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At least 793 records · Page 44

High-Efficiency Modified Fresnel Reflectors for Solar-Energy Concentration

A study has been made of the Fresnel reflector and two variations of this reflector for use as solar-energy collectors. One variation is the conical Fresnel reflector in which the serrations are located on the inner surface of a cone. It is shown that this reflector can have a collection efficiency of 1.00 for any rim angle, if the proper cone angle is selected. Equations are developed for the design of the second variation which consists of a reflector plane that is not perpendicular to the incoming light rays. Segments of this reflector can be used to form a pyramidal collector which combines the desired flatness of the Fresnel reflector with the high efficiency of the conical Fresnel reflector. This collector can have an efficiency which is very close to 1.00 when a sufficient number of reflective sides are used.

REFLECTOR↗

Flexible wings.

Flexible wing development and applications in spacecraft recovery systems, weapon delivery, parachute missions and private planes

Rogallo, F.↗

LWS design replacement study: Optimum design and tradeoff analysis

A design for two long-wavelength (LW) focal-plane and cooler assemblies, including associated preamplifiers and post-amplifiers is presented. The focal-planes and associated electronic assemblies are intended as direct replacement hardware to be installed into the existing 24-channel multispectral scanner used with the NASA Earth Observations Aircraft Program. An organization skilled in the art of LWIR systems can fabricate and deliver the two long-wavelength focal-plane assemblies described in this report when provided with the data and drawings developed during the performance of this contract. The concepts developed during the study including the alternative approaches and selection of components are discussed. Modifications to the preliminary design as reported in a preliminary design review meeting have also been included.

Source record↗

Parametric analysis of turbulent wall jets in still air.

An examination has been made of all the data available on incompressible (nominally) plane wall jets in still air, supplementing these when necessary with some additional measurements. For a wall jet in still air, the chief mean flow qualities of interest are the maximum velocity, the inner length scale, and a total thickness, in addition to the wall stress. On the basis of the analysis, a (nominally) plane wall jet flow can be divided into an initial region, a fully developed flow region, and a confined wall jet flow region.

Narasimha, R.↗

Speckle techniques for determining stresses in moving objects

Laser speckle interferometry is a relatively new experimental technique which shows promise of alleviating many difficult problems in experimental mechanics. The method utilizes simple high-resolution photographs of the surface which is illuminated by coherent light. The result is a real-time or permanently stored whole-field record of interference fringes which yields a map of displacements in the object. In this thesis, the time-average theory using the Fourier transform is developed to present the application of this technique to measurement of in-plane displacement induced by the vibration of an object.

Murphree, E. A.↗

Turbulent viscous shock layer solutions for Jovian entry at small angles of attack

The equations governing the laminar and turbulent flows of reacting gas mixtures in chemical equilibrium over axially symmetric blunt bodies at small angles of attack are developed and presented in the unsteady conservative form. Solutions are obtained in the planes of symmetry of the flow field for the typical conditions encountered by a probe entering the Jovian atmosphere at small angles of attack. The eddy-viscosity is approximated by a two-layer model. The shock wave is treated as a discontinuity across which the shock relations are used to compute the flow conditions behind the shock. A time-asymptotic finite-difference method is used to solve the equations. The zero angle of attack results for a hyperboloid are compared with the existing results but neither experimental nor computational results are available for comparison with the present results at angle of attack.

Jumar, A.↗

Suntan

The largest and most extraordinary project for using hydrogen as a fuel was carried out by the Air Force in 1956-1958 in supersecrecy. The project was code-named Suntan, and even this was kept secret. Suntan was an effort by the Air Force to develop a hydrogen-fueled airplane with performance superior to the secret spy plane, the U-2. The aircraft and engine design for this project is reviewed. Due to technological problems and conflicting technical views over its feasibility and the best way to accomplish reconnaissance, the Suntan project simply faded away and was cancelled in 1959.

Source record↗

Acoustic plane waves normally incident on a clamped panel in a rectangular duct

The theory of acoustic plane wave normally incident on a clamped panel in a rectangular duct is developed. The coupling theory between the elastic vibrations of the panel (plate) and the acoustic wave propagation in infinite space and in the rectangular duct is considered. The partial differential equation which governs the vibration of the panel (plate) is modified by adding to its stiffness (spring) forces and damping forces, and the fundamental resonance frequency and the attenuation factor are discussed. The noise reduction expression based on the theory is found to agree well with the corresponding experimental data of a sample aluminum panel in the mass controlled region, the damping controlled region, and the stiffness controlled region. All the frequency positions of the upward and downward resonance spikes in the sample experimental data are identified theoretically as resulting from four cross interacting major resonance phenomena: the cavity resonance, the acoustic resonance, the plate resonance, and the wooden back panel resonance.

Unz, H.↗

On source radiation

The power output from given sources is usually ascertained via an energy flux integral over the normal directions to a remote (farfield) surface; an alternative procedure, which utilizes an integral that specifies the direct rate of working by the source on the resultant field, is described and illustrated for both point and continuous source distributions. A comparison between the respective procedures is made in the analysis of sound radiated from a periodic dipole source whose axis rotates in a plane, on a full or partial angular range, with prescribed frequency. Thus, adopting a conventional approach, Sretenskii (1956) characterizes the rotating dipole in terms of an infinite number of stationary ones along a pair of orthogonal directions in the plane and, through the farfield representation of the latter, arrives at a series development for the instantaneous radiated power, whereas the local manner of power calculation dispenses with the equivalent infinite aggregate of sources and yields a compact analytical result.

Levine, H.↗

Radiative transfer with partial frequency redistribution in inhomogeneous atmospheres - Application to the Jovian aurora

A direct finite difference numerical solution for the equation of radiative transfer by the Feautrier method is developed for use in planetary atmospheres. The procedure described here uses a plane-parallel atmosphere, and can treat partial frequency redistribution, inhomogeneity, external or internal sources, and various boundary conditions. Isotropic scattering is assumed, but in the case of no frequency redistribution, Rayleigh scattering can also be handled. A program utilizing this method is tested in a variety of situations against more powerful and elaborate methods. The case of the Lyman alpha aurora on Jupiter is then considered, where the effects of partial frequency redistribution are shown to be of great importance. New results for the detailed line profiles for Lyman alpha in the Jovian aurora are presented. The method is quite versatile, and should be especially useful in studying a wide range of problems related to auroral or dayglow emissions in planetary atmospheres.

Gladstone, G. R.↗

Analysis of the electromagnetic scattering from an inlet geometry with lossy walls

One of the primary goals is to develop an approximate but sufficiently accurate analysis for the problem of electromagnetic (EM) plane wave scattering by an open ended, perfectly-conducting, semi-infinite hollow circular waveguide (or duct) with a thin, uniform layer of lossy or absorbing material on its inner wall, and with a simple termination inside. The less difficult but useful problem of the EM scattering by a two-dimensional (2-D), semi-infinite parallel plate waveguide with an impedance boundary condition on the inner walls was chosen initially for analysis. The impedance boundary condition in this problem serves to model a thin layer of lossy dielectric/ferrite coating on the otherwise perfectly-conducting interior waveguide walls. An approximate but efficient and accurate ray solution was obtained recently. That solution is presently being extended to the case of a moderately thick dielectric/ferrite coating on the walls so as to be valid for situations where the impedance boundary condition may not remain sufficiently accurate.

Myung, N. H.↗

Aerothermodynamic heating and performance analysis of a high-lift aeromaneuvering AOTV concept

The thermal-control requirements for design-optimized aeromaneuvering performance are determined for space-based applications and low-earth orbit sorties involving large, multiple plane-inclination changes. The leading-edge heating analysis is the most advanced developed for hypersonic-rarefied flow over lifting surfaces at incidence. The effects of leading-edge bluntness, low-density viscous phenomena, and finite-rate flow-field chemistry and surface catalysis are accounted for. The predicted aerothermodynamic heating characteristics are correlated with thermal-control and flight-performance capabilities. The mission payload capability for delivery, retrieval, and combined operations is determined for round-trip sorties extending to polar orbits. Recommendations are given for future design refinements. The results help to identify technology issues required to develop prototype operational systems.

Menees, G. P.↗

The Influence of Low Frequency Mechanical Vibrations on the Growth of Single Crystals

The optimum conditions for crystal growth are usually achieved either by suppressing convective fluid flows (e.g., by the use of a low-gravity environment) or by over-riding thermal and solutal convection by the use of a strong stirring action. A novel stirring technique has been developed which involves subjecting a vertical crucible to a circle in a horizontal plane (without rotation). Use of an amplitude of 3 mm at a frequency of approx 6 Hz produced complete mixing of a non-uniform aqueous liquid in a few seconds. The mixing action involved the downward flow of liquid in the outer annulus of the liquid, driven by surface waves. When the downward flowing liquid reaches the bottom of the crucible, it is reflected in a central, upward flowing spiral. This flow pattern should be beneficial for crystal growth by the Bridgman method since it will sweep impurities away from the walls and produce a more convex solid-liquid interface. Initial attempts to apply the new stirring technique to CdTe crystal growth did not show significant improvement in the number of crystals nucleated, but the interface shape appeared to be close to that predicted.

Feigelson, R. S.↗

NASP natural environment definitions for design

Problems that emerged during the development of the natural environment definitions for the design of the National Aerospace Plane (NASP) are discussed. The NASP program objectives are reviewed. It is found that some of the data needed to determine the environmental parameters for designing the aircraft are unavailable. It is suggested that this is due to a lack of technology for making the necessary measurements.

Smith, Orvel E.↗

Numerical algorithms for steady and unsteady incompressible Navier-Stokes equations

The numerical analysis of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are becoming important tools in the understanding of some fluid flow problems which are encountered in research as well as in industry. With the advent of the supercomputers, more realistic problems can be studied with a wider choice of numerical algorithms. An alternative formulation is presented for viscous incompressible flows. The incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are cast in a velocity/vorticity formulation. This formulation consists of solving the Poisson equations for the velocity components and the vorticity transport equation. Two numerical algorithms for the steady two-dimensional laminar flows are presented. The first method is based on the actual partial differential equations. This uses a finite-difference approximation of the governing equations on a staggered grid. The second method uses a finite element discretization with the vorticity transport equation approximated using a Galerkin approximation and the Poisson equations are obtained using a least squares method. The equations are solved efficiently using Newton's method and a banded direct matrix solver (LINPACK). The method is extended to steady three-dimensional laminar flows and applied to a cubic driven cavity using finite difference schemes and a staggered grid arrangement on a Cartesian mesh. The equations are solved iteratively using a plane zebra relaxation scheme. Currently, a two-dimensional, unsteady algorithm is being developed using a generalized coordinate system. The equations are discretized using a finite-volume approach. This work will then be extended to three-dimensional flows.

Hafez, Mohammed↗

Flow measurements in a model of the mildly curved femoral artery of man

The effects of curvature on the flow rate near the wall in the vicinity of the mildly curved femoral artery of man, and on the pressure distributions along the curved segment, were investigated using glass and tygon flow models constructed to conform to the shape of the femoral angiogram of a human subject. The test fluid was 33 percent aqueous sucrose. Steady flow observations, made using a dye flow visualization system, revealed a flow pattern like that observed in coiled pipes. A double helical type flow was found to develop, with converging streamlines in the wall vicinity from the upper and lower plane of curvature merging asymptotically along the inner curvature in a stable manner. Pressure measurements for steady flow revealed progressively larger pressure drops with distance along the entrance region of the curved segment, relative to that for a straight lumen.

Back, L. H.↗

A study of hydrogen diffusion flames using PDF turbulence model

The application of probability density function (pdf) turbulence models is addressed in this work. For the purpose of accurate prediction of turbulent combustion, an algorithm that combines a conventional CFD flow solver with the Monte Carlo simulation of the pdf evolution equation has been developed. The algorithm has been validated using experimental data for a heated turbulent plane jet. The study of H2-F2 diffusion flames has been carried out using this algorithm. Numerical results compared favorably with experimental data. The computuations show that the flame center shifts as the equivalence ratio changes, and that for the same equivalence ratio, similarity solutions for flames exist.

Hsu, Andrew T.↗

Using the historical record to determine dust sources

We have recently completed a study of virtually all reported dust activity noted in contemporary and historical records of Mars observations. This study included the compilation of maps showing the locations of these events to the degree that they could be determined. Whenever possible, regional (major) storms were individually mapped, as well as on a composite map. Areas of local events were shown only on a composite map. The four mappable plane-encircling storms were each given separate treatment on maps that portray their development around the planet.

Martin, L. J.↗