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At least 307 records · Page 17

Numerical models of the primitive solar nebula.

The equations giving force balance in the radial and vertical directions in the primitive solar nebula are developed. The techniques used to compute the gravitational potential and to compute the opacity of the gas for energy transport in the vertical direction are described, as well as the properties of the primitive solar nebula models thus constructed. The rate at which gaseous dissipation should occur within the solar nebula, producing the sun by inward flow of matter, is discussed.

Cameron, A. G. W.↗

Numerical modelling of instantaneous plate tectonics

Assuming lithospheric plates to be rigid, 68 spreading rates, 62 fracture zones trends, and 106 earthquake slip vectors are systematically inverted to obtain a self-consistent model of instantaneous relative motions for eleven major plates. The inverse problem is linearized and solved iteratively by a maximum-likelihood procedure. Because the uncertainties in the data are small, Gaussian statistics are shown to be adequate. The use of a linear theory permits (1) the calculation of the uncertainties in the various angular velocity vectors caused by uncertainties in the data, and (2) quantitative examination of the distribution of information within the data set. The existence of a self-consistent model satisfying all the data is strong justification of the rigid plate assumption. Slow movement between North and South America is shown to be resolvable.

Minster, J. B.↗

Numerical modeling of pollutant transport using a Lagrangian marker particle technique

A derivation and code were developed for the three-dimensional mass transport equation, using a particle-in-cell solution technique, to solve coastal zone waste discharge problems where particles are a major component of the waste. Improvements in the particle movement techniques are suggested and typical examples illustrated. Preliminary model comparisons with analytic solutions for an instantaneous point release in a uniform flow show good results in resolving the waste motion. The findings to date indicate that this computational model will provide a useful technique to study the motion of sediment, dredged spoils, and other particulate waste commonly deposited in coastal waters.

Spaulding, M.↗

Remote sensing applied to numerical modelling

Progress and remaining difficulties in the construction of predictive mathematical models of large bodies of water as ecosystems are reviewed. Surface temperature is at present the only variable than can be measured accurately and reliably by remote sensing techniques, but satellite infrared data are of sufficient resolution for macro-scale modeling of oceans and large lakes, and airborne radiometers are useful in meso-scale analysis (of lakes, bays, and thermal plumes). Finite-element and finite-difference techniques applied to the solution of relevant coupled time-dependent nonlinear partial differential equations are compared, and the specific problem of the Biscayne Bay and environs ecosystem is tackled in a finite-differences treatment using the rigid-lid model and a rigid-line grid system.

Sengupta, S.↗

Prediction of convective activity using a system of parasitic-nested numerical models

A limited area, three dimensional, moist, primitive equation (PE) model is developed to test the sensitivity of quantitative precipitation forecasts to the initial relative humidity distribution. Special emphasis is placed on the squall-line region. To accomplish the desired goal, time dependent lateral boundaries and a general convective parameterization scheme suitable for mid-latitude systems were developed. The sequential plume convective parameterization scheme presented is designed to have the versatility necessary in mid-latitudes and to be applicable for short-range forecasts. The results indicate that the scheme is able to function in the frontally forced squallline region, in the gently rising altostratus region ahead of the approaching low center, and in the over-riding region ahead of the warm front. Three experiments are discussed.

Perkey, D. J.↗

Middle atmosphere project. A semi-spectral numerical model for the large-scale stratospheric circulation

The complete model is a semispectral model in which the longitudinal dependence is represented by expansion in zonal harmonics while the latitude and height dependencies are represented by a finite difference grid. The model is based on the primitive equations in the log pressure coordinate system. The lower boundary of the model domain is set at the 100 mb level (i.e., near the tropopause) and the effects of tropospheric forcing are included in the lower boundary condition. The upper boundary is at approximately 96 km, and the latitudinal extent is either global or hemispheric. The basic differential equations and boundary conditions are outlined. The finite difference equations are described. The initial conditions are discussed and a sample calculation is presented. The FORTRAN code is given in the appendix.

Holton, J. R.↗

A large-scale numerical model of sea ice

The described large-scale sea ice model, which is capable of coupling with atmospheric and oceanic models of comparable resolution, simulates the yearly cycle of ice in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Model results for the yearly cycle of sea ice thickness and extent in both the Arctic and the Antarctic are presented. Horizontally the model resolution is approximately 200 km, while vertically four layers - ice, snow, ocean, and atmosphere - are considered. Thermodynamic processes based on energy balances at the various interfaces and dynamic processes based on wind stress, water stress, Coriolis force, internal ice resistance, and the stress from the tilt of the sea surface are incorporated. It is assumed that the ice within a given grid square is of uniform thickness, although each square has a variable percentage of its area ice free.

Parkinson, C. L.↗

An isentropic and sigma coordinate hybrid numerical model - Model development and some initial tests

A solution is presented for matching boundary conditions across the interface of an isentropic and sigma coordinate hybrid model. A hybrid model based on the flux form of the primitive equations is developed which allows direct vertical exchange between the model domains, satisfies conservation principles with respect to transport processes, and maintains a smooth transition across the interface without need for artificial adjustment or parameterization schemes. The initial hybrid model simulations of a jet streak propagating in a zonal channel are used to test the feasibility of the hybrid model approach. High efficiency of the hybrid model is demonstrated.

Uccellini, L. W.↗

Numerical modeling of baroclinic instability

The Eady model of baroclinic instability applied to a rotating channel with Ekman layers at the top and bottom is extended to a beta-plane channel. Changes in the shape and position of the boundary separating the regions of axially symmetric and wavelike motion are predicted.

Geisler, J. F.↗

The structure and appearance of winds from supercritical accretion disks. I - Numerical models

Equations for the structure and appearance of supercritical accretion disks and the radiation-driven winds which emanate from them are derived and solved by a steady-state hydrodynamic computer code with a relaxation technique used in stellar structure problems. The present model takes into account the mass of the accreting star, the total accretion rate, a generalization of the disk alpha parameter which accounts for heating by processes in addition to viscosity, and the ratio of the total luminosity to the Eddington luminosity. Solutions indicate that for accretion onto a hard-surfaced star, steady, optically thick winds result for even slightly supercritical accretion, and the object will appear as a supergiant star with a high mass loss rate and a nonblackbody spectrum. Winds from black hole accretion disks are expected to depend on the form of the accretion interior to the critical radius, possibly consisting of no ejection at all, a wind similar to that of a hard-surfaced star, or a column of material ejected from a hole in the accretion disk.

Meier, D. L.↗

Middle atmosphere project: A radiative heating and cooling algorithm for a numerical model of the large scale stratospheric circulation

A Curtis matrix is used to compute cooling by the 15 micron and 10 micron bands of carbon dioxide. Escape of radiation to space and exchange the lower boundary are used for the 9.6 micron band of ozone. Voigt line shape, vibrational relaxation, line overlap, and the temperature dependence of line strength distributions and transmission functions are incorporated into the Curtis matrices. The distributions of the atmospheric constituents included in the algorithm, and the method used to compute the Curtis matrices are discussed as well as cooling or heating by the 9.6 micron band of ozone. The FORTRAN programs and subroutines that were developed are described and listed.

Wehrbein, W. M.↗

Compensation for use of monthly-averaged winds in numerical modeling

Ratios R of the monthly averaged wind speeds to the magnitudes of the monthly averaged wind vectors are presented over a 41 x 41 grid covering the southern Ocean and the Antarctic continent. The ratio is found to vary from 1 to over 1000, with an average value of 1.86. These ratios R are relevant for converting from sensible and latent heats calculated with mean monthly data to those calculated with 12 hourly data. The corresponding ratios alpha for wind stress, along with the angle deviations involved, are also presented over the same 41 x 41 grid. The values of alpha generally exceed those for R and average 2.66. Regions in zones of variable wind directions have larger R and alpha ratios, over the ice-covered portions of the southern Ocean averaging 2.74 and 4.35 for R and alpha respectively. Thus adjustments to compensate for the use of mean monthly wind velocities should be stronger for wind stress than for turbulent heats and stronger over ice covered regions than over regions with more persistent wind directions, e.g., those in the belt of mid-latitude westerlies.

Parkinson, C. L.↗

Experimental validation of a numerical model predicting the charging characteristics of Teflon and Kapton under electron beam irradiation

The effect differential charging of spacecraft thermal control surfaces is assessed by studying the dynamics of the charging process. A program to experimentally validate a computer model of the charging process was established. Time resolved measurements of the surface potential were obtained for samples of Kapton and Teflon irradiated with a monoenergetic electron beam. Results indicate that the computer model and experimental measurements agree well and that for Teflon, secondary emission is the governing factor. Experimental data indicate that bulk conductivities play a significant role in the charging of Kapton.

Hazelton, R. C.↗