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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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1978

Commercial Fishing Port Development in North Florida

The author has identified the following significant results. Seven major counties were examined: Escambia, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, Wakulla, Nassau, and Duval. Population and economic activity were reviewed, along with commercial fishing and port facilities. Recommendations for five northwest Florida counties were based on interpretation of aerial photographs, satellite imagery, an aerial survey site visit, and published data. Major needs in Pensacola included docking, ice supply, and net and engine repair services. Costs for additional docks, an ice plant, and gear storage were estimated at $3,658,600. Port users in Panama City identified additional docking and gear storage as primary needs, along with gear repair and a marine railway. Estimated costs for dock and gear storage were $2,860,000. Added docking, gear storage, and ice supply, as well as gear electronics and diesel repair were needed in Port St. Joe. Costs were calculated at $1,231,500. Franklin County has three ports (Apalachicola - $1,107,000 for docks and gear storage, Eastpoint - $420,000 for additional docks, and Carrabella - $2,824,100 for docks, gear storage, and ice plant).

Mathis, K.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Vertical motions in the equatorial middle atmosphere

A single station vertical velocity equation which considers ageostrophic and diabatic effects derived from the first law of thermodynamics and a generalized thermal wind relation is presented. An analysis and verification procedure which accounts for measurement and calculation errors as well as time and space continuity arguments and theoretical predictions are described. Vertical velocities are calculated at every kilometer between 25 and 60 km and for approximately every three hours for the above diurnal period at Kourou (French Guiana), Fort Sherman (Panama Canal Zone), Ascension Island, Antigua (British West Indies) and Natal (Brazil). The results, plotted as time series cross sections, suggest vertical motions ranging in magnitude from 1 or 2 cm/sec at 30 km to as much as 15 cm/sec at 60 km. Many of the general features of the results agree well with atmospheric tidal predictions but many particular features suggest that both smaller time scale gravity waves (periods less than 6 hours) and synoptic type waves (periods greater than 1 day) may be interacting significantly with the tidal fields. The results suggest that vertical motions can be calculated for the equatorial middle atmosphere and must be considered a significant part of the motion for time scales from 8 to 24 hours.

Weisman, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1979

The 1977 intertropical convergence zone experiment

Data are presented from the 1977 Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) Experiment conducted in the Panama Canal Zone in July 1977. Measurements were made daily over a 16-day period when the ITCZ moved across the Canal Zone. Two aircraft (Learjet and U-2) flew daily and provided data from horizontal traverses at several altitudes to 21.3 km of ozone, temperature, pressure, water vapor, aerosols, fluorocarbons, methane, nitrous oxide, nitric oxide, and nitric acid. Balloonsondes flown four times per day provided data on ozone, wind fields, pressure, temperature, and humidities to altitudes near 30 km. Rocketsondes provided daily data to altitudes near 69 km. Satellite photography provided detailed cloud information. Descriptions of individual experiments and detailed compilations of all results are provided.

Poppoff, I. G.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Determination of trace gases in learjet and U-2 whole air samples collected during the intertropical convergence zone experiment

The contribution of Washington State University (WSU) to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) study, conducted in the Panama Canal Zone in July 1977 is reported. The ITCZ program had the objective to study the meteorology and air chemistry to determine, if possible, the magnitude of injection of tropospheric air into the stratosphere in the ITCZ. WSU was responsible for two phases of the air chemistry program for the ITCZ study: (1) the collection of whole-air samples from ground level to 13.7 km using a Learjet as a sampling platform, and the analysis of the samples for selected halocarbons, C2 hydrocarbons, N2O, and SF6; and (2) the analysis for selected halocarbon species and N2O of low pressure whole-air samples, collected between 13.7 km and 21.3 km by a U-2 aircraft. The report is divided into separate sections describing the Learjet and the U-2 sampling methods, analytical methods, and results. Complete data tables for all samples analyzed are given.

Cronn, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Intertropical convergence zone ozone profiles from the Learjet ozone analyzer

An ozone analyzer operated as part of the sampling package aboard the NASA Learjet on each flight in the Panama ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone) experiment. The measurement program was not successful because of instrument failure, apparently due to high humidity effects on one or more components of the ozone sensing instrument. A brief description of the experimental installation and some comments about an apparent correlation between very low ozone concentrations and cloud layers at altitude are presented.

Robinson, E.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Preliminary results from the University of Denver infrared spectrometer - 1977 intertropical convergence zone experiment

The Denver University Infrared Spectrometer (DUIRS) is a liquid-helium-cooled emission radiometer designed to study minor atmospheric constituents. DUIRS flew on 12 data flights during the 1977 Intertropical Convergence Zone experiment. No data were obtained on the flight from Wallops Island to Panama because of a power failure or on the return flight to Wallops Island because of a cryogen line freeze-up. The data coverage on the nine vertical profile flights that were flown before the freeze-up are shown. Typical spectra and variations as a function of U-2 (research aircraft) altitude are also shown. Radio metric data and rawinsonde temperature data were used to perform band model calculations to obtain molecular number densities in the column above the aircraft at each altitude.

Barker, D. B.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Airborne pressure and temperature measurements during the 1977 intertropical convergence zone experiment

During the 1977 ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone) experiment in Panama two aircraft and numerous balloon-borne radiosonde instruments were equipped to measure pressure and temperature. The experiment was a coordinated effort to evaluate the meteorological conditions that prevailed from July 17 through 31, 1977. A critical analysis of the data collected on one of the aircraft (the Lear jet) operating at altitudes to 13,000 m for about 2 hr each day during most days of the experiment is presented. The discussion includes a comparison of the vertical profiles of potential temperature obtained from the Learjet with those obtained from balloons launched at Ft. Sherman. Time histories of pressure, temperature, and potential temperature, as observed from the Learjet are also presented.

Munoz, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Nonlinear and linear bottom interaction effects in shallow water

The paper examines wave-energy dissipation rates in shallow water calculated from measured wave spectra at different distances from the shore. Different linear and nonlinear transfer and dissipation mechanisms are discussed. The various data sets are interpreted in terms of prevailing mechanisms at the respective sites. The incorporation of different processes in a predictive shallow-water model is outlined. The analysis suggests that bottom motion is primarily responsible for wave-energy dissipation in the Delta Region of the Gulf of Mexico, that friction is mainly responsible for wave-energy dissipation in Marineland, Panama City and Melkbosstrand, and that percolation is probably the dominant mechanism in the JONSWAP area of the North Sea.

Shemdin, O.↗
NASA NTRS1980

High resolution vertical profiles of wind, temperature and humidity obtained by computer processing and digital filtering of radiosonde and radar tracking data from the ITCZ experiment of 1977

Results are presented from computer processing and digital filtering of radiosonde and radar tracking data obtained during the ITCZ experiment when coordinated measurements were taken daily over a 16 day period across the Panama Canal Zone. The temperature relative humidity and wind velocity profiles are discussed.

Danielson, E. F.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Altitude variations in stratospheric aerosols of a tropical region

To investigate the possibility that significant amounts of tropical tropospheric air may be convectively introduced into the stratosphere, aerosol samplings over Panama were made at various altitudes using a wire impactor collector. The percentage of particle sizes less than the mean mode decreases with height above the tropopause, suggesting depletion of small particles, possibly due to coagulation. Larger aerosols (greater than 0.3 micron in diam.) are more abundant farther above the tropopause, indicating growth, mainly by condensation. The total particle concentration decreases with increasing height above the tropopause, and also with increasing temperature. Aerosols containing smaller-size particles are thus found closer to the tropopause, and larger-size, more-evolved aerosols occur at higher altitudes. These data indicate that convective activity at the Intertropical Convergence Zone may be a source mechanism for stratospheric aerosols.

Goodman, J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Transport of water through the tropical tropopause

Total water was measured in the high troposphere and low stratosphere over Panama during ten aircraft flights. The results show that convective storms provide the means of transporting water into the stratosphere. From a consideration of the anvil heights over different areas of the tropical zone, it follows that a negative gradient of water vapor mixing ratio with altitude must exist over most of the lower stratosphere.

Kley, D.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Optimizing space radars for geological analysis in tropical environments

A swath along the Motagua Fault in northeastern Guatemala was imaged with the AN/APS-94D airborne and the SIR-A Space Shuttle-borne radars with a difference in look direction on the order of ten degrees. Imagery of the Panama Canal Zone, overlapping in coverage but with diverse look directions was produced by the AN/APQ-97 and GEMS airborne radars and SIR-A. Taking into account the diversity of system and operational parameters, comparative analysis of the images well documented that the increased data content of the airborne radar imagery was due to the high look angles at which these systems operate.

Dellwig, L. F.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Central and South America GPS geodesy - CASA Uno

In January 1988, scientists from over 25 organizations in 13 countries and territories cooperated in the largest GPS campaign in the world to date. A total of 43 GPS receivers collected approximately 590 station-days of data in American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Sweden, United States, West Germany, and Venezuela. The experiment was entitled CASA Uno. Scientific goals of the project include measurements of strain in the northern Andes, subduction rates for the Cocos and Nazca plates beneath Central and South America, and relative motion between the Caribbean plate and South America. A second set of measurements are planned in 1991 and should provide preliminary estimates of crustal deformation and plate motion rates in the region.

Kellogg, James N.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Analysis of troposphere-stratosphere exchange

The overall goal is to improve our understanding of stratosphere-troposphere exchange processes in the tropics and midlatitudes. Specifically, modeling and analysis are performed using aircraft, radiosonde, and satellite data from the 1980 and 1987 NASA tropical field experiments in Panama and Australia, respectively, and the 1986 NASA jet stream field experiment in California. The objectives are to: (1) examine the structure of ozone, temperature, horizontal winds, tropospheric tracers, water and ice particles, and water vapor within, around, and above cumulus anvils in the tropics and jet streams in midlatitudes; (2) establish the presence, during each of the experimental periods, of various potential mechanisms of exchange, such as direct injection by cumulus, gravity wave fluxes, turbulent fluxes, and radiative heating; and (3) evaluate quantitatively, if possible, the mass of air transferred by these mechanisms during specific transport events.

Pfister, Leonhard↗
NASA NTRS1991

NASA/USRA high altitude research aircraft. Gryphon: Soar like an eagle with the roar of a lion

At the equator, the ozone layer ranges from 65,000 to 130,000+ feet. This is beyond the capabilities of the ER-2, which is NASA's current high altitude reconnaissance aircraft. The Universities Space Research Association, in cooperation with NASA, is sponsoring an undergraduate program which is geared to designing an aircraft that can study the ozoned layer at the equator. This aircraft must be able to satisfy four mission profiles. Mission one is a polar mission which ranges from Chile to the South Pole and back to Chile, a total range of 6000 n. mi. at 100,000 feet with a 2500 lb. payload. The second mission is also a polar mission with a decreased altitude of 70,000 feet and an increased payload of 4000 lb. For the third mission, the aircraft will take-off at NASA Ames, cruise at 100,000 feet carrying a 2500 lb. payload, and land in Puerto Montt, Chile. The final mission requires the aircraft to take-off at NASA Ames, cruise at 100,000 feet with a 1000 lb. payload, make an excursion to 120,000 feet, and land at Howard AFB, Panama. All three missions require that a subsonic Mach number be maintained due to constraints imposed by the air sampling equipment. The aircraft need not be manned for all four missions. Three aircraft configurations were determined to be the most suitable for meeting the above requirements. The performance of each configuration is analyzed to investigate the feasibility of the project requirements. In the event that a requirement can not be obtained within the given constraints, recommendations for proposal modifications are given.

Rivera, Jose↗
NASA NTRS1991

The HAMMER: High altitude multiple mission environmental researcher

At the equator, the ozone layer ranges from 65,000 to 130,000+ feet which is beyond the capabilities of the ER-2, NASA's current high altitude reconnaissance aircraft. The Universities Space Research Association, in cooperation with NASA, is sponsoring an undergraduate program which is geared to designing an aircraft that can study the ozone layer at the equator. This aircraft must be able to satisfy four mission profiles. Mission one is a polar mission which ranges from Chile to the South Pole and back to Chile, a total range of 6000 n. mi. at 100,000 feet with a 2500 lb. payload. The second mission is also a polar mission with a decreased altitude of 70,000 feet and an increased payload of 4000 lb. For the third mission, the aircraft will take-off at NASA Ames, cruise at 100,000 feet carrying a 2500 lb. payload, and land in Puerto Montt, Chile. The final mission requires the aircraft to take-off at NASA Ames, cruise at 100,000 feet with a 1000 lb. payload, make an excursion to 120,000 feet, and land at Howard AFB, Panama. All three missions require that a subsonic Mach number is maintained due to constraints imposed by the air sampling equipment. The aircraft need not be manned for all four missions. Three aircraft configurations were determined to be the most suitable for meeting the above requirements. The performance of each configuration is analyzed to investigate the feasibility of the project requirements. In the event that a requirement can not be obtained within the given constraints, recommendations for proposal modifications are given.

Hayashi, Darren↗
NASA NTRS1991

SHARP: Subsonic High Altitude Research Platform

The Universities Space Research Association is sponsoring an undergraduate program which is geared to designing an aircraft that can study the ozone layer at the equator. This aircraft must be able to satisfy four mission profiles. Mission one is a polar mission that ranges from Chile to the South Pole and back to Chile, a total range of 6000 n.mi. at 100,000 ft with a 2500 lb payload. The second mission is also a polar mission, with an altitude of 70,000 ft and an increased payload of 4000 lbs. For the third mission, the aircraft will takeoff at NASA Ames, cruise at 100,000 ft carrying a 2500 lb payload, and land at Puerto Montt, Chile. The final mission requires the aircraft to take off at NASA Ames, cruise at 100,000 ft with a 1000 lb payload, make an excursion to 120,000 ft, and land at Howard AFB, Panama. Three missions require that a subsonic Mach number be maintained due to constraints imposed by the air sampling equipment. The aircraft need not be manned for all four missions. Three aircraft configurations have been determined to be the most suitable for meeting the above requirements. In the event that a requirement cannot be obtained within the given constraints, recommendations for proposal modifications are given.

Beals, Todd↗
NASA NTRS2000

Entrainment of Upper Level Dry Air into Hurricane Earl

Hurricane Earl developed from a tropical wave that moved into the Gulf of Mexico, which triggered abundant convection. On 1 Sept. 1998, the wave was upgraded directly to a tropical storm. Earl reached hurricane status the next morning. The system moved erratically as it interacted with an upper level short wave trough rotating around a long wave trough to the northeast. The storm made landfall near 0600 UTC on 3 September near Panama City, FL. During August and September 1998, NASA conducted the Third Convection and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX-3). It focused on studying the intensity, track, and impacts at landfall of hurricanes. On the afternoon of 2 September 1998, the NASA ER2 high-altitude aircraft flying at 65,000 feet in tandem with the NASA DC-8 flying at 35,000 feet flew over and through, respectively, the eastern rainbands of Earl near the Florida Panhandle as the storm neared landfall in the region. Two approaches to studying Earl are undertaken here: first, an examination of the source and height of the dry air region using GOES-8 water vapor data and, second, a look into the impact of the dry air entrainment on the system using aircraft remote sensing data.

Guillory, Anthony R.↗