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At least 397 records · Page 22

Method for determining thermo-physical properties of specimens

The square root of the product of thermophysical properties q, c and k, where p is density, c is specific heat and k is thermal conductivity, is determined directly on a test specimen such as a wind tunnel model. The test specimen and a reference specimen of known specific heat are positioned at a given distance from a heat source. The specimens are provided with a coating, such as a phase change coating, to visually indicate that a given temperature was reached. A shutter interposed between the heat source and the specimens is opened and a motion picture camera is actuated to provide a time record of the heating step. The temperature of the reference specimen is recorded as a function of time. The heat rate to which both the test and reference specimens were subjected is determined from the temperature time response of the reference specimen by the conventional thin-skin calorimeter equation.

Jones, R. A.↗

Cracking of a layered medium on an elastic foundation under thermal shock

The cladded pressure vessel under thermal shock conditions which is simulated by using two simpler models was studied. The first model (Model 1) assumes that, if the crack size is very small compared to the vessel thickness, the problem can be treated as a semi-infinite elastic medium bonded to a very thin layer of different material. However, if the crack size is of the same order as the vessel thickness, the curvature effects may not be negligible. In this case it is assumed that the relatively thin walled hollow cylinder with cladding can be treated as a composite beam on an elastic foundation (Model 2). In both models, the effect of surface cooling rate is studied by assuming the temperature boundary condition to be a ramp function. The calculated results include the transient temperature, thermal stresses in the uncracked medium and stress intensity factors which are presented as a function of time, and the duration of cooling ramp. The stress intensity factors are also presented as a function of the size and the location of the crack. The problem is solved for two bonded materials of different thermal and mechanical properties. The mathematical formulation results in two singular integral equations which are solved numerically. The results are given for two material pairs, namely an austenitic steel layer welded on a ferritic steel substrate, and a ceramic coating on ferritic steel. In the case of the yielded clad, the stress intensity factors for a crack under the clad are determined by using a plastic strip model and are compared with elastic clad results.

Rizk, Abd El-Fattah A.↗

Radiation-induced genomic instability

Quantitative assessment of the heritable somatic effects of ionizing radiation exposures has relied upon the assumption that radiation-induced lesions were 'fixed' in the DNA prior to the first postirradiation mitosis. Lesion conversion was thought to occur during the initial round of DNA replication or as a consequence of error-prone enzymatic processing of lesions. The standard experimental protocols for the assessment of a variety of radiation-induced endpoints (cell death, specific locus mutations, neoplastic transformation and chromosome aberrations) evaluate these various endpoints at a single snapshot in time. In contrast with the aforementioned approaches, some studies have specifically assessed radiation effects as a function of time following exposure. Evidence has accumulated in support of the hypothesis that radiation exposure induces a persistent destabilization of the genome. This instability has been observed as a delayed expression of lethal mutations, as an enhanced rate of accumulation of non-lethal heritable alterations, and as a progressive intraclonal chromosomal heterogeneity. The genetic controls and biochemical mechanisms underlying radiation-induced genomic instability have not yet been delineated. The aim is to integrate the accumulated evidence that suggests that radiation exposure has a persistent effect on the stability of the mammalian genome.

NASA Discipline Radiation Health↗

Simultaneous Multi-Filter Optical Photometry of GEO Debris

Information on the physical characteristics of unresolved pieces of debris comes from an object's brightness, and how it changes with time and wavelength. True colors of tumbling, irregularly shaped objects can be accurately determined only if the intensity at all wavelengths is measured at the same time. In this paper we report on simultaneous photometric observations of objects at geosynchronous orbit (GEO) using two telescopes at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO). The CTIO/SMARTS 0.9-m observes in a Johnson B filter, while the 0.6-m MODEST (Michigan Orbital DEbris Survey Telescope) observes in a Cousins R filter. The two CCD cameras are electronically synchronized so that the exposure start time and duration are the same for both telescopes. Thus we obtain the brightness as a function of time in two passbands simultaneously, and can determine the true color of the object at any time. We will report here on such calibrated measurements made on a sample of GEO objects and what is the distribution of the observed B-R colors. In addition, using this data set, we will show what colors would be observed if the observations in different filters were obtained sequentially, as would be the case for conventional imaging observations with a single detector on a single telescope. Finally, we will compare our calibrated colors of GEO debris with colors determined in the laboratory of selected materials actually used in spacecraft construction.

Seitzer, Patrick↗

Simultaneous Multi-Filter Optical Photometry of GEO Debris

Information on the physical characteristics of unresolved pieces of debris comes from an object's brightness, and how it changes with time and wavelength. True colors of tumbling, irregularly shaped objects can be accurately determined only if the intensity at all wavelengths is measured at the same time. In this paper we report on simultaneous photometric observations of objects at geosynchronous orbit (GEO) using two telescopes at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO). The CTIO/SMARTS 0.9-m observes in a Johnson B filter, while the 0.6-m MODEST (Michigan Orbital DEbris Survey Telescope) observes in a Cousins R filter. The two CCD cameras are electronically synchronized so that the exposure start time and duration are the same for both telescopes. Thus we obtain the brightness as a function of time in two passbands simultaneously, and can determine the true color of the object at any time. We will report here on such calibrated measurements made on a sample of GEO objects and what is the distribution of the observed B-R colors. In addition, using this data set, we will show what colors would be observed if the observations in different filters were obtained sequentially, as would be the case for conventional imaging observations with a single detector on a single telescope. Finally, we will compare our calibrated colors of GEO debris with colors determined in the laboratory of selected materials actually used in spacecraft construction.

Seitzer, Patrick↗

INVESTIGATING THE FEASIBILITY AND STABILITY FOR MODELING ACOUSTIC WAVE SCATTERING USING A TIME-DOMAIN BOUNDARY INTEGRAL EQUATION WITH IMPEDANCE BOUNDARY CONDITION

Reducing aircraft noise is a major objective in the field of computational aeroacoustics. When designing next generation quiet and environmentally friendly aircraft, it is important to be able to accurately and efficiently predict the acoustic scattering by an aircraft body from a given noise source. Acoustic liners are an effective tool for aircraft noise reduction and are characterized by a frequency-dependent impedance. Converted into the time-domain using Fourier transforms, an impedance boundary condition can be used to simulate the acoustic wave scattering by geometric bodies treated with acoustic liners. This work considers using either an impedance or an admittance (inverse of impedance) boundary condition to allow for acoustic scattering problems to be modeled with geometries consisting of both un-lined and lined surfaces. Three acoustic liner models are discussed: the Extended Helmholtz Resonator Model, the Three-Parameter Impedance Model, and the Broadband Impedance Model. In both the Helmholtz and Three-Parameter models, liner impedance is specified at a given frequency, whereas the Broadband model allows for the investigation of multiple frequencies simultaneously. The impedance and admittance boundary conditions for acoustic liners are derived for each model and coupled with a time-domain boundary integral equation. The scattering solution is obtained iteratively using a boundary element method with constant spatial and third-order temporal basis functions. Time-domain boundary integral equations are unfortunately prone to numerical instabilities due to resonant frequencies resulting from non-trivial solutions in the interior domain. When reformulated with the Burton-Miller method, the instabilities are eliminated. Using a Burton-Miller reformulation, the stability of the boundary element method assuming a liner boundary condition is assessed using eigenvalue analysis. The stability of each liner model is discussed, and it is shown that the Three-Parameter and Broadband models are sufficient for modeling an acoustic liner on the surface of scattering bodies. The Helmholtz model demonstrates strict limitations for stability, whereas the Three-Parameter and Broadband models are stable for most cases. Also included in this work is an assessment of the spatial accuracy of the time-domain boundary element method with respect to the surface element basis functions, as well as a performance study of the numerical algorithm.

computational mathematics↗

The geomorphic evolution of the lunar surface.

The solution of the function relating craters of the continuous degradation sequence with degree of erosion was defined as the geomorphic index of the area. Studies of the geomorphic index of stratigraphic surfaces show that areas covered by considerable ballistic sediments have a geomorphic index which is not a monotonic function of time. On the other hand, areas covered almost exclusively by mare flooding show an index which is a monotonic function of the age of the flooding. As each mare surface shows a considerable range in indices, it is concluded that maria are covered by surfaces formed through a considerable length of time. By using Apollo 11 and 12 radiometric ages it is suggested that the time of mare flooding lasted on the order of one billion years. The geomorphic index of highland surfaces shows a remarkable degree of order - i.e., the farther an area is inland from the mare shores, the higher will be the index. No explanation is given for this phenomenon, but it is suggested that lunar erosion is not just a localized phenomenon centered on the locus of an impact, but has lateral trends of regional dimensions.

Ronca, L. B.↗

Time and polarization dependent double scattering calculations of lidar returns from water clouds

We describe and present results of a double scattering lidar model which we use to calculate lidar returns from water clouds. The model is used in conjunction with the Phillips Laboratory's (Geophysics Directorate) low altitude Nd:YAG lidar system to determine microphysical properties of water clouds. The model determines the Stokes parameters of the backscattered lidar radiation, from media composed of spherical particles, as a function of time. The Stokes parameters of the radiation of the lidar return are determined, at each time, by considering all radiation which has traveled the same path length from transmitter to receiver while making two successive single scatters. Each single scatter is considered a Mie scatter. We have also developed a Mie scattering program for use with the double scattering model. Each single scatter takes into account the polarization of the incident and scattered radiation. Inputs to the double scattering mode include the receiver area and field of view, the receiver integration time, the extinction coefficient as a function of distance into the cloud, the particle size distribution (assumed independent of position), and the complex index of refraction of the spherical particles.

Garner, R. C.↗

Ring-Down Spectroscopy for Characterizing a CW Raman Laser

.A relatively simple technique for characterizing an all-resonant intracavity continuous-wave (CW) solid-state Raman laser involves the use of ring-down spectroscopy. As used here, characterizing signifies determining such parameters as threshold pump power, Raman gain, conversion efficiency, and quality factors (Q values) of the pump and Stokes cavity modes. Heretofore, in order to characterize resonant-cavity-based Raman lasers, it has usually been necessary to manipulate the frequencies and power levels of pump lasers and, in each case, to take several sets of measurements. In cases involving ultra-high-Q resonators, it also has been desirable to lock pump lasers to resonator modes to ensure the quality of measurement data. Simpler techniques could be useful. In the present ring-down spectroscopic technique, one infers the parameters of interest from the decay of the laser out of its steady state. This technique does not require changing the power or frequency of the pump laser or locking the pump laser to the resonator mode. The technique is based on a theoretical analysis of what happens when the pump laser is abruptly switched off after the Raman generation reaches the steady state. The analysis starts with differential equations for the evolution of the amplitudes of the pump and Stokes electric fields, leading to solutions for the power levels of the pump and Stokes fields as functions of time and of the aforementioned parameters. Among other things, these solutions show how the ring-down time depends, to some extent, on the electromagnetic energy accumulated in the cavity. The solutions are readily converted to relatively simple equations for the parameters as functions of quantities that can be determined from measurements of the time-dependent power levels. For example, the steady-state intracavity conversion efficiency is given by G1/G2 1 and the threshold power is given by Pin(G2/G1)2, where Pin is the steady-state input pump power immediately prior to abrupt switch-off, G1 is the initial rate of decay of the pump field, and G2 is the final rate of decay of the pump field. Hence, it is possible to determine all the parameters from a single ring-down scan, provided that the measurements taken in that scan are sufficiently accurate and complete.

Matsko, Andrey↗

Time-Resolved Measurements Of Laser Far-Field Patterns

Computer-controlled scanning photometric instrumentation system measures intensity pattern in far field of pulsed laser as function of time during each pulse (provided that pulse is at least 1 ns long). Such measurements important in studying dynamics of laser operation: they reveal such previously unobservable phenomena as oscillations of undesired spatial modes of radiation pattern during pulse, steering of beam during pulse, and instability of intensity of laser beam. Principal advantages of system are its relatively low cost and its ability to function under normal lighting conditions without incurring damage.

Forrest, Kathrine↗

Atmospheric H 2 observations from the NOAA Cooperative Global Air Sampling Network

Abstract. The NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML) measures atmospheric hydrogen (H2) in grab samples collected weekly as flask pairs at over 50 sites in the Cooperative Global Air Sampling Network. Measurements representative of background air sampling show higher H2 in recent years at all latitudes. The marine boundary layer (MBL) global mean H2 was 552.8 ppb in 2021, 20.2 ± 0.2 ppb higher compared to 2010. A 10 ppb or more increase over the 2010–2021 average annual cycle was detected in 2016 for MBL zonal means in the tropics and in the Southern Hemisphere. Carbon monoxide measurements in the same-air samples suggest large biomass burning events in different regions likely contributed to the observed interannual variability at different latitudes. The NOAA H2 measurements from 2009 to 2021 are now based on the World Meteorological Organization Global Atmospheric Watch (WMO GAW) H2 mole fraction calibration scale, developed and maintained by the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC), Jena, Germany. GML maintains eight H2 primary calibration standards to propagate the WMO scale. These are gravimetric hydrogen-in-air mixtures in electropolished stainless steel cylinders (Essex Industries, St. Louis, MO), which are stable for H2. These mixtures were calibrated at the MPI-BGC, the WMO Central Calibration Laboratory (CCL) for H2, in late 2020 and span the range 250–700 ppb. We have used the CCL assignments to propagate the WMO H2 calibration scale to NOAA air measurements performed using gas chromatography and helium pulse discharge detector instruments since 2009. To propagate the scale, NOAA uses a hierarchy of secondary and tertiary standards, which consist of high-pressure whole-air mixtures in aluminum cylinders, calibrated against the primary and secondary standards, respectively. Hydrogen at the parts per billion level has a tendency to increase in aluminum cylinders over time. We fit the calibration histories of these standards with zero-, first-, or second-order polynomial functions of time and use the time-dependent mole fraction assignments on the WMO scale to reprocess all tank air and flask air H2 measurement records. The robustness of the scale propagation over multiple years is evaluated with the regular analysis of target air cylinders and with long-term same-air measurement comparison efforts with WMO GAW partner laboratories. Long-term calibrated, globally distributed, and freely accessible measurements of H2 and other gases and isotopes continue to be essential to track and interpret regional and global changes in the atmosphere composition. The adoption of the WMO H2 calibration scale and subsequent reprocessing of NOAA atmospheric data constitute a significant improvement in the NOAA H2 measurement records.

Pétron, Gabrielle↗

Static and dynamic cyclic oxidation of 12 nickel-, cobalt-, and iron-base high-temperature alloys

Twelve typical high-temperature nickel-, cobalt-, and iron-base alloys were tested by 1 hr cyclic exposures at 1038, 1093, and 1149 C and 0.05 hr exposures at 1093 C. The alloys were tested in both a dynamic burner rig at Mach 0.3 gas flow and in static air furnace for times up to 100 hr. The alloys were evaluated in terms of specific weight loss as a function of time, and X-ray diffraction analysis and metallographic examination of the posttest specimens. A method previously developed was used to estimate specific metal weight loss from the specific weight change of the sample. The alloys were then ranked on this basis. The burner-rig test was more severe than a comparable furnace test and resulted in an increased tendency for oxide spalling due to volatility of Cr in the protective scale and the more drastic cooling due to the air-blast quench of the samples. Increased cycle frequency also increased the tendency to spall for a given test exposure. The behavior of the alloys in both types of tests was related to their composition and their tendency to form scales. The alloys with the best overall behavior formed alpha-Al2O3 aluminate spinels.

Barrett, C. A.↗

Optical effects module

The possible degradation of optical samples exposed to the effluent gases and particulate matter emanating from the payload of the space transportation system during orbital operations may be determined by measuring two optical parameters for five samples exposed to this environment, namely transmittance and diffuse reflectance. Any changes detected in these parameters as a function of time during the mission are then attributable to surface contamination or to increased material absorption. These basic functions are attained in the optical effects module by virtue of the following subsystems which are described: module enclosure; light source with collimator and modulator; sample wheel with holders and rotary drive; photomultipliers for radiation detection; processing and sequencing electronic circuitry; and power conditioning interfaces. The functions of these subsystems are reviewed and specified.

Source record↗

Density models for the upper atmosphere

Three contemporary atmospheric density models which are candidates for meeting the current orbit computation requirements are compared. The models considered are the analytic Jacchia-Roberts model, the modified Harris-Priester model, and the USSR Cosmos satellite derived density model. All of these models can be said to be quasi-dynamic representations of the atmospheric density. The time dependent variations in the model density profiles are determined by both the evaluation of explicit continuous functions of time and by the input of time varying parameters to algorithms. The computation characteristics of each of the models are compared and a modification to the modified Harris-Priester model is proposed which improves its ability to represent the diurnal variation in the atmospheric density.

Dowd, D. L.↗

Statistical study of thermal fracture of ceramic materials in the water quench test

The Weibull statistical theory of fracture was applied to thermal shock of ceramics in the water quench test. Transient thermal stresses and probability of failure were calculated for a cylindrical specimen cooled by convection. The convective heat transfer coefficient was calibrated using the time to failure which was measured with an acoustic emission technique. Theoretical failure probability distributions as a function of time and quench temperature compare favorably with experimental results for three high-alumina ceramics and a glass.

Rogers, Wayne P.↗

On the relationship between matched filter theory as applied to gust loads and phased design loads analysis

A theoretical basis and example calculations are given that demonstrate the relationship between the Matched Filter Theory approach to the calculation of time-correlated gust loads and Phased Design Load Analysis in common use in the aerospace industry. The relationship depends upon the duality between Matched Filter Theory and Random Process Theory and upon the fact that Random Process Theory is used in Phased Design Loads Analysis in determining an equiprobable loads design ellipse. Extensive background information describing the relevant points of Phased Design Loads Analysis, calculating time-correlated gust loads with Matched Filter Theory, and the duality between Matched Filter Theory and Random Process Theory is given. It is then shown that the time histories of two time-correlated gust load responses, determined using the Matched Filter Theory approach, can be plotted as parametric functions of time and that the resulting plot, when superposed upon the design ellipse corresponding to the two loads, is tangent to the ellipse. The question is raised of whether or not it is possible for a parametric load plot to extend outside the associated design ellipse. If it is possible, then the use of the equiprobable loads design ellipse will not be a conservative design practice in some circumstances.

Zeiler, Thomas A.↗

Doppler radar with multiphase modulation of transmitted and reflected signal

A microwave radar signal is generated and split by a circulator. A phase shifter introduces a series of phase shifts into a first part of the split signal which is then transmitted by antenna. A like number of phase shifts is introduced by the phase shifter into the return signal from the target. The circulator delivers the phase shifted return signal and the leakage signal from the circulator to a mixer which generates an IF signal output at the Doppler frequency. The IF signal is amplified, filtered, counted per unit of time, and the result displayed to provide indications of target sense and range rate. An oscillator controls rate of phase shift in the transmitted and received radar signals and provides a time base for the counter. The phase shift magnitude increases may be continuous and linear or discrete functions of time.

Shores, Paul W.↗