Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “surface functionalization”

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

Ground location of satellite scanner data

This paper presents simple and accurate mathematical formulation for determining the ground location of remote sensor data. The techniques used are based on elementary concepts of differential geometry and lead to the development of a relation that gives location as a function of surface ellipticity, satellite position, velocity, attitude, and scanner orientation. The formula lends itself to simply computer coding and will hopefully lead to a standardization of the various techniques which have been developed to solve this problem.

Puccinelli, E. F.↗

Some applications of the NASTRAN level 16 subsonic flutter analysis capability

The Level 16 flutter analysis capability was applied to an aspect-ratio-6.8 subsonic transport type wing, an aspect-ratio-1.7 arrow wing, and an aspect-ratio-1.3 all movable horizontal tail with a geared elevator. The transport wing and arrow wing results are compared with experimental results obtained in the Langley transonic dynamic tunnel and with other calculated results obtained using subsonic lifting surface (kernel function) unsteady aerodynamic theory.

Doggett, R. V., Jr.↗

Effect of Vibration on Retention Characteristics of Screen Acquisition Systems

An analytical and experimental investigation of the effect of vibration on the retention characteristics of screen acquisition systems was performed. The functioning of surface tension devices using fine-mesh screens requires that the pressure differential acting on the screen be less than its pressure retention capability. When exceeded, screen breakdown will occur and gas-free expulsion of propellant will no longer be possible. An analytical approach to predicting the effect of vibration was developed. This approach considers the transmission of the vibration to the screens of the device and the coupling of the liquid and the screen in establishing the screen response. A method of evaluating the transient response of the gas/liquid interface within the screen was also developed.

Tegart, J. R.↗

Broad perspectives in radar for ocean measurements

The various active radar implementation options available for the measurement functions of interest for the SEASAT follow-on missions were evaluated. These functions include surface feature imaging, surface pressure and vertical profile, atmospheric sounding, surface backscatter and wind speed determination, surface current location, wavelength spectra, sea surface topography, and ice/snow thickness. Some concepts for the Synthetic Aperture Imaging Radar were examined that may be useful in the design and selection of the implementation options for these missions. The applicability of these instruments for the VOIR mission was also kept under consideration.

Jain, A.↗

Microwave brightness of polar firn as measured by Nimbus 5 and 6 ESMR

The microwave emission from a half-space medium characterized by coordinate dependent scattering and absorbing centers was calculated by numerically solving the radiative transfer equation by the method of invariant imbedding. A Mie scattering phase function and surface polarization was included in the calculation. Also included are the physical temperature profile and the temperature variation of the index of refraction for ice. Using published values of grain size and temperature profile data of polar firn, the brightness temperature was calculated for the 1.55 cm and 0.8 cm wavelengths. For selected regions in Greenland and Antarctica, the results are in reasonable agreement with the observed Nimbus-5 and Nimbus-6 ESMR data.

Chang, A. T. C.↗

NASTRAN modifications for recovering strains and curvatures

NASTRAN, NASA's general-purpose finite-element structural analysis program, has been modified to allow recovery of surface strains, reference plane strains, and local curvatures at nodes of general plane elements. NASTRAN routines that operate on element stress/strain/temperature relationships and strain/temperature relationships have been modified to incorporate generation and return of strains and curvatures in lieu of stresses. Strains and curvatures are then transformed to material axes and interpolated to generate corresponding strains and curvatures at nodes of element. This interpolation is accomplished using special surface-mapping function.

Chamis, C. C.↗

Applications of HCMM data to soil moisture snow and estuarine current studies

The author has identified the following significant results. Additional analyses of Luverne, Minnesota ground data revealed that soil moisture variations are independent of elevation effects. Tidal fluctuations in the Potomac River and Delaware Bay were examined as a function of surface temperature. Preliminary findings suggest that temperature boundaries are sufficient to detect various stages of the tidal cycle in Delaware Bay, but are as yet uncertain for prediction in the Potomac River. At least three additional cases are needed to completely evaluate the tidal cycle. An alphanumeric printout at a scale of 1:1,000,000 compares closely with a 1:1,000,000 scale DMD image of the Chesapeake Bay region.

Wiesnet, D. R.↗

Evaluation of axial lock-up of space shuttle main engine bearings from high pressure oxygen turbopump

The mainshaft support bearings of long life turbopumps for use on the space shuttle were evaluated to determine possible causes of failure. Specific aspects examined include the sensitivity of 15 degree versus 25 degree contact angle bearings with regard to heat damage and thermal runaway, the L/D aspects of the turbine end bearing pair with regard to hang-up due to cocking, the hang-up required to support a 44.5 KN axial load without cartridge slipping, the outer race growth as a result of a 44.5 KN axial load, and bearing torque as a function of axial load. Results indicate that hang-up of the cartridge due to bearing heating is a serious problem especially if poor lubrication of the bearing occurs and that race growth due to axial load can contribute to cartridge lock-up. The experimental evaluation of bearing performance under axial loads indicates that the bearing torque is a strong function of surface lubrication.

Kannel, J. W.↗

Transonic pressure distributions on a rectangular supercritical wing oscillating in pitch

Steady and unsteady aerodynamic data were measured on a rectangular wing with a 12 percent thick supercritical airfoil mounted in the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel. The wing was oscillated in pitch to generate the unsteady aerodynamic data. The purpose of the wind-tunnel test was to measure data for use in the development and assessment of transonic analytical codes. The effects on the wing pressure distributions of Mach number, mean angle of attack, and oscillation frequency and amplitude were measured. Results from the newly-developed XTRAN3S program (a non-linear transonic small disturbance code) and from the RHOIV program (a linear lifting surface kernel function code) were compared to measured data for a Mach number of 0.7 and for oscillation frequencies ranging from 0 to 20 Hz. The XTRAN3S steady and unsteady results agreed fairly well with the measured data. The RHOIV unsteady-result agreement was fair but, of course, did not predict shock effects.

Ricketts, R. H.↗

Transonic pressure distributions on a rectangular supercritical wing oscillating in pitch

Steady and unsteady aerodynamic data were measured on a rectangular wing with a 12 percent thick supercritical airfoil mounted in the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel. The wing was oscillated in pitch to generate the unsteady aerodynamic data. The purpose of the wind-tunnel test was to measure data for use in the development and assessment of transonic analytical codes. The effects on the wing pressure distributions of Mach number, mean angle of attack, and oscillation frequency and amplitude were measured. Results from the newly-developed XTRAN3S program (a nonlinear transonic small disturbance code) and from the RHOIV program (a linear lifting surface kernel function code) were compared to measured data for a Mach number of 0.7 and for oscillation frequencies ranging from 0 to 20 Hz. The XTRAN3S steady and unsteady results agreed fairly well with the measured results. The RHOIV unsteady-result agreement was fair but, of course, did not predict shock effects.

Ricketts, R. H.↗

Method of fabricating an abradable gas path seal

The thermal shock resistance of a ceramic layer is improved. The invention is particularly directed to an improved abradable lining that is deposited on shroud forming a gas path in turbomachinery. Improved thermal shock resistance of a shroud is effected through the deliberate introduction of benign cracks. These are microcracks which will not propagate appreciably upon exposure to the thermal shock environment in which a turbine seal must function. Laser surface fusion treatment is used to introduce these microcracks. The ceramic surface is laser scanned to form a continuous dense layer. As this layer cools and solidifies, shrinkage results in the formation of a very fine crack network. The presence of this deliberately introduced fine crack network precludes the formation of a catastrophic crack during thermal shock exposure.

Bill, R. C.↗

Thermospheric gravity waves near the source - Comparison of variations in neutral temperature and vertical velocity at Sondre Stromfjord

Theoretical predictions of thermospheric gravity wave oscillations are compared with observed neutral temperatures and velocities. The data were taken in February 1983 using a Fabry-Perot interferometer located on Greenland, close to impulse heat sources in the auroral oval. The phenomenon was modeled in terms of linearized equations of motion of the atmosphere on a slowly rotating sphere. Legendre polynomials were used as eigenfunctions and the transfer function amplitude surface was characterized by maxima in the wavenumber frequency plane. Good agreement for predicted and observed velocities and temperatures was attained in the 250-300 km altitude. The amplitude of the vertical velocity, however, was not accurately predicted, nor was the temperature variability. The vertical velocity did exhibit maxima and minima in response to corresponding temperature changes.

Herrero, F. A.↗

Exploratory flutter test in a cryogenic wind tunnel

A model consisting of a rigid wing with an integral, flexible beam support that was cantilever mounted from the wall in the NASA LaRC 0.3-m transonic cryogenic tunnel was used in a flutter analysis study. The wing had a rectangular planform of aspect ratio 1.5 and a 64A010 airfoil. Various considerations and procedures for conducting flutter tests in a cryogenic wind tunnel were evaluated. Flutter onset conditions were established from extrapolated subcritical response measurements. A flutter boundary was determined at cryogenic temperatures over a Mach number M range from 0.5 to 0.9. Flutter was obtained at two different Reynolds numbers R at M = 0.5 (R = 4.4 and 18.4 x 10 to the 6th power) and at M = 0.8 (R = 5.0 and 10.4 x 10 to the 6th power). Flutter analyses using subsonic lifting surface (kernel function) aerodynamics were made over the range of test conditions. To evaluate the Reynolds number effects at M = 0.5 and 0.8, the experimental results were adjusted using analytical trends to account for differences in the model test temperatures and mass ratios. The adjusted experimental results indicate that increasing Reynolds number from 5.0 to 20.0 x 10 to the 6th power decreased the dynamic pressure by 4.0 to 6.5 percent at M = 0.5 and 0.8.

Cole, S. R.↗

Flutter of a Low-Aspect-Ratio Rectangular Wing

A flutter test of a low-aspect-ratio rectangular wing was conducted in the Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT). The model used in this flutter test consisted of a rigid wing mounted to the wind-tunnel wall by a flexible, rectangular beam. The flexible support shaft was connected to the wing root and was cantilever mounted to the wind-tunnel wall. The wing had an aspect ratio of 1.5 based on the wing semispan and an NACA 64A010 airfoil shape. The flutter boundary of the model was determined for a Mach number range of 0.5 to 0.97. The shape of the transonic flutter boundary was determined. Actual flutter points were obtained on both the subsonic and supersonic sides of the flutter bucket. The model exhibited a deep transonic flutter bucket over a narrow range of Mach number. At some Mach numbers, the flutter conditions were extrapolated using a subcritical response technique. In addition to the basic configuration, modifications were made to the model structure such that the first bending frequency was changed without significantly affecting the first torsion frequency. The experiment showed that increasing the bending stiffness of the model support shaft through these modifications lowered the flutter dynamic pressure. Flutter analysis was conducted for the basic model as a comparison with the experimental results. This flutter analysis was conducted with subsonic lifting-surface (kernel function) aerodynamics using the k method for the flutter solution.

Cole, Stanley R.↗

Stanford/NASA-Ames Center of Excellence in model-based human performance

The human operator plays a critical role in many aeronautic and astronautic missions. The Stanford/NASA-Ames Center of Excellence in Model-Based Human Performance (COE) was initiated in 1985 to further our understanding of the performance capabilities and performance limits of the human component of aeronautic and astronautic projects. Support from the COE is devoted to those areas of experimental and theoretical work designed to summarize and explain human performance by developing computable performance models. The ultimate goal is to make these computable models available to other scientists for use in design and evaluation of aeronautic and astronautic instrumentation. Within vision science, two topics have received particular attention. First, researchers did extensive work analyzing the human ability to recognize object color relatively independent of the spectral power distribution of the ambient lighting (color constancy). The COE has supported a number of research papers in this area, as well as the development of a substantial data base of surface reflectance functions, ambient illumination functions, and an associated software package for rendering and analyzing image data with respect to these spectral functions. Second, the COE supported new empirical studies on the problem of selecting colors for visual display equipment to enhance human performance in discrimination and recognition tasks.

Wandell, Brian A.↗

Miniaturization of flight deflection measurement system

A flight deflection measurement system is disclosed including a hybrid microchip of a receiver/decoder. The hybrid microchip decoder is mounted piggy back on the miniaturized receiver and forms an integral unit therewith. The flight deflection measurement system employing the miniaturized receiver/decoder can be used in a wind tunnel. In particular, the miniaturized receiver/decoder can be employed in a spin measurement system due to its small size and can retain already established control surface actuation functions.

Fodale, Robert↗

Equilibrium models of self-gravitating inviscid disks resulting from the collapse of rotating clouds

A method is presented for the construction of velocity and surface density profiles of infinitely thin, self-gravitating disks formed from the collapse of spherical clouds, under the condition that the angular momentum of each material parcel is conserved. Results are presented for initially uniformly rotating clouds with density distributions varying as R exp -n and n = 0, 1, 2. The resulting disk surface density distributions are well represented by power laws in the cylindrical radius over most of their extent. The form of the zeroth-order approximation provides a useful representation of the final surface density function near the center for all three cases, and for n = 2 this result holds throughout the disk. This result is not generally true for the velocity functions, however.

Stemwedel, Sally W.↗

Magellan - Electrical and physical properties of Venus' surface

Magellan probes Venus'surface by 12.6-cm-wavelength vertical and oblique radar scattering and measures microwave thermal emission. Emissivity and root-mean-square slope maps between 330 deg and 30 deg E and 90 deg N and 80 deg S are dissimilar, although some local features are exceptions. Inferred surface emissivities typically are 0.85, but vary from 0.35 at Maxwell to 0.95 northeast of Gula Mons and other locations. Lowest emissivities appear in topographically high areas; this relation suggests that a phase change or differences in chemical weathering occur at about 6055-kilometer radius. Initial results indicate that there are significant variations in the surface scattering function.

Tyler, G. Leonard↗