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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 271 records · Page 15
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NASA NTRS1992

Auroral mapping during substorms

A discussion on auroral mapping during substorms is presented. The mapping of auroral displays into space along magnetic field lines can provide invaluable clues to the nature of the physical processes involved in many magnetospheric phenomena. Unfortunately, there are no representations of the Earth's magnetic field which adequately model the large time variations that occur during magnetospheric substorms. These time variations are believed to be due, in part, to current systems that flow across the near Earth magnetotail and then arch along field lines to the ionosphere where they contribute to the auroral electrojets. Even after the challenge of modeling the typical substorm magnetic field variations has been met, it can be expected that ad hoc adjustments will be needed to match the variations observed during each actual event. Precise determination of what point within a narrow auroral arc is pierced by the field line from spacecraft in the magnetotail will clearly be difficult.

Mcilwain, Carl E.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Dynamical structure of extreme ultraviolet macrospicules

We describe the substructures forming the macrospicules and their temporal evolution, as revealed by the application of an image enhancement algorithm to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) observations of macrospicules. The enhanced images uncover, for the first time, the substructures forming the column-like structures within the macrospicules and the low-lying arches at their base. The spatial and temporal evolution of macrospicules clearly show continuous interaction between these substructures with occasional ejection of plasma following a ballistic trajectory. We comment on the importance of these results for planning near future space observations of macrospicules with better temporal and spatial resolution.

Karovska, Margarita↗
NASA NTRS1994

Non-radial magnetic field structures in the solar corona

We report on the structure and geometry of coronal magnetic fields inferred from the observations of meter-decimeter type 3 and moving type 4 radio bursts, associated with an H(alpha) flare. This is the first report of type 3 radio bursts from the Nancay radioheliograph after it acquired the two dimensional multifrequency capability. Dispersion of the radio source positions with frequency suggests that open and closed field lines are considerably inclined to the radial direction which is consistent with the connectivity observed in the magnetogram. We suggest that multiple arch systems are involved in the type 4 emission. From the polarization and dispersion characteristics of the type 4 source, we infer that the emission is due to fundamental plasma emission.

Gopalswamy, N.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Loop models of low coronal structures observed by the Normal Incidence X-Ray Telescope (NIXT)

The X-ray pictures obtained with the Normal Incidence X-Ray Telescope (NIXT), apart from the ubiquitous coronal loops well known from previous X-ray observations, show a new and peculiar morphology: in many active regions there are wide and apparently low-lying areas of intense emission which resemble H alpha plages. By means of hydrostatic models of coronal arches, we analyze the distribution of temperature, density, emission measure, and plasma emissivity in the spectral band to which NIXT is sensitive, and we show that the above morphology can be explained by the characteristics of high pressure loops having a thin region of high surface brightness at the base. We therefore propose that this finding might help to identify high-pressure X-ray emitting coronal regions in NIXT images, and it is in principle applicable to any imaging instrument which has high sensitivity to 10(exp 4) - 10(exp 6) K plasma within a narrow coronal-temperature passband. As a more general result of this study, we propose that the comparison of NIXT observations with models of stationary loops might provide a new diagnostic: the determination of the loop plasma pressure from measurements of brightness distribution along the loop.

Peres, G.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Evidence for siphon flows with shocks in solar magnetic flux tubes

We synthesize profiles of the infrared line Fe I 15648.5 A (g = 3) for a recently developed theoretical model of siphon flows along photospheric magnetic loops. The synthesized line profiles are compared with the observations from which Rueedi et al. (1992) deduced the presence of such flows across the neutral line of an active region plage. This comparison supports the interpretation of Rueedi et al. (1992). It also suggests that the average footpoint separation of the observed loops carrying the siphon flow is 8-15 sec and that the siphon flow experiences a standing tube shock in the downstream leg near the top of the arch.

Degenhardt, D.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Uplift of the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, since the 1964 Prince William Sound earthquake

Using Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, we reoccupied several leveling benchmarks on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska which had been surveyed by conventional leveling immediately following the March 27, 1964, Prince William Sound earthquake (M(sub w) = 9.3). By combining the two sets of measurements with a new, high-resolution model of the geoid in the region, we were able to determine the cumulative 1993-1964 postseismic vertical displacement. We find uplift at all of our benchmarks, relative to Seward, Alaska, a point that is stable according to tide gauge data. The maximum uplift of about 1 m occurs near the middle of the peninsula. The region of maximum uplift appears to be shifted northwest relative to the point of maximum coseismic subsidence. If we use tide gauge data at Nikishka and Seward to constrain the vertical motion, then the observed uplift has a trenchward tilt (down to the southeast) as well as an arching component. To explain the observations, we use creep-at-depth models. Most acceptable models require a fault slip of about 2.75 m, although this result is not unique. If the slip has been continuous since the 1964 earthquake, then the average slip rate is nearly 100 mm/yr, twice the plate convergence rate. Comparing the net uplift achieved in 29 years with that observed over 11 years in an adjacent region southeast of Anchorage, Alaska, we conclude that the rate of uplift is decreasing. A further decrease in the uplift rate is expected as the 29-year averaged displacement rate is about twice the plate convergence rate and therefore cannot be sustained over the entire earthquake cycle.

Cohen, Steven↗
NASA NTRS1995

Chemical and physical studies of type 3 chondrites 12: The metamorphic history of CV chondrites and their components

The induced thermoluminescence (TL) properties of 16 CV and CV-related chondrites, four CK chondrites and Renazzo (CR2) have been measured in order to investigate their metamorphic history. The petrographic, mineralogical and bulk compositional differences among the CV chondrites indicate that the TL sensitivity of the approximately 130 C TL peak is reflecting the abundance of ordered feldspar, especially in chondrule mesostasis, which in turn reflects parent-body metamorphism. The TL properties of 18 samples of homogenized Allende powder heated at a variety of times and temperatures, and cathodoluminescence mosaics of Axtell and Coolidge, showed results consistent with this conclusion. Five refractory inclusions from Allende, and separates from those inclusions, were also examined and yielded trends reflecting variations in mineralogy indicative of high peak temperatures (either metamorphic or igneous) and fairly rapid cooling. The CK chondrites are unique among metamorphosed chondrites in showing no detectable induced TL, which is consistent with literature data that suggests very unusual feldspar in these meteorites. Using TL sensitivity and several mineral systems and allowing for the differences in the oxidized and reduced subgroups, the CV and CV-related meteorites can be divided into petrologic types analogous to those of the ordinary and CO type 3 chondrites. Axtell, Kaba, Leoville, Bali, Arch and ALHA81003 are type 3.0-3.1, while ALH84018, Efremovka, Grosnaja, Allende and Vigarano are type 3.2-3.3 and Coolidge and Loongana 001 are type 3.8. Mokoia is probably a breccia with regions ranging in petrologic type from 3.0 to 3.2. Renazzo often plots at the end of the reduced and oxidized CV chondrite trends, even when those trends diverge, suggesting that in many respects it resembles the unmetamorphosed precursors of the CV chondrites. The low-petrographic types and low-TL peak temperatures of all samples, including the CV3.8 chondrites, indicates metamorphism in the stability field of low feldspar (i.e., less than 800 C) and a metamorphic history similar to that of the CO chondrites but unlike that of the ordinary chondrites.

Guimon, R. Kyle↗
NASA NTRS1996

On the Sensitivity of Piezoceramics and Piezopolymers in Structural Integrity Monitoring of Large Trusses

An analytical assessment has been made of the reliability of using integrated microactuators and sensors in the form of piezoceramics and piezopolymers as joint integrity monitors in trussed systems. The concept is first implemented for a simple structure which consists of two truss members with a 45 deg lift angle joined at the apex. A piezoceramic patch (or piezopolymer film) bonded on the surface of one of the members at a location near the joint is used as a collocated actuator/sensor. The overall structural dynamic response under an excitation was modeled by finite element method. Different degrees of nodal constraints at the joints representing various degrees of joint integrity are employed. The resulting dynamic response showed distinct responses for varying joint stiffnesses. Parallel experimental work on a truss model using a multichannel data acquisition system and a digital signal analyzer confirms the results from analysis. We further studied the sensitivity of the micro-sensors to the behavior of joints of large arch truss structure. Results obtained for large trusses with many degrees of freedom indicate optimum locations of sensors for which the dynamic response signatures are distinct and distinguishable for relatively small changes in joint integrity and/or structural geometry. Computations based on finite element modeling show that locating the single actuator/sensor at the joint corresponding to the first loss of static stability appear optimal. Hence, static stability analysis of complex trusses can give us a good indication of the optimum placement of sensors for maximum response. This observation is important if few distributed sensors and actuators are available for placement in constructed facilities made from large trusses with many degrees of freedom. As an extension of this work a dynamic response signature identification technique to monitor in-service degradation of joints is under development for application to the monitoring of the integrity of adhesive joints in composite structures.

Abatan, A. O.↗
NASA NTRS1995

The Physics of Turbulence in the Boundary Layer

The geometry of the velocity field in a numerically simulated incompressible turbulent boundary layer over a flat plate at Re theta=670 has been studied using the invariants of the velocity gradient tensor. These invariants are computed at every grid point in the flow and used to form the discriminant. Of primary interest are those regions in the flow where the discriminant is positive; regions where, according to the characteristic equation, the eigenvalues of the velocity gradient tensor are complex. An observer moving with a frame of reference which is attached to a fluid particle lying within such a region would see a local flow pattern of the type stable-focus-stretching or unstable-focus-compressing. When the flow is visualized this way, continuous, connected, large-scale structures are revealed that extend from the point just below the buffer layer out to the beginning of the wake region. These structures are aligned with the mean shear close to the wall and arch in the cross-stream direction away from the wall. In some cases the structures observed are very similar to to the hairpin eddy vision of boundary layer structure proposed by Theodorsen. That the structure of the flow is revealed more effectively by the discriminant rather than by the vorticity is important and adds support to recent observations of the discriminant in a channel flow simulation. Of particular importance is the fact that the procedure does not require the use of an arbitrary threshold in the discriminant. Further analysis using computer flow visualization shows a high degree of spatial correlation between regions of positive discriminant, extreme negative pressure fluctuations and large instantaneous values of Reynolds shear stress.

Kline, Stephen↗
NASA NTRS1995

Simulated Microgravity Increases Cutaneous Blood Flow in the Head and Leg of Humans

The cutaneous micro-circulation vasodilates during acute 6 deg. head-down tilt (HDT, simulated microgravity) relative to upright conditions, more in the lower body than in the upper body. We expected that relative magnitudes of and differences between upper and lower body cutaneous blood flow elevation would be sustained during initial acclimation to simulated microgravity. We measured cutaneous micro-vascular blood flow with laser-Doppler flowmetry at the leg (over the distal tibia) and cheek (over the zygomatic arch) of eight healthy men before, during, and after 24 h of HDT. Results were calculated as a percentage of baseline value (100% measured during pre-tilt upright sitting). Cutaneous blood flow in the cheek increased significantly to 165 +/- 37% (mean + SE, p less than 0.05) at 9-12 h HDT, then returned to near baseline values by 24 h HDT (114 +/- 29%, NSD), despite increased local arterial pressure. Microvascular flow in the leg remained significantly elevated above baseline throughout 24 h HDT (427 +/- 85% at 3 h HDT and 215 +/- 142% at 24 h HDT, p less than 0.05). During the 6-h upright sitting recovery period, cheek and leg blood flow levels returned to near pre-tilt baseline values. Because hydrostatic effects of HDT increase local arterial pressure at the carotid sinus, baroreflex-mediated withdrawal of sympathetic tone probably contributed to increased microvascular flows at the head and leg during HDT. In the leg, baroreflex effects combined with minimal stimulation of local veno-arteriolar and myogenic autoregulatory vasoconstriction to elicit relatively larger and more sustained increases in cutaneous flow during HDT. In the cheek, delayed myogenic vasoconstriction and/or humoral effects apparently compensated for flow elevation by 24 h of HDT. Therefore, localized vascular adaptations to gravity probably explain differences in acclimation of lower and upper body blood flow to HDT and actual microgravity.

Stout, M. Shannon↗
NASA NTRS1995

Simulated Microgravity Increases Cutaneous Blood Flow in the Head and Leg of Humans

The cutaneous microcirculation vasodilates during acute 6 degree head-down tilt (HDT, simulated microgravity) relative to upright conditions, more in the lower body than in the upper body. Cutaneous microvascular blood flow was measured with laser-Doppler flowmetry at the leg (over the distal tibia) and cheek (over the zygomatic arch) of eight healthy men before, during, and after 24 h of HDT. Results were calculated as a percentage of baseline value (100% measured during pre-tilt upright sitting). Cutaneous blood flow in the cheek increased significantly to 165 +/- 37% (mean +/- SE, p less than 0.05) at 9-12 h HDT, then returned to near baseline values by 24 h HDT (114 +/- 29%, NSD), despite increased local arterial pressure. Microvascular flow in the leg remained significantly elevated above baseline througout 24 h HDT (427 +/- 85% at 3 h HDT and 215 +/- 142% at 24 h HDT, p less than 0.05). During the 6-h upright sitting recovery period, cheek and leg blood flow levels returned to near pre-tilt baseline values. Because hydrostatic effects of HDT increase local arterial pressure at the carotid sinus, baroreflex-mediated withdrawal of sympathetic tone probably contributed to increased microvascular flows at the head and leg during HDT. In the leg baroreflex effects combined with minimal stimulation of local veno-arteriolar and myogenic autoregulatory vasoconstriction to elicit relatively larger and more sustained increases in cutaneous flow during HDT. In the cheek, delayed myogenic vasoconstriction and/or hurmonal effects apparently compensated for flow elevation by 24 h of HDT. Therefore, localized vascular adaptations to gravity probably explain differences in acclimation of lower and upper body blood flow to HDT and actual microgravity.

Stout, M. Shannon↗
NASA NTRS1994

The Discovery of Hot Stars in the Vicinity of the Thermal Filaments

We have found hot stars within the central 40 parsecs of the Galactic Center. They may at least partially ionize the thermal radio emission regions. A cluster of such stars in the vicinity of the Arched Filaments and individual stars scattered about the region are discussed. From comparisons with spectra of optically classified stars, the new stars appear to be B[e] and WN7-9 stars.

Cotera, Angela S.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Far-Infrared Line and Continuum Observations of G0.095 + 0.012 and the E2 Thermal Radio Filament Near the Galactic Center

Measurements of far-infrared lines and continuum from GO.095 + 0.012 and the E2 thermal 'arched' radio filament near the Galactic center are well explained by numerous embedded stars with T(sub eff) approximately 35,000 K. The structure of the filament and the apparent absence of hotter stars are qualitatively difficult to reconcile with this idea.

Erickson, Edwin F.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Constitutive and Stability Behavior of Granular Materials Under Very Low Effective Stresses

The study of the behavior of granular materials such as sand is of great importance to the understanding of the response of foundations resting on surface and near-surface soil deposits. A clear understanding of the behavior of such materials can also provide insights into other related issues where low effective stresses are encountered such as liquefaction. The main sources of the constitutive and stability properties of cohesionless granular materials is interparticle friction, which in turn under low confinement stress levels is strongly affected by gravitational body forces under terrestrial (1 gravity) conditions. Under moderate-to-high stress levels, the influence of gravity on the behavior of experiments may not be pronounced and therefore the test results in a terrestrial environment may be acceptable for engineering purposes. However, the conduct of experiments on granular materials under very low stress levels and under quasi-static conditions can only be performed in a microgravity environment. A series of displacement-controlled cyclic triaxial compression experiments were performed in a SPACEHAB module on the Space Shuttle during the STS-79 mission to Mir in September, 1996, and the STS-89 mission in January, 1998. The experiments were conducted on six right cylindrical specimens 75 mm in diameter and 150 mm long at effective confining pressures of 0.05, 0.52 and 1.30 kPa. The results show very high peak strength friction angles in the range of 47.6 to 70.0 degrees, which are mainly due to overconsolidation and grain interlocking effects. It was observed that the residual strength levels were in the same range as that observed at higher confining stress levels. The dilatancy angles were unusually high in the range of 30 to 31 degrees. All specimens display substantial initial stiffnesses and elastic moduli during unloading and reloading events, which are nearly an order of magnitude higher than conventional theories predict. A periodic instability phenomenon which appears to result from buckling of multiple internal arches and columnar systems, augmented by stick-slips was observed in the experiments. Computed Tomography (CT) measurements revealed valuable data about the internal fabric and the specimens deformation patterns. Uniform diffuse bifurcation with multiple radial shear bands was observed in the specimens tested in a microgravity environment. In the axial direction, two major conical surfaces were developed. Spatial nonsymmetrical deformations were observed in specimens tested in terrestrial laboratory.

Alshibli, Khalid A.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Infrastructure Retrofit Design via Composite Mechanics

Select applications are described to illustrate the concept for retrofitting reinforced concrete infrastructure with fiber reinforced plastic laminates. The concept is first illustrated by using an axially loaded reinforced concrete column. A reinforced concrete arch and a dome are then used to illustrate the versatility of the concept. Advanced methods such as finite element structural analysis and progressive structural fracture are then used to evaluate the retrofitting laminate adequacy. Results obtains show that retrofits can be designed to double and even triple the as-designed load of the select reinforced concrete infrastructures.

Chamis, Christos, C.↗
NASA NTRS1999

U Burst in the Solar Wind

A type U bursts was observed on 22 June 1998 with the WAVES radio receivers on the Wind spacecraft. It descended in frequency from 5 MHz to the turning frequency of about 1 MHz. It is extremely rare that a U burst is observed at such a low frequency, well out in the solar wind. Using a density model to convert frequency to radial distance, we find that the radio emission started at 3 solar radius, and that the electron stream turned back toward the sun at about 8 solar radius. The probable origin of the energetic electrons was in a B 6.8 X-ray flare that was coincident with the onset of the U burst. A series of images by the SOHO/LASCO chronograph show a slow (214 km/s) CME in progress on the west limb whose front was at 9 solar radius, at the time of the U burst. As no stable magnetic loops exist at radial distances such as 8-9 solar radius, we attribute the U burst to a stream of energetic electrons accelerated in an active region at the footpoint of one leg of the expanding arch of the CME. The electron stream became unstable and began emitting radio emission at about 3 solar radius, continued to emit as it passed the top of the loop at 8-9 solar radius, then stopped emitting in the downgoing leg at about 4 solar radius.

Leblanc, Y.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) Microgravity Experiment

The second series of MGM experiment was conducted during the STS-89 mission in January 1998. The experiment was previously flow on Atlantis's STS-79 mission in September 1996. Six displacement-controlled, drained triaxial compression experiments were performed at very low effective confining stresses. The confining stresses were in the ranges 0.05, 0.52 and 1.30 kPa. Three experiments were subjected to monotonic loading and unloading cycles while the other three experiments were subjected to cyclic loading. The results show very high peak strength friction angles in the range of 47.6 to 70.0 degrees, which are mainly due to overconsolidation and grain interlocking effects. It was observed that the residual strength levels in the monotonic loading experiments were in the same range as that observed at higher confining stress levels. The dilatancy angles were unusually high in the range of 30 to 31 degrees. All specimens display substantial initial stiffnesses and elastic moduli during unloading and reloading events, which are nearly an order of magnitude higher than conventional theories predict. A periodic instability phenomenon which appears to result from buckling of multiple internal arches and columnar systems, augmented by stick-slips was observed in the experiments. Computed Tomography (CT) measurements revealed valuable data about the internal fabric and the specimens deformation patterns. Uniform diffuse bifurcation with multiple radial shear bands was observed in the specimens tested in a microgravity environment. In the axial direction, two major conical surfaces were developed. Spatial nonsymmetrical deformations were observed in specimens tested in terrestrial laboratory.

Alshibli, Khalid A.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Workshop on Extraterrestrial Materials from Cold and Hot Deserts

The workshop was held July 6-8, 1999 before the Meteoritical Society meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. The venue was Kwa Maritane Resort in the Pilanesburg Game Reserve. Conveners were Ludolf Schultz (Chair, MPI fur Chemie), Ian Franchi (Open University), Arch Reid (University of Houston), and Mike Zolensky (NASA JSC). Extended abstracts will be published as an LPI Technical Report. In the first session, Marvin discussed three African iron meteorites: Cape of Good Hope, Gibeon, and Hoba. Grady presented a statistical analysis of meteorites from hot and cold deserts. Wasson discussed types of Antarctic iron meteorites. Several presentations characterized populations of meteorites from individual desert areas: Libyan Desert (Weber et al.), Nullarbor Region (Bevan et al.), and Mojave Desert (Kring et al. and Verish et al). Pairing among EET87503-group howardites was discussed by Buchanan et al. Based on 14C terrestrial ages of Allan Hills ordinary chondrites, Bland et al. suggested that ice flow may be the principal sink for Antarctic meteorites. The effects of preterrestrial and terrestrial alteration were considered in the second session. Nakamura et al. and Lipschutz discussed asteroidal metamorphism of carbonaceous chondrites. Zolensky presented evidence for preterrestrial halide and sulfide in meteorites. Crozaz and Wadhwa described terrestrial alteration of Dar al Gani 476. Welten and Nishiizumi discussed terrestrial weathering of chondrites from Frontier Mountain, Antarctica. Most of the third session dealt with terrestrial meteorite ages. Based on 14C-10Be ages, Jull et al. discussed the exponential decay in numbers of meteorites with increased age. Nishiizumi et al. concluded that some Allan Hills meteorites have much older terrestrial ages than any meteorites from Lewis Cliffs. Welten et al. discussed terrestrial ages determined by 41Ca/36CI of metal separates from hot desert meteorites. Based on a comparison with large IDPs, Flynn et al. suggested that polar micrometeorites, lost a water-soluble sulfate phase by terrestrial alteration. Nyquist suggested that Type I cosmic spheres from deep sea sediments and polar ice were derived from carbonaceous chondrite-like asteroidal sources. The final session considered noble gases, cosmic ray effects, and thermoluminescence. Calculations presented by Reedy indicate that cosmic ray-produced nuclides are more likely to be preserved in small objects than in larger objects. Murty and Mohapatra. reported that trapped gas in Dar al Gani 476 includes a Martian atmospheric component. Wieler et al. and Scherer et al. reported noble gas abundances in different types of desert meteorites. Patzer and Schultz discussed the influence of terrestrial weathering on cosmic ray exposure ages of enstatite chondrites. Franchi et al. suggested that it is difficult to discriminate whether differences in gas release profiles of lunar meteorites from hot deserts and returned lunar samples are the result of terrestrial weathering or shock metamorphism. Benoit and Sears surveyed natural and induced thermoluminescence of Antarctic ordinary chondrites. Merchel et al. analyzed Saharan meteorites with short or complex exposure histories.

Buchanan, Paul C.↗