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At least 253 records · Page 14

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NASA NTRS1972

Refractive index and birefringence of 2H silicon carbide

The refractive indices of 2H SiC were measured over the wavelength range 435.8 to 650.9 nm by the method of minimum deviation. At the wavelength lambda = 546.1 nm, the ordinary index n sub 0 was 2.6480 and the extraordinary index n sub e was 2.7237. The estimated error (standard deviation) in the measured values is 0.0006 for n sub 0 and 0.0009 for n sub e. The experimental data were curve fitted to the Cauchy equation for the index of refraction as a function of wavelength. The birefringence of 2H SiC was found to vary from 0.0719 at lambda = 650.9 nm to 0.0846 at lambda = 435.8 nm.

Powell, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Nuclear reactor descriptions for space power systems analysis

For the small, high performance reactors required for space electric applications, adequate neutronic analysis is of crucial importance, but in terms of computational time consumed, nuclear calculations probably yield the least amount of detail for mission analysis study. It has been found possible, after generation of only a few designs of a reactor family in elaborate thermomechanical and nuclear detail to use simple curve fitting techniques to assure desired neutronic performance while still performing the thermomechanical analysis in explicit detail. The resulting speed-up in computation time permits a broad detailed examination of constraints by the mission analyst.

Mccauley, E. W.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Statistical analysis of landing contact conditions for three lifting body research vehicles

The landing contact conditions for the HL-10, M2-F2/F3, and the X-24A lifting body vehicles are analyzed statistically for 81 landings. The landing contact parameters analyzed are true airspeed, peak normal acceleration at the center of gravity, roll angle, and roll velocity. Ground measurement parameters analyzed are lateral and longitudinal distance from intended touchdown, lateral distance from touchdown to full stop, and rollout distance. The results are presented in the form of histograms for frequency distributions and cumulative frequency distribution probability curves with a Pearson Type 3 curve fit for extrapolation purposes.

Larson, R. R.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Thermal effects in equilibrium surface segregation in a copper/10-atomic-percent-aluminum alloy using Auger electron spectroscopy

Equilibrium surface segregation of aluminum in a copper-10-atomic-percent-aluminum single crystal alloy oriented in the /111/ direction was demonstrated by using Auger electron spectroscopy. This crystal was in the solid solution range of composition. Equilibrium surface segregation was verified by observing that the aluminum surface concentration varied reversibly with temperature in the range 550 to 850 K. These results were curve fitted to an expression for equilibrium grain boundary segregation and gave a retrieval energy of 5780 J/mole (1380 cal/mole) and a maximum frozen-in surface coverage three times the bulk layer concentration. Analyses concerning the relative merits of sputtering calibration and the effects of evaporation are also included.

Ferrante, J.↗

NASA NTRS1972

A computer program for Moessbauer data processing

A computer program to analyze Mossbauer data is presented in detail. The least-squares curve fitting techniques described apply to single line spectra, single hyperfine spectra, or when the constituent spectra are separated well enough to let the individual absorption peaks stand alone. The present program is not adapted for complex spectra resulting from the existence of several local environments in the absorber iron alloy. Sample problems are presented to aid the user in setting up and running the program. The program is written in FORTRAN 4 language for the Control Data 6000 series digital computer with the SCOPE 3.0 operating system and requires approximately 115,000 octal locations of core storage. A typical case with one absorption peak runs in 20 seconds, and a typical problem with six absorption peaks requires 50 seconds.

Howser, L. M.↗

NASA NTRS1972

The selection of approximating functions for tabulated numerical data

A computer program was developed that selects, from a list of candidate functions, the approximating functions and associated coefficients which result in the best curve fit of a given set of numerical data. The advantages of the approach used here are: (1) Multivariable approximations can be performed. (2) Flexibility with respect to the type of approximations used is available. (3) The program is designed to choose the best terms to be used in the approximation from an arbitrary list of possible terms so that little knowledge of the proper approximating form is required. (4) Recursion relations are used in determining the coefficients of the approximating functions, which reduces the computer execution time of the program.

Ingram, H. L.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Polynomial approximations of thermodynamic properties of arbitrary gas mixtures over wide pressure and density ranges

Computer programs for flow fields around planetary entry vehicles require real-gas equilibrium thermodynamic properties in a simple form which can be evaluated quickly. To fill this need, polynomial approximations were found for thermodynamic properties of air and model planetary atmospheres. A coefficient-averaging technique was used for curve fitting in lieu of the usual least-squares method. The polynomials consist of terms up to the ninth degree in each of two variables (essentially pressure and density) including all cross terms. Four of these polynomials can be joined to cover, for example, a range of about 1000 to 11000 K and 0.00001 to 1 atmosphere (1 atm = 1.0133 x 100,000 N/m sq) for a given thermodynamic property. Relative errors of less than 1 percent are found over most of the applicable range.

Allison, D. O.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Refractive index and birefringence of 2H silicon carbide.

Measurement of the refractive indices of 2H SiC over the wavelength range from 435.8 to 650.9 nm by the method of minimum deviation. A curve fit of the experimental data to the Cauchy dispersion equation yielded, for the ordinary index, n sub zero = 2.5513 + 25,850/lambda squared + 8.928 x 10 to the 8th power/lambda to the 4th power and, for the extraordinary index, n sub e = 2.6161 + 28,230/lambda squared + 11.490 x 10 to the 8th power/lambda to the 4th power when lambda is expressed in nm. The estimated error (standard deviation) in these values is plus or minus 0.0006 for n sub zero and plus or minus 0.0009 for n sub e. The birefringence calculated from these expressions is about 20% less than previously published values.

Powell, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Flow interference in a variable porosity trisonic wind tunnel.

Pressure data from a 20-degree cone-cylinder in a variable porosity wind tunnel for the Mach range 0.2 to 5.0 are compared to an interference free standard in order to determine wall interference effects. Four 20-degree cone-cylinder models representing an approximate range of percent blockage from one to six were compared to curve-fits of the interference free standard at each Mach number and errors determined at each pressure tap location. The average of the absolute values of the percent error over the length of the model was determined and used as the criterion for evaluating model blockage interference effects. The results are presented in the form of the percent error as a function of model blockage and Mach number.

Davis, J. W.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Development of procedures for calculating stiffness and damping properties of elastomers in engineering applications. Part 1: Verification of basic methods

The primary aim of this investigation was verification of basic methods which are to be used in cataloging elastomer dynamic properties (stiffness and damping) in terms of viscoelastic model constants. These constants may then be used to predict dynamic properties for general elastomer shapes and operating conditions, thereby permitting optimum application of elastomers as energy absorption and/or energy storage devices in the control of vibrations in a broad variety of applications. The efforts reported involved: (1) literature search; (2) the design, fabrication and use of a test rig for obtaining elastomer dynamic test data over a wide range of frequencies, amplitudes, and preloads; and (3) the reduction of the test data, by means of a selected three-element elastomer model and specialized curve fitting techniques, to material properties. Material constants thus obtained have been used to calculate stiffness and damping for comparison with measured test data. These comparisons are excellent for a number of test conditions and only fair to poor for others. The results confirm the validity of the basic approach of the overall program and the mechanics of the cataloging procedure, and at the same time suggest areas in which refinements should be made.

Chiang, T.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Empirical evaluation of pump inlet compliance

Cavitation compliance was determined experimentally from pulsing tests on a number of rocket turbopumps. The primary test data used for this study are those for the Rocketdyne H-1, F-1, and J-2 oxidizer and fuel pumps employed on Saturn vehicles. The study shows that these data can be correlated by a particular form of nondimensionalization, the key feature of which is to divide the operating cavitation number or suction specific speed by its value at head breakdown. An expression is obtained for a best-fit curve for these data. Another set of test data for the Aerojet LR87 and 91 pumps can be correlated by a somewhat different nondimensional pump performance parameter, specifically by relating the cavitation number to its position between the head breakdown point and the point of zero slope of the head coefficient versus cavitation number. Recommendations are given for the estimation of the cavitation compliance for new designs in the Rocketdyne family of pumps.

Ghahremani, F. G.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Thermal conductivity of particulate materials: A summary of measurements taken at the Marshall Space Flight Center

Thermal conductivity measurements of particulate materials in vacuum are presented in summary. Particulate basalt and soda lime glass beads of various size ranges were used as samples. The differentiated line heat source method was used for the measurements. A comprehensive table is shown giving all pertinent experimental conditions. Least-squares curve fits to the data are presented.

Fountain, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1973

A photographic processing control method for ERTS imagery

Radiometric accuracy of ERTS photographic image processing is assured by the use of control targets, i.e., sensitometric strips for equipment certification and end-of-roll targets for process verification. These targets are produced by a sensitometer that is calibrated to cover the performance range parameters. Curve fitting techniques are used to collect performance data accurately, and a feedback procedure indicates malfunctioning.

Peavey, B.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Mini-arc orbit determination for the Geos C altimetry experiment.

The problem is, given simultaneous observations of an altimeter-bearing geodetic satellite, from three or more high-precision radar stations, to determine its orbit to submeter accuracy in the presence of perturbations arising from strong, localized gravitational anomalies. A new solution to this problem involves the use of an f and g series specialized to the determination of radial distance (pertinent to the satellite altimeter experiment) to process data over a very short arc (e.g., 6 sec to 10 min). Such a short arc is termed a 'mini-arc.' In this approach, the data batches are connected by dynamics, rather than by the usual curve fit to a power series in time. A nonunity value of the mass factor is introduced to serve as an 'alias' for the perturbations that affect the satellite's path during the mini arc. The essence of the mini-arc approach is to include the influence of the far, or relatively lower-order, force field analytically and to solve for the remaining fine structure with accuracies that can approach a few centimeters.

Baker, R. M. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Finite amplitude dynamic motion of viscoelastic materials.

It is shown that an integral constitutive relation containing a memory function depending on strain tensor invariants can describe the rheological behavior of finite amplitude oscillatory motion of polymer solutions both qualitatively and quantitatively. Values of the material constants are obtained by a numerical technique of simultaneously curve fitting simple shearing viscosity, first normal stress difference, and small amplitude oscillatory motion data.

Yen, H.-C.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Rational function representation of flap noise spectra including correction for reflection effects

A rational function is presented for the acoustic spectra generated by deflection of engine exhaust jets for under-the-wing and over-the-wing versions of externally blown flaps. The functional representation is intended to provide a means for compact storage of data and for data analysis. The expressions are based on Fourier transform functions for the Strouhal normalized pressure spectral density, and on a correction for reflection effects based on the N-independent-source model of P. Thomas extended by use of a reflected ray transfer function. Curve fit comparisons are presented for blown flap data taken from turbofan engine tests and from large scale cold-flow model tests. Application of the rational function to scrubbing noise theory is also indicated.

Miles, J. H.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Effects of turbulence in the atmosphere of Venus on Pioneer Venus radio, phase 2

Two problems related to the effects of turbulence in the atmosphere of Venus on the Pioneer entry probe radio link were studied. In the first problem, the cross correlation between the log amplitude and phase fluctuations of the Pioneer Venus communications link is examined. Data show that for fluctuation frequencies above approximately 1 Hz there is little or no correlation. For frequencies below this region the correlation is weak and the square root of the coherence has a peak value close to 0.65. The second problem consists of interferring turbulence characteristics of the Venus atmosphere from the Mariner 5 phase fluctuations. Data show that with the data processing techniques developed and currently available, the phase error due to oscillator drift, assumed trajectory delay, and spline curve fit exceed the turbulence induced fluctuations. Results show that it is not possible to interfere with the turbulence characteristics from Mariner 5 phase fluctuations.

Woo, R. T.↗

NASA NTRS1973

An equation of state for oxygen and nitrogen

Recent measurements of the thermodynamic properties of oxygen and nitrogen have been used to develop a single equation of state for both fluids; with appropriate coefficients, the equation describes the pressure-density-temperature surface for each fluid within the estimated experimental uncertainty of the data. The formulation uses least squares curve fitting of the equation of state to the available experimental data (including pressure-density-temperature data, saturation data, and measured isochoric heat capacities). New vapor pressure equations and equations for the ideal gas heat capacities of oxygen and nitrogen are included for use in calculation of derived thermodynamic properties.

Jacobsen, R. T.↗