Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Off-Axis”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 127 records · Page 7

Laser velocimeter applications to high-lift research

The application of the Lockheed-Georgia 2-D laser velocimeter (LV) burst-counter system to the flow field around a 2- and 3-element high-lift airfoil is discussed. The characteristic behavior of the confluent boundary layer (that is, the boundary layer existing downstream of a slot as it approaches and undergoes separation is evaluated. In this application, the LV represents all ideal instruments for nonintrusively probing into the narrow slots and cove areas characterizing mechanical high-lift systems. The work is being performed in the Lockheed-Georgia 10 x 30-inch low-speed test facility using a 9-inch (basic) chord section of the general aviation GAW-1 airfoil. The LV system employs a 4-W argon laser and operates in an off-axis, backscatter mode with a focus length of about 30 inches. Smoke is used as the seeding medium and is injected downstream of the model such that particle uniformity and size are constant upon completion of the tunnel circuit into the test area. The LV system is fully automated by utilizing a MAC-16 minicomputer for positioning, data acquisition, and preliminary data reduction.

Whipkey, R. R.↗

Scan performance of dual offset reflector antennas for satellite communications

The basic numerical steps of a method to analyze dual offset reflector antennas are reviewed. The technique employs an alternative approach to calculating the secondary pattern of an arbitrarily shaped offset dual reflector antenna, and is based on the application of the geometrical theory of diffraction from the subreflector and physical optics (PO) scattering from the main reflector. The PO integral is evaluated using the Jacobi-Bessel series expansions, and numerical results are presented for the off-axis scan performance of an offset clear aperture Cassegrain antenna. Results indicate that the equivalent paraboloid concept can be used to determine the location of displaced feed and define the local optimal focal plane, and the scan performance of the Cassegrain reflector can be improved if the feed is located on the true opimal surface.

Rahmat-Samii, Y.↗

The effect of lamination-induced stresses on fatigue damage development at internal flaws

The effects of stresses induced by the lamination of off-axis plies to O-deg lamina on the development of damage during the fatigue loading of the O-deg plies are discussed. The transverse normal stresses in the plane of the laminae and the laminate created by the laminating constraints when an axial force is applied to the laminate are calculated in terms of a differential Poisson ratio between the ply in question in the unconstrained and constrained states, and significant differences in the constraint environments of an unnotched specimen joined to plies of 45 and 90 deg inclination are noted which correspond to an increase in longitudinal splitting in the 90 deg case and a marked decrease in longitudinal splitting in the 45 deg case. If a notch is present, shear and crack-opening damage is found to be very effectively suppressed in 45-deg laminates, and less so in the 90-deg case. It is pointed out that whereas the 45-deg laminate represents the least damage situation, it does not have the greatest notched strength. It is concluded that an understanding and prediction of damage development in laminates requires knowledge of the stress fields caused by the lamination constraints.

Reifsnider, K. L.↗

Global auroral imaging instrumentation for the Dynamics Explorer Mission

The instrumentation for obtaining global images of the auroral oval from the high-altitude spacecraft of the Dynamics Explorer Mission is described. It is noted that the three spin-scan auroral imaging photometers are expected to be able to effectively view the dim emissions from earth in the presence of strong stray light sources near their fields-of-view along the sunlit portion of the spacecraft orbit. A special optical design that includes an off-axis parabolic mirror as the focusing element and super-reflecting mirror surfaces is used to minimize the effects of stray light. The rotation of the spacecraft and an instrument scanning mirror provide the two-dimensional array of pixels making up an image frame. It is pointed out that the full width of the fields-of-view of the photometers corresponding to a single pixel is 0.29 deg and that the angular dimensions of a typical full frame are 30 deg x 30 deg and span 14,400 pixels.

Frank, L. A.↗

Recent developments in mass drivers

In the past eight months a new mass driver concept has been explored through calculation and inductance model verification. It retains the linear synchronous principle and freedom from arcs, plasmas or physical contact between the accelerated bucket and accelerator. However, it discards passive magnetic flight and obtains transverse focussing from strong off-axis restoring forces produced by drive coils operating in a pull-only mode. This paper gives the reasoning on which the new concept is based, and applies the concept to a lunar catapult design.

Oneill, G. K.↗

Holographic Twyman-Green interferometer

A dichromated gelatin off-axis Fresnel zone plate was designed, fabricated, and used in a new type of interferometer for optical metrology. This single hologram optical element combines the functions of a beam splitter, beam diverger, and aberrated null lens. Data presented show the successful application for an interferometric test of an f/6, 200-mm diam parabolic mirror.

Chen, C. W.↗

Advanced 30/20 GHz multiple-beam antennas for communications satellites

Design concepts under development utilize two separate spacecraft antenna systems, one uplink at 30 GHz and the other a downlink at 20 GHz, where each antenna provides multiple fixed and scanning beams. Two contractors completed configuration trade-off studies and breadboarding of critical technology components, and are fabricating and testing proof-of-concept (POC) models to demonstrate the technology feasibility. Technology developments required for the proposed systems are presented, along with each contractor's progress to date. The technology development areas discussed include: (1) offset Cassegrain and shaped reflector systems for narrow beams with low sidelobes and wideangle off-axis scan; (2) diplexed beam-forming networks for dual polarization, low sidelobes, and fixed and scan-beam operation; (3) fast switching networks for scanning beams; and (4) fabrication of precision feed components and large offset reflectors.

Myhre, R. W.↗

Large-aperture interferometer using local reference beam

A large-aperture interferometer was devised by adding a local-reference-beam-generating optical system to a schlieren system. Two versions of the interferometer are demonstrated, one employing 12.7 cm (5 in.) diameter schlieren optics, the other employing 30.48 cm (12 in.) diameter parabolic mirrors in an off-axis system. In the latter configuration a cylindrical lens is introduced near the light source to correct for astigmatism. A zone plate is a satisfactory decollimating element in the reference-beam arm of the interferometer. Attempts to increase the flux and uniformity of irradiance in the reference beam by using a diffuser are discussed.

Howes, W. L.↗

Correlation of compressive stress with spalling of plasma sprayed ceramic materials

Ceramics on metal substrates for potential use as high temperature seals or other applications are exposed to forces originating from differences in thermal expansion between the ceramic and the metal substrate. This report develops a relationship between the difference in expansion of the ceramic and the substrate, defines conditions under which shear between the ceramic and the substrate occurs, and those under which bending forces are produced in the ceramic. The off-axis effect of compression forces resulting from high temperature plastic flow of the ceramic producing buckling of the ceramic is developed. Shear is associated with the edge or boundary stresses on the component while bending is associated with the distortion of an interior region. Both modes are significant in predicting life of the ceramic.

Mullen, R. L.↗

The Quad aperture /hoop/column/ antenna for advanced communications missions in the 1990's

The possibility of meeting increased demand on the communications satellite system by utilizing a single satellite placed in geosynchronous orbit for service to the U.S. using the 4-6 GHz band and the 12-14 GHz band is discussed. To meet continental U.S. coverage requirements, approximately 220 spot beams 100 miles in diameter must be used. An F/D of 2.0 will be used in order to eliminate coma distortion effects, meet the low off-axis scan requirement, and fulfill design tradeoffs. Improvement on the best case crossover level of -9 dB can be accomplished by using a co-boresighted multiple reflector system and interleaving the beams from each offset reflector antenna. Shown are the illumination surfaces and the corresponding feed arrays in the quad aperture design and the reflector/feed system configuration for simultaneous operation in the two bands.

Sikes, L. D.↗

Transducers for ultrasonic limb plethysmography

The design, construction, and performance characteristics of ultasonic transducers suitable for limb plethysmography are presented. Both 3-mm-diameter flat-plate and 12-mm-diameter hemispheric ceramic transducers operating at 2 MHz were fitted in 1-mm thick epoxy-resin lens/acoustic-coupling structures and mounted in exercie-EKG electrode housings for placement on the calf using adhesive collars. The effects of transducer directional characteristics on performance under off-axis rotation and the electrical impedances of the transducers were measured: The flat transducer was found to be sensitive to rotation and have an impedance of 800 ohms; the hemispheric transducer, to be unaffected by rotation and have an impedance of 80 ohms. The use of hemispheric transducers as both transmitter and receiver, or of a flat transducer as transmitter and a hemispheric transducer as receiver, was found to produce adequate dimensional measurements, with minimum care in transducer placement, in short-term physiological experiments and long-term (up to 7-day) attachment tests.

Nickell, W. T.↗

Synthesis and characterization of bisimide amines and bisimide amine-cured epoxy resins

An attempt is made to develop tough, moisture resistant, high char yield epoxy resins by means of novel bisimide amine (BIA) hardener curing agents and a state-of-the-art epoxy resin system. The BIAs are isolated as mixtures containing monomer, oligomer, and polymeric species, and then characterized by elemental analysis and high pressure liquid chromatography. The bisimide amine-cured epoxies (IMEs) were characterized with respect to moisture absorption, thermal properties, and physical and mechanical properties, as well as in the role of matrices in Celion 6000/IME composites. The relative toughness characteristics of each IME formulation was measured by the 10 deg off-axis tensile test, measuring the uniaxial tensile strength, shear strength, and shear-strain-to-failure of the composite systems.

Scola, D. A.↗

Correlation of compressive and shear stress with spalling of plasma-sprayed ceramic materials

Ceramics on metal substrates for potential use as high temperature seals or other applications are exposed to forces originating from differences in thermal expansion between the ceramic and the metal substrate. This report develops a relationship between the difference in expansion of the ceramic and the substrate, defines conditions under which shear between the ceramic and the substrate occurs, and those under which bending forces are produced in the ceramic. The off-axis effect of compression forces resulting from high temperature plastic flow of the ceramic producing buckling of the ceramic is developed. Shear is associated with the edge or boundary stresses on the component while bending is associated with the distortion of an interior region. Both modes are significant in predicting life of the ceramic. Previously announced in STAR as N83-27016

Mullen, R. L.↗

Direction of crack growth in fibrous composites

A model for predicting the direction of crack growth in resin matrix composite materials is presented. The model is based upon the normal stress and the anisotropic tensile strength on arbitrary planes about the tip of a crack. The model is incorporated into a finite element solution which predicts energy release rates in addition to the direction of crack growth. Results are obtained for cracks in unidirectional off-axis slotted tensile coupons. Comparisons are made with other theories and experimental results.

Buczek, M. B.↗

Modeling stiffness loss in boron/aluminum laminates below the fatigue limit

Boron/aluminum can develop significant internal matrix cracking when fatigued. These matrix cracks can result in a 40 percent secant modulus loss in some laminates, even when fatigued below the fatigue limit. It is shown that the same amount of fatigue damage will develop during stress or strain-controlled tests. Stacking sequence has little influence on secant modulus loss. The secant modulus loss in unidirectional composites is small, whereas the losses are substantial in laminates containing off-axis plies. A simple analysis is presented that predicts unnotched laminate secant modulus loss due to fatigue. The analysis is based upon the elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio of the fiber and matrix, fiber volume fraction, fiber orientations, and the cyclic-hardened yield stress of the matrix material. Excellent agreement was achieved between model predictions and experimental results. With this model, designers can project the material stiffness loss for design load or strain levels and assess the feasibility of its use in stiffness-critical parts. Previously announced in STAR as N82-24298

Johnson, W. S.↗

Honeywell multispectral linear array (MLA) instrument design A system overview

In support of NASA's Experimental Land Observing System, a simple, reliable and relatively inexpensive multispectral linear array (MLA) instrument concept has been developed. The design satisfies requirements for multichannel radiometry and wide field imaging. A reflective off-axis anastigmat telescope is mounted in a highly strength-to-weight efficient truss structure, coupled to a solid beamsplitter assembly. Attention is given to the optical design of the MLA instrument, the telescope structure, the detector arrays, detector cooling, on-orbit calibration, signal processing electronics, the spacecraft interfaces, the modulation transfer function, the signal-to-noise ratio, radiometric accuracy, and spatial registration.

Eyring, D.↗

Strain rate characterization of unidirectional graphite/epoxy composite

For an investigation of problems of composites at high strain rates with dominant wave propagation effects, such as dynamically loaded composite jet engine blades, the longitudinal, transverse, and in-plane shear properties of unidirectional SP 288/AS graphite/epoxy were measured at various strain rates ranging from quasi-static to over 500/s. The test specimens were rings 10.16 cm in diameter, 2.54 cm long, 6 to 8 plies thick, and with fibers at 0, 90, and 10 deg off-axis. Quasi-static testing was conducted in a fixture which applies hydraulic pressure to the ring specimens, and dynamic testing was conducted by applying an internal pressure pulse through a liquid in a special fixture. Dynamic stress-strain curves are presented. For the 0-deg specimens, the modulus increases with strain up to 20 percent of the static value. The modulus and strength increase sharply in the 90-deg rings with strain rate reaching values two to three times the corresponding static rate.

Daniel, I. M.↗

Advanced 30/20 GHz multiple-beam antennas for communications satellites

Design concepts under development utilize two separate spacecraft antenna systems, one uplink at 30 GHz and the other a downlink at 20 GHz, where each antenna provides multiple fixed and scanning beams. Two contractors completed configuration trade-off studies and breadboarding of critical technology components, and are fabricating and testing proof-of-concept (POC) models to demonstrate the technology feasibility. Technology developments required for the proposed systems are presented, along with each contractor's progress to date. The technology development areas discussed include: (1) offset Cassegrain and shaped reflector systems for narrow beams with low sidelobes and wideangle off-axis scan; (2) diplexed beam-forming networks for dual polarization, low sidelobes, and fixed and scan-beam operation; (3) fast switching networks for scanning beams; and (4) fabrication of precision feed components and large offset reflectors.

Myhre, R. W.↗