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At least 73 records · Page 4

Evaluation of the 29-km Eta Model: Objective Verification at Three Selected Stations - Part 1

This paper describes an objective verification of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) 29-km eta model from May 1996 through January 1998. The evaluation was designed to assess the model's surface and upper-air point forecast accuracy at three selected locations during separate warm (May - August) and cool (October - January) season periods. In order to enhance sample sizes available for statistical calculations, the objective verification includes two consecutive warm and cool season periods. Systematic model deficiencies comprise the larger portion of the total error in most of the surface forecast variables that were evaluated. The error characteristics for both surface and upper-air forecasts vary widely by parameter, season, and station location. At upper levels, a few characteristic biases are identified. Overall however, the upper-level errors are more nonsystematic in nature and could be explained partly by observational measurement uncertainty. With a few exceptions, the upper-air results also indicate that 24-h model error growth is not statistically significant. In February and August 1997, NCEP implemented upgrades to the eta model's physical parameterizations that were designed to change some of the model's error characteristics near the surface. The results shown in this paper indicate that these upgrades led to identifiable and statistically significant changes in forecast accuracy for selected surface parameters. While some of the changes were expected, others were not consistent with the intent of the model updates and further emphasize the need for ongoing sensitivity studies and localized statistical verification efforts. Objective verification of point forecasts is a stringent measure of model performance, but when used alone, is not enough to quantify the overall value that model guidance may add to the forecast process. Therefore, results from a subjective verification of the meso-eta model over the Florida peninsula are discussed in the companion paper by Manobianco and Nutter. Overall verification results presented here and in part two should establish a reasonable benchmark from which model users and developers may pursue the ongoing eta model verification strategies in the future.

Nutter, Paul A.↗

Metallic particles in the Apollo 14 lunar soil.

The metallographic structures, silicate associations and bulk compositions (Ni, Co, P, S, and Si) were determined by microprobe analysis for 205 metal particles selected by magnetic separation from the less than 1 mm, greater than 125 micron fraction of soil samples 14003,18 and 14163,165. A small number of exotic particles were encountered but almost all the metal could be accommodated within one of four subpopulations, the characteristics and genetic significance of which may be stated as follows: (1) the major proportion has Ni and Co contents corresponding to the range of meteoritic metal; (2) small proportion (about 5%) that not only has meteoritic contents of Ni and Co but also shows still distinguishable indications of meteoritic microstructure; (3) another small population (about 10%) consists of metal excavated from lunar mare basalts by cratering events, and thrown onto the Apollo 14 site; and (4) metallic spheroids (about 5%), analogous to those encountered in the vicinity of the Barringer Meteorite Crater, Arizona.

Goldstein, J. I.↗

Study of air pollutant detectors

The application of field ionization mass spectrometry (FIMS) to the detection of air pollutants was investigated. Current methods are reviewed for measuring contaminants of fixed gases, sulfur compounds, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and particulates. Two enriching devices: the dimethyl silicone rubber membrane separator, and the selective adsorber of polyethylene foam were studied along with FIMS. It is concluded that the membrane enricher system is not a suitable method for removing air pollutants. However, the FIMS shows promise as a useable system for air pollution detection.

Gutshall, P. L.↗

Flow processes in overexpanded chemical rocket nozzles. Part 1: Flow separation

An investigation was made of published nozzle flow separation data in order to determine the parameters which affect the separation condition. A comparison of experimental data with empirical and theoretical separation prediction methods leads to the selection of suitable equations for the separation criterion. The results were used to predict flow separation of the main space shuttle engine.

Schmucker, R. H.↗

Variable cycle gas turbine engines

A technique, method, and apparatus were designed for varying the bypass ratio and modulating the flow of a gas turbine engine in order to achieve improved mixed mission performance. Embodiments include gas flow control system for management of core and bypass stream pressure comprising diverter valve means downstream of the core engine to selectively mix or separate the core and bypass exhaust streams. The flow control system may also include variable geometry means for maintaining the engine inlet airflow at a matched design level at all flight velocities. Earth preferred embodiment thus may be converted from a high specific thrust mixed flow cycle at supersonic velocities to a lower specific thrust separated flow turbofan system at subsonic velocities with a high degree of flow variability in each mode of operation.

Johnson, J. E.↗

Organic chemical evolution

The course of organic chemical evolution preceding the emergence of life on earth is discussed based on evidence of processes occurring in interstellar space, the solar system and the primitive earth. Following a brief review of the equilibrium condensation model for the origin and evolution of the solar system, consideration is given to the nature and organic chemistry of interstellar clouds, comets, Jupiter, meteorites, Venus and Mars, and the prebiotic earth. Major issues to be resolved in the study of organic chemical evolution on earth are identified regarding condensation and accretion in the solar nebula, early geological evolution, the origin and evolution of the atmosphere, organic production rates, organic-inorganic interactions, environmental fluctuations, phase separation and molecular selectivity.

Chang, S.↗

Flow processes in overexpanded chemical rocket nozzles. Part 1: Flow separation

An investigation was made of published nozzle flow separation data in order to determine the parameters which affect the separation conditions. A comparison of experimental data with empirical and theoretical separation prediction methods leads to the selection of suitable equations for the separation criterion. The results were used to predict flow separation of the main space shuttle engine.

Schmucker, R. H.↗

MMIC antenna technology development in the 30/20 gigahertz band

This paper presents a progress summary of NASA's efforts in developing 20 and 30 GHz GaAs MMIC devices and an advanced satellite communications antenna system using these devices. In the interest of preserving resources such as frequency spectrum and orbital space the antenna system is being developed with multiple fixed spot beams and multiple scanning spot beams. NASA set high goals for the MMIC development to pushc GaAs technology. These goals and the main features of the MMIC devices are discussed. Some packaging and characterization considerations are also discussed. The 20 GHz transmit antenna and 30 GHz receive antenna are being developed separately. The approach selected is to perform contractual configuration studies, purchase a 20-GHz experimental antenna system (EAS) and perform in-house evaluation. The features and key specifications of the EAS are discussed. Additional supporting technologies such as effects of coupling on modest sized arrays, MMIC matching techniques, in-house analytical capability, wideband and dual frequency microstrip patch array development, and MMIC packaging techniques are described. Some plans for future are also discussed.

Smetana, J.↗

MMIC antenna technology development in the 30/20 gigahertz band

This paper presents a progress summary of NASA's efforts in developing 20 and 30 GHz GaAs MMIC devices and an advanced satellite communications antenna system using these devices. In the interest of preserving resources such as frequency spectrum and orbital space the antenna system is being developed with multiple fixed spot beams and multiple scanning spot beams. NASA set high goals for the MMIC development to push GaAs technology. These goals and the main features of the MMIC devices are discussed. Some packaging and characterization considerations are also discussed. The 20 GHz transmit antenna and 30 GHz receive antenna are being developed separately. The approach selected is to perform contractual configuration studies, purchase a 20-GHz experimental antenna system (EAS) and perform in-house evaluation. The features and key specifications of the EAS are discussed. Additional supporting technologies such as effects of coupling on modest sized arrays, MMIC matching techniques, in-house analytical capability, wideband and dual frequency microstrip patch array development, and MMIC packaging techniques are described. Some plans for future work are also discussed.

Smetana, J.↗

Physics of Granular Materials: Investigations in Support of Astrobiology

This publication list is submitted as a summary of the work conducted under Cooperative Agreement 1120. The goal of the 1120 research was to study granular materials within a planetary, astrophysical, and astrobiological context. This involved research on the physical, mechanical and electrostatic properties of granular systems, as well as the examination of these materials with atomic force microscopy and x-ray analysis. Instruments for analyzing said materials in planetary environments were developed, including the MECA (Mars Environment Compatibility Assessment) experiment for the MSP '01 lander, the ECHOS/MATADOR experiment for the MSP '03 lander, an ISRU experiment for the '03 lander, and MiniLEAP technology. Flight experiments for microgravity (Space Station and Shuttle) have also been developed for the study of granular materials. As expressed in the publications, work on 1120 encompassed laboratory research, theoretical modeling, field experiments, and flight experiments: a series of successful new models were developed for understanding the behavior of triboelectrostatically charged granular masses, and 4 separate instruments were selected for space flight. No inventions or patents were generated by the research under this Agreement.

Marshall, John R.↗

Deployment of a Fast-GCMS System to Measure C2 to C5 Carbonyls, Methanol and Ethanol Aboard Aircraft

Through funding of this proposal, a fast response gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (FGCMS) instrument to measure less than or equal to C4 carbonyl compounds and methanol was developed for the NASA GTE TRACE-P (Global Tropospheric Experiment, Transport And Chemical Evolution Over The Pacific) mission. The system consists of four major components: sample inlet, preconcentration system, gas chromatograph (GC), and detector. The preconcentration system is a custom-built cryogen-conservative system. The GC is a compact, custom-built unit that can be temperature programmed and rapidly cooled. Detection is accomplished with an Agilent Technologies 5973 mass spectrometer. The FGCMS instrument provides positive identification because the compounds are chromatographically separated and mass selected. During TRACE-P, a sample was analyzed every 5 minutes. The FGCMS limit of detection was between 5 and 75 pptv, depending on the compound. The entire instrument package is contained in a standard NASA instrument rack (106 cm x 61 cm x 135 cm), consumes less than 1200 watts and is fully automated with LabViEW 6i. Methods were developed or producing highly accurate gas phase standards for the target compounds and for testing the system in the presence of potential interferents. This report presents data on these tests and on the general overall performance of the system in the laboratory and aboard the DC-8 aircraft during the mission. Vertical profiles for acetaldehyde, methanol, acetone, propanal, methyl ethyl ketone, and butanal from FGCMS data collected over the entire mission are also presented.

Apel, Eric C.↗

Neutral Gas Properties of Extremely Isolated Early-Type Galaxies

We present the results of single-dish atomic hydrogen (H I) observations of six highly isolated early-type galaxies. These objects are a representative subset of galaxies previously studied at optical wavelengths and selected to be separated by at least 2.5Mpc from companions brighter than M(sub V) =−16.5 mag. Each galaxy was observed with a single pointing using the NRAO Green Bank Telescope L-band receiver. Five of these systems were strongly detected in H I. These five galaxies exhibit H I profiles with a range of properties: single Gaussian-like peaks, separate double peaks, and double horn-like profiles. The four bluest galaxies (B−V<0.54) all contain significant gas with H I masses ranging from 1.1 × 10(exp 8) to 1.4 × 10(exp 9).

Ashley, Trisha L.↗

Multiband selection with linear array detectors

Several techniques that can be used in an earth-imaging system to separate the linear image formed after the collecting optics into the desired spectral band are examined. The advantages and disadvantages of the Multispectral Linear Array (MLA) multiple optics, the MLA adjacent arrays, the imaging spectrometer, and the MLA beam splitter are discussed. The beam-splitter design approach utilizes, in addition to relatively broad spectral region separation, a movable Multiband Selection Device (MSD), placed between the exit ports of the beam splitter and a linear array detector, permitting many bands to be selected. The successful development and test of the MSD is described. The device demonstrated the capacity to provide a wide field of view, visible-to-near IR/short-wave IR and thermal IR capability, and a multiplicity of spectral bands and polarization measuring means, as well as a reasonable size and weight at minimal cost and risk compared to a spectrometer design approach.

Richard, H. L.↗

Permeation Rate Equations for Hydrogen and Deuterium in a Palladium-Silver Alloy

Mass transfer of a gas through a selective, solid membrane is an effective method for separation of desired species. This selective permeability is evident in the flow of hydrogen and the isotope deuterium through palladium-silver metal alloy media. In this study, based upon Sieverts’s law and the Arrhenius diffusion equation, an empirical correlation was developed to determine the steady-state permeation rate R, dependence on media temperature T, gas supply pressure p(sub S), and gas backpressure p(sub B) on the lower pressure side. Because of an extensive range of experimental conditions and complete reporting of raw data, the research by Ackerman and Koskinas was used as a source for data allowing empirical equation fitting. Unfortunately, those authors reported best-fit equations that poorly represented their own results. To improve the modeling of the original data and demonstrate the quality of the measurements, the current study develops improved hydrogen and deuterium permeation rate equations: P = 4.22×10(exp −6) A[exp(−704/T)](sq. root p(sub S) − sq. root p(sub B))/t for hydrogen P = 2.12×10(exp −6) A[exp(−468/T )](sq. root p(sub S) − sq. root p(sub B))/t for deuterium for values of cross-sectional area A (sq.cm), medium thickness t (cm), pressure p (psia), and temperature T (Kelvin), giving a permeation rate in mole/minute. These equations model permeation rate data more closely than do several other existing literature sources.

Smith, Phillip J.↗

Near-field testing of the 30 GHz TRW proof-of-concept multibeam antenna

Near-field testing was conducted on the 30 GHz TRW proof-of-concept (POC) Multibeam Antenna (MBA). The TRW POC MBA is a dual offset Cassegrain reflector system using a 2.7 m main reflector. This configuration was selected to assess the ability to create both multiple fixed and scanned spot beams. The POC configuration investigated frequency reuse via spatial separation of beams, polarization selectivity and time division multiple access scanning at 30 GHz. Measurements of directivity, sidelobe level, and pattern were made at NASA Lewis Research Center's Near-Field Antenna Test Facility. Presented in this paper are complete results of these measurements. Included is a detailed discussion of all testing procedures and parameters. Results of additional testing used to evaluate diffraction effects of the subreflector and distortions of the main reflector are also presented.

Kunath, R. R., Jr.↗

Evaluation of a Pair-Wise Conflict Detection and Resolution Algorithm in a Multiple Aircraft Scenario

The KB3D algorithm is a pairwise conflict detection and resolution (CD&R) algorithm. It detects and generates trajectory vectoring for an aircraft which has been predicted to be in an airspace minima violation within a given look-ahead time. It has been proven, using mechanized theorem proving techniques, that for a pair of aircraft, KB3D produces at least one vectoring solution and that all solutions produced are correct. Although solutions produced by the algorithm are mathematically correct, they might not be physically executable by an aircraft or might not solve multiple aircraft conflicts. This paper describes a simple solution selection method which assesses all solutions generated by KB3D and determines the solution to be executed. The solution selection method and KB3D are evaluated using a simulation in which N aircraft fly in a free-flight environment and each aircraft in the simulation uses KB3D to maintain separation. Specifically, the solution selection method filters KB3D solutions which are procedurally undesirable or physically not executable and uses a predetermined criteria for selection.

Carreno, Victor A.↗

Battery Separator Characterization and Evaluation Procedures for NASA's Advanced Lithium-Ion Batteries

To address the future performance and safety requirements for the electrical energy storage technologies that will enhance and enable future NASA manned aerospace missions, advanced rechargeable, lithium-ion battery technology development is being pursued within the scope of the NASA Exploration Technology Development Program s (ETDP's) Energy Storage Project. A critical cell-level component of a lithium-ion battery which significantly impacts both overall electrochemical performance and safety is the porous separator that is sandwiched between the two active cell electrodes. To support the selection of the optimal cell separator material(s) for the advanced battery technology and chemistries under development, laboratory characterization and screening procedures were established to assess and compare separator material-level attributes and associated separator performance characteristics.

Baldwin, Richard S.↗

GC/MS Method Development for Separating Lunar Volatile Ice Simulant Headspace Gases

Various investigators propose the lunar surface contains widely distributed volatiles, especially water- like species, i.e. OH and H2O. Surface volatiles are theorized to exist as a hydrated regolith layer, concentrated in extremely cold polar permanently shadowed regions (PSR), and/or solar wind implantation reservoirs in lunar glasses. The proposed sources of lunar surface volatiles range from cometary impacts, solar wind, or a supply present during moon formation. Future Artemis missions aim to collect and return the samples containing volatiles collected near lunar polar craters or PSRs. We, as advanced curation scientists, are responsible for developing techniques and methodologies for preserving returned sample integrity as much as possible. Pristine volatile-bearing samples are invaluable to the scientific community seeking to unravel the history of the solar system. Realistically, a sample will experience alteration during collection, transportation back to earth, and storage. The Planetary Exploration and Astromaterials Research Lab (PEARL) seeks to understand temperature and pressure effects on high-fidelity volatile-containing regolith simulants, the foundation for the future of cold curation. This abstract outlines the separation, identification, and quantification of headspace gases over volatile ice feed stock material using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Preliminary objectives concentrated on sample handling, reproducibility, and understanding the elution characteristics for each analyte. Initial GC/MS method development experiments utilized diluted static headspace sample preparation. Diluted samples were used because sampling headspace gases directly from a vial containing liquid analyte resulted in overloading of the column and detector. Overloading is evident based on chromatogram peak shapes and instrument contamination, or carry over, between experiments. A mixture of three alcohols were used for a majority of the sample handling and reproducibility studies. Reproducibility was tested via multiple users, calibration curves, and check standards. Stock solutions of condensed lunar volatile analytes included methanol, ammonia in methanol, hydrogen sulfide in water, and an equal volume mixture of methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol. Current samples use room air as the headspace sample matrix, however future experiments will incorporate an inert purge gas, such as argon or nitrogen. Three mL of each analyte solution were capped in separate 20 mL crimp top GC vials. Dilutions were carried out by removing an aliquot of headspace gases with a calibrated 1 mL gastight syringe and immediately transferring to a 20 mL capped crimp top vial. The GC/MS is a Thermo Fisher Trace 1310/ISQ 7000 with a TriPlus RSH autosampler and split/splitless injector module. The experiments outlined in this abstract use the following hardware: a 2.5 mL gastight headspace syringe tool, 1 mm ID x 78.5 mm length ultra-inert straight injection liner, and a TG-BondQ 30 m × 0.32 mm × 10 μm column. Various parameters, such as hardware selection and the temperature, pressure, and split ratio set points, continue to evolve as the overall experiment is refined. Diluted headspace chromatograms were collected for the individual stock solutions. Retention times, peak shapes, and mass spectra were evaluated and added to the data processing method for each molecule of interest. Figure 1 shows the total ion chromatograms for the three major lunar volatile simulant stock solutions: methanol, 7 N ammonia in methanol, and 0.4% hydrogen sulfide in water. Tailing peak shapes for ammonia (2.98 min rt) and water (4.06 min rt) indicate the molecules are not properly eluting from the selected column with the current separation method. Additionally, hydrogen sulfide and ammonia have overlapping peak windows, which could impact quantification. Ongoing experiments aim to address the peak shape and overlapping via the separation method and hardware selection. Sample preparation reproducibility experiments used stock solution containing equal volumes of a non- interactive mixture of methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol. Mass spectrum ion traces were used to identify and quantify all three alcohols. Peaks were automatically detected, identified, and integrated through the mass spectra detection and processing parameters. Calibration response curves and check standards were used to evaluate the validity of the sample preparation procedure. Figure 2 shows the methanol chromatogram peak area versus total headspace dilution volume transferred from the alcohol mixture vial. The calibration response curves and check standards validate sample preparation procedure. Continuing data analysis efforts are working towards correlating the peak area and instrument response factor to the headspace analyte concentration and condensed phase composition. Static headspace gas chromatography theory relies on Dalton’s law, Raoult’s law, Henry’s Law, and the Kolb and Ettre equation to associate peak area to the analyte composition in a non-ideal solution. Equation 1 is a simplified expression derived from the aforementioned theories. Future experiments involve liquid injections of the individual stock solutions, liquid and headspace analysis of various stock solution combinations, and the addition of regolith simulants to the mixtures. Temperature is another variable expected to affect reaction rates and will be explored.

Cecilia L. Amick↗