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At least 955 records · Page 53

Vibration analysis of rotor blades with an attached concentrated mass

The effect of an attached concentrated mass on the dynamics of helicopter rotor blades is determined. The point transmission matrix method was used to define, through three completely automated computer programs, the natural vibrational characteristics (natural frequencies and mode shapes) of rotor blades. The problems of coupled flapwise bending, chordwise bending, and torsional vibration of a twisted nonuniform blade and its special subcase pure torsional vibration are discussed. The orthogonality relations that exist between the natural modes of rotor blades with an attached concentrated mass are derived. The effect of pitch, rotation, and point mass parameters on the collective, cyclic, scissor, and pure torsional modes of a seesaw rotor blade is determined.

Murthy, V. R.↗

The speeds of coronal mass ejection events

Results are presented for a systematic study of ejection speeds for the mass-ejection events observed with the white-light coronagraph aboard Skylab. At least 66 such events (most of them not associated with flares) were observed during the Skylab mission. Direct measurements of the displacements of the leading edges of the observed disturbances yield ejection speeds ranging from less than 100 to greater than 1200 km/s, with the average being close to 470 (+ or - 50) km/s; seventy percent of the events are found to have speeds exceeding the escape velocity at 6 solar radii. It is shown that the speeds are loosely correlated with the type of H-alpha activity associated with the mass ejections and that events associated with flares usually have speeds greater than those of events associated with eruptive prominences. Despite their poor quality, statistics indicate that the fastest mass-ejection events tend to produce type II-IV burst pairs, while single type II or type IV bursts tend to be associated with events of intermediate speed.

Gosling, J. T.↗

Mass flow in close binary systems

The manner of mass flow in close binary systems is examined with a special view to the role of the so-called critical Roche (or Jacobian) lobe, taking into consideration relevant physical conditions such as radiation pressure that may affect the restricted three-body problem treatment. The mass does not necessarily flow from component one to component two through the L1 point to form a gaseous ring surrounding the latter. These considerations are applied to X-ray binaries with early-type optical components, such as Cyg X-1 (HDE 226868) and 3U 1700 - 37 (HD 153919). In the two bright close binary systems Beta Lyr and UW CMa, which are believed to be undergoing dynamic mass transfer, recent Copernicus observations show that the gas giving rise to the prominent ultraviolet emission lines surrounds the entire binary system rather than merely component two. Implications of these observations are also discussed.

Kondo, Y.↗

Mass-driver reaction engine as Shuttle upper-stage

Optimization has been carried out on the design of a mass-driver intended for upgrading the Shuttle to geosynchronous and lunar-orbit capability. The machine accelerates 2,100 tons/yr of external tankage, in 14-gram segments, to exhaust velocities of 8,000-10,000 m/s. The resulting reaction force raises 1,700 tons/yr. of Shuttle payloads to high orbit, in two round trips. Exhaust velocity and thrust can be optimized for each mission segment. For a mission requiring an exhaust velocity of 8,000 m/sec, thrust is 560 newtons, power is 2.9 megawatts, and efficiency is 75%. Total electrical component mass including power supplies and waste-heat radiators is 89 tons. To insure that reaction mass does not constitute a hazard, segments may be in the form of powder, electrostatically dispersed after acceleration, and/or thrust may be vectored.

Oneill, G. K.↗

A global thermospheric model based on mass spectrometer and incoherent scatter data MSIS. II - Composition

Measurements of O, He, and Ar from neutral gas mass spectrometers on four satellites (Ogo 6, San Marco 3, Aeros A, and AEC-C) and inferred oxygen and hydrogen densities from an ion mass spectrometer on AE-C have been combined with a neutral temperature and nitrogen density model to produce a global model of thermospheric composition in terms of inferred variations at 120 km. The data set covers the time period from mid-1969 to mid-1975. The MSIS (mass spectrometer and incoherent scatter data) model is compared with the Ogo 6 model (Hedin et al., 1974). Ar variations at 120 km tend to be in phase with temperature variations and inverse to the He, O, and H variations.

Hedin, A. E.↗

Mass loss, long-period variables, and the formation of circumnebular shells

We have found that the rate of mass loss M increases with an increase in the period of pulsation for Mira-type variables. This result suggests that the rate of mass loss is accelerated with time until a maximum value is reached before the ejection of the outer envelope. The matter from the continuous mass loss during the evolution of the star produces supersonic shock waves that sweep up the interstellar gas upon encountering the interstellar medium, so that a shell is formed. This phenomenon may account for the observations of extended regions of emission that surround planetary nebulae.

Kafatos, M.↗

X-ray bursts - The maximum mass of a neutron star

A review of the great variety of observed properties of X-ray burst sources is presented, including the MXB 1730-355, called the rapid burster. Hypotheses regarding the sources of bursts are discussed, and two models for the rapid burster are described. The first postulates that they are caused by a collapsed object with a mass of approximately 10 solar masses surrounded by a disk of gas spiralling inward. The second posits a neutron star with a strong magnetic field. Theoretical questions regarding the mass of neutron stars are discussed, and prerequisites for such research are identified. Various research projects investigating these questions are described.

Morrison, N. D.↗

Mass spectrometer calibration standard

Inert perfluorinated alkane and alkyl ethers mixture is used to calibrate mass spectrometer. Noncontaminating, commercially-available liquid provides series of reproducible reference peaks over broad mass spectrum that ranges over mass numbers from 1 to 200.

Ross, D. S.↗

A small gas inlet system for orbital mass-spectrometer calibrations

A gas inlet system is described for generating precise gas pressures that are to be used as calibration references for the mass spectrometers aboard the dual air density Explorer satellites. This gas inlet system was developed as an inflight calibration technique in which a known amount of onboard gas is released in the satellite cavity and is detected by the mass spectrometer. Although several flight mass spectrometer experiments have been proposed, none make use of the inflight calibration technique described in this report. Laboratory measurements and calibration of the metering leak technique for the gas inlet systems are discussed. The systems tested have metering leak rates between 2 and 4 microliters/sec at 298 K for argon-40, and they produce molecular flow up to 100 torr, which is the highest test pressure in this experiment. Test data show that metering leak rates are reproducible within 1 percent of established means for helium-3, helium-4, and argon-40.

Smith, A.↗

A feasibility study of ion implantation techniques for mass spectrometer calibration

An experimental study was undertaken to examine the feasibility of using ion-implanted filaments doped with either an alkali metal or noble gas for in situ recalibration of onboard mass spectrometers during extended space missions. Implants of rubidium and krypton in rhenium ribbon filaments were subsequently tested in a bakeable 60 deg sector mass spectrometer operating in the static mode. Surface ionization and electron impact ion sources were both used, each yielding satisfactory results. The metallic implant with subsequent ionization provided a means of mass scale calibration and determination of system operating parameters, whereas the noble gas thermally desorbed into the system was more suited for partial pressure and sensitivity determinations.

Koslin, M. E.↗

Calculation of 3-dimensional choking mass flow in turbomachinery with 2-dimensional flow models

An approach is considered for obtaining an approximate flow solution in the case of a cross-sectional flow surface within a guided channel, taking into account a pair of typical turbine blades with three-dimensional orthogonal surfaces across the flow passage, the calculation of the mass flow across the throat in the case of a 2-D passage with curved walls, and the determination of the choking mass flow. It is pointed out that the choking solution for a three-dimensional guided passage in a blade row can be obtained in a very similar manner by satisfying momentum equations for the blade-to-blade and the hub-to-tip direction. A considered example involves the calculation of the choking mass flow for a centrifugal compressor impeller in an automotive application.

Katsanis, T.↗

Mass and energy flow in the solar chromosphere and corona

The work reviews some investigations into the mass and energy flow in the solar chromosphere and corona; the objective of these investigations is the development of a physical model that will not only account for the physical conditions in the outer atmosphere of the sun, but can also be applied to the study of the outer atmospheres of other stars. Particular attention is given to mass and energy flow in regions with weak and strong magnetic fields, to observational evidence for wave heating and systematic mass flows, and to heating mechanisms. Consideration is given throughout to mechanisms of energy input and energy loss.

Withbroe, G. L.↗

Measurement of flow angle and mass flow rate in an unknown flow field using hot film and hot wire probes

A data reduction technique applicable to constant temperature hot film and hot wire probes is presented which is used to determine flow angle and mass flow rate in an unknown flow field over a wide range of flow conditions at supersonic and hypersonic velocities. The technique virtually eliminates the effect of Reynolds number on a probe's flow angle sensitivity. Methods for extrapolating a limited amount of mass flow rate calibration data to include the range of mass flow rate encountered in an experiment are also given. This technique has been applied to data obtained using a hot film probe during surveys in the leeside flow field of a space shuttle orbiter configuration.

Helms, V. T., III↗

Travelling neutral disturbances and minor constituent particle mass

The mass cut-offs for critical or resonant coupling of minor species acoustic waves (so-called travelling neutral disturbances) and acoustic-gravity waves in the main atmosphere are shown and explained. The effects of vertical temperature gradients and the diffusion of the minor species on the mass cut-offs are also demonstrated. The wave characteristics of these minor species waves are examined. The wave number surface is shown to be such that energy and group velocity directions are more nearly vertical than those of gravity waves for the same phase velocity direction. It is expected that these coupled waves, when properly excited, will act to damp gravity waves and redistribute energy vertically. Implications for the thermosphere and mesosphere are discussed. Under ordinary conditions such resonant coupling is judged more likely for lighter mass species, such as helium and hydrogen.

Gross, S. H.↗

A mass spectrometer-beam experiment for investigations of planetary atmospheres

An experimental concept for investigation of planetary atmospheres using a mass spectrometer is discussed. High atmospheric pressures are reduced to mass spectrometer operating pressures by means of differential pumping. Sampling is accomplished through the formation of a molecular beam. A flag in front of the mass spectrometer can be used to separate ambient gases from system background. Laboratory tests have confirmed the feasibility of the experiment, particularly in CO2 dominated atmospheres.

Mauersberger, K.↗

Motions and mass changes of a persistent coronal streamer

The Skylab white light coronagraph observed a coronal streamer during five successive limb passages between June 1 and August 6, 1973. Measurements of the streamer's latitude, brightness and polarization during three east-limb passages show that: (1) the streamer's axis migrated southward from 25 deg N at first east-limb passage to 11 deg N at second east-limb passage to 8 deg N at third east-limb passage, (2) the streamer's mass and mass gradient with height varied by 20-50% from one east-limb passage to the next, (3) the streamer's longitudinal extent was observed to be less on successive east-limb passages, and (4) mass changes (distinct from coronal transients) occurring over hours were detected during at least two limb passages. The streamer was found to be associated with a complex of solar activity consisting of active regions and filaments.

Poland, A. I.↗

Gravitational and recoil contributions to surface mass fractionation by solar-wind sputtering

The sputtering of the lunar surface by the solar wind is examined as a possible mechanism of mass fractionation. Two distinct contributions to this mechanism are considered: (1) the tendency for a greater fraction of the heavier sputtered atoms to fall back to the surface under lunar gravity; and (2) mass-dependent kinetic effects that arise in the sputtering process itself. Calculations predict that delta (O-18) is approximately 5.6% while delta (Si-30) is about 3.6% and that oxygen is depleted in the outer regions of grains relative to the bulk composition. The results are in reasonable agreement with experiment, and one must conclude that mass fractionation by solar wind is an important phenomenon on the lunar surface.

Haff, P. K.↗

Prompt solar proton events and coronal mass ejections

Data from the HAO white-light coronagraph and the X-ray telescope on Skylab have been used to investigate the coronal manifestations of 18 prompt solar proton events observed on the IMP 7 spacecraft during the Skylab period. Evidence is found that a mass-ejection event is a necessary condition for the occurrence of a prompt proton event. Mass-ejection events can be observed directly in the white-light coronagraph when they occur near the limb and inferred from the presence of a long-decay X-ray event when they occur on the disk. It is suggested that: (1) the occurrence of mass-ejection events facilitates the escape of protons - whether accelerated at low or high altitudes - to the interplanetary medium; and (2) there may exist a proton acceleration region above or around the outward moving ejecta far above the flare site.

Kahler, S. W.↗