Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “data consistent”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,495 records · Page 83

Stream pattern analysis using optical processing of ERTS imagery of Kansas

A spatial frequency analysis was carried out to obtain large-scale geologic and other ground pattern spatial frequency and orientational data from an optical data processing system using Earth Resources Technology Satellite-1 (ERTS-1) imagery of Kansas as input. The Diffraction Pattern Sampling Unit (DPSU) of the optical data processing system consists of a photodiode array containing 32 wedge-shaped photodiodes and 32 annular ring diodes. The curve obtained from the intensity distribution of the frequency spectrum yielded by the ring diodes gives the spatial frequency contributions due to ground features on the image. The curve obtained from the wedge-shaped diodes indicates the orientation of features in the sample area. Ten sample sites were used for each of eight geologic-physiographic regions. Comparison of ERTS-1 images with their respective spatial frequency and orientational curves reveals that preferred orientations of drainage produce recognizable peaks.

Mccauley, J.↗

Detection of X-ray emission from the remnant of the supernova 1006 A.D.

Results are reported for OSO-7 observations which positively identify the supernova remnant SN 1006 as a weak source of X-ray emission. Acceptable fits to the spectrum are obtained for both a power law with an energy index of about -2.3 and for thermal bremsstrahlung at a temperature corresponding to about 4 keV. The X-ray intensity over the range from 1 to 10 keV is found to be about 9 by 10 to the -11th power erg/sq cm per sec, and it is assumed that the X-rays originate in a plasma shell 4.4 pc in radius and heated by an expanding blast wave. The distance of SN 1006 is estimated as 1.2 kpc, its X-ray luminosity (1-10 keV) as about 1.6 by 10 to the 34th power erg/sec, and its initial kinetic energy as of the order of 10 to the 50th power ergs. It is noted that the reverse-shock model of X-ray production is also consistent with the data and that SN 1006 is the only supernova remnant for which both X-ray and radio emission have been detected, but no optical filaments have been observed.

Winkler, P. F., Jr.↗

The evolution of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System /TDRSS/

Certain limitations of a ground-based network of remote tracking stations for communications with spacecraft are to be overcome by making use of a space-based network. Studies related to the development of a Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) are discussed. The TDRSS is to function as an integral part of the post-1980 NASA Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network (STDN). The TDRSS will consist of two operational Tracking and Data Relay (TDR) spacecraft separated by at least 130 deg in longitude. According to current planning, the STDN will also include five ground-based sites, for support of users with orbital altitudes greater than approximately 2000 km, and two launch support sites.

Godfrey, R. D.↗

Radio sources in the field of globular clusters

Eleven globular clusters have been surveyed in the continuum at 2695 and 8085 MHz with the NRAO Green Bank interferometer. The nine clusters discussed probably show unresolved sources with flux densities of the order of 10 mJy. Most of them are not at cluster centers. The dual-frequency data are mostly consistent with nonthermal spectra or with partial resolution, at the higher frequency, of sources with flat spectra. The planetary nebula in M15 has been detected. The empirical statistics of cosmic field sources suggest that they may account for some, but not all, of the sources in the field of globular clusters.

Johnson, H. M.↗

Low-cost data analysis systems for processing multispectral scanner data

The basic hardware and software requirements are described for four low cost analysis systems for computer generated land use maps. The data analysis systems consist of an image display system, a small digital computer, and an output recording device. Software is described together with some of the display and recording devices, and typical costs are cited. Computer requirements are given, and two approaches are described for converting black-white film and electrostatic printer output to inexpensive color output products. Examples of output products are shown.

Whitely, S. L.↗

A unified acquisition system for acoustic data

A multichannel, acoustic AM carrier system was developed for a wide variety of applications, particularly for aircraft noise and sonic boom measurements. Each data acquisition channel consists of a condenser microphone, an acoustic signal converter, and a Zero Drive amplifier, along with peripheral supporting equipment. A control network insures continuous optimal tuning of the converter and permits remote calibration of the condenser microphone. With a 12.70-mm (1/2-in.) condenser microphone, the converter/Zero Drive amplifier combination has a frequency response from 0 Hz to 20 kHz (-3 db), a dynamic range exceeding 70 db, and a minimum noise floor of 50 db ref. 20 micro Pa) in the band 22.4 Hz to 22.4 kHz. The system requires no external impedance matching networks and is insensitive to cable length, at least up to 900 m (3,000 ft). System gain varies only + or - 1 db over the temperature range 4 to 54 C (40 to 130 F). Adapters are available to accommodate 23.77-mm (1-in.) and 6.35-mm (1/4-in.) microphones and to provide 30-db attenuation. A field test to obtain the acoustical time history of a helicopter flyover proved successful.

Zuckerwar, A. J.↗

Polarization loss of a satellite - Data collection sensor link

It is noted that the stringent economy of data-collection systems consisting of several widely dispersed satellite-monitored sensor platforms can be partially achieved by using an inexpensive linearly polarized antenna on each platform and that due to Faraday rotation of the ionosphere, the satellite antenna must be circularly polarized to avoid a prohibitive polarization loss. The cumulative probability distribution of polarization loss between a linearly polarized platform antenna and an elliptically polarized satellite antenna is computed for satellite-antenna axial ratios of 3 and 4 dB. The results indicate that a polarization loss of 4.5 dB must be expected for a reliability of 85% and an axial ratio of 3 dB. It is suggested that the conventional assignment of a 3-dB polarization loss to the communication link considered may not insure the required link reliability.

Estep, H.↗

Spectra of turbulent static pressure fluctuations in jet mixing layers

Spectral similarity laws are derived for the power spectra of turbulent static pressure fluctuations by application of dimensional analysis in the limit of large turbulent Reynolds number. The theory predicts that pressure spectra are generated by three distinct types of interaction in the velocity fields: a fourth order interaction between fluctuating velocities, an interaction between the first order mean shear and the third order velocity fluctuations, and an interaction between the second order mean shear rate and the second order fluctuating velocity. Measurements of one-dimensional power spectra of the turbulent static pressure fluctuations in the driven mixing layer of a subsonic, circular jet are presented, and the spectra are examined for evidence of spectral similarity. Spectral similarity is found for the low wavenumber range when the large scale flow on the centerline of the mixing layer is self-preserving. The data are also consistent with the existence of universal inertial subranges for the spectra of each interaction mode.

Jones, B. G.↗

Comments on the origins of the diffuse interstellar bands

Most work in recent years on the unidentified diffuse interstellar bands has been concentrated on the hypothesis that they are produced by some process in solid grains. We review that hypothesis and the arguments which support it, and find that diffuse band formation by certain classes of molecules should not yet be ruled out. Since several relevant observations have been made in the last four years, the observational data on the bands are reviewed. It would appear that these data are as consistent with molecular origins for the bands as with grain origins. Types of molecular transitions which give rise to 'diffuse' bands are described. These transitions can occur in relatively simple molecules composed of cosmically abundant elements and can produce broad, unresolvable profiles without destroying the molecule. New observations are suggested which could produce decisive evidence with which to determine whether the diffuse bands originate in grains, molecules, or both.

Smith, W. H.↗

A model for the temperature inversion within the atmosphere of Saturn

A model for the temperature inversion within the atmosphere of Saturn is proposed and is shown to be consistent with photometric data in the 17- to 25-micron region. The proposed model incorporates solar heating by some 'aerosol', with the aerosol heating per unit mass of the atmosphere being uniformly distributed throughout that portion of the atmosphere overlying the upper cloud deck. For a methane-to-hydrogen mixing ratio of 0.0007, the model results suggest that 20% of the incident solar radiation is absorbed by the aerosol, while this is reduced to 16% for an enhanced methane mixing ratio of 0.0021.

Tokunaga, A.↗

Submillimeter photometry of extragalactic objects

Submillimeter flux densities from five extragalactic objects have been measured, and upper limits set for three others. The galaxies NGC 253 and NGC 1068 have submillimeter spectra steeper than the cube of frequency. Of several source mechanisms considered for the far-infrared and submillimeter flux from NGC 1068, only thermal emission from dust at about 30 K is consistent with the data. The source of that flux, if thermal, must have a diameter of at least 5 arcsec. If one assumes radiation from dust, the masses of interstellar material derived for the central 80-arcsec diameter regions of NGC 253, NGC 1068, and NGC 5236 are, respectively, 800 million, 10 billion, and 3 billion solar masses. Measurements of submillimeter flux densities for 3C 273, BL Lac, NGC 1275, and NGC 5128 show no excess above values obtained by interpolation between radio and mid-infrared data.

Hildebrand, R. H.↗

Short-term time variability of Cygnus X-1. II

A complete theory for shot-noise analysis is presented. The theory takes into account the effects of counting statistics, time resolution, and finite observing times on the autocorrelation function and on the moments of data assumed to consist of shot noise plus a steady component. When applied to X-ray observations of Cyg X-1 in the high and low states, the results provide evidence that both the typical correlation time (about 0.5 s) and the fraction of flux in shots (about 30%) are constant, independent of the state. The rate of occurrence of the shots may also be constant at approximately one shot per second, a possibility which, if verified, would imply that the principal difference in time variability in the two states is the amplitude of the shots. We also suggest that the occasionally observed large flares may possibly be just the rare superposition of several shots.

Sutherland, P. G.↗

Equatorial X-rays and their effect on the lower mesosphere

Equatorial regions are well suited for studies of lower mesospheric response to X-rays because cosmic ray background effects are low there. In a sequence of rocket and balloon-borne observations conducted in Peru (12.5 S, 76.8 W), a direct measurement of a galactic X-ray source was made at an altitude of 65 km. Although no unusual X-ray activity was found above and below the region studied, the 65 km observations were consistent with known data for Sco X-1, i.e., its position and energy spectrum. In addition to showing that stellar X-rays do indeed affect the lower mesosphere, their transient nature leads also to the conclusion that the equatorial energetic electron belt is not a permanent feature of that region.

Goldberg, R. A.↗

Aerodynamic characteristics of sixteen electric, hybrid, and subcompact vehicles

An elementary electric and hybrid vehicle aerodynamic data base was developed using data obtained on sixteen electric, hybrid, and sub-compact production vehicles tested in the Lockheed-Georgia low-speed wind tunnel. Zero-yaw drag coefficients ranged from a high of 0.58 for a boxey delivery van and an open roadster to a low of about 0.34 for a current four-passenger proto-type automobile which was designed with aerodynamics as an integrated parameter. Vehicles were tested at yaw angles up to 40 degrees and a wing weighting analysis is presented which yields a vehicle's effective drag coefficient as a function of wing velocity and driving cycle. Other parameters investigated included the effects of windows open and closed, radiators open and sealed, and pop-up headlights. Complete six-component force and moment data are presented in both tabular and graphical formats. Only limited commentary is offered since, by its very nature, a data base should consist of unrefined reference material. A justification for pursuing efficient aerodynamic design of EHVs is presented.

Kurtz, D. W.↗

Ultraviolet observations of cool stars. VII - Local interstellar hydrogen and deuterium Lyman-alpha

High-resolution Copernicus spectra of Epsilon Eri and Epsilon Ind containing interstellar hydrogen and deuterium L-alpha absorption lines are presented, reduced, and analyzed. Parameters of the interstellar hydrogen and deuterium toward these two stars are derived independently, without any assumptions concerning the D/H ratio. Copernicus spectra of Alpha Aur and Alpha Cen A are reanalyzed, and limits on the D/H number-density ratio consistent with the data for all four stars are considered. A comparison of the present estimates for the parameters of the local interstellar medium with those obtained by other techniques shows that there is no compelling evidence for significant variations in the hydrogen density and D/H ratio in the local interstellar medium. On this basis the hypothesis of an approaching local interstellar cloud proposed by Vidal-Madjar et al. (1978) is rejected

Mcclintock, W.↗

Galactic distribution of Cepheids between l of approximately 294 and 331 deg

Previous observations of long-period Cepheids in the Crux-Centaurus-Circinus-Norma (CCCN) region (bounded by galactic longitudes of approximately 294 and 331 deg) are used to delineate spiral features that are consistent with available data for other spiral tracers, especially H I gas. The galactic distribution of the long-period Cepheids in the CCCN region is examined, and a possible interpretation of the spiral structure as viewed in the CCCN region is suggested. Specifically, it is concluded that: (1) the region that is often called the Centaurus link contains no Cepheids with periods longer than 11.25 days and may be part of a spiral feature characterized by older Population I material; (2) long-period Cepheids at large distances (4 kpc) are concentrated near 307 deg galactic longitude and are probably associated with the 'inner arm' identified by Kraft (1965); and (3) the velocities of the observed Cepheids differ significantly from the predictions of the Schmidt (1965) model.

Grayzeck, E. J.↗

Axial-flow compressor turning angle and loss by inviscid-viscous interaction blade-to-blade computation

A method for computation of the flow field around an arbitrary airfoil cascade on an axially symmetric blade-to-blade surface was developed which takes into account the development and separation of the blade surface boundary layers and mixing in the wake. The method predicts the overall fluid turning and total pressure loss in the context of an inviscid-viscous interaction scheme. The inviscid flow solution is obtained from a compressible flow matrix method. The viscous flow is obtained from a differential boundary layer method which calculates laminar, transitional and turbulent boundary layers. Provisions for the calculation of laminar and turbulent separation regions were added to the viscous scheme. The combined inviscid-viscous interaction scheme described yields results which are quantitatively consistent with experimental data. This suggests that the physical basis for the interactive system is correct and justifies continued exploration and use of the method.

Hansen, E. C.↗

Meridional circulation and CNO anomalies in red giant stars

The possibility is investigated that meridional circulation driven by internal rotation might lead to the mixing of CNO-processed material from the vicinity of the hydrogen shell into the envelope of a red giant star. This theory of meridional mixing is found to be generally consistent with available data and to be capable of explaining a number of observational results without invoking a radical departure from the standard physics of stellar interiors. It is suggested that meridional circulation must be a normal characteristic of a rotating star and that meridional mixing provides a reasonable framework for understanding many of the CNO anomalies exhibited by weak-G-band and CN-strong stars as well as the low C-12/C-13 ratios measured among field red giants.

Sweigart, A. V.↗