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At least 1,045 records · Page 58

The influence of the tropics on the prediction of ultralong waves. I - Tropical wind field

The effects of tropical wind data from the FGGE and tropical latent heating on numerical modeling of ultralong waves are considered in a two-part study. The model studied is the global fourth-order GLAS general circulation model, an energy-conserving format with horizontal differences calculated with fourth-order accuracy. Data assimilation experiments were performed with and without the wind data, with account taken of eastward and northward wind components, the geopotential height, and the relative humidity, all over pressure surfaces. The initial conditions were used to generate six pairs of forecasts, and the tropical wind error decreased after two days of prediction when the initial conditions contained the wind data. The deviations from the measured planetary wave data were attributed to differences in the initial rotational wind field, which varied on a three-day basis. The latent heat initial data had a five-day period and extended its influence beyond the tropical zone. The tropical heat sources sustained the tropical westerlies in the GLAS model, and removal of the tropical heat sources reversed the wind to easterlies.

Baker, W. E.↗

Conditions for the validity of unmagnetized-plasma theory in describing weakly magnetized plasmas

The application of the unmagnetized-plasma theory to the derivation of the expression for the dielectric tensor for weakly magnetized plasmas is examined. The analysis of Baldwin et. al. (1969) is employed to determine the conditions under which the magnetic effects on the dielectric tensor of a plasma are small. The relation between wave and plasma parameters and the plasma distribution function is studied. Axisymmetric distribution functions in magnetized plasma are considered. The derived conditions are analyzed in terms of resonance ellipses of the cyclotron maser theory. Examples are presented in which the conditions are applied to a nonrelativistic Maxwellian distribution and the dispersion and instability of Langmuir and Bernstein waves in weakly magnetized plasma. The data reveal that the conditions under which the magnetic field can be completely neglected depend on the forms of the distribution function.

Robinson, P. A.↗

Transition of the Laminar Boundary Layer on a Delta Wing with 74 degree Sweep in Free Flight at Mach Numbers from 2.8 to 5.3

The tests were conducted at Mach numbers from 2.8 to 5.3, with model surface temperatures small compared to boundary-layer recovery temperature. The effects of Mach number, temperature ratio, unit Reynolds number, leading-edge diameter, and angle of attack were investigated in an exploratory fashion. The effect of heat-transfer condition (i.e., wall temperature to total temperature ratio) and Mach number can not be separated explicitly in free-flight tests. However, the data of the present report, as well as those of NACA TN 3473, were found to be more consistent when plotted versus temperature ratio. Decreasing temperature ratio increased the transition Reynolds number. The effect of unit Reynolds number was small as was the effect of leading-edge diameter within the range tested. At small values of angle of attack, transition moved forward on the windward surface and rearward on the leeward surface. This trend was reversed at high angles of attack (6 deg to 18 deg). Possible reasons for this are the reduction of crossflow on the windward side and the influence of the lifting vortices on the leeward surface. When the transition results on the 740 delta wing were compared to data at similar test conditions for an unswept leading edge, the results bore out the results of earlier research at nearly zero heat transfer; namely, sweep causes a large reduction in the transition Reynolds number.

Chapman, Gary T.↗

Flight testing of a luminescent surface pressure sensor

NASA ARC has conducted flight tests of a new type of aerodynamic pressure sensor based on a luminescent surface coating. Flights were conducted at the NASA ARC-Dryden Flight Research Facility. The luminescent pressure sensor is based on a surface coating which, when illuminated with ultraviolet light, emits visible light with an intensity dependent on the local air pressure on the surface. This technique makes it possible to obtain pressure data over the entire surface of an aircraft, as opposed to conventional instrumentation, which can only make measurements at pre-selected points. The objective of the flight tests was to evaluate the effectiveness and practicality of a luminescent pressure sensor in the actual flight environment. A luminescent pressure sensor was installed on a fin, the Flight Test Fixture (FTF), that is attached to the underside of an F-104 aircraft. The response of one particular surface coating was evaluated at low supersonic Mach numbers (M = 1.0-1.6) in order to provide an initial estimate of the sensor's capabilities. This memo describes the test approach, the techniques used, and the pressure sensor's behavior under flight conditions. A direct comparison between data provided by the luminescent pressure sensor and that produced by conventional pressure instrumentation shows that the luminescent sensor can provide quantitative data under flight conditions. However, the test results also show that the sensor has a number of limitations which must be addressed if this technique is to prove useful in the flight environment.

Mclachlan, B. G.↗

Experimental Heat Transfer Results and Flow Visualization of Vertical Upflow Boiling in Earth Gravity with Subcooled Inlet Conditions – In Preparation for Experiments Onboard the International Space Station

Since 2012, researchers at the Purdue University Boiling and Two-Phase Flow Laboratory (PU-BTPFL) and NASA Glenn Research Center have been collaborating on a long-term effort to study flow boiling and condensation in microgravity. The ultimate goal has been to develop the Flow Boiling and Condensation Experiment (FBCE) for the International Space Station (ISS). Based on the findings from prior flow boiling experiments both at different orientations in Earth gravity and onboard parabolic flights simulating short durations of microgravity, a final refined experiment design, construction, and operating procedure have been arrived at for long-duration microgravity flow boiling experiments onboard the ISS. This study investigates flow boiling of n-Perfluorohexane with subcooled inlet in a rectangular channel of dimensions 114.6 mm heated length, 2.5 mm width, and 5 mm height. These pre-launch experiments (Mission Sequence Testing) were conducted in vertical upflow orientation in Earth gravity using the same experimental rig that was launched to the ISS in August 2021. The various operating parameters varied are heating configuration (single- and double-sided), mass velocity (180 – 3200 kg/m2s), inlet subcooling (+0 – 32°C, encompassing both highly subcooled and near-saturated inlet conditions), and inlet pressure (119 – 191 kPa). High-speed video flow visualization images are presented to explain the two-phase interfacial physics within the channel’s heated section. Heat transfer results in terms of flow boiling curves, streamwise profiles of wall temperature and heat transfer coefficient, and averaged heat transfer coefficients are analyzed and parametric effects elucidated. Severe temporal thermodynamic equilibrium is observed for near-saturated inlet at very low velocities. Nucleate boiling degradation starts at larger heat fluxes for single-sided heating than double sided at low mass velocities with highly subcooled inlet, and conversely at high mass velocities with near-saturated inlet. Nucleate boiling degradation can be delayed to higher heat fluxes by highly subcooling the inlet and increasing mass velocity. The entire local heat transfer coefficient profiles are degraded at higher heat fluxes for near-saturated inlet, but only the downstream part for highly subcooled inlet. This study also confirmed reliability of the upcoming ISS experimental data for subcooled inlet conditions and the collected Earth-gravity data will be used for comparison against the ISS data.

flow boiling↗

Use of manual densitometry in land cover classification

Through use of manual spot densitometry values derived from multitemporal 1:24,000 color infrared aircraft photography, areas as small as one hectare in the Cumberland Plateau in Kentucky were accurately classified into one of eight ground cover groups. If distinguishing between undisturbed and disturbed forest areas is the sole criterion of interest, classification results are highly accurate if based on imagery taken during foliated ground cover conditions. Multiseasonal imagery analysis was superior to single data analysis, and transparencies from prefoliated conditions gave better separation of conifers and hardwoods than did those from foliated conditions.

Jordan, D. C.↗

A flight investigation of simulated data-link communications during single-pilot IFR flight. Volume 2: Flight evaluations

Key problems in single pilot instrument flight operations are in the management of flight data and the processing of cockpit information during conditions of heavy workload. A flight data console was developed to allow simulation of a digital data link to replace the current voice communications stem used in air traffic control. This is a human factors evaluation of a data link communications system to determine how such a system might reduce cockpit workload, improve flight proficiency, and be accepted by general aviation pilots. The need for a voice channel as backup to a digital link is examined. The evaluations cover both airport terminal area operations and full mission instrument flight. Results show that general aviation pilots operate well with a digital data link communications system. The findings indicate that a data link system for pilot/ATC communications, with a backup voice channel, is well accepted by general aviation pilots and is considered to be safer, more efficient, and result in less workload than the current voice system.

Parker, J. F., Jr.↗

Correlation studies of Pioneer Venus imagery obtained from PV experiments with near IR imagery obtained from ground-based observations during Venus inferior conjunction

The purpose of this study is to attempt to find correlations between data taken by experiments aboard the Pioneer-Venus Orbiter (PVO) and those obtained from Earth-based near-infrared (NIR) measurements of Venus during periods near inferior conjunction. Since the NIR measurements have been found to provide data on the middle atmosphere cloud morphology and motion, it is assumed that any correlations will also indicate that the PVO experiments are also documenting cloud behavior. If such correlations are found, then a further task is to attempt to study the long term behavior of the cloud features implied by the correlations. Many PVO data have been obtained over an extended period extending from 1978 until the PV demise in 1992. There exists a long, somewhat ill-conditioned time series of data that may contain valuable information on the long time, as well as short term behavior of the clouds, and, derivatively from cloud motion, atmospheric dynamics and wave activity in the Venus atmosphere. For example, determination of the zonal velocities of any OCPP (Cloud Photopolarimeter) 0.935 micron features could then be used for comparisons with data from other sources to attempt to fix the altitude region in which such features existed. A further task of this study is to attempt to correlate any features found in simultaneously obtained data, for example, the OCPP 0.365 and 0.935 micron data. The existence of such correlations may imply that data was obtained in overlapping altitude regions of the atmosphere.

Ragent, Boris↗

BOREAS AES MARSII Surface Meteorological Data

Canadian AES personnel collected several data sets related to surface and atmospheric meteorological conditions over the BOREAS region. This data set contains 15-minute meteorological data from six MARSII meteorology stations in the BOREAS region in Canada. Parameters include site, time, temperature, dewpoint, visibility, wind speed, wind gust, wind direction, two cloud groups, precipitation, and station pressure. Temporally, the data cover the period of May to September 1994. Geo-graphically, the stations are spread across the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The data are provided in tabular ASCII files, and are classified as AFM-Staff data.

Atkinson, G. Barrie↗

Acoustic Testing of a High-Tip-Speed Fan with Bypass-Duct Liners

Under a pair of Space Act Agreements between NASA and Honeywell Aerospace, a model-scale (22 in.-diameter fan) acoustic wind tunnel test was carried out in the fall of 2014 in the NASA Glenn Research Center 9- by 15-Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel. The goal was to obtain acoustic pressure measurements for far-field, inlet and exit rotating rake, and in-duct microphone locations. This supersonic-tip-speed fan was tested in three bypass duct configurations: hard-wall, traditional liner, and advanced multiple-degree-of-freedom. Limited aerodynamic data was collected to verify the expected operating conditions. Preliminary analysis of the acoustic data finds it suitable for use in evaluating current NASA and Honeywell Aerospace acoustic tools and liner design practices.

Noise↗

Acoustic Testing of a High-Tip-Speed Fan with Bypass-Duct Liners - Overview

Under a pair of Space Act Agreements between NASA and Honeywell Aerospace, a model-scale (22 in.-diameter fan) acoustic wind tunnel test was carried out in the fall of 2014 in the NASA Glenn Research Center 9- by 15-Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel. The goal was to obtain acoustic pressure measurements for far-field, inlet and exit rotating rake, and in-duct microphone locations. This supersonic-tip-speed fan was tested in three bypass duct configurations: hard-wall, traditional liner, and advanced multiple-degree-of-freedom. Limited aerodynamic data was collected to verify the expected operating conditions. Preliminary analysis of the acoustic data finds it suitable for use in evaluating current NASA and Honeywell Aerospace acoustic tools and liner design practices. This report provides an overview of the test and some preliminary findings.

Miller, Christopher J.↗

RSRM and ETM03 Internal Flow Simulations and Comparisons

ETM03 (Engineering Test Motor-03) is an extended length RSRM (Reusable Solid Rocket Motor) designed to increase motor performance and create more severe internal environments compared with the standard four-segment RSRM motor configuration. This is achieved primarily through three unique design features. First is the incorporation of an additional RSRM center segment, second is a slight increase in throat diameter, and third is the use of an Extended Aft Exit Cone (EAEC). As a result of these design features, parameters such as web time, action time, head end pressure, web time average pressure, maximum thrust, mass flow rate, centerline Mach number, pressure and thrust integrals have all increased compared with nominal RSRM values. In some cases these increases are substantial. The primary objective of the ETM03 test program is to provide a platform for RSRM component margin testing. Test results will not only provide direct data concerning component performance under more adverse conditions, but serve as a second design data point for developing, validating and enhancing component analytical modeling techniques. To help component designers assess how the changes in motor environment will affect performance, internal flow simulations for both the nominal RSRM and ETM03 motor designs were completed to obtain comparisons of aero-thermal boundary conditions and system loads. Full geometries for both motors were characterized with two-dimensional axi-symmetric models at burn times of 1, 20, 54, 67 and 80-seconds. A sixth set considered burn times of 110 and 117-seconds for RSRM and ETM03, respectively. The simulations were performed using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) commercial code FLUENT (trademark). Of particular interest were any differences between the two motor environments that could lead to a significant increase in system loads, or in internal insulation and/or nozzle component charring and erosion in ETM03 compared with RSRM. Based on these comparative analyses conducted in this study, the objective of ETM03 will be achieved by providing a more adverse operating environment for motor components than the nominal RSRM environment. For example: Higher chamber pressure drop in ETM03 than in RSRM; higher centerline Mach numbers approaching the nozzle in ETM03 than in RSRM; higher heat transfer rates for the internal insulation and nozzle components in ETM03 than in RSRM; and higher levels of droplet impingement and slag accumulation in ETM03 than in the RSRM.

Ahmad, R. A.↗

Flow processes in overexpanded chemical rocket nozzles. Part 1: Flow separation

An investigation was made of published nozzle flow separation data in order to determine the parameters which affect the separation condition. A comparison of experimental data with empirical and theoretical separation prediction methods leads to the selection of suitable equations for the separation criterion. The results were used to predict flow separation of the main space shuttle engine.

Schmucker, R. H.↗

The solar spectrum at typical clear weather days

The solar spectrum in the range of 300 is less than lambda is less than 1500nm is given for five typical clear weather days. These days are selected to represent typical seasonal conditions in respect to airmass water vapor, ozone, and turbidity. Present data are reviewed, and specific conditions are selected. The spectral distribution of the irradiance is given for the direct component, the scattered skylight, the total flux on a horizontal surface, and the flux on an inclined surface normal to the direct beam.

Boer, K. W.↗

Aircraft attitude measurement using a vector magnetometer

The feasibility of a vector magnetometer system was investigated by developing a technique to determine attitude given magnetic field components. Sample calculations are then made using the earth's magnetic field data acquired during actual flight conditions. Results of these calculations are compared graphically with measured attitude data acquired simultaneously with the magnetic data. The role and possible implementation of various reference angles are discussed along with other pertinent considerations. Finally, it is concluded that the earth's magnetic field as measured by modern vector magnetometers can play a significant role in attitude control systems.

Peitila, R.↗

Status and operational characteristics of the National Transonic Facility

The article discusses the development and capabilities of the National Transonic Facility which is planned for operation in 1981. The fan-drive, cryogenic-pressurized, closed-return facility will have operating parameters of: 0.1-1.2 Mach, 1-9 bars pressure, 78-340 K, 150 dB sound pressure, and plus or minus 0.001 rms turbulence intensity. These operating conditions have been selected on the basis of several current and future aircraft and space transportation systems. The facility will provide full-scale testing conditions for calculating subsonic drag, airloads, and stability and control information. Data for pre-test conditions, on-line information, and post-test analysis will be computer-processed.

Nicks, O. W.↗

Flow processes in overexpanded chemical rocket nozzles. Part 1: Flow separation

An investigation was made of published nozzle flow separation data in order to determine the parameters which affect the separation conditions. A comparison of experimental data with empirical and theoretical separation prediction methods leads to the selection of suitable equations for the separation criterion. The results were used to predict flow separation of the main space shuttle engine.

Schmucker, R. H.↗

Analysis of symmetric cross-ply laminated elastic plates using a higher-order theory. II - Buckling and free vibration

A previously developed higher-order plate theory and a technique based on the state space concept are used to investigate free vibration and buckling problems of rectangular cross-ply laminated plates. Unified results are presented for the case of arbitrary boundary conditions on two opposite edges. Good agreement is obtained with previous data for simply supported edge conditions. It is pointed out that classical laminated plate theory tends to overpredict both eigenfrequencies and buckling loads, leading to an increase of the degree of orthotropicity of individual layers and of the thickness ratio of the plate.

Khdeir, A. A.↗