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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 307 records · Page 17
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NASA NTRS1978

Post-Newtonian gravitational bremsstrahlung

Formulas and numerical results for the gravitational radiation emitted during a low-deflection encounter between two massive bodies are presented. The results are valid through post-Newtonian order within general relativity. The gravitational waveform (transverse-traceless part of the metric perturbation tensor), the total luminosity and total emitted energy, the angular distribution of emitted energy (antenna pattern), and the frequency spectrum are discussed. A method of boosting the accuracy of these quantities to post-3/2-Newtonian order is presented. A numerical comparison of the results with previously reported results shows that the post-Newtonian method is reliable to better than 0.1% at v = 0.1c, to a few percent at v = 0.35c, and to 10-20% at v = 0.5c.

Turner, M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Dynamic analysis of flexible rotor-bearing systems using a modal approach

The generalized dynamic equations of motion were obtained by the direct stiffness method for multimass flexible rotor-bearing systems. The direct solution of the equations of motion is illustrated on a simple 3-mass system. For complex rotor-bearing systems, the direct solution of the equations becomes very difficult. The transformation of the equations of motion into modal coordinates can greatly simplify the computation for the solution. The use of undamped and damped system mode shapes in the transformation are discussed. A set of undamped critical speed modes is used to transform the equations of motion into a set of coupled modal equations of motion. A rapid procedure for computing stability, steady state unbalance response, and transient response of the rotor-bearing system is presented. Examples of the application of this modal approach are presented. The dynamics of the system is further investigated with frequency spectrum analysis of the transient response.

Choy, K. C.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Measurements of the magnetic field orientation in the Jovian ionosphere deduced from Pioneer 10 and 11 scintillation observations

In this paper the S band scintillations observed during the Pioneer 10 and 11 occultation measurements of Jupiter are analyzed. It is found that while the electron density irregularities are isotropic in the collision-dominated lower ionosphere, they are anisotropic in the upper ionosphere because of alignment along the magnetic field. By using Rytov's approximation the frequency spectrum of the log-amplitude scintillations is derived for a wave propagating in an anisotropic turbulent medium. It is shown that the spectrum depends to a large extent on the direction of anisotropy and is therefore useful for measuring the orientation of the magnetic field in regions that have not yet been probed by direct measurements. This new technique is applied to the Pioneer 10 and 11 observations, and is used to deduce the first measurements of magnetic field orientation in the ionosphere of Jupiter.

Woo, R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

An emission mechanism for the Io-independent Jovian decameter radiation

A theory of the Io-independent decameter radiation is developed. The radiation results from excitation of the electromagnetic loss-cone instability by keV electrons, stably trapped near L = 6. The radiation is excited in band III of the extraordinary mode. When the effects of refraction are estimated, it is shown that above 10 MHz radiation is beamed into the equatorial plane in a wide, but thin, conical sheet. When the instability analysis is coupled with one of the octopole models of the Jovian magnetic field, the maximum convective growth of the instability occurs in the directions of the non-Io A, B, and C sources. The shape of the peak radio flux frequency spectrum is found to be a consequence of the loss-cone shape of the electron distribution function.

Goldstein, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Recent progress in the development of transition radiation detectors

Transition-radiation detectors have been used in several recent cosmic-ray experiments for particle identification at energies E/mc-squared of at least about 1000. In order to optimize the design of such detectors and to use them for energy measurements over a broad energy range, it is necessary to study the details of the transition-radiation process. Experimental results are presented which test the theoretical predictions more precisely and at higher energies than in previous experiments. The dependence of the interference pattern in the frequency spectrum on the radiator dimensions is studied, and the total transition-radiation yield generated by electrons in various radiators is measured over a very wide energy range, from 5 to 300 GeV. The significance of the individual experimental parameters in the design of transition radiation detectors is reviewed, and the characteristics of transition-radiation detectors capable of measuring particle energies over the range E/mc-squared from about 300 to 100,000 are discussed.

Cherry, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Earth's magnetosphere - Global problems in magnetospheric plasma physics

Magnetospheric physics is presently in a transition from the exploratory stage to one in which satellite missions and ground-based observations are planned with the specific object of achieving a global understanding and self-consistent quantitative description of the cause-and-effect relationship among the principal dynamic processes involved. Measurements turn to lower and lower energies and to higher ion mass species, in order to encompass the entire particle population, and to a broader range of the frequency spectrum of magnetic and electric field variations. In the present paper, the current status of our knowledge on magnetospheric plasma physics is reviewed, with particular reference of such fundamental advances as the discovery of layers of streaming plasma in the magnetosphere beneath its boundary surface, the identification of the terrestrial magnetosphere as a celestial source of kilometric radiation and relativistic particles, the identification of parallel electric field regions within the magnetosphere and their role in auroral particle acceleration, and the discovery of large fluxes of energetic heavy ions trapped in the magnetosphere.

Roederer, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Testing of containers made of glass-fiber reinforced plastic with the aid of acoustic emission analysis

Acoustic emission analysis as a quasi-nondestructive test method makes it possible to differentiate clearly, in judging the total behavior of fiber-reinforced plastic composites, between critical failure modes (in the case of unidirectional composites fiber fractures) and non-critical failure modes (delamination processes or matrix fractures). A particular advantage is that, for varying pressure demands on the composites, the emitted acoustic pulses can be analyzed with regard to their amplitude distribution. In addition, definite indications as to how the damages occurred can be obtained from the time curves of the emitted acoustic pulses as well as from the particular frequency spectrum. Distinct analogies can be drawn between the various analytical methods with respect to whether the failure modes can be classified as critical or non-critical.

Wolitz, K.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Simulation of transducer-couplant effects on broadband ultrasonic signals

The increasing use of broadband, pulse-echo ultrasonics in nondestructive evaluation of flaws and material properties has generated a need for improved understanding of the way signals are modified by coupled and bonded thin-layer interfaces associated with transducers. This understanding is most important when using frequency spectrum analyses for characterizing material properties. In this type of application, signals emanating from material specimens can be strongly influenced by couplant and bond-layers in the acoustic path. Computer synthesized waveforms were used to simulate a range of interface conditions encountered in ultrasonic transducer systems operating in the 20 to 80 MHz regime. The adverse effects of thin-layer multiple reflections associated with various acoustic impedance conditions are demonstrated. The information presented is relevant to ultrasonic transducer design, specimen preparation, and couplant selection.

Vary, A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Analysis and identification of subsynchronous vibration for a high pressure parallel flow centrifugal compressor

The summary of a complete analytical design evaluation of an existing parallel flow compressor is presented and a field vibration problem that manifested itself as a subsynchronous vibration that tracked at approximately 2/3 of compressor speed is reviewed. The comparison of predicted and observed peak response speeds, frequency spectrum content, and the performance of the bearing-seal systems are presented as the events of the field problem are reviewed. Conclusions and recommendations are made as to the degree of accuracy of the analytical techniques used to evaluate the compressor design.

Kirk, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Coupled wave model for large magnet coils

A wave coupled model based on field theory is evolved for analysis of fast electromagnetic transients on superconducting coils. It is expected to play a useful role in the design of protection methods against damage due to high voltages or any adverse effects that might arise from unintentional transients. The significant parameters of the coil are identified to be the turn to turn wave coupling coefficients and the travel time of an electromagnetic disturbance around a single turn. Unlike circuit theoretic inductor, the coil response evolves in discrete steps having durations equal to this travel time. It is during such intervals that high voltages are likely to occur. The model also bridges the gap between the low and high ends of the frequency spectrum.

Gabriel, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Developing the concept of a geostationary platform

A geostationary platform concept with a proliferation of low-cost earth stations is discussed. Candidate platform concepts, servicing, life, and Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) options are considered. A Life Cycle Costing model is used to select the minimum cost concept meeting program criteria. It is concluded that the geostationary platform concept is a practical and economical approach to providing expanding communication services within the limitations imposed by the available frequency spectrum and orbital arc.

Carey, W. T.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Concepts for 20/30 GHz satcom systems for direct-to-user applications

A baseline technique is described for implementing a direct-to-user (DTU) satcom communications system at 20/30 GHz transmission frequency. The purpose of this application is to utilize the high capacity frequency spectrum at K(A) band for communications among thousands of small terminals located at or close to a customer's facility. The baseline DTU system utilizes a TDMA method of communications with QPSK modulation. Twenty-five coverage beams from a geosynchronous orbit spacecraft provide full coverage of CONUS. Low cost terminals are limited to less than 4.5 meters diameter. The impact of rain attenuation on communications availability is examined. Other techniques including satellite switched antenna beams are outlined and critical K(A)-band technology developments are identified.

Jorasch, R.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Simulation of transducer-couplant effects on broadband ultrasonic signals

The increasing use of broadband, pulse-echo ultrasonics in nondestructive evaluation of flaws and material properties has generated a need for improved understanding of the way signals are modified by coupled and bonded thin-layer interfaces associated with transducers. This understanding is most important when using frequency spectrum analyses for characterizing material properties. In this type of application, signals emanating from material specimens can be strongly influenced by couplant and bond-layers in the acoustic path. Computer synthesized waveforms were used to simulate a range of interface conditions encountered in ultrasonic transducer systems operating in the 20to 80-MHz regime. The adverse effects of thin-layer multiple reflections associated with various acoustic impedance conditions are demonstrated. The information presented is relevant to ultrasonic transducer design, specimen preparation, and couplant selection.

Vary, A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Generation of auroral kilometric radiation and the structure of auroral acceleration region

Generation of auroral kilometric radiation (AKR) in the auroral acceleration region is studied. It is shown that auroral kilometric radiation can be generated by backscattered electrons trapped in the acceleration region via a cyclotron maser process. The parallel electric field in the acceleration region is required to be distributed over 1-2 earth radii. The observed AKR frequency spectrum can be used to estimate the altitude range of the auroral acceleration region. The altitudes of the lower and upper boundaries of the acceleration region determined from the AKR data are respectively approximately 2000 and 9000 km.

Lee, L. C.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Effect of tip vortex structure on helicopter noise due to blade-vortex interaction

A potential cause of helicopter impulsive noise, commonly called blade slap, is the unsteady lift fluctuation on a rotor blade due to interaction with the vortex trailed from another blade. The relationship between vortex structure and the intensity of the acoustic signal is investigated. Unsteady lift on the blades due to blade-vortex interaction is calculated using linear unsteady aerodynamic theory, and expressions are derived for the directivity, frequency spectrum, and transient signal of the radiated noise. The inviscid rollup model of Betz is used to calculate the velocity profile in the trailing vortex from the spanwise distribution of blade tip loading. A few cases of tip loading are investigated, and numerical results are presented for the unsteady lift and acoustic signal due to blade-vortex interaction. The intensity of the acoustic signal is shown to be quite sensitive to changes in tip vortex structures.

Widnall, S. E.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Flow field and acoustic properties of a Mach number 0.9 jet at a low Reynolds number

An experimental study of the flow field and acoustic properties of a low Reynolds number M = 0.9 jet has been performed in a low pressure anechoic test chamber. The mean flow field was surveyed with a conventional pitot pressure probe and flow fluctuations were detected with a normal hot wire probe. Also, condenser microphone measurements were made in the acoustic field. The flow fluctuations within the jet were found to be dominated initially by a relatively discrete, large-scale, wave-like instability centered around a Strouhal number of 0.44. The axial wavelength of this instability was determined to be 1.45 jet diameters and its azimuthal character includes the n = 0 and n = plus or minus 1 modes. The growth of this instability coupled with its nonlinear breakdown are major contributors to the termination of the potential core region of the jet. The acoustic field of the jet, in contrast to the flow field, has a broad frequency spectrum with a peak amplitude near a Strouhal number of St = 0.2. The results indicate that a nonlinear mechanism involving the large-scale flow instability is responsible for a dominant portion of the noise generated from this jet.

Stromberg, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Geostationary platform systems concepts definition study. Volume 1: Executive summary

The results of a geostationary platform concept analysis are summarized. Mission and payloads definition, concept selection, the requirements of an experimental platform, supporting research and technology, and the Space Transportation System interface requirements are addressed. It is concluded that platforms represent a logical extension of current trends toward larger, more complex, multifrequency satellites. Geostationary platforms offer significant cost savings compared to individual satellites, with the majority of these economies being realized with single Shuttle launched platforms. Further cost savings can be realized, however, by having larger platforms. Platforms accommodating communications equipment that operates at multiple frequencies and which provide larger scale frequency reuse through the use of large aperture multibeam antennas and onboard switching maximize the useful capacity of the orbital arc and frequency spectrum. Projections of market demand indicate that such conservation measures are clearly essential if orderly growth is to be provided for. In addition, it is pointed out that a NASA experimental platform is required to demonstrate the technologies necessary for operational geostationary platforms of the 1990's.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1980

Superfluid Helium Experiment for Spacelab 2

The Superfluid Helium Experiment is designed to study the properties of superfluid helium in zero gravity and demonstrate the operation of a versatile reusable superfluid helium experiment facility. The superfluid experiment will consist of three subexperiments. The quantized surface wave experiment is intended to contribute to an understanding of the quantum nature of He-2 and the interactions between the normal and superfluid components. The bulk fluid dynamics experiment will determine the response of the bulk helium to known accelerations. The thermal dynamics experiment will attempt to obtain a detailed understanding of the spatial distribution of temperatures and the thermal frequency spectrum in the bulk liquid. In addition, the superfluid helium cryostat will be instrumented to measure its performance in several critical areas.

Mason, P.↗