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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 397 records · Page 22
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2000

BOREAS TE-23 Map Plot Data

The Boreal Ecosystem-Atmospheric Study (BOREAS) TE-23 (Terrestrial Ecology) team collected map plot data in support of its efforts to characterize and interpret information on canopy architecture and understory cover at the BOREAS tower flux sites and selected auxiliary sites from May to August 1994. Mapped plots (typical dimensions 50 m x 60 m) were set up and characterized at all BOREAS forested tower flux and selected auxiliary sites. Detailed measurement of the mapped plots included: (1) stand characteristics (location, density, basal area); (2) map locations diameter at breast height (DBH) of all trees; (3) detailed geometric measures of a subset of trees (height, crown dimensions); and (4) understory cover maps. The data are stored in tabular ASCII files. The data files are available on a CD-ROM (see document number 20010000884), or from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC).

Rich, Paul M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Land use mapping and modelling for the Phoenix Quadrangle

The author has identified the following significant results. The land use of the Phoenix Quadrangle in Arizona had been mapped previously from aerial photographs and recorded in a computer data bank. During the ERTS experiment, changes in land use were detected, first with the ERTS-simulation photographs, then with the ERTS-1 images when they became available. In each case, the I2S color additive viewer was used as the primary image enhancement tool, operated in a multispectral mode. A search was made for a method of creating hard copy color composite images of the best combinations of multiband composites from ERTS-1, mostly by photographic and diazo processes. The I2S viewer was also used to enhance changes between successive images by quick flip techniques or by registering with different color filters. Improved interpretation of land use change resulted, and a map of changes in the Phoenix Quadrangle was compiled using magnified ERTS-1 images alone. The first level of a standard land use classification system was successfully used. Between the ERTS-1 images for August and November, some differences were detected that could be caused by seasonal characteristics of vegetation or by change in use.

Place, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Evaluation of HCMM satellite data for estuarine tidal circulation patterns and thermal inertia soil moisture measurements

Digital thermal maps of the Cooper River (SC) and the Potomac River estuaries were prepared from heat capacity mapping radiometer (HCMR) tapes. Tidal phases were correctly interpreted and verified. Synoptic surface circulation patterns were charted by location thermal fronts and water mass boundaries within the estuaries. Thermal anomalies were detected adjacent of a conventional power plant on the Potomac. Under optimum conditions, estuaries as small as the Cooper River can be monitored for generalized thermal/tidal circulation patterns by the HCMM-type IR sensors. The HCMM thermal inertia approach to estimating soil moisture at the Luverne (MN) test site was found to be unsatisfactory as a NESS operational satellite technique because of cloud cover interference. Thermal-IR data show similar structure of the Baltimore and Washington heat islands when compared to NOAA AVHRR thermal-IR data. Thermal anomalies from the warm water discharge water of a nuclear power plant were mapped in Lake Anna, Virginia.

Wiesnet, D. R.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Data Mining and Visualization of High-Dimensional ICME Data for Additive Manufacturing

Integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) methods combining CALPHAD with process-based simulations can produce rich, high-dimensional data for alloy and process design. In ICME methods for metallurgical applications, the visualization and interpretation of such high-dimensional data has previously been through heat maps represented in 2 or 3 dimensions. While such an approach is ideal when one variable is varied at a time, in the case of high-dimensional data with multiple variables varied simultaneously, as is the case in additive manufacturing, interpreting the trends through two- or three-dimensional heat maps becomes challenging. Here, we propose a strategy of mixed visual data mining and quantitative analysis for high-dimensional metallurgical and process data using high-throughput thermodynamic calculations. Two case studies show the application of the proposed approach. The first case study investigated the effects of feedstock chemistry on the δ ferrite formation in 316L stainless steel powders used for binder jet additive manufacturing. The second case study linked Scheil–Gulliver calculations to a process model for dissimilar joining of aluminum alloys 5356 and 6111 during laser hot-wire additive manufacturing. Both cases contained thousands of calculated data points, showcasing the utility of visual data analysis through parallel coordinate plotting, Pearson correlation coefficient matrices, and scatter matrices compared to traditional process maps. These visualization techniques can be extended to many additive manufacturing problems to capture process–structure–property relationships for additively manufactured components.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1977

A procedure for merging land cover/use data from Landsat, aerial photography, and map sources - Compatibility, accuracy and cost

A method is developed to merge land cover/use data from Landsat, aerial photography and map sources into a grid-based geographic information system. The method basically involves computer-assisted categorization of Landsat data to provide certain user-specified land cover categories; manual interpretation of aerial photography to identify other selected land cover/use categories that cannot be obtained from Landsat data; identification of special features from aerial photography or map sources; merging of the interpreted data from all the sources into a computer compatible file under a standardized coding structure; and the production of land cover/use maps, thematic maps, and tabular data. The specific tasks accomplished in producing the merged land cover/use data file and subsequent output products are identified and discussed. It is shown that effective implementation of the merging method is critically dependent on selecting the 'best' data source for each user-specified category in terms of accuracy and time/cost tradeoffs.

Enslin, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Analysis of the characteristics appearing in LANDSAT multispectral images in the geological structural mapping of the midwestern portion of the Rio Grande do Sul shield

The central-western part of Rio Grande do Sul Shield was geologically mapped to test the use of MSS-LANDSAT data in the study of mineralized regions. Visual interpretation of the images a the scale of 1:500,000 consisted, in the identification and analysis of the different tonal and textural patterns in each spectral band. After the structural geologic mapping of the area, using visual interpretation techniques, the statistical data obtained were evaluated, specially data concerning size and direction of fractures. The IMAGE-100 system was used to enlarge and enhance certain imagery. The LANDSAT MSS data offer several advantages over conventional white and black aerial photographs for geological studies. Its multispectral characteristic (band 6 and false color composition of bands 4, 5 and 7 were best suitable for the study). Coverage of a large imaging area of about 35,000 sq km, giving a synoptical view, is very useful for perceiving the regional geological setting.

Parada, N. D. J.↗
NASA NTRS2020

Visible - Near Infrared Spectral Indices for Mapping Mineralogy and Chemistry with OSIRIS-REx

The primary objective of the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, SecurityRegolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission is to return to Earth a pristine sample of carbonaceous material from the primitive asteroid (101955) Bennu. To support compositional mapping as part of sample site selection and characterization, we tested 95 spectral parameters on visible to near infrared laboratory reflectance data of minerals and carbonaceous meteorites to find which of these parameters reliably identified spectral features of interest. Most spectral parameters had high positive detection rates when used on spectra of pure, single component materials. The meteorite spectra have fewer and weaker absorption features and, as a result, fewer detections with the spectral parameters. Parameters targeting absorptions at 0.7 and 2.7 – 3 µm, which arise due to hydrated minerals, were most successful for the meteorites. Based on these results, we have identified a set of 17 parameters that are most likely to be useful at Bennu and spectral analogs. These parameters detect olivines, pyroxenes, carbonates, water/OH-bearing minerals, serpentines, ferric minerals, and organics. Particle size and albedo are known to affect band depth but had a negligible impact on parameter accuracy. The effect of instrument-like noise added to the laboratory spectra can result in more false positive detections, but these exhibit large errors. Our study has determined the prioritization of spectral parameters used for OSIRISREx spectral analysis and mapping and informs the reliability of all parameter-derived data products.

Hannah H Kaplan↗
DOE OSTI2021

COVID19 Disease Map, a computational knowledge repository of virus–host interaction mechanisms

We need to effectively combine the knowledge from surging literature with complex datasets to propose mechanistic models of SARS-CoV-2 infection, improving data interpretation and predicting key targets of intervention. Here, we describe a large-scale community effort to build an open access, interoperable and computable repository of COVID-19 molecular mechanisms. The COVID-19 Disease Map (C19DMap) is a graphical, interactive representation of disease-relevant molecular mechanisms linking many knowledge sources. Notably, it is a computational resource for graph-based analyses and disease modelling. To this end, we established a framework of tools, platforms and guidelines necessary for a multifaceted community of biocurators, domain experts, bioinformaticians and computational biologists. The diagrams of the C19DMap, curated from the literature, are integrated with relevant interaction and text mining databases. We demonstrate the application of network analysis and modelling approaches by concrete examples to highlight new testable hypotheses. This framework helps to find signatures of SARS-CoV-2 predisposition, treatment response or prioritisation of drug candidates. Such an approach may help deal with new waves of COVID-19 or similar pandemics in the long-term perspective.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1975

Evaluation of EREP techniques for geological mapping

The author has identified the following significant results. Skylab photographs may be successfully utilized for preparing a reconnaissance geological map in the areas where no maps or semi-detailed maps exist. Large coverage of area and regional perspective from Skylab photographs can help better coordination in regional mapping. It is possible to delineate major structural trends and other features like mega-lineaments, geofractures, and faults, which have evaded their detection by conventional methods. The photointerpretability is better in areas dominated by sedimentary rocks. Rock units of smaller extent and having poor geomorphic expressions are difficult to map. Demarcation of quaternary river alluvium can be made with better precision and ease with the Skylab photographs. Stereoscopic viewing greatly helps in interpretation of area structures. Skylab photographs are not good for preparing geological maps larger than 1:270,000 scale.

Vandermeermohr, H. E. C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Development of data processing interpretation and analysis system for the remote sensing of trace atmospheric gas species

Problems associated with the development of the measurement of air pollution from satellites (MAPS) experiment program are addressed. The primary thrust of this research was the utilization of the MAPS experiment data in three application areas: low altitude aircraft flights (one to six km); mid altitude aircraft flights (eight to 12 km); and orbiting space platforms. Extensive research work in four major areas of data management was the framework for implementation of the MAPS experiment technique. These areas are: (1) data acquisition; (2) data processing, analysis and interpretation algorithms; (3) data display techniques; and (4) information production.

Casas, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Surficial geology of Mars: A study in support of a penetrator mission to Mars

Physiographic and surficial cover information were combined into unified surficial geology maps (30 quadrangles and 1 synoptic map). The surface of Mars is heterogeneous and is modified by wind, water, volcanism, tectonism, mass wasting and other processes. Surficial mapping identifies areas modified by these processes on a regional basis. Viking I mission results indicate that, at least in the landing site area, the surficial mapping based on Mariner data is fairly accurate. This area was mapped as a lightly cratered plain with thin or discontinuous eolian sediment. Analysis of lander images indicates that this interpretation is very close to actual surface conditions. These initial results do not imply that all surficial units are mapped correctly, but they do increase confidence in estimates based on photogeologic interpretations of orbital pictures.

Spudis, P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Evaluation of ERTS-1 imagery for mapping Quaternary deposits and landforms in the Great Plains and Midwest

The author has identified the following significant results. Maps of 1:1 million scale exemplifying the first phase of investigation were prepared for ten study areas (mostly 1 deg x 2 deg in area): 2 in Kansas, 1 in Missouri-Kansas, 2 in Nebraska, 1 in South Dakota, 3 in Illinois, and 1 in Iowa-Illinois (a total of 13 such maps, covering about 97,000 sq. mi., since the start of the project). Collection of all pertinent published geologic-terrain data also has been completed for all the study areas for which these first-phase maps have been made. The ground truth data are being used in combination with additional interpretation of the repetitive ERTS-1 images of most of these study areas to prepare enhanced information maps at 1:500,000. For areas that have not been mapped at 1:500,000 or larger scales, the maps will provide the first moderately detailed information on landform features and surficial materials. Much of the information mapped is significant for exploration and development of ground water (and locally petroleum) and for applications in engineering and environmental geology, and land use patterns as indicated by tone and texture on the images. Numerous moraines have been identified; also, the trends of parts of ancient filled valleys have been identified. Valley alinement appears controlled by faults or other structural lineaments.

Morrison, R. B.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Precise Compositional Characterization of Plutonium Alloys by Electron Probe Microanalysis

Key Takeaway Points: • Unlike most other materials, the precise compositional analysis of plutonium, including compounds and alloys, is riddled by numerous difficulties that are unique to the element, including the high atomic number and radioactive nature. There’s work to be done! • Radioactive materials require special handling to ensure precise compositions can be measured by EPMA. • Mean Atomic Number background corrections are limited due to high average atomic number. • Mass Absorption Coefficients are unknown for most light elements. Quantification relies upon calibration curves. • Principal Component Analysis could be a useful tool to improve interpretation of complicated, multiple element X-ray maps.

Maner, IV, James L.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Analysis of multispectral images simulating ERTS observations

Simulation studies of selected aircraft and spacecraft acquired images were initiated in response to anticipated desires of the user community for simulated imagery prior to launch of ERTS-A. Principal modes of simulation included: (1) areas of coverage comparable to ERTS; (2) spatial resolutions within these images similar to ERTS; (3) spectral responses analogous to that expected from each channel on both the return beam vidicon and multispectral scanner, leading to production of photographic images that should appear similar to those representing each band in the two sensors; and (4) runthroughs of several analytical techniques, such as color density slicing, color additive viewing, and computer-generated reflectance and surface temperature maps, by which ERTS data can be analyzed, interpreted, and applied. The two areas involved in the simulation study were Wyoming and the Chesapeake Bay region.

Short, N. M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Application of ecological, geological and oceanographic ERTS-1 imagery to Delaware's coastal resources planning

The author has identified the following significant results. Coastal vegetation species appearing in the ERTS-1 images taken of Delaware Bay have been correlated with ground truth vegetation maps and imagery obtained from high altitude overflights. Multispectral analysis of the high altitude photographs indicated that four major vegetation communities could be clearly discriminated from 60,000 feet altitude including: (1) salt marsh cord grass; (2) salt marsh hay and spike grass; (3) reed grass; and (4) high tide bush and sea myrtle. In addition, human impact can be detected in the form of fresh water impoundments built to attract water fowl, dredge-fill operations and other alterations of the coastal environment. Overlay maps matching the USGS topographic map size of 1:24,000 have been prepared showing the four wetland vegetation communities, fresh water impoundments, and alteration of wetlands by mosquito control ditching and dredge-fill operations. Using these maps, ERTS-1 images were examined by human interpreters and automated multispectral analyzers. Major plant communities of (1) Spartina alterniflora, (2) Spartina patens and Distichlis spicata, and (3) Iva frutescens and Baccharis halimifolia can be distinguished from each other and from surrounding uplands in ERTS-1 scanner bands 6 and 7.

Klemas, V.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Identification, definition and mapping of terrestrial ecosystems in interior Alaska

The author has identified the following significant results. Two new, as yet unfinished vegetation maps are presented. These tend further to substantiate the belief that ERTS-1 imagery is a valuable mapping tool. Newly selected scenes show that vegetation interpretations can be refined through use of non-growing season imagery, particularly through the different spectral characteristics of vegetation lacking foliage and through the effect of vegetation structure on apparent snow cover. Scenes now are available for all test area north of the Alaska Range except Mt. McKinley National Park. No support was obtained for the hypothesis that similar interband ratios, from two areas apparently different spectrally because of different sun angles, would indicate similar surface features. However, attempts to test this hypothesis have so far been casual.

Anderson, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Satellite Information on Orlando, Florida

The author has identified the following significant results. Computer classification, accompanied by human interpretation and manual simplification, can produce land use maps which are useful on a regional, county, and for special purpose, a city basis. Change monitoring is potentially an effective application of such data at all planning levels.

Hannah, J. W.↗