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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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NASA NTRS1994

The amplitude and spectral index of the large angular scale anisotropy in the cosmic microwave background radiation

In many cosmological models, the large angular scale anisotropy in the cosmic microwave background is parameterized by a spectral index, n, and a quadrupolar amplitude, Q. For a Harrison-Peebles-Zel'dovich spectrum, n = 1. Using data from the Far Infrared Survey (FIRS) and a new statistical measure, a contour plot of the likelihood for cosmological models for which -1 less than n less than 3 and 0 equal to or less than Q equal to or less than 50 micro K is obtained. Depending upon the details of the analysis, the maximum likelihood occurs at n between 0.8 and 1.4 and Q between 18 and 21 micro K. Regardless of Q, the likelihood is always less than half its maximum for n less than -0.4 and for n greater than 2.2, as it is for Q less than 8 micro K and Q greater than 44 micro K.

Ganga, Ken↗
NASA NTRS1994

The short-term prediction of universal time and length of day using atmospheric angular momentum

The ability to predict short-term variations in the Earth's rotation has gained importance in recent years owing to more precise spacecraft tracking requirements. Universal time (UT1), that component of the Earth's orientation corresponding to the rotation angle, can be measured by number of high-precision space geodetic techniques. A Kalman filter developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) optimally combines these different data sets and generates a smoothed times series and a set of predictions for UT1, as well as for additional Earth orientation components. These UT1 predictions utilize an empirically derived random walk stochastic model for the length of the day (LOD) and require frequent and up-to-date measurements of either UT1 or LOD to keep errors from quickly accumulating. Recent studies have shown that LOD variations are correlated with changes in the Earth's axial atmospheric angular momentum (AAM) over timescales of several years down to as little as 8 days. AAM estimates and forecasts out to 10 days are routinely available from meteorological analysis centers; these data can supplement geodetic measurements to improve the short-term prediction of LOD and have therefore been incorporated as independent data types in the JPL Kalman filter. We find that AAM and, to a lesser extent, AAM forecast data are extremely helpful in generating accurate near-real-time estimates of UT1 and LOD and in improving short-term predictions of these quantities out to about 10 days.

Freedman, A. P.↗
NASA NTRS1995

On the correlation of angular position with time of occurrence of gamma-ray bursts

Evidence indicating that a large fraction of gamma-ray bursts are repeaters would provide strong support for noncosmological origin of these sources. Wang & Lingenfelter have claimed existance of a correlation between angular position and time of occurrence of bursts. We perform statistical tests and find a marginal evidence for nearby bursts occurring within 4 to 5 days of each other in the BATSE 1B catalog. This evidence is present also in the 2B catalogs, which in addition, shows some marginal evidence for bursts repetition at longer time delays up to the total length of the observations.

Petrosian, Vahe↗
NASA NTRS1994

Extra-tropical QBO signals in angular momentum and wave forcing

Although the period of the equatorial stratospheric quasi-biennal oscillation (QBO) is approximately 30 months, quasi-biennial modulation of the extratropical annual cycle may be expected to produce additional spectral peaks at approximately to produce additional spectral peaks at approximately 8.6 and 20 months in the extratropics. Using Northern Hemisphere data for 1964-78 and global data for 1978-93 it is shown that these spectral peaks are robust in both angular momentum and Eliassen-Palm flux divergence. This spectral signature represents a circulation anomaly in both hemispheres, and implies a dynamical origin to the previously observed similar spectral peaks in column ozone in the extratropics.

Baldwin, Mark P.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Anisotropy in the microwave sky at intermediate angular scales

Observations of a low-background region of sky at high Galactic latitude in a frequency band centered at nu = 90 GHz reveal highly significant detections of anisotropy on intermediate (aprroximately 1 deg) angular scales. The instrument is a 2 x 2 array of bolometric detectors operating at 50 mK, coupled to a 0.75 m off-axis parabolic telescope by single-mode corrugated feedhorns. The FWHM beamwidth of the instrument is 0.75 deg, with a beamswitch of +/- 2.75 deg on the sky. Interpreting the detected fluctuations as due to anisotropy in the cosmic microwave background, a likelihood analysis assuming a Gaussian correlation function in the temperature fluctuations yields most likely values of (delta T)/T of 3.1(sub -0.9)(sup +2.5) x 10(exp -5) and 3.8(sub -1.2)(sup +2.9) x 10(exp -5) at a coherence angle of 1.0 deg, for the left- and right-hand detectors, respectively. The stated errors are 95% confidence limits. Confirmation at other frequencies is required to rule out the possibility of foreground contamination.

Dragovan, M.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Magnetic moments and angular momenta of stars and planets

Using published data on magnetic fields, radii, masses, and rotation, we have compiled a data set of magnetic moments mu and angular momenta L for stars and planets. In our subsample of hotter stars (classes A, B, and O), there are 171 objects. In the subsample of cooler stars (classes F, G, K, and M), there are 54 objects. We include 33 white dwarfs, of which 19 are in cataclysmic variables. The pulsar subsample contains 32 pulsars in binaries and 429 isolated pulsars. Som subsamples exhibit significant empirical correlations between log mu and log L. For the hot and cool stars, the correlations are positive. However, the hot-star correlation is significantly shallower than for the cool stars. In the solar system subsample, the correlation has essentially the same slope as for the cool stars, although the magnetic moments are two to three orders of magnitude smaller for the solar system objects at a given L value. For isolated white dwarfs, the correlations are weak or absent. Pulsars and white dwarfs in close binaries show strong negative correlations: the results are quantitatively consistent with magnetically enforced synchronism with the orbital period. When we consider the centers of gravity of the different subsamples of objects, a significant positive correlation appears between log mu and log L.

Arge, C. N.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Sloshing dynamics modulated angular momentum fluctuations actuated by gravity gradient acceleration associated with spacecraft slew motion

The mathematical formulation of orbital spacecraft sloshing dynamics for a partially filled cryogenic superfluid liquid helium II in a dewar container actuated by the gravity gradient acceleration associated with slew motion is studied. The Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility-Spectroscopy (AXAF-S) spacecraft is chosen as a practical example in this study. Explicit mathematical expressions which manage orbital galaxy gradient acceleration with slew motion which is acting on the spacecraft fluid systems are derived. The numerical computation of sloshing dynamics is based on the non-inertia frame spacecraft bound coordinates and the solution of time-dependent, three-dimensional formulations of partial differential equations subject to initial and boundary conditions. This study discloses the capillary effect of sloshing dynamics governed liquid-vapor interface fluctuations, angular momentum and moment fluctuations of fluid system, and also buble mass center fluctuations driven by the gravity gradient acceleration associated with slew motion which affects the stability of the orbital spacecraft fluid system in a microgravity environment.

Hung, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Angular dependence of critical current density and magnetoresistance of sputtered high-T(sub c)-films

The angular dependence of the critical current density and the magnetoresistance of high-T(sub c)-films in high and low magnetic fields and for different temperatures were measured to investigate the flux pinning and the superconducting properties. A comparison of the results for the different superconductors shows their increasing dependence on the angle Theta between the magnetic field and the c-axis of the film due to the anisotropy of the chosen superconductor. Furthermore the influence of the current direction to the Theta-rotation plane is discussed.

Geerkens, A.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Sloshing dynamics modulated fluid angular momentum and moment fluctuations driven by orbital gravity gradient and jitter accelerations in microgravity

The dynamical behavior of spacecraft propellant affected by the asymmetric combined gravity gradient and jitter accelerations, in particular the effect of surface tension on partially-filled rotating fluids applicable to a full-scale Gravity Probe-B Spacecraft dewar tank has been investigated. Three different cases of orbital accelerations: (1) gravity gradient-dominated, (2) equally weighted between gravity gradient and jitter, and (3) gravity jitter-dominated accelerations are studied. The results of slosh wave excitation along the liquid-vapor interface induced by gravity gradient-dominated accelerations provide a torsional moment with tidal motion of bubble oscillations in the rotating dewar. The results are clearly seen from the twisting shape of the bubble oscillations driven by gravity gradient-dominated acceleration. The results of slosh wave excitation along the liquid-vapor interface induced by gravity jitter-dominated acceleration indicate the results of bubble motion in a manner of down-and-up and leftward-and-rightward movement of oscillation when the bubble is rotating with respect to rotating dewar axis. Fluctuations of angular momentum, fluid moment and bubble mass center caused by slosh wave excitations driven by gravity gradient acceleration or gravity jitter acceleration are also investigated.

Hung, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1995

High angular resolution far-infrared and submillimeter mapping survey of the dust cores associated with ultracompact H II regions

The primary objective of the research funded under this grant has been to perform a high angular resolution mapping survey of the far-infrared and submillimeter continuum emission from the dust cocoons surrounding young, deeply embedded massive stars and the ultracompact H II regions they create. The high infrared, submillimeter, and radio luminosity makes the ultracompact H II regions ideal tracers of current high-mass star formation. Detailed investigations of their structure, evolution, and interaction with their parent molecular clouds are thus important for understanding the early evolutionary phases of massive main sequence stars, the nature of the dense molecular cores in which they form, and the relationship to coeval low-mass star formation.

Phillips, T. G.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Measurements of the STS orbiter's angular stability during in-orbit operations

We report on measurements of the angular stability, commonly called 'jitter', of the STS Orbiter during normal operations in space. Measurements were carried out by measuring optically the Orbiter's roll and pitch orientation relative to the solar vector as the orbiter was held in a -Z(sub 0) solar inertial orientation (orbiter bay oriented toward the Sun). We also report observations of an interesting perturbation to the orbiter's orientation noted by the crew during the STS-60 mission. These data may be useful in analyzing the in-orbit response of the Orbiter to thruster firings and other applied torques, and may aid in the planning of future experiments that require fine-pointed operations by the orbiter.

Neupert, Werner M.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Fluid System Angular Momentum and Moment Fluctuations Driven by Gravity Gradient or Gravity Jitter in Microgravity

The dynamical behaviour of fluids affected by the asymmetric gravity gradient acceleration and gravity jitter acceleration, in particular the effect of surface tension on partially-filled rotating fluids with special example applicable to a full-scale Gravity Probe-B Spacecraft dewar tank have been investigated. Results of slosh wave excitation along liquid-vapor interface induced by gravity gradient acceleration indicated that one-up one-down and one-down one-up oscillations of two bubbles in the cross-section of doughnut profiles in the vertical r-z plane of rotating dewar, and an eccentric contour of bubble rotating around the axis of dewar in horizontal r-Theta plane. Results of slosh wave excitation along liquid-vapor interface induced by gravity jitter acceleration indicated equivalent to time-dependent oscillatory forces which push bubble in the combined bubble motion of down-and-up and leftward-and-rightward as the bubble is rotating with respect to rotating dewar axis. Fluctuations of angular momentum, fluid moment and bubble mass center caused by slosh wave excitations driven by gravity gradient acceleration or gravity jitter acceleration are also investigated.

Hung, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Aerosol Retrieval Using Synthetic Polder Multi-Angular Data

The POLarizations and Directionality of the Earth's Reflectances (POLDER) instrument onboard the Japanese ADEOS satellite offers unique possibilities for the retrieval of aerosol parameters with its polarization and multi-angular capability. In this study we examine a technique that simultaneously retrieve multiple aerosol parameters, namely asymmetry factor, single scattering albedo, surface albedo, and optical thickness. using simulated POLDER reflectances. It is found that. over dark or bright surfaces, simultaneous retrieval of multiple parameters is indeed possible, but not over surfaces with intermediate reflectivity. Among the four parameters, the single-scattering albedo is retrieved with the best accuracy and is the least vulnerable when the reflectance value is subjected to a 0.1% white noise.

Kuo, K. S.↗
NASA NTRS1961

A Theoretical Study of the Angular Motions of Spinning Bodies in Space

Euler's dynamic equations were linearized and solved analytically. Analytical expressions which relate angular motions to spin-rate and inertia distributions were obtained and found to be in good agreement with machine solutions of the nonlinear equations for the case of a rectangular-pulse pitching-moment disturbance. Consideration was given to the effects produced by having artificial damping in the system.

Suddath, Jerrold H.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Design and Operating Characteristics of High-Speed, Small-Bore, Angular-Contact Ball Bearings

The computer program SHABERTH was used to analyze 35-mm-bore, angular-contact ball bearings designed and manufactured for high-speed turbomachinery applications. Parametric tests of the bearings were conducted on a high-speed, high-temperature bearing tester and were compared with the computer predictions. Four bearing and cage designs were studied. The bearings were lubricated either by jet lubrication or through the split inner ring with and without outer-ring cooling. The predicted bearing life decreased with increasing speed because of increased operating contact stresses caused by changes in contact angle and centrifugal load. For thrust loads only, the difference in calculated life for the 24 deg. and 30 deg. contact-angle bearings was insignificant. However, for combined loading, the 24 deg. contact-angle bearing gave longer life. For split-inner-ring bearings, optimal operating conditions were obtained with a 24 deg. contact angle and an inner-ring, land-guided cage, using outer-ring cooling in conjunction with low lubricant flow rates. Lower temperature and power losses were obtained with a single-outer-ring, land-guided cage for the 24 deg. contact-angle bearing having a relieved inner ring and partially relieved outer ring. Inner-ring temperatures were independent of lubrication mode and cage design. In comparison with measured values, reasonably good engineering correlation was obtained using the computer program SHABERTH for predicted bearing power loss and for inner- and outer-ring temperatures. The Parker formula for XCAV (used in SHABERTH, a measure of oil volume in the bearing cavity) may need to be refined to reflect bearing lubrication mode, cage design, and location of cage-controlling land.

Pinel, Stanley I.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Atmospheric Angular Momentum Fluctuations During 1979-1988 Simulated by Global Circulation Models

Changes in major global dynamical phenomena in the Earth's atmosphere are manifested in the time series of atmospheric angular momentum (AAM), as determined directly from meteorological observations and indirectly from geodetic observations of small fluctuations in the rotation of the solid Earth which are proportional to length of day. AAM fluctuations are intimately linked with energetic processes throughout the whole atmosphere and also with the stresses at the Earth's surface produced largely by turbulent momentum transport in the oceanic and continental boundary layers and by the action of normal pressure forces on orographic features. A stringent test of any numerical global circulation model (GCM) is therefore provided by a quantitative assessment of its ability to represent AAM fluctuations on all relevant timescales, ranging from months to several years. From monthly data provided by the Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) of the World Climate Research Programme, we have investigated seasonal and interannual fluctuations and the decadal mean in the axial component of AAM in 23 AMIP GCMs over the period 1979-1988. The decadal means are generally well simulated, with the model median value (1.58 x 10(exp 26) kg sq m/s) being only 3.5% larger than the observed mean and with 10 of the models being within 5% of the observed. The seasonal cycle is well reproduced, with the median amplitude of the models seasonal standard deviations being only 2.4% larger than observed. Half the seasonal amplitudes lie within 15% of the observed, and the median correlation found between the observed and model seasonal cycles is 0.95. The dominant seasonal error is an underestimation of AAM during northern hemisphere winter associated with errors in the position of subtropical jets. Less robust are the modeled interannual variations, although the median correlation of 0.61 between model simulations and observed AAM is statistically significant. The two El Nino-Southem Oscillation events that occurred during the AMIP decade 1979-1988 have the expected positive AAM anomalies, although the AAM signature of the 1982-1983 event tends to be underestimated and that of the 1986-1987 event overestimated.

Hide, R.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Open Clusters as Laboratories: The Angular Momentum Evolution of Young Stars

The core group concentrated on three primary research topics: (1) ROSAT observation of the coronal activity of low mass stars in young open clusters; (2) the determination of stellar ages and the determination of the timescale for dissipation of circumstellar disks around young stars; and (3) the determination of rotation velocities of low mass stars in young open cluster and the inferred angular momentum evolution of low mass stars. With accurate ages for the clusters, we can then derive an independent estimate of the timescale for debris disks to dissipate. As the second half of that project, we are using the Caltech/UC/NASA Keck telescopes to obtain spectra of brown dwarf candidates in a number of nearby, young open clusters, from which we can determine new and accurate cluster ages. The final primary program that we have addressed was the determination of rotational velocities for low mass stars in our target open clusters. Our group has obtained rotational velocities for a large number of stars in several open clusters during this LTSA program, and we have published the results in several papers. One particularly time-consuming aspect of our program was the development of a database of the photometry and rotational velocities for nearby open clusters, which we have made available to the community.

Stauffer, John R.↗