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At least 235 records · Page 13

The ratio of deuterium to hydrogen in interstellar space. IV - The lines of sight to Delta, Epsilon, and Iota Orionis

Deuterium absorption features in spectra of Delta, Epsilon, and Iota Ori obtained with Copernicus are analyzed. The Iota Ori line-of-sight analysis, which is quite detailed because of the high-velocity H I components superposed on the deuterium features, gives a D/H ratio (which is uncertain because of a complex profile) of 0.000014. A D/H ratio of the order of 7 millionths is determined for Delta and Epsilon Ori. For the complex line profiles involved, one may regard this as a formal lower limit. Several attempts were made to increase the ratio N(D I)/N(H I) in the context of reasonable models for the line of sight, but with no success; the derived values are therefore regarded as actual values, not lower limits. Since the derived value is an average on the line of sight, the possibility cannot be ruled out that the true ratios N(D I)/N(H I) in individual nearby components differ from the mean values. The mean value for these two directions is lower by a factor of 4 than the best value for the Zeta Pup line of sight (the highest yet derived for path lengths greater than 50 pc).

Laurent, C.↗

Aerodynamic configuration design using response surface methodology analysis

An investigation has been conducted to determine a set of optimal design parameters for a single-stage-to-orbit reentry vehicle. Several configuration geometry parameters which had a large impact on the entry vehicle flying characteristics were selected as design variables: the fuselage fineness ratio, the nose to body length ratio, the nose camber value, the wing planform area scale factor, and the wing location. The optimal geometry parameter values were chosen using a response surface methodology (RSM) technique which allowed for a minimum dry weight configuration design that met a set of aerodynamic performance constraints on the landing speed, and on the subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic trim and stability levels. The RSM technique utilized, specifically the central composite design method, is presented, along with the general vehicle conceptual design process. Results are presented for an optimized configuration along with several design trade cases.

Engelund, Walter C.↗

Measurement of tropospheric 300 nm solar ultraviolet flux for determination of O/1D/ photoproduction rate

The tropospheric importance of the OH radical, and the reaction scheme that leads to its formation, are now being widely investigated. Ozone photolysis at wavelengths no greater than 318 nm produces O(1D), a small fraction of which then reacts with water vapor to yield OH. Although experimental data are available for the O(1D) quantum yield, as well as the O3 absorption cross section, all previous tropospheric photochemical models have had to use theoretical calculations to determine the UV flux. Discussed in this paper are aircraft spectral measurements of the solar UV flux at two altitudes - 2 and 6 km. These results have been compared with three theoretical approaches. The measured experimental fluxes have been combined here with recent quantum yield data to calculate the O(1D) photoproduction rate for various albedo values. This rate is larger than that used in models by about a factor of 2 for reasonable values of assumed albedo.

Sellers, B.↗

Probabilistic Simulation of the Human Factor in Structural Reliability

The formal approach described herein computationally simulates the probable ranges of uncertainties for the human factor in probabilistic assessments of structural reliability. Human factors such as marital status, professional status, home life, job satisfaction, work load, and health are studied by using a multifactor interaction equation (MFIE) model to demonstrate the approach. Parametric studies in conjunction with judgment are used to select reasonable values for the participating factors (primitive variables). Subsequently performed probabilistic sensitivity studies assess the suitability of the MFIE as well as the validity of the whole approach. Results show that uncertainties range from 5 to 30 percent for the most optimistic case, assuming 100 percent for no error (perfect performance).

Chamis, Christos C.↗

Nonlinear Bulging Factors for Longitudinal and Circumferential Cracks in Cylindrical Shells Subjected to Combined Loads

Results of a geometrically nonlinear finite element parametric study to determine curvature correction factors or bulging factors that account for increased crack-tip stresses due to curvature for longitudinal and circumferential cracks in unstiffened cylindrical shells subjected to combined loads are presented. Nondimensional parameters varied in the study include the shell curvature parameter, l , which is a function of the shell radius, the shell wall thickness, and the crack length; a pressure loading parameter, h , which is a function of the shell geometry, material properties and the applied internal pressure; and a biaxial loading parameter, c , which is the ratio of the farfield axial stress to the farfield circumferential stress. The major results are presented in the form of contour plots of the bulging factor as a function of these three nondimensional parameters. These plots identify the ranges of the shell curvature and loading parameters for which the effects of geometric nonlinearity are significant, and show the effect of the biaxial loads on the value of the bulging factor. Simple empirical expressions for the bulging factor are then derived from the numerical results and are shown to predict accurately the nonlinear response of shells with longitudinal and circumferential cracks.

Young, Richard D.↗

Heat transfer in rotating serpentine passages with trips normal to the flow

Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of buoyancy and Coriolis forces on heat transfer in turbine blade internal coolant passages. The experiments were conducted with a large scale, multipass, heat transfer model with both radially inward and outward flow. Trip strips on the leading and trailing surfaces of the radial coolant passages were used to produce the rough walls. An analysis of the governing flow equations showed that four parameters influence the heat transfer in rotating passages: coolant-to-wall temperature ratio, Rossby number, Reynolds number, and radius-to-passage hydraulic diameter ratio. The first three of these four parameters were varied over ranges which are typical of advanced gas turbine engine operating conditions. Results were correlated and compared to previous results from stationary and rotating similar models with trip strips. The heat transfer coefficients on surfaces, where the heat increased with rotation and buoyancy, varied by as much as a factor of four. Maximum values of the heat transfer coefficients with high rotation were only slightly above the highest levels obtained with the smooth wall model. The heat transfer coefficients on surfaces, where the heat transfer decreased with rotation, varied by as much as a factor of three due to rotation and buoyancy. It was concluded that both Coriolis and buoyancy effects must be considered in turbine blade cooling designs with trip strips and that the effects of rotation were markedly different depending upon the flow direction.

Wagner, J. H.↗

Heat transfer in rotating serpentine passages with trips normal to the flow

Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of buoyancy and Coriolis forces on heat transfer in turbine blade internal coolant passages. The experiments were conducted with a large scale, multipass, heat transfer model with both radially inward and outward flow. Trip strips on the leading and trailing surfaces of the radial coolant passages were used to produce the rough walls. An analysis of the governing flow equations showed that four parameters influence the heat transfer in rotating passages: coolant-to-wall temperature ratio, Rossby number, Reynolds number, and radius-to-passage hydraulic diameter ratio. The first three of these four parameters were varied over ranges which are typical of advanced gas turbine engine operating conditions. Results were correlated and compared to previous results from stationary and rotating similar models with trip strips. The heat transfer coefficients on surfaces, where the heat increased with rotation and buoyancy, varied by as much as a factor of four. Maximum values of the heat transfer coefficients with high rotation were only slightly above the highest levels obtained with the smooth wall model. The heat transfer coefficients on surfaces, where the heat transfer decreased with rotation, varied by as much as a factor of three due to rotation and buoyancy. It was concluded that both Coriolis and buoyancy effects must be considered in turbine blade cooling designs with trip strips and that the effects of rotation were markedly different depending upon the flow direction.

Wagner, J. H.↗

Ground Measurements of the Shock-Wave Noise from Airplanes in Level Flight at Mach Numbers to 1.4 and at Altitudes to 45000 Feet

Time histories of noise pressures near ground level were measured during flight tests of fighter-type airplanes over fairly flat, partly wooded terrain in the e Mach number range between 1.13 and 1.4 and at altitudes from 25,000 to 45,000 feet. Atmospheric soundings and radar tracking studies were made for correlation with the measured noise data. The measured and calculated values of the pressure rise across the shock wave were generally in good agreement. There is a tendency for the theory to overestimate the pressure at locations remote from the track and to underestimate the pressures for conditions of high tailwind at altitude. The measured values of ground-reflection factor averaged about 1.8 f or the surface tested as compared to a theoretical value of 2.0. P o booms were measured in all cases. The observers also generally reported two booms; although, in some cases, only one boom was reported. The shock-wave noise associated with some of the flight tests was judged to be objectionable by ground observers, and in one case the cracking of a plate-glass store window was correlated in time with the passage of the airplane at an altitude of 25,000 feet.

Maglieri, Domenic J.↗

CMEs, the Tail of the Solar Wind Magnetic Field Distribution, and 11-yr Cosmic Ray Modulation at 1 AU

Using a recent classification of the solar wind at 1 AU into its principal components (slow solar wind, high-speed streams, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) for 1972-2000, we show that the monthly-averaged galactic cosmic ray intensity is anti-correlated with the percentage of time that the Earth is imbedded in CME flows. We suggest that this correlation results primarily from a CME related change in the tail of the distribution function of hourly-averaged values of the solar wind magnetic field (B) between solar minimum and solar maximum. The number of high-B (square proper subset 10 nT) values increases by a factor of approx. 3 from minimum to maximum (from 5% of all hours to 17%), with about two-thirds of this increase due to CMEs. On an hour-to-hour basis, average changes of cosmic ray intensity at Earth become negative for solar wind magnetic field values square proper subset 10 nT.

Cliver, E. W.↗

Longitudinal Stability Characteristics of a 1/40-Scale Model of a Proposed Configuration of the XF-91 Airplane Measured by the Wing-Flow Method

This report presents the results of an investigation in the transonic speed range of the longitudinal stability characteristics of a proposed configuration for the Republic XF-91 airplane. The tests covered a Mach number range of 0.55 to 1.05 and a Reynolds number range from 400,000 to 1,375,000. Lift, pitching-moment, and rolling-moment characteristics of the half model and the hinge moments on the all-moving tail were measured. The downwash factor delta x epsilon / delta x alpha at the tail was determined from the pitching-moment data. A calculation of the elevator deflection and stick force required for trim was also made. It was found that the variation of force and moment coefficients was linear through the test angle-of-attack range of -1 deg to 8 deg at any Mach number; that the stability increased markedly at Mach numbers above 0.85; that the effectiveness of the tail in producing pitching moments decreased about one-third with increasing Mach numbers and that the value of the downwash factor, delta x epsilon / delta x alpha, at the tail decreased from about 0.35 at a Mach number of 0.85 to about zero at a Mach number near 0.95 and became slightly negative at higher Mach numbers. The calculated values of stick force per g and elevator deflection per g, assuming no aerodynamic balance, increased rapidly above a Mach number of 0.85.

Crane, Harold L.↗

The Effects of Impurities on Protein Crystal Growth and Nucleation: A Preliminary Study

Kubota and Mullin (1995) devised a simple model to account for the effects of impurities on crystal growth of small inorganic and organic molecules in aqueous solutions. Experimentally, the relative step velocity and crystal growth of these molecules asymptotically approach zero or non-zero values with increasing concentrations of impurities. Alternatively, the step velocity and crystal growth can linearly approach zero as the impurity concentration increases. The Kubota-Mullin model assumes that the impurity exhibits Langmuirian adsorption onto the crystal surface. Decreases in step velocities and subsequent growth rates are related to the fractional coverage (theta) of the crystal surface by adsorbed impurities; theta = Kx / (I +Kx), x = mole fraction of impurity in solution. In the presence of impurities, the relative step velocity, V/Vo, and the relative growth rate of a crystal face, G/Go, are proposed to conform to the following equations: V/Vo approx. = G/Go = 1 - (alpha)(theta). The adsorption of impurity is assumed to be rapid and in quasi-equilibrium with the crystal surface sites available. When the value of alpha, an effectiveness factor, is one the growth will asymptotically approach zero with increasing concentrations of impurity. At values less than one, growth approaches a non-zero value asymptotically. When alpha is much greater than one, there will be a linear relationship between impurity concentration and growth rates. Kubota and Mullin expect alpha to decrease with increasing supersaturation and shrinking size of a two dimensional nucleus. It is expected that impurity effects on protein crystal growth will exhibit behavior similar to that of impurities in small molecule growth. A number of proteins were added to purified chicken egg white lysozyme, the effect on crystal nucleation and growth assessed.

Schall, Constance A.↗

SNPP VIIRS RSB on-orbit radiometric calibration algorithms Version 2.0 and the performances. Part II: The performances

In Part I (Lei et. al, submitted to J. of Appl. Rem. Sens.),we gave detailed reviews of the algorithms Version 2.0 used for the on-orbit radiometric calibration of the reflective solar bands (RSBs) of the first Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite instrument. These algorithms improve the accuracy of the measured on-orbit change factor of the solar diffuser bidirectional reflectance distribution function, the H-factor, and reveal that the H-factor is angle dependent. With the help of lunar observations and the improved H-factor, the algorithms give more accurate values for the RSB detector on-orbit F-factor changes (F-factor is a correction factor to the initially retrieved scene spectral radiance). In this paper we review the RSB radiometric calibration performances. We show the H-factor temporal trend, the estimated uncertainty of the retrieved H-factor, and the F-factor temporal trend. Additionally we show the detector signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the estimated uncertainty of the top-of-the-atmosphere solar spectral reflectance, the reflectance temporal trend for the Libya 4 desert, and the differences in the reflectances among the SNPP and the NOAA-20 VIIRS, and the Aqua MODIS. Our results show that although the SNRs trend downwards, they exceed the requirements by large margins. The reflectances from the Libya 4 desert show that the SNPP VIIRS’ reflectance is higher than those of the Aqua MODIS and the NOAA-20 VIIRS.

on-orbit calibration↗

SNPP VIIRS RSB on-orbit radiometric calibration algorithms Version 2.0 and the performances. Part II: The performances

In Part I (Lei et. al, submitted to J. of Appl. Rem. Sens.),we gave detailed reviews of the algorithms Version 2.0 used for the on-orbit radiometric calibration of the reflective solar bands (RSBs) of the first Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite instrument. These algorithms improve the accuracy of the measured on-orbit change factor of the solar diffuser bidirectional reflectance distribution function, the H-factor, and reveal that the H-factor is angle dependent. With the help of lunar observations and the improved H-factor, the algorithms give more accurate values for the RSB detector on-orbit F-factor changes (F-factor is a correction factor to the initially retrieved scene spectral radiance). In this paper we review the RSB radiometric calibration performances. We show the H-factor temporal trend, the estimated uncertainty of the retrieved H-factor, and the F-factor temporal trend. Additionally we show the detector signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the estimated uncertainty of the top-of-the-atmosphere solar spectral reflectance, the reflectance temporal trend for the Libya 4 desert, and the differences in the reflectances among the SNPP and the NOAA-20 VIIRS, and the Aqua MODIS. Our results show that although the SNRs trend downwards, they exceed the requirements by large margins. The reflectances from the Libya 4 desert show that the SNPP VIIRS’ reflectance is higher than those of the Aqua MODIS and the NOAA-20 VIIRS

Ning Lei↗

Effects of constraint on crack growth under aircraft spectrum loading

The objective is to study the effects of constraint on fatigue crack growth under aircraft spectrum loading. A plasticity-induced crack-closure model that accounts for constraint variations during the transition from flat-to-slant crack growth was used to correlate crack-growth rate data under constant-amplitude loading and to calculate crack growth under simulated aircraft spectrum loading. The model was applied to several thin-sheet aluminum alloy materials. Under laboratory air conditions, the transition was shown to be related to the size of the cyclic plastic zone based on the effective stress-intensity factor range for several sheet materials and thicknesses. Results from three-dimensional, elastic-plastic, finite-element analyses of a flat, straight-through crack in a thin-sheet aluminum alloy specimen showed a constraint loss similar to that assumed in the model. Using test data and the closure model, the location of the constraint-loss regime in terms of growth rate and the value of the constraint factor at these rates were determined by trial and error. The model was then used to calculate crack growth under the TWIST spectrum. The calculated results agreed reasonably well with test data. In general, the model predicted shorter crack-growth lives than tests under the TWIST spectrum by about 40 percent. For the TWIST spectrum clipped at Level 3, the calculated lives were within about 20 percent. The results demonstrated that constraint variations, especially for thin-sheet alloys, should be accounted for to predict crack growth under typical aircraft spectra.

Newman, J. C., Jr.↗

Cosmic ray spectra measurements at the Yakutsk EAS array

The extensive air showers (EAS) spectra on rho 600 obtained at the Yakutak array for 38000 operation hours in 1974 to 1982 are presented. The refined value of the conversion factor from rho 600 to E sub is given and based on it the primary energy spectrum is obtained. The Yakutsk EAS array classifies the showers on parameters which are well measured in real showers: in the central part - on Rho sub 300 and on the whole array - on Rho sub 600. The shower spectra are constructed first on these parameters, than - a single spectrum on Rho sub 600. The RHO sub 300 and Rho sub 600 values are determined on the particle lateral distribution function (LDF) obtained in Yakutsk and on approximation Rho approx. R sup/n using the experimental points closest to R* (300 and 600 m).

Glushkov, A. V.↗

Direct entry of dense flowing plasmas into the distant tail lobes

Electric field, magnetic field, and spacecraft potential measurements on the Geotail satellite have confirmed earlier observations of relatively dense flowing plasmas in the magnetotail lobes. Within these flowing plasmas, density discontinuities of factors of 2 to 4 were observed. At least 15 of the 18 magnetopause crossings that occurred during a 24-hour interval when the spacecraft was at GSM coordinates near X = -140 R(sub e), Y = 0, and Z = 15 R(sub e), were rotational discontinuities across which the magnetosheath plasma had direct entry into the tail lobes. Within the lobes near the rotational discontinuities, the spacecraft typically crossed a second boundary at which the plasma density decreased from its magnetosheath value by a typical factor of 1.5 to 3 while the magnetic field strength and flow speed increased. Equatorward of this density discontinuity, the plasma density and flow remained appreciable. At least 2 of the 18 magnetopause crossings may have been tangential discontinuities across which the density and magnetic field strength both changed. Within the lobes near these tangential discontinuities, significant densities of flowing plasma were observed. Since 11 of the 18 discontinuities were crossed within a time interval of less than 7 seconds, the bondary current layer was well-defined and very thin.

Mozer, F. S.↗

Constraining the Global, Cloud-Free Reflected Solar Radiation Flux (RSRF) with Earth Observing System (EOS) Instruments

Variations in the top-of-atmosphere reflected solar radiation flux, and in the factors that determine its value, are among the most important diagnostic indicators of changes in Earth's energy balance. Data from the MISR (Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer), MODIS (Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer), SAGE-3 (Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment), and CERES (Clouds and Earth's Radiant Energy System), all of which are spacecraft instruments scheduled for launch in 1999, will each constrain pieces of the RSRF budget. Prior to launch, we are performing studies to determine the sensitivity of these instruments to key factors that influence the cloud-free RSRF: aerosol optical depth, aerosol scattering properties, and surface visible bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF). We are also assessing the ability of the aggregate of instruments to constrain the overall RSRF budget under natural conditions over the globe. Consider the MISR retrieval of aerosols: according to simulations over cloud-free, calm ocean, for pure particles with natural ranges of optical depth, particle size, and indices of refraction, MISR can retrieve column aerosol optical depth for all but the darkest particles, to an uncertainty of at most 0.05 or 20%, whichever is larger, even if the particle properties are poorly known. For one common particle type, soot, constraints on the optical depth over dark ocean are very poor. The simulated measurements also allow us to distinguish spherical from non-spherical particles, to separate two to four compositional groups based on indices of refraction, and to identify three to four distinct size groups between 0. 1 and 2.0 microns characteristic radius at most latitudes. Based on these results, we expect to distinguish air masses containing different aerosol types, routinely and globally, with multiangle remote sensing data. Such results far exceed current satellite aerosol retrieval capabilities, which provide only total optical depth for assumed particle properties; the new information will complement in situ data, which give details about aerosol size and composition locally. In addition, our team is using climatologies that reflect the constraints each instrument is expected to provide, along with ERBE (Earth Radiation Budget Experiment) data and a radiative transfer code, to study overall sensitivity to RSRF, helping us prepare for similar studies with new data from the EOS-era instruments.

Kahn, Ralph↗

Inflight Radiometric Calibration of New Horizons' Multispectral Visible Imaging Camera (MVIC)

We discuss two semi-independent calibration techniques used to determine the inflight radiometric calibration for the New Horizons Multi-spectral Visible Imaging Camera (MVIC). The first calibration technique compares the measured number of counts (DN) observed from a number of well calibrated stars to those predicted using the component-level calibration. The ratio of these values provides a multiplicative factor that allows a conversation between the preflight calibration to the more accurate inflight one, for each detector. The second calibration technique is a channel-wise relative radiometric calibration for MVIC's blue, near-infrared and methane color channels using Hubble and New Horizons observations of Charon and scaling from the red channel stellar calibration. Both calibration techniques produce very similar results (better than 7% agreement), providing strong validation for the techniques used. Since the stellar calibration described here can be performed without a color target in the field of view and covers all of MVIC's detectors, this calibration was used to provide the radiometric keyword values delivered by the New Horizons project to the Planetary Data System (PDS). These keyword values allow each observation to be converted from counts to physical units; a description of how these keyword values were generated is included. Finally, mitigation techniques adopted for the gain drift observed in the near-infrared detector and one of the panchromatic framing cameras are also discussed.

Howett, C. J. A.↗