Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Frost”

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 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

Supersonic meteorology of Io - Sublimation-driven flow of SO2

The horizontal flow of SO2 gas from the day side to the night side of IO is calculated on the basis of a hydrodynamic model. The flow speed is found to be supersonic for all realistic values of the parameters. The surface pressure follows the frost vapor pressure within a factor of 2 in spite of day-night pressure ratios of 10,000 or more. Atmospheric temperature is generally below the surface temperature due to decompression in the expanding flow. The greatest sensitivity of the solution is connected with the frost temperature at the subsolar point. The quantities that involve the mass of the atmosphere (density, pressure, mass transport, and condensation rate) all vary as the vapor pressure of the frost, which is a sensitive function of frost temperature.

Ingersoll, A. P.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Year-to-year instability of the Mars south polar cap

Models of the Mars polar cap energy balance suggest that the south cap has two possible configurations at the current epoch. It can be covered all year by CO2 frost, as was observed by the Viking spacecraft, or the CO2 frost can disappear at midsummer to expose an underlying surface. The difference between the two states depends on the role of energy conducted into the subsurface. If the cap was exposed the previous year, conducted energy will cause less CO2 frost to condense in winter, and the frost will disappear completely in summer. If the cap was covered the previous year, there will be no conducted energy, and it will stay covered again. Subtle effects in the atmosphere can perturb the cap energy balance sufficiently to cause the cap to jump between states. This behavior might provide an explanation for the large southern summer water vapor abundances observed in 1969. It also explains the observed differences between the north and the south residual caps as resulting in part from a difference in the role in the annual energy balance of energy conducted into the subsurface.

Jakosky, Bruce M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Additions and corrections to the absorption coefficients of CO2 ice - Applications to the Martian south polar cap

Reflectance spectra of carbon dioxide frosts were calculated using the optical constants provided by Warren (1986) for the wavelength region 2-6 microns. In comparing these calculated spectra to spectra of frosts observed in the laboratory and on the surface of Mars, problems in the optical constants presented by Warren (1986) became apparent. Absorption coefficients for CO2 ice have been derived using laboratory reflectance measurements and the Hapke (1981) model for calculating diffuse reflectance. This provides approximate values in regions where no data were previously available and indicates where corrections to the compilation by Warren (1986) are required. Using these coefficients to calculate the reflectance of CO2 ice at varying grain sizes indicates that a typical Mariner polar cap spectrum is dominated by absorptions due to CO2 frost or ice at grain sizes that are quite large, probably of the order of millimeters to centimeters. There are indications of contamination of water frost or dust, but confirmation will require more precise absorption coefficients for solid CO2 than can be obtained from the method used here.

Calvin, Wendy M.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Spatial variability in the seasonal south polar cap of Mars

The first comprehensive discussion of the south seasonal polar cap spectra obtained by the Mariner 7 infrared spectrometer in the short-wavelength region (2-4 microns) is presented. The infrared spectra is correlated with images acquired by the wide-angle camera. Significant spectral variation is noted in the cap interior and regions of varying water frost abundance, CO2 ice/frost cover, and CO2-ice path length can be distinguished. Many of these spectral variations correlate with heterogeneity noted in the camera images, but certain significant infrared spectral variations are not discernible in the visible. Simple reflectance models are used to classify the observed spectral variations into four regions. Region I is at the cap edge, where there is enhanced absorption beyond 3 microns inferred to be caused by an increased abundance of water frost. The increase in water abundance over that in the interior is on the level of a few parts per thousand or less. Region II is the typical cap interior characterized by spectral features of CO2 ice at grain sizes of several millimeters to centimeters. These spectra also indicate the presence of water frost at the parts per thousand level. A third, unusual region (III), is defined by three spectra in which weak CO2 absorption features are as much as twice as strong as in the average cap spectra and are assumed to be caused by an increased path length in the CO2. Such large paths are inconsistent with the high reflectance in the visible and at 2.2 microns and suggest layered structures or deposition conditions that are not accounted for in current reflectance models. The final region (IV) is an area of thinning frost coverage or transparent ice well in the interior of the seasonal cap. These spectra are a combination of CO2 and ground signatures.

Calvin, Wendy M.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Revised Correlation between Odin/OSIRIS PMC Properties and Coincident TIMED/SABER Mesospheric Temperatures

The Optical Spectrograph and Infrared Imaging System (OSIRIS) instrument on board the Odin satellite detects Polar Mesospheric Clouds (PMCs) through the enhancement in the limb scattered solar radiance. The Sounding of the Atmosphere using the Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument on board the TIMED satellite is a limb scanning infrared radiometer that measures temperature and vertical profiles and energetic parameters for minor constituents in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. The combination of OSIRIS and SABER data has been previously used to statistically derive thermal conditions for PMC existence [Petelina et al., 2005]. In this work, we employ the simultaneous common volume measurements of PMCs by OSIRIS and temperature profiles measured by SABER for the Northern Hemisphere summers of 2002-2005 and corrected in the polar region by accounting for the vibrational-vibrational energy exchange among the CO2 isotopes [Kutepov et al., 2006]. For each of 20 coincidences identified within plus or minus 1 degree latitude, plus or minus 2 degrees longitude and less than 1 hour time the frost point temperatures were calculated using the corresponding SABER temperature profile and water vapor densities of 1,3, and 10 ppmv. We found that the PMC presence and brightness correlated only with the temperature threshold that corresponds to the frost point. The absolute value of the temperature below the frost point, however, didn't play a significant role in the intensity of PMC signal for the majority of selected coincidences. The presence of several bright clouds at temperatures above the frost point is obviously related to the limitation of the limb geometry when some near- or far-field PMCs located at higher (and warmer) altitudes appear to be at lower altitudes.

Feofilov, A. G.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Revised Correlation between Odin/OSIRIS PMC Properties and Coincident TIMED/SABER Mesospheric Temperatures

The Optical Spectrograph and Infrared Imaging System (OSIRIS) instrument on board the Odin satellite detects Polar Mesospheric Clouds (PMCs) through the enhancement in the limb-scattered solar radiance. The Sounding of the Atmosphere using the Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument on board the TIMED satellite is a limb scanning infrared radiometer that measures temperature and vertical profiles and energetic parameters for minor constituents in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. The combination of OSIRIS and SABER data has been previously used to statistically derive thermal conditions for PMC existence [Petelina et al., 2005]. a, A.A. Kutepov, W.D. Pesnell, In this work, we employ the simultaneous common volume measurements of PMCs by OSIRIS and temperature profiles measured by SABER for the Northern Hemisphere summers of 2002-2005 and corrected in the polar region by accounting for the vibrational-vibrational energy exchange among the CO2 isotopes [Kutepov et al., 2006]. For each of 20 coincidences identified within plus or minus 1 degree latitude, plus or minus 2 degrees longitude and less than 1 hour time the frost point temperatures were calculated using the corresponding SABER temperature profile and water vapor densities of 1,3, and 10 ppmv. We found that the PMC presence and brightness correlated only with the temperature threshold that corresponds to the frost point. The absolute value of the temperature below the frost point, however, didn't play a significant role in the intensity of PMC signal for the majority of selected coincidences. The presence of several bright clouds at temperatures above the frost point is obviously related to the limitation of the limb geometry when some near- or far-field PMCs located at higher (and warmer) altitudes appear to be at lower altitudes.

Feofilov, A. G.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Ice Growth Model and Lunar Tanker for Polar Water Extraction

In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) is a major component of sustainable and cost-effective missions to the Moon and beyond. Ever since it has been identified in the Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs) of the Moon, water has become a resource of interest for it’s wide range of uses such as life support and hydrogen and oxygen rocket propellant. It is ice-bound in the regolith, so separation typically involves heating to sublimation temperatures and capturing at very low pressure. One option is to then store it in ice form and transport it out of the PSR and into a sunlit ridge. From here, processes such as electrolysis can be performed. An understanding of frost growth dynamics under rarefied conditions is necessary for successful water production, though. An analytical model was developed using a Diffusion-Limited Aggregation (DLA) approach to evaluate bulk thermal conductivity changes of frost under varying conditions. This model will be evaluated using a one-dimensional frost growth experiment on a horizontal, flat plate under vacuum and cryogenic conditions. The tests will measure frost growth rate and bulk density, and the thermal conductivity of the ice layer as a function of thickness for different plate temperatures. The test data will then be used to validate and improve the analytical model.

Lunar water↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Using Digital Image Correlation for Material Testing at Cryogenic Temperatures

Recent efforts were made to parametrize an aluminum alloy at cryogenic temperatures to calibrate finite element models simulating material deformation. Digital image correlation (DIC) was used to measure material properties using front/back strains of specimens during tensile tests. Data acquired from DIC was compared to physical extensometer measurements. Two camera pairs (front and back) were mounted via aluminum extrusion to the exterior of an environmental chamber of a hydraulic test stand. Images were taken through single-pane optical glass windows of the environment chamber. Positive pressure bags encased the cameras, attaching to the perimeter of the glass to keep out moisture and prevent windows from frosting. Figure 1 shows the environmental setup and the camera setup during cryogenic testing. Some of the challenges during testing at cryogenic temperatures include the gaseous flow of liquid nitrogen in the optical path of the mounted cameras, frost buildup on the windows as seen in Figure 1b, and frost on the test coupon. The temperature gradient present during the introduction of liquid nitrogen into the chamber can increase the projection error of images captured of the specimen. Figure 2 shows the estimated projection error from DIC as a function of temperature during the cool down process. This presentation addresses some of the concerns and observations when using DIC for testing at cryogenic temperatures using methods of isolated camera system and techniques for maintaining the glass panel clear from frost.

Joseph Cochran↗
NASA NTRS1977

Economic consequences of improved temperature forecasts: An experiment with the Florida citrus growers (control group results)

A demonstration experiment is being planned to show that frost and freeze prediction improvements are possible utilizing timely Synchronous Meteorological Satellite temperature measurements and that this information can affect Florida citrus grower operations and decisions. An economic experiment was carried out which will monitor citrus growers' decisions, actions, costs and losses, and meteorological forecasts and actual weather events and will establish the economic benefits of improved temperature forecasts. A summary is given of the economic experiment, the results obtained to date, and the work which still remains to be done. Specifically, the experiment design is described in detail as are the developed data collection methodology and procedures, sampling plan, data reduction techniques, cost and loss models, establishment of frost severity measures, data obtained from citrus growers, National Weather Service, and Federal Crop Insurance Corp., resulting protection costs and crop losses for the control group sample, extrapolation of results of control group to the Florida citrus industry and the method for normalization of these results to a normal or average frost season so that results may be compared with anticipated similar results from test group measurements.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1977

Economic consequences of improved temperature forecasts: An experiment with the Florida citrus growers (control group results). Executive summary

A demonstration experiment is being planned to show that frost and freeze prediction improvements are possible utilizing timely Synchronous Meteorological Satellite temperature measurements and that this information can affect Florida citrus grower operations and decisions so as to significantly reduce the cost for frost and freeze protection and crop losses. The design and implementation of the first phase of an economic experiment which will monitor citrus growers decisions, actions, costs and losses, and meteorological forecasts and actual weather events was carried out. The economic experiment was designed to measure the change in annual protection costs and crop losses which are the direct result of improved temperature forecasts. To estimate the benefits that may result from improved temperature forecasting capability, control and test groups were established with effective separation being accomplished temporally. The control group, utilizing current forecasting capability, was observed during the 1976-77 frost season and the results are reported. A brief overview is given of the economic experiment, the results obtained to date, and the work which still remains to be done.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1981

Pluto's atmospheric bulk near perihelion

The detection of CH4 frost on Pluto's surface implies a significant atmosphere for Pluto. Although Pluto's mass is small, about 7% of Triton's mass, the rapid escape ('blowoff') of gaseous CH4 can be prevented by the presence of a heavy gas mixed with the CH4. The resulting slow escape ('Jeans escape') of CH4 can be accommodated by sublimation of the surface CH4 frost so that an atmosphere exists in the steady state. A heavier gas must exist, otherwise the CH4 frost would have sublimated away long ago because of solar heat and rapid blowoff of gaseous CH4. Pluto is currently near perihelion where the CH4 component of the atmosphere may be 500 times denser than at apehelion. Significant seasonal changes in the atmospheric bulk are therefore possible.

Trafton, L.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Near-infrared spectrophotometry of the satellites and rings of Uranus

New spectrophotometry from 1.5 to 2.5 microns is reported for the Uranian satellites Titania, Oberon, and Umbriel. A spectrum of the rings of Uranus from 2.0 to 2.4 microns is also reported. No evidence is found for frost covering the surface of the ring material, consistent with the low albedo of the rings previously reported by Nicholson and Jones (1980). The surfaces of the satellites are found to be covered by dirty water frost. Assuming albedos of the frost and gray components covering the Uranian satellites to be the same as the light and dark faces of Iapetus, radii are derived that are roughly twice those inferred from the assumption of a visual albedo of 0.5.

Soifer, B. T.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Effect of heavy rain on aircraft

A summary on heavy rain effects on aircraft aerodynamics validation of research and some wind shear accidents in which heavy rain were an important factor. Frost formation and what frost does to the lift and drag curves for an airfoil was examined. If frost could cause severe aerodynamic problems for both general aviation and transport aircraft due to its roughness, then heavy rain produce a similar result. The influencing parameters of heavy rain on an aircraft are studied. Sources of aerodynamic roughness due to rain and wind shear and heavy rain accidents are outlined.

Luers, J. K.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Wind Erosion and Dune Formation on High Frozen Bluffs

Frost penetration increases upslope on barren, windswept bluffs in cold environments. Along the south shore of Lake Superior, near the brow of 100 m high bluffs it typically exceeds 5 m. Frost increases the shear strength of damp sand to a level comparable to that of concrete, making winter slopes highly stable despite undercutting by waves and ground-water sapping along the footslope. Sublimation of interparticle ice in the slope face increases with wind speed and lower vapor pressures. The cold and dry winter winds of Lake Superior ablate these slopes through loss of binding ice. Wind erosion rates, based on measurements of sand accumulation on the forest floor downwind of the brow, show most airborne sand falls out within several meters of the brow, forming a berm 1 to 3 m high after many years. The spatial pattern of sand deposition, however, varies considerably over distances of several hundred meters along the top bluffs in response to frost conditions and the build-up of gravel lag on the slope face, sand exposure from mass movements, and local aerodynamics of the crest slope. The formation of perched sand dunes in the Great Lakes region is clearly related to wind erosion of sand from high bluffs in winter. Broadly similar processes may operate on Mars.

Marsh, W. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Sulfur dioxide on Io - Spatial distribution and physical state

Observations of the 4-micron SO2 band on Jupiter's satellite Io and laboratory measurements of SO2 frost are presented. The observations confirm the existence of a large longitudinal variation in band strength, but show no evidence of temporal changes. Comparison of the band position and shape in Io's spectrum with those in the laboratory frost's suggests that the bulk of the absorption on Io is due to frost, not adsorbed gas. The derived SO2 coverage is large enough to require that SO2 be present in most terrain types on Io and not just in the white plains unit. To reconcile the infrared observations that indicate large amoutns of SO2 with the ultraviolet observations of Voyager and IUE that show little, the SO2 must be mixed intimately with the sulfur (or other material) so that at each wavelength the darker component dominates the spectrum.

Fanale, F. P.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The polar caps and the climatic evolution of Mars

Mars and Earth experience quasiperiodic variations in the distribution of incident solar radiation due to secular perturbations in their orbital and axial elements. On Mars, the potential climatic effects of these perturbations are large because the mass of the Martian atmosphere may be determined by the vapor pressures of semipermanent CO2 frost deposits at the poles. The Viking Orbiter observations of the Martian polar caps suggest that the sensitivity of the Martian climate system to the variations in the polar insolation may be considerably reduced by the tendency for polar frost deposits to become brighter with increasing rates of incident solar radiation. This phenomenon can be explained by the tendency for dust particles to sink into CO2 frost at rates that depend on the magnitude of the incident solar flux.

Paige, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Icing of flow conditioners in a closed-loop wind tunnel

Described are the results of an experiment which determined whether flow conditioning screens and honeycombs would ice up in a closed-loop icing wind tunnel when placed downstream of the heat exchanger and upstream of the spray bars. The experiment was performed in the Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) at NASA Lewis Research Center. The investigation involved two separate tests: one to find the icing characteristics of flow conditioners in the IRT, and the second to find the icing characteristics of flow conditioners in the proposed rehabilitation of the Altitude Wind Tunnel (AWT). Both experiments showed that the heat exchanger removed nearly all of the icing cloud so that icing of the flow conditioners would cause no serious tunnel performance degradation during the course of a day's run. Only extremely cold conditions caused frost formation on the flow conditioners. The significance of this frost formation was minimized because frost buildup on the heat exchanger caused a much more severe pressure drop than did icing of the flow conditioners.

Newton, James E.↗