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NASA NTRS1986

Three dimensional structures of solar active regions

Three dimensional structure of an active region is determined from observations with the Very Large Array (VLA) at 2, 6, and 20 cm. This region exhibits a single magnetic loop of length approx. 10 to the 10th power cm. The 2 cm radiation is mostly thermal bremsstrahlung and originates from the footpoints of the loop. The 6 and 20 cm radiation is dominated by the low harmonic gyroresonance radiation and originates from the upper portion of the legs or the top of the loop. The loop broadens toward the apex. The top of the loop is not found to be the hottest point, but two temperature maxima on either side of the loop apex are observed, which is consistent with the model proposed for long loops. From 2 and 6 cm observations it can be concluded that the electron density and temperature cannot be uniform in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the loop; the density should decrease away from the axis of the loop.

Kundu, M. R.↗

NASA NTRS1996

A Comparison of Structurally Connected and Multiple Spacecraft Interferometers

Structurally connected and multiple spacecraft interferometers are compared in an attempt to establish the maximum baseline (referred to as the "cross-over baseline") for which it is preferable to operate a single-structure interferometer in space rather than an interferometer composed of numerous, smaller spacecraft. This comparison is made using the total launched mass of each configuration as the comparison metric. A framework of study within which structurally connected and multiple spacecraft interferometers can be compared is presented in block diagram form. This methodology is then applied to twenty-two different combinations of trade space parameters to investigate the effects of different orbits, orientations, truss materials, propellants, attitude control actuators, onboard disturbance sources, and performance requirements on the cross-over baseline. Rotating interferometers and the potential advantages of adding active structural control to the connected truss of the structurally connected interferometer are also examined. The minimum mass design of the structurally connected interferometer that meets all performance-requirements and satisfies all imposed constraints is determined as a function of baseline. This minimum mass design is then compared to the design of the multiple spacecraft interferometer. It is discovered that the design of the minimum mass structurally connected interferometer that meets all performance requirements and constraints in solar orbit is limited by the minimum allowable aspect ratio, areal density, and gage of the struts. In the formulation of the problem used in this study, there is no advantage to adding active structural control to the truss for interferometers in solar orbit. The cross-over baseline for missions of practical duration (ranging from one week to thirty years) in solar orbit is approximately 400 m for non-rotating interferometers and 650 m for rotating interferometers.

Surka, Derek M.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Structural Dynamics Experimental Activities in Ultra-Lightweight and Inflatable Space Structures

This paper reports recently completed structural dynamics experimental activities with new ultra-lightweight and inflatable space structures (a.k.a., "Gossamer" spacecraft) at NASA Langley Research Center, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Nine aspects of this work are covered: 1) inflated, rigidized tubes, 2) active control experiments, 3) photogrammetry, 4) laser vibrometry, 5) modal tests of inflatable structures, 6) in-vacuum modal tests, 7) tensioned membranes, 8) deployment tests, and 9) flight experiment support. Structural dynamics will play a major role in the design and eventually in-space deployment and performance of Gossamer spacecraft. Experimental research and development such as this is required to validate new analysis methods. The activities discussed in the paper are pathfinder accomplishments. conducted on unique components and prototypes of future spacecraft systems.

Pappa, Richard S.↗

NASA NTRS1975

A comparison of coronal X-ray structures of active regions with magnetic fields computed from photospheric observations

The appearances of several X-ray active regions observed on March 7, 1970 and June 15, 1973 are compared with the corresponding coronal magnetic-field topology. Coronal fields have been computed from measurements of the longitudinal component of the underlying magnetic fields, based on the current-free hypothesis. An overall correspondence between X-ray structures and calculated field lines is established, and the magnetic counterparts of different X-ray features are also examined. A correspondence between enhanced X-ray emission and the location of compact closed field lines is suggested. Representative magnetic-field values calculated under the assumption of current-free fields are given for heights up to 200 sec.

Poletto, G.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Design and analysis of a plate-fin sandwich actively cooled structural panel

The skin structure of hydrogen fueled hypersonic transport vehicles traveling at Mach 6 and above must be designed to withstand, for relatively long periods of time, the aerodynamic heating effects which are far more severe than those encountered by the supersonic aircraft of today. The use of conventional aircraft materials such as aluminum in combination with forced convection active cooling to accommodate aerodynamic heating is addressed. The basic active cooling concept consists of a stringer stiffened plate-fin sandwich. The sandwich surface is subjected to the aerodynamic heat flux which is transferred, via convection, to a coolant that is forced through the sandwich under pressure. The coolant, in turn, circulates in a closed loop through a hydrogen heat exchanger and back through the skin panel.

Smith, L. M.↗

NASA NTRS1974

An analysis of fracture trace patterns in areas of flat-lying sedimentary rocks for the detection of buried geologic structure

Two study areas in a cratonic platform underlain by flat-lying sedimentary rocks were analyzed to determine if a quantitative relationship exists between fracture trace patterns and their frequency distributions and subsurface structural closures which might contain petroleum. Fracture trace lengths and frequency (number of fracture traces per unit area) were analyzed by trend surface analysis and length frequency distributions also were compared to a standard Gaussian distribution. Composite rose diagrams of fracture traces were analyzed using a multivariate analysis method which grouped or clustered the rose diagrams and their respective areas on the basis of the behavior of the rays of the rose diagram. Analysis indicates that the lengths of fracture traces are log-normally distributed according to the mapping technique used. Fracture trace frequency appeared higher on the flanks of active structures and lower around passive reef structures. Fracture trace log-mean lengths were shorter over several types of structures, perhaps due to increased fracturing and subsequent erosion. Analysis of rose diagrams using a multivariate technique indicated lithology as the primary control for the lower grouping levels. Groupings at higher levels indicated that areas overlying active structures may be isolated from their neighbors by this technique while passive structures showed no differences which could be isolated.

Podwysocki, M. H.↗

NASA NTRS2000

The Fundamental Physical Processes Producing and Controlling Stellar Coronal/Transition Region/Chromospheric Activity and Structure

Our LTSA (Long Term Space Astrophysics) research has utilized current NASA and ESA spacecraft, supporting ground-based IR, radio, and sub-mm telescopes, and the extensive archives of HST (Hubble Space Telescope), IUE (International Ultraviolet Explorer), ROSAT, EUVE (Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer), and other missions. Our research effort has included observational work (with a nonnegligible groundbased component), specialized processing techniques for imaging and spectral data, and semiempirical modelling, ranging from optically thin emission measure studies to simulations of optically thick resonance lines. In our previous LTSA efforts, we have had a number of major successes, including most recently: organizing and carrying out an extensive cool star UV survey in HST cycle eight; obtaining observing time with new instruments, such as Chandra and XMM (X-ray Multi-Mirror) in their first cycles; collaborating with the Chandra GTO program and participating with the Chandra Emission Line Project on multi-wavelength observations of HR 1099 and Capella. These are the main broad-brush themes of our previous investigation: a) Where do Coronae Occur in the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram? b) Winds of Coronal and Noncoronal Stars; c) Activity, Age, Rotation Relations; d) Atmospheric Inhomogeneities; e) Heating Mechanisms, Subcoronal Flows, and Flares; f) Development of Analysis and Modelling Tools.

Ayres, T. R.↗

NASA NTRS1974

The solar atmosphere and the structure of active regions

The existence of 'holes' in the corona is reported characterized by abnormally low densities and temperatures. It was found that such coronal holes appear to be the source of high-velocity, enhanced-density streams in the solar wind as observed at the earth's orbit. It was further noted that coronal holes appear to be associated with regions of diverging magnetic fields in the corona. Models were developed to accomplish the objective for the principal energy flows in the transition region and corona.

Sturrock, P. A.↗

NASA NTRS1975

The solar atmosphere and the structure of active regions

Numerical analyses of solar activities are presented. The effect of these activities on aircraft and weather conditions was studied. Topics considered are: (1) solar flares; (2) solar X-rays; and (3) solar magnetic fields (charts are shown).

Sturrock, P. A.↗

NASA NTRS1975

The coronal structure of active regions

A four-parameter model, which assumes a Gaussian dependence of both temperature and pressure on distance from center, is used to fit the compact part of coronal active regions as observed in X-ray photographs from a rocket experiment. The four parameters are the maximum temperature, the maximum pressure, the width of the pressure distribution, and the width of the temperature distribution. The maximum temperature ranges from 2.2 to 2.8 million K, and the maximum density from 2 to 9 by 10 to the 9th power per cu cm. The range of the pressure-distribution width is from 2 to 4 by 10 to the 9th power cm and that of the temperature-distribution width from 2 to 7.

Landini, M.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Active large structures

Some performance requirements and development needs for the design of large space structures are described. Areas of study include: (1) dynamic response of large space structures; (2) structural control and systems integration; (3) attitude control; and (4) large optics and flexibility. Reference is made to a large space telescope.

Soosaar, K.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Interpretation of microwave active region structures using SMM soft X-ray observations

A new kind of sunspot-associated microwave source was detected by Alissandrakis and Kundu (1982). The observed emission came predominantly from a ring structure with a size between that of the umbra and the penumbra. It was thought that the newly discovered structure could be the product of the low gyroresonance opacity when the angle between the magnetic field and the line of sight is close to zero. The present investigation has the objective to study the roles played by the geometrical effect of gyroresonance absorption and by the low-temperature flux tubes above the relevant sunspot, taking into account 6 cm observations made with the aid of a radio telescope and X-ray observations conducted with the X-ray Polychromator (XRPO on the Solar Maximum Mission) (SMM) satellite.

Strong, K. T.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Oligomerization reactions of deoxyribonucleotides on montmorillonite clay - The effect of mononucleotide structure, phosphate activation and montmorillonite composition on phosphodiester bond formation

The 2(prime)-d-5(prime)-GMP and 2(prime)-d-5(prime)-AMP bind 2 times more strongly to montmorillonite 22A than do 2(prime)-d-5(prime)-CMP and 5(prime)-TMP. The dinucleotide d(pG)2 forms in 9.2 percent yield and the cyclic dinucleotide c(dpG)2 in 5.4 percent yield in the reaction of 2(prime)-d-5(prime)-GMP with EDAC in the presence of montmorillonite 22A. The yield of dimers which contain the phosphodiester bond decreases as the reaction medium is changed from 0.2 M NaCl to a mixture of 0.2 M NaCl and 0.075 M MgCl2. A low yield of d(pA)2 was observed in the condensation reaction of 5(prime)-ImdpA on montmorillonite 22A. The yield of d(pA)2 obtained when EDAC is used as the condensing agent increases with increasing iron content of the Na(+)-montmorillonite used as catalyst. Evidence is presented which shows that the acidity of the Na(+)-montmorillonite is a necessary but not sufficient factor for the montmorillonite catalysis of phosphodiester bond formation.

Ferris, James P.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Microlensing and the structure of active galactic nucleus accretion disks

Rapid variability has been reported in two of the four gravitationally lensed images of Q2237 + 0305, and this is attributed to microlensing caused by the intervening stars. The associated constraints on the source size and properties are studied and compared with a variety of stationary accretion disk models. The reported microlensing variation in Q2237 + 0305 requires the disk size to be over 3 times smaller than a blackbody disk of similar luminosity, implying that the optical emission is either nonthermal or optically tin. An exploration of nonstationary disk models including orbiting, transient hot spots leads to a similar conclusion. Implications for models of active galactic nucleus optical continua are briefly discussed.

Rauch, Kevin P.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Temperature structure of active regions deduced from helium-like sulphur lines

Solar active-region temperatures have been determined from the full-Sun spectra of helium-like sulfur (S XV) observed by the Bragg Crystal Spectrometer on Board the Yohkoh satellite. The average temperature deduced from S XV is demonstrated to vary with the solar activity level: A temperature of 2.5 x 10(exp 6) K is derived from the spectra taken during low solar activity, similar to the general corona, while 4 x 10(exp 6) K is obtained during a higher activity phase. For the latter, the high- temperature tail of the differential emission measure of active regions is found most likely due to the superposition of numerous flare-like events (micro/nano-flares).

Watanabe, Tetsuya↗

NASA NTRS1997

An Initial Multi-Domain Modeling of an Actively Cooled Structure

A methodology for the simulation of turbine cooling flows is being developed. The methodology seeks to combine numerical techniques that optimize both accuracy and computational efficiency. Key components of the methodology include the use of multiblock grid systems for modeling complex geometries, and multigrid convergence acceleration for enhancing computational efficiency in highly resolved fluid flow simulations. The use of the methodology has been demonstrated in several turbo machinery flow and heat transfer studies. Ongoing and future work involves implementing additional turbulence models, improving computational efficiency, adding AMR.

Steinthorsson, Erlendur↗

NASA NTRS1971

The magnetic field structure in the active solar corona.

The structure of the magnetic field of the active solar corona is discussed with reference to optical and radio observations of the solar atmosphere. Eclipse observations provide evidence of fine scale structures in the solar atmosphere that appear to relate to the coronal magnetic field. The coronal magnetic field used for comparison is calculated from potential theory; the influence of solar activity upon the potential theory field is discussed with reference to observations of the Faraday rotation of a microwave signal from Pioneer 6 as it was occulted by the solar atmosphere. Evidence has been found suggesting the existence of expanding magnetic bottles located at 10 solar radii above flaring active regions. The dynamics of these events is discussed. It is further suggested that these magnetic bottles are an important component in the solar corona.

Schatten, K. H.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Adaptive structures; Proceedings of the ASME Winter Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, Dec. 10-15, 1989

The present conference on adaptive structures discusses piezoelectric and electrostrictive sensors and actuators for adaptive structures and smart materials, real-time control for composite structures with embedded actuators and sensors, a laminated-shell theory incorporating embedded distributed actuators, traveling-wave power flow techniques, uncertainty modeling for the control of an active structure, and active vibration isolation in the presence of unmodeled structural dynamic response. Also discussed are the control of flexible beams via free-free active truss, truss structure control using member actuators with latch mechanism, neural processors for smart-structure control, the effect of imperfections on the static control of adaptive structures, adaptive structures for segmented optical systems, and the shape-control of flexible structures.

Wada, Ben K.↗