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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 127 records · Page 7

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NASA NTRS1991

A design strategy for the use of vortex generators to manage inlet-engine distortion using computational fluid dynamics

A reduced Navier-Stokes solution technique was successfully used to design vortex generator installations for the purpose of minimizing engine face distortion by restructuring the development of secondary flow that is induced in typical 3-D curved inlet ducts. The results indicate that there exists an optimum axial location for this installation of corotating vortex generators, and within this configuration, there exists a maximum spacing between generator blades above which the engine face distortion increases rapidly. Installed vortex generator performance, as measured by engine face circumferential distortion descriptors, is sensitive to Reynolds number and thereby the generator scale, i.e., the ratio of generator blade height to local boundary layer thickness. Installations of corotating vortex generators work well in terms of minimizing engine face distortion within a limited range of generator scales. Hence, the design of vortex generator installations is a point design, and all other conditions are off design. In general, the loss levels associated with a properly designed vortex generator installation are very small; thus, they represent a very good method to manage engine face distortion. This study also showed that the vortex strength, generator scale, and secondary flow field structure have a complicated and interrelated influence over engine face distortion, over and above the influence of the initial arrangement of generators.

Anderson, Bernhard H.↗

NASA NTRS1991

The structure and development of streamwise vortex arrays embedded in a turbulent boundary layer

An investigation of the structure and development of streamwise vortices embedded in a turbulent boundary layer was conducted. The vortices were generated by a single spanwise row of rectangular vortex generator blades. A single embedded vortex was examined, as well as arrays of embedded counter rotating vortices produced by equally spaced vortex generators. Measurements of the secondary velocity field in the crossplane provided the basis for characterization of vortex structure. Vortex structure was characterized by four descriptors. The center of each vortex core was located at the spanwise and normal position of peak streamwise vorticity. Vortex concentration was characterized by the magnitude of the peak streamwise vorticity, and the vortex strength by its circulation. Measurements of the secondary velocity field were conducted at two crossplane locations to examine the streamwise development of the vortex arrays. Large initial spacings of the vortex generators produced pairs of strong vortices which tended to move away from the wall region while smaller spacings produced tight arrays of weak vortices close to the wall. A model of vortex interaction and development is constructed using the experimental results. The model is based on the structure of the Oseen Vortex. Vortex trajectories are modelled by including the convective effects of neighbors.

Wendt, Bruce J.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Computer codes developed and under development at Lewis

The objective of this summary is to provide a brief description of: (1) codes developed or under development at LeRC; and (2) the development status of IPACS with some typical early results. The computer codes that have been developed and/or are under development at LeRC are listed in the accompanying charts. This list includes: (1) the code acronym; (2) select physics descriptors; (3) current enhancements; and (4) present (9/91) code status with respect to its availability and documentation. The computer codes list is grouped by related functions such as: (1) composite mechanics; (2) composite structures; (3) integrated and 3-D analysis; (4) structural tailoring; and (5) probabilistic structural analysis. These codes provide a broad computational simulation infrastructure (technology base-readiness) for assessing the structural integrity/durability/reliability of propulsion systems. These codes serve two other very important functions: they provide an effective means of technology transfer; and they constitute a depository of corporate memory.

Chamis, Christos C.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Subjective loudness response to simulated sonic booms

A series of laboratory studies were conducted at LaRC to: (1) quantify the effects of sonic boom signature shaping on subjective loudness; (2) evaluate candidate loudness metrics; (3) quantify the effects of signature asymmetry on loudness; and (4) document sonic boom acceptability within the laboratory. A total of 212 test subjects evaluated a wide range of signatures using the NASA Langley Research Center's sonic boom simulator. Results indicated that signature shaping via front-shock minimization was particularly effective in reducing subjective loudness without requiring reductions in peak overpressure. Metric evaluations showed that A-weighted sound exposure level, Perceived Level (Stevens Mark 7), and Zwicker's Loudness level were effective descriptors of the loudness of symmetrical shaped signatures. The asymmetrical signatures were generally rated as being quieter than symmetrical signatures of equal calculated metric level. The magnitude of the loudness reductions were observed to increase as the degree of asymmetry increased and to be greatest when the rear half of the signature was loudest. This effect was not accounted for by the loudness metrics. Sonic boom acceptability criteria were determined within the laboratory. These agreed well with results previously obtained in more realistic situations.

Leatherwood, Jack D.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Evaluation of human response to structural vibration induced by sonic boom

This paper addresses the topic of building vibration response to sonic boom and the evaluation of the associated human response to this vibration. The paper reexamines some of the issues addressed in the previous extensive coverage of the topic, primarily by NASA, and attempts to offer a fresh viewpoint for some of the problems that may assist in reassessing the potential impact of sonic boom over populated areas. The topics addressed are: (1) human response to vibration; (2) criteria for, and acoustic signature of rattle; (3) structural response to shaped booms, including definition of two new descriptors for assessing the structural response to sonic boom; and (4) a detailed review of the previous NASA/FAA Sonic Boom Test Program involving structural response measurements at Edwards AFB and an initial estimate of structural response to sonic booms from possible high speed civil transport configurations. Finally, these estimated vibration responses are shown to be substantially greater than the human response and rattle criteria developed earlier.

Sutherland, L. C.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Phi-s correlation and dynamic time warping - Two methods for tracking ice floes in SAR images

The authors present two algorithms for performing shape matching on ice floe boundaries in SAR (synthetic aperture radar) images. These algorithms quickly produce a set of ice motion and rotation vectors that can be used to guide a pixel value correlator. The algorithms match a shape descriptor known as the Phi-s curve. The first algorithm uses normalized correlation to match the Phi-s curves, while the second uses dynamic programming to compute an elastic match that better accommodates ice floe deformation. Some empirical data on the performance of the algorithms on Seasat SAR images are presented.

Mcconnell, Ross↗

NASA NTRS1991

Inferring vegetation characteristics using a knowledge-based system

A knowledge-based system for inferring physical and biological surface properties of vegetation using nadir and/or directional reflectance data as input is developed. A portion of this system has been developed to discriminate between user-defined vegetation classes using spectral and directional reflectance relationships. This discrimination program was used to classify targets into user-defined ground cover and plant height classes. The program learns class descriptors from samples (both positive and negative) of spectral, directional reflectance data of natural surfaces (bare soils, natural vegetation, and agricultural vegetation). The system is designed to handle any combination of directional view angles. The explicit relationships used in the class descriptions include greater-than relationships between combinations of two view angles and maximum and minimum value relationships. The class descriptions are used to classify an unknown target using the same directional views. The program was tested by learning class descriptions of various categories of percent ground cover and vegetation height.

Kimes, D. S.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Ballistic limit curve regression for Freedom Station orbital debris shields

A procedure utilized at Marshall Space Flight Center to formulate ballistic limit curves for the Space Station Freedom's manned module orbital debris shields is presented. A stepwise linear least squares regression method similar to that employed by Burch (1967) is used to relate a penetration parameter to various projectile and target descriptors. A stepwise regression was also conducted with the model reduced to lower forms, thus eliminating the effects of generalized assumptions.

Jolly, William H.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Scattering properties of Venus' surface

Radar backscatter functions Sigma-(carat)(sub 0)(phi) for incidence angles between 0 less than or equal to phi less than or equal to 4-10 deg were derived from Magellan altimetry radar echoes. The procedure includes constrained solution of a system of simultaneous equations for which the echo-spectrum and echo time profile are inputs. A practical and workable set of constraints was applied; optimization and improved results are expected as the analysis matures. The scattering functions yield information on small-scale surface structures (tens of centimeters to tens of meters) but averaged over hundreds of sq km. RMS surface slopes derived from fits of analytic functions to the Sigma-(carat)(sub 0)(phi) results were converted to map form and show patterns similar to those reported using other techniques. While all three forms are found on Venus, fit residuals imply that an exponential scattering function matches data better than either the Hagfors or Gaussian form in most areas, although the Hagfors function may be a better descriptor at some sites. Limited study of image data indicates that average backscatter cross section, and possibly its slope, can be derived at oblique angles (17 deg less than or equal to phi less than or equal to 45 deg). Offsets of the echo peak in altimetry spectra are surprisingly common and are loosely correlated with Venus topography, but no cause for this phenomenon was identified.

Tyler, G. L.↗

NASA NTRS1992

On the variation of the Nimbus 7 total solar irradiance

For the interval December 1978 to April 1991, the value of the mean total solar irradiance, as measured by the Nimbus-7 Earth Radiation Budget Experiment channel 10C, was 1,372.02 Wm(exp -2), having a standard deviation of 0.65 Wm(exp -2), a coefficient of variation (mean divided by the standard deviation) of 0.047 percent, and a normal deviate z (a measure of the randomness of the data) of -8.019 (inferring a highly significant non-random variation in the solar irradiance measurements, presumably related to the action of the solar cycle). Comparison of the 12-month moving average (also called the 13-month running mean) of solar irradiance to those of the usual descriptors of the solar cycle (i.e., sunspot number, 10.7-cm solar radio flux, and total corrected sunspot area) suggests possibly significant temporal differences. For example, solar irradiance is found to have been greatest on or before mid 1979 (leading solar maximum for cycle 21), lowest in early 1987 (lagging solar minimum for cycle 22), and was rising again through late 1990 (thus, lagging solar maximum for cycle 22), having last reported values below those that were seen in 1979 (even though cycles 21 and 22 were of comparable strength). Presuming a genuine correlation between solar irradiance and the solar cycle (in particular, sunspot number) one infers that the correlation is weak (having a coefficient of correlation r less than 0.84) and that major excursions (both as 'excesses' and 'deficits') have occurred (about every 2 to 3 years, perhaps suggesting a pulsating Sun).

Wilson, Robert M.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Origin and use of Martian nomenclature

The history and construction of Martian place names are examined. The 24 specific descriptor terms in use for Mars are defined. Informal names of individual rocks are discussed: the human fondness for informality is evident in the names attached to individual rocks at the Viking Lander sites.

Russell, Joel F.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Search for deterministic pulse trends in gamma ray burst temporal profiles

Most cosmic gamma-ray burst temporal profiles appear to be comprised of several individual pulses, many of which overlap. It is advantageous to deconvolve the temporal structures into their constituent pulses, and thereby investigate the shape, intensity and temporal distributions of the pulses as a function of energy. Such fundamental pulse descriptors would provide constraints for theoretical modeling of the burst emission process, such as indications of source size, optical depth and geometry, as a function of time. We have developed a deconvolution algorithm which treats sequences of pulse shapes that change deterministically. The algorithm, a generalization of autoregressive techniques, has been applied to a few bright bursts observed by BATSE. Results indicate that, even within short intervals, constituent pulses are not self-similarly shaped, nor do pulse shapes evolve in a simple manner throughout a burst. Hence, the direction of our future work on pulse deconvolution will focus on analysis methods which allow pulse shape to vary.

Norris, J. P.↗

NASA NTRS1993

A comparative study of full Navier-Stokes and Reduced Navier-Stokes analyses for separating flows within a diffusing inlet S-duct

A three-dimensional implicit Full Navier-Stokes (FNS) analysis and a 3D Reduced Navier-Stokes (RNS) initial value space marching solution technique has been applied to a class of separate flow problems within a diffusing S-duct configuration characterized as vortex-liftoff. Both Full Navier-Stokes and Reduced Navier-Stokes solution techniques were able to capture the overall flow physics of vortex lift-off, however more consideration must be given to the development of turbulence models for the prediction of the locations of separation and reattachment. This accounts for some of the discrepancies in the prediction of the relevant inlet distortion descriptors, particularly circumferential distortion. The 3D RNS solution technique adequately described the topological structure of flow separation associated with vortex lift-off.

Anderson, B. H.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Techniques used for the analysis of oculometer eye-scanning data obtained from an air traffic control display

The methodology and techniques used to collect and analyze look-point position data from a real-time ATC display-format comparison experiment are documented. That study compared the delivery precision and controller workload of three final approach spacing aid display formats. Using an oculometer, controller lookpoint position data were collected, associated with gaze objects (e.g., moving aircraft) on the ATC display, and analyzed to determine eye-scan behavior. The equipment involved and algorithms for saving, synchronizing with the ATC simulation output, and filtering the data are described. Target (gaze object) and cross-check scanning identification algorithms are also presented. Data tables are provided of total dwell times, average dwell times, and cross-check scans. Flow charts, block diagrams, file record descriptors, and source code are included. The techniques and data presented are intended to benefit researchers in other studies that incorporate non-stationary gaze objects and oculometer equipment.

Crawford, Daniel J.↗

NASA NTRS1995

MODTRAN3: An update and recent validations against airborne high resolution interferometer measurements

MODTRAN, the Moderate Resolution Atmospheric Radiance and Transmittance Model, encompasses all the capabilities of LOWTRAN 7, the widely used 20 cm(exp -1) resolution radiance code, but incorporates a much more sensitive molecular band model with 2 cm(exp -1) resolution. MODTRAN contains many important elements that other band model based radiative transfer codes do not incorporate. It shares with FASCODE: spherical geometry, single and multiple scattering default atmospheric profile descriptors (gases, aerosols, clouds, fogs, and rain), and molecular continua (H2O, CO2, O3, O2, N2). In addition, it can calculate the solar/lunar direct and scattered radiation. MODTRAN3 was released to the general public in November 1994. It has several important features that the previous version, MODTRAN2, does not have. Chloro-fluorocarbon (CFC) and related heavy molecules (whose spectroscopic properties first appear on the HITRAN92 data base as temperature-dependent cross sections) have been incorporated into pseudo-band models, with provision for using both default and user supplied profiles. The addition of SO2 and O2 in the UV, along with upgraded ozone Chappuis bands in the visible is also part of MODTRAN3. An improved multiple scattering algorithm, the DIScrete Ordinate Radiative Transfer (DISORT) has also been incorporated into MODTRAN3. MODTRAN is very fast: simple timing runs of MODTRAN3 vs. FASCOD3 show an improvement of more than a factor of 100 for a typical 500 cm(exp -1) spectral interval and comparable vertical layering. Speed is an important consideration in heating/cooling rates calculations, where a large number of radiative transfer calculations are needed. The MODTRAN3 used in this study is based on HITRAN92, but as mentioned, above, it will be upgraded to HITRAN94 upon its release at the end of 1994. MODTRAN has been adopted by: some researchers in the AVIRIS program as one radiative transfer code to derive surface reflectance from AVIRIS measurements. The accuracy of the code is very important because any errors in the radiative transfer calculation will directly translate into errors in the derived surface reflectance. In this paper, the new solar irradiance calculated by Kurucz, which is adopted in MODTRAN3, will be presented. Recent validations of MODTRAN3 with airborne high resolution interferometer measurements over ocean will be discussed. Good agreeement between model calculations and measurements was achieved.

Anderson, Gail P.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Reduction and coding of synthetic aperture radar data with Fourier transforms

Recently, aboard the Space Radar Laboratory (SRL), the two roles of Fourier Transforms for ocean image synthesis and surface wave analysis have been implemented with a dedicated radar processor to significantly reduce Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) ocean data before transmission to the ground. The object was to archive the SAR image spectrum, rather than the SAR image itself, to reduce data volume and capture the essential descriptors of the surface wave field. SAR signal data are usually sampled and coded in the time domain for transmission to the ground where Fourier Transforms are applied both to individual radar pulses and to long sequences of radar pulses to form two-dimensional images. High resolution images of the ocean often contain no striking features and subtle image modulations by wind generated surface waves are only apparent when large ocean regions are studied, with Fourier transforms, to reveal periodic patterns created by wind stress over the surface wave field. Major ocean currents and atmospheric instability in coastal environments are apparent as large scale modulations of SAR imagery. This paper explores the possibility of computing complex Fourier spectrum codes representing SAR images, transmitting the coded spectra to Earth for data archives and creating scenes of surface wave signatures and air-sea interactions via inverse Fourier transformations with ground station processors.

Tilley, David G.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Application of Image Analysis for Characterization of Spatial Arrangements of Features in Microstructure

A number of microstructural processes are sensitive to the spatial arrangements of features in microstructure. However, very little attention has been given in the past to the experimental measurements of the descriptors of microstructural distance distributions due to the lack of practically feasible methods. We present a digital image analysis procedure to estimate the micro-structural distance distributions. The application of the technique is demonstrated via estimation of K function, radial distribution function, and nearest-neighbor distribution function of hollow spherical carbon particulates in a polymer matrix composite, observed in a metallographic section.

Louis, Pascal↗

NASA NTRS1998

Track Structure Model for Radial Distributions of Electron Spectra and Event Spectra from High-Energy Ions

An analytic method is described for evaluating the average radial electron spectrum and the radial and total frequency-event spectrum for high-energy ions. For high-energy ions, indirect events make important contributions to frequency-event spectra. The method used for evaluating indirect events is to fold the radial electron spectrum with measured frequency-event spectrum for photons or electrons. The contribution from direct events is treated using a spatially restricted linear energy transfer (LET). We find that high-energy heavy ions have a significantly reduced frequency-averaged final energy (yF) compared to LET, while relativistic protons have a significantly increased yF and dose-averaged lineal energy (yD) for typical site sizes used in tissue equivalent proportional counters. Such differences represent important factors in evaluating event spectra with laboratory beams, in space- flight, or in atmospheric radiation studies and in validation of radiation transport codes. The inadequacy of LET as descriptor because of deviations in values of physical quantities, such as track width, secondary electron spectrum, and yD for ions of identical LET is also discussed.

Cucinotta, F. A.↗