Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “plane wave”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 271 records · Page 15

Dielectric covered antennas

Because of simplicity and adaptability, new computer program incorporates modified version of plane-wave transmission theory including multiple internal reflections and effects of ground-plane reflection. Model assumes isotropic hemispherical radiator from point source with individual rays incident upon several dielectric materials.

Lindsey, J. F.↗

Finite-difference theory for sound propagation in a lined duct with uniform flow using the wave envelope concept

Finite difference equations are derived for sound propagation in a two dimensional, straight, soft wall duct with a uniform flow by using the wave envelope concept. This concept reduces the required number of finite difference grid points by one to two orders of magnitude depending on the length of the duct and the frequency of the sound. The governing acoustic difference equations in complex notation are derived. An exit condition is developed that allows a duct of finite length to simulate the wave propagation in an infinitely long duct. Sample calculations presented for a plane wave incident upon the acoustic liner show the numerical theory to be in good agreement with closed form analytical theory. Complete pressure and velocity printouts are given to some sample problems and can be used to debug and check future computer programs.

Baumeister, K. J.↗

The effect of dissipative inhomogeneous medium on the statistics of the wave intensity

One of the main theoretical points in the theory of wave propagation in random medium is the derivation of closed form equations to describe the statistics of the propagating waves. In particular, in one dimensional problems, the closed form representation of the multiple scattering effects is important since it contributes in understanding such problems like wave localization, backscattering enhancement, and intensity fluctuations. In this the propagation of plane waves in a layer of one-dimensional dissipative random medium is considered. The medium is modeled by a complex permittivity whose real part is a constant representing the absorption. The one dimensional problem is mathematically equivalent to the analysis of a transmission line with randomly perturbed distributed parameters and a single mode lossy waveguide and the results can be used to study the propagation of radio waves through atmosphere and the remote sensing of geophysical media. It is assumed the scattering medium consists of an ensemble of one-dimensional point scatterers randomly positioned in a layer of thickness L with diffuse boundaries. A Poisson impulse process with density lambda is used to model the position of scatterers in the medium. By employing the Markov properties of this process an exact closed form equation of Kolmogorov-Feller type was obtained for the probability density of the reflection coefficient. This equation was solved by combining two limiting cases: (1) when the density of scatterers is small; and (2) when the medium is weakly dissipative. A two variable perturbation method for small lambda was used to obtain solutions valid for thick layers. These solutions are then asymptotically evaluated for small dissipation. To show the effect of dissipation, the mean and fluctuations of the reflected power are obtained. The results were compared with a lossy homogeneous medium and with a lossless inhomogeneous medium and the regions where the effect of absorption is not essential were discussed.

Saatchi, Sasan S.↗

Matter-wave stripe solitons induced by helicoidal spin–orbit coupling

Highlights: • Four kinds of exact stripe soliton solutions in Bose–Einstein condensates with helicoidal spin–orbit coupling (SOC) are represented. • The influence of helicoidal SOC on the structure of stripe solitons are described in detail. • The corresponding spin polarization is expressed on the Bloch sphere. • The formation mechanism of stripe solitons and the interaction properties of moving stripe solitons are discussed. We present the exact analytical solution of stripe solitons on different backgrounds in Bose–Einstein condensates with helicoidal spin–orbit coupling (SOC). They are divided into two categories, one is stationary stripe soliton on zero background or period-wave background, the other is moving stripe soliton on zero background or plane-wave background. The period of stripe is determined by both strength and frequency of helicoidal SOC, and the oscillation amplitude of stripe is adjustable in the case of fixed total density. The corresponding spin polarization is expressed on Bloch sphere. For stationary soliton, the spin density vector take values in three directions, which is different from the Rashba–Dresslhaus coupling scheme. The spin density vectors display more complicated spatial distribution for moving stripe solitons. Meanwhile, the formation mechanism of stripe soliton and the interaction properties of moving stripe solitons are discussed. Our work enhances the understanding of stripe solitons, and is helpful for the observation of stripe phase.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Heat transfer in laminar wall boundary layer within noncentered unsteady expansion wave

The paper summarizes results of theoretical and experimental investigations of wall temperature change and heat transfer in the laminar boundary layer formed within noncentered unsteady expansion waves in shock tubes. The study is restricted to a class of noncentered plane waves which have one key feature in common with centered waves, i.e., the first derivatives of the inviscid flow quantities have values or are discontinuous at the wavehead. The wall temperature is calculated implicitly by matching the local heat transfer rates of gas and wall thermal boundary layers. Experimentally, the wall temperature was measured using a thin-film resistance thermometer and heat transfer was then deduced using a one-dimensional unsteady heat conduction equation.

Srinivasan, G.↗

A multiple-scattering approach to transient electromagnetic interaction with plasmas

A multiple-scattering method is described which is applicable to the transient plasma problem concerning the interaction between transient electromagnetic waves and plasmas. The method starts with the time-dependent wave fields scattered by a linear electric dipole when illuminated by a transient plane wave. It avoids the use of Fourier transform methods and provides additional physical insight into the origin of the frequency-dispersive properties of material media. The results are applicable only to cold plasmas since spatial dispersion is neglected, implying that effects due to thermal velocities of electrons - such as incoherent scatter - are not covered by the theory. The advantages of the method for initiation of the student into transient electromagnetics in dispersive media are identified as conceptual simplicity and computational simplicity. The entire analysis is in the time domain.

Bowhill, S. A.↗

Applications of velocity potential function to acoustic duct propagation and radiation from inlets using finite element theory

A finite element velocity potential program was developed to study acoustic wave propagation in complex geometries. For irrotational flows, relatively low sound frequencies, and plane wave input, the finite element solutions showed significant effects of inlet curvature and flow gradients on the attenuation of a given acoustic liner in a realistic variable area turbofan inlet. The velocity potential approach can not be used to estimate the effects of rotational flow on acoustic propagation, since the potential acoustic disturbances propagate at the speed of the media in sheared flow. Approaches are discussed that are being considered for extending the finite element solution to include the far field, as well as the internal portion of the duct. A new matrix partitioning approach is presented that can be incorporated in previously developed programs to allow the finite element calculation to be marched into the far field. The partitioning approach provided a large reduction in computer storage and running times.

Baumeister, K. J.↗

Applications of velocity potential function to acoustic duct propagation and radiation from inlets using finite element theory

A finite element velocity potential program has been developed to study acoustic wave propagation in complex geometries. For irrotational flows, relatively low sound frequencies, and plane wave input, the finite element solutions show significant effects of inlet curvature and flow gradients on the attenuation of a given acoustic liner in a realistic variable area turbofan inlet. In addition, as shown in the paper, the velocity potential approach can not be used to estimate the effects of rotational flow on acoustic propagation since the potential acoustic disturbances propagate at the speed of the media in sheared flow. Approaches are discussed that are being considered for extending the finite element solution to include the far field as well as the internal portion of the duct. A new matrix partitioning approach is presented that can be incorporated in previously developed programs to allow the finite element calculation to be marched into the far field. The partitioning approach provides a large reduction in computer storage and running times.

Baumeister, K. J.↗

Photodetachment of the positronium negative ion

The photodetachment cross section of the negative positronium ion is calculated. The description of the initial bound state is simplified by representing it by an asymptotic form whose normalization comes from the most accurate Hylleraas wave function of the ion. The final state is assumed to be a plane wave.

Bhatia, A. K.↗

Wave propagation in fiber composite laminates, part 2

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the wave propagation characteristics, transient strains and residual properties in unidirectional and angle-ply boron/epoxy and graphite/epoxy laminates impacted with silicone rubber projectiles at velocities up to 250 MS-1. The predominant wave is flexural, propagating at different velocities in different directions. In general, measured wave velocities were higher than theoretically predicted values. The amplitude of the in-plane wave is less than ten percent of that of the flexural wave. Peak strains and strain rates in the transverse to the (outer) fiber direction are much higher than those in the direction of the fibers. The dynamics of impact were also studied with high speed photography.

Daniel, I. M.↗

Simulation of wave propagation in three-dimensional random media

Quantitative error analysis for simulation of wave propagation in three dimensional random media assuming narrow angular scattering are presented for the plane wave and spherical wave geometry. This includes the errors resulting from finite grid size, finite simulation dimensions, and the separation of the two-dimensional screens along the propagation direction. Simple error scalings are determined for power-law spectra of the random refractive index of the media. The effects of a finite inner scale are also considered. The spatial spectra of the intensity errors are calculated and compared to the spatial spectra of intensity. The numerical requirements for a simulation of given accuracy are determined for realizations of the field. The numerical requirements for accurate estimation of higher moments of the field are less stringent.

Coles, William A.↗

Analysis of sound propagation in ducts using the wave envelope concept

A finite difference formulation is presented for sound propagation in a rectangular two-dimensional duct without steady flow for plane wave input. Before the difference equations are formulated, the governing Helmholtz equation is first transformed to a form whose solution does not oscillate along the length of the duct. This transformation reduces the required number of grid points by an order of magnitude, and the number of grid points becomes independent of the sound frequency. Physically, the transformed pressure represents the amplitude of the conventional sound wave. Example solutions are presented for sound propagation in a one-dimensional straight hard-wall duct and in a two-dimensional straight soft-wall duct without steady flow. The numerical solutions show evidence of the existence along the duct wall of a developing acoustic pressure diffusion boundary layer which is similar in nature to the conventional viscous flow boundary layer. In order to better illustrate this concept, the wave equation and boundary conditions are written such that the frequency no longer appears explicitly in them. The frequency effects in duct propagation can be visualized solely as an expansion and stretching of the suppressor duct.

Baumeister, K. J.↗

Nonlinear Elastic Effects on the Energy Flux Deviation of Ultrasonic Waves in GR/EP Composites

In isotropic materials, the direction of the energy flux (energy per unit time per unit area) of an ultrasonic plane wave is always along the same direction as the normal to the wave front. In anisotropic materials, however, this is true only along symmetry directions. Along other directions, the energy flux of the wave deviates from the intended direction of propagation. This phenomenon is known as energy flux deviation and is illustrated. The direction of the energy flux is dependent on the elastic coefficients of the material. This effect has been demonstrated in many anisotropic crystalline materials. In transparent quartz crystals, Schlieren photographs have been obtained which allow visualization of the ultrasonic waves and the energy flux deviation. The energy flux deviation in graphite/epoxy (gr/ep) composite materials can be quite large because of their high anisotropy. The flux deviation angle has been calculated for unidirectional gr/ep composites as a function of both fiber orientation and fiber volume content. Experimental measurements have also been made in unidirectional composites. It has been further demonstrated that changes in composite materials which alter the elastic properties such as moisture absorption by the matrix or fiber degradation, can be detected nondestructively by measurements of the energy flux shift. In this research, the effects of nonlinear elasticity on energy flux deviation in unidirectional gr/ep composites were studied. Because of elastic nonlinearity, the angle of the energy flux deviation was shown to be a function of applied stress. This shift in flux deviation was modeled using acoustoelastic theory and the previously measured second and third order elastic stiffness coefficients for T300/5208 gr/ep. Two conditions of applied uniaxial stress were considered. In the first case, the direction of applied uniaxial stress was along the fiber axis (x3) while in the second case it was perpendicular to the fiber axis along the laminate stacking direction (x1).

Prosser, William H.↗

Generation of waves in magnetized plasma [PowerPoint]

The presentation goes through assumptions made for the study, sections on plasma dispersion, whistler modes for RBR, excitation of plane waves with antenna, dipole vs loop antenna, verification of results, excitation of whistler waves with electron beams, assumptions for the model, distribution of current in space in general case, Fourier transform of current distribution, resonant excitation of waves, and ending with a discussion of generic debunching.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Numerical methods for analyzing electromagnetic scattering

The wave propagation inside a cylindrical waveguide, coated with lossy dielectric material due to the incidence of a plane wave at the open end of the guide, was studied. The general properties of the normal mode propagation were investigated.

Lo, Y. T.↗

Millimeter-wave diode-grid frequency doubler

Monolithic diode grids were fabricated on 2-cm square gallium-arsenide wafers in a proof-of-principle test of a quasi-optical varactor millimeter-wave frequency multiplier array concept. An equivalent circuit model based on a transmission-line analysis of plane wave illumination was applied to predict the array performance. The doubler experiments were performed under far-field illumination conditions. A second-harmonic conversion efficiency of 9.5 percent and output powers of 0.5 W were achieved at 66 GHz when the diode grid was pumped with a pulsed source at 33 GHz. This grid had 760 Schottky-barrier varactor diodes. The average series resistance was 27 ohms, the minimum capacitance was 18 fF at a reverse breakdown voltage of -3 V. The measurements indicate that the diode grid is a feasible device for generating watt-level powers at millimeter frequencies and that substantial improvement is possible by improving the diode breakdown voltage.

Jou, Christina F.↗

Remote sensing of vegetation and soil moisture

Progress in the investigation of problems related to the remote sensing of vegetation and soil moisture is reported. Specific topics addressed include: (1) microwave scattering from periodic surfaces using a rigorous modal technique; (2) combined random rough surface and volume scattering effects; (3) the anisotropic effects of vegetation structures; (4) the application of the strong fluctuation theory to the the study of electromagnetic wave scattering from a layer of random discrete scatterers; and (5) the investigation of the scattering of a plane wave obliquely incident on a half space of densely distributed spherical dielectric scatterers using a quantum mechanical potential approach.

Kong, J. A.↗

Propagation of sound waves in tubes of noncircular cross section

Plane-acoustic-wave propagation in small tubes with a cross section in the shape of a flattened oval is described. Theoretical descriptions of a plane wave propagating in a tube with circular cross section and between a pair of infinite parallel plates, including viscous and thermal damping, are expressed in similar form. For a wide range of useful duct sizes, the propagation constant (whose real and imaginary parts are the amplitude attenuation rate and the wave number, respectively) is very nearly the same function of frequency for both cases if the radius of the circular tube is the same as the distance between the parallel plates. This suggests that either a circular-cross-section model or a flat-plate model can be used to calculate wave propagation in flat-oval tubing, or any other shape tubing, if its size is expressed in terms of an equivalent radius, given by g = 2 x (cross-sectional area)/(length of perimeter). Measurements of the frequency response of two sections of flat-oval tubing agree with calculations based on this idea. Flat-plate formulas are derived, the use of transmission-line matrices for calculations of plane waves in compound systems of ducts is described, and examples of computer programs written to carry out the calculations are shown.

Richards, W. B.↗