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At least 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Photometric Redshifts with the LSST. II. The Impact of Near-infrared and Near-ultraviolet Photometry

Accurate photometric redshift (photo-z) estimates are essential to the cosmological science goals of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). In this work, we use simulated photometry for mock galaxy catalogs to explore how LSST photo-z estimates can be improved by the addition of near-infrared (NIR) and/or ultraviolet (UV) photometry from the Euclid, Wide-Field InfrarRed Survey Telescope (WFIRST), and/or Cosmological Advanced Survey Telescope for Optical and ultraviolet Research (CASTOR) space telescopes. Generally, we find that deeper optical photometry can reduce the standard deviation of the photo-z estimates more than adding NIR or UV filters but that additional filters are the only way to significantly lower the fraction of galaxies with catastrophically under- or overestimated photo-z. For Euclid, we find that the addition of JH 5σ photometric detections can reduce the standard deviation for galaxies with z > 1 (z > 0.3) by ∼20% (∼10%), and the fraction of outliers by ∼40% (∼25%). For WFIRST, we show how the addition of deep YJHK photometry could reduce the standard deviation by ≳50% at z > 1.5 and drastically reduce the fraction of outliers to just ∼2% overall. For CASTOR, we find that the addition of its UV- and u-band photometry could reduce the standard deviation by ∼30% and the fraction of outliers by ∼50% for galaxies with z < 0.5. We also evaluate the photo-z results within sky areas that overlap with both the NIR and UV surveys and when spectroscopic training sets built from the surveys’ small-area deep fields are used.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Two Strengths of Ordinary Chondritic Meteoroids as Derived from Their Atmospheric Fragmentation Modeling

The internal structure and strength of small asteroids and large meteoroids is poorly known. Observation of bright fireballs in the Earth’s atmosphere can explore meteoroid structure by studying meteoroid fragmentation during the flight. Earlier evaluations showed that the meteoroid’s strength is significantly lower than that of the recovered meteorites. We present a detailed study of atmospheric fragmentation of seven meteorite falls, all ordinary chondrites, and 14 other fireballs, where meteorite fall was predicted but the meteorites, probably also ordinary chondrites, were not recovered. All observations were made by the autonomous observatories of the European Fireball Network and include detailed radiometric light curves. A model, called the semiempirical fragmentation model, was developed to fit the light curves and decelerations. Videos showing individual fragments were available in some cases. The results demonstrated that meteoroids do not fragment randomly but in two distinct phases. The first phase typically corresponds to low strengths of 0.04–0.12 MPa. In two-thirds of cases, the first phase was catastrophic or nearly catastrophic with at least 40% of mass lost. The second phase corresponds to 0.9–5 MPa for confirmed meteorite falls and somewhat lower strengths, from about 0.5 MPa, for smaller meteoroids. All of these strengths are lower than the tensile strengths of ordinary chondritic meteorites cited in the literature, 20–40 MPa. We interpret the second phase as being due to cracks in meteoroids and the first phase as a separation of weakly cemented fragments, which reaccumulated at the surfaces of asteroids after asteroid collisions.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1973

Homogeneity requirements for minimizing self-focusing damage by strong electromagnetic waves

The Rytov approximation for wave propagation in random media is generalized to include the effects of self-focusing. Solutions are obtained which show how the intensity fluctuations, which are either initially present in the wave or which are induced by the random inhomogeneities in the media, grow catastrophically. These solutions may be used to obtain conditions on the homogeneity of the medium, or of the incident beam, for reduction or elimination of catastrophic self-focusing in the medium.

Jokipii, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Impact fracture of composite sandwich structures

An experimental investigation of impact-initiated failures in high-strength graphite/epoxy and Kevlar-49/epoxy sandwich structures has been conducted. The tests consisted of firing small diameter aluminum projectiles with a velocity range of 16-67 meters/second (52-220 ft/sec) at preloaded sandwich specimens. These tests were intended to be representative of service conditions on materials and structures which might be used as secondary aircraft components. The preload and impact energy necessary to initiate catastrophic failure were determined. The residual strength of impact-damaged specimens was also measured. The results of these tests indicate that catastrophic failures in sandwich structures can be initiated at relatively low preloads by impact projectiles at energy levels well below that required to initiate visible damage.

Rhodes, M. D.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Quaternary geology of the Channeled Scabland and adjacent areas

The quaternary history of the channeled scabland is characterized by discrete episodes of catastrophic flooding and prolonged periods of loess accumulation and soil formation. The loess sequence was correlated with Richmond's Rocky Mountain glacial chronology. At least five major catastrophic flood events occurred in the general vicinity of the channeled scabland. The earliest episode occurred prior to the extensive deposition of the Palouse formation. The last major episode of flooding occurred between about 18,000 and 13,000 years ago. It probably consisted of two outbursts from glacial Lake Missoula.

Baker, V. R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

The Spokane flood controversy and the Martian outflow channels

The controversy over Bretz's hypothesis concerning the cataclysmic Spokane flood is discussed. Attention is directed to similarities between the Channeled Scabland of Washington and some Martian land features considered to be catastrophic flood channels. Characteristics of the enormous plexus of proglacial stream channels eroded into the loess and basalt of the Columbia Plateau in eastern Washington are described. The controversiality of the suggestion that a catastrophic flood is responsible for the Martian features is considered with respect to the Spokane flood controversy.

Baker, V. R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Wind-tunnel studies of the effects of simulated damage on the aerodynamic characteristics of airplanes and missiles

In order to assess the effects on static aerodynamic characteristics of battle damage to an aircraft or missile, wind tunnel studies were performed on models from which all or parts of the wing or horizontal or vertical tail had been removed. The effects of damage on the lift, longitudinal stability, lateral stability and directional stability of a swept-wing fighter are presented, along with the effects of wing removal on the control requirements of a delta-wing fighter. Results indicate that the loss of a major part of the vertical tail will probably result in the loss of the aircraft at any speed, while the loss of major parts of the horizontal tail generally results in catastrophic instability at subsonic speeds but, at low supersonic speeds, may allow the aircraft to return to friendly territory before pilot ejection. Major damage to the wing may be sustained without the loss of aircraft or pilot. The loss of some of the aerodynamic surfaces of cruise or surface-to-air missiles may result in catastrophic instability or may permit a ballistic trajectory to be maintained, depending upon the location of the lost surface with respect to the center of gravity of the missile.

Spearman, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Comparisons of the hydraulics of water flows in Martian outflow channels with flows of similar scale on earth

The hydraulics of channelized water flows on Mars and the resulting sediment transport rates are calculated, and similar computations are performed for such terrestrial analogs as the Mississippi River and the catastrophic Lake Missoula floods that formed the Channeled Scabland in eastern Washington State. The morphologies of deep-sea channels formed by catastrophic turbidity currents are compared with the Martian channels, many similarities are pointed out, and the hydraulics of the various flows are compared. The results indicate that the velocities, discharges, bottom shear stresses, and sediment-transport capacity of water flows along the Martian channels would be comparable to those of the oceanic turbidity currents and the Lake Missoula floods. It is suggested that the submarine canyons from which turbidity currents originate are the terrestrial counterparts to the chaotic-terrain areas or craters that serve as sources for many of the Martian channels.

Komar, P. D.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Collisional evolution of mass-distribution spectrum of planetesimals

The early growth of planetesimals by mutual direct collisions is numerically simulated with a Monte Carlo technique to show how planetesimals with specific mass and velocity distributions evolve into a full-size planet. Four types of collisions are taken into account: rebound, erosion, catastrophic break-up, and coagulation. It is shown that evolution of mass-distribution spectrum is expressed by an inverse power relation. It is also suggested that whether or not a planetesimal can survive catastrophic collision is primarily dependent on mean relative velocity and mechanical properties of planetesimals. It is necessary for the early growth of rocky (basaltic) materials that mean relative velocity be much smaller than 0.1 km/s. Otherwise it is necessary to introduce something like nucleating agents (such as iron bodies which have plastic properties at temperatures higher than 200 K) for the formation of terrestrial planets.

Matsui, T.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Effect of W and WC on the oxidation resistance of yttria-doped silicon nitride

The effect of tungsten and tungsten carbide contamination on the oxidation and cracking in air of yttria-doped silicon nitride ceramics is investigated. Silicon nitride powder containing 8 wt % Y2O3 was doped with 2 wt % W, 4 wt % W, 2 wt % WC or left undoped, and sintered in order to simulate contamination during milling, and specimens were exposed in air to 500, 750 and 1350 C for various lengths of time. Scanning electron and optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction of the specimens in the as-sintered state reveals that the addition of W or WC does not affect the phase relationships in the system, composed of alpha and beta Si3N4, melilite and an amorphous phase. Catastrophic oxidation is observed at 750 C in specimens containing 2 and 4 wt % W, accompanied by the disappearance of alpha Si3N4 and melilite from the structure. At 1350 C, the formation of a protective glassy oxide layer was observed on all specimens without catastrophic oxidation, and it is found that pre-oxidation at 1350 C also improved the oxidation resistance at 750 C of bars doped with 4 wt % W. It is suggested that tungsten contamination from WC grinding balls may be the major cause of the intermediate-temperature cracking and instability frequently observed in Si3N4-8Y2O3.

Schuon, S.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Radio frequency performance predictions for the hoop/column point design

Preliminary antenna pattern tests were conducted to determine if catastrophic effects were produced by cables (conducting) in the aperture. This test consisted of an apex feed illuminating a 3 meter solid reflector. A hoop/column configuration was used in positioning the various wires and cables. Radiation patterns were measured at 7 GHz and 10 GHz. No catastrophic effects were observed for this configuration, but additional tests are required to determine the effects for more precision multiple beam applications. In order to better understand the scattering and blockage effects on multiple beam performance, a 35 GHz model was used to model somewhat a single quad aperture configuration. Experimental results using this models are presented in graphs.

Campbell, T. G.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Mechanism of corrosion of Ni base superalloys by molten Na2MoO4 at elevated temperatures

The corrosion of nickel base superalloy, U-700, by molten Na2MoO4 was studied in the temperature range of 750 deg to 950 deg C. After an induction period, the rate of corrosion is linear and catastrophic corrosion is observed. It is shown that the induction period is associated with the attainment of a minimum MoO3 activity in the melt, which corresponds to the equilibrium MoO3 activity for the reaction, 2MoO3(l) + Mo = 3MoO2(s). A mechanism is proposed to describe the catastrophic nature of corrosion, which involves transport of Ni++ through the melt resulting in formulation of NiO at the melt gas interface and basic fluxing of Cr2O3. The effect of the amount of Na2MoO4 on the corrosion kinetics was also studied. It is found that evaporation and the thermodynamic calculations for the Na2MoO4 - MoO3 system the activity of MoO3 is reduced considerably when dissolved in Na2MoO4, which causes a sharp decrease in the rate of evaporation of MoO3 from a Na2MoO4 - MoO3 melt.

Misra, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The 19 March 1982 Eruption and Lahar at Mount Saint Helens: Implications for Martian Outlfow Channels?

A small explosive eruption of Mount St. Helens set into motion an unusually complex series of geomorphic and hydrologic processes that had not previously been described in the literature. This event was unusual in that a laterally-directed eruption dislodged and mobilized a thick snowpack from the surrounding crater floor and walls, resulting in the formation of a temporary lake. Catastrophic release of this self-impounded lake spawned a series of destructive debris avalanches and debris flows that moved rapidly down the volcano's north flank and into the North Toutle River valley. Catastrophic release of volatiles mobilized by volcanic activity has been discussed as a possible mechanism to explain a class of outflow channels on Mars. The eruption of Mount St. Helens provides a unique opportunity to study the deposits and landforms created by such an event; a more detailed field study and examination of Viking photographs of martian outflow channels is underway.

Beach, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Planetary geomorphology field studies: Iceland and Antarctica

Field studies of terrestrial landforms and the processes that shape them provide new directions to the study of planetary features. These studies, conducted in Iceland and in Antarctica, investigated physical and chemical weathering mechanisms and rates, eolitan processes, mudflow phenomena, drainage development, and catastrophic fluvial and volcanic phenomena. Continuing investigations in Iceland fall in three main catagories: (1) catastrophic floods of the Jokulsa a Fjollum, (2) lahars associated with explosive volcanic eruptions of Askja caldera, and (3) rates of eolian abrasion in cold, volcanic deserts. The ice-free valleys of Antarctica, in particular those in South Victoria Land, have much is common with the surface of Mars. In addition to providing independent support for the application of the Iceland findings to consideration of the martian erosional system, the Antarctic observations also provide analogies to other martian phenomena. For example, a family of sand dunes in Victoria Valley are stabilized by the incorporation of snow as beds.

Malin, M. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Progress on Experimental Impact Studies

Experimental impact studies were undertaken. Ejecta velocity distributions and related results from regolith targets were studied. The velocity distributions, energy partitioning, and related properties from 14 impacts at speeds 5 to 2321 m/s in vacuo into regolith-like fine powders were derived. Data are analyzed on: velocity and mass distributions as a function of azimuth around the crater during oblique impacts catastrophic disruption of spherical targets of variable strength, and catastrophic disruption of irregular-shaped natural rock targets and artificial granular aggregate targets.

Hartmann, W. K.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Test program to provide confidence in liquid oxygen cooling of hydrocarbon fueled rocket thrust chambers

An experimental program has been planned at the NASA Lewis Research Center to build confidence in the feasibility of liquid oxygen cooling for hydrocarbon fueled rocket engines. Although liquid oxygen cooling has previously been incorporated in test hardware, more runtime is necessary to gain confidence in this concept. In the previous tests, small oxygen leaks developed at the throat of the thrust chamber and film cooled the hot-gas side of the chamber wall without resulting in catastrophic failure. However, more testing is necessary to demonstrate that a catastrophic failure would not occur if cracks developed further upstream between the injector and the throat, where the boundary layer has not been established. Since under normal conditions cracks are expected to form in the throat region of the thrust chamber, cracks must be initiated artificially in order to control their location. Several methods of crack initiation are discussed in this report. Four thrust chambers, three with cracks and one without, should be tested. The axial location of the cracks should be varied parametrically. Each chamber should be instrumented to determine the effects of the cracks, as well as the overall performance and durability of the chambers.

Armstrong, E. S.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Remote sensing and disaster monitoring - A review of applications in Indonesia

The role played by remote sensors on-board the Landsat and NOAA-7 satellites in monitoring and management of three catastrophic events that took place in 1982 and 1983 in Indonesia (two major volcanic eruptions and a large-scale forest fire) is assessed. The modes of operation of the satellite platforms, the types of data derived, and data availability to the users are described, and the sources of failures and delays (such as the presence of clouds, technical and computer errors, red-tape, etc.) are examined. The major drawbacks of the Landsat-supplied information for monitoring short-lived and fast-changing events were the insufficient frequency of data acquisition, delayed delivery of data, and extended times needed for data distribution and processing. Indonesia's NOAA-7 and GMS sensors, although of low spatial resolution, offered higher frequency of data collection, and profited from the existence of a local receiving station. The present value of the space-based imagery is seen mainly in the baseline assessment of the disaster-prone areas, which can assist in preparing these areas for the impending catastrophic events.

Malingreau, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Experimental studies of collision and fragmentation phenomena

The reduction and publication of an extensive data set collected in experiments over several years at Ames and PSI is briefly examined. Hartmann has been assembling data sets from his experiments on catastrophic fragmentation of various materials, including basalt, other igneous rock, ice, and weak dirt clods. Weidenschilling and Davis have continued to gather and reduce data on oblique impacts. The data indicate a power law distribution of ejecta mass vs. velocity, with a slope that is independent of azimuth, and does not vary with impact angle from normal impacts to at least 75 deg from vertical. In order to improve models of coagulation of dust aggregates in the solar nebula, SJW developed an apparatus for drop tests of fragile projectiles. Davis and Weidenschilling continued to collect and analyze experimental data on collisional catastrophic disruption at the Ames Vertical Gun Range.

Hartmann, William K.↗