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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

The relationship between gravity and bathymetry in the Pacific Ocean

The study of the earth's gravitational field has provided one of the principal methods for the determination of the structure of the outer layers of the earth. A project has been undertaken which involves the systematic examination of the relationship between the earth's gravity field and topography in each of the earth's major ocean basins. The first part of the project was concerned with the compilation, reduction, and analysis of the available surface-ship gravity and bathymetry and satellite-derived geoid data in the oceans of the earth. The present paper has the objective to summarize the principal results which have been obtained so far in the Pacific Ocean.

Watts, A. B.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The rotational spectrum of the C3H radical

The rotational spectrum of the recently discovered C3H radical in both fine-structure ladders of its electronic ground state (X2Pi) with lambda doubling and hyperfine structure has been determined to high accuracy, and the strongest transitions at frequencies less than 376 GHz are tabulated. Recently published spectroscopic constants derived from astronomical and laboratory data (Gottlieb et al., 1985) allowed calculation of the spectrum to a radial velocity of 0.4 km/s at frequencies less than 200 GHz, the uncertainties above being somewhat larger. The hyperfine constants of the sequence of four hydrocarbon radicals CH, C2H, C3H, and C4H are briefly described.

Gottlieb, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Intersstellar absorption lines between 2000 and 3000 A in nearby stars observed with BUSS

Spectra obtained between 2000 and 3000 A with the Balloon Borne Ultraviolet Spectrophotometer (BUSS) payload were examined for interstellar absorption lines. In bright stars, with spectral types between O9V and F5V, such lines were measured of Mg I, Mg II, Cr II, Mn II, Fe II and Zn II, with Cr II and Zn II data of especially high quality. Column densities were derived and interstellar abundances were determined for the above species. It was found that metal depletion increases with increasing E(B-V); Fe was most affected and Zn showed a small depletion for E(B-V) greater than 0.3 towards Sco-Oph. The metal column densities, derived for Alpha-And, Kappa-Dra, Alpha-Com, Alpha-Aql, and 29 Cyg were used to infer N(H I). It was shown that the ratio of Mg I to Na I is instrumental in determining the ionization structure along each line of sight. The spectra of Aql stars confirms the presence of large gas densities near Alpha-Oph. Moreover, data indicated that the Rho-Oph N(H I) value needs to be altered to 35 x 10 to the 20th/sq cm, based on observed ion ratios and analysis of the Copernicus L-alpha profile.

De Boer, K. S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Vortex shedding from solid rocket propellant inhibitors

Vortex shedding frequency caused by the protrusion of inhibitors into the flow field of a solid rocket motor is investigated by experimental and mathematical models. The time dependent Navier-Stokes equations are solved using a finite difference technique assuming incompressible, two-dimensional flow under both laminar and turbulent flow conditions. For laminar flow, explicit solutions are obtained using a vorticity-transport equation in place of the Navier-Stokes equations. For turbulent flow, a two-equation (k-epsilon) model is used for turbulent modeling and the SIMPLE algorithm is employed as the computational scheme. Cold flow tests were conducted to confirm the basic flow structure and to determine the vortex shedding frequency under both laminar and turbulent flow conditions. The vortex shedding frequencies were determined using a stroboscope to measure the oscillating frequency of yarn tufts which were fastened to one inhibitor in the models. A hot-film anemometer established the velocity history behind the inhibitor. Good agreement between the theoretical results and measurements of the vortex shedding frequencies is demonstrated.

Shu, P. H.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Failure detection and accommodation in structural dynamics systems using analytic redundancy

The concept of analytic redundancy is extended to identify nonzero constant output failures in large spacecraft active control sensors and actuators, using a set of distributed sensors which do not nominally produce equivalent signals but are related through the structural dynamics of the system. The suboptimal technique uses a Sequential Probability Ratio Test on the residual sequence of a Kalman filter based on a modal structure model, to determine failure of a component based on an assumed failure hypothesis. The specific failure is identified and then the Kalman filter gains are reconfigured for the identified remaining working sensor set. Experimental data using an apparatus whose dynamics are representative of a large spacecraft show the nominal filter performance under failed and unfailed conditions.

Williams, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Signal-to-noise ratios for possible stellar occultations by Pluto

Successful observation of a stellar occultation by Pluto would make it possible to obtain information regarding the presence of an atmosphere at the planet. If an atmosphere is found, the determination of its structure might be feasible. Two or more occultation chords could make it possible to obtain the precise diameter of Pluto. Mink and Klemola (1985) have presented a list of ten stars which might be occulted by Pluto during the period 1985-1990. In this paper, BVR photometry of the occultation candidate stars are presented, and a calculation is conducted of the S/N which could be achieved with a 1-m telescope. It is pointed out that from a photometric standpoint, the best potential occultation (after that of P2) would be that of P8. However, even the faintest stars on the list should give interesting results if their occultations by Pluto can be observed with a 1-m telescope and sensitive photometric equipment.

Bosh, A. S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

On the use of colour reflectivity plots to monitor the structure of the troposphere and stratosphere

The radar reflectivity, defined as the range squared corrected power of VHF radar echoes, can be used to monitor and study the temporal development of inversion layer, frontal boundaries and convective turbulence. From typical featurs of upward or downward motion of reflectivity structures, the advection/convection of cold and warm air can be predicted. High resolution color plots appear to be useful to trace and to study the life history of these structures, particularly their persistency, descent and ascent. These displays allow an immediate determination of the tropopause height as well as the determination of the tropopause structure. The life history of warm fronts, cold fronts, and occlusions can be traced, and these reflectivity plots allow detection of even very weak events which cannot be seen in the traditional meteorological data sets. The life history of convective turbulence, particular evolving from the planetary boundary layer, can be tracked quite easily. Its development into strong convection reaching the middle troposphere can be followed and predicted.

Rottger, J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Studies of extended planetary atmospheres

Telescopic observations were made of gases and plasmas in the Jupiter system, and related phenomena such as the recently-discovered sodium atmosphere of Mercury. Sodium absorption in Io's atmosphere was observed to distances as large as 5 Io radii during the mutual-eclipse season of the Jovian satellites. Analysis of Jovian disk spectra has proceeded, as planned, from an emphasis on the H2 ortho-para ratio to analysis of methane absorptions and determination of cloud structure. Several 2-channel photometers were constructed in 1978 for the Uranus event at which the rings were discovered and a smaller, single-channel unit was built more recently. Although the photometers themselves are still fully usable, the data-acquisition systems have major deficiencies.

Hunten, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Material growth and characterization for solid state devices

During this period InGaAs and InGaAsP were grown on (100)InP by liquid phase electroepitaxy (LPEE). Results of the epitaxial growth of InGaAs on sputtered quartz masked substrates are presented. The resulting surface morphology can be related to the current density distribution near the edges of a masked pattern. The quaternary InGaAs was grown with compositions corresponding to 1.3 micron and 1.5 micron emission wavelengths. Growth rates were found to be linearly dependent upon current density, and a strong dependence upon composition was noted. These compositions lie in the miscibility gap region of the alloy phase diagram at the 645 C growth temperature. Growths were performed at 685 C to avoid the miscibility gap. Epilayers were characterized by photoluminescence, X-ray diffraction, secondary ion mass spectrometry, and Hall effect measurements. Aluminum oxide was deposited on silicon and InGaAs substrates for the characterization of this material as an insulator in a field effect transistor structure. It was determined that the results did not warrant further work with the deposition from an aluminum isopropoxide source. A metallographic vapor phase epitaxy system installation is nearing completion for use in hybrid III-V semiconductor epilayer growths.

Collis, Ward J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Wavenumber spectra of Pacific winds measured by the Seasat scatterometer

Vector winds measured by the Seasat-A Satellite Scatterometer (SASS) are analyzed to determine the spatial structure of oceanic surface winds over wavelengths from 200 to 2200 km. The analysis is performed in four latitudinal bands in the Pacific Ocean. The salient features of the results are summarized as follows: (1) for each of the four geographic regions, the spectra of meridional and zonal wind components and of kinetic energy are consistent with a power-law dependence on wavenumber; for midlatitude regions in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres the wave-number dependence of kinetic energy is k exp -2.2, while for tropical regions in both hemispheres it is k exp-1.9, (2) for each individual region, the spectral dependence on wavenumber is nearly the same for both velocity components and for kinetic energy, (3) comparisons of zonal and meridional component spectra indicate that midlatitude winds may be isotropic, while tropical winds may be significantly anisotropic, and (4) the coherence between wind components is small everywhere.

Freilich, M. H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

A case study of GWE satellite data impact on GLA assimilation analyses of two ocean cyclones

The effects of the Global Weather Experiment (GWE) data obtained on January 18-20, 1979 on Goddard Laboratory for Atmospheres assimilation analyses of simultaneous cyclones in the western Pacific and Atlantic oceans are examined. The ability of satellite data within assimilation models to determine the baroclinic structures of developing extratropical cyclones is evaluated. The impact of the satellite data on the amplitude and phase of the temperature structure within the storm domain, potential energy, and baroclinic growth rate is studied. The GWE data are compared with Data Systems Test results. It is noted that it is necessary to characterize satellite effects on the baroclinic structure of cyclone waves which degrade numerical weather predictions of cyclogenesis.

Gallimore, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Dynamic characteristics of the national full-scale aerodynamic complex drive fan blades

An extensive experimental test program was conducted to define the dynamic characteristics of the newly installed fan blades of the NASA Ames 40- by 80-/80- by 120-Foot Wind Tunnel. The tests were intended to substantiate the blade design and manufacturing process, verify installation integrity, and guarantee safe fan-drive operation. The program included a shake test of each fan blade after installation and before operation as well as the monitoring of blade strain levels during initial operation. Structural characteristics, as determined by the shake test, include the modal frequency and damping values for elastic bending and torsion modes between 5 and 130 Hz. Operational testing defined the maximum and oscillatory blade-bending strains throughout the drive-system operational envelope. Results are presented for the shake test and initial operation of the 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel circuit.

Peterson, Randall L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

A near-infrared study of the luminous merging galaxies NGC 2623 and Arp 148

A broad-band spectral decomposition method has been developed to determine the contributions of evolved stars, H II regions, warm dust, and obscuration to the near-infrared continuum in interacting systems. The multicolor decomposition is applied to near-infrared measurements of the long-tailed galaxy NGC 2623 and the ring system Arp 148 to determine the galactic structure and to delineate regions of galactic activity. The infrared analysis confirms that these galaxies are coalescing; since a single nucleus is observed in the infrared, the merger must be complete. Arp 148 is found to be the product of a close collision of two galaxies, and the multicolor analysis implies that this system is in an early stage of coalescence. A substantial fraction of the nuclear regions of Arp 148 and NGC 2623 may be attributed to the presence of young stars.

Joy, Marshall↗
NASA NTRS1987

Partitioning of flight data for aerodynamic modeling of aircraft at high angles of attack

It is sometimes necessary to determine aerodynamic model structure and estimate associated stability and control derivatives for airplanes from flight data that cover a large range of angle of attack or sideslip. One method of dealing with that problem is through data partitioning. The main purpose of this paper is to provide an explanation of a data partitioning procedure and its application and to discuss both the power and limitations of that procedure for the analysis of large maneuvers of aircraft. The partitioning methodology is shown to provide estimates for coefficients of those regressors that are well excited in the aircraft motion. In particular, primary lateral stability and damping derivatives are identified throughout the maneuver ranges.

Batterson, James G.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Atmospheric Science and Remote Sensing Laboratory

During the contract year, scientific research on lightning and lightning hazards was carried out for the Atmospheric Electricity Group in the MSFC Remote Sensing Branch (ED43). These tasks included research on modeling the interaction of lightning optical pulses and cloud particles, estimating lightning hazard threats to the STS system, a small field project to determine the charge structure of winter and stratiform thunderstorms, and analysis of optical pulse data. These activities were performed in conjunction with the ED43 mission to develop a lightning mapper to be placed on one of the GOES-next operational satellites.

Mach, Douglas↗
NASA NTRS1987

Monitoring biological impacts of space shuttle launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base: Establishment of baseline conditions

Space shuttle launches produce environmental impacts resulting from the formation of an exhaust cloud containing hydrogen chloride aerosols and aluminum oxide particulates. Studies have shown that most impacts occur near-field (within 1.5 km) of the launch site while deposition from launches occurs far-field (as distant as 22 km). In order to establish baseline conditions of vegetation and soils in the areas likely to be impacted by shuttle launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), vegetation and soils in the vicinity of Space Launch Complex-6 (SLC-6) were sampled and a vegetation map prepared. The areas likely to be impacted by launches were determined considering the structure of the launch complex, the prevailing winds, the terrain, and predictions of the Rocket Exhaust Effluent Diffusion Model (REEDM). Fifty vegetation transects were established and sampled in March 1986 and resampled in September 1986. A vegetation map was prepared for six Master Planning maps surrounding SLC-6 using LANDSAT Thematic Mapper imagery as well as color and color infrared aerial photography. Soil samples were collected form the 0 to 7.5 cm layer at all transects in the wet season and at a subsample of the transects in the dry season and analyzed for pH, organic matter, conductivity, cation exchange capacity, exchangeable Ca, Mg, Na, K, and Al, available NH3-N, PO4-P, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and TKN.

Schmaizer, Paul A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Archean crustal evolution of the northern North China Craton

The Archean granultie facies rocks of the North China (Sino-Korean) Craton mostly occur inside the northern boundary forming a unique and spectacular granulite belt trending roughly E-W from eastern Hebei, North China in the east to Mt. Daqinchan, western Inner Mongolia in the west, ranging about 1,000 km long. Over the years in the middle portion of this Archean high-grade metamorphic belt a stratigraphic unconformity between the khondalite rock assemblage and the medium in composition granulite assemblage in Datong-Xinghe area is determined. The geological structural properties of the North China Craton are discussed.

Qian, Xianglin↗
NASA NTRS1987

An auroral model for the NCAR thermospheric general circulation model (TGCM)

A model of high latitude auroral processes has been developed for use in the NCAR TGCM. The ion drift pattern associated with magnetospheric convection is specified by the empirical model of Heelis et al. (1982) considering offset geographic and geomagnetic poles. An analytic prescription of particle precipitation in the auroral oval is developed that enables rapid numerical evaluation of auroral ionization rates and global aurora power input. An analytic expression has been derived for the total ionization rate and an ion chemical scheme is used to calculate the electron density enhancements and ion density distributions caused by auroral particle precipitation. The results of TGCM runs with and without auroral particle precipitation show the importance of auroral ionization in determining the dynamic structure of the winter hemisphere lower thermosphere.

Roble, R. G.↗