Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “temperature changes”

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 1,603 records · Page 89

Cloud Uniformity Measurement from NASA's 2nd Fundamental Ice Crystal Icing Test - Part 2 (Temperature and Humidity)

This paper provides a characterization of the temperature and humidity variations within icing cloud flows generated during the second Fundamental Ice Crystal Icing Physics test conducted in NASA’s Propulsion Systems Laboratory, in June of 2018. The tests were conducted at airflow velocities of 85, 135, and 185 m/s, a static pressure of 44.8 kPa, and a total temperature of 7.2 ⁰C. A custom rearward facing probe and commercial total air temperature probe were used to obtain temperature and humidity profiles of the icing cloud flow leaving the exit duct plane. Additional background humidity measurements were also obtained from a commercial total water content probe. The probes captured the changes in temperature and humidity that took place at the test section after the cloud was activated. As the main altitude airflow interacts with the icing cloud, their thermodynamic properties undergo substantial changes. Due to the particle nature of the icing cloud, the droplets and ice crystals tend to redistribute within the cloud as it propagates with the main flow. Data will be presented that shows how these factors affect the thermodynamic property distribution within the icing cloud. A discussion is given of the thermal balances in the icing cloud, between the evaporating spray droplets and the airflow, as a basis for interpreting the measured results.

Crystal Icing↗

Algorithm Stability and the Long-Term Geospace Data Record from TIMED/SABER

The ability of satellite instruments to accurately observe long-term changes in atmospheric temperature depends on many factors including the absolute accuracy of the measurement, the stability of the calibration of the instrument, the stability of the satellite orbit, and the stability of the numerical algorithm that produces the temperature data. We present an example of algorithm instability recently discovered in the temperature dataset from the SABER instrument on the NASA TIMED satellite. The instability resulted in derived temperatures that were substantially colder than anticipated from mid-December 2019 to mid-2022. This algorithm-induced change in temperature over one to two years corresponded to the expected change over several decades from increasing anthropogenic CO2. This paper highlights the importance of algorithm stability in developing Geospace Data Records (GDRs) for Earth’s mesosphere and lower thermosphere. A corrected version (Version 2.08) of the temperatures from SABER is described.

M G Mlynczak↗

Glycoalkaloids in potato tubers grown under controlled environments

Tuber content of alpha-solanine, alpha-chaconine, and total glycoalkaloids (TGA) was determined for the potato cultivars, Norland, Russet Burbank, and Denali grown under different environmental conditions in growth chambers. The lowest TGA concentrations (0.30 to 0.35 mg g-1 dry tissue) were found in the cv. Norland with 400 micromoles m-2 s-1 photosynthetic photon flux (PPF), 12 h day length, 16 C temperature, and 350 micromoles mol-1 carbon dioxide. The ratio of alpha-chaconine to alpha-solanine was close to 60:40 under all growing conditions, except that it was 50:50 under the low temperature of 12 C. Cultivars responded similarly to environmental conditions although TGA was about 20% greater in cv. Russet Burbank and about 30% greater in Denali compared to Norland. The largest changes in TGA occurred with changes in temperature. In comparison to 16 C, TGA were 40% greater at 12 C, 80% greater at 20 C, and 125% greater at 24 C (0.70 mg g-1 dry weight). The TGA concentration increased from 10 to 25% with an increase in light from 400 to 800 micromoles m-2 s-1 PPF for all three cultivars. TGA increased 20% with extension of the day length from 12 to 24 hr and also increased 20% when carbon dioxide was increased from 350 to 1000 micromoles mol-1. TGA concentrations were not influenced by changes in relative humidity from 50 to 80%. TGA concentrations decreased only slightly in harvests made from 9 to 21 weeks after planting. Variations in TGA among the different growing conditions and cultivars were below 20 mg/100 g fresh weight (approximately 1.0 mg g-1 dry weight) recognized as the upper concentration for food safety. However the results suggest that TGA should be considered when potatoes are grown at temperatures above 20 C.

NASA Discipline Life Support Systems↗

Depinning of the ferroelectric domain wall in congruent LiNbO{sub 3}

The high coercive field, E{sub c}, of congruent LiNbO{sub 3} can be reduced by doping with Mg or Zn atoms, or by increasing the temperature above a threshold value. The physical origin for this reduction is not currently understood. Here, density functional theory calculations illustrate the atomic origin of the change in the switching field of the congruent LiNbO{sub 3}. They show that the high E{sub c} in the congruent LiNbO{sub 3} is a result of niobium antisite atoms on the lithium sublattice, pinning the motion of the domain walls. Thus, the healing of antisites by diffusion can significantly reduce the coercive field. In addition, this work demonstrates that the migration of these niobium antisites can be enhanced by doping or by changing the temperature. Thus, the depinning process of the congruent LiNbO{sub 3} is understood by the migration of the niobium antisite defect across the domain wall.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

High-Temperature Gas Sensor Materials with Properties Predicted via First-Principles Calculations with Machine Learning Modeling and Experimental Corroboration

Understanding the temperature dependence of functional properties of sensing materials is vital for their applications in combustion environments. The electron-phonon coupling that derives the electronic structure change with temperatures is a key property of interest as it affects other sensing responses. Herein, we first assess the temperature dependence of band gap renormalization in sensing materials by employing Allen-Heine-Cardona (AHC) theory with density functional theory (DFT) simulations corroborated with experimental observation. As the AHC calculations are impractical for high-throughput screening of materials, we employ data-driven Gaussian process regression to predict the parameters employed in the O’Donnell empirical model from a set of physical features. To mitigate the reliability issues arising from the small size of the dataset, we apply a Bayesian technique to improve the generalizability of the data-driven models as well as to quantify the uncertainty associated with theoretical predictions. These models capture well the overall trend of the O’Donnell parameters with respect to a reduced feature set obtained by transforming the available physical features. Quantifying the associated uncertainty helps us understand the reliability of the predictions and, therefore, the variation of bandgap as a function of temperature for other novel materials. The predicted candidates from machine learning models are further validated by experiments and DFT calculations.

bandgap renormalization↗

Temporal variations in night-time hydroxyl rotational temperature.

Airborne and groundbased OH measurements showing short-term temporal variations in OH rotational temperature are presented. These variations are interpreted in terms of a dynamic model of the OH emitting layer in which the intensity variations result from the changes in temperature the OH layer undergoes as it moves during the night.

Sivjee, G. G.↗

A test and instrumentation system for the investigation of degradation of electrical insulating materials

A comprehensive test apparatus has been developed for the evaluation of the effects of thermal cycling, high temperatures and high electric fields on the quality and stability of electrical insulating materials used in spacecraft systems. The system includes a test chamber in which the specimen can be subjected to thermal and electrical stresses encountered in the space environment (temperatures from -50 to 200 C and voltages from 0 to 10 kV rms, respectively) simultaneously. The system instrumentation includes provisions for the measurement of the change in capacitance, the thermal dissipation factor of the material, and complex dielectric constants with changes in temperature, corona intensity and voltages at frequencies from 22 kHz to 70 MHz, as well as the volume and surface resistivities of the materials.

Doreswamy, C. V.↗

The effect of changing environmental conditions on microwave signatures of forest ecosystems - Preliminary results of the March 1988 Alaskan aircraft SAR experiment

In preparation for the ESA ERS-1 mission, a series of multitemporal, multifrequency, multipolarization aircraft SAR data sets were acquired near Fairbanks in March 1988. P-, L-, and C-band data were acquired with the NASA/JPL Airborne SAR on five different days over a period of two weeks. The airborne data were augmented with intensive ground calibration data as well as detailed simultaneous in situ measurements of the geometric, dielectric, and moisture properties of the snow and forest canopy. During the time period over which the SAR data were collected, the environmental conditions changed significantly; temperatures ranged from unseasonably warm (1 to 9 C) to well below freezing (-8 to -15 C), and the moisture content of the snow and trees changed from a liquid to a frozen state. The SAR data clearly indicate the radar return is sensitive to these changing environmental factors, and preliminary analysis of the L-band SAR data shows a 0.4 to 5.8 dB increase (depending on polarization and canopy type) in the radar cross section of the forest stands under the warm conditions relative to the cold. These SAR observations are consistent with predictions from a theoretical scattering model.

Way, Jobea↗

The Potential Impact of Satellite-Retrieved Cloud Parameters on Ground-Level PM2.5 Mass and Composition

Satellite-retrieved aerosol optical properties have been extensively used to estimate ground-level fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in support of air pollution health effects research and air quality assessment at the urban to global scales. However, a large proportion, approximately 70%, of satellite observations of aerosols are missing as a result of cloud-cover, surface brightness, and snow-cover. The resulting PM2.5 estimates could therefore be biased due to this non-random data missingness. Cloud-cover in particular has the potential to impact ground-level PM2.5 concentrations through complex chemical and physical processes. We developed a series of statistical models using the Multi-Angle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction (MAIAC) aerosol product at 1 km resolution with information from the MODIS cloud product and meteorological information to investigate the extent to which cloud parameters and associated meteorological conditions impact ground-level aerosols at two urban sites in the US: Atlanta and San Francisco. We find that changes in temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, planetary boundary layer height, convective available potential energy, precipitation, cloud effective radius, cloud optical depth, and cloud emissivity are associated with changes in PM2.5 concentration and composition, and the changes differ by overpass time and cloud phase as well as between the San Francisco and Atlanta sites. A case-study at the San Francisco site confirmed that accounting for cloud-cover and associated meteorological conditions could substantially alter the spatial distribution of monthly ground-level PM2.5 concentrations.

MAIAC AO↗

Bimetal sensor averages temperature of nonuniform profile

Instrument that measures an average temperature across a nonuniform temperature profile under steady-state conditions has been developed. The principle of operation is an application of the expansion of a solid material caused by a change in temperature.

Dittrich, R. T.↗

Engineering a laser remote sensor for atmospheric pressure and temperature

A system for the remote sensing of atmospheric pressure and temperature is described. Resonant lines in the 7600 Angstrom oxygen A band region are used and an organic dye laser beam is tuned to measure line absorption changes with temperature or pressure. A reference beam outside this band is also transmitted for calibration. Using lidar techniques, profiling of these parameters with altitude can be accomplished.

Kalshoven, J. E., Jr.↗

Lithological and textural controls on radar and diurnal thermal signatures of weathered volcanic deposits, Lunar Crater region, Nevada

Radar backscatter intensity as measured by calibrated synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems is primarily controlled by three factors: local incidence angle, wavelength-scale roughness, and dielectric permittivity of surface materials. Radar observations may be of limited use for geological investigations of surface composition, unless the relationships between lithology and the above characteristics can be adequately understood. In arid terrains, such as the Southwest U.S., weathering signatures (e.g. soil development, fracturing, debris grain size and shape, and hill slope characteristics) are controlled to some extent by lithologic characteristics of the parent bedrock. These textural features of outcrops and their associated debris will affect radar backscatter to varying degrees, and the multiple-wavelength capability of the JPL Airborne SAR (AIRSAR) system allows sampling of textures at three distinct scales. Diurnal temperature excursions of geologic surfaces are controlled primarily by the thermal inertia of surface materials, which is a measure of the resistance of a material to a change in temperature. Other influences include albedo, surface slopes affecting insolation, local meteorological conditions and surface emissivity at the relevant thermal wavelengths. To first order, thermal inertia variations on arid terrain surfaces result from grain size distribution and porosity differences, at scales ranging from micrometers to tens of meters. Diurnal thermal emission observations, such as those made by the JPL Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) airborne instrument, are thus influenced by geometric surface characteristics at scales comparable to those controlling radar backscatter. A preliminary report on a project involving a combination of field, laboratory and remote sensing observations of weathered felsic-to basaltic volcanic rock units exposed in the southern part of the Lunar Crater Volcanic Field, in the Pancake Range of central Nevada is presented. Focus is on the relationship of radar backscatter cross sections at multiple wavelengths, apparent diurnal temperature excursions identified in multi-temporal TIMS images, surface geometries related to weathering style, and parent bedrock lithology.

Plaut, Jeffrey J.↗

Dynamic Thermal Performance Analysis of PCM Products Used for Energy Efficiency and Internal Climate Control in Buildings

PCMs are attractive for the future generation of buildings, where energy efficiency targets and thermal comfort expectations are increasingly prioritized. Experimental analysis of local thermal processes in these dynamic components and whole-building energy consumption predictions are essential for the proper implementation of PCMs in buildings. This paper discusses the experimental analysis of the thermophysical characteristics of both a latent heat storage material (PCM) and a product containing this PCM. The prototype product under investigation is a panelized PCM technology containing inorganic, salt-hydrate-based PCM. The thermal analysis includes studies of melting and freezing temperatures, enthalpy changes during phase change processes, nucleation intensity, sub-cooling effects, and PCM stability. The PCM’s stability is also investigated, as is the ability of PCM products to control local temperatures and peak load transmission times. Two inorganic PCM formulations based on calcium chloride hexahydrate (CaCl 2 .6H 2 O) were prepared and tested in laboratory conditions. Material-scale testing results were compared with outcomes from the system-scale analysis, using both laboratory test methods as well as field exposure in test huts. This work demonstrates that PCM technologies used in buildings can effectively control both the magnitude of thermal storage capacity as well as the time of the peak thermal load. It was found that commonly used material-scale testing methods may not always be beneficial in assessing the dynamic thermal performance characteristics of building technologies containing PCMs.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Gas phase protonated nicotine is a mixture of pyridine- and pyrrolidine-protonated conformers: implications for its native structure in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

The infrared (IR) spectra of gas phase protonated nicotine has been measured in the never-before probed N–H “fingerprint region” (3200–3500 cm -1 ). The protonated molecules generated by an electrospray source are thermalized in the first ion trap with water vapor and He gas at a pre-determined temperature prior to being probed by IR spectroscopy in the second ion trap at 4 K. The IR spectra exhibit two N–H stretching bands which are assigned to the pyridine and pyrrolidine protomers with the aid of high-level electronic structure calculations. This finding is in sharp contrast to previous spectroscopic studies that suggested a single population of the pyridine protomer. The relative populations of the two protomers vary by changing the temperature of the thermalizing trap from 180-300 K. The relative conformer populations at 240 K and 300 K are well reproduced by the theoretical calculations, unequivocally determining that gas phase nicotine is a 3 : 2 mixture of both pyridine and pyrrolidine protomers at room temperature. The thermalizing anhydrous vapor does not result in any population change. It rather demonstrates the catalytic role of water in achieving equilibrium between the two protomers. The combination of IR spectroscopy and electronic structure calculations establish the small energy difference between the pyridine and pyrrolidine protomers in nicotine. Finally, one of the gas phase nicotine pyrrolidine protomers has the closest conformational resemblance among all low-lying energy isomers with the X-ray structure of nicotine in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Stability of SiC and SiN interfaces in titanium carbide and nitride based heterostructures

First-principles molecular dynamics simulations of the stability of the NaCl-type (B1) SiC and SiN interfaces in TiX/one multilayer SiY (X,Y=C,N) heterostructures were carried out as functions of temperature. It was previously shown that the SiX interfaces in the heterostructures based on transition metal compounds could be dynamically unstable owing to the elongated interfacial Si-X bonds compared to the Si-X bonds in the B1-SiX phases in equilibrium. However, this criterion is not satisfied for some SiX(111) interfaces. The aim of this work is to study the temperature-induced changes in the structure of the heterostructures under consideration and to clarify a possible origin of instability of the interfaces in them. It is shown that, at finite temperatures, the interfacial layer in the TiN(001)/SiC heterostructure transforms into the zinc blende-type (B3) SiC-like layer, whereas the interfaces in other (001) heterostructures transform into amorphous-like interfacial layers. The TiC(111)/SiC and TiN(111)/SiN heterostructures are stable up to 1400 K. The TiN(111)/B3-like SiC and TiC(111)/B3-like SiN systems form during static relaxation of the initial heterostructures. The phase transformations of the interfaces are explained in terms of dynamical and elastic stability criteria. In contrast to the (111) interfacial layers, all the B1-(001) interfaces are found to be dynamically unstable. The formation of the B3-(111) interfaces occurs due to the elastic instability of the corresponding B1-(111) interface

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Measured response of the equatorial thermospheric temperature to geomagnetic activity and solar flux changes

Fabry-Perot inteferometer determinations of thermospheric temperatures from 630.0-nm nightglow line-width measurements have been carried out for the period April-August 1983 from Arequipa, Peru (16.4-deg S, 71.5-deg W geographic; 4.4-deg S magnetic). The nightly variation of the thermospheric temperature T(n) measured on 62 nights is compared with MSIS model predictions and found to agree occasionally with the model but, on average, to exceed model predictions by about 180 K. The largest differences, 400-500 K, often occur during strongly increasing geomagnetic activity such as sudden commencements. The rapid increases in T(n) may result from energetic neutrals precipitating at low latitudes from the ring current or from energy carried to equatorial regions from high-latitude (auroral oval) heat sources by gravity waves and equatorward neutral winds.

Biondi, M. A.↗

Coupled stratospheric ozone and temperature responses to short-term changes in solar ultraviolet flux - An analysis of Nimbus 7 SBUV and SAMS data

Earlier studies of solar-induced variations in stratospheric parameters have been mainly concerned with observed ozone responses. In the present investigation, attention is given to temperature responses as well as ozone responses at low latitudes, taking into account 22 months of Nimbus 7 solar backscattered ultraviolet (SBUV) ozone and stratospheric and mesospheric sounder temperature data. A data description is provided, and cross-correlation and regression analyses are conducted. An extension is considered of an analytic model, which was derived by Frederick (1981) for the coupled behavior of ozone and temperature perturbations in the upper stratosphere and lower mesosphere. The extended model is applied to the results of the analyses. The obtained data provide statistical evidence for ozone and temperature responses to changes in solar ultraviolet flux on the time scale of the solar rotation period.

Hood, L. L.↗