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At least 937 records · Page 52

Phase averaged acoustic measurements for a Mach number 0.6 jet

Acoustic phase (ensemble) averaged measurements were performed in a cold, axisymmetric, Mach number 0.6 jet of air. These measurements show that the noise directly radiated by the coherent structure in the jet flow field was responsible for the directivity of the acoustic field. Comparison of phase averaged acoustic spectra with phase averaged radial velocity fluctuations within the jet illustrate the direct link between the two and show that different regions of the jet are responsible for producing the noise measured at various locations in the acoustic field.

Morrison, G. L.↗

Anisotropic models of the upper mantle

Long period Rayleigh wave and Love wave dispersion data, particularly for oceanic areas, were not simultaneously satisfied by an isotropic structure. Available phase and group velocity data are inverted by a procedure which includes the effects of transverse anisotropy, an elastic dispersion, sphericity, and gravity. The resulting models, for the average earth, average ocean and oceanic regions divided according to the age of the ocean floor, are quite different from previous results which ignore the above effects. The models show a low velocity zone with age dependent anisotropy and velocities higher than derived in previous surface wave studies. The correspondence between the anisotropy variation with age and a physical model based on flow aligned olivine is suggested.

Regan, J.↗

Mesoscale waves as a probe of Jupiter's deep atmosphere

Images from the Voyager north/south mapping sequences were searched for waves. A remarkable class of mesoscale waves was identified, with the following features: (1) the wavetrains are usually aligned zonally, i.e., wavecrests are north-south; (2) the average wavelength is 300 km with a standard deviation of only 20%; (3) the wavetrains are long; (4) the waves occur within 25 degrees of the equator, the bulk being at the equator itself; (5) the waves are centered at the extrema (in latitude) of the zonal flow; and (6) the meridional extent of the waves is typically 1 degree of latitude. These observations are interpreted as evidence of gravity waves propagating vertically within a leaky duct. A three-level model is assumed composed of a stable duct which extends up to the base of the NH3 cloud deck near 600 mb. Above this is a thin wave-trapping region characterized by a Richardson number Ri less than 1/4 and containing a critical level, where the local value of the zonal flow velocity equals the phase speed of the wave. This in turn is overlain by a stable region, representing the tropopause region and stratosphere.

Flaser, F. M.↗

Radar scattering and equilibrium ranges in wind-generated waves with application to scatterometry

To provide theoretical basis for the connection between observed radar scattering and wind-generated waves, a model for the response of surface waves in the gravity-capillary equilibrium region of the spectrum is proposed on the basis of a local (in wavenumber) balance between wind input and dissipation. The wind input function was constructed on the basis of laboratory observations of short-wave growth, while the dissipation function was developed from ideas of viscous dissipation and wave breaking in response to local accelerations and modified by kinematic effects of phase and group velocity differences. The model was exercised at L, C, X, and Ka bands to demonstrate the differences in wind speed and water temperature sensitivity.

Donelan, Mark A.↗

On the active control of wall-bounded turbulent flows

The direct numerical simulation technique is used to explore concepts for manipulation of turbulent boundary layers. Significant drag reduction was achieved when at each instant the normal component of velocity at the wall was prescribed to be 180 deg out of phase with the normal velocity slightly above the wall. The drag reduction is accompanied with significant reduction in the intensity of the wall-layer structures and reductions in the magnitude of Reynolds stresses throughout the flow. Suitability of wall pressure and shear stress fluctuations for detection of flow structures above the wall are examined.

Moin, P.↗

Steepening of kinetic magnetosonic waves into shocklets - Simulations and consequences for planetary shocks and comets

The generation and the nonlinear evolution of oblique low-frequency electromagnetic (kinetic magnetosonic) waves which were observed upstream of planetary bow shocks and at the Giacobini-Zinner comet, and referred to as shocklets, were investigated using an electromagnetic hybrid code. The observations show that the waves, which have a sinusoidal form when their amplitude is small, become steepened and linearly polarized as they grow in amplitude. The results of simulations show the original small-amplitude elliptically polarized wave grows and steepens, so that its polarization changes and becomes somewhat linear. The steepening process is associated with the coherent generation of a broad spectrum of waves on the magnetosonic whistler branch, which propagate at various phase and group velocities. It is shown that the presence of shocklets upstream of a planetary bow shock can modify its local structure by changing the solar wind Mach number and temperature, or by colliding with the shock.

Omidi, N.↗

A 2-D oscillating flow analysis in Stirling engine heat exchangers

A two dimensional oscillating flow analysis was conducted, simulating the gas flow inside Stirling heat exchangers. Both laminar and turbulent oscillating pipe flow were investigated numerically for Re(max) = 1920 (Va = 80), 10800 (Va = 272), 19300 (Va = 272), and 60800 (Va = 126). The results are compared with experimental results of previous investigators. Also, predictions of the flow regime on present oscillating flow conditions were checked by comparing velocity amplitudes and phase differences with those from laminar theory and quasi-steady profile. A high Reynolds number k-epsilon turbulence model was used for turbulent oscillating pipe flow. Finally, performance evaluation of the K-epsilon model was made to explore the applicability of quasi-steady turbulent models to unsteady oscillating flow analysis.

Ahn, Kyung H.↗

Waves in frazil and pancake ice and their detection in Seasat synthetic aperture radar imagery

Measurements of wavelength and direction derived from SAR imagery obtained from Seasat in October 1987 are compared with a theoretical model of waves propagating into an ice cover composed of frazil and pancake ice. The dispersion relation for phase and group velocities is derived, and the existence of an upper frequency limit for propagation into the ice is found. The wave radiation pressure exerted on the ice is derived from the reflection coefficient at the ice edge; it is found to cause a slick of frazil ice backed by thicker floes to become more dense or thick with increasing penetration. When the frazil ice becomes transformed into pancake ice, the raised edges of the pancakes cause the ice to appear bright despite the fact that there are no waves present at the Bragg wavelength. Directional wave number spectra are derived outside and inside the ice cover. The change of wavelength and angle of refraction of the dominant wave entering the ice field are both found to be characteristic of the dispersion relation derived theoretically.

Wadhams, Peter↗

Structure of medium Mach number quasi-parallel shocks - Upstream and downstream waves

The transition from steady low-Mach-number to unsteady high-Mach-number quasi-parallel shocks was investigated by performing large-scale 1D hybrid code simulations at increasing Mach numbers. It was found that only at very low Mach number shocks the steepening is limited by upstream phase-standing whistlers, as predicted by the classical theory (Tidman and Northrop, 1968). In the intermediate region of Mach numbers between 1.5 and 3.5, a very diverse behavior is observed. Backstreaming ions generate fast magnetosonic waves which dominate the upstream, with wavelengths longer than phase-standing whistlers. At increasing Mach numbers, the phase and group velocities of the dominant waves are reduced until they point back toward the shock; when there is sufficient energy flux in these waves, they lead to unsteady shock behavior and eventually to shock reformation.

Krauss-Varban, D.↗

A 2-D oscillating flow analysis in Stirling engine heat exchangers

A two-dimensional oscillating flow analysis was conducted, simulating the gas flow inside Stirling heat exchangers. Both laminar and turbulent oscillating pipe flow were investigated numerically for Re(max) = 1920 (Va = 80), 10800 (Va = 272), 19300 (Va = 272), and 60800 (Va = 126). The results are compared with experimental results of previous investigators. Also, predictions of the flow regime on present oscillating flow conditions were checked by comparing velocity amplitudes and phase differences with those from laminar theory and quasi-steady profile. A high Reynolds number k-epsilon turbulence model was used for turbulent oscillating pipe flow. Finally, performance evaluation of the K-epsilon model was made to explore the applicability of quasi-steady turbulent models to unsteady oscillating flow analysis.

Ahn, Kyung H.↗

Laminar/turbulent oscillating flow in circular pipes

A two-dimensional oscillating flow analysis was conducted simulating the gas flow inside Stirling engine heat exchangers. Both laminar and turbulent oscillating pipe flow were investigated numerically for Re(max) = 1920 (Va = 80), 10,800 (Va = 272), 19,300 (Va = 272), and 60,800 (Va = 126). The results are compared with experimental results of previous investigators. Predictions of the flow regime are also checked by comparing velocity amplitudes and phase difference with those from laminar theory and quasi-steady profile. A high Reynolds number k-epsilon turbulence model was used for turbulent oscillating pipe flow. Finally, the performance of the k-epsilon model was evaluated to explore the applicability of quasi-steady turbulent models to unsteady oscillating flow analysis.

Ahn, Kyung H.↗

LDV measurements in dynamically separated flows

Two component, phase averaged mean velocity data have been obtained with an Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV) system, on the upper surface, near the leading edge of an oscillating airfoil undergoing compressible dynamic stall. In particular, the effect of oscillation amplitude has been studied. The results show that at an oscillation amplitude of 10 degrees, a separation bubble forms, that eventually bursts on the upstroke, well beyond the static stall angle. At 2 degrees amplitude, the bubble forms on the upstroke, but dynamic stall occurs on the downstroke. The results reveal new flow physics and the data sets serve as valuable quantitative information for validation of unsteady flow codes at transitional Reynolds numbers. The maximum velocity seen in the flow is about 1.6 times the free stream value and it occurs slightly downstream of the suction peak location. Some of the measurement difficulties are also discussed.

Chandrasekhara, M. S.↗

Fiber Supported Droplet Combustion-2 (FSDC-2)

Experimental results for the burning characteristics of fiber supported, liquid droplets in ambient Shuttle cabin air (21% oxygen, 1 bar pressure) were obtained from the Glove Box Facility aboard the STS-94/MSL-1 mission using the Fiber Supported Droplet Combustion - 2 (FSDC-2) apparatus. The combustion of individual droplets of methanol/water mixtures, ethanol, ethanol/water azeotrope, n-heptane, n-decane, and n-heptane/n-hexadecane mixtures were studied in quiescent air. The effects of low velocity, laminar gas phase forced convection on the combustion of individual droplets of n-heptane and n-decane were investigated and interactions of two droplet-arrays of n-heptane and n-decane droplets were also studied with and without gas phase convective flow. Initial diameters ranging from about 2mm to over 6mm were burned on 80-100 micron silicon fibers. In addition to phenomenological observations, quantitative data were obtained in the form of backlit images of the burning droplets, overall flame images, and radiometric combustion emission measurements as a function of the burning time in each experiment. In all, 124 of the 129 attempted experiments (or about twice the number of experiments originally planned for the STS-94/MSL-1 mission) were conducted successfully. The experimental results contribute new observations on the combustion properties of pure alkanes, binary alkane mixtures, and simple alcohols for droplet sizes not studied previously, including measurements on individual droplets and two-droplet arrays, inclusive of the effects of forced gas phase convection. New phenomena characterized experimentally for the first time include radiative extinction of droplet burning for alkanes and the "twin effect" which occurs as a result of interactions during the combustion of two-droplet arrays. Numerical modeling of isolated droplet combustion phenomenon has been conducted for methanol/water mixtures, n-heptane, and n-heptane/n-hexadecane mixtures, and results compare quantitatively with those found experimentally for methanol/water mixtures. Initial computational results qualitatively predict experimental results obtained for isolated n-heptane and n-heptane/n-hexadecane droplet combustion, although the effects of sooting are not yet included in the modeling work. Numerical modeling of ethanol and ethanol/water droplet burning is under development. Considerable data remain to be fully analyzed and will provide a large database for comparisons with further numerical and analytical modeling and development of future free droplet experiments aboard space platforms.

Colantonio, Renato↗

Signal processing related to the vestibulo-ocular reflex during combined angular rotation and linear translation of the head

The contributions of vestibular nerve afferents and central vestibular pathways to the angular (AVOR) and linear (LVOR) vestibulo-ocular reflex were studied in squirrel monkeys during fixation of near and far targets. Irregular vestibular afferents did not appear to be necessary for the LVOR, since when they were selectively silenced with galvanic currents the LVOR was essentially unaffected during both far- and near-target viewing. The linear translation signals generated by secondary AVOR neurons in the vestibular nuclei were, on average, in phase with head velocity, inversely related to viewing distance, and were nearly as strong as AVOR-related signals. We suggest that spatial-temporal transformation of linear head translation signals to angular eye velocity commands is accomplished primarily by the addition of viewing distance multiplied, centrally integrated, otolith regular afferent signals to angular VOR pathways.

NASA Discipline Neuroscience↗

Under the Radar: Trials and Tribulations of Landing on Mars

The Mars Phoenix Mission requires a ground-sensing radar altimeter/ velocimeter to meet touchdown velocity requirements During Phase C/D, the radar underwent a testing triptych: a) Aerial Testing, both captive carry and tethered drop tests (36 sorties, approx. 80 hrs). b) Testing with Electronic Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) on the bench (500+ hrs). c) Detailed Simulation including both RF physics and internal firmware logic (100,000+ simulated landings). All three venues were implemented to provide sufficient uniqueness and overlap to: a) Verify the radar is meeting its requirements. b) Validate radar performance within the flight system and environment. Significant discoveries were attributed to each of the three elements of the testing triptych, leading to greatly improved EDL system robustness. An overview of the testing triptych methodology, discoveries, and responses to them will be subsequently discussed.

Mars Phoenix Mission↗

Spacecraft Mission Design for the Mitigation of the 2017 PDC Hypothetical Asteroid Threat

This paper presents a detailed mission design analysis results for the 2017 Planetary Defense Conference (PDC) Hypothetical Asteroid Impact Scenario, documented at https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/ pd/cs/pdc17/. The mission design includes campaigns for both reconnaissance (flyby or rendezvous) of the asteroid (to characterize it and the nature of the threat it poses to Earth) and mitigation of the asteroid, via kinetic impactor deflection, nuclear explosive device (NED) deflection, or NED disruption. Relevant scenario parameters are varied to assess the sensitivity of the design outcome, such as asteroid bulk density, asteroid diameter, momentum enhancement factor, spacecraft launch vehicle, and mitigation system type. Different trajectory types are evaluated in the mission design process from purely ballistic to those involving optimal midcourse maneuvers, planetary gravity assists, and/or lowthrust solar electric propulsion. The trajectory optimization is targeted around peak deflection points that were found through a novel linear numerical technique method. The optimization process includes constrain parameters, such as Earth departure date, launch declination, spacecraft/asteroid relative velocity and solar phase angle, spacecraft dry mass, minimum/maximum spacecraft distances from Sun and Earth, and Earth/spacecraft communications line of sight. Results show that one of the best options for the 2017 PDC deflection is solar electric propelled rendezvous mission with a single spacecraft using NED for the deflection

Barbee, Brent W.↗

Spacecraft Mission Design for the Mitigation of the 2017 PDC Hypothetical Asteroid Threat

This paper presents a detailed mission design analysis results for the 2017 Planetary Defense Conference (PDC) Hypothetical Asteroid Impact Scenario, documented at https:cneos.jpl.nasa.govpdcspdc17. The mission design includes campaigns for both reconnaissance (flyby or rendezvous) of the asteroid (to characterize it and the nature of the threat it poses to Earth) and mitigation of the asteroid, via kinetic impactor deflection, nuclear explosive device (NED) deflection, or NED disruption. Relevant scenario parameters are varied to assess the sensitivity of the design outcome, such as asteroid bulk density, asteroid diameter, momentum enhancement factor, spacecraft launch vehicle, and mitigation system type. Different trajectory types are evaluated in the mission design process from purely ballistic to those involving optimal midcourse maneuvers, planetary gravity assists, and/or low-thrust solar electric propulsion. The trajectory optimization is targeted around peak deflection points that were found through a novel linear numerical technique method. The optimization process includes constrain parameters, such as Earth departure date, launch declination, spacecraft, asteroid relative velocity and solar phase angle, spacecraft dry mass, minimum/maximum spacecraft distances from Sun and Earth, and Earth-spacecraft communications line of sight. Results show that one of the best options for the 2017 PDC deflection is solar electric propelled rendezvous mission with a single spacecraft using NED for the deflection.

Barbee, Brent W.↗

Conditions in the WR 140 Wind-collision Region Revealed by the 1.083-um He I Line Profile

We present spectroscopy of the P Cygni profile of the 1.083-μm He i line in the WC7 + O5 colliding-wind binary (CWB) WR140 (HD 193793), observed in 2008, before its periastron passage in 2009, and in 2016–17, spanning the subsequent periastron passage. Both absorption and emission components showed strong variations. The variation of the absorption component as the O5 star was occulted by the wind-collision region (WCR) sets a tight constraint on its geometry. While the sightline to the O5 star traversed the WCR, the strength and breadth of the absorption component varied significantly on time-scales of days. An emission sub-peak was observed on all our profiles. The variation of its radial velocity with orbital phase was shown to be consistent with formation in the WCR as it swung round the stars in their orbit. Modelling the profile gave a measure of the extent of the sub-peak forming region. In the phase range 0.93–0.99, the flux in the sub-peak increased steadily, approximately inversely proportionally to the stellar separation, indicating that the shocked gas in the WCR where the line was formed was adiabatic. After periastron, the sub-peak flux was anomalously strong and varied rapidly, suggesting formation in clumps down-stream in the WCR. For most of the time, its flux exceeded the 2–10-keV X-ray emission, showing it to be a significant coolant of the shocked wind.

Peredur M Williams↗