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At least 775 records · Page 43

A Reference Model for Middle Atmosphere Ozone in 1992-1993

An ozone climatology for the period April 1992 to March 1993 and covering pressures from 0.1 to 100 hPa and from 80 deg N to 80 deg S is derived from satellite-based measurements by the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE), the Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE), and the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS). At pressures less than 1 hPa, separate distributions are given for daytime and nighttime conditions. From 0.46 to 32 hPa the accuracy of the distribution is estimated to be 5%, and the precision is also approx. 5%. Estimates of atmospheric variability are provided on the basis of standard deviations of the measurements within months. Distributions of ozone monthly means and standard deviations are also given in a potential temperature, equivalent latitude coordinate system. This data set is included in the UARS reference atmosphere, and it is accessible through that web site.

Wang, H. J.↗

Statistical Analyses of Raw Material Data for MTM45-1/CF7442A-36% RW: CMH Cure Cycle

This report describes statistical characterization of physical properties of the composite material system MTM45-1/CF7442A, which has been tested and is currently being considered for use on spacecraft structures. This composite system is made of 6K plain weave graphite fibers in a highly toughened resin system. This report summarizes the distribution types and statistical details of the tests and the conditions for the experimental data generated. These distributions will be used in multivariate regression analyses to help determine material and design allowables for similar material systems and to establish a procedure for other material systems. Additionally, these distributions will be used in future probabilistic analyses of spacecraft structures. The specific properties that are characterized are the ultimate strength, modulus, and Poisson􀂶s ratio by using a commercially available statistical package. Results are displayed using graphical and semigraphical methods and are included in the accompanying appendixes.

Coroneos, Rula↗

Low-Cost Bio-Based Phase Change Materials as an Energy Storage Medium in Building Envelopes

A promising approach to increasing the energy efficiency of buildings is the implementation of phase change material (PCM) in building envelope systems. Several studies have reported the energy saving potential of PCM in building envelopes. However, wide application of PCMs in building applications has been inhibited, in part, by their high cost. This article describes a novel paraffin product made of naturally occurring fatty acids/glycerides trapped into high density polyethylene (HDPE) pellets and its performance in a building envelope application, with the ultimate goal of commercializing a low-cost PCM platform. The low-cost PCM pellets were mixed with cellulose insulation, installed in external walls and field-tested under natural weatherization conditions for a period of several months. In addition, several PCM samples and PCM-cellulose samples were prepared under controlled conditions for laboratory-scale testing. The laboratory tests were performed to determine the phase change properties of PCM-enhanced cellulose insulation both at microscopic and macroscopic levels. This article presents the data and analysis from the exterior test wall and the laboratory-scale test data. PCM behavior is influenced by the weather and interior conditions, PCM phase change temperature and PCM distribution within the wall cavity, among other factors. Under optimal conditions, the field data showed up to 20% reduction in weekly heat transfer through an external wall due to the PCM compared to cellulose-only insulation.

low-cost PCM↗

Topographic hydro-conditioning to resolve surface depression storage and ponding in a fully distributed hydrologic model

Land surface depressions play a central role in the transformation of rainfall to ponding, infiltration and runoff, yet digital elevation models (DEMs) used by spatially distributed hydrologic models that resolve land surface processes rarely capture land surface depressions at spatial scales relevant to this transformation. Methods to generate DEMs through processing of remote sensing data, such as optical and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) have favored surfaces without depressions to avoid adverse slopes that are problematic for many hydrologic routing methods. Here, in this study, we present a new topographic conditioning workflow, Depression-Preserved DEM Processing (D2P) algorithm, which is designed to preserve physically meaningful surface depressions for depression-integrated and efficient hydrologic modeling. D2P includes several features: (1) an adaptive screening interval for delineation of depressions, (2) the ability to filter out anthropogenic land surface features (e.g., bridges), (3) the ability to blend river smoothing (e.g., a general downslope profile) and depression resolving functionality. From a case study in the Goodwin Creek Experimental Watershed, D2P successfully resolved 86% of the ponds at a DEM resolution of 10 m. Topographic conditioning was achieved with minimum impact as D2P reduced the number of modified cells from the original DEM by 51% compared to a conventional algorithm. Furthermore, hydrologic simulation using a D2P processed DEM resulted in a more robust characterization on surface water dynamics based on higher surface water storage as well as an attenuated and delayed peak streamflow.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Distributed Roughness Effects on Blunt-Body Transition and Turbulent Heating

An experimental program has been conducted to obtain data on the effects of surface roughness on blunt bodies at laminar, transitional, and turbulent conditions. Wind tunnel models with distributed surface roughness heights from 0.06 mm to 1.75 mm were tested and heating data were obtained using global surface thermography. Heating rates of up to 85% higher than predicted, smooth-surface turbulent levels were measured.

Hollis, Brian R.↗

Security Constrained Distributed Transaction Model for Multiple Prosumers

Massive access of renewable energy has prompted demand-side distributed resources to participate in regulation and improve flexibility of power systems. With large-scale access of massive, decentralized, and diverse distributed resources, demand-side market members have transformed from traditional “consumers” to “prosumers”. To explore the distributed transaction model of prosumers, in this paper, a multi-prosumer distributed transaction model is proposed, and the Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR) theory is applied to quantify potential risks caused by the stochastic characteristics inherited from renewable energy. First, a prosumer model under constraints of the distribution network including photovoltaic units, fuel cells, energy storage system, central air conditioning and flexible loads is established, and a multi-prosumer distributed transaction strategy is proposed to achieve power sharing among multiple prosumers. Second, a prosumer transaction model based on CVaR is constructed to measure risks inherited from the uncertainty of PV output within the prosumer and ensure safety of system operation in extreme PV output scenarios. Then, the alternating direction multiplier method (ADMM) is utilized to solve the constructed model efficiently. Finally, distributed transaction costs of prosumers are distributed fairly based on the generalized Nash equilibrium to maximize social benefits. Simulation results show the multi-prosumer distributed transaction mechanism established under the proposed generalized Nash equilibrium method can encourage power sharing among prosumers, increasing their own income and social benefits. Also, the CVaR can assist decision making of prosumers in weighting the risks and benefits, improving system resilience through energy management of prosumers.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

The ultraviolet continuum and the fluorescent H2 lines in low-excitation Herbig-Haro objects

Long-exposure IUE observations are used here to determine the spatial distribution of the fluorescent H2 line emission in the low-excitation objects HH 43 and HH 47. In HH 43, the spatial distribution of the fluorescent H2 line emission has a width equal to or smaller than the width of the point-spread function of IUE, while both the short-wavelength UV continuum and the optical forbidden S II lines show distributions which are wider by more than a factor of two. In HH 47, the results are qualitatively analogous, but the differences between the fluorescent HH 23 emission distribution on the one hand, and the UV continuum and optical forbidden S II distribution on the other, are smaller. These distributions indicate that the appropriate conditions for the formation of fluorscent H2 lines are fulfilled only in rather narrow regions for these low-excitation objects. A continuous energy distribution in HH 43 and HH 47 is found which differs only slightly from that in the high-excitation objects HH 1 and HH 2.

Boehm, K. H.↗

Volatile particles measured by vapor-particle separator

Vapor-Particle Separator (VPS) is a new technology developed for characterization of the volatile fraction of particulate matter in a combustion aerosol population. VPS incorporates a novel metallic membrane and operates in a cross-flow filtration mode for separation of vapor and solid (i.e. non-volatile) particles. Demonstration of the VPS technology on aircraft engine-emitted particles has led to the improvement of the technology and increased confidence on the robustness of its field performance. In this study, the performance of the VPS was evaluated against the Particle Measurement Programme (PMP) volatile particle remover (VPR), a standardized device used in heavy duty diesel engines for separation and characterization of non-volatile particulate matter. Using tetracontane particles in the laboratory reveals that the VPS performed reasonably well in removing the volatile species. In the field conditions, a single-mode particle size distribution was found for emitted particles from a T63 turboshaft engine at both idle and cruise engine power conditions. Removal of the volatile T63 engine particles by the VPS was consistent with that of PMP VPR. In tests on an F117 turbofan engine, the size distribution at the idle (4% rated) engine power condition was found to be bimodal, with the first mode consisting of particles smaller than 10nm, which are believed to be mostly semi-volatile particles, while the second mode of larger size was a mixture of semi-volatile and non-volatile particles. The distribution was single modal at the 33% rated engine power with no secondary mode observed. Altogether, for particles emitted by both engines, the removal efficiency of the VPS appears to surpass that of the PMP VPR by 8-10%.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Delineating Facies Spatial Distribution by Integrating Ensemble Data Assimilation and Indicator Geostatistics with Level Set Transformation.

A new approach is developed to delineate the spatial distribution of discrete facies (geological units that have unique distributions of hydraulic, physical, and/or chemical properties) conditioned not only on direct data (measurements directly related to facies properties, e.g., grain size distribution obtained from borehole samples) but also on indirect data (observations indirectly related to facies distribution, e.g., hydraulic head and tracer concentration). Our method integrates for the first time ensemble data assimilation with traditional transition probability-based geostatistics. The concept of level set is introduced to build shape parameterization that allows transformation between discrete facies indicators and continuous random variables. The spatial structure of different facies is simulated by indicator models using conditioning points selected adaptively during the iterative process of data assimilation. To evaluate the new method, a two-dimensional semi-synthetic example is designed to estimate the spatial distribution and permeability of two distinct facies from transient head data induced by pumping tests. The example demonstrates that our new method adequately captures the spatial pattern of facies distribution by imposing spatial continuity through conditioning points. The new method also reproduces the overall response in hydraulic head field with better accuracy compared to data assimilation with no constraints on spatial continuity on facies.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Thermodynamic Vent System for an On-Orbit Cryogenic Reaction Control Engine

A report discusses a cryogenic reaction control system (RCS) that integrates a Joule-Thompson (JT) device (expansion valve) and thermodynamic vent system (TVS) with a cryogenic distribution system to allow fine control of the propellant quality (subcooled liquid) during operation of the device. It enables zero-venting when coupled with an RCS engine. The proper attachment locations and sizing of the orifice are required with the propellant distribution line to facilitate line conditioning. During operations, system instrumentation was strategically installed along the distribution/TVS line assembly, and temperature control bands were identified. A sub-scale run tank, full-scale distribution line, open-loop TVS, and a combination of procured and custom-fabricated cryogenic components were used in the cryogenic RCS build-up. Simulated on-orbit activation and thruster firing profiles were performed to quantify system heat gain and evaluate the TVS s capability to maintain the required propellant conditions at the inlet to the engine valves. Test data determined that a small control valve, such as a piezoelectric, is optimal to provide continuously the required thermal control. The data obtained from testing has also assisted with the development of fluid and thermal models of an RCS to refine integrated cryogenic propulsion system designs. This system allows a liquid oxygenbased main propulsion and reaction control system for a spacecraft, which improves performance, safety, and cost over conventional hypergolic systems due to higher performance, use of nontoxic propellants, potential for integration with life support and power subsystems, and compatibility with in-situ produced propellants.

Hurlbert, Eric A.↗

Wing analysis using a transonic potential flow computational method

The ability of the method to compute wing transonic performance was determined by comparing computed results with both experimental data and results computed by other theoretical procedures. Both pressure distributions and aerodynamic forces were evaluated. Comparisons indicated that the method is a significant improvement in transonic wing analysis capability. In particular, the computational method generally calculated the correct development of three-dimensional pressure distributions from subcritical to transonic conditions. Complicated, multiple shocked flows observed experimentally were reproduced computationally. The ability to identify the effects of design modifications was demonstrated both in terms of pressure distributions and shock drag characteristics.

Henne, P. A.↗

The Influence of Soil Moisture and Wind on Rainfall Distribution and Intensity in Florida

Land surface processes play a key role in water and energy budgets of the hydrological cycle. For example, the distribution of soil moisture will affect sensible and latent heat fluxes, which in turn may dramatically influence the location and intensity of precipitation. However, mean wind conditions also strongly influence the distribution of precipitation. The relative importance of soil moisture and wind on rainfall location and intensity remains uncertain. Here, we examine the influence of soil moisture distribution and wind distribution on precipitation in the Florida peninsula using the 3-D Goddard Cumulus Ensemble (GCE) cloud model Coupled with the Parameterization for Land-Atmosphere-Cloud Exchange (PLACE) land surface model. This study utilizes data collected on 27 July 1991 in central Florida during the Convection and Precipitation Electrification Experiment (CaPE). The idealized numerical experiments consider a block of land (the Florida peninsula) bordered on the east and on the west by ocean. The initial soil moisture distribution is derived from an offline PLACE simulation, and the initial environmental wind profile is determined from the CaPE sounding network. Using the factor separation technique, the precise contribution of soil moisture and wind to rainfall distribution and intensity is determined.

Baker, R. David↗

Spectral Power-law Formation by Sequential Particle Acceleration in Multiple Flare Magnetic Islands

We present a first-principles model of pitch-angle and energy distribution function evolution as particles are sequentially accelerated by multiple flare magnetic islands. Data from magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of an eruptive flare/coronal mass ejection provide ambient conditions for the evolving particle distributions. Magnetic islands, which are created by sporadic reconnection at the self-consistently formed flare current sheet, contract and accelerate the particles. The particle distributions are evolved using rules derived in our previous work. In this investigation, we assume that a prescribed fraction of particles sequentially "hops" to another accelerator and receives an additional boost in energy and anisotropy. This sequential process generates particle number spectra that obey an approximate power law at mid-range energies and presents low- and high-energy breaks. We analyze these spectral regions as functions of the model parameters. We also present a fully analytic method for forming and interpreting such spectra, independent of the sequential acceleration model. The method requires only a few constrained physical parameters, such as the percentage of particles transferred between accelerators, the energy gain in each accelerator, and the number of accelerators visited. Our investigation seeks to bridge the gap between MHD and kinetic regimes by combining global simulations and analytic kinetic theory. The model reproduces and explains key characteristics of observed flare hard X-ray spectra as well as the underlying properties of the accelerated particles. Our analytic model provides tools to interpret high-energy observations for missions and telescopes, such as RHESSI, FOXSI, NuSTAR, Solar Orbiter, EOVSA, and future high-energy missions.

magnetic reconnection↗

Comparison of Bimodal Ice Shapes on Full-Chord and Hybrid CRM Midspan Models

An ice shape database has been created to document ice accretions on a full-chord length and hybrid versions of a 65 percent scale size of the mid-span section of the Common Research Model resulting from an exposure to a Super-cooled Large Drop (SLD) icing cloud with a bimodal drop size distribution. The ice shapes created were documented with photographs, laser scanned surface measurements over a section of the model span, and measurement of the ice mass over the same section of each ice accretion. Drop distribution effects were evaluated by using the same IRT icing conditions except with either monomodal or bimodal drop distributions. Ice shapes resulting from the bimodal distribution as well as from monomodal distributions of identical cloud droplet Median Volume Diameter (MVD) were obtained and compared. Results indicated that the ice shapes resulting from the monomodal and bimodal drop size distributions have similar 2D Maximum Combined Cross Section, or MCCS, ice shape around the model leading edge region and equivalent ice mass measurement per unit span to within the IRT SLD cloud calibration uncertainty, as expected with this approach, but the bimodal distributions have distinctly larger ice feathers that extended further back on the chord of the model. For most test conditions, the overall size and shape of the main ice accretions compared well between the full-chord and hybrid models.

Icing↗

Comparison of Bimodal Ice Shapes on Full-Chord and Hybrid CRM Midspan Models

An ice shape database has been created to document ice accretions on a full-chord length and hybrid versions of a 65 percent scale size of the mid-span section of the Common Research Model resulting from an exposure to a Super-cooled Large Drop (SLD) icing cloud with a bimodal drop size distribution. The ice shapes created were documented with photographs, laser scanned surface measurements over a section of the model span, and measurement of the ice mass over the same section of each ice accretion. Drop distribution effects were evaluated by using the same IRT icing conditions except with either monomodal or bimodal drop distributions. Ice shapes resulting from the bimodal distribution as well as from monomodal distributions of identical cloud droplet Median Volume Diameter (MVD) were obtained and compared. Results indicated that the ice shapes resulting from the monomodal and bimodal drop size distributions have similar 2D Maximum Combined Cross Section, or MCCS, ice shape around the model leading edge region and equivalent ice mass measurement per unit span to within the IRT SLD cloud calibration uncertainty, as expected with this approach, but the bimodal distributions have distinctly larger ice feathers that extended further back on the chord of the model. For most test conditions, the overall size and shape of the main ice accretions compared well between the full-chord and hybrid models

Icing , Simulation, Validation↗

Comparison of Bimodal Ice Shapes on Full-Chord and Hybrid CRM Midspan Models

An ice shape database has been created to document ice accretions on a full-chord length and hybrid versions of a 65 percent scale size of the mid-span section of the Common Research Model resulting from an exposure to a Super-cooled Large Drop (SLD) icing cloud with a bimodal drop size distribution. The ice shapes created were documented with photographs, laser scanned surface measurements over a section of the model span, and measurement of the ice mass over the same section of each ice accretion. Drop distribution effects were evaluated by using the same IRT icing conditions except with either monomodal or bimodal drop distributions. Ice shapes resulting from the bimodal distribution as well as from monomodal distributions of identical cloud droplet Median Volume Diameter (MVD) were obtained and compared. Results indicated that the ice shapes resulting from the monomodal and bimodal drop size distributions have similar 2D Maximum Combined Cross Section, or MCCS, ice shape around the model leading edge region and equivalent ice mass measurement per unit span to within the IRT SLD cloud calibration uncertainty, as expected with this approach, but the bimodal distributions have distinctly larger ice feathers that extended further back on the chord of the model. For most test conditions, the overall size and shape of the main ice accretions compared well between the full-chord and hybrid models.

Icing↗

Assessment of filtered cameras for quantitative 2D analysis of divertor conditions during detachment in JET L-mode plasmas

We report that estimates for 2D distributions of electron temperature, T e , electron density, n e , and atomic deuterium density, n o , in the JET divertor volume have been inferred from deuterium Balmer line intensity ratios obtained from tomographic reconstructions of divertor camera measurements. This enables also investigation of ionization, S ion , and recombination, S rec , rates. The analysis shows a decrease of T e to 0.5–1.0 eV throughout the outer divertor during detachment in low-confinement (L-mode) plasmas. Simultaneously, the high-n e region and the n 0 distribution in the outer divertor are observed to elongate and shift from the outer strike point towards the X-point. The observations are in qualitative agreement and follow the same sequence with modelling predictions of EDGE2D-EIRENE simulations of a density scan. While the method was found to provide good representation of the evolution of volumetric recombination during detachment, in agreement with the simulations, the movement of the ionization front upstream could not be followed due to lack of spatial overlap between the ionization region and the necessary emission distributions. Consequently, the representation of the ionization conditions and the particle balance in the detached outer divertor are compromised.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗