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At least 145 records · Page 8

Diurnal heating and cloudiness in the NCAR Community Climate Model (CCM2)

In this paper, the authors assess the suitability of the heating fileds in the latest version of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Climate Model (CCM2) for modeling the thermal forcing of atmospheric tides. Accordingly, diurnal variations of the surface pressure, outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), cloudiness, and precipitation are examined in the CCM2. The fields of radiative, sensible, and latent heating are similarly analyzed. These results are subjectively compared with available data. Equatorial diurnal surface pressure tides are fairly well simulated by CCM2. The model successfully reproduces the semidiurnal surface pressure tides; however, this may result in part from reflection of wave energy at the upper boundary. The CCM2 large-scale diurnal OLR is generally consistent with observations. The moist-convective scheme in the model is able to reproduce the diurnally varying cloudiness and precipitation patterns associated with land-sea contrasts; however, the amplitudes of CCM2 diurnal continental convective cloudiness are weaker than observations. The CCM2 boundary-layer sensible heating is consistent with a very limited set of observations, and with estimates obtained from simple models of diffusive heating. Although the CCM2 tropospheric solar radiative heating is similar in magnitude to previous estimates, there are substantial differences in the vertical structures. A definitive assessment of the validity of the CCM2 diurnal cycle is precluded by the lack of detailed observations and the limitations of our CCM2 sample. Nevertheless, the authors conclude that the global-scale components of the CCM2 diurnal heating are useful proxies for the true diurnal forcing of the tides.

Lieberman, Ruth S.↗

Use of Airport Noise Complaint Files to Improve Understanding of Community Response to Aircraft Noise

This study assessed the feasibility of using complaint information archived by modem airport monitoring systems to conduct quantitative analyses of the causes of aircraft noise complaints and their relationship to noise- induced annoyance. It was found that all computer-based airport monitoring systems provide at least rudimentary tools for performing data base searches by complainant name, address, date, time of day, and types of aircraft and complaints. Analyses of such information can provide useful information about longstanding concerns, such as the extent to which complaint rates are driven by objectively measurable aspects of aircraft operations; the degree to which changes in complaint rates can be predicted prior to implementation of noise mitigation measures; and the degree to which aircraft complaint information can be used to simplify and otherwise improve prediction of the prevalence of noise-induced annoyance in communities.

Fidell, Sanford↗

Assessing the Likelihood of Rare Medical Events in Astronauts

Despite over half a century of manned space flight, the space flight community is only now coming to fully assess the short and long term medical dangers of exposure to reduced gravity environments. Further, as new manned spacecraft are designed and with the advent of commercial flight capabilities to the general public, a full understanding of medical risk becomes even more critical for maintaining and understanding mission safety and crew health. To address these critical issues, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Human Research Program (HRP) has begun to address the medical hazards with a formalized risk management approach by effectively identifying and attempting to mitigate acute and chronic medical risks to manned space flight. This paper describes NASA Glenn Research Center?s (GRC) efforts to develop a systematic methodology to assess the likelihood of in-flight medical conditions. Using a probabilistic approach, medical risks are assessed using well established and accepted biomedical and human performance models in combination with fundamentally observed data that defines the astronauts? physical conditions, environment and activity levels. Two different examples of space flight risk are used to show the versatility of our approach and how it successfully integrates disparate information to provide HRP decision makers with a valuable source of information which is otherwise lacking.

Myers, Jerry G., Jr.↗

Assessment of Soil Moisture Data Requirements by the Potential SMAP Data User Community: Review of SMAP Mission User Community

NASA's Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP) mission is planned for launch in October 2014 and will provide global measurements of soil moisture and freeze thaw state. The project is driven by both basic research and applied science goals. Understanding how application driven end-users will apply SMAP data, prior to the satellite's launch, is an important goal of NASA's applied science program and SMAP mission success. Because SMAP data are unique, there are no direct proxy data sets that can be used in research and operational studies to determine how the data will interact with existing processes. The objective of this study is to solicit data requirements, accuracy needs, and current understanding of the SMAP mission from the potential user community. This study showed that the data to be provided by the SMAP mission did substantially meet the user community needs. Although there was a broad distribution of requirements stated, the SMAP mission fit within these requirements.

applications↗

Assimilation of TROPICS Radiance Data in Nasa Geos System and Impact Assessments Through Observing System Experiments

Since the first full-scale weather satellite Television Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS)-1 was launched in 1960 to measure weather patterns from space, the number of satellites carrying various sensors to measure atmospheric properties has increased rapidly. Data from these meteorological satellites have been crucial to the advancement of the NWP forecasts. Especially, space-borne measurements of atmospheric temperature and moisture information provided by microwave sounders were reported to contribute most to positive impacts on global NWP forecasts. Developing and launching an operational weather satellite is a daunting and tremendously expensive mission that requires many years of planning, developments, and maintenance after the launch. Small satellites with low size, weight, and power requirements can reduce the cost associated with the construction and launch of large bus platforms and draw attention of several space agencies and weather technology companies that started investing their resources to develop small satellites and measure the potential benefits and weaknesses. The NASA Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats (TROPICS) mission is a constellation of small satellites carrying state-of-art microwave temperature and humidity sounders with 12 channels between 91 GHz and 205 GHz frequency. Currently five TROPICS cubsats, including TROPICS-pathfinder, are in space and provide the temperature and humidity data from space to the meteorological community. This study seeks to assess the potential impact that the constellation of TROPICS satellites may bring to the global NWP analysis and forecasts by assimilating all-sky TROPICS data and implementing observing system experiments (OSE) using the NASA GEOS system. Various evaluations metrics including forecast skills, fit to other observations such as radiosondes and microwave and infrared sounder are used. Along with the NWP impact assessment, the quality of the TROPICS data is evaluated by looking at observation minus forecast statistics in comparisons with other conventional satellite temperature and humidity sounders.

Min-Jeong Kim↗

Assimilation of TROPICS Radiance Data in NASA GEOS System and Impact Assessments Through Observing System Experiments

Since the first full-scale weather satellite Television Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS)-1 was launched in 1960 to measure weather patterns from space, the number of satellites carrying various sensors to measure atmospheric properties has increased rapidly. Data from these meteorological satellites have been crucial to the advancement of the NWP forecasts. Especially, space-borne measurements of atmospheric temperature and moisture information provided by microwave sounders were reported to contribute most to positive impacts on global NWP forecasts. Developing and launching an operational weather satellite is a daunting and tremendously expensive mission that requires many years of planning, developments, and maintenance after the launch. Small satellites with low size, weight, and power requirements can reduce the cost associated with the construction and launch of large bus platforms and draw attention of several space agencies and weather technology companies that started investing their resources to develop small satellites and measure the potential benefits and weaknesses. The NASA Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats (TROPICS) mission is a constellation of small satellites carrying state-of-art microwave temperature and humidity sounders with 12 channels between 91 GHz and 205 GHz frequency. Currently five TROPICS cubsats, including TROPICS-pathfinder, are in space and provide the temperature and humidity data from space to the meteorological community. This study seeks to assess the potential impact that the constellation of TROPICS satellites may bring to the global NWP analysis and forecasts by assimilating all-sky TROPICS data and implementing observing system experiments (OSE) using the NASA GEOS system. Various evaluations metrics including forecast skills, fit to other observations such as radiosondes and microwave and infrared sounder are used. Along with the NWP impact assessment, the quality of the TROPICS data is evaluated by looking at observation minus forecast statistics in comparisons with other conventional satellite temperature and humidity sounders.

Min-Jeong Kim↗

Independent Technical Assessment of NASA and External Quantum Sensing Capability

- The Subject Matter Experts in the Sensors & Instrumentation Quantum Sensing Community of Practice (CoP) requested an independent technical assessment of the agency's capabilities in QS to understand NASA's internal needs and competencies related to QS and compare agency capabilities with those available externally including industry, academia, and other government agencies. - The outcomes of the assessment will help the agency in establishing appropriate strategies and investments to develop and maintain the state-of-the-art sensing competence and capabilities required to meet the agency’s future needs. - NASA Engineering and Safety Center Review Board approved the assessment request and assigned NASA Technical Fellow to lead and conduct the assessment by engaging NASA Centers, NASA HQ and an independent, non-commercial, and highly credible Quantum Sensing Experts from Academia, Department of Defense, other Government Agencies. The assessment duration is for one year, starting October 2021 and ending December 2022.

Independent Technical Assessment↗

NASA and External Quantum Sensing Capability Assessment for NASA Space-Based Science Measurements

The Subject Matter Experts in the Sensors & Instrumentation Quantum Sensing Community of Practice (CoP) requested an independent technical assessment of the agency's capabilities in QS to understand NASA's internal needs and competencies related to QS and compare agency capabilities with those available externally including industry, academia, and other government agencies. The outcomes of the assessment will help the agency in establishing appropriate strategies and investments to develop and maintain the state-of-the-art sensing competence and capabilities required to meet the agency’s future needs. NASA Engineering and Safety Center Review Board approved the assessment request and assigned NASA Technical Fellow to lead and conduct the assessment by engaging NASA Centers, NASA HQ and an independent, non-commercial, and highly credible Quantum Sensing Experts from Academia, Department of Defense, other Government Agencies. The assessment started in October 2021 and final report was completed in October 2023.

External Quantum Sensing↗

NASA's Aeroacoustic Tools and Methods for Analysis of Aircraft Noise

Aircraft community noise is a significant concern due to continued growth in air traffic, increasingly stringent environmental goals, and operational limitations imposed by airport authorities. The ability to quantify aircraft noise at the source and ultimately at observers is required to develop low noise aircraft designs and flight procedures. Predicting noise at the source, accounting for scattering and propagation through the atmosphere to the observer, and assessing the perception and impact on a community requires physics-based aeroacoustics tools. Along with the analyses for aero-performance, weights and fuel burn, these tools can provide the acoustic component for aircraft MDAO (Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization). Over the last decade significant progress has been made in advancing the aeroacoustic tools such that acoustic analyses can now be performed during the design process. One major and enabling advance has been the development of the system noise framework known as Aircraft NOise Prediction Program2 (ANOPP2). ANOPP2 is NASA's aeroacoustic toolset and is designed to facilitate the combination of acoustic approaches of varying fidelity for the analysis of noise from conventional and unconventional aircraft. The toolset includes a framework that integrates noise prediction and propagation methods into a unified system for use within general aircraft analysis software. This includes acoustic analyses, signal processing and interfaces that allow for the assessment of perception of noise on a community. ANOPP2's capability to incorporate medium fidelity shielding predictions and wind tunnel experiments into a design environment is presented. An assessment of noise from a conventional and Hybrid Wing Body (HWB) aircraft using medium fidelity scattering methods combined with noise measurements from a model-scale HWB recently placed in NASA's 14x22 wind tunnel are presented. The results are in the form of community noise metrics and auralizations.

Rizzi, Stephen A.↗

Assimilation of CrIS Shortwave Infrared Channels into the GEOS Atmospheric Data Assimilation System

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in using the 4.3 μmshortwave infrared (SWIR) band for temperature sounding. This is in part brought on by proposed cubesat missions sensing the 4.3 μmband such as MiSTIC and CIRAS. Jones et al. has shown that shortwave infrared channels on CrIScan be used effectively in NOAA's Global Forecast and Data Assimilation System (GDAS). In this work a similar study is presented using the Goddard Earth Observing System - Atmospheric Data Assimilation System (GEOS-ADAS). Results from Observing System Experiments (OSEs) utilizing SWIR CrISare presented using standard community accepted forecast metrics including Forecast Sensitivity to Observation Impact (FSOI), and an assessment of vertical sensitivity using Jacobians from the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM). The implications and utility within the GEOS-ADAS for future NASA GMAO products are discussed.

Bryan M Karpowicz↗

Structural damage claims resulting from acoustic environments developed during static test firing of rocket engines

During static testing of multi-million pound thrust rocket engines areas adjacent to the test site have been subjected to the noise generated by rocket engines. Structural damage claims and subjective complaints were filed by those who alleged that the noise levels were excessive. The statistical analysis of these claims and complaints which were filed during these rocket engine development programs led to the determination of a relationship between claims and overall sound pressure level. Community exposure criteria are then assessed based on what can be considered allowable acoustic environments from large rocket engines.

Guest, S. H.↗

ERTS-1 investigation of wetlands ecology

The author has identified the following significant results. Data from aircraft can be used for large scale mapping where detailed information is necessary, whereas Landsat-1 data are useful for rapid mapping of gross wetland boundaries and vegetative composition and assessment of seasonal change plant community composition such as high and low growth forms of Spartina alterniflora, Juncus roemarianus, and Spartina cynosuroides. Spoil disposal and wetland ditching activities may also be defined. Wetland interpretation is affected by tidal stage; drainage patterns are more easily detected at periods of low water. Species discrimination is easier at periods of high water during the growing season; upper wetland boundaries in fresh water tidal marshes are more easily delineated during the winter months when marsh vegetation is largely dead or dormant. Fresh water discharges from coastal streams may be inferred from the species composition of contiguous wetlands.

Anderson, R. R.↗

Effects of background noise on total noise annoyance

Two experiments were conducted to assess the effects of combined community noise sources on annoyance. The first experiment baseline relationships between annoyance and noise level for three community noise sources (jet aircraft flyovers, traffic and air conditioners) presented individually. Forty eight subjects evaluated the annoyance of each noise source presented at four different noise levels. Results indicated the slope of the linear relationship between annoyance and noise level for the traffic noise was significantly different from that of aircraft and of air conditioner noise, which had equal slopes. The second experiment investigated annoyance response to combined noise sources, with aircraft noise defined as the major noise source and traffic and air conditioner noise as background noise sources. Effects on annoyance of noise level differences between aircraft and background noise for three total noise levels and for both background noise sources were determined. A total of 216 subjects were required to make either total or source specific annoyance judgements, or a combination of the two, for a wide range of combined noise conditions.

Willshire, K. F.↗

NASA/DOD Aerospace Knowledge Diffusion Research Project. Paper 11: The Voice of the User: How US Aerospace Engineers and Scientists View DoD Technical Reports

The project examines how the results of NASA/DOD research diffuse into the aerospace R&D process, and empirically analyzes the implications of the aerospace knowledge diffusion process. Specific issues considered are the roles played by government technical reports, the recognition of the value of scientific and technical information (STI), and the optimization of the STI aerospace transfer system. Information-seeking habits are assessed for the U.S. aerospace community, the general community, the academic sector, and the international community. U.S. aerospace engineers and scientists use 65 percent of working time to communicate STI, and prefer 'internal' STI over 'external' STI. The isolation from 'external' information is found to be detrimental to U.S. aerospace R&D in general.

Pinelli, Thomas E.↗

Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 Fragment Size Estimates: How Big was the Parent Body?

The impact of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 on Jupiter in July, 1994 was the largest, most energetic impact event on a planet ever witnessed. Because it broke up during a close encounter with Jupiter in 1992, it was bright enough to be discovered more than a year prior to impact, allowing the scientific community an unprecedented opportunity to assess the effects such an event would have. Many excellent observations were made from Earth-based telescopes, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), and the Galileo spacecraft en route to Jupiter. In this paper, these observations are used in conjunction with computational simulations performed with the CTH shock-physics hydrocode to determine the sizes of the fifteen fragments that made discernible impact features on the planet. To do this, CTH was equipped with a radiative ablation model and a postprocessing radiative ray-trace capability that enabled light-flux predictions (often called the impact flash) for the viewing geometries of Galileo and ground-based observers. The five events recorded by Galileo were calibrated to give fragment size estimates. Compared against ground-based and HST observations, these estimates were extended using a least-squares analysis to assess the impacts of the remaining ten fragments. Some of the largest impacts (L, G, and K) were greater that 1 km in diameter, but the density of the fragments was low, about 0.25 g/cm(exp 3). The volume of the combined fifteen fragments would make a sphere 1.8 km in diameter. Assuming a prebreakup density of 0.5 g/cm(exp 3), the parent body of Shoemaker-Levy 9 had a probable diameter of 1.4 km. The total kinetic energy of all the impacts was equivalent to the explosive yield of 300 Gigatons of TNT.

Crawford, David A.↗

Frequency of Atrial Septal Aneurysms in Patients with Cerebral Ischemic Events

Background-Atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) is a putative risk factor for cardioembolism. However, the frequency of ASA in the general population has not been adequately determined. Therefore, the frequency in patients with cerebral ischemic events, compared with the frequency in the general population, is poorly defined. We sought to determine the frequency of ASA in the general population and to compare the frequency of ASA in patients with cerebral ischemic events with the frequency in the general population. Methods and Results-The frequency of ASA in the population was determined in 363 subjects, a sample of the participants in the Stroke Prevention: Assessment of Risk in a Community study (control subjects), and was compared with the frequency in 355 age- and sex-matched patients undergoing transesophageal echocardiography in search of a cardiac source of embolism after a focal cerebral ischemic event. The proportion with ASA was 7.9% in patients versus 2.2% in control subjects (P=0.002; odds ratio of ASA, 3.65; 95% CI, 1.64 to 8.13, in patients versus control subjects). Patent foramen ovale (PFO) was detected with contrast injections in 56% of subjects with ASA. The presence of ASA predicted the presence of PFO (odds ratio of PFO, 4.57; 95% CI, 2.18 to 9.57, in subjects with versus those without ASA). In 86% of subjects with ASA and cerebral ischemia, transesophageal echocardiography did not detect an alternative source of cardioembolism other than an associated PFO. Conclusions-The prevalence of ASA based on this population-based study is 2.2%. The frequency of ASA is relatively higher in patients evaluated with transesophageal echocardiography after a cerebral ischemic event. ASA is frequently associated with PFO, suggesting paradoxical embolism as a mechanism of cardioembolism. In patients with cerebral ischemia and ASA, ASA (with or without PFO) commonly is the only potential cardioembolic source detected with transesophageal echocardiography.

Agmon, Yoram↗

Microbiological Tests Performed During the Design of the International Space Station ECLSS: Part 1, Bulk Phase Water and Wastewater

This slide presentation summarizes the studies performed to assess the bulk phase microbial community during the Space Station Water Recover Tests (WRT) from 1990-1998. These tests show that it is possible to recycle water from different sources including urine, and produce water that can exceed the quality of municpally produced tap water.

Roman, Monsi C.↗

Life Support Systems Microbial Challenges

Many microbiological studies were performed during the development of the Space Station Water Recovery and Management System from1990-2009. Studies include assessments of: (1) bulk phase (planktonic) microbial population (2) biofilms, (3) microbially influenced corrosion (4) biofouling treatments. This slide presentation summarizes the studies performed to assess the bulk phase microbial community during the Space Station Water Recovery Tests (WRT) from 1990 to 1998. This report provides an overview of some of the microbiological analyses performed during the Space Station WRT program. These tests not only integrated several technologies with the goal of producing water that met NASA s potable water specifications, but also integrated humans, and therefore human flora into the protocols. At the time these tests were performed, not much was known (or published) about the microbial composition of these types of wastewater. It is important to note that design changes to the WRS have been implemented over the years and results discussed in this report might be directly related to test configurations that were not chosen for the final flight configuration. Results microbiological analyses performed Conclusion from the during the WRT showed that it was possible to recycle water from different sources, including urine, and produce water that can exceed the quality of municipally produced water.

Roman, Monsi C.↗