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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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At least 1,009 records · Page 56
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NASA NTRS1988

Free-flying experiment to measure the Schawlow-Townes linewidth limit of a 300 THz laser oscillator

Recent advances in laser diode-pumped solid state laser sources permit the design and testing of laser sources with linewidths that approach the Schawlow-Townes limit of 1 Hz/mW of output power. Laser diode pumped solid state ring oscillators have been operated with CW output power levels of 25 mW at electrical efficiencies that exceed 6 percent. These oscillators are expected to operate for lifetimes that approach those of the laser diode sources which is now approaching 20,000 hours. The efficiency and lifetime of these narrow linewidth laser sources will enable space measurements of gravity waves, remote sensing applications (including local range rate and measurements), and laser sources for frequency and time standards. A free-flight experiment, 'SUNLITE', is being designed to measure the linewidth of this all-solid-state laser system.

Byer, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1988

An analysis of the response of the thermospheric normal modes to temporally varying convection at high latitudes

The response of the high-latitude thermosphere to temporal variations in the forcing due to the plasma convection pattern is investigated using a normal modes model that includes realistic temperature and electron density profiles as well as the effects of viscosity, heat conduction, and Lorentz forcing. The calculations show that the rotational wind component is only slightly modified when the plasma rotation is varied, while the divergent wind component responds more strongly to variations of the rotation rate, with the effect being greatest in the E region. A variation of the rotation rate then results in a greater magnitude and phase variation with the height of the divergent wind component in the E region, indicating that vertically propagating gravity waves are of importance in that height range.

Clark, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Assessment of recent resolution and parameterization changes in the GLA fourth order GCM

The Goddard Laboratory for Atmospheres' fourth-order GCM is under evaluation for the impact on model integrations of enhanced horizontal and vertical resolution, as well as the effects of such novel parameterization schemes as that of gravity-wave-drag, the Arakawa-Schubert (1974) cumulus parameterization, and an explicitly-resolved planetary boundary layer. While the doubling of the GMC's horizontal resolution to 2 deg in latitude and 2.5 deg in longitude has improved the model's predictive skill for 6-7 day forecasts, systematic errors associated with the model's climate drift lead to a deterioration in predictions for longer forecasts.

Helfand, H. M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

The role of GPS in precise earth observation

The potential of the Global Positioning System (GPS) for precise earth observation is evaluated. It is projected that soon GPS will be utilized to track remote-sensing satellites with subdecimeter accuracy. The first will be Topex/Poseidon, a US/French ocean altimetry mission to be launched in 1991. In addition, it is suggested that developments planned for future platforms may push orbit accuracy near 1 cm within a decade. GPS receivers on some platforms will track the signals down to the earth limb to observe occultation by intervening media. This will provide comprehensive information on global temperature and climate and help detect the possible onset of a greenhouse effect. It is also projected that dual-frequency observations will be used to trace the flow of energy across earth systems through detection of ionospheric gravity waves, and to map the structure of the ionosphere by computer tomography.

Yunck, Thomas P.↗
NASA NTRS1989

OH-asterisk (7-5) Meinel band dayglow and nightglow measured by the SME limb scanning near infrared spectrometer - Comparison of the observed seasonal variability with two-dimensional model simulations

Seasonal variations of the OH-asterisk (7-5) mesospheric hydroxyl emission at 1.89 microns observed by the SME near-IR spectrometer are compared with the theoretical predictions of a two-dimensional dynamical/chemical model. The good agreement found at low latitudes for both dayglow and nightglow provides support for the model assumption that breaking gravity waves induce seasonal and latitudinal variations in diffusion. The seasonal behavior of atomic hydrogen in the upper mesosphere (related to vertical transport) and/or uncertainties in the OH Meinel band parameters are proposed as possible explanations for the discrepancy noted between model and observational data for the middle latitudes.

Le Texier, H.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Middle Atmosphere Program. Handbook for MAP, volume 28

Extended abstracts from the fourth workshop on the technical and scientific aspects of MST (mesosphere stratosphere troposphere) radar are presented. Individual sessions addressed the following topics: meteorological applications of MST and ST radars, networks, and campaigns; dynamics of the equatorial middle atmosphere; interpretation of radar returns from clear air; techniques for studying gravity waves and turbulence; intercomparison and calibration of wind and wave measurements at various frequencies; progress in existing and planned MST and ST radars; hardware design for MST and ST radars and boundary layer/lower troposphere profilers; signal processing; and data management.

Liu, C. H.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Turbulence spectra of the FIRE stratocumulus-topped boundary layers

There are at least four physical phenomena which contribute to the FIRE boundary layer turbulence spectra: boundary layer spanning eddies resulting from buoyant and mechanical production of turbulent kinetic energy (the microscale subrange); inertial subrange turbulence which cascades this energy to smaller scales; quasi-two dimensional mesoscale variations; and gravity waves. The relative contributions of these four phenomena to the spectra depend on the altitude of observation and variable involved (vertical velocity, temperature and moisture spectra are discussed). The physical origins of these variations in relative contribution are discussed. As expected from the theory (Kaimal et al., 1976), mixed layer scaling of the spectra (i.e., nondimensionalizing wavelength by Z(sub i) and spectral density by Z(sub i) and the dissipation rates) is successful for the microscale subrange and inertial subrange but not for the mesoscale subrange. The most striking feature of the normalized vertical velocity spectra is the lack of any significant mesoscale contribution. The spectral peak results from buoyant and mechanical production on scales similar to the boundary layer depth. The decrease in spectral density at larger scales results from the suppression of vertical velocity perturbations with large horizontal scales by the shallowness of the atmosphere. The spectral density also decreases towards smaller scales following the well known inertial subrange slope. There is a significant variation in the shape of the normalized spectra with height.

Young, G. S.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Microspacecraft missions and systems

The microspacecraft is defined as a fully functional spacecraft whose mass is on the order of 10 kg or less. The results of a recent microspacecraft workshop are reviewed. The workshop concluded that microspacecraft are feasible and can be enabling for missions that require multiple simultaneous measurements displaced in position or very high mission delta-VSDIO-s. The paper includes discussions of science objectives and instruments as well as potential missions. Potential missions include a very close approach to the sun, determining the origin of gamma ray bursters and a search for gravity waves. Technology for microspacecraft is coming from the 'Lightsat' or small satellite community and developments sponsored by the SDIO. Concepts for microspacecraft power and telecommunications subsystems developed at the JPL are presented. Due to their small size, microspacecraft can be launched by traditional chemical rockets and also unconventional launchers such as electromagnetic launchers.

Jones, Ross M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Atmospheric density remote sensing of mesosphere and thermosphere to be used for spacecraft design by adopting VHF radar and HF Doppler sounder at low latitude west Pacific site during winter time

Simultaneous observations of VHF radar and HF Doppler array systems located at Chung Li (Taiwan) are used to observe three-dimensional wind speeds and gravity waves. The density perturbations are determined at different altitudes of the mesosphere and thermosphere during weak convective motions of the cold front in the winter. The present observations are believed to be valuable for space projects dealing with the low-latitude atmosphere.

Hung, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Consistent vertical and horizontal resolution

Simple physical relations (namely, the Rossby ratio between vertical and horizontal scales in quasi-geostrophic flow and the dispersion relation for internal gravity waves) are used to estimate the vertical resolution consistent with a given horizontal resolution. Using these relations it is found that virtually all large scale models and observing systems have inadequate vertical resolution. In models, the excess horizontal resolution can lead to increased model 'noise' rather than improved accuracy. In observing systems, the finer horizontal scales can be severely misrepresented.

Lindzen, Richard S.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Modelling of E-region auroral winds

A numerical code, describing the interactions between chemistry and dynamics in the coupled thermosphere and ionosphere systems, has been used to investigate the morphology of wind systems of the auroral E-region and, in particular, their response to geomagnetic forcing. The structure and dynamics of both the thermosphere and the ionosphere show very strong interactions at all levels of geomagnetic disturbance. By comparison, other perturbations, particularly those resulting from tidal and gravity wave sources within the lower atmosphere, which are important and easily identified during quiet periods, are always overwhelmed by the magnitude of the effects of large geomagnetic disturbances above about 110 km altitude. The model simulations will be used to characterize the geomagnetic response of the E-region neutral wind, temperature, and composition in different parts of the polar cap and the auroral oval, and the major changes resulting from seasonal variations.

Rees, David↗
NASA NTRS1990

Studies of velocity fluctuations in the lower atmosphere using the MU radar. I - Azimuthal anisotropy. II - Momentum fluxes and energy densities

Results are presented from a six-day campaign to observe velocity fluctuations in the lower atmosphere using the MU radar (Fukao et al., 1985) in Shigaraki, Japan in March, 1986. Consideration is given to the azimuthal anisotropy, the frequency spectra, the vertical profiles of energy density, and the momentum flux of the motion field. It is found that all of the observed azimuthal variations are probably caused by a gravity wave field whose parameters vary with time. The results show significant differences between the mean zonal and meridional frequency spectra and different profiles of mean energy density with height for different frequency bands and for zonal and meridional components.

Vanzandt, T. E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Lidar observations of mesospheric Fe and sporadic Fe layers at Urbana, Illinois

Lidar measurements of mesospheric Fe at Urbana, Illinois were conducted during 4 nights in October, 1989. The average Fe abundances were in the range (1.0-2.0) X 10 to the 10/sq cm. The layer centroid heights range between 89.0 and 90.5 km and the rms widths vary between 3.2 and 4.1 km. Considerable gravity wave and tidal activity are observed in the Fe profiles. The observations are compared with previous measurements of mesospheric Fe and with observations of sporadic Na (Na/S/) layers.

Bills, Richard E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Final shuttle-derived atmospheric database: Development and results from thirty-two flights

The final Shuttle-derived atmospheric data base is presented. The relational data base is comprised of data from 32 Space Transportation System (STS) descent flights, to include available meteorology data taken in support of each flight. For the most part, the available data are restricted to the middle atmosphere. In situ accelerations, sensed by the tri-redundant Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to an accuracy better than 1 mg, are combined with post-flight Best Estimate Trajectory (BET) information and predicted, flight-substantiated Orbiter aerodynamics to provide determinations up to altitudes of 95 km. In some instances, alternate accelerometry data with micro-g resolution were utilized to extend the data base well into the thermosphere. Though somewhat limited, the ensemble of flights permit a reasonable sampling of monthly, seasonal, and latitudinal variations which can be utilized for atmospheric science investigations and model evaluations and upgrades as appropriate. More significantly, the unparallel vertical resolution in the Shuttle-derived results indicate density shears normally associated with internal gravity waves or local atmospheric instabilities. Consequently, these atmospheres can also be used as stress-atmospheres for Guidance, Navigation and Control (GN and C) system development and analysis as part of any advanced space vehicle design activities.

Findlay, John T.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Deep space propagation experiments at Ka-band

Propagation experiments as essential components of the general plan to develop an operational deep space telecommunications and navigation capability at Ka-band (32 to 35 GHz) by the end of the 20th century are discussed. Significant benefits of Ka-band over the current deep space standard X-band (8.4 GHz) are an improvement of 4 to 10 dB in telemetry capacity and a similar increase in radio navigation accuracy. Propagation experiments are planned on the Mars Observer Mission in 1992 in preparation for the Cassini Mission to Saturn in 1996, which will use Ka-band in the search for gravity waves as well as to enhance telemetry and navigation at Saturn in 2002. Subsequent uses of Ka-band are planned for the Solar Probe Mission and the Mars Program.

Butman, Stanley A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

A gravitational test of wave reinforcement versus fluid density models

Spermatozoa, protozoa, and algae form macroscopic patterns somewhat analogous to thermally driven convection cells. These bioconvective patterns have attracted interest in the fluid dynamics community, but whether in all cases these waves were gravity driven was unknown. There are two conflicting theories, one gravity dependent (fluid density model), the other gravity independent (wave reinforcement theory). The primary objectives of the summer faculty fellows were to: (1) assist in sample collection (spermatozoa) and preparation for the KC-135 research airplane experiment; and (2) to collaborate on ground testing of bioconvective variables such as motility, concentration, morphology, etc., in relation to their macroscopic patterns. Results are very briefly given.

Johnson, Jacqueline Umstead↗
NASA NTRS1991

Handbook for MAP, volume 32. Part 1: MAP summary. Part 2: MAPSC minutes, reading, August 1989. MAP summaries from nations. Part 3: MAP data catalogue

Extended abstracts from the fourth workshop on the technical and scientific aspects of mesosphere stratosphere troposphere (MST) radar are presented. Individual sessions addressed the following topics: meteorological applications of MST and ST radars, networks, and campaigns; the dynamics of the equatorial middle atmosphere; interpretation of radar returns from clear air; techniques for studying gravity waves and turbulence, intercomparison and calibration of wind and wave measurements at various frequencies; progress in existing and planned MST and ST radars; hardware design for MST and ST radars and boundary layer/lower troposphere profilers; signal processing; and data management.

Vincent, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Airborne lidar research

The planetary boundary layer (PBL) is the lowest layer of the atmosphere in contact with the Earth's surface. It plays an important role in atmospheric circulation and dynamics by influencing surface fluxes of moisture, heat, and momentum. The PBL is characterized by its turbulence structure. Organized convection within the PBL may generate gravity waves within the free troposphere. These waves can propagate vertically, modifying global circulation. Remote sensing of the PBL using a downward-looking lidar is providing new insight into dynamic processes of this important layer and its connection with wave generation. An airborne lidar is an ideal tool to study the PBL. The lidar is installed on the NASA Electra aircraft. It consists of a frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser aligned with a 40 cm diameter telescope. As the laser beam propagates downward from the aircraft toward the surface, it is scattered by the aerosols and molecules in the atmosphere. Generally, there is a sharp gradient of aerosol scattering associated with the PBL top, with high aerosol scattering from within the PBL, and generally very low scattering from the free atmosphere above. It is this gradient in aerosol scattering that is used to visualize the structure of the PBL. A small portion of the scattered radiation is collected by the telescope, filtered, detected by a photomultiplier, and digitized at 100 nsec rate. The horizontal resolution is typically around 13 m, using a 10 Hz laser and a nominal aircraft moves, the resolution of features in the atmosphere below the aircraft is about 15 x 13 m. Results from several studies are presented and discussed.

Melfi, S. Harvey↗