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Lezberg, E. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Lezberg, E. A..

At least 19 records

Aircraft sampling of the sulfate layer near the tropopause following the eruption of Mount St. Helens

Twenty filter sampling flights of the NASA Lewis F-106 aircraft were conducted in the Great Lakes region between June 4 and August 8, 1980, following the major eruption of Mount St. Helens, Washington on May 18. The IPC-1478 filters were exposed over an altitude range spanning the local tropopause. Quarter sections were analyzed for sulfate and nitrate by ion chromatography and selected samples were analyzed for chloride by selective ion electrode. Trace elements were searched by X-ray fluorescence analysis. A filter sample taken above the tropopause on June 5 indicated a sulfate level of 50 times the baseline measurements. Subsequent measurements over a period of 2 months showed an initial dropoff and formation of a persistent layer of sulfate above the tropopause with a concentration of 10 to 18 times previously measured background-levels. Concentrations of nitrate above the tropopause exhibited considerable variability and some enhancement compared with previously measured concentration levels. It is suggested that the source of the nitrate may also be volcanic as evidenced by its temporal relationship to the sulfate concentration changes. Based on the null results of X-ray fluorescence measurements, there is no evidence of ash particle concentrations greater than 3.4 microns g/cubic m persisting in the layer above the tropopause after the second transit of the cloud.

Lezberg, E. A.

Aircraft sampling of the sulfate layer near the tropopause following the eruption of Mount St. Helens

Twenty-three filter sampling flights of the NASA Lewis F-106 aircraft, were conducted in the Great Lakes region between June 4 and Dec. 23, 1980, following the major eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18. The IPC-1478 filters were exposed over an altitude range spanning the local tropopause. A filter sample exposed above the tropopause on June 5 indicated a sulfate level 50 times the baseline measurements, which is consistent with the trajectory predictions of the leading edge of the cloud on its second transit around the earth. Subsequent measurements over a period of 7 months revealed the existence of a layer of sulfate above the tropopause that decayed to a level of about 4 times previously measured background levels by the beginning of August. Concentration of nitrate above the tropopause exhibited considerable variability and showed some enhancement compared with previously measured concentration levels. On the basis of the null results of X ray fluorescence measurements, there is no evidence of ash particle concentrations of greater than 3.4 microns/cu m persisting in the layer above the tropopause following the second transit of the cloud.

Lezberg, E. A.

Sulfate and nitrate collected by filter sampling near the tropopause

Filter samples collected near the tropopause with an F-106 aircraft and two Boeing 747 aircraft were analyzed for sulfate and nitrate ion content. Within the range of routine commercial flight altitudes (at or below 12.5 km), stratospheric mass mixing ratios for the winter-spring group averaged 0.26 ppbm for sulfate and 0.35 ppbm for nitrate. For the summer-fall group, stratosphere mixing ratios averaged 0.13 ppbm and 0.25 ppbm for sulfate and nitrate, respectively. Winter-spring group tropospheric mass mixing ratios averaged 0.08 ppbm for sulfate and 0.10 ppbm for nitrate, while summer-fall group tropospheric mixing ratios averaged 0.05 ppbm for sulfate and 0.08 ppbm for nitrate. Correlations of the filter data with available ozone data suggest that the sulfate and nitrate are transported from the stratosphere to the troposphere.

Humenik, F. M.

Sulfate and nitrate mixing ratios in the vicinity of the tropopause

Measurements of sulfate and nitrate in filter samples made during the Global Atmospheric Sampling Program (GASP) from aircraft flying near the tropopause over a period of 28 months beginning in early 1976 are presented. Sulfate and nitrate mixing ratios show a peak near or just above the tropopause during the winter-spring seasons. No peak is evident for sulfate during the summer-fall seasons. The sulfate mixing ratios show a constant average level in 1977-78 of 0.12 + or 0.04 ppbm above the tropopause and 0.05 + or - 0.04 ppbm below the tropopause with higher levels in the spring. Nitrate levels are similar but exhibit greater variability. Correlations between sulfate and nitrate (r = 0.78) and between sulfate and nitrate, on ozone (r = 0.80, 0.78) suggest a predominately stratospheric source for these species.

Lezberg, E. A.

Global atmospheric sampling program

Automated instruments were installed on a commercial B-747 aircraft, during the program, to obtain baseline data and to monitor key atmospheric constituents associated with emissions of aircraft engines in order to determine if aircraft are contributing to pollution of the upper atmosphere. Data thus acquired on a global basis over the commercial air routes for 5 to 10 years will be analyzed. Ozone measurements in the 29,000 to 45,000 foot altitude were expanded over what has been available from ozonesondes. Limited aerosol composition measurements from filter samples show low levels of sulfates and nitrates in the upper troposphere. Recently installed instruments for measurement of carbon monoxide and condensation nuclei are beginning to return data.

Lezberg, E. A.

NASA Global Atmospheric Sampling Program (GASP) data report for tape VL0004

The NASA Global Atmospheric Sampling Program (GASP) is obtaining measurements of atmospheric trace constituents in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere using fully automated air sampling systems on board several commercial B-747 aircraft in routine airline service. Atmospheric ozone, water vapor, and related flight and meteorological data were obtained during 139 flights of a United Airlines B-747 and a Pan American World Airways B-747 from December 1975 through March 1976. In addition, sample bottles were exposed during three flights and analyzed for trichlorofluoromethane, and filter samples were exposed during five flights and analyzed for sulfates, nitrates, and chlorides. Flight routes and dates, instrumentation, data processing procedures, data tape specifications, and selected analyses are discussed.

Holdeman, J. D.

NASA Global Atmospheric Sampling Program (GASP). Data report for tape VL0001

Atmospheric trace constituents in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere are now being measured as part of the NASA Global Atmospheric Sampling Program (GASP), using fully automated air sampling systems on board commercial 747 aircraft in routine airline service. Measurements of atmospheric ozone and related meteorological and flight information obtained during several GASP flights in March 1975 are now available from the National Climatic Center, Asheville, North Carolina. In addition to the data from the aircraft, tropopause pressure data obtained from the National Meteorological Center (NMC) archives for the dates of the flights are included. This report is the first of a series of reports which describes the data currently available from GASP, including flight routes and dates, instrumentation, the data processing procedure used, and data tape specifications.

Holdeman, J. D.

Status of NASA aircraft engine emission reduction and upper atmosphere measurement programs

Advanced emission reduction techniques for five existing aircraft gas turbine engines are evaluated. Progress made toward meeting the 1979 EPA standards in rig tests of combustors for the five engines is reported. Results of fundamental combustion studies suggest the possibility of a new generation of jet engine combustor technology that would reduce oxides-of-nitrogen (NOx) emissions far below levels currently demonstrated in the engine-related programs. The Global Air Sampling Program (GAS) is now in full operation and is providing data on constituent measurements of ozone and other minor upper-atmosphere species related to aircraft emissions.

Rudey, R. A.

Emission calculations for a scramjet powered hypersonic transport

Calculations of exhaust emissions from a scramjet powered hypersonic transport burning hydrogen fuel were performed over a range of Mach numbers of 5 to 12 to provide input data for wake mixing calculations and forecasts of future levels of pollutants in the stratosphere. The calculations were performed utilizing a one-dimensional chemical kinetics computer program for the combustor and exhaust nozzle of a fixed geometry dual-mode scramjet engine. Inlet conditions to the combustor and engine size was based on a vehicle of 227,000 kg (500,000 lb) gross take of weight with engines sized for Mach 8 cruise. Nitric oxide emissions were very high for stoichiometric engine operation but for Mach 6 cruise at reduced equivalence ratio are in the range predicted for an advanced supersonic transport. Combustor designs which utilize fuel staging and rapid expansion to minimize residence time at high combustion temperatures were found to be effective in preventing nitric oxide formation from reaching equilibrium concentrations.

Lezberg, E. A.

Calibration of Lewis hypersonic tunnel facility at Mach 5, 6, and 7

Results of the initial calibration tests and a description of this true simulation facility are presented. Facility nozzles were calibrated over a range of stagnation pressure and temperature from 140 to 700 newtons per square centimeter and 1100 to 1750 K. The Reynolds number varied from 1.77 million to 7.44 million per meter. Mach numbers in the inviscid core of the three nozzles were 5.17 plus or minus 0.03, 6.05 plus or minus 0.02, and 7.25 plus or minus 0.08. Usable core diameters at the nozzle exit plane varied from 69 to 86 centimeters. True simulation with these performance capabilities and the test section size presently make this a unique operating facility.

Cullon, R. R.