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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 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1990

HF Doppler and VHF radar observations of upper atmospheric disturbances caused by weak cold front during winter time

The simultaneous use of the Taiwan VHF radar and the HF Doppler sounder for remote measurement of three-dimensional winds, gravity waves, and density perturbations at mesospheric and thermospheric heights is demonstrated. A special event of atmospheric disturbances caused by propagating gravity waves excited by weak convective motions in winter time were investigated. The three-dimensional wind velocities at different heights were determined, and the frequency, horizontal wavelength, vertical wavelength, and phase velocity of the gravity waves were measured. The subtropical, low-latitude site makes the VHF radar and HF Doppler array systems unique, and the observations especially valuable for space projects dealing with low-latitude atmosphere.

Hung, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Improved Hurricane Boundary Layer Observations with the Imaging Wind and Rain Airborne Profiler

During the NOAA/NESDIS 2005 Hurricane Season (HS2005) and the 2006 Winter Experiment, the University of Massachusetts (UMass) installed two instruments on the NOAA N42RF WP-3D research aircraft: the Imaging Wind and Rain Airborne Profiler (IWRAP) and the Simultaneous Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SFMR). IWRAP is a dual-band (C- and Ku), dual-polarized pencil-beam airborne radar that profiles the volume backscatter and Doppler velocity from rain and that also measures the ocean backscatter response. It simultaneously profiles along four separate incidence angles while conically scanning at 60 RPM. SFMR is a C-band nadir viewing radiometer that measures the emission from the ocean surface and intervening atmosphere simultaneously at six frequencies. It is designed to obtain the surface wind speed and the column average rain rate. Both instruments have previously been flown during the 2002, 2003 and 2004 hurricane seasons. For the HS2005, the IWRAP system was modified to implement a raw data acquisition system. The importance of the raw data system arises when trying to profile the atmosphere all the way down to the surface with a non-nadir looking radar system. With this particular geometry, problems arise mainly from the fact that both rain and ocean provide a return echo coincident in time through the antenna s main lobe. This paper shows how this limitation has been removed and presents initial results demonstrating its new capabilities to derive the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) wind field within the inner core of hurricanes to much lower altitudes than the ones the original system was capable of, and to analyze the spectral response of the ocean backscatter and the rain under different wind and rain conditions.

tropical cyclones↗
NASA NTRS1985

Mean Winds and Tides over Urbana, Illinois During November 16-22, 1981

The Urbana Meteor Radar uses a high power pulse transmitter to achieve high echo rates, and an interferometer to spatially locate the individual echoes. The irregularly spaced observations of range, radial velocity, and direction cosines are reduced to a rectangular grid, evenly spaced in time and height, of estimates of the zonal and meridional wind. This is accomplished using the method of GROVES whereby a constant horizontal wind is fitted, using least squares, to all echoes occurring within a fixed time/height interval. This interpolation region is then stepped in time and height. the size of the interpolation region is 2 hours by 5 km, the time step is approximately 11 minutes, and the height step is 2 km. The filtering of high temporal and spatial frequencies is somewhat reduced by weighting the echoes according to their distance from the center of the interpolation box.

Tetenbaum, D.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Sea bottom topography imaging with SAR

It is well known that under favorable meteorological and hydrodynamical conditions the bottom topography of shallow seas can be mapped with airborne or spaceborne imaging radar. This phenomenon was observed for the first time in 1969 by de Loor and co-workers in Q-band Side Looking Airborne Radar (SLAR) imagery of sandwaves in the North Sea. It is now generally accepted that the imaging mechanism consists of three steps: (1) interaction between (tidal) current and bottom topography causes spatial modulations in the surface current velocity; (2) modulations in the surface current velocity give rise to variations in the spectrum of wind-generated waves, as described by the action balance equation; and (3) variations in the wave spectrum show up as intensity modulations in radar imagery. In order to predict radar backscatter modulations caused by sandwaves, an imaging model, covering the three steps, was developed by the Dutch Sea Bottom Topography Group. This model and some model results will be shown. On 16 Aug. 1989 an experiment was performed with the polarimetric P-, L-, and C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) of NASA/JPL. One scene was recorded in SAR mode. On 12 Jul. 1991 another three scenes were recorded, of which one was in the ATI-mode (Along-Track Interferometer). These experiments took place in the test area of the Sea Bottom Topography Group, 30 km off the Dutch coast, where the bottom topography is dominated by sand waves. In-situ data were gathered by a ship in the test area and on 'Measuring Platform Noordwijk', 20 km from the center of the test area. The radar images made during the experiment were compared with digitized maps of the bottom. Furthermore, the profiles of radar backscatter modulation were compared with the results of the model. During the workshop some preliminary results of the ATI measurements will be shown.

Vanderkooij, M. W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Airborne Doppler radar velocity measurements of precipitation seen in ocean surface reflection

The use of airborne or spaceborne radars to observe precipitation simultaneously directly and in reflection could provide significant new opportunities for measuring the properties of the precipitation, wind field, and ocean surface. Atlas and Meneghini (1983) have proposed that the difference between direct and reflected precipitation echo intensities observed with a nadir-directed beam is a measure of two-way attenuation and thus of path average rain rate, taking into account an employment of direct and reflected echoes from very near the ocean surface to normalize for ocean surface scatter. In the present paper, some key meteorological and oceanographic research applications are illustrated, giving particular attention to airborne Doppler radar velocity measurements of the precipitation.

Atlas, D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

On the varying slope of velocity spectra

Spectra of zonal, meridional and vertical wind velocity, measured during a 24 hour period with the spaced-antenna technique indicate quite a variable slope as a function of height. It is found that the spectral slope (1h to 24h) of all three components correlates with the mean horizontal wind velocity. A possible conclusion is that the frequency dependence of power density of horizontal and vertical fluctuation component apparently depends on the mean wind velocity. However, the vertical spectra at periods larger than about 1 hour can also be influenced by spillover (due to finite radar antenna beam width) from the horizontal fluctuation component or by a Doppler shift.

Rottger, J.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Rocket/Radar Sporadic-E Experiment Conducted during the El Coqui 2 Campaign

In order to investigate the complex electrodynamics and neutral-plasma coupling inherent to sporadic-E layers in the earth's mid-latitude ionosphere, a series of rocket/radar experiments were planned as part of the NASA El Coqui H Campaign from Tortuguero Launch Range, Puerto Rico, in March-April, 1998. The rocket experiments consisted of two pairs of "mother-daughter" payloads with limited apogees so that the payloads "hovered" in the sporadic-E region (95-125 km). Each payload pair included vector DC and AC electric field detectors, a highly accurate flux-gate DC magnetometer, an ion mass spectrometer, an ionization gauge, and spaced-electric field receivers to measure the wavelength and phase velocity of the unstable plasma waves. Separate rockets were included to simultaneously carry aloft TMA trails to measure the neutral wind and its velocity shear, believed responsible for the sporadic-E layer formation. In addition to the rocket experiments, incoherent scatter radar measurements of plasma density and drift velocity were gathered almost every night during the 3 week campaign. Continuous VHF backscatter radar operations were carried out from a site near Salinas, Puerto Rico, where 3-m backscatter echoes were observed associated with sporadic-E and other types of low altitude ionospheric layers. Other radars that operated during the campaign included an HF backscatter system near Ponce, Puerto Rico, and a second VHF backscatter radar set up near Aguadila Puerto Rico. On 24 March 1998, one of the instrumented rockets was launched, attaining an apogee of 129 km. The payloads successfully pierced an intense sporadic-E layer observed by both the Arecibo radar and the in-situ density and ion mass spectrometer probes. In-situ DC electric fields revealed very low (about 1-2 mV/m) ambient fields with small amplitude structures of the same order. No high frequency (short scale) waves were observed, consistent with the VHF backscatter observations at the time of the launch. An overview of the observations will be presented.

Pfaff, R.F.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Tunable, Highly Stable Lasers for Coherent Lidar

Practical space-based coherent laser radar systems envisioned for global winds measurement must be very efficient and must contend with unique problems associated with the large platform velocities that the instruments experience in orbit. To compensate for these large platform-induced Doppler shifts in space-based applications, agile-frequency offset-locking of two single-frequency Doppler reference lasers was thoroughly investigated. Such techniques involve actively locking a frequency-agile master oscillator (MO) source to a comparatively static local oscillator (LO) laser, and effectively producing an offset between MO (the lidar slave oscillator seed source, typically) and heterodyne signal receiver LO that lowers the bandwidth of the receiver data-collection system and permits use of very high-quantum-efficiency, reasonably- low-bandwidth heterodyne photoreceiver detectors and circuits. Recent work on MO/LO offset locking has focused on increasing the offset locking range, improving the graded-InGaAs photoreceiver performance, and advancing the maturity of the offset locking electronics. A figure provides a schematic diagram of the offset-locking system.

Henderson, Sammy W.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Analysis of records from four airliners in the Denver microburst, July 11, 1988

Flight and radar position records are analyzed to determine the winds encountered by four airliners that penetrated a multicell microburst on approach to Denver's Stapleton International Airport. The results show significant expansion in the size of the microburst, and indicate that there were fluctuations in the internal wind velocity. At its peak strength, as experienced by the second aircraft, the microburst produced a head-wind-to-tail-wind shear of 115 ft/sec. The wind patterns derived from the flight-data analysis are in general agreement with results derived from Doppler weather radar and from a numerical microburst simulation.

Coppenbarger, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Coordinated observations of chemical releases from the ground and from aircraft at high latitudes

The ground observations of the Na-Li trail released from a Nike-Apache rocket obtained by the Geophysical Institute are discussed. By using the nominal trajectory for a 60 pound payload and the particular rocket, a best fit trajectory was determined based on the Ester Dome photographic data, launch time and earth-sun geometrical shadow height. From these calculations, the height of obvious features along the trail were determined and their velocity estimated. A clockwise rotation of the velocity vector with increasing height was observed. Velocities deduced at various altitudes were then compared to meter radar data also obtained during this period. The comparisons of these two neutral wind measurements techniques are satisfactory.

Romick, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Meteor Wind Results at Durham (43 Deg N, 71 Deg W) During the ATMAP November 1981 and May 1982 Campaigns

Winds modeled from data measured with the University of New Hampshire Meteor Wind Radar System at Durham, New Hampshire, over the two 4-day periods November 20 to 23, 1981 and May 8 to 11, 1982 are presented. The raw meteor wind data was fit in a least square sense to a three dimensional model containing mean, 12-, 24-, and 48-h periods. The means winds for both periods are very close to the three year average values at Durham during May and November, respectively. The semidiurnal component for the November period had a normal amplitude and phase, and an estimated veritcal wavelength of 60 km. The May period results were essentially typical except that the Northward amplitude was 3 to 4 times smaller than normal. The diurnal amplitudes measured for both periods are typical for Durham and the diurnal phase is normally not very consistent. The 48-hour component amplitude is typical for these months. The intrinsic errors fo the radar are approximately + or - 2 km in position and + or - 4 m/s in radial velocity including quantization errors. These errors are random with zero mean and should not bias the wind results.

Clark, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Initialization of a modeled convective storm using Doppler radar-derived fields

A method is developed to initialize convective storm simulations with Doppler radar-derived fields. Input fields for initialization include velocity, rainwater derived from radar reflectivity, and pressure and temperature fields obtained through thermodynamic retrieval. A procedure has been developed to fill in missing wind data, followed by a variational adjustment to the filled wind field to minimize 'shocks' that would otherwise cause the simulated fields to deteriorate rapidly. A series of experiments using data from a simulated storm establishes the feasibility of the initialization method. Multiple-Doppler radar observations from the 20 May 1977 Del City tornadic storm are used for the initialization experiments. Simulation results are shown and compared to observations taken at a later time. The simulated storm shows good agreement with the subsequent observations, though the simulated storm appears to be evolving faster than observed. Possible reasons for the discrepancies are discussed.

Lin, Ying↗
NASA NTRS1983

Evaluation of Doppler radar for airport wind shear detection

The utility of Doppler radar measurement techniques for detecting low-level wind shear at airports is examined. The Doppler radar data of the Joint Airport Weather Studies (JAWS) for windshear microburst features are analyzed, in order to determine the optimal resolution, sensitivity, and scanning strategy for a standard system. The performance of three separate systems for measuring wind shear at heights of less than 200 meters is compared. The three systems included a dual-Doppler system, a single off-airport Doppler system, and a single on-airport Doppler system. On the basis of the comparison the following recommendations are offered concerning the optimal performance of a Doppler radar system in the airport environment: (1) the system should be able to measure radial velocities over a range of reflectivity of -10-80 dBZ; (2) ground clutter should be reduced; and techniques for identifying and disseminating wind shear information should be automated.

Wilson, J.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Technology for Safer Skies

The Bendix RDR-4B airborne weather radar, developed by Allied Signal Commercial Avionic Systems, is the product of a decade-long Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)/NASA/industry/academia research program. Numerous aircraft accidents had occurred because of windshear, a sudden shift in wind direction and velocity. A characteristic of windshear is the microburst, a column of air which cools rapidly in a thunderstorm and generates intense downdrafts. Microbursts can cause an airplane to lose lift and speed and then crash. A Congressional Mandate to the FAA launched the program with NASA to develop the essential technology for detecting and avoiding microbursts. Langley Research Center developed microburst sensors, including Doppler microwave radar, which sends a radio wave ahead of the aircraft to measure windshear velocity. These predictions give pilots time to prepare for the microbursts. After flight tests and the design of certification standards, the FAA required all commercial aircraft to install some type of windshear detector or predictor.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1984

Microburst wind structure and evaluation of Doppler radar for airport wind shear detection

The horizontal and vertical structure of airflow within microbursts has been determined using Doppler weather radar data from the Joint Airport Weather Studies (JAWS) Project. It is shown that the downdraft typically associated with microbursts is about 1 km wide and begins to spread horizontally at a height below 1 km. The median time from initial divergence at the surface to maximum differential wind velocity across the microburst is five minutes. The height of maximum differential velocity is about 75 m, and the median velocity differential is 22 m/s over an average distance of 3.1 km. The outflow of the air is asymmetric, averaging twice as strong along the maximum axis compared to the mininum axis. Some technical requirements for a radar system to detect microbursts and to provide aircraft with early warnings of the onset of windshear are identified.

Wilson, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Lightning Behavior and its Dependence on Storm Kinematic and Precipitation Processes in Northern Alabama

Numerous case studies and recent modeling studies have found that various metrics of updraft intensity appear to be reasonably well correlated to lightning production in thunderstorms, particularly severe thunderstorms. Indeed, the relationship between updraft and lightning flash rate is hypothesized to be the physical connection between a lightning "jump" signature and manifestations of severe weather such as tornadic activity. This study further examines this connection using a combination of dual Doppler wind retrievals made with the UAH ARMOR dual polarimetric and KHTX WSR 88D Doppler radar pair, together with northern Alabama Lightning Mapping Array (LMA) data. The dual Doppler data were used to construct three dimensional wind fields and the retrieved vertical velocity fields were subsequently compared to collocated total lightning flash rates observed by the LMA. Particular attention was paid to the timing of updraft pulses relative to changes in the flash rate, with the goal of assessing impacts on warning decision lead time. Results from the analysis of severe and non severe thunderstorms in Northern Alabama will be presented including the EF 4 tornado producing supercell on 6 February 2008.

Johnson, Elsie V.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Momentum Flux Determination Using the Multi-beam Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar

In this paper, we develop an estimator for the vertical flux of horizontal momentum with arbitrary beam pointing, applicable to the case of arbitrary but fixed beam pointing with systems such as the Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar (PFISR). This method uses information from all available beams to resolve the variances of the wind field in addition to the vertical flux of both meridional and zonal momentum, targeted for high-frequency wave motions. The estimator utilises the full covariance of the distributed measurements, which provides a significant reduction in errors over the direct extension of previously developed techniques and allows for the calculation of an error covariance matrix of the estimated quantities. We find that for the PFISR experiment, we can construct an unbiased and robust estimator of the momentum flux if sufficient and proper beam orientations are chosen, which can in the future be optimized for the expected frequency distribution of momentum-containing scales. However, there is a potential trade-off between biases and standard errors introduced with the new approach, which must be taken into account when assessing the momentum fluxes. We apply the estimator to PFISR measurements on 23 April 2008 and 21 December 2007, from 60-85 km altitude, and show expected results as compared to mean winds and in relation to the measured vertical velocity variances.

Momentum flux↗