Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “data quality analysis”

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 1,243 records · Page 69

Typical and Unusual Properties of Magnetic Clouds during the WIND Era

A list of 33 magnetic clouds as identified in WIND magnetic field and plasma data has been compiled. The intervals for these events are provided as part of NASA/GSFC, WIND-MFI's Website under the URL http://lepmfi.qsfc.nasa.gov/mfi/mag_cloud publ.html#table The period covered in this study is from early 1995 to November 1998 which primarily occurs in the quiet part of the solar cycle. A force free, cylindrically symmetric, magnetic field model has been applied to the field data in 1-hour averaged form for all of these events (except one small event where 10 min avg's were used) and the resulting fit-parameters examined. Each event was provided a semi-quantitatively determined quality factor (excellent, good or poor). A set of 28 good or better cases, spanning a surprisingly large range of values for its various properties, was used for further analysis. These properties are, for example, durations, attitudes, sizes, asymmetries, axial field strengths, speeds, and relative impact parameters. They will be displayed and analyzed, along with some related derived quantities, with emphasis on typical vs unusual properties and on the magnetic fields magnetic clouds' relationships to the Sun and to upstream interplanetary shocks, where possible. For example, it is remarkable how narrowly distributed the speeds of these clouds are, and the overall average speed (390 techniques km/s) is less than that normally quoted for the average solar wind speed (420 km/s) despite the fact that many of these clouds are d"drivers" of interplanetary shocks. On average, a cloud appears to be a little less symmetric when the spacecraft is able to pass close to the cloud's axis as compared to a farther out passage. The average longitude and latitude (in GSE) of the axes of the clouds are 85 degrees and 8 degrees, respectively, with standard deviations near 40 degrees. Also, the half=yearly averaged axial magnetic flux has approximately tripled. almost monotonically, from about 6 to 17 X 10(exp 29) Mx over the first 3.5 years of consideration, but with a large uncertainty on each of the half-year estimates, because of small sampling. If true,this finding implies an approximate tripling of the events' solar fluxes over this period as it goes into solar maximum.

Lepping, R. P.↗

Engineering and Scientific Applications: Using MatLab(Registered Trademark) for Data Processing and Visualization

MatLab(TradeMark)(MATrix LABoratory) is a numerical computation and simulation tool that is used by thousands Scientists and Engineers in many countries. MatLab does purely numerical calculations, which can be used as a glorified calculator or interpreter programming language; its real strength is in matrix manipulations. Computer algebra functionalities are achieved within the MatLab environment using "symbolic" toolbox. This feature is similar to computer algebra programs, provided by Maple or Mathematica to calculate with mathematical equations using symbolic operations. MatLab in its interpreter programming language form (command interface) is similar with well known programming languages such as C/C++, support data structures and cell arrays to define classes in object oriented programming. As such, MatLab is equipped with most of the essential constructs of a higher programming language. MatLab is packaged with an editor and debugging functionality useful to perform analysis of large MatLab programs and find errors. We believe there are many ways to approach real-world problems; prescribed methods to ensure foregoing solutions are incorporated in design and analysis of data processing and visualization can benefit engineers and scientist in gaining wider insight in actual implementation of their perspective experiments. This presentation will focus on data processing and visualizations aspects of engineering and scientific applications. Specifically, it will discuss methods and techniques to perform intermediate-level data processing covering engineering and scientific problems. MatLab programming techniques including reading various data files formats to produce customized publication-quality graphics, importing engineering and/or scientific data, organizing data in tabular format, exporting data to be used by other software programs such as Microsoft Excel, data presentation and visualization will be discussed.

Sen, Syamal K.↗

Benchmark Data Set for Wheat Growth Models: Field Experiments and AgMIP Multi-Model Simulations.

The data set includes a current representative management treatment from detailed, quality-tested sentinel field experiments with wheat from four contrasting environments including Australia, The Netherlands, India and Argentina. Measurements include local daily climate data (solar radiation, maximum and minimum temperature, precipitation, surface wind, dew point temperature, relative humidity, and vapor pressure), soil characteristics, frequent growth, nitrogen in crop and soil, crop and soil water and yield components. Simulations include results from 27 wheat models and a sensitivity analysis with 26 models and 30 years (1981-2010) for each location, for elevated atmospheric CO2 and temperature changes, a heat stress sensitivity analysis at anthesis, and a sensitivity analysis with soil and crop management variations and a Global Climate Model end-century scenario.

climate change impact↗

An accuracy analysis of the LDAR system

An accuracy report of the Lightning Detection and Ranging System is presented. The effect of quantizing errors are modelled by use of a computer. The errors in the four configurations of the LDAR System are compared to the limiting errors in an ideal hyperbolic system. Performance data from the track of a jet plane and for the indicated position of a fixed lightning simulator are analyzed for dispersions in the data. Error models show the quality and the areas of highly accurate data, and show how the data deteriorates outside the primary measuring range.

Poehler, H. A.↗

Analysis of the interaction of an electron beam with back surface field solar cells

In this paper the short circuit current Isc induced by the electron beam of a scanning electron microscope in a back surface field solar cell will be determined theoretically. It will be shown that, in a configuration used previously for solar cells with an ohmic back surface, the Isc gives a convenient means for estimating the back surface recombination velocities and thus the quality of back surface field cells. Numerical data will be presented applicable to a point source model for the electron-hole pair generation.

Von Roos, O.↗

Testing and Validation of the Dynamic Inertia Measurement Method

The Dynamic Inertia Measurement (DIM) method uses a ground vibration test setup to determine the mass properties of an object using information from frequency response functions. Most conventional mass properties testing involves using spin tables or pendulum-based swing tests, which for large aerospace vehicles becomes increasingly difficult and time-consuming, and therefore expensive, to perform. The DIM method has been validated on small test articles but has not been successfully proven on large aerospace vehicles. In response, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Armstrong Flight Research Center (Edwards, California) conducted mass properties testing on an "iron bird" test article that is comparable in mass and scale to a fighter-type aircraft. The simple two-I-beam design of the "iron bird" was selected to ensure accurate analytical mass properties. Traditional swing testing was also performed to compare the level of effort, amount of resources, and quality of data with the DIM method. The DIM test showed favorable results for the center of gravity and moments of inertia; however, the products of inertia showed disagreement with analytical predictions.

moments of inertia↗

Shuttle Entry Air Data System

The SEADS system (Shuttle Entry Air Data System) is being developed to provide research quality hypersonic (M greater than 3.5) air data. SEADS will accomplish this through the instrumentation of the orbiter's baseline nose cap. The SEADS development program consists of (1) the design and testing program required to define a reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) nose cap penetration concept which will not degrade nose cap performance, (2) the definition of analytical techniques and design criteria for array definition and flight data analysis, (3) the verification of these analytical techniques and array criteria through a comprehensive wind-tunnel test program, (4) the demonstration of the system concept through detailed testing, and (5) the analyses and tests required to flight-certify the SEADS system.

Siemers, P. M., III↗

Recommendations resulting from the SPDS Community-Wide Workshop

The Data Systems Panel identified three critical functionalities of a Space Physics Data System (SPDS): the delivery of self-documenting data, the existence of a matrix of translators between various standard formats (IDFS, CDF, netCDF, HDF, TENNIS, UCLA flat file, and FITS), and a network-based capability for browsing and examining inventory records for the system's data holdings. The recommendations resulting from the workshop include the philosophy, funding, and objectives of a SPDS. Access to quality data is seen as the most important objective by the Policy Panel, with curation and information about the data being integral parts of any accessible data set. The Data Issues Panel concluded that the SPDS can supply encouragement, guidelines, and ultimately provide a mechanism for financial support for data archiving, restoration, and curation. The Software Panel of the SPDS focused on defining the requirements and priorities for SPDS to support common data analysis and data visualization tools and packages.

Source record↗

Comparisons of Temporal and Spatial Trends in the Spatially Complete Global Spectral Surface Albedos Products

Five years of spatially complete snow-free land surface albedo data have been prepared using high quality white-sky and black-sky land surface albedo observations (MOD43B3) from the MODIS instrument aboard NASA's Terra satellite platform. The data were generated using an updated ecosystem-dependent temporal interpolation technique. In this paper, we describe the refinements in the technique and the creation of a spatially complete snow-free five-year aggregate climatology product. This paper also describes an error analysis of the interpolation technique. The filled albedo products are examined through comparisons of temporal and spatial trends for pixels that have been filled versus pixels that have been retained in the original MOD43B3 values. The variability in the trends showcase how the filling technique maintains the pixel-level spatial, spectral, and temporal integrity of the MOD43B3 data. These comparisons are made for both a single-year of filled data, year 2002, and for the five-year aggregate climatology product.

Moody, Eric G.↗

Automated quality control for stitching of textile articles

Quality control for stitching of a textile article is performed by measuring thread tension in the stitches as the stitches are being made, determining locations of the stitches, and generating a map including the locations and stitching data derived from the measured thread tensions. The stitching data can be analyzed, off-line or in real time, to identify defective stitches. Defective stitches can then be repaired. Real time analysis of the thread tensions allows problems such as broken needle threads to be corrected immediately.

Miller, Jeffrey L.↗

Mars Entry Atmospheric Data System Trajectory Reconstruction Algorithms and Flight Results

The Mars Entry Atmospheric Data System is a part of the Mars Science Laboratory, Entry, Descent, and Landing Instrumentation project. These sensors are a system of seven pressure transducers linked to ports on the entry vehicle forebody to record the pressure distribution during atmospheric entry. These measured surface pressures are used to generate estimates of atmospheric quantities based on modeled surface pressure distributions. Specifically, angle of attack, angle of sideslip, dynamic pressure, Mach number, and freestream atmospheric properties are reconstructed from the measured pressures. Such data allows for the aerodynamics to become decoupled from the assumed atmospheric properties, allowing for enhanced trajectory reconstruction and performance analysis as well as an aerodynamic reconstruction, which has not been possible in past Mars entry reconstructions. This paper provides details of the data processing algorithms that are utilized for this purpose. The data processing algorithms include two approaches that have commonly been utilized in past planetary entry trajectory reconstruction, and a new approach for this application that makes use of the pressure measurements. The paper describes assessments of data quality and preprocessing, and results of the flight data reduction from atmospheric entry, which occurred on August 5th, 2012.

Karlgaard, Christopher D.↗

Multi-model Mean Nitrogen and Sulfur Deposition from the Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate Model Intercomparison Project (ACCMIP): Evaluation Historical and Projected Changes

We present multi-model global datasets of nitrogen and sulfate deposition covering time periods from 1850 to 2100, calculated within the Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate Model Intercomparison Project (ACCMIP). The computed deposition fluxes are compared to surface wet deposition and ice-core measurements. We use a new dataset of wet deposition for 2000-2002 based on critical assessment of the quality of existing regional network data. We show that for present-day (year 2000 ACCMIP time-slice), the ACCMIP results perform similarly to previously published multi-model assessments. For this time slice, we find a multi-model mean deposition of 50 Tg(N) yr1 from nitrogen oxide emissions, 60 Tg(N) yr1 from ammonia emissions, and 83 Tg(S) yr1 from sulfur emissions. The analysis of changes between 1980 and 2000 indicates significant differences between model and measurements over the United States but less so over Europe. This difference points towards misrepresentation of 1980 NH3 emissions over North America. Based on ice-core records, the 1850 deposition fluxes agree well with Greenland ice cores but the change between 1850 and 2000 seems to be overestimated in the Northern Hemisphere for both nitrogen and sulfur species. Using the Representative Concentration Pathways to define the projected climate and atmospheric chemistry related emissions and concentrations, we find large regional nitrogen deposition increases in 2100 in Latin America, Africa and parts of Asia under some of the scenarios considered. Increases in South Asia are especially large, and are seen in all scenarios, with 2100 values more than double 2000 in some scenarios and reaching 1300 mg(N) m2 yr1 averaged over regional to continental scale regions in RCP 2.6 and 8.5, 3050 larger than the values in any region currently (2000). The new ACCMIP deposition dataset provides novel, consistent and evaluated global gridded deposition fields for use in a wide range of climate and ecological studies.

Lamarque, J.-F.↗

Multi-Model Mean Nitrogen and Sulfur Deposition from the Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate Model Intercomparison Project (ACCMIP): Evaluation of Historical and Projected Future Changes

We present multi-model global datasets of nitrogen and sulfate deposition covering time periods from 1850 to 2100, calculated within the Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate Model Intercomparison Project (ACCMIP). The computed deposition fluxes are compared to surface wet deposition and ice core measurements.We use a new dataset of wet deposition for 2000-2002 based on critical assessment of the quality of existing regional network data. We show that for present day (year 2000 ACCMIP time slice), the ACCMIP results perform similarly to previously published multi-model assessments. For this time slice, we find a multimodel mean deposition of approximately 50 Tg(N) yr−1 from nitrogen oxide emissions, 60 Tg(N) yr−1 from ammonia emissions, and 83 Tg(S) yr−1 from sulfur emissions. The analysis of changes between 1980 and 2000 indicates significant differences between model and measurements over the United States but less so over Europe. This difference points towards a potential misrepresentation of 1980 NH3 emissions over North America. Based on ice core records, the 1850 deposition fluxes agree well with Greenland ice cores, but the change between 1850 and 2000 seems to be overestimated in the Northern Hemisphere for both nitrogen and sulfur species. Using the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) to define the projected climate and atmospheric chemistry related emissions and concentrations, we find large regional nitrogen deposition increases in 2100 in Latin America, Africa and parts of Asia under some of the scenarios considered. Increases in South Asia are especially large, and are seen in all scenarios, with 2100 values more than double their 2000 counterpart in some scenarios and reaching >1300 mg(N)m−2 yr−1 averaged over regional to continental-scale regions in RCP 2.6 and 8.5, 30-50% larger than the values in any region currently (circa 2000). However, sulfur deposition rates in 2100 are in all regions lower than in 2000 in all the RCPs. The new ACCMIP multimodel deposition dataset provides state-of-the-science, consistent and evaluated time slice (spanning 1850-2100) global gridded deposition fields for use in a wide range of climate and ecological studies.

Lamarque, J.-F.↗

Recent Advances in LIBS for Real-Time Detection of Silicone Contaminants on CFRP Surfaces

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a materials characterization technique that has been advanced and refined to provide in situ, real-time quality control of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) surfaces. As part of an effort to improve process control for adhesive bonding, a LIBS system was designed and assembled at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) to enable detection of ultralow concentrations of silicone contamination on CFRP adherends. The LIBS instrument provides high sensitivity detection and quasi-nondestructive surface characterization of CFRP adherends prior to adhesive bonding. This review focuses on the advancements at LaRC using LIBS as a quality control tool for the detection of silicone contaminants for improved adhesive bonding reliability of CFRP materials. This work describes how the LIBS technique was advanced by analyzing the laser parameters, studying the laser-matter interactions, and performing time-resolved measurements to determine the optimal plasma conditions for elemental detection. In addition, LIBS results were compared to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data to enable quantitative analysis from analytical calibration curves. Examples are shown of how to perform surface mapping of silicone contamination. Finally, a brief discussion is also presented on LIBS instrumentation, recommendations for laser parameters and instrumentation components, and LIBS technique maturity.

Surface characterization, Carbon fiber reinforced ↗

Recent Advances in LIBS for Real-Time Detection of Silicone Contaminants on CFRP Surfaces

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a materials characterization technique that has been advanced and refined to provide in situ, real-time quality control of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) surfaces. As part of an effort to improve process control for adhesive bonding, aLIBS system was designed and assembled at the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) to enable detection of ultra low concentrations of silicone contamination on CFRP adherends. The LIBS instrument provides high sensitivity detection and quasi-nondestructive surface characterization ofCFRP adherends prior to adhesive bonding. This review focuses on the advancements at LaRC using LIBS as a quality control tool for the detection of silicone contaminants for improved adhesive bonding reliability of CFRP materials. This work describes how the LIBS technique was advanced by analyzing the laser parameters, studying the laser-matter interactions, and performing time-resolved measurements to determine the optimal plasma conditions for elemental detection. In addition, LIBS results were compared to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data to enable quantitative analysis from analytical calibration curves. Examples are shown of how to perform surface mapping of silicone contamination. Finally, a brief discussion is presented on LIBS instrumentation, recommendations for laser parameters and instrumentation components, and LIBS technique maturity

Rodolfo I. Ledesma↗

Feasibility study: Replacement of the inoperative decommutating buffer subsystem for the instrumentation checkout complex in the Quality and Reliability Assurance Laboratory

A general purpose computer system, that is necessary for replacement of the present inoperative signal decommutator special purpose computer subsystem is described. The present decommutator subsystem has a very poor history of reliability and since April 1970, it has become inoperative because the core memory cannot be repaired. Functions of the present signal, decommutator subsystem are to receive, demultiplex, record in real time, playback in real time, and output to the SDS-930 control computer for analysis of the telemetry data. Recommendations for replacement of the inoperative telemetry decommutator subsystem are for the purchase of a mini-computer.

Hilliard, J. W.↗

Population Viability Analysis (PVA) as a Platform for Predicting Outcomes of Management Options for the Florida Scrub-Jay in Brevard County

The Florida scrub-jay (FSJ) is a species in decline because of extinction debt caused by habitat fragmentation and degradation. Understanding and managing the species and its habitats is challenging due to the complex interactions among the social system, a dynamic mosaic of scrub habitat, and active management. To provide insights into the possible fates of the FSJ populations of mainland, cape, and island sections of Brevard County, we modeled the population dynamics using the Vortex population viability analysis (PVA) software. Vortex is an individual-based simulation that allowed us to include such factors as demographic rates dependent on habitat state, impact of helpers on breeding success, and helper to breeder transition probabilities responding to availability of nearby vacant optimal habitat and vacancies due to the death of breeders. Detailed modeling of the FSJ was possible only because a lot of data about the species and its habitats have been gathered over decades of intensive research. We followed a phased approach to constructing population models that incorporated the best available science and data to address a variety of conservation actions. The first phase focused on constructing a model that incorporates sociobiology and source-sink habitat dynamics. This model allowed us to address some of the most important questions about population size and habitat quality. Once the model framework was in place, we considered the real landscapes and actual local populations, rather than just generic representations of typical FSJ dynamics. After examining the viability of the metapopulations under current conditions, we explored the likely consequences of various management actions that might slow or reverse population declines.

Population Viability Analysis↗

Near real-time air quality forecasts using the NASA GEOS model

NASA's Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) produces high-resolution global forecasts for weather, aerosols, and air quality. The NASA Global Earth Observing System (GEOS) model has been expanded to provide global near-real-time5-day forecasts of atmospheric composition at unprecedented horizontal resolution of 0.25 degrees (~25 km). This composition forecast system (GEOS-CF) combines the operational GEOS weather forecasting model with the state-of-the-science GEOS-Chem chemistry module (version 12) to provide detailed analysis of a wide range of air pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Satellite observations are assimilated into the system for improved representation of weather and smoke. The assimilation system is being expanded to include chemically reactive trace gases. We discuss current capabilities of the GEOS Constituent Data Assimilation System (CoDAS) to improve atmospheric composition modeling and possible future directions, notably incorporating new observations (TROPOMI, geostationary satellites) and machine learning techniques. We show how machine learning techniques can be used to correct for sub-grid-scale variability, which further improves model estimates at a given observation site.

Air Quality Forecast↗