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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 NTRS1983

Recent progress in the application of satellite altimetry to observing the mesoscale variability and general circulation of the oceans

The application of GEOS-3 and Seasat altimeter data to the study of mesoscale variability and general circulation in the oceans is discussed in a survey of recent investigations. Seasat provided much more accurate measurements, but lasted only 3.5 months (compared to 3.5 years for GEOS-3). General-circulation studies are shown to be strongly dependent on an accurate geoid, which has not yet been developed; hence even large-wave-length (7000-km) mapping is of limited value. Geoid-independent methods allow the global mapping of mesoscale sea-surface height and geostrophic current and the analysis of their distribution in wavenumber space, at least to the limits allowed by the accuracy of the instruments. These studies demonstrate the feasibility of future satellite-altimeter measurements of variability over a wide range of periods and wavelengths, which if combined with improved mapping of the earth's gravity field) would permit the determination of the general circulation on scales as small as 200 km.

Fu, L.-L.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Stratospheric wind errors, initial states and forecast skill in the GLAS general circulation model

Relations between stratospheric wind errors, initial states and 500 mb skill are investigated using the GLAS general circulation model initialized with FGGE data. Erroneous stratospheric winds are seen in all current general circulation models, appearing also as weak shear above the subtropical jet and as cold polar stratospheres. In this study it is shown that the more anticyclonic large-scale flows are correlated with large forecast stratospheric winds. In addition, it is found that for North America the resulting errors are correlated with initial state jet stream accelerations while for East Asia the forecast winds are correlated with initial state jet strength. Using 500 mb skill scores over Europe at day 5 to measure forecast performance, it is found that both poor forecast skill and excessive stratospheric winds are correlated with more anticyclonic large-scale flows over North America. It is hypothesized that the resulting erroneous kinetic energy contributes to the poor forecast skill, and that the problem is caused by a failure in the modeling of the stratospheric energy cycle in current general circulation models independent of vertical resolution.

Tenenbaum, J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

A substructure coupling procedure applicable to general linear time-invariant dynamic systems

A substructure synthesis procedure applicable to structural systems containing general nonconservative terms is presented. In their final form, the non-self-adjoint substructure equations of motion are cast in state vector form through the use of a variational principle. A reduced-order model for each substructure is implemented by representing the substructure as a combination of a small number of Ritz vectors. For the method presented, the substructure Ritz vectors are identified as a truncated set of substructure eigenmodes, which are typically complex, along with a set of generalized real attachment modes. The formation of the generalized attachment modes does not require any knowledge of the substructure flexible modes; hence, only the eigenmodes used explicitly as Ritz vectors need to be extracted from the substructure eigenproblem. An example problem is presented to illustrate the method.

Howsman, T. G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

A substructure coupling procedure applicable to general linear time-invariant dynamic systems

A substructure synthesis procedure applicable to structural systems containing general nonconservative terms is presented. In their final form, the nonself-adjoint substructure equations of motion are cast in state vector form through the use of a variational principle. A reduced-order mode for each substructure is implemented by representing the substructure as a combination of a small number of Ritz vectors. For the method presented, the substructure Ritz vectors are identified as a truncated set of substructure eigenmodes, which are typically complex, along with a set of generalized real attachment modes. The formation of the generalized attachment modes does not require any knowledge of the substructure flexible modes; hence, only the eigenmodes used explicitly as Ritz vectors need to be extracted from the substructure eigenproblem. An example problem is presented to illustrate the method.

Howsman, T. G.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Periodic orbits of the general three-body problem for the sun-Jupiter-Saturn system

Two families of symmetric periodic orbits of the planar, general, three-body problem are presented. The masses of the three bodies include ratios equal to the sun-Jupiter-Saturn system and the periods of the orbits of Jupiter and Saturn are in a 2:5 resonance. The (linear) stability of the orbits are studied in relation to eccentricity and mass variations. The generation of the two families of periodic orbits follows a systematic approach and employs (numerical) continuation from periodic orbits of the first and second kind in the circular restricted problem to the elliptic restricted problem and from the circular and elliptic problems to the general problem through bifurcation phenomena relating the three dynamical systems. The approach also provides insight into the evolutionary process of periodic orbits continued from the restricted problems to the general problem.

Kwok, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A General-applications Direct Global Matrix Algorithm for Rapid Seismo-acoustic Wavefield Computations

A new matrix method for rapid wave propagation modeling in generalized stratified media, which has recently been applied to numerical simulations in diverse areas of underwater acoustics, solid earth seismology, and nondestructive ultrasonic scattering is explained and illustrated. A portion of recent efforts jointly undertaken at NATOSACLANT and NORDA Numerical Modeling groups in developing, implementing, and testing a new fast general-applications wave propagation algorithm, SAFARI, formulated at SACLANT is summarized. The present general-applications SAFARI program uses a Direct Global Matrix Approach to multilayer Green's function calculation. A rapid and unconditionally stable solution is readily obtained via simple Gaussian ellimination on the resulting sparsely banded block system, precisely analogous to that arising in the Finite Element Method. The resulting gains in accuracy and computational speed allow consideration of much larger multilayered air/ocean/Earth/engineering material media models, for many more source-receiver configurations than previously possible. The validity and versatility of the SAFARI-DGM method is demonstrated by reviewing three practical examples of engineering interest, drawn from ocean acoustics, engineering seismology and ultrasonic scattering.

Schmidt, H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Fatigue crack growth under general-yielding cyclic-loading

In low cycle fatigue, cracks are initiated and propagated under general yielding cyclic loading. For general yielding cyclic loading, Dowling and Begley have shown that fatigue crack growth rate correlates well with the measured delta J. The correlation of da/dN with delta J was also studied by a number of other investigators. However, none of thse studies have correlated da/dN with delta J calculated specifically for the test specimens. Solomon measured fatigue crack growth in specimens in general yielding cyclic loading. The crack tips fields for Solomon's specimens are calculated using the finite element method and the J values of Solomon's tests are evaluated. The measured crack growth rate in Solomon's specimens correlates very well with the calculated delta J.

Minzhong, Z.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Impact of FGGE on diagnoses of the general circulation

Several studies have pointed out that a number of significant differences exist in circulation fields derived from the various Level IIIb analyses. For example, differences in the strength of the January Hadley cell between the GFDL and ECMWF analyses are as large as 35 percent, and there are some locations over the Northern Hemisphere where the 200 mb zonal wind in January differs by 10 m/s between these two analyses. Calculations of the global energy cycle based on the GFDL and ECMWF analyses are significantly different as well. In addition, the uncertain quality of some of the FGGE IIIb moisture and vertical motion fields raises doubts about whether new insights into the role of these fields in the general circulation will be gained from the FGGE data. Overall, therefore, a sense of disappointment emerges that the FGGE analyses have thus far failed to live up to the expectation that they would yield more definitive general circulation statistics. The shortcomings in the Level IIIb analyses need to be rectified before full confidence can be placed in results pertaining to the general circulation that are based on such modern data assimilation approaches.

Rosen, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Fatigue crack growth under general-yielding cyclic-loading

In low cycle fatigue, cracks are initiated, and propagated under general-yielding cyclic loading. For general-yielding cyclic loading, Dowling and Begley (1976) have shown that fatigue crack growth rate correlates well with the measured Delta J. The correlation of da/dN with Delta J has also been studied by a number of other investigators. However, none of these studies has correlated da/dN with Delta J calculated specifically for the test specimens. Solomon measured fatigue crack growth in specimens in general-yielding cyclic loading. The crack tip fields for Solomon's specimens are calculated, using the finite element method, and the J-values of Solomon's tests are evaluated. The measured crack growth rate in Solomon's specimens correlates very well with the calculated Delta J.

Minzhong, Z.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Wind-tunnel investigation of the flight characteristics of a canard general-aviation airplane configuration

A 0.36-scale model of a canard general-aviation airplane with a single pusher propeller and winglets was tested in the Langley 30- by 60-Foot Wind Tunnel to determine the static and dynamic stability and control and free-flight behavior of the configuration. Model variables made testing of the model possible with the canard in high and low positions, with increased winglet area, with outboard wing leading-edge droop, with fuselage-mounted vertical fin and rudder, with enlarged rudders, with dual deflecting rudders, and with ailerons mounted closer to the wing tips. The basic model exhibited generally good longitudinal and lateral stability and control characteristics. The removal of an outboard leading-edge droop degraded roll damping and produced lightly damped roll (wing rock) oscillations. In general, the model exhibited very stable dihedral effect but weak directional stability. Rudder and aileron control power were sufficiently adequate for control of most flight conditions, but appeared to be relatively weak for maneuvering compared with those of more conventionally configured models.

Satran, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Analysis and synthesis of abstract data types through generalization from examples

The discovery of general patterns of behavior from a set of input/output examples can be a useful technique in the automated analysis and synthesis of software systems. These generalized descriptions of the behavior form a set of assertions which can be used for validation, program synthesis, program testing and run-time monitoring. Describing the behavior is characterized as a learning process in which general patterns can be easily characterized. The learning algorithm must choose a transform function and define a subset of the transform space which is related to equivalence classes of behavior in the original domain. An algorithm for analyzing the behavior of abstract data types is presented and several examples are given. The use of the analysis for purposes of program synthesis is also discussed.

Wild, Christian↗
NASA NTRS1987

Development of a two-dimensional zonally averaged statistical-dynamical model. I - The parameterization of moist convection and its role in the general circulation

The moist convection parameterization used in the GISS 3-D GCM is adapted for use in a two-dimensional (2-D) zonally averaged statistical-dynamical model. Experiments with different versions of the parameterization show that its impact on the general circulation in the 2-D model does not parallel its impact in the 3-D model unless the effect of zonal variations is parameterized in the moist convection calculations. A parameterization of the variations in moist static energy is introduced in which the temperature variations are calculated from baroclinic stability theory, and the relative humidity is assumed to be constant. Inclusion of the zonal variations of moist static energy in the 2-D moist convection parameterization allows just a fraction of a latitude circle to be unstable and enhances the amount of deep convection. This leads to a 2-D simulation of the general circulation very similar to that in the 3-D model. The experiments show that the general circulation is sensitive to the parameterized amount of deep convection in the subsident branch of the Hadley cell. The more there is, the weaker are the Hadley cell circulations and the westerly jets. The experiments also confirm the effects of momentum mixing associated with moist convection found by earlier investigators and, in addition, show that the momentum mixing weakens the Ferrel cell. An experiment in which the moist convection was removed while the hydrological cycle was retained and the eddy forcing was held fixed shows that moist convection by itself stabilizes the tropics, reduces the Hadley circulation, and reduces the maximum speeds in the westerly jets.

Yao, Mao-Sung↗
NASA NTRS1987

A comparative study of rapidly and slowly rotating dynamical regimes in a terrestrial general circulation model

As a preliminary step in the development of a general circulation model for general planetary use, a simplified vesion of thef GISS Model I GCM has been run at various rotation periods to investigate differences between the dynamical regimes of rapidly and slowly rotating planets. To isolate the dynamical processes, the hydrologic cycle is suppressed and the atmosphere is forced with perpetual annual mean solar heating. All other parameters except the rotation period remain fixed at their terrestrial values. Experiments were conducted for rotation periods of 2/3, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 64 and 256 days. The results are in qualitative agreement with similar experiments carried out previously with other GCMs and with certain aspects of one Venus GCM simulation. As rotation rate decreases, the energetics shifts from baroclinc to quasi-barotropic when the Rossby radius of deformation reaches planetary scale. The Hadley cell expands poleward and replaces eddies as the primary mode of large-scale heat transport. Associated with this is a poleward shift of the baroclinic zone and jet stream and a reduction of the equator-pole temperature contrast. Midlatitude jet strength peaks at 8 days period, as does the weak positive equatorial zonal wind which occurs at upper levels at all rotation periods. Eddy momentum transport switches from poleward to equatorward at the same period. Tropospheric mean static stability generally increases in the tropics and decreases in midlatitudes as rotation rate decreases, but the global mean static stability is independent of rotation rate. The peak in the eddy kinetic energy spectrum shifts toward lower wavenumbers, reaching wavenumber 1 at a period of 8 days. Implications of these results for the dynamics of Venus and Titan are discussed. Specifically, it is suggested that the extent of low-level convection determines whether the Gierasch mechanism contributes significantly to equatorial superrotation on these planets.

Del Genio, Anthony D.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Analysis and synthesis of abstract data types through generalization from examples

The discovery of general patterns of behavior from a set of input/output examples can be a useful technique in the automated analysis and synthesis of software systems. These generalized descriptions of the behavior form a set of assertions which can be used for validation, program synthesis, program testing, and run-time monitoring. Describing the behavior is characterized as a learning process in which the set of inputs is mapped into an appropriate transform space such that general patterns can be easily characterized. The learning algorithm must chose a transform function and define a subset of the transform space which is related to equivalence classes of behavior in the original domain. An algorithm for analyzing the behavior of abstract data types is presented and several examples are given. The use of the analysis for purposes of program synthesis is also discussed.

Wild, Christian↗
NASA NTRS1987

Development of a two-dimensional zonally averaged statistical-dynamical model. II - The role of eddy momentum fluxes in the general circulation and their parameterization

The role of eddy momentum fluxes in the general circulation was investigated using a two-dimensional zonally averaged statistical-dynamical model described by Yao and Stone (1987), which is almost two orders of magnitude faster than the three-dimensional climate model of Hansen et al. (1983). Results show that the vertical structure of the meridional eddy flux has relatively little impact on the general circulation, presumably because the vertical structure is strongly constrained by the thermal wind relation and surface friction. On the other hand, it was found that, in order to simulate accurately the general circulation and its response to climate changes, parameterization of the vertically integrated meridional eddy flux of angular momentum is necessary. A new parameterization of this eddy momentum transport was carried out, which is intended to represent the transport due to large-scale transient eddies arising from baroclinic instability.

Stone, Peter H.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Automatic line generalization using zero-crossings

The problem of automating the process of line generalization has been very difficult. It has not been solved yet despite the concerted effort of many private firms as well as government agencies. There does not exist an algorithm which can automatically perform this process when there is a drastic change in scale between the original and generalized maps. In this paper, an algorithm which is successful in automatically generalizing lines from any large scale to any small scale is presented. The algorthm achieves different levels of smoothing the line while preserving the overall shape of the line. The results are compared with those obtained by manual methods. It was found that the results obtained by the algorithm are very close to those obtained by cartographers using manual methods.

Thapa, K.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Generalized Eigenvalues for pairs on heritian matrices

A study was made of certain special cases of a generalized eigenvalue problem. Let A and B be nxn matrics. One may construct a certain polynomial, P(A,B, lambda) which specializes to the characteristic polynomial of B when A equals I. In particular, when B is hermitian, that characteristic polynomial, P(I,B, lambda) has real roots, and one can ask: are the roots of P(A,B, lambda) real when B is hermitian. We consider the case where A is positive definite and show that when N equals 3, the roots are indeed real. The basic tools needed in the proof are Shur's theorem on majorization for eigenvalues of hermitian matrices and the interlacing theorem for the eigenvalues of a positive definite hermitian matrix and one of its principal (n-1)x(n-1) minors. The method of proof first reduces the general problem to one where the diagonal of B has a certain structure: either diag (B) = diag (1,1,1) or diag (1,1,-1), or else the 2 x 2 principal minors of B are all 1. According as B has one of these three structures, we use an appropriate method to replace A by a positive diagonal matrix. Since it can be easily verified that P(D,B, lambda) has real roots, the result follows. For other configurations of B, a scaling and a continuity argument are used to prove the result in general.

Rublein, George↗
NASA NTRS1989

Quotient-difference type generalizations of the power method and their analysis

The recursion relations that were proposed by W. F. Ford and A. Sidi (Appl. Numer. Math, 4 (1988), pp. 477-489) for implementing vector extrapolation methods are used for devising generalizations of the power method for linear operators. These generalizations are shown to produce approximations to largest eigenvalues of a linear operator under certain conditions. They are similar in form to the quotient-difference algorithm and share similar convergence properties with the latter. These convergence properties also resemble those obtained for the basic LR and QR algorithms. Finally, it is shown that the convergence rate produced by one fo these generalizations is twice as fast for normal operators as it is for nonnormal operators.

Sidi, Avram↗