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At least 73 records · Page 4

Modifications to the three-component classification algorithm for SAR data

Previously, a scattering model was used to classify SAR data as due to three mechanisms: surface or odd-bounce scattering; double-bounce scattering; and volume scattering. A Bragg rough-surface model was used for odd-bounce scattering, and two reflecting surfaces, as in a dihedral corner reflector, represented the double-bounce scattering mechanism. A random collection of infinitely thin cylinders was used to model the volume scattering contribution. It was assumed that the cylinders are uniformly oriented in all directions. In this work, modifications are made to the above model, which include specifying a preferred orientation for the cylinders representing branches and using thin cylinders of finite thickness as opposed to infinitely thin ones. In the first case, the preferred orientation is represented by a probability density function in the form of a dirac delta function. For the second case, small argument asymptotic expansions of Bessel functions are used to express the volume scattering contributions in terms of quantities containing the average radius of the cylinders. Since in each case the number of unknowns exceeds that of equations, simplifying assumptions are made. The solutions are applied to multifrequency polarimetric SAR data to obtain the new unknowns in addition to the relative contributions of each scattering mechanism. Several results are presented. It is found that the calculated percentage of each mechanism does not change significantly compared to the original model; however, additional information is gained about the scatterers.

Moghaddam, M.

A simplified method for the calculation of diurnally averaged photodissociation rates

Expressions are given for the calculation of the diurnally averaged transmission of solar flux from a series summation involving relatively few terms and readily available mathematical functions. It is shown that these expressions can be scaled to remove much of the dependence on latitude and solar declination so that at large optical depth, they become asymptotic to a function which depends only on the optical depth at noon and displays an inverse-square-root variation. From this variation, a simple analytic form containing one adjustable parameter is proposed. The functional dependence of this parameter on latitude and solar declination is determined by numerical fitting procedures. The accuracy of the analytic approximation is better than 4.5% for all altitudes, latitudes and seasons of the year.

Boughner, R. E.

A Model for Jet-Surface Interaction Noise Using Physically Realizable Upstream Turbulence Conditions

This paper is a continuation of previous work in which a generalized Rapid Distortion Theory (RDT) formulation was used to model low-frequency trailing-edge noise. The research was motivated by proposed next-generation aircraft configurations where the exhaust system is tightly integrated with the airframe. Data from recent experiments at NASA on the interaction between high-Reynolds-number subsonic jet flows and an external flat plate showed that the power spectral density (PSD) of the far-field pressure underwent considerable amplification at low frequencies. For example, at the 900 observation angle, the low-frequency noise could be as much as 10dB greater than the jet noise itself. In this paper, we present predictions of the noise generated by the interaction of a rectangular jet with the trailing edge of a semi-infinite flat plate. The calculations are based on a formula for the acoustic spectrum of this noise source derived from an exact formal solution of the linearized Euler equations involving (in this case) one arbitrary convected scalar quantity and a Rayleigh equation Green's function. A low-frequency asymptotic approximation for the Green's function based on a two-dimensional mean flow is used in the calculations along with a physically realizable upstream turbulence spectrum, which includes a finite de-correlation region. Numerical predictions, based on three-dimensional RANS solutions for a range of subsonic acoustic Mach number jets and nozzle aspect ratios are compared with experimental data. Comparisons of the RANS results with flow data are also presented for selected cases. We find that a finite decorrelation region increases the low-frequency algebraic decay (the low frequency "rolloff") of the acoustic spectrum with angular frequency thereby producing much closer agreement with noise data for Strouhal numbers less than 0.1. Secondly, the large-aspectratio theory is able to predict the low-frequency amplification due to the jet-edge interaction reasonably well, even for moderate aspect ratio nozzles. We show also that the noise predictions for smaller aspect ratio jets can be fine-tuned using the appropriate RANS-based mean flow and turbulence properties.

Jet

A Model for Jet-Surface Interaction Noise Using Physically Realizable Upstream Turbulence Conditions

This paper is a continuation of previous work in which a generalized Rapid Distortion Theory (RDT) formulation was used to model low-frequency trailing-edge noise. The research was motivated by proposed next-generation aircraft configurations where the exhaust system is tightly integrated with the airframe. Data from recent experiments at NASA on the interaction between high-Reynolds-number subsonic jet flows and an external flat plate showed that the power spectral density (PSD) of the far-field pressure underwent considerable amplification at low frequencies. For example, at the 900 observation angle, the low-frequency noise could be as much as 10dB greater than the jet noise itself. In this paper, we present predictions of the noise generated by the interaction of a rectangular jet with the trailing edge of a semi-infinite flat plate. The calculations are based on a formula for the acoustic spectrum of this noise source derived from an exact formal solution of the linearized Euler equations involving (in this case) one arbitrary convected scalar quantity and a Rayleigh equation Green's function. A low-frequency asymptotic approximation for the Green's function based on a two-dimensional mean flow is used in the calculations along with a physically realizable upstream turbulence spectrum, which includes a finite de-correlation region. Numerical predictions, based on three-dimensional RANS solutions for a range of subsonic acoustic Mach number jets and nozzle aspect ratios are compared with experimental data. Comparisons of the RANS results with flow data are also presented for selected cases. We find that a finite decorrelation region increases the low-frequency algebraic decay (the low frequency "rolloff") of the acoustic spectrum with angular frequency thereby producing much closer agreement with noise data for Strouhal numbers less than 0.1. Secondly, the large-aspectratio theory is able to predict the low-frequency amplification due to the jet-edge interaction reasonably well, even for moderate aspect ratio nozzles. We show also that the noise predictions for smaller aspect ratio jets can be fine-tuned using the appropriate RANS-based mean flow and turbulence properties.

Aircraft

A Model for Jet-Surface Interaction Noise Using Physically Realizable Upstream Turbulence Conditions

This paper is a continuation of previous work in which a generalized Rapid Distortion Theory (RDT) formulation was used to model low-frequency trailing-edge noise. The research was motivated by proposed next-generation aircraft configurations where the exhaust system is tightly integrated with the airframe. Data from recent experiments at NASA on the interaction between high-Reynolds-number subsonic jet flows and an external flat plate showed that the power spectral density (PSD) of the far-field pressure underwent considerable amplification at low frequencies. For example, at the 90deg observation angle, the low-frequency noise could be as much as 10 dB greater than the jet noise itself. In this paper, we present predictions of the noise generated by the interaction of a rectangular jet with the trailing edge of a semi-infinite flat plate. The calculations are based on a formula for the acoustic spectrum of this noise source derived from an exact formal solution of the linearized Euler equations involving (in this case) one arbitrary convected scalar quantity and a Rayleigh equation Green's function. A low-frequency asymptotic approximation for the Green's function based on a two-dimensional mean flow is used in the calculations along with a physically realizable upstream turbulence spectrum, which includes a finite decorrelation region. Numerical predictions of the sound field, based on three-dimensional RANS solutions to determine the mean flow, turbulent kinetic energy and turbulence length and time scales, for a range of subsonic acoustic Mach number jets and nozzle aspect ratios are compared with experimental data. Comparisons of the RANS results with flow data are also presented for selected cases. We find that a finite decorrelation region in the turbulence spectrum increases the low-frequency algebraic decay (the low frequency "roll-off") of the acoustic spectrum with angular frequency thereby producing much closer agreement with noise data for Strouhal numbers less than 0.1. Secondly, the large-aspect-ratio theory is able to predict the low-frequency amplification due to the jet-edge interaction reasonably well, even for moderate aspect ratio nozzles. We show also that the noise predictions for smaller aspect ratio jets can be fine-tuned using the appropriate RANS-based mean flow and turbulence properties.

Jet

Theoretical Basis for Finite Difference Extrapolation of Sonic Boom Signatures

Calculation of sonic boom signatures for aircraft has traditionally followed the methods of Whitham' and Walkden. The wave disturbance generated by the vehicle is obtained by area rule linearized supersonic flow methods, which yield a locally axisymmetric asymptotic solution. This solution is acoustic in nature, i.e., first order in disturbance quantities, and corresponds to ray acoustics. Cumulative nonlinear distortion of the signature is incorporated by using this solution to adjust propagation speed to first order, thus yielding a solution second order in disturbance quantities. The effects of atmospheric gradients are treated by Blokhintzov's method of geometrical acoustics. Both nonlinear signature evolution and ray tracing are applied as if the pressure field very close to the vehicle were actually that given by the source term (the 'F-function') of the asymptotic linearized flow solution. The viewpoint is thus that the flow solution exists at a small radius near the vehicle, and may be treated as an input to an extrapolation procedure consisting of ray tracing and nonlinear aging. The F-function is often regarded as a representation of a near-field pressure signature, and it is common for computational implementations to treat it interchangeably with the pressure signature. There is a 'matching radius' between the source function and the subsequent propagation extrapolation. This viewpoint has been supported by wind tunnel tests of simple models, and very typically yields correct results for actual flight vehicles. The assumption that the F-function and near-field signature are interchangeable is generally not correct. The flowfield of a vehicle which is not axisymmetric contains crossflow components which are very significant at small radii and less so at larger distances. From an acoustical viewpoint, the crossflow is equivalent to source diffraction portions of the wave field. Use of the F-function as a near field signature effectively assumes that the diminution of the crossflow/diffraction component may be applied all at once at the matching radius noted above. This approximation, though not rigorously validated, is responsible for the usual correct far-field results. On the other hand, if an actual near-field signature (either from wind tunnel or CFD data) is used at a starting point rather than one based on th effective source distribution, the predicted far-field signature is generally wrong.

Plotkin, Kenneth J.

Asymptotic forms for the energy of force-free magnetic field ion figurations of translational symmetry

It is known from computer calculations that if a force-free magnetic field configuration is stressed progressively by footpoint displacements, the configuration expands and approaches the open configuration with the same surface flux distribution and the energy of the field increases progressively. For configurations of translationalsymmetry, it has been found empirically that the energy tends asymptotically to a certain functional form. It is here shown that analysis of a simple model of the asymptotic form of force-free fields of translational symmetry leads to and therefore justifies this functional form. According to this model, the field evolves in a well-behaved manner with no indication of instability or loss of equilibrium.

Sturrock, P. A.

Structural Aspects of System Identification

The problem of identifying linear dynamical systems is studied by considering structural and deterministic properties of linear systems that have an impact on stochastic identification algorithms. In particular considered is parametrization of linear systems so that there is a unique solution and all systems in appropriate class can be represented. It is assumed that a parametrization of system matrices has been established from a priori knowledge of the system, and the question is considered of when the unknown parameters of this system can be identified from input/output observations. It is assumed that the transfer function can be asymptotically identified, and the conditions are derived for the local, global and partial identifiability of the parametrization. Then it is shown that, with the right formulation, identifiability in the presence of feedback can be treated in the same way. Similarly the identifiability of parametrizations of systems driven by unobserved white noise is considered using the results from the theory of spectral factorization.

Glover, Keith

A critical evaluation of two-equation models for near wall turbulence

A basic theoretical and computational study of two-equation models for near-wall turbulent flows was conducted. Two major problems established for the K-epsilon model are discussed, the lack of natural boundary conditions for the dissipation rate and the appearance of higher-order correlations in the balance of terms for the dissipation rate at the wall. The K-omega equation is shown to have two problems also: an exact viscous term is missing, and the destruction of the dissipation term is not properly damped near the wall. A new K-tau model (where tau = 1/omega is the turbulent time scale) was developed by inclusion of the exact viscous term, and by introduction of new wall damping functions with improved asymptotic behavior. A preliminary test of the new model yields improved predictions for the flat-plate turbulent boundary layer.

Speziale, Charles G.

Estimating the Effects of Sensor Spacing on Peak Wind Measurements at Launch Complex 39

This paper presents results of an empirical study to estimate the measurement error in the peak wind speed at Shuttle Launch Complex 39 (LC-39) which results from the measurement being made by sensors 1,300 feet away. Quality controlled data taken at a height of 30 feet from an array of sensors at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) were used to model differences of peak winds as a function of separation distance and time interval. The SLF data covered wind speeds from less than ten to more than 25 knots. Winds measured at the standard LC-39 site at the normal height of 60 feet were used to verify the applicability of the model to the LC-39 situation. The error in the peak wind speed resulting from separation of the sensor from the target site obeys a power law as a function of separation distance and varies linearly with mean wind speed. At large separation distances, the error becomes a constant fraction of the mean wind speed as the separation function reaches an asymptotic value. The asymptotic average of the mean of the absolute difference in the peak wind speed between the two locations is about twelve percent of the mean wind speed. The distribution of the normalized absolute differences is half-Gaussian.

Merceret, Francis J.

Time course of sleep inertia dissipation in human performance and alertness

Alertness and performance on a wide variety of tasks are impaired immediately upon waking from sleep due to sleep inertia, which has been found to dissipate in an asymptotic manner following waketime. It has been suggested that behavioural or environmental factors, as well as sleep stage at awakening, may affect the severity of sleep inertia. In order to determine the time course of sleep inertia dissipation under normal entrained conditions, subjective alertness and cognitive throughput were measured during the first 4 h after habitual waketime from a full 8-h sleep episode on 3 consecutive days. We investigated whether this time course was affected by either sleep stage at awakening or behavioural/environmental factors. Sleep inertia dissipated in an asymptotic manner and took 2-4 h to near the asymptote. Saturating exponential functions fitted the sleep inertia data well, with time constants of 0.67 h for subjective alertness and 1.17 h for cognitive performance. Most awakenings occurred out of stage rapid eye movement (REM), 2 or 1 sleep, and no effect of sleep stage at awakening on either the severity of sleep inertia or the time course of its dissipation could be detected. Subjective alertness and cognitive throughput were significantly impaired upon awakening regardless of whether subjects got out of bed, ate breakfast, showered and were exposed to ordinary indoor room light (approximately 150 lux) or whether subjects participated in a constant routine (CR) protocol in which they remained in bed, ate small hourly snacks and were exposed to very dim light (10-15 lux). These findings allow for the refinement of models of alertness and performance, and have important implications for the scheduling of work immediately upon awakening in many occupational settings.

Non-NASA Center

The May 17, 2012 Solar Event: Back-Tracing Analysis and Flux Reconstruction with PAMELA

The PAMELA space experiment is providing first direct observations of Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs) with energies from about 80 MeV to several GeV in near-Earth orbit, bridging the low energy measurements by other spacecrafts and the Ground Level Enhancement (GLE) data by the worldwide network of neutron monitors. Its unique observational capabilities include the possibility of measuring the flux angular distribution and thus investigating possible anisotropies associated to SEP events. The analysis is supported by an accurate back-tracing simulation based on a realistic description of the Earth's magnetosphere, which is exploited to estimate the SEP energy spectra as a function of the asymptotic direction of arrival with respect to the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF). In this work we report the results for the May 17, 2012 event.

Bruno, A.

Application of matched asymptotic expansions to lunar and interplanetary trajectories. Volume 1: Technical discussion

Previously published asymptotic solutions for lunar and interplanetary trajectories have been modified and combined to formulate a general analytical solution to the problem on N-bodies. The earlier first-order solutions, derived by the method of matched asymptotic expansions, have been extended to second order for the purpose of obtaining increased accuracy. The derivation of the second-order solution is summarized by showing the essential steps, some in functional form. The general asymptotic solution has been used as a basis for formulating a number of analytical two-point boundary value solutions. These include earth-to-moon, one- and two-impulse moon-to-earth, and interplanetary solutions. The results show that the accuracies of the asymptotic solutions range from an order of magnitude better than conic approximations to that of numerical integration itself. Also, since no iterations are required, the asymptotic boundary value solutions are obtained in a fraction of the time required for comparable numerically integrated solutions. The subject of minimizing the second-order error is discussed, and recommendations made for further work directed toward achieving a uniform accuracy in all applications.

Lancaster, J. E.

On the Sampling-Based Computation of Nash Equilibria Under Uncertainty via the Nikaido–Isoda Function

We consider the computation of an equilibrium of a stochastic Nash equilibrium problem, where the player objectives are assumed to be L 0 -Lipschitz continuous and convex, given rival decisions with convex and closed player-specific feasibility sets. To address this problem, we consider minimizing a suitably defined value function defined using the Nikaido–Isoda function. Such an avenue does not necessitate either monotonicity properties of the concatenated gradient map or potentiality requirements on the game but does require a suitable regularity requirement under which a stationary point is a Nash equilibrium. We design and analyze a sampling-enabled projected-gradient-response method, reliant on inexact resolution of a player-level best-response subproblem. Here, by deriving suitable Lipschitzian guarantees on the value function, we derive both asymptotic guarantees for the sequence of generated iterates as well as rate and complexity guarantees for computing a stationary point by appropriate choices of the sampling rate and inexactness sequence.

Nikaido-Isoda function

Linear-scaling quadruple excitations in local pair natural orbital coupled-cluster theory

Here, we present a fast, asymptotically linear-scaling implementation of the perturbative quadruples energy correction in coupled-cluster theory using local natural orbitals. Our work follows the domain-based local pair natural orbital (DLPNO) approach previously applied to lower levels of excitations in coupled-cluster theory. Our DLPNO-CCSDT(Q) algorithm uses converged doubles and triples amplitudes from a preceding DLPNO-CCSDT computation to compute the quadruples amplitude and energy in the quadruples natural orbital (QNO) basis. We demonstrate the compactness of the QNO space, showing that more than 95% of the (Q) correction can be recovered using relatively loose natural orbital cutoffs, compared to the tighter cutoffs used in pair and triples natural orbitals at lower levels of coupled-cluster theory. We also highlight the accuracy of our algorithm in the computation of relative energies, which yields deviations of sub-kJ mol −1 in relative energy compared to the canonical CCSDT(Q). Timings are conducted on a series of growing linear alkanes (up to 10 carbons and 608 basis functions) and water clusters (up to 49 water molecules and 2842 basis functions) to establish the asymptotic linear-scaling of our DLPNO-(Q) algorithm.

Auxiliary functions