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At least 19 records

Detailed balance as a check on impact parameter calculations.

It is demonstrated numerically that detailed balance indeed is well satisfied in the multi-state impact parameter formulation of proton-hydrogen atom collisions. It is also demonstrated numerically that detailed balance is a much more sensitive test of computational accuracy than is the charge conservation test usually employed in such impact parameter calculations. It is suggested that detailed balance be used as a check on all impact parameter calculations. That even agreement with detailed balance may not be a sufficient test for accuracy of the results is pointed out.

Tai, H.

An archetype hydrogen atmosphere problem

Populations for the first three bound states and the continuum of hydrogen are determined for an isothermal hydrostatic atmosphere at 20,000 K. The atmosphere is treated as optically thin in the Balmer and Paschen continua and illuminated by continuum radiation at these wavelengths with prescribed radiation temperatures. The atmosphere is optically thick in the 2-1, 3-1, 3-2 and c-1 transitions. Three stages of approximation are treated: (1) radiative detailed balance in the 2-1, 3-1 and 3-2 transitions, (2) radiative detailed balance in the 3-1 and 3-2 transitions, and (3) all transitions out of detailed balance. The solution of this problem is nontrivial and presents sufficient difficulty to have caused the failure of at least one rather standard technique. The problem is thus a good archetype against which new methods or new implementations of old methods may be tested.

Athay, R. G.

Nonequilibrium boundary layer at a stagnation point for a hydrogen-helium stream over ablating graphite

The nonequilibrium axisymmetric stagnation point boundary layer over an ablating graphite surface is considered. The external stream is a high temperature mixture of hydrogen and helium. Variable thermodynamic and transport properties are assumed. Lennard-Jones potential model is used to calculate the transport coefficients of each species. Although the mixture rules for viscosity of the gas mixture are used, the weighting functions are more sophisticated than those commonly employed. For the conductivity of the mixture, generalized Wassiljewa coefficients are used. Seven species with 28 dissociation/recombination reactions are considered. Hansen's model for the dissociation rate constants is employed. The recombination rate constants are obtained by invoking detailed balance principles assisted by the JANAF thermodynamic data and the Hansen-Pearson thermodynamic data for C3.

Liu, T.-M.

Li production in alpha-alpha reactions

The cross section for Li-7 production in alpha-alpha reactions is shown to be increased by about a factor of 2 due to the excitation levels of Li-7 and Be-7 at 478 keV and 431 keV, respectively. The cross section for Li-6 production, however, remains the same as calculated on the basis of the detailed balance principle. The lines at 478 keV and 431 keV may link Li-7 production to feasible gamma-ray observations.

Kozlovsky, B.

Scattering of 4.5 eV electrons by ground /x 3 Sigma g minus/ state and metastable /a 1 Delta g/ oxygen molecules

The paper reports on differential and integral cross sections for scattering of 4.5 eV electrons by ground state (x 3 Sigma g minus) and metastable (a 1 Delta g) oxygen molecules in the -2.0 eV to plus 2.0 eV energy loss range. The cross section for the (a 1 Delta g to b 1 Sigma g plus) transition was found to be more than an order of magnitude larger than that of the excitation of the b state from the ground state. It was found that the principle of detailed balance can be applied to the rotationally unresolved inelastic and superelastic electronic transitions between the (x 3 Sigma g minus) and (a 1 Delta g) states, which indicates that for this transition one may neglect the very different rotational level structure of the two states in estimating superelastic cross section from inelastic data to an accuracy of about 15 per cent.

Hall, R. I.

Calculation of radiative properties of nonequilibrium hydrogen plasma

A computer program called NEQRAP is described that calculates the radiative properties of nonequilibrium ionized hydrogen. From the given electron temperature, electron density, and atom density values (which do not necessarily satisfy the equilibrium relationship) and intensities of incident radiation, the non-Boltzmann populations of electronic states are computed by solving the equation of quasi-steady-state population distribution. Emission and absorption coefficients are determined as functions of wavelength by invoking the principle of detailed balance between the upper and lower states of each radiative transition. Radiative transport through the medium is computed assuming a one-dimensional uniform slab. The rate of ionic reaction is also computed. When used on a sample case, the program shows that there is a large difference between the calculated intensities of radiation emitted by a bulk of equilibrium and nonequilibrium hydrogen. The accuracy of the program is estimated to be better than 10%.

Park, C.

Linear aerospike engine

A description is presented of a dual-fuel modular split-combustor linear aerospike engine concept. The considered engine represents an approach to an integrated engine for a reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle. The engine burns two fuels (hydrogen and a hydrocarbon) with oxygen in separate combustors. Combustion gases expand on a linear aerospike nozzle. An engine preliminary design is discussed. Attention is given to the evaluation process for selecting the optimum number of modules or divisions of the engine, aspects of cooling and power cycle balance, and details of engine operation.

Kirby, F. M.

Analytical design and performance studies of the nuclear light bulb engine

Analytical studies were conducted to investigate in detail the heat balance characteristics of the nuclear light bulb engine. Distributions of energy deposition to all engine components from the fission process, conduction and convection, and thermal radiation were considered. Where uncertainties in basic data or heat transfer characteristics were encountered, ranges of heat loads were calculated and reference values were selected. The influence of these heat loads on engine performance, space radiator requirements, and cooling sequence and cooling circuit designs was determined. The analyses resulted in revisions to the previously reported reference engine characteristics, principally in the heat loads to some engine components and in the cooling sequence. These revisions were incorporated in the engine dynamics digital computer simulation program. No significant changes occurred in the dynamic response of the engine to perturbations in fuel injection rate, reactivity or exhaust nozzle area.

Rodgers, R. J.

Constrained least-squares analysis of petrologic problems with an application to lunar sample 12040.

Many petrologic problems, which may be expressed as a set of linear equations, have been solved by least-squares analysis. In many cases insufficient attention has been paid to the physical conditions of the model resulting in incorrect application of the method. This paper presents a systematic treatment of the application of least-squares analysis to petrologic problems including the direct utilization of physical constraints and weighting factors in the problem, and the assessment of uncertainties in the solution. As an example, least-squares analysis is used to examine, in detail, the mass balance equations for lunar rock 12040 and to determine the consistency of the available analytical data.

Reid, M. J.

The Six-Component Wind Balance

Dr. Zahm's report is a description of the six-component wind-tunnel balance in use at the Aerodynamic Laboratory, Washington Navy Yard. The description of the balance gives the mechanical details and the method of operation, and is accompanied by line drawings showing the construction of the balance. The balance is of particular interest, as it allows the model to be set up quickly and accurately in roll, pitch, and yaw, without stopping the wind. It is possible to measure automatically, directly, and independently the drag, cross-wind force, and lift; also the rolling, pitching, and yawing moments. It is also possible to make the balance self-recording.

Zahm, A F

Analysis of OSO data to determine the structure and energy balance of the solar chromosphere

A detailed reexamination of the temperature-density structure of the photosphere and low chromosphere shows that the middle and upper chromosphere, which directly emits most of the OSO spectrum, is sensitive to conditions in this underlying region of the atmosphere. A model of this region is based on a unified compilation of all recently published broadband flux and central intensity observations of the solar spectrum from 500 microns in the far infrared to 1220 A in the far ultraviolet. This extensive compilation includes the OSO 4 and 6 observations in the wavelength range 1400 to 1220 A. A model is presented of the quiet solar atmosphere in the height range between the temperature minimum and the upper part of the chromosphere-corona transition region. This model is based on statistical equilibrium calculations of H, He 1, He 2, Si 1, C 1, and other ions.

Avrett, E. H.

Experimental investigation of a large-scale, two-dimensional, mixed-compression inlet system: Internal performance and drag at transonic conditions, free stream Mach equals 0.6 to 1.28

A large scale, variable-geometry inlet system with a design Mach number of 3.0 was tested at Mach numbers from 0.6 to 1.28. Variable features for off-design operation are an adjustable-height ramp system and a translating cowl. Experimental results are presented for transonic ramp and cowl positions showing the effect of throat boundary layer bleed and vortex generators on engine-face performance. Detailed pressure and force-balance data are used to evaluate transonic drag characteristics.

Wong, N. D.

The differential rotation of the solar surface

The large-scale flow in the solar convection zone is discussed. The objective is to deduce from observation the principal physical balances in the governing equations. The simplest set of equations that seem potentially realistic are utilized. It is assumed that magnetic fields are negligible, that mixing-length theory gives an accurate representation of the mean structure, and that rigid-body rotation exists at the base. It is deduced that the zonal glow is geostrophic, the meridional flow is controlled by friction, and diffusive heating balances advective cooling due to vertical motion. Next, a detailed calculation of the latitude profile of surface angular velocity is performed, based on approximate equations containing only the principal balances, and agrees well with observation. Finally, it is demonstrated that the amplitude of the flow may be determined by the constraint that the net equatorward angular momentum flux vanish. The conclusions are consistent with the hypothesis that the flow is primarily a single large axisymmetric convection cell in each hemisphere.

Gierasch, P. J.

Large-scale V/STOL testing

Several facets of large-scale testing of V/STOL aircraft configurations are discussed with particular emphasis on test experience in the Ames 40- by 80-foot wind tunnel. Examples of powered-lift test programs are presented in order to illustrate tradeoffs confronting the planner of V/STOL test programs. It is indicated that large-scale V/STOL wind-tunnel testing can sometimes compete with small-scale testing in the effort required (overall test time) and program costs because of the possibility of conducting a number of different tests with a single large-scale model where several small-scale models would be required. The benefits of both high- and full-scale Reynolds numbers, more detailed configuration simulation, and number and type of onboard measurements increase rapidly with scale. Planning must be more detailed at large scale in order to balance the trade-offs between the increased costs, as number of measurements and model configuration variables increase and the benefits of larger amounts of information coming out of one test.

Koenig, D. G.

Design criteria monograph for valve components

Monograph treats valve design technology problems as they were solved in successful development of flightweight operational valves for liquid rocket systems. General practices for cleaning and contamination prevention are summarized. Balance of information is arranged by topic, since detail design requirements apply to most types of valves.

Source record

Skin friction reduction in supersonic flow by injection through slots, porous sections and combinations of the two

An experimental study of skin friction reduction in a Mach 3.0 air steam with gaseous injection through a tangential slot, a porous wall section, and combinations of the two was conducted. The primary data obtained were wall shear values measured directly with a floating element balance and also inferred from Preston Tube measurements. Detailed profiles at several axial stations, wall pressure distributions and schlieren photographs are presented. The data indicate that a slot provides the greatest skin friction reduction in comparison with a reference flat plate experiment. The porous wall section arrangement suffers from an apparent roughness-induced rise in skin friction at low injection rates compared to the flat plate. The combination schemes demonstrated a potential for gain.

Schetz, J. A.