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Results for “Thermal anomaly”

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 NTRS1975

An investigation of thermal anomalies in the Central American volcanic chain and evaluation of the utility of thermal anomaly monitoring in the prediction of volcanic eruptions

The author has identified the following significant results. Ground truth data collection proves that significant anomalies exist at 13 volcanoes within the test site of Central America. The dimensions and temperature contrast of these ten anomalies are large enough to be detected by the Skylab 192 instrument. The dimensions and intensity of thermal anomalies have changed at most of these volcanoes during the Skylab mission.

Stoiber, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1978

The persistence and size of thermal anomalies on Venus

Thermal maps of Venus on 16 days during a span of 43 days just before inferior conjunction were obtained during 1973-1974 and are described. The research represents a first step towards the goal of using ground-based observations to determine the time and space scales of dynamical events taking place in the Venus clouds. The described average limb darkening differs from that reported by Ingersoll and Orton (1974). Real day-to-day changes in limb darkening, one occasion of a 4-day repetition of a thermal anomaly, solar-related anomalies, and a southern hemisphere solar-related disturbance are discussed.

Brown, R. A.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Capsule network-based semantic segmentation model for thermal anomaly identification on building envelopes

Thermography technology is widely used to inspect thermal anomalies in building façade systems. Computer vision-based techniques provide opportunities to autonomously detect such heat anomalies to significantly improve the efficiency of decision-making for building envelope retrofitting and maintenance. Here, in this work, we propose a novel Capsule Network-based deep learning model – CapsLab – that detects and identifies thermal anomalies by semantic segmentation. CapsLab is built based on our proposed prediction-tuning capsule (PT-Capsule) layer. Different from a traditional capsule layer, which consists of part-whole transformation and capsule-routing process, the proposed layer is composed of a prediction and tuning process, which helps decreasing the number of model parameters significantly. While the applicability of traditional Capsule Networks (CapsNets) has been limited to simpler tasks and smaller datasets due to their scalability issue, we can leverage the lightweight of the proposed PT-Capsule layer, and apply it to the semantic segmentation task. In this work, we also employ our previously presented performance metric, referred to as the Anomaly Identification Metric (AIM) (Kakillioglua et al. 2021), to evaluate the segmentation outputs. Traditional performance metrics do not accurately reflect the true performance of the segmentation models in thermal anomaly identification due to the high subjectivity in the annotation process and higher overlap ratio sensitivity of the standard metrics. AIM, on the other hand, is robust to these drawbacks. Experimental results show, both qualitatively and quantitatively, that our proposed segmentation method can effectively segment the thermal anomalies. Specifically, our model provides 9.38% and 13.53% improvements over the baseline model – DeepLabV3+ – based on traditional mIoU score and the AIM score, respectively, while requiring less model parameters and less computation at the same time. In addition, the scores that the AIM metric generates better align with the scores provided by building performance experts.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS1991

Effects of depth-dependent thermal expansivity on mantle circulations and lateral thermal anomalies

The influences of depth-dependent thermal expansivity on the structure of Newtonian thermal convection and lateral thermal anomalies are studied. In an aspect-ratio ten box the effects of the depth-dependent expansivity are to produce large aspect-ratio cells with a few relatively stationary upwellings. The lateral thermal anomalies in the lower mantle are greatly diminished by depth-dependent expansivity. This together with a decrease in the temperature derivative of seismic velocities in the lower mantle would support the low level of lateral heterogeneities found in recent tomographic studies.

Hansen, Ulrich↗
NASA NTRS1977

CTS TEP thermal anomalies: Heat pipe system performance

A part of the investigation is summarized of the thermal anomalies of the transmitter experiment package (TEP) on the Communications Technology Satellite (CTS) which were observed on four occasions in 1977. Specifically, the possible failure modes of the variable conductance heat pipe system (VCHPS) used for principal thermal control of the high-power traveling wave tube in the TEP are considered. Further, the investigation examines how those malfunctions may have given rise to the TEP thermal anomalies. Using CTS flight data information, ground test results, analysis conclusions, and other relevant information, the investigation concentrated on artery depriming as the most likely VCHPS failure mode. Included in the study as possible depriming mechanisms were freezing of the working fluid, Marangoni flow, and gas evolution within the arteries. The report concludes that while depriming of the heat pipe arteries is consistent with the bulk of the observed data, the factors which cause the arteries to deprime have yet to be identified.

Marcus, B. D.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Volcanic activity and satellite-detected thermal anomalies at Central American volcanoes

The author has identified the following significant results. A large nuee ardente eruption occurred at Santiaguito volcano, within the test area on 16 September 1973. Through a system of local observers, the eruption has been described, reported to the international scientific community, extent of affected area mapped, and the new ash sampled. A more extensive report on this event will be prepared. The eruption is an excellent example of the kind of volcanic situation in which satellite thermal imagery might be useful. The Santiaguito dome is a complex mass with a whole series of historically active vents. It's location makes access difficult, yet its activity is of great concern to large agricultural populations who live downslope. Santiaguito has produced a number of large eruptions with little apparent warning. In the earlier ground survey large thermal anomalies were identified at Santiaguito. There is no way of knowing whether satellite monitoring could have detected changes in thermal anomaly patterns related to this recent event, but the position of thermal anomalies on Santiaguito and any changes in their character would be relevant information.

Stoiber, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Engima of a thermal anomaly - A TM/AVHRR study of the volcanic Arabian highlands

Discovery of a large thermal anomaly in the western Arabian highlands on Landsat TM imagery is reported. The anomaly, 15 C warmer than surroundings, forms a 2-km-wide arc around the southern flank of Jebel Chada, a volcano active in 1256 AD. It is recorded by AVHRR imagery as well, despite the 1.1-km spatial resolution of this sensor. Air photos and geologic maps show no bedrock unit that corresponds to the anomaly. Digital techniques were applied to the TM and AVHRR data, including contrast enhancement, density slicing, principal components analysis, and construction of multiband composite images. It is concluded that the anomaly results from a thin cover of volcanic ash or cinder that is optically indistinguishable from underlying basalt, rather than from internal (volcanic or hydrologic) heat sources.

Blodget, H. W.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Short-term climatic fluctuations forced by thermal anomalies

A two-level, global, spectral model has been used to study the effects of thermal anomalies on short-time climatic fluctuations. It is found that the coupled sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) pattern in the Pacific Ocean is capable of producing the anomaly geopotential heights given by Horel and Wallace (1981). Although the El Nino surface temperature pattern produces a significant geopotential height anomaly in extratropical latitudes, the signal is weaker than the coupled SSTAs case. The variance of temperature resulting from stationary and transient eddies acts differently for the two anomaly patterns. In coupled SSTA, quasi-permanent responses of the atmosphere, such as blocking, are typical, while in the single SSTA (tropical Pacific), an increase in the transient activity is observed.

Hanna, A. F.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Thermal anomalies in stressed Teflon.

In the course of testing polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) as a calorimetric gasketing material, serendipity revealed a thermal anomaly in stressed film that occurs concomitantly with the well-documented 25 C transition. The magnitude of the excess energy absorption - about 35 cal/g - is suggested to be related to the restricted thermal expansion of the film.

Lee, S. H.↗
NASA NTRS2026

Tidal Tomography Reveals a Thermal Anomaly Beneath Mars’s Crustal Dichotomy

Mars undergoes seasonal tidal forcing as a result of its eccentric orbit and the tilt of its rotation axis relative to the Sun1. Response to this forcing produces temporal variations in the Martian gravity field and is sensitive to the internal structure of the planet2,3,4. Using tracking data from the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), Mars Odyssey (ODY) and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) spacecraft5,6,7, we demonstrate that degree-3 components of the time-variable gravity field of Mars differ by up to 300% from predictions for a spherically symmetric planet8,9,10. These deviations can be explained if the effective shear modulus of the mantle varies by >20% over a roughly north–south pattern that closely aligns with the surface expression of the Martian crustal dichotomy11. On the basis of this correlation, we infer preservation of a 200–400 °C thermal anomaly in the present-day mantle below the southern highlands of Mars. This temperature variation could reflect regional mantle convection12,13 or insulation by the thick southern highlands crust of Mars that has persisted over several billion years14,15.

Mars↗
NASA NTRS2001

Space Science Payloads Optical Properties Monitor (OPM) Mission Flight Anomalies Thermal Analyses

The OPM was the first space payload that measured in-situ the optical properties of materials and had data telemetered to ground. The OPM was EVA mounted to the Mir Docking Module for an eight-month stay where flight samples were exposed to the Mir induced and natural environments. The OPM was comprised of three optical instruments; a total hemispherical spectral reflectometer, a vacuum ultraviolet spectrometer, and a total integrated scatterometer. There were also three environmental monitors; an atomic oxygen monitor, solar and infrared radiometers, and two temperature-controlled quartz crystal microbalances (to monitor contamination). Measurements were performed weekly and data telemetered to ground through the Mir data system. This paper will describe the OPM thermal control design and how the thermal math models were used to analyze anomalies which occurred during the space flight mission.

Schmitz, Craig P.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Thermal anomalies of the transmitter experiment package on the communications technology satellite

The causes of four temporary thermal-control-system malfunctions that gave rise to unexpected temperature excursions in the 12-gigahertz, 200-watt transmitter experiment package (TEP) on the Communications Technology Satellite were investigated. The TEP consists of a nominal 200-watt output stage tube (OST), a supporting power-processing system (PPS), and a variable-conductance heat-pipe system (VCHPS). The VCHPS, which uses three heat pipes to conduct heat from the body of the OST to a radiator fin, was designed to maintain the TEP at safe operating temperatures at all operating conditions. On four occasions during 1977, all near the spring and fall equinoxes, the OST body temperature and related temperatures displayed sudden, rapid, and unexpected rises above normal levels while the TEP was operating at essentially constant, normal conditions. The temperature excursions were terminated without TEP damage by reducing the radio frequency (RF) output power of the OST. Between the anomalies and since the fourth, the thermal control system has apparently functioned as designed. The results indicate the most probable cause of the temperature anomalies is depriming of the arteries in the variable-conductance heat pipes. A mode was identified in which the TEP, as presently configured, may operate with stable temperatures and with minimum change in performance level.

Alexovich, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS2015

On the Thermal Anomaly of Lake Untersee

Reported here is the outcome from a student internship undertaken with Dr. Chris McKay at the NASA Ames Research Center. The project for this internship focuses on Lake Untersee, an Earth analog for icy moons. The anoxic hole of Lake Untersee has a thermal bump that was first observed by Wand et al., 1997 and has been confirmed several times (Wand et al., 2006; Andersen 2011). The expected thermal profile of the hole is linear from 0 C at the thermocline to approximately 4 C, the ground temperature in Antarctica, at the bottom. Instead, there is an increase from 0 C near the thermocline to 5 C which is maintained for 7 m, then a linear profile to approximately 4 C near the bottom. Thermal modeling was conducted to quantify the energy input required to maintain the bump. The results revealed 2 sources. Chemical reactions and radiative energy were analyzed as possible explanation. The chemical analysis revealed a peak in Chlorophyll a at the same depth as the shallower source and several interesting reactions with maximum rates at the same location as the lower depth source. However, the energy released from these reactions was orders of magnitude smaller than required source. The radiation analysis revealed a profile with two peaks in similar locations to the sources and a total energy input within a factor of 1.5 of the required sources. The conclusion from this work is that photosynthesis and the chemical reactions support microbial life in the water column which in turn acts as an opacity to convert radiative energy into thermal energy. Recommendations for future work are aimed at quantifying the quantity and types of microbes present in the water column. Beyond the work of the project, two field trips are described and a discussion on benefits to the student of the internship is given.

Earth analog for icy moons↗