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At least 973 records · Page 54

Io's atmosphere and ionosphere - New limits on surface pressure from plasma models

The paper studies charge particle impact as a mechanism for the production of Io's ionosphere. Pioneer 10 thermal plasma measurements and magnetospheric plasma models which explain the observed spatial distribution of neutral hydrogen and sodium atoms in the vicinity of Jupiter's satellite Io imply electron fluxes of about 10 to the 10th/sq cm/s. The fluxes and the temperature (about 100 eV) of this plasma suggest that electron impact ionization is the dominant process in forming the ionosphere of Io. It is found that the surface number density of the neutral species required to match the observed electron density profiles is about 10 to the 9th/cu cm or less. This value is two orders of magnitude lower than previous estimates.

Johnson, T. V.↗

Hydrogen-fueled subsonic aircraft: A perspective

The performance characteristics of hydrogen-fueled subsonic transport aircraft are compared to those using conventional aviation kerosene. Additional aspects discussed include potential improvements in the exhaust emissions characteristics of aircraft jet engines, problems associated with onboard fuel containment, results of recent studies of the impact of hydrogen-fueled aircraft on the airport and associated ground support equipment, and estimates of the cost and thermal efficiency of producing synthetic aviation fuels from coal.

Witcofski, R. D.↗

Wave propagation in fiber composite laminates, part 2

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the wave propagation characteristics, transient strains and residual properties in unidirectional and angle-ply boron/epoxy and graphite/epoxy laminates impacted with silicone rubber projectiles at velocities up to 250 MS-1. The predominant wave is flexural, propagating at different velocities in different directions. In general, measured wave velocities were higher than theoretically predicted values. The amplitude of the in-plane wave is less than ten percent of that of the flexural wave. Peak strains and strain rates in the transverse to the (outer) fiber direction are much higher than those in the direction of the fibers. The dynamics of impact were also studied with high speed photography.

Daniel, I. M.↗

Propulsion cycle effects for a two-fan V/STOL aircraft

This paper discusses the results of an in-depth study investigating the impacts of variable pitch, geared turbofan cycle parameters on a two-fan, subsonic, V/STOL aircraft. Variations in fan pressure ratio, compressor pressure ratio and combustor exit temperature are presented as they affect critical mission legs, aircraft performance, engine thrust-to-weight ratio and as a total systems impact in terms of aircraft takeoff gross weight. Several parameters have counter acting components which, when combined, synergistically result in an optimum value for that parameter. Careful attention has been paid to the changes in aircraft installation penalties associated with each cycle parameter.

Feddersen, R. E.↗

The nature of the gravity anomalies associated with large young lunar craters

The negative Bouguer anomalies (i.e., mass deficiencies) associated with four young lunar craters are analyzed. Model calculations based on generalizations made from studies of terrestrial impact structures suggest that the major contribution to the Bouguer anomaly for these lunar craters is due to a lens of brecciated material confined within the present crater rim crest and extending vertically to at least a depth of one-third the crater rim diameter. Calculations also reveal a systematic variation in the magnitude of the mass deficiencies with the cube of the crater diameter.

Dvorak, J.↗

A review of thrust-vectoring schemes for fighter applications

This paper presents a review of thrust vectoring schemes for advanced fighter applications. Results are presented from wind tunnel and system integration studies on thrust vectoring nozzle concepts. Vectoring data are presented from wind tunnel tests of axisymmetric C-D (convergent-divergent) and nonaxisymmetric wedge, C-D, single ramp and USB (upper-surface blowing) nozzle concepts. Results from recent airframe/nozzle integration studies on the impact of thrust vectoring on weight, cooling and performance characteristics are discussed. This review indicates that the aircraft designer has, at his disposal, a wide range of thrust vectoring schemes which offer potential for added or improved aircraft capability.

Berrier, B. L.↗

Energies of formation for ejecta blankets of giant impacts

Ejection energy-diameter scaling relations for impact craters are studied by assuming the energy is equal to a constant times the diameter raised to a (different) constant power. These scaling relations are derived from least-squares fits to calculated ejection energies over a range of crater diameters and vary according to ejection angle, ejecta blanket distribution, planetary radius, and the depth-diameter ratio. Extremely broad changes in ejection angle and ejecta blanket distribution result in relatively small changes in the total energy. The way in which the exponent in the scaling relation is dependent on the planetary radius of curvature as well as on the exponent of the power-law depth-diameter scaling relation is described. Two ejection energy-diameter scaling relations, one for simple craters with depth-diameter ratios of approximately 0.2 and the other for large complex craters, are presented. The scaling relations explicitly include target density, surface gravity, and planetary radius.

Croft, S. K.↗

Internal corner flow fields

A computational procedure has been developed to predict the inviscid super/hypersonic flow field of conical internal corners. The prediction of internal corner flow fields can be important in the design of supersonic 'box' type inlets. The computational procedure utilizes a second order finite difference marching technique to asymptote to the conical corner flow solution of Euler's equations. These flow fields are dominated by complex shock interactions. All discontinuities, shocks and slip surfaces are fitted with the appropriate jump conditions. The 'triple' points (the interaction of two shocks and a slip surface) are also computed exactly. Computed results are compared with experimental data and the computational results of other investigators. In addition, the sensitivity of these flow fields to a number of geometric parameters is studied, and the impact of these flows on inlet performance is assessed.

Marconi, F.↗

An assessment of Landsat data acquisition history on identification and area estimation of corn and soybeans

During the past decade, numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of satellite remote sensing for providing accurate and timely crop area information. This study assessed the impact of Landsat data acquisition history on classification and area estimation accuracy of corn and soybeans. Multitemporally registered Landsat MSS data from four acquisitions during the 1978 growing season were used in classification of eight sample segments in the U.S. Corn Belt. The results illustrate the importance of selecting Landsat acquisitions based on spectral differences in crops at certain growth stages.

Hixson, M. M.↗

The effect of model resolution and satellite sounding data on GLAS model forecasts

The effect of horizontal model resolution on satellite data impact has been studied for two versions of the GLAS second-order general circulation model: the C-model with a 4-deg latitude by 5-deg longitude resolution and the F-model with a 2.5-deg latitude and 3-deg longitude resolution. It is found that the 48-72 h forecast skill of the GLAS model was significantly improved by the increased resolution. Initial state differences between the SAT and NOSAT cycles using the F-model were on the average smaller than the corresponding differences with the C-model. However, the F-model cycle differences exhibited a smaller scale structure and, in some cases, larger gradients.

Atlas, R.↗

Space radiation interaction mechanisms in materials

Models of charged-particle impact under conditions typical of the space environment are reported, with a focus on impact excitation and nuclear reactions, especially for heavy ions. Impact excitation is studied by using a global model for electronic excitation based on formal relations through the classical dielectric function to derive an approximation related to the local plasma (electron density distribution) within the atoms and molecules; and corrections to the model resulting from the nonfluid nature of this plasma are discussed. Nuclear reactions are studied by reducing quantum-mechanical treatment of this general N-body problem to an equivalent two-body problem that is solvable, and by comparing the results with experimental data. The equations for heavy-charged-particle transport are derived and solution techniques demonstrated. Finally, these methods of analysis are applied to study the change in the electrical properties of a GaAs semiconductor for photovoltaic applications; proton damage to GaAs crystals is found to arise from stable replacement defects and to be nonannealable, in contrast to electron-induced damage.

Wilson, J. W.↗

The GEMPAK Barnes interactive objective map analysis scheme

The analysis scheme and meteorological applications of the GEMPAK data analysis and display software system developed by NASA are described. The program was devised to permit objective, versatile, and practical analysis of satellite meteorological data using a minicomputer and a display system with graphics capability. A data area can be selected within the data file for the globe, and data-sparse regions can be avoided. Distances between observations and the nearest observation points are calculated in order to avoid errors when determining synoptic weather conditions. The Barnes (1973) successive correction method is employed to restore the amplitude of small yet resolvable wavelengths suppressed in an initial filtering pass. The rms deviation is then calculated in relation to available measured data. Examples are provided of treatment of VISSR data from the GOES satellite and a study of the impact of incorrect cloud height data on synoptic weather field analysis.

Koch, S. E.↗

Space Shuttle orbiter trimmed center-of-gravity extension study

Aerodynamic, heat transfer, and system design studies to determine removable modifications for the Space Shuttle orbiter that would extend its forward center-of-gravity triom capability are summarized. Wind-tunnel tests were conducted at Mach numbers ranging from 0.25 to 20.3 to determine the most effective aerodynamic modifications. Heat transfer and system design studies determined the impact of the modifications on the thermal protection system and structural weight of the vehicle. The most effective modifications were in-fillet canards or a forward extension of the existing forward wing fillet.

Scallion, W. I.↗

Seventh Annual Workshop on Meteorological and Environmental Inputs to Aviation Systems 26-28 October 1983, Tullahoma, Tennessee

A summary of reports and recommendations resulting from the Workshop on Meteorological and Environmental Inputs to Aviation Systems is presented. The Workshops have been held to characterize the interaction between aircraft and airport operators with the atmosphere, identify necessary meteorological enhancements, and establish criteria for meteorological data needed by the aviation community. The topics covered included winds and wind shear, turbulence, fog, visibility and ceiling, lightning and atmospheric electricity, icing, frost and snow, rain, ozone and acid rain. The recommendations issued included a denser meteorological network with more automated stations, the development of radar systems for icing forecasts and wind shear alerts, the accumulation of a greater data base on convective cells and lightning strikes, and further study of the impact of rain on aircraft performance.

Camp, D. W.↗

Atmospheric, climatic and environmental research

Research conducted during the past year in the climate and atmospheric modeling programs was focused on the development of appropriate atmospheric and upper ocean models, and preliminary applications of these models. Prinicpal models are a one-dimensional radiative-convection model, a three-dimensional global climate model, and an upper ocean model. Principal application is the study of the impact of CO2, aerosols and the solar constant on climate. Also the performance of the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project cloud detection algorithm was evaluated, concentrating initially on its application to geosynchronous data, with an eventual switch of the developed methodologies to data from polar orbiting satellites. In the process, a number of improvements were made, in particular: an improved technique for tracking small scale day to day variability in clear sky continental temperatures; a number of techniques for the statistical assessment of cloud detection uncertainties due to cloud types which are spatially and temporally invariant; and a method used to detect those cloudy regions which have long term spatial and temporal stability.

Broecker, W. S.↗

The ionization of atomic oxygen by electron impact

Single and double ionization of atomic oxygen by electron impact has been studied experimentally. The energy dependence of the specific ionization cross sections sigma(O+) and sigma(O2+) has been measured in the energy range 40-300 eV using a high-density atomic oxygen source not contaminated by metastable O(D-1) or O(S-1) atoms. The ratios of the measured cross sections to absolute values are given in a table.

Zipf, E. C.↗

Spacecraft mass spectrometer ion source employing field emission cathodes

An ion source that utilizes a pair of thin-film field emission cathodes to provide current for electric impact ionization is studied. The field emission cathodes are composed of microscopically small needle tips and an extraction electrode; the cathodes generate a 200-eV, 0.1-mA electron beam. The multistep process for the manufacturing of the field emission cathodes is examined. The operation of the ion source, which ionizes atoms and molecules that enter the mass spectrometer with a ram velocity of about 80 km/sec, is described.

Curtis, C. C.↗

Small engine technology payoffs for future commuter aircraft

High payoff technologies for a year 2000 regenerative cycle turboprop engine were identified for a 19 passenger commuter aircraft application. A series of engines incorporating eight levels of advanced technologies were studied and their impact on aircraft performance was evaluated. Four advanced technologies are recommended to achieve a potential reduction in fuel burn of 38.3 percent. At $1.00 per gallon fuel price, a potential direct operating cost (DOC) benefit of 12.5 percent is obtained. At $2.00 per gallon, the potential DOC benefit increases to 17.0 percent.

Kaehler, H.↗