Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “source selection”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,009 records · Page 56

Bioremediation of a Large Chlorinated Solvent Plume, Dover AFB, DE

Bioremediation of a Large Chlorinated Solvent Plume, Dover AFB, DE Aleisa Bloom, (Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA) Robert Lyon (bob.lyon@aecom.com), Laurie Stenberg, and Holly Brown (AECOM, Germantown, Maryland, USA) ABSTRACT: Past disposal practices at Dover Air Force Base (AFB), Delaware, created a large solvent plume called Area 6 (about 1 mile long, 2,000 feet wide, and 345 acres). The main contaminants are PCE, TCE, and their degradation products. The remedy is in-situ accelerated anaerobic bioremediation (AAB). AAB started in 2006 and is focusing on source areas and downgradient plume cores. Direct-push injections occurred in source areas where contamination is typically between 5 and 20 feet below ground surface. Lower concentration dissolved-phased contamination is present downgradient at 35 and 50 feet below ground surface. Here, permanent injection/extraction wells installed in transects perpendicular to the flow of groundwater are used to apply AAB. The AAB substrate is a mix of sodium lactate, emulsified vegetable oil, and nutrients. After eight years, dissolved contaminant mass within the main 80-acre treatment area has been reduced by over 98 percent. This successful application of AAB has stopped the flux of contaminants to the more distal portions of the plume. While more time is needed for effects to be seen in the distal plume, AAB injections will soon cease, and the remedy will transition to natural attenuation. INTRODUCTION Oak Ridge National Laboratory Environmental Science Division (ORNL) and AECOM (formerly URS Corporation) have successfully implemented in situ accelerated anaerobic bioremediation (AAB) to remediate chlorinated solvent contamination in a large, multi-sourced groundwater plume at Dover Air Force Base (AFB). AAB has resulted in significant reductions of dissolved phase chlorinated solvent concentrations. This plume, called Area 6, was originally over 1 mile in length and over 2,000 feet wide (Figure 1). It originated from at least four separate source areas that comingled in the subsurface to form the large plume. The major contaminants of concern (COCs) are tetrachloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene (TCE), and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA), which were historically used for degreasing operations in the maintenance of aircraft and support vehicles. Relatively small areas of elevated PCE, TCE, and 1,1,1-TCA were delineated in the shallow portion of the water table aquifer by direct-push groundwater sampling. Focused direct-push AAB treatment occurred in March 2006 at these source areas (Figure 1). Downgradient of the these areas and deeper in the aquifer, AAB treatment was implemented using rows of extraction/injection wells oriented perpendicular to groundwater flow to create multiple reductive zones across the plume cores, defined as areas where more than 1,000 micrograms per liter (ug/L) total solvent concentrations were present. Initial indications of successful degradation were observed within 6 months of starting injections. FIGURE 1. Dover AFB Area 6 plume. This paper describes the AAB implementation and progress of remediation after 8 years of treatment and periodic groundwater monitoring. SITE LITHOLOGY Contamination at the site is limited to the surficial aquifer, which consists of 35 to 50 feet (ft) (11 to 15 meters [m]) of unconsolidated Pleistocene deposits of the Columbia Formation. The Columbia Formation consists of fine to coarse sand with silt and clay lenses and less common gravel lenses. Silts and silty sands are generally encountered to a depth of 10 to 12 ft (3.05 to 3.65 m) below ground surface (bgs) and grade to medium- and coarse-grained sands to a depth of 35 to 50 ft (11 to 15 m) bgs. There is a clay and silt unit (part of the Calvert Formation) below the surficial aquifer that acts as an aquitard to the downward migration of contaminants. The depth to the water table varies across the site but usually ranges from 8 to 15 ft (2.4 to 4.5 m) bgs in the treatment area. REMEDIAL APPROACH AND OPERATIONS Because the Columbia Aquifer is used as a source of potable water off base, the remedial goal is to restore the aquifer to usable condition, i.e., reduce all chemicals of concern to below drinking water maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). To achieve this goal, AAB was selected as the best remedial alternative to reduce the solvent contamination. Source areas with high solvent concentrations were present in the shallow portion of the aquifer. From the source areas, dissolved solvents migrated downgradient and deeper in the aquifer with the flow of groundwater. In the deeper portion of the aquifer, the individual plumes comingle to form the larger Area 6 Plume, which covers approximately 345 acres. Types of Substrate. Previous AAB pilot tests at Dover AFB used either sodium lactate or emulsified vegetable oil (EVO) as substrates to stimulate microbial growth. The best results were obtained with...

Bloom, Aleisa C↗

Radiation Anomaly Detection and Classification with Bayes Model Selection

We present a new method for radiation anomaly detection that is based on Bayes Model Selection (BMS), together with models for gamma-radiation measurements from benign and threat sources. The method estimates the relative odds of pairs of such models, with the aim of supporting related hypotheses about the nature of the underlying source material. We also discuss partial optimization of the parameters in the models. The method allows measurements to be broadly categorized and screened for sources of interest in real time, a property that should improve the efficiency of mobile search or unattended monitoring operations.

Anomaly detection, Gamma-ray spectroscopy, Radiati↗

Preface to Special Topic: Marine Renewable Energy

Marine renewable energy (MRE) is generates from waves, currents, tides, and thermal resources in the ocean. MRE has been identified as a potential commercial-scale source of renewable energy. This special topic presents a compilation of works selected from the 3rd IAHR Europe Congress, held in Porto, Portugal, in 2014. Here, it covers different subjects relevant to MRE, including resource assessment, marine energy sector policies, energy source comparisons based on levelized cost, proof-of-concept and new-technology development for wave and tidal energy exploitation, and assessment of possible inference between wave energy converters (WEC).

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

THE DIFFERENCE IMAGING PIPELINE FOR THE TRANSIENT SEARCH IN THE DARK ENERGY SURVEY

We describe the operation and performance of the difference imaging pipeline (DiffImg) used to detect transients in deep images from the Dark Energy Survey Supernova program (DES-SN) in its first observing season from 2013 August through 2014 February. DES-SN is a search for transients in which ten 3 deg{sup 2} fields are repeatedly observed in the g, r, i, z passbands with a cadence of about 1 week. The observing strategy has been optimized to measure high-quality light curves and redshifts for thousands of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) with the goal of measuring dark energy parameters. The essential DiffImg functions are to align each search image to a deep reference image, do a pixel-by-pixel subtraction, and then examine the subtracted image for significant positive detections of point-source objects. The vast majority of detections are subtraction artifacts, but after selection requirements and image filtering with an automated scanning program, there are ∼130 detections per deg{sup 2} per observation in each band, of which only ∼25% are artifacts. Of the ∼7500 transients discovered by DES-SN in its first observing season, each requiring a detection on at least two separate nights, Monte Carlo (MC) simulations predict that 27% are expected to be SNe Ia or core-collapse SNe. Another ∼30% of the transients are artifacts in which a small number of observations satisfy the selection criteria for a single-epoch detection. Spectroscopic analysis shows that most of the remaining transients are AGNs and variable stars. Fake SNe Ia are overlaid onto the images to rigorously evaluate detection efficiencies and to understand the DiffImg performance. The DiffImg efficiency measured with fake SNe agrees well with expectations from a MC simulation that uses analytical calculations of the fluxes and their uncertainties. In our 8 “shallow” fields with single-epoch 50% completeness depth ∼23.5, the SN Ia efficiency falls to 1/2 at redshift z ≈ 0.7; in our 2 “deep” fields with mag-depth ∼24.5, the efficiency falls to 1/2 at z ≈ 1.1. A remaining performance issue is that the measured fluxes have additional scatter (beyond Poisson fluctuations) that increases with the host galaxy surface brightness at the transient location. This bright-galaxy issue has minimal impact on the SNe Ia program, but it may lower the efficiency for finding fainter transients on bright galaxies.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

U.S. Fusion D-Li Neutron Irradiation Facility: Fusion Prototypic Neutron Source (FPNS) Technology Study

A primary engineering challenge for the realization of fusion energy involves the development of high-performance structural and plasma-facing materials with dimensional stability and resistance to neutron degradation of mechanical properties. The harsh fusion environment, including high levels of helium production and other transmutation products along with high operating temperatures, poses an extreme challenge for materials. Identifying materials that can withstand these conditions is a high priority for fusion energy research. Critical to resolving this gap in scientific understanding is developing a neutron source facility with the ability to mimic the extreme conditions in a fusion reactor. Working with the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the Virtual Laboratory for Technology (VLT) organized a workshop to discuss the need for a Fusion Prototypic Neutron Source (FPNS). [1] While there are a variety of uses for FPNS neutrons, the main driver of US interest is expanding the scientific understanding of materials degradation in the deuterium-tritium (D-T) fusion environment. FPNS will help build the scientific foundation required to enable design of a next step fusion device. Using specifications from previous projects as a guide, key parameters were agreed upon for a near term, moderate cost US facility that would be complementary to the more extensive plans of the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF). Types of facilities that could potentially meet those criteria were identified. A scoping study for three technologies was initiated to answer three critical questions: 1) Can the concept meet the key parameters, 2) What is the estimated cost, and 3) What is the estimated schedule. One approach selected for the scoping study is a D-Li stripping source similar to the design of the IFMIF but at a lower beam power and atomic displacement rate for cost and schedule reasons. The purpose of this report is to document the results of the D-Li stripping source option study, providing answers to the three questions. The approach to generating a fusion prototypic neutron source using a deuteron beam incident on a flowing lithium target has been studied for more than 40 years. As a result of the research and development recently executed primarily in Europe and Japan, the ability of this approach to meet key parameters (damage parameters, irradiation volume) outlined in the US workshop for a near-term, moderate cost fusion prototypic neutron source facility is not in doubt. The main question that must be answered is the cost of such a facility. As a result, a strong focus was placed on understanding alternatives for developing the facility and their relative costs. The project was broken into four components for the cost estimate: the ion source, accelerator, lithium target system, and conventional facilities. The cost of the accelerator is an important cost driver for the D-Li stripping concept. To fully understand the range of the accelerator cost, multiple alternatives were considered including normal conducting and superconducting linacs and the frequency of the radiofrequency quadrupole. Multiple previous design studies dating from 1989 through 2017 were examined (costs were escalated to 2019 dollars) and compared. After analysis, two options were selected for costing, one superconducting and one room temperature. We found similar project costs for the two accelerator options, on the order of $100M including design and project management but excluding contingency. Including everything except the conventional facilities, the estimate for the neutron source facility is estimated to be $220M without contingency. Additional significant costs for the facility are the conventional costs arising from the need to construct buildings for the accelerator and target facilities, bringing electrical power to the site including a new substation, and removing the heat from the facility using heat exchangers. While ORNL would oversee this work, much of the effort would be executed by contractors. Estimates for this effort was based on similar projects that are currently being executed at ORNL or were executed at ORNL in the recent past. The estimate for conventional facilities for the neutron facility is $173M without contingency, bringing the total project cost to $393M without contingency. With a 50% contingency, the estimated cost is $589M. The estimate range was established using guidance from the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE). Specifically, guidance from recommended practice 17R-97 provides insight on the expected accuracy range of estimates based on the degree of project definition and the position of the project in the stage-gate process or maturity timeline. An AACE Class 5 type estimate is appropriate for concept screening. The expected accuracy range includes a low end of -50% to -20% and a high end of +30% to +100% around the estimated cost. For the D-Li stripping neutron source, a -20% to +100% cost range was applied for a recommended cost range of $471M to $1,179M. Less emphasis was placed on determining the project schedule due to the fact that the project costs were large and may eliminate this option from consideration. The development of the accelerator facility may require on the order of five years without contingency. A more realistic schedule with contingency may be seven years. However, this estimate should be scrutinized in a preconceptual design activity if a more realistic estimate is needed. Finally, one lesson learned in this process is that the requirements for a near-term, moderate cost facility drives the alternative selection toward existing facilities and infrastructure. The D-Li stripping neutron source option requires a green field site due to the lack of existing buildings and infrastructure that can be reused for this effort. As a result, the conventional facilities costs are a significant fraction of the total facility cost. Other neutron source options where buildings, electrical power, and cooling infrastructure already exist may be able to meet the requirements for a near term, moderate cost facility.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Optimal Electrification Using Renewable Energies: Microgrid Installation Model with Combined Mixture k-Means Clustering Algorithm, Mixed Integer Linear Programming, and Onsset Method

Optimal planning and design of microgrids are priorities in the electrification of off-grid areas. Indeed, in one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7), the UN recommends universal access to electricity for all at the lowest cost. Several optimization methods with different strategies have been proposed in the literature as ways to achieve this goal. This paper proposes a microgrid installation and planning model based on a combination of several techniques. The programming language Python 3.10 was used in conjunction with machine learning techniques such as unsupervised learning based on K-means clustering and deterministic optimization methods based on mixed linear programming. These methods were complemented by the open-source spatial method for optimal electrification planning: onsset. Four levels of study were carried out. The first level consisted of simulating the model obtained with a cluster, which is considered based on the elbow and k-means clustering method as a case study. The second level involved sizing the microgrid with a capacity of 40 kW and optimizing all the resources available on site. The example of the different resources in the Togo case was considered. At the third level, the work consisted of proposing an optimal connection model for the microgrid based on voltage stability constraints and considering, above all, the capacity limit of the source substation. Finally, the fourth level involved a planning study of electrification strategies based mainly on microgrids according to the study scenario. The results of the first level of study enabled us to obtain an optimal location for the centroid of the cluster under consideration, according to the different load positions of this cluster. Then, the results of the second level of study were used to highlight the optimal resources obtained and proposed by the optimization model formulated based on the various technology costs, such as investment, maintenance, and operating costs, which were based on the technical limits of the various technologies. In these results, solar systems account for 80% of the maximum load considered, compared to 7.5% for wind systems and 12.5% for battery systems. Next, an optimal microgrid connection model was proposed based on the constraints of a voltage stability limit estimated to be 10% of the maximum voltage drop. The results obtained for the third level of study enabled us to present selective results for load nodes in relation to the source station node. Finally, the last results made it possible to plan electrification using different network technologies and systems in the short and long term. The case study of Togo was taken into account. The various results obtained from the different techniques provide the necessary leads for a feasibility study for optimal electrification of off-grid areas using microgrid systems.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Detection of Ketones by a Novel Technology: Dipolar Proton Transfer Reaction Mass Spectrometry (DP-PTR-MS)

Proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) has played an important role in the field of real-time monitoring of trace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) due to its advantages such as low limit of detection (LOD) and fast time response. Recently, a new technology of proton extraction reaction mass spectrometry (PER-MS) with negative ions OH{sup –} as the reagent ions has also been presented, which can be applied to the detection of VOCs and even inorganic compounds. In this work, we combined the functions of PTR-MS and PER-MS in one instrument, thereby developing a novel technology called dipolar proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (DP-PTR-MS). The selection of PTR-MS mode and PER-MS mode was achieved in DP-PTR-MS using only water vapor in the ion source and switching the polarity. In this experiment, ketones (denoted by M) were selected as analytes. The ketone (molecular weight denoted by m) was ionized as protonated ketone [M + H]{sup +} [mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) m + 1] in PTR-MS mode and deprotonated ketone [M – H]{sup –} (m/z m – 1) in PER-MS mode. By comparing the m/z value of the product ions in the two modes, the molecular weight of the ketone can be positively identified as m. Results showed that whether it is a single ketone sample or a mixed sample of eight kinds of ketones, the molecular weights can be detected with DP-PTR-MS. The newly developed DP-PTR-MS not only maintains the original advantages of PTR-MS and PER-MS in sensitive and rapid detection of ketones, but also can estimate molecular weight of ketones. .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Impulsive UV-pump/X-ray probe study of vibrational dynamics in glycine

We report an ab-initio study of a pump-probe experiment on the amino-acid glycine. We consider an UV pump followed by an X-ray probe tuned to carbon K-edge and study the vibronic structure of the core transition. The simulated experiment is feasible using existing free electron laser or high harmonic generation sources and thanks to the localization of the core orbitals posseses chemical selectivity. The present theory applies to other experimental schemes, including the use of a THz probe, available with present soft X-ray free electron lasers and/or high harmonic generation sources.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Three New Spiral Galaxies with Active Nuclei Producing Double Radio Lobes

Abstract Double radio lobes are generally believed to be produced by active nuclei of elliptical galaxies. However, several double-lobed radio sources have been solidly found to be associated with spiral galaxies. By cross-matching ∼9 × 10 5 spiral galaxies selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey DR8 data with the full 1.4 GHz radio source catalogs of NRAO VLA Sky Survey and Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty-centimeters, we identify three new spiral galaxies: J0326−0623, J1110+0321 and J1134+3046 that produce double radio lobes, and five double-lobed spirals previously known. By combining the newly discovered and all the other known cases in literature, we confirm the relation that more massive spiral galaxies could produce more powerful radio lobes. We find that most of these spiral galaxies are located in a galaxy group or a poor cluster, in which the environment is denser than in the field, and about half of them are the central brightest galaxies in their parent system. We therefore suggest that the environment is one of the key factors for a spiral to produce double radio lobes.

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗

Mariner-Venus-Mercury optical navigation demonstration - Results and implications for future missions

Optical navigation uses spacecraft television pictures of a target body against a known star background in a process which relates the spacecraft trajectory to the target body. This technology was used in the Mariner-Venus-Mercury mission, with the optical data processed in near-real-time, simulating a mission critical environment. Optical data error sources were identified, and a star location error analysis was carried out. Several methods for selecting limb crossing coordinates were used, and a limb smear compensation was introduced. Omission of planetary aberration corrections was the source of large optical residuals.

Acton, C. H., Jr.↗

Effects of multiple simultaneous faults on characteristic fault detection features of a heat pump in cooling mode

Faults in air-cooled vapor compression air-conditioning systems are known to reduce performance, including efficiency, capacity, and lifespan. Their effects have been studied, and fault detection and diagnostic (FDD) methods have been developed as tools for field technicians to install or repair systems, or for monitoring to alert operators to the fault’s presence. Most of this work has focused on faults that occur singly. It is likely that in some systems, multiple faults occur simultaneously, but it is uncertain what effects this may have on diagnostics. Here, this paper describes a laboratory study of a split system air source heat pump in which combinations of two, three, and four simultaneous faults occur. The study includes all combinations of: improper evaporator airflow; overcharge or undercharge of refrigerant; liquid line restrictions; and non-condensable gas in the refrigerant, each at multiple fault intensities. Fault features – those characteristics that can be determined from measurements, for use in diagnostics – are analyzed, and the key fault features are presented. A robust existing method for determining refrigerant charge, the virtual refrigerant charge sensor (VRC) is tested using the multiple fault data, in order to understand how its performance is impacted by the combined faults. The VRC performs well, typically able to correctly determine whether a system is undercharged or overcharged, but the magnitude estimates are impacted. The results suggest that simple subcooling-based methods of charging a system are likely to provide unsatisfactory results when other faults are present.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Method for selective detection of explosives in mass spectrometer or ion mobility spectrometer at parts-per-quadrillion level

A method for selective detection of volatile and non-volatile explosives in a mass spectrometer or ion mobility spectrometer at a parts-per-quadrillion level without preconcentration is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of ionizing a carrier gas with an ionization source to form reactant ions or reactant adduct ions comprising nitrate ions (NO.sub.3.sup.-); selectively reacting the reactant ions or reactant adduct ions with at least one volatile or non-volatile explosive analyte at a carrier gas pressure of at least about 100 Ton in a reaction region disposed between the ionization source and an ion detector, the reaction region having a length which provides a residence time (tr) for reactant ions therein of at least about 0.10 seconds, wherein the selective reaction yields product ions comprising reactant ions or reactant adduct ions that are selectively bound to the at least one explosive analyte when present therein; and detecting product ions with the ion detector to determine presence or absence of the at least one explosive analyte.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

SP-100 materials technology for SEI applications

General Electric and selected National laboratories are developing the SP-100 concept under the sponsorship of DOE,NASA and SDIO. Near term Space Exploration Initiative goals include the establishment of a lunar base, interplanetary manned missions, and the eventual establishment of a base on Mars. All of these projected missions have substantial power requirements. The SP-100 nuclear reactor has been identified as a promising power source to meet these requirements. This paper describes the material selections for SP-100, the factors driving the selection, and the progress to date in solving fabrication problems and producing the necessary properties data base.

Ring, P. J.↗

Guidance for Monitoring Passive Groundwater Remedies Over Extended Time Scales

Passive remediation can be appropriate where natural processes and actions such as institutional controls mitigate exposure to contaminated groundwater, achieving remedial action objectives and protectiveness of human health and the environment. Monitored natural attenuation (MNA) is a prevalent passive remediation strategy supported by a regulatory framework and monitoring design guidance. However, long-term passive remedies are usually selected in combination with at least one active remedy, such as source removal, in situ treatment, or pump-and-treat, functioning as a complementary method for achieving remediation objectives and meeting the applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. However, MNA and existing monitoring guidance primarily target situations where the remedial action objectives are met within a few decades. When time scales for passive remediation extend to many decades (50 years or more), a corresponding change in monitoring strategy is needed to adapt to the extended time scale. This document provides guidance for implementing an extended-scale monitoring (ESM) approach appropriate for long-duration passive remediation. Extended-scale is defined in this document with respect to time (i.e., a long duration of remediation) and a large enough physical scale such that downstream receptors will not be impacted within the remediation timeframe. ESM applies to slow-moving groundwater contaminant plumes and emphasizes monitoring primarily for potential exposure pathways. For this approach, the primary monitoring objective is to demonstrate that the plume diminishes before reaching the receptor zone or point of compliance and/or a receptor does not receive concentrations above the compliance limit. While the overall objectives of protecting human health and the environment are the same as for plumes where remediation can occur over a shorter time period, the time scales between decisions are longer and the dynamics of plume evolution are slower. To this end, a scenario-based strategy is described for different plume and source conditions, defining a containment and receptor zones. The containment zone is the area where the risk of exposure to groundwater contamination can be mitigated (e.g., through institutional controls) during the remediation time period. The receptor zone is defined as the area where exposure to groundwater contamination cannot be mitigated and compliance concentration standards must be met. Within the containment zone, slow plume migration may occur, leading to concentrations that exceed compliance standards. However, where distance to the receptor zone is large relative to plume migration and attenuation rate, this approach can be protective of the receptor zone. Selection of a long-duration passive remedy needs to be based on sufficient understanding of contaminant sources, hydrogeology, and contaminant plumes. A strong technical basis, supported by predictive analysis, is recommended to substantiate that contamination is expected to stay within the containment zone during the active remediation and attainment phase of the remedy, and diminish to meet compliance standards within the extended timeframe prior to reaching the receptor zone (e.g., many decades or even centuries). The ESM approach is based on verification of plume behavior and not on detailed plume dynamics. Monitoring is conducted to confirm expected behavior with an emphasis on exposure pathways to verify that plumes remain contained in areas where the protectiveness objectives can be met. ESM should not be adopted if there is significant risk of the plume extending beyond the containment zone. Given the slow movement within the containment zone, less frequent sampling is required relative to approaches used for conventional-scale remediation.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Remote sensing impact on corridor selection and placement

Computer-aided corridor selection techniques, utilizing digitized data bases of socio-economic, census, and cadastral data, and developed for highway corridor routing are considered. Land resource data generated from various remote sensing data sources were successfully merged with the ancillary data files of a corridor selection model and prototype highway corridors were designed using the combined data set. Remote sensing derived information considered useful for highway corridor location, special considerations in geometric correction of remote sensing data to facilitate merging it with ancillary data files, and special interface requirements are briefly discussed.

Thomson, F. J.↗

Selecting Approaches for Enabling Enterprise Data Search: NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Catalog

NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) is working to build an open-source science infrastructure to accelerate open, collaborative and interdisciplinary science. One key component in the open-source science infrastructure is the SMD data catalog. In this paper, we present our process for selecting a technical approach to building a NASA SMD enterprise-wide integrated search capability for science users across multiple science disciplines to support discovery and access to complex scientific data.

Kaylin Bugbee↗

Strategy for selecting Mars Pathfinder landing sites

A strategy for Pathfinder site selection must be developed that is fundamentally different from most previous considerations. At least two approaches can be identified. In one approach, the objective is to select a site representing a key geologic unit on Mars, i.e., a unit that is widespread, easily recognized, and used frequently as a datum in various investigations. The second approach is to select a site that potentially affords access to a wide variety of rock types. Because rover range is limited, rocks from a variety of sources must be assembled in a small area for sampling. Regardless of the approach taken in site selection, the Pathfinder site should include eolian deposits and provisions should be made to obtain measurements on soils. A recommended approach for selecting the Mars Pathfinder landing site is to identify a deltaic deposit, composed of sediments derived from sources of various ages and geologic units that shows evidence of eolian activity. The site should be located as close as possible to the part of the outwash where rapid deposition occurred because the likelihood of 'sorting' by size and composition increases with distance, decreasing the probability of heterogeneity. In addition, it is recommended that field operation tests be conducted to gain experience and insight into conducting science with Pathfinder.

Greeley, Ronald↗

The Swift Burst Alert Telescope Detected Seyfert 1 Galaxies: X-Ray Broadband Properties and Warm Absorbers

We present results from an analysis of the broadband, 0.3-195 keV, X-ray spectra of 48 Seyfert 1-1.5 sources detected in the very hard X-rays with the Swift Burst Alert Telescope (BAT). This sample is selected in an all-sky survey conducted in the 14-195 keV band. Therefore, our sources are largely unbiased toward both obscuration and host galaxy properties. Our detailed and uniform model fits to Suzaku/BAT and XMM-Newton/BAT spectra include the neutral absorption, direct power-law, reflected emission, soft excess, warm absorption, and narrow Fe I K[alpha] emission properties for the entire sample. We significantly detect O VII and O VIII edges in 52% of our sample. The strength of these detections is strongly correlated with the neutral column density measured in the spectrum. Among the strongest detections, X-ray grating and UV observations, where available, indicate outflowing material. The ionized column densities of sources with O VII and O VIII detections are clustered in a narrow range with Nwarm [approx] 1021 cm-2, while sources without strong detections have column densities of ionized gas an order of magnitude lower. Therefore, we note that sources without strong detections likely have warm ionized outflows present but at low column densities that are not easily probed with current X-ray observations. Sources with strong complex absorption have a strong soft excess, which may or may not be due to difficulties in modeling the complex spectra of these sources. Still, the detection of a flat [Gamma] [approx] 1 and a strong soft excess may allow us to infer the presence of strong absorption in low signal-to-noise active galactic nucleus spectra. Additionally, we include a useful correction from the Swift BAT luminosity to bolometric luminosity, based on a comparison of our spectral fitting results with published spectral energy distribution fits from 33 of our sources.

Winter, Lisa M.↗