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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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1984

Flight measurement and analysis of AAFE RADSCAT wind speed signature of the ocean

The advanced aerospace flight experiment radiometer scatterometer (AAFE RADSCAT) which was developed as a research tool to evaluate the use of microwave frequency remote sensors to provide wind speed information at the ocean surface is discussed. The AAFE RADSCAT helped establish the feasibility of the satellite scatterometer for measuring both wind speed and direction. The most important function of the AAFE RADSCAT was to provide a data base of ocean normalized radar cross section (NRCS) measurements as a function of surface wind vector at 13.9 GHz. The NRCS measurements over a wide parametric range of incidence angles, azimuth angles, and winds were obtained in a series of RADSCAT aircraft missions. The obtained data base was used to model the relationship between k sub u band radar signature and ocean surface wind vector. The models developed therefrom are compared with those used for inversion of the SEASAT-A satellite scatterometer (SASS) radar measurements to wind speeds.

Schroeder, L. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

AAFE RADSCAT 13.9-GHz measurements and analysis - Wind-speed signature of the ocean

The Advanced Applications Flight Experiment Radiometer Scatterometer, or 'AAFE RADSCAT', was developed as a research tool for the evaluation of the use of microwave remote sensors in gathering data on wind speed at the ocean's surface. The most important function of AAFE RADSCAT was to furnish a data base of ocean normalized radar cross section (NRCS) measurements as a function of surface wind vector at 13.9 GHz. The NRCS measurements cover a wide parametric range of incidence and azimuth angles and winds. Attention is presently given to analyses of data from the 26 RADSCAT flights during which the quality of the sensors and the surface wind measurements were felt to be understood; subsets of the data base are used to model the relationship between the Ku-band radar signature and the ocean surface wind vector.

Schroeder, L. C.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Experimental Report: Multi-Instrument Comparison of AAF Condensation Particle Counters

Condensation particle counters (CPCs), also known as condensation nucleus counters (CNCs) are sophisticated instruments designed to measure the concentration of aerosol particles in the atmosphere. These devices are pivotal in environmental monitoring, industrial applications, and scientific research, particularly in atmospheric studies. CPCs are vital for understanding the role of aerosols in climate systems. Aerosols influence cloud formation, radiative forcing, and atmospheric chemistry. By providing accurate measurements of particle concentrations and distributions, CPCs contribute to models that predict atmospheric impact and weather patterns (Mei et al. 2021). CPCs operate by enlarging submicron particles, including those as small as a few nanometers, to sizes detectable by optical methods. This report delves into the mechanisms, importance, and contributions of CPCs to atmospheric research at the U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Aerial Facility (AAF), highlighting their role in advancing air quality assessment, pollution control, and atmospheric studies.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Experimental Report: Multi-Instrument Comparison of AAF Size Distribution Instruments

Aerosols are particles suspended in the atmosphere, ranging in size from nanometers to micrometers. Their size distribution affects key atmospheric processes, including nucleation, coagulation, scavenging, activation, and radiative properties (Seinfeld and Pandis 2016). Aerosol size distribution is a critical parameter in atmospheric science, influencing processes such as cloud formation and radiative forcing. Accurate representation of aerosol size distributions is essential for understanding their impact on climate, air quality, and human health. However, aerosol size and composition vary significantly across time and space due to meteorological conditions and natural or anthropogenic sources. (Wu and Boor 2021). Various instruments are used to measure aerosol size distributions, each with distinct principles, advantages, and limitations. This report begins with an in-depth overview of aerosol size-distribution comparison studies, focusing on the passive cavity aerosol spectrometer probe (PCASP), portable optical particle spectrometer (POPS), ultra-high-sensitivity aerosol spectrometer (UHSAS), aerodynamic particle sizer (APS), and scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS). All of these instruments are used by the U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Aerial Facility (AAF), which commissioned this comparison and report. The report evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of these instruments, highlights their applications, and discusses efforts to merge data from multiple instruments for comprehensive analysis.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1972

Earth resources programs at the Langley Research Center. Part 1: Advanced Applications Flight Experiments (AAFE) and microwave remote sensing program

The earth resources activity is comprised of two basic programs as follows: advanced applications flight experiments, and microwave remote sensing. The two programs are in various stages of implementation, extending from experimental investigations within both the AAFE program and the microwave remote sensing program, to multidisciplinary studies and planning. The purpose of this paper is simply to identify the main thrust of the Langley Research Center activity in earth resources.

Parker, R. N.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Measurements of AAFE RADSCAT antenna characteristics

Antenna characteristics (active and passive) for a modified AAFE-RADSCAT parabolic dish antenna are documented for a variety of antenna configurations. The modified antenna was a replacement for the original unit which was damaged in January 1975. Pattern measurements made at Langley Research Center and Johnson Space Center are presented, with an analysis of the results. Antenna loss measurements are also presented and summarized.

Cross, A. E.↗
NASA NTRS1947

Flight Tests of Rocket-Powered "Tin-Can" Models of AAF Project MX-800

Flight tests were made of six noninstrumented rocket-powered "Tin Can" models of AAF Project MX-800. Velocity and drag data were obtained by use of CU Doppler radar. The existence of stability and adequate structural strength for flight near zero lift was checked by visual and photographic observation. Drag data obtained during the tests agreed reasonably well with estimates based on experimental data from NACA RM-2 rocket-powered drag research models.

Purser, Paul E.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Converting from CVF to AAF

A computer program called dsn config converter automates what had been a manual process for updating the multimission adaptation file (multi.aaf) used by a multiple-mission-command-sequence-generating process comprised of a combination of the AUTOGEN and APGEN programs mentioned in the immediately preceding article. The program converts the dsn_config.cvf file that provides DSN (Deep Space Network) antenna configuration code mappings from a context variable file (CVF) format used in another part of the command generation process to an APGEN activity file (AAF) format used by AUTOGEN and APGEN. Whereas previously, the information in the dsn_config.cvf file was manually encoded into the multi.aaf file, now the program automatically generates a dsn_config.aaf file from the dsn_config.cvf file. As part of this development effort the multi.aaf file was adapted to use the new dsn_config.aaf representations. Through this automation a tedious error-prone step has now been replaced by a quick and robust step.

Gladden, Roy E.↗
DOE OSTI2024

ARM Aerial Facility (AAF) Water-based Condensation Particle Counter

The condensation particle counter (CPC) measures sub-micron aerosol particle number concentration by condensing fluid onto particles and causing them to grow to sizes that are easily detectable by optical scattering. The condensing liquid is typically an alcohol (e.g., butanol) or water. Depending on the CPC type, typical CPC instruments can count particles with sizes that range from 3 to 3000 nanometers (ultrafine CPC) or from 10 to 3000 nanometers (fine CPC).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

ARM Aerial Facility (AAF) - Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Cloud Droplet Probe with QC and lat/lon/alt

The Cloud Droplet Probe (CDP) is designed to measure cloud droplet size distribution from 2 µm to 50 µm. The CDP and an appropriate data system can also calculate various other parameters including particle concentrations, effective diameter (ED), Median Volume Diameter (MVD), and Liquid Water Content (LWC). The b1 level adds standard quality control flags, and merges in flight navigation data.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1973

Development of a rotating gravity gradiometer for earth orbit applications (AAFE)

Some preliminary mission studies are described along with the design, fabrication, and test of a breadboard model of an earth orbital, rotating gravity gradiometer with a design goal of 10 to the minus 11th power/sec sq (0.01 EU) in a 35-sec integration time. The proposed mission uses a Scout vehicle to launch one (or two orthogonally oriented) spin-stabilized satellites into a 330-km circular polar orbit some 20 days before an equinox. During the short orbital lifetime, the experiment would obtain two complete maps of the gravity gradient field with a resolution approaching 270 km (degree 75). The breadboard model of the gradiometer demonstrated a combined thermal and electronic noise threshold of 0.015 EU per data channel. The design changes needed to reduce the noise to less than 0.01 EU were identified. Variations of the sensor output signal with temperature were experimentally determined and a suitable method of temperature compensation was developed and tested. Other possible error sources, such as sensor interaction with satellite dynamics and magnetic fields, were studied analytically and shown to be small.

Forward, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1973

The radiometer transfer function for the AAFE composite two-frequency radiometer scatterometer

A model was developed for the switching radiometer utilizing a continuous method of calibration. Sources of system degradation were identified and include losses and voltage standing wave ratios in front of the receiver input. After computing the three modes of operation, expressions were developed for the normalized radiometer output, the minimum detectable signal (normalized RMS temperature fluctuation), sensitivity, and accuracy correction factors).

Moore, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1974

AAFE man-made noise experiment project. Volume 1: Introduction experiment definition and requirements

An experiment was conducted to measure and map the man-made radio frequency emanations which exist at earth orbital altitudes. The major objectives of the program are to develop a complete conceptual experiment and developmental hardware for the collection and processing of data required to produce meaningful statistics on man-made noise level variations as functions of time, frequency, and geographic location. A wide dispersion measurement receiver mounted in a spacecraft operating in a specialized orbit is used to obtain the data. A summary of the experiment designs goals and constraints is provided. The recommended orbit for the spacecraft is defined. The characteristics of the receiver and the antennas are analyzed.

Source record↗