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At least 109 records · Page 6

Note on the origin of Jupiter's magnetic field

The effect of the coriolis force was examined for stability of rotating hydromagnetic systems. It is shown that the effect of this force is to inhibit the onset of instability which leads to convective motion in these systems. The possibility of the existence of a dynamo process in Jupiter's interior is discussed, taking into account the effect of the coriolis force.

Sakurai, K.↗

Vibration and buckling of rotating, pretwisted, preconed beams including Cooriolis effects

The effects of pretwist, precone, setting angle and Coriolis forces on the vibration and buckling behavior of rotating, torsionally rigid, cantilevered beams were studied. The beam is considered to be clamped on the axis of rotation in one case, and off the axis of rotation in the other. Two methods are employed for the solution of the vibration problem: (1) one based upon a finite-difference approach using second order central differences for solution of the equations of motion, and (2) based upon the minimum of the total potential energy functional with a Ritz type of solution procedure making use of complex forms of shape functions for the dependent variables. The individual and collective effects of pretwist, precone, setting angle, thickness ratio and Coriolis forces on the natural frequencies and the buckling boundaries are presented. It is shown that the inclusion of Coriolis effects is necessary for blades of moderate to large thickness ratios while these effects are not so important for small thickness ratio blades. The possibility of buckling due to centrifugal softening terms for large values of precone and rotation is shown.

Subrahmanyam, K. B.↗

Dynamics of the G-excess illusion

The G-excess illusion is increasingly recognized as a cause of aviation mishaps especially when pilots perform high-speed, steeply banked turns at low altitudes. Centrifuge studies of this illusion have examined the perception of subject orientation and/or target displacement during maintained hypergravity with the subject's head held stationary. The transient illusory perceptions produced by moving the head in hypergravity are difficult to study onboard centrifuges because the high angular velocity ensures the presence of strong Coriolis cross-coupled semicircular canal effects that mask immediate transient otolith-organ effects. The present study reports perceptions following head movements in hypergravity produced by high-speed aircraft maintaining a banked attitude with low angular velocity to minimize cross-coupled effects. Methods: Fourteen subjects flew on the NASA KC-135 and were exposed to resultant gravity forces of 1.3, 1.5, and 1.8 G for 3 minute periods. On command, seated subjects made controlled head movements in roll, pitch, and yaw at 30 second intervals both in the dark and with faint targets at a distance of 5 feet. Results: head movement produced transient perception of target displacement and velocity at levels as low as 1.3 G. Reports of target velocity without appropriate corresponding displacement were common. At 1.8 G when yaw head movements were made from a face down position, 4 subjects reported oscillatory rotational target displacement with fast and slow alternating components suggestive of torsional nystagmus. Head movements evoked symptoms of nausea in most subjects, with 2 subjects and 1 observer vomiting. Conclusions: The transient percepts present conflicting signals, which introduced confusion in target and subject orientation. Repeated head movements in hypergravity generate nausea by mechanisms distinct from cross-coupled Coriolis effects.

Baylor, K. A.↗

Conventional and Bimodal Nuclear Thermal Rocket (NTR) Artificial Gravity Mars Transfer Vehicle Concepts

A variety of countermeasures have been developed to address the debilitating physiological effects of "zero-gravity" (0-g) experienced by cosmonauts and astronauts during their approximately 0.5-1.2 year long stays in LEO (Low Earth Orbit). Longer interplanetary flights, combined with possible prolonged stays in Mars orbit, could subject crewmembers to up to approximately 2.5 years of weightlessness. In view of known and recently diagnosed problems associated with 0-g, an artificial gravity spacecraft offers many advantages and may indeed be an enabling technology for human flights to Mars. A number of important human factors must be taken into account in selecting the rotation radius, rotation rate, and orientation of the habitation module or modules. These factors include the gravity gradient effect, radial and tangential Coriolis forces, along with cross-coupled acceleration effects. Artificial gravity (AG) Mars transfer vehicle (MTV) concepts are presented that utilize both conventional NTR, as well as, enhanced "bimodal" nuclear thermal rocket (BNTR) propulsion. The NTR is a proven technology that generates high thrust and has a specific impulse (I (sub sp)) capability of approximately 900 s - twice that of today's best chemical rockets. The AG/MTV concepts using conventional NTP carry twin cylindrical "ISS-type" habitation modules with their long axes oriented either perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal spin axis of the MTV and utilize photovoltaic arrays (PVAs) for spacecraft power. The twin habitat modules are connected to a central operations hub located at the front of the MTV via two pressurized tunnels that provide the rotation radius for the habitat modules. For the BNTR AG/MTV option, each engine has its own "closed" secondary helium-xenon gas loop and Brayton rotating unit that can generate tens of kilowatts (kW (sub e)) of spacecraft electrical power during the mission coast phase eliminating the need for large PVAs. A single inflatable "TransHab-type" habitation module is also used with multiple vertical floors oriented radial to the MTV spin axis. The BNTR MTV's geometry - long and linear - is naturally compatible with AG operation. By rotating the vehicle about its center-of-mass and perpendicular to its flight vector at approximately 3.0 - 5.2 rpm, a centrifugal force and AG environment corresponding to approximately 0.38 - 1.0 g can be established to help maintain crew fitness out to Mars and back. Vehicles using NTP/BNTP can more readily accommodate the heavier payload mass and increased RCS propellant loading associated with AG operation, and can travel faster to and from Mars thereby reducing the crew's exposure to galactic cosmic radiation and solar flares. Mission scenario descriptions, key vehicle features and operational characteristics for each propulsion options are presented using the lift capability and payload volumes estimated for the SLS-1A and HLV.

Nuclear Propulsion↗

Conventional and Bimodal Nuclear Thermal Rocket (NTR) Artificial Gravity Mars Transfer Vehicle Concepts

A variety of countermeasures have been developed to address the debilitating physiological effects of zero-gravity (0-g) experienced by cosmonauts and astronauts during their approximately 0.5 to 1.2 year long stays in low Earth orbit (LEO). Longer interplanetary flights, combined with possible prolonged stays in Mars orbit, could subject crewmembers to up to approximately 2.5 years of weightlessness. In view of known and recently diagnosed problems associated with 0-g, an artificial gravity (AG) spacecraft offers many advantages and may indeed be an enabling technology for human flights to Mars. A number of important human factors must be taken into account in selecting the rotation radius, rotation rate, and orientation of the habitation module or modules. These factors include the gravity gradient effect, radial and tangential Coriolis forces, along with cross-coupled acceleration effects. Artificial gravity Mars transfer vehicle (MTV) concepts are presented that utilize both conventional NTR, as well as, enhanced bimodal nuclear thermal rocket (BNTR) propulsion. The NTR is a proven technology that generates high thrust and has a specific impulse (Isp) capability of approximately 900 s-twice that of today's best chemical rockets. The AG/MTV concepts using conventional Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) carry twin cylindrical International Space Station (ISS)- type habitation modules with their long axes oriented either perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal spin axis of the MTV and utilize photovoltaic arrays (PVAs) for spacecraft power. The twin habitat modules are connected to a central operations hub located at the front of the MTV via two pressurized tunnels that provide the rotation radius for the habitat modules. For the BNTR AG/MTV option, each engine has its own closed secondary helium(He)-xenon (Xe) gas loop and Brayton Rotating Unit (BRU) that can generate 10s of kilowatts (kWe) of spacecraft electrical power during the mission coast phase eliminating the need for large PVAs. A single inflatable TransHab-type habitation module is also used with multiple vertical floors oriented radial to the MTV spin axis. The BNTR MTV's geometry-long and linear-is naturally compatible with AG operation. By rotating the vehicle about its center-of-mass (CM) and perpendicular to its flight vector at approximately 3.0 to 5.2 rpm, a centrifugal force and AG environment corresponding to approximately 0.38 to 1.0 g can be established to help maintain crew fitness out to Mars and back. Vehicles using NTP/ Bimodal Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (BNTP) can more readily accommodate the heavier payload mass and increased RCS propellant loading associated with AG operation, and can travel faster to and from Mars thereby reducing the crew's exposure to galactic cosmic radiation and solar flares. Mission scenario descriptions, key vehicle features and operational characteristics for each propulsion option are presented using the lift capability and payload volumes estimated for the Space Launch System (SLS)-1B and followon Heavy Lift Vehicle (HLV).

Nuclear Propulsion↗

Effects of eddy viscosity and thermal conduction and Coriolis force in the dynamics of gravity wave driven fluctuations in the OH nightglow

The chemical-dynamical model of Walterscheid et al. (1987), which describes wave-driven fluctuations in OH nightglow, was modified to include the effects of both eddy thermal conduction and viscosity, as well as the Coriolis force (with the shallow atmosphere approximation). Using the new model, calculations were performed for the same nominal case as used by Walterscheid et al. but with only wave periods considered. For this case, the Coriolis force was found to be unimportant at any wave period. For wave periods greater than 2 or 3 hours, the inclusion of thermal conduction alone greatly modified the results (in terms of a complex ratio 'eta' which expresses the relationship between the intensity oscillation about the time-averaged intensity and the temperature oscillation about the time-averaged temperature); this effect was reduced with the further inclusion of the eddy viscosity.

Hickey, M. P.↗

Coolant passage heat transfer with rotation

Although the effects of the coriolis and buoyancy forces due to rotation on coolant-side heat transfer are generally not included in the design methods for blades, the influence of these forces could be large. Comparisons of nonrotating heat transfer data and extrapolations of available correlation for the average heat transfer coefficients with radial outflow of cooling air showed that neglecting rotation at gas turbine engine conditions result in variations in the heat transfer coefficient by as much as 45 percent. This, in effect, results in blade metal temperatures running as much as 100 F different from predicted values. This also may explain why rotating blade metal temperatures in engine tests are often higher than expected from results obtained in nonrotating cascade tests.

Rohde, J. E.↗

Gravitoinertial force background level affects adaptation to coriolis force perturbations of reaching movements

We evaluated the combined effects on reaching movements of the transient, movement-dependent Coriolis forces and the static centrifugal forces generated in a rotating environment. Specifically, we assessed the effects of comparable Coriolis force perturbations in different static force backgrounds. Two groups of subjects made reaching movements toward a just-extinguished visual target before rotation began, during 10 rpm counterclockwise rotation, and after rotation ceased. One group was seated on the axis of rotation, the other 2.23 m away. The resultant of gravity and centrifugal force on the hand was 1.0 g for the on-center group during 10 rpm rotation, and 1.031 g for the off-center group because of the 0.25 g centrifugal force present. For both groups, rightward Coriolis forces, approximately 0.2 g peak, were generated during voluntary arm movements. The endpoints and paths of the initial per-rotation movements were deviated rightward for both groups by comparable amounts. Within 10 subsequent reaches, the on-center group regained baseline accuracy and straight-line paths; however, even after 40 movements the off-center group had not resumed baseline endpoint accuracy. Mirror-image aftereffects occurred when rotation stopped. These findings demonstrate that manual control is disrupted by transient Coriolis force perturbations and that adaptation can occur even in the absence of visual feedback. An increase, even a small one, in background force level above normal gravity does not affect the size of the reaching errors induced by Coriolis forces nor does it affect the rate of reacquiring straight reaching paths; however, it does hinder restoration of reaching accuracy.

NASA Discipline Neuroscience↗

Stability of rotating magnetic stars and planets as Jupiter and the origin of convective motion

Based on the method of the energy principle, the effect of the coriolis force on the stability of rotating hydromagnetic systems was examined and the condition for instability was derived. It is shown that, in rotating systems, the coriolis force inhibits the onset of convective motion and that, once the condition for instability is fulfilled, overstable states are produced with respect to this motion. Such states seem to affect the onset of turbulent convective motion.

Sakurai, K.↗

A study of human performance in a rotating environment

Consideration is given to the lack of sufficient data relative to the response of man to the attendant oculovestibular stimulations induced by multi-directional movement of an individual within the rotating environment to provide the required design criteria. This was done to determine the overall impact of artificial gravity simulations on potential design configurations and crew operational procedures. Gross locomotion and fine motor performance were evaluated. Results indicate that crew orientation, rotational rates, vehicle design configurations, and operational procedures may be used to reduce the severity of the adverse effects of the Coriolis and cross-coupled angular accelerations acting on masses moving within a rotating environment. Results further indicate that crew selection, motivation, and short-term exposures to the rotating environment may be important considerations for future crew indoctrination and training programs.

Green, J. A.↗

Inertial Taylor columns on a beta plane

An investigation is conducted concerning the lowest-order effect of variable Coriolis parameters on Taylor-column formation, taking into account the flow over a bump on a beta plane. The model considered involves a two-layer fluid on a beta plane. The governing equations for the two layers are discussed along with the characteristics of the general solutions, solutions for two retrograde currents, solutions for two prograde currents, experiments related to the single-layer problem, and the geophysical implications of the results of the investigation.

Mccartney, M. S.↗

The subtidal response of sea level to atmospheric forcing in the Carolina Capes

The subtidal frequency response of sea level to atmospheric forcing along the coastal region between Cape Hatteras and Charleston is investigated for a four-month period: 1 September-31 December, 1974. It is found that low-frequency sea level fluctuations are preferentially forced by wind stress components which are aligned with the local topography. Also, a localized, one-dimensional model of sea surface response to a clockwise rotating wind for the Charleston coastal regime is developed. The phase spectrum of the alongshore wind component versus sea level as predicted by the model is shown to compare favorably to that derived from actual observations at Charleston, an open ocean coastal site. The model results and observations also suggest that wind-induced fluctuations of coastal sea level are trapped within 40 km of the coast by the combined effects of friction, Coriolis force and bottom topography. The outer shelf is dominated by fluctuations which are less related to wind stress and are attenuated rapidly in the shoreward direction. A reasonable estimate of bottom frictional coefficient, r = 0.05 cm/s, is also established.

Chao, S.-Y.↗

Determining solutions of hyperbolic systems from incomplete data

An investigation is conducted regarding first-order hyperbolic systems of partial differential equations, taking into account problems for which complete initial data are not available. Problems of the considered kind arise in geophysical applications where satellites are used to collect data. In global weather prediction, it is possible to derive atmospheric temperature and pressure reasonably well over the whole globe from satellite measurements; obtaining the wind field globally is more difficult. It is pointed out that a simple model of atmospheric flow investigated in numerical weather prediction is governed by the shallow water equations. The effect of the Coriolis term on the linearized shallow-water equations is studied.

Bube, K. P.↗

Oscillations of a compound drop system undergoing rotation

A compound liquid-drop system is comprised of three immiscible concentric fluids: a core fluid of density p(i) surrounded by a shell of density p(s) which is embedded in a medium of density p(o). In this analysis, the fluids are incompressible and inviscid. The effect of rotation upon the modes of oscillation of a compound drop is investigated. Rotation rate is considered as a small perturbation of the normal modes of the compound drop, thus introducing the effects of a Coriolis force and a centrifugal distortion.

Lyell, M. J.↗