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NASA NTRS2022

A Scalable Framework for Post Fire Debris Flow Hazard Assessment Using Satellite Precipitation Data

Wildfire is a global phenomenon that has dramatic effects on erosion and flood potential. On steep slopes, burned areas are more likely to experience significant overland flow during heavy rainfall leading to post fire debris flows (PFDFs). Previous work establishes methods for PFDF hazard assessment, often relying on regional-scale parameterizations with in-situ rainfall measurements to categorize hazard as a function of meteorological and surface properties. We present a globally scalable approach to extend the benefit these models provide to new areas. Our new model relies on publicly available satellite-based inputs with a global extent to provide first order hazard assessments of recently burned areas. Our results show it is possible to identify the conditions relevant for PFDF-initiation processes across a variety of physiographic settings. Improvements to satellite borne rainfall intensity data and increased availability of PFDF occurrence data worldwide are expected to enhance model skill and applicability further.

Wildfire↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Land-Atmosphere Coupling Simulation and Its Role in Subseasonal-to-Seasonal Prediction

Land-atmosphere (L-A) coupling can significantly influence subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) prediction. During periods of strong L-A coupling, land-atmosphere feedbacks are expected to enhance the memory of the system and therefore also the predictability and prediction skill. This study aims to evaluate S2S prediction of ambient surface air temperature under conditions of strong versus weak L-A coupling in forecasts.

Yuna Lim↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Thermal Cycle and Capacitance Testing of Mezzo Industries Phase Change Material Heat Capacitor

A phase change material heat capacitor prototype, designed and built under a NASA Small Business Innovation Research grant by Mezzo Technologies, was tested through coolant thermal cycling within the expected flow rates and temperature range of the Orion spacecraft’s propylene glycol-water mixture coolant system. Testing was performed with the phase change material contained under sealed conditions after a degassing procedure and exposed to atmosphere without prior degassing. The useful heat storage capacitance was measured and compared to Orion spacecraft requirements and theoretical N-Pentadecane storage capacity.

Propylene Glycol Water↗

NASA NTRS1987

Expansion of space station diagnostic capability to include serological identification of viral and bacterial infections

It is necessary that an adequate microbiology capability be provided as part of the Health Maintenance Facility (HMF) to support expected microbial disease events during long periods of space flight. The applications of morphological and biochemical studies to confirm the presence of certain bacterial and fungal disease agents are currently available and under consideration. This confirmation would be greatly facilitated through employment of serological methods to aid in the identification for not only bacterial and fungal agents, but viruses as well. A number of serological approached were considered, particularly the use of Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs), which could be utilized during space flight conditions. A solid phase, membrane supported ELISA for the detection of Bordetella pertussis was developed to show a potential model system that would meet the HMF requirements and specifications for the future space station. A second model system for the detection of Legionella pneumophilia, an expected bacterial disease agent, is currently under investigation.

Hejtmancik, Kelly E.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Material Characterization and Geometric Segmentation of a Composite Structure Using Microfocus X-Ray Computed Tomography Image-Based Finite Element Modeling

This study utilizes microfocus x-ray computed tomography (CT) slice sets to model and characterize the damage locations and sizes in thermal protection system materials that underwent impact testing. ScanIP/FE software is used to visualize and process the slice sets, followed by mesh generation on the segmented volumetric rendering. Then, the local stress fields around several of the damaged regions are calculated for realistic mission profiles that subject the sample to extreme temperature and other severe environmental conditions. The resulting stress fields are used to quantify damage severity and make an assessment as to whether damage that did not penetrate to the base material can still result in catastrophic failure of the structure. It is expected that this study will demonstrate that finite element modeling based on an accurate three-dimensional rendered model from a series of CT slices is an essential tool to quantify the internal macroscopic defects and damage of a complex system made out of thermal protection material. Results obtained showing details of segmented images; three-dimensional volume-rendered models, finite element meshes generated, and the resulting thermomechanical stress state due to impact loading for the material are presented and discussed. Further, this study is conducted to exhibit certain high-caliber capabilities that the nondestructive evaluation (NDE) group at NASA Glenn Research Center can offer to assist in assessing the structural durability of such highly specialized materials so improvements in their performance and capacities to handle harsh operating conditions can be made.

Abdul-Aziz, Ali↗

NASA NTRS1995

Vibrational and Electronic Energy Transfer and Dissociation of Diatomic Molecules by Electron Collisions

At high altitudes and velocities equal to or greater than the geosynchronous return velocity (10 kilometers per second), the shock layer of a hypersonic flight will be in thermochemical nonequilibrium and partially ionized. The amount of ionization is determined by the velocity. For a trans atmospheric flight of 10 kilometers per second and at an altitude of 80 kilometers, a maximum of 1% ionization is expected. At a velocity of 12 - 17 kilometer per second, such as a Mars return mission, up to 30% of the atoms and molecules in the flow field will be ionized. Under those circumstances, electrons play an important role in determining the internal states of atoms and molecules in the flow field and hence the amount of radiative heat load and the distance it takes for the flow field to re-establish equilibrium. Electron collisions provide an effective means of transferring energy even when the electron number density is as low as 1%. Because the mass of an electron is 12,760 times smaller than the reduced mass of N2, its average speed, and hence its average collision frequency, is more than 100 times larger. Even in the slightly ionized regime with only 1% electrons, the frequency of electron-molecule collisions is equal to or larger than that of molecule-molecule collisions, an important consideration in the low density part of the atmosphere. Three electron-molecule collision processes relevant to hypersonic flows will be considered: (1) vibrational excitation/de-excitation of a diatomic molecule by electron impact, (2) electronic excitation/de-excitation, and (3) dissociative recombination in electron-diatomic ion collisions. A review of available data, both theory and experiment, will be given. Particular attention will be paid to tailoring the molecular physics to the condition of hypersonic flows. For example, the high rotational temperatures in a hypersonic flow field means that most experimental data carried out under room temperatures are not applicable. Also, the average electron temperature is expected to be between 10,000 and 20,000 K. Thus only data for low energy electrons are relevant to the model.

Huo, Winifred M.↗

NASA NTRS1967

Relationship Between Magnitude of Applied Spin Recovery Moment and Ensuing Number of Recovery Turns

An analytical study has been made to investigate the relationship between the magnitude of the applied spin recovery moment and the ensuing number of turns made during recovery from a developed spin with a view toward determining how to interpolate or extrapolate spin recovery results with regard to determining the amount of control required for a satisfactory recovery. Five configurations were used which are considered to be representative of modern airplanes: a delta-wing fighter, a stub-wing research vehicle, a boostglide configuration, a supersonic trainer, and a sweptback-wing fighter. The results obtained indicate that there is a direct relationship between the magnitude of the applied spin recovery moments and the ensuing number of recovery turns made and that this relationship can be expressed in either simple multiplicative or exponential form. Either type of relationship was adequate for interpolating or extrapolating to predict turns required for recovery with satisfactory accuracy for configurations having relatively steady recovery motions. Any two recoveries from the same developed spin condition can be used as a basis for the predicted results provided these recoveries are obtained with the same ratio of recovery control deflections. No such predictive method can be expected to give satisfactory results for oscillatory recoveries.

SPIN DYNAMICS↗

NASA NTRS1972

Broadening of the D lines and the relaxation of the resonance levels of sodium due to collisions with helium.

Calculated potentials for the NaHe molecule are used to obtain collision-induced widths and shifts for the sodium D lines together with cross sections for fine-structure transitions and the relaxation of the multipole polarizations of the resonance levels. The atomic collision is treated in an adiabatic approximation in which the colliding atoms form a molecular system which rotates during the collision. We find the resonance lines to be broadened equally and to be approximately 70% wider, and with associated shifts of an order of magnitude smaller, than expected on the basis of van der Waals forces. The dependence of the cross sections for relaxation of the multipole polarizations of the resonance levels on the molecular-coupling conditions and the rotation of the system during collision is discussed and indicates a limitation of the sum rule for these cross sections.

Lewis, E. L.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Investigation of nonlinear inviscid and viscous flow effects in the analysis of dynamic stall

A method for analyzing unsteady airfoil stall was refined by including nonlinear effects in the representation of the inviscid flow. Certain other aspects of the potential-flow model were reexamined and the effects of varying Reynolds number on stall characteristics were investigated. Refinement of the formulation improved the representation of the flow and chordwise pressure distribution below stall, but substantial quantitative differences between computed and measured results are still evident for sinusoidal pitching through stall. Agreement is substantially improved by assuming the growth rate of the dead-air region at the onset of leading-edge stall is of the order of the component of the free stream normal to the airfoil chordline. The method predicts the expected increase in the resistance to stalling with increasing Reynolds number. Results indicate that a given airfoil can undergo both trailing-edge and leading-edge stall under unsteady conditions.

Crimi, P.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Grains of anomalous isotopic composition from novae

The effects of grain formation in nova ejecta are studied in order to model the optical and infrared luminosities schematically and to identify the anomalies of isotopic composition that should be present in large abundance in these grains. The large carbon concentration makes rapid and efficient grain formation possible and accounts for the peculiar luminosities observed in Nova Serpentis 1970. In the anticipated range of nova conditions, rapid addition of hot protons during the outburst produces large overabundances of C-13, O-18, Na-22, Al-26, Si-30, and perhaps others. Anomalous C-14 is expected subsequent to the C-13(alpha, n)O-16 reaction, and will be trapped in grains formed by subsequent atmospheric loss. Each of these anomalies may have been detected on the moon (due to accretion of interstellar dust) or in carbonaceous chondrites. Perhaps nova grains are responsible.

Clayton, D. D.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Argon hollow cathode

An interest in alternate propellants for ion-bombardment thrusters, together with ground applications of this technology, has prompted consideration of argon. Several variations of conventional hollow cathode designs were tried, but the bulk of the testing used a hollow tube with an internal tungsten emitter and an orifice at one end. The optimum cathode tube diameter was found to be in the range of 1.0-2.5 cm, somewhat larger than those used for cesium and mercury. Optimum orifice diameter depended on operating conditions, and varied from 0.5 to 5 mm. Biasing the internal emitter negative relative to the cathode chamber reduced the external coupling voltage and should therefore improve orifice lifetime. The expected effect of this bias on emitter lifetime was less clear. Lifetime tests were not conducted as part of this investigation, but several designs show promise of long lifetime in specific applications.

Rehn, L. A.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Comparison of electrochemical and thermal storage for hybrid parabolic dish solar power plants

The economic and operating performance of a parabolic point focus array of solar electricity generators combined with either battery or thermal energy storage are examined. Noting that low-cost, mass-producible power generating units are under development for the point focus of distributed dishes, that Zn-Cl battery tests will begin in 1981 and a 100 kWh Na-S battery in 1983, the state of thermal storage requires acceleration to reach the prototype status of the batteries. Under the assumptions of 10,000 units/yr with an expected 30 yr lifetime, cost comparisons are developed for 10 types of advanced batteries. A 5 MWe plant with full thermal or 80% battery storage discharge when demand occurs in conditions of no insolation is considered, specifically for Fe-Cr redox batteries. A necessity for the doubling of fuel prices from 1980 levels by 1990 is found in order to make the systems with batteries economically competitive.

Steele, H. L.↗

NASA NTRS1986

The dating of pre-exposure times of lunar rocks and soils

Xenon produced by fission of uranium, thorium and plutonium has repeatedly been observed in lunar rocks and soils. In two basaltic rocks and in two soils Xe was found originating from fission of U-235 induced by neutrons which are due to the interactions of cosmic ray particles with lunar matter. Two facts lead to this conclusion: (1) fission Xe is present in excess of that expected for the U, Th, and Pu concentrations and for the gas retention age of the samples; and (2) the Xe-134/Xe-136 ratio of excess fission Xe is close to 1.25 as expected for neutron induced fission of U-235. Information on the duration of the exposure to cosmic rays was obtained from the Kr-81-Kr systematics whereas the effective shielding conditions were derived from the depth sensitive cosmogenic ratio Xe-131/Xe-126. For the four samples the exposure to cosmic rays in the lunar regolith is described by a two stage exposure model. The history of the four samples was derived in terms of duration and shielding depth of the two stages.

Eugster, O.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Clast sizes in terrestrial and Martian ignimbrite lag deposits

A theoretical model for predicting the sizes of clasts which may be expected in proximal ignimbrite deposits on the earth and Mars is developed. The model can provide an explanation of the eruption mechanism. It takes into account the inside and outside conditions of a vent from which a large-scale pyroclastic flow takes place. The drag forces exerted by the dusty gas on relatively large clasts are also taken into account. The sizes of the largest clasts that contribute to a proximal lag breccia deposit can thus be deduced. The analysis has shown that the pressure at the surface vent level in an ignimbrite-forming eruption is independent of the planetary atmospheric pressure; the gravity and vent size then become the major factors controlling the size of the largest clast which can be erupted.

Wilson, Lionel↗

NASA NTRS1991

The evolution of void-filled cosmological structures

1D, 2D, and 3D simulations are used here to investigate the salient features in the evolution of void-filled cosmological structures in universes with arbitrary values of Omega. It is found that the growth of a void as a function of time decreases significantly at the time corresponding to Omega = 0.5. In models constructed in 2D and 3D, suitable initial conditions lead to cellular structure with faceted voids similar to those observed in redshift surveys. Matter compressed to planes flows more rapidly toward condensations at the intersections than would be expected for spherical infall. The peculiar streaming velocities for void diameters of 5000 km/s should be observable. The simulations provide a more physical basis and dynamics for the bubbly and Voronois tesselation models used to derive statistical properties of cellular large-scale structure.

Regos, Eniko↗

NASA NTRS1994

Psychophysiology in microgravity and the role of exercise

The Space Transportation-Shuttle (STS) Program has greatly expanded our capabilities in space by allowing for missions to be flown more frequently, less expensively, and to encompass a greater range of goals than ever before. However, the scope of the United State's role and involvement in space is currently at the edge of a new and exciting era. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has plans for placing an orbiting space station (Space Station Freedom) into operation before the year 2000. Space Station Freedom promises to redefine the extent of our involvement in space even further than the STS program. Space Station crewmembers will be expected to spend extended periods of time (approximately 30 to 180 days) in space exposed to an extremely diverse and adverse environment (e.g., the major adversity being the chronic microgravity condition). Consequently, the detrimental effects of exposure to the microgravity environment is of primary importance to the biomedical community responsible for the health and well-being of the crewmembers. Space flight and microgravity exposure present a unique set of stressors for the crewmember; weightlessness, danger, isolation/confinement, irregular work-rest cycles, separation from family/friends, and mission/ground crew interrelationships. A great deal is beginning to be known about the physiological changes associated with microgravity exposure, however, limited objective psychological findings exist. Examination of this latter area will become of critical concern as NASA prepares to place crewmembers on the longer space missions that will be required on Space Station Freedom. Psychological factors, such as interpersonal relations will become increasingly important issues, especially as crews become more heterogeneous in the way of experience, professional background, and assigned duties. In an attempt to minimize the detrimental physiological effects of prolonged space flight and microgravity exposure, the United States and Russian space agencies have taken steps to implement various countermeasure programs. One of the principle countermeasures used by both nations is exercise during space flight. The purpose is to present a brief overview of the major research findings examining the psychophysiological changes associated with microgravity exposure, and to address the potential role of exercise as a countermeasure in affecting these psychophysiological changes.

Shaw, J. M.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Structural analysis of airborne flux estimates over a region

Aircraft-based observations of turbulence fields of velocity, moisture, and temperature are used to study coherent turbulent structures that dominate turbulent transfer of moisture and heat above three different eco-systems. Flux traces are defragmented, to reconstruct the presumed full size (along the sampled transect) of these structures, and flux traces are simplified by elimination of those that contribute negligibly to the flux estimate. Structures are analyzed in terms of size, spatial distribution, and contribution to the flux, in the four 'quadrant' modes of eddy-covariance transfer (excess up/down and deficit up/down). The effect of nonlinear detrending of moisture and temperature data on this 'structural analysis,' over surfaces with heterogeneous surface wetness, is also examined. Results over grassland, wetland, and moist and dry agricultural land, show that nonlinear detrending may provide a more physically realistic description of structures. Significant differences are observed between structure size and associated relative flux contribution, between moist and dry areas, with smaller structures playing a more important role over the moist areas. Structure size generally increases with height, as spatial reorganization from smaller structures into larger ones takes place. This coincides with a gradual loss of surface 'signature' (position and clustering of plumes above localized source areas). The data are expected to provide a basis for an eventual statistical description of boundary-layer transfer events , and help to interpret the link between boundary-layer transfer and hydrological surface conditions.

Caramori, Paulo↗

NASA NTRS1994

Modulations of stratospheric ozone by volcanic eruptions

We have used a time series of aerosol surface based on the measurements of Hofmann to investigate the modulation of total column ozone caused by the perturbation to gas phase chemistry by the reaction N2O5(gas) + H2O(aero) yields 2HNO3(gas) on the surface of stratospheric aerosols. We have tested a range of values for its reaction probability, gamma = 0.02, 0.13, and 0.26 which we compared to unperturbed homogeneous chemistry. Our analysis spans a period from Jan. 1974 to Oct. 1994. The results suggest that if lower values of gamma are the norm then we would expect larger ozone losses for highly enhanced aerosol content that for larger values of gamma. The ozone layer is more sensitive to the magnitude of the reaction probability under background conditions than during volcanically active periods. For most conditions, the conversion of NO2 to HNO3 is saturated for reaction probability in the range of laboratory measurements, but is only absolutely saturated following major volcanic eruptions when the heterogeneous loss dominates the losses of N2O5. The ozone loss due to this heterogeneous reaction increases with the increasing chlorine load. Total ozone losses calculated are comparable to ozone losses reported from TOMS and Dobson data.

Blanchette, Christian↗