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At least 631 records · Page 35

Oceanic Satellite Data Distribution System

The Satellite Data Distribution System (SDDS) serves to process satellite-derived ocean observations, generate ocean analysis and forecast products, and distribute the products to a limited set of commercial users. The SDDS functions in series with the U.S. Navy Fleet Numerical Oceanography Center (FNOC) to provide products on a near-real-time basis to commercial marine industries. Conventional meteorological and oceanographic observations provided to FNOC serve as the input set to the numerical analysis and forecast models. Large main-frame computers are used to analyze and forecast products on a routine, operational basis (at 6-hour and 12-hour synoptic times). The products, reformatted to meet commercial users needs, are transferred to a NASA-owned computer for storage and distribution. Access to the information is possible either by a commercial dial-up packet-switching network or by a direct computer-computer connection.

Montgomery, D. R.↗

Simplistic analysis of reactive scattering

Angular distribution of nonreactively scattered molecules in reactive collision, analyzing relation to reaction probability using gray sphere optical model

Bernstein, R. B.↗

Acoustic radiation from lined, unflanged ducts: Acoustic source distribution program

An acoustic radiation analysis was developed to predict the far-field characteristics of fan noise radiated from an acoustically lined unflanged duct. This analysis is comprised of three modular digital computer programs which together provide a capability of accounting for the impedance mismatch at the duct exit plane. Admissible duct configurations include circular or annular, with or without an extended centerbody. This variation in duct configurations provides a capability of modeling inlet and fan duct noise radiation. The computer programs are described in detail.

Beckemeyer, R. J.↗

FLEXSTAB analysis

The wing differential pressure distributions of two vehicles are predicted using FLEXSTAB. Three space shuttle configurations were investigated. Comparisons were made of wind tunnel and analytical data for a selected range of angle of attack, angle of sideslip, and Mach number. A drone-type vehicle was investigated and comparisons were made between flight and analytical data of wing pressure distributions and static longitudinal stability derivatives.

Lowder, H. E., Jr.↗

Skylab contamination results: S052 particle analysis and T025 analysis

The size and velocity distributions of 500 contaminant particles in the near environs of Skylab were determined from video tape data obtained by the high altitude observatory's white light coronagraph. A complete listing of derived particle parameters, their frequency distributions, and their behavior as a function of time are presented. A correlation between particle size and velocity is noted, and at least two prominent directions of the particle spacecraft origins are identified.

Schuerman, D. W.↗

The spatial relationship of field-aligned currents and auroral electrojets to the distribution of nightside auroras

An analysis is made of (1) nearly simultaneous sets of data obtained by a ground-based magnetometer, (2) magnetic perturbations recorded by the polar-orbiting Triad satellite at 800 km, (3) auroral imagery, and (4) studies made of precipitating electrons within the 200 eV to 20 keV range. The analysis is used to determine periods of moderate magnetospheric activity during which substorms occur. Results are presented with attention to morning sector, evening sector, premidnight substorm, and midnight sector features.

Kamide, Y.↗

A1 moonquakes - Source distribution and mechanism

Two novel analysis techniques have been used to study focal mechanisms of A1 moonquakes, which occur at the most active of the 80 deep-moonquake source regions identified to date. The first is the cross-spectral analysis of matching signal waveforms. Cross phase spectra clearly show relative polarity of signals and give precise time relationships between signals, thus enabling accurate detemination of relative source locations within the source region. The second is the analysis of amplitude ratios, which reveal the patterns of P- and S-wave radiations around the source region. A1 moonquake foci are found to be concentrated in a nearly horizontal planar region less than 1 km in diameter. Their focal mechanism may be described by slippages along a horizontal plane with the slip direction rotating with and predominantly controlled by the shifting tidal stress field. Thus, A1 moonquakes represent a process of simple storage and release of tidal energy with no evidence for a release of accumulated tectonic stress.

Nakamura, Y.↗

The vertical distribution of Mars water vapor

Analysis of observations made from the Viking 1 Orbiter indicates that the water vapor over the Viking 1 landing site is uniformly mixed with the atmosphere and not concentrated near the surface. The analysis incorporates the effects of atmospheric scattering and explains why previous earth-based observations showed a strong diurnal variation in water content. It also explains the lack of an early morning fog and removes the necessity of daily exchange of large amounts of water between the surface and the atmosphere. A water vapor volume mixing ratio of 1.5 x 10 to the -4th is inferred for the Viking 1 site in late summer.

Davies, D. W.↗

Performance analysis of FDDI

The Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) is an imerging ANSI and ISO standard for a 100 megabit per second fiber optic token ring. The performance of the FDDI media access control protocol is analyzed using a simulation developed at NASA Ames. Both analyses using standard measures of performance (including average delay for asynchronous traffic, channel utilization, and transmission queue length) and analyses of characteristics of ring behavior which can be attributed to constraints imposed by the timed token protocol on token holding time (including bounded token rotation time, support for synchronous traffic, and fairness of channel access for nodes transmitting asynchronous traffic) are included.

Johnson, Marjory J.↗

Applications of computer algebra to distributed parameter systems

In the analysis of vibrations of continuous elastic systems, one often encounters complicated transcendental equations with roots directly related to the system's natural frequencies. Typically, these equations contain system parameters whose values must be specified before a numerical solution can be obtained. The present paper presents a method whereby the fundamental frequency can be obtained in analytical form to any desired degree of accuracy. The method is based upon truncation of rapidly converging series involving inverse powers of the system natural frequencies. A straightforward method to developing these series and summing them in closed form is presented. It is demonstrated how Computer Algebra can be exploited to perform the intricate analytical procedures which otherwise would render the technique difficult to apply in practice. We illustrate the method by developing two analytical approximations to the fundamental frequency of a vibrating cantilever carrying a rigid tip body. The results are compared to the numerical solution of the exact (transcendental) frequency equation over a range of system parameters.

Storch, Joel A.↗

Spaceborne Doppler Precipitation Radar: System Configurations and Performance Analysis

Knowledge of the global distribution of the vertical velocity of precipitation is important in in the study of energy transportation in the atmosphere, the climate and weather. Such knowledge can only be directly acquired with the use of spaceborne Doppler precipitation radars. Although the high relative speed of the radar with respect to the rainfall particles introduces significant broadening in the Doppler spectrum, recent studies have shown that the average vertical velocity can be measured to acceptable accuracy levels by appropriate selection of radar parameters. Furthermore, methods to correct for specific errors arising from NUBF effects and pointing uncertainties have recently been developed. In this paper we will present the results of the trade studies on the performances of a spaceborne Doppler radar with different system parameters configurations.

spaceborne radar↗

Limitations to Biomass Estimation for FAV Using NDVI Analysis of Satellite Acquisitions

The distribution and standing biomass (mass per unit area) of Floating Aquatic Vegetation (FAV)provide assessment metrics for productivity of vegetative communities. Remote sensing acquisition data has been used to estimate standing biomass in various ecosystems using vegetation indices, particularly the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), comparing the relative strength of radiation absorbance and reflectance of vegetation in specific wavebands. Obstacles to estimating vegetation biomass using NDVI reported are related to diversity of the vegetation community and high-density saturation. We evaluate the potential for using NDVI derived estimates for FAV biomass in the California Delta by focusing on patches of predominantly single species and compare biomass estimates for specific patches with measurement of total biomass and partitioning within the vegetation canopy. Using Landsat satellite acquisitions, biomass estimates are made for individual pixels and vegetation samples were collected from those same pixels. Focus on patches of predominantly single FAV species resulted in successful estimation of standing biomass beyond that previously reported in other ecosystems. A saturation response for the estimations was observed, however, with a much higher threshold high than previously reported for diverse population aquatic ecosystems. We discuss the likely cause for the saturation phenomenon and potential improvement utilizing altered spectral indices possible with higher spectral resolution from satellites carrying higher waveband multispectral and hyperspectral instruments.

Biomass↗

Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA): Assessment of the electrical power distribution and control subsystem, volume 1

The results of the Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA) of the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Critical Items List (CIL) are presented. The IOA first completed an analysis of the Electrical Power Distribution and Control (EPD and C) hardware, generating draft failure modes and potential critical items. To preserve independence, this analysis was accomplished without reliance upon the results contained within the NASA FMEA/CIL documentation. The IOA results were then compared to the NASA FMEA/CIL baseline with proposed Post 51-L updates included. A resolution of each discrepancy from the comparison is provided through additional analysis as required. This report documents the results of that comparison for the Orbiter EPD and C hardware. The IOA product for the EPD and C analysis consisted of 1671 failure mode analysis worksheets that resulted in 468 potential critical items being identified. Comparison was made to the proposed NASA Post 51-L baseline which consisted of FMEAs and 158 CIL items. Volume 1 contains the EPD and C subsystem description, analysis results, ground rules and assumptions, and some of the IOA worksheets.

Schmeckpeper, K. R.↗

Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA): Assessment of the Electrical Power Distribution and Control Subsystem, Volume 2

The results of the Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA) of the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Critical Items List (CIL) are presented. The IOA first completed an analysis of the Electrical Power Distribution and Control (EPD and C) hardware, generating draft failure modes and potential critical items. To preserve independence, this analysis was accomplished without reliance upon the results contained within the NASA FMEA/CIL documentation. The IOA results were then compared to the NASA FMEA/CIL baseline with proposed Post 51-L updates included. A resolution of each discrepancy from the comparison is provided through additional analysis as required. This report documents the results of that comparison for the Orbiter EPD and C hardware. Volume 2 continues the presentation of IOA worksheets.

Schmeckpeper, K. R.↗

Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA): Assessment of the electrical power distribution and control subsystem, volume 3

The results of the Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA) of the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Critical Items List (CIL) are presented. The IOA first completed an analysis of the Electrical Power Distribution and Control (EPD and C) hardware, generating draft failure modes and potential critical items. To preserve independence, this analysis was accomplished without reliance upon the results contained within the NASA FMEA/CIL documentation. The IOA results were then compared to the NASA FMEA/CIL baseline with proposed Post 51-L updates included. A resolution of each discrepancy from the comparison is provided through additional analysis as required. This report documents the results of that comparison for the Orbiter EPD and C hardware. Volume 3 continues the presentation of IOA worksheets and contains the potential critical items list and the NASA FMEA to IOA worksheet cross reference and recommendations.

Schmeckpeper, K. R.↗