Measurement of combustion dynamics of solid propellants in the low frequency range.
Combustion dynamics of solid propellants in LF RANGE, discussing equipment and results
COMBUSTION INSTABILITY↗
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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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Charge Dependence of Local Hydration Dynamics in Poly(Acrylic Acid) Solutions
Localized measurements of hydration dynamics surrounding poly(acrylic acid) (pAA) chains are executed using Overhauser dynamic nuclear polarization relaxometry to determine the role of polymer protonation state on the polymer solvation environment. Alterations in polymer concentration and solution pH uncovered three different regimes of local water dynamics ranging from bulk-water-like to subdued water diffusivity. These experiments, combined with molecular dynamics simulations, reveal that the presence of deprotonated carboxylic acid groups promotes a hydrophilic local environment and extended polymer chain configurations that together incentivize the incorporation of bulk-like water near the polymer. This results in a stretched polymer conformation that leads to faster observed hydration dynamics in the local hydration environment. Meanwhile, protonated carboxylic acid groups are expected to engage in intrapolymer hydrogen bonding between monomer groups, resulting in a more collapsed conformation and slower observed hydration dynamics. The importance of the carboxylic acid groups on mediating hydration behavior is further illustrated by their role in dictating the solvation environment around poly(acrylic acid-stat-(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate) (p(AA-stat-PEGMEA)) copolymers with varying monomer ratios. Furthermore, these local hydration measurements establish a connection between local water dynamics and polymer chain conformation and may provide additional molecular perspective into poly(acrylic acid)’s classification as a superabsorbent polymer.
Conformation↗
Monitoring complex trace-gas mixtures by long-path laser absorption spectrometry
Laser-based spectrophotometric methods, which have been proposed for the detection of trace concentrations of gaseous contaminants, include Raman and passive radiometry. The paper discusses a simple long-path laser absorption method which is capable of resolving complex mixtures of closely related trace contaminants at ppm levels. A number of species were selected which are most likely to accumulate in closed environments, such as submarines or long-duration manned space flights. Absorption coefficients at CO2 laser wavelengths were measured, accurate to + 3 per cent or better, for each of these species. This data base was then used to determine the presence and concentration of the contaminants in prepared mixtures of 12 to 15 gases. Computer programs have been developed which will permit a real-time analysis of the monitored atmosphere. Minimum detectable concentrations for individual species are generally in the ppm range, and are not seriously degraded by interferences even in complex mixtures. Estimates of the dynamic range of this monitoring technique for various system configurations and comparison with other methods of analysis are discussed
Green, B. D.↗
Broadband, Common-path, Interferometric Wavefront Sensor
Hybrid sensors comprising Shack-Hartmann Wavefront Sensor (S-HWFS) and Zernike Wavefront Sensor (Z-WFS) capabilities are presented. The hybrid sensor includes a Z-WFS optically arranged in-line with a S-HWFS such that the combined wavefront sensor operates across a wide dynamic range and noise conditions. The Z-WFS may include the ability to introduce a dynamic phase shift in both transmissive and reflective modes.
Wallace, James Kent↗
Broadband, Common-Path, Interferometric Wavefront Sensor
Hybrid sensors comprising Shack-Hartmann Wavefront Sensor (S-HWFS) and Zernike Wavefront Sensor (Z-WFS) capabilities are presented. The hybrid sensor includes a Z-WFS optically arranged in-line with a S-HWFS such that the combined wavefront sensor operates across a wide dynamic range and noise conditions. The Z-WFS may include the ability to introduce a dynamic phase shift in both transmissive and reflective modes.
Wallace, James Kent↗
A new high-speed solar radio spectrograph for meter and decameter wavelengths
The design and characteristics of a high resolution, digital solar spectrograph are discussed. The spectrometer operates in the 10 to 80 MHz range. The primary considerations in the design of the spectrograph were: (1) optimun sensitivity, (2) wide dynamic range, (3) flexibility in time and frequency resolution, and (4) modern data handling techniques with a simple computer interface.
Mosier, S. R.↗
Almond-Shaped Test Body
Almond shaped test body developed for use in electromagnetic anechoic chamber for evaluation of range and measurement of components has low radar cross section that varies with angle over large dynamic range. Surface is composite formed by joining properly scaled ellipsoidal surfaces. Used to mount components whose radar cross sections are to be measured, and simulate backscatter characteristics of component as though it were over infinite ground plane.
Dominek, Allen↗
Calibration Results for J-ERS-1 SAR Data Produced by the Alaska SAR Facility
The Alaska SAR Facility has been receiving and processing SAR data from the J-ERS-1 satellite since Spring 1992. Corner reflectors have been set up for J-ERS-1 SAR calibration at a site near Delta Junction, in central Alaska. Image quality and calibration analysis results from the Delta Junction site and others will be presented in this paper. The impact of the 3-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter and the automatic stepping of the gain as a function of range in the J-ERS-1 radar receiver on calibration performance has been assessed. Preliminary observations on J-ERS-1 SAR data are that the average Signal-to-Noise ratio is generally fairly low, in the range 5-6dB. Azimuth ambiguity levels are higher than preflight analysis indicated. Over land, the dynamic range in the backscatter at L-band for approximately 36 degree incidence angle is often fairly high.
Freeman, A.↗
Calibration Results for J-ERS-1 SAR Data Produced by the Alaska SAR Facility
The Alaska SAR Facility has been receiving and processing SAR data from the J-ERS-1 satellite since Spring 1992. Corner reflectors have been set up for J-ERS-1 SAR calibration at a site near Delta Junction, in central Alaska. Image quality and calibration analysis results from the Delta Junction site and others will be presented in this paper. The impact of the 3-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter and the automatic stepping of the gain as a function of range in the J-ERS-1 radar receiver on calibration performance has been assessed. Preliminary observations on J-ERS-1 SAR data are that the average Signal-to-Noise ratio is generally fairly low, in the range 5-6 dB. Azimuth ambiguity levels are higher than preflight analysis indicated. Over land, the dynamic range in the backscatter at L-band for approximately 36 degree incidence angle is often fairly high...
Freeman, A.↗
SEASAT-A synthetic aperture radar performance
The SEASAT-A satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is presented, and its performance since it began operation in July 1978, is examined. The imaging radar system, the first to be designed as an orbital scientific instrument, was intended to generate continuous imagery over a 100-km swath at 25-m resolution from an altitude of 800 km. SAR image quality is measured in terms of resolution, the range of detectable radar backscatter, and the contrast ratio, each of which is affected by antenna, sensor, data link, and recording/processor subsystem parameters. Microdensitometer scans of output image film of actual SEASAT-A SAR data reveal a range resolution of less than 25 m, an azimuth resolution of approximately 40 m, a noise equivalent dynamic range of from 9.6 to -21 + or - 5 dB, and an image contrast ratio of 7.5 dB. SEASAT-A SAR performance is concluded to have confirmed the utility of spaceborne radar sensing.
Jordan, R. L.↗
Study of Systems Using Inertia Wheels for Precise Attitude Control of a Satellite
Systems using inertia wheels are evaluated in this report to determine their suitability for precise attitude control of a satellite and to select superior system configurations. Various possible inertia wheel system configurations are first discussed in a general manner. Three of these systems which appear more promising than the others are analyzed in detail, using the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory as an example. The three systems differ from each other only by the method of damping, which is provided by either a rate gyro, an error-rate network, or a tachometer in series with a high-pass filter. An analytical investigation which consists of a generalized linear analysis, a nonlinear analysis using the switching-time method, and an analog computer study shows that all three systems are theoretically capable of producing adequate response and also of maintaining the required pointing accuracy for the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory of plus or minus 0.1 second of arc. Practical considerations and an experimental investigation show, however, that the system which uses an error-rate network to provide damping is superior to the other two systems. The system which uses a rate gyro is shown to be inferior because the threshold level causes a significant amount of limit-cycle operation, and the system which uses a tachometer with a filter is shown to be inferior because a device with the required dynamic range of operation does not appear to be available. The experimental laboratory apparatus used to investigate the dynamic performance of the systems is described, and experimental results are included to show that under laboratory conditions with relatively large extraneous disturbances, a dynamic tracking error of less than plus or minus 0.5 second of arc was obtained.
White, John S.↗
Spontaneous Ignition of Hydrothermal Flames in Supercritical Ethanol Water Solutions
Results are reported from recent tests where hydrothermal flames spontaneously ignited in a Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) Test Cell. Hydrothermal flames are generally categorized as flames that occur when appropriate concentrations of fuel and oxidizer are present in supercritical water (SCW); i.e., water at conditions above its critical point (218 atm and 374 C). A co-flow injector was used to inject fuel, comprising an aqueous solution of 30-vol to 50-vol ethanol, and air into a reactor held at constant pressure and filled with supercritical water at approximately 240 atm and 425 C. Hydrothermal flames auto-ignited and quickly stabilized as either laminar or turbulent diffusion flames, depending on the injection velocities and test cell conditions. Two orthogonal views, one of which provided a backlit shadowgraphic image, provided visual observations. Optical emission measurements of the steady state flame were made over a spectral range spanning the ultraviolet (UV) to the near infrared (NIR) using a high-resolution, high-dynamic-range spectrometer. Depending on the fuel air flow ratios varying degrees of sooting were observed and are qualitatively compared using light absorption comparisons from backlit images.
hydrothermal flame↗
Trace constituents in the middle atmosphere by high resolution UV spectroscopy
An array of 5 autonomous spectrometers, the imaging spectrometric observatory covers a broad wavelength range (approximately 200 to 12,000 A), has a resolution selectable down to approximately 0.5 A, and a dynamic range of approximately 10 to the 7th power and is designed to select experiment measurement sequences by software control. Because current models of thermospheric ionic processes produce too much N2(+) ionization, the N2(+) reaction with O and the chemistry of metastable (N(+) ions and of O2(+) ions are objects of study on Spacelab 1.
Torr, D. G.↗
The galactic globular cluster system
We explore correlations between various properties of Galactic globular clusters, using a database on 143 objects. Our goal is identify correlations and trends which can be used to test and constrain theoretical models of cluster formation and evolution. We use a set of 13 cluster parameters, 9 of which are independently measured. Several arguments suggest that the number of clusters still missing in the obscured regions of the Galaxy is of the order of 10, and thus the selection effects are probably not severe for our sample. Known clusters follow a power-law density distribution with a slope approximately -3.5 to -4, and an apparent core with a core radius approximately 1 kpc. Clusters show a large dynamical range in many of their properties, more so for the core parameters (which are presumably more affected by dynamical evolution) than for the half-light parameters. There are no good correlations with luminosity, although more luminous clusters tend to be more concentrated. When data are binned in luminosity, several trends emerge: more luminous clusters tend to have smaller and denser cores. We interpret this as a differential survival effect, with more massive clusters surviving longer and reaching more evolved dynamical states. Cluster core parameters and concentrations also correlate with the position in the Galaxy, with clusters closer to the Galactic center or plane being more concentrated and having smaller and denser cores. These trends are more pronounced for the fainter (less massive) clusters. This is in agreement with a picture where tidal shocks form disk or bulge passages accelerate dynamical evolution of clusters. Cluster metallicities do not correlate with any other parameter, including luminosity and velocity dispersion; the only detectable trend is with the position in the Galaxy, probably reflecting Zinn's disk-halo dichotomy. This suggests that globular clusters were not self-enriched systems. Velocity dispersions show excellent correlations with luminosity and surface brightness. Their origin is not well understood, but they may well reflect initial conditions of cluster formation, and perhaps even be used to probe the initial density perturbation spectrum on a approximately 10(exp 6) solar mass scale. Core radii and concentrations play a role of a 'second parameter' in these correlations. While a global manifold of cluster properties has a high statistical dimensionality (D greater than 4), a subset of structural, photometric, and dynamical parameters forms a statistically three-dimensional family, as expected from objects following King models; we propose to call this set of quantities the King Manifold. Some of the observed correlations may be usable as distance indicator relations for globular clusters.
Djorgovski, S.↗
A Very Large Array search for emission from HI associated with nearby Lyman alpha absorbers
We present a sensitive Very Large Array (VLA) search for H I emission from the vicinity of the Lyman alpha clouds in the Virgo Cluster, which were recently discovered with Hubble Space Telescope (HST) in absorption toward the nearest quasar 3C273. We searched an area of 40 by 40 arcmin centered on 3C273, covering a velocity range from 840 to 1840 km/s. The bandpass was self-calibrated on 3C273 leading to a spectral dynamic range of better than 10(exp 5) to 1. No H I was detected. The rms noise in the final images corresponds to a 3 sigma column density sensitivity of 2.8 x 10(exp 19) sq cm on scales of a few kpc. Small H I clouds could have been detected down to a few times 10(exp 6) solar mass. Our failure to detect H I emission at the higher column densities sets a lower limit to the radius of the Lyman alpha clouds of 3.9 kpc, assuming a spherical geometry.
Van Gorkom, J. H.↗
Nonadiabatically Driven Quantum Interference Effects in the Ultracold K + KRb → Rb + K 2 Chemical Reaction
The K + KRb → Rb + K 2 chemical reaction is the first ultracold atom–diatom chemical reaction for which experimental results have been reported for temperatures below 1 μK more than a decade ago. The reaction occurs through coupling with an excited electronic state that is accessible even in the ultracold limit. A previous quantum dynamics study, excluding nonadiabatic effects, has reported a rate coefficient that is about 35% below the experimental value. Here, we report the first nonadiabatic quantum dynamics study of this reaction and obtain rate coefficients in better agreement with experiments. Our results show that short-range dynamics mediated by coupling with the excited electronic state introduces quantum interference effects that influence both the state-to-state rate coefficients and the overall reaction rates.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
An extensometer for axial strain measurement at high temperature
Most existing strain measuring instruments, important for the investigation of the mechanical behavior of metals at high temperature, have temperature, strain range, and size limitations. In this short note the authors give the design and construction of an extensometer with sufficient dynamic range and good stability over long periods of time, for measuring the longitudinal strain of plane specimens from 0.001 to 0.1 at temperatures up to 800 C.
Schmidt, J.↗
Solar-diffuser panel and ratioing radiometer approach to satellite sensor on-board calibration
The use of a solar-diffuser panel is a desirable approach to the on-board absolute radiometric calibration of satellite multispectral sensors used for earth observation in the solar reflective spectral range. It provides a full aperture, full field, end-to-end calibration near the top of the sensor's dynamic range and across its entire spectral response range. A serious drawback is that the panel's reflectance, and the response of any simple detector used to monitor its reflectance may change with time. This paper briefly reviews some preflight and on-board methods for absolute calibration and introduces the ratioing-radiometer concept in which the radiance of the panel is ratioed with respect to the solar irradiance at the time the multispectral sensor is viewing the panel in its calibration mode.
Slater, Philip N.↗