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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2014

Algorithm Development and Validation of CDOM Properties for Estuarine and Continental Shelf Waters Along the Northeastern U.S. Coast

An extensive set of field measurements have been collected throughout the continental margin of the northeastern U.S. from 2004 to 2011 to develop and validate ocean color satellite algorithms for the retrieval of the absorption coefficient of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (aCDOM) and CDOM spectral slopes for the 275:295 nm and 300:600 nm spectral range (S275:295 and S300:600). Remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) measurements computed from in-water radiometry profiles along with aCDOM() data are applied to develop several types of algorithms for the SeaWiFS and MODIS-Aqua ocean color satellite sensors, which involve least squares linear regression of aCDOM() with (1) Rrs band ratios, (2) quasi-analytical algorithm-based (QAA based) products of total absorption coefficients, (3) multiple Rrs bands within a multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis, and (4) diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd). The relative error (mean absolute percent difference; MAPD) for the MLR retrievals of aCDOM(275), aCDOM(355), aCDOM(380), aCDOM(412) and aCDOM(443) for our study region range from 20.4-23.9 for MODIS-Aqua and 27.3-30 for SeaWiFS. Because of the narrower range of CDOM spectral slope values, the MAPD for the MLR S275:295 and QAA-based S300:600 algorithms are much lower ranging from 9.9 and 8.3 for SeaWiFS, respectively, and 8.7 and 6.3 for MODIS, respectively. Seasonal and spatial MODIS-Aqua and SeaWiFS distributions of aCDOM, S275:295 and S300:600 processed with these algorithms are consistent with field measurements and the processes that impact CDOM levels along the continental shelf of the northeastern U.S. Several satellite data processing factors correlate with higher uncertainty in satellite retrievals of aCDOM, S275:295 and S300:600 within the coastal ocean, including solar zenith angle, sensor viewing angle, and atmospheric products applied for atmospheric corrections. Algorithms that include ultraviolet Rrs bands provide a better fit to field measurements than algorithms without the ultraviolet Rrs bands. This suggests that satellite sensors with ultraviolet capability could provide better retrievals of CDOM. Because of the strong correlations between CDOM parameters and DOM constituents in the coastal ocean, satellite observations of CDOM parameters can be applied to study the distributions, sources and sinks of DOM, which are relevant for understanding the carbon cycle, modeling the Earth system, and to discern how the Earth is changing.

CDOM Properties↗
NASA NTRS1990

Algorithm development for Maxwell's equations for computational electromagnetism

A new algorithm has been developed for solving Maxwell's equations for the electromagnetic field. It solves the equations in the time domain with central, finite differences. The time advancement is performed implicitly, using an alternating direction implicit procedure. The space discretization is performed with finite volumes, using curvilinear coordinates with electromagnetic components along those directions. Sample calculations are presented of scattering from a metal pin, a square and a circle to demonstrate the capabilities of the new algorithm.

Goorjian, Peter M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Algorithm developments for the Euler equations with calculations of transonic flows

A new algorithm has been developed for the Euler equations that uses flux vector splitting in combination with the concept of rotating the coordinate system to the local streamwise direction. Flux vector biasing is applied along the local streamwise direction and central differencing is used transverse to the flow direction. The flux vector biasing is switched from upwind for supersonic flow to downwind-biased for subsonic flow. This switching is based on the Mach number; hence the proper domain of dependence is used in the supersonic regions and the switching occurs across shock waves. The theoretical basis and the development of the formulas for flux vector splitting are presented. Then several one-dimensional calculations are presented of steady and unsteady transonic flows, which demonstrate the stability and accuracy of the algorithm. Finally results are shown for unsteady transonic flow over an airfoil. The pressure coefficient plots show sharp transonic shock profiles, and the Mach contour plots show smoothly varying contours.

Goorjian, Peter M.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Implementation on Landsat Data of a Simple Cloud Mask Algorithm Developed for MODIS Land Bands

This letter assesses the performance on Landsat-7 images of a modified version of a cloud masking algorithm originally developed for clear-sky compositing of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images at northern mid-latitudes. While data from recent Landsat missions include measurements at thermal wavelengths, and such measurements are also planned for the next mission, thermal tests are not included in the suggested algorithm in its present form to maintain greater versatility and ease of use. To evaluate the masking algorithm we take advantage of the availability of manual (visual) cloud masks developed at USGS for the collection of Landsat scenes used here. As part of our evaluation we also include the Automated Cloud Cover Assesment (ACCA) algorithm that includes thermal tests and is used operationally by the Landsat-7 mission to provide scene cloud fractions, but no cloud masks. We show that the suggested algorithm can perform about as well as ACCA both in terms of scene cloud fraction and pixel-level cloud identification. Specifically, we find that the algorithm gives an error of 1.3% for the scene cloud fraction of 156 scenes, and a root mean square error of 7.2%, while it agrees with the manual mask for 93% of the pixels, figures very similar to those from ACCA (1.2%, 7.1%, 93.7%).

Oreopoulos, Lazaros↗
NASA NTRS1987

A new radar technique for satellite rainfall algorithm development

A potential new radar parameter was investigated for measuring rainfall, namely the summation of the phase shifts at horizontal and vertical polarizations due to propagation through precipitation. The proposed radar technique has several potential advantages over other approaches because it is insensitive to the drop size distribution and to the shapes of the raindrops. Such a parameter could greatly assist the development of satellite rainfall estimation algorithms by providing comparative measurements near the ground. It could also provide hydrologically useful information for such practical applications as urban hydrology. Results of the investigation showed that the parameters can not be measured by radar. However, a closely related radar parameter, propagation differential phase shift, can be readily measured using a polarization diversity radar. It is recommended that propagation differential phase shift be further investigated and developed for radar monitoring of rainfall using a polarization agile radar. It is also recommended that a prototype multiple frequency microwave link be constructed for attenuation measurements not possible by existing radar systems.

Jameson, Arthur R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Algorithm development with applications to aerodynamics and aeroelasticity

The development of a streamwise upwind algorithm is presented. Applications of this algorithm to steady flow over a delta wing and unsteady flow over an oscillating wing, respectively, are covered. An extension to higher order accuracy for upwind methods is discussed. This scheme will use the compatibility relations for the extension. The use of multiple zones in the calculation of unsteady flows is considered. Multiple zones are one way to treat complex configurations, such as complete aircraft. Aeroelastic calculations are discussed. A procedure for aeroelastic calculations is described that simultaneously solves the aerodynamic and structural equations of motion. Sample calculations are given to illustrate the above.

Goorjian, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1997

NOAA AVHRR Land Surface Albedo Algorithm Development

The primary objective of this research is to develop a surface albedo model for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR). The primary test site is the Konza prairie, Kansas (U.S.A.), used by the International Satellite Land Surface Climatology Project (ISLSCP) in the First ISLSCP Field Experiment (FIFE). In this research, high spectral resolution field spectrometer data was analyzed to simulate AVHRR wavebands and to derive surface albedos. Development of a surface albedo algorithm was completed by analysing a combination of satellite, field spectrometer, and ancillary data. Estimated albedos from the field spectrometer data were compared to reference albedos derived using pyranometer data. Variations from surface anisotropy of reflected solar radiation were found to be the most significant albedo-related error. Additional error or sensitivity came from estimation of a shortwave mid-IR reflectance (1.3-4.0 micro-m) using the AVHRR red and near-IR bands. Errors caused by the use of AVHRR spectral reflectance to estimate both a total visible (0.4-0.7 micro-m) and near-IR (0.7-1.3 micro-m) reflectance were small. The solar spectral integration, using the derived ultraviolet, visible, near-IR and SW mid-IR reflectivities, was not sensitive to many clear-sky changes in atmospheric properties and illumination conditions.

Toll, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Motion Cueing Algorithm Development: Human-Centered Linear and Nonlinear Approaches

While the performance of flight simulator motion system hardware has advanced substantially, the development of the motion cueing algorithm, the software that transforms simulated aircraft dynamics into realizable motion commands, has not kept pace. Prior research identified viable features from two algorithms: the nonlinear "adaptive algorithm", and the "optimal algorithm" that incorporates human vestibular models. A novel approach to motion cueing, the "nonlinear algorithm" is introduced that combines features from both approaches. This algorithm is formulated by optimal control, and incorporates a new integrated perception model that includes both visual and vestibular sensation and the interaction between the stimuli. Using a time-varying control law, the matrix Riccati equation is updated in real time by a neurocomputing approach. Preliminary pilot testing resulted in the optimal algorithm incorporating a new otolith model, producing improved motion cues. The nonlinear algorithm vertical mode produced a motion cue with a time-varying washout, sustaining small cues for longer durations and washing out large cues more quickly compared to the optimal algorithm. The inclusion of the integrated perception model improved the responses to longitudinal and lateral cues. False cues observed with the NASA adaptive algorithm were absent. The neurocomputing approach was crucial in that the number of presentations of an input vector could be reduced to meet the real time requirement without degrading the quality of the motion cues.

Houck, Jacob A.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Ocean Observations with EOS/MODIS: Algorithm Development and Post Launch Studies

Significant accomplishments made during the present reporting period are as follows: (1) We developed a new method for identifying the presence of absorbing aerosols and, simultaneously, performing atmospheric correction. The algorithm consists of optimizing the match between the top-of-atmosphere radiance spectrum and the result of models of both the ocean and aerosol optical properties; (2) We developed an algorithm for providing an accurate computation of the diffuse transmittance of the atmosphere given an aerosol model. A module for inclusion into the MODIS atmospheric-correction algorithm was completed; (3) We acquired reflectance data for oceanic whitecaps during a cruise on the RV Ka'imimoana in the Tropical Pacific (Manzanillo, Mexico to Honolulu, Hawaii). The reflectance spectrum of whitecaps was found to be similar to that for breaking waves in the surf zone measured by Frouin, Schwindling and Deschamps, however, the drop in augmented reflectance from 670 to 860 nm was not as great, and the magnitude of the augmented reflectance was significantly less than expected; and (4) We developed a method for the approximate correction for the effects of the MODIS polarization sensitivity. The correction, however, requires adequate characterization of the polarization sensitivity of MODIS prior to launch.

Gordon, Howard R.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Ocean observations with EOS/MODIS: Algorithm development and post launch studies

An investigation of the influence of stratospheric aerosol on the performance of the atmospheric correction algorithm was carried out. The results indicate how the performance of the algorithm is degraded if the stratospheric aerosol is ignored. Use of the MODIS 1380 nm band to effect a correction for stratospheric aerosols was also studied. The development of a multi-layer Monte Carlo radiative transfer code that includes polarization by molecular and aerosol scattering and wind-induced sea surface roughness has been completed. Comparison tests with an existing two-layer successive order of scattering code suggests that both codes are capable of producing top-of-atmosphere radiances with errors usually less than 0.1 percent. An initial set of simulations to study the effects of ignoring the polarization of the the ocean-atmosphere light field, in both the development of the atmospheric correction algorithm and the generation of the lookup tables used for operation of the algorithm, have been completed. An algorithm was developed that can be used to invert the radiance exiting the top and bottom of the atmosphere to yield the columnar optical properties of the atmospheric aerosol under clear sky conditions over the ocean, for aerosol optical thicknesses as large as 2. The algorithm is capable of retrievals with such large optical thicknesses because all significant orders of multiple scattering are included.

Gordon, Howard R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Algorithmic development in structures technology

A wide variety of topics about the types of algorithms in use or in development for the design of gas turbine engines are covered in this report, ranging from the need for better algorithms, to how they should be used. The areas to be addressed in viewgraph format are: why development is needed; how to prioritize it; what is the computing environment; who needs new methods; examples; and the importance of validation.

Sagendorph, Frank↗
NASA NTRS1983

Planning fuel-conservative descents with or without time constraints using a small programmable calculator: Algorithm development and flight test results

A simplified flight-management descent algorithm, programmed on a small programmable calculator, was developed and flight tested. It was designed to aid the pilot in planning and executing a fuel-conservative descent to arrive at a metering fix at a time designated by the air traffic control system. The algorithm may also be used for planning fuel-conservative descents when time is not a consideration. The descent path was calculated for a constant Mach/airspeed schedule from linear approximations of airplane performance with considerations given for gross weight, wind, and nonstandard temperature effects. The flight-management descent algorithm is described. The results of flight tests flown with a T-39A (Sabreliner) airplane are presented.

Knox, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Ice surface temperature retrieval from AVHRR, ATSR, and passive microwave satellite data: Algorithm development and application

During the first half of our second project year we have accomplished the following: (1) acquired a new AVHRR data set for the Beaufort Sea area spanning an entire year; (2) acquired additional ATSR data for the Arctic and Antarctic now totaling over seven months; (3) refined our AVHRR Arctic and Antarctic ice surface temperature (IST) retrieval algorithm, including work specific to Greenland; (4) developed ATSR retrieval algorithms for the Arctic and Antarctic, including work specific to Greenland; (5) investigated the effects of clouds and the atmosphere on passive microwave 'surface' temperature retrieval algorithms; (6) generated surface temperatures for the Beaufort Sea data set, both from AVHRR and SSM/I; and (7) continued work on compositing GAC data for coverage of the entire Arctic and Antarctic. During the second half of the year we will continue along these same lines, and will undertake a detailed validation study of the AVHRR and ATSR retrievals using LEADEX and the Beaufort Sea year-long data. Cloud masking methods used for the AVHRR will be modified for use with the ATSR. Methods of blending in situ and satellite-derived surface temperature data sets will be investigated.

Key, Jeff↗
NASA NTRS1989

Ice classification algorithm development and verification for the Alaska SAR Facility using aircraft imagery

The Alaska SAR Facility (ASF) at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks is a NASA program designed to receive, process, and archive SAR data from ERS-1 and to support investigations that will use this regional data. As part of ASF, specialized subsystems and algorithms to produce certain geophysical products from the SAR data are under development. Of particular interest are ice motion, ice classification, and ice concentration. This work focuses on the algorithm under development for ice classification, and the verification of the algorithm using C-band aircraft SAR imagery recently acquired over the Alaskan arctic.

Holt, Benjamin↗
NASA NTRS2020

Characterization and Commissioning of a Ka-Band Ground Station for Cognitive Algorithm Development

In 2018, the Cognitive Communications and Propagation projects completed installation and checkout testing of a new Ka-Band ground station at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cognitive Algorithms Demonstration Testbed (CADeT) was developed to provide a fully characterized and controllable dynamic link environment to researchers looking to demonstrate hardware and software aligned with atmospheric sensing and cognitive algorithms. CADeT integrates a host of precision control and measurement systems in addition to repurposing a 5.5 meter beam-waveguide dish platform previously used with the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS). This paper will discuss the laboratory testing of ground station components with a emphasis on elements vital to achieving link budget requirements including characterization of the new Gallium Nitride (GaN) Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA) and far-field measurements of the new antenna feed. Finally, the paper discusses in-situ tests conducted with CADeT and the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) to validate laboratory results and make necessary link budget adjustments before reviewing the lessons learned.

Cameron M Seidl↗
NASA NTRS1995

Passive microwave algorithm development and evaluation

The scientific objectives of this grant are: (1) thoroughly evaluate, both theoretically and empirically, all available Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) retrieval algorithms for column water vapor, column liquid water, and surface wind speed; (2) where both appropriate and feasible, develop, validate, and document satellite passive microwave retrieval algorithms that offer significantly improved performance compared with currently available algorithms; and (3) refine and validate a novel physical inversion scheme for retrieving rain rate over the ocean. This report summarizes work accomplished or in progress during the first year of a three year grant. The emphasis during the first year has been on the validation and refinement of the rain rate algorithm published by Petty and on the analysis of independent data sets that can be used to help evaluate the performance of rain rate algorithms over remote areas of the ocean. Two articles in the area of global oceanic precipitation are attached.

Petty, Grant W.↗