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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 55 records · Page 3

Towards Simultaneous Multi-Parameter Measurements Using Burst-Mode Frequency-Scanning Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence

While planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) can provide valuable flow visualization, there are many challenges in extracting quantitative measurements from the fluorescence intensity. To overcome the multi-parameter dependence of the signal intensity, frequency scanning planar laser-induced fluorescence (FS-PLIF) provides the potential for 2D temperature, pressure, and velocity measurements by spectrally resolving the excitation spectrum of one or more fluorescence transitions to extract the Doppler shift, Doppler- and collisional-broadening of absorption lines, and the relative signal intensities of multiple transitions. This work aims to characterize a burst-mode FS-PLIF system consisting of a Spectral Energies, LLC burst-mode laser coupled with a Spectral Energies, LLC optical parametric oscillator using nitric oxide (NO) static pressure cell measurements. The effect of the OPO cavity on intensity fluctuations during frequency-scanning is investigated. A NO PLIF model is implemented to investigate the feasibility of property measurements using single- and two-NO-line scans.

burst-mode laser↗

Computer controlled performance mapping of thermionic converters: effect of collector, guard-ring potential imbalances on the observed collector current-density, voltage characteristics and limited range performance map of an etched-rhenium, niobium planar converter

The effect of collector, guard-ring potential imbalance on the observed collector-current-density J, collector-to-emitter voltage V characteristic was evaluated in a planar, fixed-space, guard-ringed thermionic converter. The J,V characteristic was swept in a period of 15 msec by a variable load. A computerized data acquisition system recorded test parameters. The results indicate minimal distortion of the J,V curve in the power output quadrant for the nominal guard-ring circuit configuration. Considerable distortion, along with a lowering of the ignited-mode striking voltage, was observed for the configuration with the emitter shorted to the guard ring. A limited-range performance map of an etched-rhenium, niobium, planar converter was obtained by using an improved computer program for the data acquisition system.

Manista, E. J.↗

Non-planar tests using the wind tunnel free-flight technique.

Results from the first bi-planar wind tunnel free-flight test program designed to investigate the difference between planar and nonplanar dynamic stability are presented. The test provides perhaps the best free-flight angular documentation of arbitrary nonplanar motion yet obtained. Two widely different configurations, a blunt 60-deg cone and a sharp 10-deg half-angle cone, were tested. Comparisons between the angular motion from raw data and the analytical fits indicate a phasing difference. An examination of possible causes discounts experimental errors as an explanation and points strongly toward an inadequacy of the theoretical force model.

Jaffe, P.↗

Beam-pointing errors of planar-phased arrays.

Using both analytical and Monte Carlo techniques, beam-pointing errors of planar-phased arrays are analyzed. The obtained simple formulas for rms pointing errors are applicable to uniform planar arrays with both uniform and Gaussian uncorrelated phase-error distributions and for any arbitrary scan angle.

Carver, K. R.↗

Numerical computation of viscous blunt body flows with a planar impinging shock

Two- and three-dimensional, viscous blunt body flows with planar impinging shocks are computed using an explicit, time-dependent, finite-difference method to solve the complete set of Navier-Stokes equations. The bow shock is treated as a discontinuity, while all interior shock layer detail such as shear layers, shock waves, jets and the wall boundary layer are automatically captured in the solution. Numerical results are presented for cases in which planar shock waves of different strengths and orientations are allowed to impinge on the flow field surroundings an infinite cylinder resulting in two- and three-dimensional shock interference patterns. The numerical results are compared with experiment.

Holst, T. L.↗

Window defect planar mapping technique

A method of planar mapping defects in a window having an edge surface and a planar surface. The method is comprised of steps for mounting the window on a support surface. Then a light sensitive paper is placed adjacent to the window surface. A light source is positioned adjacent to the window edge. The window is then illuminated with the source of light for a predetermined interval of time. Defects on the surface of the glass, as well as in the interior of the glass are detected by analyzing the developed light sensitive paper. The light source must be in the form of optical fibers or a light tube whose light transmitting ends are placed near the edge surface of the window.

Minton, F. R.↗

Structure and electrical activity of planar defects in EFG ribbons

Optical, electron beam induced current (EBIC), and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the structure and electrical activity of planar defects in EFG silicon. What appears to be twin boundaries by both optical microscopy plus etching, and by EBIC are in reality systems of microtwins, some of which are only a few atomic lattice planes thick. The electrical activity of planar defects appears to be correlated with emission of dislocations especially at termination points. Impurity effects may also play a role. Twin boundaries per se appear not to be electrically active.

Ast, D. G.↗

Planar scarf joints in composite repair

This study examined the effects of varying certain important geometric parameters on the stresses in an adhesive repair of a thin composite laminate. The repair, a planar scarf joint with a doubler, was studied using finite element methods at scarf angles of 6 deg and 12 deg, damage lengths between 2.5 mm and 25 mm and doubler overlaps between 10 mm and 40 mm. Finite element models also showed that significant stress peaks occur at the ends of the scarf joint adhesive, similar to shear lag phenomena in lap joints. A bending model of the planar scarf joint with a doubler, based on mechanics of materials theory, was also developed.

Adkins, D. W.↗

Planar multijunction high voltage solar cells

Technical considerations, preliminary results, and fabrication details are discussed for a family of high-voltage planar multi-junction (PMJ) solar cells which combine the attractive features of planar cells with conventional or interdigitated back contacts and the vertical multijunction (VMJ) solar cell. The PMJ solar cell is internally divided into many voltage-generating regions, called unit cells, which are internally connected in series. The key to obtaining reasonable performance from this device was the separation of top surface field regions over each active unit cell. Using existing solar cell fabricating methods, output voltages in excess of 20 volts per linear centimeter are possible. Analysis of the new device is complex, and numerous geometries are being studied which should provide substantial benefits in both normal sunlight usage as well as with concentrators.

Evans, J. C., Jr.↗

The planar multijunction cell - A new solar cell for earth and space

A new family of high-voltage solar cells, called the planar multijunction (PMJ) cell is being developed. The new cells combine the attractive features of planar cells with conventional or interdigitated back contacts and the vertical multijunction (VMJ) solar cell. The PMJ solar cell is internally divided into many voltage-generating regions, called unit cells, which are internally connected in series. The key to obtaining reasonable performance from this device was the separation of top surface field regions over each active unit cell area. Using existing solar cell fabricating methods, output voltages in excess of 20 volts per linear centimeter are possible. Analysis of the new device is complex, and numerous geometries are being studied which should provide substantial benefits in both normal sunlight usage as well as with concentrators.

Evans, J. C., Jr.↗

"Finite part" electric and magnetic stored energies for planar antennas

A pair of formulas representing the time-average "finite part" electric and magnetic stored energies for planar antennas are derived. It is also shown that the asymptotic reciprocal relationship between quality factor and relative bandwidth exists for planar antennas.

Cockrell, C. R.↗

Planar Rowland spectrometer for fiber-optic wavelength demultiplexing

A planar Rowland spectrometer was fabricated and characterized as a wavelength demultiplexer for multimode fiber-optic applications. The spectrometer consisted of a planar multimode glass waveguide with two curved end faces and a cylindrical concave attached to one of the end faces. Semiconductor lasers with wavelengths between 0.825 and 0.845 micron were used for the measurements. Cross-talk isolation between two adjacent fibers with center-to-center separation of 175 microns (100 A in wavelength difference) was measured to be 18 dB. The device's performance was limited by grating diffraction efficiency, optical aberration, waveguide dispersion, and waveguide losses.

Yen, H. W.↗

Multi-100kW: Planar low cost solar array development

Seven low cost multi-100 kW planar solar array modules were fabricated and tested. Two different designs were used, demonstrating advanced solar array construction practices. Both module types utilized second generation gridded back cells featuring high efficiency and IR transparency. A silicon dioxide AR coating optimized for transmission at gamma = 1.7 microns was applied to the back surface. Two interconnect types, a single sheet printed circuit and a roll type, with alternate approaches to increasing transparency and reducing cost were designed and fabricated. Hinge stress and electrical power optimization were also examined. Two point designs were studied. The first design used a coilage longeron mast and is autonomously deployable. The second design used a Stac Beam for high natural frequency response and required astronaut assistance and assembly on orbit. It was conclusively demonstrated that planar arrays are the most cost effective design for use on the space station or other high power applications.

Source record↗

Planar dynamics of a uniform beam with rigid bodies affixed to the ends

The planar dynamics of a uniform elastic beam subject to a variety of geometric and natural boundary conditions and external excitations were analyzed. The beams are inextensible and capable of small transverse bending deformations only. Classical beam vibration eigenvalue problems for a cantilever with tip mass, a cantilever with tip body and an unconstrained beam with rigid bodies at each are examined. The characteristic equations, eigenfunctions and orthogonality relations for each are derived. The forced vibration of a cantilever with tip body subject to base acceleration is analyzed. The exact solution of the governing nonhomogeneous partial differential equation with time dependent boundary conditions is presented and compared with a Rayleigh-Ritz approximate solution. The arbitrary planar motion of an elastic beam with rigid bodies at the ends is addressed. Equations of motion are derived for two modal expansions of the beam deflection. The motion equations are cast in a first order form suitable for numerical integration. Selected FORTRAN programs are provided.

Storch, J.↗

Transition from a planar interface to cellular and dendritic structures during rapid solidification processing

The development of theoretical models which characterize the planar-cellular and cell-dendrite transitions is described. The transitions are analyzed in terms of the Chalmers number, the solute Peclet number, and the tip stability parameter, which correlate microstructural features and processing conditions. The planar-cellular transition is examined using the constitutional supercooling theory of Chalmers et al., (1953) and it is observed that the Chalmers number is between 0 and 1 during dendritic and cellular growth. Analysis of cell-dendrite transition data reveal that the transition occurs when the solute Peclet number goes through a minimum, the primary arm spacings go through a maximum, and the Chalmers number is equal to 1/2. The relation between the tip stability parameter and the solute Peclet number is investigated and it is noted that the tip stability parameter is useful for studying dendritic growth in alloys.

Laxmanan, V.↗

Experimental investigation of non-planar sheared outboard wing planforms

The outboard planforms of wings have been found to be of prime importance in studies of induced drag reduction. This conclusion is based on an experimental and theoretical study of the aerodynamic characteristics of planar and nonplanar outboard wing forms. Six different configurations; baseline rectangular, planar sheared, sheared with dihedral, sheared with anhedral, rising arc, and drooping arc were investigated for two different spans. Span efficiencies as much as 20 percent greater than baseline can be realized with nonplanar wing forms. Optimization studies show that this advantage can be achieved along with a bending moment benefit. Parasite drag and lateral stability estimations were not included in the analysis.

Naik, D. A.↗

Planar Antennas On Thick Dielectric Substrates

Features include ease of fabrication and wide range of operating frequencies. Planar antennas on thick dielectric substrates built for use at millimeter wavelengths from 40 to 400 GHZ. Antennas of this type quasi-optical structures, for which expensive, precisely machined waveguides not required. Made easily by standard photolithography and integrated with planar mixers or detectors to form arrays.

Lee, K. A.↗

High-power AlGaAs channeled substrate planar diode lasers for spaceborne communications

A high power channeled substrate planar AlGaAs diode laser with an emission wavelength of 8600 to 8800 A was developed. The optoelectronic behavior (power current, single spatial and spectral behavior, far field characteristics, modulation, and astigmatism properties) and results of computer modeling studies on the performance of the laser are discussed. Lifetest data on these devices at high output power levels is also included. In addition, a new type of channeled substrate planar laser utilizing a Bragg grating to stabilize the longitudinal mode was demonstrated. The fabrication procedures and optoelectronic properties of this new diode laser are described.

Connolly, J. C.↗