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NASA NTRS1991

An ab initio study of the C3(+) cation using multireference methods

The energy difference between the linear 2 sigma(sup +, sub u) and cyclic 2B(sub 2) structures of C3(+) has been investigated using large (5s3p2d1f) basis sets and multireference electron correlation treatments, including complete active space self consistent fields (CASSCF), multireference configuration interaction (MRCI), and averaged coupled-pair functional (ACPF) methods, as well as the single-reference quadratic configuration interaction (QCISD(T)) method. Our best estimate, including a correction for basis set incompleteness, is that the linear form lies above the cyclic from by 5.2(+1.5 to -1.0) kcal/mol. The 2 sigma(sup +, sub u) state is probably not a transition state, but a local minimum. Reliable computation of the cyclic/linear energy difference in C3(+) is extremely demanding of the electron correlation treatment used: of the single-reference methods previously considered, CCSD(T) and QCISD(T) perform best. The MRCI + Q(0.01)/(4s2p1d) energy separation of 1.68 kcal/mol should provide a comparison standard for other electron correlation methods applied to this system.

Taylor, Peter R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Efficient transfer of images over networks

Effective remote observing requires sending large images over long distances. The usual approach to the transfer problem is to require high bandwidth transmission links, which are expensive to install and operate. An alternative approach is to use existing low-bandwidth connections, such as phone lines or the Internet, in a highly efficient manner by compressing the images. The combined use of existing low-cost infrastructure and standard networking software means that remote observing can be made practical even for small observatories with limited network resources. The authors have implemented such a scheme based on the H-transform compression method developed for astronomical images, which are often resistant to compression because they are noisy. The H-transform can be used for either lossy or lossless compression, and compression factors of at least 10 can be achieved with no noticeable losses in the astrometric or photometric properties of the compressed images. The H-transform allows us to organize the information in an image so that the 'useful' information can be sent first, followed by the noise, which makes up the bulk of the transmission. The receiver can invert a partially received set of H-coefficients, creating an image that improves with time. The H-transform is particularly well-suited to this style of incremental reconstruction, because the spatially localized nature of the basis functions of the H-transorm prevents the appearance of artifacts such as ringing around point sources and edges. The authors' implementation uses the WIYN Telescope Control System's TCP-based communications protocol. An 800x800 16-bit astronomical image was sent over a 2400 baud connection, which would normally take about 71 minutes; after only 60 seconds, the partially received H-transform produced an image that did not differ appreciably from the original. This poster presents a quantification of the efficiencies, as well as examples of images reconstructed from partial data.

Percival, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1991

A proposal to extend our understanding of the global economy

Satellites acquire information on a global and repetitive basis. They are thus ideal tools for use when global scale and analysis over time is required. Data from satellites comes in digital form which means that it is ideally suited for incorporation in digital data bases and that it can be evaluated using automated techniques. The development of a global multi-source data set which integrates digital information is proposed regarding some 15,000 major industrial sites worldwide with remotely sensed images of the sites. The resulting data set would provide the basis for a wide variety of studies of the global economy. The preliminary results give promise of a new class of global policy model which is far more detailed and helpful to local policy makers than its predecessors. The central thesis of this proposal is that major industrial sites can be identified and their utilization can be tracked with the aid of satellite images.

Hough, Robbin R.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Performance of D-Parameters in Isolating Meteor Showers from the Sporadic Background

It is often necessary to draw a division between meteor showers and the sporadic meteor complex in order to study these components of the meteoroid environment. Meteor showers persist for less than a season and are composed of members with a greater-than-average degree of orbital similarity. The level of orbital similarity is often quantified using so-called D-parameters; a D-parameter cutoff may be employed to define or extract a shower. Depending on the study, this cutoff value may be chosen based on the size of the data-set, the percentage of sporadic meteors within the data-set, or the inclination of the shower in question. We argue that the cutoff value should also reject the strength of the shower compared to the local sporadic background. We therefore present a method for determining, on a per-shower basis, the D-parameter cutoff that limits the false-positive rate to an acceptable percentage. If the false-positive rate exceeds this percentage regardless of cutoff value, we deem the shower to be undetectable in our data. We apply this method to optical meteor observations from the NASA All-Sky and Southern Ontario Meteor Networks and present the detectable meteor showers and their characteristics.

Moorhead, Althea↗
NASA NTRS1984

A new technique to infer convective rainfall from satellite infrared cloud observations

GLAS-2, a modified version of the GLAS-1 technique developed by Negri et al. (1984) for estimating convective precipitation from GEO-satellite IR data, is introduced and demonstrated on the data set for the Florida Area Cumulus Experiment in 1980. In GLAS-2, rain cells are located by identification of all local blackbody-temperature minima below 253 K in an array of GOES digital data, and rain parameters are assigned on the basis of the one-dimensional cloud model of Adler and Mack (1984). The demonstration results are presented in graphs and tables and compared with those of GLAS-1 and a number of other methods as well as radar and rain-gage measurements. The false-alarm rate for GLAS-2 is found to be 0.54, somewhat better than that of other satellihte methods; further improvements are suggested.

Negri, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

On the identifiability of linear dynamical systems

Consider the situation in which the unknown parameters of a stationary linear system may be parametrized by a set of unknown parameters. The question thus arises of when such a set of parameters can be uniquely identified on the basis of observed data. This problem is considered here both in the case of input and output observations and in the case of output observations in the presence of a white noise input. Conditions for local identifiability are derived for both situations and a sufficient condition for global identifiability is given for the former situation, i.e., when simultaneous input and output observations are available.

Glover, K.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Nonlinear Modeling by Assembling Piecewise Linear Models

To preserve nonlinearity of a full order system over a parameters range of interest, we propose a simple modeling approach by assembling a set of piecewise local solutions, including the first-order Taylor series terms expanded about some sampling states. The work by Rewienski and White inspired our use of piecewise linear local solutions. The assembly of these local approximations is accomplished by assigning nonlinear weights, through radial basis functions in this study. The efficacy of the proposed procedure is validated for a two-dimensional airfoil moving at different Mach numbers and pitching motions, under which the flow exhibits prominent nonlinear behaviors. All results confirm that our nonlinear model is accurate and stable for predicting not only aerodynamic forces but also detailed flowfields. Moreover, the model is robustness-accurate for inputs considerably different from the base trajectory in form and magnitude. This modeling preserves nonlinearity of the problems considered in a rather simple and accurate manner.

Yao, Weigang↗
NASA NTRS1986

Terrain types and local-scale stratigraphy of grooved terrain on ganymede

Grooved terrain is subdivided on the basis of pervasive morphology into: (1) groove lanes - elongate parallel groove bands, (2) grooved polygons - polygonal domains of parallel grooves, (3) reticulate terrain - polygonal domains of orthogonal grooves, and (4) complex grooved terrain - polygons with several complexly cross-cutting groove sets. Detailed geologic mapping of select areas, employing previously established conventions for determining relative age relations, reveals a general three-stage sequence of grooved terrain emplacement: first, dissection of the lithosphere by throughgoing grooves, and pervasive deformation of intervening blocks; second, extensive flooding and continued deformation of the intervening blocks; third, repeated superposition of groove lanes concentrated at sites of initial throughgoing grooves. This sequence is corroborated by crater-density measurements. Dominant orientations of groove sets are parallel to relict zones of weakness that probably were reactivated during grooved terrain formation. Groove lane morphology and development consistent with that predicted for passive rifts suggests a major role of global expansion in grooved terrain formation.

Murchie, Scott L.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Validation and Improvement of SRTM Performance over Rugged Terrain

We have previously reported work related to basic technique development in phase unwrapping and generation of digital elevation models (DEM). In the final year of this work we have applied our technique work to the improvement of DEM's produced by SRTM. In particular, we have developed a rigorous mathematical algorithm and means to fill in missing data over rough terrain from other data sets. We illustrate this method by using a higher resolution, but globally less accurate, DEM produced by the TOPSAR airborne instrument over the Galapagos Islands to augment the SRTM data set in this area, We combine this data set with SRTM to use each set to fill in holes left over by the other imaging system. The infilling is done by first interpolating each data set using a prediction error filter that reproduces the same statistical characterization as exhibited by the entire data set within the interpolated region. After this procedure is implemented on each data set, the two are combined on a point by point basis with weights that reflect the accuracy of each data point in its original image. In areas that are better covered by SRTM, TOPSAR data are weighted down but still retain TOPSAR statistics. The reverse is true for regions better covered by TOPSAR. The resulting DEM passes statistical tests and appears quite feasible to the eye, but as this DEM is the best available for the region we cannot fully veri@ its accuracy. Spot checks with GPS points show that locally the technique results in a more comprehensive and accurate map than either data set alone.

Zebker, Howard A.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Global stratigraphy of Venus: Analysis of a random sample of thirty-six test areas

The age relations between 36 impact craters with dark paraboloids and other geologic units and structures at these localities have been studied through photogeologic analysis of Magellan SAR images of the surface of Venus. Geologic settings in all 36 sites, about 1000 x 1000 km each, could be characterized using only 10 different terrain units and six types of structures. Mapping of such units and structures in 36 randomly distributed large regions shows evidence for a distinctive regional and global stratigraphic and geologic sequence. On the basis of this sequence we have developed a model that illustrates several major themes in the history of Venus. Most of the history of Venus (that of its first 80% or so) is not preserved in the surface geomorphological record. The major deformation associated with tessera formation in the period sometime between 0.5-1.0 b.y. ago (Ivanov and Basilevsky, 1993) is the earliest event detected. Our stratigraphic analyses suggest that following tessera formation, extensive volcanic flooding resurfaced at least 85% of the planet in the form of the presently-ridged and fractured plains. Several lines of evidence favor a high flux in the post-tessera period but we have no independent evidence for the absolute duration of ridged plains emplacement. During this time, the net state of stress in the lithosphere apparently changed from extensional to compressional, first in the form of extensive ridge belt development, followed by the formation of extensive wrinkle ridges on the flow units. Subsequently, there occurred local emplacement of smooth and lobate plains units which are presently essentially undeformed. The major events in the latest 10% of the presently preserved history of Venus are continued rifting and some associated volcanism, and the redistribution of eolian material largely derived from impact crater deposits. Detailed geologic mapping and stratigraphic synthesis are necessary to test this sequence and to address many of the outstanding problems raised by this analysis.

Basilevsky, Alexander T.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Geological remote sensing signatures of terrestrial impact craters

Geological remote sensing techniques can be used to investigate structural, depositional, and shock metamorphic effects associated with hypervelocity impact structures, some of which may be linked to global Earth system catastrophies. Although detailed laboratory and field investigations are necessary to establish conclusive evidence of an impact origin for suspected crater landforms, the synoptic perspective provided by various remote sensing systems can often serve as a pathfinder to key deposits which can then be targetted for intensive field study. In addition, remote sensing imagery can be used as a tool in the search for impact and other catastrophic explosion landforms on the basis of localized disruption and anomaly patterns. In order to reconstruct original dimensions of large, complex impact features in isolated, inaccessible regions, remote sensing imagery can be used to make preliminary estimates in the absence of field geophysical surveys. The experienced gained from two decades of planetary remote sensing of impact craters on the terrestrial planets, as well as the techniques developed for recognizing stages of degradation and initial crater morphology, can now be applied to the problem of discovering and studying eroded impact landforms on Earth. Preliminary results of remote sensing analyses of a set of terrestrial impact features in various states of degradation, geologic settings, and for a broad range of diameters and hence energies of formation are summarized. The intention is to develop a database of remote sensing signatures for catastrophic impact landforms which can then be used in EOS-era global surveys as the basis for locating the possibly hundreds of missing impact structures. In addition, refinement of initial dimensions of extremely recent structures such as Zhamanshin and Bosumtwi is an important objective in order to permit re-evaluation of global Earth system responses associated with these types of events.

Garvin, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Global Dynamic Modeling of Space-Geodetic Data

The proposal had outlined a year for program conversion, a year for testing and debugging, and two years for numerical experiments. We kept to that schedule. In first (partial) year, author designed a finite element for isostatic thin-shell deformation on a sphere, derived all of its algebraic and stiffness properties, and embedded it in a new finite element code which derives its basic solution strategy (and some critical subroutines) from earlier flat-Earth codes. Also designed and programmed a new fault element to represent faults along plate boundaries. Wrote a preliminary version of a spherical graphics program for the display of output. Tested this new code for accuracy on individual model plates. Made estimates of the computer-time/cost efficiency of the code for whole-earth grids, which were reasonable. Finally, converted an interactive graphical grid-designer program from Cartesian to spherical geometry to permit the beginning of serious modeling. For reasons of cost efficiency, models are isostatic, and do not consider the local effects of unsupported loads or bending stresses. The requirements are: (1) ability to represent rigid rotation on a sphere; (2) ability to represent a spatially uniform strain-rate tensor in the limit of small elements; and (3) continuity of velocity across all element boundaries. Author designed a 3-node triangle shell element which has two different sets of basis functions to represent (vector) velocity and all other (scalar) variables. Such elements can be shown to converge to the formulas for plane triangles in the limit of small size, but can also applied to cover any area smaller than a hemisphere. The difficult volume integrals involved in computing the stiffness of such elements are performed numerically using 7 Gauss integration points on the surface of the sphere, beneath each of which a vertical integral is performed using about 100 points.

Bird, Peter↗
NASA NTRS1986

Nonlocal screening in metal surfaces

Due to the effect of the nonuniform environment on the static screening of the Coulomb potential, the local-density approximation for the particle-hole interaction is found to be inadequate to determine the surface energy of simple metals. Use of the same set of single-particle states, and thus the same one-body density and the same work function, has eliminated the single-electron states in favor of the structure of the short-ranged correlations as the basis of this effect. A posteriori simplifications of the Fermi hypernetted-chain theory may be found to allow the same calculational accuracy with simpler computational tools.

Krotscheck, E.↗
NASA NTRS2016

High-Performance Reaction Wheel Optimization for Fine-Pointing Space Platforms: Minimizing Induced Vibration Effects on Jitter Performance plus Lessons Learned from Hubble Space Telescope for Current and Future Spacecraft Applications

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) applies large-diameter optics (2.5-m primary mirror) for diffraction-limited resolution spanning an extended wavelength range (approx. 100-2500 nm). Its Pointing Control System (PCS) Reaction Wheel Assemblies (RWAs), in the Support Systems Module (SSM), acquired an unprecedented set of high-sensitivity Induced Vibration (IV) data for 5 flight-certified RWAs: dwelling at set rotation rates. Focused on 4 key ratios, force and moment harmonic values (in 3 local principal directions) are extracted in the RWA operating range (0-3000 RPM). The IV test data, obtained under ambient lab conditions, are investigated in detail, evaluated, compiled, and curve-fitted; variational trends, core causes, and unforeseen anomalies are addressed. In aggregate, these values constitute a statistically-valid basis to quantify ground test-to-test variations and facilitate extrapolations to on-orbit conditions. Accumulated knowledge of bearing-rotor vibrational sources, corresponding harmonic contributions, and salient elements of IV key variability factors are discussed. An evolved methodology is presented for absolute assessments and relative comparisons of macro-level IV signal magnitude due to micro-level construction-assembly geometric details/imperfections stemming from both electrical drive and primary bearing design parameters. Based upon studies of same-size/similar-design momentum wheels' IV changes, upper estimates due to transitions from ground tests to orbital conditions are derived. Recommended HST RWA choices are discussed relative to system optimization/tradeoffs of Line-Of-Sight (LOS) vector-pointing focal-plane error driven by higher IV transmissibilities through low-damped structural dynamics that stimulate optical elements. Unique analytical disturbance results for orbital HST accelerations are described applicable to microgravity efforts. Conclusions, lessons learned, historical context/insights, and perspectives on future applications are given; these previously unpublished data and findings represents a valuable resource for fine-pointing spacecraft or space-based platforms using RWAs, Control Moment Gyros (CMGs), Momentum Wheels, or other ball-bearing-based rotational units.

Hasha, Martin D.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Vortical sources of aerodynamic force and moment

It is shown that the aerodynamic force and moment can be expressed in terms of vorticity distribution (and entropy variation for compressible flow) on near wake plane, or in terms of boundary vorticity flux on the body surface. Thus the vortical sources of lift and drag are clearly identified, which is the real physical basis of optimal aerodynamic design. Moreover, these sources are highly compact, hence allowing one to concentrate on key local regions of the configuration, which have dominating effect to the lift and drag. A detail knowledge of the vortical low requires measuring or calculating the vorticity and dilatation field, which is however still a challenging task. Nevertheless, this type of formulation has some unique advantages; and how to set up a well-posed problem, in particular how to establish vorticity-dilatation boundary conditions, is addressed.

Wu, J. Z.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Surface gravity waves at equilibrium with a steady wind

Observations of wave fields' spatial evolution and of gravity wave spectra S(sub omega) are analyzed on the basis of the data reported by several research groups as well as on a 2-year data set of wind and wave measurements by stationary National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration buoys near the Hawaiian Islands. We seek to clarify the role of the wave energy advection (with the wave group velocity) in the overall energy balance. This advective transfer appears to be no less important than the local (breaking wave induced) dissipation as a factor of wind-wave equilibrium. The advection is found to manifest itself in the shape of wave spectra by reducing the rate at which the spectra density of the wave energy, S(sub omega approximately omega (exp -p), falls off as the frequency increases away from the spectra peak. This and other conclusions are derived by comparing the field observations with theoretical predictions of the weak turbulence theory for a spatially inhomogeneous, statistically stationary, wave field. The observations also indicate that the typical wave age xi = C(sub 0)/U in the open ocean is much greater than the limiting value 1.2 attributed to the 'fully developed sea.' Although the observed spectra can be approximated by a power law with a single 'effective' exponent, this apparent exponent, p, is found to depend on the wave age. At high xi and at frequencies below the generation range, -p tends to -3 rather than the value of -11/3 predicted by the Zakharov-Zaslavskii theory. This deviation is interpreted as pointing to a nonconservative nature of the inverse cascade, the latter including a leakage of energy to low-wavenumber modes. Dependence of the overall effective exponent on xi is shown to be responsible for variation in the coefficients b, B, c, C appearing in empirical fetch laws, such as xi = C bar-x (exp c) and e = B bar-x (exp B), where bar-x and e are the dimensionless fetch and wave energy, respectively.

Glazman, Roman E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Local-scale stratigraphy of grooved terrain on Ganymede

The surface of the Jovian satellite, Ganymede, is divided into two main units, dark terrain cut by arcuate and subradial furrows, and light terrain consisting largely of areas with pervasive U-shaped grooves. The grooved terrain may be subdivided on the basis of pervasive morphology of groove domains into four terrain types: (1) elongate bands of parallel grooves (groove lanes); (2) polygonal domains of parallel grooves (grooved polygons); (3) polygonal domains of two orthogonal groove sets (reticulate terrain); and (4) polygons having two to several complexly cross-cutting groove sets (complex grooved terrain). Reticulate terrain is frequently dark and not extensively resurfaced, and grades to a more hummocky terrain type. The other three grooved terrain types have almost universally been resurfaced by light material during their emplacement. The sequence of events during grooved terrain emplacement has been investigated. An attempt is made to integrate observed geologic and tectonic patterns to better constrain the relative ages and styles of emplacement of grooved terrain types. A revised model of grooved terrain emplacement is proposed and is tested using detailed geologic mapping and measurement of crater density.

Murchie, Scott L.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Effect of DCB extraction on Mossbauer and spectral data for a Hawaiian palagonitic soil (PN-9): Iden tification of pigmentary phases

The study of palagonitic soils is an active area of research in martian geoscience because the spectral and magnetic properties of a subset are spectral and/or magnetic analogues of martian bright regions. An understanding of the composition, distribution, and mineralogy of ferric-bearing phases for palagonitic soils forms, through spectral and magnetic data, a basis for inferring the nature of ferric-bearing phases on Mars. Progress has been made in this area, but the data set is incomplete, especially with respect to the nature of pigmenting phases. The purpose of this study is to identify the nature of the pigment for Hawaiian palagonitic soil PN-9 by using extraction procedures to selectively remove iron oxide phases. This soil was collected at the same locale as samples Hawaii 34 and VOL02. All three soils are good spectral analogues for martian bright regions.

Morris, Richard V.↗