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At least 127 records · Page 7

Physical analysis and second-order modelling of an unsteady turbulent flow - The oscillating boundary layer on a flat plate

The turbulent boundary layer under a freestream whose velocity varies sinusoidally in time around a zero mean is computed using two second order turbulence closure models. The time or phase dependent behavior of the Reynolds stresses are analyzed and results are compared to those of a previous SPALART-BALDWIN direct simulation. Comparisons show that the second order modeling is quite satisfactory for almost all phase angles, except in the relaminarization period where the computations lead to a relatively high wall shear stress.

Ha Minh, H.↗

Spatiotemporal behavior and nonlinear dynamics in a phase conjugate resonator

The work described can be divided into two parts. The first part is an investigation of the transient behavior and stability property of a phase conjugate resonator (PCR) below threshold. The second part is an experimental and theoretical study of the PCR's spatiotemporal dynamics above threshold. The time-dependent coupled wave equations for four-wave mixing (FWM) in a photorefractive crystal, with two distinct interaction regions caused by feedback from an ordinary mirror, was used to model the transient dynamics of a PCR below threshold. The conditions for self-oscillation were determined and the solutions were used to define the PCR's transfer function and analyze its stability. Experimental results for the buildup and decay times confirmed qualitatively the predicted behavior. Experiments were carried out above threshold to study the spatiotemporal dynamics of the PCR as a function of Pragg detuning and the resonator's Fresnel number. The existence of optical vortices in the wavefront were identified by optical interferometry. It was possible to describe the transverse dynamics and the spatiotemporal instabilities by modeling the three-dimensional-coupled wave equations in photorefractive FWM using a truncated modal expansion approach.

Liu, Siuying Raymond↗

Chromium and Tantalum Site Substitution Patterns in Ni3Al (L1(sub 2))gamma(prime)- Precipitates

The site substitution behavior of Cr and Ta in the Ni3Al (Ll2)-type gamma'-precipitates of a Ni-Al-Cr-Ta alloy is investigated by atom-probe tomography (APT) and first-principles calculations. Measurements of the gamma'-phase composition by APT suggest that Al, Cr, and Ta share the Al sublattice sites of the gamma'-precipitates. The calculated substitutional energies of the solute atoms at the Ni and Al sublattice sites indicate that Ta has a strong preference for the Al sites, while Cr has a weak Al site preference. Furthermore, Ta is shown to replace Cr at the Al sublattice sites of the gamma'-precipitates, altering the elemental phase partitioning behavior of the Ni-Al-Cr-Ta alloy.

Booth-Morrison, Christopher↗

Analyzing the Operational Behavior of the Alignment and Phasing System of the Thirty Meter Telescope using SysML

The Alignment and Phasing System (APS) of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) is responsible for positioning individual segments of the primary mirror, as well as the secondary and tertiary mirrors. Given its essential role, understanding the as-speci ed behavior and verifying related requirements is vital to the correct operation of the TMT. Analyzing the behavior of APS is challenging due to the variety of interactions with other subsystems. This paper presents results from developing an integrated system model that captures the structure, behavior, and requirements in a formal modeling language to enable automated veri cation using appropriate solvers. Speci cally, demonstrated and discussed are the results of applying a Systems Modeling Language (SysMLTM) based approach in which operational modes, behavior speci cations and use case scenarios are used for the purpose of verifying requirements on timing, power, and pointing error through system-level simulation using a single, integrated model.

Troy, Mitchell↗

Vibrational spectra and structure of dimethyl oxalate and dimethyl oxalate-d6

The vibrational spectra of dimethyl oxalate-d6 have been examined in connection with a re-examination of the spectra and structure of dimethyl oxalate. The vibrational spectra of the compound had previously been interpreted as being consistent with a trans C2h structure in the solid phase and a non-planar C2 form in the liquid and gas phases. This behavior is not consistent with that observed in similar compounds and a re-evaluation of the facts suggests that the major spectral changes which are observed may be caused by destroying an intermolecular association in going from the solid to the liquid phase, which allows the methyl groups to assume positions out of the plane. Some modifications and additions have been made in the vibrational assignment and assignments are presented for the deuterated compound.

Durig, J. R.↗

Measurements and mechanisms of localized aqueous corrosion in aluminum-lithium-copper alloys

Summary information is included for electrochemical aspects of stress corrosion cracking in alloy 2090 and an introduction to the work to be initiated on the new X2095 (Weldalite) alloy system. Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) was studied in both S-T and L-T orientations in alloy 2090. A constant load TTF test was performed in several environments with a potentiostatically applied potential. In the same environments the electrochemical behavior of phases found along subgrain boundaries was assessed. It was found that rapid failure due to SCC occurred when the following criteria was met: E(sub BR,T1) is less than E(sub applied) is less than E(sub Br, matrix phase). Although the L-T orientation is usually considered more resistant to SCC, failures in this orientation occurred when the stated criteria was met. This may be due to the relatively isotropic geometry of the subgrains which measure approximately 12 to 25 microns in diameters. Initial studies of alloy X2095 includes electrochemical characterization of three compositional variations each at three temperatures. The role of T(sub 1) dissolution in SCC behavior is addressed using techniques similar to those used in the research of 2090 described. SCC susceptibility is also studied using alternate immersion facilities at Reynolds Metals Corporation. Pitting is investigated in terms of stability, role of precipitate phases and constituent particles, and as initiation sites for SCC. In all research endeavors, attempts are made to link electrochemistry to microstructure. Previous work on 2090 provides a convenient basis for comparison since both alloys contain T(sub 1) precipitates but with different distributions. In 2090 T(sub 1) forms preferentially on subgrain boundaries whereas in X2095 the microstructure appears to be more homogeneous with finer T(sub 1) particles. Another point for comparison is the delta prime strengthening phase found in 2090 but absent in X2095.

Wall, Douglas↗

Design strategies and functionality of the Visual Interface for Virtual Interaction Development (VIVID) tool

Development of interactive virtual environments (VE) has typically consisted of three primary activities: model (object) development, model relationship tree development, and environment behavior definition and coding. The model and relationship tree development activities are accomplished with a variety of well-established graphic library (GL) based programs - most utilizing graphical user interfaces (GUI) with point-and-click interactions. Because of this GUI format, little programming expertise on the part of the developer is necessary to create the 3D graphical models or to establish interrelationships between the models. However, the third VE development activity, environment behavior definition and coding, has generally required the greatest amount of time and programmer expertise. Behaviors, characteristics, and interactions between objects and the user within a VE must be defined via command line C coding prior to rendering the environment scenes. In an effort to simplify this environment behavior definition phase for non-programmers, and to provide easy access to model and tree tools, a graphical interface and development tool has been created. The principal thrust of this research is to effect rapid development and prototyping of virtual environments. This presentation will discuss the 'Visual Interface for Virtual Interaction Development' (VIVID) tool; an X-Windows based system employing drop-down menus for user selection of program access, models, and trees, behavior editing, and code generation. Examples of these selection will be highlighted in this presentation, as will the currently available program interfaces. The functionality of this tool allows non-programming users access to all facets of VE development while providing experienced programmers with a collection of pre-coded behaviors. In conjunction with its existing, interfaces and predefined suite of behaviors, future development plans for VIVID will be described. These include incorporation of dual user virtual environment enhancements, tool expansion, and additional behaviors.

Nguyen, Lac↗

Theoretical Analysis of the Longitudinal Behavior of an Automatically Controlled Supersonic Interceptor During the Attack Phase

Theoretical analysis of the longitudinal behavior of an automatically controlled supersonic interceptor during the attack phase against a nonmaneuvering target is presented. Control of the interceptor's flight path is obtained by use of a pitch rate command system. Topics lift, and pitching moment, effects of initial tracking errors, discussion of normal acceleration limited, limitations of control surface rate and deflection, and effects of neglecting forward velocity changes of interceptor during attack phase.

Gates, Ordway B., Jr.↗

Polymer morphologh

All polymeric materials in their final application are aggregates of many molecules. For linear macromolecules, these aggregates are highly entangled and their macroscopic properties are affected in a little-known way by the interpenetration and entanglements of the molecules. Over the years, we have done occasional investigations of single molecule single crystals and found that there are many unsolved questions about their nucleation, growth, kinetically determined shape, and ultimate path to equilibrium morphology on annealing. This initial work could be extended by a study of the applicability of microgravity methods for the production and study of the formation of single molecule particles. The production of separated molecules of sufficient size to produce phase-like behavior would involve perhaps a spray of solutions containing single molecules, followed by evaporation of the volatiles, or precipitation out of dispersion droplets. Other methods may involve Langmuir films etc., as shown in our prior work. The microgravity environment should enhance the efficiency of any of these methods by avoiding the joining of growing particles by reduction of convection and settling due to density differences. Once produced, the single molecule droplets are to be quenched into the glassy state and analyzed morphologically and thermally. Their shape alone can be used for molecular mass determination (an old problem that suffered from the need to estimate the shape of collapsed (flat) droplets on a surface). Next would be the study of changes of properties as a function of time, temperature, and molecular mass (and distribution) on fusion to macroscopic single phases.

Wunderlich, Bernhard↗

Thermal effects in two-phase flow through face seals

When liquid is sealed at high temperature, it flashes inside the seal due to pressure drop and/or viscous heat dissipation. Two-phase seals generally exhibit more erratic behavior than their single phase counterparts. Thermal effects, which are often neglected in single phase seal analyses, play an important role in determining seal behavior under two-phase operation. It is necessary to consider the heat generation due to viscous shear, conduction into the seal rings and convection with the leakage flow. Analytical models developed work reasonably well at the two extremes - for low leakage rates when convection is neglected and for higher leakage rates when conduction is neglected. A preliminary model, known as the Film Coefficient Model, is presented which considers conduction and convection both, and allows continuous boiling over an extended region unlike the previous low-leakage rate model which neglects convection and always forces a discrete boiling interface. Another simplified, semi-analytical model, based on the assumption of isothermal conditions along the seal interafce, has been developed for low leakage rates. The Film Coefficient Model may be used for more accurate and realistic description.

Basu, Prithwish↗

On higher order discrete phase-locked loops.

An exact mathematical model is developed for a discrete loop of a general order particularly suitable for digital computation. The deterministic response of the loop to the phase step and the frequency step is investigated. The design of the digital filter for the second-order loop is considered. Use is made of the incremental phase plane to study the phase error behavior of the loop. The model of the noisy loop is derived and the optimization of the loop filter for minimum mean-square error is considered.

Gill, G. S.↗

Plasmaspheric hiss intensity variations during magnetic storms

The storm time intensity variations of ELF electromagnetic emissions have been studied by using the Ogo 6 search coil magnetometer. Low-latitude signals exhibit a sharp low-frequency cutoff and are identified as plasmaspheric hiss. Such waves show pronounced intensification during the recovery phase of magnetic storms but remain close to background levels during the storm main phase. This behavior is consistent with cyclotron resonant generation within the plasmasphere as the latter expands into the intensified belt of outer zone electrons during the storm recovery.

Smith, E. J.↗

A study of the diffusional behavior of a two-phase metal matrix composite exposed to a high temperature environment

The progress of diffusion-controlled filament-matrix interaction in a metal matrix composite where the filaments and matrix comprise a two-phase binary alloy system was studied by mathematically modeling compositional changes resulting from prolonged elevated temperature exposure. The analysis treats a finite, diffusion-controlled, two-phase moving-interface problem by means of a variable-grid finite-difference technique. The Ni-W system was selected as an example system. Modeling was carried out for the 1000 to 1200 C temperature range for unidirectional composites containing from 6 to 40 volume percent tungsten filaments in a Ni matrix. The results are displayed to show both the change in filament diameter and matrix composition as a function of exposure time. Compositional profiles produced between first and second nearest neighbor filaments were calculated by superposition of finite-difference solutions of the diffusion equations.

Tenney, D. R.↗

Silicon monoxide in the 4 micron infrared spectrum of long-period variables

The first-overtone sequence of vibration-rotation transitions of the free radical silicon monoxide are shown to have extreme phase-dependent variations in the spectra of two M-type long-period variables, Omicron Ceti and R Leonis, and the mild S-type long-period variable, Chi Cygni. At maximum light, the SiO band heads are not detectable. Near minimum light, the band heads of (Si-25)O are detected in the 4-micron spectra of all three stars. The band heads of the terrestrially less abundant isotopic species, (Si-29)O and (Si-30)O, are detected in Chi Cygni. Possible explanations of the phase-dependent behavior are discussed, and the role of the stellar chromosphere is considered.

Hinkle, K. H.↗

Pulsations in solar hard X-ray bursts

The hard X-ray emission from 28 large solar events has been analyzed in order to search for pulsations in intensity profiles. Periodicity occurred in 26 events, usually soon after the onset, with periods in the range 10-100 s. Pulsations occurring at common frequencies in different energy bands are observed to be closely in phase. Periodic behavior in hard X-ray emission is related to that at microwave and decametric wavelengths. The observations are briefly discussed in terms of two models: that of McClean et al. (1971), applied to X-ray emission, and that of Brown and Hoyng (1975). As periodicity is normal in extended hard X-ray bursts and occurs through a broad energy band, it is probably directly related to a principal flare-acceleration mechanism. These observations constrain possible mechanisms of flare acceleration and physical properties of the acceleration region.

Lipa, B.↗

Observations and theory of mass loss in late-type stars

The presented review is mainly concerned with the ubiquitous mass loss which occurs during most of a star's existence as a cool giant or supergiant. Observations of mass loss are considered, taking into account wind components and kinematics, and the temperature structure of cool winds. Theories of mass loss are examined, giving attention to radiation pressure on dust, radiation pressure in Lyman alpha, and magnetic wave-driven winds. It is pointed out that the study of mass loss from late-type stars appears to be entering a promising new phase. In this phase, the behavior of cool giants and supergiants is considered from a solar perspective, a perspective which contains important implications concerning the nature of solar activity.

Hartmann, L.↗