Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “wave speed”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 217 records · Page 12

Low Frequency ULF Waves in the Earth’s Inner Magnetosphere: Power Spectra During High Speed Streams and Quiet Solar Wind and Seeding of EMIC Waves

Here we extend the scope of the Gamayunov and Engebretson (2021, hereinafter Paper 1) work by analyzing the low frequency ultra-low-frequency (ULF) wave power spectra in the Earth’s inner magnetosphere during high speed stream (HSS) and quiet solar wind (QSW) driving conditions in the upstream solar wind (SW) and comparing our results to the results of Paper 1, where the statistics of ULF wave power spectra during coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are presented. The most important results of our statistical and comparative analyses are as follows. (a) During CMEs, HSSs, and QSW, the magnetic field power spectra of the transverse and compressional fluctuations are well approximated by power-laws in the ∼ mHz - Hz frequency range, where on average the parameters of power-law fits during CMEs and HSSs are close, and those during QSW differ considerably from the respective parameters during CMEs and HSSs. (b) The dominance of the average compressional power over the average transverse power for the low frequency ULF waves during the 0 < SYM/H . 25 nT geomagnetic conditions may serve as a proxy of HSSs in the upstream SW, whereas the opposite relation between the average powers is an indication of CMEs. (c) Independently of the SW driving conditions, a turbulent energy cascade from low frequencies in the ULF wave frequency range into the higher frequency range exists in the Earth’s inner magnetosphere, supplying the nonthermal electromagnetic seed fluctuations needed for the growth of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves (∼ Hz) due to relaxation of unstable distributions of energetic magnetospheric ions.

Konstantin V. Gamayunov↗

Numerical Study of Transmission Loss Through a Slow Gas Layer Adjacent to a Plate

This paper describes a systematic numerical investigation of the sound transmission loss through a multilayer system consisting of a bagged gas and lightweight panel. The goal of the study is to better understand the effect of the gas on transmission loss and determine whether a gas with a slow speed of sound is beneficial for noise control applications. As part of the study, the density and speed of sound of the gas are varied independently to assess the impact of each on transmission loss. Results show that near grazing incidence the plane wave transmission loss through the multilayer system is more sensitive to the speed of sound than the density of the gas. In addition, it was found that a slow wave speed in the bagged gas provides more low-frequency transmission loss benefit than a fast wave speed. At low angles of incidence, close to the plate normal, the benefit is due to the reduction of the characteristic impedance of the gas. At high angles of incidence, the benefit is attributed to the fact that the incident waves at the air/gas interface are bent towards the surface normal. Since transmission loss is angle dependent, refraction in the slow gas layer results in a significant improvement in the transmission loss at high angles of incidence.

Schiller, Noah H.↗

The effect of the degree of wave development on the sea state bias in radar altimetry measurement

The extent by which the wave development affects the sea state bias (SSB) in the Geosat altimeter height measurements is investigated. It is shown that the altimetric SSB is not a linear function of the wave height but that it also depends on other factors of wave development, particularly on the wave age (defined as the ratio of the phase speed of the dominant ocean waves to the ocean wind speed). The wave age can be estimated crudely, as the so-called 'pseudo-wave age', on the basis of the significant wave height H(1/3) and the wind speed measured by the altimeter. The analysis of 2.7 years' worth of Geosat data showed a general trend for the dependence of the SSB on the pseudo-wave age, which agrees well with the theoretical prediction that, for a given H(1/3), the SSB decreases as the pseudo-wave age increases.

Fu, Lee-Lueng↗

The evolution of strongly modulated, low-frequency, moderate-amplitude wave packets in a dispersive plasma

The evolution of strongly modulated wave packets in a dispersive plasma that propagate parallel to the magnetic field is studied. Modulation effects are shown to reduce significantly (about 30 percent) the rate of spreading from that due to dispersion alone. For fluidlike behavior, nonlinearity has its greatest impact on evolution when the linear sound speed and initial wave packet speeds are well matched, resulting in a strong coupling between the wave magnetic and sonic components. Ion kinetic processes reduce the impact of nonlinearity and cause the rate of spreading to approach that expected from dispersion alone as the ratio of ion and electron temperatures, Ti/Te approaches 4. For Beta equal to or greater than 1 and Ti/Te of about 1, the coupled waveforms correspond qualitatively to kinetic treatments of the derivative nonlinear Schroedinger equation.

Vasquez, Bernard J.↗

Two examples in the time optimal control theory of distributed parameter systems.

The behavior of hyperbolic and parabolic partial differential equations is contrasted by studying the point-to-point time-optimal control problem for the equation of heat conduction and the equation of motion of a vibrating string. A maximal principle is obtained for the time-optimal control of the one-dimensional heat equation, and it is proven that time optimal controls are weakly bang-bang. The bang-bang principle is proven to be invalid for hyperbolic equations because of the finite speed of wave propagation. In the case of boundary value control of the vibrating spring, the latter is demonstrated by deriving an explicit formula for the time optimal control.

Quinn, J. P.↗

Electric power processing, distribution and control for advanced aerospace vehicles.

The results of a current study program to develop a rational basis for selection of power processing, distribution, and control configurations for future aerospace vehicles including the Space Station, Space Shuttle, and high-performance aircraft are presented. Within the constraints imposed by the characteristics of power generation subsystems and the load utilization equipment requirements, the power processing, distribution and control subsystem can be optimized by selection of the proper distribution voltage, frequency, and overload/fault protection method. It is shown that, for large space vehicles which rely on static energy conversion to provide electric power, high-voltage dc distribution (above 100 V dc) is preferable to conventional 28 V dc and 115 V ac distribution per MIL-STD-704A. High-voltage dc also has advantages over conventional constant frequency ac systems in many aircraft applications due to the elimination of speed control, wave shaping, and synchronization equipment.

Krausz, A.↗

Unsteady viscous effects in the flow over an oscillating surface

A theoretical model for the interaction of a turbulent boundary layer with an oscillating wavy surface over which a fluid is flowing is developed, with an application to wind-driven water waves and to panel flutter in low supersonic flow. A systematic methodology is developed to obtain the surface pressure distribution by considering separately the effects on the perturbed flow of a mean shear velocity profile, viscous stresses, the turbulent Reynolds stresses, compressibility, and three-dimensionality. The inviscid theory is applied to the wind-water wave problem by specializing to traveling-wave disturbances, and the pressure magnitude and phase shift as a function of the wave phase speed are computed for a logarithmic mean velocity profile and compared with inviscid theory and experiment. The results agree with experimental evidence for the stabilization of the panel motion due to the influence of the unsteady boundary layer.

Lerner, J. I.↗

Correlation of heat transfer for the zero pressure gradient hypersonic laminar boundary layer for several gases

A theoretical study of heat transfer for zero pressure gradient hypersonic laminar boundary layers for various gases with particular application to the flows produced in an expansion tube facility was conducted. A correlation based on results obtained from solutions to the governing equations for five gases was formulated. Particular attention was directed toward the laminar boundary layer shock tube splitter plates in carbon dioxide flows generated by high speed shock waves. Computer analysis of the splitter plate boundary layer flow provided information that is useful in interpreting experimental data obtained in shock tube gas radiation studies.

Cook, W. J.↗

Transformation of apparent ocean wave spectra observed from an aircraft sensor platform

The problem considered was transformation of a unidirectional apparent ocean wave spectrum observed from an aircraft sensor platform into the true spectrum that would be observed from a stationary platform. Spectral transformation equations were developed in terms of the linear wave dispersion relationship and the wave group speed. An iterative solution to the equations was outlined and used to transform reference theoretical apparent spectra for several assumed values of average water depth. Results show that changing the average water depth leads to a redistribution of energy density among the various frequency bands of the transformed spectrum. This redistribution is most severe when much of the energy density is expected, a priori, to reside at relatively low true frequencies.

Poole, L. R.↗

Dynamics of film

The general theory of films as two-dimensional continua are elaborated upon. As physical realizations of such a model this paper examines: inextensible films, elastic films, and nets. The suggested dynamic equations have enabled us to find out the characteristic speeds of wave propagation of the invariants of external and internal geometry and formulate the criteria of instability of their shape. Also included herein is a detailed account of the equation describing the film motions beyond the limits of the shape stability accompanied by the formation of wrinkles. The theory is illustrated by examples.

Zak, M.↗

Dynamics of liquid films and thin jets

The theory of liquid films and thin jets as one- and two-dimensional continuums is examined. The equations of motion have led to solutions for the characteristic speeds of wave propagation for the parameters characterizing the shape. The formal analogy with a compressible fluid indicates the possibility of shock wave generation in films and jets and the formal analogy to the theory of threads and membranes leads to the discovery of some new dynamic effects. The theory is illustrated by examples.

Zak, M.↗

Satellite altimetry

Progress in satellite altimetry accuracy, together with geoid surface measurements, is reviewed, and future programs are outlined. The Skylab, Geos-3, and Seasat spacecraft all carried altimeters for observing ocean topography, wind speed, and wave height from space. Data were gathered on the geoid and gravity anomalies over ocean areas, leading to determinations of the mesoscale variability of the oceans and a preliminary data base on ocean circulation. Satellite altimeters are currently accurate to 2 cm over a period of several years, and radial errors have been reduced to 50 cm with Seasat. Mean sea surfaces are measured with decimeter accuracy, a level of precision expected for altimetry when improved Doppler tracking, laser tracking, and the introduction of a GPS-based tracking system are implemented. The Shuttle is regarded as a prime vehicle for testing new altimetry techniques.

Marsh, J. G.↗

Development of a rotor wake-vortex model, volume 1

Certain empirical rotor wake and turbulence relationships were developed using existing low speed rotor wave data. A tip vortex model was developed by replacing the annulus wall with a row of image vortices. An axisymmetric turbulence spectrum model, developed in the context of rotor inflow turbulence, was adapted to predicting the turbulence spectrum of the stator gust upwash.

Majjigi, R. K.↗

Workshop on Impulsive Solar Flares, 2nd, University of New Hampshire, Durham, Sept. 26-28, 1988, Proceedings

Papers on impulsive solar flares are presented, covering topics such as the optical properties of impulsive flares, soft X-ray spectroscopy of solar flares, the energy release process in impulsive bursts, high-velocity evaporation and a high-speed shock wave during the impulsive phase of the April 24, 1984 flare, nonpotential magnetic fields at sites of gamma-ray flares, and meter-decimeter and microwave radio observations of solar flares. Other topics include rise times in solar radio bursts, removal of the gradual component in analyses of solar impulsive bursts, ion and relativistic electron transport in solar flares, neutrons and gamma-ray emission on June 3, 1982, emission characteristics of three intense solar flares in cycle 21, and solar flare gamma-ray observations with the Hinotori satellite. Additional topics include spectra of relativistic solar proton ground-level events recorded in Antarctica, a 153-d periodicity in the occurrence of solar flares producing energetic interplanetary electrons, a search for solar neutron response in neutron monitor data, neutral beams in two-ribbon flares and in the geomagnetic tail, beam heating in solar flares, and solar flare gamma-ray line shapes.

Source record↗

Generalized hydrodynamic transport in lattice-gas automata

The generalized hydrodynamics of two-dimensional lattice-gas automata is solved analytically in the linearized Boltzmann approximation. The dependence of the transport coefficients (kinematic viscosity, bulk viscosity, and sound speed) upon wave number k is obtained analytically. Anisotropy of these coefficients due to the lattice symmetry is studied for the entire range of wave number, k. Boundary effects due to a finite mean free path (Knudsen layer) are analyzed, and accurate comparisons are made with lattice-gas simulations.

Luo, Li-Shi↗

Accurate drag prediction: A prerequisite for drag reduction research

An improved technique for drag prediction based on the analysis of wake flows is presented and demonstrated. The technique is demonstrated using three-dimensional flow field solutions obtained with several Euler codes. The flow field solutions are obtained for several wing configurations at both lifting and nonlifting conditions for a range of speeds. At subsonic speeds, the induced-drag prediction is shown to be more accurate (and virtually independent of numerical viscosity levels in the Euler flow field solutions) than the prediction obtained by surface integration. At transonic speeds, a separate wave-drag prediction procedure allows the decomposition of the total inviscid drag into wave drag and induced drag. Preliminary results indicate that the drag-prediction technique in a slightly revised form may be applicable to predict induced drag and wave drag at supersonic speeds.

Wong, Kent J.↗