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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 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1991

Sea ice - atmosphere interaction: Application of multispectral satellite data in polar surface energy flux estimates

In the past six months, work has continued on energy flux sensitivity studies, ice surface temperature retrievals, corrections to Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) thermal infrared data, modelling of cloud fraction retrievals, and radiation climatologies. We tentatively conclude that the SSM/I may not provide accurate enough estimates of ice concentration and type to improve our shorter term energy flux estimates. SSM/I derived parameters may still be applicable in longer term climatological flux characterizations. We hold promise for a system coupling observation to a ice deformation model. Such a model may provide information on ice distribution which can be used in energy flux calculations. Considerable variation was found in modelled energy flux estimates when bulk transfer coefficients are modulated by lead fetch. It is still unclear what the optimum formulation is and this will be the subject of further work. Data sets for ice surface temperature retrievals were assembled and preliminary data analysis was started. Finally, construction of a conceptual framework for further modelling of the Arctic radiation flux climatology was started.

Steffen, Konrad↗
NASA NTRS1992

An experimental methodology for a fuzzy set preference model

A flexible fuzzy set preference model first requires approximate methodologies for implementation. Fuzzy sets must be defined for each individual consumer using computer software, requiring a minimum of time and expertise on the part of the consumer. The amount of information needed in defining sets must also be established. The model itself must adapt fully to the subject's choice of attributes (vague or precise), attribute levels, and importance weights. The resulting individual-level model should be fully adapted to each consumer. The methodologies needed to develop this model will be equally useful in a new generation of intelligent systems which interact with ordinary consumers, controlling electronic devices through fuzzy expert systems or making recommendations based on a variety of inputs. The power of personal computers and their acceptance by consumers has yet to be fully utilized to create interactive knowledge systems that fully adapt their function to the user. Understanding individual consumer preferences is critical to the design of new products and the estimation of demand (market share) for existing products, which in turn is an input to management systems concerned with production and distribution. The question of what to make, for whom to make it and how much to make requires an understanding of the customer's preferences and the trade-offs that exist between alternatives. Conjoint analysis is a widely used methodology which de-composes an overall preference for an object into a combination of preferences for its constituent parts (attributes such as taste and price), which are combined using an appropriate combination function. Preferences are often expressed using linguistic terms which cannot be represented in conjoint models. Current models are also not implemented an individual level, making it difficult to reach meaningful conclusions about the cause of an individual's behavior from an aggregate model. The combination of complex aggregate models and vague linguistic preferences has greatly limited the usefulness and predictive validity of existing preference models. A fuzzy set preference model that uses linguistic variables and a fully interactive implementation should be able to simultaneously address these issues and substantially improve the accuracy of demand estimates. The parallel implementation of crisp and fuzzy conjoint models using identical data not only validates the fuzzy set model but also provides an opportunity to assess the impact of fuzzy set definitions and individual attribute choices implemented in the interactive methodology developed in this research. The generalized experimental tools needed for conjoint models can also be applied to many other types of intelligent systems.

Turksen, I. B.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Estimating the Rate of Occurrence of Renal Stones in Astronauts

Changes in urine chemistry, during and post flight, potentially increases the risk of renal stones in astronauts. Although much is known about the effects of space flight on urine chemistry, no inflight incidence of renal stones in US astronauts exists and the question "How much does this risk change with space flight?" remains difficult to accurately quantify. In this discussion, we tackle this question utilizing a combination of deterministic and probabilistic modeling that implements the physics behind free stone growth and agglomeration, speciation of urine chemistry and published observations of population renal stone incidences to estimate changes in the rate of renal stone presentation. The modeling process utilizes a Population Balance Equation based model developed in the companion IWS abstract by Kassemi et al. (2016) to evaluate the maximum growth and agglomeration potential from a specified set of urine chemistry values. Changes in renal stone occurrence rates are obtained from this model in a probabilistic simulation that interrogates the range of possible urine chemistries using Monte Carlo techniques. Subsequently, each randomly sampled urine chemistry undergoes speciation analysis using the well-established Joint Expert Speciation System (JESS) code to calculate critical values, such as ionic strength and relative supersaturation. The Kassemi model utilizes this information to predict the mean and maximum stone size. We close the assessment loop by using a transfer function that estimates the rate of stone formation from combining the relative supersaturation and both the mean and maximum free stone growth sizes. The transfer function is established by a simulation analysis which combines population stone formation rates and Poisson regression. Training this transfer function requires using the output of the aforementioned assessment steps with inputs from known non-stone-former and known stone-former urine chemistries. Established in a Monte Carlo system, the entire renal stone analysis model produces a probability distribution of the stone formation rate and an expected uncertainty in the estimate. The utility of this analysis will be demonstrated by showing the change in renal stone occurrence predicted by this method using urine chemistry distributions published in Whitson et al. 2009. A comparison to the model predictions to previous assessments of renal stone risk will be used to illustrate initial validation of the model.

gravitational physiology↗
NASA NTRS2017

TPSAS-NF1676L-28149-DND

An Optimal Estimation (OE) inversion method has been developed to retrieve vertical profiles of aerosol size distributions, volume/surface concentrations, complex refractive indices, and single scattering albedos using the High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) and polarimeter measurements. By combining the active and passive remote sensing data, we can take advantages of the high vertical resolution of the lidar measurements and the high information content of the combined observations. There are three components to the new retrieval system: 1) simultaneous aerosol vertical profile retrieval using HSRL data, 2) standalone aerosol retrieval using Research Scanning Polarimeter (RSP), and 3) combined HSRL and RSP optimal estimation retrieval. For the LIDAR retrieval, we solve for number concentrations, mode fractions, aerosol size distributions, and real and imaginary part of refractive indices simultaneously. Based on this information, other parameters such as effective particle radius, surface and volume concentration, single scattering albedo can be derived. The combined HSRL-polarimeter algorithm will provide improved single scattering albedo and refractive index retrievals. The newly developed retrieval algorithm is very fast, and it provides an optimal estimation solution with associated error estimates. By solving for the aerosol vertical profiles using HSRL extinctions and backscattering coefficients from different layers, the new OE method can effectively reduce the impact of measurement noise on the retrieved aerosol microphysical properties. It also enables us to effectively combing HSRL and RSP data in the single OE retrieval system since the passive polarimeter instruments measure path-integrated intensity and polarizations. We have performed sensitivity studies using simulated data and applied the OE algorithms to NASA airborne field data measured by the HSRL-2 and the RSP instruments.

Xu Liu↗
NASA NTRS1973

A time reference distribution concept for a time division communication network

Starting with an assumed ideal network having perfect clocks at every node and known fixed transmission delays between nodes, the effects of adding tolerances to both transmission delays and nodal clocks is described. The advantages of controlling tolerances on time rather than frequency are discussed. Then a concept is presented for maintaining these tolerances on time throughout the network. This concept, called time reference distribution, is a systematic technique for distributing time reference to all nodes of the network. It is reliable, survivable and possesses many other desirable characteristics. Some of its features such as an excellent self monitoring capability will be pointed out. Some preliminary estimates of the accuracy that might be expected are developed and there is a brief discussion of the impact upon communication system costs. Time reference distribution is a concept that appears very attractive. It has not had experimental evaluation and has not yet been endorsed for use in any communication network.

Stover, H. A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A satellite communications system for electric utilities

This paper presents the results of a study into the feasibility of using satellite communications for a country-wide system of electric distribution system monitoring and control. The concept selected for study involves the use of a geostationary satellite with a large multi-beam antenna to provide a major part of the communications and control network between participating utilities and various elements of their power distribution networks, including customer loads. Electric utility communications requirements are projected through 1995 in order to size the required capacity of the system. Two basic systems are examined: a one-way system for load control, and a two-way system for distribution system monitoring and control, including customer meter reading. An operating protocol is proposed for each system. Preliminary cost estimates are identified element by element. Finally, expansion of the basic system to include a set of ancillary communications functions is briefly discussed.

Vaisnys, A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Geodetic Accuracy of LANDSAT-4 Multispectral Scanner and Thematic Mapper Data

The geodetic accuracy of an MSS or TM scene is assessed using a minicomputer and appropriate software, a digitizer, and an image display device. The calculated image location of a selected feature is compared with the actual image location obtained though visual inspection of the image on the display. Measurements of 15 to 20 features evenly distributed throughout the image provide an estimate of the geodetic accuracy of the scene. Tests of two system-corrected MSS scenes measured geodetic registration root-mean-square (RMS) errors of approximately 3,200 m or 57 pixels. Tests of two TM system-corrected scenes measured RMS errors of approximately 1,250 and 1,000 m, or 44 and 35 pixels, respectively. All errors were primarily translational, implying good internal scene registration of both MSS and TM data. The one MSS GCP-corrected scene which was evaluated had an RMS error of approximately 325 m or 6 pixels.

Thormodsgard, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Sub-milliarcsecond determination of pole position using Global Positioning System data

The determination of pole-position variations from the analysis of 23 days of Global Positioning System (GPS) data continuously collected with a globally distributed, 21-station network is discussed. The comparison of the estimated pole positions from these data with results from 11 very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) experiments conducted during this same interval yields weighted root-mean-square differences about the mean differences of 0.5 mas for both X- and Y-pole position estimates from an analysis using single-day arcs, and 1.0 and 0.8 mas from an analysis using three weekly multiday arcs. These results are of sufficient quality that GPS could provide an alternative technique to VLBI and satellite laser ranging for regular monitoring of high-time-resolution variations in the position of the earth's rotation axis.

Herring, Thomas A.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Design and Analysis of an Isokinetic Sampling Probe for Submicron Particle Measurements at High Altitude

An isokinetic dilution probe has been designed with the aid of computational fluid dynamics to sample sub-micron particles emitted from aviation combustion sources. The intended operational range includes standard day atmospheric conditions up to 40,000-ft. With dry nitrogen as the diluent, the probe is intended to minimize losses from particle microphysics and transport while rapidly quenching chemical kinetics. Initial results indicate that the Mach number ratio of the aerosol sample and dilution streams in the mixing region is an important factor for successful operation. Flow rate through the probe tip was found to be highly sensitive to the static pressure at the probe exit. Particle losses through the system were estimated to be on the order of 50% with minimal change in the overall particle size distribution apparent. Following design refinement, experimental testing and validation will be conducted in the Particle Aerosol Laboratory, a research facility located at the NASA Glenn Research Center to study the evolution of aviation emissions at lower stratospheric conditions. Particle size distributions and number densities from various combustion sources will be used to better understand particle-phase microphysics, plume chemistry, evolution to cirrus, and environmental impacts of aviation.

Heath, Christopher M.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Long Term Potential Evapotranspiration and Evapotranspiration Data and Services at NASA GES DISC

Recently, the NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) has released global land 3-hourly Potential Evapotranspiration and Supporting Forcing Data Version-1 (PET_PU_3H025.001), at 0.25x0.25 degree spatial resolution, spanning the 23 year period from 1984 to 2006. The Version-2 will be released in the near future, covering longer time period. This dataset was generated by Professor Justin Sheffield through NASA Making Earth System Data Records for Use in Research Environments (MEaSUREs) project. Potential evapotranspiration (PET) is a representation of the environmental demand for evapotranspiration (ET). ET and PET are important part of the global water cycle estimation, and are also critical to advance our understanding of the climate system. NASA GES DISC archives and distributes various global and regional ET datasets from several projects, for example, Land Data Assimilation System (LDAS), Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2), other MEaSUREs Projects, such as Land Surface Atmospheric Boundary Interaction Product by William Rossow; and SRB/GEWEX evapotranspiration (Penman-Monteith) by Eric F. Wood. In this presentation, we will overview all available PET and ET datasets and services at GES DISC. As examples, climatology and some seasonal characteristics of PET and selected ET will be shown. The data can be accessed from NASA GES DISC (https://disc.gsfc.nasa.gov/) by searching keyword "evapotranspiration".

Shen, Suhung↗
NASA NTRS1990

Distributed parameter modeling for the control of flexible spacecraft

The use of FEMs of spacecraft structural dynamics is a common practice, but it has a number of shortcomings. Distributed-parameter models offer an alternative, but present both advantages and difficulties. First, the model order does not have to be reduced prior to the inclusion of control system dynamics. This advantage eliminates the risk involved with model 'order reduction'. Second, distributed parameter models inherently involve fewer parameters, thereby enabling more accurate parameter estimation using experimental data. Third, it is possible to include the damping in the basic model, thereby increasing the accuracy of the structural damping. The difficulty in generating distributed parameter models of complex spacecraft configurations has been greatly alleviated by the use of PDEMOD, BUNVIS-RG, or DISTEL. PDEMOD is being developed for simultaneously modeling structural dynamics and control system dynamics.

Taylor, Lawrence W., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Toward estimation of H(sub 0) from VLBI observations of the gravitational lens system 0957+561

We have analyzed two epochs of 6 cm very long base interferometry (VLBI) observations of the two brightest images, A and B, of the gravitationally lensed quasar 0957+561 in a search for correlated structural evolution from which to estimate delta tau(sub BA), the difference in propagation time for light traveling between the quasar and Earth along the paths corresponding to these two images. However, we detected only marginal increases in the separation between the core and the innermost jet component in each image over the 2 year interval 1987-1989. Because monitoring image brightness variations has since led to apparently reliable estimates of delta tau(sub BA), we intend to use spatial variations in the relative magnification field across the extent of the images to constrain further the mass distribution of the lens, which is now the principal contributor to the uncertainty in estimates of H(sub 0) from this lens system.

Campbell, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS2015

A Web Service and Android Application for the Distribution of Rainfall Estimates and Earth Observation Data

The full potential of Satellite Rainfall Estimates (SRE) can only be realized if timely access to the datasets is possible. Existing data distribution web portals are often focused on global products and offer limited customization options, especially for the purpose of routine regional monitoring. Furthermore, most online systems are designed to meet the needs of desktop users, limiting the compatibility with mobile devices. In response to the growing demand for SRE and to address the current limitations of available web portals a project was devised to create a set of freely available applications and services, available at a common portal that can: (1) simplify cross-platform access to Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Online Visualization and Analysis System (TOVAS) data (including from Android mobile devices), (2) provide customized and continuous monitoring of SRE in response to user demands and (3) combine data from different online data distribution services, including rainfall estimates, river gauge measurements or imagery from Earth Observation missions at a single portal, known as the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Explorer. The TRMM Explorer project suite includes a Python-based web service and Android applications capable of providing SRE and ancillary data in different intuitive formats with the focus on regional and continuous analysis. The outputs include dynamic plots, tables and data files that can also be used to feed downstream applications and services. A case study in Southern Angola is used to describe the potential of the TRMM Explorer for SRE distribution and analysis in the context of ungauged watersheds. The development of a collection of data distribution instances helped to validate the concept and identify the limitations of the program, in a real context and based on user feedback. The TRMM Explorer can successfully supplement existing web portals distributing SRE and provide a cost-efficient resource to small and medium-sized organizations with specific SRE monitoring needs, namely in developing and transition countries.

precipitation↗
NASA NTRS2007

Filter Function for Wavefront Sensing Over a Field of View

A filter function has been derived as a means of optimally weighting the wavefront estimates obtained in image-based phase retrieval performed at multiple points distributed over the field of view of a telescope or other optical system. When the data obtained in wavefront sensing and, more specifically, image-based phase retrieval, are used for controlling the shape of a deformable mirror or other optic used to correct the wavefront, the control law obtained by use of the filter function gives a more balanced optical performance over the field of view than does a wavefront-control law obtained by use of a wavefront estimate obtained from a single point in the field of view.

Dean, Bruce H.↗
NASA NTRS1972

System efficiency of a microwave power tube with a multistage depressed collector

The efficiencies of a microwave power tube with a multistage depressed collector and of the power supply driving the tube are computed. An analytical expression for the collector efficiency, which includes the effect of secondary emission and the radial component of velocity, is derived for a hypothetical current probability distribution function. In addition, collector efficiency is calculated with the aid of a digital computer for a specific current distribution. The efficiency of the power supply required to operate the tube in a space environment is estimated by using a simple parallel inverter system.

Dayton, J. A., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Methodology for CFD Design Analysis of National Launch System Nozzle Manifold

The current design environment dictates that high technology CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis produce quality results in a timely manner if it is to be integrated into the design process. The design methodology outlined describes the CFD analysis of an NLS (National Launch System) nozzle film cooling manifold. The objective of the analysis was to obtain a qualitative estimate for the flow distribution within the manifold. A complex, 3D, multiple zone, structured grid was generated from a 3D CAD file of the geometry. A Euler solution was computed with a fully implicit compressible flow solver. Post processing consisted of full 3D color graphics and mass averaged performance. The result was a qualitative CFD solution that provided the design team with relevant information concerning the flow distribution in and performance characteristics of the film cooling manifold within an effective time frame. Also, this design methodology was the foundation for a quick turnaround CFD analysis of the next iteration in the manifold design.

Haire, Scot L.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Photovoltaics as a terrestrial energy source. Volume 2: System value

Assumptions and techniques employed by the electric utility industry and other electricity planners to make estimates of the future value of photovoltaic (PV) systems interconnected with U.S. electric utilities were examined. Existing estimates of PV value and their interpretation and limitations are discussed. PV value is defined as the marginal private savings accruing to potential PV owners. For utility-owned PV systems, these values are shown to be the after-tax savings in conventional fuel and capacity displaced by the PV output. For non-utility-owned (distributed) systems, the utility's savings in fuel and capacity must first be translated through the electric rate structure (prices) to the potential PV system owner. Base-case estimates of the average value of PV systems to U.S. utilities are presented. The relationship of these results to the PV Program price goals and current energy policy is discussed; the usefulness of PV output quantity goals is also reviewed.

Smith, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Calculating Statistical Orbit Distributions Using GEO Optical Observations with the Michigan Orbital Debris Survey Telescope (MODEST)

NASA's Orbital Debris measurements program has a goal to characterize the small debris environment in the geosynchronous Earth-orbit (GEO) region using optical telescopes ("small" refers to objects too small to catalog and track with current systems). Traditionally, observations of GEO and near-GEO objects involve following the object with the telescope long enough to obtain an orbit suitable for tracking purposes. Telescopes operating in survey mode, however, randomly observe objects that pass through their field of view. Typically, these short-arc observation are inadequate to obtain detailed orbits, but can be used to estimate approximate circular orbit elements (semimajor axis, inclination, and ascending node). From this information, it should be possible to make statistical inferences about the orbital distributions of the GEO population bright enough to be observed by the system. The Michigan Orbital Debris Survey Telescope (MODEST) has been making such statistical surveys of the GEO region for four years. During that time, the telescope has made enough observations in enough areas of the GEO belt to have had nearly complete coverage. That means that almost all objects in all possible orbits in the GEO and near- GEO region had a non-zero chance of being observed. Some regions (such as those near zero inclination) have had good coverage, while others are poorly covered. Nevertheless, it is possible to remove these statistical biases and reconstruct the orbit populations within the limits of sampling error. In this paper, these statistical techniques and assumptions are described, and the techniques are applied to the current MODEST data set to arrive at our best estimate of the GEO orbit population distribution.

Matney, M.↗