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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 1,351 records · Page 75
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1989

Rotordynamic coefficients for labyrinth seals calculated by means of a finite difference technique

The compressible, turbulent, time dependent and three dimensional flow in a labyrinth seal can be described by the Navier-Stokes equations in conjunction with a turbulence model. Additionally, equations for mass and energy conservation and an equation of state are required. To solve these equations, a perturbation analysis is performed yielding zeroth order equations for centric shaft position and first order equations describing the flow field for small motions around the seal center. For numerical solution a finite difference method is applied to the zeroth and first order equations resulting in leakage and dynamic seal coefficients respectively.

Nordmann, R.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Nickel cadmium battery performance simulation - A means toward optimum design in satellite applications

It is noted that electrochemically based cell models can advance state-of-the-art battery prediction by allowing variations in the parameters that constitute wear-out and predict end-of-life performance. This modeling method is used as the foundation for the simulation of Ni-Cd battery performance. This simulation tool consists of a comprehensive computer model to be developed which would predict the voltage behavior of a battery under mission conditions.

Clark, K.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Irreversible wave-mean flow interactions in a mechanistic model of the stratosphere

A wave-1 minor warming is simulated in a mechanistic, global, primitive equation model. The modification of the zonal flow by the rearrangement of potential vorticity on a middle stratopheric isentrope is compared in a fully nonlinear model and in a model with only one wave and the zonal flow (a quasi-linear model). The permanent rearrangement of potential vorticity during the wave episode is more intense and more localized meridionally in the fully nonlinear model, which is able to capture the process of planetary wave breaking in some detail. Additional experiments reveal that the differences between the quasi-linear and nonlinear models persist for a broad range of wave amplitudes, and that the quasi-linear model can qualitatively reproduce the modification of the zonal flow by the wave when the diffusive dissipation of the wave is enhanced. These results are discussed in the context of the theory of barotropic Rossby waves in shear flows, and in comparison with recent numerical simulations of the middle atmosphere.

Robinson, Walter A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

The mean ozone profile and its temperature sensitivity in the upper stratosphere and lower mesosphere - An analysis of LIMS observations

Multiple simultaneous LIMS (Limb Infrared Monitor of the Stratosphere) observations of both O3 and temperature T in the upper stratosphere and lower mesosphere are analyzed to derive O3-T correlations for comparisons with model calculations. The zonally averaged O3 profile is compared with results from a simplified photochemical model that assumes O3 to be in a photochemical steady state. The model profile is systematically lower than the observed profile. Key parameters are identified in which changes can systematically increase the O3 profile in both the stratosphere and the mesosphere. The LIMS-derived values for the sensitivity of O3 to changes in T are compared with equilibrium model calculations which include the T-driven opacity feedback effect on photodissociation rate constants. The theoretical O3 response to temperature perturbations is investigated. It is shown how the O3-T sensitivity coefficient is affected by zonal and vertical advection terms as well as by the photochemical coupling between O3 and T.

Froidevaux, Lucien↗
NASA NTRS1989

A new means for observation of small comets and other water-laden bodies entering earth's upper atmosphere

This paper shows that the infrared radiance of comet-associated water vapor clouds described by Frank et al. (1986b) is large relative to natural background emissions. This IR emission arises from scattering of solar radiation and earth-shine and from excitation by upper atmospheric atomic oxygen. As a consequence, observations in space or from high-altitude platforms should provide an unambiguous signature of the entry of such objects into earth's atmosphere.

Banks, Peter M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

The combination of satellite and topographic/isostatic potential models for mean anomaly determinations

A method is presented for the estimation of a global gravity anomaly field using the combination of satellite-derived potential coefficient models and the coefficients implied by the Airy-Heiskanen topographic/isostatic potential (Rummel et al., 1988) from topographic models with a 30-km depth of compensation. Gravity anomalies calculated with this method are compared with a terrestrial 1 x 1 degree anomaly file where the anomaly standard deviations were less than 10 mgals. Using the GEM T1 model (Marsh et al., 1988) to degree 36, the rms anomaly discrepency was + or - 19 mgals, while the rms values for the terrestrial anomalies was + or - 28 mgals.

Rapp, Richard H.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Spatial displays as a means to increase pilot situational awareness

Experiences raise a number of concerns for future spatial-display developers. While the promise of spatial displays is great, the cost of their development will be correspondingly large. The knowledge and skills which must be coordinated to ensure successful results is unprecedent. From the viewpoint of the designer, basic knowledge of how human beings perceive and process complex displays appears fragmented and largely unquantified. Methodologies for display development require prototyping and testing with subject pilots for even small changes. Useful characterizations of the range of differences between individual users is nonexistent or at best poorly understood. The nature, significance, and frequency of interpretation errors associated with complex integrated displays is unexplored and undocumented territory. Graphic displays have intuitive appeal and can achieve face validity much more readily than earlier symbolic displays. The risk of misleading the pilot is correspondingly greater. Thus while some in the research community are developing the tools and techniques necessary for effective spatial-display development, potential users must be educated about the issues so that informed choices can be made. The scope of the task facing all is great. The task is challenging and the potential for meaningful contributions at all levels is high indeed.

Fadden, Delmar M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Rejection of RFI by means of interferometry

The feasibility of using radio interferometry to reduce the levels of RF interference (RFI) encountered in the NASA Targeted Search SETI program is discussed. It is shown that a radio interferometer will be much less sensitive to RFI than a single antenna system. However, the use of an interferometer would entail a reduction in the noise-limited sensitivity of the system as well as some additional costs due to added complexity.

Dreher, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1989

How will changes in carbon dioxide and methane modify the mean structure of the mesosphere and thermosphere?

A global average model of the coupled mesosphere, thermosphere, and ionosphere is used to examine the effect of trace gas variations on the overall structure of these regions. In particular, the variations caused by CO2 and CH4 doublings and halvings from present day mixing ratios are presented. The results indicate that the mesosphere and thermosphere temperatures will cool by about 10 K and 50 K, respectively, as the CO2 and CH4 mixing ratios are doubled. These regions are heated by similar amounts when the trace gas mixing ratios are halved. Compositional redistributions also occur in association with changes in the temperature profile. The results show that global change will occur in the upper atmosphere and ionosphere as well as in the lower atmosphere during the 21st century.

Roble, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Determination of the mean solid-liquid interface energy of pivalic acid

A high-confidence solid-liquid interfacial energy is determined for an anisotropic material. A coaxial composite having a cylindrical specimen chamber geometry provides a thermal gradient with an axial heating wire. The surface energy is derived from measurements of grain boundary groove shapes. Applying this method to pivalic acid, a surface energy of 2.84 erg/sq cm was determined with a total systematic and random error less than 10 percent. The value of interfacial energy corresponds to 24 percent of the latent heat of fusion per molecule.

Singh, N. B.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Conjugate echoes of artificially injected electron beams detected optically by means of new image processing

Artificial auroral streaks were detected following two upward injections of energetic electrons (38 keV and 26 keV) from the Echo 4 rocket-borne electron accelerator. Newly developed image processing techniques are used to detect and describe the streaks. It is found that the potential of the payload remained below 1 kV during 45 mA injections at an altitude of 210 km. The echo streaks show little dispersion in time or space, suggesting that the portion of the beam returning to the northern hemisphere loss cone remained collimated and nearly monoenergetic. There was, however, a 70 percent loss in the return flux. The causes of this loss are discussed.

Hallinan, Thomas J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Measurement of strains at high temperatures by means of a portable holographic moire camera

Electronic holographic moire is utilized to measure strains at temperatures up to 1000 C. A CW laser operating at 50 mW and at the wavelength of 632.8 nm is used to illuminate the objects under study. The main variables influencing the fringe patterns visibility are discussed and measurements are performed to obtain the values of these variables in the performed experiments. The coefficient of expansion of an alloy is measured at temperatures ranging from 797 C to 986 C. Excellent agreement is found between the measured values and those provided by the manufacturer.

Sciammarella, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Time and frequency comparisons in Europe by means of ECS 5 geostationary satellite

A time synchronization experiment between some European laboratories using the passive television method applied to the signals broadcasted by Eutelsat I-F5 telecommunication satellite was completed in 1990. The results obtained in the last period, when also range measurements from a Telespazio ground station were performed, are analyzed to evaluate the accuracy level of the time comparisons corrected for the effect of the satellite movement with position data obtained either from the European Space Agency (ESA) or from orbit determination with range data entered into GEODYN program of NASA/GSFC.

Cordara, Franco↗
NASA NTRS1991

Polar stratospheric cloud measurements by means of depolarization lidar in the Antarctic

POLE (Polar Ozone Lidar Experiment) is a cooperative project between the French and Italian services. It was started with the implementation of a first depolarization backscattering lidar for measurements both of background stratospheric aerosols and Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs). A complex Ozone lidar was also installed which will replace the backscattering system and extend its measurements to tropospheric and stratospheric Ozone and to stratospheric and mesospheric temperatures. This new system allows also the measurement of the backscattered and depolarized signal produced by PSCs and background aerosols. The depolarization technique seemed to be quite efficient in the detection of different types of PSCs.

Stefanutti, L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Surface modification of Monel K-500 as a means of reducing friction and wear in high-pressure oxygen

A study is conducted of the tribological characteristics of Monel K-500 during rubbing in a high pressure oxygen atmosphere, upon surface treatment by ion-implanted oxygen, chromium, lead, and silver, as well as electrolyzed chromium and an electroless nickel/SiC composite. The electrolyzed chromium dramatically increased total sample wear, while other surface treatments affected sample wear only moderately. Although the ion-implant treatments reduced the average coefficient of friction at low contact pressure, higher contact pressures eliminated this improvement.

Gunaji, Mohan↗
NASA NTRS1991

The fatigue behavior of composite laminates under various mean stresses

A method is developed for predicting the S-N curve of a composite laminate which is subjected to an arbitrary stress ratio, R (minimum stress/maximum stress). The method is based on the measuring of the S-N behavior of two distinct cases, tension-tension and compression-compression fatigue loadings. Using these parameters, expressions are formulated that estimate the fatigue behavior under any stress ratio loading. Experimental results from the testing of graphite/epoxy laminates, with various structures, are compared with the predictions and show good agreement.

Rotem, A.↗