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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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NASA NTRS1984

A rapid method for obtaining frequency-response functions for multiple input photogrammetric data

A two-digital-camera photogrammetric technique for measuring the motion of a vibrating spacecraft structure or wing surface and an applicable data-reduction algorithm are presented. The 3D frequency-response functions are obtained by coordinate transformation from averaged cross and autopower spectra derived from the 4D camera coordinates by Fourier transformation. Error sources are investigated analytically, and sample results are shown in graphs.

Kroen, M. L.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Validation of temperature retrievals obtained by the Limb Infrared Monitor of the Stratosphere (LIMS) experiment on Nimbus 7

An outline is given of LIMS temperature determinations (as a function of pressure) from measurements in two channels covering portions of the 15-micrometer band of carbon dioxide. The known sources of error from the radiometer and data reduction are used to estimate the systematic and random errors expected of the results. Observational determinations of the complete end-to-end precision are obtained by computing the standard deviation of six sequential temperature retrievals in regions where the atmosphere is horizontally uniform. This yields values of 0.2 to 0.6 K, in reasonable agreement with the estimates. A correction for horizontal gradients in the atmosphere leads to a large reduction in the differences between the stratospheric temperatures determined on the ascending and descending portions of the orbit. The temperatures agree in the mean with radiosondes and rocketsondes to within 1-2 K in most regions below 1 mbar. Several interesting, previously unseen features included cold regions in the mid-latitude mesosphere and wavelike vertical variations in the tropics.

Gille, J. C.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Processing and display of atmospheric phenomenaa data

A series of technical efforts dealing with various atmospheric phenomena is described. Refinements to the Potential in an Electrostatic Cloud (PEC) model are discussed. The development of an Apple III graphics program, the NSSL Lightning Data Program and a description of data reduction procedures are examined. Several utility programs are also discussed.

Tatom, F. B.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Ultraviolet Observations of Uranus and Neptune Below 3000 Angstrom

From 2000 to 3000 A, both Uranus and Neptune have albedos that are about two times higher than Jupiter or Saturn's, implying that the outer giants have stratospheres that are relatively free of aerosol absorption. Uncertainties in the absolute calibration procedure allow discrepancies of order 15% between conservative models and the observations. A small amount of aerosol absorption is therefore possible. Below 2000 A the derived albedo is highly dependent on the solar spectrum source used in the data reduction. The most recent result for Uranus, first reported here, is consistent with a secular change in C2H2 mixing ratio from approximately three times ten to the minus eight in 1980 to less than or equal to ten to the minus ninth in 1983. These values are approximately 2 orders of magnitude less than the mixing ratios of this gas on Saturn, and comparable to the amount on Jupiter.

Caldwell, J.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Filter and Passband Problems

Problems associated with achieving precision in photometric measurements of stars are examined. The thermal stabilization of glass and interference filters and the determination of correct analytic representations of bandwidth effects in data reduction are particularly discussed. Spectral sampling requirements are also addressed.

Young, A. T.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Ultraviolet observations of Uranus and Neptune below 3000 A

From 2000 A to 3000 A, both Uranus and Neptune have albedos that are about two times higher than Jupiter or Saturn's, implying that the outer giants have stratospheres that are relatively free of aerosol absorption. Uncertainties in the absolute calibration procedure allow discrepancies of order 15% between conservative models and the observations. A small amount of aerosol absorption is therefore possible. Below 2000 A, the derived albedo is highly dependent on the solar spectrum source used in the data reduction. The most recent result for Uranus is consistent with a secular change in C2H2 mixing ratio from approximately 3 x (10 to the -8 power) in 1980 to or = 10 to the -9 power in 1983. These values are approximately 2 orders of magnitude less than the mixing ratios of this gas on Saturn, and comparable to the amount on Jupiter.

Caldwell, J.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Wind tunnel acoustic study of a propeller installed behind an airplane empennage: Data report

The open test section of the NASA-Ames 7- by 10- ft wind tunnel was used for an acoustic test of a propeller mounted behind an airplane empennage. The empennage was attached to a model fuselage and the propeller with its electric motor drive was mounted separately so that the relative positions of empennage and propeller could be varied. A single vertical fin, and a V-tail with, and without, a dorsal fin configurations were used the model propeller had four blades (SR-1). Data were recorded at several locations for two tunnel flow speeds (45.7) and 62.5 m/s) and propeller speeds in the range 4000 to 8200 rpm. Data reduction was performed in narrowband and one-third octave band spectra, with emphasis on harmonics of the passage frequency blade. The influence of flow speed, propeller rpm, empennage configuration, axial and vertical separation between propeller axis and empennage centerline, and empennage angle of incidence on propeller harmonic levels and acoustic field directivity are studied.

Wilby, J. F.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Spectroradiometric calibration of the Thematic Mapper and Multispectral Scanner system

The results of analyses of Thematic Mapper (TM) images acquired on July 8 and October 28, 1984, and of a check of the calibration of the 1.22-m integrating sphere at Santa Barbara Research Center (SBRC) are described. The results obtained from the in-flight calibration attempts disagree with the pre-flight calibrations for bands 2 and 4. Considerable effort was expended in an attempt to explain the disagreement. The difficult point to explain is that the difference between the radiances predicted by the radiative transfer code (the code radiances) and the radiances predicted by the preflight calibration (the pre-flight radiances) fluctuate with spectral band. Because the spectral quantities measured at White Sands show little change with spectral band, these fluctuations are not anticipated. Analyses of other targets at White Sands such as clouds, cloud shadows, and water surfaces tend to support the pre-flight and internal calibrator calibrations. The source of the disagreement has not been identified. It could be due to: (1) a computational error in the data reduction; (2) an incorrect assumption in the input to the radiative transfer code; or (3) incorrect operation of the field equipment.

Slater, P. N.↗

NASA NTRS1985

High resolution Cherenkov detectors for cosmic ray isotope experiment

Cerenkov detectors are used to measure the velocity of particles in configurations designed to study the isotopic composition of galactic cosmic rays. The geometrical properties of the detector are outlined. Monte-Carlo simulations of photon propagation in a diffusive detector were undertaken. The scattering properties of diffusively reflecting white paint and of surface treatments for the radiator material were measured. It is found that the absorption of light in the radiator is an important light loss mechanism. The simulations are used to find optimal mapping techniques and data reduction strategies. The application of these techniques are discussed with respect to the large area isotopic composition experiment (ALICE) Cerenkov detector.

Acharya, B. S.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Application of imaging to the atmospheric Cherenkov technique

Turver and Weekes proposed using a system of phototubes in the focal plane of a large reflector to give an air Cherenkov camera for gamma ray astronomy. Preliminary results with a 19 element camera have been reported previously. In 1983 the camera was increased to 37 pixels; it has now been routinely operated for two years. A brief physical description of the camera, its mode of operation, and the data reduction procedures are presented. The Monte Carlo simultations on which these are based on also reviewed.

Cawley, M. F.↗

NASA NTRS1984

A review of turbulent-boundary-layer heat transfer research at Stanford, 1958-1983

For the past 25 years, there has existed in the Thermosciences Laboratory of the Mechanical Engineering Department of Stanford University a research program, primarily experimental, concerned with heat transfer through turbulent boundary layers. In the early phases of the program, the topics considered were the simple zero-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layer with constant and with varying surface temperature, and the accelerated boundary layer. Later equilibrium boundary layers were considered along with factors affecting the boundary layer, taking into account transpired flows, flows with axial pressure gradients, transpiration, acceleration, deceleration, roughness, full-coverage film cooling, surface curvature, free convection, and mixed convection. A description is provided of the apparatus and techniques used, giving attention to the smooth plate rig, the rough plate rig, the full-coverage film cooling rig, the curvature rig, the concave wall rig, the mixed convection tunnel, and aspects of data reduction and uncertainty analysis.

Moffat, R. J.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Long-time dynamic compatibility of two ethylene propylene elastomers with hydrazine

A test method is described for predicting the long-time survivability of elastomers in hydrazine under dynamic stressing conditions. The method selected is based upon the existence and approximate invariance of a 'physical property surface' relating the mechanical response of the elastomer in terms of stress, strain, time, and temperature. The property surface was generated for two selected elastomers (EPT-10 and AF-E-332). A novel carousel testing tank was designed to allow sequential testing of eight tensile specimens immersed in liquid hydrazine within a constant-temperature water bath. The test procedure and data reduction methods used to generate the property surface are described. The utility and validity of these results applied to fatigue and flexure loading to these elastomeric materials over long-time periods are discussed.

Coulbert, C. D.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Spectroscopic orbits for 16 more binaries in the Hyades field

A photoelectric survey of the radial velocities of Hyades candidates has provided data for 16 spectroscopic binary orbits, in addition to the 11 known binaries in the Hyades field. The majority of photoelectric observations in the survey were carried out at the Cambridge and Palomar Observatories using different data reduction techniques for determining radial velocities. It is found that two of the objects, vB 164 and J336, are definitely not members of the Hyades cluster; two other objects, HD 16909 and J301, appear to be located far from the center of the cluster, but still deserve classification as Hyades members. The gamma-velocity of HD 16909 differed slightly from the value expected for a member of the Hyades cluster. An additional twelve systems were definitely identified as members of the Hyades. The radial velocity values for all the candidate stars are given in a series of tables.

Griffin, R. F.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Simultaneous ocean cross-section and rainfall measurements from space with a nadir pointing radar

A modified version of the surface-target-attenuation radar described by Meneghini et al. (1983) is proposed which permits simultaneous measurement of ocean radar cross sections and path-average rain rates using a nadir-pointing satellite-borne microwave radar. The basic concept is explained and illustrated; the equations describing the data reduction are derived; some preliminary numerical computations based on a 7.5-m-diameter 10-kW 1.33-microsec-pulse radar operating at 1.87 cm from an altitude of 500 km are performed; and the major error sources (mismatches between rain scattering volumes and additional multipath contributions) and limitations (nadir pointing) are discussed. It is suggested that the system could provide a nadir calibration for wide-swath observing systems such as scanning microwave radiometers.

Atlas, D.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Electromagnetic bias of 36-GHz radar altimeter measurements of MSL

The data reduction techniques used to determine the magnitude of electromagnetic (EM) bias in radar altimeter measurements of mean sea level (MSL) area described. Particular attention is given to the bias reduction scheme developed specifically for the Surface Contour Radar (SCR) instrument of the Ocean Topography Experiment (TOPEX). The SCR makes it possible to determine the amount of the backscattered power due to EM reflectance per unit area by measuring both the return power and elevation. Variations of backscattered power for different sea states are determined as a function of displacement of the MSL. On the basis of the recent SCR observations from aircraft, a standard error due to EM bias is predicted for MSL measurements performed with a satellite altimeter radar operating at a frequency of 36 GHz. The obtained standard error was 1 percent for regions with waves 1.9-5.5 meters in height.

Walsh, E. J.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Shuttle payload dynamic environments - Update

This paper represents a brief summary of a report titled, 'Shuttle Payload Bay Dynamic Environments Summary and Conclusion Report' prepared by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for the NASA Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology (OAST). The report provides a summary of the dynamic environmental data taken during the first five Space Shuttle flights. The present paper is concerned with a brief synopsis of the report's acoustic and high frequency data evaluation, taking into account also an example acoustic prediction method. Attention is given to an acoustic data summary, a vibration data summary, environmental uncertainties, data reduction errors, spatial bias errors, payload effects, spatial variation, flight to flight variation, payload prediction, and an example prediction.

Oconnell, M.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Automated testing of low-orbiting satellites

This paper describes the hardware, software, and test procedures implemented at a ground station for the automated testing of a polar-orbiting satellite in a low orbit. The satellite passes during the testing were characterized by short visibility times of no more than 18 min and by high rates of change of the link parameters as seen by the ground station. The advantages of automated testing became apparent for these dynamic conditions. Under computer control throughout the pass, programmable test instruments were commanded and data was collected and stored. Data reduction was performed after the pass.

Barbiere, D.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Fundamental Studies of Droplet Combustion at Reduced Gravity

Reduced gravity is used to carry out scientific investigations of droplet combustion. In earlier work a preliminary conceptual design had been developed for droplet burning experiments for Spacelab. Refinements of the earlier work with special consideration given to possible experiments for Mid-Deck Modules of the Space Shuttle is discussed. A re-evaluation of suitable experiments on droplet combustion is done to ascertain whether influences of reduced buoyancy on time-dependent processes of heat and mass transfer in the gas or in the liquid on extinction processes or on disruptive burning phenomena are best suited for further investigation. Components of the experimental apparatus, which include a droplet dispensing system, a droplet positioning system, a droplet ignition system and provision for recording, primarily photographically, the combustion of the individual droplet in a chamber having a controlled gas atmosphere, are studied to determine optimal approaches to the experimental design. Methods for data reduction and interpretation are being made more specific, particularly in the context of an objective to calculate overall gas-phase chemical-kinetic parameters for the combustion from observations of extinction conditions in different atmospheres.

Williams, F. A.↗