Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “infinite thickness”

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 145 records · Page 8

Extension of Case's method to the two-region critical cylinder and its application as an analytic standard

The normal mode expansion technique is applied to the transformed monoenergetic integral transport equation to develop a solution for the rotationally invariant and axially infinite, critical, two-region cylinder with a finite outer reflector boundary. Isotropic scattering and identical neutron mean free paths in the core and reflector regions are assumed. The solution in terms of singular integral equations is obtained by applying a completeness theorem found for the singular eigenfunctions. Numerical results for a variety of core and reflector multiplying properties and reflector thickness are presented and compared with the results of other method. An example of this type of application is given in a study of approximations inherent in the neutronic design analysis of a small, fast-neutron-spectrum reactor concept proposed as a space power source.

Westfall, R. M.↗

Influence of surface roughness and waviness on film thickness and pressure distribution in elastohydrodynamic contacts

The Christensen theory of a stochastic model for hydrodynamic lubrication of rough surfaces was extended to elastohydrodynamic lubrication between two rollers. Solutions for the reduced pressure at the entrance as a function of the ratio of the average nominal film thickness to the rms surface roughness, were obtained numerically. Results were obtained for purely transverse as well as purely longitudinal surface roughness for cases with or without slip. The reduced pressure was shown to decrease slightly by considering longitudinal surface roughness. The same approach was used to study the effect of surface roughness on lubrication between rigid rollers and lubrication of an infinitely wide slider bearing. Using the flow balance concept, the perturbed Reynolds equation, was derived and solved for the perturbed pressure distribution. In addition, Cheng's numerical scheme was modified to incorporate a single two-dimensional elastic asperity on the stationary surface. The perturbed pressures obtained by these three different models were compared.

Chow, L. S. H.↗

Recombination phenomena in high efficiency silicon solar cells

The dominant recombination phenomena which limit the highest efficiency attainable in silicon solar cells under terrestrial sunlight are reviewed. The ultimate achievable efficiency is limited by the two intrinsic recombination mechanisms, the interband Auger recombination and interband Radiative recombination, both of which occur in the entire cell body but principally in the base layer. It is suggested that an optimum (26%) cell design is one with lowly doped 50 to 100 micron thick base, a perfect BSF, and zero extrinsic recombination such as the thermal mechanism at recombination centers the Shockley-Read-Hall process (SRH) in the bulk, on the surface and at the interfaces. The importance of recombination at the interfaces of a high-efficiency cell is demonstrated by the ohmic contact on the back surface whose interface recombination velocity is infinite. The importance of surface and interface recombination is demonstrated by representing the auger and radiative recombination losses by effective recombination velocities. It is demonstrated that the three highest efficiency cells may all be limited by the SRH recombination losses at recombination centers in the base layer.

Sah, C. T.↗

ALESEP. Part 2: A computer program for the analysis of leading edge separation bubbles on infinite swept wings

A program called ALESEP is presented for the analysis of the inviscid-viscous interaction which occurs due to the presence of a closed laminar-transitional separation bubble on an airfoil or infinite swept wing. The ALESEP code provides an iterative solution of the boundary layer equations expressed in an inverse formulation coupled to a Cauchy integral representation of the inviscid flow. This interaction analysis is treated as a local perturbation to a known solution obtained from a global airfoil analysis; hence, part of the required input to the ALESEP code are the reference displacement thickness and tangential velocity distributions. Special windward differencing may be used in the reversed flow regions of the separation bubble to accurately account for the flow direction in the discretization of the streamwise convection of momentum. The ALESEP code contains a forced transition model based on a streamwise intermittency function, a natural transition model based on a solution of the integral form of the turbulent kinetic energy equation, and an empirical natural transition model.

Davis, R. L.↗

User's manual for the Langley boundary layer noise propagation program (MRS-BLP)

A computer program, McAninch-Rawls-Spence Boundary Layer Propagation (MRS-BLP), is described. This program models the refractive and scattering effects on acoustic pressure waves propagating through a boundary layer encompassing an aircraft's fuselage. The noise source is assumed known and generated by a propeller. The fuselage is represented by an infinitely long cylinder embedded in a longitudinal flow. By matching a numerical solution inside the boundary layer with an analytical solution outside the boundary layer, the program calculates the acoustic pressure at the surface of the cylinder given the incident field at the top of the boundary layer. The boundary layer flow velocity and sound speed profiles, as well as the boundary layer thickness may be specified by the user. A detailed description of the input parameters and how to execute the program is given. Example executions of MRS-BLP showing results are also included.

Spence, Peter L.↗

Planetary isophotes as a clue to aerosol characteristics

A study was made to see how much information could be extracted from the Mariner 9 Mars isophotes taken at phase angle roughly 60 deg. Minnaert functions and both isotropic and Rayleigh scattering could easily be ruled out, and it was essential to use forward-peaked phase functions computed from Mie theory. Isophotes similar to those observed are plotted assuming a semi-infinite dust cloud with a considerable variation in particle properties and size distribution, so long as the ratio of the multiply to singly scattered light is held within certain limits. These conditions are met by micron-sized, moderately absorbing mineral grains whose mean size should not be much larger than a micron. It was also found that a dust cloud of finite optical thickness bounded from below by a Lambert ground would fit the isophote data.

Kattawar, G. W.↗

MHD Simulations of Earth's Bow Shock at low Mach Numbers: Standoff Distances

Global, three-dimensional, ideal MHD simulations of Earth's bow shock are reported for low Alfven Mach numbers M(sub A) and quasi-perpendicular magnetic field orientations. The simulations use a hard, infinitely conducting magnetopauause obstacle, with axisymmetric three-dimensional location given by scaled standard model, to directly address previous gasdynamic (GD) and field-aligned MHD (FA-MHD) work. Tests of the simulated shocks' density jumps X for 1.4 approx. less than MA approx. less than 10 and the high M(sub A) shock location, and reproduction of the GD relation between magnetosheath thickness and X for quasi-gasdynamic MHD runs with M(sub A) much greater than M(sub s), confirm that the MHD code is working correctly. The MHD simulations show the standoff distance a(sub s), increasing monotonically with decreasing M(sub A). Significantly larger a(sub s), are found at low M(sub A) than predicted by GD and phenomenological MHD models and FA-MHD simulations, as required qualitatively by observations. The GD and FA-MHD predictions err qualitatively, predicting either constant or decreasing a(sub s), with decreasing M(sub A). This qualitative difference between quasi- perpendicular MHD and FA-MHD simulations is direct evidence for a(sub s), depending on the magnetic field orientation Theta. The enhancement factor over the phenomenological MHD predictions at MA approx. 2.4 agrees quantitatively with one observatiorial estimate. A linear relationship is found between the magnetosheath thickness and X, modified both quantitatively and intrinsically by MHD effects from the GD result. The MHD and GD results agree in the high M(sub A) limit. An MHD theory is developed for a(sub s), restricted to sufficiently perpendicular Theta and high sonic Mach numbers M(sub s). It explains the simulation results with excellent accuracy. Observational and further simulation testing of this MHD theory, and of its predicted M(sub A), Theta, and M(sub s) effects, is desirable.

Cairns, Iver H.↗

High-frequency techniques for RCS prediction of plate geometries

The principal-plane scattering from perfectly conducting and coated strips and rectangular plates is examined. Previous reports have detailed Geometrical Theory of Diffraction/Uniform Theory of Diffraction (GTD/UTD) solutions for these geometries. The GTD/UTD solution for the perfectly conducting plate yields monostatic radar cross section (RCS) results that are nearly identical to measurements and results obtained using the Moment Method (MM) and the Extended Physical Theory of Diffraction (EPTD). This was demonstrated in previous reports. The previous analysis is extended to bistatic cases. GTD/UTD results for the principal-plane scattering from a perfectly conducting, infinite strip are compared to MM and EPTD data. A comprehensive overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the GTD/UTD and of the EPTD and a detailed analysis of the results from both methods are provided. Several previous reports also presented preliminary discussions and results for a GTD/UTD model of the RCS of a coated, rectangular plate. Several approximations for accounting for the finite coating thickness, plane-wave incidence, and far-field observation were discussed. Here, these approximations are replaced by a revised wedge diffraction coefficient that implicitly accounts for a coating on a perfect conductor, plane-wave incidence, and far-field observation. This coefficient is computationally more efficient than the previous diffraction coefficient because the number of Maliuzhinets functions that must be calculated using numerical integration is reduced by a factor of 2. The derivation and the revised coefficient are presented in detail for the hard polarization case. Computations and experimental data are also included. The soft polarization case is currently under investigation.

Balanis, Constantine A.↗

The Influence of Finite-size Sources in Acousto-ultrasonics

This work explores the effects that the finite normal axisymmetric traction loading of an infinite isotropic plate has on wave propagation in acousto-ultrasonics (AU), in which guided waves are created using two normal incidence transducers. Although the work also addresses the effects of the transducer pressure distribution and pulse shape, this thesis concentrates on two main questions: how does the transducer's diameter control the phase velocity and frequency spectrum of the response, and how does the plate thickness relate to the plate's excitability? The mathematics of the time-harmonic solution and the physical principles and the practical considerations for AU wave generation are explained. Transient sources are modeled by the linear superposition of the time-harmonic solutions found using the Hankel transform and they are then compared to experimental data to provide insight into the relation between the size of the transducer and the preferred phase velocity.

Pavlakovic, Brian N.↗

Analysis of the electromagnetic scattering from an inlet geometry with lossy walls

One of the primary goals is to develop an approximate but sufficiently accurate analysis for the problem of electromagnetic (EM) plane wave scattering by an open ended, perfectly-conducting, semi-infinite hollow circular waveguide (or duct) with a thin, uniform layer of lossy or absorbing material on its inner wall, and with a simple termination inside. The less difficult but useful problem of the EM scattering by a two-dimensional (2-D), semi-infinite parallel plate waveguide with an impedance boundary condition on the inner walls was chosen initially for analysis. The impedance boundary condition in this problem serves to model a thin layer of lossy dielectric/ferrite coating on the otherwise perfectly-conducting interior waveguide walls. An approximate but efficient and accurate ray solution was obtained recently. That solution is presently being extended to the case of a moderately thick dielectric/ferrite coating on the walls so as to be valid for situations where the impedance boundary condition may not remain sufficiently accurate.

Myung, N. H.↗

Planetary isophotes as a clue to aerosol characteristics

A study was conducted to see how much information could be extracted from the Mariner 9 Mars isophotes taken at a phase angle of approximately 60 deg. It was found that the Minnaert functions and both isotropic and Rayleigh scattering could easily be ruled out, and that it was essential to use forward-peaked phase functions, which were computed from Mie theory. Isophotes similar to those observed assuming a semi-infinite dust cloud with a considerable variation in particle properties and size distribution could be obtained, so long as the ratio of the multiply- to singly-scattered light was held within certain limits. These conditions are met by micron-sized, moderatly absorbing mineral grains whose mean size should not be much larger than a micron. It was also found that a dust cloud of finite optical thickness bounded from below by a Lambert ground would fit the isophote data.

Kattawar, G. W.↗

An integral solution procedure for radiative transfer in concentric cylindrical media

A complete integral formulation is developed for radiative transfer in emitting and absorbing media contained between infinitely long, concentric cylinders with black surfaces. The resulting flux equation is used to state both the gray and nongray radiative equilibrium problems that are solved numerically with controlled error. The results are compared with those from other approaches, both approximate and geometrically limiting, to check and put into perspective the present and prior work. The nongray solution is unique for concentric cylindrical media. The independent parameters of optical thickness and radius ratio are varied to study the emissive power (temperature) distribution, total heat flux, and the required computational time.

Pandey, D. K.↗

The acoustic radiation damping of the modes of a rectangular panel

The acoustic damping for single modes of a finite rectangular panel, simply supported in an infinite baffle, is theoretically determined from the ratio of the acoustic energy radiated per cycle to the vibratory energy of the panel. Asymptotic solutions for the low-frequency region are presented for a panel mode driven at an arbitrary frequency and for a panel mode vibrating at its natural frequency. Curves of acoustic damping for a panel mode vibrating at resonance, as a function of the panel thickness-to-length ratio, are presented for various panel aspect ratios. For panels vibrating below the critical frequency, the damping depends on the aspect ratio with square panels developing the smallest value. For panels vibrating above the critical frequency, the damping is nearly independent of the aspect ratio.

Wallace, C. E.↗

Redistribution of subsurface neutrons caused by ground ice on Mars

The purpose of this study is to build on that of Squyres and Evans to approach the specific problem of the buried ice deposits explored by Mellon and Jakosky. Therefore, we calculated the depth dependence of equilibrium neutron energy spectra and related neutron-capture gamma ray production rates for a semi-infinite layer of regolith having a Chryse-fines composition containing 5, 10, and 18 wt percent of water. This high water-content layer was buried beneath the same regolith containing 1 percent water at depths of 20, 40, and 80 g/ sq. cm. A 16-g/sq. cm atmosphere having the abundances measured by Owen et al. was included throughout. We also calculated the effects of a 30-g/sq. cm-thick layer containing 18 percent water embedded within a semi-finite regolith containing 1 percent water, at depths of 20, 40, and 80 g/sq. cm below the atmosphere-surface interface.

Feldman, W. C.↗

Photometric studies of Saturn's ring and eclipses of the Galilean satellites

Reliable data defining the photometric function of the Saturn ring system at visual wavelengths are interpreted in terms of a simple scattering model. To facilitate the analysis, new photographic photometry of the ring has been carried out and homogeneous measurements of the mean surface brightness are presented. The ring model adopted is a plane parallel slab of isotropically scattering particles; the single scattering albedo and the perpendicular optical thickness are both arbitrary. Results indicate that primary scattering is inadequate to describe the photometric properties of the ring: multiple scattering predominates for all angles of tilt with respect to the Sun and earth. In addition, the scattering phase function of the individual particles is significantly anisotropic: they scatter preferentially towards the sun. Photoelectric photometry of Ganymede during its eclipse by Jupiter indicate that neither a simple reflecting-layer model nor a semi-infinite homogeneous scattering model provides an adequate physical description of the Jupiter atmosphere.

Brunk, W. E.↗

Recent advances in LPE GaAs-based solar cells

Several modifications were made to an infinite solution liquid phase epitaxy system that help fabricate both GaAs-based cells and thin cells that effectively reduce power-to-weight ratio for space applications. The most important development is the multiwell crucible for multilayer growth. Using a split crucible in one system, as many as five layers were grown in succession with varying Al levels and dopants. The structures grown were used to produce thin GaAs cells only 10 to 20 microns thick and also to grow cascade cell components. Results of these studies are presented and their applications to the future development of GaAs-based cells are discussed.

Kamath, G. S.↗

LDEF: Dosimetric measurement results (AO 138-7 experiment)

One of the objectives of the AO 138-7 experiment on board the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) was a total dose measurement with Thermo Luminescent Detectors (TLD 100). Two identical packages, both of them including five TLD's inside various aluminum shields, are exposed to the space environment in order to obtain the absorbed dose profile. Radiation fluence received during the total mission length was computed, taking into account the trapped particles (AE8 and AP8 models during solar maximum and minimum periods) and the cosmic rays; due to the magnetospheric shielding the solar proton fluences are negligible on the LDEF orbit. The total dose induced by these radiations inside a semi infinite plane shield of aluminum are computed with the radiation transport codes available at DERTS. The dose profile obtained is in good agreement with the evaluation by E.V. Benton. TLD readings are performed after flight; due to the mission duration increase a post flight calibration was necessary in order to cover the range of the in flight induced dose. The results obtained, similar (plus or minus 30 percent) for both packages, are compared with the dose profile computation. For thick shields it seems that the measurements exceed the forecast (about 40 percent). That can be due to a cosmic ray and trapped proton contributions coming from the backside (assumed as perfectly shielded by the LDEF structure in the computation), or to an underestimate of the proton or cosmic ray fluences. A fine structural shielding analysis should be necessary in order to determine the origin of this slight discrepancy between forecast and in flight measurements. For the less shielded dosimeters, mainly exposed to the trapped electron flux, a slight overestimation of the dose (less than 40 percent) appears. Due to the dispersion of the TLD's response, this cannot be confirmed. In practice these results obtained on board LDEF, with less than a factor 1.4 between measurements and forecast, reinforce the validity of the computation methods and models used for the long term evaluation of the radiation levels (flux and dose) encountered in space on low inclination and altitude Earth orbits.

Bourrieau, J.↗

The effects of flaring in H1 on the observed velocity field of spirals

This work is part of a larger project in which we want to determine the shapes of dark halos around spiral galaxies. Rotation curves 'probe' the halos in the radial direction. The derived halo mass distributions are badly constrained. The local halo densities fully determine the width of the gas distribution once the gaseous velocity dispersion is known. There where the dark halo dominates, the Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) of the gas layer is proportional to (rho(sub halo))(exp -0.5). Therefore, measuring the width of the gas layer probes the halo density directly. In a dark halo dominated potential, the FWHM of the gas layer increases linearly with radius. This increase of the thickness of the gas layer is known as 'flaring'. Flaring has been found inside the stellar disk. Beyond the edge of the stellar disk, the analysis is hampered by the onset of the warp. Since the galaxy we are studying, NGC 4244, has no significant warp we hope to extend Rupen's analysis into the halo dominated regime. The usual method to derive a rotation curve from an observed 2-dimensional velocity field is to assume that the hydrogen is distributed in infinitely thin rings. For a flaring disk, any line of sight samples many different parts of the galaxy, all having different densities and projected velocities. In order to fully exploit the information contained in the gas distribution, we have to understand the effects of flaring on the observables (the spectrum for each point of the galaxy). We have investigated the effects of a flaring disk on the observed velocity field. It is obvious that the largest (kinematical) effects are to be expected for low density dark halos at large inclinations. For low mass galaxies we expect that the flaring of the H1 layer will have a major effect on the observed kinematics. For galaxy with intermediate V(sub max,halo) seen at intermediate inclinations, one overestimates Vsin(i) typically by a few percent. For more massive galaxies, any effects arising from the flaring H1 layer are minuscule unless the inclination is not too far from 90 deg.

Olling, Rob↗