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NASA NTRS2014

Aggregation Tool to Create Curated Data albums to Support Disaster Recovery and Response

Despite advances in science and technology of prediction and simulation of natural hazards, losses incurred due to natural disasters keep growing every year. Natural disasters cause more economic losses as compared to anthropogenic disasters. Economic losses due to natural hazards are estimated to be around $6-$10 billion dollars annually for the U.S. and this number keeps increasing every year. This increase has been attributed to population growth and migration to more hazard prone locations such as coasts. As this trend continues, in concert with shifts in weather patterns caused by climate change, it is anticipated that losses associated with natural disasters will keep growing substantially. One of challenges disaster response and recovery analysts face is to quickly find, access and utilize a vast variety of relevant geospatial data collected by different federal agencies such as DoD, NASA, NOAA, EPA, USGS etc. Some examples of these data sets include high spatio-temporal resolution multi/hyperspectral satellite imagery, model prediction outputs from weather models, latest radar scans, measurements from an array of sensor networks such as Integrated Ocean Observing System etc. More often analysts may be familiar with limited, but specific datasets and are often unaware of or unfamiliar with a large quantity of other useful resources. Finding airborne or satellite data useful to a natural disaster event often requires a time consuming search through web pages and data archives. Additional information related to damages, deaths, and injuries requires extensive online searches for news reports and official report summaries. An analyst must also sift through vast amounts of potentially useful digital information captured by the general public such as geo-tagged photos, videos and real time damage updates within twitter feeds. Collecting and aggregating these information fragments can provide useful information in assessing damage in real time and help direct recovery efforts. The search process for the analyst could be made much more efficient and productive if a tool could go beyond a typical search engine and provide not just links to web sites but actual links to specific data relevant to the natural disaster, parse unstructured reports for useful information nuggets, as well as gather other related reports, summaries, news stories, and images. This presentation will describe a semantic aggregation tool developed to address similar problem for Earth Science researchers. This tool provides automated curation, and creates "Data Albums" to support case studies. The generated "Data Albums" are compiled collections of information related to a specific science topic or event, containing links to relevant data files (granules) from different instruments; tools and services for visualization and analysis; information about the event contained in news reports, and images or videos to supplement research analysis. An ontology-based relevancy-ranking algorithm drives the curation of relevant data sets for a given event. This tool is now being used to generate a catalog of Hurricane Case Studies at Global Hydrology Resource Center (GHRC), one of NASA's Distribute Active Archive Centers. Another instance of the Data Albums tool is currently being created in collaboration with NASA/MSFC's SPoRT Center, which conducts research on unique NASA products and capabilities that can be transitioned to the operational community to solve forecast problems. This new instance focuses on severe weather to support SPoRT researchers in their model evaluation studies

Ramachandran, Rahul↗

NASA NTRS1985

UH-nuclei in the cosmic radiation, present and future

A brief survey of the present state of knowledge on the composition of the heaviest nuclei in the cosmic radiation, with emphasis on the actinides, is followed by a similarly brief description of expected near term improvements. A description is given of a large modular array which could be built and serviced from the Space Platform and would be capable of making critical tests on the various models of the origin and acceleration of these nuclei. This array would be composed of plastic Cerenkov detectors and would also measure time-of-flight across the array for each particle. In the configuration proposed it would observe two or more orders of magnitude more nuclei than any current or near future array.

Waddington, C. J.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Analysis of ISS Plasma Interaction

To date, the International Space Station (ISS) has been one of the largest objects flown in lower earth orbit (LEO). The ISS utilizes high voltage solar arrays (160V) that are negatively grounded leading to pressurized elements that can float negatively with respect to the plasma. Because laboratory measurements indicate a dielectric breakdown potential difference of 80V, arcing could occur on the ISS structure. To overcome the possibility of arcing and clamp the potential of the structure, two Plasma Contactor Units (PCUs) were designed, built, and flown. Also a limited amount of measurements of the floating potential for the present ISS configuration were made by a Floating Potential Probe (FPP), indicating a minimum potential of 24 Volts at the measurement location. A predictive tool, the ISS Plasma Interaction Model (PIM) has been developed accounting for the solar array electron collection, solar array mast wire and effective conductive area on the structure. The model has been used for predictions of the present ISS configuration. The conductive area has been inferred based on available floating potential measurements. Analysis of FPP and PCU data indicated distribution of the conductive area along the Russian segment of the ISS structure. A significant input to PIM is the plasma environment. The International Reference Ionosphere (IRI 2001) was initially used to obtain plasma temperature and density values. However, IRI provides mean parameters, leading to difficulties in interpretation of on-orbit data, especially at eclipse exit where maximum charging can occur. This limits our predicative capability. Satellite and Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR) data of plasma parameters have also been collected. Approximately 130,000 electron temperature (Te) and density (Ne) pairs for typical ISS eclipse exit conditions have been extracted from the reduced Langmuir probe data flown aboard the NASA DE-2 satellite. Additionally, another 18,000 Te and Ne pairs of ISR data from several radar locations around the globe were used to assure consistency of the satellite data. PIM predictions for ISS charging made with this data correlated very well with FPP data, indicating that the general physics of spacecraft charging with high voltage solar arrays have been captured. The predictions also provided the probabilities of occurrences for ISS charging. These probabilities give a numerical measure of the number of times when the ISS will approach or exceed the vehicle plasma hazard conditions for each configuration. In this paper we shall present the interaction mechanisms between the ISS and the surrounding plasma and give an overview of the PIM components. PIM predictions are compared with available data followed by a discussion of the variability of plasma parameters and the conductive area on the ISS. The ISS PIM will be further tested and verified as data from the Floating Potential Measurement Unit become available, and construction of the ISS continues.

Reddell, Brandon↗

NASA NTRS2020

Disk-resolved Photometric Properties of Pluto and the Coloring Materials across its Surface

A multiwavelength regionally dependent photometric analysis of Pluto's anti-Charon-facing hemisphere using images collected by New Horizons' Multispectral Visible Imaging Camera (MVIC) reveals large variations in the absolute value and spectral slope of the single-scattering albedo. Four regions of interest are analyzed: the dark equatorial belt, Pluto's north pole, nitrogen-rich regions, and the mid-latitude terrains. Regions dominated by volatile ices such as Lowell Regio and Sputnik Planitia present single-scattering albedos of ~0.98 at 492 nm, almost neutral across MVIC's visible wavelength range (400–910 nm), indicating limited contributions from tholin materials. Pluto's dark equatorial regions, informally named Cthulhu and Krun Maculae, have single-scattering albedos of ~0.16 at 492 nm and are the reddest regions. Applying the Hapke radiative transfer model to combined MVIC and Linear Etalon Imaging Spectral Array (LEISA) spectra (400–2500 nm) of Cthulhu Macula and Lowell Regio successfully reproduces the spectral properties of these two regions of dramatically disparate coloration, composition, and morphology. Since this model uses only a single coloring agent, very similar to the Titan-like tholin of Khare et al., to account for all of Pluto's colors, this result supports the Grundy et al. conclusion that Pluto's coloration is the result of photochemical products mostly produced in the atmosphere. Although cosmic rays and extreme ultraviolet photons reach Pluto's surface where they can drive chemical processing, observations of diverse surface colors do not require different chemical products produced in different environments. We report a correction scaling factor in the LEISA radiometric calibration of 0.74 ± 0.05.

Silvia Protopapa↗

NASA NTRS1994

Simulation of stratospheric N2O in the NCAR CCM2: Comparison with CLAES data and global budget analyses

Global variability and budgets of stratospheric nitrous oxide (N2O) are studied using output from a stratospheric version of the National Center for Atmospheric Research Climate Model (CCM2). The model extends over 0-80 km, incorporating an N2O-like tracer with tropospheric source and upper-stratospheric photochemical sink, the latter parameterized using linear damping rates obtained from detailed two-dimensional model calculations. Results from the model over several seasonal cycles are compared with observations of N2O from the Cryogenic Limb Array Etalon Spectrometer (CLAES) instrument on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS). The model produces N2O structure and variability that is in reasonable agreement with the observations. Global budgets of stratospheric N2O are furthermore analyzed using model output, based on the transformed Eulerian-mean, zonal-mean framework. These budgets are used to quantify the importance of planetary wave constituent transport in the stratosphere, for both slow seasonal variations and fast planetary wave events. These results demonstrate that such wave fluxes act to form and sharpen the strong subtropical N2O gradients observed in satellite measurements.

Randel, William J.↗

NASA NTRS1965

Voyager spacecraft. Volume V - Alternate designs, subsystems considerations, appendix II Study report, phase IA

Stability and control, telecommunication system, solar array design, propellant feed system, and infrared model of Mars for Voyager project

FEED SYSTEM↗

NASA NTRS1979

Development of an Accelerated Test Design for Predicting the Service Life of the Solar Array at Mead, Nebraska

An accelerated life test is described which was developed to predict the life of the 25 kW photovoltaic array installed near Mead, Nebraska. A quantitative model for accelerating testing using multiple environmental stresses was used to develop the test design. The model accounts for the effects of thermal stress by a relation of the Arrhenius form. This relation was then corrected for the effects of nonthermal environmental stresses, such as relative humidity, atmospheric pollutants, and ultraviolet radiation. The correction factors for the nonthermal stresses included temperature-dependent exponents to account for the effects of interactions between thermal and nonthermal stresses on the rate of degradation of power output. The test conditions, measurements, and data analyses for the accelerated tests are presented. Constant-temperature, cyclic-temperature, and UV types of tests are specified, incorporating selected levels of relative humidity and chemical contamination and an imposed forward-bias current and static electric field.

Gaines, G. B.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Recent developments in the economic modeling of photovoltaic module manufacturing

Recent developments in the solar array manufacturing industry costing standards (SAMICS) are described. Consideration is given to the added capability to handle arbitrary operating schedules and the revised procedure for calculation of one-time costs. The results of an extensive validation study are summarized.

Chamberlain, R. G.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Wakes from arrays of buildings

Experiments were carried out in a small wind tunnel in which atmospheric flow around buildings was simulated. Arrays of one, two, three, and four model buildings were tested, and wake profiles of velocity and turbulence were measured. The data indicate the effect of the buildings on the wind environment encountered by aircraft during landing or takeoff operations. It was possible to use the results to locate the boundaries of the air regions affected by the obstacles and to recommend preferred arrangements of buildings to maximize light safety.

Logan, E., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Wakes from arrays of buildings

Logan, E., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1983

A potential energy scaling Monte Carlo simulation of thin film nucleation and growth

The initial growth of thin Ge fims on the (100) surface of an Fe substrate is investigated theoretically by means of Monte Carlo simulations based on a potential-energy-scaling technique. The substrate is modeled as a 20 x 20-square array with periodic boundary conditions, as described by Heinbockel et al. (1983), and the movement of surface atoms under the influence of the substrate interaction potential and the lateral interaction of neighboring atoms is explored via continuous updating (on the time scale of single events) of the potential energy at each site in the array. Results for the clustering of nine dispersed atoms over 1.0 s at 600 K and for deposition at 5 x 10 to the -14th/sq cm s over 2.0 s at 500 K are presented graphically.

Outlaw, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Development and testing of vortex generators for small horizontal axis wind turbines

Vortex generators (VGs) for a small (32 ft diameter) horizontal axis wind turbine, the Carter Model 25, have been developed and tested. Arrays of VGs in a counterrotating arrangement were tested on the inbound half-span, outboard half-span, and on the entire blade. VG pairs had their centerlines spaced at a distance of 15% of blade chord, with a spanwise width of 10% of blade chord. Each VG had a length/height ratio of 4, with a height of between 0.5% and 1.0% of the blade chord. Tests were made with roughness strips to determine whether VGs alleviated the sensitivity of some turbines to an accumulation of bugs and dirt on the leading edge. Field test data showed that VGs increased power output up to 20% at wind speeds above 10 m/s with only a small (less than 4%) performance penalty at lower speeds. The VGs on the outboard span of the blade were more effective than those on inner sections. For the case of full span coverage, the energy yearly output increased almost 6% at a site with a mean wind speed of 16 mph. The VGs did reduce the performance loss caused by leading edge roughness. An increase in blade pitch angle has an effect on the power curve similar to the addition of VGs. VGs alleviate the sensitivity of wind turbine rotors to leading edge roughness caused by bugs and drift.

Gyatt, G. W.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Cellular and dendritic growth in a binary melt - A marginal stability approach

A simple model for the constrained growth of an array of cells or dendrites in a binary alloy in the presence of an imposed positive temperature gradient in the liquid is proposed, with the dendritic or cell tip radius calculated using the marginal stability criterion of Langer and Muller-Krumbhaar (1977). This approach, an approach adopting the ad hoc assumption of minimum undercooling at the cell or dendrite tip, and an approach based on the stability criterion of Trivedi (1980) all predict tip radii to within 30 percent of each other, and yield a simple relationship between the tip radius and the growth conditions. Good agreement is found between predictions and data obtained in a succinonitrile-acetone system, and under the present experimental conditions, the dendritic tip stability parameter value is found to be twice that obtained previously, possibly due to a transition in morphology from a cellular structure with just a few side branches, to a more fully developed dendritic structure.

Laxmanan, V.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Actuators for actively controlled space structures

A free-flying platform of about 4 x 17 m overall dimensions, carrying a variety of imaging and sounding payloads, calls for an intelligent structure with active dynamic control of structural resonances. The actuators for such a structure must be lightweight, require low power, and allow integration into the structure without degradation of its integrity; the dc-to-100 Hz dynamic range required may entail several types of actuators, as is presently emphasized. Broadband damping of higher-order modes requires modeling of the structure with a distributed array of sensors and actuators.

Studer, P.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Analyses of the wind-driven response of tropical oceans

Numerical and analytical models are used to study the upper-ocean response to surface wind stress estimates from the tropical Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. These models are used to identify regions of important variability in the wind field, analyze the oceanic response, and demonstrate the applicability of remotely sensed vector wind stress and altimetry data. Both model and XBT depictions of the mean seasonal cycle, 1979 to 1981, were analyzed along the major ship tracks in the western, central, and eastern tropical Pacific. Model solutions were also used to address array design questions in observing system simulation experiments. Subsequent analyses of the 1982 to 1983 solutions will be performed with respect to differences from the mean seasonal cycle 1979 to 1981, as well as, differences in the three wind products.

Busalacchi, A. J.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Photovoltaic array space power plus diagnostics experiment

The objective of the Photovoltaic Array Space Power Plus Diagnostics (PASP Plus) experiment is to measure the effects of the interaction of the low- to mid-altitude space environment on the performance of a diverse set of small solar-cell arrays (planar and concentrator, representative of present and future military technologies) under differing conditions of velocity-vector orientation and simulated (by biasing) high-voltage operation. Solar arrays to be tested include Si and GaAs planar arrays and several types of GaAs concentrator arrays. Diagnostics (a Langmuir probe and a pressure gauge) and a transient pulse monitor (to measure radiated and conducted EMI during arcing) will be used to determine the impact of the environment on array operation to help verify various interactions models. Results from a successful PASP Plus flight will furnish answers to important interactions questions and provide inputs for design and test standards for photovoltaic space-power subsystems.

Guidice, Donald A.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Technology development program for the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) science instruments

A coordinated technology program for the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) is described. The program encompasses detector technology, cryogenic mechanisms technology, and an adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator. Discrete detectors, detector arrays, detector readouts, and testing of engineering models under simulated flight environment conditions are considered. Several focal planes will be optimized at a particular wavelength range to make up over 247,000 detector pixels from about 1.8 to 1000 microns.

Ramos, Ruben↗

NASA NTRS1985

Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Magnetoencephalogram (MEG) as Tools for Evaluation of Cognitive Function

We have developed computerized analysis and display techniques to help identify the origins of visually evoked scalped potentials (VESP). The potentials are recorded simultaneously from many electrodes (usually 40 to 48) spaced over the region of the scalp where appreciable evoked potentials are found in response to particular stimulus. Contour mapping algorithms are then used to display the time behavior of equipotential surfaces on the scalp during the VESP. We then use an optimization technique to select the parameters of arrays of current dipole sources within the model until the model equipotential field distribution closely fits the measured data. Computer graphics are then used to display, as a movie, the actual and model scalp potential fields and the parameters of the dipole generators within the model head during the course of VESP activity. We have devised reaction time tests that involve potentially separable stages of cognitive processing and utilize stimuli that produce measurable cognition-related features in the late component of the evoked potential. We have used these techniques to determine the loci in the brain where known cognition-related features in the evoked potential are generated and we have explored the extent to which each of these features can be related to the reaction time tasks. We have also examined the temporal-spatial aspects of their cerebral involvement. Our current work is planned to characterize the age-related changes in the processes performed by such sources. We also use a neuromagnetometer to measure the evoked magnetic fields in similar circumstances; we will discuss the relative merits of the two methodologies.

Fender, Derek H.↗