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NASA NTRS1989

Chemical calculations on Cray computers

The influence of recent developments in supercomputing on computational chemistry is discussed with particular reference to Cray computers and their pipelined vector/limited parallel architectures. After reviewing Cray hardware and software the performance of different elementary program structures are examined, and effective methods for improving program performance are outlined. The computational strategies appropriate for obtaining optimum performance in applications to quantum chemistry and dynamics are discussed. Finally, some discussion is given of new developments and future hardware and software improvements.

Taylor, Peter R.↗

NASA NTRS2007

Can the Hypothesis 'Photon Interferes only with Itself' be Reconciled with Superposition of Light from Multiple Beams or Sources?

Any superposition effect as measured (SEM) by us is the summation of simultaneous stimulations experienced by a detector due to the presence of multiple copies of a detectee each carrying different values of the same parameter. We discus the cases with light beams carrying same frequency for both diffraction and multiple beam Fabry-Perot interferometer and also a case where the two superposed light beams carry different frequencies. Our key argument is that if light really consists of indivisible elementary particle, photon, then it cannot by itself create superposition effect since the state vector of an elementary particle cannot carry more than one values of any parameter at the same time. Fortunately, semiclassical model explains all light induced interactions using quantized atoms and classical EM wave packet. Classical physics, with its deeper commitment to Reality Ontology, was better prepared to nurture the emergence of Quantum Mechanics and still can provide guidance to explore nature deeper if we pay careful attention to successful classical formulations like Huygens-Fresnel diffraction integral.

Roychoudhuri, Chandrasekhar↗

NASA NTRS1979

Elementary analytic models of climate. 1: The mean global heat balance

Climate models based on global radiative equilibrium are normally so complicated that they require extensive computer codes to provide adequate accuracy. However, by simply modifying the concept of a gray atmosphere, a reasonably correct mean global temperature is obtained. This elementary model is then used to estimate the effects of changes in the abundances of minor infrared absorbers and changes in the solar constant or earth albedo. When applied to a Budyko-Sellers zonally averaged model, the quasi-gray model could give a physical basis for the latitude dependence of outgoing radiation and of opacity due to H2O vapor content. The latter effect constitutes an important positive feedback on surface temperature.

Chamberlain, J. W.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Reanalysis, compatibility and correlation in analysis of modified antenna structures

A simple computational procedure is synthesized to process changes in the microwave-antenna pathlength-error measure when there are changes in the antenna structure model. The procedure employs structural modification reanalysis methods combined with new extensions of correlation analysis to provide the revised rms pathlength error. Mainframe finite-element-method processing of the structure model is required only for the initial unmodified structure, and elementary postprocessor computations develop and deal with the effects of the changes. Several illustrative computational examples are included. The procedure adapts readily to processing spectra of changes for parameter studies or sensitivity analyses.

Levy, R.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Conjunction Assessment at NASA

The number of objects in orbit is growing exponentially The space environment today is very different from a decade ago and continues to evolve very rapidly - Historically, space operations were domain of large governmental entities. - Commercial space operators are becoming commonplace and have different business models than government actors - CubeSats are cost effective and accessible for everyone, even down to elementary schools - Challenge in educating new space actors on best practices and availability of data and tools Technology enabling this access has rapidly evolved, while no regulatory framework has been established to ensure that space can be used safely by all.

Conjunction Assessment↗

NASA NTRS1954

Charts relating the compressive buckling stress of longitudinally supported plates to the effective deflectional and rotational stiffness of the supports

A stability analysis is made of a long flat rectangular plate subjected to a uniform longitudinal compressive stress and supported along its longitudinal edges and along one or more longitudinal lines by elastic line supports. The elastic supports possess deflectional and rotational stiffness. Such configuration is an idealization of the compression cover skin and internal structure of a wing and tail surfaces. The results of the analysis are presented in the form of charts in which the buckling-stress coefficient is plotted against the buckle length of the plate for a wide range of support stiffnesses. The charts make possible the determination of the compressive buckling stress of plates supported by members whose stiffness may or may not be defined by elementary beam bending and twisting theory but yet whose effective restraint is amenable to evaluation. The deflectional and rotational stiffness provided by longitudinal stiffeners and full-depth webs is discussed and numerical examples are given to illustrate the application of the charts to the design of wing structures.

Anderson, Roger A↗

NASA NTRS1976

A model for the pyrolysis of unfilled and filled polymers and comparisons with NBS smoke-density chamber data

This paper considers a model for the pyrolysis of polymers for use in mass loss and smoke density predictions in a fire situation. It is based on the fundamental postulate that the overall rate-limiting reactions are in the relatively low temperature condensed phase; the rate limiting step is the polymer degradation to a vaporizable state. The state of the polymer (chain length) at the surface is specified by the vapor pressure equilibrium criterion. For the case of polymers with inert fillers, like alumina trihydrate, the further assumption is made that the linear regression rate of the material is identical to the unfilled material's at the same surface temperature. The fraction of polymer mass loss converted to smoke is inferred from the literature. The smoke density in the NBS-smoke density chamber is predicted for a polyester and the same polyester with two different loads of alumina trihydrate filler. Diffusional effects in the smoke spreading are considered in an elementary manner. The comparisons with experimental data are encouraging. The overall fire characteristics are predicted using only the fundamental physicochemical property values of ingredients.

Kumar, R. N.↗

NASA NTRS1971

On the dynamics of a human body model.

Equations of motion for a model of the human body are developed. Basically, the model consists of an elliptical cylinder representing the torso, together with a system of frustrums of elliptical cones representing the limbs. They are connected to the main body and each other by hinges and ball and socket joints. Vector, tensor, and matrix methods provide a systematic organization of the geometry. The equations of motion are developed from the principles of classical mechanics. The solution of these equations then provide the displacement and rotation of the main body when the external forces and relative limb motions are specified. Three simple example motions are studied to illustrate the method. The first is an analysis and comparison of simple lifting on the earth and the moon. The second is an elementary approach to underwater swimming, including both viscous and inertia effects. The third is an analysis of kicking motion and its effect upon a vertically suspended man such as a parachutist.

Huston, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Comparison of measured and calculated aircraft lift generated pressures

Lift generated pressures produced by large, heavy aircraft at low altitudes were investigated due to concern over their possible effects on ground objects. Aircraft lift generated pressures were calculated using elementary airfoil theory, and these values were compared with ground level measurements made during an overflight program. The predicted and the measured values were in relatively good agreement. Due to lack of experimental investigations of this phenomenon, opportunity was taken during an overflight program to use a specially instrumented test range to measure the ground pressures produced for a range of aircraft weights and distances.

Findley, D. S.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Electrostatic shielding of a charged conducting sphere by a fine-mesh grounded screen

A simple model of an electrostatic-shielding arrangement that will reduce the electric field from the Near Infrared Mapper Spectrometer aboard the Galileo spacecraft is presented. The system considered consists of a charged conducting sphere held at a fixed absolute potential via a power source. This system is screened by a larger, concentric sphere made of fine mesh which is grounded. A derivation based on elementary principles of electrostatics is used to show that the shielding effectiveness of the screen can be expressed in terms of the separation between the two spheres and another quantity B that is an intrinsic property of the screen. For a given screen, B can be determined by measuring the capacitance per unit area and separation between a flat piece of the screen and a parallel metal plate.

Edmonds, L.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Fragmentation under the Scaling Symmetry and Turbulent Cascade with Intermittency

Fragmentation plays an important role in a variety of physical, chemical, and geological processes. Examples include atomization in sprays, crushing of rocks, explosion and impact of solids, polymer degradation, etc. Although each individual action of fragmentation is a complex process, the number of these elementary actions is large. It is natural to abstract a simple 'effective' scenario of fragmentation and to represent its essential features. One of the models is the fragmentation under the scaling symmetry: each breakup action reduces the typical length of fragments, r (right arrow) alpha r, by an independent random multiplier alpha (0 < alpha < 1), which is governed by the fragmentation intensity spectrum q(alpha), integral(sup 1)(sub 0) q(alpha)d alpha = 1. This scenario has been proposed by Kolmogorov (1941), when he considered the breakup of solid carbon particle. Describing the breakup as a random discrete process, Kolmogorov stated that at latest times, such a process leads to the log-normal distribution. In Gorokhovski & Saveliev, the fragmentation under the scaling symmetry has been reviewed as a continuous evolution process with new features established. The objective of this paper is twofold. First, the paper synthesizes and completes theoretical part of Gorokhovski & Saveliev. Second, the paper shows a new application of the fragmentation theory under the scale invariance. This application concerns the turbulent cascade with intermittency. We formulate here a model describing the evolution of the velocity increment distribution along the progressively decreasing length scale. The model shows that when the turbulent length scale gets smaller, the velocity increment distribution has central growing peak and develops stretched tails. The intermittency in turbulence is manifested in the same way: large fluctuations of velocity provoke highest strain in narrow (dissipative) regions of flow.

Gorokhovski, M.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Atomic oxygen effects on materials

Understanding of the basic processes of atomic oxygen interaction is currently at a very elementary level. However, measurement of erosion yields, surface morphology, and optical properties for low fluences have brought about much progress in the past decade. Understanding the mechanisms and those factors that are important for proper simulation of low Earth orbit is at a much lower level of understanding. The ability to use laboratory simulations with confidence to quantifiably address the functional performance and durability of materials in low Earth orbit will be necessary to assure long-term survivability to the natural space environment.

Banks, Bruce A.↗

NASA NTRS1971

Attitude stability of spinning flexible spacecraft

The stability of spinning flexible satellites in a force-free environment was analyzed. The satellite was modeled as a rigid core having attached to it a flexible appendage idealized as a collection of particles (point masses) interconnected by springs. Both Liapunov and Routh-Hurwitz stability procedures are used. In the former, the Hamiltonian of the system, constrained through the angular momentum integral so as to admit complete damping, is used as a testing function. Equations of motion are written using the hybrid coordinate formulation, which readily accepts a modal coordinate transformation ultimately allowing truncation to a level amenable to literal stability analysis. Closed form stability criteria are generated for the first mode of a restricted appendage model lying in a plane containing the system center of mass and orthogonal to the spin axis. The effects of spin on flexible bodies are discussed by considering a very elementary particle model. Control of passively unstable spacecraft is briefly considered.

Likins, P. W.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Thermal conductivity of metals

The objective is to familiarize students with steady and unsteady heat transfer by conduction and with the effect of thermal conductivity upon temperature distribution through a homogeneous substance. The elementary heat conduction experiment presented is designed for associate degree technology students in a simple manner to enhance their intuition and to clarify many confusing concepts such as temperature, thermal energy, thermal conductivity, heat, transient and steady flows. The equipment set is safe, small, portable (10 kg) and relatively cheap (about $1200): the electric hot plate 2 kg (4.4 lb) for $175: the 24 channel selector and Thermocouple Digital Readout (Trendicator) 4.5 kg (10 lb) for about $1000; the three metal specimens (each of 2.5 cm diameter and 11 cm length), base plate and the bucket all about 3 kg (7 lb) for about $25. The experiment may take from 60 to 70 minutes. Although the hot plate surface temperature could be set from 90 to 370 C (maximum of 750 watts) it is a good practice to work with temperatures of 180 to 200 C (about 400 watts). They may experiment in squads of 2, 3 or even 4, or the instructor may demonstrate it for the whole class.

Kazem, Sayyed M.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Oxidation kinetics of model compounds of metabolic waste in supercritical water

In this NASA-funded study, the oxidation kinetics of methanol and ammonia in supercritical water have been experimentally determined in an isothermal plug flow reactor. Theoretical studies have also been carried out to characterize key reaction pathways. Methanol oxidation rates were found to be proportional to the first power of methanol concentration and independent of oxygen concentration and were highly activated with an activation energy of approximately 98 kcal/mole over the temperature range 480 to 540 C at 246 bar. The oxidation of ammonia was found to be catalytic with an activation energy of 38 kcal/mole over temperatures ranging from 640 to 700 C. An elementary reaction model for methanol oxidation was applied after correction for the effect of high pressure on the rate constants. The conversion of methanol predicted by the model was in good agreement with experimental data.

Webley, Paul A.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Altimetry, Orbits and Tides

The nature of the orbit error and its effect on the sea surface heights calculated with satellite altimetry are explained. The elementary concepts of celestial mechanics required to follow a general discussion of the problem are included. Consideration of errors in the orbits of satellites with precisely repeating ground tracks (SEASAT, TOPEX, ERS-1, POSEIDON, amongst past and future altimeter satellites) are detailed. The theoretical conclusions are illustrated with the numerical results of computer simulations. The nature of the errors in this type of orbits is such that this error can be filtered out by using height differences along repeating (overlapping) passes. This makes them particularly valuable for the study and monitoring of changes in the sea surface, such as tides. Elements of tidal theory, showing how these principles can be combined with those pertinent to the orbit error to make direct maps of the tides using altimetry are presented.

Colombo, O. L.↗

NASA NTRS2006

The Crossbow Air Launch Trade Space

Effective air launching of a rocket is approached from a broad systems engineering viewpoint. The elementary reasons for why and how a rocket might be launched from a carrier aircraft are examined. From this, a carefully crafted set of guiding principles is presented. Rules are generated from a fundamental foundation, derived from NASA systems study analyses and from an academic vantage point. The Appendix includes the derivation of a revised Mass Multiplier Equation, useful in understanding the rocket equation as it applies to real vehicles, without the need of complicated weight and sizing programs. The rationale for air launching, being an enormously advantageous Earth-To-Orbit (ETO) methodology, is presented along with the realization that the appropriate air launch solution may lie in a very large class of carrier aircraft; the pod-hauler. Finally, a unique area of the system trade space is defined and branded Crossbow. Crossbow is not a specific hardware design for air launch, but represents a comprehensive vision for commercial, military and space transportation. This document serves as a starting point for future technical papers that evaluate the air launch hypotheses and assertions produced during the past several years of study on the subject.

Bonometti, Joseph A.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Internal friction measurement in high purity tungsten single crystal

Internal friction peaks observed after small deformation in high purity tungsten single crystals between liquid helium temperature and 800 K in the frequency range 30-50 KHz, are studied as a function of orientation. An orientation effect is observed in the internal friction spectra due to the creation of internal stresses. The elementary processes related to these peaks are discussed in terms of kink generation and geometric kink motion on screw and edge dislocations in an internal stress field.

Rieu, G. E.↗