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At least 343 records · Page 19

Film cooling on a convex wall: Heat transfer and hydrodynamic measurements for full and partial coverage

Turbine-blade cooling is an important issue for high-efficiency turbine engines, and discrete-hole injection is widely used as a cooling method. In the present study, detailed measurements were made of the heat transfer and hydrodynamics of a film-cooled flow on a convex wall, both for full and partial coverage. Two important parameters were altered: the blowing ratio, m, and the number of rows of injection holes. Three values of m were tested: m = 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6. In the blown region, m = 0.4 results in the lowest Stanton numbers of the three blowing ratios tested. This indicates that the value of m = 0.4 is near optimum on the convex wall from the point of view of cooling effect by injection. In the recovery region, Stanton numbers gradually approach the no injection values. Although the heat-transfer behavior during recovery from injection looks relatively complicated, the behavior of Stanton number can be explained in terms of two mechanisms: recovery from the thermal effect of injection and recovery from the turbulence augmentation. This interpretation of the data is supported by the hydrodynamic and temperture-profile measurements. For partial blowing cases, the data follow the full-coverage values inside the blown region. In the unblown region, both in the curved and in the flat plate, the effect of the number of blown rows is clearly seen. Hydrodynamic boundary-layer profiles were measured with the aid of a triple hot-water probe. Three mean-velocity components and six turbulence quantities were simultaneously measured, and inside the blown region strong three-dimensionality was observed.

Furuhama, K.↗

SansEC: A New Dimension to Sensing Electrical Sensors with No Electrical Connections

This DVD contains an introduction to SansEC, a new electrical sensor technology without electrical connections. This new class of sensors represents a stand-alone 2-dimensional geometric pattern of electrically open circuits without electrical connections. The sensor is powered with an external, harmonic magnetic field and as the property being sensed changes, responds to frequency, amplitude or bandwidth changes. This response is interrogated using an external antenna, a single electrical component having no electrical connections. The sensor can be encased in any nonconductive material to provide protection from its environment. If the container is nonconductive, the sensor can be placed external to the container without contacting it, making installation very simple. An encased sensor can also be placed inside a container for measuring the level of any fluid or material, including acids. Any readout device can be used with the sensor, including standard or digital gauges. SansEC sensors can be used to measure real-time fluid slosh to determine if a fuel tank's internal structural isogrid can be used to replace some of the baffles surface, thus reducing the overall baffle weight and giving a better understanding of the effect that isogrids have on fluid motion. Any SansEC sensor can also be used for damage or tamper detection. When damaged, torn or tampered with, the measured response shift in frequency is commensurate to the detected damage, with the response frequency increasing with rising damage. The unique sensor design allows it to function even if damaged, because unlike other circuits, there is no single point on the sensor that, if damaged, renders it non-functional. The broad metallic coverage of the array allows the array to be one of many thermal insulation layers. Two such arrays were tested to understand the effects of high velocity damage. Each test article was targeted with metal projectiles emulating micrometeorite or orbital debris impact. Even with the damage that the sensors received every sensor was still functional with the new response baseline, and remained capable of detecting even more damage.

Source record↗

The effects of time compositing from geosynchronous orbit on infrared temperature and moisture profile sampling in a convective situation

An effort is made to determine, on the basis of satellite imagery associated with a thunderstorm event: (1) the extent to which time-compositing would increase areal coverage and potential temperature and moisture profile measurements, as a function of time, and (2) the number of times that a given clear area could be sampled during a measurement sequence. This information would be of great value in more effectively using current data from the operational GOES satellites, and will assist in the planning of future operational and research geosynchronous missions.

Shenk, William E.↗

Microwave landing system modeling with application to air traffic control

Compared to the current instrument landing system, the microwave landing system (MLS), which is in the advanced stage of implementation, can potentially provide significant fuel and time savings as well as more flexibility in approach and landing functions. However, the expanded coverage and increased accuracy requirements of the MLS make it more susceptible to the features of the site in which it is located. An analytical approach is presented for evaluating the multipath effects of scatterers that are commonly found in airport environments. The approach combines a multiplane model with a ray-tracing technique and a formulation for estimating the electromagnetic fields caused by the antenna array in the presence of scatterers. The model is applied to several airport scenarios. The reduced computational burden enables the scattering effects on MLS position information to be evaluated in near real time. Evaluation in near real time would permit the incorporation of the modeling scheme into air traffic control automation; it would adaptively delineate zones of reduced accuracy within the MLS coverage volume, and help establish safe approach and takeoff trajectories in the presence of uneven terrain and other scatterers.

Poulose, M. M.↗

Microwave landing system modeling with application to air traffic control automation

Compared to the current instrument landing system, the microwave landing system (MLS), which is in the advanced stage of implementation, can potentially provide significant fuel and time savings as well as more flexibility in approach and landing functions. However, the expanded coverage and increased accuracy requirements of the MLS make it more susceptible to the features of the site in which it is located. An analytical approach is presented for evaluating the multipath effects of scatterers that are commonly found in airport environments. The approach combines a multiplane model with a ray-tracing technique and a formulation for estimating the electromagnetic fields caused by the antenna array in the presence of scatterers. The model is applied to several airport scenarios. The reduced computational burden enables the scattering effects on MLS position information to be evaluated in near real time. Evaluation in near real time would permit the incorporation of the modeling scheme into air traffic control automation; it would adaptively delineate zones of reduced accuracy within the MLS coverage volume, and help establish safe approach and takeoff trajectories in the presence of uneven terrain and other scatterers.

Poulose, M. M.↗

Fine-tuning catalytic selectivity by modulating catalyst-environment interactions: CO 2 hydrogenation over Pd-based catalysts

Capturing catalytic behaviors under operational conditions is pivotal to gaining a mechanistic understanding and promoting the design of robust catalysts. The challenge lies in the difficulty of monitoring real-time surface dynamics driven by catalyst-environment interactions. Here, in this work, we introduce a framework based on density functional calculations and kinetic modeling. This framework significantly improves the accuracy of theoretical models’ descriptions of experimental observations by quantifying environmental impacts on surface phases and active sites. CO 2 hydrogenation over Pd-based catalysts is taken as a showcase. The observed selectivity variations of Pd and Pd-M bimetallic catalysts strongly correlate with hydrogen coverage maintained under typical CO 2 hydrogenation conditions. By reducing the amount of surface hydrogen, the selectivity tuned effectively from formic acid toward CO and methanol. This study not only deepens the comprehension of dynamics of active sites under active chemical conditions but also introduces an alternative opportunity for catalytic tuning by modulating catalyst-environment interactions.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

A Near-Global Survey of Cirrus Particle Size Using ISCCP

Cirrus is the most frequently occurring and widely distributed cloud type. The average annual frequency of occurrence for cirrus is 34% and its global coverage is about 20-30% (Warren et al. 1985). It strongly influences weather and climate processes through its effects on the radiation budget of the earth and the atmosphere (Liou 1986). Microphysics of cirrus is a critical component in understanding cloud-climate radiative interactions. For example, ice water content feedback is positive from a 1-D model study. But the feedback is substantially reduced upon the inclusion of small ice crystals (Sinha and Shine 1994). Due to the complexity caused by the non-spherical shape of ice crystals in cirrus, retrievals of cirrus properties are difficult. In recent years, advances have been made both in models and in case studies (e.g., Takano and Liou 1989, Young et al. 1994), but no global scale survey has been conducted. Similar to our previous near-global survey of droplet sizes of liquid water clouds (Han et al. 1994), a survey of cirrus ice crystal sizes is conducted over both continental and oceanic areas. We describe a method for retrieving cirrus particle size information on a near-global scale 50 deg S to 50 deg N using currently available satellite data from ISCCP. To retrieve cirrus particle size, we use a radiative transfer model that includes all major absorbing gases and cloud scattering/absorption to compute synthetic radiances as a function of satellite viewing geometry. Ice crystal shapes are assumed to be hexagonal columns and plates. The model results have been validated against clear sky observations and are consistent with the observed radiance range under cloudy conditions.

Han, Qingyuan↗

Current Sounding Capability From Satellite Meteorological Observation With Ultraspectral Infrared Instruments

Ultraspectral resolution infrared spectral radiance obtained from near nadir observations provide atmospheric, surface, and cloud property information. The intent of the measurement of tropospheric thermodynamic state and trace abundances is the initialization of climate models and the monitoring of air quality. The NPOESS Airborne Sounder Testbed-Interferometer (NAST-I), designed to support the development of future satellite temperature and moisture sounders, aboard high altitude aircraft has been collecting data throughout many field campaigns. An advanced retrieval algorithm developed with NAST-I is now applied to satellite data collected with the Atmospheric InfraRed Sounder (AIRS) on the Aqua satellite launched on 4 May 2002 and the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) on the MetOp satellite launched on October 19, 2006. These instruments possess an ultra-spectral resolution, for example, both IASI and NAST-I have ~0.25 cm-1 and a spectral coverage from 645 to 2760 cm-1. The retrieval algorithm with a fast radiative transfer model, including cloud effects, is used for atmospheric profile and cloud parameter retrieval. The physical inversion scheme has been developed, dealing with cloudy as well as cloud-free radiance observed with ultraspectral infrared sounders, to simultaneously retrieve surface, atmospheric thermodynamic, and cloud microphysical parameters. A fast radiative transfer model, which applies to the clouded atmosphere, is used for atmospheric profile and cloud parameter retrieval. A one-dimensional (1-d) variational multi-variable inversion solution is used to improve an iterative background state defined by an eigenvector-regression-retrieval. The solution is iterated in order to account for non-linearity in the 1-d variational solution. It is shown that relatively accurate temperature and moisture retrievals can be achieved below optically thin clouds. For optically thick clouds, accurate temperature and moisture profiles down to cloud top level are obtained. For both optically thin and thick cloud situations, the cloud top height can be retrieved with relatively high accuracy (i.e., error less than 1 km). Retrievals of atmospheric soundings, surface properties, and cloud microphysical properties with the AIRS and IASI observations are obtained and presented. These retrievals are further inter-compared with those obtained from airborne FTS system, such as the NPOESS Airborne Sounder Testbed? Interferometer (NAST I), dedicated dropsondes, radiosondes, and ground based Raman Lidar. The capabilities of satellite ultra-spectral sounder such as the AIRS and IASI are investigated. These advanced satellite ultraspectral infrared instruments are now playing an important role in satellite meteorological observation for numerical weather prediction.

Zhou, Daniel K.↗

Thermal Impact of Lunar Dust on Rovers

Experience and ground tests have shown that lunar dust coverage can severely degrade thermal system performance, and with the push to go back to the Moon for longer than a few days, lunar dust is being recognized as a significant technical challenge. The Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) and Pressurized Rover (PR) will be operating on the lunar surface for long durations and roving at high speeds with interaction with astronauts and other robotics, which will cause dust to transfer to the vehicle, potentially to critical thermal surfaces. Dust coverage results in a change of overall optical properties, increased resistance to heat rejection due to the insulating effect of a dust layer, and even abrasion to thermal surfaces and soft goods. This paper provides an overview of what is currently known and unknown about what will happen to thermal surfaces exposed to dust on the Lunar South Pole, some dust mitigation options and testing guidance, and what resources can be used to help overcome this problem.

Lunar dust↗

Thermal Impacts of Lunar Dust For Rovers

Experience and ground tests have shown that lunar dust coverage can severely degrade thermal system performance, and with the push to go back to the Moon for longer than a few days, lunar dust is being recognized as a significant technical challenge. The Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) and Pressurized Rover (PR) will be operating on the lunar surface for long durations and roving at high speeds with interaction with astronauts and other robotics, which will cause dust to transfer to the vehicle, potentially to critical thermal surfaces. Dust coverage results in a change of overall optical properties, increased resistance to heat rejection due to the insulating effect of a dust layer, and even abrasion to thermal surfaces and soft goods. This paper provides an overview of what is currently known and unknown about what will happen to thermal surfaces exposed to dust on the Lunar South Pole, some dust mitigation options and testing guidance, and what resources can be used to help overcome this problem.

Lunar dust↗

Utilizing Experimental-based Line Positions for Semi-empirical IR Line Lists

Molecular IR line lists computed from semi-empirically refined ab initio potential energy surface and high quality ab initio dipole moment surface may have line position accuracy typically within 0.01 - 0.05 cm−1. For high resolution spectroscopy databases, it is necessary to integrate the computed theoretical IR intensities with the line positions accurately determined from experiments and (or) reliably derived from Effective Hamiltonian models. However, it is not a trivial task, and the choices in reality are heavily contingent upon the coverage, consistency, and accuracy of the data available for a specific molecule or isotopologue. We will present several approaches applied to recent Ames IR line lists of CO 2 1, N 2 O 2 , and OCS to demonstrate how challenging such integration may become, and what we have learned From these projects. Discussions will focus on the relation between each different scenario and the corresponding choice or solution, including their advantages and limits, how the semi-empirical IR line lists can help, and what else may be needed for future improvements. We will emphasize that the “Theory+Experiment” synergy may still play significant role in the determination of the best line positions.

Effective Hamiltonian models↗

Global Estimates of Average Ground-Level Fine Particulate Matter Concentrations from Satellite-Based Aerosol Optical Depth

Exposure to airborne particles can cause acute or chronic respiratory disease and can exacerbate heart disease, some cancers, and other conditions in susceptible populations. Ground stations that monitor fine particulate matter in the air (smaller than 2.5 microns, called PM2.5) are positioned primarily to observe severe pollution events in areas of high population density; coverage is very limited, even in developed countries, and is not well designed to capture long-term, lower-level exposure that is increasingly linked to chronic health effects. In many parts of the developing world, air quality observation is absent entirely. Instruments aboard NASA Earth Observing System satellites, such as the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR), monitor aerosols from space, providing once daily and about once-weekly coverage, respectively. However, these data are only rarely used for health applications, in part because the can retrieve the amount of aerosols only summed over the entire atmospheric column, rather than focusing just on the near-surface component, in the airspace humans actually breathe. In addition, air quality monitoring often includes detailed analysis of particle chemical composition, impossible from space. In this paper, near-surface aerosol concentrations are derived globally from the total-column aerosol amounts retrieved by MODIS and MISR. Here a computer aerosol simulation is used to determine how much of the satellite-retrieved total column aerosol amount is near the surface. The five-year average (2001-2006) global near-surface aerosol concentration shows that World Health Organization Air Quality standards are exceeded over parts of central and eastern Asia for nearly half the year.

Van Donkelaar, A.↗

Component-based SHGC determination of BIPV glazing for product comparison

Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems are intrinsically designed to generate electricity and to provide at least one building-related function. When BIPV modules act as glazing products in windows, skylights or curtain walls, their ability to control the transmission of solar energy into the building must be characterised by a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) or g value (also known as Total Solar Energy Transmittance – TSET – or “solar factor”). For the comparison of BIPV glazing products consisting of one PV laminate and possibly further, conventional glazing layers separated by gas-filled cavities, the procedures documented in international standards for architectural glazing (e.g. ISO 9050 and EN 410) form a suitable starting point. Easily implemented modifications to these procedures are proposed to take both optical inhomogeneity (if relevant) and extraction of electricity from BIPV glazing units into account. Geometrically complex glazing and shading devices, and light-scattering glazing layers, are outside the scope of the proposed methodology; SHGC determination for obliquely incident solar radiation is also excluded. For these cases, the experimental calorimetric approach documented in [ISO 19467:2017; ISO 19467-2:2021] is recommended. The paper also presents results and conclusions from an implementation exercise and sensitivity study carried out by participants of the IEA-PVPS Task 15 on BIPV. The cell coverage ratio in the PV laminate, the thermal resistance offered by the glazing configuration, the choice of boundary conditions and the effect of extracting electricity were all identified as parameters which significantly affect the SHGC value determined for a given type of BIPV glazing. A practicable approach to accommodate the great variety of dimensions typical for BIPV glazing is also proposed. These findings should pave the way for modifying the existing component-based standards for architectural glazing to take the specific features of BIPV glazing into account.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Los Angeles Urban Development: Utilizing NASA Earth Observations to Evaluate the Impact of Tree Coverage on Urban Heat Mitigation

Over the last several decades the city of Los Angeles, California, has been experiencing increased temperatures resulting from the urban heat island effect. This is largely due to the expansion of developed areas which allow for the trapping of heat, posing dangerous health risks. As a solution, many organizations have turned to urban greening and tree planting initiatives to help cool vulnerable communities. NASA DEVELOP has partnered with City Plants and the City of Los Angeles, Office of Forest Management to study the role of trees in urban environments and their relation to the mitigation of local urban heat islands. This team used NASA Earth observation data spanning from 2016 to 2022, including land surface temperature and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data collected from Landsat 8 Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) and International Space Station (ISS) ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS), respectively. Data from the National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) were also used to obtain a supervised classification of tree canopy cover. Our analysis reveals a spatial and temporal connection between temperature and vegetation, suggesting that areas with more vegetation are less likely to suffer high summertime temperatures. Results also highlight the impacts of tree planting programs, such as the Vermont Corridor planting project, which increased tree canopy cover by up to 5% in the community between 2016 and 2022. These findings support the implementation of urban greening practices and inform residents and officials about how investing in trees will help mitigate increasing heat within Los Angeles.

Urban heat island↗

Fabrication of Piezoelectric Polymer and Metal–Organic Framework Composite Thin Films Using Solution Shearing

Polymer-metal–organic framework (polymer-MOF) composites have garnered significant interest as polymers can enhance the processability and industrial applicability of MOFs. Thin films of these composites are particularly attractive for applications in sensing, separations, and flexible electronics. Solution shearing, a meniscus-guided coating technique, has emerged as a scalable process for fabricating thin films of MOFs, and can produce large-area films within minutes. In this study, we utilized solution shearing to fabricate composite thin films of a MOF UiO-66 and a piezoelectric polymer poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)), investigating how polymer concentration during MOF synthesis and composite formation influences thin film properties, including crystallinity, surface coverage, and piezoelectric performance. Additionally, solid-state NMR spectroscopy was utilized to probe the interactions between P(VDF-TrFE) and UiO-66 in the composite. Evidence from solid-state NMR indicated polymer-MOF interactions, suggesting that the polymer strands are in close proximity to the UiO-66 pores, supporting a mixed surface coating and pore infiltration model. Furthermore, incorporating P(VDF-TrFE) enhanced the film’s areal coverage from 70% to 100%. While the thermal conductivity remained essentially unchanged, the composite film showed an improved piezoelectric effect. The composite with 91 wt % P(VDF-TrFE) exhibited the highest output voltage of 9.1 V and a sensitivity of 0.26 V/N under applied pressure. This work demonstrates the potential of solution shearing as a scalable technique for fabricating polymer-MOF composite thin films.

P(VDF-TrFE)↗

Self-Assembly of Anisotropic Particles on Curved Surfaces

The surface curvature of membranes, interfaces, and substrates plays a crucial role in shaping the self-assembly of particles adsorbed on these surfaces. However, little is known about the interplay between particle anisotropy and surface curvature and how they couple to alter the free energy landscape of particle assemblies. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the effect of prescribed curvatures on a quasi-2D assembly of anisotropic patchy particles. By varying curvature and surface coverage, we uncover a rich geometric phase diagram, with curvature inducing ordered structures entirely absent on planar surfaces. Large spatial domains of ordered structures can contain hidden microdomains of orientational textures imprinted by the surface on the assembly. The dynamical landscape is also reshaped by surface curvature, with a glass-like state emerging at modest densities and high curvature. Changes to the symmetry of the surface curvature are found to result in distinct structures, including phases with mesoscale ordering. In conclusion, our findings show that the coupling between surface curvature and particle geometry opens an unexplored space of morphologies and structures that can be exploited for material design.

Fluids↗

Author Correction: US oil and gas system emissions from nearly one million aerial site measurements

Correction to: Naturehttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07117-5 Published online 13 March 2024 In the version of the article initially published, several errors were present and have been corrected in the HTML and PDF versions of the article and Supplementary Information. The main results, conclusions, and our interpretations of the data remain unchanged. See the new Supplementary Information Section S15 for a more detailed description of the errors corrected and the resulting effects on the analysis. Data processing and methods corrections Overflight count correction: We previously used pre-computed source coverage data for some Carbon Mapper campaigns that was computed differently than was required for our analysis. We have re-computed Carbon Mapper source coverage based on flightline polygons and source coordinates. Transition point computation, well sites: The updated version now correctly compares the cumulative emissions distribution of simulated well site emissions with that of aerially detected sources (rather than plumes) when computing the transition point. Transition point computation, midstream: Additionally, the transition point calculation has been corrected to exclude aerially detected midstream emissions below the transition point, which was previously leading to double counting of these emissions. This error was not present for upstream (well site) emissions. Calculation errors Unit error: We corrected a specific unit conversion error affecting well site emissions in the Kairos Fort Worth dataset. Across all datasets, we also correct the conversion factor for converting from standard volume to mass for midstream emissions. Sorting error: We correct code that was applying incorrect sorting when computing correction factors to account for partial detection at well sites. Small typographical corrections were made in Fig. 1b and SI Section S4.1. Data processing and methods corrections Overflight count correction: We previously used pre-computed source coverage data for some Carbon Mapper campaigns that was computed differently than was required for our analysis. We have re-computed Carbon Mapper source coverage based on flightline polygons and source coordinates. Transition point computation, well sites: The updated version now correctly compares the cumulative emissions distribution of simulated well site emissions with that of aerially detected sources (rather than plumes) when computing the transition point. Transition point computation, midstream: Additionally, the transition point calculation has been corrected to exclude aerially detected midstream emissions below the transition point, which was previously leading to double counting of these emissions. This error was not present for upstream (well site) emissions. Calculation errors Unit error: We corrected a specific unit conversion error affecting well site emissions in the Kairos Fort Worth dataset. Across all datasets, we also correct the conversion factor for converting from standard volume to mass for midstream emissions. Sorting error: We correct code that was applying incorrect sorting when computing correction factors to account for partial detection at well sites. Small typographical corrections were made in Fig. 1b and SI Section S4.1. The following practices may help researchers conducting similar analyses avoid making similar errors: 1, Clear, accessible documentation explaining the interpretation of all columns in data input tables and all internal variables within the model, 2, Simple cross-check calculations computed before and after unit conversions.

Sherwin, Evan D↗

Investigation of radiometric properties of LANDSAT-4 MSS

Two full frames of radiometrically corrected (Type A) LANDSAT-4 MSS data were analyzed digitally and visually for evidence of residual calibration differences between detectors, quantization effects, and other sensor-related artifacts. Both standard statistical and Fourier analysis techniques were employed. Opportunities for coincident coverage by LANDSATS 3 and 4 were identified in the contiguous 48 states. Paired acquisitions for two scenes were obtained and analyzed to establish relationships between signal values from common areas imaged by the two MSS Systems. Initial findings on detector-to-detector differences, coherent noise, and LANDSAT 4 to LANDSAT 3 calibration are summarized. Results show that LANDSAT 4 MSS produces data of generally good quality with dynamic ranges and target responses similar to those of previous sensors.

Rice, D. P.↗