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At least 127 records · Page 7

Evidence of a Discontinuous Disk Structure Around the Herbig Ae Star HD 139614

The formation and evolution of a planetary system are intrinsically linked to the evolution of the primordial accretion disk and its dust and gas content. A new class of pre-main sequence objects has been recently identified as pre-transitional disks. They present near-infrared excess coupled to a flux deficit at about 10 microns and a rising mid-infrared and far-infrared spectrum. These features suggest a disk structure with inner and outer dust components, separated by a dust-depleted region (or gap). This could be the result of particular planet formation mechanisms that occur during the disk evolution. We here report on the first interferometric observations of the disk around the Herbig Ae star HD 139614. Its infrared spectrum suggests a flared disk, and presents pre-transitional features, namely a substantial near-infrared excess accompanied by a dip around 6 microns and a rising mid-infrared part. In this framework, we performed a study of the spectral energy distribution (SED) and the mid-infrared VLTI/MIDI interferometric data to constrain the spatial structure of the inner dust disk region and assess its possibly multi-component structure. We based our work on a temperature-gradient disk model that includes dust opacity.While we could not reproduce the SED and interferometric visibilities with a one-component disk, a better agreement was obtained with a two-component disk model composed of an optically thin inner disk extending from 0.22 to 2.3 AU, a gap, and an outer temperature-gradient disk starting at 5.6 AU. Therefore, our modeling favors an extended and optically thin inner dust component and in principle rules out the possibility that the near-infrared excess originates only from a spatially confined region. Moreover, the outer disk is characterized by a very steep temperature profile and a temperature higher than 300 K at its inner edge. This suggests the existence of a warm component corresponding to a scenario where the inner edge of the outer disk is directly illuminated by the central star. This is an expected consequence of the presence of a gap, thus indicative of a "pre-transitional" structure.

primordial accretion disk↗

Thermal Considerations for 2039 Opposition Class Nuclear Electric Propulsion/Chemical Propulsion Crewed Mars Mission

The high specific impulse (Isp) of Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) technology offers the potential for advanced space mission capabilities. However, the five critical technology elements of NEP vehicles have yet to prove technical maturity levels for consideration into mission design. In response to the critical reviews by the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), NASA’s Space Nuclear Propulsion (SNP) project created an NEP Technology Maturation Plan (TMP) for focused development of NEP technology. The TMP called for a coordinated set of technology development efforts to meet this objective. The Modular Assembled Radiators for NEP VehicLes (MARVL) Early Career Initiative (ECI) project was initiated to develop a portion of the fifth Critical Technology Element (CTE) of the NEP vehicle: the Primary Heat Rejection Subsystem (PHRS). A target application of a 2039 human-rated Mars mission was outlined in the TMP. For the outlined mission, a NEP vehicle will experience several thermal environments which will impact the design and operation of the PHRS. To maintain radiator temperatures within the required effective temperature range, the effect of natural, induced, and NEP internally generated heat loads on the radiator panel must be well understood. Furthermore, this analysis is critical for analyzing the influence of various orientations and positions of the NEP vehicle relative to nearby celestial bodies throughout the mission. This study conducted a complete enveloping analysis of the thermal environments influencing the NEP vehicle throughout the mission. Thermal analysis was conducted for the radiator panels based on the defined mission environments. This thermal analysis concludes with the selection of ideal radiator orientations for the NEP vehicle, and the identification of worst case hot and cold environmental sink temperatures throughout the mission. For the target application, the environmental sink temperature while the reactor is powered OFF or powered ON ranges from 30 K to 353 K and 2.7 K to 243 K respectively. When considering interplanetary space, the minimum environmental sink temperature when the reactor is powered OFF and the radiators are oriented “edge to Sun” is 2.7 K. The environmental thermal models generated in this study will be used for future studies with the full vehicle system model. The environmental sink temperature curves generated will be used for future radiator and component analysis to predict transient performance in the space environment. The environmental sink temperature and heat rejection capability curves will inform the trade between commissioning orbits that are in consideration. The model may also serve as a useful tool as reference for future crewed space missions, missions involving radiators or temperature sensitive equipment, or other missions requiring analysis of natural orbital thermal environments.

Nuclear Electric Propulsion↗

A possible edge effect in enhanced network

K-line observations of enhanced network taken with the NASA/SPO Multichannel Spectrometer on September 28, 1975, in support of OSO-8 are discussed. The data show a correlation between core brightness and asymmetry for spatial scans which cross enhanced network boundaries. The implications of this result concerning mass flow in and near supergranule boundaries are discussed.

Jones, H. P.↗

Metal-wool heat shields for space shuttle

The packaging of metal wool for reusable thermal heat shields applied to aerodynamic and other surfaces for the space shuttle was analyzed and designed, and samples were fabricated and experimentally studied. Parametric trends were prepared for selected configurations. An all-metal thermally efficient, reliable, reusable and producible heat shield system was designed and structurally tested for use on spacecraft aerodynamic surfaces where temperatures do not exceed 810 K. Stainless steel sheet, primarily for structure and secondarily in the transverse plane for thermal expansion, was shown to accommodate thermal expansion in all directions when restrained at the edges and heated to 1360 K. Aerodynamic loads of 0.35 x 1000,000 newtons/sq meter, and higher, may be easily accepted by structures of this design. Seven all-metal thermal protection specimens, 12.7 cm square and 2.5 cm thick were fabricated and are being experimentally evaluated at simulated shuttle entry conditions in an arc jet facility.

Miller, R. C.↗

The two-dimensional tunnel structures of K3Sb5O14 and K2Sb4O11

The structures of K3Sb5O14 and K2Sb4O11 have been solved by the single-crystal X-ray direct method and the heavy-atom method, respectively. The structure of K3Sb5O14 is orthorhombic, with space group Pbam and cell parameters a = 24.247 (4), b = 7.157 (2), c = 7.334 (2) A, Z = 4. The structure of K2Sb4O11 is monoclinic, with space group C2/m and cell parameters a = 19.473 (4), b = 7.542 (1), c = 7.198 (1) A, beta = 94.82 (2) deg, Z = 4. A full-matrix least-squares refinement gave R = 0.072 and R = 0.067, respectively. In both structures, oxygen atoms form an octahedron around each Sb atom and an irregular polyhedron around each K atom. By sharing corners and edges, the octahedra form a skeleton network having intersecting b-axis and c-axis tunnels. The K(+) ions, which have more than ten oxygen near neighbors, are located in these tunnels. Evidence for K(+)-ion transport within and between tunnels comes from ion exchange of the alkali ions in molten salts and anisotropic temperature factors that are anomalously large in the direction of the tunnels.

Hong, H. Y.-P.↗

Image feature extraction using Gabor-like transform

Noisy and highly textured images were operated on with a Gabor-like transform. The results were evaluated to see if useful features could be extracted using spatio-temporal operators. The use of spatio-temporal operators allows for extraction of features containing simultaneous frequency and orientation information. This method allows important features, both specific and generic, to be extracted from images. The transformation was applied to industrial inspection imagery, in particular, a NASA space shuttle main engine (SSME) system for offline health monitoring. Preliminary results are given and discussed. Edge features were extracted from one of the test images. Because of the highly textured surface (even after scan line smoothing and median filtering), the Laplacian edge operator yields many spurious edges.

Finegan, Michael K., Jr.↗

Three-dimensional elastic stress and displacement analysis of tensile fracture specimens containing cracks

A seminumerical method is presented for three-dimensional elastic analysis of finite geometry solids with traction-free cracks. Stress and displacement distributions are calculated for two rectangular bars which are loaded by a uniform surface stress distribution. The first bar contains a through-thickness central crack while the second bar has double-edge cracks. Stress intensity factors K sub I for both configurations are presented.

Gyekenyesi, J. P.↗

A focussing iron line crystal spectrometer for Spacelab

A crystal spectrometer system is described which employs conical focusing of 12 curved LiF crystal panels to minimize the detector size and reduce the background counting rate. The wavelength range from 1.70 to 1.98 A is covered, including the resonance lines of Fe XXV and Fe XXVI as well as the Fe I K-alpha line and absorption edge. Operation of the spectrometer is discussed, noting that diffracted X-rays are registered in one-dimensional position-sensitive detectors and that the arrival position of a photon in a detector is related to its wavelength due to the fixed curvature of the crystal panels in the dispersion plane. Some characteristics of the multianode position-sensitive detectors are reviewed along with the crystal arrangement and mounting. The instrument sensitivity is evaluated in relation to the strengths of 6.7-keV emission features detected by the Ariel 5 and OSO 8 proportional-counter spectrometers.

Catura, R. C.↗

CO isotope mapping of L 134 N

Mapping of the dark cloud L 134 N in (C-12)O and (C-13)O has shown that at least two subclouds are distinguishable spatially and in velocity. (C-12)O emission is distributed over an area of about 90 arcmin diameter with a maximum temperature of about 11 K; for (C-13)O these are about 50 arcmin and 4 K. Linewidths increase from the edge of the cloud inward to a peak of about 2.5 km/s at the position of the (C-13)O temperature maximum. Line velocities show much variation as a function of position, but the predominant emission component occurs at 2.5-3 km/s in the LSR frame. Comparisons are made with earlier observations of L 134 N and with recent observations of L 134.

Caldwell, J. A. R.↗

A multiwavelength study of the short-period cataclysmic variable V442 Ophiuchi

The results of a program of observations of the cataclysmic variable V442 Oph from UV to IR wavelengths are reported. The observations comprise IUE SWP and LWR-camera spectra from October, 1981; UBVr and R photometry at Manastash Ridge Observatory from August, 1980; UBV photometry and IR measurements at Kitt Peak from July, 1981; and Coudespectroscopy at Mt. Wilson from June, 1980, and at Mt Lemmon from July, 1982. Tables of data, plots of H-alpha and He-II radial velocity, sample spectra, light curves, and a log-log diagram of F(lambda) vs lambda are given. Flux-ratio analysis of the IR data indicates a disk with very little optically thin material anad an outer-edge temperature of about 7920 K. The calculated period (3.37 h) and mass-accretion rate (1 x 10 to the -8th solar mass/yr) are compared to those of similar objects, and V442 Oph is found to be similar in this respect to systems like H2252-035. Its lack of a rotational period and the weakness of the optical and UV line emissions, however, are more like the old nova V603 Aql.

Shafter, A. W.↗

Gas Generator Feedline Orifice Sizing Methodology: Effects of Unsteadiness and Non-Axisymmetric Flow

Engine LH2 and LO2 gas generator feed assemblies were modeled with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods at 100% rated power level, using on-center square- and round-edge orifices. The purpose of the orifices is to regulate the flow of fuel and oxidizer to the gas generator, enabling optimal power supply to the turbine and pump assemblies. The unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations were solved on unstructured grids at second-order spatial and temporal accuracy. The LO2 model was validated against published experimental data and semi-empirical relationships for thin-plate orifices over a range of Reynolds numbers. Predictions for the LO2 square- and round-edge orifices precisely match experiment and semi-empirical formulas, despite complex feedline geometry whereby a portion of the flow from the engine main feedlines travels at a right-angle through a smaller-diameter pipe containing the orifice. Predictions for LH2 square- and round-edge orifice designs match experiment and semi-empirical formulas to varying degrees depending on the semi-empirical formula being evaluated. LO2 mass flow rate through the square-edge orifice is predicted to be 25 percent less than the flow rate budgeted in the original engine balance, which was subsequently modified. LH2 mass flow rate through the square-edge orifice is predicted to be 5 percent greater than the flow rate budgeted in the engine balance. Since CFD predictions for LO2 and LH2 square-edge orifice pressure loss coefficients, K, both agree with published data, the equation for K has been used to define a procedure for orifice sizing.

Rothermel, Jeffry↗

Infrared spectra of obscuring dust tori around active galactic nuclei. I - Calculational method and basic trends

Using a new 2D radiative transfer algorithm, we have calculated the thermally reradiated infrared spectra of the compact dust tori which are thought to surround many AGN. These tori radiate anisotropically. Face-on tori may be from one-half to a few orders of magnitude brighter than edge-on tori throughout the infrared. Their spectra at nearly all viewing angles are basically 'bumps' which are about 50 percent wider than blackbodies and peak in the mid-infrared at a wavelength determined mainly by the flux of nuclear radiation on the inner edge of the torus. The infrared color temperatures are hotter for face-on tori than edge-on tori by about 100 K. The 10 micron silicate feature often associated with dust can appear in absorption, emission, or not at all. There is a rough tendency for absorption features to be more prominent for edge-on tori than for face-on tori.

Pier, Edward A.↗

The thermal environment of transatmospheric vehicles

A transatmospheric vehicle using primarily air-breathing propulsion must fly in the denser part of the atmosphere to achieve adequate acceleration to reach orbital speed. The potentially long ascent times, combined with the need for a low-drag configuration, result in a severe aerothermodynamics environment. To achieve low drag, the vehicle must have a relatively sharp nose and wing leading edges. The ascent peak stagnation point and equilibrium wall temperatures for the wing leading edge can reach values of 4000 K and 3000 K, respectively, for high dynamic pressure trajectories, making some form of mass addition cooling mandatory. The corresponding temperatures during entry are about 1500 K lower. The vehicle windward centerline temperatures are more moderate, however, with values peaking around 1500 K. Therefore, radiative cooling should be effective over large areas of the vehicle. The windward, centerline heat loads are relatively insensitive to the dynamic pressure of the ascent trajectory, in contrast to the stagnation point and wing leading edge. The windward surface entry heat loads are much lower, but depend strongly on the flightpath.

Tauber, Michael E.↗

Prediction of Unsteady Transitional Layers in Turbomachinery Using Navier Stokes Equations

The objective of the research reported in this presentation is to develop computational techniques for the prediction of unsteady transitional flows associated with the rotor stator interaction in turbomachinery. Three low-Reynolds number turbulence models are incorporated in two unsteady Navier-Stokes codes (one is pressure based and the other is time marching with Runge-Kutta time stepping) and evaluated for accuracy in predicting the onset and the end of unsteady transitional patches due to wake passing. The best model is then used for modification and improvement for the leading edge effect. An existing steady Navier-Stokes code was modified to include pseudo-time stepping, which provided acceleration from 5 to 25 times that of the original code. A systematic validation procedure was implemented to assess the effects of the grid, artificial dissipation, physical, and the pseudo-time step for an accurate prediction of transitional flows resulting from the rotor-stator interaction. The ability of the Navier-Stokes code to predict the unsteady transitional flow on a turbomachinery blade is demonstrated. The unsteady pressure and velocity fields are in good agreement with the experimental data and the prediction from the Euler/boundary layer approach. The numerical solver was able to capture all zones (wake induced transitional strip, wake induced turbulent strip, calmed region, etc.) associated with wake induced transition in a compressor cascade. Another significant step is the assessment of k-epsilon turbulence models, including the leading edge modifications. Best results were obtained from the FLB model. The LB model predicted earlier inception of the transition and shorter transition length. Modification of the k-epsilon model was found to be essential for an accurate prediction of the unsteady transitional flow in a compressor cascade. The CH model failed to predict the unsteady transitional flow. Predicted boundary layer was turbulent from the leading edge, even with the modification of the k-epsilon model near the stagnation point. A comparison of the instantaneous shape factor, the skin friction coefficient, and the momentum thickness indicates that the Navier-Stokes predictions are reasonably good. Interaction between the upstream wake and stator wake results in shedding of unsteady vortices from the trailing edge and increased dissipation in the stator wake and, as a consequence, increased rate of decay of the stator wake. The procedure developed at Penn State should aid the designers of turbomachinery in allowing for the unsteady transitional flows due to rotor-stator interaction.

Lakshminarayana, B.↗

Photoionization Modeling and the K Lines of Iron

We calculate the efficiency of iron K line emission and iron K absorption in photoionized models using a new set of atomic data. These data are more comprehensive than those previously applied to the modeling of iron K lines from photoionized gases, and allow us to systematically examine the behavior of the properties of line emission and absorption as a function of the ionization parameter, density and column density of model constant density clouds. We show that, for example, the net fluorescence yield for the highly charged ions is sensitive to the level population distribution produced by photoionization, and these yields are generally smaller than those predicted assuming the population is according to statistical weight. We demonstrate that the effects of the many strongly damped resonances below the K ionization thresholds conspire to smear the edge, thereby potentially affecting the astrophysical interpretation of absorption features in the 7-9 keV energy band. We show that the centroid of the ensemble of K(alpha) lines, the K(beta) energy, and the ratio of the K(alpha(sub 1)) to K(alpha(sub 2)) components are all diagnostics of the ionization parameter of our model slabs.

Kallman, T. R.↗

Low-speed aerodynamic characteristics of a 13.1-percent-thick, high-lift airfoil

Experimental study of the low-speed, sectional characteristics of a high-lift airfoil, and comparison of these characteristics with the predictions of the theoretical methods used in the airfoil's design. The 13.1% thick UI-1720 airfoil was found to achieve the predicted maximum lift coefficient of nearly 2.0. No upper-surface flow separation was found below the stall angle of attack of 16 deg; it appeared that stall was due to an abrupt leading-edge flow separation.

Sivier, K. R.↗