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NASA NTRS1973

Cosmic ray sources - Evidence for two acceleration mechanisms.

The difference between the energy spectra of iron and other cosmic rays is interpreted in terms of two source mechanisms. One mechanism, possibly acceleration at neutron star surfaces, produces the iron, and another is responsible for the rest of the primary nuclei. Within this model, observations of high-energy cosmic rays could determine whether secondary nuclei are produced in the sources or in the interstellar medium.

Ramaty, R.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Electromagnetic induction by finite wavenumber source fields in 2-D lateral heterogeneities - The transverse electric mode

Electromagnetic induction in a laterally homogeneous earth is analyzed in terms of a source field with finite dimensions. Attention is focused on a time-varying two-dimensional current source directed parallel to the strike of a two-dimensional anomalous structure within the earth, i.e., the E-parallel mode. The spatially harmonic source field is expressed as discontinuities in the magnetic (or electric) field of the current in the source. The model is applied to describing the magnetic gradients across megatectonic features, and may be used to predict the magnetic fields encountered by a satellite orbiting above the ionosphere.

Hermance, J. F.↗

NASA NTRS1993

The evolution equation for the flame surface density in turbulent premixed combustion

The mean reaction rate in flamelet models for turbulent premixed combustion depends on two basic quantities: a mean chemical rate, called the flamelet speed, and the flame surface density. Our previous work had been primarily focused on the problem of the structure and topology of turbulent premixed flames, and it was then determined that the flamelet speed, when space-averaged, is only weakly sensitive to the turbulent flow field. Consequently, the flame surface density is the key quantity that conveys most of the effects of the turbulence on the rate of energy release. In flamelet models, this quantity is obtained via a modeled transport equation called the Sigma-equation. Past theoretical work has produced a rigorous approach that leads to an exact but unclosed formulation for the turbulent Sigma-equation. In the exact Sigma-equation, it appears that the dynamical properties of the flame surface density are determined by a single parameter, namely the turbulent flame stretch. Unfortunately, the turbulent flame stretch as well as the flame surface density is not available from experiments, and, in the absence of experimental data, little is known on the validity of the closure assumptions used in current flamelet models. Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) is the alternative approach to get basic information on these fundamental quantities. In the present work, three-dimensional DNS of premixed flames in isotropic turbulent flow is used to estimate the different terms appearing in the Sigma-equation. A new methodology is proposed to provide the source and sink terms for the flame surface density, resolved both temporally and spatially throughout the turbulent flame brush. Using this methodology, our objective is to extract the turbulent flame stretch from the DNS data base and then perform extensive comparisons with flamelet models. Thanks to the detailed information produced by the DNS-based analysis, it is expected that this type of comparison will not only underscore the shortcomings of current models, but also suggest ways to improve them.

Trouve, Arnaud↗

NASA NTRS1992

The evolution equation for the flame surface density in turbulent premixed combustion

One central ingredient in flamelet models for turbulent premixed combustion is the flame surface density. This quantity conveys most of the effects of the turbulence on the rate of energy release and is obtained via a modeled transport equation, called the Sigma-equation. Past theoretical work has produced a rigorous approach that leads to an exact, but unclosed, formulation for the turbulent Sigma-equation. In this exact Sigma-equation, it appears that the dynamical properties of the flame surface density are determined by a single parameter, namely the turbulent flame stretch. Unfortunately, the flame surface density and the turbulent flame stretch are not available from experiments and, in the absence of experimental data, little is known on the validity of the closure assumptions used in current flamelet models. Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) is the obvious, complementary approach to get basic information on these fundamental quantities. Three-dimensional DNS of premixed flames in isotropic turbulent flow is used to estimate the different terms appearing in the Sigma-equation. A new methodology is proposed to provide the source and sink terms for the flame surface density, resolved both temporally and spatially throughout the turbulent flame brush. Using this methodology, the effects of the Lewis number on the rate of production of flame surface area are described in great detail and meaningful comparisons with flamelet models can be performed. The analysis reveals in particular the tendency of the models to overpredict flame surface dissipation as well as their inability to reproduce variations due to thermo-diffusive phenomena. Thanks to the detailed information produced by a DNS-based analysis, this type of comparison not only underscores the shortcomings of current models but also suggests ways to improve them.

Trouve, A.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Long-term variability in bright hard X-ray sources: 5+ years of BATSE data

The operation of the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO)/burst and transient source experiment (BATSE) continues to provide data for inclusion into a data base for the analysis of long term variability in bright, hard X-ray sources. The all-sky capability of BATSE provides up to 30 flux measurements/day for each source. The long baseline and the various rising and setting occultation flux measurements allow searches for periodic and quasi-periodic signals with periods of between several hours to hundreds of days to be conducted. The preliminary results from an analysis of the hard X-ray variability in 24 of the brightest BATSE sources are presented. Power density spectra are computed for each source and profiles are presented of the hard X-ray orbital modulations in some X-ray binaries, together with amplitude modulations and variations in outburst durations and intensities in recurrent X-ray transients.

Robinson, C. R.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Evaluation of Regional Water and Energy Balance in Contemporary Reanalyses

Regional to continental water and energy balance in reanalyses provide crucial information on the climate and climate variations in that region and can contrast other regions. Reanalyses are a valuable tool in piecing together the complete balance owing to the incorporation of the budgets in the background model and the assimilation of observation. On the other hand, the background model has its own biases and observational assimilation can lead to non-negligible tendencies within the budgets, and these can vary over space and time. Here, we will compare the balance within several reanalyses and how they have evolved over recent decades. Several observational data products will provide reference points in the comparison. In addition, a recent project has integrated observations of the water and energy budgets in an optimization that aims to reduce the imbalance of regional budgets in using observational terms from disparate sources. In evaluating the regional balances, we will incorporate, when available, the water and energy convergence terms as well as their analysis increments (which may be diagnosed as residuals). The reanalyses considered here include: Japanese Reanalyses for Three Quarters Century (JRA3Q), ECMWF Reanalysis version 5 (ERA5), Modern Era Retrospective-analysis for Research and Applications version 2 (MERRA-2) and the NCEP Reanalysis II (NCEPR2). NCEPR2 is representative of the late 90s technology, while the others represent the contemporary climate reanalyses presently available. We will discuss the regional balances over key river basins (e.g. Mississippi and Amazon), and a range of continents including those well observed (North America and Europe) and those with fewer consistent observations (e.g. Africa). These contrasting regions show the degree of advancement in reanalyses and expose areas in need of improvement. The results also demonstrate the usefulness of producing complete atmospheric water and energy budgets as part of the diagnostic output.

Michael G Bosilovich↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Evaluation of Regional Water and Energy Balance in Contemporary Reanalyses

Michael Bosilovich↗

NASA NTRS2009

New Observations of UV Emissions from Europa

The recent top prioritization of the Europa Jupiter System Mission for the next outer solar system flagship mission is refocusing attention on Europa and the other Galilean satellites and their contextual environments in the Jupiter system. Surface sputtering by magnetospheric plasma generates a tenuous atmosphere for Europa, dominated by 02 gas. This tenuous gas is in turn excited by plasma electrons, producing ultraviolet and visible emissions. Two sets of imaging observations have been published to date, UV images from the Hubble Space Telescope, and visible eclipse images from Cassini. Three additional sets of HST UV observations were acquired in February 2007, April 2007 and June 2009. The signal to noise ratio in these data are not high, however, given the paucity of data and its increasing importance in terms of planning for EJSM, we have attempted to extract as much new information as possible from these data. This talk will summarize our analysis to date, and discuss them in terms of existing models, which attempt to explain the image morphology either in terms of the underlying source production and loss processes, or in terms of the plasma interaction with the exosphere.

McGrath, Melissa↗

NASA NTRS1975

Current status and future plans for NBS radiometric source standards

The accuracy and long-term stability of currently available NBS radiometric source standards are described. Current research efforts and expected results in this area are outlined. There are over ten NBS radiometric source standards currently available or under development that are of interest for solar measurements or for remote sensing of the earth. The standards and sources are classified and described in terms of the radiometric quantities they represent -- spectral radiance, spectral irradiance and irradiance.

Kostkowski, H. J.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Cretaceous extinctions - Evidence for wildfires and search for meteoritic material

The results of analyses of the contents of deposits in the Cretaceous-Ternary (K-T) transition at three sites worldwide are discussed. The study was undertaken to examine the composition of the object which may have struck the earth, causing widespread biotic extinction. The data indicate that most of the parent body was destroyed on impact, a condition which would also hold true for comets, suggesting that comets were not a source of prebiotic life. A four-orders-of-magnitude excess of carbon in the K-T layer is considered in terms of its source, which is suspected to be deposits from wildfires. The consequent extinctions of species are regarded as possibly making the current nuclear winter scenarios too optimistic.

Wolbach, W. S.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Modeling the dissipation-rate equation with the aid of direct simulation data

The epsilon-budget was computed from the direct simulation data (DNS) of Kim (1990) for developed channel flow at Re(tau) = 395. The relative magnitude of the terms in the epsilon-equation is shown with the aid of scaling arguments, and the parameter governing this magnitude is established. The modeling of the terms in the equation is then addressed in the context of eddy-viscosity k-epsilon models. Some existing models for the sum of all source and sink terms in the epsilon-equation are tested against DNS data, and an improved model is proposed on the basis of these data.

Rodi, W.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Low Reynolds number kappa-epsilon modeling with the aid of direct simulation data

The constant C(sub mu) and the near-wall damping function f(sub mu) in the eddy-viscosity relation of the kappa-epsilon model are evaluated from direct numerical simulation (DNS) data for developed channel and boundary layer flow at two Reynolds numbers each. Various existing f(sub mu) model functions are compared with the DNS data, and a new function is fitted to the high-Reynolds-number channel flow data. The epsilon-budget is computed for the fully developed channel flow. The relative magnitude of the terms in the epsilon-equation is analyzed with the aid of scaling arguments, and the parameter governing this magnitude is established. Models for the sum of all source and sink terms in the epsilon-equation are tested against the DNS data, and an improved model is proposed.

Rodi, W.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Low Reynolds number k-epsilon modelling with the aid of direct simulation data

The constant C sub mu and the near-wall damping function f sub mu in the eddy-viscosity relation of the k-epsilon model are evaluated from direct numerical simulation (DNS) data for developed channel and boundary layer flow at two Reynolds numbers each. Various existing f sub mu model functions are compared with the DNS data, and a new function is fitted to the high-Reynolds-number channel flow data. The epsilon-budget is computed for the fully developed channel flow. The relative magnitude of the terms in the epsilon-equation is analyzed with the aid of scaling arguments, and the parameter governing this magnitude is established. Models for the sum of all source and sink terms in the epsilon-equation are tested against the DNS data, and an improved model is proposed.

Rodi, W.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Diurnal variations in the thermosphere. II - Temperature, composition, and winds

The fundamental diurnal component of temperature, composition and wind fields is discussed for the thermosphere, the results delineated in terms of energy sources in the lower atmosphere, mesosphere and thermosphere, illustrating their relative significance. The diurnal component in the composition of H, He, O, O2 and Ar has been analyzed in terms of effects from thermal expansion in diffusive equilibrium and transport processes associated with chemistry, wind circulation, exospheric flow and escape. Next to thermal expansion, wind-induced diffusion is the single most important process; it dominates the diurnal variations of He and prevails in the variations of O, O2 and Ar below 200 km.

Mayr, H. G.↗

NASA NTRS2013

Aeronet-based Microphysical and Optical Properties of Smoke-dominated Aerosol near Source Regions and Transported over Oceans, and Implications for Satellite Retrievals of Aerosol Optical Depth

Smoke aerosols from biomass burning are an important component of the global aerosol cycle. Analysis of Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) retrievals of size distribution and refractive index reveals variety between biomass burning aerosols in different global source regions, in terms of aerosol particle size and single scatter albedo (SSA). Case studies of smoke transported to coastal/island AERONET sites also mostly lie within the range of variability at near-source sites. Two broad families of aerosol properties are found, corresponding to sites dominated by boreal forest burning (larger, broader fine mode, with midvisible SSA 0.95), and those influenced by grass, shrub, or crop burning with additional forest contributions (smaller, narrower particles with SSA 0.88-0.9 in the midvisible). The strongest absorption is seen in southern African savanna at Mongu (Zambia), with average SSA 0.85 in the midvisible. These can serve as candidate sets of aerosol microphysicaloptical properties for use in satellite aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieval algorithms. The models presently adopted by these algorithms over ocean are often insufficiently absorbing to represent these biomass burning aerosols. A corollary of this is an underestimate of AOD in smoke outflow regions, which has important consequences for applications of these satellite datasets.

AERONET↗

NASA NTRS1990

A new limit on the time between the nucleosynthesis and the acceleration of cosmic rays in supernova remnants using the Co/Ni ratio

Using new cross section measurements of Ni into Co, data on the Co/Ni ratio in cosmic rays from the HEAO C spacecraft have been reinterpreted in terms of the time between nucleosynthesis and the acceleration of cosmic rays, delta t. The observed Co/Ni ratio is now consistent with interstellar fragmentation only, leading to a small or zero source abundance. In terms of the decay of e-process nucleosynthesis nuclides into Co after a supernova explosion, this permits an estimate of delta t = 4-30,000 yr for the time between nucleosynthesis and the acceleration of cosmic rays if supernovae are the direct progenitors of cosmic rays. These age limits are used in conjunction with models of the expansion of supernova remnants (SNRs), to estimate that cosmic rays are accelerated when the radius of these remnants is between 0.1 and 25 pc.

Webber, W. R.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Turbulent transport in premixed flames

Simulations of planar, premixed turbulent flames with heat release were used to study turbulent transport. Reynolds stress and Reynolds flux budgets were obtained and used to guide the investigation of important physical effects. Essentially all pressure terms in the transport equations were found to be significant. In the Reynolds flux equations, these terms are the major source of counter-gradient transport. Viscous and molecular terms were also found to be significant, with both dilatational and solenoidal terms contributing to the Reynolds stress dissipation. The BML theory of premixed turbulent combustion was critically examined in detail. The BML bimodal pdf was found to agree well with the DNS data. All BML decompositions, through the third moments, show very good agreement with the DNS results. Several BML models for conditional terms were checked using the DNS data and were found to require more extensive development.

Rutland, C. J.↗

NASA NTRS2004

[Analysis of Multiplatform CO (Carbon Monoxide) Measurements During Trace-P Mission]

Carbon monoxide is considered mission critical (TRACE-P NRA) because it is one of the gases involved in controlling the oxidizing power of the atmosphere and, as a tracer gas, is valuable in interpreting mission data sets. Carbon monoxide exhibits interannual differences, suggesting relatively short-term imbalances in sources and sinks. Sources of CO are dominated by fossil fuel combustion, biomass burning, and the photochemical oxidation of CH4 and nonmethane hydrocarbons while reaction with OH is believed to be the major sink for atmospheric CO, with additional losses due to soil uptake. Uncertainties in the magnitude and distribution of both sources and sinks remain fairly large however, and additional data are required to refine the global budget. Seasonal changes and a northern hemispheric latitudinal gradient have been described for a variety of Pacific basin sites through long-term monitoring of surface background levels. Latitudinal variations have also recently been described at upper tropospheric altitudes over a multi-year period by. TRACE-P will provide an aircraft survey of CO over the northern Pacific in the northern spring when CO concentrations are at their seasonal maximum in the northern hemisphere (NH) and at their seasonal minimum in the southern hemisphere (SH). Previous GTE missions, Le., PEM West-B and PEM Tropics-B, ground-based, and satellite observations (MAPS, April 1994) give us a general picture of the distribution of CO over the northern Pacific during this season. Based on these measurements, background CO levels over remote ocean areas are anticipated to be in the range of 110 - 180 ppbv, while those closer to the Asian continent may rise as high as 600 ppbv. These measurements also reveal high spatial variability (both horizontal and vertical) as well as temporal variations in CO over the area planned for the TRACE-P mission. This variability is a result of multiple CO sources, the meteorological complexity of transport processes, and the photochemical aging of air masses. The influence of biomass burning in the southern Pacific should be relatively small since the mission coincides with the southern tropical wet season when agricultural burning is at its seasonal low. The proposed CO measurements taken during TRACE-P should therefore largely be a function of the impact of various NH sources, primarily Asian and predominantly fossil fuel combustion and biomass burning. These processes are also major sources of many other atmospheric pollutants, consequently making accurate and precise CO measurements is one of the highest TRACE-P priorities [TRACE-P NRA]. The TRACE-P mission emphasizes the dual objectives of assessing the magnitude of the transport of chemically and radiatively important gases such as CO from Asia to the western Pacific, and determining how emissions change and are modified during this transport.

Pougatchev, Nikita S.↗