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At least 1,369 records · Page 76

Calculation of flow about two-dimensional bodies by means of the velocity-vorticity formulation on a staggered grid

A method for calculating the incompressible viscous flow about two-dimensional bodies, utilizing the velocity-vorticity form of the Navier-Stokes equations using a staggered-grid formulation is presented. The solution is obtained by employing an alternative-direction implicit method for the solution of the block tridiagonal matrix resulting from the finite-difference representation of the governing equations. The boundary vorticity and the conservation of mass are calculated implicitly as a part of the solution. The mass conservation is calculated to machine zero for the duration of the computation. Calculations for the flow about a circular cylinder, a 2-pct thick flat plate at 90-deg incidence, an elliptic cylinder at 45-deg incidence, and a NACA 0012, with and without a deflected flap, at - 90-deg incidence are performed and compared with the results of other numerical investigations.

Stremel, Paul M.↗

Tensile and compressive failure modes of laminated composites loaded by fatigue with different mean stress

Laminated composite materials tend to fail differently under tensile or compressive load. Under tension, the material accumulates cracks and fiber fractures, while under compression, the material delaminates and buckles. Tensile-compressive fatigue may cause either of these failure modes depending on the specific damage occurring in the laminate. This damage depends on the stress ratio of the fatigue loading. Analysis of the fatigue behavior of the composite laminate under tension-tension, compression-compression, and tension-compression had led to the development of a fatigue envelope presentation of the failure behavior. This envelope indicates the specific failure mode for any stress ratio and number of loading cycles. The construction of the fatigue envelope is based on the applied stress-cycles to failure (S-N) curves of both tensile-tensile and compressive-compressive fatigue. Test results are presented to verify the theoretical analysis.

Rotem, Assa↗

Effect of mean load on the non-linear behavior of spur gear noise source

An analytical technique for estimating noise generation by spur-gear pairs with backlash is developed using the results obtained by Comparin and Singh (1989). The derivation of the governing equations is outlined, and numerical results for sample problems are presented in graphs. Good agreement with published experimental data (Munro, 1962) is demonstrated.

Kahraman, Ahmet↗

Stratospheric dynamical effects of solar ultraviolet variations - Evidence from zonal mean ozone and temperature data

Cross-spectral analysis of low-latitude average Nimbus 7 stratospheric and mesospheric sounder (SAMS) temperature deviations versus Nimbus 7 solar backscattered ultraviolet (SBUV) solar 205 nm flux measurements in the 1-3 mbar pressure range yields significant coherence at periods near 27 and 13 days. This supports earlier correlative evidence that the ozone response to solar ultraviolet variations is supplemented by a coupled temperature response in the upper stratosphere. Comparisons of improved one-dimensional radiative photochemical model calculations with ozone and temperature response measurements at low latitudes yields agreement only in the case of ozone at levels below 3 mbar. An additional, presumably dynamical, component of the upper stratospheric response is suggested. Cross-spectral analysis of low-latitude average SAMS temperature deviations versus higher-latitude temperature fluctuations of opposite sign in the winter hemisphere also yields significant coherency at periods near 27 and 13 days. Latitudinal temperature oscillations of this type result from interference between stationary and traveling wave components at stratospheric heights. It is therefore hypothesized that solar ultraviolet variations may force or modulate traveling waves with periods near 27 and 13 days in the upper stratosphere. The existence of such waves with higher amplitude near solar maximum than near solar minimum may help to explain observed solar cycle variations of zonally averaged winds and temperature in the upper stratosphere.

Hood, L. L.↗

Comparison of the impact of the 1982/83 and 1986/87 Pacific SST anomalies on time-mean predictions of atmospheric circulation

This study contrasts the impact of the ENSO SST anomalies observed during the Northern Hemisphere winters of 1982/83 and 1986/87 predictions with a GCM. The results of an analysis of the anomalous divergence and effective Rossby wave source in the tropical and subtropical Pacific during these two years indicate that the primary observed and simulated extratropical circulation features may have been forced from the subtropics other than the tropics. Relatively small magnitudes of the SST and precipitation anomalies in the subtropics make it probable that these subtropical divergence and Rossby wave source anomalies themselves were forced from the tropics.

Fennessy, M. J.↗

Measurement of structure motion by means of a moving light sheet

The elaboration of an optical system which measures the displacement and velocity of large flexible space structures is reviewed. The motion-measuring system, comprised of a laser, optics, motorized mirror, two photodiodes and electronics, is designed to allow feedback for configuration control of flexible structures. A motor or scanner is employed to sweep the light sheet. The range of motion was shown to be 2 inches, and information was received at a rate of 30 Hz. The uncertainty in displacement measurement was better than +0.01 inch from a distance of 16 feet. The results are considered to be very good for two scanning light sheet systems. Higher sample rates and a more constant speed would improve the rotating mirror option, and the accuracy and range of the scanning mirror option could be upgraded as well. Both setups are shown to be viable noncontact measuring methods for the displacement and velocity of large space structures.

Tcheng, Ping↗

Probing the magnetic topologies of magnetic clouds by means of solar energetic particles

Solar energetic particles (SEPs) have been used as probes of magnetic cloud topologies. The rapid access of SEPs to the interiors of many clouds indicates that the cloud field lines extend back to the sun and hence are not plasmoids. The small modulation of galactic cosmic rays associated with clouds also suggests that the magnetic fields of clouds are not closed.

Kahler, S. W.↗

Evaluation of Rotordynamic Coefficients of Look-through Labyrinths by Means of a Three Volume Bulk Flow Model

To describe the compressible, turbulent flow in a labyrinth seal, a three volume bulk flow model is presented. The conservation equations for mass, momentum, and energy are established in every control volume. A perturbation analysis is performed, yielding zeroth order equations for centric rotor position and first order equations describing the flow field for small rotor motions around the seal center. The equations are integrated numerically. From perturbation pressure, the forces on the shaft and the dynamic coefficients are calculated.

Nordmann, R.↗

Monthly mean global satellite data sets available in CCM history tape format

Satellite data for climate monitoring have become increasingly important over the past decade, especially with increasing concern for inadvertent antropogenic climate change. Although most satellite based data are of short record, satellites can provide the global coverage that traditional meteorological observations network lack. In addition, satellite data are invaluable for the validation of climate models, and they are useful for many diagnostic studies. Herein, several satellite data sets were processed and transposed into 'history tape' format for use with the Community Climate Model (CCM) modular processor. Only a few of the most widely used and best documented data sets were selected at this point, although future work will expand the number of data sets examined as well as update the archived data sets. An attempt was made to include data of longer record and only monthly averaged data were processed. For studies using satellite data over an extended period, it is important to recognize the impact of changes in instrumentation, drift in instrument calibration, errors introduced by retrieval algorithms and other sources of errors such as those resulting from insufficient space and/or time sampling.

Hurrell, James W.↗

Method and apparatus for preloading a joint by remotely operable means

The invention is a method and apparatus for joining structures, an active structure and a passive structure, and imposing a tensile pre-load on the joint by a remotely operable mechanism comprising a heat contractible joining element. The method and apparatus include mounting on the structure, a probe shaft of material which is transformable from an expanded length to a contracted length when heated to a specific temperature range. The shaft is provided with a probe head which is receivable in a receptacle opening formed in the passive structure, when the active structure is moved into engagement therewith by an appropriate manipulator mechanism. A latching system mounted on the structure adjacent to the receptacle opening captures the probe head, when the probe head is inserted a predetermined amount. A heating coil on the shaft is energizable by remote control for heating the shaft to a temperature range which transforms the shaft to its contracted length, whereby a latching shoulder thereof engages latching elements of the latching system and imposes a tensile preload on the structural joint. Provision is also made for manually adjusting the probe head on the shaft to allow for manual detachment of the structures or manual preloading of the structural joint.

Shelton, Robert O.↗

A theoretical model for magnetic field mapping as a means of broken fiber detection in graphite epoxy composites

A technique for location of broken fibers by imaging magnetic fields generated from currents injected in the fibers is presented. It is concluded that the magnetic field pattern drops abruptly near the axis of a hole, or a break in fibers. The magnetic image of a hole gives contours with the shape of an ellipse. By measuring the semimajor and semiminor axis of image it is possible to determine the ratios of the conductivities. These ratios depend on feedthrough at sites where fibers of the different directions of the layup can make electrical contact with other fibers in adjacent layers. The effects of delaminations should alter these values.

Yost, William T.↗

Stability correction functions for the mean wind speed and temperature in the unstable surface layer

In accordance with a theoretical analysis by Kader and Yaglom, interpolation expressions are proposed for the Monin-Obukhov functions for the wind speed and temperature profiles under unstable conditions in the surface layer of the atmospheric boundary layer. The values of the parameters are adjusted to agree with earlier work under weak instability, as reviewed by Hogstrom. The resulting formulations are valid for considerably larger values of their argument than those that were hitherto available. Their advantage is that they yield concise and closed-form stability correction functions which can be readily applied in profile analysis and model calculations.

Brutsaert, Wilfried↗

Radial propagation of solar energetic particles assuming large scattering mean free paths in the interplanetary medium

Observations of two flares which fit the diffusive model by Beeck et al. (1987) are employed to determine whether large solar-particle events can be explained by the mechanisms of small impulsive events. It is shown that the injection of particles at the source is extended in time and lasts more than approximately 10 hours. The extended injection at the sun is hypothesized to be the reason that large solar particles do not demonstrate the 'pulse/wake' behavior associated with the small impulsive events.

Mason, G. M.↗

Species and temperature measurement in H2/O2 rocket flow fields by means of Raman scattering diagnostics

Validation of CFD codes developed for prediction and evaluation of rocket performance is hampered by a lack of experimental data. Nonintrusive laser based diagnostics are needed to provide spatially and temporally resolved gas dynamic and fluid dynamic measurements. This paper reports the first nonintrusive temperature and species measurements in the plume of a 110 N gaseous hydrogen/oxygen thruster at and below ambient pressures, obtained with spontaneous Raman spectroscopy. Measurements at 10 mm downstream of the exit plane are compared with predictions from a numerical solution of the axisymmetric Navier-Stokes and species transport equations with chemical kinetics, which fully model the combustor-nozzle-plume flowfield. The experimentally determined oxygen number density at the centerline at 10 mm downstream of the exit plane is four times that predicted by the model. The experimental number density data fall between those numerically predicted for the exit and 10 mm downstream planes in both magnitude and radial gradient. The predicted temperature levels are within 10 to 15 percent of measured values.

De Groot, Wim A.↗

The ITU as a means of facilitating international collaboration on space radiocommunication systems

The role of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in the international collaboration in the field of space radio communications is reviewed. The history of the ITU, its structure and activities, and the functions of the permanent organs of the ITU are briefly discussed. Attention is then given to new space service applications for communications around 400 MHz, space services near 2 GHz, new space service applications above 20 GHz, and links for future planetary missions. The discussion also covers deep space allocations near 32/34 GHz, space VLBI applications, new earth exploration satellite service applications, and future work.

Kimball, H.↗

Species and temperature measurement in H2/O2 rocket flow fields by means of Raman scattering diagnostics

Validation of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes developed for prediction and evaluation of rocket performance is hampered by a lack of experimental data. Non-intrusive laser based diagnostics are needed to provide spatially and temporally resolved gas dynamic and fluid dynamic measurements. This paper reports the first non-intrusive temperature and species measurements in the plume of a 110 N gaseous hydrogen/oxygen thruster at and below ambient pressures, obtained with spontaneous Raman spectroscopy. Measurements at 10 mm downstream of the exit plane are compared with predictions from a numerical solution of the axisymmetric Navier-Stokes and species transport equations with chemical kinetics, which fully model the combustor-nozzle-plume flowfield. The experimentally determined oxygen number density at the centerline at 10 mm downstream of the exit plane is four times that predicted by the model. The experimental number density data fall between those numerically predicted for the exit and 10 mm downstream planes in both magnitude and radial gradient. The predicted temperature levels are within 10 to 15 percent of measured values. Some of the discrepancies between experimental data and predictions result from not modeling the three dimensional core flow injection mixing process, facility back pressure effects, and possible diffuser-thruster interactions.

Degroot, Wim A.↗

Method and apparatus for preloading a joint by remotely operable means

The invention is a method and apparatus for joining structures, an active structure and a passive structure, and imposing a tensile pre-load on the joint by a remotely operable mechanism comprising a heat contractible joining element. The method and apparatus include mounting on the structure, a probe shaft of material which is transformable from an expanded length to a contracted length when heated to a specific temperature range. The shaft is provided with a probe head which is receivable in a receptacle opening formed in the passive structure, when the active structure is moved into engagement therewith by an appropriate manipulator mechanism. A latching system mounted on the structure adjacent to the receptacle opening captures the probe head, when the probe head is inserted a predetermined amount. A heating coil on the shaft is energizable by remote control for heating the shaft to a temperature range which transforms the shaft to its contracted length, whereby a latching shoulder thereof engages latching elements of the latching system and imposes a tensile preload on the structural joint. Provision is also made for manually adjusting the probe head on the shaft to allow for manual detachment of the structures or manual preloading of the structural joint.

Kahn, Jon B.↗

Methods and means used in programming intelligent searches of technical documents

In order to meet the data research requirements of the Safety, Reliability & Quality Assurance activities at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), a new computer search method for technical data documents was developed. By their very nature, technical documents are partially encrypted because of the author's use of acronyms, abbreviations, and shortcut notations. This problem of computerized searching is compounded at KSC by the volume of documentation that is produced during normal Space Shuttle operations. The Centralized Document Database (CDD) is designed to solve this problem. It provides a common interface to an unlimited number of files of various sizes, with the capability to perform any diversified types and levels of data searches. The heart of the CDD is the nature and capability of its search algorithms. The most complex form of search that the program uses is with the use of a domain-specific database of acronyms, abbreviations, synonyms, and word frequency tables. This database, along with basic sentence parsing, is used to convert a request for information into a relational network. This network is used as a filter on the original document file to determine the most likely locations for the data requested. This type of search will locate information that traditional techniques, (i.e., Boolean structured key-word searching), would not find.

Gross, David L.↗