Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “spatial prediction”

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 19 records

Spatial Predictive Modeling and Remote Sensing of Land Use Change in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

This project was focused on modeling the processes by which increasing demand for developed land uses, brought about by changes in the regional economy and the socio-demographics of the region, are translated into a changing spatial pattern of land use. Our study focused on a portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed where the spatial patterns of sprawl represent a set of conditions generally prevalent in much of the U.S. Working in the region permitted us access to (i) a time-series of multi-scale and multi-temporal (including historical) satellite imagery and (ii) an established network of collaborating partners and agencies willing to share resources and to utilize developed techniques and model results. In addition, a unique parcel-level tax assessment database and linked parcel boundary maps exists for two counties in the Maryland portion of this region that made it possible to establish a historical cross-section time-series database of parcel level development decisions. Scenario analyses of future land use dynamics provided critical quantitative insight into the impact of alternative land management and policy decisions. These also have been specifically aimed at addressing growth control policies aimed at curbing exurban (sprawl) development. Our initial technical approach included three components: (i) spatial econometric modeling of the development decision, (ii) remote sensing of suburban change and residential land use density, including comparisons of past change from Landsat analyses and more traditional sources, and (iii) linkages between the two through variable initialization and supplementation of parcel level data. To these we added a fourth component, (iv) cellular automata modeling of urbanization, which proved to be a valuable addition to the project. This project has generated both remote sensing and spatially explicit socio-economic data to estimate and calibrate the parameters for two different types of land use change models and has undertaken analyses of these models. One (the CA model) is driven largely by observations on past patterns of land use change, while the other (the EC model) is driven by mechanisms of the land use change decision at the parcel level. Our project may be the first serious attempt at developing both types of models for the same area, using as much common data as possible. We have identified the strengths and weaknesses of the two approaches and plan to continue to revise each model in the light of new data and new lessons learned through continued collaboration. Questions, approaches, findings, publication and presentation lists concerning the research are also presented.

Goetz, Scott J.↗

En Route Spacing System and Method

A method of and computer software for minimizing aircraft deviations needed to comply with an en route miles-in-trail spacing requirement imposed during air traffic control operations via establishing a spacing reference geometry, predicting spatial locations of a plurality of aircraft at a predicted time of intersection of a path of a first of said plurality of aircraft with the spacing reference geometry, and determining spacing of each of the plurality of aircraft based on the predicted spatial locations.

Heinz Erzberger↗

En route spacing system and method

A method of and computer software for minimizing aircraft deviations needed to comply with an en route miles-in-trail spacing requirement imposed during air traffic control operations via establishing a spacing reference geometry, predicting spatial locations of a plurality of aircraft at a predicted time of intersection of a path of a first of said plurality of aircraft with the spacing reference geometry, and determining spacing of each of the plurality of aircraft based on the predicted spatial locations.

Erzberger, Heinz↗

Nonsimultaneous coupled laser velocimeter measurement technique: Error prediction for spatially noncoincident measurements

A technique for obtaining orthogonal velocity components from nonorthogonal measurements using the NASA Ames Research Center Long-Range Laser Velocimeter (LRLV) is briefly discussed. A description is then presented of the error that occurs when these nonorthogonal measurements are spatially noncoincident because of positioning inaccuracies, and equations are developed for predicting this error. Sample data are presented and a prediction of the expected error for two typical applications is made. To cover other cases in general, a parametric study is conducted and the results are presented in a tabular format.

Reinath, M. S.↗

Synthetic Data Generation for 3D Mesh Prediction and Spatial Reasoning During Multi-Agent Robotic Missions

In-space assembly operations require accurate reasoning over the pose, location, and structural organization of both the autonomous agents and assembly materials. In a full six-degree-of-freedom space, an accurate understanding of the full three-dimensional structure of the object of interest greatly enriches information for pose estimation and collision planning. Current methods of predicting pose estimation require a priori understanding of the shape of the object. Additionally, visual information in the space environment is impacted by variations in contrast and illumination. Using synthetic data allows us to rapidly generate large datasets with in varying environments and lighting conditions.This work details the generation of synthetic data used to explore the use of a region-based convolutional neural networks to detect objects of interest and predict a voxel-based three-dimensional mesh in order to understand their full three-dimensional shape. This mesh provides useful spatial information during in-space assembly operations without requiring either the complexity of maintaining models over the progress of building an object or observations from multiple angles. The generated meshes are then compared to that of ground truth in order to measure its performance.

synthetic data↗

Synthetic Data Generation for 3D Mesh Prediction and Spatial Reasoning During Multi-Agent Robotic Missions

In-space assembly operations require accurate reasoning over the pose, location, and structural organization of both the autonomous agents and assembly materials. In a full six-degree-of-freedom space, an accurate understanding of the full three-dimensional structure of the object of interest greatly enriches information for pose estimation and collision planning. Current methods of predicting pose estimation require a priori understanding of the shape of the object. Additionally, visual information in the space environment is impacted by variations in contrast and illumination. Using synthetic data allows us to rapidly generate large datasets with in varying environments and lighting conditions. This work details the generation of synthetic data used to explore the use of a region-based convolutional neural networks to detect objects of interest and predict a voxel-based three-dimensional mesh in order to understand their full three-dimensional shape. This mesh provides useful spatial information during in-space assembly operations without requiring either the complexity of maintaining models over the progress of building an object or observations from multiple angles. The generated meshes are then compared to that of ground truth in order to measure its performance.

James Ecker↗

Remote sensing inputs to landscape models which predict future spatial land use patterns for hydrologic models

A tropical forest area of Northern Thailand provided a test case of the application of the approach in more natural surroundings. Remote sensing imagery subjected to proper computer analysis has been shown to be a very useful means of collecting spatial data for the science of hydrology. Remote sensing products provide direct input to hydrologic models and practical data bases for planning large and small-scale hydrologic developments. Combining the available remote sensing imagery together with available map information in the landscape model provides a basis for substantial improvements in these applications.

Miller, L. D.↗

On the Importance of Spatial Resolution for Flap Side Edge Noise Prediction

A spatial resolution study of flap tip flow and the effects on the farfield noise signature for an 18%-scale, semispan Gulfstream aircraft model are presented. The NASA FUN3D unstructured, compressible Navier-Stokes solver was used to perform the highly resolved, time-dependent, detached eddy simulations of the flow field associated with the flap for this high-fidelity aircraft model. Following our previous work on the same model, the latest computations were undertaken to determine the causes of deficiencies observed in our earlier predictions of the steady and unsteady surface pressures and off-surface flow field at the flap tip regions, in particular the outboard tip area, where the presence of a cavity at the side-edge produces very complex flow features and interactions. The present results show gradual improvement in steady loading at the outboard flap edge region with increasing spatial resolution, yielding more accurate fluctuating surface pressures, off-surface flow field, and farfield noise with improved high-frequency content when compared with wind tunnel measurements. The spatial resolution trends observed in the present study demonstrate that the deficiencies reported in our previous computations are mostly caused by inadequate spatial resolution and are not related to the turbulence model.

Mineck, Raymond E.↗

A comparison of the height distributions of solar flare hard X-rays in thick target and thermal models

Using recent observations of solar hard X-ray bursts having a spatial resolution of a few arcsec, a computation is made of the theoretically predicted spatial variation of hard X-ray flux versus height in both thick target nonthermal and thermal models of solar hard X-ray bursts. The work on the thick target model revises previous results in this area by adopting a more realistic model for the flaring atmospheric structure and also by taking into account energy loss and scattering processes in the evolution of the nonthermal electron beam which have previously been neglected. It is noted that in the so-called 'thermal' model currently in vogue there is a substantial nonthermal bremsstrahlung component at all photon energies; it is further demonstrated that this nonthermal component results in a hard X-ray flux versus height distribution whose maximum brightness per unit length is, similarly to the thick target model, located in the chromosphere and not in the thermal source itself. The characteristics of the hard X-ray height distributions in both thick target and thermal models are summarized and compared.

Emslie, A. G.↗

Aerodynamic interactions with turbulent jet exhaust plumes

The importance of aerodynamic interactions associated with external flow-field effects on turbulent jet exhaust plume structure is discussed. A viscous/inviscid prediction technique is presented which combines the overlaid mixing and inviscid plume components of the JANNAF Standardized Plume Flow-Field (SPF) model with inviscid external flow and boundary-layer analyses for treating nozzle afterbodies at subsonic/transonic speeds. Validation of the technique via comparisons between predictions and experiment for cold-air jet plumes is presented. Predicted spatial temperature distributions for hot, nonafterburning plumes are presented and compared to results obtained from more simplified prediction techniques in order to assess the importance of the aerodynamic interactions associated with external boundary layers and pressure gradients. It is demonstrated that these interactions play a significant role in determining the near-field turbulent mixing and inviscid plume shock structure. The implication of these results to plume radiation predictions is discussed.

Wilmoth, R. G.↗

A study of the diffuse galactic gamma radiation

Assuming cosmic rays pervade the Galaxy, they necessarily produced high energy gamma-rays as they interact with the instellar matter and photons. The cosmic ray nucleon interactions five rise to gamma rays primarily through the decay of pi mesons, giving a unique spectrum with a maximum at approximately 68 MeV. Cosmic ray electrons produce gamma rays through bremsstrahlung, but with a markedly different energy spectral shape, one which decreases monotonically with energy. Cosmic ray electrons also interact with the interstellar starlight, optical and infrared photons, and the blackbody radiation through the Compton process. A model of galactic gamma ray production is discussed, and the predicted spatial distribution and energy spectra are presented. Considering the uncertainty in the point source contributions, the agreement between the theoretical predictions and the gamma ray data seems quite reasonable.

Fichtel, C. E.↗

Spatial variations in ac susceptibility and microstructure for the YBa2Cu3O(7-x) superconductor and their correlation with room-temperature ultrasonic measurements

The spatial (within-sample) uniformity of superconducting behavior and microstructure in YBa2Cu3O(7-x) specimens over the pore fraction range of 0.10 to 0.25 was examined. The viability of using a room-temperature, nondestructive characterization method (ultrasonic velocity imaging) to predict spatial variability was determined. Spatial variations in superconductor properties were observed for specimens containing 0.10 pore fraction. An ultrasonic velocity image constructed from measurements at 1 mm increments across one such specimen revealed microstructural variation between edge and center locations that correlated with variations in alternating-current shielding and loss behavior. Optical quantitative image analysis on sample cross-sections revealed pore fraction to be the varying microstructural feature.

Roth, Don J.↗

Spatial variations in a.c. susceptibility and microstructure for the YBa2Cu3O(7-x) superconductor and their correlation with room-temperature ultrasonic measurements

The spatial (within-sample) uniformity of superconducting behavior and microstructure in YBa2Cu30(7-x) specimens over the pore fraction range of 0.10 to 0.25 was examined. The viability of using a room-temperature, nondestructive characterization method (ultrasonic velocity imaging) to predict spatial variability was determined. Spatial variations in superconductor properties were observed for specimens containing 0.10 pore fraction. An ultrasonic velocity image constructed from measurements at 1 mm increments across one such specimen revealed microstructural variation between edge and center locations that correlated with variations in alternating-current shielding and loss behavior. Optical quantitative image analysis on sample cross-sections revealed pore fraction to be the varying microstructural feature.

Roth, Don J.↗

Spatiotemporal Monitoring of Hydrilla [Hydrilla verticillata (L. f.) Royle] to Aid Management Actions

Hydrilla is an invasive aquatic plant that has rapidly spread through many inland water bodies across the globe by outcompeting native aquatic plants. Drinking water supply, power generation, and recreational use of lakes are threatened by the spread of this invasive species. Moreover, hydrilla serves as a host for an epiphytic, toxic cyanobacteria known to be the causative agent of the neurodegenerative disease called avian vacuolar myelinopathy, which affects waterfowl, raptors, and amphibians. The early detection of hydrilla infestation is very important to reduce the costs associated with control and removal efforts of this invasive species. Therefore, this study was aimed at developing a rapid, frequent, and large-scale tool for monitoring and predicting spatial extent of hydrilla habitat. This was achieved by integrating in situ and Landsat 8 OLI satellite data for Lake J. Strom Thurmond, the largest US Army Corps of Engineers Lake east of the Mississippi River located on the Georgia/South Caroline border. The predictive model incorporated remote sensing reflectance, Secchi disk depth (SDD), light attenuation coefficient (Kd), maximum depth of colonization (Zc), and percentage of light available through water column (PLW). The model predicted ideal habitat for hydrilla featuring high SDD, low values of Kd, high Zc and PLW. Final analysis showed that hydrilla starts growing in April, reaches peak around October, begins retreating in the following months, and disappears in February. Additionally, physical meteorological factors were analyzed and were found to be closely associated with hydrilla extent. Management agencies can use these results to not only to plan future removal efforts, but also evaluate and adapt their current mitigation efforts.

Percentage of light available through the water co↗

Analytical study of striated nozzle flow with small radius of curvature ratio throats

An analytical method was developed which is capable of estimating the chamber and throat conditions in a nozzle with a low radius of curvature throat. The method was programmed using standard FORTRAN 4 language and includes chemical equilibrium calculation subprograms (modified NASA Lewis program CEC71) as an integral part. The method determines detailed and gross rocket characteristics in the presence of striated flows and gives detailed results for the motor chamber and throat plane with as many as 20 discrete zones. The method employs a simultaneous solution of the mass, momentum, and energy equations and allows propellant types, 0/F ratios, propellant distribution, nozzle geometry, and injection schemes to be varied so to predict spatial velocity, density, pressure, and other thermodynamic variable distributions in the chamber as well as the throat. Results for small radius of curvature have shown good comparison to experimental results. Both gaseous and liquid injection may be considered with frozen or equilibrium flow calculations.

Norton, D. J.↗

A large area imaging gas scintillation proportional counter for use in X-ray astronomy

A large area (200 sq cm), broad bandwidth (0.1-70 keV), imaging gas scintillation proportional counter (IGSPC) has been constructed for use in X-ray astronomy. The IGSPC consists of a high pressure xenon gas scintillation proportional counter (GSPC) coupled to a multi-wire proportional counter (MWPC) via a calcium fluoride window. THe MWPC, filled with a mixture of argon, methane, and tetrakis (dimethylamino) ethylene, detects the UV photons emitted by the xenon gas in the GSPC. The detector has a measured energy resolution of 8.0 percent (FWHM) and 4.3 percent (FWHM) at 5.9 keV and 22.1 keV, respectively. The predicted spatial resolution of the detector is less than 1 mm (FWHM) between 3-22 keV and 37-60 keV. A method to determine the three-dimensional location of detected X-rays is described. In addition, a combination of discrimination schemes designed to reduce the non-X-ray background in the IGSPC by more than two orders of magnitude is discussed.

Ku, W. H.-M.↗

Radiation exposure of LDEF: Initial results

Initial results from Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) include radiation detector measurements from four experiments; P0006, P0004, M0004, and A0015. The detectors were located on both the leading and trailing edges of the orbiter and also at the Earthside end. This allowed the directional dependence of the incoming radiation to be measured. Total absorbed doses from thermoluminescent detectors (TLDs) verified the predicted spatial east-west dose dependence of a factor of approx. 2.5, due to trapped proton anisotropy in the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA). On the trailing edge of the orbiter, a range of doses from 664 to 291 rad were measured under nominal shielding of 0.42 to 8.45 g/sq cm. A second set of detectors near this locations results are also given. On the leading edge, doses of 258 to 210 rad were found under shielding of 1.25 to 2.48 g/sq cm. Initial charged particle LET (linear energy transfer) spectra, fluxes, doses, and dose equivalents, for LET in H2O greater than or = 5 keV/micron, were measured with plastic nuclear track detectors located in the four experiments. Also, preliminary data on low energy neutrons were obtained from detectors containing (6)LiF foils.

Benton, E. V.↗

Los Alamos NEP research in advanced plasma thrusters

Research was initiated in advanced plasma thrusters that capitalizes on lab capabilities in plasma science and technology. The goal of the program was to examine the scaling issues of magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster performance in support of NASA's MPD thruster development program. The objective was to address multi-megawatt, large scale, quasi-steady state MPD thruster performance. Results to date include a new quasi-steady state operating regime which was obtained at space exploration initiative relevant power levels, that enables direct coaxial gun-MPD comparisons of thruster physics and performance. The radiative losses are neglible. Operation with an applied axial magnetic field shows the same operational stability and exhaust plume uniformity benefits seen in MPD thrusters. Observed gun impedance is in close agreement with the magnetic Bernoulli model predictions. Spatial and temporal measurements of magnetic field, electric field, plasma density, electron temperature, and ion/neutral energy distribution are underway. Model applications to advanced mission logistics are also underway.

Schoenberg, Kurt↗