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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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At least 1,225 records · Page 68

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NASA NTRS1985

Far-infrared observations of Sagittarius B2: Reconsideration of source structure

New moderate-angular-resolution far-infrared observations of the Sagittarius B2 star-forming region are presented, discussed, and compared with recent radio molecular and continuum observations of this source. In contrast to previous analyses, its far-infrared spectrum is interpreted as the result of a massive frigid cloud overlying a more-or-less normal infrared source, a natural explanation for the object's previously-noted pecularities. The characteristics derived for the obscuring cloud are similar to those found for the W51 MAIN object. Both sources have high sub-millimeter surface brightness, a high ratio of sub-millimeter to far-infrared flux, and numerous regions of molecular maser emission.

Thronson, H. A., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1985

X-rays from the radio halo of Virgo A = M87

The purpose of this study is to investigate in more detail the associated X-ray and radio emission in the Virgo A halo discovered by SGF. Improved Einstein HRI data and new radio maps obtained with the Very Large Array are described and the relation between the X-ray and radio structures is carefully examined. Several possible explanations are presented for the X-ray emission. The inverse compton model is found to be viable only if the magnetic field is variable and substantially weaker than the equipartition value. The principal alternative is excess thermal X-rays due to compression of the intracluster medium by the radio lobe. In either case, the association of such prominent radio and X-ray structures is unique among known radio galaxies.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1985

FIT: Computer Program that Interactively Determines Polynomial Equations for Data which are a Function of Two Independent Variables

A computer program for interactively developing least-squares polynomial equations to fit user-supplied data is described. The program is characterized by the ability to compute the polynomial equations of a surface fit through data that are a function of two independent variables. The program utilizes the Langley Research Center graphics packages to display polynomial equation curves and data points, facilitating a qualitative evaluation of the effectiveness of the fit. An explanation of the fundamental principles and features of the program, as well as sample input and corresponding output, are included.

Arbuckle, P. D.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Actions for productivity improvement in crew training

Improvement of the productivity of astronaut crew instructors in the Space Shuttle program and beyond is proposed. It is suggested that instructor certification plans should be established to shorten the time required for trainers to develop their skills and improve their ability to convey those skills. Members of the training cadre should be thoroughly cross trained in their task. This provides better understanding of the overall task and greater flexibility in instructor utilization. Improved facility access will give instructors the benefit of practical application experience. Former crews should be integrated into the training of upcoming crews to bridge some of the gap between simulated conditions and the real world. The information contained in lengthy and complex training manuals can be presented more clearly and efficiently as computer lessons. The illustration, animation and interactive capabilities of the computer combine an effective means of explanation.

Miller, G. E.↗

NASA NTRS1985

The application of diffusion theory to the analysis of hydrogen desorption data at 25 deg C

The application of diffusion theory to the analysis of hydrogen desorption data (coulombs of H2 desorbed versus time) has been studied. From these analyses, important information concerning hydrogen solubilities and the nature of the hydrogen distributions in the metal has been obtained. Two nickel base alloys, Rene' 41 and Waspaloy, and one ferrous alloy, 4340 steel, are studied in this work. For the nickel base alloys, it is found that the hydrogen distributions after electrolytic charging conforms closely to those which would be predicted by diffusion theory. For Waspaloy samples charged at 5,000 psi, it is found that the hydrogen distributions are essentially the same as those obtained by electrolytic charging. The hydrogen distributions in electrolytically charged 4340 steel, on the other hand, are essentially uniform in nature, which would not be predicted by diffusion theory. A possible explanation has been proposed. Finally, it is found that the hydrogen desorption is completely explained by the nature of the hydrogen distribution in the metal, and that the fast hydrogen is not due to surface and sub-surface hydride formation, as was originally proposed.

Danford, M. D.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Summaries of 1984-85 NASA space-gravitational biology accomplishments

Individual technical summaries of research projects of NASA's Space/Gravitational Biology Program are presented. The summaries for each project include a description of the research, a listing of the accomplishments, and an explanation of the significance of the accomplishments. Bibliographies for each project are also included.

Halstead, T. W.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Effect of additional heat treatment of 2024-T3 on the growth of fatigue crack in air and in vacuum

In order to determine the influence of ductility on the fatigue crack growth rate of aluminum alloys, fatigue tests were carried out on central notched specimens of 2024-T3 and 2024-T8 sheet material. The 2024-T8 material was obtained by an additional heat treatment applied on 2024-T3 (18 hours at 192 C), which increased the static yield strength from 43.6 to 48.9 kgf/sq mm. A change in the ultimate strength was not observed. Fatigue tests were carried out on both materials in humid air and in high vacuum. According to a new crack propagation model, crack extension is supported to be caused by a slip-related process and debonding triggered by the environment. This model predicts an effect of the ductility on the crack growth rate which should be smaller in vacuum than in humid air; however, this was not confirmed. In humid air the crack-growth rate in 2024-T8 was about 2 times faster than in 2024-T3, while in vacuum the ratio was about 2.5. Crack closure measurements gave no indications that crack closure played a significant role in both materials. Some speculative explanations are briefly discussed.

Louwaard, E. P.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Airport-Noise Levels and Annoyance Model (ALAMO) user's guide

A guide for the use of the Airport-Noise Level and Annoyance MOdel (ALAMO) at the Langley Research Center computer complex is provided. This document is divided into 5 primary sections, the introduction, the purpose of the model, and an in-depth description of the following subsystems: baseline, noise reduction simulation and track analysis. For each subsystem, the user is provided with a description of architecture, an explanation of subsystem use, sample results, and a case runner's check list. It is assumed that the user is familiar with the operations at the Langley Research Center (LaRC) computer complex, the Network Operating System (NOS 1.4) and CYBER Control Language. Incorporated within the ALAMO model is a census database system called SITE II.

Deloach, R.↗

NASA NTRS1986

A preliminary study of flat-panel displays

Six display technologies that might be of future value in a spacelab workstation are discussed. Some have been developed to the point where they could be used as a computer display while others have not. The display technologies studied are electroluminescents, light-emitting didodes, gas plasma, liquid crystal, electrochromic, and electrophoretic. An explanation of each mechanism is provided along with the state-of-the-art development.

Yancey, K. E.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Turbofan aft duct suppressor study program listing and user's guide

A description of the structure of the Annular Flow Duct Program (AFDP) for the calculation of acoustic suppression due to treatment in a finite length annular duct carrying sheared flow is presented. Although most appropriate for engine exhaust ducts, this program can be used to study sound propagation in any duct that maintains annular geometry over a considerable length of the duct. The program is based on the modal analysis of sound propagation in ducts with axial segments of different wall impedances. For specified duct geometry, wall impedance, flow and acoustic conditions in the duct (including mode amplitude distribution of the source) and duct termination reflection characteristics, the program calculates the suppression due to the treatment in the duct. The presence of forward and backward traveling modes in the duct due to the reflection and redistribution of modes at segment interfaces and duct end terminations are taken into account in the calculations. The effects of thin wall boundary layers (with a linear or mean flow velocity profile) on the acoustic propagation are also included in the program. A functional description of the major subroutines is included and a sample run is provided with an explanation of the output.

Joshi, M. C.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Solar energy and the aeronautics industry

An introduction to the physical aspects of solar energy, incidental energy and variations in solar flux is presented, along with an explanation of the physical principles of obtaining solar energy. The history of the application of solar energy to aeronautics, including the Gossamer Penguin and the Solar Challenger is given. Finally, an analysis of the possibilities of using a reaction motor with hybrid propulsion combining solar energy with traditional fuels as well as calculations of the proposed cycle and its mode of operation are given.

Benedek, L.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Further work on sodium montmorillonite as catalyst for the polymerization of activated amino acids

When the polycondensation of amino acid acylates was catalyzed with Na-montmorillonite, the polypeptides were consistently found to exhibit a distribution of discrete molecular weights, for as yet undiscovered reasons. One possible explanation was connected to the stepwise mode of monomer addition. New experiments have eliminated this possibility, so that there is the general assumption that this discreteness is the result of a preference of shorter oligomers to add to others of the same length, a feature that could be attributed to some structure of the platelet aggregates of the montmorillonite. The production of optical stereoisomers is anticipated when D,L-amino acids are polymerized on montmorillonite. Having used an optically active surface, the essence of the results lies not only in the occurrence of optically active oligomers and polymers, but also in the fact that the latter exhibit the same molecular weight characteristics as the D,L-polymers. Preparatory to work contemplated on a parallel synthesis of amino acid and nucleotide oligomers, studies were continued on the co-adsorption of amino acids, nucleotides, and amino acid-nucleotides on montmorillonite.

Eirich, F. R.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Over-reflection of barotropic Rossby wave packet

Interference of stationary and traveling waves of sufficiently large amplitude can cause vacillations in the instantaneous EP-flux and its divergence. Such fluctuations may provide an explanation for some of the vacillations in transport and in the mean flow observed in the stratosphere. While there has been a focus on a simple two-component system, in reality several spectral components are likely to be present. For sufficiently large mean flow deceleration, the local wave field and the quasi-linear description developed here would presumably break down.

Takano, K.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Local time distribution of the SSC-associated HF-Doppler frequency shifts

The HF-Doppler frequency shift observed at the storm's sudden commencement is composed of a frequency increase (+) and decrease (-), and classified into four types, SCF(+ -), SCF(- +), SCF(+) and SCF(-). Since the latter two types are special cases of the former two types, two different kinds of electrical field exist in the F region and cause the ExB drift motion of plasma. HUANG (1976) interpreted the frequency increase of SCF(+ -) as due to the westward induction electric field proportional to delta H/ delta t and the succeeding frequency decrease due to the eastward conduction electric field which produces ionospheric currents responsible for the magnetic increase on the ground. In spite of his success in interpreting the SCF(+ -), some other interpretations are needed for the explanation of the whole set of SCF's, particularly SCF(- +). Local time distributions of the SCF's are derived from 41 SCF's which are observed on the HF standard signal (JJY) as received in Okinawa (path length =1600 km) and Kokubunji (60 km). It is shown that the SCF(+ -) appears mainly during the day, whereas the SCF(- +) is observed during the night. The results indicate that the preliminary frequency shift (+) of SCF(+ -) and (-) of SCF(- +) is caused by a westward electric field in the dayside hemisphere, while by an eastward electric field in the nightside hemisphere. The main frequency shift (-) of SCF(+ -) and (+) of SCF(- +) is caused by the reversed electric field. Consequently, the preliminary frequency shift is caused by the dusk-to-dawn electric field, while the main frequency shift by the dawn-to-dusk electric field.

Kikuchi, T.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Coordinated observations of X-ray bright BL lacertae objects

Simultaneous multifrequency observations of the BL Lac object Mkn421 covering radio through X-ray wavelengths were performed. Composite multifrequency spectra of the central nonthermal component were obtained at the two epochs after subtracting the optical and infrared light of the underlying galaxy. Physical parameters of Mkn421 are discussed in terms of the synchrotron self-Compton model. Taking the spectral turnover between infrared and radio for synchrotrom self absorption, the radio emmision originates in a more extended region than the infrared to X-ray emission, the source size of which should be less than .01 milliarcseconds. Relativistic beaming is required if the angular size is smaller than a few times .001 milliarcseconds. A possible explanation of the spectral change during the two epochs is also discussed.

Urry, C. M.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Computer-Aided Modeling and Analysis of Power Processing Systems (CAMAPPS). Phase 1: Users handbook

The EASY5 macro component models developed for the spacecraft power system simulation are described. A brief explanation about how to use the macro components with the EASY5 Standard Components to build a specific system is given through an example. The macro components are ordered according to the following functional group: converter power stage models, compensator models, current-feedback models, constant frequency control models, load models, solar array models, and shunt regulator models. Major equations, a circuit model, and a program listing are provided for each macro component.

Kim, S.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Observations of composition from Pioneer Venus

Long latitude distributions of atmospheric neutral hydrogen were derived at Venus for the period 1979 to 1980. In-situ measurements of H+, O+, O, and CO2 obtained from the ion and neutral mass spectrometers on the Pioneer Venus orbiter are combined with the appropriate chemical equilibrium relationship to determine the abundance of neutral hydrogen which is very difficult to measure directly. The measurements are all obtained below 165 km on the nightside and below 200 km on the dayside, based on evidence for chemical equilibrium prevailing up to those altitudes. During the period examined nearly three complete diurnal cycles were available and a comparison of the year-to-year variation in hydrogen content is made across the dawn region where the distributions of light gases are most pronounced. The dawn bulge in H (and also in He) which was reported from the first diurnal cycle by Brinton et al. is found to persist. Superimposed upon the diurnal variation are strong day-to-day variations in which n(H) changes by as much as a factor of five. Such variations are linked to pronounced changes in the ion and neutral composition which sometimes occur in association with solar wind disturbances passing the planet. The interaction of the solar wind and the planetary environment somehow results in large changes in the relative abundances and scale heights of the ion and neutral species, thus modifying the derived values of n(H). These variations in the ion distributions are not surprising owing to the strong dependence of the nightside ionization upon convection from the dayside and associated sensitivity of this convection to changes in solar wind pressure and interplanetary magnetic field variations. The variation exhibited by the neutrals, however, appears to require some other explanation owing to the limited momemtum transfer between the ions and neturals. Allowing for these short term perturbations, there appears to be no clear evidence for interannual variation in n(H) during the period examined, apparently consistent with the very small change in solar EUV flux over the same interval.

Taylor, H. A., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1986

An experiment in software reliability

The results of a software reliability experiment conducted in a controlled laboratory setting are reported. The experiment was undertaken to gather data on software failures and is one in a series of experiments being pursued by the Fault Tolerant Systems Branch of NASA Langley Research Center to find a means of credibly performing reliability evaluations of flight control software. The experiment tests a small sample of implementations of radar tracking software having ultra-reliability requirements and uses n-version programming for error detection, and repetitive run modeling for failure and fault rate estimation. The experiment results agree with those of Nagel and Skrivan in that the program error rates suggest an approximate log-linear pattern and the individual faults occurred with significantly different error rates. Additional analysis of the experimental data raises new questions concerning the phenomenon of interacting faults. This phenomenon may provide one explanation for software reliability decay.

Dunham, J. R.↗