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At least 613 records · Page 34
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2013

Relationships between the Raindrop Size Distribution and Properties of the Environment and Clouds Inferred from TRMM

Variability in the raindrop sized distribution (DSD) has long been recognized as a source of uncertainty in relationships between radar reflectivity Z and rain rate R. In this study, we analyze DSD retrievals from two years of data gathered by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite and processed with a combined radar-radiometer retrieval algorithm over the global oceans equatorward of 35◦. Numerous variables describing properties of each reflectivity profile, large-scale organization, and the background environment are examined for relationships to the reflectivity-normalized median drop diameter, epsilonDSD. In general, we find that higher freezing levels and relative humidities are associated with smaller epsilonDSD. Within a given environment, the mesoscale organization of precipitation and the vertical profile of reflectivity are associated with DSD characteristics. In the tropics, the smallest epsilonDSD values are found in large but shallow convective systems, where warm rain formation processes are thought to be predominant, whereas larger sizes are found in the stratiform regions of organized deep convection. In the extratropics, the largest epsilonDSD values are found in the scattered convection that occurs when cold, dry continental air moves over the much warmer ocean after the passage of a cold front. The geographical distribution of the retrieved DSDs is consistent with many of the observed regional Z−R relationships found in the literature as well as discrepancies between the TRMM radar-only and radiometer-only precipitation products. In particular, mid-latitude and tropical regions near land tend to have larger drops for a given reflectivity, whereas the smallest drops are found in the eastern Pacific Intertropical Convergence Zone.

raindrop size distribution↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Simulated Ice Shapes on the High Lift Common Research Model Using LEWICE3D

Computational icing tools consist of predicting two distinct problems, the dry air aerodynamics around the iced or uniced vehicle and the accretion of ice due to inclement weather. A desire exists to advance these tools such that they can be reliably used earlier in the design process to limit the need for more costly flight and wind tunnel testing. To achieve these goals the computational tools need to be benchmarked and validated against high quality experimental data sets to raise the software’s Technology Readiness Level. An ongoing collaborative effort between NASA and Boeing Commercial Airplanes is focused on obtaining this required experimental data and subsequently benchmarking and/or validating the tools that predict the aerodynamics around the iced and uniced vehicle. Currently the scope of this effort is focused on the usage of simulated ice shapes to be representative of the iced vehicle. This presentation discusses the generation of those simulated ice shapes.

Icing↗
NASA NTRS2010

Genesis of Pre-Hurricane Felix (2007): The Role of the Easterly Wave Critical Layer - Part 1

The formation of pre Hurricane Felix (2007) in a tropical easterly wave is examined in a two-part study using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with a high-resolution nested grid configuration that permits the representation of cloud system processes. The simulation commences during the wave stage of the precursor African easterly-wave disturbance. Here the simulated and observed developments are compared, while in Part II of the study various large-scale analyses, physical parameterizations, and initialization times are explored to document model sensitivities. In this first part the authors focus on the wave/vortex morphology, its interaction with the adjacent intertropical convergence zone complex, and the vorticity balance in the neighborhood of the developing storm. Analysis of the model simulation points to a bottom-up development process within the wave critical layer and supports the three new hypotheses of tropical cyclone formation proposed recently by Dunkerton, Montgomery, and Wang. It is shown also that low-level convergence associated with the ITCZ helps to enhance the wave signal and extend the "wave pouch" from the jet level to the top of the atmospheric boundary layer. The region of a quasi-closed Lagrangian circulation within the wave pouch provides a focal point for diabatic merger of convective vortices and their vortical remnants. The wave pouch serves also to protect the moist air inside from dry air intrusion, providing a favorable environment for sustained deep convection. Consistent with the authors' earlier findings, the tropical storm forms near the center of the wave pouch via system-scale convergence in the lower troposphere and vorticity aggregation. Components of the vorticity balance are shown to be scale dependent, with the immediate effects of cloud processes confined more closely to the storm center than the overturning Eliassen circulation induced by diabatic heating, the influence of which extends to larger radii.

Wang, Zhuo↗
NASA NTRS1993

Factors influencing dry season ozone distributions over the tropical South Atlantic

Airborne measurements of trace gas and aerosol species were obtained in the lower troposphere (less than 5 km) over the western Atlantic Ocean between 13 deg S and 40 deg N during the August/September 1990 NASA Chemical Instrument Test and Evaluation (CITE 3) experiment. The largest background O3 mixing ratios, averaging 35 and 70 ppbv within the mixed layer (ML) and free troposphere (FT; altitudes greater than 2.4 km), respectively, were found over the tropical South Atlantic. Several competing processes were observed to regulate O3 budgets in this region. Within the ML, rapid photochemical destruction produced a diurnal O3 variation of 8 ppbv and an O3/altitude gradient between the surface and 5 km of almost 10 ppbv (O3)/km. ML O3 concentrations were replenished by atmospheric downwelling which occurred at rates of up to and exceeding 1 cm/s. Ozone values within the subsiding FT air were enriched both by long-range transport of O3 produced photochemically within biomass combustion plumes and the downward propagation of dry, upper tropospheric air masses. Overall, the tropospheric O3 column below 3.3 km averaged 13.5 Dobson units (DU) over the South Atlantic region, which is 8-9 DU higher than observed during CITE 3 ferry flights over the northern tropical Atlantic Ocean or measured by ozonesondes over coastal Brazil during the wet season. An examination of simultaneous dew point and combustion tracer (e.g., CO) measurements suggests that the dry subsiding layers and biomass burning layers make approximately equal contributions to the observed O3 enhancement.

Anderson, B. E.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Technology Assessment for Producing Propellant From Lunar Water

Introduction: The presence of water ice in permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) on the lunar surface may enable a sustained human presence on the Moon with minimal need for consumables. One of the most valuable uses of lunar water is to produce rocket propellant. A sustained human presence on the Moon will re-quire frequent launches from the lunar surface, and each launch will require tons of propellant. However, many other volatiles are likely to be present in the areas where lunar water is stable1. Producing propellant from lunar water in-situ will require the separation and purification of water before it can be electrolyzed into oxygen and hydrogen gas. The Resource Exploration and Science of OUR Cosmic Environment (RESOURCE) project, funded by the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) program, includes a task to demonstrate the end-to-end process of water extraction, capture, purification and electrolysis to produce pure/dry oxygen gas sourced from an icy regolith mixture. Water Purification: The requirements for water purity are driven by the type of water electrolyzer used. For example, the water electrolyzer currently used on the International Space Station is based on proton ex-change membrane (PEM) technology. PEM-based electrolyzers require water to be ultrapure and deionized (>10 MegaOhm-cm) so that electrical conductivity is limited to the membranes themselves, where electrical current is used to convert H2O into H2 and O2.. A practical first step toward purifying water that is sourced from a lunar PSR is to use freeze distillation to separate water from other volatiles2. A sub-micronic filter can also be used to ensure that a minimal amount of dust is present in any lunar water that is captured. The combination of freeze distillation and sub-micronic filtration will result in relatively pure water but would require a deionization step if being fed into a PEM electrolyzer. Water Electrolysis: An alternative to PEM electrolysis is to use a Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (SOE). This technology operates at a much higher operating temperature (~800oC) and has a limited pressure range but does not require water to be ultrapure and deionized. Another advantage of SOE technology is that it produces pure dry oxygen gas without the need of an additional drying step. PEM electrolyzers produce humid oxygen gas and the humidity must be removed prior to liquefaction. Assessment: In order to compare PEM and SOE technologies side-by-side, they must be compared at a system level that includes water purification and gas drying steps. Engineers at the Johnson Space Center up-dated and utilized a detailed In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) system model to compare and select the best option for the RESOURCE project which will conclude with a laboratory demonstration of the process of producing pure/dry oxygen from an icy regolith mixture in 2025.

A.J. Paz↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Technology Assessment for Producing Propellant From Lunar Water

Introduction: The presence of water ice in permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) on the lunar surface may enable a sustained human presence on the Moon with minimal need for consumables. One of the most valuable uses of lunar water is to produce rocket propellant. A sustained human presence on the Moon will re-quire frequent launches from the lunar surface, and each launch will require tons of propellant. However, many other volatiles are likely to be present in the areas where lunar water is stable1. Producing propellant from lunar water in-situ will require the separation and purification of water before it can be electrolyzed into oxygen and hydrogen gas. The Resource Exploration and Science of OUR Cosmic Environment (RESOURCE) project, funded by the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) program, includes a task to demonstrate the end-to-end process of water extraction, capture, purification and electrolysis to produce pure/dry oxygen gas sourced from an icy regolith mixture. Water Purification: The requirements for water purity are driven by the type of water electrolyzer used. For example, the water electrolyzer currently used on the International Space Station is based on proton ex-change membrane (PEM) technology. PEM-based electrolyzers require water to be ultrapure and deionized (>10 MegaOhm-cm) so that electrical conductivity is limited to the membranes themselves, where electrical current is used to convert H2O into H2 and O2.. A practical first step toward purifying water that is sourced from a lunar PSR is to use freeze distillation to separate water from other volatiles2. A sub-micronic filter can also be used to ensure that a minimal amount of dust is present in any lunar water that is captured. The combination of freeze distillation and sub-micronic filtration will result in relatively pure water but would require a deionization step if being fed into a PEM electrolyzer. Water Electrolysis: An alternative to PEM electrolysis is to use a Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (SOE). This technology operates at a much higher operating temperature (~800oC) and has a limited pressure range but does not require water to be ultrapure and deionized. Another advantage of SOE technology is that it produces pure dry oxygen gas without the need of an additional drying step. PEM electrolyzers produce humid oxygen gas and the humidity must be removed prior to liquefaction. Assessment: In order to compare PEM and SOE technologies side-by-side, they must be compared at a system level that includes water purification and gas drying steps. Engineers at the Johnson Space Center up-dated and utilized a detailed In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) system model to compare and select the best option for the RESOURCE project which will conclude with a laboratory demonstration of the process of producing pure/dry oxygen from an icy regolith mixture in 2025.

ISRU↗
NASA NTRS2012

Antarctic Mirabilite Mounds as Mars Analogs: The Lewis Cliffs Ice Tongue Revisited

It has been proposed, based on geomorphic and geochemical arguments, that subsurface water has played an important role in the history of water on the planet Mars [1]. Subsurface water, if present, could provide a protected and long lived environment for potential life. Discovery of gullies [2] and recurring slopes [3] on Mars suggest the potential for subsurface liquid water or brines. Recent attention has also focused on small (< approx. 1km dia.) mound-like geomorphic features discovered within the mid to high latitudes on the surface of Mars which may be caused by eruptions of subsurface fluids [4, 5]. We have identified massive but highly localized Na-sulfate deposits (mirabilite mounds, Na2SO4 .10H2O) that may be derived from subsurface fluids and may provide insight into the processes associated with subsurface fluids on Mars. The mounds are found on the end moraine of the Lewis Cliffs Ice Tongue (LCIT) [6] in the Transantarctic Mountains, Antarctica, and are potential terrestrial analogs for mounds observed on the martian surface. The following characteristics distinguish LCIT evaporite mounds from other evaporite mounds found in Antarctic coastal environments and/or the McMurdo Dry Valleys: (1) much greater distance from the open ocean (approx.500 km); (2) higher elevation (approx.2200 meters); and (3) colder average annual temperature (average annual temperature = -30 C for LCIT [7] vs. 20 C at sea level in the McMurdo region [8]. Furthermore, the recent detection of subsurface water ice (inferred as debris-covered glacial ice) by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter [9] supports the use of an Antarctic glacial environment, particularly with respect to the mirabilite deposits described in this work, as an ideal terrestrial analog for understanding the geochemistry associated with near-surface martian processes. S and O isotopic compositions.

Socki, Richard A.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Formation of porous surface layers in reaction bonded silicon nitride during processing

Microstructural examination of reaction bonded silicon nitride (RBSN) has shown that there is often a region adjacent to the as-nitrided surfaces that is even more porous than the interior of this already quite porous material. Because this layer of large porosity is considered detrimental to both the strength and oxidation resistance of RBSN, a study was undertaken to determine if its formation could be prevented during processing. All test bars studied were made from a single batch of Si powder which was milled for 4 hours in heptane in a vibratory mill using high density alumina cylinders as the grinding media. After air drying the powder, bars were compacted in a single acting die and hydropressed.

Shaw, N. J.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Attitude Determination Improvements for GOES

In this paper, a summary of the basic simulation parameters and results of a new study for the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) is shown. The study for GOES involves the simulation of minor modifications to the current spacecraft, so that the relative performance of these modifications can be analyzed. The first modification studies requires the placement of a baseline inertial reference unit, such as the Dry Rotor Inertial Reference Unit or the Hemispherical Resonator Gyro onto the spacecraft. The imager/sounder assembly is currently used to obtain landmark and/or star observations in order to compensate for spacecraft motion and external disturbances through ground processing. The study uses the imager/sounder assembly as another attitude sensor for on-board attitude determination. Also the addition of star trackers is used to provide precise attitude knowledge.

Crassidis, John L.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Mullite fiber reinforced reaction bonded Si3N4 composites

Fracture toughnesses of brittle ceramic materials have been improved by introducing reinforcements and carefully tailored interface layers. Silicon carbide and Si3N4 have been emphasized as matrices of structural composites intended for high temperature service because they combine excellent mechanical, chemical, thermal and physical properties. Both matrices have been successfully toughened with SiC fibers, whiskers and particles for ceramic matrix composite (CMC) parts made by sintering, hot pressing or reaction forming processes. These SiC reinforced CMCs have exhibited significantly improved toughnesses at low and intermediate temperature levels, as well as retention of properties at high temperatures for selected exposures; however, they are vulnerable to attack from elevated temperature dry and wet oxidizing atmospheres after the matrix has cracked. Property degradation results from oxidation of interface layers and/or reinforcements. The problem is particularly acute for small diameter (-20 tim) polymer derived SiC fibers used for weavable toes. This research explored opportunities for reinforcing Si3N4 matrices with fibers having improved environmental stability; the findings should also be applicable to SiC matrix CMCs.

Saleh, T.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Processing of nutritious, safe and acceptable foods from CELSS candidate crops

A controlled ecological life-support system (CELSS) is required to sustain life for long-duration space missions. The challenge is preparing a wide variety of tasty, familiar, and nutritious foods from CELSS candidate crops under space environmental conditions. Conventional food processing technologies will have to be modified to adapt to the space environment. Extrusion is one of the processes being examined as a means of converting raw plant biomass into familiar foods. A nutrition-improved pasta has been developed using cowpea as a replacement for a portion of the durum semolina. A freeze-drying system that simulates the space conditions has also been developed. Other technologies that would fulfill the requirements of a CELSS will also be addressed.

NASA Discipline Number 93-10↗
NASA NTRS2005

Northern Hemisphere Gullies on Mars: Analysis of Spacecraft Data and Implications for Formation Mechanisms

The origin of geologically recent gullies on Mars has remained controversial since the discovery of these features by Malin and Edgett in 2000. Numerous models have been proposed which invoke various physical processes as well as various agents of erosion to explain the origin of the Martian gullies. Hypotheses to explain the formation of the gullies invoke shallow liquid water aquifers, deep liquid water aquifers, melting ground ice, snowmelt, dry landslides, and carbon dioxide aquifers. We test the validity of such gully formation mechanisms by analyzing data from the Mars Global Surveyor and Mars Odyssey spacecrafts to uncover trends in the dimensional and physical properties of the gullies and their surrounding terrain. A similar study has previously been completed for gullies located in the southern hemisphere of Mars. The work presented here focuses exclusively on gullies in the northern hemisphere based on the identification of 136 Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) images containing clear evidence of gully landforms, distributed in the northern mid and high latitudes. These sites have been analyzed in combination with Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA), Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES), and Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS) data to provide quantitative measurements of numerous gully characteristics. Parameters measured include apparent source depth and distribution, vertical and horizontal dimensions, slopes, compass orientations, near-surface ice content, and factors controlling present-day climatic conditions.

Heldmann, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Covariant C and O Isotope Trends in Some Terrestrial Carbonates and ALH 84001: Possible Linkage Through Similar Formation Processes

Carbonate minerals found on the surface of Mars and in martian meteorites indicate that liquid water has played a significant role in the planet's history. These findings have raised questions regarding the history of the martian hydrosphere and atmosphere as well as the possibility of life. Sunset Crater, Arizona is a dry environment with relatively high evaporation and brief periods of precipitation. This environment resembles Mars and may make Sunset Crater a good analog to martian carbonates. In this study we sought to identify discrete micro-scale isotopic variation within the carbonate crusts in Sunset Crater to see if they resembled the micro-scale isotope variation found in ALH 84001 carbonates. Sunset Crater carbonate formation may be used as a martian analog and ultimately provide insight into carbonate formation in ALH 84001.

Volk, Kathryn E.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Remotely Sensing the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI)

In remote sensing, the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) provides insight into physiological processes occurring inside the leaves in a stand of plants. Developed by Gamon et al., (1990 and 1992), PRI evolved from laboratory measurements of the reflectance of individual leaves (Bilger et al.,1989). Yet in a remotely sensed image, a pixel measurement may include light from both reflecting and transmitting leaves. We conducted laboratory experiments comparing values of PRI based upon polarized reflectance and transmittance measurements of water and nutrient stressed leaves. We illuminated single detached leaves using a current controlled light source (Oriel model 66881) and measured the leaf weight using an analytical balance (Mettler model AE 260) and the light reflected and transmitted by the leaf during dry down using two Analytical Spectral Devices spectroradiometers. Polarizers on the incident and reflected light beams allowed us to divide the leaf reflectance into two parts: a polarized surface reflectance and a non-polarized 'leaf interior' reflectance. Our results underscore the importance when calculating PRI of removing the leaf surface reflection, which contains no information about physiological processes ongoing in the leaf interior. The results show that the leaf physiology information is in the leaf interior reflectance, not the leaf transmittance. Applied to a plant stand, these results suggest use of polarization measurements in sun-view directions that minimize the number of sunlit transmitting leaves in the sensor field of view.

Leaves↗
NASA NTRS1976

JPL Activated Carbon Treatment System (ACTS) for sewage

An Activated Carbon Treatment System (ACTS) was developed for sewage treatment and is being applied to a one-million gallon per day sewage treatment pilot plant in Orange County California. Activities reported include pyrolysis and activation of carbon-sewage sludge, and activated carbon treatment of sewage to meet ocean discharge standards. The ACTS Sewage treatment operations include carbon-sewage treatment, primary and secondary clarifiers, gravity (multi-media) filter, filter press dewatering, flash drying of carbon-sewage filter cake, and sludge pyrolysis and activation. Tests were conducted on a laboratory scale, 10,000 gallon per day demonstration plant and pilot test equipment. Preliminary economic studies are favorable to the ACTS process relative to activated sludge treatment for a 175,000,000 gallon per day sewage treatment plant.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1978

Rocket exhaust ground cloud/atmospheric interactions

An attempt to identify and minimize the uncertainties and potential inaccuracies of the NASA Multilayer Diffusion Model (MDM) is performed using data from selected Titan 3 launches. The study is based on detailed parametric calculations using the MDM code and a comparative study of several other diffusion models, the NASA measurements, and the MDM. The results are discussed and evaluated. In addition, the physical/chemical processes taking place during the rocket cloud rise are analyzed. The exhaust properties and the deluge water effects are evaluated. A time-dependent model for two aerosol coagulations is developed and documented. Calculations using this model for dry deposition during cloud rise are made. A simple model for calculating physical properties such as temperature and air mass entrainment during cloud rise is also developed and incorporated with the aerosol model.

Hwang, B.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Lightweight Ceramic Insulation

Fiber burnout process yields low densities. Low density attained by process of sacrificial burnout. Graphite or carbon fibers mixed into slurry of silica, alumina, and boron-compound fibers in amounts ranging from 25 to 75 percent of total fiber content by weight. Mixture formed into blocks and dried. Blocks placed in kiln and heated to 1,600 degrees F(870 degrees C) for several hours. Graphite or carbon fibers slowly oxidize away, leaving voids and reducing block density. Finally, blocks heated to 2,350 degrees F (1,290 degrees C) for 90 minutes to bond remaining ceramic fibers together. Developed for use on Space Shuttle and other spacecraft, rigid insulation machined to requisite shape and bonded in place.

Wheeler, W. H.↗