Engineering topics

Wilson, Robert W.

Publications and source records attributed to Wilson, Robert W..

6 records

NASA NTRS1994

Wavelet analysis applied to the IRAS cirrus

The structure of infrared cirrus clouds is analyzed with Laplacian pyramid transforms, a form of non-orthogonal wavelets. Pyramid and wavelet transforms provide a means to decompose images into their spatial frequency components such that all spatial scales are treated in an equivalent manner. The multiscale transform analysis is applied to IRAS 100 micrometer maps of cirrus emission in the north Galactic pole region to extract features on different scales. In the maps we identify filaments, fragments and clumps by separating all connected regions. These structures are analyzed with respect to their Hausdorff dimension for evidence of the scaling relationships in the cirrus clouds.

Langer, William D.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Hierarchical structure analysis of interstellar clouds using nonorthogonal wavelets

We introduce the use of Laplacian pyramid transforms, a form of nonorthogonal wavelets, to analyze the structure of interstellar clouds. These transforms are generally better suited for analyzing structure than orthogonal wavelets because they provide more flexibility in the structure of the encoding functions - here circularly symmetric bandpass filters. This technique is applied to CO maps of Barnard 5. In the (C-13)O maps, for example, we identify 60 different fragments and clumps, as well as several cavities, or bubbles. Many features show evidence of hierarchical structure, with most of the power in the largest wavelengths. The clumps have a more chaotic structure at small wavelengths than expected for Kolmogorov turbulence, and a mass distribution proportional to M exp -5/3. The structure analysis is consistent with a picture where gravity, energy injection, compressible turbulence, and coalescence play an important role in the dynamics of B5.

Langer, William D.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Interferometry

The following recommended programs are reviewed: (1) infrared and optical interferometry (a ground-based and space programs); (2) compensation for the atmosphere with adaptive optics (a program for development and implementation of adaptive optics); and (3) gravitational waves (high frequency gravitational wave sources (LIGO), low frequency gravitational wave sources (LAGOS), a gravitational wave observatory program, laser gravitational wave observatory in space, and technology development during the 1990's). Prospects for international collaboration and related issues are also discussed.

Ridgway, Stephen↗

NASA NTRS1987

Radio observations of carbon monoxide toward Zeta Ophiuchi - Velocity structure, isotopic abundances, and physical properties

This paper presents a small-scale map of the molecular gas around the line of sight toward Zeta Oph made with measurements of the (C-12)O (1-0) emission obtained at high signal-to-noise ratio and high velocity resolution. In addition, a measurement of the (C-12)O (2-1) line emission and a detection of (C-13)O along the line of sight to the star are reported. The results show that the CO emission toward the star is composed from at least four components with peak velocities at -2.0, -0.7, 0.0, and +0.6 km/s. The radio observations yield a total CO column density of 1.4 x 10 to the 15th/sq cm, with about one-half of the total CO column density being in the main component at -0.7 km/s. The main cmponent is uniform over the map, but the other components are variable, suggesting that the cloud is clumpy. The data on the two CO transitions imply that the excitation temperature and the density of the main component are about 7 K and 800/cu cm, respectively.

Langer, William D.↗

NASA NTRS1987

The structure and dynamics of Bok globule B335

Results are reported from mm-wave observations CO isotopes and other molecules in the Bok globule B335 (Lynd L663). The data cover the C-12O, C-13O, C-18O, and H-12CO(+) J = 1 yields of 0 rotational transition. Spectral data were also obtained for the preceding molecules and C-17O, H-13CO(+) and DCO(+). The data were used to calculate quantitative density and mass relationships and distributions, determine the rotational parameters, and characterize the force balance within the cloud for inclusion in a spherically averaged cloud model. A nonspherical cloud model which considers magnetic fields is presented. B335 has a dense core within a moderately dense cylindrically shaped envelope, which in turn is surrounded by a more diffuse elliptical envelope. The object is 250 pc from the earth.

Frerking, Margaret A.↗

NASA NTRS1945

Correlation of the Characteristics of Single-Cylinder and Flight Engines in Tests of High-Performance Fuels in an Air-Cooled Engine I : Cooling Characteristics

Variable charge-air flow, cooling-air pressure drop, and fuel-air ration investigations were conducted to determine the cooling characteristics of a full-scale air-cooled single cylinder on a CUE setup. The data are compared with similar data that were available for the same model multicylinder engine tested in flight in a four-engine airplane. The cylinder-head cooling correlations were the same for both the single-cylinder and the flight engine. The cooling correlations for the barrels differed slightly in that the barrel of the single-cylinder engine runs cooler than the barrel of te flight engine for the same head temperatures and engine conditions.

Wilson, Robert W.↗