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At least 487 records · Page 27
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2000

Wavelet-Based Interpolation and Representation of Non-Uniformly Sampled Spacecraft Mission Data

A well-documented problem in the analysis of data collected by spacecraft instruments is the need for an accurate, efficient representation of the data set. The data may suffer from several problems, including additive noise, data dropouts, an irregularly-spaced sampling grid, and time-delayed sampling. These data irregularities render most traditional signal processing techniques unusable, and thus the data must be interpolated onto an even grid before scientific analysis techniques can be applied. In addition, the extremely large volume of data collected by scientific instrumentation presents many challenging problems in the area of compression, visualization, and analysis. Therefore, a representation of the data is needed which provides a structure which is conducive to these applications. Wavelet representations of data have already been shown to possess excellent characteristics for compression, data analysis, and imaging. The main goal of this project is to develop a new adaptive filtering algorithm for image restoration and compression. The algorithm should have low computational complexity and a fast convergence rate. This will make the algorithm suitable for real-time applications. The algorithm should be able to remove additive noise and reconstruct lost data samples from images.

Bose, Tamal↗
NASA NTRS2006

Assessment of Satellite Surface Radiation Products in Highland Regions with Tibet Instrumental Data

This study presents results of comparisons between instrumental radiation data in the elevated Tibetan Plateau and two global satellite products: the Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment - Surface Radiation Budget (GEWEX-SRB) and International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project - Flux Data (ISCCP-FD). In general, shortwave radiation (SW) is estimated better by ISCCP-FD while longwave radiation (LW) is estimated better by GEWEX-SRB, but all the radiation components in both products are under-estimated. Severe and systematic errors were found in monthly-mean SRB SW (on plateau-average, -48 W/sq m for downward SW and -18 W/sq m for upward SW) and FD LW (on plateau-average, -37 W/sq m for downward LW and -62 W/sq m for upward LW) for radiation. Errors in monthly-mean diurnal variations are even larger than the monthly mean errors. Though the LW errors can be reduced about 10 W/sq m after a correction for altitude difference between the site and SRB and FD grids, these errors are still higher than that for other regions. The large errors in SRB SW was mainly due to a processing mistake for elevation effect, but the errors in SRB LW was mainly due to significant errors in input data. We suggest reprocessing satellite surface radiation budget data, at least for highland areas like Tibet.

Yang, Kun↗
NASA NTRS2012

Characterization of Turbulent Latent and Sensible Heat Flux Exchange Between the Atmosphere and Ocean in MERRA

Turbulent fluxes of heat and moisture across the atmosphere-ocean interface are fundamental components of the Earth's energy and water balance. Characterizing both the spatiotemporal variability and the fidelity of these exchanges of heat and moisture is critical to understanding the global water and energy cycle variations, quantifying atmosphere-ocean feedbacks, and improving model predictability. This study examines the veracity of the recently completed NASA Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) product with respect to its representation of the surface turbulent heat fluxes. A validation of MERRA turbulent heat fluxes and near-surface bulk variables at local, high-resolution space and time scales is achieved by making comparisons to a large suite of direct observations. Both in situ and satellite-observed gridded surface heat flux estimates are employed to investigate the spatial and temporal variability of the surface fluxes with respect to their annual mean climatologies, their seasonal covariability of near-surface bulk parameters, and their representation of extremes. The impact of data assimilation on the near-surface parameters is assessed through evaluation of incremental analysis update tendencies produced by the assimilation procedure. It is found that MERRA turbulent surface heat fluxes are relatively accurate for typical conditions but have systematically weak vertical gradients in moisture and temperature and have a weaker covariability between the near-surface gradients and wind speed than found in observations. This results in an underestimate of the surface latent and sensible heat fluxes over the western boundary current and storm track regions. The assimilation of observations mostly acts to bring MERRA closer to observational products by increasing moisture and temperature near the surface and decreasing the near-surface wind speeds. The major patterns of spatial and temporal variability of the turbulent heat fluxes produced by MERRA compare favorably to observationally based estimates. However, MERRA is distinct in terms of amplitude. These results suggest that MERRA is likely to be a valuable resource for a number of research applications though, as with all turbulent flux estimates, systematic issues should be taken into account

Robert, J. Brent↗
NASA NTRS2012

Characterization of Turbulent Latent and Sensible Heat Flux Exchange Between the Atmosphere and Ocean in MERRA

Turbulent fluxes of heat and moisture across the atmosphere-ocean interface are fundamental components of the Earth s energy and water balance. Characterizing both the spatiotemporal variability and the fidelity of these exchanges of heat and moisture is critical to understanding the global water and energy cycle variations, quantifying atmosphere-ocean feedbacks, and improving model predictability. This study examines the veracity of the recently completed NASA Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) product with respect to its representation of the surface turbulent heat fluxes. A validation of MERRA turbulent heat fluxes and near-surface bulk variables at local, high-resolution space and time scales is achieved by making comparisons to a large suite of direct observations. Both in situ and satellite-observed gridded surface heat flux estimates are employed to investigate the spatial and temporal variability of the surface fluxes with respect to their annual mean climatologies, their seasonal covariability of near-surface bulk parameters, and their representation of extremes. The impact of data assimilation on the near-surface parameters is assessed through evaluation of incremental analysis update tendencies produced by the assimilation procedure. It is found that MERRA turbulent surface heat fluxes are relatively accurate for typical conditions but have systematically weak vertical gradients in moisture and temperature and have a weaker covariability between the near-surface gradients and wind speed than found in observations. This results in an underestimate of the surface latent and sensible heat fluxes over the western boundary current and storm track regions. The assimilation of observations mostly acts to bring MERRA closer to observational products by increasing moisture and temperature near the surface and decreasing the near-surface wind speeds. The major patterns of spatial and temporal variability of the turbulent heat fluxes produced by MERRA compare favorably to observationally based estimates. However, MERRA is distinct in terms of amplitude. These results suggest that MERRA is likely to be a valuable resource for a number of research applications though, as with all turbulent flux estimates, systematic issues should be taken into account.

Roberts, J. Brent↗
NASA NTRS2014

Modeling Extreme 'Carrington-Type' Space Weather Events Using Three-dimensional Global MHD Simulations

There is a growing concern over possible severe societal consequences related to adverse space weather impacts on man-made technological infrastructure. In the last two decades, significant progress has been made toward the first-principles modeling of space weather events, and three-dimensional (3-D) global magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) models have been at the forefront of this transition, thereby playing a critical role in advancing our understanding of space weather. However, the modeling of extreme space weather events is still a major challenge even for the modern global MHD models. In this study, we introduce a specially adapted University of Michigan 3-D global MHD model for simulating extreme space weather events with a Dst footprint comparable to the Carrington superstorm of September 1859 based on the estimate by Tsurutani et. al., (2003). Results are presented for a simulation run with "very extreme" constructed/idealized solar wind boundary conditions driving the magnetosphere. In particular, we describe the reaction of the magnetosphere-ionosphere system and the associated induced geoelectric field on the ground to such extreme driving conditions. The model setup is further tested using input data for an observed space weather event of Halloween storm October 2003 to verify the MHD model consistence and to draw additional guidance for future work. This extreme space weather MHD model setup is designed specifically for practical application to the modeling of extreme geomagnetically induced electric fields, which can drive large currents in ground-based conductor systems such as power transmission grids. Therefore, our ultimate goal is to explore the level of geoelectric fields that can be induced from an assumed storm of the reported magnitude, i.e., Dst approx. = −1600 nT.

space weather↗
NASA NTRS2015

DRAGONS - A Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris Impact Sensor

The Debris Resistive/Acoustic Grid Orbital Navy-NASA Sensor (DRAGONS) is intended to be a large area impact sensor for in situ measurements of micrometeoroids and orbital debris (MMOD) in the millimeter or smaller size regime. These MMOD particles are too small to be detected by ground-based radars and optical telescopes, but are still large enough to be a serious safety concern for human space activities and robotic missions in the low Earth orbit (LEO) region. The nominal detection area of a DRAGONS unit is 1 m2, consisting of several independently operated panels. The approach of the DRAGONS design is to combine different particle impact detection principles to maximize information that can be extracted from detected events. After more than 10 years of concept and technology development, a 1 m2 DRAGONS system has been selected for deployment on the International Space Station (ISS) in August 2016. The project team achieved a major milestone when the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) was completed in May 2015. Once deployed on the ISS, this multi-year mission will provide a unique opportunity to demonstrate the MMOD detection capability of the DRAGONS technologies and to collect data to better define the small MMOD environment at the ISS altitude.

Liou, J. -C.↗
NASA NTRS2015

The Importance of the Cathode Plume and Its Interactions with the Ion Beam in Numerical Simulations of Hall Thrusters

Hall2De is a first-principles, 2-D axisymmetric code that solves the equations of motion for ions, electrons, and neutrals on a magnetic-field-aligned grid. The computational domain downstream of the acceleration channel exit plane is large enough to include self-consistently the cathode boundary. In this paper, we present results from numerical simulations of the H6 laboratory thruster with an internally mounted cathode, with the aim of highlighting the importance of properly accounting for the interactions between the ion beam and cathode plume. The anomalous transport of electrons across magnetic field lines in Hall2De is modelled using an anomalous collision frequency, νanom, yielding νanom approximately equal to omega ce (i.e., the electron cyclotron frequency) in the plume. We first show that restricting the anomalous collision frequency to only regions where the current density of ions is large does not alter the plasma discharge in the Hall thruster as long as the interaction between the ion beam and the cathode plume is captured properly in the computational domain. This implies that the boundary conditions must be placed sufficiently far as to not interfere with the electron transport in this region. These simulation results suggest that electron transport across magnetic field lines occurs largely inside the beam and may be driven by the interactions between beam ions and electrons. A second finding that puts in relevance the importance of including the cathode plume in numerical simulations is on the significance of accounting for the ion acoustic turbulence (IAT), now known to occur in the vicinity of the cathode exit. We have included in the Hall2De simulations a model of the IAT-driven anomalous collision frequency based on Sagdeev's model for saturation of the ion-acoustic instability. This implementation has allowed us to achieve excellent agreement with experimental measurements in the near plume obtained during the operation of the H6 thruster at nominal conditions (300V, 20A) and chamber background pressure of approximately 1.5 x 10(exp -5) Torr. In addition, the numerical results obtained with the latter approach exhibit less sensitivity to background pressure than previous attempts at explaining the features of the plasma properties in the near plume.

Lopez Ortega, Alejandro↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Numerical Behaviour of a Smooth Local Correlation-based Transition Model in a Newton-Krylov Flow Solver

The numerical behaviour of transport-equation-based transition models, including both iterative and grid convergence, is influenced by the source terms. Transition models contain source terms that are large and highly nonlinear, and can be destabilizing in a strong implicit solver. Linearization strategies with varying levels of coupling are evaluated in conjunction with a source-term time step restriction to determine best-practices for solving the SA-sLM2015smooth local correlation-based transition model in an implicit Newton-Krylov flow solver. Achieving deep iterative convergence facilitates a detailed investigation of the grid convergence of these free-transition simulations, which are evaluated relative to fully-turbulent simulations performed using the Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model. Simulations of the NLF0416 general aviation airfoil, VA-2 supercritical airfoil, and NASA CRM-NLF wing-body geometry are performed over a range of grid levels. The results demonstrate that both a fully-coupled linearization strategy and a source-term time step restriction improve nonlinear convergence as the complexity of the free-transition simulations increases. In general, additional grid resolution is required for free-transition simulations relative to fully-turbulent simulations in order to achieve a similar level of accuracy, with the grid convergence of free-transition simulations sensitive to the streamwise grid spacings in the transition regions.

AATT↗
NASA NTRS1986

The grid array antenna

Attention is called to the grid array as a possible useful antenna design for UHF clear air radars. This type of antenna integrates radiating elements and the feed network into a single structure so that a fairly large array can be driven from a single feed point. Figures are given which demonstrate the basic principle of the grid array, which are adapted from Conti et al. (1981). Conductors are arranged above a ground plane in a repeating, staggered array of connected rectangles. Each rectangular element is approximately one by one-half wavelength in size. The currents on the conductors at resonance is indicated. The grid array illustrated can be expanded in both vertical and horizontal directions about the feed point by adding additional rectangular conductors. The design eliminates the feed network and would provide a thin, panel-like antenna that could be easily built and transported.

Ecklund, W. L.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Numerical Investigation of Flow Over Periodic Hill

Hybrid turbulence modeling strategies that blend between large-eddy simulation and Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes promise to make optimal use of the available grid resolution. A delayed detached eddy simulation hybrid turbulence modeling strategy, based on the shear-stress transport turbulence model, was implemented into a finite-volume compressible Navier-Stokes code. Then the flow through a two-dimensional periodic hill channel was simulated. This geometry is a widely accepted benchmark test case for validating hybrid turbulence modeling strategies. The computational grid for the simulation was downloaded from a hybrid turbulence model validation website. The present hybrid turbulence model simulation predicts the size of the separated flow region as well as velocity and Reynolds stress profiles in good agreement with large-eddy simulation reference data.

Computational Fluid Dynamics↗
NASA NTRS2016

On the Synergy Between Numerics and Subgrid Scale Modeling in LES of Stratified Flows: Grid Convergence of a Stratocumulus-Topped Boundary Layer

The effectiveness of a linear upwinding scalar advection scheme to suppress numerical dispersion errors near sharp inversions in large-eddy simulations of a nocturnal stratocumulus-topped boundary layer is assessed. Linear upwinding is a trade-off between non-dissipative and non-linear positive definite advection schemes. It is shown that linear upwinding does not negatively impact the model's grid convergence properties and a sharp inversion free of numerical artifacts is maintained. Even though mean profiles and turbulence fluxes show good grid convergence characteristics the liquid water amount varies significantly with grid resolution. The entrainment rate is identical for all resolutions and independent of the liquid water amount. For the present stratocumulus case, the impact of cloud-top radiative cooling is negligible and turbulence is largely driven by convection emanating from the surface.

Matheou, Georgios↗
NASA NTRS1996

Dynamic model with scale-dependent coefficients in the viscous range

The standard dynamic procedure is based on the scale-invariance assumption that the model coefficient C is the same at the grid and test-filter levels. In many applications this condition is not met, e.g. when the filter-length, delta, approaches the Kolmogorov scale, and C(delta approaches eta) approaches O. Using a priori tests, we show that the standard dynamic model yields the coefficient corresponding to the test-filter scale (alpha delta) instead of the grid-scale (delta). Several approaches to account for scale dependence are examined and/or tested in large eddy simulation of isotropic turbulence: (a) take the limit alpha approaches 1; (b) solve for two unknown coefficients C(Delta) and C(alpha delta) in the least-square-error formulation; (c) the 'bi-dynamic model', in which two test-filters (e.g. at scales 2(delta) and 4(delta) are employed to gain additional information on possible scale-dependence of the coefficient, and an improved estimate for the grid-level coefficient is obtained by extrapolation, (d) use theoretical predictions for the ratio C(alpha delta)/C(delta) and dynamically solve for C(delta). None of these options is found to be entirely satisfactory, although the last approach appears applicable to the viscous range.

Meneveau, C.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Evaluating Precipitation Features and Rainfall Characteristics in a Multi-scale Modeling Framework

Cloud and precipitation systems over the tropics and subtropics are simulated with a multi-scale modeling framework (MMF) and compared against the TRMM radar precipitation features (RPFs) product. A methodology, in close analogy to the TRMM RPFs, is developed to analyze simulated cloud precipitating structures from the embedded two-dimensional cloud-resolving models (CRMs) within an MMF. Despite the two-dimensionality of the CRMs, the simulated RPFs population distribution, and horizontal and vertical structure are in good agreement with TRMM observations. However, some deficits are also found in the model simulations. The model tends to overestimate mean convective precipitation rates for RPFs with a size less than 100 km, contributing to the excessive precipitation biases in the warm pool and western Pacific, western and northern India Ocean, and eastern Pacific commonly found in most MMFs. For large features with a size greater than 150 km, both convective and stratiform rain rates are underestimated. The distribution of maximum radar echo top heights as a function of RPF size is well simulated except the model tends to underestimate the occurrence frequency of maximum heights greater than 15 km. The maximum echo top heights for convective cells embedded within large RPFs with a size greater than 150 km are also underestimated. The cyclic lateral boundary with a limited model domain generates artificial occurrences for RPFs with a size close to the model domain size, producing a significant contribution to the total rainfall due to their sizes. This cyclic lateral boundary effect can be easily identified and quantified in both probability and cumulative distribution functions of RPFs. The geophysical distribution of the population of the largest RPFs in the control experiment shows they are mainly located in the Subtropics but also partially contribute to the common MMF biases of excessive precipitation in the Tropics. Sensitivity experiments using CRMs with different domain sizes and different grid spacings show larger domains (higher resolution) tend to shift the RPFs distribution to large (small) sizes. The cyclic lateral boundary biases increase as CRM domain size decreases. The impacts of model horizontal and vertical resolution on simulated convective systems are also investigated.

Chern, Jiun-Dar↗
NASA NTRS2004

Grid Sphere Electrodes used for Current Collection at the Positive Pole of Electrodynamic Tethers

The generation of either electrical power or propulsive thrust with an electrodynamic tether system necessarily depends on driving a return current through the system's ambient space plasma environment. An electrical connection is, therefore, required between the plasma and each end of the tether. The voltage required to drive current through the system is derived either from the orbital motion of the conducting tether through the magnetic field of the Earth, or from a high-voltage power supply that taps into an external energy source (e.g., the sun). In either case, one end of the tether will receive a positive bias. This positive bias, between the tether and the ambient plasma, allows electrons to be collected effectively with a simple, passive electrode. Passive electrode contactors offer several important advantages, including simplification of the upper end-body design and operations, minimization of system mass, and an increase of system reliability and robustness. A preliminary analysis of an inflatable Grid-Sphere end-body concept is presented that is interesting because of the potential for collecting arbitrarily large currents independent of tether length, while the device has the physical characteristics of a high area-to-mass ratio, a low drag coefficient, and simplicity. In particular, we will discuss the physics of current collection by a biased Grid-Sphere and the present state-of-the-art of materials, attainable area-to-mass ratios, and deployment techniques.

Stone, N. H.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Toward the large-eddy simulation of compressible turbulent flows

New subgrid-scale models for the large-eddy simulation of compressible turbulent flows are developed and tested based on the Favre-filtered equations of motion for an ideal gas. A compressible generalization of the linear combination of the Smagorinsky model and scale-similarity model, in terms of Favre-filtered fields, is obtained for the subgrid-scale stress tensor. An analogous thermal linear combination model is also developed for the subgrid-scale heat flux vector. The two dimensionless constants associated with these subgrid-scale models are obtained by correlating with the results of direct numerical simulations of compressible isotropic turbulence performed on a 96(exp 3) grid using Fourier collocation methods. Extensive comparisons between the direct and modeled subgrid-scale fields are provided in order to validate the models. A large-eddy simulation of the decay of compressible isotropic turbulence (conducted on a coarse 32(exp 3) grid) is shown to yield results that are in excellent agreement with the fine grid direct simulation. Future applications of these compressible subgrid-scale models to the large-eddy simulation of more complex supersonic flows are discussed briefly.

Erlebacher, G.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Toward the large-eddy simulation of compressible turbulent flows

New subgrid-scale models for the large-eddy simulation of compressible turbulent flows are developed and tested based on the Favre-filtered equations of motion for an ideal gas. A compressible generalization of the linear combination of the Smagorinsky model and scale-similarity model, in terms of Favre-filtered fields, is obtained for the subgrid-scale stress tensor. An analogous thermal linear combination model is also developed for the subgrid-scale heat flux vector. The two dimensionless constants associated with these subgrid-scale models are obtained by correlating with the results of direct numerical simulations of compressible isotropic turbulence performed on a 96 (exp 3) grid using Fourier collocation methods. Extensive comparisons between the direct and modeled subgrid-scale fields are provided in order to validate the models. A large-eddy simulation of the decay of compressible isotropic turbulence (conducted on a coarse 32(exp 3) grid) is shown to yield results that are in excellent agreement with the fine-grid direct simulation. Future applications of these compressible subgrid-scale models to the large-eddy simulation of more complex supersonic flows are discussed briefly.

Erlebacher, G.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Numerical simulation of excited jet mixing layers

A numerical simulation of unsteady flow in jet mixing layers, both with and without external excitation, has been performed by solving the time-dependent compressible Navier-Stokes equations. Computations were performed on a CRAY X-MP computer using MacCormick's explicit finite difference algorithm. Different excitation methods were investigated and were shown to be very effective in controlling the well organized periodic production, shedding and pairing of large scale vortex structures. It is found that pressure excitation was generally more effective than temperature excitation, and that grid refinement results in substantial improvement in the resolution of unsteady features. The location and orientation, in addition to the frequency, of the excitation source are shown to have a significant influence on the production and interaction of large scale vortex structures in the jet mixing layer.

Scott, J. N.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Performance of a Heterogeneous Grid Partitioner for N-body Applications

An important characteristic of distributed grids is that they allow geographically separated multicomputers to be tied together in a transparent virtual environment to solve large-scale computational problems. However, many of these applications require effective runtime load balancing for the resulting solutions to be viable. Recently, we developed a latency tolerant partitioner, called MinEX, specifically for use in distributed grid environments. This paper compares the performance of MinEX to that of METIS, a popular multilevel family of partitioners, using simulated heterogeneous grid configurations. A solver for the classical N-body problem is implemented to provide a framework for the comparisons. Experimental results show that MinEX provides superior quality partitions while being competitive to METIS in speed of execution.

Harvey, Daniel J.↗