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At least 865 records · Page 48

A critical examination of stresses in an elastic single lap joint

The results of an approximate nonlinear finite-element analysis of a single lap joint are presented and compared with the results of a linear finite-element analysis, and the geometric nonlinear effects caused by the load-path eccentricity on the adhesive stress distributions are determined. The results from finite-element, Goland-Reissner, and photoelastic analyses show that for a single lap joint the effect of the geometric nonlinear behavior of the joint has a sizable effect on the stresses in the adhesive. The Goland-Reissner analysis is sufficiently accurate in the prediction of stresses along the midsurface of the adhesive bond to be used for qualitative evaluation of the influence of geometric or material parametric variations. Detailed stress distributions in both the adherend and adhesive obtained from the finite-element analysis are presented to provide a basis for comparison with other solution techniques.

Cooper, P. A.↗

Examining graphite reinforcement in composites

Structure of graphite layers in composite parts can be checked by pyrolizing epoxy portion of composite samples. After 2-3 hours in nitrogen atmosphere at 540 C, only graphite fibers remain. These can be separated and checked for proper number, thickness, and orientation.

Sanders, R. E.↗

Apparatus for endoscopic examination

An endoscope is having a propulsion mechanism and at least one transmitter at the distal end transmitting bursts of energy waves (radio frequency or ultrasonic) for tracking the position of the distal end through the use of two or more transducers on the anterior or lateral surfaces of a patient is described. The propulsion mechanism which consists of two radially expandable bladders separated by an axially expandable bellows with only the forward bladder attached to the distal end is discussed. Alternate mechanisms are reported. A sheath on the endoscope which includes material having a sharp melting point slightly above body temperature so that the sheath is made flexible at selected sections by applying current to separate heating wires in the sections of the sheath is described.

Frazer, R. E.↗

Examination of group-velocity criterion for breakdown of vortex flow in a divergent duct

A group-velocity criterion for vortex breakdown implied by wave trapping theory is applied to vortex flows in a slightly divergent duct that exhibits breakdown. The group velocities for both symmetric (n = 0) and nonsymmetric (n = plus or - 1) modes of wave propagation are calculated for the experimental data. It is found that the flow ahead of the breakdown region is always supercritical and stable to these modes of disturbances. However, the flow field behind the breakdown region may be either supercritical or subcritical to the modes n = 0 and n = 1, and always supercritical to mode n = -1. The flow field behind this breakdown region is unstable to the asymmetric mode disturbance (n = 1) for a finite range of wavenumbers. The calculated frequencies of the unstable disturbances are in good agreement with the frequencies obtained from the experimental measurements.

Tsai, C.-Y.↗

Examination of time series through randomly broken windows

The effect of irregular interruption of data collection (the breaking of the window function) on the spectrum determination of a time series is investigated. It is assumed that there is a uniform probability p that each interval of length tau, of the total interval of length T = tau, yields no data. For the linear case (Fourier transform) it is found that the noise to signal ratio has a (one sigma) value less than epsilon if N exceeds p(-1) (1-p) epsilon (-2). For the quadratic case, the same requirement is met by the less restrictive requirement that N exceed p(-1) (1-p) epsilon (-1). It appears that, if four observatories spaced around the Earth were to operate for 25 days, each for six hours a day (N = 100), and if the probability of cloud cover at any site on any day is 20% (p = 0.8), the r.m.s. noise to signal ratio is 0.25% for frequencies displaced from a sharp strong signal by 15 micro Hz. The noise to signal ratio drops off rapidly if the frequency offset exceeds 15 micro Hz.

Sturrock, P. A.↗

A computer graphics display technique for the examination of aircraft design data

An interactive computer graphics technique has been developed for quickly sorting and interpreting large amounts of aerodynamic data. It utilizes a graphic representation rather than numbers. The geometry package represents the vehicle as a set of panels. These panels are ordered in groups of ascending values (e.g., equilibrium temperatures). The groups are then displayed successively on a CRT building up to the complete vehicle. A zoom feature allows for displaying only the panels with values between certain limits. The addition of color allows a one-time display thus eliminating the need for a display build up.

Talcott, N. A., Jr.↗

Examination of time series through randomly broken windows

In order to determine the Fourier transform of a quasi-periodic time series (linear problem), or the power spectrum of a stationary random time series (quadratic problem), data should be recorded without interruption over a long time interval. The effect of regular interruption such as the day/night cycle is well known. The effect of irregular interruption of data collection (the "breaking" of the window function) with the simplifying assumption that there is a uniform probability p that each interval of length tau, of the total interval of length T = N sub tau, yields no data, is investigated. For the linear case it is found that the noise-to-signal ratio will have a (one-sigma) value less than epsilon if N exceeds p(-1)(1-p)epsilon(-2). For the quadratic case, the same requirement is met by the less restrictive requirement that N exceed p(-1)(1-p)epsilon(-1).

Sturrock, P. A.↗

Fragmentation in a rotating protostar - A re-examination of comparison calculations

The self-gravitating collapse of a rotating, isothermal protostellar cloud has been recalculated with two independent fluid-dynamic computer codes, in three space dimensions, with improved spatial resolution compared to previous calculations. The results again predict fragmentation and formation of a binary protostellar system with properties similar to those obtained in the lower-resolution calculations. The results, however, are in disagreement with those obtained with a particle-dynamic code by Gingold and Monaghan (1981) for the collapse of a cloud from the same initial conditions. Possible explanations for the divergent results are discussed.

Bodenheimer, P.↗

Examination of time series through randomly broken windows

The study of many astronomical problems involves a consideration of time series. The present investigation was prompted by a problem related to the determination of normal modes of oscillation of the sun. It is desirable to have an approach for obtaining an estimate of the accuracy with which oscillation modes may be determined when it appears possible to observe the sun over a long interval of time losing some blocks of time because of cloud cover. The present investigation has the objective to develop a model for addressing problems of this type. After presentation of a few general formulae, the problem is considerably simplified by supposing that observations are made over a large number N of equal time intervals, each of length t, so that the total time interval T is given by T = Nt. With certain additional simplifying assumptions, attention is given to the statistical properties of two functions which are representative of 'randomly broken' window functions.

Sturrock, P. A.↗

Examination of wintertime latitudinal gradients in stratospheric NO2 using theory and LIMS observations

Nimbus 7 LIMS data and a photochemical model are used to show that the observed sharp latitudinal gradients in stratospheric wintertime NO2 are consistent with the conversion of NO2 to N2O5 at high latitudes. This conversion, and the sharp gradients, are brought about by the interaction between transport and photochemistry. Calculated variations show good agreement with observations.

Callis, L. B.↗

Examination, evaluation and repair of laminated wood blades after service on the Mod-OA wind turbine

Laminated wood blades were designed, fabricated, and installed on a 200-KW wind turbine (Mod-OA). The machine uses a two-blade rotor with a diameter of 38.1 m (125 ft). Each blade weights less than 1361 kg (3000 lb). After operating in the field, two blade sets were returned for inspection. One set had been in Hawaii for 17 months (7844 hr of operation) and the other had been at Block Island, Rhode Island, for 26 months (22 months operating - 7564 hr). The Hawaii set was returned because of one of the studs that holds the blade to the hub had failed. This was found to be caused by a combination of improper installation and inadequate corrosion protection. No other problems were found. The broken stud (along with four others that were badly corroded) was replaced and the blades are now in storage. The Block Island set of blades was returned at the completion of the test program, but one blade was found to have developed a crack in the leading edge along the entire span. This crack was found to be the result of a manufacturing process problem but was not structurally critical. When a load-deflection test was conducted on the cracked blade, the response was identical to that measured before installation. In general, the laminate quality of both blade sets was excellent. No significant internal delamination or structural defects were found in any blade. The stud bonding process requires close tolerance control and adequate corrosion protection, but studs can be removed and replaced without major problems. Moisture content stabilization does not appear to be a problem, and laminated wood blades are satisfactory for long-term operation on Mod-OA wind turbines.

Faddoul, J. R.↗

Experiments examining the shapes of isolated bars in comparison with those occurring in braided rivers

Sand bars and islands within braided rivers have characteristic rhomboid or diamond shapes, often becoming very complex in form as the density of islands increases. Similar forms are observed in the martian outflow channels where the islands occur in groups. This contrasts with the more isolated martian islands which have airfoil shapes, as do isolated streamlined islands in rivers and in the Channeled Scabland. These observations indicate that the bar and island forms are controlled by the density of the islands, with increasing island interaction and flow modification as the density increases. As a continuation of previous flume experiments on the shapes of isolated islands, a new series of experiments investigate the modifications produced by a progressive increase in island density, finally leading to a true braided system.

Komar, P. D.↗

Cardiovascular examinations and observations of deconditioning during the Space Shuttle orbital flight test program

During the first four flights of the Space Shuttle, cardiovascular data were obtained on each crewmember as part of the operational medicine requirements for crew health and safety. From monitoring blood pressure and electrocardiographic data, it was possible to estimate the degree of deconditioning imposed by exposure to the microgravity environment. For this purpose, a quantitative cardiovascular index of deconditioning (CID) was derived to aid the clinician in his assessment. Isotonic saline was then investigated as a countermeasure against orthostatic intolerance and found to be effective in partially reversing the hemodynamic consequences. It was observed that the space flight environment of reentry might potentially be arrhythmogenic in at least one individual.

Bungo, M. W.↗

Compensator development and examination of performance and robustness

A compensator was synthesized to minimize the mean square surface error of a wrap rib antenna. Two separate cases were considered; one in which the flexible ribs and mesh were given weight, thereby penalizing the actual error of the reflecting area; and the other in which the antenna is considered rigid, thus penalizing only the rigid body rotation. The numerical results show that the flexible modes of the antenna have to be included in the performance criterion to obtain a better performance.

Source record↗

Discharge characteristics of dielectric materials examined in mono-, dual-, and spectral energy electron charging environments

The effects of midenergy electrons on the charge and discharge characteristics of spacecraft dielectric materials and the data base from which basic discharge models can be formulated is expanded. Thin dielectric materials were exposed to low, mid combined low and mid, and spectral energy electron environments. Three important results are presented: (1) it determined electron environments that lead to dielectric discharges at potentials less negative than -5 kV; (2) two types of discharges were identified that dominate the kinds of discharges seen; and (3) it is shown that, for the thin dielectric materials tested, the worst-case discharges observed in the various environments are similar.

Coakley, P.↗