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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 595 records · Page 33
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1979

Interpreting vegetation reflectance measurements as a function of solar zenith angle

Spectral hemispherical-conical reflectances of a nadir looking sensor were taken throughout the day for a lodgepole pine and two grass canopies. Mathematical simulations of both spectral hemispherical-conical and bi-hemispherical reflectances were performed for two theoretical canopies of contrasting geometric structure. These results and comparisons with literature studies showed a great amount of variability of vegetation canopy reflectances as a function of solar zenith angle. Explanations for this variability are discussed and recommendations for further measurements are proposed.

Kimes, D. S.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Using reflectance and photography to detect ozone damage to cantaloupe plants

Laboratory and field reflectance measurements showed that ozone-damaged cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) leaves had lower water contents and higher reflectance than nondamaged leaves. Cantaloupe plants with lightly, severely, and very severely ozone-damaged leaves were distinguishable from nondamaged plants by reflectance measurements in the 1.35-2.5-micron near-IR water absorption band. Ozone-damaged leaf areas were detected photographically 16 hours before the damage was visible.

Gausman, H. W.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Polarization-sensitive spectroradiometer - Two methods for overcoming the problems of measuring reflectance spectra

The spectra obtained using a spectroradiometer are incorrect if the incident light from the sample is polarized, and if, at the same time, polarization is introduced into the transmitted beam by components of the spectroradiometer. Two methods are proposed for obtaining correct power reflectance spectra. One way is to average two incorrect reflectance spectra, which are taken at mutually orthogonal angles of rotation of the radiometer about its optical axis. Another way is by averaging reflectance spectra of mutually orthogonal polarized light components. When the orientation of one component is chosen such that it is in the plane of polarization of the incoming light, the latter method also gives the correct degree of polarization.

Auer, S.↗
NASA NTRS1978

A low cost, durable anti-reflective film for solar collectors

The physics of reflection reduction by thin films is briefly reviewed. Current techniques for the production of anti-reflective coatings are surveyed with respect to their applicabilities to solar panel covers. Techniques for the production of suitable anti-reflection coatings based on acid-hardened sodium silicate solutions are presented along with optical data for both acid-leached and silicate coatings

Pastirik, E. M.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Planetary reflectance measurements in the region of planetary thermal emission

As planetary reflectance measurements are extended into the infrared, the emitted thermal radiation becomes larger than the reflected solar component. This paper describes a method for removal of the thermal component from planetary reflectance measurements and discusses the limitations involved. Examples are shown for the case of lunar observations where the temperature and emissivity are known and for Mercury where it is assumed the temperature and emissivity are unknown

Clark, R. N.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Atlas of soil reflectance properties

A compendium of soil spectral reflectance curves together with soil test results and site information is presented in an abbreviated manner listing those soil properties most important in influencing soil reflectance. Results are presented for 251 soils from 39 states and Brazil. A narrative key describes relationships between soil parameters and reflectance curves. All soils are classified according to the U.S. soil taxonomy and soil series name for ease of identification.

Stoner, E. R.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Physiochemical, site, and bidirectional reflectance factor characteristics of uniformly moist soils

The author has identified the following significant results. The bidirectional reflectance factor (0.5 micron to 2.3 micron wavelength interval) and physiochemical properties of over 500 soils from 39 states, Brazil and Spain were measured. Site characteristics of soil temperature regime and moisture zone were used as selection criteria. Parent material and internal drainage were noted for each soil. At least five general types of soil reflectance curves were identified based primarily on the presence or absence of ferric iron absorption bands, organic matter content, and soil drainage characteristics. Reflectance in 10 bands across the spectrum was found to be negatively correlated with the natural log of organic matter content.

Stoner, E. R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

An efficient approach for computing the geometrical optics field reflected from a numerically specified surface

An approach for computing the geometrical optic fields reflected from a numerically specified surface is presented. The approach includes the step of deriving a specular point and begins with computing the reflected rays off the surface at the points where their coordinates, as well as the partial derivatives (or equivalently, the direction of the normal), are numerically specified. Then, a cluster of three adjacent rays are chosen to define a 'mean ray' and the divergence factor associated with this mean ray. Finally, the ampilitude, phase, and vector direction of the reflected field at a given observation point are derived by associating this point with the nearest mean ray and determining its position relative to such a ray.

Mittra, R.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Dependence of the spectral surface irradiance on aerosol properties and surface reflectivity

A reduction in global surface irradiance occurs with increasing aerosol loadings when the aerosols are absorbing. For scattering aerosols, a reduction is pronounced for isotropic scattering (characteristic of small particles) but reduction is not as significant for scattering with a high anisotropy of a large forward peak (characteristic of large particles). This distinction between isotropic and anisotropic scattering becomes small or null over highly reflecting terrain; and for reflectivities higher than 0.5 and solar elevation angles close to the zenith, the global irradiance can be slightly higher for isotropic scattering than in the case of an anisotropy of a forward peak. Under such conditions, which can be encountered in reflective infrared bands over dense vegetation or over sandy deserts (close to noon, in low latitudes) the surface irradiance becomes nearly independent of the aerosol optical thickness.

Otterman, J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The relative reflectance of Iapetus at 1.6 and 2.2 microns

Iapetus was observed at 0.56, 1.6, and 2.2 microns near seven elongations. The infrared reflectance at 2.2 microns relative to 0.56 microns varies from 0.6 to 1.6 (plus or minus 0.1). The low infrared reflectance of the trailing hemisphere of Iapetus is consistent with the previous identification of water ice as the composition of the bright surface. The high infrared reflectance of the leading hemisphere indicates a dark material that is too red to be consistent with a carbonaceous chondritic or 'C'-type surface composition.

Veeder, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Cost/performance of solar reflective surfaces for parabolic dish concentrators

Materials for highly reflective surfaces for use in parabolic dish solar concentrators are discussed. Some important factors concerning performance of the mirrors are summarized, and typical costs are treated briefly. Capital investment cost/performance ratios for various materials are computed specifically for the double curvature parabolic concentrators using a mathematical model. The results are given in terms of initial investment cost for reflective surfaces per thermal kilowatt delivered to the receiver cavity for various operating temperatures from 400 to 1400 C. Although second surface glass mirrors are emphasized, first surface, chemically brightened and anodized aluminum surfaces as well as second surface, metallized polymeric films are treated. Conventional glass mirrors have the lowest cost/performance ratios, followed closely by aluminum reflectors. Ranges in the data due to uncertainties in cost and mirror reflectance factors are given.

Bouquet, F.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Verification of reflectance models in turbid waters

Inherent optical parameters of very turbid waters were used to evaluate existing water reflectance models. Measured upwelling radiance spectra and Monte Carlo simulations of the radiative transfer equations were compared with results from models based upon two flow, quasi-single scattering, augmented isotropic scattering, and power series approximation. Each model was evaluated for three separate components of upwelling radiance: (1) direct sunlight; (2) diffuse skylight; and (3) internally reflected light. Limitations of existing water reflectance models as applied to turbid waters and possible applications to the extraction of water constituent information are discussed.

Tanis, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The rings of Saturn - New near-infrared reflectance measurements and a 0.326-4.08 micron summary

A new high-photometric-precision reflectance spectrum of Saturn's rings covering the spectral region 0.65 to 2.5 microns is presented and three previously unreported absorption features at 1.25, 0.85, and probably 1.04 microns are identified. The 1.25- and 1.04 micron absorptions are due to water ice. The 0.85 microns feature may be due to a combination of 0.81- and 0.90 micron ice absorptions but this feature appears too strong relative to the 1.04 micron band to be completely explained by water ice. Another possibility is that the 0.85 micron band is due to Fe(3+)-bearing minerals in an ice-mineral mixture. This explanation could also account for the drop in the visible and ultraviolet reflectance and the rise in reflectance around 3.6 microns. Finally, a composite spectrum from 0.325 to 4.08 is presented which will be useful for future analysis and laboratory studies.

Clark, R. N.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Comparison of reflectance with backscatter and absorption parameters for turbid waters

The relation of reflectance to backscatter and absorption parameters is investigated for waters more turbid than those of previous investigations. Experimental data are examined for river waters in which beam attenuation values range from 8.9 to 18.9 per m at 550 nm. Attenuation, absorption, backscatter, and irradiance reflectance spectral properties are presented for wavelengths between 450 and 800 nm. Comparisons of reflectance with backscatter to absorption ratio and backscatter with absorption plus backscatter ratio indicate that data for turbid waters do not fit linear or polynomial models which are presently available in the literature.

Whitlock, C. H.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Surface reflectance measurements in the ultraviolet from an airborne platform. II

The spectral and broadband reflectance of naturally occurring desert sand, black lava, gypsum sand, and snow cover is measured from a twin engine Cessna 402-series aircraft. The measurement system is computer controlled and electrically isolated from the aircraft. It consists of upward and downward looking hemispheric diffusers, filters, a rotating 90 degree mirror, a focusing lens, and a double monochromator/PMT or a UV enhanced photodiode. Measurements are made at several altitudes enabling the empirical determination of the backscatter and attenuation effects on the reflectance. These reflectance results along with those reported earlier for a pine forest, green farmland, the open ocean, and brown farmland are represented analytically.

Doda, D. D.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Multiple Alfven wave reflections excited by Io Origin of the Jovian decametric arcs

The recent Voyager radio astronomy measurements near Jupiter show that the Jovian decametric radiation consists of numerous discrete features called decametric arcs which are observed at all Jovian longitudes. It is generally believed that these arcs are produced by an interaction of Io with the Jovian magnetosphere. In this paper we propose that the large number of decametric arcs is caused by multiple reflections of a standing Alfven wave current system excited by Io. Estimates of the reflection coefficient at the ionosphere and other damping processes show that a large number of reflections can occur, with the Alfven wave current system possibly extending completely around Jupiter. This source geometry can account for a number of otherwise puzzling characteristics of the Jovian decametric radiations,

Gurnett, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Bidirectional reflectance spectroscopy. I - Theory

An approximate analytic solution is derived for the radiative transfer equation describing particulate surface light scattering, taking into account multiple scattering and mutual shadowing. Analytical expressions for the following quantities are found: bidirectional reflectance, radiance coefficient and factor, the normal, Bond, hemispherical, and physical albedos, integral phase function and phase integral, and limb-darkening profile. Scattering functions for mixtures can be calculated, as well as corrections for comparisons of experimental transmission or reflection spectra with observational planetary spectra. The theory should be useful for the interpretation of reflectance spectroscopy of laboratory surfaces and the photometry of solar system objects.

Hapke, B.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Water frost and ice - The near-infrared spectral reflectance 0.65-2.5 microns

The spectral reflectance of water frost and frost on ice as a function of temperature and grain size is presented with 1-1/2% spectral resolution in the 0.65- to 2.5-micron wavelength region. The well-known 2.0-, 1.65-, and 1.5-micron solid water absorption bands are precisely defined along with the little studied 1.25-micron band and the previously unidentified (in reflectance) 1.04-, 0.90-, and 0.81-micron absorption bands. The 1.5-microns band complex is quantitatively analyzed using a nonlinear least squares algorithm to resolve the band into four Gaussian components as a function of grain size and temperature. It is found that the 1.65-micron component, which was thought to be a good temperature sensor, is highly grain-size dependent and poorly suited to temperature sensing. Another Gaussian component appears to show a dependence of width on grain size while being independent of temperature. The relative apparent band depths are different for frost layers on ice than for thick layers of frost and may explain the apparent band depths seen in many planetary reflectance spectra.

Clark, R. N.↗