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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 361 records · Page 20
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1970

On the use of space photography for identifying transportation routes: A summary of problems

It has been widely suggested that space photography may be used for updating maps of transportation networks. Proponents of the argument have suggested that color space photographs of the resolution obtained with Hasselblad 80 mm lenses (about 300 feet) contain enough useful information to update the extensions of major U. S. highways. The present study systematically documents for the Dallas-Fort Worth area the potential of such space photography in detecting, and to a lesser degree identifying, the existing road networks. Color separation plates and an enlargement of the color photograph were produced and all visible roads traced onto transparencies for study. Major roads and roads under construction were the most visible while lower class roads and roads in urban areas had the poorest return. Road width and classification were found to be the major determinant in visibility, varying from 100 per cent visible for divided highways to 15 per cent visible of bladed earth roads. In summary, space photographs of this resolution proved to be difficult to use for accurate road delineation. Only super highways in rural areas with the greatest road-width were completely identifiable, the width being about 1/3 that of the resolution cell.

Simonett, D. S.↗
NASA NTRS1971

An explicit form of the Mie phase matrix for multiple scattering calculations in the I, Q, U, and V representation

An explicit expression is obtained for the phase matrix in the I, Q, U, and V Stokes vector representation for a system containing a polydispersion of spherical particles. All of the symmetry relations derived by Hovenier using general arguments are established explicitly. Convenient algorithms are given for the computation of the phase matrix for a spherical polydispersion. Since this theory is so vitally important in radiative transfer, many researchers will need to compute these functions for realistic aerosols distributions. Therefore, results are presented for a haze L distribution so that other researchers will have a way of checking their programs which compute these quantities.

Kattawar, G. W.↗
NASA NTRS1971

An approximate theory of imperfect modeling with application to thermal modeling of spacecraft.

Proposal of a new concept of model testing which makes use of imperfect models and is based on the heuristic argument of representing the error states in a multidimensional Euclidean space when the errors in the modeling parameter are sufficiently small. By a separation of these errors into positive and negative groups, and from a consideration of the error paths in the hyperspaces, it is shown that the global effect of these errors may be evaluated with a good degree of approximation. Conditions under which the procedure would yield satisfactory results are discussed. To test the usefulness of the theory a computer experiment was conducted for the prediction of both transient and steady state thermal behavior of a hypothetical spacecraft using perfect, as well as imperfect, models.

Chao, B. T.↗
NASA NTRS1972

On the nature of the Monoceros supernova remnant.

A dynamical expansion time of 300,000 years and an envelope of 100 km/sec are derived for the filamentary Monoceros Loop supernova remnant. Through arguments connecting three O stars with the supernova remnant, a lower limit of 25-30 solar masses is derived for the progenitor star. A thermal soft X-ray point source is predicted based on the hypothesis of a cooling neutron star. By analogy, we interpret the Cygnus Loop X-ray source as a neutron star.

Gebel, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Origin of planetary primordial rare gas - The possible role of adsorption.

The degree of physical adsorption of Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe on pulverized samples of the Allende meteorite at 113 K has been measured. The observed pattern of equilibrium enrichment of heavy rare gases over light on the pulverized meteorite surfaces relative to the gas phase is similar to the enrichment pattern exhibited by planetary primordial rare gas when compared with the composition of solar rare gas. Results indicate that, at 113 K, a total nebular pressure of from .01 to .001 atm would be required to explain the Ar, Kr, and Xe abundances in carbonaceous chondrites with an adsorption mechanism. This pressure estimate is compatible with the range of possible nebular pressures suggested by astrophysical arguments. However, the subsequent mechanism by which initially adsorbed gas might have been transferred into the interiors of grains cannot be identified at present.

Fanale, F. P.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Dissipation mechanisms in a pair of solar-wind discontinuities.

A pair of sharp closely spaced discontinuities in the solar wind was recorded by the high time resolution instruments aboard Ogo 5 on Mar. 14, 1968. There is plasma turbulence within the double structure, and there appear to be small-amplitude hydromagnetic waves radiating from the discontinuities. The generation of the plasma turbulence is discussed in terms of magnetic drift waves. Although it seems probable that the surfaces are tangential discontinuities, arguments are also advanced that the double structure may represent the Petschek mechanism in which rapid field-line merging occurs between standing waves.

Unti, T. W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1971

A table of integrals of the error function. II - Additions and corrections.

Integrals of products of error functions with other functions are presented, taking into account a combination of the error function with powers, a combination of the error function with exponentials and powers, a combination of the error function with exponentials of more complicated arguments, definite integrals from Laplace transforms, and a combination of the error function with trigonometric functions. Other integrals considered include a combination of the error function with logarithms and powers, a combination of two error functions, and a combination of the error function with other special functions.

Geller, M.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Curved space cosmological bounds on the time variation of G.

Additional quantitative and revealing arguments are given in favor of author's previous suggestion (1971) that the introduction of pressure results in a decrease in the theoretical upper bound on the time variation of G, as predicted by the Brans-Dicke theory (1961) for Friedmann-type expanding cosmologies in flat space, and that this suggestion holds in curved spaces as well. Moreover, it is shown that the curvature contribution to G is of the same order of magnitude as the flat space contribution and adds to it or subtracts from it for positive or negative curvatures respectively.

Morganstern, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Fermi acceleration of auroral particles.

Review of a number of nighttime acceleration mechanisms proposed in the literature for the role of producing the keV nighttime auroral-particle fluxes. Parallel electric fields are rejected for several reasons, but particularly because of the observed simultaneous precipitation of electrons and protons. Acceleration in the neutral sheet is inadequate for producing the particle energies, the observed field-aligned pitch-angle distribution at high latitudes, and the spectral hardening toward lower latitudes. Neutral point mechanisms, although often suggested in principle, have never been demonstrated satisfactorily in theory or in practice. Pitch-angle scattering from a trapped population produced by transverse adiabatic compression is also incapable of producing the field-aligned distribution. It is therefore suggested that longitudinal or Fermi acceleration, which results from the known magnetospheric convection, is the main nighttime auroral acceleration mechanism. The argument is supported by data obtained with the soft-particle spectrometer on Isis 1.

Sharber, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Photospheric faculae and the solar oblateness.

Dicke and Goldenberg (1967) on the basis of the value of the solar oblateness obtained had concluded that the excess perihelion motion of mercury is not in accord with Einstein's prediction according to general relativity. However, the observations from which the oblateness value was derived might be simply the result of an excess brightness at the equatorial solar limb. Such brightness might be due to the presence of faculae. Dicke (1970) had concluded that the effect of faculae on the oblateness determination is insignificant. In a reexamination of Dicke's argument it was found that his reasons for rejecting faculae as a source of oblateness are unjustified.

Chapman, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS1971

A re-examination of relationships among pyroxene-plagioclase achondrites.

In light of the new data of Jerome (1970), a brief discussion of genetic relationships between eucrites, howardites and diogenites is presented. Howardites are not direct products of magmatic crystallization, as has sometimes been postulated, but instead are interpreted as polymict breccias resulting from the mechanical mixture of eucrites and diogenites. Testing of this model by means of chemical arguments is made complicated however by the probable presence of a chondritic component in howardites and by a sequence analogous to terrestrial differentiation series, among the eucrites themselves.

Jerome, D. Y.↗
NASA NTRS1972

The Harang discontinuity in auroral belt ionospheric currents.

Discussion of the nature of a discontinuity in the ionospheric current of the auroral belt whose existence was suggested by Harang in 1946. Convection characteristics, time variability, and current continuity in the auroral belt are considered in a context of observations and arguments supporting the reality of Harang's discontinuity.

Heppner, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Cosmic influences on the early history of the lunar surface.

The testimony which the main features of the lunar surface bear on the cosmic environment in which the satellite acquired its principal morphological characteristics is examined. It is assumed as a working hypothesis that, in the earliest stages of the moon's history, the lunar sculpture in the continental areas was predominantly shaped by external impacts. It is considered that the argument against heliocentric orbits of particles whose collisions with the moon disfigured most of its continental areas continues to hold good. The distribution of craters due to oblique impacts appears to be essentially at random all over the lunar surface.

Kopal, Z.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Elemental and isotopic abundances in the solar wind

The use of collecting foils and lunar material to assay the isotopic composition of the solar wind is reviewed. Arguments are given to show that lunar surface correlated gases are likely to be most useful in studying the history of the solar wind, though the isotopic abundances are thought to give a good approximation to the solar wind composition. The results of the analysis of Surveyor material are also given. The conditions leading to a significant component of the interstellar gas entering the inner solar system are reviewed and suggestions made for experimental searches for this fraction. A critical discussion is given of the different ways in which the basic solar composition could be modified by fractionation taking place between the sun's surface and points of observation such as on the Moon or in interplanetary space. An extended review is made of the relation of isotopic and elemental composition of the interplanetary gas to the dynamic behavior of the solar corona, especially processes leading to fractionation. Lastly, connection is made between the subject of composition, nucleosynthesis and the convective zone of the sun, and processes leading to modification of initial accretion of certain gases on the Earth and Moon.

Geiss, J.↗
NASA NTRS1972

The k-space formulation of the n-dimensional scattering problem

The n-dimensional scattering problem is solved by means of a k-space formulation of the field equations, thereby replacing the conventional integral equation formulation by a set of two algebraic equations in two unknowns in two spaces (the constitutive equation being an algebraic equation in x-space). These equations are solved by an iterative method with the aid of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm connecting the two spaces, requiring very simple initial approximations. Since algebraic and FFT equations are used, the number of arithmetic multiple-add operations and storage allocations required for a numerical solution are reduced from the order of N sq (for solving the matrix equations resulting from the conventional integral equations) to the order of N(log base 2 of N) and N, respectively (where N is the number of data points required for the specification of the problem). The advantage gained in speed and storage is thus of the order of N/log base 2 of N and N, respectively. This method is thus considerably more efficient than the conventional matrix method, and permits exact numerical solutions for much larger problems. Arguments are presented toward the view that the field equations are more fundamental in k-space. The details and some numerical results of the application of this method to the three-dimensional electromagnetic scattering problems are presented as an example.

Bojarski, N. N.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Cometary Nuclei: Models

Arguments for the existence of some kind of icy-conglomerate cometary nucleus are put forward, and the role of clathrates in the condensation of comets from the solar nebula is discussed. The division of cosmic materials into three types is described, and it is suggested that whereas Jupiter, and to a large extent Saturn, condensed directly from gas and the terrestrial planets and asteroids collected from planetesimals of earthy material, the comets were formed as snow balls in the vicinity of Uranus and Neptune, with these two planets themselves representing accumulations of comets. The evidence for the existence of a comet belt beyond Neptune is considered, and it is concluded that at 50 AU from the sun the mass of such a belt cannot be more than that of the Earth. Finally, some of the problems associated with the mission to periodic Comet d'Arrest are discussed, in particular those concerned with the detectability of the nucleus and the hazards of a close encounter.

Whipple, F. L.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Reality of Comet Nucleus

The structure of the cometary nucleus is discussed. The view that the comet is a vast swarm of tiny particles separated by large distances is defended by the argument that during the meteor showers of 1966, the earth intercepted thousands of millions of meteoric particles; however, no reports of a single meteorite reaching the ground were recorded. Another feature that indicates that a comet consists of a swarm of particles is that the comets contract as they approach the sun, and expand again as they recede.

Lyttleton, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Gauge invariance, current conservation, and GIAO's

The well known relationship between gauge invariance and current conservation is exhibited within the usual quantum mechanical formalism. It is then shown that the use of gauge-invariant atomic orbitals (GIAO) does not necessarily lead to the expected current conservation. The reason is found to lie in the constrained nature of the gauge invariance which is provided by the use of GIAO's. It is concluded that this invariance is, of itself, no argument in favor of their use.

Epstein, S. T.↗