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At least 1,045 records · Page 58

Electrochemical approach for passivating steel and other metals and for the simultaneous production of a biocide to render water potable

Potentiostatic polarization curves indicated that the cathodic reactions in deaerated KI-I2 water solutions were due to iodine reduction and hydrogen evolution. In the presence of oxygen an additional reduction wave appeared. Anodic polarization curves revealed that iodine could be produced in the region of potential from +600 to +1000 nv vs. SCE.

Source record↗

Statistical theory and methodology for remote sensing data analysis

A model is developed for the evaluation of acreages (proportions) of different crop-types over a geographical area using a classification approach and methods for estimating the crop acreages are given. In estimating the acreages of a specific croptype such as wheat, it is suggested to treat the problem as a two-crop problem: wheat vs. nonwheat, since this simplifies the estimation problem considerably. The error analysis and the sample size problem is investigated for the two-crop approach. Certain numerical results for sample sizes are given for a JSC-ERTS-1 data example on wheat identification performance in Hill County, Montana and Burke County, North Dakota. Lastly, for a large area crop acreages inventory a sampling scheme is suggested for acquiring sample data and the problem of crop acreage estimation and the error analysis is discussed.

Odell, P. L.↗

Results of transonic wind tunnel tests on an 0.015-scale space shuttle mated vehicle model (67-ots) in the LaRC 8 foot TPT (IA41)

Wind tunnel tests were conducted to obtain aerodynamic force data for Mach numbers from 0.60 to 1.20. Data were obtained for an alpha range of -10 deg to +10 deg (beta = 0 deg beta = 5 deg) and beta range of -10 deg to +10 deg (alpha = 0 deg). Longitudinal and lateral-directional stability and control data were obtained for tank alone, tank plus SRB's, tank plus Orbiter, and mated configuration of tank + Orbiter + SRB's. Also, single-component rudder hinge moment data were obtained at rudder deflections of 0 and -20 deg for each Mach number tested. Plots of aerodynamic coefficients vs. Mach number are presented, using data from both test IA41 and tests LRC-UPWT-1056, 1073 (IA42A/B) for Mach numbers of 1.60 to 4.63. The model tested in IA42A/B was the same model as tested in IA41.

Hardin, R.↗

Absolute pressure transducers for space shuttle and orbiter propulsion and control systems

A preliminary design was completed, reviewing of such subjects as: the trade studies for media isolation and one sensor vs. two sensors for two bridges; compensation resistors; unit design; hydrogen embrittlement; sealing techniques and test station design. A design substantiation phase was finished, consisting of testing of a prototype unit and fabrication technique studies. A cryogenic test station was implemented and prototype sensor cells were fabricated, sensors assembled, and cryogenic tests performed.

Bolta, J. J.↗

The effects of bedrest on crew performance during simulated shuttle reentry. Volume 2: Control task performance

A simplified space shuttle reentry simulation performed on the NASA Ames Research Center Centrifuge is described. Anticipating potentially deleterious effects of physiological deconditioning from orbital living (simulated here by 10 days of enforced bedrest) upon a shuttle pilot's ability to manually control his aircraft (should that be necessary in an emergency) a comprehensive battery of measurements was made roughly every 1/2 minute on eight military pilot subjects, over two 20-minute reentry Gz vs. time profiles, one peaking at 2 Gz and the other at 3 Gz. Alternate runs were made without and with g-suits to test the help or interference offered by such protective devices to manual control performance. A very demanding two-axis control task was employed, with a subcritical instability in the pitch axis to force a high attentional demand and a severe loss-of-control penalty. The results show that pilots experienced in high Gz flying can easily handle the shuttle manual control task during 2 Gz or 3 Gz reentry profiles, provided the degree of physiological deconditioning is no more than induced by these 10 days of enforced bedrest.

Jex, H. R.↗

Measurement of instrument noise spectra at frequencies below 1 hertz

The use of peak-to-peak values in describing output noise of a magnetometer or low frequency amplifier is of questionable value for certain applications. A more precise statement of instrument noise is made with a plot of the noise power spectral density vs frequency. The spectral density plot provides a rich source of information which can be used in the selection and testing of such instrumentation.

Snare, R. C.↗

The 'rolling motion' phenomenon in galactic spiral arms

The 'rolling motion' in the spiral arms in the outer parts of the Galaxy are interpreted as only apparent motions caused by the combined effect of the bending of the galactic plane and the differential rotation. Theoretical contour maps (latitude vs velocity) are plotted in a number of directions on both sides of the Galaxy for direct comparison with observations. The velocity and density fields used in the calculations are based on a linear analysis of the three-dimensional gas motions in response to the spiral density-wave potential studied by Lin, Shu, and Yuan and by Vandervoort (1970). It is found that the combined effect under consideration is sufficient to cause an apparent rolling motion in a spiral arm.

Yuan, C.↗

Hexagonal multiple phase-and-amplitude-shift-keyed signal sets

Selection of a particular signal set array for a bandwidth-constrained multiple phase-and-amplitude-shift-keyed (MPASK) communication system for a linear additive Gaussian noise channel requires consideration of factors such as average and/or peak power vs symbol error probability, signal amplitude dynamic range, simplicity of generation and detection, and number of bit errors per symbol error (Gray code properties). A simple technique is presented for generating and optimally detecting the honeycomb (hexagonal) signal set, i.e., the signal set that has the tightest sphere-packing properties. The symbol and bit error probability performance of this set is compared to other two-dimensional signal sets that have been investigated in the literature, and is shown to be slightly superior from an average power standpoint. The paper concludes with a comparison of all of these signal sets from the standpoint of the factors listed above.

Simon, M. K.↗

Rb-Sr systematics for chemically defined Apollo 15 and 16 materials

Concentrations of Rb and Sr and the Sr87/86 ratios are determined in a large number of Apollo 15 samples, including KREEP basalts, mare basalts, anorthosite breccia clasts, lithic fragments, a spinel-bearing clast, green glass samples, breccia matrix, and soils. Relative concentrations of Sm, Eu, Rb, and Sr are also examined in the samples, with particular attention to Rb/Sr systematics vs other trace element abundances and total chemical compositions of rocks. Analysis of crystalline KREEP samples rich in trace elements indicates that the differentiation of these rocks has extended to -4.25 AE age, a significantly later time than the presumed time of accretion of the moon.

Nyquist, L. E.↗

Distribution of inert gases in fines from the Cayley-Descartes region

The inert gases in 14 different fines and in one sample of 2 to 4 mm fines from Apollo 16 were measured by mass spectroscopy with respect to trapped solar wind gases, cosmogenic gases, and 'parentless' Ar-40. Such studies are helpful for the understanding of regolith evolution, of transport of regolith fines, and of the lunar atmosphere. The Apollo 16 soils are unique because they represent, after Luna 20, the second and much more extensive record from the lunar highlands. The landing site presents the problem of materials from the Cayley Formation vs those from the Descartes Formation. There are two large, relatively fresh craters in the area, North Ray and South Ray, whose ejecta patterns may be recognized in the inert-gas record.

Walton, J. R.↗

Mars - Clearing of the 1971 dust storm

A semiquantitative analysis of clearing in the 1971 great dust storm on Mars is presented as a function of time and altitude, using Mariner 9 orange- and visual-light photos. Steady settling of dust approximately accounts for the decline of the storm after Dec. 22, 1971. Continuous settling cannot be invoked prior to that date; injection of dust into the atmosphere, i.e., a storm resurgence, occurred in mid-December 1971. Theoretical models of optical depth vs time are developed for various distributions of particles in the atmosphere. By interpreting settling in terms of Stokes' law, estimates of the maximum radii of dust particles throughout the atmosphere have been obtained. Models which best account for the dust-storm decline indicate particles less than 5 microns in diameter high in the atmosphere, with a concentration of larger particles near the ground in the lowest parts of Mars.

Hartmann, W. K.↗

Turbulence in electrostatic ion-acoustic shocks

Three types of collisionless electrostatic ion-acoustic shocks are investigated using the University of California, Los Angeles, double plasma device: (1) laminar shocks; (2) small amplitude turbulent shocks in which the turbulence is confined to be upstream of the shock potential jump; and (3) large amplitude turbulent shocks in which the wave turbulence occurs throughout the shock transition. The wave turbulence is generated by ions which are reflected from the shock potential; linear theory spatial growth increments agree with experimental values. The experimental relationship between the shock Mach number and the shock potential is shown to be inconsistent with theoretical shock models which assume that the electrons are isothermal. Theoretical calculations which assume a trapped electron equation of a state and a turbulently flattened velocity distribution function for the reflected ions yields a Mach number vs potential relationship in agreement with experiment.

Means, R. W.↗

Fine structure of the sun at 1.3 cm wavelength

The two-element interferometer at Hat Creek Observatory was used at 1.3-cm wavelength to study the fine structure of the radio emissive regions on the sun. Observations of the quiet sun at 1.3 cm show sudden changes in the fringe amplitude and phase, lasting for typically about 5 to 8 min. Assuming that these events are identical in nature, a plot of peak amplitude vs the projected baseline at the time of the event suggests emission from a region of angular size of about 10 sec. The corresponding brightness temperature is 50,000 K. It is possible that these events may be related to the appearance and disappearance of groups of spicules or mottles.

Kundu, M. R.↗

Intensity oscillation of low energy solar particles observed on the IMP 7 satellite

Solar flare particles in the energy range from 125 to 160 KeV per charge were detected and analyzed by an electrostatic deflection vs energy instrument on board the Explorer 47 (IMP 7) satellite. On the basis of a harmonic analysis of the counting rates, an approximating formula is obtained for the fluctuation of the particle flux. The oscillation frequency varies from flare to flare and is of the order of approximately .002 per sec. The physical implications of the finding are discussed.

Fan, C. Y.↗

Reflectance and optical constants for Cer-Vit from 250 to 1050 A

The reflectance for a bowl-feed polished Cer-Vit sample was measured at nine wavelengths and five angles of incidence from 15 to 85 deg. Optical constants were derived by the reflectance-vs-angle-of-incidence method and compared to previously reported values for ultralow-expansion fused silica and several other glasses. Surface-roughness corrections of the reflectance data and optical constants are discussed.

Osantowski, J. F.↗

Nondestructive testing of electro thermal devices

This paper describes the results of a recent investigation into 'thermal time constant' nondestructive testing of high reliability electrical fuses. The use of established nondestructive test technology for examining the quality and firing characteristics of electro-explosive devices has been successfully applied to the inspection and prediction of the functional performance of electrical fuses. The technique requires application of a low level current pulse to the electrical fuse with an oscilloscope display of the curve as generated by the temperature coefficient of resistance feedback. The heating curve of temperature vs time is composed of one predominant thermal time constant, which is the product of the test unit's thermal capacity and thermal resistance. It has been found that the quality of the individual electrical fuse, for instance, the relative condition of the critical internal weld or solder joint, can be examined nondestructively.

Earnest, J. E., Jr.↗

Electrons and protons accelerated in Mercury's magnetic field

Fluxes of protons with energies of about 550 kev and electrons with energies of about 300 kev which exceed approximately 10,000 and 100,000 per sq cm per sec, respectively, have been discovered in the magnetosphere of Mercury. Electron fluxes greater than 1000 per sq cm per sec are also observed in the outbound pass of the Mariner 10 spacecraft through the magnetosheath. The intensity vs time profiles of the particle fluxes in the magnetosphere appear with sudden onsets beginning at interplanetary background levels and persisting for times equivalent to their being distributed spatially over regions having a scale size comparable to the planetary radius. It is shown that the radiation events observed in the magnetosphere and magnetosheath are transient and are not interpretable in terms of stable trapped particle populations.

Simpson, J. A.↗

The outgassing and pressures in a spacecraft

The parameters that affect the internal pressure, i.e., the effective flow conductances of the internal volumes, their time constants and outgassing sources are examined. The objectives are to estimate the internal pressure of the spacecraft during the first several days after launch and to evaluate the responses of the volume to external pressure variations. The general approach followed is to (1) establish the various flow paths from a compartment to the low pressure regions; (2) calculate the conductances and combined effective conductances for these paths; (3) estimate the material outgassing rates in each volume from a general knowledge of materials used in the spacecraft; and (4) establish the pressure vs time in these compartments. The results of these techniques have been compared with experimental results obtained during thermal vacuum test of the spacecraft.

Scialdone, J. J.↗