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At least 145 records · Page 8

Radio variability of the blazar AO 0235 + 164

The high-redshift blazar A0 0235 + 164 exhibits flux-density variations which are primarily of the less common variety in which low-frequency flux-density variations track the high-frequency variations but are delayed and of smaller amplitude. Observational results based on five years of monitoring are presented which are correlated over at least a factor of 50 frequency range in the sense expected for an expanding synchrotron component: outbursts propagating toward lower frequencies with diminishing amplitudes. A simple, semiempirical jet model is developed which accounts reasonably well for the radio properties of the object. The predictions of the model are compared with observations, examining the radio flux-density histories, the radio spectral evolution, the radio structure, and evidence for relativistic bulk motion.

O'Dell, S. L.↗

Percentage Contributions from Atmospheric and Surface Features to Computed Brightness Temperatures

Over the past few years, there has become an increasing interest in the use of millimeter-wave (mm-wave) and sub-millimeter-wave (submm-wave) radiometer observations to investigate the properties of ice particles in clouds. Passive radiometric channels respond to both the integrated particle mass throughout the volume and field of view, and to the amount, location, and size distribution of the frozen (and liquid) particles with the sensitivity varying for different frequencies and hydrometeor types. One methodology used since the 1960's to discern the relationship between the physical state observed and the brightness temperature (TB) is through the temperature weighting function profile. In this research, the temperature weighting function concept is exploited to analyze the sensitivity of various characteristics of the cloud profile, such as relative humidity, ice water path, liquid water path, and surface emissivity. In our numerical analysis, we compute the contribution (in Kelvin) from each of these cloud and surface characteristics, so that the sum of these various parts equals the computed TB. Furthermore, the percentage contribution from each of these characteristics is assessed. There is some intermingling/contamination of the contributions from various components due to the integrated nature of passive observations and the absorption and scattering between the vertical layers, but all in all the knowledge gained is useful. This investigation probes the sensitivity over several cloud classifications, such as cirrus, blizzards, light snow, anvil clouds, and heavy rain. The focus is on mm-wave and submm-wave frequencies, however discussions of the effects of cloud variations to frequencies as low as 10 GHz and up to 874 GHz will also be presented. The results show that nearly 60% of the TB value at 89 GHz comes from the earth's surface for even the heaviest blizzard snow rates. On the other hand, a significant percentage of the TB value comes from the snow in the cloud for 166, and 183 plus or minus 7 GHz for the heavy and medium snow rates. For submm-wave channels, there is no contribution from the surface because these channels cannot probe through clouds, nor normal water vapor amounts in clear air regions. This work is extremely valuable in physically-based retrieval algorithm development research.

Gail Skofronick-Jackson↗

Frequency effects on the stability of a journal bearing for periodic loading

The stability of a journal bearing is numerically predicted when a unidirectional periodic external load is applied. The analysis is performed using a cavitation algorithm, which mimics the Jakobsson-Floberg and Olsson (JFO) theory by accounting for the mass balance through the complete bearing. Hence, the history of the film is taken into consideration. The loading pattern is taken to be sinusoidal and the frequency of the load cycle is varied. The results are compared with the predictions using Reynolds boundary conditions for both film rupture and reformation. With such comparisons, the need for accurately predicting the cavitation regions for complex loading patterns is clearly demonstrated. For a particular frequency of loading, the effects of mass, amplitude of load variation and frequency of journal speed are also investigated. The journal trajectories, transient variations in fluid film forces, net surface velocity and minimum film thickness, and pressure profiles are also presented.

Vijayaraghavan, D.↗

Evaluation of simulation motion fidelity criteria in the vertical and directional axes

An evaluation of existing motion fidelity criteria was conducted on the NASA Ames Vertical Motion Simulator. Experienced test pilots flew single-axis repositioning tasks in both the vertical and the directional axes. Using a first-order approximation of a hovering helicopter, tasks were flown with variations only in the filters that attenuate the commands to the simulator motion system. These filters had second-order high-pass characteristics, and the variations were made in the filter gain and natural frequency. The variations spanned motion response characteristics from nearly full math-model motion to fixed-base. Between configurations, pilots recalibrated their motion response perception by flying the task with full motion. Pilots subjectively rated the motion fidelity of subsequent configurations relative to this full motion case, which was considered the standard for comparison. The results suggested that the existing vertical-axis criterion was accurate for combinations of gain and natural frequency changes. However, if only the gain or the natural frequency was changed, the rated motion fidelity was better than the criterion predicted. In the vertical axis, the objective and subjective results indicated that a larger gain reduction was tolerated than the existing criterion allowed. The limited data collected in the yaw axis revealed that pilots had difficulty in distinguishing among the variations in the pure yaw motion cues.

Schroeder, Jeffery A.↗

A study of the effects of a cubic nonlinearity on a modern modal identification technique

The effect of a geometric nonlinearity on the Ibrahim Time Domain (ITD) modal data analysis technique has been studied using two analytically derived models and one laboratory model. Response data for the three models were analyzed by the ITD method. Indicators of nonlinear response were found which include harmonically related frequencies with repetitive mode shapes, clusters of frequencies in a narrow band around each harmonic, and variations in frequency with amplitude of oscillation. Also,for the cases studied, the presence of a nonlinearity has no detrimental effect on identifying linear responses. A potential for applying the algorithm to the identification of a certain class of nonlinear system was indicated.

Horta, L. G.↗

Experimental study of the thermal-acoustic efficiency in a long turbulent diffusion-flame burner

A two-year study of noise production in a long tubular burner is described. The research was motivated by an interest in understanding and eventually reducing core noise in gas turbine engines. The general approach is to employ an acoustic source/propagation model to interpret the sound pressure spectrum in the acoustic far field of the burner in terms of the source spectrum that must have produced it. In the model the sources are assumed to be due uniquely to the unsteady component of combustion heat release; thus only direct combustion-noise is considered. The source spectrum is then the variation with frequency of the thermal-acoustic efficiency, defined as the fraction of combustion heat release which is converted into acoustic energy at a given frequency. The thrust of the research was to study the variation of the source spectrum with the design and operating parameters of the burner.

Mahan, J. R.↗

Blade Mistuning Analysis for Boundary Layer Inlet Flow Distortion-Tolerant Fan Blades

NASA Glenn Research Center has tested the BLI2DTF propulsor including the fan rotor. BLI2DTF stands for Boundary Layer Ingesting Inlet/Distortion-Tolerant Fan. A comparison of the vibratory response between analysis results and experimental wind tunnel test results yielded reasonable agreement, yet some differences were noted. Blade mistuning effects have been identified as a potential cause for these differences. A tuned forced response analysis in a turbomachinery engine rotor system assumes that all of the blades are identical, so that the natural frequencies of individual blades are the same. In contrast to this assumption, the wind tunnel tests of the BLI2DTF rotor system revealed that the individual blade response frequencies varied. These variations in individual blade frequencies may be attributed to blade mistuning due to potential differences in the structural and material properties of individual blades. For an understanding of these variations, it is necessary to analyze the influence of blade mistuning on the BLI2DTF rotor system, which will provide a more precise assessment of its vibratory stresses and high cycle fatigue life. The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of blade mistuning on the dynamic characteristics of this rotor system. At the same fan operation condition, a comparative forced response analysis was performed for both tuned and mistuned BLI2DTF rotor systems. A comparison of the results from these analyses found that the mistuning effects on the present BLI2DTF rotor system are notable. As a result, fan blade mistuning is to be considered a contributor to the levels of vibratory dynamic stresses observed during the wind tunnel experiment.

Blade mistuning↗

A speckle hologram of the interstellar plasma

Observations of a speckle hologram of scattering material along the line of sight to the Vela pulsar indicate that this material is concentrated in the Vela supernova remnant, deep within the Gum Nebula. The speckle hologram is observed through the amplitude and phase variations of the interferometric cross-power spectrum with time and frequency. These variations describe the density fluctuations of the interstellar plasma, in a holographic fashion. The decorrelation due to the phase variations of the speckles yields the angular size of the scattering disk; comparison with the bandwidth of their amplitude variations yields a characteristic distance from earth to the scattering material of 0.81 +/- 0.03 of the distance from earth to the pulsar. This result is consistent with theories of irregularities associated with particle acceleration in shocks in supernova remnants.

Desai, K. M.↗

Subsurface "radar" camera

Long-wave length multiple-frequency radar is used for imaging and determining depth of subsurface stratified layers. Very-low frequency radar signals pinpoint below-ground strata via direct imagery techniques. Variation of frequency and scanning angle adjusts image depth and width.

Jain, A.↗

Reactive Ion Etching in a VHF Parallel Plate Reactor

VHF (very high frequency) capacitive plasma reactors may allow development of new RIE (reactive ion etching) systems with high etch rates, excellent uniformity and anisotropy and low damage. High ion and radical fluxes can be obtained by raising the RF (radio frequency) frequency which increases plasma density dramatically at a fixed voltage. The effects of variation in frequency (25-120 MHz), pressure (10-250 mTorr), and flow rate (1-100 sccm) in a CF4 discharge have been investigated. The RF current versus voltage characteristics and spatially resolved optical emission are used as diagnostics. Experiments on etch rates, etch uniformity and anisotropy in silicon, silicon dioxide and silicon nitride will be discussed. Results of fluid model simulations are used to interpret the experimental data.

Dahi, H.↗

Effect of vibration in combined axes on subjective evaluation of ride quality

The effects of simultaneous sinusoidal vibration in the vertical and lateral axes on ratings of discomfort were investigated. The first experiment concentrated on the effects of variation of frequency in the two axes, and the second study concentrated on the effects of amplitude variation in the two axes.

Kirby, R. H.↗

Free Vibration of Uncertain Unsymmetrically Laminated Beams

Monte Carlo Simulation and Stochastic FEA are used to predict randomness in the free vibration response of thin unsymmetrically laminated beams. For the present study, it is assumed that randomness in the response is only caused by uncertainties in the ply orientations. The ply orientations may become random or uncertain during the manufacturing process. A new 16-dof beam element, based on the first-order shear deformation beam theory, is used to study the stochastic nature of the natural frequencies. Using variational principles, the element stiffness matrix and mass matrix are obtained through analytical integration. Using a random sequence a large data set is generated, containing possible random ply-orientations. This data is assumed to be symmetric. The stochastic-based finite element model for free vibrations predicts the relation between the randomness in fundamental natural frequencies and the randomness in ply-orientation. The sensitivity derivatives are calculated numerically through an exact formulation. The squared fundamental natural frequencies are expressed in terms of deterministic and probabilistic quantities, allowing to determine how sensitive they are to variations in ply angles. The predicted mean-valued fundamental natural frequency squared and the variance of the present model are in good agreement with Monte Carlo Simulation. Results, also, show that variations between plus or minus 5 degrees in ply-angles can affect free vibration response of unsymmetrically and symmetrically laminated beams.

Kapania, Rakesh K.↗

Buffeting tests in a cryogenic windtunnel

Measurements of wing buffeting, using root strain gages, were made in the NASA Langley 0.3 m cryogenic wind tunnel to refine techniques which will be used in larger cryogenic facilities such as the United States National Transonic Facility (NTF) and the European Transonic Wind Tunnel (ETW). The questions addressed included the relative importance variations in frequency parameter and Reynolds number, the choice of model material (considering both stiffness and damping) and the effects of static aeroelastic distortion. The main series of tests was made on three half models of slender 65 deg delta wings with a sharp leading edge. The three delta wings had the same planform but widely differing bending stiffnesses and frequencies (obtained by varying both the material and the thickness of the wings). It was known that the steady flow on this configuration would be insensitive to variations in Reynolds number. On this wing at vortex breakdown the spectrum of the unsteady excitation is unusual, having a sharp peak at particular frequency parameter. Additional tests were made on one unswept half-wing of aspect ratio 1.5 with an NPL 9510 aerofoil section, known to be sensitive to variations in Reynolds number at transonic speeds. The test Mach numbers were M = 0.21 and 0.35 for the delta wings and to M = 0.30 for the unswept wing. On this wing the unsteady excitation spectrum is fairly flat (as on most wings). Hence correct representation of the frequency parameter is not particularly important.

Mabey, D. G.↗

Passive intrusion detection system

An intrusion detection system is described in which crystal oscillators are used to provide a frequency which varies as a function of fluctuations of a particular environmental property of the atmosphere, e.g., humidity, in the protected volume. The system is based on the discovery that the frequency of an oscillator whose crystal is humidity sensitive, varies at a frequency or rate which is within a known frequency band, due to the entry of an intruder into the protected volume. The variable frequency is converted into a voltage which is then filtered by a filtering arrangement which permits only voltage variations at frequencies within the known frequency band to activate an alarm, while inhibiting the alarm activation when the voltage frequency is below or above the known frequency band.

Laue, E. G.↗

Seasonal and geographical variation of blocking

An examination of grid point values of daily 500 mb geopotential height over the Northern Hemisphere for the 1963-1977 period has been conducted in order to calculate the seasonal frequency blocking variation and its geographical location, where blocking events require the persistence of a large positive anomaly for seven days or more. The geographical locations of the maximum frequency, characterized by three distinctly different maxima, remain nearly the same for all four seasons. Large persistent negative anomalies during the winter season are mostly associated with local high index flow. An examination of the seasonal variability of persistent characteristics of wave numbers 1-4, for 500 mb geopotential height between 50 and 70 deg N, shows that the large scale planetary waves have preferred phase locations for persistence beyond seven days.

Shukla, J.↗

Comparison of JPL-AIRSAR and DLR E-SAR images from the MAC Europe 1991 campaign over testsite Oberpfaffenhofen: Frequency and polarization dependent backscatter variations from agricultural fields

On July 12, the MAC Europe '91 (Multi-Sensor Airborne Campaign) took place over test site Oberpfaffenhofen. The DLR Institute of Radio-Frequency Technology participated with its C-VV, X-VV, and X-HH Experimental Synthetic Aperture Radar (E-SAR). The high resolution E-SAR images with a pixel size between 1 and 2 m and the polarimetric AIRSAR images were analyzed. Using both sensors in combination is a unique opportunity to evaluate SAR images in a frequency range from P- to X-band and to investigate polarimetric information.

Schmullius, C.↗

Flutter Boundary Identification From Simulation Time Histories

While there has been much recent progress in simulating nonlinear aeroelastic systems, and in predicting many of the aeroelastic phenomena of concern in transport aircraft design (i.e. transonic flutter buckets), the utility of a simulation in generating an understanding of the flutter behavior is limited. This is due in part to the high cost of generating these simulations; and the implied limitation on the number of conditions that can be analyzed, but there are also some difficulties introduced by the very nature of a simulation. Flutter engineers have traditionally worked in the frequency domain, and are accustomed to describing the flutter behavior of an airplane in terms of its V-G and V-F (or Q-G and Q-F) plots and flutter mode shapes. While the V-G and V-F plots give information about how the dynamic response of an airplane changes as the airspeed is increased, the simulation only gives information about one isolated condition (Mach, airspeed, altitude, etc.). Therefore, where a traditional flutter analysis can let the engineer determine an airspeed at which an airplane becomes unstable, while a simulation only serves as a binary check: either the airplane is fluttering at this condition, or it is not. In this document, a new technique is described in which system identification is used to easily extract modal frequencies and damping ratios from simulation time histories, and shows how the identified parameters can be used to determine the variation in frequency and dampin,o ratio as the airspeed is changed. This technique not only provides the flutter engineer with added insight into the aeroelastic behavior of the airplane, but it allows calculation of flutter mode shapes, and allows estimation of flutter boundaries while minimizing the number of simulations required.

Baker, Myles↗