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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 217 records · Page 12

Ultraviolet and visual variability of Theta CrB during a normal B-phase following a shell phase (1980-1985)

Based on far-UV and visual observations made between 1980 and 1985, the phenomena characterizing the end of a shell phase of Theta-CrB, and the normal B-phase following it, are described as part of a long-term study of Be stars. The strength, shape, and velocity of the C IV, Si IV, and Al III resonance lines, and the Fe III lines of low excitation, show associated variability patterns over the whole range of ionization observable in the IUE and visual spectra. The observed variability pattern consists of a one-year narrow-line stage where the lines show narrow absorption cores close to rest wavelength, a two-year series of abrupt changes between a weak and a strong line, and a damping out of these variations leaving the observed spectrum in a lower ionization state. The existence of a phase-lag between similar phenomena occurring in the superionized and subionized/normally ionized regions, is noted.

Doazan, V.↗

Cyclotron resonant scattering in the spectra of gamma-ray bursts

Data on the GB880205 gamma-ray bursts are presented that have implications for the nature of gamma-ray burst sources. It is shown that cyclotron resonant scattering and Raman scattering account well for the positions, strengths, and shapes of the relative strengths of the first and second harmonics and their narrow widths. These results imply the existence of a superstrong (B of about 2 x 10 to the 12th G) magnetic field in the vicinity of the X-ray emission region of GB880205. Such a superstrong magnetic field points to a strongly magnetic neutron star as the origin of gamma-ray bursts, and to the fact that the gamma-ray sources belong to the Galaxy.

Lamb, D. Q.↗

Engine-Scale Combustor Rig Designed, Fabricated, and Tested for Combustion Instability Control Research

Low-emission combustor designs are prone to combustor instabilities. Because active control of these instabilities may allow future combustors to meet both stringent emissions and performance requirements, an experimental combustor rig was developed for investigating methods of actively suppressing combustion instabilities. The experimental rig has features similar to a real engine combustor and exhibits instabilities representative of those in aircraft gas turbine engines. Experimental testing in the spring of 1999 demonstrated that the rig can be tuned to closely represent an instability observed in engine tests. Future plans are to develop and demonstrate combustion instability control using this experimental combustor rig. The NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field is leading the Combustion Instability Control program to investigate methods for actively suppressing combustion instabilities. Under this program, a single-nozzle, liquid-fueled research combustor rig was designed, fabricated, and tested. The rig has many of the complexities of a real engine combustor, including an actual fuel nozzle and swirler, dilution cooling, and an effusion-cooled liner. Prior to designing the experimental rig, a survey of aircraft engine combustion instability experience identified an instability observed in a prototype engine as a suitable candidate for replication. The frequency of the instability was 525 Hz, with an amplitude of approximately 1.5-psi peak-to-peak at a burner pressure of 200 psia. The single-nozzle experimental combustor rig was designed to preserve subcomponent lengths, cross sectional area distribution, flow distribution, pressure-drop distribution, temperature distribution, and other factors previously found to be determinants of burner acoustic frequencies, mode shapes, gain, and damping. Analytical models were used to predict the acoustic resonances of both the engine combustor and proposed experiment. The analysis confirmed that the test rig configuration and engine configuration had similar longitudinal acoustic characteristics, increasing the likelihood that the engine instability would be replicated in the rig. Parametric analytical studies were performed to understand the influence of geometry and condition variations and to establish a combustion test plan. Cold-flow experiments verified that the design values of area and flow distributions were obtained. Combustion test results established the existence of a longitudinal combustion instability in the 500-Hz range with a measured amplitude approximating that observed in the engine. Modifications to the rig configuration during testing also showed the potential for injector independence. The research combustor rig was developed in partnership with Pratt & Whitney of West Palm Beach, Florida, and United Technologies Research Center of East Hartford, Connecticut. Experimental testing of the combustor rig took place at United Technologies Research Center.

DeLaat, John C.↗

Design of a Microwave Assisted Discharge Inductive Plasma Accelerator

The design and construction of a thruster that employs electrodeless plasma preionization and pulsed inductive acceleration is described. Preionization is achieved through an electron cyclotron resonance discharge that produces a weakly-ionized plasma at the face of a conical theta pinch-shaped inductive coil. The presence of the preionized plasma allows for current sheet formation at lower discharge voltages than those employed in other pulsed inductive accelerators that do not employ preionization. The location of the electron cyclotron resonance discharge is controlled through the design of the applied magnetic field in the thruster. Finite element analysis shows that there is an arrangement of permanent magnets that yields a small volume of resonant magnetic field at the coil face. Preionization in the resonant zone leads to current sheet formation at the coil face, which minimizes the initial inductance of the pulse circuit and maximizes the potential electrical efficiency of the accelerator. A magnet assembly was constructed around an inductive coil to provide structural support to the selected arrangement of neodymium magnets. Measured values of the resulting magnetic field compare favorably with the finite element model.

Hallock, Ashley K.↗

Interplay of Collective Excitations in Quantum Well Intersubband Resonances

Intersubband resonances in a semiconductor quantum well (QW) display some of the most fascinating features involving various collective excitations such as Fermi-edge singularity (FES) and intersubband plasmon (ISP). Using a density matrix approach, we treated many-body effects such as depolarization, vertex correction, and self-energy consistently for a two-subband system. We found a systematic change in resonance spectra from FES-dominated to ISP-dominated features, as QW- width or electron density is varied. Such an interplay between FES and ISP significantly changes both line shape and peak position of the absorption spectrum. In particular, we found that a cancellation of FES and ISP undresses the resonant responses and recovers the single-particle features of absorption for semiconductors with a strong nonparabolicity such as InAs, leading to a dramatic broadening of the absorption spectrum.

Li, Jian-Zhong↗

Rarefying Spectra of Whispering-Gallery-Mode Resonators

A method of cleaning the mode spectra of whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) optical resonators has been devised to make such resonators more suitable for use as narrow-band optical filters. The method applies, more specifically, to millimeter- sized whispering-gallery-mode optical resonators that are made of crystalline electro-optical materials and have ultrahigh values of the resonance quality factor (Q). The mode spectrum of such a resonator is typically dense, consisting of closely spaced families of modes; as such, the spectrum is not well suited for narrow-band filtering, in which there is a need for strong rejection of side modes. Cleaning as used here signifies rarefying the spectrum so that what remains consists mostly of a single desired family of modes or, at worst, a few mode families that are more widely spaced in frequency than are the mode families in the original, non-rarefied spectrum. The spectrum-cleaning method exploits the fact that various WGM mode families occupy various positions near the equator at the rim of a resonator disk. In this method, a damper in the form of a prism or other polished piece of material having an index of refraction greater than that of the resonator material is placed in contact with the rim of the resonator at such a position that the Qs of most or all of the undesired mode families are greatly reduced while the Q of the desired mode family is reduced by only a tolerably small amount. In an alternative method that has been considered, the mode spectrum would be cleaned through special design of the shape of the rim, but fabrication of the rim in a special shape is a complicated task. The advantage of the present method, relative to the alternative method, is that special shaping of the rim is not necessary and the damping prism can be emplaced after the resonator has been fabricated.

Savchenkov, Anatoliy↗

Input-current shaped ac to dc converters

The problem of achieving near unity power factor while supplying power to a dc load from a single phase ac source of power is examined. Power processors for this application must perform three functions: input current shaping, energy storage, and output voltage regulation. The methods available for performing each of these three functions are reviewed. Input current shaping methods are either active or passive, with the active methods divided into buck-like and boost-like techniques. In addition to large reactances, energy storage methods include resonant filters, active filters, and active storage schemes. Fast voltage regulation can be achieved by post regulation or by supplementing the current shaping topology with an extra switch. Some indications of which methods are best suited for particular applications concludes the discussion.

Source record↗

An Experimental Investigation on the Static Equilibria and Dynamics of Liquid Bridges

A liquid bridge is a volume of liquid held between two or more solid supports. In the case of small disk supports with a sharp edge, the contact line between the bridge and the support disk will be anchored along the edge of the disk. For these cases the solid presents a geometrical singularity and the contact angle is indeterminate within a given range. This dissertation presents research conducted on liquid bridges with anchored contact lines. The three major topics covered are: determining the role of support geometry on static equilibria, liquid bridge dynamical behavior, and forces exerted by a liquid bridge on a support structure. The work was primarily experimental and conducted in a "Plateau tank" that allowed for the simulation of equivalent low-gravity conditions. The main thrust of the experimental work involved the use of a high resolution optical measurement system for imaging the dynamic zone shape, measurement of the static and dynamic contact angles and non-invasive analysis of excited surface modes. The liquid bridge was manipulated by computer controlled linear actuators which allowed precise control over the physical characteristics of the bridge. Experiments have been carried out to locate a bifurcation point along the maximum volume axisymmetric stability margin. Below the critical slenderness the bifurcation from an axisymmetric to a stable nonaxisymmetric configuration is supercritical. However, above this critical slenderness, the bifurcation is subcritical. A series of experiments analyzed the effect on axisymmetric bridge stability by using support disks of different radii, The shape behavior as transition points were approached, as well as the limiting case of a vanishing support radius was investigated. Experiments were performed to determine the resonant frequencies of axisymmetric bridges subject to lateral vibrations. Anomolous results led to a series of experiments to characterize nonlinearities present in the dynamic bridge shape. Finally, an attempt was made to experimentally measure the force exerted by the bridge on the lower support disk. This was done through use of a force balance apparatus. Particular attention was paid to the behavior of the bridge as the minimum volume stability limit was approached.

Resnick, Andrew Howard↗

Is Asteroid 951 Gaspra in a Resonant State with Its Spin Increasing Due to YORP?

Asteroid 951 Gaspra appears to be in an obliquity resonance with its spin increasing due to the YORP effect. Gaspra, an asteroid 5.8 km in radius, is a prograde rotator with a rotation period of 7.03 hours. A three million year integration indicates its orbit is stable over at least this time span. From its known shape and spin axis orientation and assuming a uniform density, Gaspra's axial precession period turns out to be nearly commensurate with its orbital precession period, which leads to a resonance condition with consequent huge variations in its obliquity. At the same time its shape is such that the Yarkovsky-O'Keefe-Radzievskii-Paddack effect (YORP effect for short) is increasing its spin rate. The YORP cycle normally leads from spin-up to spin-down and then repeating the cycle; however, it appears possible that resonance trapping can at least temporarily interrupt the YORP cycle, causing spin-up until the resonance is exited. This behavior may partially explain why there is an excess of fast rotators among small asteroids. YORP may also be a reason for small asteroids entering resonances in the first place.

Rubincam, David Parry↗

A test of incoherent Cerenkov radiation for VLF hiss and other magnetospheric emissions

Consideration of incoherent Cerenkov radiation from intense fluxes of electrons in the magnetosphere as a source of VLF hiss and several other emission phenomena. A procedure for calculating the Cerenkov and cyclotron radiation power from a spectrum of electrons in a test volume is outlined, as well as a ray-tracing routine for determining the path that the emitted power follows through the magnetosphere. Comparisons are made between a VLF hiss event and an energetic particle spectrum observed simultaneously with the Injun 5 spacecraft. Calculated power and fields for incoherent Cerenkov radiation are two orders of magnitude below the observed VLf hiss values, although the spectral shapes are similar. It is concluded that a partially coherent or amplified Cerenkov source or an instability is located in the altitude range from 3000 to 10,000 km. Calculations regarding Cerenkov radiation as a possible source for other wave phenomena indicate that upper hybrid resonance noise and fast hisslers may be understood in terms of incoherent Cerenkov radiation, but that V-shaped VLF hiss, saucers, ELF hiss, and Io-related Jovian decametric radiation may not.

Taylor, W. W. L.↗

Winds from accretion disks - Ultraviolet line formation in cataclysmic variables

Winds from accretion disks in cataclysmic variable stars are ubiquitous. Observations by IUE reveal P Cygni-shaped profiles of high-ionization lines which are attributed to these winds. We have studied the formation of UV emission lines in cataclysmic variables by constructing kinematical models of biconical rotating outflows from disks around white dwarfs. The photoionization in the wind is calculated taking into account the radiation fields of the disk, the boundary layer, and the white dwarf. The 3D radiative transfer is solved in the Sobolev approximation. Effects on the line shapes of varying basic physical parameters of the wind are shown explicitly. We identify and map the resonant scattering regions in the wind which have strongly biconical character regardless of the assumed velocity and radiation fields. Rotation at the base of the wind introduces a radial shear which decreases the line optical depth and reduces the line core intensity. We find that it is possible to reproduce the observed P Cygni line shapes and make some predictions to be verified in high-resolution observations.

Shlosman, Isaac↗

Whistle Gauge Measures Flow And Temperature

Simple, rugged gauge used to measure speed of flow and temperature of steam or other gas flowing through pipes of arbitrary diameter, from 1 to 28 in. or larger. Specially designed, instrumented whistle - has no moving parts, small, nonobstruction, operates at high temperature and pressure, and cleans itself. Does not operate at zero flow, but at moderate flows (tens of meters per second) generates intense sound for use in measurements. Consists of slanted ring groove of depth D and pressure taps in wall of pipe carrying flow to be measured. Resonant wavelength of sound generated by ring groove depends primarily on size and shape of groove and approximately equal to 4D.

Shakkottai, Parthasarathy↗

Assessment of shock capturing schemes for resonant flows in nonlinear instability analysis

The paper presents computational assessment of advanced numerical schemes for nonlinear acoustic problems related to combustion instabilities in liquid rocket engines. Several time-accurate, shock capturing schemes have been evaluated on a benchmark, closed-end resonant pipe flow problem. It involves the numerical solution of inviscid, compressible gas dynamics equations to predict acoustic wave propagation, wave steepening, formation of shocks, acoustic energy dissipation and wave-wall reflection for several hundred wave cycles. It was demonstrated that high accuracy TVD type schemes can be used for direct, exact nonlinear analysis of combustion instability problems, preserving high harmonic energy content for long periods of time. The selected scheme was then applied to analyze the acoustic responses of resonant pipe-resonator, radial acoustic modes and hub-baffle configurations. Interesting observations of wave shape and damping characteristics have been drawn from presented computational studies.

Przekwas, A. J.↗

The ALI-ARMS Code for Modeling Atmospheric non-LTE Molecular Band Emissions: Current Status and Applications

The Accelerated Lambda Iteration (ALI) technique was developed in stellar astrophysics at the beginning of 1990s for solving the non-LTE radiative transfer problem in atomic lines and multiplets in stellar atmospheres. It was later successfully applied to modeling the non-LTE emissions and radiative cooling/heating in the vibrational-rotational bands of molecules in planetary atmospheres. Similar to the standard lambda iterations ALI operates with the matrices of minimal dimension. However, it provides higher convergence rate and stability due to removing from the iterating process the photons trapped in the optically thick line cores. In the current ALI-ARMS (ALI for Atmospheric Radiation and Molecular Spectra) code version additional acceleration of calculations is provided by utilizing the opacity distribution function (ODF) approach and "decoupling". The former allows replacing the band branches by single lines of special shape, whereas the latter treats non-linearity caused by strong near-resonant vibration-vibrational level coupling without additional linearizing the statistical equilibrium equations. Latest code application for the non-LTE diagnostics of the molecular band emissions of Earth's and Martian atmospheres as well as for the non-LTE IR cooling/heating calculations are discussed.

Kutepov, A. A.↗

Making Carbon-Nanotube Arrays Using Block Copolymers: Part 2

Some changes have been incorporated into a proposed method of manufacturing regular arrays of precisely sized, shaped, positioned, and oriented carbon nanotubes. Such arrays could be useful as mechanical resonators for signal filters and oscillators, and as electrophoretic filters for use in biochemical assays. A prior version of the method was described in Block Copolymers as Templates for Arrays of Carbon Nanotubes, (NPO-30240), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 27, No. 4 (April 2003), page 56. To recapitulate from that article: As in other previously reported methods, carbon nanotubes would be formed by decomposition of carbon-containing gases over nanometer-sized catalytic metal particles that had been deposited on suitable substrates. Unlike in other previously reported methods, the catalytic metal particles would not be so randomly and densely distributed as to give rise to thick, irregular mats of nanotubes with a variety of lengths, diameters, and orientations. Instead, in order to obtain regular arrays of spaced-apart carbon nanotubes as nearly identical as possible, the catalytic metal particles would be formed in predetermined regular patterns with precise spacings. The regularity of the arrays would be ensured by the use of nanostructured templates made of block copolymers.

Bronikowski, Michael↗

EMR Gage Would Measure Coal Thickness Accurately

Laboratory tests indicate electron magnetic resonance (EMR) would be effective in measuring thickness of coal overlying rock substrate. In prototype dual-frequency EMR system, Sample is irradiated by two radio frequencies. Signals are mixed, producing sum and difference output frequencies that are detected by receiver. Magnetic field is varied to scan resonant spot through sample. In system designed for field use, electromagnet is U-shaped, so that sample can be adjacent to, rather than inside the probe. Same coil is used for transmitting and receiving.

King, J. D.↗

Extraordinary mode resonance cones in the Uranian magnetosphere?

This paper considers the previously unidentified waveforms in the Uranian magnetosphere, involving decreasing frequency with time, which were recorded during the Voyager-2 flyby of Uranus. Applying to these waveforms the basic theory of the resonance cone emission in the X mode for a homogeneous plasma, it is shown that the observed waveforms and their features can be created by bands of X-mode waves on the resonance cone. It is demonstrated that the theory can produce simultaneously the arching downward shape of the waveform and the decreasing frequency of the periodic modulation.

Grabbe, Crockett L.↗

Improved Gaussian Beam-Scattering Algorithm

The localized model of the beam-shape coefficients for Gaussian beam-scattering theory by a spherical particle provides a great simplification in the numerical implementation of the theory. We derive an alternative form for the localized coefficients that is more convenient for computer computations and that provides physical insight into the details of the scattering process. We construct a FORTRAN program for Gaussian beam scattering with the localized model and compare its computer run time on a personal computer with that of a traditional Mie scattering program and with three other published methods for computing Gaussian beam scattering. We show that the analytical form of the beam-shape coefficients makes evident the fact that the excitation rate of morphology-dependent resonances is greatly enhanced for far off-axis incidence of the Gaussian beam.

Lock, James A.↗