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At least 145 records · Page 8

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NASA NTRS1979

Equivalence of airborne and ground-acquired wheat canopy temperatures

The relationship between airborne and ground-based measurements of soil and crop canopy temperatures is investigated for a partial crop canopy. Daily ground-based measurements using a wide-field-of-view radiometer oriented towards the nadir at a height of 1.5 m and airborne thermal imagery at two-week intervals were obtained throughout the entire growing season of a stand of wheat. When corrected for atmospheric effects, the airborne measurements were found to be virtually identical to ground-based measurements, with a regression line slope of 0.985, a standard deviation of 1.8 C and a correlation coefficient of 0.97.

Millard, J. P.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Flight investigation of helicopter IFR approaches to oil rigs using airborne weather and mapping radar

Airborne weather and mapping radar is a near-term, economical method of providing 'self-contained' navigation information for approaches to offshore oil rigs and its use has been rapidly expanding in recent years. A joint NASA/FAA flight test investigation of helicopter IFR approaches to offshore oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico was initiated in June 1978 and conducted under contract to Air Logistics. Approximately 120 approaches were flown in a Bell 212 helicopter by 15 operational pilots during the months of August and September 1978. The purpose of the tests was to collect data to (1) support development of advanced radar flight director concepts by NASA and (2) aid the establishment of Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) criteria by the FAA. The flight test objectives were to develop airborne radar approach procedures, measure tracking errors, determine accpetable weather minimums, and determine pilot acceptability. Data obtained will contribute significantly to improved helicopter airborne radar approach capability and to the support of exploration, development, and utilization of the Nation's offshore oil supplies.

Bull, J. S.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Airborne measurements of cloud forming nuclei and aerosol particles at Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Results of airborne measurements of the sizes and concentrations of aerosol particles, ice nuclei, and cloud condensation nuclei that were taken at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, are presented along with a detailed description of the instrumentation and measuring capabilities of the University of Washington airborne measuring facility (Douglas B-23). Airborne measurements made at Ft. Collins, Colorado, and Little Rock, Arkansas, during the ferry of the B-23 are presented. The particle concentrations differed significantly between the clean air over Ft. Collins and the hazy air over Little Rock and Kennedy Space Center. The concentrations of cloud condensation nuclei over Kennedy Space Center were typical of polluted eastern seaboard air. Three different instruments were used to measure ice nuclei: one used filters to collect the particles, and the others used optical and acoustical methods to detect ice crystals grown in portable cloud chambers. A comparison of the ice nucleus counts, which are in good agreement, is presented.

Radke, L. F.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Absolute tracer dye concentration using airborne laser-induced water Raman backscatter

The use of simultaneous airborne-laser-induced dye fluorescence and water Raman backscatter to measure the absolute concentration of an ocean-dispersed tracer dye is discussed. Theoretical considerations of the calculation of dye concentration by the numerical comparison of airborne laser-induced fluorescence spectra with laboratory spectra for known dye concentrations using the 3400/cm OH-stretch water Raman scatter as a calibration signal are presented which show that minimum errors are obtained and no data concerning water mass transmission properties are required when the laser wavelength is chosen to yield a Raman signal near the dye emission band. Results of field experiments conducted with an airborne conical scan lidar over a site in New York Bight into which rhodamine dye had been injected in a study of oil spill dispersion are then indicated which resulted in a contour map of dye concentrations, with a minimum detectable dye concentration of approximately 2 ppb by weight.

Hoge, F. E.↗

NASA NTRS1981

An airborne isothermal haze chamber

Thermal gradient diffusion cloud chambers (TGDCC) are used to determine the concentrations of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) with critical supersaturations greater than or equal to about 0.2%. The CCN concentrations measured with the airborne IHC were lower than theoretically predicted by factors ranging between 7.9 and 9.0. The CCN concentrations measured with the airborne IHC were lower than the concentrations measured with the larger laboratory IHC's by factors ranging between 3.9 and 7.5. The bounds of the supersaturation ranges of the airborne IHC and the CSU-Mee TGDCC do not overlap. Nevertheless, the slopes of the interpolated data between the bounds agree favorably with the theoretical slopes.

Hindman, E. E.↗

NASA NTRS1981

An airborne lidar system for ozone and aerosol profiling in the troposphere and lower stratosphere

A description is presented of an airborne UV optical radar (lidar) system, taking into account also the first range-resolved ozone measurements from an aircraft using the differential absorption lidar (Dial) technique. The discussed system is the first to use an aircraft platform for ozone profile measurements. The Dial technique determines the average gas concentration over some selected range interval. The airborne Dial system uses two high conversion efficiency dye lasers which are optically pumped by two frequency-doubled Nd:YAG lasers. The first remote measurements of ozone profiles with an airborne Dial system were made during flight tests between May 22 and June 6, 1980. The UV Dial system was operated at a nominal altitude of 3.2 km. Initial measurements of ozone and aerosol profiles with the Dial system were performed on 4 flights in the vicinity of the Chesapeake Bay.

Browell, E. V.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Experimental feasibility of the airborne measurement of absolute oil fluorescence spectral conversion efficiency

Airborne lidar oil spill experiments carried out to determine the practicability of the AOFSCE (absolute oil fluorescence spectral conversion efficiency) computational model are described. The results reveal that the model is suitable over a considerable range of oil film thicknesses provided the fluorescence efficiency of the oil does not approach the minimum detection sensitivity limitations of the lidar system. Separate airborne lidar experiments to demonstrate measurement of the water column Raman conversion efficiency are also conducted to ascertain the ultimate feasibility of converting such relative oil fluorescence to absolute values. Whereas the AOFSCE model is seen as highly promising, further airborne water column Raman conversion efficiency experiments with improved temporal or depth-resolved waveform calibration and software deconvolution techniques are thought necessary for a final determination of suitability.

Hoge, F. E.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Airborne dual laser excitation and mapping of phytoplankton photopigments in a Gulf Stream Warm Core Ring

Utilization of a two-color airborne lidar system in the systematic study of a major oceanographic feature is reported here for the first time. An excimer pumped dye laser was optically and electronically integrated into the NASA Airborne Oceanographic Lidar for simultaneous use with a frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser. The output beams exit the laser system along parallel paths after being produced on an alternating pulse basis at a combined rate of 12.5 pps. Results are presented for missions flown over a Gulf Stream Warm Core Ring (WCR) as well as over shelf, slope, Gulf Stream, and Sargasso Sea waters. From the airborne data a high coherence is shown between the two-color chlorophyll a data and between the Nd:YAG chlorophyll a and phycoerythrin responses within each of these water masses. However, distinct differences in the response patterns of these photopigments are shown to exist between the differing water masses. At certain of the boundaries separating the water masses a sharp transition is seen to occur, while at others a wider transition zone was observed in which the correlation between the photopigments appears to degrade.

Hoge, F. E.↗

NASA NTRS1984

The evolutionary trend in airborne and satellite radar altimeters

The manner in which airborne and satellite radar altimeters developed and where the trend is leading was investigated. The airborne altimeters have progressed from a broad beamed, narrow pulsed, nadir looking instrument, to a pulse compressed system that is computer controlled, to a scanning pencil beamed system which produce a topographic map of the surface beneath the aircraft in real time. It is suggested that the airborne systems lie in the use of multiple frequencies. The satellite altimeters evolve towards multifrequency systems with narrower effective pulses and higher pulse compression ratios to reduce peak transmitted power while improving resolution. Applications indicate wide swath systems using interferometric techniques or beam limited systems using 100 m diameter antennas.

Fedor, L. S.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Airborne laser topographic mapping results

The results of terrain mapping experiments utilizing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Airborne Oceanographic Lidar (AOL) over forested areas are presented. The flight tests were conducted as part of a joint NASA/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (CE) investigation aimed at evaluating the potential of an airborne laser ranging system to provide cross-sectional topographic data on flood plains that are difficult and expensive to survey using conventional techniques. The data described in this paper were obtained in the Wolf River Basin located near Memphis, TN. Results from surveys conducted under winter 'leaves off' and summer 'leaves on' conditions, aspects of day and night operation, and data obtained from decidous and coniferous tree types are compared. Data processing techniques are reviewed. Conclusions relative to accuracy and present limitations of the AOL, and airborne lidar systems in general, to terrain mapping over forested areas are discussed.

Krabill, W. B.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Exploration of the Solar System by Airborne Astronomy

The contributions of airborne astronomy to the knowledge of our solar system are reviewed, beginning in 1967 when planetary observations became a vigorous part of NASA's airborne astronomy initiatives using aircraft outfitted with 30 cm diameter telescopes for infrared observations at altitudes between 12 and 15 km. These early facilities and their successor, the Kuiper airborne observatory (KAO), profoundly influenced many areas of planetary science by providing optimized platforms for the conduct of certain types of remote sensing experiments that were incompatible with both ground-based and spacecraft environments. Specific topics reviewed include energy balance in the outer planets, the composition and structure of planetary atmospheres, and planetary ring systems.

Larson, H. P.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Measurements of H2O in Jupiter's Atmosphere from 5 Microns Airborne Observations

Measurement of the abundance and vertical distribution of H2O in Jupiter's atmosphere is discussed. Water was first detected using the Kuiper airborne observatory (KAO) and has also been observed at 5 micrometers by the Voyager infrared spectrometer, IRIS. Studies of H2O in the atmospheres of other planets require special high altitude facilities to reduce the interference of telluric H2O. Jovian H2O absorption lines are overwhelmed by terrestrial H2O at ground-based observatories but they are readily apparent in airborne spectra. Typical column abundances of H2O above ground-based telescopes are about 3000 precipitable micrometers versus only 10 pr micrometers above the KAO at the 12.5 km level. For comparison, there is about 150 pr micrometers H2O above the 3 bar level on Jupiter. Airborne observations also take advantage of cryogenic detectors which have not been used thus far on deep space probes.

Bjoraker, G. L.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Convective storm downdraft outflows detected by NASA/MSFC's Airborne 10.6 micron pulsed Doppler Lidar System

The capability of a unique Airborne Doppler Lidar System to measure the horizontal winds in the vicinity of severe storm activity is demonstrated. The Airborne Doppler Lidar System (ADLS), developed at NASA/MSFC, was flown on a CV990 research aircraft during the CCOPE (Cooperative Convective Precipitation Experiments, Montana, Summer 1981). Flown between 400 and 600 m AGL, the lidar probed the subcloud regions of several deep convection storms. ADLS data collected near storms on 21 and 23 July 1981 are presented along with satellite imagery, radar echo maps and surface station measurements. These case studies are evidence of the successful performance of an airborne remote wind sensing system and the advantages of two dimension flow visualization of storm outflow structures and interactions.

Emmitt, G. D.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Separation of airborne and structureborne noise radiated by plates constructed of conventional and composite materials with applications for prediction of interior noise paths in propeller driven aircraft

The anticipated application of advanced turboprop propulsion systems and use of composite materials in primary structure is expected to increase the interior noise of future aircraft to unacceptability high levels. The absence of technically and economically feasible noise source-path diagnostic tools has been a primer obstacle in the development of efficient noise control treatments for propeller driven aircraft. A new diagnostic method which permits the separation and prediction of the fully coherent airborne and structureborne components of the sound radiated by plates or thin shells has been developed. Analytical and experimental studies of the proposed method were performed on plates constructed of both conventional and composite materials. The results of the study indicate that the proposed method can be applied to a variety of aircraft materials, could be used in flight, and has fewer encumbrances than the other diagnostic tools currently available. The study has also revealed that the noise radiation of vibrating plates in the low frequency regime due to combined airborne and structureborne inputs possesses a strong synergistic nature. The large influence of the interaction between the airborne and structureborne terms has been hitherto ignored by researchers of aircraft interior noise problems.

Mcgary, M. C.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Airborne trace contaminants of possible interest in CELSS

One design goal of Closed Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS) for long duration space missions is to maintain an atmosphere which is healthy for all the desirable biological species and not deleterious to any of the mechanical components in that atmosphere. CELESS design must take into account the interactions of at least six major components; (1) humans and animals, (2) higher plants, (3) microalgae, (4) bacteria and fungi, (5) the waste processing system, and (6) other mechanical systems. Each of these major components can be both a source and a target of airborne trace contaminants in a CELSS. A range of possible airborne trace contaminants is discussed within a chemical classification scheme. These contaminants are analyzed with respect to their probable sources among the six major components and their potential effects on those components. Data on airborne chemical contaminants detected in shuttle missions is presented along with this analysis. The observed concentrations of several classes of compounds, including hydrocarbons, halocarbons, halosilanes, amines and nitrogen oxides, are considered with respect to the problems which they present to CELSS.

Garavelli, J. S.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Analysis of airborne Doppler lidar, Doppler radar and tall tower measurements of atmospheric flows in quiescent and stormy weather

The first experiment to combine airborne Doppler Lidar and ground-based dual Doppler Radar measurements of wind to detail the lower tropospheric flows in quiescent and stormy weather was conducted in central Oklahoma during four days in June-July 1981. Data from these unique remote sensing instruments, coupled with data from conventional in-situ facilities, i.e., 500-m meteorological tower, rawinsonde, and surface based sensors, were analyzed to enhance understanding of wind, waves and turbulence. The purposes of the study were to: (1) compare winds mapped by ground-based dual Doppler radars, airborne Doppler lidar, and anemometers on a tower; (2) compare measured atmospheric boundary layer flow with flows predicted by theoretical models; (3) investigate the kinematic structure of air mass boundaries that precede the development of severe storms; and (4) study the kinematic structure of thunderstorm phenomena (downdrafts, gust fronts, etc.) that produce wind shear and turbulence hazardous to aircraft operations. The report consists of three parts: Part 1, Intercomparison of Wind Data from Airborne Lidar, Ground-Based Radars and Instrumented 444 m Tower; Part 2, The Structure of the Convective Atmospheric Boundary Layer as Revealed by Lidar and Doppler Radars; and Part 3, Doppler Lidar Observations in Thunderstorm Environments.

Bluestein, H. B.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Interaction of airborne and structureborne noise radiated by plates. Volume 2: Experimental study

The interaction of airborne and structureborne noise radiated by aircaraft materials was studied. The results corroborate the findings of an earlier analytical study by showing that the noise radiation of vibrating plates due to combined airborne and structureborne inputs possesses a stong synergistic nature. The large influence of the interaction between the airborne and structureborne inputs was hitherto ignored by researchers of aircraft interior noise problems.

Mcgary, M. C.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Airborne Doppler radar for wind shear detection

There has been extensive discussion concerning the use of ground based Doppler radars for the detection and measurement of microburst features and the mapping of associated wind shears. Recent and planned research at Langley into technology and techniques useful for the future development of airborne Doppler weather radar systems for both turbulence and wind shear detection are addressed. Such systems, if successfully developed, would represent a marked increase in performance over airborne weather radars currently available. A principal difficulty in extending to airborne radars the capabilities of current ground based Doppler radars is emphasized.

Staton, Leo↗