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At least 1,153 records · Page 64

Transient cosmic ray increase associated with a geomagnetic storm

On the basis of worldwide network data of cosmic ray nucleonic components, the transient cosmic ray increase due to the depression of cosmic ray cutoff rigidity during a severe geomagnetic storm was investigated in terms of the longitudinal dependence. Multiple correlation analysis among isotropic and diurnal terms of cosmic ray intensity variations and Dst term of the geomagnetic field is applied to each of various station's data. It is shown that the amplitude of the transient cosmic ray increase associated with Dst depends on the local time of the station, and that its maximum phase is found in the evening sector. This fact is consistent with the theoretical estimation based on the azimuthally asymmetric ring current model for the magnetic DS field.

Kudo, S.↗

Thermostructural Analysis of the SOFIA Fine Field and Wide Field Imagers Subjected to Convective Thermal Shock

The originally designed SOFIA aircraft configuration included a system to pre-cool the telescope cavity on the ground before flight, however, due to various factors in the history of the project that system was not installed. This lack of ground pre-cooling was thus the source of the concern over whether or not the imagers would be exposed to a potentially unsafe thermostructural environment when the telescope cavity door was opened at altitude. This concern was in addition to the already existing concern that the air temperature rate of change during flight (both at the same altitude as well as ascent or descent) could cause the imagers to be exposed to an unsafe thermostructural environment. Four optical components were identified as the components of concern - two of higher concern (one in each imager) and two of lower concern (one in each imager). The requirement was to perform transient, coupled thermostructural analyses to determine whether the stress would ever achieve unsafe levels in these components. The analysis effort began by analyzing one component, after which the analyses for the other components was deemed unnecessary.

Kostyk, Chris↗

Structural sensitivity analysis: Methods, applications, and needs

Some innovative techniques applicable to sensitivity analysis of discretized structural systems are reviewed. These techniques include a finite-difference step-size selection algorithm, a method for derivatives of iterative solutions, a Green's function technique for derivatives of transient response, a simultaneous calculation of temperatures and their derivatives, derivatives with respect to shape, and derivatives of optimum designs with respect to problem parameters. Computerized implementations of sensitivity analysis and applications of sensitivity derivatives are also discussed. Finally, some of the critical needs in the structural sensitivity area are indicated along with Langley plans for dealing with some of these needs.

Adelman, H. M.↗

Integral-moment analysis of the BATSE gamma-ray burst intensity distribution

We have applied the technique of integral-moment analysis to the intensity distribution of the first 260 gamma-ray bursts observed by the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory. This technique provides direct measurement of properties such as the mean, variance, and skewness of the convolved luminosity-number density distribution, as well as associated uncertainties. Using this method, one obtains insight into the nature of the source distributions unavailable through computation of traditional single parameters such as V/V(sub max)). If the luminosity function of the gamma-ray bursts is strongly peaked, giving bursts only a narrow range of luminosities, these results are then direct probes of the radial distribution of sources, regardless of whether the bursts are a local phenomenon, are distributed in a galactic halo, or are at cosmological distances. Accordingly, an integral-moment analysis of the intensity distribution of the gamma-ray bursts provides for the most complete analytic description of the source distribution available from the data, and offers the most comprehensive test of the compatibility of a given hypothesized distribution with observation.

Horack, John M.↗

The quasi-periodic oscillations and very low frequency noise of Scorpius X-1 as transient chaos - A dripping handrail?

We present evidence that the quasi-periodic oscillations (QPO) and very low frequency noise (VLFN) characteristic of many accretion sources are different aspects of the same physical process. We analyzed a long, high time resolution EXOSAT observation of the low-mass X-ray binary (LMXB) Sco X-1. The X-ray luminosity varies stochastically on time scales from milliseconds to hours. The nature of this variability - as quantified with both power spectrum analysis and a new wavelet technique, the scalegram - agrees well with the dripping handrail accretion model, a simple dynamical system which exhibits transient chaos. In this model both the QPO and VLFN are produced by radiation from blobs with a wide size distribution, resulting from accretion and subsequent diffusion of hot gas, the density of which is limited by an unspecified instability to lie below a threshold.

Scargle, Jeffrey D.↗

Analysis and design of algorithm-based fault-tolerant systems

An important consideration in the design of high performance multiprocessor systems is to ensure the correctness of the results computed in the presence of transient and intermittent failures. Concurrent error detection and correction have been applied to such systems in order to achieve reliability. Algorithm Based Fault Tolerance (ABFT) was suggested as a cost-effective concurrent error detection scheme. The research was motivated by the complexity involved in the analysis and design of ABFT systems. To that end, a matrix-based model was developed and, based on that, algorithms for both the design and analysis of ABFT systems are formulated. These algorithms are less complex than the existing ones. In order to reduce the complexity further, a hierarchical approach is developed for the analysis of large systems.

Nair, V. S. Sukumaran↗

SSME/side loads analysis for flight configuration, revision A

This document describes the dynamic loads analysis accomplished for the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) considering the side load excitation associated with transient flow separation on the engine bell during ground ignition. The results contained herein pertain only to the flight configuration. A Monte Carlo procedure was employed to select the input variables describing the side load excitation and the loads were statistically combined. This revision includes an active thrust vector control system representation and updated orbiter thrust structure stiffness characteristics. No future revisions are planned but may be necessary as system definition and input parameters change.

Holland, W.↗

Time-dependent transonic flow solutions for axial turbomachinery

Three-dimensional unsteady transonic flow through an axial turbomachine stage is described in terms of a pair of two-dimensional formulations pertaining to orthogonal surfaces, namely, a blade-to-blade surface and a hub-to-casing surface. The resulting systems of nonlinear, inviscid, compressible equations of motion are solved by an explicit finite-difference technique. The blade-to-blade program includes the periodic interaction between rotor and stator blade rows. Treatment of the boundary conditions and of the blade slipstream motion by a characteristic type procedure is discussed in detail. Harmonic analysis of the acoustic far field produced by the blade row interaction, including an arbitrary initial transient, is outlined. Results from the blade-to-blade program are compared with experimental measurements of the rotating pressure field at the tip of a high-speed fan. The hub-to-casing program determines circumferentially averaged flow properties on a meridional plane. Blade row interactions are neglected in this formulation, but the force distributions over the entire blade surface for both the rotor and stator are obtained. Results from the hub-to-casing program are compared with a relaxation method solution for a subsonic rotor. Results are also presented for a quiet fan stage which includes transonic flow in both the rotor and stator and a normal shock in the stator.

Erdos, J.↗

Finite element analysis of nonisothermal polymer processing operations

A finite element formulation for the analysis of polymer processing is presented and its use in some typical situation including entry flow, transient Couette flow, and the Graetz (forced convection) problem is illustrated. The element formulations are constructed on the premise that momentum convection can be neglected (polymer melt flows typically have very low Reynolds' numbers), but that convective heat transfer may be significant (high Peclet numbers). Nonisothermal effects are considered important in polymer processing, due in part to the significant heating which may occur due to viscous dissipation, and also to the very strong influence of temperature on fluid viscosity. The flow is treated as Newtonian with the flow field being coupled to the heat transfer equation only through the viscous heat generation.

Douglas, C.↗

Type 2 radio bursts, interplanetary shocks and energetic particle events

Using the ISEE-3 radio astronomy experiment data 37 interplanetary (IP) type II bursts have been identified in the period September 1978 to December 1981. These events and the associated phenomena are listed. The events are preceded by intense, soft X ray events with long decay times (LDEs) and type II and/or type IV bursts at meter wavelengths. The meter wavelength type II bursts are usually intense and exhibit herringbone structure. The extension of the herringbone structure into the kilometer wavelength range results in the occurrence of a shock accelerated (SA) event. The majority of the interplanetary type II bursts are associated with energetic particle events. These results support other studies which indicate that energetic solar particles detected at 1 A.U. are generated by shock acceleration. From a preliminary analysis of the available data there appears to be a high correlation with white light coronal transients.

Cane, H. V.↗

Type II solar radio bursts, interplanetary shocks, and energetic particle events

Using the ISEE-3 radio astronomy experiment data 37 interplanetary (IP) type II bursts have been identified in the period September 1978 to December 1981. These events and the associated phenomena are listed. The events are preceded by intense, soft X ray events with long decay times (LDEs) and type II and/or type IV bursts at meter wavelengths. The meter wavelength type II bursts are usually intense and exhibit herringbone structure. The extension of the herringbone structure into the kilometer wavelength range results in the occurrence of a shock accelerated (SA) event. The majority of the interplanetary type II bursts are associated with energetic particle events. These results support other studies awhich indicate that energetic solar particles detected at 1 A.U. are generated by shock acceleration. From a preliminary analysis of the available data there appears to be a high correlation with white light coronal transients.

Cane, H. V.↗

Duct flow nonuniformities for Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME)

A three-duct Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Hot Gas Manifold geometry code was developed for use. The methodology of the program is described, recommendations on its implementation made, and an input guide, input deck listing, and a source code listing provided. The code listing is strewn with an abundance of comments to assist the user in following its development and logic. A working source deck will be provided. A thorough analysis was made of the proper boundary conditions and chemistry kinetics necessary for an accurate computational analysis of the flow environment in the SSME fuel side preburner chamber during the initial startup transient. Pertinent results were presented to facilitate incorporation of these findings into an appropriate CFD code. The computation must be a turbulent computation, since the flow field turbulent mixing will have a profound effect on the chemistry. Because of the additional equations demanded by the chemistry model it is recommended that for expediency a simple algebraic mixing length model be adopted. Performing this computation for all or selected time intervals of the startup time will require an abundance of computer CPU time regardless of the specific CFD code selected.

Source record↗

Methods for evaluation of the microgravity environment aboard Space Station Freedom

Space Station Freedom will be a platform for microgravity research. For superior microgravity science, the experiment locations must experience very little acceleration in the quasi-steady, structural dynamic, and vibroacoustic frequency ranges. This paper presents the methods that were developed for evaluation of the microgravity environment in the structural dynamic range. An integrated finite element model of the space station was used to conduct analysis for the on-orbit microgravity environment. Methods were developed to evaluate sinusoidal, random, and transient disturbances. Sources of disturbances aboard the Space Station were quantified and forcing functions were assembled. The resulting acceleration levels at the experiment locations due to these disturbances were computed and assessed against the microgravity acceleration requirement curve.

Wetzel, John P.↗

Vibroacoustic Response of Pad Structures to Space Shuttle Launch Acoustic Loads

This paper presents a deterministic theory for the random vibration problem for predicting the response of structures in the low-frequency range (0 to 20 hertz) of launch transients. Also presented are some innovative ways to characterize noise and highlights of ongoing test-analysis correlation efforts titled the Verification Test Article (VETA) project.

Margasahayam, R. N.↗

Thermal Property Parameter Estimation of TPS Materials

Accurate knowledge of the thermophysical properties of TPS (thermal protection system) materials is necessary for pre-flight design and post-flight data analysis. Thermal properties, such as thermal conductivity and the volumetric specific heat, can be estimated from transient temperature measurements using non-linear parameter estimation methods. Property values are derived by minimizing a functional of the differences between measured and calculated temperatures. High temperature thermal response testing of TPS materials is usually done in arc-jet or radiant heating facilities which provide a quasi one-dimensional heating environment. Last year, under the NASA-ASEE-Stanford Fellowship Program, my work focused on developing a radiant heating apparatus. This year, I have worked on increasing the fidelity of the experimental measurements, optimizing the experimental procedures and interpreting the data.

Maddren, Jesse↗

Land-Ocean Differences in LIS and OTD Tropical Lightning Observations

Significant differences are known to exist on a global scale between continental and oceanic total lightning regional flash rates, suggesting differences in the properties of convective storms in these regimes. Lightning properties observed by the Optical Transient Detector (OTD) and Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) over land and ocean are compared, limited to analysis over the tropics in order to simplify physical interpretation. We find that the mean flash rates of individual storms over tropical land only exceed those over ocean by a factor of 2 (far less than the observed differences in regional flash rates). However, the average nearest neighbor distance of continental thunderstorms in half that over oceans. Cloud-top lightning optical radiance in oceanic storms is also twice as large as over land, suggesting either more energetic flashes over the oceans or less intervening cloud particles.

Boccippio, Dennis J.↗

Land-Ocean Differences in LIS and OTD Tropical Lightning Observations

Significant differences are known to exist on a global scale between continental and oceanic total lightning regional flash rates, suggesting differences in the properties of convective storms in these regimes. Lightning properties observed by the Optical Transient Detector (OTD) and Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) over land and ocean are compared, limited to analysis over the tropics in order to simplify physical interpretation. We find that the mean flash rates of individual storms over tropical land only exceed those over ocean by a factor of 2 (far less than the observed differences in regional flash rates). However, the average nearest neighbor distance of continental thunderstorms is half that over oceans. Cloud-top lightning optical radiance in oceanic storms is also twice as large as over land, suggesting either more energetic flashes over the oceans or less intervening cloud particles.

Boccippio, D. J.↗

Simulation of Aircraft Engine Blade-Out Structural Dynamics

A primary concern of aircraft structure designers is the accurate simulation of the blade-out event and the subsequent windmilling of the engine. Reliable simulations of the blade-out event are required to insure structural integrity during flight as well as to guarantee successful blade-out certification testing. The system simulation includes the lost blade loadings and the interactions between the rotating turbomachinery and the remaining aircraft structural components. General-purpose finite element structural analysis codes such as MSC NASTRAN are typically used and special provisions are made to include transient effects from the blade loss and rotational effects resulting from the engine's turbomachinery. The present study provides the equations of motion for rotordynamic response including the effect of spooldown speed and rotor unbalance and examines the effects of these terms on a cantilevered rotor. The effect of spooldown speed is found to be greater with increasing spooldown rate. The parametric term resulting from the mass unbalance has a more significant effect on the rotordynamic response than does the spooldown term. The parametric term affects both the peak amplitudes as well as the resonant frequencies of the rotor.

Lawrence, Charles↗