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At least 181 records · Page 10

Speech responses and dual-task performance - Better time-sharing or asymmetric transfer?

The value of speech controls in a dual-task experiment that also evaluated asymmetric transfer effects is considered. There was no evidence of asymmetric transfer in spite of significant effects supporting the advantage of mixing manual and speech responses. The data suggest that speech controls can be used to enhance performance in operational multiple-task environments.

Vidulich, Michael A.↗

Early shaping of asymmetrical planetary nebulae

It is suggested that the shape of a young asymmetrical planetary nebulae may be influenced by a close binary-star located at its center. This binary is a relic of the common envelope phase, presumably through which the asymmetrical planetary nebula evolved. It is assumed that, for a short period of time, shortly after the cessation of the slow wind and long before the fast wind becomes effective, the binary ejects a small amount of mass, mainly in the equatorial plane. By using two-dimensional hydrodynamics it is found that, at late times, the high-density region has a 'horsehoe' shape, as viewed in the symmetry plane. There is an instability in the maximum density region, which shows up as a high-density knot. The exact scale of the knot is determined by the numerics. The applications of the results to observations are discussed.

Soker, Noam↗

An asymmetric outgassing model for cometary nongravitational accelerations

The standard nongravitation force model has been modified by allowing the water-vaproization curve to peak a certain number of days (DT) either before or after perihelion, and the modification is shown to often improve the data fit. The best fit to the astrometric data is generally achieved for a value of DT corresponding to the offset in the comet's visual light curve. The asymmetric model, which more accurately mimics the comet's outgassing history, suggests only weakly that the rotation direction of Comet Halley is direct, and it does not provide evidence that the rotation axis of Comet Kopff passed through its orbit plane in the early twentieth century. Approximate lag angles of 4 deg for Comet Halley and 10 deg for Comet d'Arrest are found using the asymmetric model, and it is noted that these values are lower than those obtained with the standard model.

Yeomans, D. K.↗

Analytical study of the origin and behavior of asymmetric vortices

An hypothesis advanced originally to explain computational observations is supported by theoretical considerations: The asymmetric mean flow observed on bodies of revolution at moderate to high angles of attack is the result of a convective instability of an originally symmetric flow to a time-invariant space-fixed disturbance. Additionally, the time-dependent fluctuations characteristic of the flow at higher angles of attack (up to 90 deg) are the result of an absolute instability of an originally steady flow to a small temporal disturbance of finite duration. Within a common domain, the instability mechanisms may coexist. The experimentally confirmed existence of bistable states, wherein the side-force variation with nose roll angle approaches a square-wave distribution, is attributed to the dominant influence of a pair of trailing vortices from the ogival forebody. Their existence is made possible by the appearance of foci of separation in the skin-friction line pattern beyond a critical angle of attack. The extreme sensitivity of the asymmetric flow orientation to nose geometry, demonstrated experimentally, is attributed to the presence of an indeterminate phase in the family of possible solutions for the three-dimensional wave system.

Tobak, Murray↗

Calculation of asymmetric vortex separation on cones and tangent ogives based on a discrete vortex model

The boundary value problem for vortex separation at zero sideslip on cones and tangent ogives is set up by means of a discrete vortex model. The nonlinear algebraic equations for the boundary value problem admit multiple, physically feasible solutions, including the symmetric and asymmetric vortex solutions. Multiple solutions are proposed as an alternative explanation of the existence of asymmetric vortex separation at zero sideslip.

Chin, Suei↗

Asymmetric supersonic flow around cones with noncircular sections

The unsteady, compressible, single and double thin-layer, Navier-Stokes equations are used to solve for steady and unsteady, asymmetric, supersonic flow around pointed bodies with noncircular sections at high incidence and zero side slip. The equations are solved by using an implicit, upwind, flux-difference splitting finite-volume scheme. Since the flow is locally conical, the solutions are presented on a cross-flow plane at the axial station of unit. The grid is generated by using a modified Joukowski transformation. The computational applications cover noncircular sections with elliptic and diamond shapes. Unsteady asymmetric vortex shedding has been captured at large angles of attack. It is shown that for the same flow conditions and same cross-section fineness ratio, the diamond-section cones develop less flow asymmetry than the elliptic-section cones. Passive control of flow asymmetry was also demonstrated computationally.

Kandil, Osama A.↗

Analysis and control of asymmetric vortex flows and supersonic vortex breakdown

Topics relative to the analysis and control of asymmetric vortex flow and supersonic vortex breakdown are discussed. Specific topics include the computation of compressible, quasi-axisymmetric slender vortex flow and breakdown; supersonic quasi-axisymmetric vortex breakdown; and three-dimensional Navier-Stokes asymmetric solutions for cones and cone-cylinder configurations.

Kandil, Osama A.↗

Thin-layer and full Navier-Stokes, locally-conical and three-dimensional asymmetric solutions

The unsteady, compressible thin-layer and full Navier-Stokes equations are used to numerically simulate steady and unsteady asymmetric, supersonic, locally-conical flows around a 5-deg-semiapex angle circular cone. The main computational scheme used for the present computations is the implicit, upwind, flux-difference splitting, finite-volume scheme. Comparisons of the solutions using the two sets of equations are presented for the flow asymmetry and its control. Computational studies are also presented to investigate the effects of the freestream Reynolds number and the locally-scaled Reynolds number on the flow asymmetry. These studies are carried out using the full Navier-Stokes equations. Three-dimensional, asymmetric flow solutions are also presented for a 5-deg-semiapex angle cone of unit length and a cone-cylinder configuration. The three-dimensional solutions are obtained by using the thin-layer equations and short-duration transient side-slip disturbances along with a very fine grid.

Kandil, O. A.↗

Asymmetric turbulent vortical flows over slender bodies

Time-accurate numerical solutions have been obtained of equations modeling turbulent subsonic flows over a slender ogive-cylinder body of revolution in the high-angle-of-attack regime where a large asymmetry in the mean flow has been observed experimentally. A modified algebraic eddy-viscosity turbulence model was utilized to correctly compute the effects of the asymmetric vortices on the underlying viscous layers. In order to reproduce any one of the experimentally observed asymmetric flow-fields, it was found necessary to add a small geometrical disturbance near the body apex. By determining an appropriate size of the disturbance, it was possible to obtain excellent agreement between numerical results and experimental data for angles of attack of 30 and 40 deg, Reynolds numbers of 3.0 x 10 to the 6th and = 4.0 x 10 to the 6th, and several roll angles. When the disturbance was removed, the flow field returned to its original symmetric shape. These results are similar in behavior to solutions obtained previously for laminar flows. Just as in the laminar case, results suggest that the origin of the asymmetry is a convective-type instability of an originally symmetric flow.

Degani, David↗

Modelling crystal growth: Convection in an asymmetrically heated ampoule

The objective was to develop and implement a numerical method capable of solving the nonlinear partial differential equations governing heat, mass, and momentum transfer in a 3-D cylindrical geometry in order to examine the character of convection in an asymmetrically heated cylindrical ampoule. The details of the numerical method, including verification tests involving comparison with results obtained from other methods, are presented. The results of the study of 3-D convection in an asymmetrically heated cylinder are described.

Alexander, J. Iwan D.↗

Biophysical information in asymmetric and symmetric diurnal bidirectional canopy reflectance

The authors present a theory for partitioning the information content in diurnal bidirectional reflectance measurements in order to detect differences potentially related to biophysical variables. The theory, which divides the canopy reflectance into asymmetric and symmetric functions of solar azimuth angle, attributes asymmetric variation to diurnal changes in the canopy biphysical properties. The symmetric function is attributed to the effects of sunlight interacting with a hypothetical average canopy which would display the average diurnal properties of the actual canopy. The authors analyzed radiometer data collected diurnally in the Thematic Mapper wavelength bands from two walnut canopies that received differing irrigation treatments. The reflectance of the canopies varied with sun and view angles and across seven bands in the visible, near-infrared, and middle infrared wavelength regions. Although one of the canopies was permanently water stressed and the other was stressed in mid-afternoon each day, no water stress signature was unambiguously evident in the reflectance data.

Vanderbilt, Vern C.↗

Influence of an asymmetric ring on the modeling of an orthogonally stiffened cylindrical shell

Structural models are examined for the influence of a ring with an asymmetrical cross section on the linear elastic response of an orthogonally stiffened cylindrical shell subjected to internal pressure. The first structural model employs classical theory for the shell and stiffeners. The second model employs transverse shear deformation theories for the shell and stringer and classical theory for the ring. Closed-end pressure vessel effects are included. Interacting line load intensities are computed in the stiffener-to-skin joints for an example problem having the dimensions of the fuselage of a large transport aircraft. Classical structural theory is found to exaggerate the asymmetric response compared to the transverse shear deformation theory.

Rastogi, Naveen↗

Axis switching and spreading of an asymmetric jet: Role of vorticity dynamics

The effects of vortex generators and periodic excitation on vorticity dynamics and the phenomenon of axis switching in a free asymmetric jet are studied experimentally. Most of the data reported are for a 3:1 rectangular jet at a Reynolds number of 450,000 and a Mach number of 0.31. The vortex generators are in the form of 'delta tabs', triangular shaped protrusions into the flow, placed at the nozzle exit. With suitable placement of the tabs, axis switching could be either stopped or augmented. Two mechanisms are identified governing the phenomenon. One, as described by previous researchers and referred to here as the omega(sub theta)-induced dynamics, is due to difference in induced velocities for different segments of a rolled up azimuthal vortical structure. The other, omega(sub x)-induced dynamics, is due to the induced velocities of streamwise vortex pairs in the flow. Both dynamics can be active in a natural asymmetric jet; the tendency for axis switching caused by the omega(sub theta)-induced dynamics may be, depending on the streamwise vorticity distribution, either resisted or enhanced by the omega(sub x)-induced dynamics. While this simple framework qualitatively explains the various observations made on axis switching, mechanisms actually in play may be much more complex. The two dynamics are not independent as the flow field is replete with both azimuthal and streamwise vortical structures which continually interact. Phase averaged flow field data for a periodically forced case, over a volume of the flow field, are presented and discussed in an effort to gain insight into the dynamics of these vortical structures.

Zaman, K. B. M. Q.↗

Gamma-ray bursts are time-asymmetric

A simple test for time asymmetry is devised and carried out on the brightest gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) detected by the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) on board the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory. We show evidence that individual bursts are time-asymmetric on all timescales tested, from a timescale shorter than that of pulses which compose GRBs to a timescale similar to a greater envelope that contains these pulses. We also find bursts which manifest significant asymmetry only on timescales comparable to the duration of burst, and bursts for which no clear asymmetry on any timescale is present. The sense of the asymmetry is that bursts and/or component structures rise in a shorter time than they decay. We also find that our whole sample of bursts taken together is time-asymmetric, in that there are sifnificantly more bursts and pulses where the rise is more rapid than the decay, on all timescales tested and for all energy bands tested. When our whole GRB sample is binned at 64 ms and integrated over all BATSE energies, the statistical significance is at the 6 sigma level. Models that predict time symmetry are therefore excluded.

Nemiroff, R. J.↗

Spreading Characteristics and Thrust of Jets from Asymmetric Nozzles

The spreading characteristics of jets from several asymmetric nozzles are studied in comparison to those of an axisymmetric jet, over the Mach number (M(sub J)) range of 0.3 to 1.96. The effect of tabs in two cases, the axisymmetric nozzle fitted with four tabs and a rectangular nozzle fitted with two large tabs, is also included in the comparison. Compared to the axisymmetric jet, the asymmetric jets spread only slightly faster at subsonic conditions, while at supersonic conditions, when screech occurs, they spread much faster. Screech profoundly increases the spreading of all jets. The effect varies in the different stages of screech, and the corresponding unsteady flowfield characteristics are documented via phase-averaged measurement of the fluctuating total pressure. An organization and intensification of the azimuthal vortical structures under the screeching condition is believed to be responsible for the increased spreading. Curiously, the jet from a 'lobed mixer' nozzle spreads much less at supersonic conditions compared to all other cases. This is due to the absence of screech with this nozzle. Jet spreading for the two tab configurations, on the other hand, is significantly more than any of the no-tab cases. This is true in the subsonic regime, as well as in the supersonic regime in spite of the fact that screech is essentially eliminated by the tabs. The dynamics of the streamwise vortex pairs produced by the tabs cause the most efficient jet spreading thus far observed in the study.

Zaman, K. B. M. Q.↗

Characterization of Asymmetric Coplanar Waveguide Discontinuities

A general technique to characterize asymmetric coplanar waveguide (CPW) discontinuities with air bridges where both the fundamental coplanar and slotline modes may be excited together is presented. First, the CPW discontinuity without air bridges is analyzed using the space-domain integral equation (SDIE) approach. Second, the parameters (phase, amplitude, and wavelength) of the coplanar and slotline modes are extracted from an amplitude modulated-like standing wave existing in the CPW feeding lines. Then a 2n x 2n generalized scattering matrix of the n-port discontinuity without air bridges is derived which includes the occurring mode conversion. Finally, this generalized scattering matrix is reduced to an n x n matrix by enforcing suitable conditions at the ports which correspond to the excited slotline mode. For the purpose of illustration, the method is applied to a shielded asymmetric short-end CPW shunt stub, the scattering parameters of which are compared with those of a symmetric one. Experiments are performed on both discontinuities and the results are in good agreement with theoretical data. The advantages of using air bridges in CPW circuits as opposed to bond wires are also discussed.

Dib, Nihad I.↗

Numerical Generation of Asymmetric Flows about Slender Bodies of Revolution at Extreme Incidence

It is well known that slender bodies of revolution will develop an asymmetric, unsteady flow pattern in experimental tests, if the angle of incidence to the oncoming stream is above a critical value. It has been suggested that the origin of these asymmetric flows may stem from geometric imperfections of the model being tested, or from disturbances in the oncoming stream. In numerical simulations, it is possible to generate bodies of revolution which are perfectly symmetric about their longitudinal axis, and to impose uniform flow conditions which are free from disturbances. The current work presents numerical simulations of the flow about an ogive-cylinder configuration at 40 and 60 degree angle of incidence. These simulations. were performed using numerical algorithms which are also symmetric about the lateral plane of the cylinder body. The flowfields at 40 degree angle of attack were seen to remain symmetric to the round-off accuracy of the computer. At 60 degree angle of attack, a lateral force coefficient developed of O(1) which progressed to an alternate vortex shedding in time. The nature of this lateral force generation and vortex shedding was dependent on the choice of numerical algorithm. The origin of the asymmetries observed in the 60 degree angle of attack computations were traced to round-off errors in the implicit block-matrix inverter. A means of inverting the implicit operator matrices, which maintains the symmetry of the overall numerical algorithm was implemented.

Murman, Scott M.↗

Effect of asymmetric auxin application on Helianthus hypocotyl curvature

Indole-3-acetic acid was applied asymmetrically to the hypocotyls of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seedlings. After 5 hours on a clinostat, auxin gradients as small as 1 to 1.3 produced substantial (more than 60 degrees) hypocotyl curvature. This result suggests the asymmetric growth underlying hypocotyl gravitropism can be explained by lateral auxin redistribution.

NASA Discipline Number 29-20↗