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At least 955 records · Page 53

Acceleration of transonic potential flow calculations on arbitrary meshes by the multiple grid method

A multiple grid method for transonic flow calculations is developed. The proposed scheme incorporates a generalized alternating direction method as the smoothing algorithm. Numerical experiments indicate that this multigrid alternating direction method converges rapidly and reliably for a range of cases typical of the cruising regime up to the onset of drag rise. It also appears that the method can be readily generalized to treat three-dimensional flows.

Jameson, A.↗

Multiple asteroid rendezvous missions

Asteroid missions, centered on multiple asteroid rendezvous missions to main belt asteroids, are discussed and the required solar electric propulsion for these missions as well as the current performance estimates are examined. A brief statistical analysis involving asteroid availability transfer requirements and propulsion system capabilities is given, leading to a prediction that 5 to 8 asteroids can be encountered with a single launch. Measurement techniques include visual imaging, radio tracking, magnetometry, and in the case of landers, seismometry. The spacecraft will be propelled by a solar electric system with a power level of 25 kW to 40 kW and tour possibilities for 13 different asteroids have been developed. Preliminary estimates of asteroid triaxiality are made to calculate the effect of close orbits.

Bender, D. F.↗

Optimization of multiple flyby trajectories

A procedure has been developed which minimizes total delta-V (instantaneous velocity change) for a multiple flyby trajectory with constraints on flyby altitude and orientation. The solution is found by varying the locations of maneuver points between each flyby to minimize the delta-Vs at the maneuver points. Each trajectory segment connecting consecutive maneuver points is found by solving an N-body analog to Lambert's problem. Multiconic techniques are used for trajectory propagation and for computation of the state transition matrix. The constrained parameter optimization problem is converted to an unconstrained problem by means of penalty functions and then solved with a quasi-Newton algorithm utilizing analytic first derivatives. This procedure has been successfully applied to Galileo satellite tour trajectories.

Damario, L. A.↗

A multiple objective optimization approach to aircraft control systems design

The design of an aircraft lateral control system, subject to several performance criteria and constraints, is considered. While in the previous studies of the same model a single criterion optimization, with other performance requirements expressed as constraints, has been pursued, the current approach involves a multiple criteria optimization. In particular, a Pareto optimal solution is sought.

Tabak, D.↗

Large-volume multiple-path nuclear-pumped laser

Output of nuclear pumped laser is increased using mirrors, so multiple optical reflections enlarge lasing-mode volume. Design requires comparatively low thermal neutron flux, uses flux more efficiently. Flux for lasing approaches that available from steady-state reactor. Outputs over 100 watts have been reached.

Hohl, F.↗

A rocket-borne energy spectrometer using multiple solid-state detectors for particle identification

A rocket-borne experiment using energy spectrometers that allows particle identification by the use of multiple solid-state detectors is described. The instrumentation provides information regarding the energy spectrum, pitch-angle distribution, and the type of energetic particles present in the ionosphere. Particle identification was accomplished by considering detector loss mechanisms and their effects on various types of particles. Solid state detectors with gold and aluminum surfaces of several thicknesses were used. The ratios of measured energies for the various detectors were compared against known relationships during ground-based analysis. Pitch-angle information was obtained by using detectors with small geometrical factors mounted with several look angles. Particle flux was recorded as a function of rocket azimuth angle. By considering the rocket azimuth, the rocket precession, and the location of the detectors on the rocket, the pitched angle of the incident particles was derived.

Fries, K. L.↗

Flutter analysis of an airplane with multiple structural nonlinearities in the control system

Experience has shown that the flutter prediction process for airplanes can be greatly affected by strong concentrated nonlinearities which may be localized in the linking elements of the control mechanism, in the pivot joints of variable-sweep-wing systems, and in the connecting points between wing and pylon-mounted external stores. The principle of equivalent linearization offers an efficent possibility for solving the related nonlinear flutter equations in the frequency domain as a complement to the well-known time domain procedures. Taking as an example an airplane with nonlinear control characteristics, it is demonstrated how the equivalent linearization approach can be extended to rather complicated systems with multiple sets of strongly interacting, concentrated nonlinearities.

Breitbach, E. J.↗

Deflections of beam columns on multiple supports

Lateral deflections of beam columns on multiple equally spaced supports are calculated using the STAGS nonlinear structural analysis computer program. Three lateral loadings are considered, uniform, linear, and uniform over only the center bay. Two types of boundary conditions are considered at the end supports, clamped, and simple support. The effect of an initial sinusoidal imperfection are considered. Deflections in the center and end bays of the beam columns are presented as a function of applied axial compressive load. As the number of bays becomes large, the effect of boundary conditions on the deflections in the center bays diminishes. For cases involving a uniform or linearly varying load, imperfections can have a much larger effect on deflections in the center bays than can lateral pressure.

Stroud, W. J.↗

Annoyance due to multiple airplane noise exposure

A laboratory study was conducted to investigate the annoyance effects of multiple aircraft noise exposure in which 250 subjects judged the annoyance of half-hour periods of airplane noise simulative of typical indoor home exposures. The variables of the aircraft noise exposure were the peak noise level of flyovers, which was constant within each period, and the number of flyovers. Each subject judged 5 of the possible 25 factorial combinations of level and number. Other variables investigated included the experience of the test subjects in making annoyance judgments and their home exposure to airplane noise. The annoyance judgments increased with both noise level and number of flyovers. The increased annoyance produced by doubling the number of flyovers was found to be the equivalent of a 4 to 6 db increase in noise level. The sensitivity of the subjects to changes in both noise level and number of flyovers increased with laboratory experience. Although the means of the annoyance judgments made in the laboratory were found to decrease with the subjects' home exposure to aircraft noise, the subjects' sensitivities to changes in both level and number were unaffected by their home exposure.

Powell, C. A.↗

Report for simultaneous, multiple independently steered beam study for Airborne Electronically Steerable Phased Array (AESPA) program

Design concepts of an array for the formation of multiple, simultaneous, independently pointed beams for satellite communication links were investigated through tradeoffs of various approaches which were conceived as possible solutions to the problem. After the preferred approach was selected, a more detailed design was configured and is presented as a candidate system that should be given further consideration for development leading to a preliminary design. This array uses an attenuator and a phase shifter with every element. The aperture excitation necessary to form the four beams is calculated and then placed across the array using these devices. Pattern analysis was performed for two beam and four beam cases with numerous patterns being presented. Parameter evaluation shown includes pointing accuracy and beam shape, sidelobe characteristics, gain control, and beam normalization. It was demonstrated that a 4 bit phase shifter and a 6 bit, 30 dB attenuator were sufficient to achieve adequate pattern performances. The phase amplitude steered multibeam array offers the flexibility of 1 to 4 beams with an increase in gain of 6 dB if only one beam is selected.

Source record↗

Multiple band circularly polarized microstrip antenna

A multiple antenna assembly for communicating electromagnetic radiation is disclosed. An antenna element stack is constructed of a plurality of elliptical lamina antenna elements mutally separated by layers of dielectric material, and separated from a ground plane by dielectric material. The antenna assembly is coupled through a feed line in contact with the top antenna element. A conductor joins the remaining antenna elements to the ground plane. Each individual antenna element is operable for communication reception and transmission within a frequency band determined by the size of the particular antenna element. The sizes of the antenna elements may be selected to provide electromagnetic radiation communication over several distinct frequency bands, or to connect the individual bands into a broad band.

Yu, I. P.↗

On the multiplicity of solutions of the inverse problem for a vibrating beam

The paper considers a specific inverse problem for a vibrating beam with three nonsympathetic spectra. More specifically, the spectral data consist of the natural frequencies of vibration of the beam in the following three configurations: (1) clamped-clamped, (2) clamped-supported, and (3) clamped-free. The basic equations for an inhomogeneous discrete beam are derived, where this simple mechanical system provides valuable insight into the inverse problem. All the necessary ingredients for a consideration of the inverse problem are given. Attention is given to an analysis of the particular inverse problem for which the spectral data are associated with the natural frequencies of vibrations in the above configurations. It is shown that with such data, the inverse problem has a 2exp(N-1)-fold multiplicity of solutions.

Barcilon, V.↗

Multiple scattering of solar resonance radiation in the nearby interstellar medium. I

The paper presents approximate solutions obtained for a radiative transfer problem that represents a highly-idealized description of the multiple scattering of solar resonance radiation in the nearby interstellar medium. The problem of a point source in the center of a spherically symmetric cavity imbedded in an infinite uniform medium is solved for a range of cavity radii. First and second-order scattering contributions are calculated, and the Eddington approximation is used to estimate the higher order components of the radiation field. It is shown that for coherent scattering at very large cavity radii, the backscattered intensity from the cavity approaches three times the value deduced from the optically thin solution, in agreement with previous work. It is concluded that an accurate analysis of sky background will require including not only the frequency redistribution, but also the correct spatial distribution of density.

Keller, H. U.↗

Packet communications in satellites with multiple-beam antennas and signal processing

A communication satellite with a multiple-beam antenna and onboard signal processing is considered for use in a 'message-switched' data relay system. The signal processor may incorporate demodulation, routing, storage, and remodulation of the data. A system user model is established and key functional elements for the signal processing are identified. With the throughput and delay requirements as the controlled variables, the hardware complexity, operational discipline, occupied bandwidth, and overall user end-to-end cost are estimated for (1) random-access packet switching; and (2) reservation-access packet switching. Other aspects of this network (eg, the adaptability to channel switched traffic requirements) are examined. For the given requirements and constraints, the reservation system appears to be the most attractive protocol.

Davies, R.↗

An experimental 20/30 GHz communications satellite conceptual design employing multiple-beam paraboloid reflector antennas

An experimental 20/30 GHz communications satellite conceptual design is described which employs multiple-beam paraboloid reflector antennas coupled to a TDMA transponder. It is shown that the satellite employs solid state GaAs FET power amplifiers and low noise amplifiers while signal processing and switching takes place on-board the spacecraft. The proposed areas to be served by this satellite would be the continental U.S. plus Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, as well as southern Canada and Mexico City. Finally, attention is given to the earth stations which are designed to be low cost.

Goldman, A. M., Jr.↗

Investigation of numerical properties of Hovenier's exit function equation for multiple scattering of light

A technique of deriving Hovenier's exit function equation (1978) for multiple scattering, starting with a set of invariant imbedding equations, is presented. The feasibility of the exit function equation as a means to obtain reflection and transmission functions is investigated for isotropic, Rayleigh, and Henyey-Greenstein phase functions with emphasis on the numerical stability, accuracy and timing. It is possible to compute the reflection function rather accurately with an efficiency comparable to that of the standard doubling technique for the same phase functions with moderate anisotropy. The resulting transmission is slightly less accurate than the reflection function, but it may be acceptable for practical purposes.

Kawabata, K.↗

Form-drag instability, multiple equilibria and propagating planetary waves in baroclinic, orographically forced, planetary wave systems

A two-layer baroclinic model is used to study the planetary-scale motions of a thermally driven atmosphere in the presence of topography, and in doing so to extend previous results obtained with a barotropic model. Highly truncated spectral equations are used to obtain multiple wavelike stationary equilibrium states, to examine the instabilities that produce them, and to study the instabilities that feed on them and give rise to traveling planetary waves. Although the equilibria cannot exist without orography, their energy comes from the potential energy of the mean flow, not from kinetic energy transfer via the mountain torque. Low-index (blocking) equilibria as well as high-index equilibria require a large thermal driving and are associated with both orographic and baroclinic instability of the Hadley circulation. It is suggested that blocking in nature is a quasi-stable circulation arising from orographic instability with strong thermal driving; and that observed low-frequency, propagating planetary waves are due to instabilities of the quasi-stationary, topographically forced equilibria.

Charney, J. G.↗

A new method for optimizing multiple flyby trajectories

A new procedure has been developed which minimizes total impulsive Delta V for multiple flyby trajectories with constraints on flyby parameters and maneuver times. The method involves solving a bounds-constrained parameter optimization problem with a Newton algorithm utilizing analytic first and second derivatives. Each trajectory segment connecting consecutive maneuver points is found by first targeting from the preceding maneuver point to the parameters of the upcoming flyby and then propagating the resulting trajectory to the next maneuver point. Multi-conic techniques are used for trajectory propagation and for computation of the state transition matrix. This procedure has successfully optimized Galileo satellite tours containing up to 11 flybys.

Damario, L. A.↗