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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 865 records · Page 48
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1980

Influence of stress interaction on the behavior of off-axis unidirectional composites

The yield function for plane stress of a transversely isotropic composite lamina consisting of stiff, linearly elastic fibers and a von Mises matrix material is formulated in terms of Hill's elastic stress concentration factors and a single plastic constraint parameter. The above are subsequently evaluated on the basis of observed average lamina and constituent response for the Avco 5505 boron epoxy system. It is shown that inclusion of residual stresses in the yield function together with the incorporation of Dubey and Hillier's concept of generalized yield stress for anisotropic media in the constitutive equation correctly predicts the trends observed in experiments. The incorporation of the strong axial stress interaction necessary to predict the correct trends in the shear response is directly traced to the high residual axial stresses in the matrix induced during fabrication of the composite.

Pindera, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

What procedure to choose while designing a fuzzy control? Towards mathematical foundations of fuzzy control

Fuzzy control has been successfully applied in industrial systems. However, there is some caution in using it. The reason is that it is based on quite reasonable ideas, but each of these ideas can be implemented in several different ways, and depending on which of the implementations chosen different results are achieved. Some implementations lead to a high quality control, some of them not. And since there are no theoretical methods for choosing the implementation, the basic way to choose it now is experimental. But if one chooses a method that is good for several examples, there is no guarantee that it will work fine in all of them. Hence the caution. A theoretical basis for choosing the fuzzy control procedures is provided. In order to choose a procedure that transforms a fuzzy knowledge into a control, one needs, first, to choose a membership function for each of the fuzzy terms that the experts use, second, to choose operations of uncertainty values that corresponds to 'and' and 'or', and third, when a membership function for control is obtained, one must defuzzy it, that is, somehow generate a value of the control u that will be actually used. A general approach that will help to make all these choices is described: namely, it is proved that under reasonable assumptions membership functions should be linear or fractionally linear, defuzzification must be described by a centroid rule and describe all possible 'and' and 'or' operations. Thus, a theoretical explanation of the existing semi-heuristic choices is given and the basis for the further research on optimal fuzzy control is formulated.

Kreinovich, Vladik YA.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Spaceflight payload design flight experience G-408

Worcester Polytechnic Institute's first payload of spaceflight experiments flew aboard Columbia, STS-40, during June of 1991 and culminated eight years of work by students and faculty. The Get Away Special (GAS) payload was installed on the GAS bridge assembly at the aft end of the cargo bay behind the Spacelab Life Sciences (SLS-1) laboratory. The Experiments were turned on by astronaut signal after reaching orbit and then functioned for 72 hours. Environmental and experimental measurements were recorded on three cassette tapes which, together with zeolite crystals grown on orbit, formed the basis of subsequent analyses. The experiments were developed over a number of years by undergraduate students meeting their project requirements for graduation. The experiments included zeolite crystal growth, fluid behavior, and microgravity acceleration measurement in addition to environmental data acquisition. Preparation also included structural design, thermal design, payload integration, and experiment control. All of the experiments functioned on orbit and the payload system performed within design estimates.

Durgin, William W.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Toward a Nonlinear Acoustic Analogy: Turbulence as a Source of Sound and Nonlinear Propagation

An acoustic analogy is proposed that directly includes nonlinear propagation effects. We examine the Lighthill acoustic analogy and replace the Green's function of the wave equation with numerical solutions of the generalized Burgers' equation. This is justified mathematically by using similar arguments that are the basis of the solution of the Lighthill acoustic analogy. This approach is superior to alternatives because propagation is accounted for directly from the source to the far-field observer instead of from an arbitrary intermediate point. Validation of a numerical solver for the generalized Burgers' equation is performed by comparing solutions with the Blackstock bridging function and measurement data. Most importantly, the mathematical relationship between the Navier- Stokes equations, the acoustic analogy that describes the source, and canonical nonlinear propagation equations is shown. Example predictions are presented for nonlinear propagation of jet mixing noise at the sideline angle

Miller, Steven A. E.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Toward a Nonlinear Acoustic Analogy: Turbulence as a Source of Sound and Nonlinear Propagation

An acoustic analogy is proposed that directly includes nonlinear propagation effects. We examine the Lighthill acoustic analogy and replace the Green's function of the wave equation with numerical solutions of the generalized Burgers' equation. This is justified mathematically by using similar arguments that are the basis of the solution of the Lighthill acoustic analogy. This approach is superior to alternatives because propagation is accounted for directly from the source to the far-field observer instead of from an arbitrary intermediate point. Validation of a numerical solver for the generalized Burgers' equation is performed by comparing solutions with the Blackstock bridging function and measurement data. Most importantly, the mathematical relationship between the Navier-Stokes equations, the acoustic analogy that describes the source, and canonical nonlinear propagation equations is shown. Example predictions are presented for nonlinear propagation of jet mixing noise at the sideline angle.

Miller, Steven A. E.↗
NASA NTRS1979

A simplified method of evaluating the stress wave environment of internal equipment

A simplified method called the transfer function technique (TFT) was devised for evaluating the stress wave environment in a structure containing internal equipment. The TFT consists of following the initial in-plane stress wave that propagates through a structure subjected to a dynamic load and characterizing how the wave is altered as it is transmitted through intersections of structural members. As a basis for evaluating the TFT, impact experiments and detailed stress wave analyses were performed for structures with two or three, or more members. Transfer functions that relate the wave transmitted through an intersection to the incident wave were deduced from the predicted wave response. By sequentially applying these transfer functions to a structure with several intersections, it was found that the environment produced by the initial stress wave propagating through the structure can be approximated well. The TFT can be used as a design tool or as an analytical tool to determine whether a more detailed wave analysis is warranted.

Colton, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1971

System distortion errors in radiorespirometry curves.

Description of a method for evaluating the maximum error producible in the system distortion of a carrier gas type radiorespirometer. The maximum producible error is evaluated on the basis of a second order. The maximum producible decrease in peak height output is calculated as a function of the system's time constant or flow rate by using the system's transfer function and the Laplace transformation equation (Gardner and Barnes, 1961).

Neville, E. D.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Rocket measurements of ion and electron densities in the D-region during sunrise.

Results from two rockets launched near sunrise at White Sands, N. Mex., when positive ion and electron densities were measured in the D-region for solar zenith angles of 91 and 79 deg. The measurements cover the height range 80 to 110 km and complement previous vlf observations and rocket measurements of electron density. It is shown that the majority of negative ions in this height range are detached near to after ground sunrise. On the basis of these measurements it is possible to discuss electron affinity of negative ions and ion production functions during twilight.

Pedersen, A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

UK-5 Van Allen belt radiation exposure: A special study to determine the trapped particle intensities on the UK-5 satellite with spatial mapping of the ambient flux environment

Vehicle encountered electron and proton fluxes were calculated for a set of nominal UK-5 trajectories with new computational methods and new electron environment models. Temporal variations in the electron data were considered and partially accounted for. Field strength calculations were performed with an extrapolated model on the basis of linear secular variation predictions. Tabular maps for selected electron and proton energies were constructed as functions of latitude and longitude for specified altitudes. Orbital flux integration results are presented in graphical and tabular form; they are analyzed, explained, and discussed.

Stassinopoulos, E. G.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Concerning the damping coefficients of exterior building elements for aerial noise

The values employed to define the sound reduction coefficient of exterior walls for aerial noise do not take into account the continuous increase in the outside noise level nor its energy variation as a function of time. These aspects are analyzed by estimating the outside and inside noise levels on the basis of calculating an equivalent noise (L sub ech), a level with a maximum duration and the values of L sub 10, L sub 50 and L sub 90. The values obtained permit determination of the wall's sound reduction coefficients that are compared with those obtained by the customary method. It is shown that the sound reduction values of the wall coincide for the case of sound levels with a maximum duration and the values of L sub 90.

Pocsa, V.↗
NASA NTRS1974

The optics and calibration of the Venus solar flux radiometer

The described instrument is to measure the net solar radiation as a function of altitude as the probe descends through the Venus atmosphere. The data are to provide a basis for the study of the mechanisms which are responsible for the high surface temperature of the planet Venus. The instrument consists of two separate sections, including an optical head and an electronics package. The radiance is measured with silicon and indium arsenide detectors. Details of radiometer design are discussed along with the characteristics of the optical system and the detectors. Angular and radiometric calibration procedures are also considered.

Palmer, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Simple analytical solutions for spherically symmetric production and modulation of energetic solar particles

Exact analytical solutions are presented for the standard time-independent spherically symmetric convection-diffusion-adiabatic deceleration equation governing the transport of cosmic rays in the interplanetary medium for the case in which particles are produced with spherical symmetry at the sun. It is assumed that the solar-wind speed is constant and radial, and that the spatial diffusion coefficient has a power-law dependence on momentum. The Green's function describing the modulation of a monoenergetic production of particles is presented. The solutions provide a useful basis for the study of time-integrated properties of energetic solar-flare particle spectra.

Gross, M. W.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Detection of soft X-rays with NEA III-V photocathodes

A description is presented of the results of tests on an X-ray photomultiplier containing a negative electron affinity (NEA) photocathode. This device makes it possible to investigate the response of the NEA photocathode to X-rays of various energies. The obtained data provide a basis for the determination of the photoelectron yield and energy resolution of the considered photocathode as a function of energy in the range from 0.8 to 3 keV. The investigation demonstrates the feasibility of using an NEA III-V photocathode for the detection of soft X-rays.

Bardas, D.↗
NASA NTRS1977

An information matrix approach for aircraft parameter-insensitive control

The Fisher Information Matrix provides the nucleus of a design procedure for obtaining parameter-insensitive feedback gains in Linear-Quadratic-Gaussian problems. The procedure minimizes a sum of performance and closed-loop sensitivity costs, the latter being related to the information content of the system response. Analytical expressions for the appended cost functional and its gradient with respect to the feedback gains are derived. These derivatives serve as the basis of a computationally efficient iterative algorithm that finds the optimal gains. Application of the technique is made to determine low sensitivity feedback gains for a C-5A wing loading alleviation system that has 15 states and three uncertain parameters.

Kleinman, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

NASTRAN thermal analyzer in a unified finite-element treatment of thermo-structural analyses

The NASTRAN thermal analyzer (NTA) which performs large-scale unified thermo-structural analyses with the NASTRAN (NASA structural analysis) computer program is described. The mathematical similitude between these two distinct disciplines of thermal and structure is examined. It serves as the theoretical basis upon which the implementation of the thermal capability in NASTRAN was accomplished. The program structure, the functional flow, the solution algorithms, the organization of an input data deck and the solution capabilities of NTA are summarized. Emphasis is placed on the interface of the unified approach in thermo-structural analyses where stresses, deflections, vibrations and bucklings induced by the effect of temperature change are of concern. Attentions are also directed to the preprocessor and post processors. As a specially designed preprocessor, the VIEW program is capable of generating exchange factors which can be output, at user's option, in formats compatible with that required by NTA. Two post processors that serve specific objectives are included. They are the thermal variance analysis and the graphical displaying capability of temperatures in color or black and white.

Lee, H. P.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Extended active space CASSCF/MRSD CI calculations of the barrier height for the reaction O + H2 yields OH + H

The convergence of the barrier height for the O + H2 yields OH + H reaction is studied as a function of the size of the active space in the CASSCF calculation and the size of the basis set. The basis set employed in this study is described. The sources of the differences between the POL-CI and MRSD-CI calculations for barrier height are examined. It is observed that the barrier height is rapidly convergent with respect to the expansion of the active space. The effects of adding active orbitals on the barrier height are investigated. The barrier height estimated from corrected MRSD-CI data is 12.4 kcal/mol.

Walch, Stephen P.↗
NASA NTRS1987

First flight of the ATMOS instrument during the Spacelab 3 Mission, April 29 through May 6, 1985

The underlying rationale and the implementation of the Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS) investigation are discussed, a description of the sensor is given, and the ground tests and integration procedures leading to the Spacelab 3 flight are described. The data reduction and analysis procedures used after the flight are discussed, a number of examples of the spectra obtained are shown, and the concentration profiles as a function of altitude for the minor and trace gases measured during the mission are presented. On the basis of the instrument's ability to survive both the launch and the reentry of the shuttle and its flawless performance while on orbit, the concepts involved in the investigation have been proved by the Spacelab 3 flight, and an extended series of reflights is currently being planned as a part of the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS) Missions. The goals for the investigation during these missions are also discussed.

Farmer, Crofton B.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Spin bipolaron in the framework of emery model for high-T(sub c) copper oxide superconductors

The high-T(sub c) oxide compounds discovered recently exhibit a number of interesting physical properties. Two-dimensional antiferromagnetic spin order has been observed in these materials at the oxygen deficiency. This fact can be explained by strong correlation of the spins, situated on Cu sites in the conducting planes of the oxide superconductors. The doping or the oxygen deficiency lead to the occurrence of holes, occupying the oxygen p-orbitals according to the Emery model. At the small hole concentration they can move along the antiferromagnetic lattice of spins, localized on Cu sites. Researchers consider the two holes situation and describe in what way their behavior depends on the antiferromagnetic exchange interation J. It is known that in the framework of Hubbard model with strong on-site Coulomb repulsion, a single hole can form a spin polaron of the large radius. It is reasonable to admit that two holes with parallel spins (triplet) form the spin bipolaron complex owing to the hole excitations' capability to polarize Cu spin surroundings. Such an excitation was considered in the phenomenological way. Here the problem is discussed on the basis of the microscopic approach in the framework of the variational principle. A special kind of wave function is used for such a purpose. The wave function is constructed by generalizing the trial functions proposed in over two holes excitation situation (triplet) and then the region of spin bipolaron existance in the framework of Emery model is studied. In this model the Hamiltonian can be easily rewritten by forming the oxygen states transforming as the irreducible representations of the group D(sub 4).

Golub, A. A.↗