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Osculating orbital elements are listed (chronologically by perihelion passage time) for all periodic comets expected to arrive at perihelion during the 1990-2010 interval. Plots which make it possible to readily determine the earth-based viewing conditions of a particular cometary apparition are presented. These plots are drawn in a rotating coordinate system so that the sun-earth line is fixed for each apparition.
Diogenites are orthopyroxenites that may contain chromite and olivine as accessory minerals. Howardite breccias contain orthopyroxenite clasts with similar properties compared to monomict diogenites. We used statistical methods and variation plots of major and minor elements in orthopyroxene and chromite to show whether or not howardite orthopyroxenites are related to monomict diogenites, and to assess their petrogenesis. Our results fail to establish any evidence that monomict diogenites are significantly different from howardite orthopyroxenites in terms of major and minor elements. We also found no differences between Antarctic diogenites and non-Antarctic diogenites. Although element variation plots show compelling evidence that most diogenites originated by igneous fractionation, linear trends among the various diogenites and howardite orthopyroxenite clasts are either non-existent or ill-defined. This militates against an origin from a single magma body, but suggests an origin from multiple magma bodies in the parent planetoid.
Measurements conducted on a DC-9 aircraft test section to define the shell and cavity modes of the fuselage, understand its structural-acoustic coupling characteristics, and measure its response to different types of acoustic and vibration excitations are reported. The data were processed to generate spatial plots and wavenumber maps of the shell acceleration and cabin acoustic pressure field. Analysis and interpretation of the spatial plots and wavenumber maps showed that the only structural-acoustic coupling occurred at 105 Hz between the N=2 circumferential structural mode and the (n=2, p=0) circumferential cavity mode. The fuselage response to vibration excitation was found to be dominated by modes whose order increases with frequency.
We describe our planned use of optical correlation in landmark navigation associated with planetary landing. Standard correlation provides 'pointing-to' information, giving the vector to the landmark from the spacecraft in the spacecraft frame. The synthetic estimation filter (SEF) provides 'pointing-from' information, estimating the vector from the landmark to the spacecraft. Digital and optical SEFs were constructed and compared using a Martian-like 3D modelboard to provide test images. The digital SEF worked reasonably well, but the optical SEF did not perform as expected. The optical SEF was implemented with a liquid crystal television (LCTV) correlator that had been used successfully in previous SEF experiments using a spacecraft model. The results suggest the SLM model for the LCTV needs further refinements. Both the digital and optical filter provided good pointing-to results. We did not plot the correlation surface for the digital SEF response, and though it is less sharp than the POF, it had only a one-pixel variation in the peak location. Surface plots for the conventional optical phase-only filter produced a correlation peak that was sharp enough to be located within two pixels.
The computer code 'METCAN' (METal matrix Composite ANalyzer) developed at NASA Lewis Research Center can be used to predict the high temperature behavior of metal matrix composites using the room temperature constituent properties. A reference manual that characterizes some common composites is being developed from METCAN generated data. Typical plots found in the manual are shown for graphite/copper. These include plots of stress-strain, elastic and shear moduli, Poisson's ratio, thermal expansion, and thermal conductivity. This manual can be used in the preliminary design of structures and as a guideline for the behavior of other composite systems.
Nitrous oxide fluxes and soil nitrogen transformations were measured in experimentally-treated high elevation Douglas-fir forests in northwestern New Mexico. On an annual basis, forests that were fertilized with 200 kg N/ha emitted an average of 0.66 kg/ha of N2O-N, with highest fluxes occurring in July and August when soils were both warm and wet. Control, irrigated, and woodchip treated plots were not different from each other, and annual average fluxes ranged from 0.03 to 0.23 kg/ha. Fertilized soil mineralized 277 kg/ha per year in contrast to 18 kg/ha per year in control plots. Relative recovery of (N-15)H4-N applied to soil in laboratory incubations was principally in the form of NO3-N in the fertilized soils, while recovery was mostly in microbial biomass-N in the other treatments. Fertilization apparently added nitrogen that exceeded the heterotrophic microbial demand, resulting in higher rates of nitrate production and higher nitrous oxide fluxes. Global inputs of nitrogen into forests are not currently contributing significantly to the increasing concentrations of nitrous oxide in the atmosphere.
Nitrous oxide fluxes and soil nitrogen transformations were measured in experimentally-treated high elevation Douglas-fir forests in northwestern New Mexico, USA. On an annual basis, forests that were fertilized with 200 kg N/ha emitted an average of 0.66 kg/ha of N2O-N, with highest fluxes occurring in July and August when soils were both warm and wet. Control, irrigated, and woodchip treated plots did not differ, and annual average fluxes ranged from 0.03 to 0.23 kg/ha. Annual net nitrogen mineralization and nitrate production were estimated in soil and forest floor using in situ incubations; fertilized soil mineralized 277 kg/ha/y in contrast to 18 kg/ha/y in control plots. Relative recovery of 15NH4-N applied to soil in laboratory incubations was principally in the form of NO3-N in the fertilized soils, while recovery was mostly in microbial biomass-N in the other treatments. Fertilization apparently added nitrogen that exceeded the heterotrophic microbial demand, resulting in higher rates of nitrate production and higher nitrous oxide fluxes. Despite the elevated nitrous oxide emission resulting from fertilization, we estimate that global inputs of nitrogen into forests are not currently contributing significantly to the increasing concentrations of nitrous oxide in the atmosphere.
The NACA model 11-G flying-boat hull, a modification of NACA model 11-A was tested over a range of loadings. The planing bottom of model 11-G has a variable-radius flare, or concavity, at the chines in contrast to the straight V planing bottom of model 11-A. The results are given as curves of resistance and trimming moment plotted against speed for various angles of trim. The characteristics of the form at the optimum angles of trim are given in non-dimensional form as curves of resistance coefficient, best trim angle, and trimming-moment coefficient plotted against speed coefficient. As compared with the original form, model 11-G is shown to have higher resistance at all loads and speeds and higher maximum trimming moments at heavy loads. The spray pattern, however, is generally more favorable, indicating that the service performance of model 11-A would be improved by some form of chime flare.
Three tapered airfoils based on the N.A.C.A. 2200, the N.A.C.A.-M6, and the Clark Y sections were tested in the variable-density wind tunnel at a Reynolds Number of approximately 3,100,000. The models, which were of aspect ratio 6, had constant core center sections and rounded tips, and tapered in thickness from 18 percent at the roots to 9 percent at the tips. The aerodynamic characteristics are given by the usual dimensionless coefficients plotted for both positive and negative angles of attack and by effective profile-drag coefficients plotted against lift coefficients.
Empirical design curves are presented for the critical stress of thin-walled cylinders loaded in axial compression. These curves are plotted in terms of nondimensional parameters of small-deflection theory and are compared with theoretical curves derived for the buckling of cylinders with simply supported and clamped edges. An empirical equation is given for the buckling of cylinders having a length-radius ratio greater than about 0.75. The test data obtained from various sources follow the general trend of the theoretical curve for cylinders with clamped edges, agreeing closely with the theory in the case of short cylinders, but falling considerably below the theoretical results for long cylinders. The discrepancy in the case of long cylinders increases with increasing values of the ratio of radius to wall thickness. Plotting curves for different values of this ratio reduces the scatter in the test data and a certain degree of correlation with theory is achieved. Advantage is taken of this correlation to obtain estimated design curves for cylinders with simply supported edges, for which little experimental information is available. (author)
An experimental investigation was conducted to obtain performance data on bearings of length-diameter ratios of 1, 1/2, and 1/4 for comparison with theoretical curves. A 1.375-inch-diameter bearing was tested at speeds up to 6000 rpm and with unit loads from 0 to 900 pounds per square inch. Experimental data for eccentricity ratio and friction followed single lines when plotted against a theoretically derived capacity number, which is equal to Sommerfeld number times the square of the length-diameter ratio. The form of the capacity number indicates that under certain conditions the eccentricity ratio is theoretically independent of bearing diameter. A method of plotting oil flow data as a single line is shown. Methods are also discussed for approximating a maximum bearing temperature and evaluating the effect of deflection or misalignment on the eccentricity ratio at the ends of the bearings.
In the first article, in connection with a lecture on the hydrodynamic basis of flight and the potential flow about a Joukowski wing, the pressure distribution on several wings is computed and plotted. The diagrams of the pressure distributions are presented accompanied with a qualitative discussion of the pressure distribution. In the second article, the the cross-sectional outline (or profile) a Joukowski wing are plotted.
Measurements were made to determine the distribution of pressure over one section of an R. A. F. 30 (symmetrical) airfoil with trailing edge flaps. In order to study the effect of scale measurements were made with air densities of approximately 1 and 20 atmospheres. Isometric diagrams of pressure distribution are given to show the effect of change in incidence, flap displacement, and scale upon the distribution. Plots of normal force coefficient versus angle of attack for different flap displacements are given to show the effect of a displaced flap. Plots are given of both the experimental and theoretical characteristic coefficients versus flap angle, in order to provide a comparison with the theory. It is concluded that for small flap displacements the agreement for the pitching and hinge moments is such that it warrants the use of the theoretical parameters. However, the agreement for the lift is not as good, particularly for the smaller flaps. In an appendix, an example is given of the calculation of the load and moments on an airfoil with hinged flap from these parameters.
The methods and results of using Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data to classify and estimate the acreage of forest covertypes in northeastern Minnesota are described. Portions of six TM scenes covering five counties with a total area of 14,679 square miles were classified into six forest and five nonforest classes. The approach involved the integration of cluster sampling, image processing, and estimation. Using cluster sampling, 343 plots, each 88 acres in size, were photo interpreted and field mapped as a source of reference data for classifier training and calibration of the TM data classifications. Classification accuracies of up to 75 percent were achieved; most misclassification was between similar or related classes. An inverse method of calibration, based on the error rates obtained from the classifications of the cluster plots, was used to adjust the classification class proportions for classification errors. The resulting area estimates for total forest land in the five-county area were within 3 percent of the estimate made independently by the USDA Forest Service. Area estimates for conifer and hardwood forest types were within 0.8 and 6.0 percent respectively, of the Forest Service estimates. A trial of a second method of estimating the same classes as the Forest Service resulted in standard errors of 0.002 to 0.015. A study of the use of multidate TM data for change detection showed that forest canopy depletion, canopy increment, and no change could be identified with greater than 90 percent accuracy. The project results have been the basis for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Forest Service to define and begin to implement an annual system of forest inventory which utilizes Landsat TM data to detect changes in forest cover.
Positive correlations of (U-238/Th-230) versus Th show the rhyolites to be products of partial melting. Positive correlations of U and Cl and U and F show that the U enrichment in the rhyolites is associated with the halogen contents which may be related to the minor phenocryst phase fractionation. Instantaneous Th/U ratios exceed time integrated Th/U ratios providing further evidence of the hydrous nature of the Olkaria rhyolite source. Excess (U-238/Th-230) in the subduction related rocks has been associated to the preferential incorporation of uranium in slab derived fluids, but no evaluation of the size of this flux has been made. The majority of the Naivasha samples show a (U-238/Th-230) less than 1 and plot close to the subduction related samples indicating the Naivasha rhyolites may also have been influenced by fluids during their formation. In general samples with high (U-238/Th-230) ratios reflecting recent enrichment of uranium relative to thorium have high thorium contents, thereby the high (U-238/Th-230) ratios are restricted to the most incompatible element enriched magmas and, hence, are a good indication that the rhyolites were formed by partial melting. If a fluid phase had some influence on the formation of the rhyolites then the uranium and thorium may have some correlation with F and Cl contents which can be mirrored by the peralkalinity. Plots of uranium against F and Cl contents are shown. The positive correlation indicates that the uranium enrichments are associated with the halogen contents. There seems to be a greater correlation for U against Cl than F indicating that the U may be transported preferentially as Cl complexes.
The interval reported on, from Jan. 1990 to Dec. 1991, has been one of continued processing and archiving of ICE plasma wave (pw) data and transition from analysis of ISEE 3 and ICE cometary data to ICE data taken along its cruise trajectory, where coronal mass ejections are the focus of attention. We have continued to examine with great interest the last year of ISEE 3's precomet phase, when it spent considerable time far downwind from Earth, recording conditions upstream, downstream, and across the very weak, distant flank bow shock. Among other motivations was the apparent similarity of some shock and post shock structures to the signatures of the bow wave surrounding comet Giacobini-Zinner, whose ICE-phase data was revisited. While pursuing detailed, second-order scientific inquiries still pending from the late ISEE 3 recordings, we have also sought to position ourselves for study of CME's by instituting a data processing format new to the ISEE 3/ICE pw detector. Processed detector output has always been summarized and archived in 24-hour segments, with all pw channels individually plotted and stacked one above the next down in frequency, with each channel calibrated separately to keep all data patterns equally visible in the plots, regardless of gross differences in energy content at the various frequencies. Since CME's, with their preceding and following solar wind plasmas, can take more than one day to pass by the spacecraft, a more condensed synoptic view of the pw data is required to identify, let alone assess, CME characteristics than has been afforded by the traditional routines. This requirement is addressed in a major new processing initiative in the past two years. Besides our own ongoing and fresh investigations, we have cooperated, within our resources, with studies conducted extramurally by distant colleagues irrespective of the phase of the ISEE 3/ICE mission under scrutiny. The remainder of this report summarizes our processing activities, our investigations, both internal and cooperative, our scientific results, and our publication activity.
The 60013/14 double drive tube (62 cm deep) is one of three regolith cores taken 35-40 m apart in a triangular array on the Cayley plains at station 10' (LM/ALSEP), Apollo 16. This trio, which includes double drive tube 60009/10 (59 cm deep) and deep drill core 60001-7 (220 cm), is the only such array of cores returned from the Moon. The top 45 cm of 60013/14 is mature, as is surface reference soil 60601 taken nearby. Maturity generally decreases with depth, with soil below 45 cm being submature. The zone of lowest maturity (34 is less than or equal to I(sub s)/FeO is less than 50) extends from 46 to 58 cm depth, and corresponds to the distinct region of light-colored soil observed during core processing. In the other two cores, most of the compositional variation results from mixing between fine-grained, mature soil with 10-11 micro-g/g Sc and coarse-grained ferroan anorthosite consisting of greater than 99% plagioclase with less than 0.5 micro-g/g Sc. This is most evident in 60009/10 which contains a high abundance of plagioclase at about 54 cm depth (minimum Sc: 3-4 micro-g/g); a similar zone occurs in 60001-7 at 17-22 cm (MPU-C), although it is not as rich in plagioclase (minimum Sc: 6-7 micro-g/g). Compositional variations are less in 60013/14 than in the other two cores (range: 7.9-10.0 micro-g/g Sc), but are generally consistent with the 'plagioclase dilution' effect seen in 60009/10, i.e., most 60013/14 samples plot along the mixing line of 60009/10. However, a plagioclase component is not the cause of the lower maturity and lighter color of the unit at 46-58 cm depth in 60013/14. Many of the samples in this zone have distinctly lower Sm/Sc ratios than typical LM-area soils and plot off the mixing trend defined by 60009/10. This requires a component with moderately high Sc, but low-Sm/Sc, such as feldspathic fragmental breccia (FFB) or granulitic breccia. A component of Descartes regolith, such as occurs at North Ray Crater (NRC) and which is rich in FFB, could account for the composition of these soils (i.e., a 3:1 mixture of 60601 and NRC soil). It seems unlikely that NRC ejecta would occur half a meter deep at the LM station, thus this low-Sm/Sc component may result from an older, local crater that penetrated the Cayley surface layer and excavated underlying Descartes material, as did North Ray Crater. There is no evidence for such a unit or component in the other two cores. Soil below the light-colored unit (58-62) cm has 'typical' Sm/Sc ratios, but the lowest absolute Sc concentrations, i.e., it is compositionally equivalent to a mixture of surface soil and plagioclase such as that in ferroan anorthosite. This is the only soil that might be related to the plagioclase-rich units in the other two cores. Except for the mature soil at the top of each core and, perhaps, the plagioclase-rich layers, there is little compositional evidence for any common unit among the three cores. Soil corresponding to the mare-glass-bearing unit (MPU-B) and regolith-breccia-bearing unit (MPU-A) of 60001-7 do not occur in 60013/14 or 60009/10.
A study is in progress comparing Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (AIRSAR) backscatter from coniferous forest plots containing gaps to backscatter from adjacent gap-free plots. Issues discussed are how do gaps in the range of 400 to 1600 sq m (approximately 4-14 pixels at intermediate incidence angles) affect forest backscatter statistics and what incidence angles, wavelengths, and polarizations are most sensitive to forest gaps. In order to visualize the slant-range imaging of forest and gaps, a simple conceptual model is used. This strictly qualitative model has led us to hypothesize that forest radar returns at short wavelengths (eg., C-band) and large incidence angles (e.g., 50 deg) should be most affected by the presence of gaps, whereas returns at long wavelengths and small angles should be least affected. Preliminary analysis of 1989 AIRSAR data from forest near Mt. Shasta supports the hypothesis. Current forest backscatter models such as MIMICS and Santa Barbara Discontinuous Canopy Backscatter Model have in several cases correctly predicted backscatter from forest stands based on inputs of measured or estimated forest parameters. These models do not, however, predict within-stand SAR scene texture, or 'intrinsic scene variability' as Ulaby et al. has referred to it. For instance, the Santa Barbara model, which may be the most spatially coupled of the existing models, is not truly spatial. Tree locations within a simulated pixel are distributed according to a Poisson process, as they are in many natural forests, but tree size is unrelated to location, which is not the case in nature. Furthermore, since pixels of a simulated stand are generated independently in the Santa Barbara model, spatial processes larger than one pixel are not modeled. Using a different approach, Oliver modeled scene texture based on an hypothetical forest geometry. His simulated scenes do not agree well with SAR data, perhaps due to the simple geometric model used. Insofar as texture is the expression of biological forest processes, such as succession and disease, and physical ones, such as fire and wind-throw, it contains useful information about the forest, and has value in image interpretation and classification. Forest gaps are undoubtedly important contributors to scene variance. By studying the localized effects of gaps on forest backscatter, guided by our qualitative model, we hope to understand more clearly the manner in which spatial heterogeneities in forests produce variations in backscatter, which collectively give rise to scene texture.