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At least 1,747 records · Page 97

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NASA NTRS1987

Hydrogen oxidation mechanism with applications to (1) the chaperon efficiency of carbon dioxide and (2) vitiated air testing

Ignition delay times for the hydrogen/oxygen/carbon dioxide/argon system were obtained behind reflected shock waves. A detailed kinetic mechanism modeled the experimental hydrogen/oxygen data, Skinner and Ringrose's high-pressure data, and Slack and Grillo's hydrogen/air data. A carbon dioxide chaperon efficiency of 7.0 +/- 0.2 was determined. The reaction pathway H2O yields H2O2 yields OH yields H was required to model the high-pressure data. It is suggested that some of the lowest temperature data points (1.0 and 0.5 atm) for Slack and Grillo's hydrogen/air experiments are in error. It was found that the technique of simplifying a detailed kinetic mechanism for a limited range of experimental data may render the model useless for other test conditions.

Brabbs, Theodore A.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Driving mechanism of unsteady separation shock motion in hypersonic interactive flow

Wall pressure fluctuations were measured under the steady separation shock waves in Mach 5 turbulent interactions induced by unswept circular cylinders on a flat plate. The wall temperature was adiabatic. A conditional sampling algorithm was developed to examine the statistics of the shock wave motion. The same algorithm was used to examine data taken in earlier studies in the Princeton University Mach 3 blowdown tunnel. In these earlier studies, hemicylindrically blunted fins of different leading-edge diameters were tested in boundary layers which developed on the tunnel floor and on a flat plate. A description of the algorithm, the reasons why it was developed and the sensitivity of the results to the threshold settings, are discussed. The results from the algorithm, together with cross correlations and power spectral density estimates suggests that the shock motion is driven by the low-frequency unsteadiness of the downstream separated, vortical flow.

Dolling, D. S.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Infrared predetection dynamic range compression via photorefractive crystals

The theoretical basis and practical implementation of a predetection dynamic-range compression technique for IR sensor systems are discussed. The approach takes advantage of the nonlinear intensity dependence of the gain coefficient in photorefractive crystals. Its feasibility is demonstrated in numerical computations using the experimental data of Cheng and Partovi (1986) on two-wave mixing in GaAs at 1.15 micron wavelength.

Liu, Hua-Kuang↗

NASA NTRS1989

Space plasma physics: I - Stationary processes

The physics of stationary processes in space plasmas is examined theoretically in an introduction intended for graduate students. The approach involves the extensive use of numerical simulations. Chapters are devoted to fundamental principles, small-amplitude waves, and the stationary solar plasma system; typical measurement data and simulation results are presented graphically.

Hasegawa, Akira↗

NASA NTRS1991

The measurement of atomic oxygen in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere

A discussion of the laboratory calibration, calibration simulation, and accuracy of a resonance fluorescence instrument for measuring oxygen atoms is presented. The discussion demonstrates that a sensor can be calibrated with good accuracy to obtain in situ measurements of the oxygen density in the mesosphere/lower thermosphere. Oxygen data are reported from six rocket flights. These data represent four midlatitude flights and two auroral flights. There are two night and two day profiles for the midlatitude experiments. The maximum densities found from these sets of data in the 90-100 km regions are between 1.5 x 10 to the 11th/cu cm and 3.5 x 10 to the 11th/cu cm. Agreement with the MSIS-86 model predictions is obtained for altitudes above 120 km for midlatitude flights. The auroral data are less than the model prediction by about a factor of 2. The data show structure that is probably indicative of gravity wave effects of a nominal 5-km vertical wavelength.

Sharp, William E.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Global mean long-wave cloud radiative forcing derived from HIRS2/MSU

Using a physical approach, global ten-day mean long-wave cloud radiative forcing has been derived from satellite data for a period from January 1979 to May 1981. This forcing shows small (2 to 3 W/sq m) variations for diurnal, seasonal, and interannual time scales, even though the detailed structure of cloud fields may have considerable temporal and spatial variability. The amplitude of variations of the hemispheric mean is much larger than the global mean; the largest variation is over land areas (20 W/sq m) of the Southern Hemisphere, and the smallest variation is over the ocean (6 W/wq m) of the Northern Hemisphere.

Wu, Man L. C.↗

NASA NTRS1992

The Use of Subcarriers in Future DSN Missions

The performance of deep space telemetry signals that employ a residual carrier modulation technique is compared in the presence and absence of a subcarrier. When the subcarrier is present, the performance for the resulting pulse-coded modulation/phase-shift keyed/phase-modulated (PCM/PSK/PM) scheme is evaluated for both sine wave and square wave subcarriers and non-return-to zero (NRZ) data. When the subcarrier is absent, the performance for the resulting PCM/PM technique is evaluated for both the NRZ and the bi-phase data format. The comparison is based on telemetry performance as well as bandwidth efficiency. The first criterion is characterized in terms of the symbol error rate (SER) as a function of symbol SNR, loop bandwidth-to-data rate ratio, and modulation index. The bandwidth efficiency is characterized by the occupancy factor. The results of both the analysis and measurements show that when the interference-to-carrier ratio (ICR) is less than -15 dB, the performance degradation in the absence of a subcarrier is negligible. Various combinations of loop bandwidth-to-data rate ratios and modulation indices that achieve this performance are derived and listed. Bandwidth occupancy comparison indicates that PCM/PM/NRZ is the most efficient in this regard. Therefore, by eliminating the subcarrier and using the PCM/PM/NRZ scheme, many advantages can be realized without any sacrifice in performance.

Shihabi, M. M.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Robust Quantitative Measurement of Flows and Transparent or Highly Reflective Objects

The liquid crystal point diffraction interferometer (LCPDI) is a new instrument that has been developed for the measurement of phase objects. The LCPDI uses the compact, robust design of Linnik's point diffraction interferometer and adds to it phase stepping capability for quantitative interferogram analysis. The result is a compact, simple to align, environmentally insensitive interferometer capable of accurately measuring optical wave-fronts. A solid state camera provides very high data density and automated data reduction. The instrument can measure either transparent objects like fluids and lenses, or highly reflective opaque objects like mirrors. In the former case, the refractive index distribution is measured and then related to various properties like temperature, density, chemical composition, or thickness. In the latter case, the measured phase distribution is related to the object shape. The objects measured must be stationary or quasisteady state because the measurement requires the acquisition of several frames of image data during which time the object's properties must not have changed. The data acquisition time depends on the speed of the frame grabber and the required number of data frames. Typically, three to five frames taking 1 to 2 seconds are required. The potential for faster data acquisition exists.

Mercer, Carolyn R.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Electron energy transport in the solar wind: Ulysses observations

The electron heat flux in the solar wind has been measured by the Ulysses solar wind plasma experiment in the ecliptic from 1 to 5 AU and out of the ecliptic during the recently completed pass over the solar south pole and the ongoing pass over the solar north pole. Although the electron heat flux contains only a fraction of the kinetic energy of the solar wind. the available energy is sufficient to account for the non-adiabatic expansion of the solar wind electrons. The Ulysses measurements indicate that the electron heat flux is actively dissipated in the solar wind. The exact mechanism or mechanisms is unknown. but a model based on the whistler heat flux instability predicts radial gradients for the electron heat flux in good agreement with the data. We will present measurements of the correlation between wave activity measured by the unified radio and plasma experiment (URAP) and the electron heat flux throughout the Ulysses mission. The goal is to determine if whistler waves are a good candidate for the observed electron heat flux dissipation. The latitudinal gradients of the electron heat flux. wave activity. and electron pressure will be discussed in light of the changes in the magnetic field geometry from equator to poles.

Scime, Earl↗

NASA NTRS1994

A Comparison of Telemetry Signals in the Presence and Absence of a Subcarrier

The performance of deep-space telemetry signals that employ a residual carrier modulation technique is compared in the presence and absence of a subcarrier. When the subcarrier is present, the performance for the resulting pulse-coded modulation/phase-shift keyed/phase-modulated (PCM/PSK/PM) scheme is evaluated for both sine-wave and square-wave subcarriers and Non-Return-to Zero (NRZ) data. When the subcarrier is absent, the performance for the resulting PCM/PM technique is evaluated for both the NRZ and the bi-phase data format. The comparison is based on telemetry performance as well as bandwidth efficiency. The first criterion is characterized in terms of the Symbol Error Rate (SER) as a function of symbol SNR, loop bandwidth-to-data rate ratio, and modulation index. The bandwidth efficiency is characterized by the occupancy factor. The results of both the analysis and measurements show that when the Interference-to-Carrier Ratio (ICR) is less than -20 dB, the performance degradation in the absence of a subcarrier is negligible. Various combinations of loop bandwidth-to-data rate ratios and modulation indices that achieve this performance are derived and listed. Bandwidth occupancy comparison indicates that PCM/PM/NRZ is the most efficient in this regard. Therefore, by eliminating the subcarrier and using the PCM/PM/NRZ scheme, many advantages can be realized without any sacrifice in performance.

Shihabi, Mazen M.↗

NASA NTRS1997

A Model for Lower Hybrid Wave Excitation Compared with Observations by Viking

The mechanism of lower hybrid wave (LHW) excitation due to the O+ relative drift in a plasma subjected to low-frequency waves (LFWs) is used for analysis of Viking satellite data for events in the cusp/cleft region. In some cases, such a mechanism leads to LHW energy densities and ion distribution functions close to those observed, suggesting the proposed mechanism is a plausible candidate to explain certain classes of LHW generation events in space plasmas.

Khazanov, G. V.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Galileo Gravity Results and the Internal Structure of Io

Doppler data generated with the Galileo spacecraft's radio carrier wave were used to measure Io's external gravitational field. The resulting triaxial field is consistent with the assumption that Io is in tidal and rotational equilibrium. The inescapable conclusion is that it has a large metallic core. If the core is a eutectic mixture of iron and iron sulfide, it comprises 20.2 +/- 7.4 percent of the satellite's total mass with a radius that is about 52 percent of lo's mean radius of 1821.3 kilometers; if the core is pure iron, it comprises 10.5 +/- 3.7 percent of the total mass with a radius of about 36 percent of the mean radius.

Anderson J. D.↗

NASA NTRS2000

Tropospheric Delay Signal in SAR Interferogram and its Correction for Precise Surface Change Detection

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) interferometry has become an important tool for measuring the surface deformation and mapping topography. The largest error source of the SAR interferometry measurements is differential atmospheric delay of water vapor. It reflects detailed distribution of water vapor in troposphere at data acquisition. We found phase difference associated with atmospheric waves and severe local atmospheric phenomena in interferograms. To distinguish phase difference associated with surface deformation from tropospheric effect, we need several SAR interferograms including the time period of the deformation. Averaging the interferograms is an effective way to reduce the tropospheric delay from horizontal inhomogeneity of the water vapor distribution. Apart from the tropospheric delay of the horizontal water vapor inhomogeneity, we often find the differential phase correlated to the topography (elevation) in interferograms, which might cause error in interpretation of surface deformation. This phase is due to the differential tropospheric delay caused by the topography and vertical change of water vapor between two images in different atmospheric condition. Theoretical calculation shows that the phase difference can be approximated by linear expression of the elevation. We applied a simple and effective correction method that the error is removed by subtracting the DEM (Digital Elevation Model) multiplied a coefficient.

Fujiwara, Satoshi↗

NASA NTRS2003

Particle Acceleration in SN1006 Shock Waves

This grant is for the analysis of FUSE observations of particle acceleration in supernova remnant SN1006 shock waves. We have performed quick look analysis of the data, but because the source is faint and because the O VI emission lines on SN1006 are extremely broad, extreme care is needed for background subtraction and profile fitting. Moreover, the bulk of the analysis in will consist of model calculations. The Ly beta and O VI lines are clearly detected at the position in the NW filament of SN1006, but not in the NE position where non-thermal X-rays are strong. The lack of O VI emission in the NE places an upper limit on the pre-shock density there.

Raymond, John C.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Europa's differentiated internal structure: inferences from two Galileo encounters

Doppler data generated with the Galileo spacecraft's radio carrier wave during two Europa encounters on 19 December 1996 (E4) and 20 February 1997 (E6) were used to measure Europa's external gravitational field. The measurements indicate that Europa has a predominantly water ice-liquid outer shell about 100 to 200 kilometers thick and a deep interior with a density in excess of about 4000 kilograms per cubic meter. The deep interior could be a mixture of metal and rock or it could consist of a metal core with a radius about 40 percent of Europa's radius surrounded by a rock mantle with a density of 3000 to 3500 kilograms per cubic meter. The metallic core is favored if Europa has a magnetic field.

Flight Experiment↗

NASA NTRS2002

Gravity field and interior structure of Rhea

Doppler data generated with the Cassini spaceraft's radio carrier waves at X and Ka band can be used to determine the quadrupole moments of Rhea's gravitational field.

Cassini gravitational field Rhea gravity↗

NASA NTRS1996

An Optimal Deconvolution Method for Reconstructing Pneumatically Distorted Near-Field Sonic Boom Pressure Measurements

In-flight measurements of the SR-71 near-field sonic boom were obtained by an F-16XL airplane at flightpath separation distances from 40 to 740 ft. Twenty-two signatures were obtained from Mach 1.60 to Mach 1.84 and altitudes from 47,600 to 49,150 ft. The shock wave signatures were measured by the total and static sensors on the F-16XL noseboo. These near-field signature measurements were distorted by pneumatic attenuation in the pitot-static sensors and accounting for their effects using optimal deconvolution. Measurement system magnitude and phase characteristics were determined from ground-based step-response tests and extrapolated to flight conditions using analytical models. Deconvolution was implemented using Fourier transform methods. Comparisons of the shock wave signatures reconstructed from the total and static pressure data are presented. The good agreement achieved gives confidence of the quality of the reconstruction analysis. although originally developed to reconstruct the sonic boom signatures from SR-71 sonic boom flight tests, the methods presented here generally apply to other types of highly attenuated or distorted pneumatic measurements.

Whitmore, Stephen A.↗

NASA NTRS1953

Notes on the Prediction of Shock-induced Boundary-layer Separation

The present status of available information relative to the prediction of shock-induced boundary-layer separation is discussed. Experimental results showing the effects of Reynolds number and Mach number on the separation of both laminar and turbulent boundary layer are given and compared with available methods for predicting separation. The flow phenomena associated with separation caused by forward-facing steps, wedges, and incident shock waves are discussed. Applications of the flat-plate data to problems of separation on spoilers, diffusers, and scoop inlets are indicated for turbulent boundary layers.

Lange, Roy H.↗