Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “parallel planes”

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 1,351 records · Page 75

Characterization of structural defects in nuclear graphite IG-110 and NBG-18

Nuclear graphite IG-110 and NBG-18 were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) to understand the structure and microstructure of nuclear graphite. The lattice parameter (a), degree of graphitization ( ), crystallite size parallel and perpendicular to c-direction (Lc and L ), anisotropy (B), as well as in-plane crystallite size (La) were calculated and compared based on XRD patterns and Raman spectra. Results indicate that IG-110 has a larger crystallite size and higher degree of graphitization, but lower anisotropy than NBG-18. These differences are attributed to the properties of coke source and manufacturing processes. Additionally, the shape of the pores and crystallized filler particles, the interface between binders and fillers, Mrozowski cracks and nano-cracks, and the defects of disclination were observed and characterized from SEM and HR-TEM images. The similarities and differences in microstructure between IG-110 and NBG-18 are discussed. The results in this work provide useful information to guide selection of nuclear graphite for the design of next generation nuclear plants (NGNP).

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Angular tuning of the magnetic birefringence in rippled cobalt films

We report the measurement of magnetically induced birefringence in rippled Co films. For this purpose, the magneto-optical properties of ion beam eroded ferromagnetic films were studied using Kerr magnetometry and magnetic birefringence in the transmitted light intensity. Upon sufficient ion sculpting, these ripple surface nanostructures developed a defined uniaxial anisotropy in the in-plane magnetization, finely tuning the magnetic birefringence effect. We have studied its dependence on the relative orientation between the ripple direction and the magnetic field, and found this effect to be dramatically correlated with the capability to neatly distinguish the mechanisms for the in-plane magnetization reversal, i.e., rotation and nucleation. This double refraction corresponds univocally to the two magnetization axes, parallel and perpendicular to the ripples direction. We have also observed that tuned birefringence in stack assemblies of rippled Co films, which enables us to technically manipulate the number and direction of refraction axes.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Scaling theory of three-dimensional magnetic reconnection spreading

We develop a first-principles scaling theory of the spreading of three-dimensional (3D) magnetic reconnection of finite extent in the out of plane direction. This theory addresses systems with or without an out of plane (guide) magnetic field, and with or without Hall physics. The theory reproduces known spreading speeds and directions with and without guide fields, unifying previous knowledge in a single theory. New results include: (1) Reconnection spreads in a particular direction if an x-line is induced at the interface between reconnecting and non-reconnecting regions, which is controlled by the out of plane gradient of the electric field in the outflow direction. (2) The spreading mechanism for anti-parallel collisionless reconnection is convection, as is known, but for guide field reconnection it is magnetic field bending. We confirm the theory using 3D two-fluid and resistive-magnetohydrodynamics simulations. (3) The theory explains why anti-parallel reconnection in resistive-magnetohydrodynamics does not spread. (4) The simulation domain aspect ratio, associated with the free magnetic energy, influences whether reconnection spreads or convects with a fixed x-line length. (5) We perform a simulation initiating anti-parallel collisionless reconnection with a pressure pulse instead of a magnetic perturbation, finding spreading is unchanged rather than spreading at the magnetosonic speed as previously suggested. The results provide a theoretical framework for understanding spreading beyond systems studied here, and are important for applications including two-ribbon solar flares and reconnection in Earth’s magnetosphere.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Limitations to the small scale yielding approximation for crack tip plasticity

Recent finite-element results by S. G. Larsson and A. J. Carlsson suggest a limited range of validity to the 'small scale yielding approximation,' whereby small crack tip plastic zones are correlated in terms of the elastic stress intensity factor. It is shown with the help of a model for plane strain yielding that their results may be explained by considering the non-singular stress, acting parallel to the crack at its tip, which accompanies the inverse square-root elastic singularity. Further implications of the non-singular stress term for crack tip deformations and fracturing are examined. It is suggested that its effect on crack tip parameters, such as the opening displacement and J-integral, is less pronounced than its effect on the yield zone size.

Rice, J. R.↗

Space Shuttle flight control system

The Space Shuttle is a control stabilized vehicle with control provided by an all digital, fly-by-wire flight control system. This paper gives a description of the several modes of flight control which correspond to the Shuttle mission phases. These modes are ascent flight control (including open loop first stage steering, the use of four computers operating in parallel and inertial guidance sensors), on-orbit flight control (with a discussion of reaction control, phase plane switching logic, jet selection logic, state estimator logic and OMS thrust vector control), entry flight control and TAEM (terminal area energy management to landing). Also discussed are redundancy management and backup flight control.

Klinar, W. J.↗

Features of sound propagation through and stability of a finite shear layer

The plane wave propagation, the stability and the rectangular duct mode problems of a compressible inviscid linearly sheared parallel, but otherwise homogeneous flow, are shown to be governed by Whittaker's equation. The exact solutions for the perturbation quantities are essentially Whittaker M-functions. A number of known results are obtained as limiting cases of exact solutions. For the compressible finite thickness shear layer it is shown that no resonances and no critical angles exist for all Mach numbers, frequencies and shear layer velocity profile slopes except in the singular case of the vortex sheet.

Koutsoyannis, S. P.↗

Effect of thermal cycling on the microstructure of a directionally solidified Fe, Cr, Al-TaC eutectic alloy

Cylindrical bars (1.2 cm diameter) of Fe-13.6Cr-3.7Al-9TaC (wt %) eutectic alloy were directionally solidified in a modified Bridgman type furnace at 1 cm/h. The alloy microstructure consisted of aligned TaC fibers imbedded in a bcc Fe-Cr-Al matrix. Specimens of the alloy were thermally cycled from 1100 to 425 C in a burner rig. The effects of 1800 thermal cycles on the microstructure was examined by scanning electron microscopy, revealing a zig-zag shape of TaC fibers aligned parallel to the growth direction. The mechanism of carbide solution and reprecipitation on the (111) easy growth planes, suggested previously to account for the development of irregular serrations in Co-Cr-Ni matrix alloys, is believed to be responsible for these zig-zag surfaces.

Harf, F. H.↗

The effects of curvature and viscosity on baroclinic instability: A two-layer model

A linear stability analysis of a baroclinic zonal current contained between two parallel rigid boundaries is presented. Curvature is included by performing the analysis on a beta b-plane and viscosity by allowing for the effects of Ekman layers on the rigid boundaries. A two-layer model is used. This calculation was carried out to assist in the design of a spherical model of the general circulation of the earth's atmosphere for Spacelab. In the low-gravity environment on an orbiting vehicle, a dominant radial dielectric body force, analogous to planetary gravity, can be achieved over a volume of liquid held between two concentric spheres. The results show the Eady short wavelength cutoff, and long wavelength cutoffs due to Ekman damping and curvature.

Fowlis, W. W.↗

Features of sound propagation through and stability of a finite shear layer

The plane wave propagation, the stability, and the rectangular duct mode problems of a compressible, inviscid, linearly sheared, parallel, homogeneous flow are shown to be governed by Whittaker's equation. The exact solutions for the perturbation quantities are essentially the Whittaker M-functions where the nondimensional quantities have precise physical meanings. A number of known results are obtained as limiting cases of the exact solutions. For the compressible finite thickness shear layer it is shown that no resonances and no critical angles exist for all Mach numbers, frequencies, and shear layer velocity profile slopes except in the singular case of the vortex sheet.

Koutsoyannis, S. P.↗

Velocity and flow angle measurements in the Langley 0.3-meter transonic cryogenic tunnel using a laser transit anemometer

The Laser Transit Anemometer (LTA) system is described. In the LTA system two parallel laser beams of known separation and cross sectional area are focussed at the same location or plane. When a particle in a flow field passes through both beams and the time is recorded for its transit (time of flight), its velocity can be calculated knowing the distance between the beams. By rotating the two beams (spots) around a common center and recording the number of valid events (a particle which passes through both spots in the proper sequence) at each angle the flow angle can be determined by curve fitting a predetermined number of angles or points and calculating the peak of what should be a Gaussian curve. The best angle or flow angle is defined as the angle at which the maximum number of valid events occurs. The LTA system functioned properly although conditions were less than desirable.

Honaker, W. C.↗

Generation of spiral bevel gears with conjugate tooth surfaces and tooth contact analysis

A new method for generation of spiral bevel gears is proposed. The main features of this method are as follows: (1) the gear tooth surfaces are conjugated and can transform rotation with zero transmission errors; (2) the tooth bearing contact is localized; (3) the center of the instantaneous contact ellipse moves in a plane that has a fixed orientation; (4) the contact normal performs in the process of meshing a parallel motion; (5) the motion of the contact ellipse provides improved conditions of lubrication; and (6) the gears can be manufactured by use of Gleason's equipment.

Litvin, Faydor L.↗

The Action of Pressure-Radiation Forces on Pulsating Vapor Bubbles

The action of pressure-radiation (or Bjerknes) forces on gas bubbles is well understood. This paper studies the analogous phenomenon for vapor bubbles, about which much less is known. A possible practical application is the removal of boiling bubbles from the neighborhood of a heated surface in the case of a downward facing surface or in the absence of gravity. For this reason, the case of a bubble near a plane rigid surface is considered in detail. It is shown that, when the acoustic wave fronts are parallel to the surface, the bubble remains trapped due to secondary Bjerknes force caused by an "image bubble." When the wave fronts are perpendicular to the surface, on the other hand, the bubble can be made to slide laterally.

Hao, Y.↗

Canted antiferromagnetic order and spin dynamics in the honeycomb-lattice compound Tb 2 Ir 3 Ga 9

Here, single-crystal neutron diffraction, inelastic neutron scattering, bulk magnetization measurements, and first-principles calculations are used to investigate the magnetic properties of the honeycomb lattice Tb 2 Ir 3 Ga 9 . While the R ln 2 magnetic contribution to the low-temperature entropy indicates a J eff = 1 / 2 moment for the lowest-energy crystal-field doublet, the Tb 3 + ions form a canted antiferromagnetic structure below 12.5 K. Due to the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions, the Tb moments in the a b plane are slightly canted towards b with a canted moment of 1.22 μ B per formula unit. A minimal x x z spin Hamiltonian is used to simultaneously fit the spin-wave frequencies along the high-symmetry directions and the field dependence of the magnetization along the three crystallographic axes. Long-range magnetic interactions for both in-plane and out-of-plane couplings up to the second nearest neighbors are needed to account for the observed static and dynamic properties. The z component of the exchange interactions between Tb moments is larger than the x and y components. This compound also exhibits bond-dependent exchange with negligible nearest-neighbor exchange coupling between moments parallel and perpendicular to the 4 f orbitals. Despite the J eff = 1 / 2 moments, the spin Hamiltonian is denominated by a large in-plane anisotropy K z ~ – 1 meV . DFT calculations confirm the antiferromagnetic ground state and the substantial interplane coupling at larger Tb-Tb distances.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Tunneling effects in tilted magnetic fields in n-InGaAs/GaAs structures with strongly coupled double quantum wells

The effects of tunneling between two parallel two-dimensional electron gases in n-InGaAs/GaAs nanostructures with strongly coupled double quantum wells with a change in the in-plane component of a tilted magnetic field (up to B{sub Double-Vertical-Line} = 9.0 T) in the temperature range T = 1.8-70.0 K are investigated. A nonmonotonic temperature dependence of the inverse quantum lifetime {tau}{sub q}{sup -}(T) is obtained from analysis of the dependence of the longitudinal resistance on the parallel component of the tilted magnetic field at fixed temperatures, {rho}{sub xx}(B{sub Double-Vertical-Line }, T). The quadratic portion of this dependence is found to be due to the contribution of inelastic electron-electron scattering. The decrease in the inverse quantum lifetime {tau}{sub q}{sup -}(T) at T > 0.1T{sub F} cannot be described within known theories; it seems, it is not related to the processes of electron momentum relaxation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Statistical properties of the population of the Galactic centre filaments – II. The spacing between filaments

ABSTRACT We carry out a population study of magnetized radio filaments in the Galactic centre using MeerKAT data by focusing on the spacing between the filaments that are grouped. The morphology of a sample of 43 groupings containing 174 magnetized radio filaments are presented. Many grouped filaments show harp-like, fragmented cometary tail-like, or loop-like structures in contrast to many straight filaments running mainly perpendicular to the Galactic plane. There are many striking examples of a single filament splitting into two prongs at a junction, suggestive of a flow of plasma along the filaments. Spatial variations in spectral index, brightness, bending, and sharpening along the filaments indicate that they are evolving on a 105−6-yr time-scale. The mean spacings between parallel filaments in a given grouping peaks at ∼16 arcsec. We argue by modeling that the filaments in a grouping all lie on the same plane and that the groupings are isotropically oriented in 3D space. One candidate for the origin of filamentation is interaction with an obstacle, which could be a compact radio source, before a filament splits and bends into multiple filaments. In this picture, the obstacle or sets the length scale of the separation between the filaments. Another possibility is synchrotron cooling instability occurring in cometary tails formed as a result of the interaction of cosmic ray driven Galactic centre outflow with obstacles such as stellar winds. In this picture, the mean spacing and the mean width of the filaments are expected to be a fraction of a parsec, consistent with observed spacing.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Statistical Properties of the Population of the Galactic Center Filaments II: The Spacing between Filaments

We carry out a population study of magnetized radio filaments in the Galactic centre using MeerKAT data by focusing on the spacing between the filaments that are grouped. The morphology of a sample of 43 groupings containing 174 magnetized radio filaments are presented. Many grouped filaments show harp-like, fragmented cometary tail-like, or loop-like structures in contrast to many straight filaments running mainly perpendicular to the Galactic plane. There are many striking examples of a single filament splitting into two prongs at a junction, suggestive of a flow of plasma along the filaments. Spatial variations in spectral index, brightness, bending, and sharpening along the filaments indicate that they are evolving on a 105−6-yr time-scale. The mean spacings between parallel filaments in a given grouping peaks at ∼16 arcsec. We argue by modeling that the filaments in a grouping all lie on the same plane and that the groupings are isotropically oriented in 3D space. One candidate for the origin of filamentation is interaction with an obstacle, which could be a compact radio source, before a filament splits and bends into multiple filaments. In this picture, the obstacle or sets the length scale of the separation between the filaments. Another possibility is synchrotron cooling instability occurring in cometary tails formed as a result of the interaction of cosmic ray driven Galactic centre outflow with obstacles such as stellar winds. In this picture, the mean spacing and the mean width of the filaments are expected to be a fraction of a parsec, consistent with observed spacing.

plasmas↗

State diagram of an orthogonal spin transfer spin valve device

We present the switching characteristics of a spin-transfer device that incorporates a perpendicularly magnetized spin-polarizing layer with an in-plane magnetized free and fixed magnetic layer, known as an orthogonal spin transfer spin valve device. This device shows clear switching between parallel (P) and antiparallel (AP) resistance states and the reverse transition (AP → P) for both current polarities. Further, hysteretic transitions are shown to occur into a state with a resistance intermediate between that of the P and AP states, again for both current polarities. These unusual spin-transfer switching characteristics can be explained within a simple macrospin model that incorporates thermal fluctuations and considers a spin-polarized current that is tilted with respect to the free layer's plane, due to the presence of the spin-transfer torque from the polarizing layer.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Electromagnetic diffraction by plane reflection diffraction gratings

A plane wave theory was developed to study electromagnetic diffraction by plane reflection diffraction gratings of infinite extent. A computer program was written to calculate the energy distribution in the various orders of diffraction for the cases when the electric or magnetic field vectors are parallel to the grating grooves. Within the region of validity of this theory, results were in excellent agreement with those in the literature. Energy conservation checks were also made to determine the region of validity of the plane wave theory. The computer program was flexible enough to analyze any grating profile that could be described by a single value function f(x). Within the region of validity the program could be used with confidence. The computer program was used to investigate the polarization and blaze properties of the diffraction grating.

Bocker, R. P.↗