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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 73 records · Page 4

Stratospheric NO, NO2, and N2O5 - A comparison of model results with Spacelab 3 Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS) measurements

The Spacelab 3 Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy measurements in 1985 of stratospheric NO/NO2 abundance ratios were compared with abundance ratios calculated using a time-dependent photochemical model. A good agreement between calculated and observed values of the NO/NO2 abundance ratio was found through much of the stratosphere, indicating that the temperature-dependent rate constant K3 (NO + O3) used in the model is properly parameterized.

Allen, Mark↗

Computer modeling results on all-Si cascade solar cells

The properties of a cascade solar cell made entirely of silicon are investigated numerically with the goal of developing an optimal silicon solar cell grown by molecular-beam epitaxy. The cascade cell is modeled as two standard back-surface field cells with abrupt junctions connected by a tunnel junction. A cascade cell would have approximately twice the open-circuit voltage of a single cell. If the minority carriers generated in the front cell can be reflected before reaching the tunnel junction, then the cascade cell will show an increase in efficiency over a single cell by a percentage point.

Sparks, P. D.↗

Status of Middle Atmosphere-Climate Models: Results SPARC-GRIPS

The middle atmosphere is an important component of the climate system, primarily because of the radiative forcing of ozone. Middle atmospheric ozone can change, over long times, because of changes in the abundance of anthropogenic pollutants which catalytically destroy it, and because of the temperature sensitivity of kinetic reaction rates. There is thus a complex interaction between ozone, involving chemical and climatic mechanisms. One question of interest is how ozone will change over the next decades , as the "greenhouse-gas cooling" of the middle atmosphere increases but the concentrations of chlorine species decreases (because of policy changes). concerns the climate biases in current middle atmosphere-climate models, especially their ability to simulate the correct seasonal cycle at high latitudes, and the existence of temperature biases in the global mean. A major obstacle when addressing this question This paper will present a summary of recent results from the "GCM-Reality Intercomparison Project for SPARC" (GRIPS) initiative. A set of middle atmosphere-climate models has been compared, identifying common biases. Mechanisms for these biases are being studied in some detail, including off-line assessments of the radiation transfer codes and coordinated studies of the impacts of gravity wave drag due to sub-grid-scale processes. ensemble of models will be presented, along with numerical experiments undertaken with one or more models, designed to investigate the mechanisms at work in the atmosphere. The discussion will focus on dynamical and radiative mechanisms in the current climate, but implications for coupled ozone chemistry and the future climate will be assessed.

Pawson, Steven↗

Electron cyclotron thruster new modeling results preparation for initial experiments

The following topics are discussed: a whistler-based electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) thruster; cross-field coupling in the helicon approximation; wave propagation; wave structure; plasma density; wave absorption; the electron distribution function; isothermal and adiabatic plasma flow; ECRH thruster modeling; a PIC code model; electron temperature; electron energy; and initial experimental tests. The discussion is presented in vugraph form.

Hooper, E. Bickford↗

Model for energy transfer in the solar wind: Model results

A description is given of the results of solar wind flow in which the heating is due to (1) propagation and dissipation of hydromagnetic waves generated near the base of the wind, and (2) thermal conduction. A series of models is generated for fixed values of density, electron and proton temperature, and magnetic field at the base by varying the wave intensity at the base of the model. This series of models predicts the observed correlation between flow speed and proton temperature for a large range of velocities. The wave heating takes place in a shell about the sun greater than or approximately equal to 10 R thick. We conclude that large-scale variations observed in the solar wind are probably due mainly to variation in the hydromagnetic wave flux near the sun.

Barnes, A. A., Jr.↗

An Overview of the Revised Mobile Satellite Handbook. 'Propagation Effects for Land Mobile Satellite Systems: Overview of Experimental and Modeling Results'

A review of the planned revised mobile satellite propagation handbook is presented. The revised manual will have a broadened scope such that it contains propagation information related to personal-mobile, airmobile, and marine-mobile scenarios; subject areas; previously not covered in the former document. It will also review new experiments, revised and new empirical and theoretical models developed since the previous publication. It is expected that many of the chapters will have been made accessible on the World Wide Web (http://propagation jpl.nasa.gov) by the time of the presentation of this paper. A formal document is expected to be published during the fall of 1997. As a sample of the contents of the revised handbook, the Extended Empirical Roadside Shadowing Model is described in detail.

Goldhirsh, Julius↗

The Seismic Effect of Impacts on Asteroid Surface Morphology: Early Modeling Results

In recent years, spacecraft observations of asteroids 951 Gaspra, 243 Ida, 253 Mathilde, and 433 Eros have shown the overriding dominance of impact processes with regard to the structure and appearance of these small, irregular bodies. One currently unanswered question is: to what degree does seismic shaking from impacts affect the surface morphology of these bodies? Through detailed modeling, we begin to address this question.

Richardson, J. E.↗

Squat Biomechanical Modeling Results from Exercising on the Hybrid Ultimate Lifting Kit

Long duration space travel will expose astronauts to extended periods of reduced gravity. Since gravity is not present to aid loading, astronauts will use resistive and aerobic exercise regimes for the duration of the space flight to minimize loss of bone density, muscle mass and aerobic capacity that occurs during exposure to a reduced gravity environment. Unlike the International Space Station (ISS), the area available for an exercise device in the next generation of spacecraft is limited and therefore compact resistance exercise device prototypes are being developed. The Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) currently on the ISS is being used as a benchmark for the functional performance of these new devices. Biomechanical data collection and computational modeling aid the device design process by quantifying the joint torques and the musculoskeletal forces that occur during exercises performed on the prototype devices. The computational models currently under development utilize the OpenSim software, an open source code for musculoskeletal modeling, with biomechanical input data from test subjects for estimation of muscle and joint loads. The subjects are instrumented with reflective markers for motion capture data collection while exercising on the Hybrid Ultimate Lifting Kit (HULK) prototype device. Ground reaction force data is collected with force plates under the feet and device loading is recorded through load cells internal to the HULK. Test variables include applied device load, narrow or wide foot stance, slow or fast cadence and the harness or long bar interface between the test subject and the device. Data is also obtained using free weights for a comparison to the resistively loaded exercise device. This data is input into the OpenSim biomechanical model, which has been scaled to match the anthropometrics of the test subject, to calculate the body loads. The focus of this presentation is to summarize the results from the full squat exercises across the different test variables.

Bioengineering↗

A comparison of experimental and computer model results on the charge-exchange plasma flow from a 30 cm mercury ion thruster

Ion thrusters can be used in a variety of primary and auxiliary space-propulsion applications. A thruster produces a charge-exchange plasma which can interact with various systems on the spacecraft. The propagation of the charge-exchange plasma is crucial in determining the interaction of that plasma with the spacecraft. This paper compares experimental measurements with computer model predictions of the propagation of the charge-exchange plasma from a 30 cm mercury ion thruster. The plasma potentials, and ion densities, and directed energies are discussed. Good agreement is found in a region upstream of, and close to, the ion thruster optics. Outside of this region the agreement is reasonable in view of the modeling difficulties.

Gabriel, S. B.↗

Simultaneous Laser Raman-rayleigh-lif Measurements and Numerical Modeling Results of a Lifted Turbulent H2/N2 Jet Flame in a Vitiated Coflow

An experiment and numerical investigation is presented of a lifted turbulent H2/N2 jet flame in a coflow of hot, vitiated gases. The vitiated coflow burner emulates the coupling of turbulent mixing and chemical kinetics exemplary of the reacting flow in the recirculation region of advanced combustors. It also simplifies numerical investigation of this coupled problem by removing the complexity of recirculating flow. Scalar measurements are reported for a lifted turbulent jet flame of H2/N2 (Re = 23,600, H/d = 10) in a coflow of hot combustion products from a lean H2/Air flame ((empty set) = 0.25, T = 1,045 K). The combination of Rayleigh scattering, Raman scattering, and laser-induced fluorescence is used to obtain simultaneous measurements of temperature and concentrations of the major species, OH, and NO. The data attest to the success of the experimental design in providing a uniform vitiated coflow throughout the entire test region. Two combustion models (PDF: joint scalar Probability Density Function and EDC: Eddy Dissipation Concept) are used in conjunction with various turbulence models to predict the lift-off height (H(sub PDF)/d = 7,H(sub EDC)/d = 8.5). Kalghatgi's classic phenomenological theory, which is based on scaling arguments, yields a reasonably accurate prediction (H(sub K)/d = 11.4) of the lift-off height for the present flame. The vitiated coflow admits the possibility of auto-ignition of mixed fluid, and the success of the present parabolic implementation of the PDF model in predicting a stable lifted flame is attributable to such ignition. The measurements indicate a thickened turbulent reaction zone at the flame base. Experimental results and numerical investigations support the plausibility of turbulent premixed flame propagation by small scale (on the order of the flame thickness) recirculation and mixing of hot products into reactants and subsequent rapid ignition of the mixture.

Cabra, R.↗

Plasmasphere-ionosphere coupling. II - Ion composition measurements at plasmaspheric and ionospheric altitudes and comparison with modeling results

This paper presents Dynamic Explorer data on the plasma coupling between the plasmasphere and ionosphere. DE 1 measurements of ion composition and temperatures at 1.4-3.5 R(F) in the plasmasphere were combined with DE-2 measurements of ion composition and electron and ion temperatures in the upper F region/topside ionosphere, closely spaced in universal and local time for cases in the November 6-11, 1981 period. The observations are compared directly with the field-line interhemispheric plasma (FLIP) model calculations of altitudinal ion density and temperature profiles. It was found that, when the FLIP model permitted fractional trapping of ionospheric photoelectrons and consequent plasmaspheric heating, good agreement with the observations was obtained.

Horwitz, J. L.↗

Simultaneous Raman-Rayleigh-LIF Measurements and Numerical Modeling Results of a Lifted H2/N2 Turbulent Jet Flame in a Vitiated Coflow

An experimental and numerical investigation is presented of a H2/N2 turbulent jet flame burner that has a novel vitiated coflow. The vitiated coflow emulates the recirculation region of most combustors, such as gas turbines or furnaces. Additionally, since the vitiated gases are coflowing, the burner allows for exploration of recirculation chemistry without the corresponding fluid mechanics of recirculation. Thus the vitiated coflow burner design facilitates the development of chemical kinetic combustion models without the added complexity of recirculation fluid mechanics. Scalar measurements are reported for a turbulent jet flame of H2/N2 in a coflow of combustion products from a lean ((empty set) = 0.25) H2/Air flame. The combination of laser-induced fluorescence, Rayleigh scattering, and Raman scattering is used to obtain simultaneous measurements of the temperature, major species, as well as OH and NO. Laminar flame calculation with equal diffusivity do agree when the premixing and preheating that occurs prior to flame stabilization is accounted for in the boundary conditions. Also presented is an exploratory pdf model that predicts the flame's axial profiles fairly well, but does not accurately predict the lift-off height.

Cabra, R.↗

Temporal and vertical distribution of acidity and ionic composition in clouds - Comparison between modeling results and observations

Cyclic temporal variations of pH and ionic concentration in sampled clouds which traversed the Mt. Mitchell State Park (North Carolina) site during the summers of 1986, 1987, and 1988 are reported. These clouds typically had a measured pH minimum during their initial and final stages. The cause of this basic cylic pattern is attributed to sampling at different vertical levels of the cloud. This is substantiated by visual observations made while sampling. The results also suggest that the measured pH patterns do not always exhibit minima during the formative and dissipative stages of the cloud, apparently in response to the underlying dynamical processes. The relationship between temporal pH measurements made at a stationary site to vertical cloud levels provides insights into the physical processes (e.g., nucleation scavenging near cloud base, dry air entrainment near cloud top) influencing the observed cloud-water chemistry on a real-time basis and would improve cloud chemistry models.

Defelice, T. P.↗

On Improving the Dust Lidar Ratios for Version 5 of CALIOP by Using Measurements with Source-tagged Model Results

Vertically resolved retrievals of aerosol backscatter and extinction have been available since 2006 from global measurements acquired by the space borne lidar CALIOP onboard the CALIPSO satellite. These retrievals depend crucially upon the ratio of extinction to backscatter (i.e., lidar ratio) which typically has to be assumed for the various aerosol species for an elastic backscatter lidar like CALIOP. For all CALIPSO data releases up until now (version 4.2), these lidar ratios have been taken as constant both spatially and temporally. However, it is well established that the aerosol lidar ratios can vary significantly regionally, seasonally, and also as a function of age and relative humidity. In particular, the dust lidar ratios show significant variation depending upon their source regions, which is related to the mineral composition of dust in that region. In this paper, we shall present a scheme to obtain the regionally and seasonally dependent lidar ratios of dust. In this scheme, which may be implemented in a forthcoming version of CALIOP aerosol extinction retrievals, we first derive lidar ratios of aerosol layers globally, classified as dust by CALIOP, by using the backscatter measurements constrained by collocated MODIS aerosol optical depths. Since this dust will frequently be a mixture of dust from various source regions, we obtain the corresponding regional contributions from the dust simulations using the GEOS model tagged to nine source regions. Finally, combining information from both measurements and models, we obtain the lidar ratios of dust corresponding to the nine source regions. The lidar ratio of the mixed dust anywhere can now be obtained from the tagged model fractions and the corresponding regional lidar ratio. We shall show the application of this scheme for various regions and seasons.

CALIPSO↗

Methods for Validation and Intercomparison of Remote Sensing and In situ Ice Water Measurements: Case Studies from CRYSTAL-FACE and Model Results

Remote sensing observations, such as those from AURA, are necessary to understand the role of cirrus in determining the radiative and humidity budgets of the upper troposphere. Using these measurements quantitatively requires comparisons with in situ measurements that have previously been validated. However, a direct comparison of remote and in situ measurements is difficult due to the requirement that the spatial and temporal overlap be sufficient in order to guarantee that both instruments are measuring the same air parcel. A difficult as this might be for gas phase intercomparisons, cloud inhomogeneities significantly exacerbate the problem for cloud ice water content measurements. The CRYSTAL-FACE mission provided an opportunity to assess how well such intercomparisons can be performed and to establish flight plans that will be necessary for validation of future satellite instruments. During CRYSTAL-FACE, remote and in situ instruments were placed on different aircraft (NASA's ER-2 and WB-59, and the two planes flew in tandem so that the in situ payload flew in the field of view of the remote instruments. We show here that, even with this type of careful flight planning, it is not always possible to guarantee that remote and in situ instruments are viewing the same air parcel. We use ice water data derived from the in situ Harvard Total Water (HV-TW) instrument, and the remote Goddard Cloud Radar System (CRS) and show that agreement between HV-TW and CRS is a strong function of the horizontal separation and the time delay between the aircraft transects. We also use a cloud model to simulate possible trajectories through a cloud and evaluate the use of statistical analysis in determining the agreement between the two instruments. This type of analysis should guide flight planning for future intercomparison efforts, whether for aircraft or satellite-borne instrumentation.

Sayres, D.S.↗