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At least 145 records · Page 8

Type II bursts at hectometric and kilometric wavelengths from interplanetary shocks

Data are presented on type II and type III radio bursts observed at hectometric and kilometric wavelengths in the interplanetary medium by IMP-6. Thirty-two discrete frequencies were recorded which ranged from 4.9 MHz down to 30 kHz. Intensity contours are plotted for the data, and it is noted that the type II emission was observed at both the plasma frequency characteristic of its point of origin in the corona and the second harmonic of that frequency. It is suggested that hectometric and kilometric type III bursts are observed at twice the plasma frequency of the source.

Malitson, H. H.↗

Precise solution for a finite set of spherical coefficients from equiangular gridded data

An important goal of geodesy is to determine the anomalous potential and its derivatives outside of the earth. Representing the surface anomalies by a series of spherical harmonics is useful since it is then possible to do a term by term solution of Laplace's equation and upward continuation. The problem of finding such a spherical harmonic series for anomaly values given on an equiangular surface grid is addressed. (This is a first step toward the more complicated problem of finding a function such that locally averaged values fit a grid of mean anomalies.) Three approaches to this fitting problem are discussed and compared: the discrete Fourier technique, the discrete integral technique, and a new approach. The peculiar nature of the equiangular grid, with its increasing density of (noisy) data toward the poles, causes each method to exhibit a different type of difficulty. The new method is shown to be practical as well as precise since the numerical conditioning problems which appear can be successfully handled by such well-known techniques as a (simple) Kalman filter.

Zucker, Paul A.↗

Experiments on the nonlinear characteristics of noise propagation from low and moderate Reynolds number supersonic jets

A series of experiments were conducted on high-speed model jets to identify and quantify the distortion of radiated noise by nonlinear propagation effects. The jets were operated in a low to moderate Reynolds number range, and the radiated noise was either broadband or discrete in frequency. Three condenser microphones were used to measure the waveforms propagated by the axisymmetric, cold model jets of Mach numbers 2.1 and 2.5. Relatively low Reynolds numbers were obtained by exhausting the jets into a low pressure anechoic test chamber. Nonlinear propagation distortion effects, such as wave steepening, harmonic generation and wave merging, were easily quantified. At a moderate Reynolds number, low frequency production and wave amalgamation, measured by a decrease in the zero crossings per unit time, were quantified in the propagation of sound away from the jet.

Gallagher, J. A.↗

A new approach to the solution of boundary value problems involving complex configurations

A new approach for solving certain types of boundary value problems about complex configurations is presented. Numerical algorithms from such diverse fields as finite elements, preconditioned Krylov subspace methods, discrete Fourier analysis, and integral equations are combined to take advantage of the memory, speed and architecture of current and emerging supercomputers. Although the approach has application to many branches of computational physics, the present effort is concentrated in areas of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) such as steady nonlinear aerodynamics, time harmonic unsteady aerodynamics, and aeroacoustics. The most significant attribute of the approach is that it can handle truly arbitrary boundary geometries and eliminates the difficult task of generating surface fitted grids.

Rubbert, P. E.↗

Optimal placement of tuning masses for vibration reduction in helicopter rotor blades

Described are methods for reducing vibration in helicopter rotor blades by determining optimum sizes and locations of tuning masses through formal mathematical optimization techniques. An optimization procedure is developed which employs the tuning masses and corresponding locations as design variables which are systematically changed to achieve low values of shear without a large mass penalty. The finite-element structural analysis of the blade and the optimization formulation require development of discretized expressions for two performance parameters: modal shaping parameter and modal shear amplitude. Matrix expressions for both quantities and their sensitivity derivatives are developed. Three optimization strategies are developed and tested. The first is based on minimizing the modal shaping parameter which indirectly reduces the modal shear amplitudes corresponding to each harmonic of airload. The second strategy reduces these amplitudes directly, and the third strategy reduces the shear as a function of time during a revolution of the blade. The first strategy works well for reducing the shear for one mode responding to a single harmonic of the airload, but has been found in some cases to be ineffective for more than one mode. The second and third strategies give similar results and show excellent reduction of the shear with a low mass penalty.

Pritchard, Jocelyn I.↗

Prediction of unsteady aerodynamic loads in cascades using the linearized Euler equations on deforming grids

A linearized Euler solver for calculating unsteady flows in turbomachinery blade rows due to both incident gusts and blade motion is presented. Using the linearized Euler technique, one decomposes the flow into a mean (or steady) flow plus an unsteady, harmonically varying, small disturbance flow. Linear variable coefficient equations describe the small disturbance behavior of the flow, and are solved using a pseudo-time marching Lax-Wendroff scheme. For the blade motion problem, a harmonically deforming computational rid that conforms to the motion of vibrating blades eliminates large error producing mean flow gradient terms that would otherwise appear in the unsteady flow tangency boundary condition. The paper also presents a new, numerically exact, nonreflecting far-field boundary condition based on an eigenanalysis of the discretized equations. Computed flow solutions demonstrate the computational accuracy and efficiency of the present method. The solution of the linearized Euler equations requires one to two orders of magnitude less computer time than solution of the nonlinear Euler equations using traditional time-accurate time-marching techniques. In addition, the deformable grid significantly improves the accuracy of the solution.

Hall, Kenneth C.↗

Automated Global-Scale Detection and Characterization of Anthropogenic Activity using Multi-Source Satellite-Based Remote Sensing Imagery

Satellite-based remote sensing imagery is an effective means for detecting objects and structures in support of many applications. However, detecting the spatial and temporal bounds of a specific activity in satellite imagery is inherently more complex and research in this area is nascent. One reason for this is that describing an activity implies defining both spatial and temporal bounds and while activity is inherently continuous in nature, the geospatial (imagery) time series for any particular swath of ground provided by satellite imagery is relatively sparse and discrete in comparison. The IARPA Space-Based Machine Automated Recognition Technique (SMART)1 program is the first large-scale research program to target advancing the state of the art for automatically detecting, characterizing, and monitoring large-scale anthropogenic activity in global, multispectral satellite imagery. The program has two primary research objectives: 1) the “harmonization” of multiple imagery sources and 2) automated reasoning at scale to detect, characterize, and monitor activities of interest. This paper provides details on the goals, dataset, metrics, and lessons learned of the IARPA SMART program. By releasing the annotated dataset, the program aims to foster additional research in this area by the community at large.

Hirsh R Goldberg↗

Dynamic Shape Reconstruction of Three-Dimensional Frame Structures Using the Inverse Finite Element Method

A robust and efficient computational method for reconstructing the three-dimensional displacement field of truss, beam, and frame structures, using measured surface-strain data, is presented. Known as shape sensing , this inverse problem has important implications for real-time actuation and control of smart structures, and for monitoring of structural integrity. The present formulation, based on the inverse Finite Element Method (iFEM), uses a least-squares variational principle involving strain measures of Timoshenko theory for stretching, torsion, bending, and transverse shear. Two inverse-frame finite elements are derived using interdependent interpolations whose interior degrees-of-freedom are condensed out at the element level. In addition, relationships between the order of kinematic-element interpolations and the number of required strain gauges are established. As an example problem, a thin-walled, circular cross-section cantilevered beam subjected to harmonic excitations in the presence of structural damping is modeled using iFEM; where, to simulate strain-gauge values and to provide reference displacements, a high-fidelity MSC/NASTRAN shell finite element model is used. Examples of low and high-frequency dynamic motion are analyzed and the solution accuracy examined with respect to various levels of discretization and the number of strain gauges.

Gherlone, Marco↗

Quantifying shapes of volcanoes on Venus

A large population of discrete volcanic edifices on Venus has been identified and cataloged by means of Magellan SAR images, and an extensive database describing thousands of such features is in final preparation. Those volcanoes categorized as Intermediate to Large in scale, while relatively small in number (approx. 400), nonetheless constitute a significant volumetric component (approx. 13 x 10(exp 6) cu km) of the total apparent crustal volume of Venus. For this reason, we have focused attention on the morphometry of a representative suite of the larger edifices on Venus and, in particular, on ways of constraining the eruptive histories of these possibly geologically youthful landforms. Our approach has been to determine a series of reproducible morphometric parameters for as many of the discrete volcanoes on Venus that have an obvious expression within the global altimetry data acquired by Magellan. In addition, we have attempted to objectively and systematically define the mathematical essence of the shapes of these larger volcanoes using a polynomial cross-section approximation involving only parameters easily measured from digital topography, as well as with simple surface cylindrical harmonic expansions. The goal is to reduce the topological complexities of the larger edifices to a few simple parameters which can then be related to similar expressions for well-studied terrestrial and martian features.

Garvin, J. B.↗

Application of unstructured grid methods to steady and unsteady aerodynamic problems

The purpose is to describe the development of unstructured grid methods which have several advantages when compared to methods which make use of structured grids. Unstructured grids, for example, easily allow the treatment of complex geometries, allow for general mesh movement for realistic motions and structural deformations of complete aircraft configurations which is important for aeroelastic analysis, and enable adaptive mesh refinement to more accurately resolve the physics of the flow. Steady Euler calculations for a supersonic fighter configuration to demonstrate the complex geometry capability; unsteady Euler calculations for the supersonic fighter undergoing harmonic oscillations in a complete-vehicle bending mode to demonstrate the general mesh movement capability; and vortex-dominated conical-flow calculations for highly-swept delta wings to demonstrate the adaptive mesh refinement capability are discussed. The basic solution algorithm is a multi-stage Runge-Kutta time-stepping scheme with a finite-volume spatial discretization based on an unstructured grid of triangles in 2D or tetrahedra in 3D. The moving mesh capability is a general procedure which models each edge of each triangle (2D) or tetrahedra (3D) with a spring. The resulting static equilibrium equations which result from a summation of forces are then used to move the mesh to allow it to continuously conform to the instantaneous position or shape of the aircraft. The adaptive mesh refinement procedure enriches the unstructured mesh locally to more accurately resolve the vortical flow features. These capabilities are described in detail along with representative results which demonstrate several advantages of unstructured grid methods. The applicability of the unstructured grid methodology to steady and unsteady aerodynamic problems and directions for future work are discussed.

Batina, John T.↗

On the optimization of discrete structures with aeroelastic constraints

The paper deals with the problem of dynamic structural optimization where constraints relating to flutter of a wing (or other dynamic aeroelastic performance) are imposed along with conditions of a more conventional nature such as those relating to stress under load, deflection, minimum dimensions of structural elements, etc. The discussion is limited to a flutter problem for a linear system with a finite number of degrees of freedom and a single constraint involving aeroelastic stability, and the structure motion is assumed to be a simple harmonic time function. Three search schemes are applied to the minimum-weight redesign of a particular wing: the first scheme relies on the method of feasible directions, while the other two are derived from necessary conditions for a local optimum so that they can be referred to as optimality-criteria schemes. The results suggest that a heuristic redesign algorithm involving an optimality criterion may be best suited for treating multiple constraints with large numbers of design variables.

Mcintosh, S. C., Jr.↗

Grid-based diffusion Monte Carlo for fermions without the fixed-node approximation

A diffusion Monte Carlo algorithm is introduced that can determine the correct nodal structure of the wave function of a few-fermion system and its ground-state energy without an uncontrolled bias. This is achieved by confining signed random walkers to the points of a uniform infinite spatial grid, allowing them to meet and annihilate one another to establish the nodal structure without the fixed-node approximation. An imaginary-time propagator is derived rigorously from a discretized Hamiltonian, governing a non-Gaussian, sign-flipping, branching, and mutually annihilating random walk of particles. The accuracy of the resulting stochastic representations of a fermion wave function is limited only by the grid and imaginary-time resolutions and can be improved in a controlled manner. Here, the method is tested for a series of model problems including fermions in a harmonic trap as well as the He atom in its singlet or triplet ground state. For the latter case, the energies approach from above with increasing grid resolution and converge within 0.015 E h of the exact basis-set-limit value for the grid spacing of 0.08 a.u. with a statistical uncertainty of 10 –5 E h without an importance sampling or Jastrow factor.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Fundamentals of Polarized Light

The analytical and numerical basis for describing scattering properties of media composed of small discrete particles is formed by the classical electromagnetic theory. Although there are several excellent textbooks outlining the fundamentals of this theory, it is convenient for our purposes to begin with a summary of those concepts and equations that are central to the subject of this book and will be used extensively in the following chapters. We start by formulating Maxwell's equations and constitutive relations for time- harmonic macroscopic electromagnetic fields and derive the simplest plane-wave solution that underlies the basic optical idea of a monochromatic parallel beam of light. This solution naturally leads to the introduction of such fundamental quantities as the refractive index and the Stokes parameters. Finally, we define the concept of a quasi-monochromatic beam of light and discuss its implications.

Mishchenko, Michael↗

Plasmon-Mediated Coherent Superposition of Discrete Excitons under Strong Exciton–Plasmon Coupling in Few-Layer MoS 2 at Room Temperature

In this paper, we demonstrate room temperature coherent hybridization of the A- and B-excitons in few-layer MoS 2 , mediated by simultaneous strong coupling to surface plasmon polaritons. Few-layer MoS 2 was placed on a tunable plasmonic structure and the system’s dispersion was measured by tuning the plasmon energy across the exciton energies. Strong coupling was observed as double Rabi splitting at the A- and B-excitons of 81 and 93 meV, respectively. A coupled harmonic oscillator model sheds light on the nature of the interaction, revealing a quantum superposition of the A- and B-excitons, mediated by the plasmon interaction. This observation suggests the possibility of room temperature intra- or intervalley quantum information transport and/or spin entanglement. The experiment confirms a previous theoretical prediction of room temperature exciton–exciton hybridization in two-dimensional MoS 2 . Further, through modeling we find that room temperature strong coupling is a general phenomenon among two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide exciton–plasmon systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A Shock-Refracted Acoustic Wave Model for the Prediction of Screech Amplitude in Supersonic Jets

A physical model is proposed for the estimation of the screech amplitude in underexpanded supersonic jets. The model is based on the hypothesis that the interaction of a plane acoustic wave with stationary shock waves provides amplification of the transmitted acoustic wave upon traversing the shock. Powell's discrete source model for screech incorporating a stationary array of acoustic monopoles is extended to accommodate variable source strength. The proposed model reveals that the acoustic sources are of increasing strength with downstream distance. It is shown that the screech amplitude increases with the fuiiy expanded jet Mach number. Comparisons of predicted screech amplitude with available test data show satisfactory agreement. The effect of variable source strength on directivity of the fundamental (first harmonic, lowest frequency mode) and the second harmonic (overtone) is found to be unimportant with regard to the principal lobe (main or major lobe) of considerable relative strength, and is appreciable only in the secondary or minor lobes (of relatively weaker strength

Kandula, Max↗

Helicopter rotor rotational noise predictions based on measured high-frequency blade loads

In tests conducted at the Langley helicopter rotor test facility, simultaneous measurements of up to 200 harmonics of the fluctuating aerodynamic blade surface pressures and far-field radiated noise were made on a full-scale nontranslating rotor system. After their characteristics were determined, the measured blade surface pressures were converted to loading coefficients and used in an existing theory to predict the far-field rotational noise. A comparison of the calculated and measured noise shows generally good agreement up to 300 to 600 Hz, depending on the discreteness of the loading spectrum. Specific attention is given to the effects of the blade loading coefficients, chordwise loading distributions, blade loading phases, and observer azimuthal position on the calculations.

Hosier, R. N.↗

A spectral formalism for computing three-dimensional deformations due to surface loads. 1: Theory

We outline a complete spectral formalism for computing high spatial resolution three-dimensional deformations arising from the surface mass loading of a spherically symmetric planet. The main advantages of the formalism are that all surface mass loads are always described using a consistent mathematical representation and that calculations of deformation fields for various spatial resolutions can be performed by simpley altering the spherical harmonic degree truncation level of the procedure. The latter may be important when incorporating improved observational constraints on a particular surface mass load, when considering potential errors in the computed field associated with mass loading having a spatial scale unresolved by the observational constraints, or when treating a number of global surface mass loads constrained with different spatial resolutions. The advantages do not extend to traditional 'Green's function' approaches which involve surface element discretizations of the global mass loads. Another advantage of the spectral formalism, over the Green's function approach, is that a posteriori analyses of the computed deformation fields are easily performed. In developing the spectral formalism, we consider specific cases where the Earth's mantle is assumed to respond as an elastic, slightly anelastic, or linear viscoelastic medium. In the case of an elastic or slightly anelastic mantle rheology the spectral response equations incorporate frequency dependent Love numbers. The formalism can therefore be used, for example, to compute the potentially resonant deformational response associated with the free core nutation and Chandler wobble eigenfunctions. For completeness, the spectral response equations include both body forces, as arise from the gravitational attraction of the Sun and the Moon, and surface mass loads. In either case, and for both elastic and anelastic mantle rheologies, we outline a pseudo-spectral technique for computing the ocean adjustment associated with the total gravitational perturbation induced by the external forcing. Three-dimensional deformations computed using the usual Love number approach are generally referenced to an origin at the center of mass of the undeformed planet. We derive a spectral technique for transforming the results to an origin located at the center of mass of the deformed planet.

Mitrovica, J. X.↗

A Shock-Refracted Acoustic Wave Model for Screech Amplitude in Supersonic Jets

A physical model is proposed for the estimation of the screech amplitude in underexpanded supersonic jets. The model is based on the hypothesis that the interaction of a plane acoustic wave with stationary shock waves provides amplification of the transmitted acoustic wave upon traversing the shock. Powell's discrete source model for screech incorporating a stationary array of acoustic monopoles is extended to accommodate variable source strength. The proposed model reveals that the acoustic sources are of increasing strength with downstream distance. It is shown that the screech amplitude increases with the fully expanded jet Mach number. Comparisons of predicted screech amplitude with available test data show satisfactory agreement. The effect of variable source strength on the directivity of the fundamental (first harmonic, lowest frequency mode) and the second harmonic (overtone) is found to be unimportant with regard to the principal lobe (main or major lobe) of considerable relative strength, and is appreciable only in the secondary or minor lobes (of relatively weaker strength).

Kandula, Max↗