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At least 253 records · Page 14

Processing of Complex Compound Semiconductors in Space

The purpose of this first year ground based research effort was to develop growth and characterization facilities for bulk single crystals of compound semiconductor alloys. As a system of 2-6 alloy crystal growth, C sub x Mn sub (1-x)Te was chosen since it has a relatively narrow solidus-liquidus separation serving as a suitable first model for zone melting and solution growth. Also, it allows, in principle, perfect lattice matching to Cd sub x Hg sub(1-x)Te that needs to be studied as a model for the investigation of heteroepitaxial growth from Te-solutions. A vertical zone melting furnace was built and used in the synthesis of Cd sub x Mn sub(1-x)Te from the elements and crystal growth in carbon coated fused silica crucibles of Bridgman growth geometry. Photoluminescence spectra of the crystals reveal band to band recombination at energies that agree with the reported literature data. In addition, deep luminescence is present at energies corresponding to proportional shifts from the 1.4 eV deep emission observed for bulk single crystals of CdTe.

Bachmann, K.↗

Forbidden coronal iron-like emission in the Puppis A shock front - The effect of inhomogeneities

CCD images of the shock front at the eastern rim of Pup A, obtained in the forbidden lines of Fe X (6374 A) and Fe XIV (5303 A), are reported and compared to Einstein high-resolution-image soft X-ray data. The observed part of the remnant is complex, containing density irregularities. Optical and X-ray data are consistent in showing a nearly flat gradient of ionization temperature behind the shock. To determine conditions in the shock, scans of surface brightness across it in the optical lines were compared to surface brightnesses predicted by idealized Sedov models. It was not possible to match both the red and green line scans by a simple, single-component model, and the failure is ascribed to the presence of the density inhomogeneities. This result has important implications for the determination of SNR shock-front models by fitting X-ray data with Sedov models.

Teske, Richard G.↗

Potential Flow Theory and Operation Guide for the Panel Code PMARC

The theoretical basis for PMARC, a low-order panel code for modeling complex three-dimensional bodies, in potential flow, is outlined. PMARC can be run on a wide variety of computer platforms, including desktop machines, workstations, and supercomputers. Execution times for PMARC vary tremendously depending on the computer resources used, but typically range from several minutes for simple or moderately complex cases to several hours for very large complex cases. Several of the advanced features currently included in the code, such as internal flow modeling, boundary layer analysis, and time-dependent flow analysis, including problems involving relative motion, are discussed in some detail. The code is written in Fortran77, using adjustable-size arrays so that it can be easily redimensioned to match problem requirements and computer hardware constraints. An overview of the program input is presented. A detailed description of the input parameters is provided in the appendices. PMARC results for several test cases are presented along with analytic or experimental data, where available. The input files for these test cases are given in the appendices. PMARC currently supports plotfile output formats for several commercially available graphics packages. The supported graphics packages are Plot3D, Tecplot, and PmarcViewer.

Ashby, Dale L.↗

Spectral identification/elimination of molecular species in spacecraft glow

Computer models of molecular electronic and vibrational emission intensities were developed. Known radiative emission rates (Einstein coefficients) permit the determination of relative excited state densities from spectral intensities. These codes were applied to the published spectra of glow above shuttle surface and to the Spacelab 1 results of Torr and Torr. The theoretical high-resolution spectra were convolved with the appropriate instrumental slit functions to allow accurate comparison with data. The published spacelab spectrum is complex but N2+ Meinel emission can be clearly identified in the ram spectrum. M2 First Positive emission does not correlate well with observed features, nor does the CN Red System. Spectral overlay comparisons are presented. The spectrum of glow above shuttle surfaces, in contrast to the ISO data, is not highly structured. Diatomic molecular emission was matched to the observed spectral shape. Source excitation mechanisms such as (oxygen atom)-(surface species) reaction product chemiluminescence, surface recombination, or resonance fluorescent re-emission will be discussed for each tentative assignment. These assignments are the necessary first analytical step toward mechanism identification. Different glow mechanisms will occur above surfaces under different orbital conditions.

Green, B. D.↗

Polarimetry of the Interstellar Medium

The talk will review what is known about the composition of ices and organics in the dense and diffuse interstellar media (ISM). Mixed molecular ices make up a significant fraction of the solid materials in dense molecular clouds and it is now known that thermal and radiation processing of these ices results in the production of more complex organic species, some of which may survive transport into forming stellar systems and the diffuse ISM. Molecular species identified in interstellar ices include H2O, CH3OH, CO, CH4, CO2, and somewhat surprisingly, H2. Theoretical and laboratory studies of the processing of interstellar analog ices containing these species indicate that species like HCO, H2CO, CH3, and NH3 are readily made and should also be present. The irradiation of mixed molecular ices containing these species, when followed by warming, leads to the production of a large variety of more complex species, including ethanol (CH3CH2OH), formamide (HC(=O)NH2), acetamide (CH3C(=O)NH2), nitriles or isonitriles (R-CN or R-NC hexamethylenetetramine (HMT; C6H12N4), a number of polymeric species related to polyoxymethylene [POM,(-CH2O-)n], and ketones {R-C(=O)-R'}. Spectral studies of dust in the diffuse ISM indicate the presence of fairly complex organics, some of which may be related to the organics produced in dense molecular clouds. Spectral comparisons indicate that the diffuse ISM organics may be quite similar to meteoritic kerogens, i.e. they may consist largely of aromatic moieties interlinked by short aliphatic bridges. Interestingly, recent evidence indicates that the galactic distribution of this material closely matches that of silicates, but does not correlate directly with visual extinction. This implies that a large fraction of the visual extinction is caused by a material other than these organics and silicates and that this other material has a significantly different distribution within the galaxy.

Sandford, Scott↗

High power densities from high-temperature material interactions

Thermionic energy conversion (TEC) and metallic-fluid heat pipes (MFHPs), offering unique advantages in terrestrial and space energy processing by virtue of operating on working-fluid vaporization/condensation cycles that accept great thermal power densities at high temperatures, share complex materials problems. Simplified equations are presented that verify and solve such problems, suggesting the possibility of cost-effective applications in the near term for TEC and MFHP devices. Among the problems discussed are: the limitation of alkali-metal corrosion, protection against hot external gases, external and internal vaporization, interfacial reactions and diffusion, expansion coefficient matching, and creep deformation.

Morris, J. F.↗

Validation of High-Fidelity CFD Simulations for Rocket Injector Design

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has the potential to improve the historical rocket injector design process by evaluating the sensitivity of performance and injector-driven thermal environments to the details of the injector geometry and key operational parameters. Methodical verification and validation efforts on a range of coaxial injector elements have shown the current production CFD capability must be improved in order to quantitatively impact the injector design process. This paper documents the status of a focused effort to compare and understand the predictive capabilities and computational requirements of a range of CFD methodologies on a set of single element injector model problems. The steady Reynolds-Average Navier-Stokes (RANS), unsteady Reynolds-Average Navier-Stokes (URANS) and three different approaches using the Large Eddy Simulation (LES) technique were used to simulate the initial model problem, a single element coaxial injector using gaseous oxygen and gaseous hydrogen propellants. While one high-fidelity LES result matches the experimental combustion chamber wall heat flux very well, there is no monotonic convergence to the data with increasing computational tool fidelity. Systematic evaluation of key flow field regions such as the flame zone, the head end recirculation zone and the downstream near wall zone has shed significant, though as of yet incomplete, light on the complex, underlying causes for the performance level of each technique. 1 Aerospace Engineer and Combustion CFD Team Leader, MS ER42, NASA MSFC, AL 35812, Senior Member, AIAA. 2 Professor and Director, Computational Combustion Laboratory, School of Aerospace Engineering, 270 Ferst Dr., Atlanta, GA 30332, Associate Fellow, AIAA. 3 Reilly Professor of Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907, Fellow, AIAA. 4 Principal Member of Technical Staff, Combustion Research Facility, 7011 East Avenue, MS9051, Livermore, CA 94550, Associate Fellow, AIAA. 5 J. L. and G. H. McCain Endowed Chair, Mechanical Engineering, 104 Research Building East, University Park, PA 16802, Fellow, AIAA. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics 1

Tucker, P. Kevin↗

Activities of the Structures Division, Lewis Research Center

The purpose of the NASA Lewis Research Center, Structures Division's 1990 Annual Report is to give a brief, but comprehensive, review of the technical accomplishments of the Division during the past calendar year. The report is organized topically to match the Center's Strategic Plan. Over the years, the Structures Division has developed the technology base necessary for improving the future of aeronautical and space propulsion systems. In the future, propulsion systems will need to be lighter, to operate at higher temperatures and to be more reliable in order to achieve higher performance. Achieving these goals is complex and challenging. Our approach has been to work cooperatively with both industry and universities to develop the technology necessary for state-of-the-art advancement in aeronautical and space propulsion systems. The Structures Division consists of four branches: Structural Mechanics, Fatigue and Fracture, Structural Dynamics, and Structural Integrity. This publication describes the work of the four branches by three topic areas of Research: (1) Basic Discipline; (2) Aeropropulsion; and (3) Space Propulsion. Each topic area is further divided into the following: (1) Materials; (2) Structural Mechanics; (3) Life Prediction; (4) Instruments, Controls, and Testing Techniques; and (5) Mechanisms. The publication covers 78 separate topics with a bibliography containing 159 citations. We hope you will find the publication interesting as well as useful.

Source record↗

A multilayer perceptron solution to the match phase problem in rule-based artificial intelligence systems

In rule-based AI planning, expert, and learning systems, it is often the case that the left-hand-sides of the rules must be repeatedly compared to the contents of some 'working memory'. The traditional approach to solve such a 'match phase problem' for production systems is to use the Rete Match Algorithm. Here, a new technique using a multilayer perceptron, a particular artificial neural network model, is presented to solve the match phase problem for rule-based AI systems. A syntax for premise formulas (i.e., the left-hand-sides of the rules) is defined, and working memory is specified. From this, it is shown how to construct a multilayer perceptron that finds all of the rules which can be executed for the current situation in working memory. The complexity of the constructed multilayer perceptron is derived in terms of the maximum number of nodes and the required number of layers. A method for reducing the number of layers to at most three is also presented.

Sartori, Michael A.↗

Simulation of Conformal Spiral Slot Antennas on Composite Platforms

During the course of the grant, we wrote and distributed about 12 reports and an equal number of journal papers supported fully or in part by this grant. The list of reports (title & abstract) and papers are given in Appendices A and B. This grant has indeed been instrumental in developing a robust hybrid finite element method for the analysis of complex broadband antennas on doubly curved platforms. Previous to the grant, our capability was limited to simple printed patch antennas on mostly planar platforms. More specifically: (1) mixed element formulations were developed and new edge-based prisms were introduced; (2) these elements were important in permitting flexibility in geometry gridding for most antennas of interest; (3) new perfectly matched absorbers were introduced for mesh truncations associated with highly curved surfaces; (4) fast integral algorithms were introduced for boundary integral truncations reducing CPU time from O(N-2) down to O(N-1.5) or less; (5) frequency extrapolation schemes were developed for efficient broadband performance evaluations. This activity has been successfully continued by NASA researchers; (6) computer codes were developed and extensively tested for several broadband configurations. These include FEMA-CYL, FEMA-PRISM and FEMA-TETRA written by L. Kempel, T. Ozdemir and J. Gong, respectively; (7) a new infinite balun feed was designed nearly constant impedance over the 800-3000 MHz operational band; (8) a complete slot spiral antenna was developed, fabricated and tested at NASA Langley. This new design is a culmination of the projects goals and integrates the computational and experimental efforts. this antenna design resulted in a U.S. patent and was revised three times to achieve the desired bandwidth and gain requirements from 800-3000 MHz.

Volakis, J. L.↗

Launch Vehicle Loads Analysis Using Pressure-Sensitive Paint

Pressure transducers have been the instrumentation of choice for measuring unsteady flow phenomena. With recent advances in high-speed cameras, high-powered LEDs, and fast-response, pressure-sensitive paint, the unsteady pressure-sensitive paint (uPSP) technique has become a valuable alternative for production wind tunnel facilities, enabling time-resolved measurements of unsteady pressure fluctuations over a dense spatial grid on a wind tunnel model. Launch vehicle ground tests have proven to be a particularly well-matched application for uPSP due to the high signal level relative to tunnel background acoustics, relatively simple camera optical access, and rigidity of the model in wind-on test conditions. This presentation will highlight recent advances in data reduction of uPSP measurement data from recent launch vehicle wind tunnel tests at the NASA Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel Complex (UPWT). The system can provide both localized surface pressure spectra as well as regional or zonal estimates of turbulence correlation model parameters. In addition, integrated vehicle-scale loads can be provided for buffet analysis. Data is reduced at the on-premise NASA Advanced Supercomputer (NAS) Division for just-in-time delivery of results during an ongoing wind tunnel test.

Pressure-Sensitive Paint↗

Launch Vehicle Loads Analysis Using Pressure-Sensitive Paint

Pressure transducers have been the instrumentation of choice for measuring unsteady flow phenomena. With recent advances in high-speed cameras, high-powered LEDs, and fast-response, pressure-sensitive paint, the unsteady pressure-sensitive paint (uPSP) technique has become a valuable alternative for production wind tunnel facilities, enabling time-resolved measurements of unsteady pressure fluctuations over a dense spatial grid on a wind tunnel model. Launch vehicle ground tests have proven to be a particularly well-matched application for uPSP due to the high signal level relative to tunnel background acoustics, relatively simple camera optical access, and rigidity of the model in wind-on test conditions. This presentation will highlight recent advances in data reduction of uPSP measurement data from recent launch vehicle wind tunnel tests at the NASA Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel Complex (UPWT). The system can provide both localized surface pressure spectra as well as regional or zonal estimates of turbulence correlation model parameters. In addition, integrated vehicle-scale loads can be provided for buffet analysis. Data is reduced at the on-premise NASA Advanced Supercomputer (NAS) Division for just-in-time delivery of results during an ongoing wind tunnel test.

pressure-sensitive paint↗

Parameter estimation for distributed parameter models of complex, flexible structures

Distributed parameter modeling of structural dynamics has been limited to simple spacecraft configurations because of the difficulty of handling several distributed parameter systems linked at their boundaries. Although there is other computer software able to generate such models or complex, flexible spacecraft, unfortunately, neither is suitable for parameter estimation. Because of this limitation the computer software PDEMOD is being developed for the express purposes of modeling, control system analysis, parameter estimation and structure optimization. PDEMOD is capable of modeling complex, flexible spacecraft which consist of a three-dimensional network of flexible beams and rigid bodies. Each beam has bending (Bernoulli-Euler or Timoshenko) in two directions, torsion, and elongation degrees of freedom. The rigid bodies can be attached to the beam ends at any angle or body location. PDEMOD is also capable of performing parameter estimation based on matching experimental modal frequencies and static deflection test data. The underlying formulation and the results of using this approach for test data of the Mini-MAST truss will be discussed. The resulting accuracy of the parameter estimates when using such limited data can impact significantly the instrumentation requirements for on-orbit tests.

Taylor, Lawrence W., Jr.↗

The Spatial Intensity Distribution of the UV Light in HH Objects. Revisited

Simple kinematical bow shock models have successfylly explained many of the observed features in Herbig-Haro objects. It is shown that similar models can be applied to the spatial intensity distribution of the UV lines observed by IUE. Archival IUE spectra have been used for the HH 1, HH 2(H+A'), HH 2(G+B), HH 24A, HH 32A, HH 43(A+B+C), and HH 47A objects where the brightest UV lines (C IV (lambda)1549,Si III(lambda)1891, C III] (lambda)1909, C II] (lambda)2326, MgII (lambda)2799) were studied, as well as the UV continuum (modeled by the hydrogen two-photon contiuum). The quality of the IUE data is rather limited due to the broad point spread function and the low signal-to-noise, and therefore the models were degraded to make them comparable to the observations. The physical parameters used in the models were obtained from previous optical studies and varied accordingly to match the observations, but within the known uncertainties. The objects were modeled by a single bow shock model (i.e., HH 1, HH 24A, HH 32A, and HH 47A) or the superposition of two (i.e., HH 2(H+A') and HH 2(G+B) or more (i.e., HH 43(A+B+C)) of them. The idea was to take into account the complexity of the morphology of these objects, and the contribution to the UV light from diffrent condensations within the IUE aperature.

Moro-Martin, A.↗

Performance of Polarimetric Processing Techniques using NAWC P-3 SAR Imagery

The use of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) polarimetric processing for enhancing the detection, classification, and/or identification of scene scattering features is described. This paper describes and compares the results obtained from applying the polarimetric techniques that have been developed and/or advanced by researchers at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and basic polarimetric match filter (PMF) techniques that have been modified to treat distributed scatterers. The paper describes the individual polarimetric processing techniques and the formulation used fro their application to polarimetric imagery obtained from the NAWC P-3 SAR. In all cases, the polarimetric techniques have been applied to enhance the detection of distributed scatterers in clutter The emphasis arises from considering most complex scatterers of interest (either man made or natural) as distributed scatterers consisting of multiple scattering centers, and many modern polarimetric radar systems have the resolution performance to resolve the multiple scattering centers. Furthermore, the individual scattering centers of a distributed target can often exhibit different polarimetric scattering characteristics, and consequently do not respond favorably to polarimetric processing techniques derived for individual point scatterers. The treatment of distributed scatterers also includes concepts for tuning the polarimetric ensemble response of individual scattering centers.

Teti, J. G., Jr.↗

Spectroscopy Made Easy: A New Tool for Fitting Observations with Synthetic Spectra

We describe a new software package that may be used to determine stellar and atomic parameters by matching observed spectra with synthetic spectra generated from parameterized atmospheres. A nonlinear least squares algorithm is used to solve for any subset of allowed parameters, which include atomic data (log gf and van der Waals damping constants), model atmosphere specifications (T(sub eff, log g), elemental abundances, and radial, turbulent, and rotational velocities. LTE synthesis software handles discontiguous spectral intervals and complex atomic blends. As a demonstration, we fit 26 Fe I lines in the NSO Solar Atlas (Kurucz et al.), determining various solar and atomic parameters.

Valenti, J. A.↗

Spectral response of the Viking lander camera: Preliminary evaluation

One of the objectives of the Viking lander imaging investigation is to obtain color and near-infrared multispectral panoramas of the Martian surface using six spectral channels in the 0.4 to 1.1 microns wavelength range. This data can be compared with data obtained by imaging a reference test chart to construct approximate spectral reflectance curves that can then be matched to laboratory standards to aid in identifying surface materials. Some channels exhibit appreciable out-of-band spectral responses, making data reduction and interpretation difficult. A preliminary evaluation of predicted multispectral data for eight geological materials reveals that fairly good reflectance estimates can be made for those materials which have monotonically increasing or decreasing reflectances. Reflectance estimates for materials with more complex reflectances often do not reveal important spectral features and sometimes provide misleading results.

Kelly, W. L., IV↗

Application of FEM to estimate complex permittivity of dielectric material at microwave frequency using waveguide measurements

A simple waveguide measurement technique is presented to determine the complex dielectric constant of a dielectric material. The dielectric sample is loaded in a shorted x-band rectangular waveguide. Using a network analyzer; the reflection coefficient of the shorted waveguide (loaded with sample) is measured. Using the Finite Element Method (FEM), the exact reflection coefficient of the shorted waveguide (loaded with sample) is determined as a function of the dielectric constant. Matching the measured value of the reflection coefficient with the reflection coefficient calculated using the FEM utilizing the Newton-Raphson Method, an estimate of the dielectric constant of a dielectric material is obtained. A comparison of estimated values of dielectric constant obtained from simple waveguide modal theory and the present approach is presented.

Deshpande, M. D.↗