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At least 1,549 records · Page 86

A set of strongly coupled, upwind algorithms for computing flows in chemical nonequilibrium

Two new algorithms have been developed to predict the flow of viscous, hypersonic, chemically reacting gases over three-dimensional bodies. Both take advantage of the benefits of upwind differencing, Total Variation Diminishing (TVD) techniques and of a finite-volume framework, but obtain their solution in two separate manners. The first algorithym is a time-marching scheme, and is generally used to obtain solutions in the subsonic portions of the flow field. The second algorithm is a much less expensive, space-marching scheme and can be used for the computation of the larger, supersonic portion of the flow field. Both codes compute their interface fluxes with a new temporal Riemann solver and the resulting schemes are made fully implicit including the chemical source terms.

Molvik, Gregory A.↗

Scales of North Atlantic wind stress curl determined from the comprehensive ocean-atmosphere data set

Nineteen years of wind data over the North Atlantic are used to calculate a field of wind stress curl. An empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis is performed on this field, resulting in spatial patterns of wind stress curl and associated time series. A Monte Carlo technique is used to establish the statistical significance of each spatial pattern, and the associated time series are spectrally analyzed. The first four statistically significant EOF modes represent more than 50 percent of the curl variance, and the spatial patterns of curl associated with these modes exhibit the major elements of North Atlantic climatology. Most of the time series spectral variance is contained in annual and semiannual frequencies. The features observed include the individual annual variation of the subtropical high and the subpolar low, the annual oscillation of intensity between pressure centers, the influence of localized strong SST gradients and associated cyclogenesis regions, and the constant nature of the trades.

Ehret, Laura L.↗

Setting limits on q0 from gravitational lensing

Gravitational lensing by galaxies in a wide variety of cosmological models is considered. For closed models, the lensing depends on the parameter beta(crit). If beta(crit) is greater than zero, a normal lensing case can be obtained with two bright images separated by an angle twice beta(crit) and a third, arbitrarily dim image between them coincident with the position of the lensing galaxy nucleus. As the QSO approaches the antipodal redshift, which can occur in models with large values of the cosmological constant, the cross sections for lensing blow up. An overfocused case where beta(crit) is less than zero can be obtained for a QSO beyond the antipodal redshift. In this case, when a lensing event occurs, only one arbitrarily dim image coincident with the position of the lensing galaxy nucleus is seen. If galaxy rotation curves are always flat or slowly rising, the overfocused case always produces one image.

Gott, J. Richard, III↗

Calibration of long term data sets from operational satellites using the Space Shuttle

Modifications made to the SBUV/2 (solar backscatter ultraviolet mod 2) to make it compatible with the Shuttle are examined. The Shuttle SBUV (SSBUV) in-flight radiometric calibration checking system is also described. Requirements, constraints, and methodology for combining SSBUV data with SBUV/2 data to remove its long-term drift are discussed.

Hilsenrath, Ernest↗

Geologic setting of an unusual Martian channel - Hypotheses on origin

Several areas within the Memnonia region of Mars have been proposed as candidate sites for a Mars sample return mission. Geologic studies of these areas made from computer-enhanced high-resolution Viking images show that an assemblage of rocks having different ages and compositions are accessible to a roving vehicle. In addition, evidence of recent fluvial episodes is indicated by small channels that incises materials emplaced during the Amazonian Period. The channel discussed in this paper is located near the highland-lowland boundary in the Memnonia MC-16SW quadrangle of Mars. It is of particular interest because of distinctive morphologic characteristics compared to other Martian channels. Although several hypotheses are advanced to explain the origin of the channel, none of the arguments are completely satisfactory. However, it is believed that water mobilized from ice in the subjacent regolith (hypothesis 1) or that condensate water from highly volatile ash flows (hypothesis 2) are the most likely origins for the channel.

Scott, D. H.↗

Straylight analysis of an aperture shade off-set from the SIRTF optical axis

Adoption of an aperture shade whose axis is offset from the optical axis of the SIRTF telescope has been proposed by Davis (1988). Moving the high side of the asymmetric (truncated) shade away from the optical axis can equalize the barrel baffle lengths illuminated by the aperture shade and reduce the dimensions of both the barrel baffle and aperture shade. The stray-light performance of this revised design is compared to that of the SIRTF baseline design, which uses a coaxial asymmetric aperture shade. Both designs incorporate a back focal distance of 100 cm and Davis's specifications for the primary and secondary cone baffles. Adoption of an offset aperture shade for SIRTF would slightly degrade its performance but would not violate any of the stray-light requirements. The SIRTF goal of natural-background-limited observations can be met with known blacks, Class 750 mirror contamination, and either aperture shade configuration.

Dinger, Ann St. Clair↗

Color graphics workstations used for simultaneous display of satellite and model data sets

Model-measurement display methods for studying actual or synthetic satellite measurements of cloudiness are developed. Visualization and animation techniques are employed to analyze the data. Two types of animation sequences, one based on Insat IR geosynchronous satellite imagery combined with upper level velocity potentials calculations and isoline depictions of the high amplitude centers of low frequency cloudiness activity, and the other combines a mesoscale cloud model simulation of a severe hail storm and synthetic microwave radiation signatures, are described.

Cooper, Harry J.↗

Flight Set 360T004 (STS-30) Insulation Component, Interim Release, Volume 3

The insulation component of the Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) is discussed. The results of all visual evaluations and a thermal safety factor analysis are given. The data contained here supersedes the interim release and the insulation data presented in the Clearfield 10 day report. The objective is to document the postflight condition of the internal and external insulation of nozzle to case joints, the case field joints, the igniter to case joints, and the acreage insulation which made up RSRM-4A and RSRM-4B.

Passman, James A.↗

Flight motor set 360L001 (STS-26R). (Reconstructed dynamic loads analysis)

A transient analysis was performed to correlate the predicted versus measured behavior of the Redesigned Solid Rocket Booster (RSRB) during Flight 360L001 (STS-26R) liftoff. Approximately 9 accelerometers, 152 strain gages, and 104 girth gages were bonded to the motors during this event. Prior to Flight 360L001, a finite element model of the RSRB was analyzed to predict the accelerations, strains, and displacements measured by this developmental flight instrumentation (DFI) within an order of magnitude. Subsequently, an analysis has been performed which uses actual Flight 360L001 liftoff loading conditions, and makes more precise predictions for the RSRB structural behavior. Essential information describing the analytical model, analytical techniques used, correlation of the predicted versus measured RSRB behavior, and conclusions, are presented. A detailed model of the RSRB was developed and correlated for use in analyzing the motor behavior during liftoff loading conditions. This finite element model, referred to as the RSRB global model, uses super-element techniques to model all components of the RSRB. The objective of the RSRB global model is to accurately predict deflections and gap openings in the field joints to an accuracy of approximately 0.001 inch. The model of the field joint component was correlated to Referee and Joint Environment Simulation (JES) tests. The accuracy of the assembled RSRB global model was validated by correlation to static-fire tests such DM-8, DM-9, QM-7, and QM-8. This validated RSRB global model was used to predict RSRB structural behavior and joint gap opening during Flight 360L001 liftoff. The results of a transient analysis of the RSRB global model with imposed liftoff loading conditions are presented. Rockwell used many gage measurements to reconstruct the load parameters which were imposed on the RSRB during the Flight 360L001 liftoff. Each load parameter, and its application, is described. Also presented are conclusions and recommendations based on the analysis of this load case and the resulting correlation between predicted and measured RSRB structural behavior.

Call, V. B.↗

Flight motor set 360L001 (STS-26R). Volume 5: Nozzle component

A review of the performance and post-flight condition of the STS-26 Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) nozzles is presented. The nozzle assemblies, flown on the Space Shuttle Discovery on 29 September 1988, were tested to demonstrate flex bearing system reusability. The evaluation indicated no condition that would adversely affect the reusability of the flex bearing system. Inspection showed that the flex bearings did not leak, were not damaged by water impact, had the expected erosion profiles, and that the remaining ablative liner thicknesses met the performance margin of safety. Applicable Discrepancy Reports and Process Departures, the Nozzle Component Program Team performance evaluation, and the Redesign Program Review Board assessment are included.

George, Russell J.↗

Flight set 360T004 (STS-30) field joint protection system, volume 7

The Redesigned Solid Rocket Motors (RSRM) of the Space Transportation System have three field joints that are protected by the Joint Protection Systems (JPS). The igniter heater was mounted on the igniter flange. This report documents the performance of the JPS and igniter heaters on the pad and the post-flight condition of the JPS components. All observations that were written up as Squawks and/or Problem Reports are also discussed. The primary heaters performed satisfactorily and maintained the field joint temperatures within the required temperature range. A secondary heater failed Dielectric Withstanding Voltage (DWV) test during the joint closeout prior to launch. This heater was not used, however, since the primary heater functioned properly. Post-test inspection revealed that pin A of the heater power cable was shorted to the connector shell. Design changes have been implemented to resolve the heater power cable problem. All field joint assemblies met all of the performance requirements.

Hale, Elgie↗

Atlas of albedo and absorbed solar radiation derived from Nimbus 6 earth radiation budget data set, July 1975 to May 1978

An atlas of monthly mean global contour maps of albedo and absorbed solar radiation is presented. The atlas is based on 35 months of continuous measurements from July 1975 through May 1978. The data were retrieved from measurements made by the shortwave wide field-of-view radiometer of the first Earth Radiation Budget (ERB) instrument, which flew on the Nimbus 6 spacecraft in 1975. Profiles of zonal mean albedos and absorbed solar radiation are tabulated. These geographical distributions are provided as a resource for studying the radiation budget of the earth. This atlas of albedo and absorbed solar radiation complements the atlases of outgoing longwave radiation by Bess and Smith in NASA-RP-1185 and RP-1186, also based on the Nimbus 6 and 7 ERB data.

Smith, G. Louis↗

MT's algorithm: A new algorithm to search for the optimum set of modulation indices for simultaneous range, command, and telemetry

MT's algorithm was developed as an aid in the design of space telecommunications systems when utilized with simultaneous range/command/telemetry operations. This algorithm provides selection of modulation indices for: (1) suppression of undesired signals to achieve desired link performance margins and/or to allow for a specified performance degradation in the data channel (command/telemetry) due to the presence of undesired signals (interferers); and (2) optimum power division between the carrier, the range, and the data channel. A software program using this algorithm was developed for use with MathCAD software. This software program, called the MT program, provides the computation of optimum modulation indices for all possible cases that are recommended by the Consultative Committee on Space Data System (CCSDS) (with emphasis on the squarewave, NASA/JPL ranging system).

Nguyen, Tien Manh↗

Dynamically allocating sets of fine-grained processors to running computations

Researchers explore an approach to using general purpose parallel computers which involves mapping hardware resources onto computations instead of mapping computations onto hardware. Problems such as processor allocation, task scheduling and load balancing, which have traditionally proven to be challenging, change significantly under this approach and may become amenable to new attacks. Researchers describe the implementation of this approach used by the FFP Machine whose computation and communication resources are repeatedly partitioned into disjoint groups that match the needs of available tasks from moment to moment. Several consequences of this system are examined.

Middleton, David↗

Atlas of albedo and absorbed solar radiation derived from Nimbus 7 Earth radiation budget data set, November 1978 to October 1985

An atlas of monthly mean global contour maps of albedo and absorbed solar radiation is presented. This atlas contains 7 years of continuous data from November 1978 through October 1985. The data were retrieved from measurements made by the second Earth Radiation Budget (ERB) wide field-of-view instrument, which flew on the Nimbus 7 spacecraft in 1978. The deconvolution method used to produce these data is briefly discussed here so that the user may understand their generation and limitations. These geographical distributions of albedo and absorbed solar radiation are provided as a resource for researchers studying the radiation budget of the Earth. This atlas of albedo and absorbed solar radiation complements the atlases of outgoing longwave radiation by Bess and Smith, also based on the Nimbus 6 and 7 ERB data.

Smith, G. Louis↗

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.↗

Flight motor set 360L002 (STS-27R). Volume 5: Nozzle component

A review of the performance and post-flight condition of the STS-27 Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) nozzles is presented. Thermal/Structural instrumentation data is reviewed, and applicable Discrepancy Reports (DRs) and Process Departures (PDs) are presented. The Nozzle Component Program Team (NCPT) performance evaluation and the Redesign Program Review Board (RPRB) assessment is included. The STS-27 nozzle assemblies were flown on the RSRM Second Flight (Space Shuttle Atlantis) on 2 December 1988. The nozzles were a partially submerged convergent and/or divergent movable design with an aft pivot point flexible bearing. The nozzle assemblies incorporated the following features: RSRM forward exit cone with snubber assembly, RSRM fixed housing, Structural backup Outer Boot Ring (OBR), RSRM cowl ring, RSRM nose inlet assembly, RSRM throat assembly, RSRM aft exit cone assembly with Linear-Shaped Charge (LSC), RTV backfill in Joints 1, 3, and 4, Use of EA913 NA adhesive in place of EA913 adhesive, Redesigned nozzle plug, and Carbon Cloth Phenolic (CCP) with 750 ppm sodium content. The CCP material usage for the STS-27 forward nozzle and aft exit cone assemblies is shown.

Meyer, S. A.↗