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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 415 records · Page 23
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NASA NTRS1984

Nonlinear potential analysis techniques for supersonic-hypersonic aerodynamic design

Approximate nonlinear inviscid theoretical techniques for predicting aerodynamic characteristics and surface pressures for relatively slender vehicles at supersonic and moderate hypersonic speeds were developed. Emphasis was placed on approaches that would be responsive to conceptual configuration design level of effort. Second order small disturbance and full potential theory was utilized to meet this objective. Numerical codes were developed for relatively general three dimensional geometries to evaluate the capability of the approximate equations of motion considered. Results from the computations indicate good agreement with experimental results for a variety of wing, body, and wing-body shapes.

Shankar, V.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Evolution of the innermost stable orbits around accreting neutron stars

The surface of most neutron stars with 'soft' equations of state lies within the innermost stable circular orbit predicted by general relativity. In disk accretion onto a weakly magnetized neutron star, the disk will reach the stellar surface for 'stiff' equations of state, but for soft equations of state the matter will hit the surface in free fall at an angle of about 0.001 to 0.1 radians. All calculations are carried out through first order in the angular momentum of the star.

Kluzniak, W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Non-existence of dynamical perturbations of Schwarzschild with vanishing self-dual part

A recent proposal of Ashtekar (1985) for the canonical quantisation of gravity involves a new choice of a (complex) polarisation on the (real) phase space of general relativity. In order for the 'four dimensional' version of Ashtekar's proposal to be viable, it is necessary that for an arbitrary (real) background solution there exist a sufficient number of (complex) solutions of the linearised Einstein equation with perturbed Weyl spinor having vanishing self-dual part. It is shown that this is not the case by explicitly demonstrating that for the Schwarzschild spacetime, aside from stationary perturbations, there are no such linearised solutions which can be expressed as superpositions of modes of real frequencies. The viability of the '3+1 version' of Ashtekar's proposal is not affected by these considerations.

Wald, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Approximation methods in gravitational-radiation theory

The observation of gravitational-radiation damping in the binary pulsar PSR 1913 + 16 and the ongoing experimental search for gravitational waves of extraterrestrial origin have made the theory of gravitational radiation an active branch of classical general relativity. In calculations of gravitational radiation, approximation methods play a crucial role. Recent developments are summarized in two areas in which approximations are important: (a) the quadrupole approxiamtion, which determines the energy flux and the radiation reaction forces in weak-field, slow-motion, source-within-the-near-zone systems such as the binary pulsar; and (b) the normal modes of oscillation of black holes, where the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin approximation gives accurate estimates of the complex frequencies of the modes.

Will, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Supersonic second order analysis and optimization program user's manual

Approximate nonlinear inviscid theoretical techniques for predicting aerodynamic characteristics and surface pressures for relatively slender vehicles at supersonic and moderate hypersonic speeds were developed. Emphasis was placed on approaches that would be responsive to conceptual configuration design level of effort. Second order small disturbance theory was utilized to meet this objective. Numerical codes were developed for analysis and design of relatively general three dimensional geometries. Results from the computations indicate good agreement with experimental results for a variety of wing, body, and wing-body shapes. Case computational time of one minute on a CDC 176 are typical for practical aircraft arrangement.

Clever, W. C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Satellite attitude motion models for capture and retrieval investigations

The primary purpose of this research is to provide mathematical models which may be used in the investigation of various aspects of the remote capture and retrieval of uncontrolled satellites. Emphasis has been placed on analytical models; however, to verify analytical solutions, numerical integration must be used. Also, for satellites of certain types, numerical integration may be the only practical or perhaps the only possible method of solution. First, to provide a basis for analytical and numerical work, uncontrolled satellites were categorized using criteria based on: (1) orbital motions, (2) external angular momenta, (3) internal angular momenta, (4) physical characteristics, and (5) the stability of their equilibrium states. Several analytical solutions for the attitude motions of satellite models were compiled, checked, corrected in some minor respects and their short-term prediction capabilities were investigated. Single-rigid-body, dual-spin and multi-rotor configurations are treated. To verify the analytical models and to see how the true motion of a satellite which is acted upon by environmental torques differs from its corresponding torque-free motion, a numerical simulation code was developed. This code contains a relatively general satellite model and models for gravity-gradient and aerodynamic torques. The spacecraft physical model for the code and the equations of motion are given. The two environmental torque models are described.

Cochran, John E., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Physics through the 1990s: Gravitation, cosmology and cosmic-ray physics

The volume contains recommendations for space-and ground-based programs in gravitational physics, cosmology, and cosmic-ray physics. The section on gravitation examines current and planned experimental tests of general relativity; the theory behind, and search for, gravitational waves, including sensitive laser-interferometric tests and other observations; and advances in gravitation theory (for example, incorporating quantum effects). The section on cosmology deals with the big-bang model, the standard model from elementary-particle theory, the inflationary model of the Universe. Computational needs are presented for both gravitation and cosmology. Finally, cosmic-ray physics theory (nucleosynthesis, acceleration models, high-energy physics) and experiment (ground and spaceborne detectors) are discussed.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1986

Simultaneous X-ray and optical observations of GX 339-4 in an X-ray high state

Optical emission, soft X-rays, and hard X-rays have been observed simultaneously from the black hole candidate GX 3339-4 in a typical high state. Each of these components is interpreted as arising from a characteristic region of the accretion disk. Considered as a black hole, GX 339-4 lacks the variable 2 keV blackbody component that would be emitted from the 'solid' surface of a neutron star in the low-mass neutron star binaries. The X-ray emission in the high state is therefore extremely soft and stable in time. The intermediate disk region is optically thick and geometrically thin. The observed soft X-ray component with a 'disk blackbody' spectrum comes from this region. The innermost disk region is dynamically unstable due to the effect of general relativity and possibly due to radiation pressure. This region is responsible for the generation of the hard X-ray tail through Comptonization.

Makishima, K.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Prospects for observations of relativistic effects in the solar system

In this paper the authors concentrate on an experiment that promises a dramatic improvement in a classical test of general relativity - the deflection of light by solar gravity. The goal is to measure the post-post-Newtonian contribution of nearly 11 microarcseconds to this deflection. The proposed technique is based on use of an astrometric optical interferometer, POINTS, which could be operated from the bay of the Space Shuttle, mounted on the proposed Space Station, or supported by an independent spacecraft. POINTS should be able to measure the separation of stars about 90 deg apart with an uncertainty of only a few microarcseconds.

Reasenberg, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Equation-of-state spinning fluids in the Einstein-Cartan theory

The relativistic fluid equations may be completed in two physically distinct methods. One method assumes the mass, rho, (or particle number) is conserved, while the other method assumes an equation of state of the form P = P(rho). A variational principle for the mass conservation method both with and without an intrinsic spin for the fluid was constructed earlier (Ray and Smalley, 1982 and 1983). A variational principle for the fluid described by an equation of state both with and without spin is formulated. In all cases the variational principle is set in the Einstein-Cartan metric-torsion U4 geometry. The results for general relativity follow as a special case.

Ray, John R.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Satellite Interference Analysis and Simulation Using Personal Computers

This report presents the complete analysis and formulas necessary to quantify the interference experienced by a generic satellite communications receiving station due to an interfering satellite. Both satellites, the desired as well as the interfering satellite, are considered to be in elliptical orbits. Formulas are developed for the satellite look angles and the satellite transmit angles generally related to the land mask of the receiving station site for both satellites. Formulas for considering Doppler effect due to the satellite motion as well as the Earth's rotation are developed. The effect of the interfering-satellite signal modulation and the Doppler effect on the power received are considered. The statistical formulation of the interference effect is presented in the form of a histogram of the interference to the desired signal power ratio. Finally, a computer program suitable for microcomputers such as IBM AT is provided with the flowchart, a sample run, results of the run, and the program code.

Kantak, Anil↗
NASA NTRS1988

Moving wall, continuous flow electronphoresis apparatus

This invention relates generally to electrophoresis devices and more particularly to a moving wall, continuous flow device in which an electrophoresis chamber is angularly positionable with respect to the direction of moving belt walls. A frame with an electrophoresis chamber is rotatably supported between two synchronously driven belt walls. This allows the chamber to be angularly positionable with respect to the direction of belt travel, which compensates for electroosmotic flow within the electrophoresis chamber. Injection of a buffer solution via an opening and a homogenous sample stream via another opening is performed at the end of a chamber, and collection of buffer and the fractionated species particles is done by a conventional collection array at an opposite end of the chamber. Belts are driven at a rate which exactly matches the flow of buffer and sample through the chamber, which entrains the buffer to behave as a rigid electrophoretic medium, eliminating flow distortions (Poiseuille effect). Additionally, belt material for each belt is stored at one end of the device and is taken up by drive wheels at an opposite end. The novelty of this invention particularly lies in the electrophoresis chamber being angularly positionable between two moving belt walls in order to compensate for electroosmotic flow. Additionally, new belt material is continuously exposed within the chamber, minimizing flow distortion due to contamination of the belt material by the sample.

Rhodes, Percy H.↗
NASA NTRS1987

4U 1820-30 as a potential test of the nonsymmetric gravitational theory of Moffat

Recent observations of the X-ray burst source 4U 1820-30 have revealed a 685 s modulation of the luminosity. How this system could provide a stringent test of the nonsymmetric gravitational theory (NGT) of Moffat (1979), provided the observed periodicity is due to orbital motion of a binary system, is discussed. The possible orbital period change predicted by general relativity may be detectable in this system.

Krisher, Timothy P.↗
NASA NTRS1988

The modified Newtonian force law of Rood and the perihelion shift of Mercury

A modification of the Newtonian force law proposed by Rood is shown not to yield the correct value for the relativistic precession of the perihelion of Mercury, contrary to the claim by Rood. Instead, the theory is shown to yield 3/2 times the prediction of general relativity, in gross disagreement with solar system observations.

Krisher, Timothy P.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Pultrusion Die Assembly

This invention relates generally to pultrusion die assemblies, and more particularly, to a pultrusion die assembly which incorporates a plurality of functions in order to produce a continuous, thin composite fiber reinforced thermoplastic material. The invention is useful for making high performance thermoplastic composite materials in sheets which can be coiled on a spool and stored for further processing.

Wilson, Maywood L.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Laser clocks and near field gravity of rotating objects

This work explores the feasibliity of using high performance laser clocks to detect effects of rotation in the near field region of the Earth's gravitational field. According to general relativity, the time recorded by an independent clock is the proper time of the space-time metric that applies to the system under consideration. If the gravitational source is stationary (nonrotating), proper time involves only the speed of the clocks and the scalar gravitational potential at the position of the clocks. However, if the source is rotating, the motion of the source could have an effect on the metric. Previous attempts to calculate the relativistic timekeeping for terrestrial clocks have used the metric for a nonrotating system, primarily because metrics for a rotating system were not available. This work investigates the specific effects of rotation on the Earth's gravitational field and the corresponding effect on timekeeping of laser clocks in the near field environment.

Hafele, Joseph C.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Superconducting gravity gradiometer mission. Volume 2: Study team technical report

Scientific and engineering studies and developments performed or directed by a Study Team composed of various Federal and University activities involved with the development of a three-axis superconducting gravity gradiometer integrated with a six-axis superconducting accelerometer are examined. This instrument is being developed for a future orbital mission to make precise global gravity measurements. The scientific justification and requirements for such a mission are discussed. This includes geophysics, the primary mission objective, as well as secondary objective, such as navigation and feats of fundamental laws of physics, i.e., a null test of the inverse square law of gravitation and tests of general relativity. The instrument design and status along with mission analysis, engineering assessments, and preliminary spacecraft concepts are discussed. In addition, critical spacecraft systems and required technology advancements are examined. The mission requirements and an engineering assessment of a precursor flight test of the instrument are discussed.

Morgan, Samuel H.↗
NASA NTRS1989

A procedure for computing surface wave trajectories on an inhomogeneous surface

Equations are derived for computing surface waves on smooth surfaces, including surfaces with a nonuniform wave speed. The prior literature dealt primarily with the theoretical development with little consideration given to computational methods, and examples were limited to waves on surfaces of simple analytic description, such as cones, spheres, and cylinders. The computational procedure presented is a relatively general method. Sample calculations illustrate the procedure for a class of practical shapes of the type that include aerodynamic and hydrodynamic surfaces. Equations are also included for computing the spreading of rays into a surrounding medium that will support waves.

Barger, Raymond L.↗