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At least 523 records · Page 29

CFD Simulations of the IHF Arc-Jet Flow: Compression-Pad/Separation Bolt Wedge Tests

This paper reports computational analyses in support of two wedge tests in a high enthalpy arc-jet facility at NASA Ames Research Center. These tests were conducted using two different wedge models, each placed in a free jet downstream of a corresponding different conical nozzle in the Ames 60-MW Interaction Heating Facility. Panel test articles included a metallic separation bolt imbedded in the compression-pad and heat shield materials, resulting in a circular protuberance over a flat plate. As part of the test calibration runs, surface pressure and heat flux measurements on water-cooled calibration plates integrated with the wedge models were also obtained. Surface heating distributions on the test articles as well as arc-jet test environment parameters for each test configuration are obtained through computational fluid dynamics simulations, consistent with the facility and calibration measurements. The present analysis comprises simulations of the non-equilibrium flow field in the facility nozzle, test box, and flow field over test articles, and comparisons with the measured calibration data.

TPS↗

CFD Simulations of the IHF Arc-Jet Flow: Compression-Pad/Separation Bolt Wedge Tests

This paper reports computational analyses in support of two wedge tests in a high enthalpy arc-jet facility at NASA Ames Research Center. These tests were conducted using two different wedge models, each placed in a free jet downstream of a corresponding different conical nozzle in the Ames 60-MW Interaction Heating Facility. Each panel test article included a metallic separation bolt imbedded in Orion compression-pad and heatshield materials, resulting in a circular protuberance over a flat plate. The protuberances produce complex model flowfields, containing shock-shock and shock-boundary layer interactions, and multiple augmented heating regions on the test plate. As part of the test calibration runs, surface pressure and heat flux measurements on water-cooled calibration plates integrated with the wedge models were also obtained. Surface heating distributions on the test articles as well as arc-jet test environment parameters for each test configuration are obtained through computational fluid dynamics simulations, consistent with the facility and calibration measurements. The present analysis comprises simulations of the nonequilibrium flowfield in the facility nozzle, test box, and flowfield over test articles, and comparisons with the measured calibration data.

CFD↗

CFD Simulations of the IHF Arc-Jet Flow: Compression-Pad Separation Bolt Wedge Tests

This paper reports computational analyses in support of two wedge tests in a high enthalpy arc-jet facility at NASA Ames Research Center. These tests were conducted using two different wedge models, each placed in a free jet downstream of a corresponding different conical nozzle in the Ames 60-MW Interaction Heating Facility. Each panel test article included a metallic separation bolt imbedded in Orion compression-pad and heatshield materials, resulting in a circular protuberance over a flat plate. The protuberances produce complex model flowfields, containing shock-shock and shock-boundary layer interactions, and multiple augmented heating regions on the test plate. As part of the test calibration runs, surface pressure and heat flux measurements on water-cooled calibration plates integrated with the wedge models were also obtained. Surface heating distributions on the test articles as well as arc-jet test environment parameters for each test configuration are obtained through computational fluid dynamics simulations, consistent with the facility and calibration measurements. The present analysis comprises simulations of the non-equilibrium flow field in the facility nozzle, test box, and flow field over test articles, and comparisons with the measured calibration data.

CFD↗

Development of an Expert Judgement Elicitation and Calibration Methodology for Risk Analysis in Conceptual Vehicle Design

A comprehensive expert-judgment elicitation methodology to quantify input parameter uncertainty and analysis tool uncertainty in a conceptual launch vehicle design analysis has been developed. The ten-phase methodology seeks to obtain expert judgment opinion for quantifying uncertainties as a probability distribution so that multidisciplinary risk analysis studies can be performed. The calibration and aggregation techniques presented as part of the methodology are aimed at improving individual expert estimates, and provide an approach to aggregate multiple expert judgments into a single probability distribution. The purpose of this report is to document the methodology development and its validation through application to a reference aerospace vehicle. A detailed summary of the application exercise, including calibration and aggregation results is presented. A discussion of possible future steps in this research area is given.

Unal, Resit↗

High resolution magnetic resonance imaging of the calcaneus: age-related changes in trabecular structure and comparison with dual X-ray absorptiometry measurements

A high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol, together with specialized image processing techniques, was applied to the quantitative measurement of age-related changes in calcaneal trabecular structure. The reproducibility of the technique was assessed and the annual rates of change for several trabecular structure parameters were measured. The MR-derived trabecular parameters were compared with calcaneal bone mineral density (BMD), measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the same subjects. Sagittal MR images were acquired at 1.5 T in 23 healthy women (mean age: 49.3 +/- 16.6 [SD]), using a three-dimensional gradient echo sequence. Image analysis procedures included internal gray-scale calibration, bone and marrow segmentation, and run-length methods. Three trabecular structure parameters, apparent bone volume (ABV/TV), intercept thickness (I.Th), and intercept separation (I.Sp) were calculated from the MR images. The short- and long-term precision errors (mean %CV) of these measured parameters were in the ranges 1-2% and 3-6%, respectively. Linear regression of the trabecular structure parameters vs. age showed significant correlation: ABV/TV (r2 = 33.7%, P < 0.0037), I.Th (r2 = 26.6%, P < 0.0118), I.Sp (r2 = 28.9%, P < 0.0081). These trends with age were also expressed as annual rates of change: ABV/TV (-0.52%/year), I.Th (-0.33%/year), and I.Sp (0.59%/year). Linear regression analysis also showed significant correlation between the MR-derived trabecular structure parameters and calcaneal BMD values. Although a larger group of subjects is needed to better define the age-related changes in trabecular structure parameters and their relation to BMD, these preliminary results demonstrate that high-resolution MRI may potentially be useful for the quantitative assessment of trabecular structure.

NASA Discipline Number 26-10↗

MODIS. Volume 2: MODIS level 1 geolocation, characterization and calibration algorithm theoretical basis document, version 1

The EOS Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) is being developed by NASA for flight on the Earth Observing System (EOS) series of satellites, the first of which (EOS-AM-1) is scheduled for launch in 1998. This document describes the algorithms and their theoretical basis for the MODIS Level 1B characterization, calibration, and geolocation algorithms which must produce radiometrically, spectrally, and spatially calibrated data with sufficient accuracy so that Global change research programs can detect minute changes in biogeophysical parameters. The document first describes the geolocation algorithm which determines geodetic latitude, longitude, and elevation of each MODIS pixel and the determination of geometric parameters for each observation (satellite zenith angle, satellite azimuth, range to the satellite, solar zenith angle, and solar azimuth). Next, the utilization of the MODIS onboard calibration sources, which consist of the Spectroradiometric Calibration Assembly (SRCA), Solar Diffuser (SD), Solar Diffuser Stability Monitor (SDSM), and the Blackbody (BB), is treated. Characterization of these sources and integration of measurements into the calibration process is described. Finally, the use of external sources, including the Moon, instrumented sites on the Earth (called vicarious calibration), and unsupervised normalization sites having invariant reflectance and emissive properties is treated. Finally, algorithms for generating utility masks needed for scene-based calibration are discussed. Eight appendices are provided, covering instrument design and additional algorithm details.

Barker, John L.↗

Improved Fine Sun Sensor Field of View Calibration

The fine Sun sensor used on many spacecraft consists of two independent single-axis sensor heads, nominally mounted perpendicularly. These detect the Sun angle over a field of view typically of +32 deg. (There is a trade-off between accuracy and size of the field of view that allows for much latitude in any numbers quoted.) The nonlinear "transfer" function that maps the telemetered counts into observed angles consists of 9 adjustable parameters for each axis (1 8 total). An augmented transfer function has previously been reported that achieves a significant accuracy improvement across the entire field of view. That function expands the parameter set to 12 coefficients per axis (24 total) and includes cross terms combining counts from both axes. To make the best use of the Sun sensor for attitude determination, it must be calibrated after launch. However, the large number of parameters and the nonlinearity of the problem make this a challenging task. The purpose of this paper is to examine ways to improve convergence of the parameter search algorithm. In particular, experience has shown that the problem should be broken down into several steps, solving for a selected subset of the parameters at each step. This approach has now been incorporated as an option in the calibration utility.

Sedlak, J.↗

Quantitative spectroscopy for the analysis of GOME data

Accurate analysis of the global ozone monitoring experiment (GOME) data to obtain atmospheric constituents requires reliable, traceable spectroscopic parameters for atmospheric absorption and scattering. Results are summarized for research that includes: the re-determination of Rayleigh scattering cross sections and phase functions for the 200 nm to 1000 nm range; the analysis of solar spectra to obtain a high-resolution reference spectrum with excellent absolute vacuum wavelength calibration; Ring effect cross sections and phase functions determined directly from accurate molecular parameters of N2 and O2; O2 A band line intensities and pressure broadening coefficients; and the analysis of absolute accuracies for ultraviolet and visible absorption cross sections of O3 and other trace species measurable by GOME.

Chance, K.↗

Making Sense of the Rest-Frame UV Spectra of Galaxies

Spectroscopic surveys of galaxies at z=1 or more will bring the rest-frame ultraviolet into view of large, ground-based telescopes. This spectral region is rich in diagnostics, but these diagnostics have not yet been calibrated in terms of the properties of the responsible stellar population(s). Such calibrations are now possible with Hubble's Next Generation Spectral Library (NGSL). The NGSL contains UV-optical spectra (0.2- 1.0 microns) of 378 stars having a wide range in temperature, luminosity, and metallicity. Because of the broad wavelength coverage of NGSL spectra, it is possible to derive the basic stellar parameters from the optical spectral region (0.35 - 1.0 microns) and use them to calibrate UV spectral diagnostics. In this talk, I will describe the NGSL and our preliminary calibration of UV spectral diagnostics, focusing on the MgII and MgI resonance lines and the 2640-Angstrom break.

Heap, Sara R.↗

In-flight validation and calibration of the spectral and radiometric characteristics of the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS)

Through an in-flight calibration experiment at Rogers Dry Lake, California on September 20, 1989, the radiometric and spectral properties of AVIRIS were determined. In-flight spectral channel positions and the spectral response function in 10 regions of the AVIRIS spectral range, taking in all four spectrometers, are shown to agree closely with the corresponding parameters measured in the laboratory. The intraflight stability for the Rogers Dry Lake calibration site is better than 2 percent with the exception of the strong atmospheric water absorptions where the measured radiance is close to zero. This experiment has provided both direct generation of an in-flight spectral and radiometric calibration and validation of the laboratory calibration at the reported level accuracy.

Green, Robert O.↗

On-orbit Calibration of the Seawinds Scatterometer Antennas

Measurements of ocean, sea-ice and terrain geophysical parameters can be remotely sensed using an active microwave sensor known as the microwave scatterometer. Satellite scatterometers are spaceborne radars that measure the absolute backscattered power from the earth's surface; and from this measurement, the normalized radar cross-section (sigma(sup 0)) of that surface is determined. Scatterometers calculate sigma(sup 0) of a measurement cell by inverting the radar equation [1]: where: R is range to the cell center, P(sub t) is transmitted power, lambda is transmitted wavelength, L is total path loss, G(sub A) is peak antenna gain, A(sub c) is cell area, and c is a pre-computed factor due to the approximation of the radar equation for extended area targets.

Zec, Josko↗

Estimation of Biomass Fire Temperature and Areal Extent from Calibrated AVIRIS Spectra

This paper describes an approach to derive a range of biomass fire parameters from spectra measured by NASA's Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS). AVIRIS measures images of the upwelling spectral radiance from 400 to 2500 nm at 10nm intervals. Images are measured of 11 by up to 100 km with 20 by 20 m spatial resolution.

Biomass AVRIS biomass fire smoke cloud aerosol and↗

Use of a Stanton Tube for Skin-Friction Measurements

A small total-pressure tube resting against a flat-plate surface was used as a Stanton tube and calibrated as a skin-friction meter at various subsonic and supersonic speeds. Laminar flow was maintained for the supersonic runs at a Mach number M(sub infinity) of 2. At speeds between M(sub infinity) = 1.33 and M(sub infinity) = 1.87, the calibrations were carried-out in a turbulent boundary layer. The subsonic flows were found to be in transition. The skin-friction readings of a floating-element type of balance served as the reference values against which the Stanton tube was calibrated. A theoretical model was developed which, for moderate values of the shear parameter tau, accurately predicts the performance of the Stanton tube in subsonic and supersonic flows. A "shear correction factor" was found to explain the deviations from the basic model when T became too large. Compressibility effects were important only in the case of turbulent supersonic flows, and they did not alter the form of the calibration curve. The test Reynolds numbers, based on the distance from the leading edge and free-stream conditions, ranged from 70,000 to 875,000. The turbulent-boundary-layer Reynolds numbers, based on momentum thickness, varied between 650 and 2,300. Both laminar and turbulent velocity profiles were taken and the effect of pressure gradient on the calibration was investigated.

Abarbanel, S. S.↗

Flux estimation of the FIFE planetary boundary layer (PBL) with 10.6 micron Doppler lidar

A method is devised for calculating wind, momentum, and other flux parameters that characterize the planetary boundary layer (PBL) and thereby facilitate the calibration of spaceborne vs. in situ flux estimates. Single Doppler lidar data are used to estimate the variance of the mean wind and the covariance related to the vertically pointing fluxes of horizontal momentum. The skewness of the vertical velocity and the range of kinetic energy dissipation are also estimated, and the surface heat flux is determined by means of a statistical Navier-Stokes equation. The conclusion shows that the PBL structure combines both 'bottom-up' and 'top-down' processes suggesting that the relevant parameters for the atmospheric boundary layer be revised. The conclusions are of significant interest to the modeling techniques used in General Circulation Models as well as to flux estimation.

Gal-Chen, Tzvi↗

Strain Gage Load Calibration of the Wing Interface Fittings for the Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge Flap Flight Test

The safety-of-flight parameters for the Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge (ACTE) flap experiment require that flap-to-wing interface loads be sensed and monitored in real time to ensure that the structural load limits of the wing are not exceeded. This paper discusses the strain gage load calibration testing and load equation derivation methodology for the ACTE interface fittings. Both the left and right wing flap interfaces were monitored; each contained four uniquely designed and instrumented flap interface fittings. The interface hardware design and instrumentation layout are discussed. Twenty-one applied test load cases were developed using the predicted in-flight loads. Pre-test predictions of strain gage responses were produced using finite element method models of the interface fittings. Predicted and measured test strains are presented. A load testing rig and three hydraulic jacks were used to apply combinations of shear, bending, and axial loads to the interface fittings. Hardware deflections under load were measured using photogrammetry and transducers. Due to deflections in the interface fitting hardware and test rig, finite element model techniques were used to calculate the reaction loads throughout the applied load range, taking into account the elastically-deformed geometry. The primary load equations were selected based on multiple calibration metrics. An independent set of validation cases was used to validate each derived equation. The 2-sigma residual errors for the shear loads were less than eight percent of the full-scale calibration load; the 2-sigma residual errors for the bending moment loads were less than three percent of the full-scale calibration load. The derived load equations for shear, bending, and axial loads are presented, with the calculated errors for both the calibration cases and the independent validation load cases.

Miller, Eric J.↗

Altimeter waveform software design

Techniques are described for preprocessing raw return waveform data from the GEOS-3 radar altimeter. Topics discussed include: (1) general altimeter data preprocessing to be done at the GEOS-3 Data Processing Center to correct altimeter waveform data for temperature calibrations, to convert between engineering and final data units and to convert telemetered parameter quantities to more appropriate final data distribution values: (2) time "tagging" of altimeter return waveform data quantities to compensate for various delays, misalignments and calculational intervals; (3) data processing procedures for use in estimating spacecraft attitude from altimeter waveform sampling gates; and (4) feasibility of use of a ground-based reflector or transponder to obtain in-flight calibration information on GEOS-3 altimeter performance.

Hayne, G. S.↗

Earth resources experiment package sensor performance evaluation. Volume 2: S191

An S191 performance summary based on ground testing and orbital operations in terms of pertinent parameters is provided. Additional tasks covering S191 short-wavelength radiometric calibration, data-acquisition camera, and viewfinder tracking system design criteria, radiometric comparison of S190A, S191, and S192, and wavelength calibration data are included as supplemental analyses. Descriptions of techniques employed in the performance analyses are also discussed. Final results of the evaluations in terms of significant performance degradation, sensor and system anomalies, and achieved performance are presented. Conclusions were based on S191 performance and interaction of S191 with the EREP system. Recommendations for additional analyses and improvements in design and operation are presented.

Kenney, G. P.↗