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At least 739 records · Page 41

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NASA NTRS1988

Effect of thermal spike on composite moisture capacity

As part of a continuing study of the effects of thermal spike on composite physical properties, severals sets of 16-ply TGDDM-DDS epoxy/graphite fiber composites were first saturated with moisture, and then individual specimens were subjected to thermal spikes of up to 240 C for periods of up to 25 minutes. At the cure temperature, 177 C, all sets show a change in rate of mass lost during spike. Post-spike moisture reabsorption capacity data provides evidence of temperature dependent molecular structural dilation and consolidation of the epoxide matrix. This evidence suggests that either a thermoreversible phenomenon such as physical aging or a nonreversible additional cure becomes active near the upper limit of the aircraft supersonic flight profile. These and other important observations suggest that one or more of several mechanisms may be active during thermal spike.

Adamson, M. J.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Atmospheric moisture and cloud structure determined from SSM/I and global gridpoint analyses

Data from the Special Sensor Microwave Imager/I on the DMSP satellite are used to study atmospheric moisture and cloud structure. Column-integrated water vapor and total liquid water retrievals are obtained using an algorithm based on a radiative model for brightness temperature (Wentz, 1983). The results from analyzing microwave and IR measurements are combined with independent global gridpoint analyses to study the distribution and structure of atmospheric moisture over oceanic regions.

Robertson, Franklin R.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Development of a two-dimensional zonally averaged statistical-dynamical model. III - The parameterization of the eddy fluxes of heat and moisture

A number of perpetual January simulations are carried out with a two-dimensional zonally averaged model employing various parameterizations of the eddy fluxes of heat (potential temperature) and moisture. The parameterizations are evaluated by comparing these results with the eddy fluxes calculated in a parallel simulation using a three-dimensional general circulation model with zonally symmetric forcing. The three-dimensional model's performance in turn is evaluated by comparing its results using realistic (nonsymmetric) boundary conditions with observations. Branscome's parameterization of the meridional eddy flux of heat and Leovy's parameterization of the meridional eddy flux of moisture simulate the seasonal and latitudinal variations of these fluxes reasonably well, while somewhat underestimating their magnitudes. New parameterizations of the vertical eddy fluxes are developed that take into account the enhancement of the eddy mixing slope in a growing baroclinic wave due to condensation, and also the effect of eddy fluctuations in relative humidity. The new parameterizations, when tested in the two-dimensional model, simulate the seasonal, latitudinal, and vertical variations of the vertical eddy fluxes quite well, when compared with the three-dimensional model, and only underestimate the magnitude of the fluxes by 10 to 20 percent.

Stone, Peter H.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Tropical Pacific moisture variability: Its detection, synoptic structure and consequences in the general circulation

Satellite data analysis tools are developed and implemented for the diagnosis of atmospheric circulation systems over the tropical Pacific Ocean. The tools include statistical multi-variate procedures, a multi-spectral radiative transfer model, and the global spectral forecast model at NMC. Data include in-situ observations; satellite observations from VAS (moisture, infrared and visible) NOAA polar orbiters (including Tiros Operational Satellite System (TOVS) multi-channel sounding data and OLR grids) and scanning multichannel microwave radiometer (SMMR); and European Centre for Medium Weather Forecasts (ECHMWF) analyses. A primary goal is a better understanding of the relation between synoptic structures of the area, particularly tropical plumes, and the general circulation, especially the Hadley circulation. A second goal is the definition of the quantitative structure and behavior of all Pacific tropical synoptic systems. Finally, strategies are examined for extracting new and additional information from existing satellite observations. Although moisture structure is emphasized, thermal patterns are also analyzed. Both horizontal and vertical structures are studied and objective quantitative results are emphasized.

Mcguirk, James P.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Technique for assessing vegetation-induced moisture flux, with implications for global climate modeling

The time between storms, the duration of storms, and the storm depths are studied in relation to vegetation controls on the disposition of rainfall. It is proposed that understanding the movement of water between the vegetation and soil (including evapotranspiration and infiltration) will be the gateway for modeling atmospheric flux and improving global climate models. The overall objective goal of the proposed research effort is to develop a field/lab methodology which will provide a better understanding of vegetation induced water movement. Water flow initiated from stem flow of wooded slopes feeds soil water pathways, which in turn feed the deeper ground water system and give rise to stream response. This is balanced by more water inputs via throughfall, where it percolates the soil matrix and allows much greater rates of evapotranspiration and atmospheric/soil moisture flux. This research study seeks to gain an understanding of the effect of vegetation on soil moisture, and the effect of this differential wetting on resulting evapotranspiration and atmospheric flux.

Macari, Emir Jose↗

NASA NTRS1991

Residual thermal and moisture influences on the strain energy release rate analysis of local delaminations from matrix cracks

An analysis utilizing laminated plate theory is developed to calculate the strain energy release rate associated with local delaminations originating at off-axis, single ply, matrix cracks in laminates subjected to uniaxial loads. The analysis includes the contribution of residual thermal and moisture stresses to the strain energy released. Examples are calculated for the strain energy release rate associated with local delaminations originating at 90 degrees and angle-ply (non-90 degrees) matrix ply cracks in glass epoxy and graphite epoxy laminates. The solution developed may be used to assess the relative contribution of mechanical, residual thermal, and moisture stresses on the strain energy release rate for local delamination for a variety of layups and materials.

Obrien, T. K.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Progress in microwave remote sensing of soil moisture

Significant progress has been made in the application of microwave remote sensing for measuring soil moisture. Both passive and active systems have demonstrated the capability for measuring soil moisture. However, several questions are still unresolved regarding the optimal instrument configuration and other target characteristics, such as roughness and vegetation. In addition, the most likely disciplines for using these data, agriculture and hydrology, do not currently possess adequate models or procedures for using these new data.

Engman, Edwin T.↗

NASA NTRS1989

The need for enhanced initial moisture information in simulations of a complex summertime precipitation event

Initial simulations of the June 28, 1986 Cooperative Huntsville Meteorological Experiment case illustrate the need for mesoscale moisture information in a summertime situation in which deep convection is organized by weak large scale forcing. A methodology is presented for enhancing the initial moisture field from a combination of IR satellite imagery, surface-based cloud observations, and manually digitized radar data. The Mesoscale Atmospheric Simulation Model is utilized to simulate the events of June 28-29. This procedure insures that areas known to have precipitation at the time of initialization will be nearly saturated on the grid scale, which should decrease the time needed by the model to produce the observed Bonnie (a relatively weak hurricane that moved on shore two days before) convection. This method will also result in an initial distribution of model cloudiness (transmissivity) that is very similar to that of the IR satellite image.

Waight, Kenneth T., III↗

NASA NTRS1991

Effects of spatial variations of soil moisture and vegetation on the evolution of a prestorm environment - A numerical case study

To examine the effects of spatial variations of soil moisture and vegetation coverage on the evolution of a prestorm environment, the Goddard mesoscale model is modified to incorporate a simple evapotranspiration model that requires these two parameters. The case study of 3-4 June 1980 is of special interest due to the development of a tornado producing convective complex near Grand Island, Nebraska during a period of comparatively weak synoptic-scale forcing. It is shown that the observed stationary front was strongly enhanced by differential heating created by observed gradients of soil moisture, as acted upon by the vegetation cover.

Chang, Jy-Tai↗

NASA NTRS1991

Passive microwave remote sensing of soil moisture: Results from HAPEX, FIFE, and MONSOON 90

HAPEX (Hydrologic Atmospheric Pilot Experiment), FIFE (First ISLSCP Field Experiment) and MONSOON 90 which used an imaging microwave radiometer operating at a frequency of 1.42 GHz are reported. For FIFE and MONSOON 90, a wide range of moisture conditions were present and it was possible to observe the drydown of the soil following heavy rain and to map its spatial variation. The quantitive agreement of microwave observations and ground measurements was very good. In HAPEX there were no significant rains and conditions were generally rather dry, however, moisture variations due to irrigation were observed.

Schmugge, Thomas↗

NASA NTRS1991

Hoop column soil moisture spacecraft in low Earth orbit for global change monitoring

A subset of the total Global Change Technology Initiative instruments are required to be in low Earth, sunsynchronous orbits. There is one instrument, however, that requires its own specialized spacecraft; the Soil Moisture Microwave Radiometer (SMMR). The characteristic structure of the instrument is the 118 m hoop column support structure. The hoop is supported by an axially placed column. Tension cables support and shape an electromagnetically reflective mesh surface. The instrument is capable of detecting frequencies in the 1.4 GHz range (Soil Moisture and Sea Salinity). Three apertures are used to reduce the degree of paraboloid offset and improve the beam quality. The spacecraft configuration is determined by the instrument support requirements and the requirement that it can fit into the Titan IV cargo bay. The configuration is derived by cross referencing the instrument performance requirements with the performance of the spacecraft. The spacecraft design is similar with the Multi-mission Modular Spacecraft in terms of size and packaging. A description of the spacecraft's features will yield a summary of the technologies needed for the SMMR spacecraft.

Ferebee, Melvin J., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Temporal variation of heat and moisture flux divergence in the FIFE atmospheric boundary layer during spring

A one-day investigation of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) is reported in which an aircraft monitors the temporal and spatial variations of heat and moisture turbulent-flux divergences. Incoming solar radiation is similar over natural prairie land and agriculturally developed land although the heat and moisture values show significant differences over the surfaces. Other temporal variations are noted which demonstrate that ABL transport of sensible and latent heat is affected by complex variables even under simple synoptic conditions.

Grossman, Robert L.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Passive microwave remote sensing of soil moisture - Results from HAPEX, FIFE and MONSOON 90

HAPEX (Hydrologic Atmospheric Pilot Experiment), FIFE (First ISLSCP Field Experiment) and MONSOON 90 which used an imaging microwave radiometer operating at a frequency of 1.42 GHz are reported. For FIFE and MONSOON 90, a wide range of moisture conditions were present and it was possible to observe the drydown of the soil following heavy rain and to map its spatial variation. The quantitative agreement of microwave observations and ground measurements was very good. In HAPEX there were no significant rains and conditions were generally rather dry, however, moisture variations due to irrigation were observed.

Schmugge, T.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Residual thermal and moisture influences on the analysis of local delaminations

An analysis using laminated plate theory is developed to calculate the strain energy release rate associated with local delaminations originating at off-axis, angle-ply, matrix cracks in laminates subjected to uniaxial loads. The analysis includes the contribution of residual thermal and moisture stresses to the strain energy released. Examples are calculated for the strain energy release rate associated with local delaminations originating at 90 deg and angle-ply(non 90 deg) matrix-ply cracks in glass-epoxy and graphite-epoxy laminates. The solution developed may be used to assess the relative contribution of mechanical, residual thermal, and moisture stresses on the strain energy release rate for local delamination for a variety of lay-ups and materials.

O'Brien, T. K.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Determination of soil moisture distribution from impedance and gravimetric measurements

Daily measurements of the soil dielectric properties at 5 and 10 cm were obtained at five locations throughout the First ISLSCP Field Experiment (FIFE) test site during the 1987 intensive field campaigns (IFCs). An automated vector voltmeter was used to monitor the complex electrical impedance, at 10 MHz, of cylindrical volumes of soil delineated by specially designed soil moisture probes buried at these locations. The objective of this exercise was to test the hypothesis that the soil impedance is sensitive to the moisture content of the soil and that the imaginary part (that is, capacitive reactance) can be used to calculate the volumetric water content of the soil. These measurements were compared with gravimetric samples collected at these locations by the FIFE staff science team.

Ungar, Stephen G.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Active and passive microwave measurements of soil moisture in FIFE

During the intensive field campaigns of the First International Satellite Land Surface Climatology Project (ISLSCP) Field Experiment (FIFE) in May-October of 1987, several nearly simultaneous measurements were made with low-altitude flights of the L-band radiometer and C- and X-band scatterometers over two transects in the Konza Prairie Natural Research Area, some 8 km south of Manhattan, Kansas. These measurements showed that although the scatterometers were sensitive to soil moisture variations in most regions under the flight path, the L-band radiometer lost most of its sensitivity in regions unburned for many years. The correlation coefficient derived from the regression between the radar backscattering coefficient and the soil moisture was found to improve with the increase in antenna incidence angle. This is attributed to a steeper falloff of the backscattering coefficient as a function of local incidence at angles near nadir than at angles greater than 30 deg.

Wang, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Heating, moisture, and water budgets of tropical and midlatitude squall lines - Comparisons and sensitivity to longwave radiation

A 2D time-dependent and nonhydrostatic numerical cloud model is presently used to estimate the heating, moisture, and water budgets in the convective and stratiform regions for both a tropical and a midlatitude squall line. The model encompasses a parameterized, three-class ice phase microphysical scheme and longwave radiative transfer process. It is noted that the convective region plays an important role in the generation of stratiform rainfall for both cases. While a midlevel minimum in the moisture profile for the tropical case is due to vertical eddy transport in the convective region, the contribution to the heating budget by the cloud-scale fluxes is minor; by contrast, the vertical eddy heat-flux is relatively important for the midlatitude case due to the stronger vertical velocities present in the convective cells.

Tao, W.-K.↗

NASA NTRS1992

ESTAR - A synthetic aperture microwave radiometer for measuring soil moisture

The measurement of soil moisture from space requires putting relatively large microwave antennas in orbit. Aperture synthesis, an interferometric technique for reducing the antenna aperture needed in space, offers the potential for a practical means of meeting these requirements. An aircraft prototype, electronically steered thinned array L-band radiometer (ESTAR), has been built to develop this concept and to demonstrate its suitability for the measurement of soil moisture. Recent flights over the Walnut Gulch Watershed in Arizona show good agreement with ground truth and with measurements with the Pushbroom Microwave Radiometer (PBMR).

Le Vine, D. M.↗