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At least 37 records · Page 2

All sky pointing attitude control system

In a strapped-down gyroscope space vehicle attitude control system, a method and apparatus are provided for gyro drift and input axis misalignment error compensation employing a sun and a star tracker and preselected vehicle calibration maneuvers. The outputs of two-axis strapped-down gyroscopes nominally aligned with the optical axis of the sun and star trackers are measured to provide gyro drift calibration, roll, pitch and yaw axis scale factors and values corresponding to the degree of nonorthogonality between the roll axis and the pitch and yaw gyro input axes and the nonorthogonality of the roll and pitch axes relative to the yaw axis. The vehicle is then rolled and yawed through precomputed angles as modified by the calibrated data stored in a digital computer, and acquires a target without recourse to external references.

Lorell, K. R.

Low-speed wind-tunnel investigation of the longitudinal stability characteristics of a model equipped with a variable-speed wing, 23 May 1949

The longitudinal stability characteristics of a complete model equipped with a variable sweep wings at angles of sweepback of 45 deg, 30 deg, 15 deg, and 0 deg investigated. Various wing modifications and an extern 1 flap arrangement designed to minimize the shift in neutral point accompanying the change in sweep angle were studied. The results indicate that stability at the stall was obtained at a sweep angle of 15 deg without recourse to stall control devices. The basic neutral point movement accompanying the change in sweep angle from 45 deg to 15 deg amounted to 56 percent of the mean aerodynamic chord (at zero sweep angle) and the most effective modification investigated only reduced this change to 47 percent of the chord. It appears, therefore, that for designs in which the fuselage is the major load carrying element some relative movement between the wing and center of gravity will be required to assure satisfactory stability at all sweep angles.

Donlan, C. J.

Solid propellant rocket motor internal ballistics performance variation analysis, phase 3

Results of research aimed at improving the predictability of off nominal internal ballistics performance of solid propellant rocket motors (SRMs) including thrust imbalance between two SRMs firing in parallel are reported. The potential effects of nozzle throat erosion on internal ballistic performance were studied and a propellant burning rate low postulated. The propellant burning rate model when coupled with the grain deformation model permits an excellent match between theoretical results and test data for the Titan IIIC, TU455.02, and the first Space Shuttle SRM (DM-1). Analysis of star grain deformation using an experimental model and a finite element model shows the star grain deformation effects for the Space Shuttle to be small in comparison to those of the circular perforated grain. An alternative technique was developed for predicting thrust imbalance without recourse to the Monte Carlo computer program. A scaling relationship used to relate theoretical results to test results may be applied to the alternative technique of predicting thrust imbalance or to the Monte Carlo evaluation. Extended investigation into the effect of strain rate on propellant burning rate leads to the conclusion that the thermoelastic effect is generally negligible for both steadily increasing pressure loads and oscillatory loads.

Sforzini, R. H.

Remote sensing of sea state by analysis of backscattered microwave phase fluctuations

The relative phase of a normally incident microwave signal scattered off the sea surface is a random function of space and time. The statistics of these random phase fluctuations contain information about the wave-height statistics. This study demonstrates that the wave-height spectra can be deduced directly in terms of the spectra of the phase fluctuations without recourse to inversion techniques even when surface roughness exceeds many wavelengths of the incident signal. In the particular case of a nadir-directed satellite-mounted microwave source operating in the backscatter mode, the wave-height and phase spatial spectra are proportional with a constant proportionality of (2k0) squared, where k0 is the wavenumber of the scattered signal.

Clifford, S. F.

Ambient cure polyimide foams

Flame and temperature resistant polyimide foams are prepared by the reaction of an aromatic dianhydride, (pyromellitic dianhydride) with an aromatic polyisocyanate, (polymethylene polyphenylisocyanate), in the presence of an inorganic acid and furfuryl alcohol. Usable acids include dilute sulfuric acid, dilute nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, polyphosphoric acid, and phosphoric acid, with the latter being preferred. The dianhydride and the isocyanate in about equimolar proportions constitute about 50% of the reaction mixture, the rest being made up with the acid and the alcohol in a ratio of about 1:10. An exothermic reaction between the acid and the alcohol provides the heat necessary for the other components to polymerize without recourse to external heat sources. The mixture can be sprayed on any surface to form polymeric foam in locations where the application of heat is not practical or possible, for instance, between walls or on mine tunnel surfaces.

Sawko, P. M.

A prediction method for velocity and temperature profiles in a two-dimensional nominally steady turbulent boundary layer

This paper describes a recently developed boundary-layer prediction method for a variable property compressible flow, in which heat transfer takes place primarily by forced convection and for which the mainstream Mach number is small. The leading order terms, in asymptotic expansions for large Reynolds numbers, are obtained for the mean velocity and temperature distribution in both the inner and outer layer of the turbulent boundary layer. Closure in the inner layer is achieved using an analytical model for the mean profiles which is based on the observed coherent structure of the time-dependent inner layer flow. For the outer layer, simple eddy viscosity and conductivity models are developed without recourse to the Reynolds analogy. In the prediction method a numerical solution of the outer layer equations is matched to the analytical inner layer profiles as the computation procedes downstream. Calculations are presented for a range of adverse and favorable pressure gradient flows and the predicted results compare well with existing data.

Weigand, G. G.

The plane of symmetry of interplanetary dust in the inner solar system

Observations of the zodiacal light from the space probes Helios 1 and 2 between 1.0 and 0.3 AU show - superimposed on the general radial dependence - a systematic variation of brightness and brightness distribution with position in the orbit which is caused by the inclination of the symmetry plane of interplanetary dust with respect to the ecliptic. By suitable choice of the observing geometry, the inclination and the ascending node of the symmetry plane can be determined directly from the data without recourse to model calculations. The resulting values of i equals 3.0 plus or minus 0.3 deg, Omega equals 87 plus or minus 4 deg are not compatible with a concentration of interplanetary dust to the invariable plane of the solar system. The data support the simple view that the distribution of interplanetary dust in the inner solar system is characterized throughout by one plane of symmetry and suggest that this plane extends to at least 1 AU.

Leinert, C.

Cosmological tests of the Hoyle-Narlikar conformal gravity

For the first time the Hoyle-Narlikar theory with creation of matter and a variable gravitational constant G, is subjected to the following cosmological tests: (1) the magnitude versus z relation, (2) the N(m) versus m relation for quasars, (3) the metric angular diameters versus z relation, (4) the isophotal angles versus z relation, (5) the log N-log S radio source count, and finally (6) the 3 K radiation. It is shown that the theory passes all these tests just as well as the standard cosmology, with the additional advantage that the geometry of the universe is uniquely determined, with a curvature parameter equal to zero. It is also interesting to note that the variability of G affects the log N-log S curve in a way similar to the density evolution introduced in standard cosmologies. The agreement with the data is therefore achieved without recourse to an ad hoc density evolution.

Canuto, V. M.

Analysis of two-dimensional incompressible flows by a subsurface panel method

A new approach to panel methods is explored for two-dimensional steady incompressible flows. The method uses linear distributions of sources and vortices on straight-line panels, but satisfies boundary conditions on the actual body surface, at nodes that are also end points of the panels. The result is continuity in body-surface velocity distribution, without recourse to numerical quadrature for the velocity influence coefficients. The method is unusually sensitive to the distribution of the nodes. For example, it almost always fails to give acceptable results when the nodes are distributed randomly. However, the continuity of the velocity distribution makes possible a unique node redistribution scheme, which may be iterated to give accurate results reliably.

Moran, J.

The effect of convection on the propagation of relativistic galactic electrons

The paper presents exact analytical solutions which describe steady-state transport of relativistic electrons subject to diffusion, convection, and radiation losses. The diffusion coefficient is spatially and energy dependent; the bulk convection velocity is considered to be constant and directed outward from the galactic plane. The electron spectral behavior with respect to galactic height and energy indicates that convection provides a 'break' in the steady-state energy spectrum without recourse to distribution of sources. Radio observations of NGC 891 and NGC 4631 galaxies can be used to estimate their diffusion coefficient and its energy dependence. Application of analytical solutions to our Galaxy indicates that the diffusion coefficient and outflow velocity deduced from relativistic electron measurements and radio observations of their synchrotron radiation agree with values based on the transport of the cosmic ray nucleonic component.

Lerche, I.

The outlook for precipitation measurements from space

To provide useful precipitation measurements from space, two requirements must be met: adequate spatial and temporal sampling of the storm and sufficient accuracy in the estimate of precipitation intensity. Although presently no single instrument or method completely satisfies both requirements, the visible/IR, microwave radiometer and radar methods can be used in a complementary manner. Visible/IR instruments provide good temporal sampling and rain area depiction, but recourse must be made to microwave measurements for quantitative rainfall estimates. The inadequacy of microwave radiometer measurements over land suggests, in turn, the use of radar. Several recently developed attenuating-wavelength radar methods are discussed in terms of their accuracy, dynamic range and system implementation. Traditionally, the requirements of high resolution and adequate dynamic range led to fairly costly and complex radar systems. Some simplications and cost reduction can be made; however, by using K-band wavelengths which have the advantages of greater sensitivity at the low rain rates and higher resolution capabilities. Several recently proposed methods of this kind are reviewed in terms of accuracy and system implementation. Finally, an adaptive-pointing multi-sensor instrument is described that would exploit certain advantages of the IR, radiometric and radar methods.

Atlas, D.

A cloud cover model based on satellite data

A model for worldwide cloud cover using a satellite data set containing infrared radiation measurements is proposed. The satellite data set containing day IR, night IR and incoming and absorbed solar radiation measurements on a 2.5 degree latitude-longitude grid covering a 45 month period was converted to estimates of cloud cover. The global area was then classified into homogeneous cloud cover regions for each of the four seasons. It is noted that the developed maps can be of use to the practicing climatologist who can obtain a considerable amount of cloud cover information without recourse to large volumes of data.

Somerville, P. N.

Vortex-flow aerodynamics - An emerging design capability

Promising current theoretical and simulational developments in the field of leading edge vortex-generating delta, arrow ogival wings are reported, along with the history of theory and experiment leading to them. The effects of wing slenderness, leading edge nose radius, Mach number and incidence variations, and planform on the onset of vortex generation and redistribution of aerodynamic loads are considered. The range of design possibilities in this field are consequential for the future development of strategic aircraft, supersonic transports and commercial cargo aircraft which will possess low-speed, high-lift capability by virtue of leading edge vortex generation and control without recourse to heavy and expensive leading edge high-lift devices and compound airfoils. Attention is given to interactive graphics simulation devices recently developed.

Campbell, J. F.

Heat transfer analysis of the Bridgman-Stockbarger configuration for crystal growth. Part 1: Analytical treatment of the axial temperature distribution

All first order effects on the axial temperature distribution in a solidifying charge in a Bridgman-Stockbarger configuration for crystal growth are analyzed on the basis of a one dimensional model whose validity can be verified through comparison with published finite difference ana;uses of two dimensional models. The model presented includes an insulated region between axially aligned heat pipes and considers the effects of charge diameter, charge motion, thickness, and thermal conductivity of a confining crucible, thermal conductivity change at the crystal-melt interface, generation of latent heat at the interface, and finite charge length. Results are primarily given in analytical form and can be used without recourse to computer work for both improve furnace design and optimization of growth conditions in a given thermal configuration.

Jasinski, T. J.

Approximate analysis of thermal convection in a crystal-growth cell for Spacelab 3

The transient and steady thermal convection in microgravity is described. The approach is applicable to many three dimensional flows in containers of various shapes with various thermal gradients imposed. The method employs known analytical solutions to two dimensional thermal flows in simpler geometries, and does not require recourse to numerical calculations by computer.

Dressler, R. F.

A heat exchanger computational procedure for temperature-dependent fouling

A novel heat exchanger computational procedure is described which provides a means of rapidly calculating the distributions of fluid and wall temperatures, deposit formation, and pressure loss at various points in a heat exchanger. The procedure is unique in that it is capable of treating wide variations in heat exchanger geometry without recourse to restrictive assumptions concerning heat exchanger type (e.g., co-flow, counterflow, cross flow devices, etc.). The analysis has been used extensively to predict the performance of cross-counterflow heat exchangers in which one fluid behaves as a perfect gas (e.g., air) while the other fluid is assumed to be a distillate fuel. The model has been extended to include the effects on heat exchanger performance of time varying inflow conditions. Heat exchanger performance degradation due to deposit formation with time can be simulated, making this procedure useful in predicting the effects of temperature-dependent fouling.

Chiappetta, L. M.

Stationary state model for normal metal tunnel junction phenomena

A model applicable to normal metal tunnel junctions is presented. This model, referred to herein as the stationary state model, is an extension of the extended basis function theory of Kleinman and Duke (1972). Under the assumption that elastic tunneling is the dominant transport mechanism under static bias, the theory has been extended to include the case where there is an ac component of bias potential, and the fluctuation spectrum has been derived. In this approach structure eigenstates are used as the basis, allowing observables to be evaluated without recourse to the perturbation theory inherent in the transfer Hamiltonian model. Comparison is made to the appropriate results of the first order transfer Hamiltonian model, and it is found that there is close but not always exact agreement to lowest order in the tunneling exponential. The stationary state model should be accurate with large barrier transmission, as it includes all orders of the tunneling exponential. The model as presented here should be applicable to normal metal tunnel junctions, where elastic tunneling is the dominant transport mechanism (under static bias), up to infrared excitation frequencies.

Whiteley, S. R.

Thermal analysis of the vertical bridgman semiconductor crystal growth technique

The quality of semiconductor crystals grown by the vertical Bridgman technique is strongly influenced by the axial and radial variations of temperature within the charge. The relationship between the thermal parameters of the vertical Bridgman system and the thermal behavior of the charge are examined. Thermal models are developed which are capable of producing results expressable in analytical form and which can be used without recourse to extensive computer work for the preliminary thermal design of vertical Bridgman crystal growth systems. These models include the effects of thermal coupling between the furnace and the charge, charge translation rate, charge diameter, thickness and thermal conductivity of the confining crucible, thermal conductivity change and liberation of latent heat at the growth interface, and infinite charge length. The hot and cold zone regions, considered to be at spatially uniform temperatures, are separated by a gradient control region which provides added thermal design flexibility for controlling the temperature variations near the growth interface.

Jasinski, T. J.