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Results for “sampling variability”

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 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1990

Photometry of 50 suspected variable stars

Fifty stars have been chosen as suspected variable stars and analyzed for variability. A large portion of this sample are stars that are either proved active chromosphere stars or are candidates for such activity. The photometric data base consists of differential V measurements of the Vanderbilt 16 inch (41 cm) automatic photoelectric telescope and 25 observers at 26 observatories worldwide. Published photometric data have also been utilized, with proper adjustments made to ensure that all magnitudes are differential. Searches for photometric period, amplitudes, and times of minimum light showed 68 percent of the sample to be photometrically variable with periods found for 34. Two stars were deemed norvariable for the period of observation. Conclusive statements could not be made concerning the photometric variability of the 14 remaining stars.

Hooten, James T.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Rapid, low-level X-ray variability in active late-type dwarfs

A sensitive new statistical analysis method was used to establish certain properties of quiescent X-ray variability in a sample of 19 late-type dwarfs. Sixteen stars proved to be significantly variable. The typical amplitude of the fluctuations was about 30 percent. Variability time scales ranged from about 150 s for 40 Eri C to lower limits as large as 2000 s. Neither the amplitudes nor the time scales of the X-ray variability appeared to depend on position along the main sequence.

Ambruster, Carol W.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Pseudo continuous wave instrument

Acoustic properties and their changes in a sample of liquid, gas, plasma or solid are measured by applying a variable frequency source to the sample by means of a transducer to produce sound waves within the sample. The application of the variable frequency source to the sample is periodically interrupted for a short duration. Means are connected to the transducer for receiving the resulting acoustic signals during the interruptions for producing a control signal indicative of a difference in the frequency of the output of the variable frequency source and the frequency of a mechanical resonant peak in the sample. The control signal is applied to the variable frequency source to maintain its output frequency at the frequency of the mechanical resonant peak. The change in frequency of the variable frequency source indicates the shift in frequency of the mechanical resonant peak and the amplitude of the acoustic signals indicates the attenuation of the acoustic signals in the sample.

Heyman, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1989

On optimizing a constellation of altimetric satellites for measuring global oceanic mesoscale

The orbital configuration of the Eos polar-platform constellation is examined to determine if baseline orbital parameters are appropriately specified to meet the mission goal of measuring global oceanic mesoscale variability. Using the Nyquist sampling theorem, spatial and temporal measurement requirements are first established for the constellation. Based upon these requirements, the optimum solution indicates that a total of five spacecraft are required to meet the mesoscale mapping task. Additional analyses are performed on both a two-platform configuration as well as the complete four-platform Eos constellation. The results of these calculations show that an optimized configuration of four properly-phased Eos platforms, placed into identical 835-km sun-synchronous orbits with 13-day repeat periods, can very nearly meet statistically significant sampling criteria for mapping global oceanic mesoscale variability.

Chase, Robert↗
NASA NTRS1974

Rb-Sr age of lunar igneous rocks 62295 and 14310

Measurements of Rb-Sr ages of crystallization performed on igneous lunar highland rocks 62295 and 14310 are reported. Lunar sample 62295 is a mesostasis-rich spinel-troctolite very-high-alumina basalt exhibiting a variable igneous structure. Sample 14310 is a feldspathic KREEP-rich basalt. The determined ages probably date the cooling of shock melts.

Mark, R. K.↗
NASA NTRS2018

A search for variability in exoplanet analogues and low-gravity brown dwarfs

We report the results of a J-band survey for photometric variability in a sample of young, low-gravity objects using the New Technology Telescope (NTT) and the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT). Surface gravity is a key parameter in the atmospheric properties of brown dwarfs and this is the first large survey that aims to test the gravity dependence of variability properties. We do a full analysis of the spectral signatures of youth and assess the group membership probability of each target using membership tools from the literature. This results in a 30 object sample of young low-gravity brown dwarfs. Since we are lacking in objects with spectral types later than L9, we focus our statistical analysis on the L0–L8.5 objects. We find that the variability occurrence rate of L0–L8.5 low-gravity brown dwarfs in this survey is 30(+16,−8) per cent⁠. We reanalyse the results of Radigan (2014) and find that the field dwarfs with spectral types L0–L8.5 have a variability occurrence rate of 11(+13,−4) per cent⁠. We determine a probability of 98 per cent that the samples are drawn from different distributions. This is the first quantitative indication that the low-gravity objects are more likely to be variable than the field dwarf population. Furthermore, we present follow-up J(S) and K(S) observations of the young, planetary-mass variable object PSO 318.5–22 over three consecutive nights. We find no evidence of phase shifts between the J(S) and K(S) bands and find higher J(S) amplitudes. We use the J(S) light curves to measure a rotational period of 8.45 ± 0.05 h for PSO 318.5–22.

Johanna M. Vos↗
NASA NTRS1976

Two-stage chain sampling inspection plans with different sample sizes in the two stages

A further generalization of the family of 'two-stage' chain sampling inspection plans is developed - viz, the use of different sample sizes in the two stages. Evaluation of the operating characteristics is accomplished by the Markov chain approach of the earlier work, modified to account for the different sample sizes. Markov chains for a number of plans are illustrated and several algebraic solutions are developed. Since these plans involve a variable amount of sampling, an evaluation of the average sampling number (ASN) is developed. A number of OC curves and ASN curves are presented. Some comparisons with plans having only one sample size are presented and indicate that improved discrimination is achieved by the two-sample-size plans.

Stephens, K. S.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Method of discrete modeling and its application to estimation of TF30 engine variables

A method of discrete modeling is presented that effectively isolates steady state model accuracy from dynamic model accuracy. The steady state model may be generated from the engine design equations with any desired degree of accuracy. The dynamic model is generated by applying a step disturbance of a manipulated variable to an open loop engine simulation. The sampled response of the variable is combined with the steady state model's response to form a set of weighting factors. These weighting factors are then used to weight past values of the manipulated variable, thus forming the dynamic model. The method is used to estimate various TF30-P-3 engine variables. A dynamic trim function is developed to compensate for the dynamic nonlinearities of the variables as well as for inaccuracies in dynamic definition. The trim function is shown to be realted to the square root of the sum of the squares of the weighting factors obtained at various engine operating conditions. Finally, the estimation of variables without dynamic modeling is discussed.

Arpasi, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Fieldpath Lunar Meteorite Graves Nunataks 06157, a Magnesian Piece of the Lunar Highlands Crust

To date, 49 feldspathic lunar meteorites (FLMs) have been recovered, likely representing a minimum of 35 different sample locations in the lunar highlands. The compositional variability among FLMs far exceeds the variability observed among highland samples in the Apollo and Luna sample suites. Here we will discuss in detail one of the compositional end members of the FLM suite, Graves Nunataks (GRA) 06157, which was collected by the 2006-2007 ANSMET field team. At 0.79 g, GRA 06157 is the smallest lunar meteorite so far recovered. Despite its small size, its highly feldspathic and highly magnesian composition are intriguing. Although preliminary bulk compositions have been reported, thus far no petrographic descriptions are in the literature. Here we expand upon the bulk compositional data, including major-element compositions, and provide a detailed petrographic description of GRA 06157.

Zeigler, Ryan A.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

High Temperature Emissivity Measurement System (HiTEMS)

The High Temperature Emissivity Measurement System (HiTEMS) is a ground test capability at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center enabling near normal and varied incident angle spectral and total emittance measurements. This data is gathered at vacuum levels as low as approximately 10-7 Torr within a temperature range of 600°C to approximately 2,600°C, providing essential material property data to assist with improved thermal control estimates for spacecraft hardware. Recent work focusing on the measurement of smooth and bead blasted tungsten samples in support of the Propulsion Research and Tech Branch at NASA MSFC provides a thorough examination into HiTEMS capabilities and insight into the variabilities related to sample roughness at extreme temperatures.

Meghan Carrico↗
NASA NTRS2015

Airborne Lidar-Based Estimates of Tropical Forest Structure in Complex Terrain: Opportunities and Trade-Offs for REDD+

Background: Carbon stocks and fluxes in tropical forests remain large sources of uncertainty in the global carbon budget. Airborne lidar remote sensing is a powerful tool for estimating aboveground biomass, provided that lidar measurements penetrate dense forest vegetation to generate accurate estimates of surface topography and canopy heights. Tropical forest areas with complex topography present a challenge for lidar remote sensing. Results: We compared digital terrain models (DTM) derived from airborne lidar data from a mountainous region of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil to 35 ground control points measured with survey grade GNSS receivers. The terrain model generated from full-density (approx. 20 returns/sq m) data was highly accurate (mean signed error of 0.19 +/-0.97 m), while those derived from reduced-density datasets (8/sq m, 4/sq m, 2/sq m and 1/sq m) were increasingly less accurate. Canopy heights calculated from reduced-density lidar data declined as data density decreased due to the inability to accurately model the terrain surface. For lidar return densities below 4/sq m, the bias in height estimates translated into errors of 80-125 Mg/ha in predicted aboveground biomass. Conclusions: Given the growing emphasis on the use of airborne lidar for forest management, carbon monitoring, and conservation efforts, the results of this study highlight the importance of careful survey planning and consistent sampling for accurate quantification of aboveground biomass stocks and dynamics. Approaches that rely primarily on canopy height to estimate aboveground biomass are sensitive to DTM errors from variability in lidar sampling density.

Airborne lidar↗
NASA NTRS1982

Analysis and Monte Carlo simulation of near-terminal aircraft flight paths

The flight paths of arriving and departing aircraft at an airport are stochastically represented. Radar data of the aircraft movements are used to decompose the flight paths into linear and curvilinear segments. Variables which describe the segments are derived, and the best fitting probability distributions of the variables, based on a sample of flight paths, are found. Conversely, given information on the probability distribution of the variables, generation of a random sample of flight paths in a Monte Carlo simulation is discussed. Actual flight paths at Dulles International Airport are analyzed and simulated.

Schiess, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS2013

X-ray Transients in the Advanced LIGO/Virgo Horizon

Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo will be all-sky monitors for merging compact objects within a few hundred megaparsecs. Finding the electromagnetic counterparts to these events will require an understanding of the transient sky at low redshift (z < 0.1). We performed a systematic search for extragalactic, low redshift, transient events in the XMM-Newton Slew Survey. In a flux limited sample, we found that highly variable objects comprised 10% of the sample, and that of these, 10% were spatially coincident with cataloged optical galaxies. This led to 4 × 10(exp −4) transients per square degree above a flux threshold of 3×10(exp −12) erg/sq cm/s (0.2-2 keV) which might be confused with LIGO/Virgo counterparts. This represents the first extragalactic measurement of the soft X-ray transient rate within the Advanced LIGO/Virgo horizon. Our search revealed six objects that were spatially coincident with previously cataloged galaxies, lacked evidence for optical active galactic nuclei, displayed high luminosities approx. 10(exp 43) erg/s, and varied in flux by more than a factor of 10 when compared with the ROSAT All-Sky Survey. At least four of these displayed properties consistent with previously observed tidal disruption events.

gravitational waves↗
NASA NTRS2013

Long-Term Variability of AGN at Hard X-Rays

Variability at all observed wavelengths is a distinctive property of active galactic nuclei (AGN). Hard X-rays provide us with a view of the innermost regions of AGN, mostly unbiased by absorption along the line of sight. Characterizing the intrinsic hard X-ray variability of a large AGN sample and comparing it to the results obtained at lower X-ray energies can significantly contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the high-energy radiation. Methods. Swift/BAT provides us with the unique opportunity to follow, on time scales of days to years and with a regular sampling, the 14-195 keV emission of the largest AGN sample available up to date for this kind of investigation. As a continuation of an early work on the first 9 months of BAT data, we study the amplitude of the variations, and their dependence on sub-class and on energy, for a sample of 110 radio quiet and radio loud AGN selected from the BAT 58-month survey. About 80 of the AGN in the sample are found to exhibit significant variability on months to years time scales, radio loud sources being the most variable. The amplitude of the variations and their energy dependence are incompatible with variability being driven at hard X-rays by changes of the absorption column density. In general, the variations in the 14-24 and 35-100 keV bands are well correlated, suggesting a common origin of the variability across the BAT energy band. However, radio quiet AGN display on average 10 larger variations at 14-24 keV than at 35-100 keV and a softer-when-brighter behavior for most of the Seyfert galaxies with detectable spectral variability on month time scale. In addition, sources with harder spectra are found to be more variable than softer ones. These properties are generally consistent with a variable power law continuum, in flux and shape, pivoting at energies 50 keV, to which a constant reflection component is superposed. When the same time scales are considered, the timing properties of AGN at hard X-rays are comparable to those at lower energies, with at least some of the differences possibly ascribable to components contributing differently in the two energy domains (e.g., reflection, absorption).

X-rays↗
NASA NTRS2018

Know Your Enemy - Implementation of Bioremediation within a Suspected DNAPL Source Zone Following High-Resolution Site Characterization at Contractors Road Heavy Equipment Area, Kennedy Space Center, Florida

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Kennedy Space Center (KSC), has adopted high-resolution site characterization (HRSC) sampling techniques during baseline sampling prior to implementation of remedies to confirm and refine the conceptual site model (CSM). HRSC sampling was performed at Contractors Road Heavy Equipment Area (CRHE) prior to bioremediation implementation to verify the extent of the trichloroethene (TCE) dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) source area (defined as the area with TCE concentrations above 1% solubility) and its daughter product dissolved plume that had been identified during previous HRSC events. The results of HRSC pre-bioremediation implementation sampling suggested that the TCE source area was larger than originally identified during initial site characterization activities, leading to a design refinement to improve electron donor distribution and increase the likelihood of achieving remedial objectives. Approach/Activities: HRSC was conducted from 2009 through 2014 to delineate the vertical and horizontal extent of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) in the groundwater. Approximately 2,340 samples were collected from 363 locations using direct push technology (DPT) groundwater sampling techniques. Samples were collected from up to 14 depth intervals at each location using a 4-foot sampling screen. This HRSC approach identified a narrow (approx. 5 to 30 feet wide), approximately 3,000 square foot TCE DNAPL source area (maximum detected TCE concentration of 160,000 micrograms per liter [micro-g/L] at DPT sampling location DPT0225). Prior to implementation of a bioremediation interim measure, HRSC baseline sampling was conducted using DPT groundwater sampling techniques. Concentrations of TCE were an order of magnitude lower than previous reported (12,000 micro-g/L maximum at DPT sampling location DPT0225) at locations sampled adjacent to previous sampling locations. To further evaluate the variability in concentrations observed additional sampling was conducted in 2016. The results identified higher concentrations than originally detected within the previously defined source area and the presence of source zone concentrations upgradient of the previously defined source area (maximum concentration observed 570,000 micro-g/L). The HRSC baseline sampling data allowed for a revision of the bioremediation design prior to implementation. Bioremediation was implemented within the eastern portion of the source area in November and December 2016 and quarterly performance monitoring was completed in March and June 2017. Reductions in CVOC concentrations from baseline were observed at all performance monitoring wells in the treatment area, and by June 2017, an approximate 95% CVOC mass reduction was observed based on monitoring well sampling results. Results/Lessons Learned: The results of this project suggest that, due to the complexity of DNAPL source zones, HRSC during pre-implementation baseline sampling in the TCE source zone was an essential strategy for verifying the treatment area and depth prior to remedy implementation. If the upgradient source zone mass was not identified prior to bioremediation implementation, the mass would have served as a long-term source for the dissolved plume.

Chrest, Anne↗
NASA NTRS1983

Spline approximation of quantile functions

The study reported here explored the development and utility of a spline representation of the sample quantile function of a continuous probability distribution in providing a functional description of a random sample and a method of generating random variables. With a spline representation, the random samples are generated by transforming a sample of uniform random variables to the interval of interest. This is useful, for example, in simulation studies in which a random sample represents the only known information about the distribution. The spline formulation considered here consists of a linear combination of cubic basis splines (B-splines) fit in a least squares sense to the sample quantile function using equally spaced knots. The following discussion is presented in five parts. The first section highlights major results realized from the study. The second section further details the results obtained. The methodology used is described in the third section, followed by a brief discussion of previous research on quantile functions. Finally, the results of the study are evaluated.

Schiess, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1988

A test of synthetic accretion disk spectra using ultraviolet flux distributions of novalike variables

Ultraviolet (UV) fluxes and other data for a sample of nine novalike cataclysmic variables are assembled from the literature. The UV fluxes and colors are compared to spectra of steady state model accretion disks, constructed using either Planck functions or model stellar atmosphere spectra as elementary radiators. Deficiencies are found with both sets of models. The restriction to steady state radial temperature profiles is relaxed for the 'stellar atmosphere' disks, but these generalized models still fail to account simultaneously for the absolute UV flux and the UV color of the observed spectra. The conclusion is that stellar atmosphere models do not reflect the physics of disks. More appropriate models probably can and definitely should be made.

Wade, Richard A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Determining the rate of forest conversion in Mato Grosso, Brazil, using Landsat MSS and AVHRR data

AVHRR-LAC thermal data and Landsat MSS and TM spectral data were used to estimate the rate of forest clearing in Mato Grosso, Brazil, between 1981 and 1984. The Brazilian state was stratified into forest and nonforest. A list sampling procedure was used in the forest stratum to select Landsat MSS scenes for processing based on estimates of fire activity in the scenes. Fire activity in 1984 was estimated using AVHRR-LAC thermal data. State-wide estimates of forest conversion indicate that between 1981 and 1984, 353,966 ha + or - 77,000 ha (0.4 percent of the state area) were converted per year. No evidence of reforestation was found in this digital sample. The relationship between forest clearing rate (based on MSS-TM analysis) and fire activity (estimated using AVHRR data) was noisy (R-squared = 0.41). The results suggest that AVHRR data may be put to better use as a stratification tool than as a subsidiary variable in list sampling.

Nelson, Ross↗