32,236 research outputs found
Computer control study for a manned centrifuge Final technical report
Analog simulation of manned centrifuge capability for production of various gravity levels - centrifuge control syste
An assessment of key model parametric uncertainties in projections of Greenland Ice Sheet behavior
Lack of knowledge about the values of ice sheet model input parameters introduces substantial uncertainty into projections of Greenland Ice Sheet contributions to future sea level rise. Computer models of ice sheet behavior provide one of several means of estimating future sea level rise due to mass loss from ice sheets. Such models have many input parameters whose values are not well known. Recent studies have investigated the effects of these parameters on model output, but the range of potential future sea level increases due to model parametric uncertainty has not been characterized. Here, we demonstrate that this range is large, using a 100-member perturbed-physics ensemble with the SICOPOLIS ice sheet model. Each model run is spun up over 125 000 yr using geological forcings and subsequently driven into the future using an asymptotically increasing air temperature anomaly curve. All modeled ice sheets lose mass after 2005 AD. Parameters controlling surface melt dominate the model response to temperature change. After culling the ensemble to include only members that give reasonable ice volumes in 2005 AD, the range of projected sea level rise values in 2100 AD is ~40 % or more of the median. Data on past ice sheet behavior can help reduce this uncertainty, but none of our ensemble members produces a reasonable ice volume change during the mid-Holocene, relative to the present. This problem suggests that the model's exponential relation between temperature and precipitation does not hold during the Holocene, or that the central-Greenland temperature forcing curve used to drive the model is not representative of conditions around the ice margin at this time (among other possibilities). Our simulations also lack certain observed physical processes that may tend to enhance the real ice sheet's response. Regardless, this work has implications for other studies that use ice sheet models to project or hindcast the behavior of the Greenland Ice Sheet
Ultra-high temperature measuring techniques Final report
Real time technique for measurement of high temperature gases and spectroscopic techniques for temperature measurement of hot cesium seeded hydroge
Measurements of antenna impedance in the ionosphere. II. Observing frequency greater than the electron gyro frequency
Short dipole antenna impedance measurements in ionosphere at observing frequency above electron gyrofrequenc
Neutron Star Properties with Hyperons
In the light of the recent discovery of a neutron star with a mass accurately
determined to be almost two solar masses, it has been suggested that hyperons
cannot play a role in the equation of state of dense matter in
-equilibrium. We re-examine this issue in the most recent development of
the quark-meson coupling model. Within a relativistic Hartree-Fock approach and
including the full tensor structure at the vector-meson-baryon vertices, we
find that not only must hyperons appear in matter at the densities relevant to
such a massive star but that the maximum mass predicted is completely
consistent with the observation.Comment: Minor correction
Techniques for the realization of ultrareliable spaceborne computers Interim scientific report
Error-free ultrareliable spaceborne computer
Heat pipes for wing leading edges of hypersonic vehicles
Wing leading edge heat pipes were conceptually designed for three types of vehicle: an entry research vehicle, aero-space plane, and advanced shuttle. A full scale, internally instrumented sodium/Hastelloy X heat pipe was successfully designed and fabricated for the advanced shuttle application. The 69.4 inch long heat pipe reduces peak leading edge temperatures from 3500 F to 1800 F. It is internally instrumented with thermocouples and pressure transducers to measure sodium vapor qualities. Large thermal gradients and consequently large thermal stresses, which have the potential of limiting heat pipe life, were predicted to occur during startup. A test stand and test plan were developed for subsequent testing of this heat pipe. Heat pipe manufacturing technology was advanced during this program, including the development of an innovative technique for wick installation
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