Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “DST”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6

Observations of energetic helium ions in the earth's radiation belts during a sequence of geomagnetic storms

Observations of energetic (MeV) helium ions made with Explorer 45 during a sequence of magnetic storms during June through December of 1972 are presented. It is noted that the first of these storms started on June 17 and had a Dst index excursion to -190 gamma and that the MeV helium ions were perturbed primarily beyond 3 earth radii in the equatorial radiation belts with a typical flux increase of an order of magnitude at L equal to 4. The second storm period was in August and was associated with very major solar flare activity. While the Dst extremum was at best 35 gamma less than the June storm, this period can be characterized as irregular (or multi-storm) with strong compression of the magnetosphere and very large (order of magnitude) MeV helium ion flux enhancements down to L approximately equal to 2. After this injection, the trapped helium ion fluxes showed positive spherical slope with the peak beyond 3.15 MeV at L equal to 2.5; at the lowest observable L shells, little flux decay was seen during the remainder of the year.

Spjeldvik, W. N.↗

Transient cosmic ray increase associated with a geomagnetic storm

On the basis of worldwide network data of cosmic ray nucleonic components, the transient cosmic ray increase due to the depression of cosmic ray cutoff rigidity during a severe geomagnetic storm was investigated in terms of the longitudinal dependence. Multiple correlation analysis among isotropic and diurnal terms of cosmic ray intensity variations and Dst term of the geomagnetic field is applied to each of various station's data. It is shown that the amplitude of the transient cosmic ray increase associated with Dst depends on the local time of the station, and that its maximum phase is found in the evening sector. This fact is consistent with the theoretical estimation based on the azimuthally asymmetric ring current model for the magnetic DS field.

Kudo, S.↗

A relation between the short time variations of cosmic rays and geomagnetic field change

An event is reported of approx. 37 min periodicity in cosmic ray intensity observed at Akeno(38 deg 47 N, 138 deg 30 E. 900m above s.l., cutoff 10.4 GV) during 1300 approx. 1900 UT on April 25th, 1984, just a day before Forbush decrease of April 26th. This event seemed to be followed by the periodic variations of the geomagnetic field observed at Kakioka (36 deg 23 N, 140 deg 18 E). The regression coefficient between them was obtained approx. 0.07%/10nT. It is shown that in general the power spectral density of cosmic rays in the frequency of 0.0001 approx. 0.001Hz correlates positively with the fluctuations of geomagnetic field (Dst field) around approx. 1.2x0.0001Hz. From the analysis of 47 days data (April 14th to June 13th, 1984) the regression curve was obtained as y=0.275x sup 0.343 with the correlation coefficient of 0.48, where x and y mean Fourier components of Dst field summed over 1.04 approx. 1.39x0.001Hz and cosmic ray power spectral density averaged over 0.0001 approx. 0.001Hz.

Saki, T.↗

Stream structures in the outer heliosphere

Nineteen magnetic clouds are identified in the years from 1978 through 1982 and studied by the superimposed epoch method. The magnetic fluctuations, density, and temperature are enhanced ahead of the clouds preceded by shocks. Strong magnetic field intensities and low proton temperatures are observed in the clouds. A relatively large (2.5%) decrease in cosmic ray intensity is caused by the turbulent sheath behind an interplanetary shock ahead of a magnetic cloud. Only a small (0.5%) decrease in intensity is associated with the magnetic cloud itself. Magnetic clouds can produce geomagnetic activity with a decrease in the Dst index of the order of 100 gammas. The magnitude of the change in Dst index for the case when southward fields arrive first is comparable to that for the case of northward fields first, and the phase is such that geomagnetic activity is associated with the southward fields.

Whang, Y. C.↗

Comparing the jerk with other global models of the geomagnetic field from 1960 to 1978

About 3300 satellite values of geomagnetic intensity and about 700 observatory values of annual mean magnetic vector components from 1960 to 1978 were fitted by three global models of the geomagnetic field B. Each model includes a spatially constant external field whose time dependence is a constant plus another constant times the Dst index, and each model accepts a time-independent station correction at each observatory. The time dependence of the internal Gauss coefficients is either cubic, quintic, or biquadratic (two independent quadratics, one before and one after January 1, 1970); and g1(0) also has an induced term proportional to the Dst index. The rms residual of the data fit is the same for the cubic and biquadratic models and insignificantly smaller for the quintic model. The quintic and biquadratic models have 1164 adjustable parameters, and the cubic has 1038. At a high level of significance the parameters of the best fitting biquadratic rule out a physical model for the magnetic impulse of 1969 in which the level surfaces of electrical conductivity in the lower mantle are approximately spherical, and the radial magnetic field at the core-mantle boundary goes from one quadratic time dependence to another in a year or less.

Backus, G. E.↗

Magnetic clouds, geomagnetic disturbances, and cosmic ray decreases

Nineteen magnetic clouds are identified in the years from 1978 through 1982 and studied using superposed epoch analysis. The magnetic-field intensity, proton density and proton temperature are enhanced ahead of magnetic clouds that are preceded by shock, while strong magnetic-field intensity and low proton temperature are observed within the clouds. A relatively large (about 2.5 percent) decrease in cosmic-ray intensity is associated with magnetic clouds that are preceded by a shock, perhaps caused by the turbulent sheath behind an interplanetary shock ahead of the magnetic cloud, whereas only a small (0.5 percent) decrease in intensity is associated with the magnetic cloud itself. Magnetic clouds can produce geomagnetic activity with a decrease in Dst index of the order 100 gamma. The magnitude of the change in the Dst index for the case when southward fields arrive first is comparable to that for the case when northward fields arrive first, and the phase is such that geomagnetic activity is associated with southward fields.

Zhang, G.↗

Ring current development during the great geomagnetic storm of February 1986

The variations of the ring current energy density and composition during the great magnetic storm of February 1986 were investigated using particle measurements obtained by the charge-energy-mass instrument on the AMPTE Charge Composition Explorer spacecraft. The ring current composition of this storm, which had a complicated main phase and a minimum Dst of -312 nT on February 9, was followed for five days from the prestorm quiet time to the early recovery phase. Results suggested that the very rapid initial Dst recovery (tau of about 9.3 hrs) in this storm resulted largely from the rapid loss of 75- to 100-keV O(+) via charge exchange in the inner portion of the ring current. It is proposed that a major O(+) + N(+) ring current component generally exists near the maximum phase of great storms.

Hamilton, D. C.↗

The ion energy spectra in the ring current during the geomagnetic storm of February 1986

The largest geomagnetic storm in several decades occurred in February 1986, with a minimum Dst of -312 nT. In this experiment, the CHEM instrument on the AMPTE/CCE spacecraft has been used to study the development of this storm in more detail. By comparing measurements of phase space density (f) vs magnetic moment (mu) for four ion species H(+), O(+), He (+), and He(++) during consecutive passes through the ring current region, a distinction can be made between flux increases that require the injection of a new population and those that are consistent with the adiabatic acceleration of a pre-existing population. It is shown that the smaller flux observed during the outbound pass compared to the preceding inbound pass at the time of minimum Dst is due to the difference in local times of the two measurements. This local time difference is consistent with a greatly enhanced convection electric field, which brings a new population from the magnetotail to the post-noon, but not to pre-noon local time sector.

Kistler, L. M.↗

Dual-peak solar cycle distribution of intense geomagnetic storms

This paper studies the features of the solar cycle distribution of intense storms (Dst) during cycles 20 and 21 (1965-1985). For these cycles, the distribution of intense storms (including moderate events for this time interval) in terms of Dst values below -50 nT, showed a dual-peak distribution, providing evidence for another enhancement of the intense storm distribution at the late ascending phase of the cycle. The origin of the dual-peak distribution of intense storms is associated with a similar dual-peak distribution obtained for large-amplitude and long-duration values of the negative Bz component of the IMF, computed for the interval 1970-1981.

Gonzalez, W. D.↗

Design concepts and performance of NASA X-band (7162 MHz/8415 MHz) transponder for deep-space spacecraft applications

The design concepts and measured performance characteristics are summarized of an X band (7162 MHz/8415 MHz) breadboard deep space transponder (DSP) for future spacecraft applications, with the first use scheduled for the Comet Rendezvous Asteroid Flyby (CRAF) and Cassini missions in 1995 and 1996, respectively. The DST consists of a double conversion, superheterodyne, automatic phase tracking receiver, and an X band (8415 MHz) exciter to drive redundant downlink power amplifiers. The receiver acquires and coherently phase tracks the modulated or unmodulated X band (7162 MHz) uplink carrier signal. The exciter phase modulates the X band (8415 MHz) downlink signal with composite telemetry and ranging signals. The receiver measured tracking threshold, automatic gain control, static phase error, and phase jitter characteristics of the breadboard DST are in good agreement with the expected performance. The measured results show a receiver tracking threshold of -158 dBm and a dynamic signal range of 88 dB.

Mysoor, N. R.↗

MMIC linear-phase and digital modulators for deep space spacecraft X-band transponder applications

The design concepts, analyses, and development of GaAs monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) linear-phase and digital modulators for the next generation of space-borne communications systems are summarized. The design approach uses a compact lumped element quadrature hybrid and Metal Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MESFET)-varactors to provide low loss and well-controlled phase performance for deep space transponder (DST) applications. The measured results of the MESFET-diode show a capacitance range of 2:1 under reverse bias, and a Q of 38 at 10 GHz. Three cascaded sections of hybrid-coupled reflection phase shifters were modeled and simulations performed to provide an X-band (8415 +/- 50 MHz) DST phase modulator with +/- 2.5 radians of peak phase deviation. The modulator will accommodate downlink signal modulation with composite telemetry and ranging data, with a deviation linearity tolerance of +/- 8 percent and insertion loss of less than 8 +/- 0.5 dB. The MMIC digital modulator is designed to provide greater than 10 Mb/s of bi-phase modulation at X-band.

Mysoor, Narayan R.↗

An X-band spacecraft transponder for deep space applications - Design concepts and breadboard performance

The design concepts and measured performance characteristics are summarized of an X band (7162 MHz/8415 MHz) breadboard deep space transponder (DSP) for future spacecraft applications, with the first use scheduled for the Comet Rendezvous Asteroid Flyby (CRAF) and Cassini missions in 1995 and 1996, respectively. The DST consists of a double conversion, superheterodyne, automatic phase tracking receiver, and an X band (8415 MHz) exciter to drive redundant downlink power amplifiers. The receiver acquires and coherently phase tracks the modulated or unmodulated X band (7162 MHz) uplink carrier signal. The exciter phase modulates the band (8415 MHz) downlink signal with composite telemetry and ranging signals. The receiver measured tracking threshold, automatic gain control, static phase error, and phase jitter characteristics of the breadboard DST are in good agreement with the expected performance. The measured results show a receiver tracking threshold of -158 dBm and a dynamic signal range of 88 dB.

Mysoor, Narayan R.↗

Miniature X-band GaAs MMIC analog and bi-phase modulators for spaceborne communications applications

The design concepts, analyses, and the development of GaAs monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) linear-phase and digital modulators for the next generation of spaceborne communications systems are summarized. The design approach uses a very compact lumped-element, quadrature hybrid, and MESFET-varactors to provide low-loss and well-controlled phase performance for deep-space transponder (DST) applications. The measured results of the MESFET-diode show a capacitance range of 2:1 under reverse bias, and a Q of 38 at 10 GHz. Three cascaded sections of hybrid-coupled reflection phase shifters have been modeled and simulations performed to provide an X-band (8415 +/- 50 MHz) DST phase modulator with +/-2.5 radians of peak phase deviation.

Mysoor, Narayan R.↗

Design and analysis of a low-loss linear analog phase modulator for deep space spacecraft X-band transponder applications

This article summarizes the design concepts, analyses, and development of an X-band (8145 MHz) transponder low-loss linear phase modulator for deep space spacecraft applications. A single-section breadboard circulator-coupled reflection phase modulator has been analyzed, fabricated, and evaluated. A linear phase deviation of 92 deg with a linearity tolerance of +/- 8 percent was measured for this modulator from 8257 MHz to 8634 MHz over the temperature range -20 to 75 C. The measured insertion loss and the static delay variation with temperature were 2 +/- 0.3 dB and 0.16 psec/ C, respectively. Based on this design, cascaded sections have been modeled, and simulations were performed to provide an X-band deep space transponder (DST) phase modulator with +/- 2.5 radians (+/- 143 deg) of peak phase deviation to accommodate downlink signal modulation with composite telemetry data and ranging, with a deviation linearity tolerance of +/- 8 percent and insertion loss of less than 10 +/- 0.5 dB. A two-section phase modulator using constant gamma hyperabrupt varactors and an efficient modulator driver circuit was breadboarded. The measured results satisfy the DST phase-modulator requirements and show excellent agreement with the predicted results.

Mysoor, N. R.↗

Performance of a Ka-band transponder breadboard for deep-space applications

This article summarizes the design concepts applied in the development of and advanced Ka-band (34.4 GHz/32 GHz) transponder breadboard for the next generation of space communications systems applications. The selected architecture upgrades the X-band (7.2 GHz/8.4 GHz) deep-space transponder (DST) to provide Da-band up/Ka- and X-band down capability. The Ka-band transponder breadboard incorporates several state-of-the-art components, including sampling mixers, a Ka-band dielectric resonator oscillator, and microwave monolithic integrated circuits (MMICs). The MMICs that were tested in the breadboard include upconverters, downconverters, automatic gain control circuits, mixers, phase modulators, and amplifiers. The measured receiver dynamic range, tracking range, acquisition rate, static phase error, and phase jitter characteristics of the Ka-band breadboard interfaced to the advanced engineering model X-band DST are in good agreement with the expected performance. The results show a receiver tracking threshold of -149 dBm with a dynamic range of 80 dB and a downlink phase jitter of 7 deg rms. The analytical results of phase noise and Allan standard deviation are in good agreement with the experimental results.

Mysoor, N. R.↗

Assessment of the 60 Km Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) with Near Real-Time Aircraft Reports

NASA is developing the Center-TBACON Advisory System (CTAS), a set of Air Traffic Management (ATM) Decision Support Tools (DST) to enable controllers to increase airspace capacity and flight efficiency. A crucial component of the CTAS, or any ATM DST, is the computation of the time-of-flight of aircraft along flight path segments which requires accurate knowledge of the wind through which the aircraft are flying. CTAS currently uses wind information from the Rapid Update Cycle (RUC), a numerical prediction model run operationally by the National Weather Service (NWS) National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). There exists near real-time wind observations from commercial aircraft that can be used to increase the accuracy of the RUC wind forecasts via the FAA Integrated Terminal Weather System (ITWS) Terminal Winds (TW) algorithm. This report presents a study based on the application of the ITWS TW algorithm as an improvement to the baseline RUC product. Terminal Winds generally does not support the full Center airspace; the domain of the prototype MIT/LLITWS TW system was increased to cover the Denver Center airspace to support this study. This study has three goals: 1) determine the errors in the baseline 60-kilometer resolution RUC forecast wind fields relative to the needs of en route DSTs such as CTAS; 2) determine the benefit of using the TW algorithm to refine the RUC forecast wind fields with near real-tlme Meteorological Data Collection and Reporting System (MDCRS) aircraft reports, and 3) identify factors that influence wind field errors in order to improve accuracy and estimate errors in real time. The data for this study were collected over a one-year period for the Denver Center airspace and over one miIlion verification observations were used. This study is part of a larger effort funded by NASA which includes the NOAA/FSL.

Cole, R. E.↗

En route Descent Advisor Concept for Efficient Arrival Metering Conformance

The En-route Descent Advisor (EDA) is a suite of decision support tool (DST) capabilities for en route sector subject to metering restrictions such as those generated by the Center TRACON Automation System (CTAS) Traffic Management Advisor. EDA assists controllers with high-density arrival metering by providing fuel-efficient metering-conformance advisories, integrated with conflict detection and resolution (CD&R) capabilities, to minimize deviations from the user s preferred trajectory. These DST capabilities will enable controllers to change their procedures from ones that are oriented towards sector management to procedures oriented towards trajectory management. Although adaptable to current procedures and airspace structure, EDA is intended as a tool for transitioning traffic from a Free Flight environment to an efficiently organized flow into terminal airspace. This paper describes the transition airspace problem and EDA concept, defines the key benefit mechanisms that will be enabled by EDA capabilities, and presents a traffic scenario to illustrate the use of the tool.

Green, Steven↗

Analyzing Electric Field Morphology Through Data-Model Comparisons of the GEM IM/S Assessment Challenge Events

The storm-time inner magnetospheric electric field morphology and dynamics are assessed by comparing numerical modeling results of the plasmasphere and ring current with many in situ and remote sensing data sets. Two magnetic storms are analyzed, April 22,2001 and October 21-23,2001, which are the events selected for the Geospace Environment Modeling (GEM) Inner Magnetosphere/Storms (IM/S) Assessment Challenge (IMSAC). The IMSAC seeks to quantify the accuracy of inner magnetospheric models as well as synthesize our understanding of this region. For each storm, the ring current-atmosphere interaction model (RAM) and the dynamic global core plasma model (DGCPM) were run together with various settings for the large-scale convection electric field and the nightside ionospheric conductance. DGCPM plasmaspheric parameters were compared with IMAGE-EUV plasmapause extractions and LANL-MPA plume locations and velocities. RAM parameters were compared with Dst*, LANL-MPA fluxes and moments, IMAGE-MENA images, and IMAGE-HENA images. Both qualitative and quantitative comparisons were made to determine the electric field morphology that allows the model results to best fit the plasma data at various times during these events. The simulations with self-consistent electric fields were, in general, better than those with prescribed field choices. This indicates that the time-dependent modulation of the inner magnetospheric electric fields by the nightside ionosphere is quite significant for accurate determination of these fields (and their effects). It was determined that a shielded Volland-Stern field description driven by the 3-hour Kp index yields accurate results much of the time, but can be quite inconsistent. The modified Mcllwain field description clearly lagged in overall accuracy compared to the other fields, but matched some data sets (like Dst*) quite well. The rankings between the simulations varied depending on the storm and the individual data sets, indicating that each field description did well for some place, time, and energy range during the events, as well as doing less well in other places, times, and energies. Several unresolved issues regarding the storm-time inner magnetospheric electric field are discussed.

Liemohn, Michael W.↗