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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 955 records · Page 53

Study on spectral/radiometric characteristics of the Thematic Mapper for land use applications

An information theoretic measure of multispectral information content is developed and applied to a simultaneous LANDSAT TM and MSS data set. The entropy based function measures the dispersion and concentration of signal values in various data spaces, irrespective of specific class memberships. It is used to compare the information content of TM and MSS and of various subsets of TM and MSS bans, as well as tasseled cap transformations of the band values. Differences exist between the information measure results and results using variance based measures. System design information capacities and data space volumes are also compared. The results and observations presented are considered preliminary in nature since only one real and one simulated data set are analyzed.

Malila, W. A.↗

Simulation and analysis of a geopotential research mission

A computer simulation was performed for a Geopotential Research Mission (GRM) to enable study of the gravitational sensitivity of the range/rate measurement between two satellites and to provide a set of simulated measurements to assist in the evaluation of techniques developed for the determination of the gravity field. The simulation, identified as SGRM 8511, was conducted with two satellites in near circular, frozen orbits at 160 km altitude and separated by 300 km. High precision numerical integration of the polar orbits was used with a gravitational field complete to degree and order 180 coefficients and to degree 300 in orders 0 to 10. The set of simulated data for a mission duration of about 32 days was generated on a Cray X-MP computer. The characteristics of the simulation and the nature of the results are described.

Schutz, B. E.↗

Transonic wall interference assessment and corrections for airfoil data from the 0.3-meter TCT adaptive wall test section

The wall interference assessment/correction code presented is nonlinear, involves four walls, and is applicable to transonic airfoil data from wind tunnels with shaped, solid top and bottom walls. Attention is given to its application to data from the NASA 0.3-m Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel Adaptive Test Section, for two sizes of a NACA 0012 airfoil and to simulated data for an inviscid two-dimensional full-potential code. This study indicates that while adaptive wall wind tunnels significantly reduce some aspects of wall-interference effects (by comparison to straight solid and slotted wall wind tunnels), residual wall and other interference effects are present.

Green, Lawrence L.↗

A circular median filter approach for resolving directional ambiguities in wind fields retrieved from spaceborne scatterometer data

The retrieval algorithm for spaceborne scatterometry proposed by Schultz (1985) is extended. A circular median filter (CMF) method is presented, which operates on wind directions independently of wind speed, removing any implicit wind speed dependence. A cell weighting scheme is included in the algorithm, permitting greater weights to be assigned to more reliable data. The mathematical properties of the ambiguous solutions to the wind retrieval problem are reviewed. The CMF algorithm is tested on twelve simulated data sets. The effects of spatially correlated likelihood assignment errors on the performance of the CMF algorithm are examined. Also, consideration is given to a wind field smoothing technique that uses a CMF.

Schultz, Howard↗

Atmospheric correction of remotely sensed image data by a simplified model

The interaction of radiation with the atmosphere is complex and has proved difficult to calculate without reference to measurements made at or close to the time and location of interest. In this paper we describe the use of data from an airborne-tracking sunphotometer mounted on a NASA C-130 aircraft to derive optical properties of the atmospheric aerosols above the aircraft when it is on the ground as well as when the aircraft is at altitude collecting remote sensing data. Furthermore, we describe the use of these optical properties for quantitative atmospheric correction of Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and NS001 TM simulator radiances in a simplified radiative transfer model appropriate for each pixel of entire images. Both qualitative and quantitative comparisons of results from use of the model show it provides good to excellent correction for atmospheric effects in TM and NS001 TM simulator data. Quantitative comparisons with measurements of surface radiances measured near the time of the TM overpass showed agreement within a few percent for bands 2, 3, and 4. Band 1 yielded radiances within 15 percent of the surface radiances. We think the simplified atmospheric correction model shows great promise for applying atmospheric corrections to entire images instead of individual points within images to yield surface radiances within a few percent in a computationally efficient manner.

Wrigley, R. C.↗

Reverberation mapping by regularized linear inversion

Reverberation mapping of active galactic nucleus (AGN) emission-line regions requires the numerical deconvolution of two time series. We suggest the application of a new method, regularized linear inversion, to the solution of this problem. This method possesses many good features; it imposes no restrictions on the sign of the response function; it can provide clearly defined uncertainty estimates; it involves no guesswork about unmeasured data; it can give a clear indication of when the underlying convolution model is inadequate; and it is computationally very efficient. Using simulated data, we find the minimum S/N and length of the time series in order for this method to work satisfactorily. We also define guidelines for choosing the principal tunable parameter of the method and for interpreting the results. Finally, we reanalyze published data from the 1989 NGC 5548 campaign using this new method and compare the results to those previously obtained by maximum entropy analysis. For some lines we find good agreement, but for others, especially C III lambda(1909) and Si IV lambda(1400), we find significant differences. These can be attributed to the inability of the maximum entropy method to find negative values of the response function, but also illustrate the nonuniqueness of any deconvolution technique. We also find evidence that certain line light curves (e.g., C IV lambda(1549)) cannot be fully described by the simple linear convolution model.

Krolik, Julian H.↗

THE THEORETICAL ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY: CLOUD-BASED MOCK GALAXY CATALOGS

We introduce the Theoretical Astrophysical Observatory (TAO), an online virtual laboratory that houses mock observations of galaxy survey data. Such mocks have become an integral part of the modern analysis pipeline. However, building them requires expert knowledge of galaxy modeling and simulation techniques, significant investment in software development, and access to high performance computing. These requirements make it difficult for a small research team or individual to quickly build a mock catalog suited to their needs. To address this TAO offers access to multiple cosmological simulations and semi-analytic galaxy formation models from an intuitive and clean web interface. Results can be funnelled through science modules and sent to a dedicated supercomputer for further processing and manipulation. These modules include the ability to (1) construct custom observer light cones from the simulation data cubes; (2) generate the stellar emission from star formation histories, apply dust extinction, and compute absolute and/or apparent magnitudes; and (3) produce mock images of the sky. All of TAO’s features can be accessed without any programming requirements. The modular nature of TAO opens it up for further expansion in the future.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Reactor simulations with nuclear data uncertainties

This work demonstrates the influence of uncertainties in microscopic nuclear data on the results of reactor simulations, both for stationary and transient states. It gives an overview on the methods in use for uncertainty and sensitivity analyses with respect to nuclear data, and discusses the pros and cons. For full-scale reactor simulations, in particular with coupled neutron transport and thermo-hydraulics, random sampling provides a powerful means to propagate nuclear data uncertainties through the complete calculation sequence. Results of uncertainty analyses performed with the GRS XSUSA – “cross section (XS) Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis” methodology are shown for radial power distributions from steady-state PWR calculations and for the time evolution of the reactor power in the course of a control rod withdrawal from a PWR mini-core. In all cases, the output uncertainties are considerable. For the radial power distributions, relative 1σ uncertainties of up to 10% are observed, and for the power peak during the transient, the relative 1σ uncertainty reaches 20%. These large uncertainties strongly suggest to routinely accompany best-estimate simulations by uncertainty analyses with respect to nuclear data, in particular for systems beyond LWR for which much less operation experience is available.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Reactive molecular dynamics models from ab initio molecular dynamics data using relative entropy minimization

Here, we present two new multiscale molecular dynamics (MS-RMD) models for the hydrated excess proton in water developed directly from ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulation data of the same system. The potential of mean force along the proton transfer reaction coordinate and radial distribution functions for the MS-RMD models are shown faithfully reproduce those of AIMD. The models are developed using an algorithm based on relative entropy minimization, thus demonstrating the ability of the method to rapidly generate accurate and highly efficient reactive MD force fields.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Quasi-brittle porous material: Simulated effect of stochastic air void structure on compressive strength

Highlights: • A simulation procedure to study the effect of porosity on the compressive strength of a quasi-brittle material is introduced • Based on the simulated results, the relationship between compressive strength and air void fraction (porosity) is presented. • A linear relationship was achieved between the cubic root of porosity and the simulated compressive strength. The effect of porosity comprised of spherical air voids on the compressive strength of quasi-brittle material was studied via simulations. The simulated porous structures were based on pore size distributions of two mortar samples measured by X-ray microtomography. While the simulation method set practical limits on the size of sample, the base of the statistics was established by simulating 128 small structures generated by sampling from pore structures of two mortars. By studying the application of the classical strength-porosity formulas to the simulated data, a new simple model was formed. A linear relationship was achieved between the cubic root of air void fraction (porosity) and the simulated compressive strength. The reasons for scattering of simulated strength around fitted trend remained unresolved in this study; no clear dependence on pore number or other distribution properties was observed. With the presented simulation approach, the dependence of compressive strength on porosity is achieved independently of disturbances that occur in experimental studies creating understanding of compressional behavior of low porosity materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Chimera D-Series Gravitational Wave Emission Sourced from Matter

Gravitational wave data sourced from the the time-dependent fluid quadrupole motion, in the Chimera D-Series three-dimensional core collapse supernova simulations. Data from three models initiated from three different progenitors are presented: D9.6-3D, D15-3D, and D25-3D. Please see the README for more information about the data structure and progenitors.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Test of Harmonic Coil Accuracy Using a Multi Vertex Probe

Magnets are integral components of particle accelerators, with different multipoles used to perform various beam conditioning functions, like steering and focusing. Testing accelerator magnets to ensure compliance with specification is a crucial step of fabrication. One of the most popular techniques for verifying magnetic field strength and integrity is the harmonic coil probe. Harmonic coil probes are comprised of passive loops that are rotated around the aperture of a magnet and are used to measure magnetic flux. Oftentimes the measurements of the harmonic coil probe are affected by transverse vibrations along the axis of rotation and torsional vibrations of the position closure sensor, both causing spurious harmonics. To make matters challenging, it is difficult to distinguish between the real harmonics of the magnet and the spurious harmonics during analysis. This research explores the use of a novel configuration of harmonic coil probe, Multi-Vertex Probe (MVP), to address multiple factors that affect the accuracy and repeatability of harmonic coil probe measurement. Most of the results are based on simulation data, in which artificial torsional distortions are introduced and removed with the proposed processing method. In addition to implementing torsional vibration removal in simulation, laboratory analysis regarding the source of vibrations was performed using a pre-fabricated MVP. More specifically, various mechanical conditions were used to explore the standard deviation of main harmonic’s flux amplitude. The conditions included: coupling type (rigid or soft), rotation speed, probe starting position within magnetic field, and cabling location inside the magnetic field. Along with this, the MVP’s measured noise floor in and outside a magnetic field was quantified.

Lofquist, Claire [Northern Illinois U.]↗

Lateral-Directional Parameter Estimation on the X-48B Aircraft Using an Abstracted, Multi-Objective Effector Model

The problem of parameter estimation on hybrid-wing-body aircraft is complicated by the fact that many design candidates for such aircraft involve a large number of aerodynamic control effectors that act in coplanar motion. This adds to the complexity already present in the parameter estimation problem for any aircraft with a closed-loop control system. Decorrelation of flight and simulation data must be performed in order to ascertain individual surface derivatives with any sort of mathematical confidence. Non-standard control surface configurations, such as clamshell surfaces and drag-rudder modes, further complicate the modeling task. In this paper, time-decorrelation techniques are applied to a model structure selected through stepwise regression for simulated and flight-generated lateral-directional parameter estimation data. A virtual effector model that uses mathematical abstractions to describe the multi-axis effects of clamshell surfaces is developed and applied. Comparisons are made between time history reconstructions and observed data in order to assess the accuracy of the regression model. The Cram r-Rao lower bounds of the estimated parameters are used to assess the uncertainty of the regression model relative to alternative models. Stepwise regression was found to be a useful technique for lateral-directional model design for hybrid-wing-body aircraft, as suggested by available flight data. Based on the results of this study, linear regression parameter estimation methods using abstracted effectors are expected to perform well for hybrid-wing-body aircraft properly equipped for the task.

Ratnayake, Nalin A.↗

Internship Abstract - Aerosciences and Flight Mechanics Intern

Mars is a hard place to land on, but my internship with NASA's Aerosciences & Flight Mechanics branch has shown me the ways in which men and women will one day land safely. I work on Mars Aerocapture, an aeroassist maneuver that reduces the fuel necessary to "capture" into Martian orbit before a descent. The spacecraft flies through the Martian atmosphere to lose energy through heating before it exits back into space, this time at a slower velocity and in orbit around Mars. Spacecraft will need to maneuver through the Martian atmosphere to accurately hit their orbit, and they will need to survive the generated heat. Engineering teams need simulation data to continue their designs, and the guidance algorithm that ensures a proper orbit insertion needs to be refined - two jobs that fell to me at the summer's start. Engineers within my branch have developed two concept aerocapture vehicles, and I run simulations on their behavior during the maneuver. I also test and refine the guidance algorithm. I spent the first few weeks familiarizing myself with the simulation software, troubleshooting various guidance bugs and writing code. Everything runs smoothly now, and I recently sent my first set of trajectory data to a Thermal Protection System group so they can incorporate it into their heat-bearing material designs. I hope to generate plenty of data in the next few weeks for various engineering groups before my internship ends mid-August. My major accomplishment so far is improving the guidance algorithm. It is a relatively new algorithm that promises higher accuracy and fuel efficiency, but it hasn't undergone extensive testing yet. I've had the opportunity to work with the principal developer - a professor at Iowa State University - to find and fix several issues. I was also assigned the task of expanding the branch's aerodynamic heating simulation software. I am excited to do this because engineers in the future will use my work to generate meaningful data and make design decisions. My internship has taught me to how to teach myself. There are no tutors, study sessions or professor office hours. When I am given an assignment I am expected to figure out how to accomplish it, and I have grown in my problem solving abilities. My summer experience has reinforced my drive to work at NASA, and I can definitely see myself working full time on the aerocapture project, or something similar.

Rangel, John↗

Simulation of radiometer data from a spin stabilized satellite

The effect of misregistration on cloud brightness threshold is investigated by simulating radiometric data as observed from a spin stabilized synchronous satellite such as the SMS. Clouds were introduced randomly and a bidirectional reflectance model was used to create radiance data from clouds and ocean. A theoretical and an empirical reflectance model were compared.

Rangaswamy, S.↗

User's manual for Interactive Data Display System (IDDS)

A computer graphics package for the visualization of three-dimensional flow in turbomachinery has been developed and tested. This graphics package, called IDDS (Interactive Data Display System), is able to 'unwrap' the volumetric data cone associated with a centrifugal compressor and display the results in an easy to understand two-dimensional manner. IDDS will provide the majority of the visualization and analysis capability for the ICE (Integrated CFD and Experiment) system. This document is intended to serve as a user's manual for IDDS in a stand-alone mode. Currently, IDDS is capable of plotting two- or three-dimensional simulation data, but work is under way to expand IDDS so that experimental data can be accepted, plotted, and compared with a simulation dataset of the actual hardware being tested.

Stegeman, James D.↗

Measurement of Gas Bubbles Encased in Bitumen Nuclear Waste Drums with Muon Scattering Tomography - 18237

In some countries low and intermediate level nuclear waste is stored in steel containers with either pure bitumen added to fill the free volume, or after mixing of the waste with bitumen. Oxidation of the bitumen by interacting with the nuclear waste results in the production of hydrogen. Since pure bitumen is impermeable to water and gases, this hydrogen can assemble in bubbles, possibly resulting in bitumen overflowing out of the waste containers. It is necessary to develop ways of measuring the gas bubbles present in nuclear waste without intervening and compromising the container. We show that this can be done using muon scattering tomography, by applying an analysis method, first developed to find high-Z materials in a lower Z background of concrete, to data from a low-Z material in a higher Z background. The performance of this method is shown, by implementing it on Monte Carlo simulation data. A resolution on the total gas volume of 1.6±0.8% has been achieved for bubbles of 2 liters or more. It is also shown that the method can determine if the gas is located in separate bubbles or concentrated in a bigger one. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗