The solar Lyman continuum and the structure of the solar chromosphere
Solar chromosphere structure and Lyman continuum, examining brightness and kinetic temperatures, limb variations, radiative transfer and models
Kalkofen, W.↗
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Results for “Structural variation”
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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Structural properties of the equilibrium solutions of Riccati equations
Structural properties of equilibrium solutions of quadratic matrix equation, using variational interpretation of associated Riccati equation, transform techniques and Parseval formula
Brockett, R. W.↗
The atmosphere of Mars
The atmosphere of Mars is essentially a pure carbon dioxide atmosphere that contains a small and seasonably varying amount of water vapor. A number of minor constituents which arise from the interactions of solar radiation with water vapor and carbon dioxide include carbon monoxide, atomic oxygen, molecular oxygen, ozone, and atomic hydrogen. At the surface of Mars the atmospheric pressure is less than one hundredth of the pressure at the surface of the earth. Extensive cloud systems appear on Mars. The structure of the lower Martian atmosphere is discussed together with variations in the lower atmosphere and the characteristics of the upper atmosphere. Reactions of photochemistry are considered along with the atmospheric escape and interactions between the atmosphere and the polar caps.
Barth, C. A.↗
The effects of random path fluctuations on the accuracy of laser ranging systems
The precision of satellite ranging systems, limited in part by atmospheric refraction and scattering, is examined. The effects of atmospheric turbulence on the accuracy of single color and multicolor ranging systems is discussed. The statistical characteristics of the random path length fluctuations induced by turbulence are examined. Correlation and structure functions are derived using several proposed models for the variations of the optical path length. For single color systems it is shown that the random path length fluctuations can limit the accuracy of a range measurement to a few centimeters. Two color systems can partially correct for the random path fluctuations so that in most cases their accuracy is limited to a few millimeters. However, at low elevation angles and over long horizontal paths two color systems can also have errors approaching a few centimeters.
Gardner, C. S.↗
Monthly mean forecast experiments with the GISS model
The GISS general circulation model was used to compute global monthly mean forecasts for January 1973, 1974, and 1975 from initial conditions on the first day of each month and constant sea surface temperatures. Forecasts were evaluated in terms of global and hemispheric energetics, zonally averaged meridional and vertical profiles, forecast error statistics, and monthly mean synoptic fields. Although it generated a realistic mean meridional structure, the model did not adequately reproduce the observed interannual variations in the large scale monthly mean energetics and zonally averaged circulation. The monthly mean sea level pressure field was not predicted satisfactorily, but annual changes in the Icelandic low were simulated. The impact of temporal sea surface temperature variations on the forecasts was investigated by comparing two parallel forecasts for January 1974, one using climatological ocean temperatures and the other observed daily ocean temperatures. The use of daily updated sea surface temperatures produced no discernible beneficial effect.
Spar, J.↗
A qualitative assessment of a random process proposed as an atmospheric turbulence model
A random process is formed by the product of two Gaussian processes and the sum of that product with a third Gaussian process. The resulting total random process is interpreted as the sum of an amplitude modulated process and a slowly varying, random mean value. The properties of the process are examined, including an interpretation of the process in terms of the physical structure of atmospheric motions. The inclusion of the mean value variation gives an improved representation of the properties of atmospheric motions, since the resulting process can account for the differences in the statistical properties of atmospheric velocity components and their gradients. The application of the process to atmospheric turbulence problems, including the response of aircraft dynamic systems, is examined. The effects of the mean value variation upon aircraft loads are small in most cases, but can be important in the measurement and interpretation of atmospheric turbulence data.
Sidwell, K.↗
An investigation of wing buffeting response at subsonic and transonic speeds. Phase 1: F-111A flight data analysis. Volume 2: Plotted power spectra
Volume 2 of this three volume report is presented. This volume presents plotted variations of power spectral density data with frequency for each structural response item for each data sampled and analyzed during the course of the investigation. Some of the information contained in Volume 1 are repeated to allow the reader to identify the specific conditions appropriate to each plot presented and to interpret the data.
Benepe, D. B.↗
The rings of Saturn
Consideration is given to the development of theories concerning the rings of Saturn. Particular attention is given to ring structure, noting its thinness, the separations between rings, and observed variations in brightness. Data gathered via infrared, radio and radar techniques are described in terms of ring particle composition and size. Hypotheses about ring origin and evolution are outlined, including the tidal disruption model, calculations of Saturn's gravitational contraction history, grazing, and meteoroid bombardment. Prospects for future observations of Saturn's rings are reviewed, such as the variation in their radar reflectivity as a function of the tilt of the ring plane.
Pollack, J. B.↗
Flight test experience with an adaptive control system using a maximum likelihood parameter estimation technique
The flight test performance of an adaptive control system for the F-8 DFBW aircraft is summarized. The adaptive system is based on explicit identification of surface effectiveness parameters which are used for gain scheduling in a command augmentation system. Performance of this control law under various design parameter variations is presented. These include variations in test signal level, sample rate, and identification channel structure. Flight performance closely matches analysis and simulation predictions from previous references.
Hartmann, G.↗
Soybean canopy reflectance as a function of view and illumination geometry
Reflectances were calculated from measurements at four wavelength bands through eight view azimuth and seven view zenith directions, for various solar zenith and azimuth angles over portions of three days, in an experimental characterization of a soybean field by means of its reflectances and physical and agronomic attributes. Results indicate that the distribution of reflectance from a soybean field is a function of the solar illumination and viewing geometry, wavelength, and row direction, as well as the state of canopy development. Shadows between rows were found to affect visible wavelength band reflectance to a greater extent than near-IR reflectance. A model describing reflectance variation as a function of projected solar and viewing angles is proposed, which approximates the visible wavelength band reflectance variations of a canopy with a well-defined row structure.
Ranson, K. J.↗
The spatial distribution of shocked gas in the Orion nebula
Observations of the spatial distribution of extinction and excitation temperature toward the molecular hydrogen emission in the Orion molecular cloud OMC-1 are presented. Most, although not all, of the observed structure in the near-infrared line intensities results from variations in the column density of vibrationally excited H2 and is not due to variable extinction or temperature. The extinction toward the center of the emission region is between 1 and 2 mag at 4712/cm, the frequency of the v = 1-0 S(1) line, but increases toward the edges. The lack of emission from the eastern part of the nebula may result from increased extinction in that direction. Variations in the extinction temperature are less than the observational uncertainties of + or - 200 K at all but one position observed. Therefore, the excitation temperature of the hydrogen molecules is probably not a strong function of either the shock velocity or the density of the gas. Observations of the v = 3-2 S(3) line in the direction of strongest emission indicate the presence of gas temperatures about 2700 K and place constraints on the column density of gas which is at higher temperature.
Beck, S. C.↗
Teleconnection patterns in the Southern Hemisphere
Contemporaneous correlations between geopotential heights on a given pressure surface at widely separated points on Earth, commonly referred to as teleconnections, are calculated from monthly mean sea level pressure and 500 mb geopotential height analyses for the Southern Hemisphere for five-month winter and summer seasons. During summer (November-March), anomalies over the three continents occur out of phase with anomalies over the subtropical oceans and in a wavenumber 3 pattern over the Southern Ocean near 55 deg S. The subtropical part of the pattern appears largely associated with the interannual variation of the seasonal cycle and annual mean. In winter (May-September) 500 mb geopotential heights over Africa exhibit positive correlations with heights over South America and the central South Pacific near New Zealand and negative correlations with height over the Southern Ocean. A striking wavenumber three pattern is apparent which shows the correlation of 500 mb geopotential height anomalies with 500 mb anomalies at 50 deg S, 95 deg E during winter. The strong positive correlations between 50 deg S, 95 E and 58 deg S, 150 deg W and 38 deg S, 15 deg W contrast with negative correlations over Antarctica and in low latitudes. Time variations in a similar pattern in sea level pressure are in phase with variations in the 500 mb pattern, suggesting an equivalent barotropic structure.
Mo, K. C.↗
Scarp development in the Valles Marineris
The scarps along the margins of the Vales Marineris display a complex assemblage of forms that have been related to a variety of mass wasting and sapping processes. These scarp segments display variations in the degree of development of spur and gully topography, the number and density of apparent sapping features and the frequency of large scale landslides which reflect the age, geology and processes of slope development throughout the Valles Marineris. This regional analysis should provide more information on the geologic evolution of the Valles Marineris as well as new insight into the relative importance of different processes in the development of the scarp forms. In order to evaluate the regional variation in scarp form and the influence of time and structure on scarp development geomorphic mapping and morphometric analysis of geologically distinct regions of Valles Marineris is being undertaken.
Patton, P. C.↗
Bouguer Images of the North American Craton
Processing of existing gravity and aeromagnetic data with modern methods is providing new insights into crustal and mantle structures for large parts of the United States and Canada. More than three-quarters of a million ground station readings of gravity are now available for this region. These data offer a wealth of information on crustal and mantle structures when reduced and displayed as Bouguer anomalies, where lateral variations are controlled by the size, shape and densities of underlying materials. Digital image processing techniques were used to generate Bouguer images that display more of the granularity inherent in the data as compared with existing contour maps. A dominant NW-SE linear trend of highs and lows can be seen extending from South Dakota, through Nebaska, and into Missouri. This trend is probably related to features created during an early and perhaps initial episode of crustal assembly by collisional processes. The younger granitic materials are probably a thin cover over an older crust.
Arvidson, R. E.↗
Ultrasonic characterization of structural ceramics
Ultrasonic velocity and attenuation measurements were used to characterize density and microstructure in monolithic silicon nitride and silicon carbide. Research samples of these structural ceramics exhibited a wide range of density and microstructural variations. It was shown that bulk density variations correlate with and can be estimated by velocity measurements. Variations in microstructural features such as grain size or shape and pore morphology had a minor effect on velocity. However, these features had a pronounced effect on ultrasonic attenuation. The ultrasonic results are supplemented by low-energy radiography and scanning laser acoustic microscopy.
Klima, S. J.↗
The behavior of fuel-lean premixed flames in a standard flammability limit tube under controlled gravity conditions
Fuel-lean flames in methane-air mixtures from 4.90 to 6.20 volume percent fuel and propane-air mixtures from 1.90 to 3.00 volume percent fuel were studied in the vicinity of the limit for a variety of gravity conditions. The limits were determined and the behavior of the flames studied for one g upward, one g downward, and zero g propagation. Photographic records of all flammability tube firings were obtained. The structure and behavior of these flames were detailed including the variations of the curvature of the flame front, the skirt length, and the occurrence of cellular instabilities with varying gravity conditions. The effect of ignition was also discussed. A survey of flame speeds as a function of mixture strength was made over a range of lean mixture compositions for each of the fuels studied. The results were presented graphically with those obtained by other researchers. The flame speed for constant fractional gravity loadings were plotted as a function of gravity loadings from 0.0 up to 2.0 g's against flame speeds extracted from the transient gravity flame histories for corresponding gravity loadings. The effects of varying gravity conditions on the extinguishment process for upward and downward propagating flames were investigated.
Wherley, B. L.↗
Nondestructive characterization of structural ceramics
Ultrasonic velocity and attenuation measurements were used to characterize density and microstructure in monolithic silicon nitride and silicon carbide. Research samples of these structural ceramics exhibited a wide range of density and microstructural variations. It was shown that bulk density variations correlate with and can be estimated by velocity measurements. Variations in microstructural features such as grain size or shape and pore morphology had a minor effect on velocity. However, these features had a pronounced effect on ultrasonic attenuation. The ultrasonic results are supplemented by low-energy radiography and scanning laser acoustic microscopy.
Klima, S. J.↗
Methanol in dark clouds
The first observation of methanol in cold dark clouds TMC 1, L 134 N, and B 335 is reported. In all three clouds, the relative abundance of methanol was found to be in the range of 10 to the -9th (i.e., almost an order of magnitude more abundant than acetaldehyde), with no observable variation between the clouds. Methanol emission showed a complex velocity structure; in TMC 1, clear indications of non-LTE were observed. Dimethyl ether was searched for in L 134 N; the upper limit of the column density of dimethyl ether in L 134 N was estimated to be 4 x 10 to the 12th/sq cm, assuming 5 K rotation temperature and LTE. This limit makes the abundance ratio (CH3)2O/CH3OH not higher than 1/5, indicating that dimethyl ether is not overabundant in this dark cloud.
Friberg, P.↗