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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 847 records · Page 47

Effects of the Shuttle Orbiter fuselage and elevon on the molecular distribution of water vapor from the flash evaporator system

A concern has arisen regarding the emissive distribution of water molecules from the shuttle orbiter flash evaporator system (FES). The role of the orbiter fuselage and elevon in affecting molecular scattering distributions was nuclear. The effect of these components were evaluated. Molecular distributions of the water vapor effluents from the FE were measured. These data were compared with analytically predicted values and the resulting implications were calculated.

Richmond, R. G.↗

The global distribution of stratospheric ozone from OGO-4 BUV observations

Latitude-height cross sections of the mass mixing ration are shown for two different years for equinoctial and Northern Hemisphere winter periods. The data represent two week averages for October 1967 and 1968, and for January 1958 and 1969. For October 1967, the ozone distribution is symmetrical about the equator although the values are higher in the Southern Hemisphere (spring) and about 30-35 km. In October 1968, the distribution about the equator is quite symmetrical. The latitudinal variation at levels above about 3 mb (40 km) is small where photochemical processes are dominant in determining the ozone distribution. In 1967, there is a slight increase at these levels towards the poles that reflect a temperature influence in the ozone chemistry in the upper stratosphere. This increase, however, is absent in 1968.

Clayson, M. H.↗

The NATO III 5 MHz Distribution System

A high performance 5 MHz distribution system is described which has extremely low phase noise and jitter characteristics and provides multiple buffered outputs. The system is completely redundant with automatic switchover and is self-testing. Since the 5 MHz reference signals distributed by the NATO III distribution system are used for up-conversion and multiplicative functions, a high degree of phase stability and isolation between outputs is necessary. Unique circuit design and packaging concepts insure that the isolation between outputs is sufficient to quarantee a phase perturbation of less than 0.0016 deg when other outputs are open circuited, short circuited or terminated in 50 ohms. Circuit design techniques include high isolation cascode amplifiers. Negative feedback stabilizes system gain and minimizes circuit phase noise contributions. Balanced lines, in lieu of single ended coaxial transmission media, minimize pickup.

Vulcan, A.↗

The SA-2239/WLQ-4(V) Cutty Sark distribution system

A redundant frequency and time distribution system provides a multiplicity of isolated outputs, all of which are derived from three atomic frequency standards. The distribution system monitors input parameters of the signals coming from the Cesium Standards and selects one to be the primary standard, phase locks an internal oscillator which has excellent aging characteristics in the open loop mode and acts as a filter to provide phase noise improvement, and generates 1 megahertz and 100 kHz by direct synthesis. Additionally, the system distributes RF and timing signals consisting of 5 MHz, 1 MHz, 100 kHz, BCD Time-of-Day, 1 pps and 1 ppm.

Vulcan, A.↗

Statistical distribution of mechanical properties for three graphite-epoxy material systems

Graphite-epoxy composites are playing an increasing role as viable alternative materials in structural applications necessitating thorough investigation into the predictability and reproducibility of their material strength properties. This investigation was concerned with tension, compression, and short beam shear coupon testing of large samples from three different material suppliers to determine their statistical strength behavior. Statistical results indicate that a two Parameter Weibull distribution model provides better overall characterization of material behavior for the graphite-epoxy systems tested than does the standard Normal distribution model that is employed for most design work. While either a Weibull or Normal distribution model provides adequate predictions for average strength values, the Weibull model provides better characterization in the lower tail region where the predictions are of maximum design interest. The two sets of the same material were found to have essentially the same material properties, and indicate that repeatability can be achieved.

Reese, C.↗

Determination of the total grain size distribution in a vulcanian eruption column, and its implications to stratospheric aerosol perturbation

The total grain distribution of tephra from the eruption by the Fuego volcano in Guatemala on Oct. 14, 1974 was determined by grain size analysis. The region within each isopach has a grain distribution which was weighted proportionally to its percentage volume; the total distribution had a median grain size of 0.6 mm and a sorting coefficient of 2.3. The ash composed of fine particles did not fall in the volcano area as part of the recognizable tephra blanket; the eruption column reached well into the stratosphere to the height of 10-12 km above sea level, with mass flux rate estimated altitudes of 18-23 km

Murrow, P. J.↗

The energy distribution of Sirius B

The origin of the X-ray emission observed from the DA white dwarf Sirius B is investigated on the basis of low-resolution short wavelength IUE spectrum. Following a correction for the influence of scattered light from Sirius A, the intensity distribution of Sirius B is obtained as a function of wavelength. Comparison of the continuous energy distribution with model atmosphere energy distributions indicates an effective temperature of 25,500 K, which is not high enough to explain the observed X rays as normal photospheric radiation. In addition, with the exception of an unusual feature in the neighborhood of the C I 1657 line, no clear evidence is found of emission lines indicative of a corona, chromosphere or disk, and the origin of the X rays remains unknown.

Boehm-Vitense, E.↗

Nonlinear state estimation and feedback control of nonlinear and bilinear distributed parameter systems

This paper presents a theory of nonlinear state observers for nonlinear and bilinear distributed parameter systems. Convergence results are proved for these observers. Linear feedback control derived from such state observers is applied to the distributed parameter system and conditions are presented for closed-loop stability. The emphasis is on finite dimensional state observers and controllers (which can be implemented with on-line computers) and conditions for their successful operation with infinite dimensional distributed parameter systems.

Balas, M. J.↗

Four years of zodiacal light observations from the Helios space probes - Evidence for a smooth distribution of interplanetary dust

Zodiacal light experiments on Helios 2 that has been operating continually since January 1976 are discussed, with the purpose of elucidating the distribution of interplanetary dust. Results for the observed gradient of zodiacal light intensity between 1 A.U. and perihelion at 0.3 A.U. show that for all elongations, from 17.5 deg to 135 deg from the sun, the exponent of intensity increase is -2.3 plus or minus 0.1. Color investigations show no systematic variation with heliocentric distance, but a slight reddening is present, increasing towards small elongations. The degree of polarization is found to be higher at 1 A.U. than given previously and decreases towards the sun, even if no correction for electron scattering is made. All results thus fit the hypothesized power law for radial distribution of dust. It is concluded from the stability of zodiacal intensity that the distribution of interplanetary dust is rather simple in space and quite constant in time.

Leinert, C.↗

Einstein imaging observations of clusters with a bimodal mass distribution

Einstein imaging observations of four X-ray clusters of galaxies characterized by a double X-ray surface brightness and thus mass distribution are presented. The clusters A98, A115, A1750 and SC 0627-54 were found to exhibit two enhancements in their X-ray surface brightness distributions in observations made with the Einstein Imaging Proportional Counter. Calculations of the probability that the clusters represent chance superpositions indicate that the double clusters are physically associated. The radial distributions of the components are inconsistent with those of single point sources, and have been used to derive cluster luminosities which are typical of rich clusters. Masses of the subclusters are also found to be typical of bound and virialized clusters with gas contributing 10%. Within the framework of the hierarchical theory of galactic clustering, the double clusters are suggested to represent an intermediate evolutionary stage before the merger of subclusters into a relaxed Coma-type cluster.

Forman, W.↗

Distributing structural optimization software between a mainframe and a minicomputer

This paper describes a distributed software system for solving large-scale structural optimization problems. Distributing the software between a mainframe computer and a minicomputer takes advantage of some of the best features available on each computer. The described software system consists of a finite element structural analysis computer program, a general purpose optimizer program, and several small user-supplied problem dependent programs. Comparison with a similar system executing entirely on the mainframe computer reveals that the distributed system costs less, uses computer resources more efficiently and improves production through faster turnaround and improved user control. The system interfaces with interactive graphics software for generating models and displaying the intermediate and final results

Rogers, J. L., Jr.↗

Pancake pitch angle distributions in warm ions observed with ISEE 1

Observations of pancake (peak flux near 90-deg pitch angle) distributions of low-energy (not greater than 100 eV) ions are reported. Pancake distributions occur often in H(+) and He(+) simultaneously while O(+) fluxes are either undetectable or field-aligned. These H(+) and He(+) pancake distributions typically display characteristic energies of the order of 10 eV and are frequently mixed with higher density, colder isotropic, quasi-Maxwellian components. They appear often within the outer regions of the plasmasphere, and seem to occur most frequently on the dayside and near the magnetic equator.

Horwitz, J. L.↗

Formation of a conical distribution and intense ion heating in the presence of hydrogen cyclotron waves

In the considered investigation, it is assumed that the field aligned currents are responsible for producing electrostatic harmonic cyclotron waves (EHC). Using a one-dimensional simulation model in which the electron velocity distribution is maintained by a constant injection of the initial distribution, it is shown that, in contrast to earlier initial value simulations, EHC waves grow to a large amplitude, resulting in the formation of an anisotropic ion velocity distribution. Both the heating rate and the anisotropy are in reasonable agreement with the quasi-linear theory, taking into account the cyclotron resonance. The results show that the saturation is due to the combined effects of wave induced diffusion in an electron velocity space and the heating of ions perpendicularly. Both these effects reduce the growth rate.

Okuda, H.↗

Oceanic Satellite Data Distribution System

The Satellite Data Distribution System (SDDS) serves to process satellite-derived ocean observations, generate ocean analysis and forecast products, and distribute the products to a limited set of commercial users. The SDDS functions in series with the U.S. Navy Fleet Numerical Oceanography Center (FNOC) to provide products on a near-real-time basis to commercial marine industries. Conventional meteorological and oceanographic observations provided to FNOC serve as the input set to the numerical analysis and forecast models. Large main-frame computers are used to analyze and forecast products on a routine, operational basis (at 6-hour and 12-hour synoptic times). The products, reformatted to meet commercial users needs, are transferred to a NASA-owned computer for storage and distribution. Access to the information is possible either by a commercial dial-up packet-switching network or by a direct computer-computer connection.

Montgomery, D. R.↗

The effect of the charge exchange source on the velocity and 'temperature' distributions and their anisotropies in the earth's exosphere

The velocity distribution of atomic hydrogen in the earth's exosphere is calculated as a function of altitude and direction taking into account both the classic exobase source and the higher-altitude plasmaspheric charge exchange source. Calculations are performed on the basis of a Monte Carlo technique in which random ballistic trajectories of individual atoms are traced through a three-dimensional grid of audit zones, at which relative concentrations and momentum or energy fluxes are obtained. In the case of the classical exobase source alone, the slope of the velocity distribution is constant only for the upward radial velocity component and increases dramatically with altitude for the incoming radial and transverse velocity components, resulting in a temperature decrease. The charge exchange source, which produces the satellite hydrogen component and the hot ballistic and escape components of the exosphere, is found to enhance the wings of the velocity distributions, however this effect is not sufficient to overcome the temperature decreases at altitudes above one earth radius. The resulting global model of the hydrogen exosphere may be used as a realistic basis for radiative transfer calculations.

Hodges, R. R., Jr.↗

Audio distribution and Monitoring Circuit

Versatile circuit accepts and distributes TV audio signals. Three-meter audio distribution and monitoring circuit provides flexibility in monitoring, mixing, and distributing audio inputs and outputs at various signal and impedance levels. Program material is simultaneously monitored on three channels, or single-channel version built to monitor transmitted or received signal levels, drive speakers, interface to building communications, and drive long-line circuits.

Kirkland, J. M.↗

Electron-beam-charged dielectrics: Internal charge distribution

Theoretical calculations of an electron transport model of the charging of dielectrics due to electron bombardment are compared to measurements of internal charge distributions. The emphasis is on the distribution of Teflon. The position of the charge centroid as a function of time is not monotonic. It first moves deeper into the material and then moves back near to the surface. In most time regimes of interest, the charge distribution is not unimodal, but instead has two peaks. The location of the centroid near saturation is a function of the incident current density. While the qualitative comparison of theory and experiment are reasonable, quantitative comparison shows discrepancies of as much as a factor of two.

Beers, B. L.↗

Electric power processing, distribution, management and energy storage

Power distribution subsystems are required for three elements of the SPS program: (1) orbiting satellite, (2) ground rectenna, and (3) Electric Orbiting Transfer Vehicle (EOTV). Power distribution subsystems receive electrical power from the energy conversion subsystem and provide the power busses rotary power transfer devices, switchgear, power processing, energy storage, and power management required to deliver control, high voltage plasma interactions, electric thruster interactions, and spacecraft charging of the SPS and the EOTV are also included as part of the power distribution subsystem design.

Giudici, R. J.↗