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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 667 records · Page 37

Alleviation of Spin-Entry Tendencies through Localization of Wing-Flow Separation

Studies have been made on several wing leading-edge modifications applicable at present to single-engine light aircraft, which produce stabilizing vortices at stall and beyond. These vortices have the effect of fixing the stall pattern of the wing such that the various portions of the wing upper surface stall nearly symmetrically. The lift coefficient produced is maintained at a high level to angles of attack significantly above the stall angle of the unmodified wing, and the divergence in roll usually is reduced to a controllable level. It is hypothesized that these characteristics will help prevent inadvertent spin entry after a stall. Results are presented from recent large-scale wind-tunnel tests of a typical light aircraft, both with and without the modifications. The data indicate (hot the static stall and poststall characteristics of this aircraft, in a typical landing-approach condition, are noticeably improved when it suitable leading-edge modification is employed; and also that no appreciable aerodynamic penalties are evident in the normal flight envelope.

Feistel, T. W.↗

The Global Precipitation Patterns Associated with Short-Term Extratropical Climate Fluctuations

Two globally-complete, observation-only precipitation datasets have recently been developed for the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP). Both depend heavily on a variety of satellite input, as well as gauge data over land. The first, Version 2x79, provides monthly estimates on a 2.5 deg. x 2.5 deg. lat/long grid for the period 1979 through late 1999 (by the time of the conference). The second, the One-Degree Daily (1DD), provides daily estimates on a 1 deg. x l deg. grid for the period 1997 through late 1999 (by the time of the conference). Both are in beta test preparatory to release as official GPCP products. These datasets provide a unique perspective on the hydrological effects of the various atmospheric flow anomalies that have been identified by meteorologists. In this paper we discuss the regional precipitation effects that result from persistent extratropical flow anomalies. We will focus on the Pacific-North America (PNA) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) patterns. Each characteristically becomes established on synoptic time scales, but then persists for periods that can exceed a month. The onset phase of each appears to have systematic mobile features, while the mature phase tend to be more stationary. Accordingly, composites of monthly data for outstanding positive and negative events (separately) contained in the 20-year record reveal the climatological structure of the precipitation during the mature phase. The climatological anomalies of the positive, negative, and (positive-negative) composites show the expected storm-track-related shifts in precipitation, and provide the advantage of putting the known precipitation effects over land in the context of the total pattern over land and ocean. As well, this global perspective points out some unexpected areas of correlation. Day-by-day composites of daily data anchored to the onset date demonstrate the systematic features during the onset. Although the 1DD has a fairly short record, some preliminary results are shown and compared to previous work with numerical weather prediction models.

Huffman, George J.↗

A Global Precipitation Perspective on Persistent Extratropical Flow Anomalies

Two globally-complete, observation-only precipitation datasets have recently been developed for the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP). Both depend heavily on a variety of satellite input, as well as gauge data over land. The first, Version 2 x 79, provides monthly estimates on a 2.5 deg x 2.5 deg lat/long grid for the period 1979 through late 1999 (by the time of the conference). The second, the One-Degree Daily (1DD), provides daily estimates on a 1 deg x 1 deg grid for the period 1997 through late 1999 (by the time of the conference). Both are in beta test preparatory to release as official GPCP products. These datasets provide a unique perspective on the hydrological effects of the various atmospheric flow anomalies that have been identified by meteorologists. In this paper we discuss the regional precipitation effects that result from persistent extratropical flow anomalies. We will focus on the Pacific-North America (PNA) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) patterns. Each characteristically becomes established on synoptic time scales, but then persists for periods that can exceed a month. The onset phase of each appears to have systematic mobile features, while the mature phase tend to be more stationary. Accordingly, composites of monthly data for outstanding positive and negative events (separately) contained in the 20-year record reveal the climatological structure of the precipitation during the mature phase. The climatological anomalies of the positive, negative, and (positive-negative) composites show the expected storm-track-related shifts in precipitation, and provide the advantage of putting the known precipitation effects over land in the context of the total pattern over land and ocean. As well, this global perspective points out some unexpected areas of correlation. Day-by-day composites of daily data anchored to the onset date demonstrate the systematic features during the onset. Although the 1DD has a fairly short record, some preliminary results are shown and compared to previous work with numerical weather prediction models.

Huffman, George J.↗

Improving the accuracy of freight mode choice models: A case study using the 2017 CFS PUF data set and ensemble learning techniques

Here, the US Census Bureau has collected two rounds of experimental data from the Commodity Flow Survey, providing shipment-level characteristics of nationwide commodity movements, published in 2012 (i.e., Public Use Microdata) and in 2017 (i.e., Public Use File). With this information, data-driven methods have become increasingly valuable for understanding detailed patterns in freight logistics. In this study, we used the 2017 Commodity Flow Survey Public Use File data set to explore building a high-performance freight mode choice model, considering three main improvements: (1) constructing local models for each separate commodity/industry category; (2) extracting useful geographical features, particularly the derived distance of each freight mode between origin/destination zones; and (3) applying additional ensemble learning methods such as stacking or voting to combine results from local and unified models for improved performance. The proposed method achieved over 92% accuracy without incorporating external information, an over 19% increase compared to directly fitting Random Forests models over 10,000 samples. Furthermore, SHAP (Shapely Additive Explanations) values were computed to explain the outputs and major patterns obtained from the proposed model. The model framework could enhance the performance and interpretability of existing freight mode choice models.

42 ENGINEERING↗

1 H NMR-based metabolomics of antimalarial plant species traditionally used by Vha-Venda people in Limpopo Province, South Africa and isolation of antiplasmodial compounds

The Vha-Venda people living in rural areas of Limpopo Province of South Africa regularly use traditional plant-based medicines to treat malaria. In our earlier publication, twenty indigenous plant species used to treat malaria or its symptoms by Vha-Venda people were evaluated for antiplasmodial activity. The main objective of the current paper was to assess the robustness of NMR-based metabolomics in discriminating classes of secondary compounds that are responsible for the observed antimalarial activity and the isolation of antiplasmodial compounds. Twenty dichloromethane extracts were reconstituted in CDCl 3 , subjected to 1 H NMR-based metabolomic analysis on a Varian 600 MHz spectrometer and the acquired 1 H NMR spectra were then evaluated collectively using multivariate data analysis (MDA). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures–Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to ‘globally’ discern antiplasmodial profiles. A contribution plot was then generated from the OPLS-DA scoring plot in an attempt to determine the classes of compounds that are responsible for the observed grouping. Further phytochemical analyses were conducted on the lipophilic extracts of Tabernaemontana elegans and Vangueria infausta subsp. infausta. These best candidates were fractionated, purified and their isolated compounds identified based on conventional chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. The PCA did not separate the acquired profiles according to the detected antiplasmodial bioactivity. Application of a supervised OPLS-DA on the 1 H NMR profiles resulted in a discrimination pattern that could be correlated to the observed antimalarial bioactivity. A contribution plot generated from the OPLS-DA scoring plot illustrated the classes of compounds responsible for the observed grouping. Prominent peaks were observed in the aromatic, sugar-based/N-containing and aliphatic spectral regions of the contribution plot. Two known indole alkaloids were isolated from T. elegans, and identified as tabernaemontanine (IC 50 = 12.0±0.8 µM) and dregamine (IC 50 = 62.0±2.4 µM). Friedelin (IC 50 = 7.20±0.5 µM) and morindolide (IC 50 = 107.1±0.6 µM) were isolated from V. infausta subsp. infausta. This is the first report of the rare iridoid lactone, morindolide's antimalarial activity. While these two compounds have been previously identified, this is the first account of their occurrence in the genus Vangueria. The study illustrated the potential of NMR-based metabolomics in discriminating classes of compounds that may be attributed to antiplasmodial activity. Finally and additionally, the study demonstrated the potential of discovering novel antiplasmodial scaffolds from medicinal plants and the rationale for the bioprospecting antimalarial plant species used by Vha-Venda people.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

1994 SEMCOG Household-Based Person Trip Survey

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments contracted with the Applied Management & Planning Group to conduct a travel behavior survey of 7,361 households from March 28, 1994, to June 10, 1994. The primary purpose of this study was to provide the council with a new database of travel behavior to assist in updating the region's transportation models. This data collection includes demographic, socioeconomic, travel, and mobile source emissions models for projecting future patterns of development, travel, congestion, and air pollution. Information about household characteristics and travel was collected using a one-day, activity-focused diary and a separate household survey. In an activity diary, respondents recorded 65,535 trips during the assigned the day.

1Hz data↗

A comparison of the overall and broadband noise characteristics of full-scale and model helicopter rotors.

The broadband noise generated by full-scale and model rotors is compared in terms of spectral content and the dependence on tip speed and rotor thrust/pitch angle. Low frequency broadband noise and high frequency broadband noise are studied separately and blade 'scaling' effects are outlined. The degree of agreement between measurements and theoretical and semi-empirical prediction methods is reviewed together with the directionality patterns. The parameters relating to the overall noise are also discussed. It is shown that in general good agreement is obtained between the full-scale and model rotors when considering spectral content and the dependency of the noise levels on tip speed and thrust. The scaling factors usually considered applicable to the low frequency broadband noise do not, however, appear to apply to either the model or full scale rotors.

Leverton, J. W.↗

The effects of leading edge modifications on the post-stall characteristics of wings

An investigation of the effects of leading edge modifications on the post-stall characteristics of two rectangular planform wings in a series of low speed wind tunnel tests is presented. Abrupt discontinuities in the leading edge shape of the wings were produced by placing a nose glove over a portion of the span or by deflecting sections of a segmented leading edge flap. Six component balance data, oil flow visualization photographs, and pressure distribution measurements were obtained, and tests made to study the development of flow separation at stall on small scale planform wing models. Results of oil flow visualization tests at and beyond stall showed the formation of counter-rotating swirl patterns on the upper surface of the '2-D' and '3-D' wings, and results of a numerical lifting line technique applied to wings with leading edge modifications are included.

Winkelmann, A. E.↗

Aerothermal environment in chordwise gaps between split elevons at Mach 6.8

A large scale model representing a wing elevon junction on a shuttle-type entry vehicle was aerothermally tested in the Langley 8 foot high temperature structures tunnel with a turbulent boundary layer on the wing and elevon. The flow pattern between elevons was studied, and the pressure and heat load were determined within the chordwise gaps formed by adjacent elevons and by the stub fairing which separates the elevons. Model angle, elevon deflection angle, and gap widths were varied. Heating in the gaps was generally proportional to windward surface heating and inversely proportional to gap width. Maximum heating between the elevon and stub was 36 percent of the windward wing surface for a 0.18 cm wide elevon stub gas, and maximum heating between elevons was 30 percent of the heating on the windward elevon surfaces for a 7.7 cm wide elevon gap.

Hunt, L. R.↗

Numerical Simulation for Droplet Combustion Using Lagrangian Hydrodynamics

A predictive model of spray combustion must incorporate models for the wide variety of physical environments in a practical combustor. In regions where droplets are closely spaced, combustion resembles a diffusion flame; where they are well separated, an envelope or wake flame results. The relative velocity field between the fuel droplets and oxidizer in influences boundary layer development about the droplet, recirculating flow patterns, and droplet shape and stability. A model must encompass these interacting temporal and spatial effects as well as complicated combustor boundaries. The objective of the current work is to develop the triangular gridding method for describing the individual and collective properties of vaporizing and burning fuel droplets.

Fritts, M. J.↗

Fourier analysis of polar cap electric field and current distributions

A theoretical study of high-latitude electric fields and currents, using analytic Fourier analysis methods, is conducted. A two-dimensional planar model of the ionosphere with an enhanced conductivity auroral belt and field-aligned currents at the edges is employed. Two separate topics are treated. A field-aligned current element near the cusp region of the polar cap is included to investigate the modifications to the convection pattern by the east-west component of the interplanetary magnetic field. It is shown that a sizable one-cell structure is induced near the cusp which diverts equipotential contours to the dawnside or duskside, depending on the sign of the cusp current. This produces characteristic dawn-dusk asymmetries to the electric field that have been previously observed over the polar cap. The second topic is concerned with the electric field configuration obtained in the limit of perfect shielding, where the field is totally excluded equatorward of the auroral oval. When realistic field-aligned current distributions are used, the result is to produce severely distorted, crescent-shaped equipotential contours over the cap. Exact, analytic formulae applicable to this case are also provided.

Barbosa, D. D.↗

Intelligent information extraction from reflectance spectra Absorption band positions

A multiple high-order derivative analysis algorithm has been developed which can automatically extract absorption band positions from low-quality reflectance spectra with little degredation of accuracy. Overlapping bands with comparable widths and intensities can be resolved whose centers are as close as 0.3-0.5 W, with safer resolution limits of 0.6-1.0 W band center separations suggested for overlapping bands that are dissimilar. The segment length for smoothing is continually adjusted to about 0.5 W to minimize signal distortion, and a spectral pattern recognition algorithm predicts the signal spectrum and calculates approximate W across the spectrum using its second derivative. A single-pass cubic spline is applied to the smoothed data, and a sliding segment sixth-order polynomial is fit to the spectrum, with the length of the segment being continuously locally adjusted to 1.0 W across the spectrum. Good reliability and consistency of the algorithm is demonstrated with application to laboratory and earth-based telescope spectra.

Huguenin, R. L.↗

Processing Welding Images For Robot Control

Image data from two distinct windows used to locate weld features. Analyzer part of vision system described in companion article, "Image Control in Automatic Welding Vision System" (MFS-26035). Horizontal video lines define windows for viewing unwelded joint and weld pool. Data from picture elements outside windows not processed. Widely-separated local features carry no significance, but closely spaced features indicate welding feature. Image processor assigns confidence level to group of local features according to spacing and pattern.

Richardson, Richard W.↗

Nonlinear phase-space diffusion approach to turbulent organized structures

The study deals with the approximation of the effect of all velocity-increment moments on the spatial evolution of the pdf for maximally correlated structures by the effect of the second moment alone by assuming independence of separated length scales. The dependence of the two-point velocity statistics on length-scale or separation is found to be governed by the gradients of the stress, rather than of the velocity. This may provide a new approach for predicting the domain patterns observed in turbulent flows and a new means of characterizing or classifying different structures, namely, by their nonlinear diffusion coefficient.

Shen, Hubert H.↗

Analytic methods for design of wave cycles for wave rotor core engines

A procedure to design a preliminary wave rotor cycle for any application is presented. To complete a cycle with heat addition there are two separate but related design steps that must be followed. The 'wave' boundary conditions determine the allowable amount of heat added in any case and the ensuing wave pattern requires certain pressure discharge conditions to allow the process to be made cyclic. This procedure, when applied, gives a first estimate of the cycle performance and the necessary information for the next step in the design process, namely the application of a characteristic based or other appropriate detailed one dimensional wave calculation that locates the proper porting around the periphery of the wave rotor. Four examples of the design procedure are given to demonstrate its utility and generality. These examples also illustrate the large gains in performance that could be realized with the use of wave rotor enhanced propulsion cycles.

Resler, Edwin L., Jr.↗

A neural network prototyping package within IRAF

We outline our plans for incorporating a Neural Network Prototyping Package into the IRAF environment. The package we are developing will allow the user to choose between different types of networks and to specify the details of the particular architecture chosen. Neural networks consist of a highly interconnected set of simple processing units. The strengths of the connections between units are determined by weights which are adaptively set as the network 'learns'. In some cases, learning can be a separate phase of the user cycle of the network while in other cases the network learns continuously. Neural networks have been found to be very useful in pattern recognition and image processing applications. They can form very general 'decision boundaries' to differentiate between objects in pattern space and they can be used for associative recall of patterns based on partial cures and for adaptive filtering. We discuss the different architectures we plan to use and give examples of what they can do.

Bazell, D.↗

Recurrence times and periodicities in 4U 1608-52 as observed by Vela 5B

We report on the Vela 5B 10 year history of the soft X-ray transient 4U 1608-52, and on the characteristics of its soft X-ray outbursts. The Vela 5B satellite observed the four known outbursts in 1975, 1977, and 1979, and four new outbursts in 1970 and 1971, altering the recurrence pattern of outbursts from this source. One of the 1970 outbursts is symmetric in its intensity profile, while the two outbursts in 1971 have short exponential profiles separated by 80 days. Despite suggestive recurrence periods of approximately 85 and approximately 150 days evident in the time intervals between the outbursts, there is no single statistically significant recurrence time on which the outbursts recur consistently. In the 1970 symmetric event, there is evidence for a period of either 4.10 or 5.19 days. Drawing upon the analogy with SU Ursa Majoris dwarf novae, we suggest that the short period is orbital and any longer period would be associated with a precession period of the accretion disk.

Lochner, James C.↗

Gem Analysis

World Gem Laboratory, Inc.'s cathodoluminoscope is an instrument that magnifies a specimen and produces heat-generated light emissions that bring out features important in gemological analysis. It can indicate whether a stone can be successfully cut, useful in the study of growth and strain patterns in diamonds, detection of dyes in jade, and analysis of the growth and structure of rubies and sapphires. In combination with other tests these analyses can separate synthetic from natural gems.

Source record↗