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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.

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At least 1,549 records · Page 86
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NASA NTRS1985

On the evolution of accretion disc flow in cataclysmic variables. III - Outburst properties of constant and uniform-alpha model discs

Attention is given to the stability and evolution of some simple accretion disk models in which the viscosity is prescribed by an ad hoc, uniform-alpha model. Emphasis is placed on systems in which the mass input rate from the secondary to the disk around the primary is assumed to be constant, although initial calculations with variable mass input rates are also performed. Time-dependent visual magnitude light curves constructed for cataclysmic binaries with a range of disk size, primary mass and mass input rate, and viscosity magnitude, are compared with the observed properties of various cataclysmic variable subclasses. The results obtained indicate that the observational differences between novae and dwarf novae may be due to mass input rate differences. The present models can reproduce the gross observational features of U-Gem-type dwarf nova outbursts.

Lin, D. N. C.↗
NASA NTRS1984

A survey for photometric variability from space

A survey for photometric variability in a wide variety of astronomical objects would produce much new information about their interiors and dynamics. Reasons for such a survey are given, as well as an example of the solar-constant variations that can be used as guide to what may be expected from main-sequence stars. A concept for a satellite dedicated to a survey of photometric variability is proposed.

Hudson, H. S.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Zonal and hemispheric variability of Nimbus 6 ERB longwave radiation

Radiation variability on a global and zonal scale is studied using outgoing longwave radiation data from the Nimbus 6 satellite for a period of 12 months. The analysis-of-variance technique, which permits the variance to be separated into spatial variance and time variance, is applied to latitudinal zones and to the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. For latitudinal zones, most of the variability of longwave radiation is in the tropics and subtropics and is due to spatial variance between regions within zones. Spatial variance in the Southern Hemisphere is much greater than in the Northern Hemisphere; daytime spatial variance is higher than nighttime spatial variance for both hemispheres.

Bess, T. D.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The spectral nature of solar irradiance variability and its phase relationship to solar activity

Rather firm conclusions regarding the nature of short term solar variability have been reached on the basis of recent studies of continuous time series of solar irradiance measurements. The measurements have been conducted with the aid of satellite mounted cavity radiometers. The present paper provides an interim report on further analysis concerning the spectral nature of solar variation and its relationship to other indicators of solar variability. It is pointed out that the Nimbus 7-ERB mission was able to deliver rather precise and continuous measures of solar irradiance at a variety of spectral bands. Spectral variations observed in the Nimbus 7-ERB solar monitor measurements appear to correspond to a quasi-black body shift due to the appearance of large earth-facing sun spots.

Smith, E. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Reducing Landsat MSS scene variability

Landsat 1, 2, and 3 MSS data acquired for six different nonvegetated targets over a three-year period were used to determine which of five transformations was most useful for reducing between-scene variability. The following values were calculated from the MSS digital numbers (dn): (1) radiance; (2) reflectance; (3) reflectance corrected for changes in the earth/sun distance; (4) normalized dn (normalization equations proposed by ERIM researchers); and (5) band ratios. Results indicated that reflectance calculations were most effective overall for reducing interscene variability; ratio proved most useful on the bright targets.

Nelson, R.↗
NASA NTRS1985

On the nature of the UX Ursa Majoris-type nova-like variables - CPD-48 deg 1577

A series of low-dispersion spectra and one high-dispersion spectrum have been obtained of the catacylsmic variable CPD-48 deg 1577. Like other UX UMa stars, this variable exhibits the flat continuum of a luminous, thick, steady state accretion disk dominating its light from the far UV to the infrared. A wind mass loss rate of less than about 10 to the -9th solar mass/yr and an accretion rate of roughly 5 x 10 to the -9th solar mass/yr is roughly consistent with the range which characterizes other UX UMa stars. An SWP echelle spectrum reveals detailed line profile information on the N V, Si IV, and C IV resonance lines. He II 1640 A is remarkably weak and even absent in two of the spectra. The known properties and evolutionary status of CPD-48 deg 1577 and the other UX UMa stars are summarized.

Sion, E. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Slow and fast state variables for three-dimensional flight dynamics

The identification of a new fast variable for three-dimensional flight dynamics is discussed. It is shown that the variable gives a value of the flightpath angle which is consistent with the velocity-altitude state equations and that the accuracy of single-perturbation analyses is increased by decreasing the magnitude of boundary-layer corrections. The values of the flightpath angle along the three-dimensional energy-state extremal are found to be lower by approximately an order of magnitude than those along the two-dimensional energy-state solution.

Ardema, M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Variable, optically thick plasma in the interacting binaries R Arae and HD 207739

Attention is given to observational evidence for the presence of variable and optically thick extrastellar gas in two binary stars, R Arae and HD 207739, which appear to be in the evolutionary phase immediately preceding or following the short lived supercritical mass transfer phase. In both binaries, spectral lines and energy distributions are variable outside eclipse.

Kondo, Y.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Variable-Conductance Heat Pipes

In response to need to accurately and efficiently predict performance of variable-conductance heat pipes (VCHP's) incorporated in spacecraft thermalcontrol systems, computer code VCHPDA developed to interact with thermal analyzer programs such as SINDA (Systems Improved Numerical Differencing Analyzer). Calculates length of gas-blocked region and vapor temperature in active portion. Advantages of VCHPDA over prior programs improved accuracy, unconditional stability, and increased efficiency of solution resulting from novel approach and use of state-of-the-art numerical techniques for solving VCHP mathematical model. Code valuable tool in design and evaluation of advanced thermal-control systems using variable-conductance heat pipes. Written in FORTRAN IV for use on CDC 600 computers.

Antoniuk, D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Variable Synthetic Capacitance

Feedback amplifier circuit synthesizes electronically variable capacitance. Variable Synthetic Capacitor is amplifier circuit with follower/feedback configuration. Effective input capacitance depends on input set current. If synthetic capacitor is connected across resonant element of oscillator, oscillator frequency controlled via input set current. Circuit especially suitable for fine frequency adjustments of piezoelectric-crystal or inductor/capacitor resonant oscillators.

Kleinberg, L. L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Circulation-Control Variable-Pitch Propeller

Circulation-control variable-pitch propeller has large lift value at moderate blowing coefficients. Based on circulation-control airfoil concept, has no moving parts other than needed for propeller rotation. Substituted for conventional variable-pitch propeller airfoil, lowers manufacturing costs, reduces maintenance, and improves reliability.

Garner, H. D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Variability simulations with a steady, linearized primitive equations model

Solutions of the steady, primitive equations on a sphere, linearized about a zonally symmetric basic state are computed for the purpose of simulating monthly mean variability in the troposphere. The basic states are observed, winter monthly mean, zonal means of zontal and meridional velocities, temperatures and surface pressures computed from the 15 year NMC time series. A least squares fit to a series of Legendre polynomials is used to compute the basic states between 20 H and the equator, and the hemispheres are assumed symmetric. The model is spectral in the zonal direction, and centered differences are employed in the meridional and vertical directions. Since the model is steady and linear, the solution is obtained by inversion of a block, pente-diagonal matrix. The model simulates the climatology of the GFDL nine level, spectral general circulation model quite closely, particularly in middle latitudes above the boundary layer. This experiment is an extension of that simulation to examine variability of the steady, linear solution.

Kinter, J. L., III↗
NASA NTRS1985

On the Interannual Variability and on Trends of the Temperature in the Middle Atmosphere

The new Reference Atmosphere presented here is based on global satellite data and forms a very useful basis for climatological studies. When using such climatologies it is important to be aware of the well known interannual variability which n themiddle atmosphere is particularly large during the northern winters and southern springs. Variability ofthe upper and lower stratospheres is discussed in detail. Areas covered included the polar region and the middile and lower latitudes. Temperature trends, notably the alteration of the global temperature structure by a number of anthropogenically influenced tract gases or the greenhouse effect is discussed.

Labitzke, K.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Variability of rainfall over small areas

A preliminary investigation was made to determine estimates of the number of raingauges needed in order to measure the variability of rainfall in time and space over small areas (approximately 40 sq miles). The literature on rainfall variability was examined and the types of empirical relationships used to relate rainfall variations to meteorological and catchment-area characteristics were considered. Relations between the coefficient of variation and areal-mean rainfall and area have been used by several investigators. These parameters seemed reasonable ones to use in any future study of rainfall variations. From a knowledge of an appropriate coefficient of variation (determined by the above-mentioned relations) the number rain gauges needed for the precise determination of areal-mean rainfall may be calculated by statistical estimation theory. The number gauges needed to measure the coefficient of variation over a 40 sq miles area, with varying degrees of error, was found to range from 264 (10% error, mean precipitation = 0.1 in) to about 2 (100% error, mean precipitation = 0.1 in).

Runnels, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Optical observations of new X-ray emitting cataclysmic variables

Two X-ray emitting cataclysmic variables were discovered as a result of a program to identify faint X-ray sources located by the HEAO-A3 modulation collimator experiment. The objects, H0534-581 and 1H0542-407, have similar high excitation spectra with intense emission lines showing broad and narrow components. Photometry shows that H0534-581 and 1H0542-407 have average magnitudes of V=14.9 and 15.7 respectively, leading to Lx/Lopt ratios of 1.5 (typical of dwarf novae in quiescence). While pronounced variability of delta B or = 1.5 mag is observed from both systems, there is no clear evidence for repeatable orbital periods between 1 and 4 hr.

Tuohy, I. R.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Modeling sea-surface temperature and its variability

A brief review is presented of the temporal scales of sea surface temperature variability. Progress in modeling sea surface temperature, and remaining obstacles to the understanding of the variability is discussed.

Sarachik, E. S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Artificial or variable gravity attained by tether systems

The simplest orbiting tethered system demands for stability that the mass centers of two end bodies be displaced above and below the position of zero acceleration. Therefore, the contents of the end bodies are subjected necessarily to acceleration fields or artificial gravity whose magnitudes depend on the dimensions and masses of the system. If the length of the tether changes, so do the fields. Even for a fixed tether length, the acceleration field at a location in the system may be somewhat variable unless special means are employed to maintain a constant value. These fundamental properties of a tethered system can be used to advantage if small or variable acceleration fields are desired for experimental or operational reasons. This potential use involves a few expressions from a formulation of tether system dynamics. Some of these formulae were collected for convenient use. Two and three body tethered equilibrium equations are explained. A special application of acceleration field control using a tether system is attainment of near-zero gravity. In this applicaition, even small variations about zero become a critical matter.

Lundquist, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Variable area radial turbine fabrication and test program

A variable area radial turbine with a moveable nozzle sidewall was experimentally evaluated. The turbine was designed for an advanced variable capacity gas turbine rotorcraft engine. The turbine has a mass flow rate of 2.27 kg/sec (5.0 lbs/sec), and a rotor inlet temperature of 1477K (2200 F). Testing was conducted at a reduced inlet temperature, but the aerodynamic parameters and Reynolds numbers were duplicated. Overall performance was obtained for a range of nozzle areas from 50% to 100% of the maximum area. The test program determined the effect on performance of: (1) Moving the hub or shroud sidewall; (2) Sidewall-vane clearance leakage; (3) Vaneless space geometry change; and (4) Nozzle cooling flows. Data were obtained for a range of pressure ratios and speeds and are presented in a number of performance maps.

Rogo, C.↗