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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 883 records · Page 49
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1974

Radiation measurements from polar and geosynchronous satellites

Nimbus 5 satellite data and its use to study climate and develop climate model experiments are examined. Data cover: (1) physical basis for understanding long range and climate monitoring and prediction problem, (2) delineating energy loss to space between contributions from land, ocean, and atmosphere, (3) temporal and spatial distribution in earth's energy budget and its variations due to global cloud fields, and (4) studies of the frequency of occurrence of precipitation over ocean areas.

Vonderhaar, T. H.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Prediction of Viking lander camera image quality

Formulations are presented that permit prediction of image quality as a function of camera performance, surface radiance properties, and lighting and viewing geometry. Predictions made for a wide range of surface radiance properties reveal that image quality depends strongly on proper camera dynamic range command and on favorable lighting and viewing geometry. Proper camera dynamic range commands depend mostly on the surface albedo that will be encountered. Favorable lighting and viewing geometries depend mostly on lander orientation with respect to the diurnal sun path over the landing site, and tend to be independent of surface albedo and illumination scattering function. Side lighting with low sun elevation angles (10 to 30 deg) is generally favorable for imaging spatial details and slopes, whereas high sun elevation angles are favorable for measuring spectral reflectances.

Huck, F. O.↗
NASA NTRS1975

ATS-6 description

Basic design features of Applications Technology Satellite-6 (ATS-6) are discussed, and a variety of experiments carried out with the satellite is described. The 9.1 m reflector is a furlable 48-rib design. The earth viewing module housing most of the electronics is connected to the reflector by an A-frame truss made of graphic fiber reinforced plastic with excellent dimensional stability over a wide temperature range. The solar arrays, extended beyond the diameter of the reflector, are fixed hemi-cylinders consisting of 16 flat panels each. The communications system is an integrated multifrequency RF repeater capable of receiving up to 3 signals in any of 4 frequency bands (C, S, L, VHF) and retransmitting them on any desired frequency in 4 frequency bands (C, S, L, UHF). Results of the Tracking and Data Relay Experiment with GEOS-3 are summarized. Accuracies of 0.1 to 0.2 deg have been maintained in the programmed mode of tracking using the ATS-6 Digital Operational Controller, and communications links for the relay of 1.56 kilobit telemetry data from GEOS and for acquisition of range and range rate data performed as predicted or better.

Redisch, W. N.↗
NASA NTRS1979

The magnetic anomaly model of the Jovian magnetosphere - Predictions for Voyager

The magnetic anomaly model, in which the anomalously weak magnetic field region in the northern hemisphere of Jupiter influences the outer Jovian magnetosphere by one or more plasma interaction processes, has been put forth to account for the various observed Jovian magnetospheric phenomena that show evidence of Jovian longitudinal asymmetry or planetary spin periodicity. From this model, normalized by empirical fitting to Pioneer 10 and 11 flyby data and to ground-based radio data, a series of predictions are made that are subject to test by the forthcoming flybys of Jupiter by Voyagers 1 and 2. These predictions cover: (1) the longitude range and time intervals of enhanced interaction between Io (and possibly Europa) and Jupiter's ionosphere, (2) plasma, energetic particle, and magnetic field periodicities in the outer magnetosphere, and (3) the sub-spacecraft System III longitude and the time, modulo 10 hours, of the first and subsequent magnetopause crossings.

Dessler, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Requirements for predictions and real-time monitoring for the study of travelling interplanetary phenomena

Physical processes within quiescent as well as disturbed flows of solar wind plasma, energetic particles, and magnetic and electric fields from the Sun are considered. Specifically, travelling interplanetary phenomena to be studied during the years of the solar maximum of solar cycle 21 are covered. It is noted that predictions, while needed for long range, logistical planning, is secondary to the requirements of synoptic real time monitoring over a wide range of particle energies and spectral bandwidths.

Dryer, M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

On the generation of side-edge flap noise

A theory is proposed for estimating the noise generated at the side edges of part span trailing edge flaps in terms of pressure fluctuations measured just in-board of the side edge of the upper surface of the flap. Asymptotic formulae are developed in the opposite extremes of Lorentz contracted acoustic wavelength large/small compared with the chord of the flap. Interpolation between these limiting results enables the field shape and its dependence on subsonic forward flight speed to be predicted over the whole frequency range. It is shown that the mean width of the side edge gap between the flap and the undeflected portion of the airfoil has a significant influence on the intensity of the radiated sound. It is estimated that the noise generated at a single side edge of a full scale part span flap can exceed that produced along the whole of the trailing edge of the flap by 3 dB or more.

Howe, M. S.↗
NASA NTRS1982

On the generation of side-edge flap noise

A theory is proposed for estimating the noise generated at the side edges of part span trailing edge flaps in terms of pressure fluctuations measured just in-board of the side edge on the upper surface of the flap. Asymptotic formulas are developed in the opposite extremes of Lorentz contracted acoustic wavelength large/small compared with the chord of the flap. Interpolation between these limiting results enables the field shape and its dependence on subsonic forward flight speed to be predicted over the whole frequency range. It is shown that the mean width of the side edge gap between the flap and the undeflected portion of the airfoil has a significant influence on the intensity of the radiated sound. The results indicate that the noise generated at a single side of a full scale part span flap can exceed that produced along the whole of the trailing edge of the flap by 3 dB or more.

Howe, M. S.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Experiments on the flow and acoustic properties of a moderate-Reynolds-number supersonic jet

Flow and acoustic properties of a jet at Reynolds number of 70,000 were studied at Mach 2.1. Measurements in a free jet test facility were made with pitot tubes and hot-wire anemometry. Center-line Mach number distributions for natural and excited jets were obtained. A slow initial growth rate was in the potential core region of the jet, indicating a transition from laminar to turbulent flow in moderate Reynolds number jets. The transition occurred within the first 2-3 diameters. Spectral components were calculated for the fluctuating flowfield, and sound pressure levels were measured for the overall near-field noise. The centroid of noise was located about 8 nozzle diameters downstream. The growth rates of instabilities were determined to be in agreement with linear stability theory predictions over a broad frequency range.

Troutt, T. R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

On the evolutionary status of bright, low-mass X-ray sources

A model of bright, low-mass X-ray binaries is proposed which features a lower giant-branch star losing mass on a nuclear time scale to an accreting compact companion. Simple numerical models show that mass transfer rates equal to or greater than 10 to the -9th solar masses per yr are sustained at very nearly a constant rate until the envelope of the donor star is exhausted. The model predicts orbital periods in the range 1-200 days and X-ray to optical luminosity ratios Lx/Lopt = 200-1000 for these sources. It accounts in a natural way for the large fraction of the total galactic bulge luminosity emitted by a few bright (10 to the 37th erg/s or greater) sources. It also accords very well with the observed X-ray and optical properties of the halo source Cyg X-2 and also with those of 2S 0921-63, provided this latter system contains a massive accreting white dwarf rather than a neutron star. Problems of the prior evolution of low-mass X-ray sources are also briefly delineated.

Webbink, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Simulation of rotating stall by the vortex method

The vortex method, coupled to a boundary-layer solver, is applied to the numerical simulation of high Reynolds number incompressible flow in two-dimensional cascades. Periodic conditions are imposed along the plane of the cascade, with several blades per period. Good agreement is found with two finite-difference methods for a single-blade case. When a staggered cascade is treated with five independent blades, the simulation predicts rotating stall, for a range of angles of attack and stagger, and the essential features of the flow are correct. The stall cell steadily propagates along the cascade. The sensitivity of this phenomenon to two parameters is studied, and the stall boundary is found. Quantitative results and visualizations are presented.

Spalart, P. R.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Simulation studies related to the design of post-FGGE observing systems

The results of three detailed simulation studies are presented. The first study consists of a comparative assessment of the performance of an advanced moisture/temperature sounder (AMTS) being proposed by NASA as a follow-on replacement to the current HIRS-2 operational sounder aboard the NOAA weather satellites. The second study was concerned with assessing the relative accuracies of inferred atmospheric states for idealized lidar wind profiling systems, temperature profiling systems, temperature profiling systems, surface pressure systems, and composite systems. The third study incorporated the above systems into a highly realistic data analysis/forecast cycle from which a series of forecast impact studies were conducted. These studies, taken together, give us a picture of the potential that emerging technoloies can offer in the determination of the basic atmospheric variables required for long-range numerical weather and climate prediction.

Halem, M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Precise positioning capabilities for TOPEX using differential GPS

NASA's Ocean Topographic Experiment (TOPEX), to be launched in 1991, is the first mission designed to reach the decimeter accuracy needed for the solution of the general mean circulation problem. An experimental tracking capability for TOPEX is studied using differential measurements with satellites of the U.S. DOD's Global Positioning System (GPS). Two data types are studied: (1) integrated Doppler from GPS carrier phase, and (2) GPS P-code pseudo-range. Results of covariance analysis predict that with differential GPS techniques, 5-10 cm average TOPEX altitude accuracies can be achieved over data arcs of two hours.

Lichten, S. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A high energy Space Station (HESS) array for studying extremely energetic cosmic rays

The scientific aims and design concept of a High-Energy Space Station (HESS) cosmic-ray detector array are discussed. The current state of knowledge on cosmic-ray acceleration and high-energy interactions is briefly reviewed, and the need for observations yielding elemental composition and spectra in the 10-10,000-TeV/nucleon range is demonstrated. It is predicted that 2 yr of observations with a space-borne detector of geometry factor 30 sq m sr would provide adequate data to determine the acceleration mechanism (by comparing the energy level at which the spectra of He nuclei and protons break). A modular HESS array comprising W/scintillator/PM-tube calorimeter modules and Cerenkov charge-sensitive detector modules and weighing about 30 tonnes is described. The array could be assembled on orbit after transport in the Space Shuttle cargo bay, and data could be taken as soon as one or two layers of modules had been attached to the mounting-frame/support-electronics unit.

Ormes, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Space station control moment gyro control

The potential large center-of-pressure to center-of-gravity offset of the space station makes the short term, within an orbit, variations in density of primary importance. The large range of uncertainty in the prediction of solar activity will penalize the design, developments, and operation of the space station.

Bordano, Aldo↗
NASA NTRS1988

High Rayleigh number convection in rectangular enclosures with differentially heated vertical walls and aspect ratios between zero and unity

High Rayleigh number convection in a rectangular cavity with insulated horizontal surfaces and differentially heated vertical walls was analyzed for an arbitrary aspect ratio smaller than or equal to unity. Unlike previous analytical studies, a systematic method of solution based on linearization technique and analytical iteration procedure was developed to obtain approximate closed-form solutions for a wide range of aspect ratios. The predicted velocity and temperature fields are shown to be in excellent agreement with available experimental and numerical data.

Kassemi, Siavash A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Conceptual design of an advanced Stirling conversion system for terrestrial power generation

A free piston Stirling engine coupled to an electric generator or alternator with a nominal kWe power output absorbing thermal energy from a nominal 100 square meter parabolic solar collector and supplying electric power to a utility grid was identified. The results of the conceptual design study of an Advanced Stirling Conversion System (ASCS) were documented. The objectives are as follows: define the ASCS configuration; provide a manufacturability and cost evaluation; predict ASCS performance over the range of solar input required to produce power; estimate system and major component weights; define engine and electrical power condidtioning control requirements; and define key technology needs not ready by the late 1980s in meeting efficiency, life, cost, and with goalds for the ASCS.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1988

Occultation studies of the solar system

Occultations of stars by planets, satellites, planetary ring systems, asteroids, and comets provide valuable opportunities to probe the Solar System in ways otherwise impossible from the surface of the earth. For example, one can precisely measure the size and shape of objects which are much too small to be resolved directly, accurately map the structure and transparency of ring systems, and detect the faintest trace of an atmosphere. In this investigation, researchers identify upcoming occultations through wide-ranging computer searches, provide accurate predictions for the more important events, and observe selected occultations with our specially designed portable photometric equipment. During the past year, researchers produced accurate predictions for an occultation of AG+40 degrees 0783 by 324 Bamberga on 8 December 1987 and coordinated efforts to observe this event. The occultation was successfully observed at 13 sites including two manned by Lowell Observatory astronomers.

Millis, Robert L.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Star-forming galaxies in the infrared

The infrared properties from IRAS of galaxy samples previously observed in the optical and ultraviolet are summarized in order to predict quantitatively the infrared fluxes corresponding to galaxies of given fluxes in other wavebands. An infrared luminosity function of galaxies is presented and used to predict galaxy counts and redshift ranges at the flux limits expected for SIRTF. Depending on the precise limit and whether or not galaxies evolve, SIRTF will see as many as 2200 galaxies/sq deg at 30 microns.

Weedman, Daniel W.↗