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At least 577 records · Page 32

Use of Geostationary Satellite Data to Force Land Surface Schemes within Atmospheric Mesoscale Models

A technique has been developed for assimilating GOES-derived skin temperature tendencies and insolation into the surface energy budget equation of a mesoscale model so that the simulated rate of temperature change closely agrees with the satellite observations. A critical assumption of the technique is that the availability of moisture (either from the soil or vegetation) is the least known term in the model's surface energy budget. Therefore, the simulated latent heat flux, which is a function of surface moisture availability, is adjusted based upon differences between the modeled and satellite-observed skin temperature tendencies. An advantage of this technique is that satellite temperature tendencies are assimilated in an energetically consistent manner that avoids energy imbalances and surface stability problems that arise from direct assimilation of surface shelter temperatures. The fact that the rate of change of the satellite skin temperature is used rather than the absolute temperature means that sensor calibration is not as critical. The technique has been employed on a semi-operational basis at the GHCC within the PSU/NCAR MM5. Assimilation has been performed on a grid centered over the Southeastern US since November 1998. Results from the past year show that assimilation of the satellite data reduces both the bias and RMSE for simulations of surface air temperature and relative humidity. These findings are based on comparison of assimilation runs with a control using the simple 5-layer soil model available in MM5. A significant development in the past several months was the inclusion of the detailed Oregon State University land surface model (OSU/LSM) as an option within MM5. One of our working hypotheses has been that the assimilation technique, although simple, may provide better short-term forecasts than a detailed LSM that requires significant number initialized parameters. Preliminary results indicate that the assimilation out performs the OSU/LSM as it is incorporated in MM5. Details will be presented at the symposium.

Lapenta, William M.↗

A sonic satellite power system microwave power transmission simulation

A simulator is described which generates and transmits a beam of audible sound energy mathematically similar to the SPS power beam. The simulator provides a laboratory means for analysis of ground based closed loop SPS phase control and of ionospheric effects on the SPS microwave power beam.

Ott, J. H.↗

Energy and spectral dynamics in forced compressible turbulence

Numerical simulations are used to study compressible turbulence with microscale Reynolds numbers up to 40 and rms Mach numbers M up to 0.9. The flows are randomly forced, with energy supplied to either the rotational or compressive components of kinetic energy, which is then transferred to internal energy through the pressure-dilatation interaction and viscous dissipation terms. Coupling between the two components of kinetic energy by the advection term is relatively weak, and most energy introduced to either component by the external force is transferred, without passing through the other component, to internal energy. A statistically quasi-equilibrium of kinetic energy is realized while internal energy increases steadily. The spectral form of the rotational component of velocity, which hardly depends on M, is very close to that for incompressible flow. On the other hand, the compressive component depends strongly on M, especially at large wave numbers.

Kida, Shigeo↗

Deleterious Effects of Simulated Spaceflight on Bone and Microvasculature in Adult Mice

Long-term spaceflight leads to extensive changes in the musculoskeletal system attributable, in part, to unloading during microgravity exposure. Additionally, irradiation at doses similar to that of a solar flare or a round-trip sojourn to Mars may cause significant depletion of stem/progenitor cell pools throughout the body as well as inflammation associated with prompt skeletal-tissue degradation. Previously, we demonstrated that irradiation leads to rapid bone loss, which can be mitigated in the short term by injection of a potent antioxidant (-lipoic acid). Furthermore, simulated weightlessness in adult mice adversely affects skeletal responses to low linear energy transfer (LET) radiation (137Cs). Here, we hypothesized that simulated weightlessness exacerbates the adverse effects of simulated space radiation (including both protons and 56Fe ions) by adversely affecting skeletal structure and functions as well as associated vasculature. Furthermore, we hypothesized that an antioxidant cocktail, which has been shown to be protective in other tissues, mitigates space radiation induced bone loss.

Shirazi-Fard, Y.↗

Observation of Low-Energy Proton Direct Ionization in a 72-Layer 3D NAND Flash Memory

Single-event upsets are observed in a 72-layer 3D NAND flash memory operated in single-level cell mode after low-energy proton (500 keV-1.2 MeV) and heavy ion irradiation. The layer-by-layer error count is analyzed to visualize the stopping of low energy protons within the memory stack, and Monte Carlo simulations are correlated with the experimental data. Direct ionization by low-energy protons is identified by three-dimensional data analysis and the energy dependence of device sensitive cross-section. Heavy ion data is also presented for comparison.

Direct ionization↗

Monte Carlo simulation of particle acceleration at astrophysical shocks

A Monte Carlo code was developed for the simulation of particle acceleration at astrophysical shocks. The code is implemented in Turbo Pascal on a PC. It is modularized and structured in such a way that modification and maintenance are relatively painless. Monte Carlo simulations of particle acceleration at shocks follow the trajectories of individual particles as they scatter repeatedly across the shock front, gaining energy with each crossing. The particles are assumed to scatter from magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence on both sides of the shock. A scattering law is used which is related to the assumed form of the turbulence, and the particle and shock parameters. High energy cosmic ray spectra derived from Monte Carlo simulations have observed power law behavior just as the spectra derived from analytic calculations based on a diffusion equation. This high energy behavior is not sensitive to the scattering law used. In contrast with Monte Carlo calculations diffusive calculations rely on the initial injection of supra-thermal particles into the shock environment. Monte Carlo simulations are the only known way to describe the extraction of particles directly from the thermal pool. This was the triumph of the Monte Carlo approach. The question of acceleration efficiency is an important one in the shock acceleration game. The efficiency of shock waves efficient to account for the observed flux of high energy galactic cosmic rays was examined. The efficiency of the acceleration process depends on the thermal particle pick-up and hence the low energy scattering in detail. One of the goals is the self-consistent derivation of the accelerated particle spectra and the MHD turbulence spectra. Presumably the upstream turbulence, which scatters the particles so they can be accelerated, is excited by the streaming accelerated particles and the needed downstream turbulence is convected from the upstream region. The present code is to be modified to include a better description of particle scattering (pitch-angle instead of hard-sphere) and as iterative procedure for treating the self-excitation of the MHD turbulence.

Campbell, Roy K.↗

Assimilation of GOES Land Surface Data: Benefits to Numerical Weather Prediction

A technique has been developed for assimilating GOES-derived skin temperature tendencies and insolation into the surface energy budget equation of a mesoscale model so that the simulated rate of temperature change closely agrees with the satellite observations. A critical assumption of the technique is that the availability of moisture (either from the soil or vegetation) is the least known term in the model's surface energy budget. Therefore, the simulated latent heat flux, which is a function of surface moisture availability, is adjusted based upon differences between the modeled and satellite observed skin temperature tendencies. An advantage of this technique is that satellite temperature tendencies are assimilated in an energetically consistent manner that avoids energy imbalances and surface stability problems that arise from direct assimilation of surface shelter temperatures. The fact that the rate of change of the satellite skin temperature is used rather than the absolute temperature means that sensor calibration is not as critical. The technique has been employed on a semi-operational basis at the GHCC within the PSU/CAR MM5 since 1 November 1998. A one-way nested grid configuration was employed with a 75 kin CONUS domain and a 25 km grid over the southeastern United States. Initial conditions were obtained from the 12 UTC Early Eta Data Assimilation System analyses and lateral boundary conditions from the Early Eta forecast available at 3 hour intervals. The satellite-derived land surface temperature tendencies and insolation were assimilated between two and five hours (1400 and 1650 UTC) of the forecast. We performed the assimilation on the Southeastern domain only. In addition, a control run without assimilation was performed to provide insight into the performance of the assimilation technique.

Lapenta, William M.↗

Interaction Between Tropical Convection and its Embedding Environment: An Energetics Analysis of a 2-D Cloud Resolving Simulation

The phase relation between the perturbation kinetic energy (K') associated with the tropical convection and the horizontal-mean moist available potential energy (bar-P) associated with environmental conditions is investigated by an energetics analysis of a numerical experiment. This experiment is performed using a 2-D cloud resolving model forced by the TOGA-COARE derived vertical velocity. The imposed upward motion leads to a decrease of bar-P directly through the associated vertical advective cooling, and to an increase of K' directly through cloud related processes, feeding the convection. The maximum K' and its maximum growth rate lags and leads, respectively, the maximum imposed large-scale upward motion by about 1-2 hours, indicating that convection is phase locked with large-scale forcing. The dominant life cycle of the simulated convection is about 9 hours, whereas the time scales of the imposed large-scale forcing are longer than the diurnal cycle. In the convective events, maximum growth of K' leads maximum decay of the perturbation moist available potential energy (P') by about 3 hours through vertical heat transport by perturbation circulation, and perturbation cloud heating. Maximum decay of P' leads maximum decay of bar-P by about one hour through the perturbation radiative, processes, the horizontal-mean cloud heating, and the large-scale vertical advective cooling. Therefore, maximum gain of K' occurs about 4-5 hours before maximum decay of bar-P.

Li, Xiaofan↗

Acceleration of heavy ions on auroral field lines

Results of both a linear and a nonlinear study of oxygen cyclotron waves and the associated oxygen heating are presented. Linear theory predicts that oxygen cyclotron waves will have smaller growth rates than hydrogen cyclotron waves. Results of a simulation study in which the free energy source is an initial drifting electron distribution indicate that oxygen cyclotron waves only grow to small amplitudes, while the hydrogen cyclotron waves achieve larger amplitudes. In an attempt to model more realistically the continuous ionospheric outflow, a simulation model is used, in which the electron velocity distribution is maintained by a constant flow of electrons. This latter model predicts that the oxygen waves grow to amplitudes much larger than the hydrogen waves resulting in the preferential heating of the heavier ions.

Ashour-Abdalla, M.↗

Development of a Space Radiation Monte Carlo Computer Simulation

The ultimate purpose of this effort is to undertake the development of a computer simulation of the radiation environment encountered in spacecraft which is based upon the Monte Carlo technique. The current plan is to adapt and modify a Monte Carlo calculation code known as FLUKA, which is presently used in high energy and heavy ion physics, to simulate the radiation environment present in spacecraft during missions. The initial effort would be directed towards modeling the MIR and Space Shuttle environments, but the long range goal is to develop a program for the accurate prediction of the radiation environment likely to be encountered on future planned endeavors such as the Space Station, a Lunar Return Mission, or a Mars Mission. The longer the mission, especially those which will not have the shielding protection of the earth's magnetic field, the more critical the radiation threat will be. The ultimate goal of this research is to produce a code that will be useful to mission planners and engineers who need to have detailed projections of radiation exposures at specified locations within the spacecraft and for either specific times during the mission or integrated over the entire mission. In concert with the development of the simulation, it is desired to integrate it with a state-of-the-art interactive 3-D graphics-capable analysis package known as ROOT, to allow easy investigation and visualization of the results. The efforts reported on here include the initial development of the program and the demonstration of the efficacy of the technique through a model simulation of the MIR environment. This information was used to write a proposal to obtain follow-on permanent funding for this project.

Pinsky, Lawrence S.↗

Real-Time Assimilation of Goes-Derived Products into A Mesoscale Model and It's Impact on Short-Term (06-36hr) Forecasts from 17 October 1998 through the Present

As the parameterizations of surface energy budgets in regional models have become more complete physically, models have the potential to be much more realistic in simulations of coupling between surface radiation, hydrology, and surface energy transfer. Realizing the importance of properly specifying the surface energy budget, many institutions are using land-surface models to represent the lower boundary forcing associated with biophysical processes and soil hydrology. However, the added degrees of freedom due to inclusion of such land-surface schemes require the specification of additional parameters within the model system such as vegetative resistances, green vegetation fraction, leaf area index, soil physical and hydraulic characteristics, stream flow, runoff, and the vertical distribution of soil moisture. Spatial heterogeneity of these parameters makes correct specification problematic since measurements are not routinely available. A technique has been developed for assimilating GOES-IR skin temperature tendencies, solar insolation, and surface albedo into the surface energy budget equation of a mesoscale model so that the simulated rate of temperature change closely agrees with the satellite observations. The technique has been successfully employed in a number of mesoscale models in case-study mode. We have taken the next step and developed a study to determine if assimilating these types of data into mesoscale models in real-time can improve short-term (648h) forecasts of temperature, relative humidity, and QPF on a daily basis over relatively large regions. Therefore, an operational modeling/assimilation system has been developed at the GHCC during the past summer that allows us to produce simulations out to 48 hours in a timely manor. The PSU/NCAR MM5 is used in a nested configuration with a 25 km grid covering the southeastern third of the US. The model has been on-line since 1 July 1998 and forecast products are posted on our web site. The satellite algorithms that generate data to be assimilated came on-line 17 October 1998. Quantitative assessment of the forecast quality is performed via traditional verification statistics. In addition, invaluable qualitative information is obtained through close collaboration with several NWSFO's who are using the MM5 products in real-time on a daily basis. The assimilation technique has been applied in an off-line mode since 17 October. Results based on bulk statistical verification of surface meteorology over the entire Southeastern US show that assimilating the GOES-derived land surface tendencies and solar radiation results in a significant reduction of the shelter air temperature and RH bias on a daily basis. In fact, the assimilation technique has produced improved temperature and RH forecasts for 97% of the 100 simulations performed to date. Work is currently underway to determine the sensitivity of the assimilation procedure to the availability of satellite data, length of assimilation period, model initialization, and synoptic-scale meteorological conditions. In addition, results from a detailed energy budget analysis using the Early Eta, our operational MM5, and the assimilation runs will help us to better understand the satellite assimilation the land-surface energy budge. Research during the spring-summer of 1999 will focus on the impact of the assimilation technique during the warm season where it is hypothesized that it can have a positive impact on QPF during conditions of weak synoptic-scale forcing.

Lapenta, William M.↗

Energy Diagnostics and Impact Studies of FGGE Global Data Sets and GLAS GCM Simulations

An analysis of a case study of the favorable impact of satellite data assimilation on model cyclone prediction is discussed. Also discussed is the isolation of systematic biases in the vertical structure of satellite derived temperatures which in all probability negatively impact the prediction of ocean cyclones during periods of rapid baroclinic amplification. Access to CYBER 205 and transfer of software for Eulerian and quasi-Lagrangian diagnostic studies of atmospheric circulation are discussed.

Johnson, D. R.↗

A sonic satellite power system microwave power transmission simulator

A simulator which generates and transmits a beam of audible sound energy mathematically similar to the SPS power beam is described. The simulator provides a laboratory means for analysis of ground based closed loop SPS phase control and of ionospheric effects on the SPS microwave power beam.

Ott, J. H.↗

Particle acceleration in cosmic plasmas; Proceedings of the Workshop, Bartol Research Inst., Newark, DE, Dec. 4-6, 1991

The present volume on particle acceleration in cosmic plasmas discusses transport theory, particle acceleration in the sun, heliosphere, and galaxy, particle acceleration at nonrelativistic shocks, and stochastic particle acceleration. Attention is given to particle acceleration in relativistic flows and shocks, simulations, composition and sources of high-energy cosmic rays, electron acceleration, and observation priorities and perspectives. Topics addressed include particle acceleration in the magnetosphere, particle transport from a turbulence perspective, numerical simulations of time-dependent cosmic ray mediated shocks, and solar flare plasma. Also discussed are relativistic shock waves and the excitation of plerions, ion acceleration at collisionless shock interactions, ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays from Fanaroff Riley, and constraints on electron acceleration in the Crab Nebula.

Zank, G. P.↗

Subcontracted activities related to TES for building heating and cooling

The subcontract program elements related to thermal energy storage for building heating and cooling systems are outlined. The following factors are included: subcontracts in the utility load management application area; life and stability testing of packaged low cost energy storage materials; and development of thermal energy storage systems for residential space cooling. Resistance storage heater component development, demonstration of storage heater systems for residential applications, and simulation and evaluation of latent heat thermal energy storage (heat pump systems) are also discussed. Application of thermal energy storage for solar application and twin cities district heating are covered including an application analysis and technology assessment of thermal energy storage.

Martin, J.↗

Discrete Element Method Simulation of a Boulder Extraction From an Asteroid

The force required to pull 7t and 40t polyhedral boulders from the surface of an asteroid is simulated using the discrete element method considering the effects of microgravity, regolith cohesion and boulder acceleration. The connection between particle surface energy and regolith cohesion is estimated by simulating a cohesion sample tearing test. An optimal constant acceleration is found where the peak net force from inertia and cohesion is a minimum. Peak pulling forces can be further reduced by using linear and quadratic acceleration functions with up to a 40% reduction in force for quadratic acceleration.

Kulchitsky, Anton K.↗

A Monte Carlo-finite element model for strain energy controlled microstructural evolution - 'Rafting' in superalloys

This paper presents a specialized microstructural lattice model, MCFET (Monte Carlo finite element technique), which simulates microstructural evolution in materials in which strain energy has an important role in determining morphology. The model is capable of accounting for externally applied stress, surface tension, misfit, elastic inhomogeneity, elastic anisotropy, and arbitrary temperatures. The MCFET analysis was found to compare well with the results of analytical calculations of the equilibrium morphologies of isolated particles in an infinite matrix.

Gayda, J.↗

The BATSE Gamma-Ray Burst E-Peak Distribution

Gamma-ray burst observed by BATSE are found to have approximately the same characteristic energy, denoted as E_p. We examine whether instrumental effects can give rise to this observation. We simulate the derivation of E-p and determine that the values in the BATSE sample are accurate and complete above a minimum fluence. We simulate the triggering of BATSE on gamma-ray bursts, deriving the efficiency of detecting bursts as a function of characteristic energy. From this simulation, we model the observed E_p distribution function expected when the intrinsic distribution function is a power-law. We find that this distribution produces poor fits to the observations. We find that a log-normal intrinsic distribution with a power-law tail gives a good fit to the data. From these fits, we conclude that instrumental effects cannot produce the observed E_p distribution, and that the observed distribution is a consequence of a narrow intrinsic distribution of E_p in gamma-ray bursts.

Brainerd, Jerome J.↗