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At least 1,441 records · Page 80

In-flight angular alignment of inertial navigation systems by means of radio aids

The principles involved in the angular alignment of the inertial reference by nondirectional data from radio aids are developed and compared with conventional methods of alignment such as gyro-compassing and pendulous vertical determination. The specific problem is considered of the space shuttle reentry and a proposed technique for the alignment of the inertial reference system some time before landing. A description is given of the digital simulation of a transponder interrogation system and of its interaction with the inertial navigation system. Data from reentry simulations are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of in-flight inertial system alignment. Concluding remarks refer to other potential applications such as space shuttle orbit insertion and air navigation of conventional aircraft.

Tanner, W.↗

A potential means of using acoustic emission for crack detection under cyclic-load conditions

A preliminary investigation was conducted to assess the feasibility of monitoring acoustic emission signals from fatigue cracks during cyclic bend tests. Plate specimens of 6A1-4V titanium, 2219-T87 aluminum, and 18-Ni maraging steel were tested with and without crack starter notches. It was found that significant acoustic emission signals could be detected in the frequency range from 100 kHz to 400 kHz. Cracks emanating from starter notches were monitored by the ultrasonic pulse-echo technique and periodically measured by micro-optical examination. Methods used to reduce the effects of extraneous noises (i.e., machine noises, fretting) are described. A frequency spectrum analyzer was used to characterize the emissions and to evaluate methods used to acquire the signals (i.e., transducer location, bandwidth selection). The investigation indicated that it was possible to extract meaningful acoustic emission signals in a cyclic bend machine environment.

Vary, A.↗

Calculated performance map of a 4 1/2-stage 15.0 centimeter (5.9 inch) mean diameter turbine designed for a turbofan simulator

The overall performance of an existing high-ratio turbine is calculated analytically over a range of speed and pressure ratio in order to determine its capability for other applications. The analytical performance covers a speed range from 50 to 120 percent of design and a pressure-ratio range from 5.0 to 35.0. The turbine was designed for a 50.8 centimeter (20.0 in.) tip diameter turbofan simulator. Computed results are compared with the experimental turbine data obtained from testing three fan configurations with the turbofan simulator in air. The comparison indicates good agreement over the range of speeds and pressure ratios covered by the experimental data.

Wasserbauer, C. A.↗

Mapping quaternary landforms and deposits in the Midwest and Great Plains by means of ERTS-1 multispectral imagery

ERTS-1 multispectral images are proving effective for differentiating many kinds of Quaternary surficial deposits and landforms units in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Examples of features that have been distinguished are: (1) the more prominent end moraines of the last glaciation; (2) certain possible palimpsests of older moraines mantled by younger deposits; (3) various abandoned river valleys, including suspected ones deeply filled by deposits; (4) river terraces; and (5) some known faults and a few previously unmapped lineaments that may be faults. The ERTS images are being used for systematic mapping of Quaternary landforms and deposits in about 20 potential study areas. Some study areas, already well mapped, provide checks on the reliability of mapping from the images. For other study areas, previously mapped only partly or not at all, our maps will be the first comprehensive, synoptic ones, and should be useful for regional land-use planning and ground-water, engineering-geology, and other environmental applications.

Morrison, R. B.↗

Assessment of flood damage in Arizona by means of ERTS-1 imagery

ERTS-1 MSS images clearly show two important effects of a large flood in southeastern Arizona - the extent of inundation and the areas affected by servere sediment deposition and erosion - although the images were made a week and a half after the flood. On October 20 and 21, 1972, the upper Gila River had its third-largest flood on record. Peak flows attained about 42,000 and 82,000 cubic feet a second at Duncan and Safford, Arizona, respectively. The first ERTS-1 images after the flood were made on November 1 and 2. The inundated area is best displayed on the infrared bands, particularly on band 7, where it appears as a belt along the river that is distinctly darker than adjoining parts of the flood plain. This dark belt does not appear on ERTS images that predate the flood. Presumably the low infrared reflectance of this belt is caused by still-moist soil and by flood-stressed vegetation. Inundation limits mapped from ERTS imagery agree well with those obtained by aerial photography during the flood and by ground surveys.

Morrison, R. B.↗

A difference theory for noise propagation in an acoustically lined duct with mean flow

A finite difference formulation is presented for sound propagation in a two-dimensional straight soft-walled duct with uniform flow. The difference analysis is developed in terms of complex notation. The governing acoustic difference equations and the appropriate displacement boundary conditions associated with uniform flow are presented for the sound attenuation in straight hard and soft-walled ducts. At present the finite Mach number case is solved only for the one-dimensional hard walled duct.

Baumeister, K. J.↗

A Study of Trailing Edge Blowing as a Means of Reducing Noise Generated by the Interaction of Flow with a Surface

A system for reducing the noise generated when a jet impinges against a flap is described. The eddies formed by the alternate zones of positive and negative pressure on the flap surface are identified as the sound source. In the proposed concept, a stream of low velocity secondary air is ejected from a slot near the trailing edge of the flap as a buffer between the flap and the primary air jet to reduce the intensity of the fluctuating surface pressure field near the flap edge and thus reduce the intensity of the aerodynamic noise.

Scharton, T. D.↗

Improved spatial uniformity of beam-plane interaction by means of inverse rastering

An analysis is presented that shows the desirability and feasibility of conducting irradiations of large test objects by beams of penetrating radiation, by the method of moving the test object back and forth through the beam, rather than by sweeping the beam across the object. An extension of this method of inverse rastering allows the generation of composite beams with any desired intensity-vs-energy spectrum, obviating the need to determine equivalent damage factors for every energy in the spectrum.

Miller, C. G.↗

Tactile sensing means for prosthetic limbs

An improved prosthetic device characterized by a frame and a socket for mounting on the stump of a truncated human appendage is described. Flexible digits extend from the distal end and transducers located within the digits act as sensing devices for detecting tactile stimuli. The transducers are connected through a power circuit with a slave unit supported by a strap and fixed to the stump. The tactile stimuli detected at the sensing devices are reproduced and applied to the skin of the appendage in order to stimulate the sensory organs located therein.

Scott, W. L.↗

Quadrupole mass filter with means to generate a noise spectrum exclusive of the resonant frequency of the desired ions to deflect stable ions

A mass spectrometer for the separation or separate indication of ions of different specific electric charges is reported. The instrument uses a periodically varying electric field in its analyzing section to excite the injected ions into oscillations while traveling along their trajectories which are either stable or unstable depending on specific parameters. Only stable trajectory ions pass through the electric field to the collector for indication.

Langmuir, R. V.↗

Approximations to the mean surface of Mars and Mars atmosphere using Mariner 9 occultations

When the Mariner 9 spacecraft passed behind Mars in its orbiting phase, the radio beam was cut off by some physical feature. These occultations occurred during the months of November and December 1971 and again in April and May 1972. The fairly good global spread of these data was used to estimate the shape of the Martian globe, as definable by mathematical shapes (ellipsoidal and spherical harmonic). The refraction profiles allowed the estimation of pressure near the occultation point; these, corrected back to an arbitrary fixed value of pressure, chosen to be 6.1 mb, were used as radii to an isobaric surface. Preliminary results showed a figure displacement from the mass center with a best fit southeast by 2.85 km. There was also an equatorial displacement in the direction of about 100 deg W. Atmospheric approximations for the mass center to 6.1-mb pressure distances were fit to an ellipsoid.

Cain, D. L.↗

A potential means of using acoustic emission for crack detection under cyclic-load conditions.

A preliminary investigation was conducted to assess the feasibility of monitoring acoustic emission signals from fatigue cracks during cyclic bend tests. Plate specimens of 6Al-4V titanium, 2219-T87 aluminum, and 18-Ni maraging steel were tested with and without crack starter notches. It was found that significant acoustic emission signals could be detected in the frequency range from 100 to 400 kHz. Cracks emanating from starter notches were monitored by the ultrasonic pulse-echo technique and periodically measured by micro-optical examination. The investigation indicated that it was possible to extract meaningful acoustic emission signals in a cyclic bend machine environment.

Vary, A.↗

Three-dimensional hypersonic transitional/turbulent mean flow profiles.

Detailed three-dimensional compressible transitional/turbulent boundary-layer profiles are presented for use as test cases in numerical and integral calculation procedures. The profiles were obtained from tests conducted in the Mach 20 leg of the Langley High Reynolds Number Helium Facility. The presented data represent an arduous test case for analytical prediction methods, since 'low Reynolds number' and precursor transition effects should probably be accounted for to accurately predict the boundary-layer growth and development.

Fischer, M. C.↗

Performance improvement in remote manipulation with time delay by means of a learning system.

A teleoperating system is presented that involves shared control between a human operator and a general-purpose computer-based learning machine. This setup features a trainable control network termed the autonomous control subsystem (ACS) which is able to observe the operator's control actions, learn the task at hand, and take appropriate control actions. A working ACS system is described that has been put in operation for the purpose of exploring the uses of a remote intelligence of this type. The expansion of the present system into a multifunctional learning machine capable of a greater degree of autonomy is also discussed.

Freedy, A.↗

A difference theory for noise propagation in an acoustically lined duct with mean flow.

A finite difference formulation is presented for sound propagation in a two-dimensional straight soft-walled duct with uniform flow. The difference analysis is developed in terms of complex notation. The governing acoustic difference equations and the appropriate displacement boundary conditions associated with uniform flow are presented. Example calculations are presented for the sound attenuation in straight hard and soft-walled ducts. At present the finite Mach number case is solved only for the one-dimensional hard walled duct.

Baumeister, K. J.↗