SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “DYNAMIC PROPERTY”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 901 records · Page 50

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1983

Spiky ion acoustic waves in collisionless auroral plasma

A theory of spiky electric fields in 'inverted V' precipitation regions is elaborated and compared with recent spacecraft observations of solitary waves and double layers. A prediction from the theory is that the electric fields propagate along the magnetic field as perturbed ion acoustic solitons that intensify by exchanging momentum with reflected particles. The solitons have minimum scale lengths of approximately 100 m and maximum electric potential and field amplitudes of 1-10 V and 1-10 mV/m. They propagate at the local ion acoustic speed and are Doppler-shifted by the drift speed of upward flowing cold ions. Both rarefactive and compressive solitons with, respectively, negative and positive electric potentials are possible. It is noted that upward propagating compressive modes intensify when the upward flow of ionospheric ions exceeds approximately 10 times the local ion acoustic speed. The kinematic and dynamic properties of rarefactive solitons are found to be consistent with recent observations.

Lotko, W.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Planetary atmospheres

During the period from 1979 to 1982, Pioneer and Voyager missions to Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn combined with ongoing analysis and data collection from the Viking-Mars mission have contributed greatly to an understanding of planetary atmospheres. Research concerning the atmosphere of Venus is discussed, taking into account the atmospheric composition, the isotopic ratios of noble gases, data concerning temperature and pressure, information regarding various atmospheric layers, atmospheric density data, and models regarding the dynamical properties of Venus' atmosphere. Information concerning the atmosphere of Mars is also examined. Isotopic ratios of carbon and oxygen are considered along with altitude profiles, diurnal heating and cooling, and thermal tides and their relationship to dust storms. Attention is given to the temperature structure of the Jovian atmosphere, the morphology of Jovian cloud features, features in the Saturnian atmosphere, information with respect to the atmosphere of Titan, the rotation rates of Uranus, masses and densities of Uranus and Neptune, and the identification of Pluto as a small icy body.

Beebe, R.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Topological analysis of computed three-dimensional viscous flow fields

Computed solutions of the time-dependent, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations for three-dimensional flows having thin shear layers are analyzed, using topological concepts. Specific examples include the transonic flow over a body of revolution with conical afterbody at moderate angles of incidence to the free stream. Experimental flow-visualization techniques are simulated graphically to visualize the computed flow. Scalar and vector fluid dynamic properties, such as pressure, shear stress, and vorticity on the body surface, are presented as topological maps, and their relationship to one another in terms of orientation and singular points is discussed. The extrapolation from these surface topologies toward the understanding of external flow-field behavior is discussed and demonstrated.

Deiwert, G. S.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Redshifts of groups and clusters in the rich superclusters 1451+22 and 1615+43

Redshift measurements and finding charts are presented for galaxy clusters in the field of two rich, distant superclusters. Both systems are shown to have morphological and dynamical properties similar to the nearby superclusters, including small internal velocity dispersions and high density contrasts in redshift space. This data is consistent with two interpretations: either both superclusters are highly flattened systems with major axes close to the plane of the sky, or the observed velocity dispersions do not arise from unperturbed Hubble flow. If the latter explanation is correct, these radial velocity data are a powerful probe of the large scale matter density in the universe.

Ciardullo, R.↗

NASA NTRS1984

A statistical study of F region ion temperatures at high latitudes based on Atmosphere Explorer C data

The ion-energy balance in the high-latitude F region was studied using 40,000 simultaneous ion-temperature and drift measurements on Atmosphere Explorer C. The large number of measurements revealed how the mean ion temperature, and the average deviation from that mean, change as a function of ion drift speed during solar-minimum conditions. It was found that, in spite of an apparent large scatter in the data, the measurements could always be reasonably explained in terms of fluctuations in the neutral dynamical properties, to which the ion energy is coupled. The results also provide evidence for increased neutral drifts as the ion E x B drift increases. Evidence for systematic ion-drag effects can also be found, on the average, for dc electric fields stronger than 60 mV/m.

St.-Maurice, J.-P.↗

NASA NTRS1984

The Gamma-Ray Observatory mission objectives and its significance for gamma-ray astronomy

The Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO) is an approved NASA mission, programmed for launch in 1988. Its complement of four detectors has established goals: (1) to study the nature of compact gamma-ray sources such as neutron stars and black holes, or objects whose nature is yet to be understood; (2) to search for evidence of nucleosynthesis especially in the regions of supernovae; (3) to study structural features and dynamical properties of the Galaxy; (4) to explore other galaxies, especially the extraordinary types such as radio, Seyferts, and quasars; and (5) to study cosmological effects by examining the diffuse radiation in detail. This paper discusses the design, objectives, and expected scientific results of each of the GRO instruments in view of the GRO mission goals.

Bertsch, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Research and development activities in unified control-structure modeling and design

Results of work to develop a unified control/structures modeling and design capability for large space structures modeling are presented. Recent analytical results are presented to demonstrate the significant interdependence between structural and control properties. A new design methodology is suggested in which the structure, material properties, dynamic model and control design are all optimized simultaneously. Parallel research done by other researchers is reviewed. The development of a methodology for global design optimization is recommended as a long-term goal. It is suggested that this methodology should be incorporated into computer aided engineering programs, which eventually will be supplemented by an expert system to aid design optimization.

Nayak, A. P.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Research and development activities in unified control-structure modeling and design

Results of work sponsored by JPL and other organizations to develop a unified control/structures modeling and design capability for large space structures is presented. Recent analytical results are presented to demonstrate the significant interdependence between structural and control properties. A new design methodology is suggested in which the structure, material properties, dynamic model and control design are all optimized simultaneously. The development of a methodology for global design optimization is recommended as a long term goal. It is suggested that this methodology should be incorporated into computer aided engineering programs, which eventually will be supplemented by an expert system to aid design optimization. Recommendations are also presented for near term research activities at JPL. The key recommendation is to continue the development of integrated dynamic modeling/control design techniques, with special attention given to the development of structural models specially tailored to support design.

Nayak, A. P.↗

NASA NTRS1984

A fast time domain digital simulation technique for power converters - Application to a buck converter with feedforward compensation

Small signal analysis was performed earlier to demonstrate the marked improvement of dynamic properties and stability margins of a switching regulator employing a novel feedforward input filter compensation scheme. A large signal nonlinear recurrent time domain model is presented for the converter to analyse the transient response due to a step input change with and without the presence of the proposed feedforward loop. The results are verified with experimental data.

Kelkar, S. S.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Probing the interiors of neutron stars

This paper reviews the information on neutron stars that has been obtained from observations of pulsars and pulsing X-ray stars, with emphasis on results from timing studies. Included are summaries of the most recent theoretical work on neutron star structure and the current evidence concerning neutron star masses and radii. Also included are discussions of large frequency jumps and small-scale timing irregularities, the description of the latter phenomenon in terms of random noise processes, and the use of both as probes of the internal structure and dynamical properties of neutron stars. Finally, some of the most promising directions for future work are briefly noted.

Lamb, F. K.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Magnetic shear. I - Hale region 16918

The present investigation is concerned with a study of the large-scale morphological and dynamical properties of selected active areas of the sun, taking into account a combination of data from the UVSP experiment on the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) spacecraft and ground-based data. The area considered comprises NOAA active regions 2516, 2517, and 2519 (Hale regions 16918 and the nothern portions of 16923), whose disk passage occurred during rotation 1696 in the latter half of June 1980. The method of analysis is discussed, and the general characteristics of the regions are examined. Attention is given to the designation of features, magnetograms, spectroheliograms, Dopplergrams, H-alpha filaments, and H-alpha fibrils.

Athay, R. G.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Cloud fraction and cloud size distributions derived using Landsat Multispectral Scanner data

Initial results are presented on the spatial structure of cumulus cloud fields derived using Landsat digital data. Techniques to determine clear, overcast, and cloud edge pixels are discussed and used to analyze four Landsat scenes. Cloud number densities, cloud cover, cloud aspect ratio, and the ratio of interior to cloud edge pixels are obtained for the four scenes and are discussed. This new application of Landsat digital data should prove useful in developing and testing models of the radiative and dynamical properties of cumulus cloud fields on GCM spatial scales.

Wielicki, B. A.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Preparation, analysis and release of simulated interplanetary grains into low Earth orbit

Astronomical observations which reflect the optical and dynamical properties of interstellar and interplanetary grains are the primary means of identifying the shape, size, and the chemistry of extraterrestrial grain materials. Except for recent samplings of extraterrestrial particles in near-Earth orbit and in the stratosphere observations were the only method of deducing the properties of extraterrestrial particles. In order to elucidate the detailed characteristics of observed dust, the observations must be compared with theoretical studies, some of which are discussed in this volume, or compared with terrestrial laboratory experiments. The formation and optical characterization of simulated interstellar and interplanetary dust with particular emphasis on studying the properties on irregularly shaped particles were discussed. Efforts to develop the techniques to allow dust experiments to be carried out in low-Earth orbit were discussed, thus extending the conditions under which dust experiments may be performed.

Stephens, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Test versus analysis: A discussion of methods

Some techniques for comparing structural vibration data determined from test and analysis are discussed. Orthogonality is a general category of one group, correlation is a second, synthesis is a third and matrix improvement is a fourth. Advantages and short-comings of the methods are explored with suggestions as to how they can complement one another. The purpose for comparing vibration data from test and analysis for a given structure is to find out whether each is representing the dynamic properties of the structure in the same way. Specifically, whether: mode shapes are alike; the frequencies of the modes are alike; modes appear in the same frequency sequence; and if they are not alike, how to judge which to believe.

Butler, T. G.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Boundary conditions for the paleoenvironment: Chemical and Physical Processes in dense interstellar clouds

The present research includes searches for important new interstellar constituents; observations relevant to differentiating between different models for the chemical processes that are important in the interstellar environment; and coordinated studies of the chemistry, physics, and dynamics of molecular clouds which are the sites or possible future sites of star formation. Recent research has included the detection and study of four new interstellar molecules; searches which have placed upper limits on the abundance of several other potential constituents of interstellar clouds; quantitative studies of comparative molecular abundances in different types of interstellar clouds; investigation of reaction pathways for astrochemistry from a comparison of theory and the observed abundance of related species such as isomers and isotopic variants; studies of possible tracers of energenic events related to star formation, including silicon and sulfur containing molecules; and mapping of physical, chemical, and dynamical properties over extended regions of nearby cold molecular clouds.

Irvine, W. M.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Simulation of non-linear bearing forces for post-stability investigation

Different types of bearing designs were developed to improve dynamic properties of rotor-bearing systems. Elliptical bearings, multisleeve bearings, tilting pad and other designs such as herringbone groove were utilized to increase resistance to the onset of self excited vibrations. Experimental trials are costly, two alternative methods are used to gain a qualitative insight. The first one creates mathematical model and applies both a digital or an analog computer simulation. The second one investigates phenomena occurring on the laboratory rig with the bearing replaced by an electronic simulating device, working in a feedback loop, which produces forces,which are functions of journal displacement and velocity. The simulated hydrodynamic forces are produced according to assumed characteristics matched to the bearing type. The principal benefit of the analog simulation is that nonlinear characteristics of a subsystem are precisely identified and mathematical methods applied for a wide class of problems are checked on the experimental installation.

Parszewski, Z. A.↗

NASA NTRS1986

A study of methods to predict and measure the transmission of sound through the walls of light aircraft

Progress was made in the following areas: development of a numerical/empirical noise source identification procedure using bondary element techniques; identification of structure-borne noise paths using structural intensity and finite element methods; development of a design optimization numerical procedure to be used to study active noise control in three-dimensional geometries; measurement of dynamic properties of acoustical foams and incorporation of these properties in models governing three-dimensional wave propagation in foams; and structure-borne sound path identification by use of the Wigner distribution.

Bernhard, R. J.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Analytical comparison of transient and steady state visual evoked cortical potentials

To better describe the linear-dynamic properties of the human visual-cortical response system, transient and steady state Visual Evoked Response Potentials (VERP) were observed. The stimulus presentation device provided both the evoking stimulus (flickering or pulsing lights) and a video task display. The steady state stimulus was modulated by a complex, ten frequency, sum-of-sines, wave. The transient VERP was the time-locked average of the EEG to a series of narrow light pulses (pulse width of 10 msec). The Fourier transform of the averaged pulses had properties that approximate band limited white noise, i.e., a flat spectrum over the frequency region spanned by the 10 summed sines. The Fourier transform of both the steady state and the transient evoked potentials resulted in transfer that are equivalent and therefore comparable. To investigate the effects of task loading on evoked potentials, a grammatical reasoning task was provided. Results support the relevancy of continued application of a systems engineering approach for describing neurosensory functioning.

Junker, A. M.↗