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At least 973 records · Page 54

Compressive strain in Lunae Planum-shortening across wrinkle ridges

Wrinkle ridges have long been considered to be structural or structurally controlled features. Most, but not all, recent studies have converged on a model in which wrinkle ridges are structural features formed under compressive stress; the deformation being accommodated by faulting and folding. Given that wrinkle ridges are compressive tectonic features, an analysis of the associated shortening and strain provides important quantitative information about local and regional deformation. Lunae Planum is dominated by north-south trending ridges extending from Kasei Valles in the north to Valles Marineris in the south. To quantify the morphometric character, a photoclinometric study was undertaken for ridges on Lunae Planum using the Davis and Soderblom. More than 25 ridges were examined between long. 57 and 80 deg, lat. 5 to 25 deg N. For each ridge, several profiles were obtained along its length. Ridge width, total relief, and elevation offset were measured for each ridge. Analyses are given.

Plescia, J. B.↗

Evolution user requirements for the restructured space station

Space Station Freedom (SSF) is designed to be an Earth orbiting multidisciplinary R&D facility capable of evolving to accommodate a variety of potential uses. In order to identify SSF evolution requirement and define potential growth configurations, NASA-Langley is analyzing user resource requirements for the post-PMC time frame. The analysis goal is to define resource levels, including crew, power, and volume, which allow full utilization of SSF capabilities commensurate with minimum essential user requirements. Multiple scenarios were studied including core R&D and combined SEI plus R&D utilization. An analysis is presented of a core R&D utilization scenario. Included are discussions of resource allocation assumptions for specific R&D disciplines, user requirements trends, and growth resource projections. These preliminary results show total resource requirements of 13 crew, 150 kW power, and additional lab volume equivalent to a second U.S. lab module. Additionally, orthogonal growth structure was identified as required to support SSF systems and users.

Leath, K.↗

Satellite Observations of Extremes in Precipitation

The 22 year, monthly, globally complete precipitation analysis of the World Climate Research Program's (WCRP/GEWEX) Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP), the four year (1997-present) daily GPCP analysis and 3-hr semi-global analyses using Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) data are used to study global and regional variations and trends during the 22 years and the shorter-time scale events that constitute those variations. The GPCP monthly data set shows no significant trend in global precipitation over the twenty years, unlike the positive trend in global surface temperatures over the past century. In terms of regional trends 1979 to 2000 the tropics have a distribution of regional rainfall trends that has an ENSO-like pattern with features of both the El Nino and La Nina. This feature is related to a possible trend in the frequency of ENSO events (either El Nino or La Nina) over the past 20 years. Monthly anomalies of precipitation are related to ENSO variations with clear signals extending into middle and high latitudes of both hemispheres. The El Nino and La Nina mean anomalies are near mirror images of each other and when combined produce an ENSO signal with significant spatial continuity over large distances. A number of the features are shown to extend into high latitudes Positive anomalies extend in the Southern Hemisphere (S.H.) from the Pacific southeastward across Chile and Argentina into the south Atlantic Ocean. In the Northern Hemisphere (N.H.) the counterpart feature extends across the southern U.S. and Atlantic Ocean into Europe. In the Southern Hemisphere an anomaly feature is shown to spiral into the Antarctica land mass. The extremes of ENSO-related anomalies are also examined and indicate that globally, during both El Nino and La Nina, more extremes of precipitation (both wet and dry) occur than during the "neutral" regime, with the El Nino regime showing larger magnitudes. The distribution is different for the globe as a whole and when the area is restricted to just land.

Adler, Robert F.↗

Satellite Observation of Extremes in Precipitation

The 22 year, monthly, globally complete precipitation analysis of the World Climate Research Program's (WCRP/GEWEX) Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP), the four year (1997-present) daily GPCP analysis and 3-hr semi-global analyses using Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) data are used to study global and regional variations and trends during the 22 years and the shorter-time scale events that constitute those variations. The GPCP monthly data set shows no significant trend in global precipitation over the twenty years, unlike the positive trend in global surface temperatures over the past century. In terms of regional trends 1979 to 2000 the tropics have a distribution of regional rainfall trends that has an ENSO-like pattern with features of both the El Nino and La Nina. This feature is related to a possible trend in the frequency of ENSO events (either El Nino or La Nina) over the past 20 years. Monthly anomalies of precipitation are related to ENSO variations with clear signals extending into middle and high latitudes of both hemispheres. The El Nino and La Nina mean anomalies are near mirror images of each other and when combined produce an ENSO signal with significant spatial continuity over large distances. A number of the features are shown to extend into high latitudes. Positive anomalies extend in the Southern Hemisphere (S.H.) from the Pacific southeastward across Chile and Argentina into the south Atlantic Ocean. In the Northern Hemisphere (N.H.) the counterpart feature extends across the southern U.S. and Atlantic Ocean into Europe. In the Southern Hemisphere an anomaly feature is shown to spiral into the Antarctica land mass. The extremes of ENSO-related anomalies are also examined and indicate that globally, during both El Nino and La Nina, more extremes of precipitation ( both wet and dry) occur than during the "neutral" regime, with the El Nino regime showing larger magnitudes. The distribution is different for the globe as a whole and when the area is restricted to just land. The data sets are also explored to monitor extremes in precipitation related to localized and regional flooding and the occurrence of droughts.

Adler, Robert F.↗

Perspectives on African Ozone from Sondes, Dobson and Aircraft Measurements

We have been studying variability in ozone over Africa using data from ozonesondes (vertical profiles from surface to stratosphere), aircraft (the MOZAIC dataset with cruise altitude and landing/takeoff profiles) and the ground (Dobson spectrophotometer total ozone column measurement). The following may give context for ozone investigations during AMMA: 1. Total ozone measurements since 1989 show considerable variability in mean value among the African stations in Algeria, Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, as well as in seasonal cycles and year-to-year. Trends are not evident. 2. The impacts of convection, stratospheric injection, biomass burning and lightning appear in ozone sounding profile data. Time-series analysis and case studies point to periodic influences of long-range interactions with the Atlantic ("ozone paradox," wave-one") and Indian Oceans. 3. Tropospheric ozone variations, observed in tropospheric profiles and integrated column amount, follow general seasonal patterns but short- term variability is so strong that simple averages are inadequate for describing "climatology" and statistical classification approaches may be required.

Thompson, A. M.↗

The Jetting Phenomena in Meshed Spur Gears

Rotorcraft gearbox transmissions are required to efficiently transfer power from the turbine engine to the main and tail rotor blades. Losses in transmission efficiency impact mission payload and aircraft range. These systems are expected to deliver high power with high gear pitch line velocities. More recently, shrouding has been employed to reduce windage power losses associated with the high gear rotational speeds. However, recent experimental results from tests conducted by the authors show the negative impact of close clearance shrouds on windage power loss, particularly at the meshed region where flow is ejected, or jetted, from the collapsing tooth spaces. A literature review was conducted to gain further insight into the phenomenon of gear mesh jetting and strategies to mitigate and control the associated losses. An analysis was conducted on windage losses in the mesh region. Test results are given for a modified shroud configuration. Finally, a discussion on observed trends follows with suggestions on future research.

windage↗

The Jetting Phenomena in Meshed Spur Gears

Rotorcraft gearbox transmissions are required to efficiently transfer power from the turbine engine to the main and tail rotor blades. Losses in transmission efficiency impact mission payload and aircraft range. These systems are expected to deliver high power with high gear pitch line velocities. More recently, shrouding has been employed to reduce windage power losses associated with the high gear rotational speeds. However, recent experimental results from tests conducted by the authors show the negative impact of close clearance shrouds on windage power loss, particularly at the meshed region where flow is ejected, or jetted, from the collapsing tooth spaces. A literature review was conducted to gain further insight into the phenomenon of gear mesh jetting and strategies to mitigate and control the associated losses. An analysis was conducted on windage losses in the mesh region. Test results are given for a modified shroud configuration. Finally, a discussion on observed trends follows with suggestions on future research.

Gear↗

Historical Context of a Recent Warming Event over Wilkes Land, Antarctica from Numerical Analyses

Recent melt events over polar ice sheets are of interest for identifying regions of vulnerability in a warming climate. On 11-March 2022 a ridging pattern formed in the jet stream near Enderby Land, Antarctica and progressed eastward. The ridge deepened markedly into a classic omega-shaped blocking pattern (Fig. 1), extending into the plateau by 14-March. The blocking pattern is remarkable for the circulation strength – which forced warm air and moisture into the high interior of the continent, its poleward extent, and its persistence. Here, we use GMAO FP, MERRA-2 analyses, conventional observations, and AIRS/Aqua L3 data to characterize the event. We wish to examine, (1) How unusual was the event relative to available analysis records, (2) What were the effects of the event on surface mass balance (SMB)? and (3) Is there a relation to general circulation trends that led to this event?

Richard Cullather↗

Comparison of Corcos-based and experimentally-derived coherence factors for BFFs estimation

In this paper, high-spatial-resolution unsteady Pressure Sensitive Paint (uPSP) data are utilized to compare two methods for panel Buffet Forcing Functions (BFF) estimation for the Space Launch System (SLS). Such methods are based on discrete pressure measurements within a panel but employ coherence factors to account for partially-correlated fluctuating pressures across the whole panel. In one method, coherence factors are derived based on the Corcos model, whereas the second method utilizes experimentally-derived coherence factors. To simulate discrete measurements using uPSP data, suitable subsets of the data are extracted. When full uPSP resolution is retained, uPSP data provide a benchmark to assess discrete-measurements-based methods. The analysis focuses on the peak SLS buffet environment located downstream of the Forward Attachment Hardware (FAH) between the core stage and solid rocket boosters. Trends of Corcos-based and experimentally-derived coherence factors are in reasonable agreement with the benchmark. However, at certain frequencies, experimentally-derived coherence factors are sensitive to the separation distance between pressure measurements utilized to compute coherence lengths. Such sensitivity originates from deviation of the experimental-based coherence function from an exponential decay assumption. On the other hand, the present implementation of the Corcos model fails to capture certain non-turbulent boundary layer related environments, such as a subharmonic of FAH vortex-shedding. For all methods presented in this paper, at near transonic conditions, increased pressure coherence and spatial nonuniformity lead to BFF overestimation and sensitivity to the pressure measurement location within the panel.

transonic buffet↗

Comparison of Corcos-Based and Experimentally-Derived Coherence Factors for Buffet Forcing Functions Estimation

In this paper, high-spatial-resolution unsteady Pressure Sensitive Paint (uPSP) data are utilized to compare two methods for panel Buffet Forcing Functions (BFF) estimation for the Space Launch System (SLS). Such methods are based on discrete pressure measurements within a panel but employ coherence factors to account for partially-correlated fluctuating pressures across the whole panel. In one method, coherence factors are derived based on the Corcos model, whereas the second method utilizes experimentally-derived coherence factors. To simulate discrete measurements using uPSP data, suitable subsets of the data are extracted. When full uPSP resolution is retained, uPSP data provide a benchmark to assess discrete-measurements-based methods. The analysis focuses on the peak SLS buffet environment located downstream of the Forward Attachment Hardware (FAH) between the core stage and solid rocket boosters. Trends of Corcos-based and experimentally-derived coherence factors are in reasonable agreement with the benchmark. However, at certain frequencies, experimentally-derived coherence factors are sensitive to the separation distance between pressure measurements utilized to compute coherence lengths. Such sensitivity originates from deviation of the experimental-based coherence function from an exponential decay assumption. On the other hand, the present implementation of the Corcos model fails to capture certain nonturbulent boundary layer related environments, such as a subharmonic of FAH vortex-shedding. For all methods presented in this paper, at near transonic conditions, increased pressure coherence and spatial nonuniformity lead to BFF overestimation and sensitivity to the pressure measurement location within the panel.

buffet↗

Comparison of Corcos-Based and Experimentally-Derived Coherence Factors for Buffet Forcing Function Estimation

In this paper, high-spatial-resolution unsteady Pressure Sensitive Paint (uPSP) data are utilized to compare two methods for panel Buffet Forcing Function (BFF) estimation for the Space Launch System (SLS). Such methods are based on discrete pressure measurements within a panel but employ coherence factors to account for partially-correlated fluctuating pressures across the whole panel. In one method, coherence factors are derived based on the Corcos model, whereas the second method utilizes experimentally-derived coherence factors. To simulate discrete measurements using uPSP data, suitable subsets of the data are extracted. When full uPSP resolution is retained, uPSP data provide a benchmark to assess discrete-measurement-based methods. The analysis focuses on the peak SLS buffet environment located downstream of the Forward Attachment Hardware (FAH) between the core stage and solid rocket boosters. Trends of Corcos-based and experimentally-derived coherence factors are in reasonable agreement with the benchmark. However, at certain frequencies, experimentally-derived coherence factors are sensitive to the separation distance between pressure measurements utilized to compute coherence lengths. Such sensitivity originates from deviation of the experimentally-based coherence function from an exponential decay assumption. On the other hand, the present implementation of the Corcos model fails to capture certain nonturbulent boundary layer related environments, such as a subharmonic of FAH vortex-shedding. For all methods presented in this paper, at near transonic conditions, increased pressure coherence and spatial nonuniformity lead to BFF overestimation and sensitivity to the pressure measurement location within the panel.

transonic buffet↗

Composition Reanalyses at NASA’s Global Modeling and Assimilation Office

Scientific Assessments of Ozone Depletion 2018 and 2022 report the recovery of Antarctic ozone, consistent with diminishing concentrations of halogens in the stratosphere. Both the size and the depth of the springtime ozone holes exhibit downward trends, particularly in September. Superimposed on the recovery trend are significant year-to-year fluctuations arising from dynamical variability potentially influenced by climate forcing and volcanic eruptions. Since 2018 the Antarctic stratosphere has experienced a wild parade of austral spring seasons with a sudden stratospheric warming and exceptionally high ozone in 2019 followed by large and long-lasting ozone holes in the following years, prompting questions about the speed and detectability of Antarctic ozone recovery and its potential connections to human-induced climate change. From the Australian New Years’ wildfires of 2020 to volcanic aerosols to the unprecedented injection of water vapor by the Hunga volcanic eruption, recent scientific literature on the subject investigates many factors that may or may not have contributed to this remarkable interannual variability. This presentation summarizes dynamical influences on springtime Antarctic stratospheric ozone in recent years and discusses these results in the context of long-term trends. In particular, this work seeks to isolate dynamical and chemical contributions to the Antarctic springs since 2019 using a consistent methodological framework. Our analysis uses constituent and meteorological fields from the MERRA-2 Stratospheric Composition Reanalysis of Aura MLS (M2-SCREAM) in combination with data from the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment – Fourier Transform Spectrometer and from ozone sondes. Using the high spatial and temporal resolution of M2-SCREAM, we analyze the daily evolution of southern polar ozone, HCl, N2O, and water vapor in dynamical flow-following coordinates relative to the location, size, and shape of the polar vortex. For vertically integrated stratospheric ozone we emphasize the importance of the wave-influenced geometry of the polar vortex and its vertical alignment. The ultimate purpose of this project is to contribute to the quantification of the speed of the Antarctic ozone recovery and associated uncertainties.

Krzysztof Wargan↗

Thermal Management Key Performance Parameter Development and System Analysis for the SUSAN Electrofan Aircraft

A set of key performance parameters (KPPs) for thermal management system (TMS) components was developed for use in system sizing and analysis. These KPPs were defined at three different levels of performance corresponding to different ranges of Technology Readiness Levels. KPP values were determined based on a large dataset that includes analysis and testing data from literature, NASA-funded research, and commercial product datasheets. These KPPs were then used to perform a TMS sizing and analysis of the SUbsonic Single Aft eNgine (SUSAN) aircraft. Total TMS mass, power consumption, and drag is quantified at each KPP level, showing decreasing trends as the level of technology improves.

thermal management↗

Analysis of Eye-Tracking Data with Regards to the Complexity of Flight Deck Information Automation and Management - Inattentional Blindness, System State Awareness, and EFB Usage

In the constant drive to further the safety and efficiency of air travel, the complexity of avionics-related systems, and the procedures for interacting with these systems, appear to be on an ever-increasing trend. While this growing complexity often yields productive results with respect to system capabilities and flight efficiency, it can place a larger burden on pilots to manage increasing amounts of information and to understand intricate system designs. Evidence supporting this observation is becoming widespread, yet has been largely anecdotal or the result of subjective analysis. One way to gain more insight into this issue is through experimentation using more objective measures or indicators. This study utilizes and analyzes eye-tracking data obtained during a high-fidelity flight simulation study wherein many of the complexities of current flight decks, as well as those planned for the next generation air transportation system (NextGen), were emulated. The following paper presents the findings of this study with a focus on electronic flight bag (EFB) usage, system state awareness (SSA) and events involving suspected inattentional blindness (IB).

Dill, Evan T.↗

Enabling More than Moore: Accelerated Reliability Testing and Risk Analysis for Advanced Electronics Packaging

For five decades, the semiconductor industry has distinguished itself by the rapid pace of improvement in miniaturization of electronics products-Moore's Law. Now, scaling hits a brick wall, a paradigm shift. The industry roadmaps recognized the scaling limitation and project that packaging technologies will meet further miniaturization needs or ak.a "More than Moore". This paper presents packaging technology trends and accelerated reliability testing methods currently being practiced. Then, it presents industry status on key advanced electronic packages, factors affecting accelerated solder joint reliability of area array packages, and IPC/JEDEC/Mil specifications for characterizations of assemblies under accelerated thermal and mechanical loading. Finally, it presents an examples demonstrating how Accelerated Testing and Analysis have been effectively employed in the development of complex spacecraft thereby reducing risk. Quantitative assessments necessarily involve the mathematics of probability and statistics. In addition, accelerated tests need to be designed which consider the desired risk posture and schedule for particular project. Such assessments relieve risks without imposing additional costs. and constraints that are not value added for a particular mission. Furthermore, in the course of development of complex systems, variances and defects will inevitably present themselves and require a decision concerning their disposition, necessitating quantitative assessments. In summary, this paper presents a comprehensive view point, from technology to systems, including the benefits and impact of accelerated testing in offsetting risk.

Ghaffarian, Reza↗

Liquid chromatographic analysis of a formulated ester from a gas-turbine engine test

Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) utilizing mu-Bondagel and mu-Styragel columns with a tetrahydrofuran mobile phase was used to determine the chemical degradation of lubricant samples from a gas-turbine engine test. A MIL-L-27502 candidate, ester-based lubricant was run in a J57-29 engine at a bulk oil temperature of 216 C. In general, the analyses indicated a progressive loss of primary ester, additive depletion, and formation of higher molecular weight material. An oil sample taken at the conclusion of the test showed a reversal of this trend because of large additions of new oil. The high-molecular-weight product from the degraded ester absorbed strongly in the ultraviolet region at 254 nanometers. This would indicate the presence of chromophoric groups. An analysis of a similar ester lubricant from a separate high-temperature bearing test yielded qualitatively similar results.

Jones, W. R., Jr.↗

Seat Capacity Selection for an Advanced Short-Haul Aircraft Design

A study was performed to determine the target seat capacity for a proposed advanced short-haul aircraft concept projected to enter the fleet by 2030. This analysis projected the potential demand in the U.S. for a short-haul aircraft using a transportation theory approach, rather than selecting a target seat capacity based on recent industry trends or current market demand. A transportation systems model was used to create a point-to-point network of short-haul trips and then predict the number of annual origin-destination trips on this network. Aircraft of varying seat capacities were used to meet the demand on this network, assuming a single aircraft type for the entire short-haul fleet. For each aircraft size, the ticket revenue and operational costs were used to calculate a total market profitability metric for all feasible flights. The different aircraft sizes were compared, based on this market profitability metric and also the total number of annual round trips and markets served. Sensitivity studies were also performed to determine the effect of changing the aircraft cruise speed and maximum trip length. Using this analysis, the advanced short-haul aircraft design team was able to select a target seat capacity for their design.

Marien, Ty V.↗

Nosetip Bluntness Effects on Transition at Hypersonic Speeds: Experimental and Numerical Analysis Under NATO STO AVT-240

The existing database of transition measurements in hypersonic ground facilities has established that the onset of boundary layer transition over a circular cone at zero angle of attack shifts downstream as the nosetip bluntness is increased with respect to a sharp cone. However, this trend is reversed at sufficiently large values of the nosetip Reynolds number, so that the transition onset location eventually moves upstream with a further increase in nosetip bluntness. This transition reversal phenomenon, which cannot be explained on the basis of linear stability theory, was the focus of a collaborative investigation under the NATO STO group AVT-240 on Hypersonic Boundary-Layer Transition Prediction. The current paper provides an overview of that effort, which included wind tunnel measurements in three different facilities and theoretical analysis related to modal and nonmodal amplification of boundary layer disturbances. Because neither first and second-mode waves nor entropy-layer instabilities are found to be substantially amplified to initiate transition at large bluntness values, transient (i.e., nonmodal) disturbance growth has been investigated as the potential basis for a physics-based model for the transition reversal phenomenon. Results of the transient growth analysis indicate that disturbances that are initiated within the nosetip or in the vicinity of the juncture between the nosetip and the frustum can undergo relatively significant nonmodal amplification and that the maximum energy gain increases nonlinearly with the nose radius of the cone. This finding does not provide a definitive link between transient growth and the onset of transition, but it is qualitatively consistent with the experimental observations that frustum transition during the reversal regime was highly sensitive to wall roughness, and furthermore, was dominated by disturbances that originated near the nosetip.

Numerical analysis↗