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At least 37 records · Page 2

Effect of Inductive Coil Geometry on the Operating Characteristics of a Pulsed Inductive Plasma Accelerator

Operational characteristics of two separate inductive thrusters with coils of different cone angles are explored through thrust stand measurements and time-integrated, un- filtered photography. Trends in impulse bit measurements indicate that, in the present experimental configuration, the thruster with the inductive coil possessing a smaller cone angle produced larger values of thrust, in apparent contradiction to results of a previous thruster acceleration model. Areas of greater light intensity in photographs of thruster operation are assumed to qualitatively represent locations of increased current density. Light intensity is generally greater in images of the thruster with the smaller cone angle when compared to those of the thruster with the larger half cone angle for the same operating conditions. The intensity generally decreases in both thrusters for decreasing mass ow rate and capacitor voltage. The location of brightest light intensity shifts upstream for decreasing mass ow rate of propellant and downstream for decreasing applied voltage. Recognizing that there typically exists an optimum ratio of applied electric field to gas pressure with respect to breakdown efficiency, this result may indicate that the optimum ratio was not achieved uniformly over the coil face, leading to non-uniform and incomplete current sheet formation in violation of the model assumption of immediate formation where all the injected propellant is contained in a magnetically-impermeable current sheet.

Hallock, Ashley K.

Effect of Inductive Coil Geometry on the Operating Characteristics of an Inductive Pulsed Plasma Thruster

Operational characteristics of two separate inductive thrusters with conical theta pinch coils of different cone angles are explored through thrust stand measurements and time- integrated, unfiltered photography. Trends in impulse bit measurements indicate that, in the present experimental configuration, the thruster with the inductive coil possessing a smaller cone angle produced larger values of thrust, in apparent contradiction to results of a previous thruster acceleration model. Areas of greater light intensity in photographs of thruster operation are assumed to qualitatively represent locations of increased current density. Light intensity is generally greater in images of the thruster with the smaller cone angle when compared to those of the thruster with the larger half cone angle for the same operating conditions. The intensity generally decreases in both thrusters for decreasing mass flow rate and capacitor voltage. The location of brightest light intensity shifts upstream for decreasing mass flow rate of propellant and downstream for decreasing applied voltage. Recognizing that there typically exists an optimum ratio of applied electric field to gas pressure with respect to breakdown efficiency, this result may indicate that the optimum ratio was not achieved uniformly over the coil face, leading to non-uniform and incomplete current sheet formation in violation of the model assumption of immediate formation where all the injected propellant is contained in a magnetically-impermeable current sheet.

Hallock, Ashley K.

The Biological Effectiveness of Accelerated Particles for the Induction of Chromosome Damage: Track Structure Effects and Cytogenetic Signatures of High-LET Exposure

Track structure models predict that at a fixed value of LET, particles with lower charge number, Z will have a higher biological effectiveness compared to particles with a higher Z. In this report we investigated how track structure effects induction of chromosomal aberration in human cells. Human lymphocytes were irradiated in vitro with various energies of accelerated iron, silicon, neon, or titanium ions and chromosome damage was assessed in using three color FISH chromosome painting in chemically induced PCC samples collected a first cell division post irradiation. The LET values for these ions ranged from 30 to 195 keV/micrometers. Of the particles studied, Neon ions have the highest biological effectiveness for induction of total chromosome damage, which is consistent with track structure model predictions. For complex-type exchanges 64 MeV/ u Neon and 450 MeV/u Iron were equally effective and induced the most complex damage. In addition we present data on chromosomes exchanges induced by six different energies of protons (5 MeV/u to 2.5 GeV/u). The linear dose response term was similar for all energies of protons suggesting that the effect of the higher LET at low proton energies is balanced by the production of nuclear secondaries from the high energy protons. All energies of protons have a much higher percentage of complex-type chromosome exchanges than gamma rays, signifying a cytogenetic signature for proton exposures.

George, K.

Numerical Studies of Three-dimensional Breakdown in Trailing Vortex Wakes

Finite element, three dimensional relaxation methods are used to calculate the development of vortex wakes behind aircraft for a considerable downstream distance. The inclusion of a self-induction term in the solution, dependent upon local curvature and vortex core radius, permits calculation of finite lifetimes for systems for which infinite life would be predicted two dimensionally. The associated computer program is described together with single-pair, twin-pair, and multiple-pair studies carried out using it. It is found, in single-pair studies, that there is a lower limit to the wavelengths at which the Crow-type of instability can occur. Below this limit, self-induction effects cause the plane of the disturbance waves to rotate counter to the vortex direction. Self induction in two dimensionally generated twin spiral waves causes an increase in axial length which becomes more marked with decreasing initial wavelength. The time taken for vortex convergence toward the center plane is correspondingly increased. The limited parametric twin-pair study performed suggests that time-to-converge increases with increasing flap span. Limited studies of Boeing 747 configurations show correct qualitative response to removal of the outer flap and to gear deployment, as compared with wind tunnel and flight test experience.

Evans, P. F.

Beam-return current systems in solar flares

It is demonstrated that the common assumption made in solar flare beam transport theory that the beam-accompanied return current is purely electrostatically driven is incorrect, and that the return current is both electrostatically and inductively driven, in accordance with Lenz's law, with the inductive effects dominating for times greater than a few plasma periods. In addition, it is shown that a beam can only exist in a solar plasma for a finite time which is much smaller than the inductive return current dissipation time. The importance of accounting for the role of the acceleration mechanism in forming the beam is discussed. In addition, the role of return current driven anomalous resistivity and its subsequent anomalous Joule heating during the flare process is elucidated.

Spicer, D. S.

Uniform rotating field network structure to efficiently package a magnetic bubble domain memory

A unique and compact open coil rotating magnetic field network structure to efficiently package an array of bubble domain devices is disclosed. The field network has a configuration which effectively enables selected bubble domain devices from the array to be driven in a vertical magnetic field and in an independent and uniform horizontal rotating magnetic field. The field network is suitably adapted to minimize undesirable inductance effects, improve capabilities of heat dissipation, and facilitate repair or replacement of a bubble device.

Wolfshagen, Ronald G.

Experimental investigations on airfoils with different geometries in the domain of high angles of attack-flow separation

Wind tunnel tests were conducted on airfoil models in order to study the flow separation phenomena occurring for high angles of attack. Pressure distribution on wings of different geometries were measured. Results show that for three-dimensional airfoils layout and span lift play a role. Separation effects on airfoils with moderate extension are three-dimensional. The flow domains separated from the air foil must be treated three-dimensionally. The rolling-up of separated vortex layers increases with angle in intensity and induction effect and shows strong nonlinearities. Boundary layer material moves perpendicularly to the flow direction due to the pressure gradients at the airfoil; this has a stabilizing effect. The separation starts earlier with increasing pointed profiles.

Keil, J.

On the Connection Between Flap Side-Edge Noise and Tip Vortex Dynamics

The goal of the present work is to investigate how the dynamics of the vortical flow about the flap side edge of an aircraft determine the acoustic radiation. A validated lattice- Boltzmann CFD solution of the unsteady flow about a detailed business jet configuration in approach conditions is used for the present analysis. Evidence of the connection between the noise generated by several segments of the inboard flap tip and the aerodynamic forces acting on the same segments is given, proving that the noise generation mechanism has a spatially coherent and acoustically compact character on the scale of the flap chord, and that the edge-scattering effects are of secondary importance. Subsequently, evidence of the connection between the kinematics of the tip vortex system and the aerodynamic force is provided. The kinematics of the dual vortex system are investigated via a core detection technique. Emphasis is placed on the mutual induction effects between the two main vortices rolling up from the pressure and suction sides of the flap edge. A simple heuristic formula that relates the far-field noise spectrum and the cross-spectrum of the unsteady vortical positions is developed.

Casalino, D.

Unsteady vortex lattice techniques applied to wake formation and performance of the statically thrusting propeller

The application is considered of vortex lattice techniques to the problem of describing the aerodynamics and performance of statically thrusting propellers. A numerical lifting surface theory to predict the aerodynamic forces and power is performed. The chordwise and spanwise loading is modelled by bound vortices fixed to a twisted flat plate surface. In order to eliminate any apriori assumptions regarding the wake shape, it is assumed the propeller starts from rest. The wake is generated in time and allowed to deform under its own self-induced velocity field as the motion of the propeller progresses. The bound circulation distribution is then determined with time by applying the flow tangency boundary condition at certain selected control points on the blades. The aerodynamics of the infinite wing and finite wing are also considered. The details of wake formation and roll-up are investigated, particularly the localized induction effect. It is concluded that proper wake roll-up and roll-up rates can be established by considering the details of motion at the instant of start.

Hall, G. F.

Eddy current probe response to open and closed surface flaws

A general analysis of eddy current response to certain types of open and closed surface flaws is presented for both standard low-frequency and ferromagnetic-resonance (FMR) probes. It is shown analytically that for two-dimensional and three-dimensional surface flaws interrogated by a uniform probe field, the crack opening sensitivity increases with the operating frequency of the probe, this behavior being due to the Faraday induction effect. Experiments with low-frequency probes operating at or below 1 MHz and with the FMR probe operating at approximately 1000 MHz confirm this increase of the crack mouth opening displacement for practical situations where the probe field is not uniform in the vicinity of the flaw.

Auld, B. A.

Radio emission from binary stars

Radio emission from binary star systems; characteristics of the binary systems inferred from the radio observations; and the reasons for the activity are reviewed. Binary stars with two main sequence stars, with one normal star and a white dwarf, and those containing a neutron star or a black hole are described. Energy may be directly available as matter falls into the potential well of a compact object. Electromagnetic induction effects may occur due to relative motions of magnetic fields and matter. By enforcing rapid rotation, binaries can induce strong dynamo action and hence generate free energy in the form of intense, complex, evolving magnetic fields. Whatever the source of energy, the observations at radio and X-ray wavelengths demonstrate that electrons are accelerated to high energies (mildly relativistic and, ultrarelativistic). Observed or inferred radio brightness temperatures range up to 10 to the 15th power K or more, implying coherent emission for sources brighter than 10 billion K.

Dulk, George A.

New cellular automaton model for magnetohydrodynamics

A new type of two-dimensional cellular automation method is introduced for computation of magnetohydrodynamic fluid systems. Particle population is described by a 36-component tensor referred to a hexagonal lattice. By appropriate choice of the coefficients that control the modified streaming algorithm and the definition of the macroscopic fields, it is possible to compute both Lorentz-force and magnetic-induction effects. The method is local in the microscopic space and therefore suited to massively parallel computations.

Chen, Hudong

The performance of Schottky diodes as far-infrared modulators

The performance as a THz-frequency modulator of a small-area Schottky diode mounted in a corner-cube antenna is evaluated, including the effects of carrier inertia and dielectric relaxation. Calculations are performed for a 1.4-micron diameter diode operating at a carrier frequency of 2.252 THz and a modulation frequency of 8 GHz. The phase modulation is found to completely dominate the amplitude modulation. The performance is shown to be degraded well below the plasma frequency in the undepleted epilayer due to the presence of a second resonance caused by the interaction of the barrier capacitance and the effective inductance due to carrier inertia. An increase in epilayer doping (reducing the diode radius) may improve the single-sideband conversion efficiency by about 20 dB.

Grossman, Erich N.