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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 505 records · Page 28

Geometrization of the Dirac theory of the electron

Using the concept of parallel displacement of a half vector, the Dirac equations are generally written in invariant form. The energy tensor is formed and both the macroscopic and quantum mechanic equations of motion are set up. The former have the usual form: divergence of the energy tensor equals the Lorentz force and the latter are essentially identical with those of the geodesic line.

Fock, V.↗

Computer transformation of partial differential equations into any coordinate system

The use of tensors to provide a compact way of writing partial differential equations in a form valid in all coordinate systems is discussed. In order to find solutions to the equations with their boundary conditions they must be expressed in terms of the coordinate system under consideration. The process of arriving at these expressions from the tensor formulation was automated by a software system, TENSR. An allied system that analyzes the resulting expressions term by term and drops those that are negligible is also described.

Sullivan, R. D.↗

Sakata-Taketani spin-0 theory with external field interactions - Lagrangian formalism and causal properties

To illustrate that a relativistic field theory need not be manifestly covariant, Lorentz-invariant Lagrangian densities are constructed that yield the equation satisfied by an interacting (two-component) Sakata-Taketani spin-0 field. Six types of external field couplings are considered, two scalars, two vectors, an antisymmetric second-rank tensor, and a symmetric second-rank tensor, with the results specialized to electromagnetic interactions. For either of the two second-rank couplings, the equation is found to describe noncausal wave propagation, a property that is apparent from the dependence of the coefficients of the space derivatives on the external field; in contrast, the noncausality of the corresponding manifestly covariant Duffin-Kemmer-Petiau spin-0 equation is not so obvious. The possibilities for generalizing the results to higher spin theories involving only the essential 2(2J + 1) components for a particle with a definite spin J and mass m are discussed in considerable detail.

Guertin, R. F.↗

Three-dimensional modelling in magnetotelluric and magnetic variational sounding

The Galerkin finite-element method is used to obtain approximate solutions for the three-dimensional induction problem. A rectangular conductive prism is considered as an example, and solutions are obtained for linear and circularly polarized incident plane-wave fields. Magnetotelluric tensor impedances and magnetic transfer functions are computed. Polar diagrams of the tensor impedances and magnetic transfer functions along with their amplitude contour maps are presented. The dimensionality parameter, skew, is contoured at the surface of the earth. It is shown that the relative amplitudes and shapes of the additional and principal impedance polar diagrams can be used to determine the dimensionality of geoelectrical structures. Stations with skew values greater than 0.2 are significantly influenced by the three-dimensionality of the geoelectric structure. The amplitudes of the magnetic transfer function and the orientations of its polar diagrams exhibit large anomalies in the vicinity of the intersection of the lateral contacts.

Reddy, I. K.↗

Aerodynamic sound in a relaxing medium

A theory of aerodynamic sound propagation, when inhomogeneities characterized by a relaxation process are present in both the source and propagation region, is formulated. The details of the relaxation process need not be specified at the outset, although the relaxation process is characterized by a relaxation time and by an equilibrium and a frozen sound speed in a propagation region which is otherwise in equilibrium. Propagation is described in terms of a D'Alembertian characterized by the frozen sound speed relaxing toward one characterized by the equilibrium sound speed, while the source is interpreted in terms of a frozen Lighthill stress tensor relaxing toward the equilibrium stress tensor. An appropriate Green's function for the three-dimensional relaxing wave propagation operator is used to construct an exact integral for the aerodynamic sound. The sound generated far from the source is then estimated in terms of the aerodynamic sound source.

Liu, J. T. C.↗

On the rotation of elliptical galaxies

The tensor virial theorem is applied to models of early-type galaxies. First the theorem is applied to rotating elliptical galaxies whose constant-density surfaces are similar ellipsoids. A relationship is obtained between the observed rotations and the forms of generally triaxial galaxies. By applying the results of Robert (1962) to the evaluation of the components of the Chandrasekhar tensor which occurs in this relationship, it is found that the form of a galaxy that lacks global velocity anisotropy uniquely determines the ratio of its rotational and random kinetic energies independently of the radial density profile of that galaxy. A distribution of three-dimensional prolate spheroids is derived which accounts for the observed distribution of ellipticities reported by Sandage, Freeman, and Stokes (1970). This is then used to derive curves giving the expected frequency of occurrence of galaxies of given rotational velocities for each of a number of different apparent elongations on the sky. It is found that if elliptical galaxies are prolate, there should be little correlation between apparent ellipticity and rotation velocity.

Binney, J.↗

A split finite element algorithm for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations

An accurate and efficient numerical solution algorithm is established for solution of the high Reynolds number limit of the Navier-Stokes equations governing the multidimensional flow of a compressible essentially inviscid fluid. Finite element interpolation theory is used within a dissipative formulation established using Galerkin criteria within the Method of Weighted Residuals. An implicit iterative solution algorithm is developed, employing tensor product bases within a fractional steps integration procedure, that significantly enhances solution economy concurrent with sharply reduced computer hardware demands. The algorithm is evaluated for resolution of steep field gradients and coarse grid accuracy using both linear and quadratic tensor product interpolation bases. Numerical solutions for linear and nonlinear, one, two and three dimensional examples confirm and extend the linearized theoretical analyses, and results are compared to competitive finite difference derived algorithms.

Baker, A. J.↗

On nuclear spin statistics in rotational transition intensities in tetrahedral AB4 molecules

A general expression is derived for the integrated intensity of rotational transitions in the vibronic ground state of tetrahedral molecules, taking into account the nuclear spin statistics. It is shown that the ratio of this expression to previously published spin-free integrated intensities depends only on the tensor character N of the operator driving the transition, the appropriate rotational quantum numbers J and J', and the nuclear spin of the identical nuclei. Tables are given for N = 3, 4 and J no more than 50, which enable the calculation of integrated intensities for octopole and hexadecapole collision-induced dipole-moment transitions, centrifugal-distortion-induced dipole-moment transitions, and centrifugal-distortion-induced anisotropic-polarizability-tensor Raman transitions.

Rosenberg, A.↗

Mathematical Modeling of Diverse Phenomena

Tensor calculus is applied to the formulation of mathematical models of diverse phenomena. Aeronautics, fluid dynamics, and cosmology are among the areas of application. The feasibility of combining tensor methods and computer capability to formulate problems is demonstrated. The techniques described are an attempt to simplify the formulation of mathematical models by reducing the modeling process to a series of routine operations, which can be performed either manually or by computer.

Howard, J. C.↗

Alternatives for jet engine control

Nonlinear modeling researches involving the use of tensor analysis are presented. Progress was achieved by extending the studies to a controlled equation and by considering more complex situations. Included in the report are calculations illustrating the modeling methodology for cases in which variables take values in real spaces of dimension up to three, and in which the degree of tensor term retention is as high as three.

Sain, M. K.↗

Nonlinear temperature dependent failure analysis of finite width composite laminates

A quasi-three dimensional, nonlinear elastic finite element stress analysis of finite width composite laminates including curing stresses is presented. Cross-ply, angle-ply, and two quasi-isotropic graphite/epoxy laminates are studied. Curing stresses are calculated using temperature dependent elastic properties that are input as percent retention curves, and stresses due to mechanical loading in the form of an axial strain are calculated using tangent modulii obtained by Ramberg-Osgood parameters. It is shown that curing stresses and stresses due to tensile loading are significant as edge effects in all types of laminate studies. The tensor polynomial failure criterion is used to predict the initiation of failure. The mode of failure is predicted by examining individual stress contributions to the tensor polynomial.

Nagarkar, A. P.↗

Failure analysis of composite laminates with free edges

Linear elastic stress distributions obtained from a refined finite element mesh are used in conjunction with the tensor polynomial failure criterion to predict the initiation of failure in symmetric, finite-width graphite-epoxy laminates under tensile loading. Results are presented for a wide variety of laminates including: (+ and - theta)s angle-ply; cross-ply (0/90)s and (90/0)s; and quasi-isotropic (90/0/+ and - 45)s and (+ and -45/0/90)s. It is shown that the elastic stress distributions generally compare favorably with other published results, but also indicate improved satisfaction of the stress-free boundary conditions and indicate some differences in the singular behavior of selected stress components at the free edge. The tensor polynomial failure criterion is used to predict the location and mode of first failure. Examination of the individual terms of the polynomial indicates different modes of failure depending upon the laminate configuration.

Herakovich, C. T.↗

Space-time metrical fluctuations induced by cosmic turbulence

For a stochastic stress-energy tensor associated with cosmic turbulence, it is observed that Einstein's equations imply fluctuations in the space-time metric tensor. Such metrical fluctuations are shown to engender modified values for the average effective proper density and total pressure and thus to alter the solutions to the Friedman equations.

Rosen, G.↗

Calculation of three-dimensional turbulent subsonic flows in transition ducts

A method for computing three-dimensional turbulent subsonic flow in curved ducts is being developed. A set of tube-like surface oriented coordinates is employed for a general class of geometries applicable to subsonic diffusers with offset bends. The geometric formulation is complex and no previous treatment of this class of viscous flow problems is known to the authors. The duct centerline is a space curve specified by piecewise polynomials. A Frenet frame is located on the centerline at each axial location. The cross sections are described by superellipses imbedded in the Frenet frame. Duct surfaces are also coordinate surfaces, which greatly simplifies the boundary conditions. The resulting coordinates are nonorthogonal. An approximate set of governing equations is employed for viscous flows having strong flow in a primary flow direction. The derivation is coordinate invariant and the resulting equations are expressed in tensor form. These equations are solved by an efficient alternating direction implicit (ADI) method. This numerical method is generally stable and permits solution in difficult geometries using the general tensor formulation.

Levy, R.↗

Prediction of absolute infrared intensities for the fundamental vibrations of H2O2

Absolute infrared intensities are predicted for the vibrational bands of gas-phase H2O2 by the use of a hydrogen atomic polar tensor transferred from the hydroxyl hydrogen atom of CH3OH. These predicted intensities are compared with intensities predicted by the use of a hydrogen atomic polar tensor transferred from H2O. The predicted relative intensities agree well with published spectra of gas-phase H2O2, and the predicted absolute intensities are expected to be accurate to within at least a factor of two. Among the vibrational degrees of freedom, the antisymmetric O-H bending mode nu(6) is found to be the strongest with a calculated intensity of 60.5 km/mole. The torsional band, a consequence of hindered rotation, is found to be the most intense fundamental with a predicted intensity of 120 km/mole. These results are compared with the recent absolute intensity determinations for the nu(6) band.

Rogers, J. D.↗

Numerical simulation of a compressible homogeneous, turbulent shear flow

A direct, low Reynolds number, numerical simulation was performed on a homogeneous turbulent shear flow. The full compressible Navier-Stokes equations were used in a simulation on the ILLIAC IV computer with a 64,000 mesh. The flow fields generated by the code are used as an experimental data base, to examine the behavior of the Reynols stresses in this simple, compressible flow. The variation of the structure of the stresses and their dynamic equations as the character of the flow changed is emphasized. The structure of the tress tensor is more heavily dependent on the shear number and less on the fluctuating Mach number. The pressure-strain correlation tensor in the dynamic uations is directly calculated in this simulation. These correlations are decomposed into several parts, as contrasted with the traditional incompressible decomposition into two parts. The performance of existing models for the conventional terms is examined, and a model is proposed for the 'mean fluctuating' part.

Feiereisen, W. J.↗

Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes computations of transonic flows The-state-of-the-art

The state of the art in computer simulations for transonic flowfields requiring solutions for the Navier-Stokes equations is assessed. It is noted that current simulations of transonic flowfields require comparisons with experimental results because the simulations are not free from discretization errors. Cases of turbulence are treated with weighted variables in a time-averaged scheme to yield Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations. The turbulence is modeled in a first-order approach with a Reynolds stress tensor or a second-order approach where the tensor is obtained from the Navier-Stokes equations. The choice of coordinate systems and dependent variables for simulating the flow around airfoils is discussed, with particular attention to curvilinear coordinates. The determinations of boundary conditions is examined, along with numerical methods related to physical phenomena

Mehta, U.↗

Dipole-field sums and Lorentz factors for orthorhombic lattices, and implications for polarizable molecules

A method for computing the Lorentz tensor components in single crystals via rapidly convergent sums of Bessels functions is developed using the relationship between dipole-field sums and the tensor components. The Lorentz factors for simple, body-centered, and base-centered orthorhombic lattices are computed using this method, and the derivative Lorentz factors for simple orthorhombic lattices are also determined. Both the Lorentz factors and their derivatives are shown to be very sensitive to a lattice structure. The equivalent of the Clausius-Mossotti relation for general orthorhombic lattices is derived using the Lorentz-factor formalism, and the permanent molecular dipole moment is related to crystal polarization for the case of a ferroelectric of polarizable point dipoles. It is concluded that the polarization enhancement due to self-polarization familiar from classical theory may actually be a reduction in consequences of negative Lorentz factors in one or two lattice directions for noncubic crystals.

Purvis, C. K.↗