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At least 1,783 records · Page 99

Attenuation diversity measurements at 20 and 30 GHz

The results of data obtained at The University of Texas at Austin in conjunction with the ATS-6 millimeter wave experiment are presented. Attenuation measurements at 30 GHz and sky noise data at 20 GHz were obtained for 93 days simultaneously at each of two sites separated by 11 km and for 314 days at one site. The ratio of the loss at 30 GHz to that at 20 GHz due to rain varied from about 2 to about 4 with a median value of 2.65. This value was used to estimate 30 GHz losses for the 38.6% of time during attenuation events for which the satellite link was not available. Space diversity reduced outage time for a system in Austin, Texas, with a 10 db fade margin at 30 GHz from 3.8 hours to 4.1 minutes for the 93 days. Extrapolated to a yearly base this corresponds to 15 hours and to 16 minutes respectively. A plot of maximum observed cloud height against maximum hourly attenuation indicates that for a given attenuation level a lower limit is set for the maximum cloud height.

Vogel, W. J.↗

Estimation of characteristics and stochastic control of an aircraft flying in atmospheric turbulence

An adaptive control technique to improve the flying qualities of an aircraft in turbulence was investigated. The approach taken was to obtain maximum likelihood estimates of the unknown coefficients of the aircraft system and then, using these estimates along with the separation principle, to define the stochastic optimal control. The maximum likelihood estimation technique that accounted for the effects of turbulence provided good estimates of the unknown coefficients and of the turbulence. The assessment of the stochastic optimal control based on the maximum likelihood estimates showed that the desired effects were attained for the regulator problem of minimizing pitch angle and the tracking problem of requiring normal acceleration to follow the pilot input.

Iliff, K. W.↗

Can internal heat contribute to the high surface temperature of Venus

It is shown that current observational data on conditions at the Venusian surface are adequate to exclude the possibility that thermal energy from a hot interior contributes to the high surface temperature of the planet. The maximum energy flux conducted from the interior is estimated by assigning a maximum thermal conductivity and a minimum thickness to the crust. It is found that the crust must be at least 10 km thick and that the maximum thermal flux for this thickness is about 6 millionths of a calorie per sq cm/sec. The relative importance of this internal energy source is assessed by comparing it with the amount of solar energy deposited at the surface. The result demonstrates that the absorbed solar energy is at least one and probably two orders of magnitude higher than the minimum flux conducted from the interior. It is concluded that a very efficient atmospheric trapping mechanism (the greenhouse effect) is operating on Venus.

Morrison, D.↗

The 35-d X-ray profile of Her X-1

Results of an analysis of more than 500 days of Ariel 5 All-Sky Monitor data are reported which support the view that enhanced X-ray emission from Her X-1 occurs regularly in the source's 35-day cycle. The data analyzed show that the enhancement is centered at phase 0.55 (+ or - 0.05) relative to the maximum, has an intensity of at least one-fourth of the maximum, and has an apparent duration not exceeding 10% of the 35-day cycle. It is strongly suggested that the enhancement occurs in every cycle at about one-third of the maximum.

Holt, S. S.↗

Quantitative three-dimensional dynamic imaging of structure and function of the cardiopulmonary and circulatory systems in all regions of the body

The background for, and design of a third generation, general purpose, all electronic spatial scanning system, the DSR is described. Its specified performance capabilities provide dynamic and stop action three dimensional spatial reconstructions of any portion of the body based on a minimum exposure time of 0.01 second for each 28 multiplanar 180 deg scanning set, a maximum scan repetition rate of sixty 28 multiplane scan sets per second, each scan set consisting of a maximum of 240 parallel cross sections of a minimum thickness of 0.9 mm, and encompassing a maximum cylindrical volume about 23 cm in length and up to 38 cm in diameter.

Sturm, R. E.↗

Side forces on a tangent ogive forebody with a fineness ratio of 2.5 at high angles of attack and low speed

A wind tunnel study to determine the subsonic aerodynamic characteristics, at high angles of attack, of a tangent ogive forebody with a fineness ratio of 2.5, is reported. Static longitudinal and lateral-directional stability data were obtained at Reynolds numbers ranging from 0.4 x 1 million to 3.7 x 1 million (based on base diameter) at a Mach number of 0.25. Angle of attack was varied from 36 deg to 88 deg at zero sideslip. It was found that at low Reynolds numbers the forebody does not have a side force att high angles of attack; however, at Reynolds numbers above about 2 x 1 million, a side force occurs in the angle of attack range from 45 deg to 80 deg. The maximum side force is as large as the maximum normal force. The maximum normal force coefficient varies between 1.0 and 2.0 over the Reynolds number range tested and occurs at angles of attack near 65 deg.

Keener, E. R.↗

Experimental study of outdoor propagation of spherically speading periodic acoustic waves of finite amplitude

The outdoor propagation of spherically spreading sound waves of finite amplitude was investigated. The main purpose of the experiments was to determine the extent to which the outdoor environment, mainly random inhomogeneity of the medium, affects finite amplitude propagation. Periodic sources with fundamental frequencies in the range 6 to 8 kHz and source levels SPLlm from 140 to 149 dB were used. The sources were an array of 7 to 10 horn drivers and a siren. The propagation path was vertical and parallel to an 85 m tower, whose elevator carried the traveling microphone. The general conclusions drawn from the experimental results were as follows. The inhomogeneities caused significant fluctuations in the instantaneous acoustic signal, but with sufficient time averaging of the measured harmonic levels, the results were comparable to results expected for propagation in a quiet medium. Propagation data for the fundamental of the siren approached within 1 dB of the weak shock saturation levels. Extra attenuation on the order of 8 dB was observed. The measurements generally confirmed the predictions of several theoretical models. The maximum propagation distance was 36 m. The narrowbeam arrays were much weaker sources. Nonlinear propagation distortion was produced, but the maximum value of extra attenuation measured was 1.5 dB. The maximum propagation distance was 76 m. The behavior of the asymetric waveforms received in one experiment qualitatively suggested that beam type diffraction effects were present. The role of diffraction of high intensity sound waves in radiation from a single horn was briefly investigated.

Theobald, M. A.↗

Aerodynamic characteristics of wing-body configuration with two advanced general aviation airfoil sections and simple flap systems

Aerodynamic characteristics of a general aviation wing equipped with NACA 65 sub 2-415, NASA GA(W)-1, and NASA GA(PC)-1 airfoil sections were examined. The NASA GA(W)-1 wing was equipped with plain, split, and slotted partial- and full-span flaps and ailerons. The NASA GA(PC)-1 wing was equipped with plain, partial- and full-span flaps. Experimental chordwise static-pressure distribution and wake drag measurements were obtained for the NASA GA(PC)-1 wing at the 22.5-percent spanwise station. Comparisons were made between the three wing configurations to evaluate the wing performance, stall, and maximum lift capabilities. The results of this investigation indicated that the NASA GA(W)-1 wing had a higher maximum lift capability and almost equivalent drag values compared with both the NACA 65 sub 2-415 and NASA GA(PC)-1 wings. The NASA GA(W)-1 had a maximum lift coefficient of 1.32 with 0 deg flap deflection, and 1.78 with 41.6 deg deflection of the partial-span slotted flap. The effectiveness of the NASA GA(W)-1 plain and slotted ailerons with differential deflections were equivalent. The NASA GA(PC)-1 wing with full-span flaps deflected 0 deg for the design climb configuration showed improved lift and drag performance over the cruise flap setting of -10 deg.

Morgan, H. L., Jr.↗

Acoustic performance of two 1.83-meter-diameter fans designed for a wind-tunnel drive system

A parametric study was made of the noise generated by two 1.83-m (6-ft) diameter fans operating up to a maximum pressure ratio of 1.03. One fan had 15 rotor blades, 23 stator blades, and a maximum rotational speed of 1200 rpm. The other fan had 9 rotor blades, 13 stator blades, and a maximum speed of 2,000 rpm. The fans were approximately 1/7-scale models of the 12.2-m (40-ft) diameter fans proposed for repowering the NASA-Ames 40- by 80 foot wind tunnel. The fans were operated individually in a 23.8-m (78-ft) long duct. Sound pressure levels in the duct were used to determine radiated acoustic power as fan speed, blade angle, and mass flow were varied. Results show that the low speed fan was slightly quieter than the high speed fan and, when scaled to full scale, would be 16 db quieter than the present wind tunnel fans. The fan noise varied directly with thrust regardless of whether thrust was varied by rotational speed or blade setting for the ranges studied.

Soderman, P. R.↗

Behavior of aircraft antiskid breaking systems on dry and wet runway surfaces: A slip-ratio-controlled system with ground speed reference from unbraked nose wheel

An experimental investigation was conducted at the Langley aircraft landing loads and traction facility to study the braking and cornering response of a slip ratio controlled aircraft antiskid braking system with ground speed reference derived from an unbraked nose wheel. The investigation, conducted on dry and wet runway surfaces, utilized one main gear wheel, brake, and tire assembly of a DC-9 series 10 airplane. During maximum braking, the average ratio of the drag force friction coefficient developed by the antiskid system to the maximum drag force friction coefficient available was higher on the dry surface than on damp and flooded surfaces, and was reduced with lighter vertical loads, higher yaw angles, and when new tire treads were replaced by worn treads. Similarly, the average ratio of side force friction coefficient developed by the tire under antiskid control to the maximum side force friction coefficient available to a freely rolling yawed tire decreased with increasing yaw angle, generally increased with ground speed, and decreased when tires with new treads were replaced by those with worn treads.

Tanner, J. A.↗

F-8C adaptive flight control laws

Three candidate digital adaptive control laws were designed for NASA's F-8C digital flyby wire aircraft. Each design used the same control laws but adjusted the gains with a different adaptative algorithm. The three adaptive concepts were: high-gain limit cycle, Liapunov-stable model tracking, and maximum likelihood estimation. Sensors were restricted to conventional inertial instruments (rate gyros and accelerometers) without use of air-data measurements. Performance, growth potential, and computer requirements were used as criteria for selecting the most promising of these candidates for further refinement. The maximum likelihood concept was selected primarily because it offers the greatest potential for identifying several aircraft parameters and hence for improved control performance in future aircraft application. In terms of identification and gain adjustment accuracy, the MLE design is slightly superior to the other two, but this has no significant effects on the control performance achievable with the F-8C aircraft. The maximum likelihood design is recommended for flight test, and several refinements to that design are proposed.

Hartmann, G. L.↗

The ultraviolet variations of iota Cas

The Ap variable star iota Cas was observed with the photometers on OAO-2 covering the spectral range 1430-4250 A. The ultraviolet light curves show a double wave with primary minimum and maximum at phase ? 0.00 and 0.35, respectively. Secondary minimum light is at phase ? 0.65 with secondary maximum at phase ? 0.85. The light curves longward of 3150 A vary in opposition to those shortward of this 'null region'. Ground-based coude spectra show that the Fe II and Cr II line strengths have a double-wave variation such that maximum strength occurs at minimum ultraviolet light. We suggest that the strong ultraviolet opacities due to photoionization and line blanketing by these metals may cause the observed photometric variations. We have also constructed an oblique-rotator model which shows iron and chromium lying in a great circle band rather than in circular spots.

Molnar, M. R.↗

Generation of atomic H in a hydrogen matrix by tritium decay

Webeler's (1976) experimental results for the generation of atomic hydrogen in a hydrogen matrix by tritium decay are reexamined with a variant of Rosen's (1976) mathematical treatment. The analysis retains Rosen's equations for the number densities of trapped and mobile hydrogen atoms, but replaces his enthalpy equation with an equation for the directly measured temperature. Theoretical expressions are derived for the dependence of storage time, recombination time, and maximum density of trapped hydrogen atoms as a function of temperature for a given tritium concentration. A comparison of predictions for the maximum trapped atomic hydrogen number density as a function of storage time reveals that Rosen's estimate for the maximum number density of hydrogen atoms for the zero magnetic field case is a little more optimistic than the estimate obtained in the paper.

Zeleznik, F. J.↗

A parametric study of the copper chloride laser

A parametric study of the double-pulsed copper chloride laser is reported. The effects of a wide range of variables on the laser energy density and on three characteristic time intervals (the minimum, maximum, and optimum delay time) between the two electrical-discharge pulses were studied. The geometric variables investigated included a tube diameter of 2.3 to 40 mm and a tube length of 3 to 60 cm. Three buffer gases, helium, neon, and argon, were studied over the pressure range 0.5-50 torr, and the tube temperature was varied from 270 to 500 C. The energy density and voltage of both the dissociation and pumping pulse were varied independently from less than 1 mJ/cu cm at 8.5 kV to over 500 mJ/cu cm at 20 kV. The optimum conditions for maximum laser energy density were found to be with 20 torr neon in a 10-mm by 30-cm tube at 400 C. The maximum energy density obtained was 22 microjoules/cu cm.

Nerheim, N. M.↗

A theoretical study of the efficiency of the general circulation

The paper examines the problem of explaining the atmospheric efficiency, or equivalently, the rate of generation of available potential energy (APE) by diabatic heating. Attention is focused on determining the maximum possible rate of generation of APE and its accompanying temperature field, which does not require a knowledge of the atmospheric motions leading to temperature distribution. Qualitative and quantitative results indicate that the atmosphere may be operating within approximately a factor of 2 of its maximum efficiency. The general circulation may be operating at nearly its maximum efficiency.

Schulman, L. L.↗

A study of fatigue crack closure using electric potential and compliance techniques

The objective of this study was to compare closure data obtained on the same specimen with crack tip compliance gage and electric potential techniques. Equivalent results on closure using the two techniques were obtained on 7075-T651 aluminum center cracked panels. The results also indicated that closure was a function of stress ratio, specimen thickness and maximum applied stress intensity. Maximum stress intensity had a particularly strong effect on closure in the range of applied stresses used. This observed dependence of closure on specimen thickness and maximum stress intensity should account for many of the discrepancies in closure behavior found in the literature. Observations on potential system behavior during closure measurements are also reported.

Clarke, C. K.↗

The jet engine design that can drastically reduce oxides of nitrogen

The NOx pollution problem of hydrogen fueled turbojets and supersonic combustion ramjets (scramjets) was investigated to determine means of substantially alleviating the problem. Since the NOx reaction rates are much slower than the energy producing reactions, the NOx production depends mainly on the maximum local temperatures in the combustor and the NOx concentration is far from equilibrium at the end of a typical combustor (L approximately 1 ft). In diffusion flames, as used in present turbojets and scramjets combustor designs, the maximum local temperature occurs at the flame and is equal to the stoichiometric value. Whereas, in the heat conduction flames, wherein the flame propagates due to a heat conduction process away from the flame to the cooler oncoming premixed unburnt gases, the maximum temperature is lower than in the diffusion flame. Hence the corresponding pollution index is also lower.

Ferri, A.↗

Summary of airborne chlorine and hydrogen chloride gas measurements for August 20 and September 5, 1977 Voyager launches at Air Force Eastern Test Range, Florida

Airborne chlorine and hydrogen chloride measurements were made in the tropospheric ground cloud following the Voyager launches of August 20 and September 5, 1977. The maximum observed hydrogen chloride concentration for both launches was about 25 to 30 parts per million (ppm) occurring typically 2 to 6 minutes after launch. By completion of the sampling mission (1-1/2 hours for August, 4-1/2 hours for September), the maximum in-cloud concentration decayed to about 1 to 2 ppm. Maximum observed chlorine concentrations were about 40 to 55 parts per billion (ppb) about 2 to 8 minutes after launch; by about 15 minutes after launch, chlorine concentrations were less than 10 ppb (detection limit). In-cloud chlorine concentrations were well below 1 percent of hydrogen chloride concentrations. The appendix of the report discusses the chlorine instrument and the laboratory evaluation of the detector.

Gregory, G. L.↗