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At least 145 records · Page 8

Hexagonal uniformly redundant arrays for coded-aperture imaging

Uniformly redundant arrays are used in coded-aperture imaging, a technique for forming images without mirrors or lenses. The URAs constructed on hexagonal lattices, are outlined. Details are presented for the construction of a special class of URAs, the skew-Hadamard URAs, which have the following properties: (1) nearly half open and half closed (2) antisymmetric upon rotation by 180 deg except for the central cell and its repetitions. Some of the skew-Hadamard URAs constructed on a hexagonal lattice have additional symmetries. These special URAs that have a hexagonal unit pattern, and are antisymmetric upon rotation by 60 deg, called hexagonal uniformly redundant arrays (HURAs). The HURAs are particularly suited to gamma-ray imaging in high background situations. In a high background situation the best sensitivity is obtained with a half open and half closed mask. The hexagonal symmetry of an HURA is more appropriate for a round position-sensitive detector or a closed-packed array of detectors than a rectangular symmetry.

Finger, M. H.↗

Higher-order derivative correlations and the alignment of small-scale structures in isotropic numerical turbulence

The classical approach to the investigation of small-scale intermittency in turbulence is based on the higher-order derivative correlations such as skewness and flatness factors. In the study of the small scales, numerial simulations can provide more detail than experiments. In the present paper, a variety of velocity- and scalar-derivative correlations are calculated over a range of Reynolds numbers. Particular attention is given to third- and fourth-order correlations, taking into account also some fifth- and sixth-order correlations to allow comparisons with the phenomenological models. The governing equations are the incompresssible Navier-Stokes equation for the velocity and transport equation for a passive scalar. Two numerical codes are used for the simulations presented. Attention is given to details regarding the numerical method used, forcing, simulation parameters, spectra and skewnesses, and graphics.

Kerr, R. M.↗

Model-following control for an oblique-wing aircraft

A variable-skew oblique wing offers a substantial aerodynamic performance advantage for aircraft missions that require both high efficiency in subsonic flight and supersonic dash or cruise. The most obvious characteristic of the oblique-wing concept is the asymmetry associated with wing-skew angle which results in significant aerodynamic and inertial cross-coupling between the aircraft longitudinal and lateral-directional axes. A technique for synthesizing a decoupling controller while providing the desired stability augmentation. The proposed synthesis procedure uses the cncept of explicit model following. Linear quadratic optimization techniques are used to design the linear feedback system. The effectiveness of the control laws developed in achieving the desired decoupling is illustrated for a given flight condition by application to linearized equations of motion, and also to the nonlinear equations of six degrees of freedom of motion with nonlinear aerodynamic data.

Alag, G. S.↗

Boundary layer measurements on an airfoil in cascade using laser Doppler anemometry

Laser Doppler anemometry (LDA) was used to obtain detailed boundary layer data at 89.3 percent chord on the pressure surface of a double circular arc compressor blade in cascade. The measurements were taken at a chord Reynolds number of 5.0 x 10 to the 5th and a cascade angle of 53 degrees. The mean velocity, local turbulence intensity, skewness, and kurtosis were determined from the measured velocity probability distributions. The mean velocity profile and the local turbulence intensity profile had classical shapes. Also, the skewness and kurtosis had commonly observed shapes through out the boundary layer, reaching maximum values for Y/delta between 0.5 and 1.1 and Gaussian values for Y/delta greater than 1.1. A comparison was made between data taken with and without the Bragg cell and no significant differences were found.

Williams, F. W.↗

Experimental study of a pressure-driven, three-dimensional, turbulent boundary layer

The paper presents the results of an experimental investigation into a strongly-skewed, pressure-driven, three-dimensional turbulent boundary layer. Mean velocity and static pressure measurements reveal the general nature of the flowfield studied, while detailed measurements of the Reynolds stress tensor indicate the effect of the strong pressure field on the turbulent velocities. The rate and magnitude of the skewing in the boundary layer emerge as the most important parameters governing the behavior of the Reynolds stresses.

Anderson, S. D.↗

Model-following control for an oblique-wing aircraft

A variable-skew oblique wing offers a substantial aerodynamic performance advantage for aircraft missions that require both high efficiency in subsonic flight and supersonic dash or cruise. The most obvious characteristic of the oblique-wing concept is the asymmetry associated with wing-skew angle which results in significant aerodynamic and inertial cross-coupling between the aircraft longitudinal and lateral-directional axes. This paper presents a technique for synthesizing a decoupling controller while providing the desired stability augmentation. The proposed synthesis procedure uses the concept of explicit model following. Linear quadratic optimization techniques are used to design the linear feedback system. The effectiveness of the control laws developed in achieving the desired decoupling is illustrated for a given flight condition by application to linearized equations of motion, and also to the nonlinear equations of six degrees of freedom of motion with nonlinear aerodynamic data.

Alag, G. S.↗

Magnetization of the oceanic crust: TRM or CRM?

A model was proposed in which chemical remanent magnetization (CRM) acquired within the first 20 Ma of crustal evolution may account for 80% of the bulk natural remanent magnetization (NRM) of older basalts. The CRM of the crust is acquired as the original thermoremanent magnetization (TRM) is lost through low temperature alteration. The CRM intensity and direction are controlled by the post-emplacement polarity history. This model explains several independent observations concerning the magnetization of the oceanic crust. The model accounts for amplitude and skewness discrepancies observed in both the intermediate wavelength satellite field and the short wavelength sea surface magnetic anomaly pattern. It also explains the decay of magnetization away from the spreading axis, and the enhanced magnetization of the Cretaceous Quiet Zones while predicting other systematic variations with age in the bulk magnetization of the oceanic crust. The model also explains discrepancies in the anomaly skewness parameter observed for anomalies of Cretaceous age. Further studies indicate varying rates of TRM decay in very young crust which depicts the advance of low temperature alteration through the magnetized layer.

Raymond, C. A.↗

Statistical analysis of the 70 meter antenna surface distortions

Statistical analysis of surface distortions of the 70 meter NASA/JPL antenna, located at Goldstone, was performed. The purpose of this analysis is to verify whether deviations due to gravity loading can be treated as quasi-random variables with normal distribution. Histograms of the RF pathlength error distribution for several antenna elevation positions were generated. The results indicate that the deviations from the ideal antenna surface are not normally distributed. The observed density distribution for all antenna elevation angles is taller and narrower than the normal density, which results in large positive values of kurtosis and a significant amount of skewness. The skewness of the distribution changes from positive to negative as the antenna elevation changes from zenith to horizon.

Kiedron, K.↗

Characteristics of electron velocity distribution functions in the solar wind derived from the Helios plasma experiment

The details of the shapes of three typical electron distribution functions observed by the Helios 1 and 2 probes in the solar wind between 0.3 AU and 1 AU are analyzed and compared with theoretical predictions. These are (1) a distribution function with a narrow 'strahl' (narrow beam), which is extremely anisotropic and skewed with respect to the magnetic field direction at particle energies above 100 eV; (2) a distribution function with a broad 'strahl', less anisotropic and skewed; and (3) a nearly isotropic distribution function. For each distribution function, a sudden change in the slope was discerned, separating the 'core' at lower energies from the 'halo' at higher energies. The most obvious differences of the analyzed electron distribution functions were observed at energies above 50-100 eV. The possible origins for the observed features of the distribution functions are discussed.

Pilipp, W. G.↗

Variations of electron distribution functions in the solar wind

Variations of electron distribution functions in the solar wind have been investigated using the electron data observed aboard Helios 2 during the first four months of its mission in 1976 in the distance range between 0.3 and 1 AU. In particular, variations across the sector structure of the interplanetary magnetic field and across the plasma stream structures have been studied. It has been found that there is a strong correlation between the electron properties and the sector structure of the magnetic field. Within the interior of magnetic sectors the electron distribution functions are extremely anisotropic and skewed with respect to the magnetic field direction at high particle energies. Toward sector boundaries the electron distribution functions become less anisotropic and less skewed. Right at sector boundaries the electrons are relatively cool, and their distributions are nearly isotropic often showing a slight bidirectional anisotropy. These observations have been interpreted to indicate that scattering of electrons with energies above 100 eV is weak within the interior of magnetic sectors but anomalous scattering increases drastically toward sector boundaries for all energies in the halo regime up to several hundred eV. There is evidence for closed magnetic field structures, probably occurring frequently in the solar wind, where the magnetic field lines should usually be connected to the sun outside sector boundaries but may or may not be disconnected from the sun at sector boundaries.

Pilipp, W. G.↗

Magnetization of the oceanic crust - Thermoremanent magnetization of chemical remanent magnetization?

A model was proposed in which chemical remanent magnetization (CRM) acquired within the first 20 Ma of crustal evolution may account for 80 percent of the bulk natural remanent magnetization (NRM) of older basalts. The CRM of the crust is acquired as the original thermoremanent magnetization (TRM) is lost through low temperature alteration. The CRM intensity and direction are controlled by the post-emplacement polarity history. This model explains several independent observations concerning the magnetization of the oceanic crust. The model accounts for amplitude and skewness dicrepancies observed in both the intermediate wavelength satellite field and the short wavelength sea surface magnetic anomaly pattern. It also explains the decay of magnetization away from the spreading axis, and the enhanced magnetization of the Cretaceous Quiet Zones while predicting other systematic variations with age in the bulk magnetization of the oceanic crust. The model also explains discrepancies in the anomaly skewness parameter observed for anomalies of Cretaceous age. Further studies indicate varying rates of TRM decay in very young crust which depicts the advance of low temperature alteration through the magnetized layer.

Raymond, C. A.↗

Impact-induced fracture in a quasi-isotropic laminate

A systematic study of impact-induced fracture in a quasi-isotropic laminated composite is carried out. The main focus of the study is to understand damage initiation when a laminate is subjected to the impact of a foreign object. The total incipient damage of a laminate subjected to impact at higher than threshold velocity is also presented. The incipient damage is restricted to small growth from the initiation of the damage. The experimentally collected data are interpreted using a two-dimensional plane-strain finite-element analysis. The qualitative comparison suggests that the skew cracks in the proximal layers are primarily due to transverse shear stress. Skew cracks in the middle layers are also due to transverse shear stress. Vertical cracks in the distal layer are due to flexural stress transverse to the fiber orientation of the layer.

Joshi, S. P.↗

Model-following output feedback controller for oblique-wing aircraft

A variable-skew oblique-wing offers a substantial aerodynamic performance advantage for aircraft missions that require both high efficiency in subsonic flight and supersonic dash or cruise. The most obvious characteristics of the oblique-wing concept is the asymmetry of the wing-skew angle that causes a significant aerodynamic and inertial cross coupling between the aircraft longitudinal and lateral-directional axes. This paper presents a technique for synthesizing a decoupling controller while providing the desired stability augmentation. The use of output feedback in control law synthesis without the requirement of state estimation is presented. An explicit model-following control system with output feedback is developed. The effectiveness of the control laws developed in achieving the desired decoupling is illustrated for a given flight condition for an oblique-wing aircraft.

Alag, Gurbux Singh↗

Computer simulation of immobilized pH gradients at acidic and alkaline extremes - A quest for extended pH intervals

Computer simulations of the concentration profiles of simple biprotic ampholytes with Delta pKs 1, 2, and 3, on immobilized pH gradients (IPG) at extreme pH values (pH 3-4 and pH 10-11) show markedly skewed steady-state profiles with increasing kurtosis at higher Delta pK values. Across neutrality, all the peaks are symmetric irrespective of their Delta pK values, but they show very high contribution to the conductivity of the background gel and significant alteration of the local buffering capacity. The problems of skewness, due to the exponential conductivity profiles at low and high pHs, and of gel burning due to a strong electroosmotic flow generated by the net charges in the gel matrix, also at low and high pHs, are solved by incorporating in the IPG gel a strong viscosity gradient. This is generated by a gradient of linear polyacrylamide which is trapped in the gel by the polymerization process.

Mosher, Richard A.↗

Reynolds shear stress development in pressure-driven three-dimensional turbulent boundary-layers

The development of the Reynolds stresses has been examined experimentally in an initially two-dimensional boundary layer which is driven to three dimensionality by a spanwise pressure gradient. The pressure field was imposed by an upstream-facing wedge. Two different wedge angles were used in order to vary the level of boundary layer skewing. Bradshaw's Al parameter was found to decrease with the rate of decrease being dependent on the level of skewing between the freestream and the wall flow. It was also concluded that the ratio of the cross-stream to streamwise shear stress components was governed by the rate of freestream turning.

Anderson, S. D.↗

Making Nozzles From Hard Materials

Proposed method of electrical-discharge machining (EDM) cuts hard materials like silicon carbide into smoothly contoured parts. Concept developed for fabrication of interior and exterior surfaces and internal cooling channels of convergent/divergent nozzles. EDM wire at skew angle theta creates hyperboloidal cavity in tube. Wire offset from axis of tube and from axis of rotation by distance equal to throat radius. Maintaining same skew angle as that used to cut hyperboloidal inner surface but using larger offset, cooling channel cut in material near inner hyperboloidal surface.

Wells, Dennis L.↗

Static aeroelastic analysis of a three-dimensional generic wing

A continuation of research on the static aeroelastic analysis of a generic wing configuration is presented. Results of the study of the asymmetric oblique wing model developed by Rockwell International, in conjunction with the NASA Oblique Wing Research Aircraft Program, are reported. The capability to perform static aeroelastic analyses of an oblique wing at arbitrary skew positions is demonstrated by applying the MSC/NASTRAN static analysis scheme modified by the aerodynamic influence coefficient matrix created by the NASA Ames aerodynamic panel codes. The oblique wing is studied at two skew angles, and in particular, the capability to calculate 3-D thickness effects on the aerodynamic properties of the wing is investigated. The ability to model asymmetric wings in both subsonic and supersonic Mach numbers is shown. The aerodynamic influence coefficient matrix computed by the external programs is inserted in MSC/NASTRAN static aeroelasticity analysis run stream to compute the aeroelastic deformation and internal forces. Various aerodynamic coefficients of the oblique wing were computed for two Mach numbers, 0.7 and 1.4, and the angle of attach -5 through 15 deg.

Green, John A.↗

Effects of anisotropic heat conduction on solidification

Two-dimensional solidification influenced by anisotropic heat conduction has been considered. The interfacial energy balance was derived to account for the heat transfer in one direction (x or y) depending on the temperature gradient in both the x and y directions. A parametric study was made to determine the effects of the Stefan number, aspect ratio, initial superheat, and thermal conductivity ratios on the solidification rate. Because of the imposed boundary conditions, the interface became skewed and sometimes was not a straight line between the interface position at the upper and lower adiabatic walls (spatially nonlinear along the height). This skewness depends on the thermal conductivity ratio k(yy)/k(yx). The nonlinearity of the interface is influenced by the solidification rate, aspect ratio, and k(yy/k(yx).

Weaver, J. A.↗