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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 739 records · Page 41
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2007

Status of Superheated Spray and Post Combustor Particulate Modeling for NCC

At supersonic cruise conditions, high fuel temperatures, coupled with low pressures in the combustor, create potential for superheated fuel injection leading to shorter fuel jet break-up time and reduced spray penetration. Another issue particularly important to the supersonic cruise is the aircraft emissions contributing to the climate change in the atmosphere. Needless to say, aircraft emissions in general also contribute to the air pollution in the neighborhood of airports. The objectives of the present efforts are to establish baseline for prediction methods and experimental data for (a) liquid fuel atomization and vaporization at superheated conditions and (b) particle sampling systems and laboratory or engine testing environments, as well as to document current capabilities and identify gaps for future research.

Liu, Nan-Suey↗
NASA NTRS2018

Prognostic Emissions in GEOS

Prognostic emissions enable seamless applications of atmospheric chemistry and aerosol models across scales. Prognostic emissions also facilitate direct and higher order interactions and feedbacks between components in an integrated modeling system and thus enhance the model representativeness. On the other hand they also require more attention and strict validation to ensure model integrity. In this talk I will discuss recent developments related to prognostic emissions of mineral dust, primary marine aerosols and biomass burning in the NASA GEOS model and outline some of the challenges stemming from limited ability to represent subscale and stochastic processes.

Darmenov, Anton↗
NASA NTRS1986

Verification of small-scale water vapor features in VAS imagery using high resolution MAMS imagery

The Multispectral Atmospheric Mapping Sensor (MAMS), a modification of NASA's Airborne Thematic Mapper, is described, and radiances from the MAMS and the VISSR Atmospheric Sounder (VAS) are compared which were collected simultaneously on May 18, 1985. Thermal emission from the earth atmosphere system in eight visible and three infrared spectral bands (12.3, 11.2 and 6.5 microns) are measured by the MAMS at up to 50 m horizontal resolution, and the infrared bands are similar to three of the VAS infrared bands. Similar radiometric performance was found for the two systems, though the MAMS showed somewhat less attenuation from water vapor than VAS because its spectral bands are shifted to shorter wavelengths away from the absorption band center.

Menzel, Paul W.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Thermal Stability of a 4 Meter Primary Reflector for the Scanning Microwave Limb Sounder

The Scanning Microwave Limb Sounder (SMLS) is a space-borne heterodyne radiometer which will measure pressure, temperature and atmospheric constituents from thermal emission in [180,680] GHz. SMLS, planned for the NRC Decadal Survey's Global Atmospheric Composition Mission, uses a novel toric Cassegrain antenna to perform both elevation and azimuth scanning. This provides better horizontal and temporal resolution and coverage than were possible with elevation-only scanning in the two previous MLS satellite instruments. SMLS is diffraction-limited in the vertical plane but highly astigmatic in the horizontal (beam aspect ratio approx. 1:20). Nadir symmetry ensures that beam shape is nearly invariant over plus or minus 65 deg azimuth. A low-noise receiver FOV is swept over the reflector system by a small azimuth-scanning mirror. We describe the fabrication and thermal-stability test of a composite demonstration primary reflector, having full 4m height and 1/3 the width planned for flight. Using finite-element models of reflectors and structure, we evaluate thermal deformations and optical performance for 4 orbital environments and isothermal soak. We compare deformations with photogrammetric measurements made during soak tests in a chamber. The test temperature range exceeds predicted orbital ranges by large factors, implying in-orbit thermal stability of 0.21 micron rms (root mean square)/C, which meets SMLS requirements.

thermal distortion↗
NASA NTRS1989

Analysis of coordinated observations of a giant stellar flare

Multi-wavelength observations of a giant flare on the star AD Leo were obtained with the 2.1 m and 0.9 m telescopes at McDonald Observatory and the International Ultraviolet Explorer satellite. The quality, spectral coverage, and time resolution of the data represented a major improvement over any published stellar flare data. Two theoretical, quantitative flare models were developed. Combining the models, the chromospheric emission model predictions in the hydrogen Balmer lines, Da II K, Mg II h + k and the optical continuum were compared to the observations, with the result that much of the gradual phase flare emission could be produced by the x ray and conductive heated atmospheres. The models lend insight into the impulsive phase flare emission, but do not reproduce it. Soft x ray and conductive heating of the chromosphere is a natural consequence of the coronal temperatures that have been observed during the gradual phase of flares on the sun and on M dwarf stars. The improved flare observations and quantitative flare models presented here show that these heating mechanisms can produce atmospheres whose emission matches many of the observed stellar flare features.

Lambert, David L.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Space Based Solar Power

Space based solar power (SBSP) entails in-space collection of solar energy, transmission of that energy to one or more stations on Earth, conversion to electricity, and delivery to the grid or to batteries for storage. Experts in both the aerospace and energy sectors are debating the benefits of SBSP as more organizations globally begin SBSP technology development programs. We conducted a study to evaluate the potential benefits, challenges, and options for NASA to engage with growing global interest in SBSP. We performed a first order lifecycle study of two representative SBSP designs for 2 GW utility-scale power generation that, for the purposes of the study, are presumed to begin in 2050. We assumed baseline capabilities to develop, assemble, operate, maintain, and dispose of the SBSP systems are a mix of capabilities that are above, below, or comparable to capabilities demonstrated to date. We then compared the lifecycle cost of electricity and lifecycle GHG emission intensity of the SBSP designs to alternative terrestrial renewable electricity production technologies. Our findings indicate the SBSP designs may produce lifecycle GHG emissions per unit of electricity that are comparable to terrestrial alternatives, pending further studies of upper atmosphere responses to launch emissions. We find the SBSP designs are more expensive than terrestrial alternatives and may have lifecycle costs per unit of electricity that are 12-80 times higher. Though, we do find cost competitiveness may be achieved if a favorable combination of cost and capability improvements related to launch and manufacturing that are beyond the advancements assumed in the baseline assessment can be attained.

Erica Rodgers↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Space Based Solar Power Study

Space based solar power (SBSP) entails in-space collection of solar energy, transmission of that energy to one or more stations on Earth, conversion to electricity, and delivery to the grid or to batteries for storage. Experts in both the aerospace and energy sectors are debating the benefits of SBSP as more organizations globally begin SBSP technology development programs. We conducted a study to evaluate the potential benefits, challenges, and options for NASA to engage with growing global interest in SBSP. We performed a first order lifecycle study of two representative SBSP designs for 2 GW utility-scale power generation that, for the purposes of the study, are presumed to begin in 2050. We assumed baseline capabilities to develop, assemble, operate, maintain, and dispose of the SBSP systems are a mix of capabilities that are above, below, or comparable to capabilities demonstrated to date. We then compared the lifecycle cost of electricity and lifecycle GHG emission intensity of the SBSP designs to alternative terrestrial renewable electricity production technologies. Our findings indicate the SBSP designs may produce lifecycle GHG emissions per unit of electricity that are comparable to terrestrial alternatives, pending further studies of upper atmosphere responses to launch emissions. We find the SBSP designs are more expensive than terrestrial alternatives and may have lifecycle costs per unit of electricity that are 12-80 times higher. Though, we do find cost competitiveness may be achieved if a favorable combination of cost and capability improvements related to launch and manufacturing that are beyond the advancements assumed in the baseline assessment can be attained.

solar↗
NASA NTRS1985

Causes of increasing atmospheric methane - Depletion of hydroxyl radicals and the rise of emissions

A combination of anthropogenic activities and a possible decline of global concentrations for the hydroxyl radicals that formerly removed methane from the atmosphere are cited as potential causes for the 1.3 percent/year rise of atmospheric methane levels. Calculations are presented which show that much of the methane increase over the last 200 years is probably to be divided among the two main sources in the proportions of 70 percent for anthropogenic generation and 30 percent for hydroxyl radical depletion. It is projected that in 20 years, average tropospheric concentrations of methane may be about 20 percent greater than 1980 levels. The current abundance of hydroxyl radicals may be 20 percent less than two centuries ago.

Khalil, M. A. K.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Numerical coupling of aerosol emissions, dry removal, and turbulent mixing in the E3SM Atmosphere Model version 1 (EAMv1) – Part 1: Dust budget analyses and the impacts of a revised coupling scheme

Abstract. An earlier study evaluating dust life cycle in the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) Atmosphere Model version 1 (EAMv1) has revealed that the simulated global mean dust lifetime is substantially shorter when higher vertical resolution is used, primarily due to significant strengthening of dust dry removal in source regions. This paper demonstrates that the sequential splitting of aerosol emissions, dry removal, and turbulent mixing in the model's time integration loop, especially the calculation of dry removal after surface emissions and before turbulent mixing, is the primary reason for the vertical resolution sensitivity reported in that earlier study. Based on this reasoning, we propose a revised numerical process coupling scheme that requires the least amount of code changes, in which the surface emissions are applied before turbulent mixing instead of before dry removal. The revised scheme allows newly emitted particles to be transported aloft by turbulence before being removed from the atmosphere, and hence better resembles the dust life cycle in the real world. Sensitivity experiments show that the revised process coupling substantially weakens dry removal and strengthens vertical mixing in dust source regions. It also strengthens the large-scale transport from source to non-source regions, strengthens dry removal outside the source regions, and strengthens wet removal and activation globally. In transient simulations of the years 2000–2009 conducted using 1∘ horizontal grid spacing, 72 vertical layers, and unchanged tuning parameters of emission strength, the revised process coupling leads to a 40 % increase in the global total dust burden and an increase of dust lifetime from 1.8 to 2.5 d in terms of 10-year averages. Weakened dry removal and increased mixing ratios are also seen for other aerosol species that have substantial surface emissions, although the changes in mixing ratio are considerably smaller for the submicron species than for dust and sea salt. Numerical experiments confirm that the revised coupling scheme significantly reduces the strong and non-physical sensitivities of model results to vertical resolution in the original EAMv1. This provides a motivation for adopting the revised scheme in EAM as well as for further improvements on the simple revision presented in this paper.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2019

Cluster Analysis of IRIS Spectroscopic Line Profiles and SDO/AIA EUV Emission in Observations and RMHD Simulations of the Solar Atmosphere

Spatially-resolved observations from the IRIS and SDO/AIA satellites, especially when coupled with realistic 3D RMHD simulations, are a powerful tool for analysis of processes in the solar chromosphere, transition region, and corona. However, the complexity of the data makes understanding the observations and modeling results difficult. In this work, we apply unsupervised clustering algorithms for analysis of observational and synthetic chromospheric Mg II h&k 2796Å&2803Å and transition region C II 1334Å&1335Å line profiles observed by IRIS, and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) emission observed by SDO/AIA, for various types of problems. The synthetic line profiles are computed for simulations of the quiescent solar atmosphere (using the StellarBox and RH1.5 codes). The K-Means clustering algorithm is applied, and the selection of an optimal number of clusters is supported by the average silhouette width technique. We discuss applications of the line profile clustering method to 1) visualization of computational and observational spectroscopic imaging data; 2) understanding of evolutionary trends and behavior patterns of quiet Sun emission and during solar flares; and 3) recognition of heating events and shock waves.

Sadykov, Viacheslav↗
NASA NTRS1978

The solar terrestrial observatory

The larger system of the earth environment is controlled externally by electromagnetic and particle energy from the sun. Recent studies have shown that the sun is a variable star with changes in its radiation which produce significant effects in the earth's climate and weather. The study of the solar-terrestrial system requires simultaneous, long-duration observations of the different elements or 'links' in the solar-terrestrial chain. Many investigations must be conducted in space from a vantage point above the earth's atmosphere where all of the sun's emissions can be observed free from atmospheric distortion, where the magnetospheric particles and fields can be measured directly, and where the atmosphere can be observed on a global scale. The extension of the Shuttle on-orbit capability in connection with the development of the power module will offer an important near-term step in an evolutionary process leading toward a permanent manned Solar Terrestrial Observatory capability in low-earth orbit. Attention is given to the required solar-terrestrial measurements, the operation of the Solar Terrestrial Observatory, and an evolutionary approach to the Solar Terrestrial Observatory.

Chappell, C. R.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Saturn's Atmospheric Composition from Observations by the Cassini/Composite Infrared Spectrometer

Thermal emission infrared observation of Saturn s atmosphere are being made by the Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) aboard the Cassini spacecraft since its insertion in Saturn s orbit on July 2nd, 2004. The measurements made in both limb and nadir modes of observations consist of infrared spectra in the 10-1400/cm region with a variable spectral resolution of 0.53/cm and 2.8/cm, and exhibit rotational and vibrational spectral features that may be analyzed for retrieval of the thermal structure and constituent distribution of Saturn s atmosphere. In this paper, we present a comprehensive analysis of the CIRS infrared observed spectra for retrieval of Saturn s atmospheric composition focusing on the distributions of some selected hydrocarbons, phosphine, ammonia, and possible determination of the isotopic ratios of some species with sufficiently strong isolated spectral features. A comparison of the retrieved constituent distributions with the available data in the literature will be made.

Abbas, M. M.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Temporal Evolution of Solar Wind Ion Composition and Their Source Coronal Holes During the Declining Phase of Cycle 23. I. Low-Latitude Extension of Polar Coronal Holes

We analyzed 27 solar wind (SW) intervals during the declining phase of cycle 23, whose source coronal holes (CHs) can be unambiguously identified and are associated with one of the polar CHs. We found that the SW ions have a temporal trend of decreasing ionization state, and such a trend is different between the slow and fast SW. The photospheric magnetic field, both inside and at the outside boundary of the CH, also exhibits a trend of decrease with time. However, EUV line emissions from different layers of the atmosphere exhibit different temporal trends. The coronal emission inside the CH generally increases toward the CH boundary as the underlying field increases in strength and becomes less unipolar. In contrast, this relationship is not seen in the coronal emission averaged over the entire CH. For C and O SW ions that freeze-in at lower altitude, stronger correlation between their ionization states and field strength (both signed and unsigned) appears in the slow SW, while for Fe ions that freeze-in at higher altitude, stronger correlation appears in the fast SW. Such correlations are seen both inside the CH and at its boundary region. On the other hand, the coronal electron temperature correlates well with the SW ion composition only in the boundary region. Our analyses, although not able to determine the likely footpoint locations of the SW of different speeds, raise many outstanding questions for how the SW is heated and accelerated in response to the long-term evolution of the solar magnetic field.

MAGNETIC FIELDS↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Composition and Climate Impacts of Increasing Launches to Low Earth Orbit

We present simulations of an Earth system model in which launch vehicles inject gaseous and particulate combustion products into the stratosphere. We considered two plausible scenarios representative for the year 2050, one with 1000 launches per year and another with 10 times more, all of which assuming heavy lift (80 tons to low Earth orbit; LEO) launches using methane as a proxy for liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel. An industry-standard plume flowfield model was used to predict emission of gaseous species including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and water vapor. Black carbon was introduced assuming vacuum emission equal 25% of equivalent kerosene engine. The gas emissions showed marginal or insignificant changes in atmospheric composition, while the black carbon emission was found to be the most influential component. Feedbacks involve tropopause and stratospheric warming, followed by a moistening of the stratosphere via tropospheric water vapor intrusions, together with a reduction in global albedo. The fact that LNG-fueled rockets could be a concern from aerosol emissions in our simulations, despite burning more efficiently than conventional fuels, underscores the need to better understand actual black carbon emissions from rocket engines in order to accurately predict the global impacts of launch vehicles on future climate.

Earth system model↗
NASA NTRS1977

Global atmospheric sampling program

Automated instruments were installed on a commercial B-747 aircraft, during the program, to obtain baseline data and to monitor key atmospheric constituents associated with emissions of aircraft engines in order to determine if aircraft are contributing to pollution of the upper atmosphere. Data thus acquired on a global basis over the commercial air routes for 5 to 10 years will be analyzed. Ozone measurements in the 29,000 to 45,000 foot altitude were expanded over what has been available from ozonesondes. Limited aerosol composition measurements from filter samples show low levels of sulfates and nitrates in the upper troposphere. Recently installed instruments for measurement of carbon monoxide and condensation nuclei are beginning to return data.

Lezberg, E. A.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Surface Emissivity Retrieved with Satellite Ultraspectral IR Measurements for Monitoring Global Change

Surface and atmospheric thermodynamic parameters retrieved with advanced ultraspectral remote sensors aboard Earth observing satellites are critical to general atmospheric and Earth science research, climate monitoring, and weather prediction. Ultraspectral resolution infrared radiance obtained from nadir observations provide atmospheric, surface, and cloud information. Presented here is the global surface IR emissivity retrieved from Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) measurements under "clear-sky" conditions. Fast radiative transfer models, applied to the cloud-free (or clouded) atmosphere, are used for atmospheric profile and surface parameter (or cloud parameter) retrieval. The inversion scheme, dealing with cloudy as well as cloud-free radiances observed with ultraspectral infrared sounders, has been developed to simultaneously retrieve atmospheric thermodynamic and surface (or cloud microphysical) parameters. Rapidly produced surface emissivity is initially evaluated through quality control checks on the retrievals of other impacted atmospheric and surface parameters. Surface emissivity and surface skin temperature from the current and future operational satellites can and will reveal critical information on the Earth s ecosystem and land surface type properties, which can be utilized as part of long-term monitoring for the Earth s environment and global climate change.

Zhou, Daniel K.↗