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At least 1,045 records · Page 58

A Spectral Analysis Approach for Acoustic Radiation from Composite Panels

A method is developed to predict the vibration response of a composite panel and the resulting far-field acoustic radiation due to acoustic excitation. The acoustic excitation is assumed to consist of obliquely incident plane waves. The panel is modeled by a finite element analysis and the radiated field is predicted using Rayleigh's integral. The approach can easily include other effects such as shape memory alloy (SMA) ber reinforcement, large detection thermal postbuckling, and non-symmetric SMA distribution or lamination. Transmission loss predictions for the case of an aluminum panel excited by a harmonic acoustic pressure are shown to compare very well with a classical analysis. Results for a composite panel with and without shape memory alloy reinforcement are also presented. The preliminary results demonstrate that the transmission loss can be significantly increased with shape memory alloy reinforcement. The mechanisms for further transmission loss improvement are identified and discussed.

Turner, Travis L.↗

Ellipsometric Analysis of Contaminant Layer on Optical Witness Samples from MISSE

Several optical witness samples included in the Materials for International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) trays have been analyzed with a variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometer or VASE. Witness samples of gold or platinum mirrors are extremely useful as collectors of space-borne contamination, due to the relative inertness of these noble metals in the atomic oxygen-rich environment of LEO. Highly accurate thickness measurements, typically at the sub-nanometer scale, may be achieved with this method, which uses polarized light in a spectral range of 300 to 1300 nanometers at several angles of incidence to the sample surface.

Norwood, Joseph K.↗

Dynamic Loads Generation for Multi-Point Vibration Excitation Problems

A random-force method has been developed to predict dynamic loads produced by rocket-engine random vibrations for new rocket-engine designs. The method develops random forces at multiple excitation points based on random vibration environments scaled from accelerometer data obtained during hot-fire tests of existing rocket engines. This random-force method applies random forces to the model and creates expected dynamic response in a manner that simulates the way the operating engine applies self-generated random vibration forces (random pressure acting on an area) with the resulting responses that we measure with accelerometers. This innovation includes the methodology (implementation sequence), the computer code, two methods to generate the random-force vibration spectra, and two methods to reduce some of the inherent conservatism in the dynamic loads. This methodology would be implemented to generate the random-force spectra at excitation nodes without requiring the use of artificial boundary conditions in a finite element model. More accurate random dynamic loads than those predicted by current industry methods can then be generated using the random force spectra. The scaling method used to develop the initial power spectral density (PSD) environments for deriving the random forces for the rocket engine case is based on the Barrett Criteria developed at Marshall Space Flight Center in 1963. This invention approach can be applied in the aerospace, automotive, and other industries to obtain reliable dynamic loads and responses from a finite element model for any structure subject to multipoint random vibration excitations.

Shen, Lawrence↗

Airborne Remote Sensing for Earth Science Applications

Topics covered include: Passive Remote Sensing Methods, Imaging Spectroscopy Approach, Remote Measurement via Spectral Fitting, Imaging Spectroscopy Mapping Wetland Dominants 2010 LA (AVIRIS), Deepwater Horizon Response I, Deepwater Horizon Response II, AVIRIS Ocean Color Studies.

AVIRIS: Airborne Imaging Spectrometer↗

Comparison of Spectral Radiance Calibration Techniques Used for Backscatter Ultraviolet Satellite Instruments

Methods for determining the absolute radiometric calibration sensitivities of backscatter ultraviolet (BUV) satellite instruments are compared as part of an effort to minimize pre-launch calibration errors. An internally illuminated integrating sphere source has been used for the Shuttle Solar BUV (SSBUV), Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS), Ozone Mapping Instrument (OMI), and Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment 2 (GOME-2) using standardized procedures traceable to national standards. These sphere-based sensitivities agree to within three percent [k equals 2] relative to calibrations performed using an external diffuser illuminated by standard irradiance sources, the customary radiance calibration method for BUV instruments. The uncertainty for these calibration techniques as implemented at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Centers Radiometric Calibration and Development Laboratory is shown to be 4 percent at 250nm [k equals 2] when using a single traceable calibration standard. Significant reduction in the uncertainty of nearly 1 percent is demonstrated when multiple calibration standards are used.

residual errors↗

Unipolar Barrier Dual-Band Infrared Detectors

Dual-band barrier infrared detectors having structures configured to reduce spectral crosstalk between spectral bands and/or enhance quantum efficiency, and methods of their manufacture are provided. In particular, dual-band device structures are provided for constructing high-performance barrier infrared detectors having reduced crosstalk and/or enhance quantum efficiency using novel multi-segmented absorber regions. The novel absorber regions may comprise both p-type and n-type absorber sections. Utilizing such multi-segmented absorbers it is possible to construct any suitable barrier infrared detector having reduced crosstalk, including npBPN, nBPN, pBPN, npBN, npBP, pBN and nBP structures. The pBPN and pBN detector structures have high quantum efficiency and suppresses dark current, but has a smaller etch depth than conventional detectors and does not require a thick bottom contact layer.

Ting, David Z.↗

Optical Flow for Intermediate Frame Interpolation of Multispectral Geostationary Satellite Data

Applications in areas such as weather tracking and modeling, ecosystem monitoring, wildfire detection, and land-cover change are heavily dependent on spatial and temporal resolutions of satellite observations. However, there are typically trade-offs between spatial and temporal resolutions in dataset selection. For instance, geostationary weather tracking satellites are designed to take snapshots many times throughout the day but sensor hardware limits data collection. In this work we tackle this limitation, developing a method for temporal upsampling of multi-spectral satellite imagery using optical flow video interpolation deep convolutional neural networks. The presented model, extends Super SloMo (SSM) from single optical flow estimates to multichannel where flows are computed per band. We apply this technique on 8 multi-spectral bands of NOAA/NASA's GOES-16 mesoscale dataset to temporally enhance full disk hemispheric snapshots from 15 minutes to 1 minute. Through extensive experimentation, we show SSM vastly outperforms the linear interpolation baseline and that multichannel optical flows improves performance on GOES-16. A visual analysis of optical flow vectors clearly identifies hurricanes and large-scale atmospheric dynamics. Furthermore, we discuss challenges and open questions related to optical flow and temporal interpolation of multispectral geostationary satellite imagery.

Optical Flow↗

CLARREO Pathfinder as a SI-traceable Reference for Satellite Intercalibration

The Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO) Pathfinder (CPF) consists of an Earthviewing reflected solar (RS) spectrometer that will measure the Earth-reflected solar radiation from International Space Station with an SI-traceable radiometric uncertainty of 0.3% (1-sigma). The high-accuracy CPF measurements will provide an in-orbit reference for intercalibrating other spaceflight RS instruments. The CPF intercalibration team has been tasked to develop a state-of-the-art approach to calibrate the shortwave channel (300-5000 nm) of the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) instrument and the reflective solar bands (RSB) of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument, both onboard the NOAA-20 satellite, against the CPF benchmark measurements. The aimed intercalibration methodology uncertainty for both the target instruments is also 0.3%. To meet this stringent intercalibration accuracy, the CPF team has developed methods for mitigating the impacts of spatial, spectral, and angular differences between the intercalibration footprints from the CPF and target instruments. To further alleviate uncertainty, the CPF team will employ Polarization Distribution Models (PDMs) to characterize the polarization state of the Earth-reflected radiance as a function of the intercalibration footprint scene type, solar and viewing geometry, and wavelength. The PDMs will assist in identifying low-polarized scene radiances for meticulously intercalibrating the polarization sensitive VIIRS instrument against the significantly-less polarization-sensitive CPF instrument. This paper will highlight the CPF mission overview, the details of the CPF intercalibration approach, and additional outcomes of the CPF intercalibration studies that may benefit the broader remote sensing community.community.

Hyperspectral↗

Inference of Surface Chemical and Physical Properties Using Mid-Infrared (MIR) Spectral Observations

Reflected or emitted energy from solid surfaces in the solar system can provide insight into thermo-physical and chemical properties of the surface materials. Measurements have been obtained from instruments located on Earth-based telescopes and carried on several space missions. The characteristic spectral features commonly observed in Mid-Infrared (MIR) spectra of minerals will be reviewed, along with methods used for compositional interpretations of MIR emission spectra. The influence of surface grain size, and space weathering processes on MIR emissivity spectra will also be discussed. Methods used for estimating surface temperature, emissivity, and thermal inertias from MIR spectral observations will be reviewed.

Earth-based telescopes↗

Backscattered UV radiation - Effects of multiple scattering and the lower boundary of the atmosphere

A method is proposed for the calculation of a multiple-scattering correction to the single-scattering calculation of the radiance of the terrestrial atmosphere resulting from backscattered ultraviolet solar radiation in the spectral region used in the ozone profile inversion. This method uses jointly the usual analytical and Monte Carlo methods. Effects of the lower boundary of the atmosphere, cloud tops, and ground surface are investigated both qualitatively and quantitatively. The ratio of multiple to single scattering is determined, and its importance in ozone profile inversion of backscattered UV solar radiation from the terrestrial atmosphere is evaluated. The polarization of the atmospheric radiance is treated briefly.

Aruga, T.↗

New Variance-Reducing Methods for the PSD Analysis of Large Optical Surfaces

Edge data of a measured surface map of a circular optic result in large variance or "spectral leakage" behavior in the corresponding Power Spectral Density (PSD) data. In this paper we present two new, alternative methods for reducing such variance in the PSD data by replacing the zeros outside the circular area of a surface map by non-zero values either obtained from a PSD fit (method 1) or taken from the inside of the circular area (method 2).

Surface measurements-roughness↗

Lumped parameter analysis of a stringer reinforced plate excited by band limited noise

The maximum root-mean-square response of a square clamped plate, subjected to a stationary random excitation, was determined both theoretically and empirically. For the tests, a 40 x 40 x 1/4 aluminum sheet was milled out to provide a thin waffle plate with 9 panels. The plate was acoustically excited, with the frequency range limited between 25 Hz and 500 Hz. The root-mean-square power of the random excitations, 149 decibels, was nearly constant for all natural frequencies of the plate system. Strain gage readings at 14 points were plotted as power spectral densities and root-mean-square displacements. A modal damping ratio matrix was determined from the response curves. Damping ratios were found to be a function of frequency, but not of location on the plate. For comparisons with the theoretical response, the plate was subdivided into 14 modes and anlayzed as a damped, lumped parameter system by use of an approximate normal-mode method. This method gave the best predictions of the power spectral densities for the lower frequencies. That prediction errors increased for the higher frequencies is attributed to improper assumptions for mass distribution and the insufficient number of lumped mass points.

Bilyeu, D. J.↗

The mixture problem in computer mapping of terrain: Improved techniques for establishing spectral signature, atmospheric path radiance, and transmittance

The results of LANDSAT and Skylab research programs on the effects of the atmosphere on computer mapping of terrain include: (1) the concept of a ground truth map needs to be drastically revised; (2) the concept of training areas and test areas is not as simple as generally thought because of the problem of pixels that represent a mixture of terrain classes; (3) this mixture problem needs to be more widely recognized and dealt with by techniques of calculating spectral signatures of mixed classes, or by other methods; (4) atmospheric effects should be considered in computer mapping of terrain and in monitoring changes; and (5) terrain features may be used as calibration panels on the ground, from which atmospheric conditions can be determined and monitored. Results are presented of a test area in mountainous terrain of south-central Colorado for which an initial classification was made using simulated mixture-class spectral signatures and actual LANDSAT-1-MSS data.

Smedes, H. W.↗

Retrieving Aerosol Characteristics From the PACE Mission, Part 1: Ocean Color Instrument

NASA’s Plankton, Aerosol, Clouds, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite mission is scheduled to launch in 2022, with the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) on board. For the first time reflected sunlight from the Earth across a broad spectrum from the ultraviolet (UV: 350 nm) to the short wave infrared (SWIR: 2260 nm) will be measured from a single instrument at 1 km spatial resolution. While seven discrete bands will represent the SWIR, the spectrum from 350 to 890 nm will be continuously covered with a spectral resolution of 5 nm. OCI will thus combine in a single instrument (and at an enhanced spatial resolution for the UV) the heritage capabilities of the Moderate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), while covering the oxygen A-band (O2A). Designed for ocean color and ocean biology retrievals, OCI also enables continuation of heritage satellite aerosol products and the development of new aerosol characterization from space. In particular the combination of MODIS and OMI characteristics allows deriving aerosol height, absorption and optical depth along with a measure of particle size distribution. This is achieved by using the traditional MODIS visible-to-SWIR wavelengths to constrain spectral aerosol optical depth and particle size. Extrapolating this information to the UV channels allows retrieval of aerosol absorption and layer height. A more direct method to derive aerosol layer height makes use of O2A absorption methods, despite the relative coarseness of the nominal 5 nm spectral resolution of OCI. Altogether the PACE mission with OCI will be an unprecedented opportunity for aerosol characterization that will continue climate data records from the past decades and propel aerosol science forward toward new opportunities.

PACE↗

Modeling Electro-Optic Frequency Comb Generation as a Pump Source for Quantum Communications

The Quantum Communications group at NASA GRC is focused on developing technologies and system architectures to enable future space-based quantum networks. High-repetition rate pulsed pump lasers are needed because the signal on the quantum channel cannot be amplified, hence entanglement generation rates can only be increased through high-rate pumping. Additionally, tunability in center frequency, pulse width, and repetition rate allows for a wider parameter space over which to optimize quantum channel frequency conversion efficiency, joint spectral engineering, and channel synchronization for high-fidelity entanglement swapping –a necessary stepping-stone towards quantum repeater development. One of the most flexible methods for high-repetition rate pulse generation is through spectral shaping–generating a frequency comb from a continuous-wave(CW)laser using electro-optic modulators (EOMs). As a result, this project focuses on analytically modeling and simulating the effects various EOMs such as phase and intensity modulators have on a CW source. Generating a tunable frequency comb as the pump source allows us to conveniently fine-tune the central frequency, repetition rate, and the spectral shape of our source to match the strict optimal parameters for any given entanglement source considered in the future. These models and simulations are to be used for comparison purposes for future experiments as well as for providing the Quantum Communications group a convenient tool to understand the effects of manipulating various parameters have on the outgoing frequency comb.

Electro-optic modulator↗

Method for decomposing observed line shapes resulting from multiple causes - Application to plasma charge-exchange-neutral spectra

A method is given for decomposing the widths of observed spectral lines resulting from unresolved line splitting, additive kinetic processes of different types, instrumental broadening (slit function), Doppler broadening, etc. all superimposed. The second moments are used as measures of the various widths involved. The method is not applicable if dispersion type (Lorentz) broadening occurs. Application is made to plasma charge-exchange-neutral spectra of hydrogen, deuterium, and helium.

Patch, R. W.↗

Cirrus cloud retrievals from HIS observations during FIRE 2

This paper presents retrieval methods applied to HIS observations during FIRE II and doubling/adding model developed to simulate high-spectral resolution infrared radiances in a cloudy atmosphere. The capabilities of the retrieval methods and sensitivity studies of high-altitude aircraft based observations to cloud microphysical structure are conducted with the model.

Ackerman, S. A.↗