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NASA NTRS1986

Meso-beta-scale characteristics of an episode of meso-alpha-scale convective complexes

Cotton et al. (1983) and Wetzel et al. (1983) investigated a complex mesoscale convective complex (MCC) that occurred within an eight-day episode during which one or more MCCs occurred each evening over the central U.S. This paper is an expanded study of that MCC episode, concentrating on various phenomenological meso-beta-scale aspects. The meso-beta-scale substructure and evolution of the larger MCCs are qualitatively described, emphasizing a degree of similarity that expands previous conceptual models of the MCC life cycle. Quantitative hourly precipitation characteristics of the episode's MCCs are described, revealing a characteristic precipitation signature in relation to their satellite appearance.

Mcanelly, Ray L.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Complex and singular solutions of KdV and MKdV equations

The Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) and the modified Korteweg-de Vries (MKdV) equations are shown to have, besides the regular real solutions, exact regular complex as well as singular solutions. The singular solution for the KdV is real but for the MKdV it is pure imaginary. Implications of the complex solutions are discussed.

Buti, B.↗

NASA NTRS1987

A new method to real-normalize measured complex modes

A time domain subspace iteration technique is presented to compute a set of normal modes from the measured complex modes. By using the proposed method, a large number of physical coordinates are reduced to a smaller number of model or principal coordinates. Subspace free decay time responses are computed using properly scaled complex modal vectors. Companion matrix for the general case of nonproportional damping is then derived in the selected vector subspace. Subspace normal modes are obtained through eigenvalue solution of the (M sub N) sup -1 (K sub N) matrix and transformed back to the physical coordinates to get a set of normal modes. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the outlined theory.

Wei, Max L.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Application of advanced grid generation techniques for flow field computations about complex configurations

In the computation of flowfields about complex configurations, it is very difficult to construct a boundary-fitted coordinate system. An alternative approach is to use several grids at once, each of which is generated independently. This procedure is called the multiple grids or zonal grids approach; its applications are investigated. The method conservative providing conservation of fluxes at grid interfaces. The Euler equations are solved numerically on such grids for various configurations. The numerical scheme used is the finite-volume technique with a three-stage Runge-Kutta time integration. The code is vectorized and programmed to run on the CDC VPS-32 computer. Steady state solutions of the Euler equations are presented and discussed. The solutions include: low speed flow over a sphere, high speed flow over a slender body, supersonic flow through a duct, and supersonic internal/external flow interaction for an aircraft configuration at various angles of attack. The results demonstrate that the multiple grids approach along with the conservative interfacing is capable of computing the flows about the complex configurations where the use of a single grid system is not possible.

Kathong, Monchai↗

NASA NTRS1988

Fine-scale traverses in cumulate rocks, Stillwater Complex: A lunar analogue study

The objective was to document finite-scale compositional variations in cumulate rocks from the Stillwater Complex in Montana and to interpret these data in the context of planetary magma fractionation processes such as those operative during the formation of the Earth's Moon. This research problem involved collecting samples in the Stillwater Complex and analyzing them by electron microprobe, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The electron microprobe is used to determine the compositions of cumulus and intercumulus phases in the rocks, the XRF is used to determine the bulk-rock major element and trace element (Y, Sr, Rb, Zr, Ni, and Cr) abundances, and the INAA lab. is used to determine the trace element (Sc, Co, Cr, Ni, Ta, Hf, U, Th, and the REE) abundances of mineral separates and bulk rocks.

Elthon, Donald↗

NASA NTRS1988

Three dimensional grid generation for complex configurations: Recent progress

Some of the capabilities of the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) community are surveyed for griding complex three dimensional configurations. The intent is to provide some insight as to the present state of grid generation for aircraft configurations in order to help assess whether this task presents a long term stumbling block to routine use of CFD in aerodynamic applications. A brief review is given of some of the techniques that are available for generating body conforming curvilinear grids. In order to assess capabilities in grid generation, colleagues at selected institutions were solicited to describe their experiences and difficulties in grid generation of complex configurations.

J.F. Thompson↗

NASA NTRS1988

Growth of early archaean crust in the ancient Gneiss complex of Swaziland and adjacent Barberton Greenstone Belt, Southern Africa

The relationship between early Archean greenstones and high grade gneisses in the Ancient Gneiss Complex of Swaziland and the neighboring Barberton greenstone belt in Southern Africa is discussed. New high precision zircon analyses reveal a complex history in individual zircons from tonalitic orthogneisses, with ages as old as 3644 + 4 Ma. This suggests the presence of continental crust prior to the formation of the supracrustal rocks of the Barberton greenstone belt, which have been previously considered the earliest rocks in the area. The author suggested that these data are incompatible with the intraoceanic settings that have been widely accepted for this terrane, and favors either a marginal basin or rift environment. By using the detailed age information obtained from zircons in combination with Ar-40 and Ar-39 and paleomagnetic measurements, the author estimated that plate velocities for this part of Africa craton were about 10 to 70 mm/yr, during the period 3.4 to 2.5 Ga. This is not incompatible with the idea that Archean plate velocities may have been similiar to those of today.

Kroener, A.↗

NASA NTRS1988

The complexity, depth, and rapidity of processes that formed the lunar crust

From its birth the moon had a large-scale, complex magma system. The evidence is the massive differentiation of the moon that was partially preserved. The system might be a magma ocean or a magmasphere; even in the former case it was superposed by smaller but also very complex magma systems. The main episode produced a plagioclase-rich crust including genuine anorthosites; it was over by about 4.35 b.y. ago, although magmatism continues. The processes of crust-building remain in serious dispute. Lunar crusts; massive differentiation; crustal material composition; processes which produced crustal materials; and differences from earth are briefly discussed.

Ryder, Graham↗

NASA NTRS1988

Late-Archaean crustal growth in the Lewisian Complex of Northwest Scotland: Diachroneity in magmatic accretion and implications for models of crustal growth

The Lewisian Complex of northwestern Scotland is an Archaean basement terrain that was reworked during the Proterozoic. Previous geochronological studies have established that the complex represents an entirely new crustal addition during late-Archaean times, and the difference between a Sm-Nd accretion date of 2920 + or - 50 Ma and a Pb/Pb metamorphic date of 2680 + or - 70 Ma was interpreted as indicating a crustal accretion-differentiation superevent (CADS) lasting 240 + or - 110 Ma. A combined Rb-Sr, Pb/Pb, and Sm-Nd isotopic study reported was applied to the Lewisian CADS to attempt to address the problem of whether this comprised a short regional scale magmatic accretion event followed approximately 200 Ma later by regional high-grade metamorphism, or a long period of episodic or semi-continuous magmatic accretion prior to high-grade metamorphism.

Whitehouse, M. J.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Flying complex approach paths using the microwave landing system

A piloted simulation study was conducted to examine the requirements for using electromechanical flight instrumentation to provide guidance for manually controlled flight along complex, curved approach paths within the microwave landing system signal coverage. The data from these tests indicated that flight director guidance is required for the manually controlled flight of a jet transport airplane on complex, curved approach paths. Each of the three guidance algorithms tested could be used to fly the paths. However, pilot comments indicated that the use of guidance based on capturing the next straight path segment may not be acceptable since full-scale lateral deflections normally resulted during turns. Pilot comments indicated that all the approach paths tested could be used in normal airline operations. Approach paths with both multiple, sequential turns and short final path segments were demonstrated.

Knox, Charles E.↗

NASA NTRS1987

The Jamestown Ophiolite Complex, Barberton mountain belt - A section through 3.5 Ga oceanic crust

The Jamestown Ophiolite Complex of the Barberton greenstone belt, South Africa, is investigated, and the intrusive nature of mafic-ultramafic units from the Komati and Kromberg formations into overlying pillow lavas and sediments is documented. Evidence is presented for multiple intrusive events within the igneous sections, including crosscutting intrusives, multiple injection of magma in the Komati section, and sheeted intrusions in the Kromberg section. The thinness of the Jamestown complex suggests that, locally at least, the ca 3.5 Ga oceanic crust was also thin, consistent with the regionally extensive metasomatic alteration.

De Wit, Maarten J.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Hydrogen disposal investigation for the Space Shuttle launch complex at Vandenberg Air Force Base

The concern of an overpressure condition on the aft end of the Space Shuttle caused by ignition of unburned hydrogen being trapped in the Space Shuttle Main Engine exhaust duct at the Vandenberg AFB launch complex has been investigated for fifteen months. Approximately twenty-five concepts have been reviewed, with four concepts being thoroughly investigated. The four concepts investigated were hydrogen burnoff ignitors (ignitors located throughout the exhaust duct to continuously ignite any unburned hydrogen), jet mixing (utilizing large volumes of high pressure air to ensure complete combustion of the hydrogen), steam inert (utilizing flashing hot water to inert the duct with steam) and open duct concept (design an open duct or above grade J-deflector to avoid trapping hydrogen gas). Extensive studies, analyses and testing were performed at six test sites with technical support from twenty-two major organizations. In December 1986, the Air Force selected the steam inert concept to be utilized at the Vandenberg launch complex and authorized the design effort.

Breit, Terry J.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Magnetic activity complexes, thermal relaxation oscillations, and the dynamics of the azimuthal magnetic field of a star

The large amount of magnetic flux cycling through an activity complex in a period of six months suggests that the azimuthal magnetic field in the convective zone of the sun is not less than 3000 Gauss and probably is considerably more. A field of 3 kiloGauss or more has the effect of blocking the convective heat transport, producing a cool shadow above the azimuthal field and causing heat to accumulate below. The incremental weight of the cool shadow is sufficient to overpower the magnetic buoyancy, pressing the field against the bottom of the convective zone. The accumulation of heat underneath produces a thermal relaxation oscillation that erupts to the surface at intervals of the order of a week, supplying the intermittent emergence of magnetic flux observed in the activity complex.

Parker, E. N.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Diagnostics development for spray characterization in complex turbulent flows

The present work reports a detailed investigation of air-liquid interaction in sprays along with particle number density and mass flux measurements in complex turbulent flows such as those present in gas turbines and rocket combustors. Data have been obtained for the characterization of sprays in complex flows which include detailed drop size and drop velocity distributions, size-velocity correlations, mass flux, and particle number density. Key factors affecting the measurement of the sample volume size are discussed in detail since an accurate estimation of it is essential to the particle number density and volume flux determined by the instrument. The discrimination of refraction and reflective scattering components and their influence on the measurements are also discussed. Data comparing the phase Doppler results to alternate methods of measuring number density and volume flux are also presented. These results showed agreement to within 15 percent in most cases for realistic flow configurations.

Bachalo, W. D.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Strategies for concurrent processing of complex algorithms in data driven architectures

The purpose is to document research to develop strategies for concurrent processing of complex algorithms in data driven architectures. The problem domain consists of decision-free algorithms having large-grained, computationally complex primitive operations. Such are often found in signal processing and control applications. The anticipated multiprocessor environment is a data flow architecture containing between two and twenty computing elements. Each computing element is a processor having local program memory, and which communicates with a common global data memory. A new graph theoretic model called ATAMM which establishes rules for relating a decomposed algorithm to its execution in a data flow architecture is presented. The ATAMM model is used to determine strategies to achieve optimum time performance and to develop a system diagnostic software tool. In addition, preliminary work on a new multiprocessor operating system based on the ATAMM specifications is described.

Stoughton, John W.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Human operator response to error-likely situations in complex engineering systems

The causes of human error in complex systems are examined. First, a conceptual framework is provided in which two broad categories of error are discussed: errors of action, or slips, and errors of intention, or mistakes. Conditions in which slips and mistakes might be expected to occur are identified, based on existing theories of human error. Regarding the role of workload, it is hypothesized that workload may act as a catalyst for error. Two experiments are presented in which humans' response to error-likely situations were examined. Subjects controlled PLANT under a variety of conditions and periodically provided subjective ratings of mental effort. A complex pattern of results was obtained, which was not consistent with predictions. Generally, the results of this research indicate that: (1) humans respond to conditions in which errors might be expected by attempting to reduce the possibility of error, and (2) adaptation to conditions is a potent influence on human behavior in discretionary situations. Subjects' explanations for changes in effort ratings are also explored.

Morris, Nancy M.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Mars sample return mission: What level of complexity

The complexity of the U.S. Sample Return Mission is ultimately dependent on current mission funding and the projected direction of the U.S. space program. Despite these uncertainties, it is important to examine mission scenarios to address desired scientific objectives that can be summarized in the following list: (1) determine existence of climatic records in geologic records; (2) does Mars have a subpermafrost groundwater system; (3) fundamental questions on the existence of Mars biology; (4) what is the internal structure of Mars; (5) determine the systems for regolith formation; and (6) what is the contribution of meteorites to Martian geology and climate are presented. To address these objectives, the sample size, quantity and location must be established and whether this should be the only data searched for on the Martian surface. With this in mind, three mission scenarios are briefly discussed, in order of increasing complexity.

Ciesla, Thomas M.↗

NASA NTRS1988

The role of boron and fluids in high temperature, shallow level metamorphism of the Chugach Metamorphic Complex, Alaska

The possible role of boron (B) involvement in granite equilibria and generation of melts during crustal metamorphism has been a focus of speculation in recent literature. Most of the evidence for such involvement derives from experimental data which implies that the addition of B will lower the temperature of the granite solidus. Also the presence of tourmaline has a minor effect on the temperature of the solidus. Further indirect evidence that B may be involved in partial melting processes is the observation that granulites are commonly depleted in B, whereas the B content of low grade metapelites can be high (up to 2000 ppm). Researchers' measurements of the whole-rock B contents of granulites from the Madras region, India are low, ranging from 0.4 to 2.6 ppm. Ahmad and Wilson suggest that B was mobilized in the fluid phase during granulite facies metamorphism of the Broken Hill Complex, Australia. Thus, it appears that during the amphibolite to granulite transition, B is systematically lost from metasediments. The B that is released will probably partition into the vapor phase and/or melt phase. Preliminary measurements imply that the boron content of rocks in the Chugach Metamorphic Complex is not sufficient to influence the processes of partial melting at low pressures.

Sisson, V. B.↗