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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.

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At least 541 records · Page 30

Effects of Water Limitation and Competition on Tree Carbon Allocation in an Earth System Modeling Framework

Earth system models (ESMs) have a limited capacity to represent plant functional diversity and shifts in trait distributions. Approaches to improving the representation of this complexity in ESMs include (i) optimality-based approaches that predict trait–environment responses and (ii) explicitly modelling coexistence and community assembly. These approaches are expected to converge only when optimality-based approaches identify competitively dominant strategies, which often differ from strategies that maximize ecosystem functioning or fitness components in monoculture. We used two models, LM3-PPA (a vegetation demographic model designed as an ESM component) and BiomeE (a computationally efficient analog for LM3-PPA), to explore how water limitation affects carbon allocation strategies of canopy trees. We compared competitive allocation strategies and those that maximize biomass or productivity in monoculture. We did not explicitly model coexistence or community assembly. Rather, we used model experiments to identify competitive and maximizing strategies in a two-dimensional trait space under different precipitation and mortality scenarios. At 10 eastern US locations, we simulated historical, wet and dry climate scenarios, novel drought and three different mortality scenarios (low, medium or high sensitivity to water deficit). For each site and scenario, we identified the competitive strategy and three maximizing strategies (maximum biomass, productivity or drought-tolerance). Root: leaf ratios tended to increase and leaf area tended to decrease with increasing water stress (increasing water limitation and its effects on mortality). However, relative to maximizing strategies, competitive strategies shifted towards greater allocation to roots and leaves with increasing water stress. Competitive overinvestments (greater allocation to roots and leaves by competitive strategies compared with maximizing strategies) were robust across different modelling contexts, including vegetation parameter sets (Acer vs. Populus), models (LM3-PPA vs. BiomeE) and uncalibrated vs. calibrated BiomeE versions. Synthesis: The theoretical prediction that competitive and maximizing allocation strategies differ under water limitation is confirmed for a demographic model designed as an ESM component. Optimality-based trait predictions can simplify representing trait diversity in ESMs but do not always correspond to competitive outcomes. Explicitly modelling coexistence and community assembly in ESMs is challenging but is likely the most general approach to representing trait diversity.

vegetation demographic model↗

Communication Network Awareness Machine System Phase I Development: The Intelligent Party-Line Schema

As NextGen continues toward the full implementation of a Net-Centric Architecture (N-CA)it will inherently provide a continuous increase to the Three-Vs components (Volume, Velocity, and Variety) of big data . This will create an insurmountable environment for direct-action aviation personnel (DAAP)as the DAAP’s natural abilities to manage and process data into actionable information will be overmatched by the Three-Vs. Therefore, conducting operations within a N-CA requires that new tools and applications be researched and developed to aid the DAAP’s ability to understand and manage data, mitigate non-normals, create contingency plans and actions. This paper will describe a research area at NASA Langley Research Center known as the Intelligent Party-Line (IPL).

Intelligent Party-Line↗

Prior-to-failure extension of flaws under monotonic and pulsating loadings.

An equation governing the prior-to-failure crack propagation is proposed. For a rate-sensitive solid containing a two-dimensional crack and subject to the tensile mode of fracture the differential equations are integrated numerically for loads increasing monotonically in time. The resulting integral curves of load vs crack length and length vs time indicate that the growth of cracks in the subcritical range is strongly rate-dependent. The fatigue growth, viewed as a sequence of slow growth periods, is simulated on an EAI 380 analog computer. The fourth-power law proposed by Paris is confirmed only within certain range of high-cycle fatigue propagation and for a rate-insensitive solid. Otherwise, i.e., for a more pronounced rate dependence induced by viscosity of a solid and/or in the proximity of the final instability point, the growth is markedly enhanced.

Wnuk, M. P.↗

Ejection time by ear densitogram and its derivative - Clinical and physiologic applications.

Ear densitographic ejection times (EDET) and first derivative ear densitogram ejection times (dEDET) were studied to determine whether their reliability and validity justify their substitution for ejection times derived from the far less stable carotid pulse tracing. Inter- and intra-subject comparisons were made on thirty individuals under a wide variety of disease and challenge states. Statistical analysis of the data - which had been obtained through a blinded procedure - showed an overall correlation (r) of .98 for carotid vs EDET and .99 for carotid vs dEDET. The t-test demonstrated no significant differences among ejection times derived from the three methods. Moreover, the close tracking at rest and during challenges of ejection times derived from these curves with those from the carotid indicate that either method may be substituted for standard carotid curves without sacrificing reliability or validity of the measure.

Quarry-Pigott, V.↗

Observations of proton spectra /Ep ranging from 1.0 to 300 keV/ and fluxes at the plasmapause.

Discussion of proton flux data recorded for 32 samples per spin period by two solid state proton detectors and a three-axis fluxgate magnetometer aboard Explorer 45 which was launched from Kenia into a 220-km-to-5.24 earth radius orbit. The occurrence of an amplifier saturation effect in the presence of high energy protons is noted. Diagrams are included for proton intensities, proton differential flux vs altitude in six energy bands, evolution of proton differential energy spectra through a steep gradient region, omnidirectional fluxes vs altitude, and plasma densities.

Williams, D. J.↗

Engineering report. Part 2: NASA wheel and brake material tradeoff study for space shuttle type environmental requirements

The study included material selection and trade-off for the structural components of the wheel and brake optimizing weight vs cost and feasibility for the space shuttle type application. Analytical methods were used to determine section thickness for various materials, and a table was constructed showing weight vs. cost trade-off. The wheel and brake were further optimized by considering design philosophies that deviate from standard aircraft specifications, and designs that best utilize the materials being considered.

Bok, L. D.↗

Investigation of the detection and monitoring of forest insect infestations in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California

The author has identified the following significant results. In earlier reports it has been indicated that it is possible to delineate areas of lodgepole pine timber mortality into three degrees of damage from enlarged ERTS-1 color composites; light, medium, and heavy. It can also be confidently reported that it is now possible to detect all major areas of lodgepole pine defoliated by the needle miner. It has also been confirmed, through ground checking and helicopter observation that previous designation of the following features have been consistently accurate: timbered vs non-timbered areas; timber types; damaged vs undamaged areas; lakes, dome shadows which resemble lakes, mountain meadows, pasture and agricultural land, desert; riparian vegetation; and glaciers.

Hall, R. C.↗

Prior-to-failure extension of flaws under monotonic and pulsating loadings: Inelastic fatigue

An equation governing the prior to failure crack propagation is proposed. For a rate-sensitive solid containing two-dimensional crack and subject to the tensile mode of fracture, the differential equations are integrated numerically for the loads increasing monotonically in time. The resulting integral curves sigma = sigma(l) and l = l(t), i.e. load vs. crack length and length vs. time, indicate that the growth of cracks in the subcritical range is strongly rate dependent. The fatigue growth, viewed as a sequence of slow growth periods, is simulated on an EAI 380 analogue computer. The fourth power law proposed by Paris is confirmed only within a certain range of high-cycle fatigue propagation and for a rate-insensitive solid. For a more pronounced rate dependency, induced by the viscosity of a solid and/or in the proximity of the final instability point, the growth is markedly enhanced.

Wnuk, M. P.↗

The growing importance of costs and ways to maintain cost control on a large program in today's competitive environment

Discussion of management techniques that make it possible to overcome inflationary and developmental cost rises while holding schedule and performance fixed in scientific space programs. The techniques reviewed pertain to high personnel motivation, continual review of contract rigidity for de facto modification by senior judgment, standardization vs design innovation, cooperative customer/contractor goal orientation vs task orientation, and deep real-time management visibility.

Newman, J. J.↗

Parametric interactions between Alfven waves and sonic waves

Parametric interactions between a sonic pump wave and a weak Alfven wave are studied. It is shown that if the Alfven-wave velocity Va is small relative to the sonic-wave velocity Vs there is a time-growing instability leading to the increase of the Alfven wave at the expense of the sonic wave. This phenomenon can be of importance in solar and stellar physics. For Va large relative to Vs, the interaction is of the stop-band type.

Elachi, C.↗

The limitations of wind measurement accuracy for balloon systems

The error in horizontal wind field measurements as computed from the trajectory of balloons with linear and quadratic rise rates (as functions of altitude) has been derived. Balloon trajectories through light, moderate, and severe wind fields have been considered. Figures are presented which show the wind error vs altitude for various rise rates in each wind field, assuming linear smoothing of the trajectory data. The rise rate profile of the Jimsphere is analyzed as a special case. The results and figures presented are useful in determining the ultimate capability of rising balloon systems in general and for the Jimsphere system in particular for measuring wind from the surface to 18 km. Using the figures presented, it is possible to estimate the wind accuracy that can be achieved by any type of rising balloon by knowing only its rise rate behavior vs altitude. In addition, the results can be used in balloon design to determine what rise rate function is needed to achieve specified wind accuracies. A table is presented which shows the balloon radius for smooth and roughened spheres needed to achieve 2 to 20 m/sec rise rates at 10 and 14 km altitudes.

Luers, J. K.↗

Isotopic composition of low energy beryllium in the galactic cosmic rays

The multielement charged-particle telescope on the IMP-5 satellite obtained data essentially continuously for more than three years in the interplanetary medium under stable instrument conditions which have made it possible to separate the H, He, and Be isotopes in the galactic cosmic radiation using the technique of double dE/dx vs residual E and particle range measurements. Special emphasis is placed on demonstrating that in the energy range from 50 to 150 MeV/nucleon the instrument clearly resolved Be-7 vs Be-9. A detailed analysis of approximately 100 Be events collected over the mission lifetime yields the ratios (Be-7/Be) = 0.50 plus or minus 0.07, (Be-9/Be) = 0.41 plus or minus 0.10, and (Be-10/Be) = 0.09 plus or minus 0.10. These results are consistent with current models of galactic cosmic ray propagation after taking account of the effects of solar modulation.

Garcia-Munoz, M.↗

Quantitative models of magnetic and electric fields in the magnetosphere

In order to represent the magnetic field B in the magnetosphere various auxiliary functions can be used: the current density, the scalar potential, toroidal and poloidal potentials, and Euler potentials -- or else, the components of B may be expanded directly. The most versatile among the linear representations is the one based on toroidal and poloidal potentials; it has seen relatively little use in the past but appears to be the most promising one for future work. Other classifications of models include simple testbed models vs. comprehensive ones and analytical vs. numerical representations. The electric field E in the magnetosphere is generally assumed to vary only slowly and to be orthogonal to B, allowing the use of a scalar potential which may be deduced from observations in the ionosphere, from the shape of the plasmapause, or from particle observations in synchronous orbits.

Stern, D. P.↗

Human interaction with an intelligent computer in multi-task situations

A general formulation of human decision making in multiple task situations is presented. It includes a description of the state, event, and action space in which the multiple task supervisor operates. A specific application to a failure detection and correction situation is discussed and results of a simulation experiment presented. Issues considered include static vs. dynamic allocation of responsibility and competitive vs. cooperative intelligence.

Rouse, W. B.↗