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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.

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At least 163 records · Page 9
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NASA NTRS2011

Load Asymmetry Observed During Orion Main Parachute Inflation

The Crew Exploration Vehicle Parachute Assembly System (CPAS) has flight tested the first two generations of the Orion parachute program. Three of the second generation tests instrumented the dispersion bridles of the Main parachute with a Tension Measuring System. The goal of this load measurement was to better understand load asymmetry during the inflation process of a cluster of Main parachutes. The CPAS Main parachutes exhibit inflations that are much less symmetric than current parachute literature and design guides would indicate. This paper will examine loads data gathered on three cluster tests, quantify the degree of asymmetry observed, and contrast the results with published design guides. Additionally, the measured loads data will be correlated with videos of the parachute inflation to make inferences about the shape of the parachute and the relative load asymmetry. The goal of this inquiry and test program is to open a dialogue regarding asymmetrical parachute inflation load factors.

Morris, Aaron L.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Polarized radio emission from the edge-on spiral galaxies NGC 891 and NGC 4565

Results are presented, at a resolution of 20 arcsec, of observations of the distribution of radio continuum intensity and linear polarization with the VLA in two nearby edge-on spiral galaxies, NGC 891 and NGC 4565, at 6 and 20 cm, respectively. A unified model is presented to account for the main features of the radio polarization in these two galaxies. The model geometry is determined from recent observations of face-on galaxies where the polarized emission is found to be strongest in the dark inter-arm and outer parts of the disks. A substantial Z-thickness is ascribed to this polarized emission. It is shown that the exceptionally strong wavelength dependence of this type of Faraday depolarization can result in edge-on galaxies becoming rapidly 'Faraday thick' at decimeter wavelengths, thereby obliterating the polarization from regions on the dark side of the disk. The degree of polarization observed in both galaxies increases strongly with increasing Z-distance from the plane.

Sukumar, S.↗
NASA NTRS1992

GRIS observations of the galactic center and the gamma ray galactic diffuse continuum

On two flights in 1988, the Gamma-Ray Imaging Spectrometer (GRIS) discovered the galactic center in a high state (greater than 1 x 10(exp -3) ph/(sq cm sec)) of positron annihilation line emission (511 keV) after nearly a decade of failed attempts to confirm the exciting early results of balloon and satellite instruments. These two flights represented the first flights of a new generation of high resolution germanium spectrometers designed to achieve significantly greater sensitivity for astrophysical observations. During the fall flight, an observation of the galactic plane at 335 degrees longitude was also performed. This observation showed a very low level of 511 keV emission (2 +/- 1 x 10(exp -4) ph/(sq cm sec)), confirming the galactic center origin of the line, and a high level of hard x-ray and gamma-ray continuum emission (1 x 10(exp -4) ph/(sq cm sec keV) at 100 keV), which we attribute to galactic diffuse emission. Improved fits to the spectrum of the galactic center are presented with the proposed diffuse component subtracted. We conclude that our galactic center continuum spectrum is consistent with the sum of the 1E1740.7-2942 spectrum observed by SIGMA/GRANAT and our 1 = 335 degree galactic plane spectrum. The predicted diffuse flux should be easily measurable by the Oriented Scintillation Spectrometer Experiment (OSSE) experiment on the Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO).

Tueller, J.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Cooperation and Coordination Between Fuzzy Reinforcement Learning Agents in Continuous State Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes

Successful operations of future multi-agent intelligent systems require efficient cooperation schemes between agents sharing learning experiences. We consider a pseudo-realistic world in which one or more opportunities appear and disappear in random locations. Agents use fuzzy reinforcement learning to learn which opportunities are most worthy of pursuing based on their promise rewards, expected lifetimes, path lengths and expected path costs. We show that this world is partially observable because the history of an agent influences the distribution of its future states. We consider a cooperation mechanism in which agents share experience by using and-updating one joint behavior policy. We also implement a coordination mechanism for allocating opportunities to different agents in the same world. Our results demonstrate that K cooperative agents each learning in a separate world over N time steps outperform K independent agents each learning in a separate world over K*N time steps, with this result becoming more pronounced as the degree of partial observability in the environment increases. We also show that cooperation between agents learning in the same world decreases performance with respect to independent agents. Since cooperation reduces diversity between agents, we conclude that diversity is a key parameter in the trade off between maximizing utility from cooperation when diversity is low and maximizing utility from competitive coordination when diversity is high.

Berenji, Hamid R.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Aeroelastic Analysis of SUGAR Truss-Braced Wing Wind-Tunnel Model Using FUN3D and a Nonlinear Structural Model

Considerable attention has been given in recent years to the design of highly flexible aircraft. The results of numerous studies demonstrate the significant performance benefits of strut-braced wing (SBW) and trussbraced wing (TBW) configurations. Critical aspects of the TBW configuration are its larger aspect ratio, wing span and thinner wings. These aspects increase the importance of considering fluid/structure and control system coupling. This paper presents high-fidelity Navier-Stokes simulations of the dynamic response of the flexible Boeing Subsonic Ultra Green Aircraft Research (SUGAR) truss-braced wing wind-tunnel model. The latest version of the SUGAR TBW finite element model (FEM), v.20, is used in the present simulations. Limit cycle oscillations (LCOs) of the TBW wing/strut/nacelle are simulated at angle-of-attack (AoA) values of -1, 0 and +1 degree. The modal data derived from nonlinear static aeroelastic MSC.Nastran solutions are used at AoAs of -1 and +1 degrees. The LCO amplitude is observed to be dependent on AoA. LCO amplitudes at -1 degree are larger than those at +1 degree. The LCO amplitude at zero degrees is larger than either -1 or +1 degrees. These results correlate well with both wind-tunnel data and the behavior observed in previous studies using linear aerodynamics. The LCO onset at zero degrees AoA has also been computed using unloaded v.20 FEM modes. While the v.20 model increases the dynamic pressure at which LCO onset is observed, it is found that the LCO onset at and above Mach 0.82 is much different than that produced by an earlier version of the FEM, v. 19.

Bartels, Robert E.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Ion Temperature Control of the Io Plasma Torus

We report on observational and theoretical studies of ion temperature in the Io plasma torus. Ion temperature is a critical factor for two reasons. First, ions are a major supplier of energy to the torus electrons which power the intense EUV emissions. Second, ion temperature determines the vertical extent of plasma along field lines. Higher temperatures spread plasma out, lowers the density and slows reaction rates. The combined effects can play a controlling role in torus energetics and chemistry. An unexpected tool for the study of ion temperature is the longitudinal structure in the plasma torus which often manifests itself as periodic brightness variations. Opposite sides of the torus (especially magnetic longitudes 20 and 200 degrees) have been observed on numerous occasions to have dramatically different brightness, density, composition, ionization state, electron temperature and ion temperature. These asymmetries must ultimately be driven by different energy flows on the opposite sides, presenting an opportunity to observe key torus processes operating under different conditions. The most comprehensive dataset for the study of longitudinal variations was obtained by the Cassini UVIS instrument during its Jupiter flyby. Steffl (Ph.D. thesis, 2005) identified longitudinal variations in all the quantities listed above wit the exception of ion temperature. We extend his work by undertaking the first search for such variation in the UVIS dataset. We also report on a 'square centimeter' model of the torus which extend the traditional 'cubic centimeter' models by including the controlling effects of ion temperature more completely.

Delamere, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Spectroscopy of the Perseus Cluster

We present preliminary results of a XMM-Newton 50 ks observation of the Perseus Cluster that provides an unprecedented view of the central 0.5 Mpc region. The projected gas temperature declines smoothly by a factor of 2 from a maximum value of approx. 7 keV in the outer regions to just above 3 keV at the cluster center. Over this same range, the heavy-element abundance rises slowly from 0.4 to 0.5 solar as the radius decreases from 14 ft. to 5 ft., and then it rises to a peak of almost 0.7 solar at 1&farcm;25 before declining to 0.4 at the center. Th global east-west asymmetry of the gas temperature and surface brightness distributions, approximately aligned with the chain of bright galaxies, suggests an ongoing merger, although the modest degree of the observed asymmetry certainly excludes a major merger interpretation. The chain of galaxies probably traces the filament along which accretion started some time ago and is continuing at the present time. A cold and dense (low-entropy) cluster core like Perseus is probably well "protected" against the penetration of the gas of infalling groups and poor clusters, whereas in non-cooling core clusters such as Coma and A1367, infalling subclusters can penetrate deeply into the core region. In Perseus, gas associated with infalling groups may be stripped completely at the outskirts of the main cluster and only compression waves (shocks) may reach the central regions. We argue, and show supporting simulations, that the passage of such a wave(s) can qualitatively explain the overall horseshoe shaped appearance of the gas temperature map (the hot horseshoe surrounds the colder, low-entropy core) as well as other features of the Perseus Cluster core. These simulations also show that as compression waves traverse the cluster core, they can induce oscillatory motion of the cluster gas that can generate multiple sharp "edges" on opposite sides of the central galaxy. Gas motions induced by mergers may be a natural way to explain the high frequency of "edges" seen in clusters with cooling cores.

Jones, Christine↗
NASA NTRS1984

Measurements of the thermal plasma environment of the Space Shuttle

The paper presents some initial results on measurements of the thermal plasma environment obtained by a spherical retarding potential analyzer and a Langmuir probe flown on (STS-3) as part of the NASA Office of Space Science-1 payload in March 1982. One of the major effects observed is a higher degree of turbulence in the ambient plasma compared to what is observed from similar instruments flown on unmanned satellites. In addition we see the temperature of the thermal electrons elevated to values of 4000-5000 K. Associated with elevated electron temperatures are regions of enhanced plasma density resulting from the appearance of high densities of molecular ions. The thermal plasma data also show clear effects of an induced V x B.L potential at the location of the probes which matches that produced by an L vector linking the probes to the engine nozzles; thereby establishing the prime return current location on the Orbiter. The final observations discussed are the pronounced and complex wake effects resulting both from the main structure of the Orbiter and from the complex shapes of appendages attached to the Orbiter.

Raitt, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Impact of Archeomagnetic Field Model Data on Modern Era Geomagnetic Forecasts

A series of geomagnetic data assimilation experiments have been carried out to demonstrate the impact of assimilating archeomagnetic data via the CALS3k.4 geomagnetic field model from the period between 10 and 1590 CE. The assimilation continues with the gufm1 model from 1590 to 1990 and CM4 model from 1990 to 2000 as observations, and comparisons between these models and the geomagnetic forecasts are used to determine an optimal maximum degree for the archeomagnetic observations, and to independently estimate errors for these observations. These are compared with an assimilation experiment that uses the uncertainties provided with CALS3k.4. Optimal 20 year forecasts in 1990 are found when the Gauss coefficients up to degree 3 are assimilated. In addition we demonstrate how a forecast and observation bias correction scheme could be used to reduce bias in modern era forecasts. Initial experiments show that this approach can reduce modern era forecast biases by as much as 50 percent.

Tangborn, Andrew↗
NASA NTRS1972

Martian doublet craters.

A large number of Mars craters are nearly tangential to other craters. They occur in clusters or as isolated crater doublets. Results of probability calculations and a Monte Carlo cratering simulation model show conclusively that many of the Mars craters could not have resulted from random single-body impact. The possibility that these craters are calderas is considered possible only if calderas on Mars form by mechanisms different from those on earth. However, clusters and doublets could be caused by meteoroid breakup resulting from stresses induced in the meteoroid by the gravitational field of Mars. It is concluded that, under certain conditions, doublets should be produced on Mars as a direct result of breakup of an impacting meteoroid. The impact process can yield nonrandom crater distributions that should be observed in different degrees of development on different planetary surfaces.

Oberbeck, V. R.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Texturing in metals as a result of sliding

Sliding friction experiments were conducted with copper, nickel, iron, and cobalt sliding on themselves in air and argon. The resulting wear surfaces were examined with X-ray analysis to determine if surface texturing had occurred as a result of sliding. Results of the investigation indicate that, for the face-centered-cubic metals copper and nickel, a (111) texture develops with the (111) planes tilted 10 deg in the direction of sliding. The body-centered-cubic metal iron exhibited a (110) texture with the (100) direction oriented in the direction of sliding. It also exhibited a 10 deg tilt in the direction of sliding. The environment influenced the results in that the degree of texture observed in argon was less than that seen in air for iron. No texturing was observed for the close-packed-hexagonal metal cobalt. Recrystallization was observed with copper as a result of sliding.

Wheeler, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Texturing in metals as a result of sliding

Sliding friction experiments were conducted with copper, nickel, iron and cobalt sliding on themselves in air and argon. The resulting wear surfaces were examined by X-ray analysis to determine if surface texturing had occurred as a result of sliding. Results of the investigation indicate that, for the face-centered-cubic metals copper and nickel, a (111) texture develops with the (111) planes tilted 10 deg in the direction of sliding. The body-centered-cubic metal iron exhibited a (110) texture with the (111) direction oriented in the direction of sliding. It also exhibited a 10 deg tilt in the direction of sliding. The environment influenced the results in that the degree of texture observed in argon was less than that seen in air for iron. No texturing was observed for the close-packed-hexagonal metal cobalt. Recrystallization was observed with copper as a result of sliding.

Wheeler, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Crystallization kinetics, viscous flow, and thermal history of lunar breccia 67975

The maximum crystal growth rate for the 67975 matrix composition, about 0.00073 cm/min, was found to occur at about 990 C (undercooling 220 C). The Shaw (1972) model and, to a slightly lesser extent, the Bottinga and Weill (1972) model indicate the variation of viscosity with temperature. Time-temperature-transformation and continuous cooling curves were constructed from the measured crystal growth rates and viscosities and used to estimate the cooling rate required to form bodies with the degree of crystallinity observed in the matrix of the breccia. It is estimated on the basis of kinetic analysis that the 67975 breccia cooled at a rate of about 0.06 C/min over the temperature range below the liquidus. Heat flow analyses indicate that the 67975 breccia did not cool in the size of the lunar sample but as part of a much larger body. Viscous singering as well as cooling of a melt-clast mixture are investigated.

Uhlmann, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1975

The formation of lunar breccias - Sintering and crystallization kinetics

The process of clastic breccia formation by viscous sintering in a stress-free environment is analyzed by treating crystallization and sintering as concurrent, competing processes. The kinetic analysis of crystallization is based on the construction of continuous cooling curves corresponding to the degree of crystallinity observed in the matrix of the breccia. These curves are obtained from corresponding time-temperature-transformation curves, which in turn are constructed from measured values of the crystal growth rate together with calculated values of the nucleation frequency. The kinetic analysis of sintering is based on a modification of the Frenkel (1945) treatment of viscous sintering appropriate for conditions of continuous cooling. The analysis is applied to Lunar Composition 70019 to illustrate the approach. It is shown that it is possible from the kinetic analysis to estimate both the rate at which a given breccia cooled and the minimum temperature at which the matrix particles came in contact. The results obtained for Lunar Composition 70019 seem physically reasonable and suggest that this sample cooled on the surface of the moon in its present form rather than buried in an ejecta blanket from which it was later excavated.

Uhlmann, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Electron trapping and transport by supersonic solitons in one-dimensional systems

A one-dimensional chain of ions or molecules and electrons described by a Froehlich-type Hamiltonian with quartic phonon anharmonicities is investigated. It is shown that the anharmonic lattice supports supersonic solitons which under favorable circumstances may trap electrons and transport them along the lattice. For a lattice constant/soliton spatial extent quotient of the order of 0.1, rough estimates give electron trapping energies in the meV range. They imply a useful temperature range, up to tens of degrees K, for observing the new effect. The activation energy of a lattice soliton is proportional to the molecular mass and is therefore quite high (about 1 eV) for typical quasi-one-dimensional organic systems.

Zmuidzinas, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Time structure of postmidnight energetic electron precipitation and the limit of stable trapping

The paper examines the detailed time structure of high-energy (over 30 keV) electron precipitation along the morningside and dayside of the auroral zone. To this end, available high time resolution data from the Ogo 6 energetic electron experiment are analyzed. The relationship between trapped flux levels and degree of precipitation observed is studied from an observational standpoint and compared with the critical flux levels estimated by Kennel and Petschek (1966). A possible explanation within the general framework of the Kennel-Petschek theory of the observed burstlike precipitation episodes is presented, and the implications of these features for the average lifetime of electrons in drifting clouds are discussed.

Trefall, H.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Rates and processes of crystal growth in the system anorthite-albite

The growth rates and interface morphologies of crystals of synthetic compositions in the anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8)-albite (NaAlSi3O8) plagioclase feldspar system are measured in an investigation of the crystallization of igneous rocks. Mixed plagioclase glasses with compositions of 75% and 50% anorthite were observed using the microscope heating technique as they crystallized at temperatures near the liquidus, and 75%, 50% and 20% anorthite crystals were treated by resistance heating and observed at greater degrees of undercooling. Growth rates were found to be independent of time and to decrease with increasing albite content, ranging from 0.5 to 2 x 10 to the -5th cm/min. The crystal morphologies for all compositions are faceted near the liquidus and become progressively skeletal, dendritic and fibrillar with increasing undercooling.

Kirkpatrick, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Hydromagnetic waves and turbulence in the solar wind

The paper presents a state-of-the-art review of interplanetary fluctuations, their origins, and their effects on the solar wind. Typical values of parameters to waves and turbulence in the solar wind are examined, along with a classification of large-amplitude waves. Cases where description by the MHD theory is qualitatively correct and where it can be misleading are noted. An attempt is made to state rigorously the essential points of hydromagnetic-wave theory and to identify areas in which theoretical research needs to be extended. The review covers the observed hydromagnetic fluctuations, their interpretation in terms of current theory, and the degree of closure between observation and theory. The spatial distribution and origins of waves in the solar wind are discussed.

Barnes, A.↗