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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 271 records · Page 15

A four-lidar view of Cirrus from the FIRE IFO: 27-28 October 1986

The four ground-based lidar systems that participated in the 1986 FIRE IFO were configured in a diamond-shaped array across central and southern Wisconsin. Data were generally collected in the zenith pointing mode, except for the Doppler lidar, which regularly operated in a scanning mode with intermittent zenith observations. As a component of the cirrus case study of 27 and 28 October 1986 selected for initial analysis, data collected by the remote sensor ensemble from 1600 (on the 27th) to 2400 UTC (on the 28th) is described and compared. In general, the cirrus studied on the 27th consisted of intermittent layers of thin and subvisual cirrus clouds. Particularly at Wausau, subvisual cirrus was detected from 11.0 to 11.5 km MSL, just below the tropopause. At lower levels, occasional cirrus clouds between approx. 8.0 to 9.5 km were detected from all ground sites. Preliminary analysis of the four-lidar dataset reveals the passage of surprisingly consistent cloud features across the experiment area. A variety of types and amounts of middle and high level clouds occurred, ranging from subvisual cirrus to deep cloud bands. It is expected that the ground-based lidar measurements from this case study, as well as the airborne observations, will provide an excellent data base for comparison to satellite observations.

Sassen, Kenneth↗

Spectral Data Fusion From Handheld Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analyzers for Improved Detection of Cerium in a Simulated Dispersal Accident

Here, this work implements a mid-level data fusion methodology on spectral data from handheld X-ray fluorescence and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy analyzers to quantify plutonium surrogate (CeO 2 ) contamination in soil samples for the first time. Spectral data from each analyzer were used independently to train supervised machine learning regressions to predict Ce concentration. Fused features from both data sets were then used to train the same models, comparing prediction performance by evaluating model precision and sensitivity. Fusing principal component scores from the two sensors yielded an order of magnitude improvement in precision and sensitivity of predictions made with an artificial neural network, compared to predictions made by models trained on independent sensor data. As a result, a boosted ensemble trained on the fused spectral features yielded an ideal predictor with root-mean-squared error on the order of 10 –6 and calculated limit of detection order 10 –5 wt %.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

On the Sensitivity of Atmospheric Ensembles to Cloud Microphysics in Long-Term Cloud-Resolving Model Simulations

Month-long large-scale forcing data from two field campaigns are used to drive a cloud-resolving model (CRM) and produce ensemble simulations of clouds and precipitation. Observational data are then used to evaluate the model results. To improve the model results, a new parameterization of the Bergeron process is proposed that incorporates the number concentration of ice nuclei (IN). Numerical simulations reveal that atmospheric ensembles are sensitive to IN concentration and ice crystal multiplication. Two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) simulations are carried out to address the sensitivity of atmospheric ensembles to model dimensionality. It is found that the ensembles with high IN concentration are more sensitive to dimensionality than those with low IN concentration. Both the analytic solutions of linear dry models and the CRM output show that there are more convective cores with stronger updrafts in 3D simulations than in 2D, which explains the differing sensitivity of the ensembles to dimensionality at different IN concentrations.

Zeng, Xiping↗

How Do Various Maize Crop Models Vary in Their Responses to Climate Change Factors?

Potential consequences of climate change on crop production can be studied using mechanistic crop simulation models. While a broad variety of maize simulation models exist, it is not known whether different models diverge on grain yield responses to changes in climatic factors, or whether they agree in their general trends related to phenology, growth, and yield. With the goal of analyzing the sensitivity of simulated yields to changes in temperature and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations [CO2], we present the largest maize crop model intercomparison to date, including 23 different models. These models were evaluated for four locations representing a wide range of maize production conditions in the world: Lusignan (France), Ames (USA), Rio Verde (Brazil) and Morogoro (Tanzania). While individual models differed considerably in absolute yield simulation at the four sites, an ensemble of a minimum number of models was able to simulate absolute yields accurately at the four sites even with low data for calibration, thus suggesting that using an ensemble of models has merit. Temperature increase had strong negative influence on modeled yield response of roughly -0.5 Mg ha(sup 1) per degC. Doubling [CO2] from 360 to 720 lmol mol 1 increased grain yield by 7.5% on average across models and the sites. That would therefore make temperature the main factor altering maize yields at the end of this century. Furthermore, there was a large uncertainty in the yield response to [CO2] among models. Model responses to temperature and [CO2] did not differ whether models were simulated with low calibration information or, simulated with high level of calibration information.

carbon dioxide↗

Classification of posture maintenance data with fuzzy clustering algorithms

Sensory inputs from the visual, vestibular, and proprioreceptive systems are integrated by the central nervous system to maintain postural equilibrium. Sustained exposure to microgravity causes neurosensory adaptation during spaceflight, which results in decreased postural stability until readaptation occurs upon return to the terrestrial environment. Data which simulate sensory inputs under various conditions were collected in conjunction with JSC postural control studies using a Tilt-Translation Device (TTD). The University of West Florida proposed applying the Fuzzy C-Means Clustering (FCM) Algorithms to this data with a view towards identifying various states and stages. Data supplied by NASA/JSC were submitted to the FCM algorithms in an attempt to identify and characterize cluster substructure in a mixed ensemble of pre- and post-adaptational TTD data. Following several unsuccessful trials with FCM using a full 11 dimensional data set, a set of two channels (features) were found to enable FCM to separate pre- from post-adaptational TTD data. The main conclusions are that: (1) FCM seems able to separate pre- from post-TTD subject no. 2 on the one trial that was used, but only in certain subintervals of time; and (2) Channels 2 (right rear transducer force) and 8 (hip sway bar) contain better discrimination information than other supersets and combinations of the data that were tried so far.

Bezdek, James C.↗

On estimating the Venus spin vector

The improvement in spin vector and probe position estimates one may reasonably expect from the processing of such data is indicated. This was done by duplicating the ensemble calculations associated with a weighed least squares with a priori estimation technique applied to range rate data that were assumed to be unbiased and uncorrelated. The weighting matrix was assumed to be the inverse of the covariance matrix of the noise on the data. Attention is focused primarily on the spin vector estimation.

Argentiero, P. D.↗

On the Confidence Limit of Hilbert Spectrum

Confidence limit is a routine requirement for Fourier spectral analysis. But this confidence limit is established based on ergodic theory: For stationary process, temporal average equals the ensemble average. Therefore, one can divide the data into n-sections and treat each section as independent realization. Most natural processes in general, and climate data in particular, are not stationary; therefore, there is a need for the Hilbert Spectral analysis for such processes. Here ergodic theory is no longer applicable. We propose to use various adjustable parameters in the shifting processes of the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) method to obtain an ensemble of Intrinsic Mode Function 0 sets. Based on such an ensemble, we introduce a statistical measure in. a form of confidence limits for the Intrinsic Mode Functions, and consequently, the Hilbert spectra. The criterion of selecting the various adjustable parameters is based on the orthogonality test of the resulting M F sets. Length-of-day data from 1962 to 2001 will be used to illustrate this new approach. Its implication in climate data analysis will also be discussed.

Huang, Norden↗

The geometry of the zodiacal dust bands

A program is in progress to use the best available IRAS data to determine the orbital parameters of the ensemble of particles which make up the zodiacal dust bands. Refinements on the early results of Gautier and Hauser include the use of a more complete set of data and improved treatment of ring profile effects due to dispersions in orbital parameters. Results to date include an analysis of the sensitivity of the observable parameters of the dust bands to changes in the orbital parameters of the particle ensemble.

Gautier, T. N.↗

MINE: a new way to design genetics experiments for discovery

Abstract The Maximally Informative Next Experiment or MINE is a new experimental design approach for experiments, such as those in omics, in which the number of effects or parameters p greatly exceeds the number of samples n (p > n). Classical experimental design presumes n > p for inference about parameters and its application to p > n can lead to over-fitting. To overcome p > n, MINE is an ensemble method, which makes predictions about future experiments from an existing ensemble of models consistent with available data in order to select the most informative next experiment. Its advantages are in exploration of the data for new relationships with n < p and being able to integrate smaller and more tractable experiments to replace adaptively one large classic experiment as discoveries are made. Thus, using MINE is model-guided and adaptive over time in a large omics study. Here, MINE is illustrated in two distinct multiyear experiments, one involving genetic networks in Neurospora crassa and a second one involving a genome-wide association study in Sorghum bicolor as a comparison to classic experimental design in an agricultural setting.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology↗

Modeling aerosol transmission spectra from n(λ) and k(λ) infrared optical constants measurements of organic liquids and solids

The effects of light scattering and refraction play significantly different roles for aerosols than for bulk materials, making it challenging to identify aerosolized chemicals using traditional spectral methods or spectral reference libraries. Due to a potentially infinite number of particle morphologies, sizes, and compositions, constructing a database of laboratory-measured aerosol spectra is not a practical solution. Here, as an alternative approach, the measured n / k optical vectors of two example organic materials (diethyl phthalate and D-mannitol) are used in combination with particle absorption / scattering theory (Mie theory and FDTD) and the Beer-Lambert law to generate a series of synthetic infrared transmission / scattered light spectra. The synthetic spectra show significant differences versus simple slab transmission spectra, even for small changes in particle size (e.g., 5 vs. 10 µm) for both single particles and ensembles, potentially serving as useful reference data for aerosol sensing. For spherical single particles with diameters of 1 to 10 µm, FDTD simulations predict changes in the magnitudes of spectral shifts and the shapes of the peaks vs. particle size with only small deviations from Mie theory predictions, yet reliably capture the direction of the shifts. Typical spectral peak shifts in the longwave infrared correspond to Δλ ∼0.20 µm (∼34 cm -1 ) when compared to corresponding slab transmission spectra. Additionally, synthetic spectra generated from the n / k values derived using two different methods (KBr pellet transmission and single-angle reflectance) are compared using the Mie theory model.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Crystal motion measurement by means of satellite techniques

A system for monitoring precursory crustal motions is presented. It involves a set of automated corner reflector stations tracked by means of a laser operating in the Geopause satellite. It is possible to range some three times during every Geopause pass to each of the sites in such an ensemble, weather permitting. One centimeter range data gathered during a quarter of a year can yield position component accuracies of the order of a couple of centimeters. A laser beam of a tenth of a milliradian in diameter would, illuminate a single station in such an array. A broader beam would generate reflections from several sites, yielding overlapping data. A chain or pattern of such overlapping regions can strengthen the solution for site positions. Pressure, temperature and humidity gauges can provide refraction correction data. Turnaround transponders interrogated by the Geopause radio tracking system can furnish corresponding data in excessively cloudy regions.

Siry, J. W.↗

A study of the discrepant QSO X-ray luminosity function from the HEAO-2 data archive

Sensitive X-ray information for approximately 90 previously uncataloged Quasi-Stellar Objects (QSOs) in the redshift range 1.8 is less than or equal to z which is less than or equal to 3. Even with the longest esixting Einstein Observatory X-ray exposures, only 25% of these objects are positively detected in X-rays. The data were used to investigate the ensemble X-ray properties of high redshift QSOs, and the QSO population in general.

Margon, B.↗

The University of Minnesota oscillating flow experiments

Hot-wire anemometry techniques used to document laminar-to-turbulent transition in oscillating flow are discussed, and two transition mechanisms proposed by Seume (1988) are reviewed. Reliable near-wall data, and the convergence of ensemble-averaged velocities and rms velocity fluctuations will aid in evaluating wall shear stresses and calculating various boundary-layer parameters. Special consideration was given to a detailed measurement program which documents transition at different axial positions for the space power research engine (SPRE) operating point. Future work on the effect of entry geometry and measurements of heat transfer are outlined. In order to better simulate flow conditions in actual Stirling engine heat exchangers, the effects of various inflow geometries are investigated. Once the hydrodynamic conditions in the test section are documented, a measurement program to assess the effect of flow oscillation on heat transfer will commence.

Friedman, G. T.↗

A consensual neural network

A neural network architecture called a consensual neural network (CNN) is proposed for the classification of data from multiple sources. Its relation to hierarchical and ensemble neural networks is discussed. CNN is based on the statistical consensus theory and uses nonlinearly transformed input data. The input data are transformed several times, and the different transformed data are applied as if they were independent inputs. The independent inputs are classified using stage neural networks and outputs from the stage networks are then weighted and combined to make a decision. Experimental results based on remote-sensing data and geographic data are given.

Benediktsson, J. A.↗

Unsteady Flow Field in a Multistage Axial Flow Compressor

The flow field in a multistage compressor is three-dimensional, unsteady, and turbulent with substantial viscous effects. Some of the specific phenomena that has eluded designers include the effects of rotor-stator and rotor-rotor interactions and the physics of mixing of velocity, pressure, temperature and velocity fields. An attempt was made, to resolve experimentally, the unsteady pressure and temperature fields downstream of the second stator of a multistage axial flow compressor which will provide information on rotor-stator interaction effects and the nature of the unsteadiness in an embedded stator of a three stage axial flow compressor. Detailed area traverse measurements using pneumatic five hole probe, thermocouple probe, semi-conductor total pressure probe (Kulite) and an aspirating probe downstream of the second stator were conducted at the peak efficiency operating condition. The unsteady data was then reduced through an ensemble averaging technique which splits the signal into deterministic and unresolved components. Auto and cross correlation techniques were used to correlate the deterministic total temperature and velocity components (acquired using a slanted hot-film probe at the same measurement locations) and the gradients, distributions and relative weights of each of the terms of the average passage equation were then determined. Based on these measurements it was observed that the stator wakes, hub leakage flow region, casing endwall suction surface corner region, and the casing endwall region away from the blade surfaces were the regions of highest losses in total pressure, lowest efficiency and highest levels of unresolved unsteadiness. The deterministic unsteadiness was found to be high in the hub and casing endwall regions as well as on the pressure side of the stator wake. The spectral distribution of hot-wire and kulite voltages shows that at least eight harmonics of all three rotor blade passing frequencies are present at this measurement location. In addition to the basic three rotor blade passing frequencies (R1, R2 and R3) and their harmonics, various difference frequencies such as (2R1 -R2) and (2R3-R2) and their harmonics are also observed. These difference frequencies are due to viscous and potential interactions between rotors 1, 2 and 3 which are sensed by both the total pressure and aspirating probes at this location. Significant changes occur to the stator exit flow features with passage of the rotor upstream of the stator. Because of higher convection speeds of the rotor wake on the suction surface of the downstream stator than on the pressure side, the chopped rotor wake was found to be arriving at different times on either side of the stator wake. As the rotor passes across the stator.

Suryavamshi, N.↗

Assimilation of Satellite-Derived Skin Temperature Observations into Land Surface Models

Land surface (or "skin") temperature (LST) lies at the heart of the surface energy balance and is a key variable in weather and climate models. Here we assimilate LST retrievals from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) into the Noah and Catchment (CLSM) land surface models using an ensemble-based, off-line land data assimilation system. LST is described very differently in the two models. A priori scaling and dynamic bias estimation approaches are applied because satellite and model LST typically exhibit different mean values and variability. Performance is measured against 27 months of in situ measurements from the Coordinated Energy and Water Cycle Observations Project at 48 stations. LST estimates from Noah and CLSM without data assimilation ("open loop") are comparable to each other and superior to that of ISCCP retrievals. For LST, RMSE values are 4.9 K (CLSM), 5.6 K (Noah), and 7.6 K (ISCCP), and anomaly correlation coefficients (R) are 0.62 (CLSM), 0.61 (Noah), and 0.52 (ISCCP). Assimilation of ISCCP retrievals provides modest yet statistically significant improvements (over open loop) of up to 0.7 K in RMSE and 0.05 in anomaly R. The skill of surface turbulent flux estimates from the assimilation integrations is essentially identical to the corresponding open loop skill. Noah assimilation estimates of ground heat flux, however, can be significantly worse than open loop estimates. Provided the assimilation system is properly adapted to each land model, the benefits from the assimilation of LST retrievals are comparable for both models.

Reichle, Rolf H.↗

The Super Tuesday Outbreak: Forecast Sensitivities to Single-Moment Microphysics Schemes

Forecast precipitation and radar characteristics are used by operational centers to guide the issuance of advisory products. As operational numerical weather prediction is performed at increasingly finer spatial resolution, convective precipitation traditionally represented by sub-grid scale parameterization schemes is now being determined explicitly through single- or multi-moment bulk water microphysics routines. Gains in forecasting skill are expected through improved simulation of clouds and their microphysical processes. High resolution model grids and advanced parameterizations are now available through steady increases in computer resources. As with any parameterization, their reliability must be measured through performance metrics, with errors noted and targeted for improvement. Furthermore, the use of these schemes within an operational framework requires an understanding of limitations and an estimate of biases so that forecasters and model development teams can be aware of potential errors. The National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) Spring Experiments have produced daily, high resolution forecasts used to evaluate forecast skill among an ensemble with varied physical parameterizations and data assimilation techniques. In this research, high resolution forecasts of the 5-6 February 2008 Super Tuesday Outbreak are replicated using the NSSL configuration in order to evaluate two components of simulated convection on a large domain: sensitivities of quantitative precipitation forecasts to assumptions within a single-moment bulk water microphysics scheme, and to determine if these schemes accurately depict the reflectivity characteristics of well-simulated, organized, cold frontal convection. As radar returns are sensitive to the amount of hydrometeor mass and the distribution of mass among variably sized targets, radar comparisons may guide potential improvements to a single-moment scheme. In addition, object-based verification metrics are evaluated for their utility in gauging model performance and QPF variability.

Molthan, Andrew L.↗