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At least 91 records · Page 5

An analysis of maximum horizontal wind speeds recorded since 1961 at Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Tabulations of maximum horizontal wind speed values are reported that were recorded at the Kennedy Space Center. Maximum wind speeds were recorded during the eight hurricanes which have affected the area--Cleo in August 1964 through Agnes in June 1972. Detailed tabulations and frequency distributions of daily maximum horizontal wind speeds recorded at NASA's 150 m ground tower facility at nine levels from December 1965 through March 1970 are also included.

Alexander, M. B.↗

An iterative procedure for obtaining maximum-likelihood estimates of the parameters for a mixture of normal distributions

This paper addresses the problem of obtaining numerically maximum-likelihood estimates of the parameters for a mixture of normal distributions. In recent literature, a certain successive-approximations procedure, based on the likelihood equations, was shown empirically to be effective in numerically approximating such maximum-likelihood estimates; however, the reliability of this procedure was not established theoretically. Here, we introduce a general iterative procedure, of the generalized steepest-ascent (deflected-gradient) type, which is just the procedure known in the literature when the step-size is taken to be 1. We show that, with probability 1 as the sample size grows large, this procedure converges locally to the strongly consistent maximum-likelihood estimate whenever the step-size lies between 0 and 2. We also show that the step-size which yields optimal local convergence rates for large samples is determined in a sense by the 'separation' of the component normal densities and is bounded below by a number between 1 and 2.

Peters, B. C., Jr.↗

The distribution of maximum temperatures of coronal active region loops

The emission measure distribution across the range 4.5 log T 6.5 was derived for several coronal active regions by combining EUV line fluxes with broadband X-ray fluxes. The distributions of the maximum temperature was then derived using a numerical model. It is shown that the emission measure distribution can be represented over the full range 5.6 log Tm 6.5 by the superposition of simple loop models, if the models incorporate a substantial rise in their individual emission measure distributions near the maximum temperature. The unresolved loops may have substantial area ratios, since it is this ratio that fixes the extent of the rise in the emission measure distribution. Since the bulk of the emission measure is then contributed from the loop tops, the distribution of maximum temperatures has approximately the same shape as does the integrated emission measure distributions. The EUV and X-ray data used were obtained by from two separate experiments on ATM/Skylab.

Mayfield, E. B.↗

Maximum frequency of the decametric radiation from Jupiter

The upper frequency limits of Jupiter's decametric radio emission are found to be essentially the same when observed from the earth or, with considerably higher sensitivity, from the Voyager spacecraft close to Jupiter. This suggests that the maximum frequency is a real cut-off corresponding to a maximum gyrofrequency of about 38-40 MHz at Jupiter. It no longer appears to be necessary to specify different cut-off frequencies for the Io and non-Io emission as the maximum frequencies are roughly the same in each case.

Barrow, C. H.↗

The distribution of maximum temperatures of coronal active region loops

Starting with the integrated emission measure distributions of solar active regions, the distribution of the maximum temperature parameter which characterizes individual plasma loops is determined. The observed emission measure distributions were determined by combining EUV and X-ray data from two separate experiments on ATM/Skylab. The present work sets some limits on such an approach. It is found that the distribution of maximum temperature has approximately the same shape as the integrated emission measure distributions, a result which is expected since most of the loop emission measure is near their maximum temperatures.

Teske, R. G.↗

Approach to forecasting daily maximum ozone levels in St. Louis

Measurements taken in 1976 from the St. Louis Regional Air Pollution Study (RAPS) data base, conducted by EPA, were analyzed to determine an optimum set of air-quality and meteorological variables for predicting maximum ozone levels for each day in 1976. A 'leaps and bounds' regression analysis was used to identify the best subset of variables. Three particular variables, the 9 a.m. ozone level, the forecasted maximum temperature, and the 6-9 a.m. averaged wind speed, have useful forecasting utility. The trajectory history of air masses entering St. Louis was studied, and it was concluded that transport-related variables contribute to the appearance of very high ozone levels. The final empirical forecast model predicts the daily maximum ozone over 341 days with a standard deviation of 11 ppb, which approaches the estimated error.

Prior, E. J.↗

Mixture densities, maximum likelihood, and the EM algorithm

The problem of estimating the parameters which determine a mixture density is reviewed as well as maximum likelihood estimation for it. A particular iterative procedure for numerically approximating maximum likelihood estimates for mixture density problems is considered. This EM algorithm, is a specialization to the mixture density context of a general algorithm of the same name used to approximate maximum likelihood estimates for incomplete data problems. The formulation and theoretical and practical properties of the EM algorithm for mixture densities are discussed focussing in particular on mixtures of densities from exponential families.

Redner, R. A.↗

The inducement of planetary boundary layer mass convergence associated with varying vorticity beneath tropospheric wind maximum

The effects of the vorticity distribution are applied to study planetary boundary layer mass convergence beneath free tropospheric wind maximum. For given forcing by viscous and pressure gradient forces beneath a wind maximum, boundary layer cross stream mass transport is increased by anticyclonic vorticity on the right flank and decreased by cyclonic vorticity on the left flank. Such frictionally forced mass transport induces boundary layer mass convergence beneath the relative wind maximum. This result is related to the empirical rule that the most intense convection and severe weather frequently develop beneath the 500 mb zero relative vorticity isopleth.

Johnson, D. R.↗

Distribution of Snow and Maximum Snow Water Equivalent Obtained by LANDSAT Data and Degree Day Method

Maximum snow water equivalence and snowcover distribution are estimated using several LANDSAT data taken in snowmelting season over a four year period. The test site is Okutadami-gawa Basin located in the central position of Tohoku-Kanto-Chubu District. The year to year normalization for snowmelt volume computation on the snow line is conducted by year to year correction of degree days using the snowcover percentage within the test basin obtained from LANDSAT data. The maximum snow water equivalent map in the test basin is generated based on the normalized snowmelt volume on the snow line extracted from four LANDSAT data taken in a different year. The snowcover distribution on an arbitrary day in snowmelting of 1982 is estimated from the maximum snow water equivalent map. The estimated snowcover is compared with the snowcover area extracted from NOAA-AVHRR data taken on the same day. The applicability of the snow estimation using LANDSAT data is discussed.

Takeda, K.↗

Maximum Likelihood Estimation with Emphasis on Aircraft Flight Data

Accurate modeling of flexible space structures is an important field that is currently under investigation. Parameter estimation, using methods such as maximum likelihood, is one of the ways that the model can be improved. The maximum likelihood estimator has been used to extract stability and control derivatives from flight data for many years. Most of the literature on aircraft estimation concentrates on new developments and applications, assuming familiarity with basic estimation concepts. Some of these basic concepts are presented. The maximum likelihood estimator and the aircraft equations of motion that the estimator uses are briefly discussed. The basic concepts of minimization and estimation are examined for a simple computed aircraft example. The cost functions that are to be minimized during estimation are defined and discussed. Graphic representations of the cost functions are given to help illustrate the minimization process. Finally, the basic concepts are generalized, and estimation from flight data is discussed. Specific examples of estimation of structural dynamics are included. Some of the major conclusions for the computed example are also developed for the analysis of flight data.

Iliff, K. W.↗

Solar maximum: Solar array degradation

The 5-year in-orbit power degradation of the silicon solar array aboard the Solar Maximum Satellite was evaluated. This was the first spacecraft to use Teflon R FEP as a coverglass adhesive, thus avoiding the necessity of an ultraviolet filter. The peak power tracking mode of the power regulator unit was employed to ensure consistent maximum power comparisons. Telemetry was normalized to account for the effects of illumination intensity, charged particle irradiation dosage, and solar array temperature. Reference conditions of 1.0 solar constant at air mass zero and 301 K (28 C) were used as a basis for normalization. Beginning-of-life array power was 2230 watts. Currently, the array output is 1830 watts. This corresponds to a 16 percent loss in array performance over 5 years. Comparison of Solar Maximum Telemetry and predicted power levels indicate that array output is 2 percent less than predictions based on an annual 1.0 MeV equivalent election fluence of 2.34 x ten to the 13th power square centimeters space environment.

Miller, T.↗

Effect of fiber and matrix maximum strain on the energy absorption of composite materials

Static crushing tests were conducted on graphite composite tubes to examine the influence of fiber and matrix maximum strain at failure on the energy absorption capability of graphite reinforced composite material. Fiber and matrix maximum strain at failure were determined to significantly effect energy absorption. The higher strain at failure composite material system, AS-4/5245, exhibited superior energy absorption capability compared to AS-4/934, T300/5245 or T300/934 composite material. Results of this investigation suggest that to achieve maximum energy absorption from a composite material a matrix material that has a higher strain at failure than the fiber reinforcement should be used.

Farley, G. L.↗

Determination of lift and drag characteristics of Space Shuttle Orbiter using maximum likelihood estimation technique

This paper presents the technique and results of maximum likelihood estimation used to determine lift and drag characteristics of the Space Shuttle Orbiter. Maximum likelihood estimation uses measurable parameters to estimate nonmeasurable parameters. The nonmeasurable parameters for this case are elements of a nonlinear, dynamic model of the orbiter. The estimated parameters are used to evaluate a cost function that computes the differences between the measured and estimated longitudinal parameters. The case presented is a dynamic analysis. This places less restriction on pitching motion and can provide additional information about the orbiter such as lift and drag characteristics at conditions other than trim, instrument biases, and pitching moment characteristics. In addition, an output of the analysis is an estimate of the values for the individual components of lift and drag that contribute to the total lift and drag. The results show that maximum likelihood estimation is a useful tool for analysis of Space Shuttle Orbiter performance and is also applicable to parameter analysis of other types of aircraft.

Trujillo, B. M.↗

Postflight evaluation of the solar maximum spacecraft magnetometers

The Solar Maximum Mission spacecraft was launched February 14, 1980 from Cape Kennedy. Attached to one side of the spacecraft was the Modular Attitude Control System (MACS). Two Schonstedt magnetometers were located within the MACS module. Although primarily used as a backup attitude determination system during the Solar Maximum Repair Mission, the magnetometers were instrumental in stabilizing the spacecraft. In October of 1984 the Solar Maximum magnetometers were returned to Schonstedt Instrument Company for postflight analysis, where they were subjected to the same electrical performance tests performed prior to use. In both instances the magnetometer performance was exceptional. Postflight test data nearly duplicated preflight test data.

Dunham, W. D.↗

On the location of the maximum homogeneous crystal nucleation temperature

Detailed considerations are given to the location of the temperature of maximum homogeneous nucleation as predicted by classical nucleation theory. It is shown quite generally that this maximum temperature, T-asterisk, must occur above the Kauzmann temperature and that the T-asterisk is such that T-asterisk is greater than T(m)/3, where T(m) is the melting temperature. Also, it is demonstrated tha T-asterisk may be considered to be approximately dependent upon two parameters: gamma, the ratio of the difference in specific heat between the crystal and liquid divided by the entropy of fusion, and E, a reduced activation energy for viscous flow. The variation of T-asterisk with these parameters is described. The relationship of the relative location of T-asterisk to the glass transition temperature, is discussed too. This discussion is couched within the framework of the strong and fragile liquid notion introduced by Angell (1981) and coworkers. Finally, the question of the ultimate limits to the undercooling of liquid metals is considered and its relationhsip to computations of the maximum nucleation temperature in such systems.

Weinberg, Michael C.↗

The optimal polarizations for achieving maximum contrast in radar images

There is considerable interest in determining the optimal polarizations that maximize contrast between two scattering classes in polarimetric radar images. A systematic approach is presented for obtaining the optimal polarimetric matched filter, i.e., that filter which produces maximum contrast between two scattering classes. The maximization procedure involves solving an eigenvalue problem where the eigenvector corresponding to the maximum contrast ratio is an optimal polarimetric matched filter. To exhibit the physical significance of this filter, it is transformed into its associated transmitting and receiving polarization states, written in terms of horizontal and vertical vector components. For the special case where the transmitting polarization is fixed, the receiving polarization which maximizes the contrast ratio is also obtained. Polarimetric filtering is then applies to synthetic aperture radar images obtained from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. It is shown, both numerically and through the use of radar imagery, that maximum image contrast can be realized when data is processed with the optimal polarimeter matched filter.

Swartz, A. A.↗

Optimal polarizations for achieving maximum contrast in radar images

A systematic approach is presented for obtaining the optimal polarimetric matched filter, which produces maximum contrast between two scattering classes in polarimetric radar images. The maximization procedure involves solving an eigenvalue problem when the eigenvector corresponding to the maximum contrast ratio is optimal polarimetric matched filter. It is shown how to realize the filter in terms of an equivalent transmitting and receiving polarization pair. The case where the radar transmitting polarization state is fixed is addressed. Here, the receiving polarization state is optimized so that the maximum constrast ratio is attained under this constraint.

Swartz, A. A.↗

Maximum principle solutions for time-optimal half-loop maneuvers of a high alpha fighter aircraft

An investigation was conducted of maximum principle solutions for an initial 0.6 Mach number and 15,000-ft altitude. The authors generate these solutions for a family of prescribed final times tf, starting with tf = 0.5 s. Using a nonlinear wind-tunnel model they construct maximum principle solutions. Above tf = 1.2 s some small nonlinear variations in the aerodynamic pitching moment coefficient presented difficulty with respect to numerical convergence. This was circumvented by fitting analytical models to the aerodynamic coefficients of the wind-tunnel model at Mach 0.4. Maximum principle solutions of the analytical model are shown to compare well with those obtained for tf of less than 1.2 s. Using the analytical model the authors extended the prescribed final time to a value of 13.65 s at which time the aircraft completes the half-loop maneuver. This is 0.53 s longer than that obtained using the singular perturbation feedback control law.

Stalford, Harold↗