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At least 1,189 records · Page 66

New options for IRI electron density in the middle ionosphere

This paper reviews the present International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model of electron density in the middle ionosphere and explores two new options for future editions of IRI. The first of these options is a better description of the bottomside thickness parameters, and the second is an analytical representation from E- to F2-peak using LAY-functions. For this analytical representation a table of standard parameters and constraints for the four LAY-functions recommended for IRI have been established.

Bilitza, Dieter↗

Comparisons between satellite-derived gradient winds and radar-derived winds from the CIRA-86

The zonal and meridional wind contours in the 60-120 km region obtained from satellite radiance data were compared with radar-derived contours of winds obtained from the CIRA-1986 reference atmosphere. It was found that the agreement between the directly observed zonal winds and the zonal mean gradient winds from the reference atmosphere wind model was good, especially below 80 km. However, differences were found in both the Southern and the Northern Hemispheres.

Manson, A. H.↗

LAGEOS geodetic analysis-SL7.1

Laser ranging measurements to the LAGEOS satellite from 1976 through 1989 are related via geodetic and orbital theories to a variety of geodetic and geodynamic parameters. The SL7.1 analyses are explained of this data set including the estimation process for geodetic parameters such as Earth's gravitational constant (GM), those describing the Earth's elasticity properties (Love numbers), and the temporally varying geodetic parameters such as Earth's orientation (polar motion and Delta UT1) and tracking site horizontal tectonic motions. Descriptions of the reference systems, tectonic models, and adopted geodetic constants are provided; these are the framework within which the SL7.1 solution takes place. Estimates of temporal variations in non-conservative force parameters are included in these SL7.1 analyses as well as parameters describing the orbital states at monthly epochs. This information is useful in further refining models used to describe close-Earth satellite behavior. Estimates of intersite motions and individual tracking site motions computed through the network adjustment scheme are given. Tabulations of tracking site eccentricities, data summaries, estimated monthly orbital and force model parameters, polar motion, Earth rotation, and tracking station coordinate results are also provided.

Smith, D. E.↗

User's guide to resin infusion simulation program in the FORTRAN language

RTMCL is a user friendly computer code which simulates the manufacture of fabric composites by the resin infusion process. The computer code is based on the process simulation model described in reference 1. Included in the user's guide is a detailed step by step description of how to run the program and enter and modify the input data set. Sample input and output files are included along with an explanation of the results. Finally, a complete listing of the program is provided.

Weideman, Mark H.↗

A hierarchy for modeling high speed propulsion systems

General research efforts on reduced order propulsion models for control systems design are overviewed. Methods for modeling high speed propulsion systems are discussed including internal flow propulsion systems that do not contain rotating machinery, such as inlets, ramjets, and scramjets. The discussion is separated into four areas: (1) computational fluid dynamics models for the entire nonlinear system or high order nonlinear models; (2) high order linearized models derived from fundamental physics; (3) low order linear models obtained from the other high order models; and (4) low order nonlinear models (order here refers to the number of dynamic states). Included in the discussion are any special considerations based on the relevant control system designs. The methods discussed are for the quasi-one-dimensional Euler equations of gasdynamic flow. The essential nonlinear features represented are large amplitude nonlinear waves, including moving normal shocks, hammershocks, simple subsonic combustion via heat addition, temperature dependent gases, detonations, and thermal choking. The report also contains a comprehensive list of papers and theses generated by this grant.

Hartley, Tom T.↗

A comparison of refined models for flexible subassemblies

Interactions between structure response and control of large flexible space systems have challenged current modeling techniques and have prompted development of new techniques for model improvement. Due to the geometric complexity of envisioned large flexible space structures, finite element models (FEM's) will be used to predict the dynamic characteristics of structural components. It is widely accepted that these models must be experimentally 'validated' before their acceptance as the basis for final design analysis. However, predictions of modal properties (natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping ratios) are often in error when compared to those obtained from Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA). Recent research efforts have resulted in the development of algorithmic approaches for model improvement, also referred to as system or structure identification.

Smith, Suzanne Weaver↗

Assessment of closure coefficients for compressible-flow turbulence models

A critical assessment is made of the closure coefficients used for turbulence length scale in existing models of the transport equation, with reference to the extension of these models to compressible flow. It is shown that to satisfy the compressible 'law of the wall', the model coefficients must actually be functions of density gradients. The magnitude of the errors that result from neglecting this dependence on density varies with the variable used to specify the length scale. Among the models investigated, the k-omega model yields the best performance, although it is not completely free from errors associated with density terms. Models designed to reduce the density-gradient effect to an insignificant level are proposed.

Huang, P. G.↗

Opening remarks

The year's accomplishments at the onset of the yearly NAPEX meetings are reviewed. Therefore, I will present the last year's accomplishments and the plans for the next year. The studies supported by the Propagation Program during the last year are listed: OLYMPUS data collection and analysis; the ACTS Propagation Program; low elevation angle 11-GHz measurements; satellite broadcast and mobile studies; radiometric techniques; propagation models database; NASA Reference Publication 1274; CCIR activities; fade detection and compensation; rain rate measurements; and information dissemination.

Davarian, Faramaz↗

Predicted and observed directional dependence of meteoroid/debris impacts on LDEF thermal blankets

The number of impacts from meteoroids and space debris particles to the various LDEF rows is calculated using ESABASE/DEBRIS, a 3-D numerical analysis tool. It is based on recent reference environment flux models and includes geometrical and directional effects. A comparison of model predictions and actual observations is made for penetrations of the thermal blankets which covered the UHCR experiment. The thermal blankets were located on all LDEF rows, except 3, 9, and 12. Because of their uniform composition and thickness, these blankets allow a direct analysis of the directional dependence of impacts and provide a test case for the latest meteoroid and debris flux models.

Drolshagen, Gerhard↗

A model for generating UV images at satellite altitudes

Vertical perspective, mercator, and tilted perspective projection images are presented which contain calculated dayglow, nightglow, and aurora. These images are discussed in terms of their structure's sources, which encompass composition variations, solar zenith angle changes, and changes in the path length experienced on going from disk-viewing to limb-viewing. Both a global thermospheric model (MSIS-86) and a global ionospheric model (the International Reference Ionosphere) are used to respectively specify neutral composition and the profiles of OI and OII.

Cox, R. J.↗

The structure of the high-latitude molecular cloud toward HD 210121

Optical absorption line observations and millimeter emission of the high-latitude cloud toward the star HD 21021 are reported. The cloud was mapped with the ESO submillimeter telescope. Maps of (C-12)O and (C-13)O emission are presented and the line profiles and velocity structure of the cloud are discussed. The optical absorption line observations allow an independent determination of the H2 column density along the line of sight. The molecular column densities found in this cloud were consistent with those measured in diffuse and translucent clouds. Attention is given to the physical and chemical properties of the cloud with reference to chemical models. Analysis indicates that small fluctuations in H2 column density and other factors can produce large variations of CO abundance and column density in clouds where carbon is just being transformed into CO.

Gredel, Roland↗

Evaluation of SSME test data reduction methods

Accurate prediction of hardware and flow characteristics within the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) during transient and main-stage operation requires a significant integration of ground test data, flight experience, and computational models. The process of integrating SSME test measurements with physical model predictions is commonly referred to as data reduction. Uncertainties within both test measurements and simplified models of the SSME flow environment compound the data integration problem. The first objective of this effort was to establish an acceptability criterion for data reduction solutions. The second objective of this effort was to investigate the data reduction potential of the ROCETS (Rocket Engine Transient Simulation) simulation platform. A simplified ROCETS model of the SSME was obtained from the MSFC Performance Analysis Branch . This model was examined and tested for physical consistency. Two modules were constructed and added to the ROCETS library to independently check the mass and energy balances of selected engine subsystems including the low pressure fuel turbopump, the high pressure fuel turbopump, the low pressure oxidizer turbopump, the high pressure oxidizer turbopump, the fuel preburner, the oxidizer preburner, the main combustion chamber coolant circuit, and the nozzle coolant circuit. A sensitivity study was then conducted to determine the individual influences of forty-two hardware characteristics on fourteen high pressure region prediction variables as returned by the SSME ROCETS model.

Santi, L. Michael↗

Rapidly rotating neutron stars in general relativity: Realistic equations of state

We construct equilibrium sequences of rotating neutron stars in general relativity. We compare results for 14 nuclear matter equations of state. We determine a number of important physical parameters for such stars, including the maximum mass and maximum spin rate. The stability of the configurations to quasi-radial perturbations is assessed. We employ a numerical scheme particularly well suited to handle rapid rotation and large departures from spherical symmetry. We provide an extensive tabulation of models for future reference. Two classes of evolutionary sequences of fixed baryon rest mass and entropy are explored: normal sequences, which behave very much like Newtonian sequences, and supramassive sequences, which exist for neutron stars solely because of general relativistic effects. Adiabatic dissipation of energy and angular momentum causes a star to evolve in quasi-stationary fashion along an evolutionary sequence. Supramassive sequences have masses exceeding the maximum mass of a nonrotating neutron star. A supramassive star evolves toward eventual catastrophic collapse to a black hole. Prior to collapse, the star actually spins up as it loses angular momentum, an effect that may provide an observable precursor to gravitational collapse to a black hole.

Cook, Gregory B.↗

Geomagnetic transmission of solar energetic protons during the geomagnetic disturbances of October 1989

Orbit-averaged geomagnetic transmission measurements during the large solar energetic particle events of October 1989 are presented using proton data from the NOAA-10 and GOES-7 satellies. The measurements are compared to geomagnetic transmission calculations determined by tracing particle trajectories through the combination of the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) model and the 1989 Tsyganenko magnetospheric magnetic field model. The effective 'ring current' parameter in the 1989 Tsyganenko model based on the Dst data. Results are compared to calculations employing only the IGRF and to a parameterization of geomagnetically quiet-time cutoff rigidities derived from Cosmos/intercosmos observations. The 3-hour orbit-averaged results have approximately 15% accuracy during the October 1989 events.

Boberg, P. R.↗

The transition of a real-time single-rotor helicopter simulation program to a supercomputer

This report presents the conversion effort and results of a real-time flight simulation application transition to a CONVEX supercomputer. Enclosed is a detailed description of the conversion process and a brief description of the Langley Research Center's (LaRC) flight simulation application program structure. Currently, this simulation program may be configured to represent Sikorsky S-61 helicopter (a five-blade, single-rotor, commercial passenger-type helicopter) or an Army Cobra helicopter (either the AH-1 G or AH-1 S model). This report refers to the Sikorsky S-61 simulation program since it is the most frequently used configuration.

Martinez, Debbie↗

Internal Passage Heat Transfer Prediction Using Multiblock Grids and a Kappa-Omega Turbulence Model

Numerical simulations of the three-dimensional flow and heat transfer in a rectangular duct with a 180 C bend were performed. Results are presented for Reynolds numbers of 17,000 and 37,000 and for aspect ratios of 0.5 and I.O. A kappa-omega turbulence model with no reference to distance to a wall is used. Direct comparison between single block and multiblock grid calculations are made. Heat transfer and velocity distributions are compared to available literature with good agreement. The multi-block grid system is seen to produce more accurate results compared to a single-block grid with the same number of cells.

Rigby, David L.↗

Reference H Piloted Assessment (LaRC.1) Pilot Briefing Guide

This document describes the purpose of and method by which an assessment of the Boeing Reference H High-Speed Civil Transport design was evaluated in the NASA Langley Research Center's Visual/Motion Simulator in January 1997. Six pilots were invited to perform approximately 60 different Mission Task Elements that represent most normal and emergency flight operations of concern to the High Speed Research program. The Reference H design represents a candidate configuration for a High-Speed Civil Transport, a second generation supersonic civilian transport aircraft. The High-Speed Civil Transport is intended to be economically sound and environmentally safe while carrying passengers and cargo at supersonic speeds with a trans-Pacific range. This simulation study was designated "LaRC. 1" for the purposes of planning, scheduling and reporting within the Guidance and Flight Controls super-element of the High-Speed Research program. The study was based upon Cycle 3 release of the Reference H simulation model.

Jackson, E. Bruce↗

Numerical Simulation of Non-rotating and Rotating Coolant Channel Flow Fields

Numerical simulations of the three-dimensional flow and heat transfer in a rectangular duct with a bend were performed. Results are presented for Reynolds numbers of 17,000 and 37,000 and for aspect ratios of 0.5 and 1.0. A k-(omega) turbulence model with no reference to distance to a wall is used. Direct comparison between single block and multiblock grid calculations are made. Heat transfer and velocity distributions are compared to available literature with good agreement. The multi-block grid system is seen to produce more accurate results compared to a single-block grid with the same number of cells.

Rigby, David L.↗