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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1977

Quantitative density visualization in a transonic compressor rotor

The flow in a 59-cm-diameter high-work transonic compressor rotor has been visualized using a fluorescent gas, 2,3, butanedione, as a tracer. The technique allows the three-dimensional flow to be imaged as a set of distinct planes. Quantitative static density maps were obtained by correcting the images for distortion and nonlinearities introduced by the illumination and imaging systems. These images and maps were used to analyze the three-dimensional nature of the blade's boundary layer and shock system.

Epstein, A. H.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Computer image processing in marine resource exploration

Pictographic data or imagery is commonly used in marine exploration. Pre-existing image processing techniques (software) similar to those used on imagery obtained from unmanned planetary exploration were used to improve marine photography and side-scan sonar imagery. Features and details not visible by conventional photo processing methods were enhanced by filtering and noise removal on selected deep-sea photographs. Information gained near the periphery of photographs allows improved interpretation and facilitates construction of bottom mosaics where overlapping frames are available. Similar processing techniques were applied to side-scan sonar imagery, including corrections for slant range distortion, and along-track scale changes. The use of digital data processing and storage techniques greatly extends the quantity of information that can be handled, stored, and processed.

Paluzzi, P. R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Very large ground-based telescopes for optical and IR astronomy

Methods for improving the light grasp by an order of magnitude for earth-based observations of astrophysical objects are reviewed. Noting that the atmosphere is opaque below 0.3 micron and that techniques have been developed to make corrections for the atmospheric distortion, fully diffraction limited IR performance at 10 microns is asserted to be practicable. The use of mirror-seeing with metal mirrors with thin faceplates and air cooling is outlined as a means to achieve subarcsec resolution. Designs are considered which involve multiple sections to gain effective large aperture viewing for spectroscopy, using Si CCD detectors, and heterodyne IR interferometry, but not for direct interferometry or certain IR measurements. The Multiple Mirror Telescope is described, including designs for four 7.5 m honeycomb glass primaries co-aligned in a single mount. Further discussion is devoted to the fabrication of mirror elements and electronic image stabilization.

Angel, J. R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Flight evaluation of an engine static pressure noseprobe in an F-15 airplane

The flight testing of an inlet static pressure probe and instrumented inlet case produced results consistent with sea-level and altitude stand testing. The F-15 flight test verified the basic relationship of total to static pressure ratio versus corrected airflow and automatic distortion downmatch with the engine pressure ratio control mode. Additionally, the backup control inlet case statics demonstrated sufficient accuracy for backup control fuel flow scheduling, and the station 6 manifolded production probe was in agreement with the flight test station 6 tota pressure probes.

Foote, C. H.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Topographic mapping from interferometric synthetic aperture radar observations

The production of high-resolution topographic maps derived from interferometric synthetic aperture radar observations of the Earth is reported. Topographic maps are typically determined from stereo-pair optical photographs. Vertical relief causes the same terrain to appear in a slightly different projection for differing look angles, and this shift in appearance is interpreted in terms of the height of the terrain. The radar interferometric approach is related to the stereo technique in that the terrain is viewed at two different angles; however, in this case, the angular separation of the antennas is extremely small, on the order of a milliradian or less, as compared to tens of degrees for the optical case. Thus, the geometrical distortion and subsequent rectification correction algorithms are much less severe in the reduction of interferometric data.

Zebker, H. A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Topographic mapping from interferometric synthetic aperture radar observations

The production of high-resolution topographic maps derived from interferometric synthetic aperture radar observations of the earth is reported. Topographic maps are typically determined from stereo-pair optical photographs. Vertical relief causes the same terrain to appear in a slightly different projection for differing look angles, and this shift in appearance is interpreted in terms of the height of the terrain. The radar interferometric approach is related to the stereo technique in that the terrain is viewed at two different angles; however, in this case, the angular separation of the antennas is extremely small, on the order of a milliradian or less, as compared to tens of degrees for the optical case. Thus, the geometrical distortion and subsequent rectification correction algorithms are much less severe in the reduction of interferometric data.

Zebker, H. A.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Photoevaporating stellar envelopes observed with Rayleigh beacon adaptive optics

We present H-alpha and I-band images of a approximately 1 min diameter field centered on theta(sup 1) C Ori made with a unique adaptive optics system that uses either starlight or Rayleigh-backscattered laser light to correct for atmospheric wavefront distortion. Approximately one-half of the stars in this region are positionally associated with knots of ionized gas, which are interpreted as photoevaporating envelopes of low-mass stars. The acronyms 'partially ionized globule' (PIGs), external ionized (accretion) disks in the environs of radiation sources (EIDERs), or protoplanetary disks (ProPlyDs) all refer to these same knots. The H-alpha fluxes of the PIGs are proportional to their 2 cm radio continumm flux densities, and for nearly all the ionized knots, the 2 cm brightness temperatures are consistent with theta(sup 1) C Ori as the primary source of ionization. The comet-like morphology of the bright nebulosities is modeled as the result of an equilibrium between photoionization, recombination, and shadowing. The radii of the ionized 'head' of the cometary PIGs grow with distance from theta(sup 1) C Ori; the radii range from approximately less than or equal to 0.05 sec to approximately 0.25 sec. We interpret the size-distance relationship as evidence that the envelopes all have the same density profile and mass-loss rate within a factor of 2. Faint, arcuate wisps are observed 1 sec to 2 sec distance from some of the cometary nebulosities; these are modeled as bow shocks caused by the wind from theta(sup 1) C Ori. The positions of the stars associated with the PIGs in the observational H-R diagram indicate they are pre-main-sequence stars with masses less than approximately 3 solar mass, with approximately 1 solar mass being typical. Their medium I-K color is 2.9.

Mccullough, P. R.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Physics Based Modeling and Prognostics of Electrolytic Capacitors

This paper proposes first principles based modeling and prognostics approach for electrolytic capacitors. Electrolytic capacitors have become critical components in electronics systems in aeronautics and other domains. Degradations and faults in DC-DC converter unit propagates to the GPS and navigation subsystems and affects the overall solution. Capacitors and MOSFETs are the two major components, which cause degradations and failures in DC-DC converters. This type of capacitors are known for its low reliability and frequent breakdown on critical systems like power supplies of avionics equipment and electrical drivers of electromechanical actuators of control surfaces. Some of the more prevalent fault effects, such as a ripple voltage surge at the power supply output can cause glitches in the GPS position and velocity output, and this, in turn, if not corrected will propagate and distort the navigation solution. In this work, we study the effects of accelerated aging due to thermal stress on different sets of capacitors under different conditions. Our focus is on deriving first principles degradation models for thermal stress conditions. Data collected from simultaneous experiments are used to validate the desired models. Our overall goal is to derive accurate models of capacitor degradation, and use them to predict performance changes in DC-DC converters.

Kulkarni, Chetan↗
NASA NTRS2021

Bias Correction of Hydrologic Projections Strongly Impacts Inferred Climate Vulnerabilities in Institutionally Complex Water Systems

Water-resources planners use regional water management models (WMMs) to identify vulnerabilities to climate change. Frequently, dynamically downscaled climate inputs are used in conjunction with land-surface models (LSMs) to provide hydrologic streamflow projections, which serve as critical inputs for WMMs. Here, we show how even modest projection errors can strongly affect assessments of water availability and financial stability for irrigation districts in California. Specifically, our results highlight that LSM errors in projections of flood and drought extremes are highly interactive across timescales, path-dependent, and can be amplified when modeling infrastructure systems (e.g., misrepresenting banked groundwater). Common strategies for reducing errors in deterministic LSM hydrologic projections (e.g., bias correction) can themselves strongly distort projected climate vulnerabilities and misrepresent their inferred financial consequences. Overall, our results indicate a need to move beyond standard deterministic climate projection and error management frameworks that are dependent on single simulated climate change scenario outcomes.

Keyvan Malek↗
NASA NTRS1991

Initial studies of array feeds for the 70-meter antenna at 32 GHz

The results of a study to determine the feasibility of using array feed techniques to improve the performance of the 70 m antenna at 32 GHz are presented. Changing from 8.4 to 32 GHz has the potential of increasing the gain by 11.6 dB, but recent measurements indicate that additional losses of from 3 to 7 dB occur at 32 GHz, depending on the elevation angle. Array feeds were proposed to recover some of the losses by compensating for surface distortions that contribute to these losses. Results for both surface distortion compensation and pointing error correction are discussed. These initial studies, however, had one significant restriction: The mechanical finite element model was used to characterize the surface distortions, not the measured distortions from three angle holography data, which would be more representative of the actual antenna. Further work is required to provide for a more accurate estimate of performance that utilizes holography data and, in particular, one that evaluates the performance in the focal plane region of the antenna.

Cramer, P. W.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Towards a more complete description of nucleon distortion in lepton-induced single-pion production at low-$Q^2$

Theoretical predictions for lepton-induced single-pion production (SPP) on $^{12}$C are revisited in order to assess the effect of different treatments of the current operator. On one hand we have the asymptotic approximation, which consists in replacing the particle four-vectors that enter in the operator by their asymptotic values, i.e., their values out of the nucleus. On the other hand we have the full calculation, which is a more accurate approach to the problem. We also compare with results in which the final nucleon is described by a relativistic plane wave, to rate the effect of the nucleon distortion. The study is performed for several lepton kinematics, reproducing inclusive and semi-inclusive cross sections belonging to the low-$Q^2$ region (between 0.05 and 1 GeV$^2$), which is of special interest in charged-current (CC) neutrino-nucleus 1$\pi$ production. Inclusive electron results are compared with experimental data. We find non-trivial corrections comparable in size with the effect of the nucleon distortion, namely, corrections up to 6%, either increasing or diminishing the asymptotic prediction, and a shift of the distributions towards higher energy transfer. For the semi-inclusive cross sections, we observe the correction to be prominent mainly at low values of the outgoing nucleon kinetic energy. Finally, for CC neutrino-induced 1$\pi^+$ production, we find a reduction at low-$Q^2$ with respect to both the plane-wave approach and the asymptotic case.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
NASA NTRS1985

Analysis and quantification of errors in the geometric correction of satellite images

The quantitative use of remote sensing satellite images in many applications requires that the geometric distortion inherent in these images be corrected, or rectified, to a desired map projection. The most widely used technique relies on ground control points to empirically determine a mathematical coordinate transformation to correct the geometry. In this paper, using the method of least squares, expressions for the accuracy of the geometric transformation and of the rectification of the satellite image to a map projection are derived. Explicit relations between the global accuracy of the transformation and the number, location, and local accuracy of the ground control points are obtained. The results are applied to the correction of a Landsat MSS image.

Ford, G. E.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Refraction corrections for surveying

Optical measurements of range and elevation angle are distorted by the earth's atmosphere. High precision refraction correction equations are presented which are ideally suited for surveying because their inputs are optically measured range and optically measured elevation angle. The outputs are true straight line range and true geometric elevation angle. The 'short distances' used in surveying allow the calculations of true range and true elevation angle to be quickly made using a programmable pocket calculator. Topics covered include the spherical form of Snell's Law; ray path equations; and integrating the equations. Short-, medium-, and long-range refraction corrections are presented in tables.

Lear, W. M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

A user's guide to the Mariner 9 television reduced data record

The Mariner 9 television experiment used two cameras to photograph Mars from an orbiting spacecraft. For quantitative analysis of the image data transmitted to earth, the pictures were processed by digital computer to remove camera-induced distortions. The removal process was performed by the JPL Image Processing Laboratory (IPL) using calibration data measured during prelaunch testing of the cameras. The Reduced Data Record (RDR) is the set of data which results from the distortion-removal, or decalibration, process. The principal elements of the RDR are numerical data on magnetic tape and photographic data. Numerical data are the result of correcting for geometric and photometric distortions and residual-image effects. Photographic data are reproduced on negative and positive transparency films, strip contact and enlargement prints, and microfiche positive transparency film. The photographic data consist of two versions of each TV frame created by applying two special enhancement processes to the numerical data.

Seidman, J. B.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Calibration and characterization of the line-VISAR diagnostic at the HED-HIBEF instrument at the European XFEL

In dynamic-compression experiments, the line-imaging Velocity Interferometer System for Any Reflector (VISAR) is a well-established diagnostic used to probe the velocity history, including wave profiles derived from dynamically compressed interfaces and wavefronts, depending on material optical properties. Knowledge of the velocity history allows for the determination of the pressure achieved during compression. Such a VISAR analysis is often based on Fourier transform techniques and assumes that the recorded interferograms are free from image distortions. In this paper, we describe the VISAR diagnostic installed at the HED-HIBEF instrument located at the European XFEL along with its calibration and characterization. It comprises a two-color (532, 1064 nm), three-arm (with three velocity sensitivities) line imaging system. We provide a procedure to correct VISAR images for geometric distortions and evaluate the performance of the system using Fourier analysis. We finally discuss the spatial and temporal calibrations of the diagnostic. As an example, we compare the pressure extracted from the VISAR analysis of shock-compressed polyimide and silicon.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Perturbation theory approach to predict the covariance matrices of the galaxy power spectrum and bispectrum in redshift space

In this paper, we predict the covariance matrices of both the power spectrum and the bispectrum, including full non-Gaussian contributions, redshift space distortions, linear bias effects, and shot-noise corrections, using perturbation theory (PT). To quantify the redshift-space distortion effect, we focus mainly on the monopole and quadrupole components of both the power and bispectra. We, for the first time, compute the 5- and 6-point spectra to predict the cross-covariance between the power and bispectra, and the autocovariance of the bispectrum in redshift space. Further, we test the validity of our calculations by comparing them with the covariance matrices measured from the MultiDark-Patchy mock catalogues that are designed to reproduce the galaxy clustering measured from the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey Data Release 12. We argue that the simple, leading-order PT works because the shot-noise corrections for the Patchy mocks are more dominant than other higher order terms we ignore. In the meantime, we confirm some discrepancies in the comparison, especially of the cross-covariance. We discuss potential sources of such discrepancies. We also show that our PT model reproduces well the cumulative signal-to-noise ratio of the power spectrum and the bispectrum as a function of maximum wavenumber, implying that our PT model captures successfully essential contributions to the covariance matrices.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS2006

Numerical Modeling of Flow Control in a Boundary-Layer-Ingesting Offset Inlet Diffuser at Transonic Mach Numbers

This paper will investigate the validation of a NASA developed, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) flow solver, OVERFLOW, for a boundary-layer-ingesting (BLI) offset (S-shaped) inlet in transonic flow with passive and active flow control devices as well as the baseline case. Numerical simulations are compared to wind tunnel results of a BLI inlet conducted at the NASA Langley 0.3-Meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel. Comparisons of inlet flow distortion, pressure recovery, and inlet wall pressures are performed. The numerical simulations are compared to the BLI inlet data at a freestream Mach number of 0.85 and a Reynolds number of approximately 2 million based on the length of the fan-face diameter. The numerical simulations with and without wind tunnel walls are performed, quantifying effects of the tunnel walls on the BLI inlet flow measurements. The wind tunnel test evaluated several different combinations of jet locations and mass flow rates as well as a vortex generator (VG) vane case. The numerical simulations will be performed on a single jet configuration for varying actuator mass flow rates at a fix inlet mass flow condition. Validation of the numerical simulations for the VG vane case will also be performed for varying inlet mass flow rates. Overall, the numerical simulations were able to predict the baseline circumferential flow distortion, DPCPavg, very well for comparisons made within the designed operating range of the BLI inlet. However the CFD simulations did predict a total pressure recovery that was 0.01 lower than the experiment. Numerical simulations of the baseline inlet flow also showed good agreement with the experimental inlet centerline surface pressures. The vane case showed that the CFD predicted the correct trends in the circumferential distortion for varying inlet mass flow but had a distortion level that was nearly twice as large as the experiment. Comparison to circumferential distortion measurements for a 15 deg clocked 40 probe rake indicated that the circumferential distortion levels are very sensitive to the symmetry of the flow and that a miss alignment of the vanes in the experiment could have resulted in this difference. The numerical simulations of the BLI inlet with jets showed good agreement with the circumferential inlet distortion levels for a range of jet actuator mass flow ratios at a fixed inlet mass flow rate. The CFD simulations for the jet case also predicted an average total pressure recovery that was 0.01 lower than the experiment as was seen in the baseline. Comparison of the flow features the jet case revealed that the CFD predicted a much larger vortex at the engine fan-face when compare to the experiment.

Allan Brian G.↗
NASA NTRS1995

The MCH2+ Systems: Do ScCH2+ and TiCH2+ Have C(sub s) or C(sub 2v) Symmetry and A Comparison of the B3LYP Method to Other Approaches

ScCH2(+) and TiCH2(+) are found to have C(sub s) symmetry, while the remaining systems have the expected C(sub 2v) symmetry. The C(sub s) symmetry structure is favored for ScCH2(+) and TiCH2(+) because it allows donation from one of the CH bonds into an empty 3d orbital. This distortion stabilizes the systems by less than 2 kcal/mol at the B3LYP, CASSCF, and CCSD(T) levels of theory. The SCF and B3LYP approaches find the C2(sub v) structure to be a saddle point, while the CASSCF approach finds the C(sub 2v) structure to be a stationary point. For V-Cu there are no empty 3d orbitals of the correct symmetry, and therefore the distortion to C(sub s), is unfavorable. The B3LYP binding energies are in good agreement with experiment and our previous best estimates.

Ricca, Alessandra↗