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At least 1,045 records · Page 58

Assessment of the availability of the tracking and data relay satellite system for LANDSAT missions

The telecommunications availability that can realistically be provided by the tracking and data relay satellite system (TDRSS) for LANDSAT D type missions. Although the assessment focusses on the telecommunications requirements of the near Earth orbit missions of the 1985 - 1989 time frame, it emphasizes LANDSAT D and its competing demand for wideband, real-time RF link services from TDRSS. Limitations in availability of communications services are identified, including systematic TDRSS restrictions, conflicting telecommunication requirements and loading problems of all users (missions) which are to be supported by TDRSS. Several telecommunications alternatives for LANDSAT D utilization independent of TDRSS services are discussed.

Source record↗

Adaptively pointing spaceborne radar for precipitation measurements

An auxiliary concept of adaptive pointing applicable to meteorological radar is discussed. This control technique would resolve the conflicts among speed of scan or scan width, resolution, and dwell time per resolution element. At T1(orbital position) a passive infrared radiometer imager scans a swath ahead of the spacecraft; an appropriate algorithm indicates which clouds are probably producing precipitation. These locations are then used by the on-board antenna controller to program the antenna scan so that the radar samples clouds A and B at times T2 and T3 respectively.

Atlas, D.↗

Multidimensional Programming Methods for Energy Facility Siting: Alternative Approaches

The use of multidimensional optimization methods in solving power plant siting problems, which are characterized by several conflicting, noncommensurable objectives is addressed. After a discussion of data requirements and exclusionary site screening methods for bounding the decision space, classes of multiobjective and goal programming models are discussed in the context of finite site selection. Advantages and limitations of these approaches are highlighted and the linkage of multidimensional methods with the subjective, behavioral components of the power plant siting process is emphasized.

Solomon, B. D.↗

Design tradeoffs for a Multispectral Linear Array (MLA) instrument

The heart of the multispectral linear array (MLA) design problem is to develop an instrument concept which concurrently provides a wide field-of-view with high resolution, spectral separation with precise band-to band registration, and excellent radiometric accuracy. Often, these requirements have conflicting design implications which can only be resolved by careful tradeoffs that consider performance, cost, fabrication feasibility and development risk. The key design tradeoffs for an MLA instrument are addressed, and elements of a baseline instrument concept are presented.

Mika, A. M.↗

A closed-loop principal component analysis of a tetrahedral truss

A tetrahedral truss, representative of a fairly broad class of large space structures, is considered. A method, measuring the dynamical importance of each elastic mode when the structure is under feedback control, is presented. The main conclusion is that the closed-loop importance of each vibration mode depends on the robustness requirements. Also, there appears to be a conflict between precise control of a given node of the structure and stability margin, these two requirements leading to contradictory classifications of the modes by order of importance.

Jonckheere, E. A.↗

The soft X-ray spectrum of Sirius B - Evidence for the photospheric hypothesis

The soft X-ray spectrum of Sirius obtained by the HEAO 1 A-2 experiment is used to investigate the origin of the X-radiation from that system. It is shown that, if the emission is coronal, then the coronal temperature must be less than 150,000 K, and the coronal luminosity must be greater than 10 to the 33rd ergs/s. Such a corona conflicts severely with EUV observations and is physically untenable. White dwarf atmosphere models are fitted to the spectrum and it is shown that a photospheric temperature of 28,000 K is much more consistent with the data. The relative consistency of the soft X-ray, EUV, and UV observations of Sirius B is discussed and it is concluded that the evidence favors the white dwarf photosphere as the origin of the soft X-rays.

Martin, C.↗

Are the high-latitude torsional oscillations of the sun real

A numerical test is made to determine if the high-latitude torsional wave is generated from the low-latitude torsional pattern as a result of reduction procedures. The results indicate that the high-latitude motions are not an artifact of the analysis, but are true solar features. It is also demonstrated that the one-wave-per-hemisphere torsional oscillation does not result from the reduction procedure. These results place the observations in conflict with the predictions of alpha-omega models of the solar cycle.

Labonte, B. J.↗

Bending waves in Saturn's rings

Saturn A ring brightness variations are investigated and noted to be caused by vertical corrugations of the local ring plane due to a spiral bending wave, resonantly excited by Mimas, which propagates inwardly by way of the ring particle collective gravity. Some aspects of the presently developed theory of forced bending waves have been previously treated in the galactic context. It is noted that the theory is generally in good agreement with observations, and in particular may resolve the conflict between ground-based estimates of 1-2 km for the global ring thickness and Voyager stellar occultation measurements of less than 200 m for the local ring thickness.

Shu, F. H.↗

On the large-scale dynamics of rapidly rotating convection zones

The fact that the values of the eight basic waves present in turbulent flows in the presence of rotation prohibit a tilt of eddy towards the axis of rotation is incorporated into a formalism for rapidly rotating convection zones. Equations for turbulent velocities are defined in a rotating coordinate system, assuming that gravity and grad delta T act in a radial direction. An expression is derived for the lifetime of a basic wave and then for the average velocity vector. A real convective eddy is formulated and the wave vectors are calculated. The velocity amplitude and the stress tensor amplitude are integrated over the eddy domain. Applied to the solar convective zone, it is found that the convective cells are aligned along the axis of rotation at the poles and at the equator, a model that conflicts with nonrotating mixng length theory predictions.

Durney, B. R.↗

Fate of very low-mass secondaries in accreting binaries and the 1.5-ms pulsar

It is shown analytically that the canonical stability postulate for low-mass binaries can be inaccurate when the secondary component mass is less than 0.02 solar mass. The adjustable evolutionary parameter h is demonstrated to have a value (in terms of the mass flow effects) of 2/3, less than which catastrophic instability and tidal disruption of the secondary might occur. The disrupted secondary would be reduced to a remnant significantly smaller in mass than the earth, and not be observable visually. Additionally, close passage by another star could accelerate or initiate the process. The model is applicable to the pulsar binary PSR1937+214, and is noted not to conflict with spin-up theories.

Ruderman, M. A.↗

Exosat/Delta - Demonstrated short-term backup launcher capability through international cooperation

The instrumentation, performance parameters, Delta launch implementation, and development program of the Exosat, launched in February 1983 are described. The X ray satellite was integrated into the Delta vehicle over a three month period, and will survey mainly previously observed X ray objects by directing its detectors at them just before they are occulted by the moon. The 120 kg science package, powered by 260 W of power from solar panels, include low- and medium-energy imaging devices. The spacecraft was originally intended for Ariane launch, but scheduling conflicts, plus the need for a polar-type orbit, dictated the use of the Western Space and Missile Center. Maintenance of Delta compatibility throughout the development of the Exosat facilitated the transfer of launch vehicles, as did full existing documentation of the spacecraft and familiarity between the ESA and NASA managers of the development and launch programs, respectively.

Ganoung, J. K.↗

The utilization of Spacelab

This paper describes the general characteristics of Spacelab and discusses its past, current, and planned utilization. To date, the major emphasis has focused on the development of the Spacelab hardware and on the first two flights. The experience gained from planning these early flights has shown that mixing disciplines with conflicting requirements on the same flight significantly compounds the complexity of the mission and leads to an inefficient use of the Spacelab and Shuttle resources. To minimize the complexity and to better utilize the Spacelab and Shuttle capabilities, a new utilization concept is being developed. This new concept, called 'Dedicated Discipline Labs', involves the grouping of scientifically compatible instruments into an appropriate carrier regularly flown at intervals on the order of six months to two years. The long term goal is to evolve many of these labs into low earth orbiting facilities for space stations.

Lester, R. C.↗

Electron collisional rate coefficients for low-level transitions in hydrogen

There exists presently no general agreement concerning the collisional excitation rates of atomic hydrogen. The present investigation is concerned with the results reported by various investigators, taking into account the semiempirical rates of Johnson (1972), a study conducted by Aggarwal (1983), empirically based rates of Crandall et al. (1974), and the rates tabulated in Osterbrock (1974), based on the close-coupling calculations of Burke et al. (1967). It is found that there is a major conflict between the 'best' theoretical and Johnson values on the one hand, and the empirical data on the other. A study of the data shows that the Johnson value for the 1 to 2 rate agrees well with other theoretical calculations, and within 25 percent of empirical measurements, but that the Johnson 1 to 3 rate is 40-75 percent of the 'best' theoretical calculations.

Drake, S. A.↗

Steady viscous flow past a circular cylinder

Viscous flow past a circular cylinder becomes unstable around Reynolds number Re = 40. With a numerical technique based on Newton's method and made possible by the use of a supercomputer, steady (but unstable) solutions have been calculated up to Re = 400. It is found that the wake continues to grow in length approximately linearly with Re. However, in conflict with available asymptotic predictions, the width starts to increase very rapidly around Re = 300. All numerical calculations have been performed on the CDC CYBER 205 at the CDC Service Center in Arden Hills, Minnesota.

Fornberg, B.↗

Efficient spares matrix multiplication scheme for the CYBER 203

This work has been directed toward the development of an efficient algorithm for performing this computation on the CYBER-203. The desire to provide software which gives the user the choice between the often conflicting goals of minimizing central processing (CPU) time or storage requirements has led to a diagonal-based algorithm in which one of three types of storage is selected for each diagonal. For each storage type, an initialization sub-routine estimates the CPU and storage requirements based upon results from previously performed numerical experimentation. These requirements are adjusted by weights provided by the user which reflect the relative importance the user places on the resources. The three storage types employed were chosen to be efficient on the CYBER-203 for diagonals which are sparse, moderately sparse, or dense; however, for many densities, no diagonal type is most efficient with respect to both resource requirements. The user-supplied weights dictate the choice.

Lambiotte, J. J., Jr.↗

Addressee Errors in ATC Communications: The Call Sign Problem

Communication errors involving aircraft call signs were portrayed in reports of 462 hazardous incidents voluntarily submitted to the ASRS during an approximate four-year period. These errors resulted in confusion, disorder, and uncoordinated traffic conditions and produced the following types of operational anomalies: altitude deviations, wrong-way headings, aborted takeoffs, go arounds, runway incursions, missed crossing altitude restrictions, descents toward high terrain, and traffic conflicts in flight and on the ground. Analysis of the report set resulted in identification of five categories of errors involving call signs: (1) faulty radio usage techniques, (2) call sign loss or smearing due to frequency congestion, (3) confusion resulting from similar sounding call signs, (4) airmen misses of call signs leading to failures to acknowledge or readback, and (5) controller failures regarding confirmation of acknowledgements or readbacks. These error categories are described in detail and several associated hazard mitigating measures that might be aken are considered.

Monan, W. P.↗

Ode to gravity: Depth/diameter for fresh craters on Mercury

Opinions conflict over the role of surface gravity in shaping impact craters on Mercury. One view holds that the effects of g are evident in measurable aspects of crater form; other investigators find little or no evidence for g's geomorphic importance. Ambiguity in the role of g and other variables in cratering on Mercury stems largely from uncertainty in identifying major geomorphic contrasts and the crater sizes at which they occur. One of these, depth/diameter (d/D), undergoes a major change at the transition from simple (bowl shaped) to complex (peaks and terraces) crater interiors. Four least-squares d/D fits for fresh craters on Mercury were attemped. The results are inconsistent. The d/D data that should resolve previous shortcomings is presented. The revised d/D distributions for simple and complex craters, which intersect at a diameter of about 5 km, support the initial thesis that g substantially influences the form of Mercury's craters.

Pike, R. J.↗

Some aerodynamic discoveries and related NACA/NASA research programs following World War 2

The World War 2 time period ushered in a new era in aeronautical research and development. The air conflict during the war highlighted the need of aircraft with agility, high speed, long range, large payload capability, and in addition, introduced a new concept in air warfare through the use of guided missiles. Following the war, the influx of foreign technology, primarily German, led to rapid advances in jet propulsion and speed, and a host of new problem areas associated with high-speed flight designs were revealed. The resolution of these problems led to a rash of new design concepts and many of the lessons learned, in principle, are still effective today. In addition to the technical lessons learned related to aircraft development programs, it might also be noted that some lessons involving the political and philosophical nature of aircraft development programs are worth attention.

Spearman, M. L.↗