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At least 181 records · Page 10

Nonlinear Resonant Oscillations of Gas in Optimized Acoustical Resonators and the Effect of Central Blockage

Optimizing resonator shapes for maximizing the ratio of maximum to minimum gas pressure at an end of the resonator is investigated numerically. It is well known that the resonant frequencies and the nonlinear standing waveform in an acoustical resonator strongly depend on the resonator geometry. A quasi-Newton type scheme was used to find optimized axisymmetric resonator shapes achieving the maximum pressure compression ratio with an acceleration of constant amplitude. The acoustical field was solved using a one-dimensional model, and the resonance frequency shift and hysteresis effects were obtained through an automation scheme based on continuation method. Results are presented for optimizing three types of geometry: a cone, a horn-cone and a half cosine-shape. For each type, different optimized shapes were found when starting with different initial guesses. Further, the one-dimensional model was modified to study the effect of an axisymmetric central blockage on the nonlinear standing wave.

Li, Xiaofan↗

Determination of Dimensionless Attenuation Coefficient in Shaped Resonators

The value of dimensionless attenuation coefficient is an important factor when numerically predicting high-amplitude acoustic waves in shaped resonators. Both the magnitude of the pressure waveform and the quality factor rely heavily on this dimensionless parameter. Previous authors have stated the values used, but have not completely explained their methods. This work fully describes the methodology used to determine this important parameter. Over a range of frequencies encompassing the fundamental resonance, the pressure waves were experimentally measured at each end of the shaped resonators. At the corresponding dimensionless acceleration, the numerical code modeled the acoustic waveforms generated in the resonator using various dimensionless attenuation coefficients. The dimensionless attenuation coefficient that most closely matched the pressure amplitudes and quality factors of the experimental and numerical results was determined to be the value to be used in subsequent studies.

Daniels, C.↗

Nonlinear Resonant Oscillations of Gas in Optimized Acoustical Resonators and the Effect of Central Blockage

Optimizing resonator shapes for maximizing the ratio of maximum to minimum gas pressure at an end of the resonator is investigated numerically. It is well known that the resonant frequencies and the nonlinear standing waveform in an acoustical resonator strongly depend on the resonator geometry. A quasi-Newton type scheme was used to find optimized axisymmetric resonator shapes achieving the maximum pressure compression ratio with an acceleration of constant amplitude. The acoustical field was solved using a one-dimensional model, and the resonance frequency shift and hysteresis effects were obtained through an automation scheme based on continuation method. Results are presented for optimizing three types of geometry: a cone, a horn-cone and a half cosine- shape. For each type, different optimized shapes were found when starting with different initial guesses. Further, the one-dimensional model was modified to study the effect of an axisymmetric central blockage on the nonlinear standing wave.

Li, Xiao-Fan↗

Rotational Raman-Based Temperature Measurements in a High-Velocity Turbulent Jet

Spontaneous rotational Raman scattering spectroscopy is used to acquire the first ever high quality, spatially-resolved measurements of the mean and root mean square (rms) temperature fluctuations in turbulent, high-velocity heated jets. Raman spectra in air were obtained across a matrix of radial and axial locations downstream from a 50 mm diameter nozzle operating from subsonic to supersonic conditions over a wide range of temperatures and Mach numbers, in accordance with the Tanna matrix frequently used in jet noise studies. These data were acquired in the hostile, high noise (115 dB) environment of a large scale open air test facility at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). Temperature estimates were determined by performing nonlinear least squares fitting of the single shot spectra to the theoretical rotational Stokes spectra of N2 and O2, using a custom in-house code developed specifically for this investigation. The laser employed in this study was a high energy, long-pulsed, frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser. One thousand single-shot spectra were acquired at each spatial coordinate. Mean temperature and rms temperature variations were calculated at each measurement location. Excellent agreement between the averaged and single-shot temperatures was observed with an accuracy better than 2.5 percent for temperature, and rms variations in temperature between +/-2.2 percent at 296 K and +/-4.5 percent at 850 K. The results of this and planned follow-on studies will support NASA GRC's development of physics-based jet noise prediction, turbulence modeling and aeroacoustic source modeling codes.

Randy J Locke↗

Rotational Raman-Based Temperature Measurements in a High-Velocity Turbulent Jet

Spontaneous rotational Raman scattering spectroscopy is used to acquire the first ever high quality, spatially-resolved measurements of the mean and root mean square (rms) temperature fluctuations in turbulent, high-velocity heated jets. Raman spectra in air were obtained across a matrix of radial and axial locations downstream from a 50 mm diameter nozzle operating from subsonic to supersonic conditions over a wide range of temperatures and Mach numbers, in accordance with the Tanna matrix frequently used in jet noise studies. These data were acquired in the hostile, high noise (115 dB) environment of a large scale open air test facility at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). Temperature estimates were determined by performing nonlinear least squares fitting of the single shot spectra to the theoretical rotational Stokes spectra of N2 and O2, using a custom in-house code developed specifically for this investigation. The laser employed in this study was a high energy, long-pulsed, frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser. One thousand single-shot spectra were acquired at each spatial coordinate. Mean temperature and rms temperature variations were calculated at each measurement location. Excellent agreement between the averaged and single-shot temperatures was observed with an accuracy better than 2.5 percent for temperature, and rms variations in temperature between +/-2.2 percent at 296 K and +/-4.5 percent at 850 K. The results of this and planned follow-on studies will support NASA GRC's development of physics-based jet noise prediction, turbulence modeling and aeroacoustic source modeling codes.

Randy J Locke↗

Naturally occurring and forced azimuthal modes in a turbulent jet

Naturally occurring instability modes in an axisymmetric jet are studied utilizing the modal frequency spectrum method. In the early evolution of the jet the axisymmetric mode was predominant, with the azimuthal modes growing quickly but dominating only after the end of the potential core. The growth of the azimuthal modes is seen nearer to the nozzle exit for the jet in the laminar boundary layer case than for the turbulent. Based on the results from these naturally occurring jet instability mode tests, target modes for efficient excitation were determined and two cases of excitation were examined.

Raman, Ganesh↗

Mixing noise reduction for rectangular supersonic jets by nozzle shaping and induced screech mixing

Two methods of mixing noise modification were studied for supersonic jets flowing from rectangular nozzles with an aspect ratio of about five and a small dimension of about 1.4 cm. The first involves nozzle geometry variation using either single (unsymmetrical) or double bevelled (symmetrical) thirty degree cutbacks of the nozzle exit. Both converging (C) and converging-diverging (C-D) versions were tested. The double bevelled C-D nozzle produced a jet mixing noise reduction of about 4 dB compared to a standard rectangular C-D nozzle. In addition all bevelled nozzles produced an upstream shift in peak mixing noise which is conducive to improved attenuation when the nozzle is used in an acoustically treated duct. A large increase in high frequency noise also occurred near the plane of the nozzle exit. Because of near normal incidence, this noise can be easily attenuated with wall treatment. The second approach uses paddles inserted on the edge of the two sides of the jet to induce screech and greatly enhance the jet mixing. Although screech and mixing noise levels are increased, the enhanced mixing moves the source locations upstream and may make an enclosed system more amenable to noise reduction using wall acoustic treatment.

Rice, Edward J.↗

NASA Tech Briefs, July 2003

Topics covered include: Real-Time, High-Frequency QRS Electrocardiograph; Software for Improved Extraction of Data From Tape Storage; Radio System for Locating Emergency Workers; Software for Displaying High-Frequency Test Data; Capacitor-Chain Successive-Approximation ADC; Simpler Alternative to an Optimum FQPSK-B Viterbi Receiver; Multilayer Patch Antenna Surrounded by a Metallic Wall; Software To Secure Distributed Propulsion Simulations; Explicit Pore Pressure Material Model in Carbon-Cloth Phenolic; Meshed-Pumpkin Super-Pressure Balloon Design; Corrosion Inhibitors as Penetrant Dyes for Radiography; Transparent Metal-Salt-Filled Polymeric Radiation Shields; Lightweight Energy Absorbers for Blast Containers; Brush-Wheel Samplers for Planetary Exploration; Dry Process for Making Polyimide/ Carbon-and-Boron-Fiber Tape; Relatively Inexpensive Rapid Prototyping of Small Parts; Magnetic Field Would Reduce Electron Backstreaming in Ion Thrusters; Alternative Electrochemical Systems for Ozonation of Water; Interferometer for Measuring Displacement to Within 20 pm; UV-Enhanced IR Raman System for Identifying Biohazards; Prognostics Methodology for Complex Systems; Algorithms for Haptic Rendering of 3D Objects; Modeling and Control of Aerothermoelastic Effects; Processing Digital Imagery to Enhance Perceptions of Realism; Analysis of Designs of Space Laboratories; Shields for Enhanced Protection Against High-Speed Debris; Study of Dislocation-Ordered In(x)Ga(1-x)As/GaAs Quantum Dots; and Tilt-Sensitivity Analysis for Space Telescopes.

Source record↗

LASE validation experiment: preliminary processing of relative humidity from LASE derived water vapor in the middle to upper troposphere

Lidar Atmospheric Sensing Experiment (LASE) is the first fully engineered, autonomous airborne DIAL (Differentials Absorption Lidar) system to measure water vapor, aerosols, and clouds throughout the troposphere. This system uses a double-pulsed Ti:sapphire laser, which is pumped by a frequency-doubled flashlamp-pumped Nd: YAG laser, to transmit light in the 815 mn absorption band of water vapor. LASE operates by locking to a strong water vapor line and electronically tuning to any spectral position on the absorption line to choose the suitable absorption cross-section for optimum measurements over a range of concentrations in the atmosphere. During the LASE Validation Experiment, which was conducted over Wallops Island during September, 1995, LASE operated on either the strong water line for measurements in middle to upper troposphere, or on the weak water line for measurements made in the middle to lower troposphere including the boundary layer. Comparisons with water vapor measurements made by airborne dew point and frost point hygrometers, NASA/GSFC (Goddard Space Flight Center) Raman Lidar, and radiosondes showed the LASE water vapor mixing ratio measurements to have an accuracy of better than 6% or 0.01 g/kg, whichever is larger, throughout the troposphere. In addition to measuring water vapor mixing ratio profiles, LASE simultaneously measures aerosol backscattering profiles at the off-line wavelength near 815 nm from which atmospheric scattering ratio (ASR) profiles are calculated. ASR is defined as the ratio of total (aerosol + molecular) atmospheric scattering to molecular scattering. Assuming a region with very low aerosol loading can be identified, such as that typically found just below the tropopause, then the ASR can be determined. The ASR profiles are calculated by normalizing the scattering in the region containing enhanced aerosols to the expected scattering by the "clean" atmosphere at that altitude. Images of the total ASR clearly depict cloud regions, including multiple cloud layers, thin upper level cirrus, etc., throughout the troposphere. New data products that are being derived from the LASE aerosol and water measurements include: 1) aerosol extinction coefficient, 2) aerosol optical thickness, 3) precipitable water vapor, and 4) relative humidity (RH). These products can be compared with airborne in-situ, and ground and satellite remote sensing measurements,. This paper presents a preliminary examination of RH profiles in the middle to upper troposphere that are generated from LASE measured water vapor mixing ratio profiles coupled with rawinsonde profiles of temperature and pressure.

Brackett, Vincent G.↗

Modeling of THz Lasers Based on Intersubband Transitions in Semiconductor Quantum Wells

In semiconductor quantum well structures, the intersubband energy separation can be adjusted to the terahertz (THz) frequency range by changing the well width and material combinations. The electronic and optical properties of these nanostructures can also be controlled by an applied dc electric field. These unique features lead to a large frequency tunability of the quantum well devices. In the on-going project of modeling of the THz lasers, we investigate the possibility of using optical pumping to generate THz radiation based on intersubband transitions in semiconductor quantum wells. We choose the optical pumping because in the electric current injection it is difficult to realize population inversion in the THz frequency range due to the small intersubband separation (4-40 meV). We considered both small conduction band offset (GaAs/AlGaAs) and large band offset (InGaAs/AlAsSb) quantum well structures. For GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells, mid-infrared C02 lasers are used as pumping sources. For InGaAs/AlAsSb quantum wells, the resonant intersubband transitions can be excited by the near-infrared diode lasers. For three- and four-subband quantum wells, we solve the pumpfield-induced nonequilibrium distribution function for each subband of the quantum well system from a set of rate equations that include both intrasubband and intersubband relaxation processes. Taking into account the coherent interactions between pump and THz (signal) waves, we calculate the optical gain for the THz field. The gain arising from population inversion and stimulated Raman processes is calculated in a unified manner. A graph shows the calculated THz gain spectra for three-subband GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells. We see that the coherent pump and signal wave interactions contribute significantly to the gain. The pump intensity dependence of the THz gain is also studied. The calculated results are shown. Because of the optical Stark effect and pump-induced population redistribution, the maximum THz gain saturates at larger pump intensities.

Liu, Ansheng↗

Laser amplification of incoherent radiation

The amplification of noise in a laser amplifier is treated theoretically. The model for the active medium and its description using density-matrix techniques, are taken from the theory of laser operation. The spectral behavior of the radiation in the nonlinear regime is studied and the formalism is written from the onset in the frequency domain. The statistics of the light are gradually modified by the nonlinear amplification process, and expressions are derived for the rate of change of fluctuations in intensity as a measure of statistical changes. In addition, the range of validity of Litvak's Gaussian-statistics approximation is discussed. In the homogeneous-broadening case, the evolution of initially broadband Gaussian radiation toward quasimonochromatic oscillations with laserlike statistics is explored in several numerical examples. The connections of this study with the time-domain work on self-pulsing in a ring-laser configuration, are established. Finally, spectral-narrowing and -rebroadening effects in Doppler-broadened media are discussed both analytically and with numerical examples. These examples show the distinct contribution of pulsations in the population ('Raman-type terms'), and saturation phenomena.

Menegozzi, L. N.↗

Redistribution in astrophysically important hydrogen lines

Under typical solar chromospheric conditions for hydrogen radiators, strong collisions due to both electrons and ions are well separated in time, so that a binary collision theory for collisional redistribution is applicable. However, a simple impact approximation may not be used, but rather a unified type theory is required in which frequency dependent line shape parameters are used to describe both impact and quasi-static regions of the spectrum. In addition, correlated terms which describe absorption and emission during a collision are important, and, in fact, without correlated terms describing both transfer of excitation and emission during the same collision unphysical predictions (such as negative intensities) would be obtained. In this paper theory is specifically developed for the coupled Lyman-alpha, Lyman-beta, Hydrogen-alpha system, and equations of statistical equilibrium and absorption and emission coefficients are given. All correlated events are examined and emission during a collision is found to be important in the line wings. Stimulated emission and absorption is also included within a broadband approximation. The major approximation is to ignore lower state interaction. It is found that for Lyman-beta Raman-coupling with Hydrogen-alpha occurs and the overall scattering of radiation in the line wings is mostly coherent. In contrast, for Hydrogen-alpha, incoherent redistribution due to lower state radiative decay (which occurs even in the absence of collisions) is found to dominate the coherent scattering. Finally, in the Lyman series the dominant incoherent contribution is associated with cascade transitions and inelastic collisions between different principal quantum states.

Cooper, J.↗

Surface pressure fluctuations in hypersonic turbulent boundary layers.

The surface pressure fluctuations on a flat-plate model at hypersonic Mach numbers of 5.2, 7.4, and 10.4 with an attached turbulent boundary layer were measured using flush-mounted small piezoelectric sensors. A high-frequency resolution of the pressure field was achieved using specially designed small piezoelectric sensors. The rms pressures and nondimensional energy spectra for all above Mach numbers are presented. The convective velocities, obtained from space-time correlation considerations are equal to 0.7 of the free-stream velocity. The results indicate that the rms pressures vary from 5 to 25% of the mean static pressures. The ratios of rms pressure to dynamic pressure are less than the universally accepted subsonic value of .006. The ratio decreases in value as the Mach number or the dynamic pressure is increased.

Raman, K. R.↗

NASA Tech Briefs, July 2010

Topics covered include: Wirelessly Interrogated Wear or Temperature Sensors; Processing Nanostructured Sensors Using Microfabrication Techniques; Optical Pointing Sensor; Radio-Frequency Tank Eigenmode Sensor for Propellant Quantity Gauging; High-Temperature Optical Sensor; Integral Battery Power Limiting Circuit for Intrinsically Safe Applications; Configurable Multi-Purpose Processor; Squeezing Alters Frequency Tuning of WGM Optical Resonator; Automated Computer Access Request System; Range Safety for an Autonomous Flight Safety System; Fast and Easy Searching of Files in Unisys 2200 Computers; Parachute Drag Model; Evolutionary Scheduler for the Deep Space Network; Modular Habitats Comprising Rigid and Inflatable Modules; More About N2O-Based Propulsion and Breathable-Gas Systems; Ultrasonic/Sonic Rotary-Hammer Drills; Miniature Piezoelectric Shaker for Distribution of Unconsolidated Samples to Instrument Cells; Lunar Soil Particle Separator; Advanced Aerobots for Scientific Exploration; Miniature Bioreactor System for Long-Term Cell Culture; Electrochemical Detection of Multiple Bioprocess Analytes; Fabrication and Modification of Nanoporous Silicon Particles; High-Altitude Hydration System; Photon Counting Using Edge-Detection Algorithm; Holographic Vortex Coronagraph; Optical Structural Health Monitoring Device; Fuel-Cell Power Source Based on Onboard Rocket Propellants; Polar Lunar Regions: Exploiting Natural and Augmented Thermal Environments; Simultaneous Spectral Temporal Adaptive Raman Spectrometer - SSTARS; Improved Speed and Functionality of a 580-GHz Imaging Radar; Bolometric Device Based on Fluxoid Quantization; Algorithms for Learning Preferences for Sets of Objects; Model for Simulating a Spiral Software-Development Process; Algorithm That Synthesizes Other Algorithms for Hashing; Algorithms for High-Speed Noninvasive Eye-Tracking System; and Adapting ASPEN for Orbital Express.

Source record↗

Elucidation of Free Radical and Optogalvanic Spectroscopy Associated with Microgravity Combustion via Conventional and Novel Laser Platforms

Combustion studies under both normal gravity and microgravity conditions depend a great deal on the availability and quality of the diagnostic systems used for such investigations. Microgravity phenomena are specially susceptible to even small perturbations and therefore non-intrusive diagnostic techniques are of paramount importance for successful understanding of reduced-gravity combustion phenomena. Several non-intrusive diagnostic techniques are available for probing and delineating normal as well as reduced gravity combustion processes, such as Rayleigh scattering, Raman scattering, Mie scattering, velocimetry, interferometric and Schlieren techniques, emission and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy. Our approach is to use the LIF technique as a non-intrusive diagnostic tool for the study of combustion-associated free radicals and use the concomitant optogalvanic transitions to accomplish precise calibration of the laser wavelengths used for recording the excitation spectra of transient molecular species. In attempting to perform spectroscopic measurements on chemical intermediates, we have used conventional laser sources as well as new and novel platforms employing rare-earth doped solid-state lasers. Conventional (commercially available) sources of tunable UV laser radiation are extremely cumbersome and energy-consuming devices that are not very suitable for either in-space or in-flight (or microgravity drop tower) experiments. Traditional LIF sources of tunable UV laser radiation involve in addition to a pump laser (usually a Nd:YAG laser with an attached frequency-doubling stage), a tunable dye laser. In turn, the dye laser has to be provided with a dye circulation system and a subsequent stage for frequency-doubling of the dye laser radiation, together with a servo-tuning system (termed the 'Autotracker') to follow the wavelength changes and also an optical system (called the 'Frequency Separator') for separation of the emanating visible and UV beams. In contrast to this approach, we have devised an alternate arrangement for recording LIF excitation spectra of free radicals (following appropriate precursor fragmentation) that utilizes a tunable rare-earth doped solid state laser system with direct UV pumping. We have designed a compact and portable tunable UV laser system incorporating features necessary for both in-space and in-flight spectroscopy experiments. For the purpose of LIF excitation, we have developed an all-solid-state tunable UV laser that employs direct pumping of the solid-state UV-active medium employing UV harmonics from a Nd:YAG laser. An optical scheme with counterpropagating photolysis and excitation beams focused by suitable lenses into a reaction vacuum chamber was employed.

Misra, Prabhakar↗

Water vapor variance measurements using a Raman lidar

Because of the importance of atmospheric water vapor variance, we have analyzed data from the NASA/Goddard Raman lidar to obtain temporal scales of water vapor mixing ratio as a function of altitude over observation periods extending to 12 hours. The ground-based lidar measures water vapor mixing ration from near the earth's surface to an altitude of 9-10 km. Moisture profiles are acquired once every minute with 75 m vertical resolution. Data at each 75 meter altitude level can be displayed as a function of time from the beginning to the end of an observation period. These time sequences have been spectrally analyzed using a fast Fourier transform technique. An example of such a temporal spectrum obtained between 00:22 and 10:29 UT on December 6, 1991 is shown in the figure. The curve shown on the figure represents the spectral average of data from 11 height levels centered on an altitude of 1 km (1 plus or minus .375 km). The spectra shows a decrease in energy density with frequency which generally follows a -5/3 power law over the spectral interval 3x10 (exp -5) to 4x10 (exp -3) Hz. The flattening of the spectrum for frequencies greater than 6x10 (exp -3) Hz is most likely a measure of instrumental noise. Spectra like that shown in the figure are calculated for other altitudes and show changes in spectral features with height. Spectral analysis versus height have been performed for several observation periods which demonstrate changes in water vapor mixing ratio spectral character from one observation period to the next. The combination of these temporal spectra with independent measurements of winds aloft provide an opportunity to infer spatial scales of moisture variance.

Evans, K.↗

Surface pressure fluctuations in hypersonic turbulent boundary layers

The surface pressure fluctuations on a flat plate model at hypersonic Mach numbers of 5.2, 7.4 and 10.4 with an attached turbulent boundary layer were measured using flush mounted small piezoelectric sensors. A high frequency resolution of the pressure field was achieved using specially designed small piezoelectric sensors that had a good frequency response well above 300 KHz. The RMS pressures and non-dimensional energy spectra for all above Mach numbers are presented. The convective velocities, obtained from space time correlation considerations are equal to 0.7 U sub infinity. The results indicate the RMS pressures vary from 5 to 25 percent of the mean static pressures. The ratios of RMS pressure to dynamic pressure are less than the universally accepted subsonic value of 6 x 10/3. The ratio decreases in value as the Mach number or the dynamic pressure is increased. The ratio of RMS pressure to wall shear for Mach number 7.4 satisfies one smaller than or equal to p/tau sub w smaller than or equal to three.

Raman, K. R.↗

Resonant Interaction of a Linear Array of Supersonic Rectangular Jets: an Experimental Study

This paper examines a supersonic multi jet interaction problem that we believe is likely to be important for mixing enhancement and noise reduction in supersonic mixer-ejector nozzles. We demonstrate that it is possible to synchronize the screech instability of four rectangular jets by precisely adjusting the inter jet spacing. Our experimental data agrees with a theory that assumes that the phase-locking of adjacent jets occurs through a coupling at the jet lip. Although the synchronization does not change the frequency of the screech tone, its amplitude is augmented by 10 dB. The synchronized multi jets exhibit higher spreading than the unsynchronized jets, with the single jet spreading the least. We compare the nearfield noise of the four jets with synchronized screech to the noise of the sum of four jets operated individually. Our noise measurements reveal that the more rapid mixing of the synchronized multi jets causes the peak jet noise source to move up stream and to radiate noise at larger angles to the flow direction. Based on our results, we believe that screech synchronization is advantageous for noise reduction internal to a mixer-ejector nozzle, since the noise can now be suppressed by a shorter acoustically lined ejector.

Raman, Ganesh↗