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At least 1,549 records · Page 86

A prediction model for lift-fan simulator performance

The performance characteristics of a model VTOL lift-fan simulator installed in a two-dimensional wing are presented. The lift-fan simulator consisted of a 15-inch diameter fan driven by a turbine contained in the fan hub. The performance of the lift-fan simulator was measured in two ways: (1) the calculated momentum thrust of the fan and turbine (total thrust loading), and (2) the axial-force measured on a load cell force balance (axial-force loading). Tests were conducted over a wide range of crossflow velocities, corrected tip speeds, and wing angle of attack. A prediction modeling technique was developed to help in analyzing the performance characteristics of lift-fan simulators. A multiple linear regression analysis technique is presented which calculates prediction model equations for the dependent variables.

Yuska, J. A.↗

Spectral characteristics of normal and nutrient-deficient maize leaves

Reflectance, transmittance and absorbance spectra of normal and six types of mineral-deficient (N,P,K,S,Mg and Ca) maize (Zea mays L.) leaves were analyzed at 30 selected wavelengths along the electromagnetic spectrum from 500 to 2600 nm. Chlorophyll content and percent leaf moisture were also determined. Leaf thermograms were obtained for normal, N- and S- deficient leaves. The results of the analysis of variance showed significant differences in reflectance, transmittance and absorbance in the visible wavelengths among leaf numbers 3, 4, and 5, among the seven nutrient treatments, and among the interactions of leaves and treatments. In the reflective infrared wavelengths only treatments produced significant differences. The chlorophyll content of leaves was reduced in all deficiencies in comparison to controls. Percent moisture was increased in S-, Mg- and N- deficiencies. Positive correlation (r = 0.707) between moisture content and percent absorption at both 1450 and 1930 nm were obtained. Polynomial regression analysis of leaf thickness and leaf moisture content showed that these two variables were significantly and directly related (r = 0.894).

Al-Abbas, A. H.↗

Program analysis for documentation

A program analysis for documentation (PAD) written in FORTRAN has three steps: listing the variables, describing the structure and writing the program specifications. Technical notes on editing criteria for reviewing program documentation, technical notes for PAD, and FORTRAN program analyzer for documentation are appended.

Lolmaugh, G. H.↗

Mycological studies housed in the Apollo 16 microbial ecology evaluation device

Survival, death, and phenotype count have yielded variation in the number of fungi recovered from the controls and the flight exposed cuvettes during preliminary analysis of postflight first phase data. Also the preliminary analysis was indicative that fungi exposed to specific space flight conditions demonstrated variable survival rates and phenotype counts. Specific space flight conditions included full light space exposure for Chaetomium globosum, exposure at 300- and 254-nanometer wavelengths for Rhodotorula rubra, full light and 280-nanometer wavelength exposure for Trichophyton terrestre, and 254-nanometer wavelength exposure for Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In general, phenotype counts for flight cuvettes and survival rates for control cuvettes were higher compared with the remaining cuvettes.

Volz, P. A.↗

Spectra of normal and nutrient-deficient maize leaves

Reflectance, transmittance and absorptance spectra of normal and six types of nutrient-deficient (N, P, K, S, Mg, and Ca) maize (Zea mays L.) leaves were analyzed at 30 selected wavelengths from 500 to 2600 nm. The analysis of variance showed significant differences in reflectance, transmittance and absorptance in the visible wavelengths among leaf numbers 3, 4, and 5, among the seven treatments, and among the interactions of leaf number and treatments. In the infrared wavelengths only treatments produced significant differences. The chlorophyll content of leaves was reduced in all nutrient-deficient treatments. Percent moisture was increased in S-, Mg-, and N-deficiencies. Polynomial regression analysis of leaf thickness and leaf moisture content showed that these two variables were significantly and directly related. Leaves from the P- and Ca-deficient plants absorbed less energy in the near infrared than the normal plants; S-, Mg-, K-, and N-deficient leaves absorbed more than the normal. Both S- and N-deficient leaves had higher temperatues than normal maize leaves.

Al-Abbas, A. H.↗

Can oscillations grow in a sunspot umbra.

Umbral flashes and running penumbral waves have been attributed by Moore (1972) to overstable oscillations in the umbra. His numerical results were derived by inserting physical conditions at two particular depths beneath the umbral surface. Seven variables must be specified at each point. We have extended Moore's analysis to examine the depth-dependence of overstable oscillations in a recently computed umbral model. Electrical conductivity is evaluated taking full account of partial ionization and magnetic fields. In the surface layers, within 250 km of the top of the umbral convection zone, the conductivity is so low that Joule dissipation is more rapid than the growth rate of oscillations. In these layers, Moore's results are therefore not applicable. At greater depths, oscillations can grow and we agree with Moore that both umbral flashes and penumbral waves may be due to overstable oscillations. However, we suggest that both phenomena can arise at the same depth in the spot, and not in two layers, as Moore suggests.

Mullan, D. J.↗

March 1971 wind tunnel tests of the Dorand DH 2011 jet flap rotor, volume 1

The results of wind tunnel tests, second series of tests performed in the NASA Ames 40 x 80 foot wind tunnel, of the DH 2011 jet-flap rotor are presented and analyzed. The tests have been focused on multicyclic effects and the capability of this rotor to reduce the vibratory loads and stresses in the blades. The reductions of the vibrations and stresses at tip speed ratio of 0.4 have attained 50%. The theory shows further reductions possible, reaching 80%. The results show that the performance characteristics after the modifications introduced since 1965 remained unchanged. The domain of investigation has been enlarged to include the tip speed ratios of 0.6 and 0.7. To analyze the complex aeroelastic phenomena a new analytical technique has been utilized to represent the mathematical model of the rotor. This technique, based on transfer matrices and transfer functions, appears very simple and it is believed that this analysis is applicable to many kinds of investigations involving large numbers of variables.

Kretz, M.↗

Digital simulation by partitioning and uncoupling the system model

The present work reviews state variable simulation and then proposes a technique for simulation of nonlinear time varying systems by partitioning the system state variable model and uncoupling the resulting subsystem models so that the linear time-invariant ones can be simulated by state variable solution. Computational requirements and computer time are shown to be reduced. The method does, however, introduce an integration error due to the treatment of the intercoupling terms between the subsystems as inputs which are assumed constant over a computation interval. A fictitious sampler is thereby introduced, which is then derived in the form of a state variable error model. The application of this method in a simulation error analysis for a Saturn V attitude control system model and the simulation of a detailed nonlinear, single-axis model of the LST fine pointing control system is described.

Henson, T. F.↗

Fracture control of H-O engine components

An investigation was made to obtain the material characterization and fatigue crack propagation data necessary to establish the salient characteristics of a Ti-6Al-2.5Sn(ELI) alloy fuel pump impeller to be used in a cryogenic service environment. Testing variables considered were: coupon orientation, frequency, load range ratio, and temperature. Data analysis correlated crack propagation data from conventional laboratory coupons with data from a parallel sided rotating disk used to model rotor stresses. Four major design recommendations when bore regions of fuel pump impellers to be operated in cryogenic environments are to be relatively highly stressed are discussed.

Ryder, J. T.↗

Data Management Symposium, Huntsville, Ala., October 18, 19, 1977, Proceedings

The transfer, processing, and use of satellite data are discussed. Topics relating to simulation and processing techniques include computer design assessments through simulation, data system dynamic simulation, and future timing accuracy requirements and procedures for data processing. Subjects relevant to data base management systems and users and their needs include an image-based information system architecture for correlation satellite and topological data base, efficient searching and sorting applications using an associative array processor, analysis of user's needs for a large technical data base, and variable length data formats. The technology development outlook was considered with attention to data systems technology outlook for supporting NASA programs, a user-oriented interactive information extraction system, and flow control and sorting techniques for telemetry packets.

Castelli, A.↗

Quiet Clean Short-haul Experimental Engine (QCSEE) Under-The-Wing (UTW) composite nacelle

The detail design of the under the wing experimental composite nacelle components is summarized. Analysis of an inlet, fan bypass duct doors, core cowl doors, and variable fan nozzle are given. The required technology to meet propulsion system performance, weight, and operational characteristics is discussed. The materials, design, and fabrication technology for quiet propulsion systems which will yield installed thrust to weight ratios greater than 3.5 to 1 are described.

Johnston, E. A.↗

Off-design performance loss model for radial turbines with pivoting, variable-area stators

An off-design performance loss model was developed for variable stator (pivoted vane), radial turbines through analytical modeling and experimental data analysis. Stator loss is determined by a viscous loss model; stator vane end-clearance leakage effects are determined by a clearance flow model. Rotor loss coefficient were obtained by analyzing the experimental data from a turbine rotor previously tested with six stators having throat areas from 20 to 144 percent of design area and were correlated with stator-to-rotor throat area ratio. An incidence loss model was selected to obtain best agreement with experimental results. Predicted turbine performance is compared with experimental results for the design rotor as well as with results for extended and cutback versions of the rotor. Sample calculations were made to show the effects of stator vane end-clearance leakage.

Meitner, P. L.↗

The structure, energetics and evolution of the dominant frequency-dependent three-dimensional atmospheric modes

The three-dimensional structure of the dominant modes of wintertime variability are examined, and the mode structures are determined by an EOF analysis of the coupled vertical mean and shear streamfunction fields for a wide range of time-scale classes. The time mean energy conversions are determined from a two-layer quasigeostrophic model. Lag-cross correlations between the dominant low-frequency modes tend to be small and/or symmetric about zero, the high frequency modes are found to show highly asymmetric sinusoidal cross correlation functions similar to traveling waves, and some intermediate and short-time scale modes exhibit correlations indicating an association with the decaying phases of blocking in the Pacific. It is suggested that the mean flow barotropic (baroclinic) instabilities are an important source of variance for some of the lowest (highest) fluctuations considered.

Schubert, S. D.↗

Power flows and Mechanical Intensities in structural finite element analysis

The identification of power flow paths in dynamically loaded structures is an important, but currently unavailable, capability for the finite element analyst. For this reason, methods for calculating power flows and mechanical intensities in finite element models are developed here. Formulations for calculating input and output powers, power flows, mechanical intensities, and power dissipations for beam, plate, and solid element types are derived. NASTRAN is used to calculate the required velocity, force, and stress results of an analysis, which a post-processor then uses to calculate power flow quantities. The SDRC I-deas Supertab module is used to view the final results. Test models include a simple truss and a beam-stiffened cantilever plate. Both test cases showed reasonable power flow fields over low to medium frequencies, with accurate power balances. Future work will include testing with more complex models, developing an interactive graphics program to view easily and efficiently the analysis results, applying shape optimization methods to the problem with power flow variables as design constraints, and adding the power flow capability to NASTRAN.

Hambric, Stephen A.↗

Procedures for shape optimization of gas turbine disks

Two procedures, the feasible direction method and sequential linear programming, for shape optimization of gas turbine disks are presented. The objective of these procedures is to obtain optimal designs of turbine disks with geometric and stress constraints. The coordinates of the selected points on the disk contours are used as the design variables. Structural weight, stress and their derivatives with respect to the design variables are calculated by an efficient finite element method for design senitivity analysis. Numerical examples of the optimal designs of a disk subjected to thermo-mechanical loadings are presented to illustrate and compare the effectiveness of these two procedures.

Cheu, Tsu-Chien↗

Exosat observations of the X-ray burst source 4U 1608-52

The results of an analysis of two Exosat observations (July 1984, May 1986) of the highly variable X-ray burst source 4U 1608-52 are presented. During both observations the persistent X-ray flux was low (quiescence), and the persistent X-ray spectrum could be well fitted with a power-law model, with approximately the same index, but a somewhat different low-energy cut off. During both observations one type 1 burst was seen. It is shown that the relation between color temperature and effective temperature differs markedly from simple relations derived from theoretical models. A dip in the bolometric flux occurred near the peak of the 1986 burst. Possible models for this dip are discussed.

Penninx, W.↗

General approach and scope

This paper describes a joint activity involving NASA and Army researchers at the NASA Langley Research Center to develop optimization procedures aimed at improving the rotor blade design process by integrating appropriate disciplines and accounting for all of the important interactions among the disciplines. The disciplines involved include rotor aerodynamics, rotor dynamics, rotor structures, airframe dynamics, and acoustics. The work is focused on combining these five key disciplines in an optimization procedure capable of designing a rotor system to satisfy multidisciplinary design requirements. Fundamental to the plan is a three-phased approach. In phase 1, the disciplines of blade dynamics, blade aerodynamics, and blade structure will be closely coupled, while acoustics and airframe dynamics will be decoupled and be accounted for as effective constraints on the design for the first three disciplines. In phase 2, acoustics is to be integrated with the first three disciplines. Finally, in phase 3, airframe dynamics will be fully integrated with the other four disciplines. This paper deals with details of the phase 1 approach and includes details of the optimization formulation, design variables, constraints, and objective function, as well as details of discipline interactions, analysis methods, and methods for validating the procedure.

Adelman, Howard M.↗

Matrix cracking in composite laminates with resin-rich interlaminar layers

Fracture mechanics analysis and test data for a toughened composite material that has a resin-rich interlaminar layer (RIL) were used to investigate in situ strength. Exposure to a range of environmental conditions was considered. A parametric analysis study was performed to judge the effects of laminate and material variables. A finite thickness effect, indicating an interaction between ply group thickness and effective flaw size, was found dominant. The magnitude of the effect was directly related to RIL stiffness. In situ strength was found to decrease with decreasing RIL stiffness. This work indicates the need to use a fracture mechanics model of actual lamina microstructure and heterogeneous properties to predict in situ strength in materials with RIL.

Ilcewicz, Larry B.↗