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At least 721 records · Page 40

Temperature dependence of Lorentz air-broadening and pressure-shift coefficients of (12)CH4 lines in the 2.3-micron spectral region

High-resolution (0.01/cm) absorption spectra of lean mixtures of CH4 in dry air were recorded with the McMath-Pierce Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) of the National Solar Observatory on Kitt Peak at various temperatures between 24 and -61 C. The spectra have been analyzed to determine the values at room temperature of pressure-broadened widths and pressure-induced shifts of more than 740 transitions. The temperature dependence of air-broadened widths and pressure-induced shifts was deduced for approx. 370 transitions in the nu(sub 1) + nu(sub 4), nu(sub 3) + nu(sub 4), and nu(sub 2) + nu(sub 3) bands of (12)CH4 located between 4118 and 4615/cm. These results were obtained by analyzing a total of 29 spectra simultaneously using a multi-spectral non-linear least-squares fitting technique. This new technique allowed the determination of correlated spectral line parameters (e.g. intensity and broadening coefficient) better than the procedure of averaging values obtained by fitting the spectra individually. This method also provided a direct determination of the uncertainties in the retrieved parameters due to random errors. For each band analysed in this study the dependence of the various spectral line parameters upon the tetrahedral symmetry species and the rotational quantum numbers of the transitions is also presented.

Devi, V. Malathy↗

Solar wind plasma periodicities observed at 1 AU by IMP 8

The IMP 8 spacecraft has been in Earth orbit since 1973, gathering plasma data over one complete 22-year solar cycle. These data are being examined to look for periodicities at time scales ranging from several hours to the entire span of the data set. A 1.3-year periodicity in the radial speed observed by IMP 8 and Voyager 2 has already been reported for the years from 1987 to 1993. The periodogram method, useful for unevenly sampled data such as the IMP 8 plasma data, has been used to search for other periods. It is interesting to note that the 13-year period is not present in the out-of-the-ecliptic component of the velocity (Vz), although a 1-year period is very obvious both visually and on the periodogram. Both components show a very strong peak associated with the 11-year solar cycle variation. This work will be extended to the thermal speed (a measure of the wind's temperature) and density, although the frequent correlations between these parameters and the velocity are expected to cause similar results. Additionally, the fine resolution data will be examined for shorter time periods than are visible using the hourly average data which are appropriate for longer periods. A comparison with periods observed at other spacecraft may also be made.

Paularena, K. I.↗

Observational Review of Gamma-Ray Bursts

The observed gamma-ray temporal, spectral, intensity and spatial distribution characteristics of GRBs, primarily from data obtained from the Compton Observatory, will be described. The talk will concentrate on recent studies of burst properties, correlations of GRB parameters and other statistical studies that have only recently come to light with the unprecedented sample of over two thousand GRBs, along with some mention of studies in progress by members of the BATSE team. Recent studies of possible observational biases, un-triggered GRBs and threshold calculations for BATSE will also be described.

Fishman, Gerald J.↗

Observational Review of Gamma-Ray Bursts

The observed gamma-ray temporal, spectral, intensity and spatial distribution characteristics of GRBs (Gamma Ray Bursts), primarily from data obtained from the Compton Observatory, will be described. The talk will concentrate on recent studies of burst properties, correlations of GRB parameters and other statistical studies that have only recently come to light with the unprecedented sample of over two thousand GRBs, along with some mention of studies in progress by members of the BATSE (Burst and Transient Source Experiment) team. Recent studies of possible observational biases, un-triggered GRBs and threshold calculations for BATSE will also be described.

Fishman, Gerald J.↗

Tropical Cirrus Physical and Radiation Characteristics from the NASA Aircraft Observations in Toga/Coare

During the Toga/Coare experiment in the tropical west Pacific, a cloud radiation experiment involving measurement from the NASA ER-2 high altitude aircraft and DC-8 airborne laboratory was performed. Observations include multispectral visible/IR and microwave radiometric imaging, active lidar profiling and radiation flux measurements. On a number of missions coordinated flights were made for simultaneous cloud observations with the ER-2 remote sensing and DC-8 below cloud and in cloud measurements. Since the field experiment there has been systematic analysis of the observations. Intercomparison of retrieved measurements will be presented. These include the relation between visible bi-directional reflectivity and infrared emissivity of tropical cirrus. Upper troposphere microwave water vapor retrievals and cirrus optical parameters have been correlated. The relation observed short wave flux divergence to retrieved cloud thickness and type has been studied. Calculations and statistics for the short and long wave heating profiles of observed clouds have been derived. A summary of key results will be presented.

Spinhirne, James D.↗

Observational Review of Gamma-Ray Bursts

The observed gamma-ray temporal, spectral, intensity and spatial distribution characteristics of GRBs, primarily from data obtained from the Compton Observatory, will be described. The talk will concentrate on recent studies of burst properties, correlations of GRB parameters and other statistical studies that have only recently come to light with the unprecedented sample of over two thousand GRBs, along with some mention of studies in progress by members of the BATSE team.

Fishman, Gerald J.↗

Joint Discussion/Mini-Workshop: Gamma-Ray Bursts and their Hosts

The observed gamma-ray temporal, spectral, intensity and spatial distribution characteristics of GRBs, primarily from data obtained from the Compton Observatory, will be described. The talk will concentrate on recent studies of burst properties, correlations of GRB parameters and other statistical studies that have only recently come to light with the unprecedented sample of over two thousand GRBs, along with some mention of studies in progress by members of the BATSE team.

Fishman, Gerald J.↗

Ten Years of Gamma-Ray Bursts Observations with BATSE

The observed gamma-ray temporal, spectral, intensity and spatial distribution characteristics of GRBs from data obtained from BATSE/Compton Observatory, will be described. The talk will concentrate on recent studies of burst properties, correlations of GRB parameters and other statistical studies that have only recently come to light with the unprecedented sample of over 2700 GRBS. Recent studies of possible observational biases, un-triggered GRBs and threshold calculations for BATSE will also be described.

Fishman, Gerald J.↗

Gamma-Ray Burst Observations with BATSE

The observed gamma-ray temporal, spectral, and duration distribution characteristics of GRBs (Gamma Ray Bursts) from data obtained from the BATSE/Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory will be described. The talk will concentrate on studies of burst properties, correlations of GRB parameters and other statistical properties from the unprecedented sample of over 2700 GRBs.

Fishman, G. J.↗

Finite Element Modeling of the NASA Langley Aluminum Testbed Cylinder

The NASA Langley Aluminum Testbed Cylinder (ATC) was designed to serve as a universal structure for evaluating structural acoustic codes, modeling techniques and optimization methods used in the prediction of aircraft interior noise. Finite element models were developed for the components of the ATC based on the geometric, structural and material properties of the physical test structure. Numerically predicted modal frequencies for the longitudinal stringer, ring frame and dome component models, and six assembled ATC configurations were compared with experimental modal survey data. The finite element models were updated and refined, using physical parameters, to increase correlation with the measured modal data. Excellent agreement, within an average 1.5% to 2.9%, was obtained between the predicted and measured modal frequencies of the stringer, frame and dome components. The predictions for the modal frequencies of the assembled component Configurations I through V were within an average 2.9% and 9.1%. Finite element modal analyses were performed for comparison with 3 psi and 6 psi internal pressurization conditions in Configuration VI. The modal frequencies were predicted by applying differential stiffness to the elements with pressure loading and creating reduced matrices for beam elements with offsets inside external superelements. The average disagreement between the measured and predicted differences for the 0 psi and 6 psi internal pressure conditions was less than 0.5%. Comparably good agreement was obtained for the differences between the 0 psi and 3 psi measured and predicted internal pressure conditions.

Grosveld, Ferdinand W.↗

The Neutral Gas Desorption and Breakdown on a Metal-Dielectric Junction Immersed in a Plasma

New results are presented of an experimental study and theoretical analysis of arcing on metal-dielectric junctions immersed in a low-density plasma. Two samples of conventional solar arrays have been used to investigate the effects of arcing within a wide range of neutral gas pressures, ion currents, and electron number densities. All data (except video) were obtained in digital form that allowed us to study the correlation between external parameters (plasma density, additional capacitance, bias voltage, etc) and arc characteristics (arc rate, arc current pulse width and amplitude, gas species partial pressures, intensities of spectral lines, and so on). Arc sites were determined by employing a video-camera, and it is shown that the most probable sites for arc inception are trip le-junctions, even though some arcs were initiated in gaps between cells. The effect of surface conditioning (decrease of arc rate due to outgassing) was clearly demonstrated. Moreover, a considerable increase in arc rate due to absorption of molecules from atmospheric air has been confirmed. The analysis of optical spectra (240-800 nm) reveals intense narrow atomic lines (Ag, H) and wide molecular bands (OH, CH, SiH, SiN) that confirm a complicated mechanism of arc plasma generation. The rate of plasma contamination due to arcing was measured by employing a mass-spectrometer. These measurements provided quite reliable data for the development of a theoretical model of plasma contamination, In conclusion, the arc threshold was increased to above 350 V (from 190 V) by keeping a sample in vacuum (20 micronTorr) for seven days. The results obtained are important for the understanding of the arc inception mechanism, which is absolutely essential for progress toward the design of high voltage solar arrays for space applications.

Vayner, Boris↗

Gamma-Ray Bursts

Gamma-ray bursts originate from cosmological distances and represent the largest known explosions in the Universe. The observed temporal and spectral characteristics of bursts in the gamma-ray region, primarily from data obtained with the BATSE experiment on the Compton Observatory, will be described. The talk will concentrate on recent studies of burst properties, correlations of GRB parameters and other statistical studies that have recently come to light. A summary of recent discoveries and observations in other wavelength regions will also be presented, along with their implications for models of the burst emission mechanism. Various models for the energy source of gamma-ray bursts will be described.

Fishman, Gearld J.↗

Foliar Reflectance and Fluorescence Responses for Plants Under Nitrogen Stress Determined with Active and Passive Systems

Vegetation productivity is driven by nitrogen (N) availability in soils. Both excessive and low soil N induce physiological changes in plant foliage. In 2001, we examined the use of spectral fluorescence and reflectance measurements to discriminate among plants provided different N fertilizer application rates: 20%, 50%, 100% and 150% of optimal N levels. A suite of optical, fluorescence, and biophysical measurements were collected on leaves from field grown corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean plants (Glycine max L.) grown in pots (greenhouse + ambient sunlight daily). Three types of steady state laser-induced fluorescence measurements were made on adaxial and abaxial surfaces: 1) fluorescence images in four 10 nm bands (blue, green, red, far-red) resulting from broad irradiance excitation; 2) emission spectra (5 nm resolution) produced by excitation at single wavelengths (280,380 or 360, and 532 nm); and 3) excitation spectra (2 nm resolution), with emission wavelengths fixed at wavelengths centered on selected solar Fraunhofer lines (532,607,677 and 745 nm). Two complementary sets of high resolution (less than 2 nm) optical spectra were acquired for both adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces: 1) optical properties (350-2500 nm) for reflectance, transmittance, and absorptance; and 2) reflectance spectra (500-1000 nm) acquired with and without a short pass filter at 665 nm to determine the fluorescence contribution to apparent reflectance in the 650-750 spectrum, especially at the 685 and 740 nm chlorophyll fluorescence (ChIF) peaks. The strongest relationships between foliar chemistry and optical properties were demonstrated for C/N content and two optical parameters associated with the red edge inflection point. Select optical properties and ChIF parameters were highly correlated for both species. A significant contribution of ChIF to apparent reflectance was observed, averaging 10-25% at 685 nm and 2 - 6% at 740 nm over all N treatments. Discrimination of N treatment groups was possible with specific fluorescence band ratios (e.g., F740/F525 obtained with 380EX). From all measurements assessing fluorescence, higher ChIF and blue/green emissions were measured from the abaxial leaf surfaces; Abaxial surfaces also produced higher reflectances in the 400-800 nm spectrum. Fluorescence information collected in Fraunhofer regions located on the shoulders of ChIF features compared favorably with peak emissions. This supports the potential capability of a future space-born interferometer sensor to capture plant canopy fluorescence.

Middleton, E. M.↗

Measurement of Force Balance Repeatability and Reproducibility in the NTF

A recently published statistical approach for measuring and evaluating wind tunnel force balance repeatability and reproducibility is applied to three check standard tests in the National Transonic Facility at NASA Langley Research Center. Two different airframe models and force balances were used. The short-term repeatability and within-test reproducibility are separately estimated and correlations with tunnel parameters are carried out. Conjectures are presented for the development of scaling laws for predicting the repeatability and reproducibility of other force balance tests in the tunnel.

Hemsch, M. J.↗

The Smallest Lunar Grains: Analytical TEM Characterization of the Sub-micron Size Fraction of a Mare Soil

The chemical composition, mineralogical type, and morphology of lunar regolith grains changes considerably with decreasing size, and below the approx.25 m size range the correlation between these parameters and remotely-sensed lunar surface properties connected to space weathering increases significantly. Although trends for these parameters across grain size intervals greater than 20 m are now well established, the 0 to 20 m size interval remains relatively un-subdivided with respect to variations in grain modal composition, chemistry and microstructure. Of particular interest in this size range are grains in the approximate < 1 m diameter class, whose fundamental properties are now the focus of lunar research pertaining to electrostatic grain transport, dusty plasmas, and lunar dust effects on crew health and exploration systems. In this study we have used analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to characterize the mineralogy, microstructure and major element composition of grains below the 1 m size threshold in lunar soil 10084.

Thompson, M.↗

Transition Experiments on Blunt Bodies with Isolated Roughness Elements in Hypersonic Free Flight

Smooth titanium hemispheres with isolated three-dimensional (3D) surface roughness elements were flown in the NASA Ames hypersonic ballistic range through quiescent CO2 and air environments. Global surface intensity (temperature) distributions were optically measured and thermal wakes behind individual roughness elements were analyzed to define tripping effectiveness. Real-gas Navier-Stokes calculations of model flowfields, including laminar boundary layer development in these flowfields, were conducted predict key dimensionless parameters used to correlate transition on blunt bodies in hypersonic flow. For isolated roughness elements totally immersed within the laminar boundary layer, critical roughness Reynolds numbers for flights in air were found to be higher than those measured for flights in CO2, i.e., it was easier to trip the CO2 boundary layer to turbulence. Tripping effectiveness was found to be dependent on trip location within the subsonic region of the blunt body flowfield, with effective tripping being most difficult to achieve for elements positioned closest to the stagnation point. Direct comparisons of critical roughness Reynolds numbers for 3D isolated versus 3D distributed roughness elements for flights in air showed that distributed roughness patterns were significantly more effective at tripping the blunt body laminar boundary layer to turbulence.

Reda, Daniel C.↗

Characterization of the as Manufactured Variability in a CVI SiC/SiC Woven Composite

The microstructure of a 2D woven ceramic matrix composite displays significant variability and irregularity. For example, a chemical vapor infiltrated (CVI) SiC/SiC composite exhibits significant amount of porosity arranged in irregular patterns. Furthermore, the fiber tows within a ply frequently have irregular shape and spacing, and the stacked plies are often misaligned and irregularly nested within each other. The goal of an ongoing project at NASA Glenn is to investigate the effects of the complex microstructure and its variability on the properties and the durability of the material. One key requirement for this effort is the development of methods to characterize the distribution in as-fabricated ceramic matrix composite (CMC) microstructures with the objective of correlating microstructural distribution parameters with mechanical performance. An initial task in this effort was to perform quantitative image analysis of polished cross sections of CVI SiC/SiC composite specimens. This analysis provided sample distributions of various microstructural composite features, including: inter-tow pore sizes and shapes, transverse sectioned tow sizes and shapes, and within ply tow spacing. This information can then be used to quantify the effect of extreme values of these features on the local stress state with the goal of determining the likelihood of matrix cracking at a given external load.

Bonacuse, Peter J.↗

Global Positioning System (GPS) Precipitable Water in Forecasting Lightning at Spaceport Canaveral

This paper evaluates the use of precipitable water (PW) from Global Positioning System (GPS) in lightning prediction. Additional independent verification of an earlier model is performed. This earlier model used binary logistic regression with the following four predictor variables optimally selected from a candidate list of 23 candidate predictors: the current precipitable water value for a given time of the day, the change in GPS-PW over the past 9 hours, the KIndex, and the electric field mill value. This earlier model was not optimized for any specific forecast interval, but showed promise for 6 hour and 1.5 hour forecasts. Two new models were developed and verified. These new models were optimized for two operationally significant forecast intervals. The first model was optimized for the 0.5 hour lightning advisories issued by the 45th Weather Squadron. An additional 1.5 hours was allowed for sensor dwell, communication, calculation, analysis, and advisory decision by the forecaster. Therefore the 0.5 hour advisory model became a 2 hour forecast model for lightning within the 45th Weather Squadron advisory areas. The second model was optimized for major ground processing operations supported by the 45th Weather Squadron, which can require lightning forecasts with a lead-time of up to 7.5 hours. Using the same 1.5 lag as in the other new model, this became a 9 hour forecast model for lightning within 37 km (20 NM)) of the 45th Weather Squadron advisory areas. The two new models were built using binary logistic regression from a list of 26 candidate predictor variables: the current GPS-PW value, the change of GPS-PW over 0.5 hour increments from 0.5 to 12 hours, and the K-index. The new 2 hour model found the following for predictors to be statistically significant, listed in decreasing order of contribution to the forecast: the 0.5 hour change in GPS-PW, the 7.5 hour change in GPS-PW, the current GPS-PW value, and the KIndex. The new 9 hour forecast model found the following five independent variables to be statistically significant, listed in decreasing order of contribution to the forecast: the current GPSPW value, the 8.5 hour change in GPS-PW, the 3.5 hour change in GPS-PW, the 12 hour change in GPS-PW, and the K-Index. In both models, the GPS-PW parameters had better correlation to the lightning forecast than the K-Index, a widely used thunderstorm index. Possible future improvements to this study are discussed.

Kehrer, Kristen C.↗