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At least 613 records · Page 34

Io meteorology - How atmospheric pressure is controlled locally by volcanos and surface frosts

The present modification of the Ingersoll et al. (1985) hydrodynamic model of the SO2 gas sublimation-driven flow from the day to the night side of Io includes the effects of nonuniform surface properties noted in observational studies. Calculations are conducted for atmospheric pressures, horizontal winds, sublimation rates, and condensation rates for such surface conditions as patchy and continuous frost cover, volcanic venting, surface temperature discontinuities, subsurface cold trapping, and the propagation of insolation into the frost. While pressure is found to follow local vapor pressure away from the plumes, it becomes higher inside them.

Ingersoll, Andrew P.↗

Towards Full Aircraft Airframe Noise Prediction: Lattice Boltzmann Simulations

Computational results for an 18%-scale, semi-span Gulfstream aircraft model are presented. Exa Corporation's lattice Boltzmann PowerFLOW(trademark) solver was used to perform time-dependent simulations of the flow field associated with this high-fidelity aircraft model. The simulations were obtained for free-air at a Mach number of 0.2 with the flap deflected at 39 deg (landing configuration). We focused on accurately predicting the prominent noise sources at the flap tips and main landing gear for the two baseline configurations, namely, landing flap setting without and with gear deployed. Capitalizing on the inherently transient nature of the lattice Boltzmann formulation, the complex time-dependent flow features associated with the flap were resolved very accurately and efficiently. To properly simulate the noise sources over a broad frequency range, the tailored grid was very dense near the flap inboard and outboard tips. Extensive comparison of the computed time-averaged and unsteady surface pressures with wind tunnel measurements showed excellent agreement for the global aerodynamic characteristics and the local flow field at the flap inboard and outboard tips and the main landing gear. In particular, the computed fluctuating surface pressure field for the flap agreed well with the measurements in both amplitude and frequency content, indicating that the prominent airframe noise sources at the tips were captured successfully. Gear-flap interaction effects were remarkably well predicted and were shown to affect only the inboard flap tip, altering the steady and unsteady pressure fields in that region. The simulated farfield noise spectra for both baseline configurations, obtained using a Ffowcs-Williams and Hawkings acoustic analogy approach, were shown to be in close agreement with measured values.

Khorrami, Mehdi R.↗

Guide for Pressure-Sensitive Paint Testing at NASA Ames Research Center Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel

Optical measurement techniques have become a standard option for wind tunnel tests. Pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) is a mature test technique and a common experimental technique in many wind tunnels to measure the global mean static pressure on a model. PSP is a valuable tool when a more detailed distribution of the pressure is needed rather than the conventional pressure taps alone. Planning for a test with optical-based techniques can present new challenges even for experienced customer. The purpose of this paper is to provide a resource to the wind tunnel testing community and customers interested in obtaining PSP measurements on a wind tunnel model at the NASA Ames Research Center’s Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. An overview of PSP mechanics, a list of requirements for ones considering PSP measurements, and PSP deliverable details are specified.

Unitary↗

Wind lidar operations and observations from Tundra Pigeon

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory brought a ZX-300 profiling lidar to the Tundra Pigeon experiment for the purpose of collecting wind measurements in the lower atmospheric boundary layer. The ZX-300 lidar is a portable Doppler lidar which uses light to track naturally occurring aerosols across a measurement cone, thereby deriving wind speed (horizontal and vertical) and wind direction. The ZX-300 is programable between the heights of 10 m and 300 m above ground level and additionally has a 1 m onboard meteorological sensor for collecting measurements of air temperature, relative humidity, air pressure and wind at 1 m height. We programmed the ZX-300 to target altitudes of most interest to the tracer experiment. These heights were 10, 15, 20, 30, 38, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150 and 200 m. Note that the 38 m level is a fixed calibration height and cannot be changed. This measurement strategy prioritized winds close to the surface while ensuring that we’d also collect information about the winds aloft. The wind measurements are collected directly over the lidar instrument and represent a vertical profile of the winds over that location. However, given that there were minimal terrain and vegetation differences in the area, we’d expect these wind conditions to be representative of a larger volume area, discussed in more detail below.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Evidence for solar wind control of Saturn radio emission

Using data collected by the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft in 1980 and 1981, strong evidence is presented for a direct correlation between variations in the solar wind at Saturn and the level of activity of Saturn's nonthermal radio emission. Correlation coefficients of 57 to 58% are reached at lag times of 0 to 1 days between the arrival at Saturn of high pressure solar wind streams and the onset of increased radio emission. The radio emission exhibits a long-term periodicity of 25 days, identical to the periodicity seen in the solar wind at this time and consistent with the solar rotation period. The energy coupling efficiency between the solar wind with the Saturn radio emission is estimated and compared with that for Earth.

Desch, M. D.↗

Advanced sensors for spaceborne measurements of the earth's atmosphere

Concepts involved in remote sensing from space are reviewed, together with performance requirements of proposed and planned equipment. Attention is focused on measurements of the troposphere, particularly meteorological variables and chemical species. The principles of absorption, using either passive or active sensors, emission detection, fluorescence measurements, and EM radiation scattering are outlined. The proposed NASA Windsat, using a CO2 laser from the Orbiter or from an 800 km orbit spacecraft to measure low-level wind speeds is described, as are the uses of the AMTS atmospheric sounder instrument for IR atmospheric temperature sensing and a 20-channel microwave radiometer to detect moisture profiles in the water vapor bands. Additionally, a microwave pressure sounder to detect backscattered signals at 60 GHz is outlined, along with lidar pressure and wind speed measurement methods.

Hinkley, E. D.↗

Heliospheric Termination Shock Motion Due to Fluctuations in the Solar Wind Upstream Conditions: Spherically Symmetric Model

Large-scale fluctuations in the solar wind plasma upstream of the heliospheric termination shock (TS) will cause inward and outward motions of the shock. Using numerical techniques, we extend an earlier strictly one-dimensional (planar) analytic gas dynamic model to spherical symmetry to investigate the features of global behavior of shock motion. Our starting point is to establish a steady numerical solution of the gasdynamic equations describing the interaction between the solar wind and the interstellar medium. We then introduce disturbances of the solar wind dynamic pressure at an inner boundary, and follow the subsequent evolution of the system, especially the motion of the termination shock. Our model solves spherically symmetric gasdynamic equations as an initial-boundary value problem. The equations in conservative form are solved using a fully implicit Total Variation Diminishing (TVD) upwind scheme with Roe-type Riemann solver. Boundary conditions are given by the solar wind parameters on an inner spherical boundary, where they are allowed to vary with time for unsteady calculations, and by a constant pressure (roughly simulating the effect of the local interstellar medium) on an outer boundary. We find that immediately after the interaction, the shock moves with speeds given by the earlier analogous analytic models. However, as the termination shock propagates it begins to slow down, seeking a new equilibrium position. In addition, the disturbance transmitted through the TS, either a shock or rarefaction wave, will encounter the heliopause boundary and be reflected back. The reflected signal will encounter the TS, causing it to oscillate. The phenomenon may be repeated for a number of reflections, resulting in a "ringing" of the outer heliosphere.

Ratkiewicz, R.↗

Temperature and horizontal wind measurements on the ER-2 aircraft during the 1987 airborne Antarctic ozone experiment

The NASA ER-2 aircraft is equipped with special instrumentation to provide accurate in situ measurement of the atmospheric state variables during flight. The Meteorological Measurement System (MMS) on the ER-2 aircraft is described. Since the meteorological parameters (temperature, pressure, and wind vector) are extensively used by other ER-2 experimenters for data processing and interpretation, the accuracy and resolution of each of these parameters are assessed and discussed. During the 1987 Airborne Antarctic Ozone Experiment (AAOE) mission, the ER-2 aircraft was stationed at Punta Arenas, Chile (53 S, 72 W), and successfully flew over Antarctica on 12 occasions between August 17 and September 22, 1987. On each of the 12 flights, the ER-2 aircraft flight plan was to take off at approximately the same local time, fly southward at a near constant potential temperature surface, descend and ascend at the southernmost terminus at about 72 S over Antarctica and return northward at either the same or a different constant potential temperature surface. The measurements of the MMS experiment during the AAOE mission are presented. MMS data are organized to provide a composite view of the polar atmosphere, which is characterized by frigid temperatures and high zonal winds. Altitudinal variations of the temperature measurement (during takeoff/landing at Punta Arenas and during descent/ascent at the southern terminus) and latitudinal variations of the zonal wind (on near constant potential temperature surfaces) are emphasized and discussed.

Chan, K. Roland↗

The importance of atmospheric turbulence and stability in machine-learning models of wind farm power production

Machine learning is frequently applied in the wind energy industry to build statistical models of wind farm power production using atmospheric data as input. In the field of wind power forecasting, in particular, there has been substantial research into finding the best-performing learning algorithms that improve model predictions. Overlooked in the literature, however, is the influence of atmospheric turbulence and stability measurements in improving model predictions. It has been well-established through observations and physical models that these effects can have considerable influence on wind farm power production; yet consideration of these effects in statistical models is almost entirely absent from the literature. In this work, we examine the impact of atmospheric turbulence and stability inputs on statistical model predictions of wind farm power output. Hourly observations from a wind farm in the Pacific Northwest United States located in very complex terrain are used. Five common learning algorithms and nine atmospheric variables are considered, five of which represent some measure of turbulence or stability. Here, we find a considerable improvement in hourly power predictions when some measure of turbulence or stability is included in the model. In particular, turbulent kinetic energy was found to be the most important variable apart from wind speed and more important than wind direction, pressure, and temperature. By contrast, the choice of learning algorithm is shown to be relatively less important in improving predictions. Based on this work, we recommend that turbulence and stability variables become standard inputs into statistical models of wind farm power production.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Advanced techniques for future observations from space

Advanced remote sensing techniques for the study of global meteorology and the chemistry of the atmosphere are considered. Remote sensing from Spacelab/Shuttle and free-flying satellites will provide the platforms for instrumentation based on advanced technology. Several laser systems are being developed for the measurement of tropospheric winds and pressure, and trace species in the troposphere and stratosphere. In addition, a high-resolution passive infrared sensor shows promise for measuring temperature from sea level up through the stratosphere. Advanced optical and microwave instruments are being developed for wind measurements in the stratosphere and mesosphere. Microwave techniques are also useful for the study of meteorological parameters at the air-sea interface.

Hinkley, E. D.↗

Heat transfer and pressure comparisons between computation and wind tunnel for a research hypersonic aircraft

Comparisons between solutions obtained with a perfect gas, thin-layer Navier Stokes code developed at NASA Langley Research Center and wind tunnel results obtained in Calspan's 96-inch shock tunnel on a research hypersonic aircraft will be presented in this paper. Results cover data obtained between Mach 11 and Mach 19. Comparisons shown in this paper include both pressure and heat transfers. Effects of grid refinement on the computational solution and nose bluntness effects on the comparisons will be discussed.

Richardson, Pamela F.↗

Ultrasonic wave-based structural health monitoring embedded instrument

Piezoelectric sensors and actuators are the bridge between electronic and mechanical systems in structures. This type of sensor is a key element in the integrity monitoring of aeronautic structures, bridges, pressure vessels, wind turbine blades, and gas pipelines. In this paper, an all-in-one system for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) based on ultrasonic waves is presented, called Phased Array Monitoring for Enhanced Life Assessment. This integrated instrument is able to generate excitation signals that are sent through piezoelectric actuators, acquire the received signals in the piezoelectric sensors, and carry out signal processing to check the health of structures. To accomplish this task, the instrument uses a piezoelectric phased-array transducer that performs the actuation and sensing of the signals. The flexibility and strength of the instrument allow the user to develop and implement a substantial part of the SHM technique using Lamb waves. The entire system is controlled using configuration software and has been validated through functional, electrical loading, mechanical loading, and thermal loading resistance tests.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Global Response to Local Ionospheric Mass Ejection

We revisit a reported "Ionospheric Mass Ejection" using prior event observations to guide a global simulation of local ionospheric outflows, global magnetospheric circulation, and plasma sheet pressurization, and comparing our results with the observed global response. Our simulation framework is based on test particle motions in the Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry (LFM) global circulation model electromagnetic fields. The inner magnetosphere is simulated with the Comprehensive Ring Current Model (CRCM) of Fok and Wolf, driven by the transpolar potential developed by the LFM magnetosphere, and includes an embedded plasmaspheric simulation. Global circulation is stimulated using the observed solar wind conditions for the period 24-25 Sept 1998. This period begins with the arrival of a Coronal Mass Ejection, initially with northward, but later with southward interplanetary magnetic field. Test particles are launched from the ionosphere with fluxes specified by local empirical relationships of outflow to electrodynamic and particle precipitation imposed by the MIlD simulation. Particles are tracked until they are lost from the system downstream or into the atmosphere, using the full equations of motion. Results are compared with the observed ring current and a simulation of polar and auroral wind outflows driven globally by solar wind dynamic pressure. We find good quantitative agreement with the observed ring current, and reasonable qualitative agreement with earlier simulation results, suggesting that the solar wind driven global simulation generates realistic energy dissipation in the ionosphere and that the Strangeway relations provide a realistic local outflow description.

Moore, T. E.↗

Results of buffet tests in a cryogenic wind tunnel

Buffet tests on two semispan wing models with different leading edge sweep show that it is feasibile to use the standard dynamic wing root bending moment technique in a cryogenic wind tunnel. One model was a slender 65 deg swept delta wing with sharp leading edges. The other model was an unswept wing of aspect ratio 1.5 with a British NPL 9510 airfoil section. The results for the 65 deg swept delta wing indicate the importance of matching the reduced frequency parameter in model tests for planforms which are sensitive to reduced frequency parameter if quantitative buffet measurements are required. The unique ability of a pressurized cryogenic wind tunnel to separate the effects of Reynolds number and of static aeroelastic distortion by variations in the tunnel stagnation temperature and pressure were demonstrated.

Boyden, R. P.↗

A further study of cumulus interactions and mergers - Three-dimensional simulations with trajectory analysis

Cumulus processes involved in the interaction and merging of clouds under the influence of different imposed conditions (including large-scale lifting forcing, environmental wind shear, and cloud microphysical processes) were studied using simulations with a three-dimensional model. The design of the study was to generate several convective clouds randomly inside the model domain, and then to observe and analyze the interactions and merging between the simulated clouds. Ten merged clouds were identified. Seven of these, each involving two previously separated clouds, generally lie along a line parallel to the initial environmental wind shear vector, while one (also a two-cloud system) lies along a line perpendicular to the wind shear vector prior to merging. The remaining two merging systems involve three parent clouds each; they are a combination of parallel and perpendicular cells. The merging mechanisms associated with three-cloud merging cases are studied by examining the temperature, pressure, and wind fields prior to, during, and following the merging.

Tao, Wei-Kuo↗

The MESUR Mission

The MESUR mission will place a network of small, robust landers on the Martian surface, making a coordinated set of observations for at least one Martian year. MESUR presents some major challenges for development of instruments, instrument deployment systems, and on board data processing techniques. The instrument payload has not yet been selected, but the straw man payload is (1) a three-axis seismometer; (2) a meteorology package that senses pressure, temperature, wind speed and direction, humidity, and sky brightness; (3) an alphaproton-X-ray spectrometer (APXS); (4) a thermal analysis/evolved gas analysis (TA/EGA) instrument; (5) a descent imager, (6) a panoramic surface imager; (7) an atmospheric structure instrument (ASI) that senses pressure, temperature, and acceleration during descent to the surface; and (8) radio science. Because of the large number of landers to be sent (about 16), all these instruments must be very lightweight. All but the descent imager and the ASI must survive landing loads that may approach 100 g. The meteorology package, seismometer, and surface imager must be able to survive on the surface for at least one Martian year. The seismometer requires deployment off the lander body. The panoramic imager and some components of the meteorology package require deployment above the lander body. The APXS must be placed directly against one or more rocks near the lander, prompting consideration of a micro rover for deployment of this instrument. The TA/EGA requires a system to acquire, contain, and heat a soil sample. Both the imagers and, especially, the seismometer will be capable of producing large volumes of data, and will require use of sophisticated data compression techniques.

Squyres, S. W.↗

Low Sonic Boom Design Activities at Boeing

Low sonic boom studies have continued during the last year with the goal of exploring the ability of practical airplane designs to achieve significantly reduced sonic boom-loudness with reasonable performance penalties. At the 1993 Sonic Boom Workshop, improvements to the low-boom design methods were described and early results of two low-boom configurations -935 and -936) were presented. Now that the low boom design methods are reasonably mature, recent design activities have broadened somewhat to explore refinements to the -935 and -936 designs. In this paper the results are reported of a detailed systems study and performance sizing of the -935 (Hybrid sonic boom waveform) and the -936 (Flat-top waveform). This analysis included a second design cycle for reduced cruise drag and balance considerations. Another design study was of a small-wing version of the -935. Finally, some preliminary results of the recent LARC UPWT test of the -935 configuration are given, along with a proposed alternative method for extrapolating wind tunnel pressure signatures to the ground. The various configurations studied is also summarized. The topics covered by this paper are as follows: Systems study results of the Baseline -939 and low boom configurations -935 and -936, Small wing derivative of the -935, Wind tunnel test results of the -935, Test-derived F-function and propagation to the ground, and Future considerations (boom-softened baseline, overwater issues, and operations).

Haglund, George T.↗