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At least 1,063 records · Page 59

Frequency-Domain Identification of XV-15 Tilt-Rotor Aircraft Dynamics in Hovering Flight

Frequency-domain methods are used to identify the open-loop dynamics of the XV-15 tilt-rotor aircraft from flight tests. Piloting and data analysis techniques are presented to determine frequency response plots and equivalent transfer function models. The open-loop pitch and roll dynamics for the hover flight condition exhibit unstable low-frequency oscillations, whereas the dynamics in the remaining degrees of freedom are lightly damped and generally decoupled. Comparisons of XV-15 flight-test and simulator data are more favorable for high-frequency inputs (omega greater than 1.0 rad/sec) than low-frequency inputs. Time-domain comparisons of the extracted transfer functions with step response flight data are very favorable, even for large amplitude motions. The results presented in this paper demonstrate the utility of the frequency-domain techniques for dynamics identification and simulator fidelity studies.

Tischler, Mark B.↗

Critical-layer nonlinearity in the resonance growth of three-dimensional waves in boundary layers

The nonlinear interactions of a triad of initially linear stability waves are addressed. The triad consisted of a single two-dimensional mode at a given frequency and two oblique modes with equal and opposite spanwise wave numbers. The oblique waves were at half the frequency and streamwise wave number of the two-dimensional mode. Attention was focused on the boundary-layer transition at low frequencies and high Reynolds numbers. A five-zoned structure and low-frequency scaling were used to derive the nonlinear-interaction equations. The initial nonlinear development of the waves was analyzed; the results indicated that the two-dimensional wave behaves according to linear theory. Nonlinear interactions caused exponential-of-an-exponential growth of the oblique modes. This resonant amplification of the subharmonic depended on the initial amplitude of the two-dimensional wave and on the initial phase angle between the two-dimensional wave and the oblique waves. The resonant growth of the oblique modes was more pronounced at lower frequencies than at higher frequencies. The results are in good agreement with experimental results and offer explanations of the observed process.

Mankbadi, Reda R.↗

Is M82 X-1 Really an Intermediate-Mass Black Hole? X-Ray Spectral and Timing Evidence

Ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) with apparent luminosities up to hundreds of times the Eddington luminosity for a neutron star have been discovered in external galaxies. The existence of intermediate-mass black holes has been proposed to explain these sources. We present evidence for an intermediate-mass black hole in the ULX M82 X-1 based on the spectral features and timing (quasi-periodic oscillation [QPO]) properties of the X-radiation from this source. We revisited XMM-Newton and Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) data for M82 X-1 obtained in 2001 and 1997 for XMM and RXTE, respectively. We show for these observations that the source is either in transition or in a high/soft state with photon spectral indices 2.1 and 2.7, respectively. We confirm the early determination of the QPO frequency nu approx. = 55 mHz in this source by Strohmayer & Mushotzky and identify this as the low-frequency QPO for the source. We apply a new method to determine the black hole mass of M82 X-1. The method uses the index-QPO low-frequency correlation that has been recently established in Galactic black hole candidates GRS 1915+105, XTE JI550-564, 4U 1630-47, and others. Using scaling arguments and the correlation derived from the consideration of Galactic black holes, we conclude that M82 X-1 is an intermediate black hole with a mass of the order of 1000 solar mass,.

Fiorito, Ralph↗

Correlation microphone for measuring airframe noise in large-scale wind tunnels

A correlation microphone arrangement was used in the test section of the Ames 7- by 10-Foot and 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnels in an attempt to reject the reverberant and wind noise. The tests in the 7- by 10-foot wind tunnel covered a frequency range from 400 Hz to 8 kHz while the tests in the 40- by 80-foot tunnel covered the range from 31.5 to 800 Hz. Examination of the experimental data plus calculations of cross-correlations due to reflective noise indicate that the correlation microphone is effective in rejecting microphone wind noise and reverberant noise even at low frequencies, and that the low-frequency background noise monitored by the correlation microphone is reflected noise with a preferred direction from the tunnel drive system. Design studies indicate that this tunnel drive noise can be reduced substantially through suitable modification of the drive fans and acoustical treatment of the nacelles that house these fans.

Ahtye, W. F.↗

Coherence and phase techniques applied to noise diagnosis in the NASA Ames 7 times 10-foot wind tunnel no. 1

Measurements have been made of coherence and phase spectra for the acoustic field in a subsonic wind tunnel. The data are interpreted in terms of simple analytical models for propagating and diffuse noise fields, including the presence of uncorrelated noise signals. It is found that low frequency noise propagates upstream and downstream from the fan, with the noise in the test section arriving in the upstream direction. High frequency sound is generated in the test section and propagates upstream and downstream. In the low frequency range, the ratio of diffuse to propagating energy is about eight for all locations in the test section, diffuser, and settling chamber; the value of the ratio increases with frequency.

Wilby, J. F.↗

Scattering of electromagnetic waves from a half space of densely distributed dielectric scatterers

The scattering of a plane wave obliquely incident on a half space of densely distributed spherical dielectric scatterers is studied. The quasi-crystalline approximation is applied to truncate the hierarchy of multiple scattering equations, and the Percus-Yevick and the Verlet-Weis results are used to represent the pair distribution function. The coherent reflected wave is studied with these approximations. The incoherent scattered wave is calculated with the distorted Born approximation. In the low-frequency limit, closed-form expressions are obtained for the effective propagation constants, the coherent reflected wave, and the bistatic scattering coeficients. Results at higher frequencies are calculated numerically. The advantage of the present approach is that, in the low-frequency limit, it reproduces the effects of specular reflection, Fresnel reflection coefficient, Brewster angle, and Clausius-Mosotti relation. In addition to the classical results, the bistatic scattering coefficients are also calculated. The theory is also applied to match backscattering data from dry snow at microwave frequencies.

Tsang, L.↗

Interference patterns in the Spacelab 2 plasma wave data - Oblique electrostatic waves generated by the electron beam

During the Spacelab 2 mission the University of Iowa's Plasma Diagnostics Package (PDP) explored the plasma environment around the shuttle. Wideband spectrograms of plasma waves were obtained from the PDP at frequencies of 0-30 kHz and at distances up to 400 m from the shuttle. Strong low-frequency (below 10 kHz) electric field noise was observed in the wideband data during two periods in which an electron beam was ejected from the shuttle. This noise shows clear evidence of interference patterns caused by the finite (3.89 m) antenna length. The low-frequency noise was the most dominant type of noise produced by the ejected electron beam. Analysis of antenna interference patterns generated by these waves permits a determination of the wavelength, the direction of propagation, and the location of the source region. The observed waves have a linear dispersion relation very similar to that of ion acoustic waves. The waves are believed to be oblique ion acoustic or high-order ion cyclotron waves generated by a current of ambient electrons returning to the shuttle in response to the ejected electron beam.

Feng, Wei↗

Effects of noise frequency on performance and annoyance for women and men

Effects of noise frequencies on both performance on a complex psychomotor task and annoyance were investigated for men (n = 30) and women (n = 30). Each subject performed a complex psychomotor task for 50 min in the presence of low-frequency noise, high-frequency noise, or ambient noise. Women and men learned the task at different rates. Little effect of noise was shown. Annoyance ratings were subsequently obtained from each subject for noises of various frequencies by the method of magnitude estimation. High-frequency noises were more annoying than low-frequency noises regardless of sex and immediate prior exposure to noise. Sex differences in annoyance did not occur. No direct relationship between learning to perform a complex task while exposed to noise and annoyance by that noise was demonstrated.

Key, K. F.↗

Nature of transonic sub-Alfvénic turbulence and density fluctuations in the near-Sun solar wind

Context. Recent Parker Solar Probe (PSP) measurements have revealed that solar wind (SW) turbulence transits from a subsonic to a transonic regime near the Sun, while remaining sub-Alfvénic. These observations call for a revision of the existing SW models, where turbulence is considered to be both subsonic and sub-Alfvénic. Aims. In this work, we introduce a new magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model of transonic sub-Alfvénic turbulence (TsAT). Methods. We used 3D MHD simulations initialized with parameters measured by PSP to investigate the properties of the new near-Sun SW transonic turbulent regime. We then derived a reduced set of MHD equations in the transonic sub-Alfvénic limit to interpret our numerical results. Results. Our TsAT model shows that turbulence is effectively nearly incompressible (NI) and has a 2D + slab (quasi-2D) geometry not only in the subsonic limit, but also in the transonic regime, as long as it remains sub-Alfvénic, a condition essentially enforced everywhere in the heliosphere by the strong local magnetic field. These predictions are consistent with 3D MHD simulations, showing that transonic turbulence is dominated by low-frequency quasi-2D incompressible structures, while compressible fluctuations are a minor component corresponding to low-frequency slow modes and high-frequency fast modes. Conclusions. Our new TsAT model extends existing NI theories of turbulence, and is potentially relevant for the theoretical and numerical modeling of space and astrophysical plasmas, including the near-Sun SW, the solar corona, and the interstellar medium.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Eddy current probe response to open and closed surface flaws

A general analysis of eddy current response to certain types of open and closed surface flaws is presented for both standard low-frequency and ferromagnetic-resonance (FMR) probes. It is shown analytically that for two-dimensional and three-dimensional surface flaws interrogated by a uniform probe field, the crack opening sensitivity increases with the operating frequency of the probe, this behavior being due to the Faraday induction effect. Experiments with low-frequency probes operating at or below 1 MHz and with the FMR probe operating at approximately 1000 MHz confirm this increase of the crack mouth opening displacement for practical situations where the probe field is not uniform in the vicinity of the flaw.

Auld, B. A.↗

Simulation of turbulent mixing layers

A hybrid numerical scheme, combined with a scalar convection scheme, is used to compute turbulent mixing layers. The hybrid scheme is used to solve the vorticity equation by dividing the domain into two regions, applying a Lagrangian method in one region and an Eulerian method in the other. The scalar convection scheme is used to track an interface which separates a dyed fluid from a dye-free fluid, thereby distinguishing the fluid that starts on the high speed side from the fluid that starts on the low speed side. A two-dimensional mixing layer has been simulated using this new method; the roll up of a vortex sheet into structures that interact and pair is observed. The growth of the momentum thickness and the development of the mean turbulence statistics are found to be consistent with experimental observations. Forcing of the layer at moderate and low frequencies shows a dramatic effect on the growth of the momentum thickness and the entrainment ratio. Low frequency forcing enhances the growth of the layer; moderate frequency forcing inhibits the growth.

Mansour, N. N.↗

Eddy Current Method for Fatigue Testing

Flux-focusing electromagnetic sensor using a ferromagnetic flux-focusing lens simplifies inspections and increases detectability of fatigue cracks and material loss in high conductivity material. A ferrous shield isolates a high-turn pick-up coil from an excitation coil. Use of the magnetic shield produces a null voltage output across the receiving coil in presence of an unflawed sample. Redistribution of the current flow in the sample caused by the presence of flaws. eliminates the shielding condition and a large output voltage is produced, yielding a clear unambiguous flaw signal. Maximum sensor output is obtained when positioned symmetrically above the crack. By obtaining position of maximum sensor output, it is possible to track the fault and locate the area surrounding its tip. Accuracy of tip location is enhanced by two unique features of the sensor; a very high signal-to-noise ratio of the probe's output resulting in an extremely smooth signal peak across the fault, and a rapidly decaying sensor output outside a small area surrounding the crack tip enabling the search region to be clearly defined. Under low frequency operation, material thinning due to corrosion causes incomplete shielding of the pick-up coil. Low frequency output voltage of the probe is therefore a direct indicator of thickness of the test sample. Fatigue testing a conductive material is accomplished by applying load to the material, applying current to the sensor, scanning the material with the sensor, monitoring the sensor output signal, adjusting material load based on the sensor output signal of the sensor, and adjusting position of the sensor based on its output signal.

Simpson, John W.↗

Design of an offset fed scanning antenna for the shuttle imaging microwave system

A design study is described for a mechanically scanned offset fed parabolic torus reflector antenna having a 4m x 2m aperture for simultaneous use at eleven frequency channels from UHF to millimeter wavelengths. A design for the antenna is presented utilizing dipole and horn feeds at the low frequencies and a Gregorian aberration correcting subreflector system for feeding the torus at the high frequencies. The results and details of a theroetical study based on geometrical optics performed to evaluate the high frequency design and the results of an experimental study involving a one-tenth scale model for evaluation of the low-frequency behavior are given. Beam efficiencies, antenna patterns, beamwidths and cross polarization levels are presented and these results demonstrate that the antenna concept is viable for the Shuttle Imaging Microwave System requirement.

Gustincic, J. J.↗

Magnetospheric models for QPOs

Models of quasi-periodic oscillation (QPOs) based on the assumption that QPOs have magnetospheres are discussed. Evidence supporting the use of magnetospheric models is presented. The study of low frequency noise in the blob model is examined, stressing the question of the how much the blob-to-blob correlation is needed to suppress the low frequency noise to the levels observed in QPO sources. It is suggested that in low mass X-ray binaries, larger amounts of energy should be expected to be released at the magnetospheric boundary rather than on the neutron stellar surface. Also, examples of reproducing hardness ratio curves and QPO frequencies are given.

Shaham, Jacob↗

Radio interference in the near-earth environment

Natural and man-made radio frequency interference (RFI) are potentially serious obstacles to the successful operation of an array of spacecraft used for low frequency (1 to 30 MHz) radio interferometry in the near-earth environment. Several satellites and planetary probes have carried radio astronomy experiments, and the moderate data base that they provide are examined to help understand the near-earth RFI environment. The general conclusion is that the region of space within 100 earth-radii of the earth is a hostile environment for any radio astronomy experiment. If a low frequency array in earth orbit is to yield useful astronomical results, severe interference problems must be anticipated and overcome. A number of recommendations are made to further examine the feasibility of such an array.

Erickson, W. C.↗

Study of nonlinear optical sBs phenomena in mid IR fibers

This is the first reported attempt at investigation of the sBs phenomena in mid IR fibers using externally fed or laser self generated low frequency and microwave frequency phonon waves as diagnostic probes of such processes. The observation of laser excited phonon emissions in the mid IR fiber and direct modulation of CO2 laser pulse transmission by externally imposed low frequency radiation is the first indication of the predicted low sBs threshold in these fibers in the phonon rich mid IR spectral region. The prospect of wide applications of the sBs process in optical switching, phase conjugation and ultimately optical computing and possible deleterious effects in mid IR laser heterodyne spectroscopy, sideband modulation and transmitted power limitation is discussed.

Yu, Chung↗