741 research outputs found
A geometry package for generation of input data for a three-dimensional potential-flow program
The preparation of geometric data for input to three-dimensional potential flow programs was automated and simplified by a geometry package incorporated into the NASA Langley version of the 3-D lifting potential flow program. Input to the computer program for the geometry package consists of a very sparse set of coordinate data, often with an order of magnitude of fewer points than required for the actual potential flow calculations. Isolated components, such as wings, fuselages, etc. are paneled automatically, using one of several possible element distribution algorithms. Curves of intersection between components are calculated, using a hybrid curve-fit/surface-fit approach. Intersecting components are repaneled so that adjacent elements on either side of the intersection curves line up in a satisfactory manner for the potential-flow calculations. Many cases may be run completely (from input, through the geometry package, and through the flow calculations) without interruption. Use of the package significantly reduces the time and expense involved in making three-dimensional potential flow calculations
A three-dimensional potential-flow program with a geometry package for input data generation
Information needed to run a computer program for the calculation of the potential flow about arbitrary three dimensional lifting configurations is presented. The program contains a geometry package which greatly reduces the task of preparing the input data. Starting from a very sparse set of coordinate data, the program automatically augments and redistributes the coordinates, calculates curves of intersection between components, and redistributes coordinates in the regions adjacent to the intersection curves in a suitable manner for use in the potential flow calculations. A brief summary of the program capabilities and options is given, as well as detailed instructions for the data input, a suggested structure for the program overlay, and the output for two test cases
Technology needs assessment of an atmospheric observation system for tropospheric research missions, part 1
The technology advancements needed to implement the atmospheric observation satellite systems for air quality research were identified. Tropospheric measurements are considered. The measurements and sensors are based on a model of knowledge objectives in atmospheric science. A set of potential missions and attendant spacecraft and sensors is postulated. The results show that the predominant technology needs will be in passive and active sensors for accurate and frequent global measurements of trace gas concentration profiles
Maximum Angle of Stability of a Wet Granular Pile
Anyone who has built a sandcastle recognizes that the addition of liquid to
granular materials increases their stability. However, measurements of this
increased stability often conflict with theory and with each other [1-7]. A
friction-based Mohr-Coulomb model has been developed [3,8]. However, it
distinguishes between granular friction and inter-particle friction, and uses
the former without providing a physical mechanism. Albert, {\em et al.} [2]
analyzed the geometric stability of grains on a pile's surface. The
frictionless model for dry particles is in excellent agreement with experiment.
But, their model for wet grains overestimates stability and predicts no
dependence on system size. Using the frictionless model and performing
stability analysis within the pile, we reproduce the dependence of the
stability angle on system size, particle size, and surface tension observed in
our experiments. Additionally, we account for past discrepancies in
experimental reports by showing that sidewalls can significantly increase the
stability of granular material.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure
A Ball in a Groove
We study the static equilibrium of an elastic sphere held in a rigid groove
by gravity and frictional contacts, as determined by contact mechanics. As a
function of the opening angle of the groove and the tilt of the groove with
respect to the vertical, we identify two regimes of static equilibrium for the
ball. In the first of these, at large opening angle or low tilt, the ball rolls
at both contacts as it is loaded. This is an analog of the "elastic" regime in
the mechanics of granular media. At smaller opening angles or larger tilts, the
ball rolls at one contact and slides at the other as it is loaded, analogously
with the "plastic" regime in the mechanics of granular media. In the elastic
regime, the stress indeterminacy is resolved by the underlying kinetics of the
ball response to loading.Comment: RevTeX 3.0, 4 pages, 2 eps figures included with eps
Exact Multifractal Exponents for Two-Dimensional Percolation
The harmonic measure (or diffusion field or electrostatic potential) near a
percolation cluster in two dimensions is considered. Its moments, summed over
the accessible external hull, exhibit a multifractal spectrum, which I
calculate exactly. The generalized dimensions D(n) as well as the MF function
f(alpha) are derived from generalized conformal invariance, and are shown to be
identical to those of the harmonic measure on 2D random walks or self-avoiding
walks. An exact application to the anomalous impedance of a rough percolative
electrode is given. The numerical checks are excellent. Another set of exact
and universal multifractal exponents is obtained for n independent
self-avoiding walks anchored at the boundary of a percolation cluster. These
exponents describe the multifractal scaling behavior of the average nth moment
of the probabity for a SAW to escape from the random fractal boundary of a
percolation cluster in two dimensions.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures (in colors
Dynamics of electrostatically-driven granular media. Effects of Humidity
We performed experimental studies of the effect of humidity on the dynamics
of electrostatically-driven granular materials. Both conducting and dielectric
particles undergo a phase transition from an immobile state (granular solid) to
a fluidized state (granular gas) with increasing applied field. Spontaneous
precipitation of solid clusters from the gas phase occurs as the external
driving is decreased. The clustering dynamics in conducting particles is
primarily controlled by screening of the electric field but is aided by
cohesion due to humidity. It is shown that humidity effects dominate the
clustering process with dielectric particles.Comment: 4 pages, 4 fig
Nature of Phase Transitions of Superconducting Wire Networks in a Magnetic Field
We study - characteristics of periodic square Nb wire networks as a
function of temperature in a transverse magnetic field, with a focus on three
fillings 2/5, 1/2, and 0.618 that represent very different levels of
incommensurability. For all three fillings, a scaling behavior of -
characteristics is found, suggesting a finite temperature continuous
superconducting phase transition. The low-temperature - characteristics
are found to have an exponential form, indicative of the domain-wall
excitations.Comment: 5 pages, also available at
http://www.neci.nj.nec.com/homepages/tang.htm
Two-Dimensional Copolymers and Exact Conformal Multifractality
We consider in two dimensions the most general star-shaped copolymer, mixing
random (RW) or self-avoiding walks (SAW) with specific interactions thereof.
Its exact bulk or boundary conformal scaling dimensions in the plane are all
derived from an algebraic structure existing on a random lattice (2D quantum
gravity). The multifractal dimensions of the harmonic measure of a 2D RW or SAW
are conformal dimensions of certain star copolymers, here calculated exactly as
non rational algebraic numbers. The associated multifractal function f(alpha)
are found to be identical for a random walk or a SAW in 2D. These are the first
examples of exact conformal multifractality in two dimensions.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, revtex, to appear in Phys. Rev. Lett., January
199
Measuring Energy Expenditure in Sub-Adult and Hatchling Sea Turtles via Accelerometry
Measuring the metabolic of sea turtles is fundamental to understanding their ecology yet the presently available methods are limited. Accelerometry is a relatively new technique for estimating metabolic rate that has shown promise with a number of species but its utility with air-breathing divers is not yet established. The present study undertakes laboratory experiments to investigate whether rate of oxygen uptake (o2) at the surface in active sub-adult green turtles Chelonia mydas and hatchling loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta correlates with overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA), a derivative of acceleration used as a proxy for metabolic rate. Six green turtles (25–44 kg) and two loggerhead turtles (20 g) were instrumented with tri-axial acceleration logging devices and placed singly into a respirometry chamber. The green turtles were able to submerge freely within a 1.5 m deep tank and the loggerhead turtles were tethered in water 16 cm deep so that they swam at the surface. A significant prediction equation for mean o2 over an hour in a green turtle from measures of ODBA and mean flipper length (R2 = 0.56) returned a mean estimate error across turtles of 8.0%. The range of temperatures used in the green turtle experiments (22–30°C) had only a small effect on o2. A o2-ODBA equation for the loggerhead hatchling data was also significant (R2 = 0.67). Together these data indicate the potential of the accelerometry technique for estimating energy expenditure in sea turtles, which may have important applications in sea turtle diving ecology, and also in conservation such as assessing turtle survival times when trapped underwater in fishing nets
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