Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “mapping variables”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 487 records · Page 27

HEAO A-2 extragalactic results

Results from the HEAO A-2 experiment concerning the extragalactic X-ray sky are discussed. All-sky maps of hard X-ray sources detected are presented reflecting the temporal variability of the sources that make up the extragalactic X-ray sky. Most of the identified extragalactic objects are not clusters of galaxies but isolated galaxies. Spectra for sources representing classes of active galz galaxies, BL Lacertae objects, and N galaxies are discussed in order of luminosity.

Boldt, E. A.↗

Mapping transformations for broadband atmospheric radiation calculations

Two methods of mapping the line-by-line absorption coefficient (k) spectrum onto a new variable to produce a set of k coefficients which can be used for accurate and efficient broadband radiative transfer calculations in vertically inhomogeneous, nongray scattering atmospheres are described. These methods are intended for applications for which the less accurate correlated-k method is inadequate. These methods are tested for model atmospheres containing CO2 and H2O, with pressure in the range 0.05-0.9 bar. The results obtained differed by no more than 1 or 2 percent from the line-by-line results if the number of k coefficients was about 100 times less than the number required for the line-by-line calculation. These algorithms can be used for gas mixtures and for a variety of pressure-temperature profiles.

West, Robert↗

A search for spectral units on the Uranian satellites using color ratio images

Twenty multispectral sets of calibrated coregistered Voyager 2 images of the Uranian satellites are analyzed in order to identify spectrally distinct surface units and associate these units with specific endogenic or exogenic surface processes. Several regions on each satellite where significant spectral/compositional diversity could be expected were identified by morphologic unit mapping. All the Uranian satellites were found to exhibit some degree of spectral variability associated with bright impact craters, with the typical trend being that the bright craters and their associated ejecta deposits are less red than the remainder of the satellites by 5 to 30 percent. Oberon shows the greatest variability, followed by Titania and Ariel. Morphologic features on Miranda and Ariel possibly associated with endogenic processes such as tectonism or ice volcanism do not exhibit as high a degree of spectral variability relative to their surroundings as bright impact craters.

Bell, J. F., III↗

Studies of the net surface radiative flux from satellite radiances during FIFE

Studies of the net surface radiative flux from satellite radiances during First ISLSCP Field Experiment (FIFE) are presented. Topics covered include: radiative transfer model validation; calibration of VISSR and AVHRR solar channels; development and refinement of algorithms to estimate downward solar and terrestrial irradiances at the surface, including photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) and surface albedo; verification of these algorithms using in situ measurements; production of maps of shortwave irradiance, surface albedo, and related products; analysis of the temporal variability of shortwave irradiance over the FIFE site; development of a spectroscopy technique to estimate atmospheric total water vapor amount; and study of optimum linear combinations of visible and near-infrared reflectances for estimating the fraction of PAR absorbed by plants.

Frouin, Robert↗

Emplacement of multiple flow units on very shallow slopes, east Kawelu Planitia flow field, Venus

Lobate flows with variable radar brightness occur at several locations on Venus. Here we present preliminary mapping results for a lava flow field on the eastern side of Kawelu Planitia, centered at approximately 41 deg N, 251 deg E. Numerous individual flows of varying brightness can be traced for up to 400 km at this location. Megallan image F-MIDRP.40N251;1 contains two major flow complexes as well as a distinct minor flow field associated with a volcanic dome. The southern flow field (unit F) changes from radar dark to radar bright in a convex arc from west to east. The flow path is diverted by a ridge system (unit B) and associated N-S faulted zone (unit A) evident in the Magellan altimetry data. The 130-km-long radar-bright flow field located at 41.5 deg N and 249-250 deg E is comprised of a narrow, channeled flow (unit E) overlying an intermediate brightness flow (unit D), all of which appears to emanate from a solitary dome at 249 deg E. The southern lobe of unit E disappears under a broad leveed channel (41.3 deg N, 250.1 deg E) in unit 5, only to reappear south of the unit 5 boundary. The source of this largest flow field is not evident, but could be associated with the region of small domes west of the F-MIDRP image (centered at 41 deg N, 246 deg E). Another possible source is the fractured area south of unit C. The flow complex is clearly a conglomeration of many flow episodes, not necessarily from a single source.

Helgerud, Michael B.↗

Assimilation of Altimeter Data into a Quasigeostrophic Model of the Gulf Stream System: Dynamical Considerations - Part 1

The dynamical consequences of constraining a numerical model with sea surface height data have been investigated. The model used for this study is a quasigeostrophic model of the Gulf Stream region. The data that have been assimilated are maps of sea surface height obtained as the superposition of sea surface height variability deduced from the Geosat altimeter measurements and a mean field constructed from historical hydrographic data. The method used for assimilating the data is the nudging technique. Nudging has been implemented in such a way as to achieve a high degree of convergence of the surface model fields toward the observations. The assimilation of the surface data is thus equivalent to the prescription of a surface pressure boundary condition. The authors analyzed the mechanisms of the model adjustment and the characteristics of the resultant equilibrium state when the surface data are assimilated. Since the surface data are the superposition of a mean component and an eddy component, in order to understand the relative role of these two components in determining the characteristics of the final equilibrium state, two different experiments have been considered: in the first experiment only the climatological mean field is assimilated, while in the second experiment the total surface streamfunction field (mean plus eddies) has been used. It is shown that the model behavior in the presence of the surface data constraint can be conveniently described in terms of baroclinic Fofonoff modes. The prescribed mean component of the surface data acts as a 'surface topography' in this problem. Its presence determines a distortion of the geostrophic contours in the subsurface layers, thus constraining the mean circulation in those layers. The intensity of the mean flow is determined by the inflow/outflow conditions at the open boundaries, as well as by eddy forcing and dissipation.

Capotondi, Antonietta↗

Documenting AUTOGEN and APGEN Model Files

A computer program called "autogen hypertext map generator" satisfies a need for documenting and assisting in visualization of, and navigation through, model files used in the AUTOGEN and APGEN software mentioned in the two immediately preceding articles. This program parses autogen script files, autogen model files, PERL scripts, and apgen activity-definition files and produces a hypertext map of the files to aid in the navigation of the model. This program also provides a facility for adding notes and descriptions, beyond what is in the source model represented by the hypertext map. Further, this program provides access to a summary of the model through variable, function, sub routine, activity and resource declarations as well as providing full access to the source model and source code. The use of the tool enables easy access to the declarations and the ability to traverse routines and calls while analyzing the model.

Gladden, Roy E.↗

Human Plague Risk: Spatial-Temporal Models

This chpater reviews the use of spatial-temporal models in identifying potential risks of plague outbreaks into the human population. Using earth observations by satellites remote sensing there has been a systematic analysis and mapping of the close coupling between the vectors of the disease and climate variability. The overall result is that incidence of plague is correlated to positive El Nino/Southem Oscillation (ENSO).

Pinzon, Jorge E.↗

Deformation and fracture characteristics of zirconium plate produced via ultrasonic additive manufacturing

Abstract The microstructural evolution, deformation modes, and fracture mechanisms of zirconium plate produced using ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) are presented. In addition to conventional tensile testing techniques, digital image correlation captured highly variable strain accumulation in specimens loaded perpendicular or parallel to the build height (Z). When tested in parallel to Z, delamination at prior foil/foil interfaces creates strain localization noticeable in strain rate maps, whereas specimens loaded perpendicular to Z illustrate conventional strain hardening until necking accelerates delamination. Although bond strengths are statistically and spatially variable, in situ electron backscattering diffraction tests illustrate the ability for grains near interfaces to accommodate strain with twinning and slip modes consistent with conventionally produced zirconium alloys. Finally, mixtures of ductile and delamination-induced fracture highlight the interface-driven failure modes of UAM zirconium plate in the as-built condition. Graphic abstract

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Implementation of a feature selection algorithm in FARM to identify important state variables and time-invariant matrices

The FARM (Feasible Actuator Range Modifier) software module is a component of the RAVEN-based FORCE framework for analysis of Integrated Energy Systems (IES). FARM aids the HERON software module in the evaluation of the optimal dispatch for the different IES components. Set-point trajectories are required to meet limits on both production variables (i.e., the variables to be optimized such as the electrical power, the hydrogen production rate, etc.) and process variables tied to the service life of equipment (e.g., steam flowrate, vessel pressure, turbine firing temperature, etc.). To evaluate the feasibility of HERON generated set-points and to do so in an acceptable time, FARM employs reduced order models to represent the dynamic behavior of the systems to be dispatched. These surrogate models take the form of a linear dynamic system with sets of Linear Parameter Varying (LPV) matrices that are mapped to the system operating space. These matrices are derived from the trajectories of system state variables and system output variables during transients. The accuracy of LPV matrices depends on the selection of state variables. In previous reports, state variables were selected by adopting a complicated workflow requiring multiple software licenses and an advanced level of user expertise. In this report, a new workflow that automates the state variable selection process is presented. It significantly reduces the frequency of user interventions and does not require multiple software licenses. Each module in the new workflow is described in detail, and the input / output examples in each step of the workflow are provided. It was demonstrated that this workflow can greatly reduce the complexity of the state variable selection process, and that the updated FARM-Gamma and FARM-Delta validators can benefit from this workflow when solving the power dispatch problem of a representative IES test case. Finally, some code improvements that can further enhance the efficiency are suggested.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Mapping Wetland and Riparian Areas to Support Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout Habitat Restoration

The Rio Grande cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki virginalis; RGCT) population has declined significantly over the last century due to habitat loss, competition, and hybridization with non-native trout species. The species currently occupies roughly 11% of its historic habitat. Conservation efforts led by government and private actors have succeeded in increasing RGCT populations since the early 2000s. State, federal, and private partners began the largest native trout restoration initiative in North America. Since 2002, these efforts have included wetland and riparian area restoration and RGCT reintroduction. Current restoration efforts focus on restoring the Costilla Creek Watershed located in Colorado and New Mexico to provide cool water temperatures, improve water quality, and maintain suitable habitat for the trout species. To guide these restoration efforts, the team conducted a rapid assessment to locate and characterize wetland and riparian areas in the Costilla Creek watershed. The team utilized NASA data from the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI), as well as the Sentinel-2 MultiSpectral Instrument (MSI), and the Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for May 2016 to October 2019. To produce probability maps of wetland presence, the team used the Software for Assisted Habitat Modeling (SAHM) incorporating predictor variables generated from topographic indices, spectral indices, and radar. The top three models (General Wetland model, Stream and Wetland Connectivity model, and Inclusive Wetland model) showed a strong ability to detect wetlands. They all had AUC values greater than 0.9 and had high overlap with wetland areas during visual assessment over high-resolution imagery. The General Wetland model output was converted into a wetland polygon dataset and polygons were classified by wetland type. The resulting maps and datasets will support partners in determining the extent of possible RGCT habitat and identifying where habitat restoration efforts may be needed.

NASA DEVELOP↗

Quantitative mapping by remote sensing of an ocean acid-waste dump

Results from quantitative analysis show that airplane remotely sensed spectral data can be used to quantify and map an acid-waste dump in terms of its particulate iron concentration. These same data, however, could not be used to map the dump in terms of total suspended solids, organic suspended solids, or inorganic suspended solids concentrations. A single-variable equation using the ratio of band 2 (440 to 490 nm) radiance to band 4 (540 to 580 nm) radiance was used to quantify the iron concentration in the acid-waste dump. The acid waste that was mapped varied in age from freshly dumped to 31/2 hr. Particulate iron concentrations in the acid waste were estimated to range up to 1.1 mg/l at a depth of 0.46 m. A classification technique was developed to identify pixels in the data set affected by sun glitter.

Ohlhorst, C. W.↗

Dislocation-position fluctuations in solid 4He as collective variables in a quantum crystal

Abstract Quantum behavior at mesoscopic length scales is of significant interest, both from a fundamental-physics standpoint, as well as in the context of technological advances. In this light, the description of collective variables comprising large numbers of atoms, but nevertheless displaying non-classical behavior, is a fundamental problem. Here, we show that an effective-Hamiltonian approach for such variables, as has been applied to describe the quantum behavior of coupled qubit/oscillator systems, can also be very useful in understanding intrinsic behavior of quantum materials. We consider lattice dislocations – naturally occurring mesoscopic line defects in crystals – in the prototypical bosonic quantum crystal, solid 4 He. For this purpose, we map fully atomistic quantum simulations onto effective one-dimensional Hamiltonians in which the collective dislocation-position variables are represented as interacting, massive quantum particles. The results provide quantitative understanding of several experimental observations in solid 4 He.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Analyst variability in labeling of unsupervised classifications

Analyst variability in the labeling of unsupervised classifications is tested for Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper image products covering two test sites in southern California. The accuracy of results are tested using samples from a photo interpreted base map of the area. The significance of differences between analysts is indicated by comparing Kappa statistics derived from error matrices. Analyst variability is found to be statistically significant in most cases. Certain analysts provided consistently better results for a given study area or degree of training. This work demonstrates the potential influence of analyst bias on what would otherwise seem to be a fairly objective method and suggests that controls for this subjectivity should be factored into experimental designs.

Mcgwire, Kenneth C.↗

Windblown Features on Venus and Geological Mapping

The objectives of this study were to: 1) develop a global data base of aeolian features by searching Magellan coverage for possible time-variable wind streaks, 2) analyze the data base to characterize aeolian features and processes on Venus, 3) apply the analysis to assessments of wind patterns near the surface and for comparisons with atmospheric circulation models, 4) analyze shuttle radar data acquired for aeolian features on Earth to determine their radar characteristics, and 5) conduct geological mapping of two quadrangles. Wind, or aeolian, features are observed on Venus and aeolian processes play a role in modifying its surface. Analysis of features resulting from aeolian processes provides insight into characteristics of both the atmosphere and the surface. Wind related features identified on Venus include erosional landforms (yardangs), depositional dune fields, and features resulting from the interaction of the atmosphere and crater ejecta at the time of impact. The most abundant aeolian features are various wind streaks. Their discovery on Venus afforded the opportunity to learn about the interaction of the atmosphere and surface, both for the identification of sediments and in mapping near-surface winds.

Greeley, Ronald↗

Mineralogic variability of the Kelso Dunes, Mojave Desert, California derived from Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) data

Mineral identification and mapping of alluvial material using thermal infrared (TIR) remote sensing is extremely useful for tracking sediment transport, assessing the degree of weathering and locating sediment sources. As a result of the linear relation between a mineral's percentage in a given area (image pixel) and the depth of its diagnostic spectral features, TIR spectra can be deconvolved in order to ascertain mineralogic percentages. Typical complications such as vegetation, particle size and thermal shadowing are minimized upon examination of dunes. Actively saltating dunes contain little to no vegetation, are very well sorted and lack the thermal shadows that arise from rocky terrain. The primary focus of this work was to use the Kelso Dunes as a test location for an accuracy analysis of temperature/emissivity separation and linear unmixing algorithms. Accurate determination of ground temperature and component discrimination will become key products of future ASTER data. A decorrelation stretch of the TIMS image showed clear color variations within the active dunes. Samples collected from these color units were analyzed for mineralogy, grain size, and separated into endmembers. This analysis not only revealed that the dunes contained significant mineralogic variation, but were more immature (low quartz percentage) than previously reported. Unmixing of the TIMS data using the primary mineral endmembers produced unique variations within the dunes and may indicate near, rather than far, source locales for the dunes. The Kelso Dunes lie in the eastern Mojave Desert, California, approximately 95 km west of the Colorado River. The primary dune field is contained within a topographic basin bounded by the Providence, Granite Mountains, with the active region marked by three northeast trending linear ridges. Although active, the dunes appear to lie at an opposing regional wind boundary which produces little net movement of the crests. Previous studies have estimated the dunes range from 70% to 90% quartz mainly derived from a source 40 km to the west. The dune field is assumed to have formed in a much more arid climate than present, with the age of the deposit estimated at greater than 100,000 years.

Ramsey, Michael S.↗

Structure and Variability of Water Vapor in the Upper Troposphere and Lower Stratosphere

Upper-tropospheric humidity (UTH) has been synoptically mapped via an algorithm that rejects small-scale undersampled variance, which is intrinsic to asymptotic measurements of water vapor, cloud, and other convective properties. Mapped distributions of UTH have been used, jointly with high-resolution Global Cloud Imagery (GCI), to study how the upper troposphere is humidified. The time-mean distribution of UTH is spatially correlated to the time-mean distribution of cold cloud fraction (eta)(sub c) (T < than 230 K). Regions of large UTH coincide with regions of large eta(sub c), which mark deep convection. They also coincide with regions of reduced vertical stability, in which the vertical gradient of theta is weakened by convective mixing. Coldest cloud cover is attended convective overshoots above the local tropopause, which is simultaneously coldest and highest. Together, these features reflect the upper-troposphere being ventilated by convection, which mixes in moist air from lower levels. Histograms of UTH and eta(sub c) have been applied to construct the joint probability density function, which quantifies the relationship between these properties. The expected value of UTH in convective regions is strongly correlated to the expected value of eta(sub c). In ensembles of asymptotic samples, the correlation between epsilon[UTH] and epsilon[eta(sub c)] exceeds 0.80. As these expectations reflect the most likely values, the strong correlation between epsilon[UTH] and epsilon[eta(sub c)] indicates that the large-scale organization of UTH is strongly shaped by convective pumping of moisture from lower levels. The same relationship holds for unsteady fields - even though, instantaneously, those fields are comprised almost entirely of small-scale convective structure. The spatial autocorrelation of UTH, constructed at high resolution from overpass data along ascending and descending tracks of the orbit, is limited to only a couple of degrees in the horizontal. This mirrors the spatial autocorrelation of eta(sub c), which likewise operates coherently on short scales. The short correlation scale of UTH, which reflects the scale of individual convective systems, is comparable to the spacing of retrievals from MLS. These scales are undersampled in the asynoptic measurements. Despite their prevalence, the mapping algorithm described above successfully recovers synoptic behavior operating coherently on large scales. It reveals eastward migration of anomalous UTH from the Indian ocean to the central Pacific, in association with the modulation of convection by the Madden-Julian oscillation. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Salby, Murry L.↗

Structure and Variability of Water Vapor in the Upper Troposphere and Lower Stratosphere

An algorithm has been developed to synoptically-map asynoptic measurements, while rejecting small-scale under-sampled variance that is intrinsic to satellite measurements of water vapor, cloud, and other convective properties. The algorithm has been validated against high-resolution Global Cloud Imagery (GCI) , constructed from 6 satellites simultaneously viewing the global convective pattern. It has been applied to synoptically map Upper-tropospheric humidity (UTH) from UARS/MLS. Mapped distributions of UTH have been used, jointly with the GCI, to study how the upper troposphere is humidified. The time-mean distribution of UTH is spatially correlated to the time-mean distribution of cold cloud fraction eta(sub c) (T less than 230 K). Regions of large UTH coincide with regions of large eta(sub c), which mark deep convection. They also coincide with regions of reduced vertical stability, in which the vertical gradient of Theta is weakened by convective mixing. Coldest cloud cover is attended convective overshoots above the local tropopause, which is simultaneously coldest and highest. Together, these features reflect the upper-troposphere being ventilated by convection, which mixes in air from lower levels.

Salby, Murry L.↗