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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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An Investigation Into Possible Systematic Effects on Neutron Star Radius Estimates using NICER-like Synthetic Data

Neutron star cores contain the densest matter in the observable universe. The state of this matter is of interest in numerous fields, but laboratory experiments cannot explore this matter. Although the composition of the matter would be of great interest, macroscopic observables such as the neutron star mass-radius relation depend primarily on the equation of state (EOS). As a result, precise and reliable radius measurements would be valuable in constraining the EOS. However, most attempts at radius measurements are susceptible to systematic errors, meaning the inferred radius can be significantly biased even though the fit to the data appears to be statistically good. Previous studies suggested that radii inferred using X-ray data provided by NASA’s NICER mission may be more immune from such systematic errors. This is in part because, compared with previous measurements that obtained averaged spectra and fluxes, NICER observes millisecond pulsars by timing the photons so precisely, it is possible to obtain the spectrum as a function of rotational phase and see variations such as heated regions on the star rotate into and out of view hundreds of times per second. This extra information seems promising to break degeneracies and mitigate systematic errors, but a more in-depth study is necessary. We report the first steps of that study, in which we generate NICER-like synthetic data and determine the quality of fit and bias in radius obtained when we fit the data using a model different from the model used to generate the data.

Isiah Holt↗
NASA NTRS1975

Vanishing rainbows near orbiting and the energy dependence of rainbow scattering - Relation to properties of the potential

The energy threshold behavior of elastic rainbow scattering near the transition to orbiting is derived. Analysis of the energy dependence of the rainbow angle shows that the full range from high energies down to orbiting can be fitted with two parameters. Thus, measurements of the rainbow angle can give essentially only two pieces of information about the potential. For potentials of common shapes, such measurements are sensitive to regions of the potential just beyond the minimum and give information about the shape of the potential in this range. However, neither a minimum nor a point of inflection in the potential is necessary for rainbow scattering.

Greene, E. F.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Structural relations for time-dependent intermediate shocks

A quantitative description of time-dependent (MHD) intermediate shocks is formulated. In non-coplanar Riemann problems, time-dependent 2 yields 3 intermediate shocks evolve in time as a localized self-similar structure whose strength decreases as 1/sq rt t, and whose width expands as sq rt t. We derive structural relations, similar to Rankine-Hugoniot relations, between the plasma properties and the magnitude of the transverse magnetic field, which we hope can help identify time-dependent 2 yields 3 intermediate shocks at the magnetopause, in the solar wind, and elsewhere in space. The analytic forms of the structural relations agree with our numerical results.

Wu, C. C.↗
NASA NTRS1971

A model for the temperature and composition effects in the semiannual variations of the thermospheric density

A model is proposed in which latitudinal variations in composition and temperature are used to interpret the semiannual effect in the thermospheric density. Two heat sources are postulated for the semiannual circulation: one at high latitudes associated with the semiannual component in the occurance of magnetic storms and a second weaker one that peaks at the equator associated with the semiannual migration between both hemispheres. Depending on the relative magnitude of these sources, the latitude regions in which composition and temperature effects dominate vary. The temperature effects however should be expected weakest at low to mid latitudes where the relative concentration of atomic oxygen is enriched during equinox. At high latitudes the semiannual temperature component would peak, associated with an oxygen depletion in the lower thermosphere during equinox. In combining these features it is shown that the total atmospheric density could still exhibit a relatively small latitude dependence in the semiannual component with the tendency to decrease at high latitudes, in agreement with observations.

Mayr, H. G.↗
NASA NTRS1978

A theory of local and global processes which affect solar wind electrons. 1: The origin of typical 1 AU velocity distribution functions: Steady state theory

A detailed first principle kinetic theory for electrons which is neither a classical fluid treatment nor an exospheric calculation is presented. This theory illustrates the global and local properties of the solar wind expansion that shape the observed features of the electron distribution function, such as its bifurcation, its skewness and the differential temperatures of the thermal and suprathermal subpopulations. Coulomb collisions are substantial mediators of the interplanetary electron velocity distribution function and they place a zone for a bifurcation of the electron distribution function deep in the corona. The local cause and effect precept which permeates the physics of denser media is modified for electrons in the solar wind. The local form of transport laws and equations of state which apply to collision dominated plasmas are replaced with global relations that explicitly depend on the relative position of the observer to the boundaries of the system.

Scudder, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Seasonal and Interannual Variations of Ice Sheet Surface Elevation at the Summit of Greenland: Observed and Modeled

Observed seasonal and interannual variations in the surface elevation over the summit of the Greenland ice sheet are modeled using a new temperature-dependent formulation of firn-densification and observed accumulation variations. The observed elevation variations are derived from ERS (European Remote Sensing)-1 and ERS-2 radar altimeter data for the period between April 1992 and April 1999. A multivariate linear/sine function is fitted to an elevation time series constructed from elevation differences measured by radar altimetry at orbital crossovers. The amplitude of the seasonal elevation cycle is 0.25 m peak-to-peak, with a maximum in winter and a minimum in summer. Inter-annually, the elevation decreases to a minimum in 1995, followed by an increase to 1999, with an overall average increase of 4.2 cm a(exp -1) for 1992 to 1999. Our densification formulation uses an initial field-density profile, the AWS (automatic weather station) surface temperature record, and a temperature-dependent constitutive relation for the densification that is based on laboratory measurements of crystal growth rates. The rate constant and the activation energy commonly used in the Arrhenius-type constitutive relation for firn densification are also temperature dependent, giving a stronger temperature and seasonal amplitudes about 10 times greater than previous densification formulations. Summer temperatures are most important, because of the strong non-linear dependence on temperature. Much of firn densification and consequent surface lowering occurs within about three months of the summer season, followed by a surface build-up from snow accumulation until spring. Modeled interannual changes of the surface elevation, using the AWS measurements of surface temperature and accumulation and results of atmospheric modeling of precipitation variations, are in good agreement with the altimeter observations. In the model, the surface elevation decreases about 20 cm over the seven years due to more compaction driven by increasing summer temperatures. The minimum elevation in 1995 is driven mainly by a temporary accumulation decrease and secondarily by warmer temperatures. However, the overall elevation increase over the seven years is dominated by the accumulation increase in the later years.

Zwally, H. Jay↗
NASA NTRS1981

Delayed darkening of radiation-exposed radiochromic dye dosimeters

Experiments have verified the existence of considerable delayed darkening in FWT-60 dosimetry films that may, depending on relative humidity, last for several hours. The amount of delayed darkening depends very strongly on the relative humidity at which the films are equilibrated before irradiation. It is pointed out that the delayed darkening effect must be taken into account before any meaningful dosimetric measurements may be made using these nylon-based thin dosimetry films. The particular radiation-sensitive compound used in the FWT-60 films is the hexahydrosyethyl pararosanaline cyanide with the Dupont nylon resin, Elvamide 8061, which forms the host matrix of a solid-state solution.

Danchenko, V.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Angular and Energy Dependence of Proton Upset in Optocouplers

Proton upset effects in optocouplers were reported by LaBel, et al. that showed an unexpected increase in cross section for incident angles above 80 degrees. Although it appeared that the angular dependence was related to direct ionization from protons, the angular dependence was weaker than expected from basic geometrical arguments using a shallow charge collection depth. Later work showed that the angular dependence of proton upset observed in the earlier studies at a single energy could be explained by considering the distribution of proton recoil energies along with the assumption of a deeper charge collection depth, which was consistent with upset tests from heavy ions. However, an experimental test of the underlying assumptions in the latter work has yet to be done. Protons in space not only arrive over a wide range of incident angles, but also involve a distribution of proton energies. It is necessary to understand both the angular dependence and the dependence of proton upset on energy in order to determine how optocouplers will respond in space. If the angular dependence only occurs for extreme angles of incidence, it will have little impact on the overall cross section because of the narrow acceptance angle. The present work examines mechanisms for proton upset in optocouplers in more detail, investigating the energy dependence and the effects of different load conditions. A model for proton upset is developed, along with a laboratory screening method to determine whether direct ionization is significant for specific device types.

Johnston, A. H.↗
NASA NTRS1990

A technique for directly comparing radiances from two satellites

Solar Backscattering Ultraviolet-2 (SBUV/2) instrument on NOAA-9 orbit on June 1987, solar zenith angles of the observations; plot of weekly average differences between SBUV (Nimbus-7 and SBUV/2 (NOAA-9); radiance comparisons for March 1986; time dependence of relative change between SBUV and SBUV/2; and explicit wavelength dependence are presented in viewgraph format. Each is briefly discussed.

Mcpeters, Richard D.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Approach for Propagating Radiometric Data Uncertainties Through NASA Ocean Color Algorithms

Spectroradiometric satellite observations of the ocean are commonly referred to as “ocean color” remote sensing. NASA has continuously collected, processed, and distributed ocean color datasets since the launch of the Sea-viewing Wide-field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) in 1997. While numerous ocean color algorithms have been developed in the past two decades that derive geophysical data products from sensor-observed radiometry, few papers have clearly demonstrated how to estimate measurement uncertainty in derived data products. As the uptake of ocean color data products continues to grow with the launch of new and advanced sensors, it is critical that pixel-by-pixel data product uncertainties are estimated during routine data processing. Knowledge of uncertainties can be used when studying long-term climate records, or to assist in the development and performance appraisal of bio-optical algorithms. In this method paper we provide a comprehensive overview of how to formulate first-order first-moment (FOFM) calculus for propagating radiometric uncertainties through a selection of bio-optical models. We demonstrate FOFM uncertainty formulations for the following NASA ocean color data products: chlorophyll-a pigment concentration (Chl), the diffuse attenuation coefficient at 490 nm (K(sub d,490)), particulate organic carbon (POC), normalized fluorescent line height (nflh), and inherent optical properties (IOPs). Using a quality-controlled in situ hyperspectral remote sensing reflectance (R(sub rs,i)) dataset, we show how computationally inexpensive, yet algebraically complex, FOFM calculations may be evaluated for correctness using the more computationally expensive Monte Carlo approach. We compare bio-optical product uncertainties derived using our test R(sub rs) dataset assuming spectrally-flat, uncorrelated relative uncertainties of 1, 5, and 10%. We also consider spectrally dependent, uncorrelated relative uncertainties in R(sub rs). The importance of considering spectral covariances in R(sub rs), where practicable, in the FOFM methodology is highlighted with an example SeaWiFS image. We also present a brief case study of two POC algorithms to illustrate how FOFM formulations may be used to construct measurement uncertainty budgets for ecologically-relevant data products. Such knowledge, even if rudimentary, may provide useful information to end-users when selecting data products or when developing their own algorithms.

Bio-optics↗
NASA NTRS2018

Bipedal Isotropic Lattice Locomoting Explorer: Robotic Platform for Locomotion and Manipulation of Discrete Lattice Structures and Lightweight Space Structures

A robotic platform for traversing and manipulating a modular 3D lattice structure is described. The robot is designed specifically for its tasks within a structured environment, and is simplified in terms of its numbers of degrees of freedom (DOF). This allows for simpler controls and a reduction of mass and cost. Designing the robot relative to the environment in which it operates results in a specific type of robot called a "relative robot". Depending on the task and environment, there can be a number of relative robots. This invention describes a bipedal robot which can locomote across a periodic lattice structure made of building block parts. The robot is able to handle, manipulate, and transport these blocks when there is more than one robot. Based on a general inchworm design, the robot has added functionality while retaining minimal complexity, and can perform numerous maneuvers for increased speed, reach, and placement.

Jenett, Benjamin↗
NASA NTRS1994

Parallelized direct execution simulation of message-passing parallel programs

As massively parallel computers proliferate, there is growing interest in findings ways by which performance of massively parallel codes can be efficiently predicted. This problem arises in diverse contexts such as parallelizing computers, parallel performance monitoring, and parallel algorithm development. In this paper we describe one solution where one directly executes the application code, but uses a discrete-event simulator to model details of the presumed parallel machine such as operating system and communication network behavior. Because this approach is computationally expensive, we are interested in its own parallelization specifically the parallelization of the discrete-event simulator. We describe methods suitable for parallelized direct execution simulation of message-passing parallel programs, and report on the performance of such a system, Large Application Parallel Simulation Environment (LAPSE), we have built on the Intel Paragon. On all codes measured to date, LAPSE predicts performance well typically within 10 percent relative error. Depending on the nature of the application code, we have observed low slowdowns (relative to natively executing code) and high relative speedups using up to 64 processors.

Dickens, Phillip M.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Solar wind noble gases and nitrogen in metal from lunar soil 68501

Noble gases and N were analyzed in handpicked metal separates from lunar soil 68501 by a combination of step-wise combustions and pyrolyses. Helium and Ne were found to be unfractionated with respect to one another when normalized to solar abundances, for both the bulk sample and for all but the highest temperature steps. However, they are depleted relative to Ar, Kr and Xe by at least a factor of 5. The heavier gases exhibit mass-dependent fractionation relative to solar system abundance ratios but appear unfractionated, both in the bulk metal and in early temperature steps, when compared to relative abundances derived from lunar ilmenite 71501 by chemical etching, recently put forward as representing the abundance ratios in solar wind. Estimates of the contribution of solar energetic particles (SEP) to the originally implanted solar gases, derived from a basic interpretation of He and Ne isotopes, yield values of about 10%. Analysis of the Ar isotopes requires a minimum of 20% SEP, and Kr isotopes, using our preferred composition for solar wind Kr, yield a result that overlaps both these values. It is possible to reconcile the data from these gases if significant loss of solar wind Ar, Kr and presumably Xe has occurred relative to the SEP component, most likely by erosive processes that are mass independent, although mass-dependent losses (Ar greater than Kr greater than Xe) cannot be excluded. If such losses did occur, the SEP contribution to the solar implanted gases must have been no more than a few percent. Nitrogen is a mixture of indigenous meteoritic N, whose isotopic composition is inferred to be relatively light, and implanted solar N, which has probably undergone diffusive redistribution and fractionation. If the heavy noble gases have not undergone diffusive loss, then N/Ar in the solar wind can be inferred to be at least several times the accepted solar ratio. The solar wind N appears, even after correction for fractionation effects, to have a minimum delta N-15 value equal to or greater than +150% and a more probable value equal to or greater than +200%.

Becker, Richard H.↗