Also, maintenance man-hours per year and system reliability, with or without repair, at or above a particular output capability can be calculated over a cumulative period of time or at specific points in time.

Hoffman, David J.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Characteristics of ejecta and alluvial deposits at Meteor Crater, Arizona and Odessa Craters, Texas: Results from ground penetrating radar

Previous ground penetrating radar (GRP) studies around 50,000 year old Meteor Crater revealed the potential for rapid, inexpensive, and non-destructive sub-surface investigations for deep reflectors (generally greater than 10 m). New GRP results are summarized focusing the shallow sub-surfaces (1-2 m) around Meteor Crater and the main crater at Odessa. The following subject areas are covered: (1) the thickness, distribution, and nature of the contact between surrounding alluvial deposits and distal ejecta; and (2) stratigraphic relationships between both the ejecta and alluvium derived from both pre and post crater drainages. These results support previous conclusions indicating limited vertical lowering (less than 1 m) of the distal ejecta at Meteor Crater and allow initial assessment of the gradational state if the Odessa craters.

Grant, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Nuclear Electric Propulsion Technology Panel findings and recommendations

Summarized are the findings and recommendations of a triagency (NASA/DOE/DOD) panel on Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) Technology. NEP has been identified as a candidate nuclear propulsion technology for exploration of the Moon and Mars as part of the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI). The findings are stated in areas of system and subsystem considerations, technology readiness, and ground test facilities. Recommendations made by the panel are summarized concerning: (1) existing space nuclear power and propulsion programs, and (2) the proposed multiagency NEP technology development program.

Doherty, Michael P.↗

NASA NTRS1991

An assessment of prospects for international cooperation on the Space Exploration Initiative

This paper discusses the unique characteristics of the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) which will have to be taken into account if the Initiative is to become an international one; the technical capabilities offered by prospective international partners; the political and economic prospects for proceeding with the Initiative both in the United States and elsewhere; and the advantages and disadvantages of various possible approaches to international cooperation on SEI. SEI preparatory activities are likely to extend over a several-year period. Such an extended preparatory period should provide the time needed for coordinating studies, for identifing interests and potential contributions, and for resolving the numerous planning, budgeting, organizational and political issues which will have to be dealt with if such a complex undertaking is to be successfully internationalized.

Cline, Lynn F. H.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Designing reduced-order linear multivariable controllers using experimentally derived plant data

An iterative numerical algorithm for simultaneously improving multiple performance and stability robustness criteria for multivariable feedback systems is developed. The unsatisfied design criteria are improved by updating the free parameters of an initial, stabilizing controller's state-space matrices. Analytical expressions for the gradients of the design criteria are employed to determine a parameter correction that improves all of the feasible, unsatisfied design criteria at each iteration. A controller design is performed using the algorithm with experimentally derived data from a large space structure test facility. Experimental results of the controller's performance at the facility are presented.

Frazier, W. G.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Magnetic and magneto-optical properties and domain structure of Co/Pd multilayers

The domain structure of Co/Pd(1.6/6.3 A)xN multilayers and its relation to the bulk magnetic properties of the samples were studied. The Co/Pd multilayers were deposited by rf and dc magnetron sputtering onto different substrates. It was found that magnetic and magnetooptical properties and domain structure of the multilayers were affected by total film thickness and substrate condition. Magnetization, coercivity, and anisotropy of the films decreased significantly as the film thickness dropped below 100 A. However, Kerr rotation angle had a maximum at the same thickness. The width of the domain structure increased with the decrease of the film thickness attaining the single domain state at N = 10. The initial curves in Co/Pd multilayers were found to depend on demagnetization process. The samples demagnetized by inplane field showed the largest difference between initial curves and the corresponding parts of the loops. Different domain structures were observed in the samples demagnetized by perpendicular and in-plane magnetic fields.

Gadetsky, S.↗

NASA NTRS1993

The Clementine Mission science return at the Moon and Geographos

The Clementine Mission is being built and flown by the Naval Research Laboratory under the sponsorship of the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization of the United States Department of Defense in joint-cooperation with NASA, and will explore the Moon and the near-Earth asteroid (NEA) 1620 Geographos with lightweight sensors developed by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. A NASA Science Team for this mission will be selected by way of a NRA in April 1993. The instrument suite includes imaging cameras that cover a spectral range from the near-ultraviolet to the mid-infrared, a laser ranger, and, potentially, a charged particle telescope. To be launched in early 1994, Clementine will be in lunar orbit from February through May 1994, at which time it will depart the Moon for a flyby of 1620 Geographos in August 1994. This mission represents an outstanding opportunity for scientists interested in the Moon and asteroids. It is anticipated that the data returned from this mission will permit: an assessment of global lunar crustal heterogeneity and a resolution of less than 1 km; an assessment of the lithologic heterogeneity of Geographos at a scale of 100 m or better; and an assessment of surface processes on Geographos on the order of 10 m. The basic mission of Clementine and some of the key scientific questions that will be addressed are described. Additional material on the Clementine mission, its data handling and processing, and its instrument suite is presented elsewhere.

Vorderbruegge, R. W.↗

NASA NTRS1994

The proton cyclotron instability and the anisotropy/B inverse correlation

Spacecraft observations in the strongly compressed subsolar magnetosheath show an inverse correlation between the proton temperature anistrophy (T(sub perpendicular to p)/T(sub parallel to p) greater than 1 where perpendicular to and parallel to denote directions perpendicular and parallel to the background magnetic field) and the parallel proton beta (beta(sub parallel to p). This manuscript uses one-dimensional hybrid simulations of the proton cyclotron anisotropy instability in homogeneous electron-proton plasmas to study this correlation which may represent a limited closure relation for fluid theories of anisotropic space plasmas. The emphasis is on driven simulation which increase the temperature anisotropy by periodically reducing the magnetic-field-aligned velocities of the protons. The late-time states from ensembles of both initial value and driven simulations yield very similar expressions for the proton anisotropy/beta(sub parallel to P) inverse correlation, and provide a basis for explaining differences between sheath observations from different spacecraft. The driven simulations also yield expressions for the maximum instability growth rate and the fluctuating field energy as functions of beta (sub parallel to p) and a parameter characterizing the anisotropy driver.

Gary, S. Peter↗

NASA NTRS1996

Photon Number-Phase Uncertainty Relation in the Evolution of the Field in a Kerr-Like Medium

A model of a single-mode field, initially prepared in a coherent state, coupled to a two-level atom surrounded by a nonlinear Kerr-like medium contained inside a very good quality cavity is considered. We derive the photon number-phase uncertainty relation in the evolution of the field for a weak and strong nonlinear coupling respectively, within the Hermitian phase operator formalism of Pegg and Barnett, and discuss the effects of nonlinear coupling of the Kerr-like medium on photon number-phase uncertainty relation of the field.

Fan, An-Fu↗