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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 1,585 records · Page 88
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1976

Analysis of neutrally stable atmospheric flow over a two-dimensional forward facing step

A mathematical model describing ground-wind induced flow fields around surface obstructions such as buildings, bridges or other man-made structures is presented. The Navier-Stokes equations with a two-equation turbulence model are used to analyze the flow over a two-dimensional forward facing step. A study of the assumed logarithmic approach velocity profile shows that an increase of surface roughness produces a rise to higher turbulence levels in the shear layer originating from the step corner. This rise leads to higher Reynolds stress and to faster reattachment of the separated flow.

Bitte, J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Remote measurements of ambient air pollutants with a bistatic laser system

The ambient air pollutants ozone, nitric oxide, and ethylene have been monitored in the Pasadena area with a bistatic IR laser apparatus. These pollutants were measured with a differential absorption technique, using selected wavelengths in the 9.5-, 5.2-, and 10.5-micron regions, respectively. The transmitted laser radiation was detected using both direct and heterodyne detection techniques. In the direct detection case, cube corner retroreflectors provided the return, and the heterodyne detection responded to scattered radiation from various rough surfaces, ranging from 400 m to 1.9 km in distance from the apparatus. Significant departures from ambient background concentration levels were noticed in the region near a local freeway during periods of moderate and heavy traffic.

Menzies, R. T.↗
NASA NTRS1976

New radar image of Venus

The paper discusses a new radar image of the visible face of Venus, with particular reference to the relative backscattered power between latitudes 46 and 75 deg and covering the approximate longitude range from 290 to 10 deg, with an approximate resolution of 20 km. Two features seem to dominate this region: one is a large low-contrast area with a well-defined rim on its southern side and with two high-contrast features forming its northern and northwestern edges, and the other consists of the same two small high-contrast features on the northern edge of the basin and a large very high contrast feature straddling the zero-deg meridian and extending from 60 to 70 latitude, the last feature being previously named Maxwell. It is shown that Maxwell and the two high-contrast features are likely to indicate tectonic activity. Their probable high degree of surface roughness, well-defined boundaries, and irregular shapes make an origin based on the impact history of the planet hard to conceive.

Campbell, D. B.↗
NASA NTRS1977

High gantry for lifting and handling

Standard gantry has been inexpensively modified with standard pipes to allow lifting of heavy loads to distances between 14 and 30 ft. Addition of air mounts permits extensive and sensitive equipment to be moved smoothly and safely over smooth or moderately rough surfaces. Unit has been tested at 6000 pounds without yielding.

Kerley, J. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Atmospheric flow over two-dimensional bluff surface obstructions

The phenomenon of atmospheric flow over a two-dimensional surface obstruction, such as a building (modeled as a rectangular block, a fence or a forward-facing step), is analyzed by three methods: (1) an inviscid free streamline approach, (2) a turbulent boundary layer approach using an eddy viscosity turbulence model and a horizontal pressure gradient determined by the inviscid model, and (3) an approach using the full Navier-Stokes equations with three turbulence models; i.e., an eddy viscosity model, a turbulence kinetic-energy model and a two-equation model with an additional transport equation for the turbulence length scale. A comparison of the performance of the different turbulence models is given, indicating that only the two-equation model adequately accounts for the convective character of turbulence. Turbulence flow property predictions obtained from the turbulence kinetic-energy model with prescribed length scale are only insignificantly better than those obtained from the eddy viscosity model. A parametric study includes the effects of the variation of the characteristics parameters of the assumed logarithmic approach velocity profile. For the case of the forward-facing step, it is shown that in the downstream flow region an increase of the surface roughness gives rise to higher turbulence levels in the shear layer originating from the step corner.

Bitte, J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Prediction of Laminar and Turbulent Boundary Layer Flow Separation in V/STOL Engine Inlets

A description is presented of the development of the boundary layer on the lip and diffuser surface of a subsonic inlet at arbitrary operating conditions of mass flow rate, free stream velocity and incidence angle. Both laminar separation on the lip and turbulent separation in the diffuser are discussed. The agreement of the theoretical results with model experimental data illustrates the capability of the theory to predict separation. The effects of throat Mach number, inlet size, and surface roughness on boundary layer development and separation are illustrated.

Chou, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Results of phase change paint heat transfer test utilizing 0.040-scale 50% forebody models (no. 82-0) of the Rockwell International Space Shuttle Orbiter in AEDC VKF hypersonic tunnel B (test OH54B)

Aerodynamic heating phase change paint tests for the space shuttle orbiter are reported. The model was a 0.040 scale representation of the forward 50% of the orbiter. Surface roughness effects on boundary layer transition were investigated. The roughness was simulated by steel balls 0.020 and 0.025 inch in diameter and a 0.25 in. diameter hole simulating the forward ET attach socket. A nominal Mach number of was tested with unit Reynolds number varying from 0.75 x 1 million ft through 3.5x 1 million ft. Angle of attack was varied from 20 degrees to 40 degrees.

Dye, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Lubricant rheology applied to elastohydrodynamic lubrication

Viscosity measurements in a high pressure rheometer, elastohydrodynamic simulator studies (including the development of a temperature measuring technique), and analytical fluid modeling for elastohydrodynamic contacts are described. The more recent research which is described concerns infrared temperature measurements in elastohydrodynamic contacts and the exploration of the glassy state of lubricants. A correlation, of engineering significance, was made between transient surface temperature measurements and surface roughness profiles. Measurements of glass transitions of lubricants and the study of the effect of rate processes on materials lead to the conclusion that typical lubricants go into the glassy state as they pass through the contact region of typical elastohydrodynamic contacts.

Winer, W. O.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Estimates of the wind speeds required for particle motion on Mars

Threshold wind speeds for setting particles into motion on Mars are estimated by evaluating experimentally observed threshold friction velocities and determining the ratio of this velocity to the threshold wind speed at the top of earth's atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). Turning angles between the direction of the wind at the top of the ABL and the wind stress at the surface are also estimated. Detailed consideration is given to the dependence of the threshold wind speed at the top of the ABL on particle diameter, surface pressure, air temperature, atmospheric stability and composition, surface roughness, and interparticle cohesion. The results are applied to interpret a number of phenomena that have been observed on Mars and are attributable to aeolian processes. It is shown that: (1) minimum threshold wind speeds of about 50 to 100 m/sec are required to cause particle motion on Mars under 'favorable' conditions; (2) particle motion should be infrequent and strongly correlated with proximity to small topographical features; (3) in general, particle motion occurs more readily at night than during the day, in winter polar areas than equatorial areas around noon, and for H2O or CO2 ice particles than for silicate particles; and (4) the boundary between saltating and suspendible particles is located at a particle diameter of about 100 microns.

Pollack, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Prediction of laminar and turbulent boundary layer flow separation in V/STOL engine inlets

The paper provides a theoretical description of the development of the boundary layer on the lip and diffuser surface of a subsonic inlet at arbitrary operating conditions of mass flow rate, freestream velocity and incidence angle. Both laminar separation on the lip and turbulent separation in the diffuser are discussed. The agreement of the theoretical results with model experimental data illustrates the capability of the theory to predict separation. The effects of throat Mach number, inlet size, and surface roughness on boundary-layer development and separation are illustrated.

Chou, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Dual frequency correlation radar measurements of the height statistics of ocean waves

A radar technique has been developed for measuring the statistical height properties of a random rough surface. This method is being applied to the problem of measuring the significant wave height and probability density function of ocean waves from an aircraft or spacecraft. Earlier theoretical and laboratory results have been extended to define the requirements and performance limitations of flight systems. Some details of the current airborne radar system are discussed and results obtained on several experimental missions are presented and interpreted.

Weissman, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Experimental subsonic drag properties of the space shuttle orbiter TPS tiles

The drag characteristics of the space shuttle orbiter thermal protection system (TPS) tiles were studied experimentally in subsonic flow. Full-scale tiles were mounted to a 3.05 x 3.5 m test board in four configurations plus a completely smooth case. Pressure gradients were produced by tilting the board relative to the freestream. The drags due to steps, slots, and gaps between the tiles were evaluated at various orientations, pressure gradients, and Reynolds numbers. Results showed that the contribution of gaps and slots were minor compared to those of typical steps. The results for skin friction did not correlate as a fully rough surface. Thus, the surface area of the TPS tiles was sufficient to allow smooth-wall Reynolds number effects even though the steps between tiles could double the skin friction.

Norton, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Radar detectability of asteroids - A survey of opportunities for 1977 through 1987

The study of asteroids by earth-based radar during the period 1977 to 1987 is discussed. Detection modeling, including backscattering laws, limits of detectability, and in particular, measurement of center frequency, center-to-limb bandwidth, and areal spectral density, is reviewed. The number of detectable objects and detectable events falling into various 5-decibel radar target loss slots is estimated; a total of 60 different asteroids should be observable on about 130 occasions by either the Goldstone or Arecibo radar systems during the decade considered. Furthermore, the detectability margins for many objects should be large enough to permit more refined analysis of the radar spectrograms. Data acquired during the ten-year period may be used to find the radius, average surface roughness, rotation rate, direction of polar axis, and estimates of the Doppler frequency offsets for many of the asteroids. Also, information about radar albedos and orbital parameters may be obtainable in a number of cases.

Jurgens, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Ion-beam texturing of materials

Xenon ion-beam source is used to create microscopically-rough surface texture by sputter-etching surface while simultaneously sputter depositing lower yield material onto surface.

Hudson, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Biomedical applications of ion-beam technology

Microscopically-rough surface texture of various biocompatible alloys and polymers produced by ion-beam sputtering may result in improvements in response of hard or soft tissue to various surgical implants.

Banks, B. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Monte Carlo simulation of wave sensing with a short pulse radar

A Monte Carlo simulation is used to study the ocean wave sensing potential of a radar which scatters short pulses at small off-nadir angles. In the simulation, realizations of a random surface are created commensurate with an assigned probability density and power spectrum. Then the signal scattered back to the radar is computed for each realization using a physical optics analysis which takes wavefront curvature and finite radar-to-surface distance into account. In the case of a Pierson-Moskowitz spectrum and a normally distributed surface, reasonable assumptions for a fully developed sea, it has been found that the cumulative distribution of time intervals between peaks in the scattered power provides a measure of surface roughness. This observation is supported by experiments.

Levine, D. M.↗