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At least 811 records · Page 45
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

Studies and simulations of the DigiCipher system

During this period the development of simulators for the various high definition television (HDTV) systems proposed to the FCC was continued. The FCC has indicated that it wants the various proposers to collaborate on a single system. Based on all available information this system will look very much like the advanced digital television (ADTV) system with major contributions only from the DigiCipher system. The results of our simulations of the DigiCipher system are described. This simulator was tested using test sequences from the MPEG committee. The results are extrapolated to HDTV video sequences. Once again, some caveats are in order. The sequences used for testing the simulator and generating the results are those used for testing the MPEG algorithm. The sequences are of much lower resolution than the HDTV sequences would be, and therefore the extrapolations are not totally accurate. One would expect to get significantly higher compression in terms of bits per pixel with sequences that are of higher resolution. However, the simulator itself is a valid one, and should HDTV sequences become available, they could be used directly with the simulator. A brief overview of the DigiCipher system is given. Some coding results obtained using the simulator are looked at. These results are compared to those obtained using the ADTV system. These results are evaluated in the context of the CCSDS specifications and make some suggestions as to how the DigiCipher system could be implemented in the NASA network. Simulations such as the ones reported can be biased depending on the particular source sequence used. In order to get more complete information about the system one needs to obtain a reasonable set of models which mirror the various kinds of sources encountered during video coding. A set of models which can be used to effectively model the various possible scenarios is provided. As this is somewhat tangential to the other work reported, the results are included as an appendix.

Sayood, K.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Geomagnetic field models incorporating physical constraints on the secular variation

This proposal has been concerned with methods for constructing geomagnetic field models that incorporate physical constraints on the secular variation. The principle goal that has been accomplished is the development of flexible algorithms designed to test whether the frozen flux approximation is adequate to describe the available geomagnetic data and their secular variation throughout this century. These have been applied to geomagnetic data from both the early and middle part of this century and convincingly demonstrate that there is no need to invoke violations of the frozen flux hypothesis in order to satisfy the available geomagnetic data.

Constable, Catherine↗
NASA NTRS1992

Previous model comparisons

The first model comparison workshop examined 14 mathematical models. Issues discussed included: transport methodologies; transport of nuclear test debris; transport algorithms; source gases; NO(y), Cl(x), HO(x), and O3; photolysis rates; diurnal averaging; and rainout. The second model comparison meeting examined 16 models. More real model-model intercomparisons were undertaken and several topics were addressed including: photochemistry and radiation; transport; current atmosphere 1980; and assessment runs. The models computed different values for photolysis rates even when O3 and O2 were fixed, thus more time should be spent at future model comparison meeting on radiation codes.

Jackman, Charles H.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Array distribution in data-parallel programs

We consider distribution at compile time of the array data in a distributed-memory implementation of a data-parallel program written in a language like Fortran 90. We allow dynamic redistribution of data and define a heuristic algorithmic framework that chooses distribution parameters to minimize an estimate of program completion time. We represent the program as an alignment-distribution graph. We propose a divide-and-conquer algorithm for distribution that initially assigns a common distribution to each node of the graph and successively refines this assignment, taking computation, realignment, and redistribution costs into account. We explain how to estimate the effect of distribution on computation cost and how to choose a candidate set of distributions. We present the results of an implementation of our algorithms on several test problems.

Chatterjee, Siddhartha↗
NASA NTRS1995

A microcontroller-based three degree-of-freedom manipulator testbed

A wheeled exploratory vehicle is under construction at the Mars Mission Research Center at North Carolina State University. In order to serve as more than an inspection tool, this vehicle requires the ability to interact with its surroundings. A crane-type manipulator, as well as the necessary control hardware and software, has been developed for use as a sample gathering tool on this vehicle. The system is controlled by a network of four Motorola M68HC11 microcontrollers. Control hardware and software were developed in a modular fashion so that the system can be used to test future control algorithms and hardware. Actuators include three stepper motors and one solenoid. Sensors include three optical encoders and one cable tensiometer. The vehicle supervisor computer provides the manipulator system with the approximate coordinates of the target object. This system maps the workspace surrounding the given location by lowering the claw, along a set of evenly spaced vertical lines, until contact occurs. Based on this measured height information and prior knowledge of the target object size, the system determines if the object exists in the searched area. The system can find and retrieve a 1.25 in. diameter by 1.25 in. tall cylinder placed within the 47.5 sq in search area in less than 12 minutes. This manipulator hardware may be used for future control algorithm verification and serves as a prototype for other manipulator hardware.

Brown, Robert Michael, Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Hubble Space Telescope photometry of the central regions of Virgo cluster elliptical galaxies. 2: Isophote shapes

The isophotal shapes of a magnitude limited sample of Virgo ellipticals are presented. These are derived from high resolution Hubble Space Telescope (HST) photometry. The absence of atmospheric seeing and accurate knowledge of the Point Spread Function (PSF) allows us to perform an accurate deconvolution. Model galaxies were constructed to test the deconvolution algorithms used, and showed that we can accurately recover isophotal shape parameters down to 0.5 sec. From the isophotal parameters we can classify the galaxies in two subsamples: disky and non-disky galaxies. In three of these disky galaxies we found evidence for a nuclear stellar disk in the inner 1.5 sec. In addition these galaxies also have an outer disk, that seems to break up inside 2 sec - 3 sec. In the two galaxies for which there is kinematic evidence from the literature of a decoupled core, we found no indication for such subsystem from the isophotal shape analysis. In 80% of these early type galaxies there are indications for dust. For eight of these galaxies the dust has not been detected before.

Bosch, Frank C. Van Den↗
NASA NTRS1993

Efficient Three-Dimensional Direct Simulation Monte Carlo for Complex Geometry Problems

The simulation of flowfields in the transition flow regime is notoriously difficult with high demands on computer resources (CPU time and storage) and user expertise/labor. This paper describes a new, efficient code which has been developed to simulate high Knudsen number flowfields in three dimensions about bodies of arbitrarily complex geometry. The algorithm has been tested over a wide range of conditions, from free molecular to near-continuum flow regimes, for slender and blunt bodies, for re-entry vehicles and spacecraft. A series of validation tests have been conducted using both wind-tunnel measurements and flight data.

Rault, Didier F. G.↗
NASA NTRS1996

The effects of cloud inhomogeneities upon radiative fluxes, and the supply of a cloud truth validation dataset

The ASTER polar cloud mask algorithm is currently under development. Several classification techniques have been developed and implemented. The merits and accuracy of each are being examined. The classification techniques under investigation include fuzzy logic, hierarchical neural network, and a pairwise histogram comparison scheme based on sample histograms called the Paired Histogram Method. Scene adaptive methods also are being investigated as a means to improve classifier performance. The feature, arctan of Band 4 and Band 5, and the Band 2 vs. Band 4 feature space are key to separating frozen water (e.g., ice/snow, slush/wet ice, etc.) from cloud over frozen water, and land from cloud over land, respectively. A total of 82 Landsat TM circumpolar scenes are being used as a basis for algorithm development and testing. Numerous spectral features are being tested and include the 7 basic Landsat TM bands, in addition to ratios, differences, arctans, and normalized differences of each combination of bands. A technique for deriving cloud base and top height is developed. It uses 2-D cross correlation between a cloud edge and its corresponding shadow to determine the displacement of the cloud from its shadow. The height is then determined from this displacement, the solar zenith angle, and the sensor viewing angle.

Welch, Ronald M.↗
NASA NTRS1995

The detector response matrices of the burst and transient source experiment (BATSE) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory

The detector response matrices for the Burst And Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) on board the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) are described, including their creation and operation in data analysis. These response matrices are a detailed abstract representation of the gamma-ray detectors' operating characteristics that are needed for data analysis. They are constructed from an extensive set of calibration data coupled with a complex geometry electromagnetic cascade Monte Carlo simulation code. The calibration tests and simulation algorithm optimization are described. The characteristics of the BATSE detectors in the spacecraft environment are also described.

Pendleton, Geoffrey N.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Construction and Operation of 1-5 Micron Array Camera (Minne-Cam) for the University of Minnesota Observatories

The 1-5 Micron Imaging Infrared (IR) Camera (MinneCam) for the University of Minnesota (UM) observatories has been constructed. It is presently housed at the Mt. Lemmon Observing Facility (MLOF) in Arizona for its inaugural observing run. MinneCam is testing and comparing various observational approaches, and will produce data sets that can be used to define and test data analysis algorithms. The camera is being used in support of studies to define strategies for using NASA's Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) for observations of comets and other targets of opportunity. A long term goal is to modify the instrument to accommodate imaging polarimetry. This instrument is presently putting the University of Minnesota observatories in competition with other major IR observatories and is allowing us to develop state-of-the-art instrumentation for the U of M's proposed 2.4 meter telescope proposed jointly with NOAO and the University of Colorado. The camera has provided important research opportunities for the Minnesota IR group, including other faculty and graduate students in the Department of Astronomy.

Gehrz, Robert D.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Distortion Representation of Forecast Errors for Model Skill Assessment and Objective Analysis

We proposed a novel characterization of errors for numerical weather predictions. A general distortion representation allows for the displacement and amplification or bias correction of forecast anomalies. Characterizing and decomposing forecast error in this way has several important applications, including the model assessment application and the objective analysis application. In this project, we have focused on the assessment application, restricted to a realistic but univariate 2-dimensional situation. Specifically, we study the forecast errors of the sea level pressure (SLP), the 500 hPa geopotential height, and the 315 K potential vorticity fields for forecasts of the short and medium range. The forecasts are generated by the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) data assimilation system with and without ERS-1 scatterometer data. A great deal of novel work has been accomplished under the current contract. In broad terms, we have developed and tested an efficient algorithm for determining distortions. The algorithm and constraints are now ready for application to larger data sets to be used to determine the statistics of the distortion as outlined above, and to be applied in data analysis by using GEOS water vapor imagery to correct short-term forecast errors.

Hoffman, Ross N.↗
NASA NTRS1996

[MODIS Investigation]

The objectives of the last six months were: (1) Complete sensitivity analysis of fluorescence; line height algorithms (2) Deliver fluorescence algorithm code and test data to the University of Miami for integration; (3) Complete analysis of bio-optical data from Southern Ocean cruise; (4) Conduct laboratory experiments based on analyses of field data; (5) Analyze data from bio-optical mooring off Hawaii; (6) Develop calibration/validation plan for MODIS fluorescence data; (7) Respond to the Japanese Research Announcement for GLI; and (8) Continue to review plans for EOSDIS and assist ECS contractor.

Abbott, Mark R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Numerical Simulation of Three-Dimensional Boattail Afterbody Flowfields

The thin shear-layer approximations of the three-dimensional, compressible Navier-Stokes equations are solved for subsonic, transonic, and supersonic now over axisymmetric boattail bodies at moderate angles of attack. The plume is simulated by a solid body configuration identical to those used In experimental tests. An implicit algorithm of second-order accuracy is used to solve the equations on the ILLIAC 4 computer. The turbulence is expressed by an algebraic model applicable to three-dimensional flowfields with moderate separation. The formulation used is attractive in its independence of boundary-layer parameters. Such a simple model, however, is incapable of supporting detailed quantitative descriptions of complex shear flows. Never-the-less, good qualitative comparisons are found with three different sets of experimental date. Quantitative improvement will depend on improved turbulence transport descriptions.

Deiwert, G. S.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Optimal Scheduling of a Multi-User, Multi-Tasking Automatic Robotic Telescope

An algorithm is introduced to generate the optimal schedule of observations for a multi-user, multi-tasking automatic robotic telescope. The schedule is optimal m that it will take the highest possible quality data, perform the largest number of tasks, and fairly serve multiple users in terms of data quality, allocated telescope time, and observation priorities. In addition, the algorithm addresses problems due to overloading and underloading the telescope. The algorithm, which employs dynamic-programming-based decision theory, is analytically proven to produce the optimal schedule using set theory. Simulations conducted using actual astronomical data are presented which show significant improvement over existing scheduling techniques. Once completed the new scheduling algorithm will be tested on the Tennessee State University/Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics 32-inch automatic Photoelectric Telescope at Fairborn Observatory, Arizona.

Tantaris, R. N.↗
NASA NTRS2000

A Unified Satellite-Observation Polar Stratospheric Cloud (PSC) Database for Long-Term Climate-Change Studies

This report summarizes the project team's activity and accomplishments during the period 12 February, 1999 - 12 February, 2000. The primary objective of this project was to create and test a generic algorithm for detecting polar stratospheric clouds (PSC), an algorithm that would permit creation of a unified, long term PSC database from a variety of solar occultation instruments that measure aerosol extinction near 1000 nm The second objective was to make a database of PSC observations and certain relevant related datasets. In this report we describe the algorithm, the data we are making available, and user access options. The remainder of this document provides the details of the algorithm and the database offering.

Fromm, Michael↗
NASA NTRS2001

Measured and Computed Hypersonic Aerodynamic/Aeroheating Characteristics for an Elliptically Blunted Flared Cylinder

Computational and experimental hypersonic aerodynamic forces and moments and aeroheating levels for Kistler Aerospace Corporation's baseline orbiter vehicle at incidence are presented. Experimental data were measured in ground-based facilities at the Langley Research Center and predictions were performed using the Langley Aerothermodynamic Upwind Relaxation Algorithm code. The test parameters were incidence (-4 to 24 degrees), freestream Mach number (6 to 10),freestream ratio o specific heats (1.2 to 1.4), and freestream Reynolds number (0.5 to 8.0 million per foot). The effects of these parameters on aerodynamic characteristics, as well as the effects of Reynolds number on measured heating levels are discussed. Good agreement between computational and experimental aerodynamic and aeroheating values were observed over the wide range of test parameters examined. Reynolds number and ratio of specific heats were observed to significantly alter the trim L/D value. At Mach 6, laminar flow was observed along the entire windward centerline tip to the flare for all angles and Reynolds numbers tested. Flow over the flare transitioned from laminar to transitional/turbulent between 4 and 8 million per foot at 8 and 12 degrees angle of attack, and near 4 million per foot at 16 degrees angle of attack.

Greene, Francis A.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Measured and Computed Hypersonic Aerodynamic/Aeroheating Characteristics for an Elliptically Blunted Flared Cylinder

Computational and experimental hypersonic aerodynamic forces and moments and aeroheating levels for Kistler Aerospace Corporation's baseline orbiter vehicle at incidence are presented. Experimental data were measured in ground-based facilities at the Langley Research Center and predictions were performed using the Langley Aerothermodynamic Upwind Relaxation Algorithm code. The test parameters were incidence (-4 to 24 degrees), freestream Mach number (6 to 10), freestream ratio of specific heats (1.2 to 1.4), and freestream Reynolds number (0.5 to 8.0 million per foot). The effects of these parameters on aerodynamic characteristics, as well as the effects of Reynolds number on measured heating levels are discussed. Good agreement between computational and experimental aerodynamic and aeroheating values were observed over the wide range of test parameters examined. Reynolds number and ratio of specific heats were observed to significantly alter the trim L/D value. At Mach 6, laminar flow, was observed along the entire windward centerline up to the flare for all angles and Reynolds numbers tested. Flow over the flare transitioned front laminar to transitional turbulent between 4 and 8 million per foot at 8 and 12 degrees angle of attack, and near 4 million per foot at 16 degrees angle of attack.

Greene, Francis A.↗
NASA NTRS2001

On Quality Control Procedures Being Adopted for TRMM LBA and KWAJEX Soundings Data Sets

During NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) field campaigns Large Scale Biosphere Atmosphere (LBA) held in Amazonia (Brazil) in the period January- February, 1999, and the Kwajalein Experiment (KWAJEX) held in the Republic of Marshall Islands in the period between August-September, 1999, extensive radiosonde observations (raob) were collected using VIZ and Vaisala sondes which have different response characteristics. In all, 320 raob for LBA and 972 fixed raob for KWAJEX have been obtained and are being processed. Most atmospheric sensible heat source (Q1) and apparent moisture sink (Q2) budget studies are based on sounding data, and the accuracy of the raob is important especially in regions of deep moist convection. A data quality control (QC) project has been initiated at GSFC by the principal investigator (JBH), and this paper addresses some of the quantitative findings for the level I and II QC procedures. Based on these quantitative assessment of sensor (or system) biases associated with each type of sonde, the initial data repair work will be started. Evidence of moisture biases between the two different sondes (VIZ and Vaisala) has been shown earlier by Halverson et al. (2000). Vaisala humidity sensors are found to have a low-level dry bias in the boundary layer, whereas above 600 mb the VIZ sensor tends to register a dryer atmosphere. All raob data were subjected to a limit check based on an algorithm already well tested for the raob data obtained during the Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere (TOGA-COARE).

Roy, B.↗