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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 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1946

The Lagrangian multiplier method of finding upper and lower limits to critical stresses of clamped plates

The theory of Lagrangian multipliers is applied to the problem of finding both upper and lower limits to the true compressive buckling stress of a clamped rectangular plate. The upper and lower limits thus bracket the true stress, which cannot be exactly found by the differential-equation approach. The procedure for obtaining the upper limit, which is believed to be new, presents certain advantages over the classical Rayleigh-Ritz method of finding upper limits. The theory of the lower-limit procedure has been given by Trefftz, but, in the present application, the method differs from that of Trefftz in a way that makes it inherently more quickly convergent. It is expected that in other buckling problems and in some vibration problems the Lagrangian multiplier method of finding upper and lower limits may be advantageously applied to the calculation of buckling stresses and natural frequencies.

Budiansky, Bernard↗
NASA NTRS1946

The Lagrangian Multiplier Method of Finding Upper and Lower Limits to Critical Stresses of Clamped Plates

The theory of Lagrangian multipliers is applied to the problem of finding both upper and lower limits to the true compressive buckling stress of a clamped rectangular plate. The upper and lower limits thus bracket the truss, which cannot be exactly found by the differential-equation approach. The procedure for obtaining the upper limit, which is believed to be new, presents certain advantages over the classical Raleigh-Rite method of finding upper limits. The theory of the lower-limit procedure has been given by Trefftz but, in the present application, the method differs from that of Trefftz in a way that makes it inherently more quickly convergent. It is expected that in other buckling problems and in some vibration problems problems the Lagrangian multiplier method finding upper and lower limits may be advantageously applied to the calculation of buckling stresses and natural frequencies.

Budiansky, Bernard↗
NASA NTRS1972

Extragalactic cosmic rays.

A detailed analysis is given of the possibility that a large part of the primary cosmic-ray flux is of extragalactic origin. The problems encountered in theories of galactic cosmic rays are first critically discussed. The objections that have previously been raised to extragalactic theories, particularly on energetic grounds, are then examined. The general problem of the propagation of cosmic rays which are ejected from galactic nuclei or in galactic winds to fill clusters and superclusters is dealt with next. Attention is also given to the limits which are set on the presence of extragalactic cosmic rays by observations of high-energy electrons and background X-rays and gamma rays, or the heating of a hypothetical intergalactic gas. Observable effects of cosmic rays between galaxies are studied, and the possible sources of the local cosmic-ray protons in the extragalactic model are considered.

Brecher, K.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Superconducting critical fields of alkali and alkaline-earth intercalates of MoS2

Results are reported for measurements of the critical-field anisotropy and temperature dependence of group-VIB semiconductor MoS2 intercalated with the alkali and alkaline-earth metals Na, K, Rb, Cs, and Sr. The temperature dependences are compared with present theories on the relation between critical field and transition temperature in the clean and dirty limits over the reduced-temperature range from 1 to 0.1. The critical-field anisotropy data are compared with predictions based on coupled-layers and thin-film ('independent-layers') models. It is found that the critical-field boundaries are steep in all cases, that the fields are greater than theoretical predictions at low temperatures, and that an unusual positive curvature in the temperature dependence appears which may be related to the high anisotropy of the layer structure. The results show that materials with the largest ionic intercalate atom diameters and hexagonal structures (K, Rb, and Cs compounds) have the highest critical temperatures, critical fields, and critical-boundary slopes; the critical fields of these materials are observed to exceed the paramagnetic limiting fields.

Woollam, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Critical fluid light scattering

The objective is to measure the decay rates of critical density fluctuations in a simple fluid (xenon) very near its liquid-vapor critical point using laser light scattering and photon correlation spectroscopy. Such experiments were severely limited on Earth by the presence of gravity which causes large density gradients in the sample when the compressibility diverges approaching the critical point. The goal is to measure fluctuation decay rates at least two decades closer to the critical point than is possible on earth, with a resolution of 3 microK. This will require loading the sample to 0.1 percent of the critical density and taking data as close as 100 microK to the critical temperature. The minimum mission time of 100 hours will allow a complete range of temperature points to be covered, limited by the thermal response of the sample. Other technical problems have to be addressed such as multiple scattering and the effect of wetting layers. The experiment entails measurement of the scattering intensity fluctuation decay rate at two angles for each temperature and simultaneously recording the scattering intensities and sample turbidity (from the transmission). The analyzed intensity and turbidity data gives the correlation length at each temperature and locates the critical temperature. The fluctuation decay rate data from these measurements will provide a severe test of the generalized hydrodynamic theories of transport coefficients in the critical regions. When compared to equivalent data from binary liquid critical mixtures they will test the universality of critical dynamics.

Gammon, Robert W.↗
NASA NTRS2004

The Role of Theory and Modeling in the International Living with a Star Program

Today, theory and modeling play a critical role in our quest to understand the connection between solar eruptive phenomena, and their impacts in interplanetary space and in the near-Earth space environment. This new role is based on two developments, one related to the goal of basic physical understanding, and the other to space weather-related applications. When targeting physical our focus is shifting away from investigations aiming at basic discoveries, to missions and studies that address our basic understanding of processes we know to be important. For these studies, theory and models provide physical explanations that need to be verified or falsified by empirical evidence. Within this paradigm, a much more tight integration between theory modeling, and space flight mission design and execution is not only beneficial, but essential. One of the prime objectives of space weather research, on the other hand, is the prediction of space environmental conditions for the benefit of humans and their assets in near-Earth space and on the ground, as well as on solar system bodies like Mars that are of interest to exploration by humans. By its very nature, prediction requires modeling, which, in turn, requires understanding. We will present an overview of the role of theory and modeling within the International Living With a Star program. Specifically, we will focus on an assessment of present-day and future capabilities, as well as on strategies for tight integration of theory and modeling in space science investigations.

Hesse, M.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Autoignition - A liquid propellant explosive potential limiting phenomena

It has been thought that the unplanned mixing of the propellants of liquid launch vehicles could result in massive explosion and destruction. This paper presents results of NASA's attempt to develop a precise analytical theory and predictive model for liquid propellant explosives. Prediction model experiments involving a 'seven-chart' approach showing the relationship between yield function, mixing function, time dependence, chemical and physical reactant properties and quantity effects were used to establish a theory that autoignition takes place when propellants mix in a certain 'critical mass' or greater. An analytical confirmation of the theory has been carried out, with particular reference to possible autoignition in LOX/LH2 and LOX/RP-1 and Saturn V: it was confirmed that autoignition occurs and prevents the mixing of more than the 'critical mass' and therefore limits the explosive yield to several thousand pounds, which will disperse the remaining propellant and prohibit detonation of the total quantities otherwise suspected.

Boggs, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Electric field effects on a near-critical fluid in microgravity

The effects of an electric field on a sample of SF6 fluid in the vicinity of the liquid-vapor critical point is studied. The isothermal increase of the density of a near-critical sample as a function of the applied electric field was measured. In agreement with theory, this electrostriction effect diverges near the critical point as the isothermal compressibility diverges. Also as expected, turning on the electric field in the presence of density gradients can induce flow within the fluid, in a way analogous to turning on gravity. These effects were observed in a microgravity environment by using the Critical Point Facility which flew onboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in July 1994 as part of the Second International Microgravity Laboratory Mission. Both visual and interferometric images of two separate sample cells were obtained by means of video downlink. The interferometric images provided quantitative information about the density distribution throughout the sample. The electric field was generated by applying 500 Volts to a fine wire passing through the critical fluid.

Zimmerli, G.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Theory of Metastable State Relaxation in a Gravitational Field for Non-Critical Binary Systems with Non-Conserved Order Parameter

A new mathematical ansatz is developed for solution of the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau nonlinear partial differential equation describing metastable state relaxation in binary (solute+solvent) non-critical solutions with non-conserved scalar order parameter in presence of a gravitational field. It has been demonstrated analytically that in such systems metastability initiates heterogeneous solute redistribution which results in the formation of a non-equilibrium singly-periodic spatial solute structure in the new solute-rich phase. The critical radius of nucleation and the induction time in these systems are gravity-dependent. It has also been proved that metastable state relaxation in vertical columns of supersaturated non-critical binary solutions leads to formation of the solute concentration gradient. Analytical expression for this concentration gradient is found and analysed. It is concluded that gravity can initiate phase separation (nucleation or spinodal decomposition).

Izmailov, Alexander F.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Predicting Pilot Behavior in Medium Scale Scenarios Using Game Theory and Reinforcement Learning

Effective automation is critical in achieving the capacity and safety goals of the Next Generation Air Traffic System. Unfortunately creating integration and validation tools for such automation is difficult as the interactions between automation and their human counterparts is complex and unpredictable. This validation becomes even more difficult as we integrate wide-reaching technologies that affect the behavior of different decision makers in the system such as pilots, controllers and airlines. While overt short-term behavior changes can be explicitly modeled with traditional agent modeling systems, subtle behavior changes caused by the integration of new technologies may snowball into larger problems and be very hard to detect. To overcome these obstacles, we show how integration of new technologies can be validated by learning behavior models based on goals. In this framework, human participants are not modeled explicitly. Instead, their goals are modeled and through reinforcement learning their actions are predicted. The main advantage to this approach is that modeling is done within the context of the entire system allowing for accurate modeling of all participants as they interact as a whole. In addition such an approach allows for efficient trade studies and feasibility testing on a wide range of automation scenarios. The goal of this paper is to test that such an approach is feasible. To do this we implement this approach using a simple discrete-state learning system on a scenario where 50 aircraft need to self-navigate using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) information. In this scenario, we show how the approach can be used to predict the ability of pilots to adequately balance aircraft separation and fly efficient paths. We present results with several levels of complexity and airspace congestion.

Game Theory↗
NASA NTRS1984

Magnetohydrodynamic and gasdynamic theories for planetary bow waves

The observed properties of bow waves and the associated plasma flows are outlined, along with those features identified that can be described by a continuum magnetohydrodynamic flow theory as opposed to a more detailed multicomponent particle and field plasma theory. The primary objectives are to provide an account of the fundamental concepts and current status of the magnetohydrodynamic and gas dynamic theories for solar wind flow past planetary bodies. This includes a critical examination of: (1) the fundamental assumptions of the theories; (2) the various simplifying approximations introduced to obtain tractable mathematical problems; (3) the limitations they impose on the results; and (4) the relationship between the results of the simpler gas dynamic-frozen field theory and the more accurate but less completely worked out magnetohydrodynamic theory. Representative results of the various theories are presented and compared. A number of deficiencies, ambiguities, and suggestions for improvements are discussed, and several significant extensions of the theory required to provide comparable results for all planets, their satellites, and comets are noted.

Spreiter, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Condensation in CO2 free jet expansions. II - Growth of small clusters.

An investigation into the kinetics of molecular clustering processes which occur in the highly supersaturated vapor of a CO2 free jet is described. Terminal cluster concentrations in expansions from room temperature and reservoir pressures in the range from 400 to 900 torr were determined for trimeric CO2 for nozzle diameters of .0076 cm, .015 cm, and .023 cm and in the case of CO2 tetramer and pentamer for .015 cm nozzle diameter. The measurements were made mass spectrometrically in a supersonic molecular beam apparatus. A kinetic analysis was developed from an extension of the critical nucleus concept of nucleation theory and rate equations based on intermolecular collisions. The observed cluster populations could be accounted for by the theory by adopting sticking probabilities of approximately .03 for monomer impinging on dimer, trimer, and tetramer.

Dorfeld, W. G.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Application of stability theory to laminar flow control

The paper summarizes the state-of-the-art for application of stability theory to laminar flow control using suction, wall temperature and/or favorable pressure gradient ('natural laminar flow'). Discussions include current LFC problem areas requiring stability analyses, methods of relating stability theory to transition with results from data and theory comparisons available thus far, and a summary of low disturbance data available for theory calibration on swept wings. Critical issues highlighted are problems peculiar to suction LFC on high performance transonic wings and application of the e-to-the-n-power method to both low and high speed flight data.

Hefner, J. N.↗
NASA NTRS1983

On neutron star structure and the millisecond pulsar

The recently discovered millisecond pulsar (PSR1937-214) is observed to be rotating close to the limit of dynamical instability for a neutron star. Despite its extremely rapid rotation, measurements of the period derivative put a stringent upper limit on the energy loss from gravitational radiation, thus requiring that the quadrupole moment be quite small. The pulsar must also be rotating below the critical frequency at which its equilibrium configuration would become non-axisymmetric, since the lifetime of this configuration against decay by gravitational radiation is very short. This critical frequency, given by the theory of rotating ellipsoids, imposes a restriction on the rotation rate more severe than the break-up frequency and may be used to set a lower limit, rho 2 x 10 to the 14th power g/cu cm, on the density of the star. If the mass is 0.5 - 1.5 solar mass, several of the stiffer neutron star equations of state may be ruled out, and the radius should be less than 16 km. The condition for axisymmetry also imposes an upper limit on the rotation rate to which neutron stars may be spun up by accretion disks in binary systems, a model recently proposed for the evolution of the millisecond pulsar.

Harding, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The computation of all plane/surface intersections for CAD/CAM applications

The problem of the computation and display of all intersections of a given plane with a rational bicubic surface patch for use on an interactive CAD/CAM system is examined. The general problem of calculating all intersections of a plane and a surface consisting of rational bicubic patches is reduced to the case of a single generic patch by applying a rejection algorithm which excludes all patches that do not intersect the plane. For each pertinent patch the algorithm presented computed the intersection curves by locating an initial point on each curve, and computes successive points on the curve using a tolerance step equation. A single cubic equation solver is used to compute the initial curve points lying on the boundary of a surface patch, and the method of resultants as applied to curve theory is used to determine critical points which, in turn, are used to locate initial points that lie on intersection curves which are in the interior of the patch. Examples are given to illustrate the ability of this algorithm to produce all intersection curves.

Hoitsma, D. H., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1989

The normal modes of a resonant cavity containing discrete inhomogeneities - The influence of fibril magnetic fields on the solar acoustic oscillations

Motivated by considerations of the interaction between fibril magnetic fields and solar p-modes, the acoustic spectrum of a cylindrical cavity filled with ideal gas in which a number of magnetic flux tubes are embedded is studied. A formalism, based on the T-matrix approach to acoustic scattering, is developed which can be used to determine the eigenfrequencies and eigenfunctions for any arbitrary distribution of flux tubes. For weak scatterers, the frequency shifts and velocity eigenfunctions are calculated using perturbation theory for the cases of a single flux tube and a random distribution of up to 100 flux tubes. The results of this 'exact' approach are used to give a critical appraisal of the predictions of theories based on some form of averaging, such as the one discussed recently by Bogdan and Zweibel (1987).

Bogdan, Thomas J.↗