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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 NTRS1994

The relationship between the microwave radar cross section and both wind speed and stress: Model function studies using Frontal Air-Sea Interaction Experiment data

The Frontal Air-Sea Interaction Experiment (FASINEX) provided a unique data set with coincident airborne scatterometer measurements of the ocean surface radar cross section (RCS)(at Ku band) and near-surface wind and wind stress. These data have been analyzed to study new model functions which relate wind speed and surface friction velocity (square root of the kinematic wind stress) to the radar cross section and to better understand the processes in the boundary layer that have a strong influence on the radar backscatter. Studies of data from FASINEX indicate that the RCS has a different relation to the friction velocity than to the wind speed. The difference between the RCS models using these two variables depends on the polarization and the incidence angle. The radar data have been acquired from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory airborne scatterometer. These data span 10 different flight days. Stress measurements were inferred from shipboard instruments and from aircraft flying at low altitudes, closely following the scatterometer. Wide ranges of radar incidence angles and environmental conditions needed to fully develop algorithms are available from this experiment.

Weissman, David E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Fine altitude resolution radar observations of upper-tropospheric and lower-stratospheric winds and waves

Preliminary results of wind velocity measurements made using the Arecibo 430 MHz radar are presented. These measurements were made in the altitude range between 10 and 30 km, with a time resolution of 1-2 min, and an improved altitude resolution of 150 m. A few interesting phenomena such as a quasi-stationary wavy structure and short period sinusoidal oscillations are discussed.

Sato, T.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Atmosphere dynamic processes structure at 80-105 km altitude

Determination of wind velocity by means of Doppler meteor radars is based on the assumption that an ionized meteor trail drifts together with the neutral atmosphere. From the Doppler frequency shift it is possible to estimate the radial velocity of the trail drift. Conversion of the recorded radial velocity to the true wind velocity vector in the given space region depends both on the radar technical parameters and the chosen atmospheric motion model. The atmospheric dynamic processes structure is considered.

Kalchenko, B. V.↗
NASA NTRS1989

VHF radar observations of mesospheric density distrubance caused by Typhoon Susan and tropical storms in the western Pacific area

The atmospheric parameters from the toposphere to the middle atmosphere during Typhoon Susan and tropical storms in May and June 1988 were observed by VHF radar in Taiwan. Time-dependent wind velocities with three-dimensional profiles are plotted by processing the backscattered echo power data and the Doppler spectral width of the signal returns from the VHF radar. The propagation characteristics of the gravity waves excited by the enhanced convection motions of the storms and the density perturbations caused by this gravity wave progagation are determined.

Hung, R. J.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Seasonal controls on isolated convective storm drafts, precipitation intensity, and life cycle as observed during GoAmazon2014/5

Abstract. Isolated deep convective cloud life cycle and seasonal changes in storm properties are observed for daytime events during the US Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Green Ocean Amazon Experiment (GoAmazon2014/5) campaign to understand controls on storm behavior. Storm life cycles are documented using surveillance radar from initiation through maturity and dissipation. Vertical air velocity estimates are obtained from radar wind profiler overpasses, with the storm environment informed by radiosondes. Dry-season storm conditions favored reduced morning shallow cloud coverage and larger low-level convective available potential energy (CAPE) than wet-season counterparts. The typical dry-season storm reached its peak intensity and size earlier in its life cycle compared with wet-season cells. These cells exhibited updrafts in core precipitation regions (Z>35 dBZ) to above the melting level as well as persistent downdrafts aloft within precipitation adjacent to their cores. Moreover, dry-season cells recorded more intense updrafts to earlier life cycle stages as well as a higher incidence of strong updrafts (i.e., >5 m s−1) at low levels. In contrast, wet-season storms were longer-lived and featured a higher incidence of moderate (i.e., 2–5 m s−1) updrafts aloft. These storms also favored a shift in their most intense properties to later life cycle stages. Strong downdrafts were less frequent within wet-season cells aloft, indicating a potential systematic difference in draft behaviors, as linked to graupel loading and other factors between the seasons. Results from a stochastic parcel model suggest that dry-season cells may expect stronger updrafts at low levels because of larger low-level CAPE in the dry season. Wet-season cells anticipate strong updrafts aloft because of larger free-tropospheric relative humidity and reduced entrainment-driven dilution. Enhanced dry-season downdrafts are partially attributed to increased evaporation, dry-air entrainment mixing, and negative buoyancy in regions adjacent to sampled dry-season cores.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1980

Small scale wind perturbation analysis for vertically rising launch vehicles

This paper discusses the determination of small-scale vertical wind spectra used with space flight and ballistic technology. In particular, Jimsphere, a precision balloon wind sensor with high radar reflectivity is considered. Gross wind velocity data is analyzed to subtract the steady-state wind and wind change-shear effects. A residue of small wind perturbations is left in the horizontal (scalar) along the vertical direction. An analysis leading to formulation of the covariance function with altitude is presented. The function is decoupled to yield an almost periodic representation of the vertical wind perturbations. Forcing functions are determined when the representation is coupled with the vehicle velocity characteristics.

Chenoweth, H. B.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Mean, tidal, and fluctuating winds in the middle atmosphere and lower thermosphere observed during MAP/WINE in Northern Scandinavia

During the MAP/WINE campaign in winter 1983 to 1984 several instrumental techniques, such as meteorological rockets, sounding rockets, MST radar and incoherent scatter radar, were applied to measure wind velocities in the middle atmosphere. Profiles of mean, tidal and fluctuating wind velocities were obtained up to 90 to 100 km altitude. These are compared with profiles from models, measurements at other locations and at other times as well as satellite derived data. The results are discussed in terms of ageostropic winds, planetary waves, tidal modes and the possibility of a saturated gravity wave spectrum in the mesosphere.

Roettger, J.↗
NASA NTRS1974

A comparison of the turbulent fluctuations in clear air convection measured simultaneously by aircraft and Doppler radar

Good agreement was found between the velocity spectra obtained from Doppler radar measurements of the variations in the mean wind field and the spectra of velocity fluctuations simultaneously measured by an aircraft-borne hot-wire anemometer. This experiment is the first in which such a comparison was attempted where the radar return was from fine-scale refractivity fluctuations due to turbulent mixing and not from precipitation particles of artificial scatterers.

Robison, F. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Radar research on thunderstorms and lightning

Applications of Doppler radar to detection of storm hazards are reviewed. Normal radar sweeps reveal data on reflectivity fields of rain drops, ionized lightning paths, and irregularities in humidity and temperature. Doppler radar permits identification of the targets' speed toward or away from the transmitter through interpretation of the shifts in the microwave frequency. Wind velocity fields can be characterized in three dimensions by the use of two radar units, with a Nyquist limit on the highest wind speeds that may be recorded. Comparisons with models numerically derived from Doppler radar data show substantial agreement in storm formation predictions based on information gathered before the storm. Examples are provided of tornado observations with expanded Nyquist limits, gust fronts, turbulence, lightning and storm structures. Obtaining vertical velocities from reflectivity spectra is discussed.

Rust, W. D.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Observations of neutral circulation at mid-latitudes during the Equinox Transition Study

Measurements of ion drift velocity made by the Millstone Hill incoherent scatter radar have been used to calculate the meridional neutral wind velocity during the Sept. 17 to 24, 1984 period. Strong daytime southward neutral surges were observed during the magnetically disturbed days of September 19 and 23, in contrast to the small daytime winds obtained as expected during the magnetically quiet days. The surge on September 19 was also seen at Arecibo. In addition, two approaches have been used to calculate the meridional wind component from the radar-derived height of the F-layer electron density peak. Results confirm the wind surge, particularly when the strong electric fields measured during the disturbed days are included in the calculations. The two approaches for the F-layer peak wind calculations are applied to the radar-derived electron density peak height as a function of latitude to study the variation of the southward daytime surges with latitude.

Buonsanto, M. J.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Arctic observations and numerical simulations of surface wind effects on Multi-Angle Snowflake Camera measurements

Abstract. Ground-based measurements of frozen precipitation are heavily influenced by interactions of surface winds with gauge-shield geometry. The Multi-Angle Snowflake Camera (MASC), which photographs hydrometeors in free-fall from three different angles while simultaneously measuring their fall speed, has been used in the field at multiple midlatitude and polar locations both with and without wind shielding. Here, we present an analysis of Arctic field observations – with and without a Belfort double Alter shield – and compare the results to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the airflow and corresponding particle trajectories around the unshielded MASC. MASC-measured fall speeds compare well with Ka-band Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Zenith Radar (KAZR) mean Doppler velocities only when winds are light (≤5ms-1) and the MASC is shielded. MASC-measured fall speeds that do not match KAZR-measured velocities tend to fall below a threshold value that increases approximately linearly with wind speed but is generally <0.5ms-1. For those events with wind speeds ≤1.5ms-1, hydrometeors fall with an orientation angle mode of 12∘ from the horizontal plane, and large, low-density aggregates are as much as 5 times more likely to be observed. Simulations in the absence of a wind shield show a separation of flow at the upstream side of the instrument, with an upward velocity component just above the aperture, which decreases the mean particle fall speed by 55 % (74 %) for a wind speed of 5 m s−1 (10 m s−1). We conclude that accurate MASC observations of the microphysical, orientation, and fall speed characteristics of snow particles require shielding by a double wind fence and restriction of analysis to events where winds are light (≤5ms-1). Hydrometeors do not generally fall in still air, so adjustments to these properties' distributions within natural turbulence remain to be determined.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1986

Observations of mesoscale vertical velocities around frontal zones

Vertical velocity and reflectivity data obtained with a VHF Doppler radar over a 15-day period in October and November of 1981 are analyzed. Standard radiosonde data and surface observations were used to locate two occluded fronts, two warm fronts, and a cold front that passed the radar site. These fronts are also evident in the radar reflectivity data. Most studies of the vertical circulation patterns associated with mososcale systems have used precipitation and cloud formations as tracers. Unlike other observational techniques, the VHF radar permits the continuous measurement of the three-dimensional air velocity vector in time and height from a fixed location. With the beam in a vertically pointing position, signals are scattered from turbulent variations in the refractive index with half the scale of the radar wavelength and by regions with sudden changes in the refractive index associated with horizontally stratified layers. Generally, the strongest echoes occur at the maximum in the vertical gradient of refractivity, usually at the base of a temperature inversion, such as the tropopause. VHF radars can also be used to locate atmospheric fronts, which are characterized by static stability, large horizontal temperature gradients, large vorticities, and vertical wind shears. These radars can provide the velocity field data needed to study wave motions associated with fronts and compare the actual vertical circulation to theoretical predictions.

Dennis, T. S.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Relationship between scattered power and correlation time in VHF radar signals

Equations describing the wave number spectra of wind shear-generated turbulent velocities and refractive index irregularities are discussed, and relations between radar echo power and signal correlation time are derived. If the radar backscatter wavelength is within the inertial subrange of the spectrum, a positive correlation between the scattered power and the signal correlation time is expected. For radar Bragg wavelengths within the dissipative subrange of turbulence, the correlation between scattered power and signal correlation time will be negative as usually expected in turbulence.

Royrvik, O.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Dual-Doppler Feasibility Study

When two or more Doppler weather radar systems are monitoring the same region, the Doppler velocities can be combined to form a three-dimensional (3-D) wind vector field thus providing for a more intuitive analysis of the wind field. A real-time display of the 3-D winds can assist forecasters in predicting the onset of convection and severe weather. The data can also be used to initialize local numerical weather prediction models. Two operational Doppler Radar systems are in the vicinity of Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS); these systems are operated by the 45th Space Wing (45 SW) and the National Weather Service Melbourne, Fla. (NWS MLB). Dual-Doppler applications were considered by the 45 SW in choosing the site for the new radar. Accordingly, the 45th Weather Squadron (45 WS), NWS MLB and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration tasked the Applied Meteorology Unit (AMU) to investigate the feasibility of establishing dual-Doppler capability using the two existing systems. This study investigated technical, hardware, and software requirements necessary to enable the establishment of a dual-Doppler capability. Review of the available literature pertaining to the dual-Doppler technique and consultation with experts revealed that the physical locations and resulting beam crossing angles of the 45 SW and NWS MLB radars make them ideally suited for a dual-Doppler capability. The dual-Doppler equations were derived to facilitate complete understanding of dual-Doppler synthesis; to determine the technical information requirements; and to determine the components of wind velocity from the equation of continuity and radial velocity data collected by the two Doppler radars. Analysis confirmed the suitability of the existing systems to provide the desired capability. In addition, it is possible that both 45 SW radar data and Terminal Doppler Weather Radar data from Orlando International Airport could be used to alleviate any radar geometry issues at the NWS MLB radar, such as the "cone of silence" or beam blockage. In the event of a radar outage at one of the sites, the multi-radar algorithms would provide continuing coverage of the area through use of the data from the remaining operational radar sites. There are several options to collect, edit, synthesize and display dual-Doppler data sets. These options include commercial packages available for purchase and a variety of freeware packages available from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) for processing raw radar data. However, evaluation of the freeware packages revealed that they do not have sufficient documentation and configuration control to be certified for 45 SW use. Additionally, a TI data line must be installed/leased from the NWS MLB office and CCAFS to enable the receipt of NWS MLB raw radar data to use in the dual-Doppler synthesis. Integration of the TI data line into the Eastern Range infrastructure that will meet the security requirements necessary for 45 SW use is time-consuming and costly. Overall evaluation indicates that establishment of the dual-Doppler capability using the existing operational radar systems is desirable and feasible with no technical concerns. Installation of such a system represents a significant enhancement to forecasting capabilities at the 45 WS and at NWS MLB. However, data security and cost considerations must be evaluated in light of current budgetary constraints. In any case, gaining the dual-Doppler capability will provide opportunities for better visualization of the wind field and better forecasting of the onset of convection and severe weather events to support space launch operations at KSC and CCAFS.

Huddleston, Lisa L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Tornado detection data reduction and analysis

Data processing and analysis was provided in support of tornado detection by analysis of radio frequency interference in various frequency bands. Sea state determination data from short pulse radar measurements were also processed and analyzed. A backscatter simulation was implemented to predict radar performance as a function of wind velocity. Computer programs were developed for the various data processing and analysis goals of the effort.

Davisson, L. D.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Venus - Chemical weathering of igneous rocks and buffering of atmospheric composition

Data from the Pioneer Venus radar mapper, combined with measurements of wind velocity and atmospheric composition, suggest that surface erosion on Venus varies with altitude. Calcium- and magnesium-rich weathering products are produced at high altitudes by gas-solid reactions with igneous minerals, then removed into the hotter lowlands by surface winds. These fine-grained weathering products may then rereact with the lower atmosphere and buffer the composition of the observed gases carbon dioxide, water vapor, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen fluoride in some regions of the surface. This process is a plausible mechanism for the establishment in the lowlands of a calcium-rich mineral assemblage, which had previously been found necessary for the buffering of these species.

Nozette, S.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Radar studies of the sea surface - An introduction

A variety of different radars have been used to observe the sea surface. The instruments include scatterometers to measure wind velocity, altimeters to measure wind speed and wave height, synthetic aperture radars (SAR) to map the radar reflectivity of the surface in order to see ocean surface waves and other phenomena, and two-frequency radars to measure ocean wavelength. The present investigation is concerned with the accuracy of the measurements of particular oceanic variables, improved means of calculating these variables, and a comparison of the relative similarities and differences among the various radars. Wind speed can be measured to useful accuracy from space using scatterometers such as that on Seasat. Significant wave heights can be measured to useful accuracy from space using altimeters, the present accuracy being + or - 10% for altimeters such as that on Seasat.

Stewart, R. H.↗