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NASA NTRS1989

The effects of viewpoint on the virtual space of pictures

Pictorial displays whose primary purpose is to convey accurate information about the 3-D spatial layout of an environment are discussed. How and how well, pictures can convey such information is discussed. It is suggested that picture perception is not best approached as a unitary, indivisible process. Rather, it is a complex process depending on multiple, partially redundant, interacting sources of visual information for both the real surface of the picture and the virtual space beyond. Each picture must be assessed for the particular information that it makes available. This will determine how accurately the virtual space represented by the picture is seen, as well as how it is distorted when seen from the wrong viewpoint.

Sedgwick, H. A.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Electron energetics in the inner coma of Comet Halley

A quasi-two-dimensional model of the spatial and energy distribution of electrons in the inner coma of Comet Halley has been constructed from a spherically symmetric ion density profile based on Giotto measurements, using the two-stream electron transport method and the time-dependent electron energy equation. A sharp jump in the electron temperature was found to be present at a cometocentric distance of about 15,000 km. This thermal boundary separates an inner region where cooling processes are dominant from an outer region where heat transport is more important. Both thermal and suprathermal electron populations exist inside the thermal boundary with comparable kinetic pressures. Outside the thermal boundary, a cloud electron population does not exist, and the electrons are almost isothermal along the magnetic field lines.

Gan, LU↗

NASA NTRS1991

Effects of spatial sampling of satellite data on derived surface solar irradiance

The effect of different spatial sampling of satellite observations on retrieved surface solar irradiance was studied. The results indicate that sampled (8-km resolution) and areally averaged (50-km resolution) visible brightness is highly correlated; the correlation has a regional, seasonal, and diurnal dependence. Using the two different resolutions of satellite observations, retrieved surface solar irradiance was computed for a whole annual cycle. On the average, the results differed by about 8-9 percent. Therefore, to validate satellite methods against ground truth to an accuracy which exceeds 8-9 percent of the mean, attention should be given to the type of satellite data and ground truth used in the validation process.

Pinker, R. T.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Effects of fiber and interfacial layer architectures on the thermoplastic response of metal matrix composites

Examined here is the effect of fiber and interfacial layer morphologies on thermal fields in metal matrix composites (MMCs). A micromechanics model based on an arbitrarily layered concentric cylinder configuration is used to calculate thermal stress fields in MMCs subjected to spatially uniform temperature changes. The fiber is modelled as a layered material with isotropic or orthotropic elastic layers, whereas the surrounding matrix, including interfacial layers, is treated as a strain-hardening, elastoplastic, von Mises solid with temperature-dependent parameters. The solution to the boundary-value problem of an arbitrarily layered concentric cylinder under the prescribed thermal loading is obtained using the local/global stiffness matrix formulation originally developed for stress analysis of multilayered elastic media. Examples are provided that illustrate how the morphology of the SCS6 silicon carbide fiber and the use of multiple compliant layers at the fiber/matrix interface affect the evolution of residual stresses in SiC/Ti composites during fabrication cool-down.

Pindera, Marek-Jerzy↗

NASA NTRS1995

Aerosol Radiative Effects: Expected Variations in Optical Depth Spectra and Climate Forcing, with Implications for Closure Experiment Strategies

We examine measurement strategies for reducing uncertainties in aerosol direct radiative forcing by focused experiments that combine surface, air, and space measurements. Particularly emphasized are closure experiments, which test the degree of agreement among different measurements and calculations of aerosol properties and radiative effects. By combining results from previous measurements of large-scale smokes, volcanic aerosols, and anthropogenic aerosols with models of aerosol evolution, we estimate the spatial and temporal variability in optical depth spectra to be expected in the Tropospheric Aerosol Radiative Forcing Observational Experiment (TARFOX, planned for summer 1996 off the Eastern U.S. seaboard). In particular, we examine the expected changes in the wavelength dependence of optical depth as particles evolve through nucleation, growth by condensation and coagulation, and removal via sedimentation. We then calculate the expected radiative climate forcing (i.e. change in net radiative flux) for typical expected aerosols and measurement conditions (e.g. solar elevations, surface albedos, radiometer altitudes). These calculations use new expressions for flux and albedo changes, which account not only for aerosol absorption, but also for instantaneous solar elevation angles and the dependence of surface albedo on solar elevation. These factors, which are usually ignored or averaged in calculations of global aerosol effects, can have a strong influence on fluxes measured in closure experiments, and hence must be accounted for in calculations if closure is to be convincingly tested. We compare the expected measurement signal to measurement uncertainties expected for various techniques in various conditions. Thereby we derive recommendations for measurement strategies that combine surface, airborne, and spaceborne measurements.

Russell, Philip B.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Brain signaling and behavioral responses induced by exposure to (56)Fe-particle radiation

Previous experiments have demonstrated that exposure to 56Fe-particle irradiation (1.5 Gy, 1 GeV) produced aging-like accelerations in neuronal and behavioral deficits. Astronauts on long-term space flights will be exposed to similar heavy-particle radiations that might have similar deleterious effects on neuronal signaling and cognitive behavior. Therefore, the present study evaluated whether radiation-induced spatial learning and memory behavioral deficits are associated with region-specific brain signaling deficits by measuring signaling molecules previously found to be essential for behavior [pre-synaptic vesicle proteins, synaptobrevin and synaptophysin, and protein kinases, calcium-dependent PRKCs (also known as PKCs) and PRKA (PRKA RIIbeta)]. The results demonstrated a significant radiation-induced increase in reference memory errors. The increases in reference memory errors were significantly negatively correlated with striatal synaptobrevin and frontal cortical synaptophysin expression. Both synaptophysin and synaptobrevin are synaptic vesicle proteins that are important in cognition. Striatal PRKA, a memory signaling molecule, was also significantly negatively correlated with reference memory errors. Overall, our findings suggest that radiation-induced pre-synaptic facilitation may contribute to some previously reported radiation-induced decrease in striatal dopamine release and for the disruption of the central dopaminergic system integrity and dopamine-mediated behavior.

NASA Discipline Radiation Health↗

NASA NTRS1972

Investigation of the Ignition and Burning of Materials in Space Cabin Atmospheres. Part 1: Ignition and Burning of Material

An analytical study of the theory of ignition and burning of a plastic material immersed in an atmosphere of a space cabin which may be subjected to gravity force changes is considered. The hazardous condition in a space cabin environment where the changes of gravity may effect the combustion process is evaluated. The model considered the analysis of the coupled gas and solid phases and is based on the premise that material heating leads to the formation of pyrolysis gases from the decomposed solid which then react with the ambient oxidizer to further the combustion process. Moreover, free convection plays a dominant role in transporting these hot gases to the virgin material. A time-dependent study of the coupled gas-solid model as required for ignition processes with emphasis on the surface energy interchange of the gas and solid phases has been made. Detailed distribution of species composition and temperature patterns provide a spatial and time map of the evolving gases from the material combustion.

Lew, H. G.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Quantum graviton creation in a model universe

Consideration of the mechanism of production of gravitons in the empty, anisotropic, spatially inhomogeneous Gowdy three-torus cosmology. The Gowdy cosmology is an exact solution of the vacuum Einstein equations and is obtained as a generalization of the homogeneous empty Bianchi Type I (Kasner) cosmology by permitting the metric components to depend on one of the space variables in addition to time. The Hamiltonian methods of Arnowitt, Deser, and Misner are employed to identify the dynamical variables which are to be quantized. The WKB regime solution is identical to that found by Doroshkevich, Zel'dovich, and Novikov (DZN) for a universe containing collisionless anisotropic radiation. Using a procedure similar to that of Parker (1971) or Zel'dovich and Starobinskii (1971) for defining quantum number, it is found that the DZN large-time radiation consists of quanta (gravitons) created from an initial vacuum. The quantum behavior is much like the semiclassical enhancement of quantum number with the added feature of creation of quanta from vacuum fluctuations.

Berger, B. K.↗

NASA NTRS1975

An optical radar for airborne use over natural waters

An optical radar for detecting targets in natural waters was built and tested in the Gulf of Mexico. The transmitter consists of a Q switched neodymium glass laser, with output amplified and doubled in KDP to 0.53 micrometer wavelength. The receiver incorporates a noval optical spatial filter to reduce the dynamic range required of the photodetector to a reasonable value. Detection of targets to a depth of 26 meters (84 feet) was achieved with a considerable sensitivity margin. The sensitivity of the radar is highly dependent on the optical attenuation coefficient. In general, measured returns fell between the values predicted on the basis of monopath and multipath attenuation. By means of simple physical arguments, a radar equation for the system was derived. To validate this theoretical model, measurements of optical attenuation and of water surface behavior were also instrumented, and some of these results are given.

Levis, C. A.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Cosmic rays in a dynamical halo. I - Age and matter traversal distributions and anisotropy for nuclei. II - Electrons

Recent measurements of the mean lifetime of galactic cosmic rays (at least 10 million yr) have suggested a dynamical halo model of cosmic-ray confinement to the Galaxy. A one-dimensional version of the model is analyzed to determine the ranges of parameters required to give self-consistent values of the mean lifetime, matter traversed, anisotropy, and interstellar gamma-ray flux. It is found that the ranges of the parameters are: disk scale height of 4000-10,000 pc, average convection velocity of no more than 60 km/s, and diffusion coefficient of (3-10) by 10 to the 28th power sq cm/sec for particles with charges of the order of 10 GV. Some consequences for this model of a much shorter lifetime are also discussed. The energy spectrum and spatial distribution of electrons in the dynamical halo model are considered. A gradual steepening of the electron energy spectrum beginning at several GeV energy is found, as indicated by observations. The decrease of electron density with height in the halo depends on the particle energy and may be much steeper than that for nuclei. The models give a halo with a scale height of the order of 3 kpc for several-GeV electrons, which is shown to be consistent with radio observations.

Owens, A. J.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Solidification of a binary mixture

The time dependent concentration and temperature profiles of a finite layer of a binary mixture are investigated during solidification. The coupled time dependent Stefan problem is solved numerically using an implicit finite differencing algorithm with the method of lines. Specifically, the temporal operator is approximated via an implicit finite difference operator resulting in a coupled set of ordinary differential equations for the spatial distribution of the temperature and concentration for each time. Since the resulting differential equations set form a boundary value problem with matching conditions at an unknown spatial point, the method of invariant imbedding is used for its solution.

Antar, B. N.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Is cell aging caused by respiration-dependent injury to the mitochondrial genome

Though intrinsic mitochondrial aging has been considered before as a possible cause of cellular senescence, the mechanisms of such mitochondrial aging have remained obscure. In this article, the hypothesis of free-radical-induced inhibition of mitochondrial replenishment in fixed postmitotic cells is expanded. It is maintained that the respiration-dependent production of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals may not be fully counteracted, leading to a continuous production of lipoperoxides and malonaldehyde in actively respiring mitochondria. These compounds, in turn, can easily react with the mitochondrial DNA which is in close spatial relationship with the inner mitochondrial membrane, producing an injury that the mitochondria may be unable to counteract because of their apparent lack of adequate repair mechanisms. Mitochondrial division may thus be inhibited leading to age-related reduction of mitochondrial numbers, a deficit in energy production with a concomitant decrease in protein synthesis, deterioration of physiological performance, and, therefore, of organismic performance.

Fleming, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1983

The role of spicules in hetaing the solar atmosphere Implications of EUV observations

Although spicules hae been obseved for many years, very little is known about their role in the transport of mass and energy between the chromosphere and the higher layers of the atmospere. Athay and Holzer (1982) demonstrated that the rise and fall of spicular material can supply the thermal energy required for heating the upper chromosphere, transition, and possibly corona. The proposed mechanism depends upon assumptions about the fate of spicules after they disappear from view in the visual spectrum where observations are limited to spectral lines formed at chromospheric temperatures. The present investigation is concerned with an analysis of meaurements of the spatial and temporal variations of EUV emission near the solar limb. The obtained results place empirical constraints on the fate of spicules after they disappear from view in the visible spectrum and thereby place constraints on their role in the transport of mass and energy between the chromosphere and corona.

Withbroe, G. L.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Is the Cameron River greenstone belt allochthonous?

Many tectonic models for the Slave Province, N.W.T., Canada, and for Archean granite - greenstone terranes in general, are implicitly dependent on the assumption that greenstone belt lithologies rest unconformably upon older gneissic basement. Other models require originally large separations between gneissic terranes and greenstone belts. A key question relating to the tectonics of greenstone belts is therefore the original spatial relationship between the volcanic assemblages and presumed-basement gneisses, and how this relationship has been modified by subsequent deformation. What remains unclear in these examples is the significance of the so-called later faulting of the greenstone - gneiss contacts. Where unconformities between gneisses and overlying sediments are indisputable, such as at Point Lake, the significance of faults which occur below the base of the volcanic succession also needs to be evaluated. As part of an on-going investigation aimed at answering these and other questions, the extremely well-exposed Cameron River Greenstone Belt and the Sleepy Dragon Metamorphic Complex in the vicinity of Webb Lake and Sleepy Dragon Lake was mapped.

Kusky, T. M.↗

NASA NTRS1990

On receptivity to environmental disturbances

The instability dehomogenization of shear-layer vorticity is addressed, and conditions for stimulation of unstable normal modes are considered with emphasis on spatially-unstable flows. Minute wall changes as an example of Tollmien-Schlichting wave forcing by sound is analyzed, rapid and moderate x-variations in mean and disturbance fields are considered, and it is pointed out that x-dependences within the whole system of a shear layer can provide one or several receptivity paths. The role of the leading edge in covered along with its idealization. Detailed validation of receptivity paths, receptivity to free-stream turbulence, and nonperiodic excitation are also discussed.

Morkovin, Mark V.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Future System Science Mission Targets for Heliophysics

Heliophysics is a discipline that investigates the science at work from the interface of Earth and space, to the core of the Sun, and to the outer edge of our solar system. This solar-interplanetary-planetary system is vast and inherently coupled on many spatial, temporal and energy scales. The Sun's explosive energy output creates complicated field and plasma structures that when coupled without terrestrial magnetized space, generates an extraordinary complex environment that has practical implications for humanity as we are becoming increasingly dependent on space-based assets. The immense volume of our cosmic neighborhood is the domain of heliophysics. Understanding this domain and the dominant mechanisms that control the transfer of mass and energy requires a system approach that addresses all aspects and regions of the system. The 2009 NASA Heliophysics Roadmap presents a science-focused strategic approach to advance the goal of heliophysics: why does the Sun vary; how do the Earth and heliosphere respond; and what are the impacts on humanity? This talk will present the top 6 prioritized science targets to understand the coupled heliophysics system as presented in the 2009 NASA Heliophysics Roadmap. An exposition of each science target and how it addresses outstanding questions in heliophysics will be discussed.

Spann, James↗

NASA NTRS2013

The Chandra Delta Ori Large Project: Occultation Measurements of the Shocked Gas tn the Nearest Eclipsing O-Star Binary

Delta Ori is the nearest massive, single-lined eclipsing binary (O9.5 II + B0.5III). As such it serves as a fundamental calibrator of the mass-radius-luminosity relation in the upper HR diagram. It is also the only eclipsing O-type binary system which is bright enough to be observable with the CHANDRA gratings in a reasonable exposure. Studies of resolved X-ray line complexes provide tracers of wind mass loss rate and clumpiness; occultation by the X-ray dark companion of the line emitting region can provide direct spatial information on the location of the X-ray emitting gas produced by shocks embedded in the wind of the primary star. We obtained phase-resolved spectra with Chandra in order to determine the level of phase-dependent vs. secular variability in the shocked wind. Along with the Chandra observations we obtained simultaneous photometry from space with the Canadian MOST satellite to help understand the relation between X-ray and photospheric variability.

eclipsing binary↗

NASA NTRS2015

NASA Space Laser Technology

Over the next two decades, the number of space based laser missions for mapping, spectroscopy, remote sensing and other scientific investigations will increase several fold. The demand for high wall-plug efficiency, low noise, narrow linewidth laser systems to meet different systems requirements that can reliably operate over the life of a mission will be high. The general trends will be for spatial quality very close to the diffraction limit, improved spectral performance, increased wall-plug efficiency and multi-beam processing. Improved spectral performance will include narrower spectral width (very near the transform limit), increased wavelength stability and or tuning (depending on application) and lasers reaching a wider range of wavelengths stretching into the mid-infrared and the near ultraviolet. We are actively developing high efficiency laser transmitter and high-sensitivity laser receiver systems that are suitable for spaceborne applications.

Electro-Optics↗