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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1973

System statistical reliability model and analysis

A digital computer code was developed to simulate the time-dependent behavior of the 5-kwe reactor thermoelectric system. The code was used to determine lifetime sensitivity coefficients for a number of system design parameters, such as thermoelectric module efficiency and degradation rate, radiator absorptivity and emissivity, fuel element barrier defect constant, beginning-of-life reactivity, etc. A probability distribution (mean and standard deviation) was estimated for each of these design parameters. Then, error analysis was used to obtain a probability distribution for the system lifetime (mean = 7.7 years, standard deviation = 1.1 years). From this, the probability that the system will achieve the design goal of 5 years lifetime is 0.993. This value represents an estimate of the degradation reliability of the system.

Lekach, V. S.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Linear convective modes and the energy transport in stellar convection zones.

Model stars whose convection zones had been prepared in accordance with the standard mixing-length theory were used as a basis for the computation of unstable convective modes. It was found that no superposition of statistically independent, nonviscous, adiabatic, convective modes can reproduce the radial dependence of the convective flux of the model. This implies that the representation of a stellar convection zone as a superposition of unstable adiabatic linear modes is inconsistent with the mixing-length theory, and that conclusions based upon such a representation should be regarded with caution. It is also shown that if the linear scale of convective motions is greater than (or of the same order as) the pressure scale height, then the fractional deviation of the pressure from equilibrium will generally not be negligible, as assumed in the mixing-length theory, but will be at least of the same order as the fractional deviation of the density from equilibrium.

Hart, M. H.↗
NASA NTRS1973

The computation of 15 deg and 10 deg equal area block terrestrial free air gravity anomalies

Starting with the set of 23,355 1 deg x 1 deg mean free air gravity anomalies used in Rapp (1972) to form a 5 deg equal area block terrestrial gravity field, the computation of 15 deg equal area block mean free air gravity anomalies is described along with estimates of their standard deviations. A new scheme of an integral division of a 15 deg block into 9 component 300 n. m. blocks, and each 300 n. m. block being subdivided into 25 60 n.mi. blocks, is used. This insures that there is no loss in accuracy, which would have resulted if proportional values according to area were taken of the 5 deg equal area anomalies to form the 15 deg block anomalies. A similar scheme is used for the computation of 10 deg equal area block mean free air gravity anomalies with estimates of their standard deviations. The scheme is general enough to be used for a 30 deg equal area block terrestrial gravity field.

Hajela, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Estimation of peak winds from hourly observations

Two closely related methods to obtain estimates of the hourly peak wind at Cape Kennedy were compared by statistical tests. The methods evaluated the Monin-Obukhov stability length and the standard deviation of the hourly observed wind speed, so as to augment the latter quantity by F standard deviations. F is an optimized factor. A third method utilizing an optimized gust factor was also applied to the hourly wind. The latter procedure estimated 2952 peak winds with an rms error of 2.81 knots, an accuracy which was not surpassed by the other methods. Peak ground wind speed data were developed for use in space shuttle design operation analyses.

Graves, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Estimation of longitudinal aerodynamic coefficients and comparison with wind-tunnel values

Some recent experience at Ames Research Center in the estimation of aerodynamic coefficients for the Lear-Jet and the Augmentor Wing Jet STOL Research Aircraft is reviewed. The coefficients estimated from flight data are compared with values based on large-scale wind-tunnel tests. The results obtained by the regression and quasilinearization identification techniques are also compared. The regression method generally provides the lower standard deviation in the coefficient estimates and provides the better fit to the wind-tunnel values. The addition of nonlinear terms in the aerodynamic equations decreases the difference between the estimated and measured time histories but also increases the standard deviation in the estimated coefficient values.

Wingrove, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Modulation of cosmic-ray protons and helium nuclei near solar maximum

Balloon observations of proton and helium spectra in 1970, 1971 and 1972, reveal a factor of approximately 1.85 deviation from a single valued regression at low rigidities. This deviation decreases with increasing rigidity for both species. The period 1969-1970 is unique because time variations at low and high energies were anti-correlated. When satellite observations are used to extend the balloon observations to energies below 100 MeV/Nucleon, the proton spectrum showed a steeper slope in 1970 and 1972 than the characteristic J = AT spectrum observed during 1965-1969. The slope of the helium spectrum became continuously flatter during the same period (1970-1972). Computer generated spectra based on simple two parameter modulation models describe the basic features of the observations if one of the variable parameters is used to characterize the rigidity dependence of the diffusion coefficient. Models which do not allow such a variation are not consistent with the observations.

Rygg, T. A.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Curve fits of predicted inviscid stagnation-point radiative heating rates, cooling factors, and shock standoff distances for hyperbolic earth entry

Curve-fit formulas are presented for the stagnation-point radiative heating rate, cooling factor, and shock standoff distance for inviscid flow over blunt bodies at conditions corresponding to high-speed earth entry. The data which were curve fitted were calculated by using a technique which utilizes a one-strip integral method and a detailed nongray radiation model to generate a radiatively coupled flow-field solution for air in chemical and local thermodynamic equilibrium. The range of free-stream parameters considered were altitudes from about 55 to 70 km and velocities from about 11 to 16 km.sec. Spherical bodies with nose radii from 30 to 450 cm and elliptical bodies with major-to-minor axis ratios of 2, 4, and 6 were treated. Powerlaw formulas are proposed and a least-squares logarithmic fit is used to evaluate the constants. It is shown that the data can be described in this manner with an average deviation of about 3 percent (or less) and a maximum deviation of about 10 percent (or less). The curve-fit formulas provide an effective and economic means for making preliminary design studies for situations involving high-speed earth entry.

Suttles, J. T.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Is there another major constituent in the atmosphere of Mars?

In view of the possible finding of several tens percent of inert gas in the atmosphere of Mars by an instrument on the descent module of the USSR's Mars 6 spacecraft, the likelihood of the correctness of this result was examined. The basis for the well-known fact that the most likely candidate is radiogenic argon is described. It is shown that, for the two important methods of investigating the atmosphere, earth-based CO2 is infrared absorption spectroscopy and S-band occultation, within the estimated 1 standard deviation uncertainties of these methods about 20% argon can be accommodated. Within the estimated 3 standard deviation uncertainties, more than 35% is possible. It is also stated that even with 35% argon the maximum value of heat transfer rate on the Viking 75 entry vehicle does not exceed the design value.

Wood, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Gulf Stream model

Surface elevation deviations in the Gulf Stream region off the eastern coast of the United States between Wallops Island, Virginia and Miami, Florida were investigated. The main causes of surface elevation deviations are geoid perturbations due to the continental shelf and the geostrophic adjustment of the density field due to the Gulf Stream. Quantitative surface elevation profiles were calculated based on geophysical measurements of gravity anomalies and hydrographic data. The results are presented graphically along with contemporaneous weather data. Comparisons are made between the profiles based on hydrographic data and a mean theoretical model. The theory of geostrophic flows including some classical Gulf Stream models is also presented briefly.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1973

The MATHEMATICA economic analysis of the Space Shuttle System

Detailed economic analysis shows the Thrust Assisted Orbiter Space Shuttle System (TAOS) to be the most economic Space Shuttle configuration among the systems studied. The development of a TAOS Shuttle system is economically justified within a level of space activities between 300 and 360 Shuttle flights in the 1979-1990 period, or about 25 to 30 flights per year, well within the U.S. Space Program including NASA and DoD missions. If the NASA and DoD models are taken at face value (624 flights), the benefits of the Shuttle system are estimated to be $13.9 billion with a standard deviation of plus or minus $1.45 billion in 1970 dollars (at a 10% social rate of discount). If the expected program is modified to 514 flights (in the 1979-1990 period), the estimated benefits of the Shuttle system are $10.2 billion, with a standard deviation of $940 million (at a 10% social rate of discount).

Heiss, K. P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Evolution of lunar soil grain-size and shape parameters

Substrates at the Apollo 15 and 16 sites were analyzed and showed essentially the same graphic mean, graphic standard deviation, and graphic skewness. The graphic kurtosis of Apollo 16 soils is slightly smaller than that of Apollo 15. In Apollo 15 soil samples, grain size and graphic standard deviation increase with depth, while the trend is reversed in Apollo 16 soil samples. Lower sphericity values for Apollo 15 samples coincide with concentrations of highly irregularly shaped glass particles. Two-dimensional sphericity of Apollo 15 samples is contoured as a function of particle size and depth below lunar surface. The results are consistent with an overall model for soil development in which samples closer to the surface are more mature in response to more prolonged reworking of meteorite impact.

Lindsay, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Shapes of strong shock fronts in an inhomogeneous solar wind

The shapes expected for solar-flare-produced strong shock fronts in the solar wind have been calculated, large-scale variations in the ambient medium being taken into account. It has been shown that for reasonable ambient solar wind conditions the mean and the standard deviation of the east-west shock normal angle are in agreement with experimental observations including shocks of all strengths. The results further suggest that near a high-speed stream it is difficult to distinguish between corotating shocks and flare-associated shocks on the basis of the shock normal alone. Although the calculated shapes are outside the range of validity of the linear approximation, these results indicate that the variations in the ambient solar wind may account for large deviations of shock normals from the radial direction.

Heinemann, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Anisotropies of galactic cosmic rays outside the orbit of earth measured on Pioneer 10

Preliminary results of observations of the directional distribution of cosmic rays being conducted by the University of Chicago experiment on the Pioneer 10 spacecraft are presented. The unusual geometry of the directional scan is described and some features of the response of a bidirectional coincidence telescope are discussed. Selected periods free from the presence of low-energy solar particles exhibit transient deviations from uniform directional distributions for the bidirectional flux of nuclei greater than 67 MeV/nucleon. These deviations are typically 2 to 4 (plus or minus 1) percent and are oriented very roughly in a N-S direction. Such nonuniformities observed with a bidirectional detector can only be due to even order terms in the angular distribution function.

Lentz, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Biological modulation of the earth's atmosphere

Review of the evidence that the earth's atmosphere is regulated by life on the surface so that the probability of growth of the entire biosphere is maximized. Acidity, gas composition including oxygen level, and ambient temperature are enormously important determinants for the distribution of life. The earth's atmosphere deviates greatly from that of the other terrestrial planets in particular with respect to acidity, composition, redox potential and temperature history as predicted from solar luminosity. These deviations from predicted steady state conditions have apparently persisted over millions of years. These anomalies may be evidence for a complex planet-wide homeostasis that is the product of natural selection. Possible homeostatic mechanisms that may be further investigated by both theoretical and experimental methods are suggested.

Margulis, L.↗
NASA NTRS1974

A note on the influence of axial velocity ratio on cascade performance

A thin airfoil quasi-two-dimensional potential flow theory has been used to analyze cascades with axial-flow contraction. Attention is centered on the flow turning of a lattice of foils as measured by the deviation angle. The influence of both axial-flow acceleration and foil thickness on the deviation angle is summarized in plots that should be useful for design purposes. It is shown that the effect of axial-flow contraction is larger when the foils are relatively far apart than when they are close together. The influence of axial velocity ratio across the cascade changes markedly with the stagger angle. These effects are essentially unaltered due to foil thickness.

Wilson, M. B.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Stability and noise spectra of relative Loran-C frequency comparisons

Relative comparisons of Loran-C frequency transmissions between the master station of Catanzaro (Simeri Crichi) and the X, Z slave stations of Estartit (Spain) and Lampedusa (Italy) are carrying out by the GG LORSTA monitor station of the Mediterranean Sea Loran-C chain. These comparisons are able to emphasize the relative and, under certain conditions, the absolute rate of the emitting standard frequencies of the slave stations and some relevant statistical properties of the Loran-C Method for frequency transmission and time synchronization. The stability of each Loran-C frequency standard transmission is subject to perturbations, more or less known, due to the propagation medium and other causes. Following the Allan (1966) method for data processing, the performance of the relative rate of frequency of the transmissions of the X, Z slave stations are described calculating the standard deviation of a set of N frequency measurements from its mean averaged during sampling times. This standard deviation is designated as the measure of the stability of the Loran-C frequency transmission.

Proverbio, E.↗
NASA NTRS1974

A stable, linear frequency-modulated oscillator, part 1

The development of a push-pull frequency-modulated oscillator employing field-effect transistors is described. The advantages of field-effect transistors for use in a frequency-stable oscillator are presented. Linearization of the frequency deviation was accomplished by utilizing the square-law characteristic of an FET used as a modulating amplifier. The push-pull oscillator model produced a linear frequency deviation of more than 10 MHz at a center frequency of approximately 100 MHz. Output power is within 0.6 db of a nominal +8.5 dBm over the desired frequency range, and the modulation bandwidth is dc to 10 MHz. Frequency variation with temperature after compensation with a negative-temperature-coefficient capacitor is within + or - 0.05% from 0 to 60 C.

Honnell, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1975

The effects of correlation on goodness of fit

Autocorrelated normal random variates were generated via computer and the effects of various levels of correlation on goodness of fit problems were studied. The results are useful in determining the distribution or estimating the parameters of populations that correlate observations such as wind speeds and temperature. The model used to generate the autocorrelated data is an autoregressive process of order 1. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov and chi-square statistics are used in the analysis. It was observed in the simulation that high positive correlations tend to shift the sample mean away from the population mean and negative correlations tend to shift the sample mean towards the population mean. In many cases, it was observed that positive and negative correlations tend to decrease the standard deviation. However, since this did not occur in all cases, no definite conclusion can be made regarding the standard deviation. Since the autoregressive process is a linear transformation, it is not surprising that normality was preserved. However, a possible extension of this problem could be to generate non-normal data and observe how the distribution is affected by correlation. Another extension might utilize another model such as autoregressive of order k or a moving average process of order k.

Kitchens, L. J.↗