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At least 955 records · Page 53

Finite difference solutions to shocked acoustic waves

The MacCormack, Lambda and split flux finite differencing schemes are used to solve a one dimensional acoustics problem. Two duct configurations were considered, a uniform duct and a converging-diverging nozzle. Asymptotic solutions for these two ducts are compared with the numerical solutions. When the acoustic amplitude and frequency are sufficiently high the acoustic signal shocks. This condition leads to a deterioration of the numerical solutions since viscous terms may be required if the shock is to be resolved. A continuous uniform duct solution is considered to demonstrate how the viscous terms modify the solution. These results are then compared with a shocked solution with and without viscous terms. Generally it is found that the most accurate solutions are those obtained using the minimum possible viscosity coefficients. All of the schemes considered give results accurate enough for acoustic power calculations with no one scheme performing significantly better than the others.

Walkington, N. J.↗

Continental and oceanic crustal magnetization modelling

Inversion of magnetic data from the MAGSAT satellite, to arrive at intensities of magnetization of the Earth's crust, was performed by two different methods. The first method uses a spherical harmonic model of the magnetic field. The coefficients believed to represent sources in the Earth's crust can then be inverted to arrive at vertical dipole moments per unit area at the Earth's surface. The spherical harmonic models contain coefficients of degrees of harmonics up to 23. The dipole moment per unit area for a surface element can then be determined by summing the contribution for each individual degree of harmonic. The magnetic moments were calculated for continental and oceanic areas separately as well as over certain latitudinal segments. Of primary concern was to determine whether there are any differences between continental and oceanic areas. The second analysis with magnetization intensities was made using narrower ranges of degrees of harmonics, assuming that higher degrees are present in the core field signal.

Harrison, C. G. A.↗

High temperature metal and ceramic composites

The Materials Division at NASA Lewis is engaged in research and development efforts on behalf of fiber-reinforced composite materials that are lighter, stiffer, and more structurally reliable than conventional monolithic alloys and ceramics in applications that range from the cryogenic to the refractory. Attention is presently given to metal matrix composites, in which high performance depends on stiff, strong and thermally stable large diameter fibers, with chemically stable interfacial bonding and good coefficient of thermal expansion matching between fibers and matrices, and to ceramic matrix composites, in which intermediate strength interfacial bonds must allow cracks to propagate through the matrix only, while retaining good load transfer characteristics between fiber and matrix.

Signorelli, R. A.↗

Three-dimensional computation of mixing of transverse injector in a ducted supersonic airstream

Numerical solutions of the three-dimensional mass-averaged elliptic Navier-Stokes equations, including species transport, are obtained for nonreacting, turbulent, mixing flow fields for the case of transverse sonic injection of a secondary gas into a supersonic airstream through a circular orifice injector. Results are presented for flow through a constant area duct and through a duct with a rearward-facing step upstream of the injector. The equations are numerically integrated using MacCormack's explicit method and turbulence is included using the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic eddy viscosity model. In the species transport and energy equations, diffusion coefficients based on Fick's law and an assumption of unit Lewis number are applied. The computations were performed on a CDC-VPS-32 (extended version of Cyber-205) using a grid consisting of approximately 200,000 points. The computed results are compared with experimentally observed penetration and spreading boundaries for an injected gas at two dynamic pressure ratios. Three-dimensional flow field structures are dipicted in terms of static pressure, mass fractions of species and velocity vectors.

Uenishi, K.↗

Sensitivity studies and a simple ozone perturbation experiment with a truncated two-dimensional model of the stratosphere

The 1-1/2-D model of Holton (1986), which is actually a highly truncated two-dimensional model, describes latitudinal variations of tracer mixing ratios in terms of their projections onto second-order Legendre polynomials. The present study extends the work of Holton by including tracers with photochemical production in the stratosphere (O3 and NOy). It also includes latitudinal variations in the photochemical sources and sinks, improving slightly the calculated global mean profiles for the long-lived tracers studied by Holton and improving substantially the latitudinal behavior of ozone. Sensitivity tests of the dynamical parameters in the model are performed, showing that the response of the model to changes in vertical residual meridional winds and horizontal diffusion coefficients is similar to that of a full two-dimensional model. A simple ozone perturbation experiment shows the model's ability to reproduce large-scale latitudinal variations in total ozone column depletions as well as ozone changes in the chemically controlled upper stratosphere.

Stordal, Frode↗

Growth and characterization of Hg(1-x)Cd(x)Se alloys

A detailed evaluation of the influence of growth conditions on the radial and axial compositional variations in directionally solidified Hg(1-x)Cd(x)Se alloys was performed. The measured axial compositional profiles were fitted to theoretical profiles to determine the effective solute (CdSe) diffusion coefficient (D) for the Hg(1-x)Cd(x)Se system. The value for D was estimated to be 3.0 + or - 0.5 x 10 to the -5th sq cm/s and did not appear to be significantly affected by the rate of crystal growth. The axial crystal uniformity was shown to be highly growth-rate dependent, with the faster growth rates producing crystals of more uniform composition in the axial direction. The magnitude of the radial variations was also shown to be highly growth-rate dependent, with the slower growth rates producing crystals of greater radial uniformity. This translation rate dependence of the radial uniformity is discussed in terms of lateral solute diffusion and convective interfacial fluid flows.

Andrews, R. N.↗

Application of an efficient hybrid scheme for aeroelastic analysis of advanced propellers

An efficient 3-D hybrid scheme is applied for solving Euler equations to analyze advanced propellers. The scheme treats the spanwise direction semi-explicitly and the other two directions implicitly, without affecting the accuracy, as compared to a fully implicit scheme. This leads to a reduction in computer time and memory requirement. The calculated power coefficients for two advanced propellers, SR3 and SR7L, and various advanced ratios showed good correlation with experiment. Spanwise distribution of elemental power coefficient and steady pressure coefficient differences also showed good agreement with experiment. A study of the effect of structural flexibility on the performance of the advanced propellers showed that structural deformation due to centrifugal and aero loading should be included for better correlation.

Srivastava, R.↗

Current research in cavitating fluid films

A review of the current research of cavitation in fluid films is presented. Phenomena and experimental observations include gaseous cavitation, vapor cavitation, and gas entrainment. Cavitation in flooded, starved, and dynamically loaded journal bearings, as well as squeeze films are reviewed. Observations of cavitation damage in bearings and the possibility of cavitation between parallel plates with microasperities were discussed. The transcavity fluid transport process, meniscus motion and geometry or form of the film during rupture, and reformation were summarized. Performance effects were related to heat transfer models in the cavitated region and hysteresis influence on rotor dynamics coefficients. A number of cavitation algorithms was presented together with solution procedures using the finite difference and finite element methods. Although Newtonian fluids were assumed in most of the discussions, the effect of non-Newtonian fluids on cavitation was also discussed.

Brewe, D. E.↗

Application of an efficient hybrid scheme for aeroelastic analysis of advanced propellers

An efficient 3-D hybrid scheme is applied for solving Euler equations to analyze advanced propellers. The scheme treats the spanwise direction semi-explicitly and the other two directions implicitly, without affecting the accuracy, as compared to a fully implicit scheme. This leads to a reduction in computer time and memory requirement. The calculated power coefficients for two advanced propellers, SR3 and SR7L, and various advanced ratios showed good correlation with experiment. Spanwise distribution of elemental power coefficient and steady pressure coefficient differences also showed good agreement with experiment. A study of the effect of structural flexibility on the performance of the advanced propellers showed that structural deformation due to centrifugal and aero loading should be included for better correlation.

Srivastava, R.↗

Multi-element airfoil optimization for maximum lift at high Reynolds numbers

An experimental study has been performed to assess the maximum lift capability of a supercritical multielement airfoil representative of an advanced transport aircraft wing. The airfoil model was designed with a leading-edge slat and single or two-segment trailing-edge flaps. Optimization work was performed at various slat/flap deflections as well as gap/overhang positions. Landing configurations and the attainment of maximum lift coefficients of 4.5 with single-element flaps and 5.0 with two-segment flaps was emphasized. Test results showed a relatively linear variation of the optimum gap/overhang positioning of the slat versus slat deflection, considerable differences in optimum rigging between single and double segment flaps, and large Reynolds number effects on multielement airfoil optimization.

Valarezo, Walter O.↗

Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) mapping - Validation, early results and applications

The results of limitation studies performed with the UARS MLS are presented. A consistent set of algorithms allows the extraction of the spectral coefficients in time and longitude from asynoptically sampled satellite data and the subsequent reconstruction of synoptic maps from that spectral information. In addition to providing synoptic maps, the asynoptic technique allows the use of standard spectral analysis tools such as autocorrelation and cross correlation.

Elson, Lee S.↗

Tank Tests of Model 36 Flying Boat Hull

N.A.C.A. Model 36, a hull form with parallel middle body for half the length of the forebody and designed particularly for use with stub wings, was tested according to the general fixed-trim method over the range of practical loads, trims, and speeds. It was also tested free to trim with the center of gravity at two different positions. The results are given in the form of nondimensional coefficients. The resistance at the hump was exceptionally low but, at high planing speeds, afterbody interference made the performance only mediocre.

Allison, John↗

Transitional flow in thin tubes for space station freedom radiator

A two dimensional finite volume method is used to predict the film coefficients in the transitional flow region (laminar or turbulent) for the radiator panel tubes. The code used to perform this analysis is CAST (Computer Aided Simulation of Turbulent Flows). The information gathered from this code is then used to augment a Sinda85 model that predicts overall performance of the radiator. A final comparison is drawn between the results generated with a Sinda85 model using the Sinda85 provided transition region heat transfer correlations and the Sinda85 model using the CAST generated data.

Loney, Patrick↗

Hygrothermal properties of composites

The testing procedure and acceptance criteria for outgassing selection of materials to be used in spacecraft has been reviewed. Outgassing testing should be conducted according to ASTM Standard E 595-90. In general, materials with CVCM less than or equal to 0.10% and TML less than or equal to 1.00% are acceptable for space applications. Next, test data on several types of graphite-epoxy composite materials are presented over time at various relative humidity levels at room temperature for moisture absorption, and under vacuum at several temperatures for moisture desorption (outgassing). The data can be accurately represented by simple equations which are useful for materials characterization. Finally, a laser dilatometer systems of extremely high sensitivity and accuracy was assembled and used to measure the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of several types of graphite-epoxy structures, culminating in the ability to perform loading and thermal expansion tests on a prototype optical bench.

Arsenovic, Petar↗

Mechanical Properties of Degraded PMR-15 Resin

Thermo-oxidative aging produces a non-uniform degradation state in PMR-15 resin. A surface layer, usually attributed to oxidative degradation, forms. This surface layer has different properties from the inner material. A set of material tests was designed to separate the properties of the oxidized surface layer from the properties of interior material. Test specimens were aged at 316 C in either air or nitrogen, for durations of up to 800 hours. The thickness of the oxidized surface layer in air aged specimens, and the shrinkage and Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) of nitrogen aged specimens were measured directly. Four-point-bend tests were performed to determine modulus of both the oxidized surface layer and the interior material. Bimaterial strip specimens consisting of oxidized surface material and unoxidized interior material were constructed and used to determine surface layer shrinkage and CTE. Results confirm that the surface layer and core materials have substantially different properties.

Tsuji, Luis C.↗

A Flight Dynamics Model for a Small Glider in Ambient Winds

In this paper we describe the equations of motion developed for a point-mass zero-thrust (gliding) aircraft model operating in an environment of spatially varying atmospheric winds. The wind effects are included as an integral part of the flight dynamics equations, and the model is controlled through the three aerodynamic control angles. Formulas for the aerodynamic coefficients for this model are constructed to include the effects of several different aspects contributing to the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. Characteristic parameter values of the model are compared with those found in a different set of small glider simulations. We execute a set of example problems which solve the glider dynamics equations to find aircraft trajectory given specified control inputs. The ambient wind conditions and glider characteristics are varied to compare the simulation results under these different circumstances.

Beeler, Scott C.↗

A Flight Dynamics Model for a Small Glider in Ambient Winds

In this paper we describe the equations of motion developed for a point-mass zero-thrust (gliding) aircraft model operating in an environment of spatially varying atmospheric winds. The wind effects are included as an integral part of the flight dynamics equations, and the model is controlled through the three aerodynamic control angles. Formulas for the aerodynamic coefficients for this model are constructed to include the effects of several different aspects contributing to the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. Characteristic parameter values of the model are compared with those found in a different set of small glider simulations. We execute a set of example problems which solve the glider dynamics equations to find the aircraft trajectory given specified control inputs. The ambient wind conditions and glider characteristics are varied to compare the simulation results under these different circumstances.

Beeler, Scott C.↗

Method and system for efficient video compression with low-complexity encoder

Disclosed are a method and system for video compression, wherein the video encoder has low computational complexity and high compression efficiency. The disclosed system comprises a video encoder and a video decoder, wherein the method for encoding includes the steps of converting a source frame into a space-frequency representation; estimating conditional statistics of at least one vector of space-frequency coefficients; estimating encoding rates based on the said conditional statistics; and applying Slepian-Wolf codes with the said computed encoding rates. The preferred method for decoding includes the steps of; generating a side-information vector of frequency coefficients based on previously decoded source data, encoder statistics, and previous reconstructions of the source frequency vector; and performing Slepian-Wolf decoding of at least one source frequency vector based on the generated side-information, the Slepian-Wolf code bits and the encoder statistics.

Chen, Jun↗