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At least 793 records · Page 44

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NASA NTRS1983

Helicopter impulsive noise: Theoretical and experimental status

The theoretical and experimental status of helicopter impulsive noise is reviewed. The two major source mechanisms of helicopter impulsive noise are addressed: high-speed impulsive noise and blade-vortex interaction impulsive noise. A thorough physical explanation of both generating mechanism is presented together with model and full-scale measurements of the phenomena. Current theoretical prediction methods are compared with experimental findings of isolated rotor tests. The noise generating mechanism of high speed impulsive noise are fairly well understood - theory and experiment compare nicely over Mach number ranges typical of today's helicopters. For the case of blade-vortex interaction noise, understanding of noise generating mechanisms and theoretical comparison with experiment are less satisfactory. Several methods for improving theory-experiment are suggested.

Schmitz, F. H.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Helicopter impulsive noise - Theoretical and experimental status

The theoretical and experimental status of helicopter impulsive noise is reviewed. The two major source mechanisms of helicopter impulsive noise are addressed: high-speed impulsive noise and blade-vortex interaction impulsive noise. A thorough physical explanation of both generating mechanisms is presented together with model and full-scale measurements of the phenomena. Current theoretical prediction methods are compared with experimental findings of isolated rotor tests. The noise generating mechanisms of high speed impulsive noise are fairly well understood - theory and experiment compare nicely over Mach number ranges typical of today's helicopters. For the case of blade-vortex interaction noise, understanding of noise generating mechanisms and theoretical comparison with experiment are less satisfactory. Several methods for improving theory/experiment are suggested.

Schmitz, F. H.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Helicopter impulsive noise - Theoretical and experimental status

Schmitz, F. H.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Propagation of solar disturbances - Theories and models

Recent theoretical developments and construction of several models for the propagation of solar disturbances from the sun and their continuation throughout heliospheric space are discussed. Emphasis centers on physical mechanisms as well as mathematical techniques (i.e., analytical and numerical methods). This outline will lead to a discussion of the state-of-the-art of theoretically based modeling efforts in this area. It is shown that the fundamental theory for the study of propagation of disturbances in heliospheric space is centered around the self-consistent analysis of wave and mass motion within the context of magnetohydrodynamics in which the small scale structures will be modified by kinetic effects. Finally, brief mention is made of some interesting problems for which attention is needed for advancement of the understanding of the physics of large scale propagation of solar disturbances in heliospheric space.

Wu, S. T.↗

NASA NTRS1975

An optical radar for airborne use over natural waters

An optical radar for detecting targets in natural waters was built and tested in the Gulf of Mexico. The transmitter consists of a Q switched neodymium glass laser, with output amplified and doubled in KDP to 0.53 micrometer wavelength. The receiver incorporates a noval optical spatial filter to reduce the dynamic range required of the photodetector to a reasonable value. Detection of targets to a depth of 26 meters (84 feet) was achieved with a considerable sensitivity margin. The sensitivity of the radar is highly dependent on the optical attenuation coefficient. In general, measured returns fell between the values predicted on the basis of monopath and multipath attenuation. By means of simple physical arguments, a radar equation for the system was derived. To validate this theoretical model, measurements of optical attenuation and of water surface behavior were also instrumented, and some of these results are given.

Levis, C. A.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Computer simulations of planetary accretion dynamics - Sensitivity to initial conditions

A computer simulation program which generates mature planetary systems using only Newtonian physics and accretion with unit sticking efficiency is examined. The dependence of the simulation on a variety of radial and vertical density distribution laws, on the ratio of gas to dust in the solar nebula, on the total nebular mass, and on the orbital eccentricity of the accreting grains is explored. To approach physically realistic models, these parameters are altered according to various empirically- and theoretically-suggested criteria. The program is found to generate many recognizable planetary systems, including multiple-star systems with accompanying planets; single stars surrounded only by asteroids; and systems with large Jovian planets, planets similar to Pluto, or objects of asteroidal mass, as well as the usual terrestrial planets. Planetary spacing in the simulation obeys a relation of the Titius Bode variety; in general, the number of planets per system is inversely proportional to the orbital eccentricity. Some reservations about the simulation program are expressed; however, it does support the idea of abundant and diverse planetary systems throughout the galaxy.

Isaacman, R.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Magnetosphere, ionosphere and atmosphere interactions

In the present review, the general nature of the earth's space environment is discussed with particular reference to the physical processes which link the magnetosphere, the ionosphere, and the upper atmosphere. Recent theoretical and experimental research has revealed the existence of subtle couplings which closely link the electrical and mass properties of these regions. Some of these couplings have been known for many years. Recent discoveries include such couplings as the formation of the plasmasphere through the mutual action of convective electric fields and ionospheric plasma flows. However, there is still insufficient information to define accurately the basic processes associated with space plasma dynamics when cool thermal plasma of ionospheric origin interacts with the neutral atmosphere, the energetic plasma of the ionosphere, and the solar wind. The primary objective of the discussion is to provide a general introduction to the more challenging processes as they are presently known.

Banks, P. M.↗

NASA NTRS1984

The formation of stellar systems from interstellar molecular clouds

The observational and theoretical study of regions of continuing star formation promises greater insight into the physical conditions and events associated with the formation of the solar system, and elucidates the role played by star formation in the evolutionary cycle which seems to dominate interstellar material's processing by successive generations of stars in the spiral galaxies. Novel astronomical methods incorporated by the new facilities scheduled for development in the 1980s may yield substantial advancements in star formation process theory; most significant among these efforts will be the identification and examination of the elusive protostellar collapse phase of both star and planetary system formation.

Gehrz, R. D.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Electron-impact vibrational excitation rates in the flow field of aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles

This paper examines the vibrational excitation rate processes expected in the flow field of aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles (AOTVs). An analysis of the multiple-quantum vibrational excitation processes by electron impact is made to predict the vibrational excitation cross sections, rate coefficients, and relaxation times which control vibrational temperature. The expression for the rate of electron-vibration energy transfer is derived by solving the system of master equations which account for the multiple-level transitions. The vibrational excitation coefficients, which are the prerequisite physical quantities in solving the obtained vibrational equation, are calculated based on the theoretically predicted cross sections. These cross sections are obtained from quantum mechanical calculations, based on the concept that vibrational excitation of molecules by electron impact occurs through formation of an intermediate negative ion state. Finally, the modified Landau-Teller-type rate equation, which is suitable for the numerical calculations for the AOTV flow fields, is suggested.

Lee, J.-H.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Radiation effects on power transistor performance

The D60T, D62T, and D75T transistors in the nuclear reactor were irradiated with bias voltage and high current I sub c vs. V sub ec curves were obtained to evaluate gain degradation at high power levels. Pre- and post-irradiation high current switching tests were performed to evaluate the response. The gamma ray damage work done at Sandia was correlated with the neutron work done at the O.S.U. reactor with the above specified transistors. Theoretical analyses of damage and electrical performance were conducted in terms of semiconductor physics. The experimental high current pulser was improved in order to measure switching time changes which are less than one microsecond at currents of 100 to 200 amperes for in-situ testing.

Frasca, Albert J.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Infrared diagnostics of interstellar shocks

The observations and theoretical models concerning interstellar shock waves are discussed. Interstellar shock waves are generated by the supersonic injection of mass into the interstellar medium by young stellar objects, by stellar winds, and by supernovae. Infrared emission lines from the heated, shocked gas provide valuable diagnostics of the density, temperature, velocity field, elemental abundances and extent of the emitting region. It is shown that the comparison of observed spectra from shocked regions with theoretical shock models can provide an estimate of the shock speed and the physical conditions in the preshock gas, including the ionization fraction and the magnetic field strength.

Hollenbach, D. J.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Interaction between the solar wind and the interstellar medium

The heliospheric and interstellar parameters of importance in the interaction between the solar wind and the ISM are discussed. The observationally inferred values of these parameters, including the uncertainties, are addressed, and the basic physical processes that are likely to be important in the interaction are examined theoretically. The theory is combined with observational information in an effort to develop the currently most likely picture of the heliosphere as it is shaped by the local ISM.

Holzer, Thomas E.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Laboratory and theoretical models of planetary-scale instabilities and waves

Research work is proceeding in theoretical, numerical, and experimental geophysical fluid dynamics leading up to a reflight of the GFFC (Geophysical Fluid Flow Cell Experiment) on USML-2. The work is intended not only to generate ideas for future space experiments, but to provide fundamental results concerned with nonlinear and chaotic properties of thermal convection and baroclinic waves in terrestrial and planetary atmospheres. The major efforts are focussed on thermal convection in a rapidly rotating annulus relevant to Jovian atmospheric dynamics, and on the chaotic behavior of baroclinic waves relevant to the Earth's atmosphere. The approach, in preparation for USML-2, is primarily theoretical and numerical. Mechanistic process models are solved numerically in order to identify physical mechanisms that may be observed in the GFFC, and which are important in real geophysical applications. The results from numerical simulations of geophysical fluid flow (subject to rotation and stratification) are compared with previous GFFC experiments on Spacelab-3 and with existing and proposed terrestrial laboratory experiments of various types. Pattern recognition algorithms have been employed to generate low-dimensional descriptions of the highly nonlinear and turbulent numerical simulations. Such empirically truncated descriptions provide for simplified but robust physical interpretations of the dynamics, as well as yielding highly efficient computations of these chaotic flows.

Hart, John E.↗

NASA NTRS1993

The 24 GHz measurements of 2.2 lambda conical horn antennas illuminating a conducting sheet

Monostatic reflection-coefficient magnitude, absolute value of Gamma, measurements occurring between a radiating horn and a metal reflecting plate are presented for a family of three 2.2 lambda diameter conical horn antennas. The three horns have different aperture phase deviations: 6 deg, 22.5 deg, and 125 deg. Measurements of the magnitude of absolute value of Gamma as a function of horn-plate separation (d) extend from an effective antenna aperture short (d = O) to beyond the far-field boundary (d = 2D(sup 2)/lambda, where D is the antenna diameter). Measurement data are presented with various physical environments for each of the horns. Measured scalar data are compared with theoretical data from two models, a numerical model for a circular waveguide aperture in a ground plane and a scalar diffraction theory model. This work was conducted in support of the development effort for a spaceborne multifrequency microwave reflectometer designed to accurately determine the distance from a space vehicle's surface to a reflecting plasma boundary. The metal reflecting plate was used to simulate the RF reflectivity of a critically dense plasma. The resulting configuration, a ground plane mounted aperture facing a reflecting plane in close proximity, produces a strong interaction between the ground plane and the reflecting plate, especially at integral half-wavelength separations. The transition coefficient is characterized by large amplitude variations.

Cross, A. E.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Opportunities in cosmic-ray physics and astrophysics

The Board on Physics and Astronomy of the National Research Council established the Committee on Cosmic-Ray Physics to prepare a review of the field that addresses both experimental and theoretical aspects of the origin of cosmic radiation from outside the heliosphere. The following recommendations are made: NASA should provide the opportunity to measure cosmic-ray electrons, positrons, ultraheavy nuclei, isotopes, and antiparticles in space; NASA, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Department of Energy (DOE) should facilitate direct and indirect measurement of the elemental composition to as high an energy as possible, for which the support of long-duration ballooning and hybrid ground arrays will be needed; NSF and DOE should support the new Fly's Eye and provide for U.S. participation in the big projects on the horizon, which include giant arrays, ground-based gamma-ray astronomy, and neutrino telescopes; and NASA, NSF, and DOE should support a strong program of relevant theoretical investigations.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1995

Millimeter and Submillimeter Spectroscopy of Molecules of Atmospheric Importance

In our proposal we laid out work in three areas of relevance to atmospheric science: millimeter and submillimeter spectroscopy, variable temperature pressure broadening, and band and intensity measurements in the FIR. Below we will briefly discuss our progress during the second year of this project. In our millimeter and submillimeter (mm/submm) spectroscopic work, one of our goals has been to work towards the unification of the rotational (primarily obtained by mm/submm techniques) and rotational-vibrational (primarily obtained by infrared techniques) data sets in the context of theoretically well founded models which take advantage of the strengths of the data from each experimental technique. From the point of view of the development of the optimal data base for atmospheric observations, this is clearly a desirable goal. During the first year of this project we did an analysis of a weighted, mixed infrared and mm/submm data set of the n = 0, 1, and 2 torsional states of the ground vibrational state of HOOH. The purpose of this work is to provide a unified understanding of the spectrum, which is applicable in both the rotational and rotational - vibrational regimes. We have succeed in doing this in the context of a single weighted fit which accounts for both data sets to their respective experimental uncertainty (-0.1 and 10 MHz, respectively). Additionally, we have now done a similar analysis on the n = 0 torsional state of v(sub 3) and begun a similar analysis on v(sub 6). For several years we have been working on the mm/submm rotational spectra of the many excited vibrational states of HNO3, again with particular emphasis on the relationships between the mm/submm and infrared spectra. During the first year of this project we were able to use mm/submm spectroscopy to fully resolve the torsional splittings in 2 v(sub 9) and v(sub 5), establish a theoretically well founded quantitative relation between them, and show that both have their physical origin in the torsional motion of the v(sub 9) mode.This result has now been incorporated in a recent reanalysis of the infrared spectrum and has resulted in improved fits - eliminating what was in retrospect a systematic error associated with this previously unknown effect.

DeLucia, Frank C.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Investigation of the Influence of Microgravity on Transport Mechanisms in a Virtual Spaceflight Chamber: A Ground Based Program

In January 1992, the IML-1 FES experiment produced a set of classic experimental data and a 40 hour holographic "movie" of an ensemble of spheres in a fluid in microgravity. Because the data are in the form of holograms, we can study the three-dimensional distribution of particles with unprecedented detail by a variety of methods and for a wide variety of interests. The possession of the holographic movie is tantamount to having a complex experiment in space while working in an easily accessible laboratory on earth. The movie contains a vast amount of useful data, including residual g, g-jitter, convection and transport data, and particle fluid interaction data. The information content in the movie is so great that we have scarcely begun to tap into the data that is actually available in the more than 1000 holograms, each containing as much as 1000 megabytes of information. This ground-based project is exploiting this data and the concept of holographic storage of spaceflight data to provide an understanding of the effects of microgravity in materials processing. This paper provides the foundation, objectives, and status of the ground based project. The primary objective of this project is to advance the understanding of microgravity effects on crystal growth, convection in materials processing in the space environment, and complex transport phenomena at low Reynolds numbers. This objective is being achieved both experimentally and theoretically. Experiments are making use of existing holographic data recorded during the IML- I spaceflight. A parallel theoretical effort is providing the models for understanding the particle fields and their physics in the microgravity environment.

Trolinger, James D.↗

NASA NTRS2007

Burst Oscillations: A New Spin on Neutron Stars

Observations with NASA's Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) have shown that the X-ray flux during thermonuclear X-ray bursts fr-om accreting neutron stars is often strongly pulsed at frequencies as high as 620 Hz. We now know that these oscillations are produced by spin modulation of the thermonuclear flux from the neutron star surface. In addition to revealing the spin frequency, they provide new ways to probe the properties and physics of accreting neutron stars. I will briefly review our current observational and theoretical understanding of these oscillations and discuss what they are telling us about neutron stars.

Strohmayer, Tod↗