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At least 919 records · Page 51

Surface Wettability Analysis from Adsorption Energy and Surface Electrical Charge

Surface wettability is determined by the attraction of a liquid phase to a solid surface. It is typically quantified by using contact angle measurements at mineral surfaces in the case of the flotation of mineral particles. Contact angle research to describe wettability has been investigated at different scales by sessile drop measurements, molecular dynamic simulation, and atomic force microscopy. In this study, the density functional theory (DFT) was employed for predicting the surface free energy and contact angles of a well-known hydrophobic phyllosilicate mineral talc and a well-known hydrophilic phyllosilicate mineral muscovite based on the calculated interfacial energy and surface charge. The results revealed that the predicted contact angle at the atomic scale was larger than the experimental value, and identified two interactions: electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding, between the hydrophilic muscovite surface and the water layer, while a water-exclusion zone of 3.346 Å was found between the hydrophobic talc surface and the first water layer. This investigation gives a new perspective for wettability determination at the atomic scale.

Geochemistry & Geophysics↗

The McDonald Accelerating Stars Survey (MASS): White Dwarf Companions Accelerating the Sun-like Stars 12 Psc and HD 159062

We present the discovery of a white dwarf companion to the G1 V star 12 Psc found as part of a Keck adaptive optics imaging survey of long-term accelerating stars from the McDonald Observatory Planet Search Program. Twenty years of precise radial-velocity monitoring of 12 Psc with the Tull Spectrograph at the Harlan J. Smith telescope reveals a moderate radial acceleration (≈10 m s{sup −1} yr {sup −1}), which together with relative astrometry from Keck/NIRC2 and the astrometric acceleration between Hipparcos and Gaia DR2 yields a dynamical mass of M {sub B} = 0.605{sub −0.022}{sup +0.021} M {sub ⊙} for 12 Psc B, a semimajor axis of 40{sub −4}{sup +2} au, and an eccentricity of 0.84 ± 0.08. We also report an updated orbital fit of the white dwarf companion to the metal-poor (but barium-rich) G9 V dwarf HD 159062 based on new radial-velocity observations from the High-Resolution Spectrograph at the Hobby–Eberly Telescope and astrometry from Keck/NIRC2. A joint fit of the available relative astrometry, radial velocities, and tangential astrometric acceleration yields a dynamical mass of M {sub B} = 0.609{sub −0.011}{sup +0.010} M {sub ⊙} for HD 159062 B, a semimajor axis of 60{sub −7}{sup +5} au, and preference for circular orbits (e < 0.42 at 95% confidence). 12 Psc B and HD 159062 B join a small list of resolved Sirius-like benchmark white dwarfs with precise dynamical mass measurements which serve as valuable tests of white dwarf mass–radius cooling models and probes of AGB wind accretion onto their main-sequence companions.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Log amplifier instrument measures physiological biopotentials over wide dynamic range

To record biopotentials with extreme dynamic ranges, biopotential inputs are capacitatively coupled to a miniature, low power, solid-state signal conditioner consisting of a two-stage differential preamplifier that has a low noise figure. The ouput of the preamplifier uses diodes to provide an overall gain which is nearly logarithmic.

Kado, R. T.↗

Accelerated testing of a filled elastomer in vacuum

A program was conducted to evaluate an in situ dynamic modulus measurement on a solid propellant exposed to vacuum environment. The prediction of long-term vacuum exposure effects is examined.

Evans, M. L.↗

Goddard trajectory determination subsystem: Mathematical specifications

The mathematical specifications of the Goddard trajectory determination subsystem of the flight dynamics system are presented. These specifications include the mathematical description of the coordinate systems, dynamic and measurement model, numerical integration techniques, and statistical estimation concepts.

Wagner, W. E.↗

Gasdynamics of explosions today.

A brief review is given of blast and detonation wave phenomena and some of their uses in war and peace. It is concluded that great strides have been made over the last three decades toward the physical understanding, the analytical-numerical solution, and the measurement of dynamic and thermodynamic quantities, also taking into consideration severe environments and extremely short durations. Questions of internal ballistics are discussed together with hypervelocity launchers and shock tubes, collapsing cylindrical drivers, spherical implosions, explosive weapons, dynamic response, and equation of state data.

Brode, H. L.↗

Definition Research Study

Data were complied on the physical behavior and characteristics of plasma gas and/or dust in the context of how they relate to the self-contamination of manned orbiting vehicles. A definition is given of a systematic experimental program designed to yield the required empirical data on the plasma, neutral gas, and/or the particulate matter surrounding the orbiting vehicles associated with shuttle missions. Theoretical analyses were completed on the behavior of materials to be released from the orbiting or subsatellite shuttle vehicles. The results were used to define some general experimental design recommendations directly applicable to the space shuttle program requirement. An on-board laser probe technique is suggested for measuring the dynamic behavior, inventory, and physical characteristics of particulates in the vicinity of an orbiting spacecraft. Laser probing of cometary photodissociation is also assessed.

Marmo, F. F.↗

Recent satellite measurements of the morphology and dynamics of the plasmasphere.

The characteristic morphology and dynamics of the plasmasphere vary with local time and with geomagnetic conditions. On the nightside the plasmapause position changes predictably with changing magnetic activity. Once established at a specific L-shell value, the steep density gradient on the nightside corotates into the dayside, where filling from the ionosphere takes place. In the duskside bulge region the characteristic density profile inside the plasmapause displays a smooth decrease proportional to 1/R to the fourth power where R is radial distance. Plasmasphere morphology and dynamics can be understood in terms of a time-varying convection electric-field model of the magnetosphere that includes the bulge region as part of the main circulation pattern of the plasmasphere.

Chappell, C. R.↗

Using computers to analyze continuous data.

Dynamic field measurements often involve large quantities of continuous data, which must be analyzed and interpreted to obtain meaningful information. The processing can often be accomplished by tape-recording the data in analog form, performing off-line digitalization, and using the result as an input to statistical programs on a digital computer. A time series analysis was used to obtain power spectral density (PSD) curves to identify dominant frequencies. Representative PSD plots were obtained for STOL aircraft during cruise. Vibrational energy was clearly concentrated below 0.1 Hz, and was much higher in the vertical than in the lateral direction.

Catherines, J. J.↗

A 727 airplane center duct inlet low speed performance confirmation model test for refanned JT8D engines, phase 2

The results from testing of a 0.3 scale model center duct inlet (S duct) for the Pratt and Whitney Aircraft JT8D-100 engines are presented. The objective of this test was to demonstrate that the required airflow of the JT8D-100 engine (480 lb/sec as compared to 334 lb/sec for JT8D-15) can be achieved with minimum modifications to the existing 727 airplane structure at acceptable levels of total pressure recovery and distortion. Steady-state pressure recovery, steady-state pressure distortion, and dynamic pressure measurements were taken at the engine face station. Surface static pressure measurements were taken along the duct. Test results indicated that the required airflow was achieved with acceptable pressure recovery (comparable to the current 727-200 S duct). Inlet inflow angle variation within the 727 airplane operating regime (minus 5 to 5 degrees) had no effect on the inlet performance. Pressure distortion at static and forward speed at takeoff airflow conditions are within P and WA limits for the Phase II duct when equipped with vortex generators. Static crosswind operation between 10 knots and 25 knots appears feasible at full takeoff power.

Kaldschmidt, G.↗

Identification of structural parameters from helicopter dynamic test data

A method is presented for obtaining the mass, stiffness, and damping parameters of a linear mathematical model, having fewer degrees of freedom than the structure it represents, directly from dynamic response measurements on the actual helicopter without a priori knowledge of the physical characteristics of the fuselage. The only input information required in the formulation is the approximate natural frequency of each mode and mobility data measured proximate to these frequencies with sinusoidal force excitation applied at only one point on the vehicle. The practicality and numerical soundness of the theoretical development was demonstrated through a computer simulation of an experimental program.

Giansante, N.↗

Estimation of unmodeled forces on a low-thrust space vehicle

The application of a sequential estimation algorithm, which compensates for random errors in the dynamic model, to the problem of estimating the state of a continuously thrusting solar electric propulsion space vehicle is investigated. The dynamic model errors, due to random anomalies in the propulsion system, are approximated successfully by both first order and second order Gauss-Markov processes to obtain a more accurate and stable orbit determination algorithm. The importance of correct dynamic and measurement modeling in achieving accurate estimates is demonstrated.

Tapley, B. D.↗

Navigation accuracy analysis for the Mariner-Jupiter-Saturn 1977 mission

The results of the latest navigation capability study for the Mariner-Jupiter-Saturn 1977 mission are presented and analyzed. Predicted planet-relative and satellite-relative accuracies are given for radio only and radio plus optical approach navigation on three representative trajectories. In addition, planet-relative accuracies are given for cruise navigation on one of the trajectories. The dynamical and measurement error models used in the study are discussed, and the basic MJS77 navigation strategy is described. The navigation capability is evaluated in the light of the mission's objectives; and the variation in capability among the three trajectories is examined with regard to the effects of the major error sources and the trajectory dependent encounter geometries.

Jacobson, R. A.↗