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At least 757 records · Page 42

Onboard Processing of Multispectral and Hyperspectral Data of Volcanic Activity for Future Earth-Orbiting and Planetary Missions

Autonomous onboard processing of data allows rapid response to detections of dynamic, changing processes. Software that can detect volcanic eruptions from thermal emission has been used to retask the Earth Observing 1 spacecraft to obtain additional data of the eruption. Rapid transmission of these data to the ground, and the automatic processing of the data to generated images, estimates of eruption parameters and maps of thermal structure, has allowed these products to be delivered rapidly to volcanologists to aid them in assessing eruption risk and hazard. Such applications will enhance science return from future Earth-orbiting spacecraft and also from spacecraft exploring the Solar System, or beyond, which hope to image dynamic processes. Especially in the latter case, long communication times between the spacecraft and Earth exclude a rapid response to what may be a transient process - only using onboard autonomy can the spacecraft react quickly to such an event.

Jupiter↗

Advanced Laboratory and Field Arrays: Evaluating Sampling Techniques for MHK Biological Monitoring (Task 6)

The overall goal of the task was to identify cost effective biological sampling techniques for MHK environmental monitoring. Protected, demersal, and pelagic fish and selected nektonic invertebrates were surveyed using capture and remote sensing techniques at the PacWave sites. The performance of capture and remote sensing monitoring techniques were evaluated and generic nekton monitoring indices were developed for MHK technologies and sites. In parallel to data collections at the PacWave site, the ability of regression models to characterize, detect, and predict change in acoustic data was evaluated using acoustic data collected in Admiralty Inlet, WA, during a biological monitoring study of the proposed SnoPud tidal turbine project site. Expected outcomes of these efforts included an evaluation of instrumentation and techniques used to monitor biological variability; identification of data streams that can be used to detect and quantify change; and sampling requirements to ensure detection of change in monitored variables.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

Characterization of Climate Change and Variability with GPS

We compared zonal mean specific humidity derived from the 21 June-4 July 1995 Global Positioning System (GPS)/MET occultation observations with that derived from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) global analyses. The GPS/MET results indicate a drier troposphere, especially near the subtropical tradewind inversion. A small, moist bias in the GPS/MET upper northern-hemisphere troposphere compared to ECMWF may be due to a small radiosonde temperature bias. A diagram shows the difference (g/kg) between the GPS/MET zonal mean specific humidity and that for June-August derived from 1963-1973 radiosondes. Although the observing period is short, GPS and ECMWF results both indicate a significantly wetter boundary layer at most latitudes consistent with decadal trends observed in radiosonde data. GPS/MET results exhibit higher tropical convective available potential energy (CAPE), suggesting a more vigorous tropical Hadley circulation. Drier, free troposphere air in the descending branches of the Hadley circulation is due in part to a moist radiosonde bias but may also reflect some negative moisture feedback. Using 1992-1997 ground GPS observations and recent advancements in GPS technology, we removed an apparent altimetric drift (-1.2 +/- 0.4 mm/yr) due to columnar water vapor from the Topography (Ocean) Experiment (TOPEX) microwave radiometer, which brought the TOPEX mean sea level change estimates into better agreement with historical tide gauge records, suggesting global mean sea level is rising at a rate of 1.5-2.0 mm/yr. We can also discern a statistically significant increase of 0.2 +/- 0.1 kg/square m/yr in mean columnar water vapor over the ocean from 1992-1997. Optimal fingerprinting can be used for the detection and attribution of tropospheric warming due to an anthropogenic greenhouse. Optimal fingerprinting distinguishes between different types of signals according to their spatial and temporal patterns, while minimizing the influence of natural climate variability. S. Leroy concludes that the signal-to-noise ratio of global warming detection increases by unity approximately every 10 years if a single oceanic region is chosen. Less time for detection is likely when many global regions are considered simultaneously. GPS occultation constellations allow the possibility of detecting small changes in upper air temperature with inconsequential calibration errors, making occultation an ideal data type for global warming detection studies. Our initial study of a 22-GHz satellite-satellite occultation system predicts upper troposphere moisture sensitivities of 3-5 ppmv and 1-2 percent in the middle and lower troposphere. Additional information contained in original.

Kursinski, R.↗

Flow Injection Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance with ICP-OES Detection: Electroprecipitation and Stripping of Lanthanum and Neodymium in a Flow Cell

We used an improved version of our hyphenated analysis technique, flow injection electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) with inductively coupled optical emission spectroscopy, to investigate the electroprecipitation of lanthanum and neodymium from flowing solutions. The improved version has two independent flow injection circuits, allowing different conditions for electrochemical precipitation (pH=4.3 or 2.6) and quick stripping (2% HNO3) with EQCM mass detection and ICP-OES elemental analysis. Lanthanum or neodymium ions in a 500 uL sample were injected into a carrier stream and deposited onto an EQCM housed in a micro flow cell, owing to a localized high-pH layer. The deposits are subsequently stripped from the electrode using HNO3 and analyzed downstream using an ICP-OES. We found that using acidic solutions without supporting electrolyte leads to an increase of the amount of lanthanum detected by 4-fold. The enhanced deposition can be attributed to enhanced mass transfer by migration. Furthermore, we showed that by applying chronopotentiometry, we can detect a change in the hydrogen evolution reaction mechanism that enables the precipitation of lanthanides on the surface of the electrode. Understanding and enhancing the deposition of lanthanides is relevant for elemental or isotopic detection in nuclear forensics.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

On the effects of filtering on convective-core statistics

Analysis of convective events north of Australia during the equatorial Monsoon Experiment (EMEX) reinforces accumulating evidence that convective cores over the tropical ocean are weak, with small diameters and vertical velocities. Superposition of smaller-scale turbulence on the convective core signal could yield artificially small cores, and thus produce sampling bias by aircraft. To investigate this potential source of bias, a side-by-side analysis of filtered and unfiltered vertical velocity data was performed while investigating the EMEX convective cores. Data were collected by the NOAA P3 and NCAR Electra using filtered (Graham filter) and non-filtered cores. The effects of filtering vertical velocity data to identify updraft and downdraft cores were noticeable but smaller than expected. Updraft cores had a vertical velocity greater than 1 m/sec for at least 500 m, and downdraft cores were defined analogously so that the filter eliminated events with less than a 500 m apparent diameter. Median and 10 percent core diameters were increased by 20-25 percent at most, with larger increases at higher levels (fewer small events). The maximum vertical velocity was changed only by changing the individual events in the distribution, but changes were detectable. At the lower levels, where many small, weak cores are introduced by filtering, average vertical velocity for the updraft cores was lowered by up to around 10 percent. Mass flux was changed the least, since diameter and mean vertical velocity respond to filtering in opposite ways. The filtering procedure increased total mass flux slightly due to inclusion of more upward moving air into the sample.

Lemone, Margaret A.↗

Modeling of the Multiparameter Inverse Task of Transient Thermography

Transient thermography employs preheated surface temperature variations caused by delaminations, cracks, voids, corroded regions, etc. Often, it is enough to detect these changes to declare a defect in a workpiece. It is also desirable to obtain additional information about the defect from the thermal response. The planar size, depth, and thermal resistance of the detected defects are the parameters of interest. In this paper a digital image processing technique is applied to simulated thermal responses in order to obtain the geometry of the inclusion-type defects in a flat panel. A three-dimensional finite difference model in Cartesian coordinates is used for the numerical simulations. Typical physical properties of polymer graphite composites are assumed. Using different informative parameters of the thermal response for depth estimation is discussed.

Plotnikov, Y. A.↗

Applicability of Randomdec technique to flight simulator for advanced aircraft

The feasibility of Randomdec analysis to detect certain changes in a flight simulator system is studied. Results show that (1) additional studies are needed to ensure effectiveness; (2) a trade-off exists between development complexity and level of malfunction to be detected; and (3) although the system generally limits the input signals to less than about 5 Hz, higher frequency components in the range of 9 Hz and its harmonics are possible.

Reed, R. E., Jr.↗

Bone geometry, structure and mineral distribution using Dual energy X ray Absorptiometry (DXA)

Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is currently the most widely used method of analyzing regional and whole body changes in bone mineral content (BMC) and areal (g/sq cm) bone mineral density (BMD). However, BMC and BMD do not provide direct measures of long bone geometry, structure, or strength nor do regional measurements detect localized changes in other regions of the same bone. The capabilities of DXA can be enhanced significantly by special processing of pixel BMC data which yields cross-sectional geometric and structural information. We have extended this method of analysis in order to develop non-uniform structural beam models of long bones.

Whalen, Robert↗

Ice Processes and Growth History on Arctic and Sub-Arctic Lakes Using ERS-1 SAR Data

A survey of ice growth and decay processes on a selection of shallow and deep sub-Arctic and Arctic lakes was conducted using radiometrically calibrated ERS-1 SAR images. Time series of radar backscatter data were compiled for selected sites on the lakes during the period ot ice cover (September to June) for the years 1991-1992 and 1992-1993. A variety of lake-ice processes could be observed, and significant changes in backscatter occurred from the time of initial ice formation in autumn until the onset of the spring thaw. Backscatter also varied according to the location and depth of the lakes. The spatial and temporal changes in backscatter were most constant and predictable at the shallow lakes on the North Slope of Alaska. As a consequence, they represent the most promising sites for long-term monitoring and the detection of changes related to global warming and its effects on the polar regions.

Morris, K.↗

Composite Bending Box Section Modal Vibration Fault Detection

One of the primary concerns with Composite construction in critical structures such as wings and stabilizers is that hidden faults and cracks can develop operationally. In the real world, catastrophic sudden failure can result from these undetected faults in composite structures. Vibration data incorporating a broad frequency modal approach, could detect significant changes prior to failure. The purpose of this report is to investigate the usefulness of frequency mode testing before and after bending and torsion loading on a composite bending Box Test section. This test article is representative of construction techniques being developed for the recent NASA Blended Wing Body Low Speed Vehicle Project. The Box section represents the construction technique on the proposed blended wing aircraft. Modal testing using an impact hammer provides an frequency fingerprint before and after bending and torsional loading. If a significant structural discontinuity develops, the vibration response is expected to change. The limitations of the data will be evaluated for future use as a non-destructive in-situ method of assessing hidden damage in similarly constructed composite wing assemblies. Modal vibration fault detection sensitivity to band-width, location and axis will be investigated. Do the sensor accelerometers need to be near the fault and or in the same axis? The response data used in this report was recorded at 17 locations using tri-axial accelerometers. The modal tests were conducted following 5 independent loading conditions before load to failure and 2 following load to failure over a period of 6 weeks. Redundant data was used to minimize effects from uncontrolled variables which could lead to incorrect interpretations. It will be shown that vibrational modes detected failure at many locations when skin de-bonding failures occurred near the center section. Important considerations are the axis selected and frequency range.

Werlink, Rudy↗

Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) as a Remote Sensing Tool: A Review

Vegetational changes are primary indicators of the present and future ecological status of the globe. These are changes which not only impact upon the primary productivity, but the total of the biogeochemical processes occurring on the planet. The impacts of global climatic and other environmental changes on vegetation must be monitored by some means in order to develop models which will allow us to predict long term effects. Large scale monitoring is now possible only with remote sensing systems, primarily passive reflectance, obtained by the use of satellite and aircraft platforms. However, passive reflectance techniques at this time are limited in their ability to detect subtle changes in the concentration and oxidation states of the many compounds involved in the light reactions of photosynthesis. Knowledge of these changes we consider to be fundamental in the remote assessment of both the rate and efficiency of photosynthesis and also the early detection of stress damage. The above factors pointed to the desirability of a sensing technique with the sensitivity and specificity necessary for detecting and quantifying those biological entities involved in photosynthesis. Another optical technique for vegetation monitoring is fluorescence. Previously, the lack of adequate excitation light sources and detector technologies have limited the use of fluorescence on intact plant leaves in the field. It is only recently with the advent of lasers with short pulse duration and advanced detector technologies that fluorescence measurements in the remote mode have become possible in the presence of ambient light.

Chappelle, E. W.↗

Sensitivity of N2O, CFCl3, and CF2Cl2 two-dimensional distributions to O2 absorption cross sections

A good test of the transport and ultraviolet radiation treatment for any model can be based on the consideration of the three gases N2O, CFCl3 (F-11), and CF2Cl2 (F-12). Attention is given to a two-dimensional model which makes it possible to study changes in seasonal and latitudinal distributions which result from O2 cross-section changes. A latitude-dependent ozone decrease has already been predicted by two-dimensional models for chlorofluoromethane (CFM) release. For this reason, it is of interest to determine if a strong latitude-dependent change is detectable in the CFM profiles. One-dimensional models have pointed toward a trend of decreased trace gas concentrations in correlation with decreased O2 cross sections. The O2 cross sections between 180 and 230 nm are changed within a range of experimentlly allowed values. It is found that lower O2 absorption cross sections lead to larger photodissociation rates for the trace gases F-11, F-12, and N2O.

Jackman, C. H.↗

Satellite Observed Changes in the Arctic

The Arctic is currently considered an area in transformation. Glaciers have been retreating, permafrost has been diminishing, snow covered areas have been decreasing, and sea ice and ice sheets have been thinning. This paper provides an overview of the unique role that satellite sensors have contributed in the detection of changes in the Arctic and demonstrates that many of the changes are not just local but a pan-Arctic phenomenon. Changes from the upper atmosphere to the surface are discussed and it is apparent that the magnitude of the trends tends to vary from region to region and from season to season. Previous reports of a warming Arctic and a retreating perennial ice cover have also been updated, and results show that changes are ongoing. Feedback effects that can lead to amplification of the signals and the role of satellite data in enhancing global circulation models are also discussed.

Comiso, Josefino C.↗

3D, Real-time Label-free Visualization of Cellular Health

This work directly addresses a key question raised in TA7, Topic L1 of HDTRA1-16-24-FRCWMDCall, “Can quantum level changes be detected, mapped, and understood in the biological environment to allow faster diagnostic responses?” This work will use the inherently sensitive quantum property of a molecular excited state lifetime to visualize and map discrete, subtle nanometer-scale changes (e.g. NADPH vs NADH) that are key indicators of cellular health in response to chemical and biological threats and MCMs. It will also develop and exploit new, fast imaging light-sheet methods to allow faster diagnostic responses. This new imaging system will exploit time-correlated single photon counting and new advances in single-objective light-sheet microscopy (oblique plane microscopy) for fast, quantitative analysis of cellular redox state. We will add an entirely new dimension (excited state fluorescence lifetime) to oblique plane microscopy—a method that even without this added dimension was labeled by Nature Methods in 2021 as a ‘Method to Watch.’ Following instrument development and validation, we will explore cellular response to Burkholderia infections and antibiotic treatment in immortal cell lines followed by expansion to more realistic cellular environments (such as neuro-muscular junctions, NMJs) to test nerve agent simulants and their MCMs. As a microscopy platform, these methods hold the promise of being able to visualize a single infected cell (or a cellular compartment) and MCM treatment well before a larger and later organ/organism response.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

A robust dynamic state estimation approach against model errors caused by load changes

Dynamic state estimation (DSE) plays an important role in power system security monitoring and online control. In practice, there are two approaches to implementing DSE. The first approach is distributed DSE, which is based on the assumption that the terminal bus of each generator can be measured by PMUs (phasor measurement units). The assumption cannot be satisfied currently, however, because PMUs usually are installed at important high-voltage buses such as 500-kV buses installed in portions of the grid overseen by the Western Electricity Coordinating Council. Another issue of this approach is that performance of DSE is vulnerable to bad measurement data. The reason for this vulnerability is that DSE is performed separately through measurements at each terminal bus, and measurements at terminal buses are the only measurement upon which DSE can rely. Therefore, important redundant measurements are not included in this approach. The second approach is centralized DSE. This approach does not have the requirement for PMU location, and redundant measurements can be considered fully. However, load changes and grid topology changes impact centralized DSE. In this paper, we propose a new approach for handling the impact of load changes on DSE. We have developed a new algorithm that includes two sequential steps. In the first step, errors caused by load changes are detected by analyzing the difference between prediction results and measured results. In the second step, once model error is detected, a model optimization procedure is run to correct the error so the state estimation error can be mitigated. Simulation results from the IEEE 68 bus system show that the proposed approach can effectively handle model errors caused by load changes.

robust dynamic state estimation, load change, powe↗

The effects of participatory mode and task workload on the detection of dynamic system failures

The ability of operators to detect step changes in the dynamics of control systems is investigated as a joint function of, (1) participatory mode: whether subjects are actively controlling those dynamics or are monitoring an autopilot controlling them, and (2) concurrent task workload. A theoretical analysis of detection in the two modes identifies factors that will favor detection in either mode. Three subjects detected system failures in either an autopilot or manual controlling mode, under single-task conditions and concurrently with a subcritical tracking task. Latency and accuracy of detection were assessed and related through a speed accuracy tradeoff representation. It was concluded that failure detection performance was better during manual control than during autopilot control, and that the extent of this superiority was enhanced as dual-task load increased. Ensemble averaging and multiple regression techniques were then employed to investigate the cues utilized by the subjects in making their detection decisions.

Wickens, C. D.↗

Volcanic eruption plumes on Io

Preliminary analyses of the eight volcanic eruption plumes detected on Io by Voyager 1 are presented. Plumes were observed on the bright and dark limbs of the satellite corresponding to half of the surface and range from 10,000 to 75 km in width and 280 to 70 km in height. Most plumes were observed to be umbrella-shaped, however one consists of a very diffuse cloud lacking columnar fountain characteristics. Plume sources are characterized by a dark central area, surrounded by a bright ring, which in turn is surrounded by a broad, diffuse region; the presence of similar markings in regions not observed at the limb indicates additional volcanic activity on Io. No changes were detected in the sizes or intensities of the eruptions over the 6.5-day viewing period, however a change in the appearance of a region near one plume suggests a short-lived eruption between observations. Seven of the eight plumes are located within 30 deg of the equator, implying that equatorial surfaces are generally younger than those in the polar regions.

Strom, R. G.↗

Monitoring the corrosion resistance of cold-spray coatings with membrane-based sensors

In this presentation, the MBES shows the ability to detect the change in exposed environment even with cold-spray coatings. Corrosion rates from the cold-spray coating were comparable to a 316 stainless steel sample. Defects in the coating did not impact sensor performance in terms of corrosion rate or water content detection. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to document ion migration into the membrane.

Rendon, Arnaldo↗