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At least 235 records · Page 13

Solid Carbonyl Sulphide (OCS) in W33A

We present ground-based observations of the 2041/cm (4.9 micrometer) absorption feature toward the deeply embedded protostar W33A. We attribute this interstellar feature to solid carbonyl sulphide (OCS) embedded in icy grain mantles along the line of sight. We have made an extensive laboratory study of the infrared characteristics of OCS in various ice mixtures. Studies of the 2041/cm band of solid OCS and solid mixtures containing OCS show that its shape and peak position are sensitive to the molecular environment of the OCS molecule. Mie scattering calculations show that the peak position and profile of the OCS band depend on the shape and size of the absorbing grain when the OCS concentration is larger than 0.05. For lower OCS concentrations, laboratory-measured bulk spectra agree very well with the absorption spectra of small grains. We have compared the observed feature with laboratory and theoretical spectra of astrophysically relevant mixtures. The best agreement is obtained for mixtures with traces of OCS in a methanol-rich matrix. This would suggest the presence of independent grain components and in particular of a minor fraction of methanol-rich icy grain mantles in which OCS is embedded. From the strength of the absorption feature we deduce a OCS/H 20 ratio, along the line of sight, of 4 x 10(exp -4).

Palumbo, M. E.↗

Solid Carbonyl Sulphide (OCS) in W33A

We present ground-based observations of the 2041 cm(exp -1) (4.9 mm) absorption feature toward the deeply embedded protostar W33A. We attribute this interstellar feature to solid carbonyl sulphide (OCS) embedded in icy grain mantles along the line of sight. We have made an extensive laboratory study of the infrared characteristics of OCS in various ice mixtures. Studies of the 2041 cm(exp -1) band of solid OCS and solid mixtures containing OCS show that its shape and peak position are sensitive to the molecular environment of the OCS molecule. Mie scattering calculations show that the peak position and profile of the OCS band depend on the shape and size of the absorbing grain when the OCS concentration is larger than 0.05. For lower OCS concentrations, laboratory-measured bulk spectra agree very well with the absorption spectra of small grains. We have compared the observed feature with laboratory and theoretical spectra of astrophysically relevant mixtures. The best agreement is obtained for mixtures with traces of OCS in a methanol-rich matrix. This would suggest the presence of independent grain components and in particular of a minor fraction of methanol-rich icy grain mantles in which OCS is embedded. From the strength of the absorption feature we deduce a OCS/H2O ratio, along the line of sight, of 4 x 10(exp -4).

Palumbo, M. E.↗

Investigation of Strain/Vorticity and Large-Scale Flow Structure in Turbulent Nonpremixed Jet Flames

Our study will use the microgravity environment to investigate the underlying flow structure of turbulent nonpremixed round jet flames. In particular, we aim to investigate the large-scale turbulent structure using planar laser Mie scattering (PLMS), and the strain rate and vorticity fields using particle image velocimetry (PIV). This work is motivated by recent studies in our laboratory that have led to several interesting observations of nominally momentum-driven turbulent nonpremixed planar flames. First of all, the organized large-scale turbulent structures that are observed in nonreacting planar jets may be substantially modified or suppressed in nonpremixed planar jet flames. Furthermore, a recent study using PIV and planar laser-induced fluorescence of OH has shown that in transitional and turbulent nonpremixed planar jet flames the presence of the flame seems to greatly influence the underlying vorticity and strain fields, as compared to nonreacting jets. For example, the reaction zones in the jet flames are strongly correlated with regions of high vorticity. A related study has demonstrated that vorticity is not correlated in the same way with either iso-scalar surfaces or scalar dissipation layers in nonreacting planar jets. Furthermore, the relationship between strain and the reaction zone appears to be modified by the presence of high levels of heat release. In particular, the strain rate field in planar jet flames exhibits a preferred direction of principal compressive strain that apparently is related to strong shear across the reaction zone. This preferred direction of strain was not observed in nonreacting jets. One of the major problems encountered when conducting these types of studies is that it is difficult to know to what extent buoyancy influences the results. Therefore, the microgravity environment provides us with an excellent opportunity to explore these issues without the complicating effects of buoyancy. This is particularly the case when studying flames that are transitional between laminar and turbulent states. For example, the strong correlation of vorticity with the reaction zone (discussed above) was observed in both transitional and turbulent planar flames, but the effect was stronger for the transitional case. To date, the reason for the presence of the vorticity-reaction zone correlation is not known, although vorticity production via baroclinic torque is a likely cause. The microgravity environment will allow us to specifically determine whether the vorticity is produced by baroclinic torque resulting from the flame density gradient acting with the hydrostatic pressure gradient.AAdditional details of the planned experiments are provided.

Clemens, N. T.↗

Parameterizing the Raindrop Size Distribution

This paper addresses the problem of finding a parametric form for the raindrop size distribution (DSD) that(1) is an appropriate model for tropical rainfall, and (2) involves statistically independent parameters. Such a parameterization is derived in this paper. One of the resulting three "canonical" parameters turns out to vary relatively little, thus making the parameterization particularly useful for remote sensing applications. In fact, a new set of r drop-size-distribution-based Z-R and k-R relations is obtained. Only slightly more complex than power laws, they are very good approximations to the exact radar relations one would obtain using Mie scattering. The coefficients of the new relations are directly related to the shape parameters of the particular DSD that one starts with. Perhaps most important, since the coefficients are independent of the rain rate itself, the relations are ideally suited for rain retrieval algorithms.

Haddad, Ziad S.↗

Raman Gas Species Measurements in Hydrocarbon-Fueled Rocket Engine Injector Flows

Propellent injector development at MSFC (Marshall Space Flight Center) includes experimental analysis using optical techniques, such as Raman, fluorescence, or Mie scattering. For the application of spontaneous Raman scattering to hydrocarbon-fueled flows a technique needs to be developed to remove the interfering polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon fluorescence from the relatively weak Raman signals. A current application of such a technique is to the analysis of the mixing and combustion performance of multijet, impinging-jet candidate fuel injectors for the baseline Mars ascent engine, which will burn methane and liquid oxygen produced in-situ on Mars to reduce the propellent mass transported to Mars for future manned Mars missions. The present technique takes advantage of the strongly polarized nature of Raman scattering. It is shown to be discernable from unpolarized fluorescence interference by subtracting one polarized image from another. Both of these polarized images are obtained from a single laser pulse by using a polarization-separating calcite rhomb mounted in the imaging spectrograph. A demonstration in a propane-air flame is presented.

Wehrmeyer, Joseph A.↗

Raman Gas Species Measurements in Hydrocarbon-Fueled Rocket Engine Injector Flows

Rocket engine propellent injector development at NASA-Marshall includes experimental analysis using optical techniques, such as Raman, fluorescence, or Mie scattering. For the application of spontaneous Raman scattering to hydrocarbon-fueled flows a technique needs to be developed to remove the interfering polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon fluorescence from the relatively weak Raman signals. A current application of such a technique is to the analysis of the mixing and combustion performance of multijet, impinging-jet candidate fuel injectors for the baseline Mars ascent engine, which will burn methane and liquid oxygen produced in-situ on Mars to reduce the propellent mass transported to Mars for future manned Mars missions. The Raman technique takes advantage of the strongly polarized nature of Raman scattering. It is shown to be discernable from unpolarized fluorescence interference by subtracting one polarized image from another. Both of these polarized images are obtained from a single laser pulse by using a polarization-separating calcite rhomb mounted in the imaging spectrograph. A demonstration in a propane-air flame is presented, as well as a high pressure demonstration in the NASA-Marshall Modular Combustion Test Artice, using the liquid methane-liquid oxygen propellant system

Wehrmeyer, Joseph↗

Optical Measurement and Visualization in High-Pressure, High-Temperature, Aviation Gas Turbine Combustors

Planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF), planar Mie scattering (PMie), and linear (1-D) spontaneous Raman scattering are applied to flame tube and sector combustors that burn Jet-A fuel at a range of inlet temperatures and pressures that simulate conditions expected in future high-performance civilian gas turbine engines. Chemiluminescence arising from C2 in the flame was also imaged. Flame spectral emissions measurements were obtained using a scanning spectrometer. Several different advanced concept fuel injectors were examined. First-ever PLIF and chemiluminescence data are presented from the 60-atm Gas turbine combustor facility.

Hicks, Yolanda R.↗

Non-Intrusive, Laser-Based Imaging of Jet-A Fuel Injection and Combustion Species in High Pressure, Subsonic Flows

The emphasis of combustion research efforts at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is on collaborating with industry to design and test gas-turbine combustors and subcomponents for both sub- and supersonic applications. These next-generation aircraft combustors are required to meet strict international environmental restrictions limiting emissions. To meet these goals, innovative combustor concepts require operation at temperatures and pressures far exceeding those of current designs. New and innovative diagnostic tools are necessary to characterize these flow streams since existing methods are inadequate. The combustion diagnostics team at GRC has implemented a suite of highly sensitive, nonintrusive optical imaging methods to diagnose the flowfields of these new engine concepts. By using optically accessible combustors and flame-tubes, imaging of fuel and intermediate combustion species via planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) at realistic pressures are now possible. Direct imaging of the fuel injection process through both planar Mie scattering and PLIF methods is also performed. Additionally, a novel combination of planar fuel fluorescence imaging and computational analysis allows a 3-D examination of the flowfield, resulting in spatially and temporally resolved fuel/air volume distribution maps. These maps provide detailed insight into the fuel injection process at actual conditions, thereby greatly enhancing the evaluation of fuel injector performance and other combustion phenomena. Stable species such as CO2, O2, N2, H2O, and hydrocarbons are also investigated by a newly demonstrated 1-D, spontaneous Raman spectroscopic method. This visible wavelength Raman technique allows the acquisition of quantitative, stable species concentration measurements from the flow.

Locke, R. J.↗

The Infrared Reflection Nebula Around the Protostellar System in S140

We have studied the protostellar system in S140 at 2.2, 3.1 and 3.45 microns using a 128x128 InSb array at the Lick Observatory 3m telescope. Besides the protostellar sources, the data reveal a bright infrared reflection nebula. We have developed a simple model of this region and derived the physical conditions. IRSI is surrounded by a dense dusty disk viewed almost edge-on. Photons leaking out through the poles illuminate almost directly north and south the inner edge of a surrounding shell of molecular gas, Analysis of the observed colors and intensities of the NIR light, using Mie scattering theory, reveal that the dust grains in the molecular cloud are somewhat larger than in the general diffuse interstellar medium. Moreover, the incident light has a "cool" color temperature, approximately equals 800K, and likely originates from a dust photosphere close to the protostar. Finally, we find little H2O ice associated with the dusty disk around IRSI. Most of the 3.1 micron ice extinction arises instead from cool intervening molecular cloud material. We have compared our infrared dust observations with millimeter and radio observations of molecular gas associated with this region. The large scale structure observable in the molecular gas is indicative of the interaction between the protostellar wind and the surrounding molecular cloud rather than the geometry of the protostellar disk. We conclude that S140 is a young blister formed by this outflow on the side of a molecular cloud and viewed edge-on.

Harker, D.↗

Quantitative Laser-Saturated Fluorescence Measurements of Nitric Oxide in a Heptane Spray Flame

We report spatially resolved laser-saturated fluorescence measurements of NO concentration in a pre-heated, lean-direct injection (LDI) spray flame at atmospheric pressure. The spray is produced by a hollow-cone, pressure-atomized nozzle supplied with liquid heptane. NO is excited via the Q2(26.5) transition of the gamma(0,0) band. Detection is performed in a 2-nm region centered on the gamma(0,1) band. Because of the relatively close spectral spacing between the excitation (226 nm) and detection wavelengths (236 nm), the gamma(0,1) band of NO cannot be isolated from the spectral wings of the Mie scattering signal produced by the spray. To account for the resulting superposition of the fluorescence and scattering signals, a background subtraction method has been developed that utilizes a nearby non-resonant wavelength. Excitation scans have been performed to locate the optimum off-line wavelength. Detection scans have been performed at problematic locations in the flame to determine possible fluorescence interferences from UHCs and PAHs at both the on-line and off-line excitation wavelengths. Quantitative radial NO profiles are presented and analyzed so as to better understand the operation of lean-direct injectors for gas turbine combustors.

Cooper, Clayton S.↗

Turbulent Flame Processes Via Diffusion Flame-Vortex Ring Interactions

Flame-vortex interactions are canonical configurations that can be used to study the underlying processes occurring in turbulent reacting flows. This configuration contains many of the fundamental aspects of the coupling between fluid dynamics and combustion that could be investigated with more controllable conditions than are possible under direct investigations of turbulent flames. Diffusion flame-vortex ring interaction contains many of the fundamental elements of flow, transport, combustion, and soot processes found in turbulent diffusion flames. Some of these elements include concentrated vorticity, entrainment and mixing, strain and nonequilibrium phenomena, diffusion and differential diffusion, partial premixing and diluent effects, soot formation and oxidation, and heat release effects. Such simplified flowfield allows the complex processes to be examined more closely and yet preserving the physical processes present in turbulent reacting flows. Furthermore, experimental results from the study of flame-vortex interactions are useful for the validation of numerical simulations and more importantly to deepen our understanding of the fundamental processes present in reacting flows. Experimental and numerical results obtained under microgravity conditions of the diffusion flame-vortex ring interaction are summarized in this paper. Results are obtained using techniques that include Flame Luminosity Imaging (FLI), Laser Soot-Mie Scattering (LSMS), Computational Fluid Dynamics and Combustion (CFDC), and Diode Laser Spectroscopy/Iterative Temperature with Assumed Chemistry (DLS/ITAC).

Dahm, Werner J. A.↗

Non-Intrusive, Laser-Based Imaging of Jet-A Fuel Injection and Combustion Species in High Pressure, Subsonic Flows

The emphasis of combustion research efforts at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is on collaborating with industry to design and test gas-turbine combustors and subcomponents for both sub- and supersonic applications. These next-generation aircraft combustors are required to meet strict international environmental restrictions limiting emissions. To meet these goals, innovative combustor concepts require operation at temperatures and pressures far exceeding those of cur-rent designs. New and innovative diagnostic tools are necessary to characterize these flow streams since existing methods are inadequate. The combustion diagnostics team at GRC has implemented a suite of highly sensitive, nonintrusive optical imaging methods to diagnose the flowfields of these new engine concepts. By using optically accessible combustors and flametubes, imaging of fuel and intermediate combustion species via planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) at realistic pressures are now possible. Direct imaging of the fuel injection process through both planar Mie scattering and PLIF methods is also performed. Additionally, a novel combination of planar fuel fluorescence imaging and computational analysis allows a 3-D examination of the flowfield, resulting in spatially and temporally resolved fuel/air volume distribution maps. These maps provide detailed insight into the fuel injection process at actual conditions, thereby greatly enhancing the evaluation of fuel injector performance and other combustion phenomena. Stable species such as CO2, O2, N2O. and hydrocarbons are also investigated by a newly demonstrated 1-D, spontaneous Raman spectroscopic method. This visible wavelength Raman technique allows the acquisition of quantitative. stable species concentration measurements from the flow.

Locke, Randy J.↗

On the Calculation of Anisotropic Extinction Coefficients for Rigid Fibrous Ceramic Insulations

The specific anisotropic extinction coefficient e* couples the effective Radiative properties of a fibrous insulation into the radiation diffusion equation. This coefficient can be calculated using Mie scattering theory if fiber diameters, refractive indices and fiber orientation distributions are known. In general, fiber orientation distributions are not readily accessible and past calculations have considered fibers as either randomly distributed or normal to the heat flow direction. In certain rigid fibrous ceramic insulations neither of these cases apply well and a simple procedure is described for approximating e* from values calculated for the random and normal orientation cases. The intrinsic error associated with this scaling procedure is investigated. Numerical computations for several test structures and fiber materials show the average error to be less than 5% for net heat flux and radiation conductivity calculations.

Marshall, Jochen↗

Raman Spectroscopy for Instantaneous Multipoint, Multispecies Gas Concentration and Temperature Measurements in Rocket Engine Propellant Injector Flows

Propellent injector development at MSFC includes experimental analysis using optical techniques, such as Raman, fluorescence, or Mie scattering. For the application of spontaneous Raman scattering to hydrocarbon-fueled flows a technique needs to be developed to remove the interfering polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon fluorescence from the relatively weak Raman signals. A current application of such a technique is to the analysis of the mixing and combustion performance of multijet, impinging-jet candidate fuel injectors for the baseline Mars ascent engine, which will bum methane and liquid oxygen produced in-situ on Mars to reduce the propellent mass transported to Mars for future manned Mars missions. The present technique takes advantage of the strongly polarized nature of Raman scattering. It is shown to be discernable from unpolarized fluorescence interference by subtracting one polarized image from another. Both of these polarized images are obtained from a single laser pulse by using a polarization-separating calcite rhomb mounted in the imaging spectrograph. A demonstration in a propane-air flame is presented.

Wehrmeyer, Joseph A.↗

Raman Spectroscopy for Instantaneous Multipoint, Multispecies Gas Concentration and Temperature Measurements in Rocket Engine Propellant Injector Flows

Propellant injector development at MSFC includes experimental analysis using optical techniques, such as Raman, fluorescence, or Mie scattering. For the application of spontaneous Raman scattering to hydrocarbon-fueled flows a technique needs to be developed to remove the interfering polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon fluorescence from the relatively weak Raman signals. A current application of such a technique is to the analysis of the mixing and combustion performance of multijet, impinging-jet candidate fuel injectors for the baseline Mars ascent engine, which will burn methane and liquid oxygen produced in-situ on Mars to reduce the propellant mass transported to Mars for future manned Mars missions. The present technique takes advantage of the strongly polarized nature of Raman scattering. It is shown to be discernable from unpolarized fluorescence interference by subtracting one polarized image from another. Both of these polarized images are obtained from a single laser pulse by using a polarization-separating calcite rhomb mounted in the imaging spectrograph. A demonstration in a propane-air flame is presented.

Wehrmeyer, Joseph A.↗

Impact of Mineral Aerosol on TOVS Temperature and Moisture Retrievals

Mineral aerosols can absorb significant radiation in the infrared spectrum. Consequently, there may be errors in TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS) retrieved temperature and moisture profiles in regions of heavy dust loading. We first investigate the potential error in the temperature retrievals and secondly attempt to account for radiative effects of the dust in retrievals. Information on the dust concentrations and size distribution is from the Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Transport model (GOCART). Aerosol optical parameters are calculated from mie scattering theory assuming a composition of pure illite. We used the cloud-clearing DAO TOVS retrieval system of Joiner and Rokke (2000). It is incorporated into the Data Assimilation Office (DAO) Finite Volume Data Assimilation System (NDAS). The advantage of this approach is that the first guess temperature profile used in the TOVS retrieval are forecasted temperatures from the previous assimilated time period. The operational DAO fvDAS was run for 10 days during June 2001 during a period of dust outbreaks off the coast of Africa over the Atlantic. The observed minus the forecast (O-F) brightness temperature at each TOVS channel is a measure of the accuracy of the retrieval. Since there was no account of dust during this operational run, a dependence of O-F on the estimated atmospheric dust concentrations from GOCART indicates that the dust is contaminating the TOVS retrievals. Channels that measure the surface temperature, lower tropospheric temperature and moisture show this dependence. There are errors in the retrieved brightness temperature of a half a degree or more during heavy dust loading conditions. The forecasted brightness temperature is always greater than the observed value. The radiative transfer module used in the DAO TOVS retrieval system was modified to account for dust. We calculate the sensitivity of the brightness temperature of the TOVS channels to the dust concentrations in GOCART assuming pure illite. For most channels the observed relationship between O-F and dust concentrations in GOCART is consistent with these calculated sensitivities. The fvDAS run was repeated using the modified DAO TOVS retrieval system that accounts for dust. Preliminary results from this run show that there are significant effects on the retrieved surface temperature and tropospheric moisture.

Weaver, Clark↗

Enhancement of Optical Nonlinearities in Composite Media and Structures via Local Fields and Electromagnetic Coupling Effects

This talk will review the linear and nonlinear optical properties of metal nanoparticles and dielectric microparticles, with an emphasis on local field effects, and whispering gallery modes (WGMs), as well as the conjunction of these two effects for enhanced Raman. In particular, enhanced optical properties that result from electromagnetic coupling effects will be discussed in the context of Mie scattering from concentric spheres and bispheres. Predictions of mode splitting and photonic bandgaps in micro-spheres will be presented and will be shown to be analogous to effects that occur in coupled resonator optical waveguides (CROW). Slow and fast light in SCISSOR / CROW configurations will also be discussed.

Smith, David D.↗