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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 163 records · Page 9

Cross beam weather watch study

An optical cross beam correlation method has been proposed as a remote measuring system for atmospheric studies. Atmospheric measurements are limited due to the difficulty of placing measuring instruments at the desired location. Although meteorological towers and balloon flights are able to obtain wind data, they are greatly limited in their location. Thus, a real need exists for remote-sensing instrumentation in atmospheric measurements. Previous methods proposed to remotely sense atmospheric conditions include several types of microwave units, acoustic sounders, infrared sensors, optical sensors, and related laser techniques. The evaluation of a simple visible optical technique as a possible remote measuring system is discussed. A feasibility study of field tests of the instrumentation at meteorological sites is reported.

Sandborn, V. A.↗

Optical devices: A compilation

Technological developments in the field of optics devices which have potential utility outside the aerospace community are described. Optical instrumentation, light generation and transmission, and laser techniques are among the topics covered. Patent information is given.

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Large Deployable Antenna Shuttle Experiment

An experiment designed to use the Space Shuttle in tests of the mechanical and electrical properties of spaceborne deployable antennas under zero-gravity conditions is outlined. Space-erectable 20-meter diameter phased arrays or reflector/feed systems, and self-deploying mechanisms, are to be tested. Reflector surface integrity will be tested by an AM laser technique, and electrical behavior will be tested by a spin-stabilized RF beacon injected into orbit prior to unfurlment of the antenna. Focusing and gain measurements, static pattern measurements, dynamic RF gain measurements, and measurements of cross-polarized signals will be conducted, and the reflector will be illuminated by separate feeds for the S-, X-, and K-bands. Mechanical features of the mesh-wrapped rib furlable antenna design are described.

Freeland, R. E.↗

Agricultural scene understanding

The author has identified the following significant results. The LACIE field measurement data were radiometrically calibrated. Calibration enabled valid comparisons of measurements from different dates, sensors, and/or locations. Thermal band canopy results included: (1) Wind velocity had a significant influence on the overhead radiance temperature and the effect was quantized. Biomass and soil temperatures, temperature gradient, and canopy geometry were altered. (2) Temperature gradient was a function of wind velocity. (3) Temperature gradient of the wheat canopy was relatively constant during the day. (4) The laser technique provided good quality geometric characterization.

Landgrebe, D. A.↗

The Chesapeake Bay: A challenge to the remote sensing community

The use of remote sensing in studying, monitoring, and understanding the Chesapeake Bay was examined. References to multispectral scanning, laser techniques, infrared microwave, and radar were made. These aspects were then analyzed with multidimensional models, digital analysis, and holographic projections.

James, C. E.↗

OAST Space Theme Workshop. Volume 3: Working group summary. 3: Sensors (E-3). A. Statement. B. Technology needs (form 1). C. Priority assessment (form 2). D. Additional assessment

Developments required to support the space power, SETI, solar system exploration and global services programs are identified. Instrumentation and calibration sensors (rather than scientific) are needed for the space power system. Highly sophisticated receivers for narrowband detection of microwave sensors and sensors for automated stellar cataloging to provide a mapping data base for SETI are needed. Various phases of solar system exploration require large area solid state imaging arrays from UV to IR; a long focal plane telescope; high energy particle detectors; advanced spectrometers; a gravitometer; and atmospheric distanalyzer; sensors for penetrometers; in-situ sensors for surface chemical analysis, life detection, spectroscopic and microscopic analyses of surface soils, and for meteorological measurements. Active and passive multiapplication sensors, advanced multispectral scanners with improved resolution in the UV and IR ranges, and laser techniques for advanced probing and oceanographic characterization will enhance for global services.

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Transonic flow about a two-dimensional airfoil inviscid and turbulent flow properties.

Flow-field measurements are presented for a symmetrical NACA 64A010 airfoil section at transonic conditions. Measurements were obtained for three angles of attack with the free-stream Mach number fixed at 0.8. The cases studied included a weak shock wave/boundary layer interaction, an interaction of medium strength with mild separation, and an interaction of sufficient strength to produce a shock-induced stall situation. Two nonintrusive optical techniques, laser velocimetry and holographic interferometry, were used to characterize the flows. The results include Mach number contours and flow angle distributions in the inviscid flow regions, and turbulent flow properties, including the turbulent Reynolds stresses, of the upper surface viscous layers, and of the near-wake. The turbulent flow measurements reveal that the turbulence fluctuations attain equilibrium with the local mean flow much faster than previously expected.

Johnson, D. A.↗

Laser /39/Ar-/40/Ar dating of two clasts from consortium breccia 73215

A laser Ar-39-Ar-40 study of the components of an ANT-suite anorthositic gabbro and a black aphanite from a consortium breccia is reported. A wide range of K-Ar ages is found for the plagioclase in the anorthositic gabbro; at the centers of the largest grains is material showing the greatest age (older than 4.11 billion years) while the youngest material (3.81-3.88 billion years) is found near the grain margins. Partial outgassing of the clasts upon incorporation into the breccia could account for the age patterns. The black aphanite clast appears to be cogenetic with the aphanite that forms the breccia matrix. The time of crystallization of a lunar granite has also been measured by the laser technique.

Eichhorn, G.↗

Transonic flow past a symmetrical airfoil at high angle of attack

The results of an experimental investigation of shock-induced stall and leading-edge stall on a 64A010 airfoil section are presented. Advanced nonintrusive techniques - laser velocimetry, holographic interferometry, and buried-wire anemometry - were used in characterizing the inviscid and viscous flow regions. The measurements include Mach contours of the inviscid flow regions, and mean velocity, flow direction and Reynolds shear stress profiles in the separated regions. The experimental observations of this study are relevant to efforts to improve surface pressure prediction methods for airfoils at or near stall.

Johnson, D. A.↗

High-resolution spectral measurement of the HNO3 5.9-micron band using a tunable diode laser

High resolution spectra in the region of the v(2) band of nitric acid have been obtained for selected portions of the HNO3 spectrum using tunable diode laser techniques. Continuous spectra are presented from 1718.97/cm to 1729.57/cm, with a spectral resolution not greater than 0.001/cm (30 MHz). Absolute line intensities and line positions are presented. Self- and foreign-gas (N2) broadening coefficients were iteratively calculated from the experimental data and were determined to be alpha(a) = 0.74/cm atm and alpha (f) = 0.13/cm atm, respectively.

Bair, C. H.↗

Production of OH from photolysis of HOCl at 307-309 nm

Laser-induced fluorescence has been used to measure the amount of OH produced in the laser photolysis of HOCl at 310 nm. The HOCl was generated by the Cl2O + H2O and by the HCl + Cl2O reactions. The laser technique samples OH on a microsecond time scale so that secondary radical reactions cannot contribute significantly to the observed signals. The fluorescence signals were calibrated with O3-H2O mixtures, the reactions O3 + h(nu) yields O(1D) + O2 and O(1D) + H2O yields 2OH yielding known amounts of OH. The value for the absorption cross section of HOCl at 310 nm has been determined to be 6 x 10 to the -20th sq cm, assuming K(eq) = 0.082 for the Cl2O + H2O yields 2HOCl system and assuming unit quantum yield for the production of OH. The present investigation further supports earlier experimental work concluding that HOCl will photodissociate rapidly and will not be an important holding tank for chlorine in the stratosphere. These results are in disagreement with theoretical calculations of the UV absorption spectrum of HOCl in the 300-350-nm wavelength region.

Molina, M. J.↗

Ground-based lidar measurements of ozone, water vapor and aerosols in the lower stratosphere and troposphere

Lidar measurements of ozone and water vapor concentrations were performed during several field experiments in 1980-1981 by means of the differential absorption laser technique. Profiles up to 26 km for ozone and up to 9 km for water vapor are presented. Also, a lidar survey of aerosol layers ranging from 12 to 23 km were performed following the Mt. St. Helens major eruption (May 1980). Experiments were conducted at the CNRS lidar facility of the Haute Provence Observatory which is located in southern France (44 deg N, 5 deg E). For ozone a vertical profile is recorded in three sequences, each requiring 15 min of acquisition time. The relative accuracy is better than 5 percent at the lower altitude and falls to 20 percent at 25 km. For water vapor the time sequences are 4 min or 8 min long and the accuracy is better than 10 percent in the lower troposphere.

Flamant, P. H.↗

Shuttle experiment to demonstrate high-accuracy global time and frequency transfer

The concept of a high-accuracy global time and frequency transfer system is discussed. A hydrogen maser clock onboard a space vehicle combined with a microwave Doppler cancellation system can provide direct frequency transfer with an accuracy of 10 to the -14th and time transfer accurate to 1 ns. The addition of short pulse laser techniques provides subnanosecond time transfer accuracy which can be used to calibrate the microwave system.

Allan, D. W.↗

Production of metal particles and clusters

The feasibility of producing novel metals or metal clusters in a low gravity environment was studied. The production of coordinately unsaturated metal carbonyls by thermolysis or photolysis of stable metal carbonyls has the potential to generate novel catalysts by this technique. Laser irradiation of available metal carbonyls was investigated. It is found that laser induced decomposition of metal carbonyls is feasible for producing a variety of coordinately unsaturated species. Formation of clustered species does occur but is hampered by weak metal-metal bonds.

Mcmanus, S. P.↗