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AIRS Level 2 Data Products

The Atmospheric InfraRed Sounder (AIRS) Standard Retrieval Product consists of retrieved cloud and surface properties; profiles of retrieved temperature, water vapor, and ozone; and a flag indicating the presence of cloud ice or water. They contain quality assessment flags in addition to retrieved quantities and are generated for all locations where atmospheric soundings are taken. An AIRS granule consists of 6 minutes of data. This corresponds to approximately 1/15 of an orbit but exactly 45 scan lines of AMSU-A data or 135 scan lines of AIRS and HSB data.

Vicente, Gilberto↗

Evolution of Web Services in EOSDIS: Search and Order Metadata Registry (ECHO)

During 2005 through 2008, NASA defined and implemented a major evolutionary change in it Earth Observing system Data and Information System (EOSDIS) to modernize its capabilities. This implementation was based on a vision for 2015 developed during 2005. The EOSDIS 2015 Vision emphasizes increased end-to-end data system efficiency and operability; increased data usability; improved support for end users; and decreased operations costs. One key feature of the Evolution plan was achieving higher operational maturity (ingest, reconciliation, search and order, performance, error handling) for the NASA s Earth Observing System Clearinghouse (ECHO). The ECHO system is an operational metadata registry through which the scientific community can easily discover and exchange NASA's Earth science data and services. ECHO contains metadata for 2,726 data collections comprising over 87 million individual data granules and 34 million browse images, consisting of NASA s EOSDIS Data Centers and the United States Geological Survey's Landsat Project holdings. ECHO is a middleware component based on a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA). The system is comprised of a set of infrastructure services that enable the fundamental SOA functions: publish, discover, and access Earth science resources. It also provides additional services such as user management, data access control, and order management. The ECHO system has a data registry and a services registry. The data registry enables organizations to publish EOS and other Earth-science related data holdings to a common metadata model. These holdings are described through metadata in terms of datasets (types of data) and granules (specific data items of those types). ECHO also supports browse images, which provide a visual representation of the data. The published metadata can be mapped to and from existing standards (e.g., FGDC, ISO 19115). With ECHO, users can find the metadata stored in the data registry and then access the data either directly online or through a brokered order to the data archive organization. ECHO stores metadata from a variety of science disciplines and domains, including Climate Variability and Change, Carbon Cycle and Ecosystems, Earth Surface and Interior, Atmospheric Composition, Weather, and Water and Energy Cycle. ECHO also has a services registry for community-developed search services and data services. ECHO provides a platform for the publication, discovery, understanding and access to NASA s Earth Observation resources (data, service and clients). In their native state, these data, service and client resources are not necessarily targeted for use beyond their original mission. However, with the proper interoperability mechanisms, users of these resources can expand their value, by accessing, combining and applying them in unforeseen ways.

Mitchell, Andrew↗

TESS Lens-Bezel Assembly Modal Testing

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) program, led by the Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) will be the first-ever spaceborne all-sky transit survey. MIT Lincoln Laboratory is responsible for the cameras, including the lens assemblies, detector assemblies, lens hoods, and camera mounts. TESS is scheduled to be launched in August of 2017 with the primary goal to detect small planets with bright host starts in the solar neighborhood, so that detailed characterizations of the planets and their atmospheres can be performed. The TESS payload consists of four identical cameras and a data handling unit. Each camera consists of a lens assembly with seven optical elements and a detector assembly with four charge-coupled devices (CCDs) including their associated electronics. The optical prescription requires that several of the lenses are in close proximity to a neighboring element. A finite element model (FEM) was developed to estimate the relative deflections between each lens-bezel assembly under launch loads to predict that there are adequate clearances preventing the lenses from making contact. Modal tests using non-contact response measurements were conducted to experimentally estimate the modal parameters of the lens-bezel assembly, and used to validate the initial FEM assumptions. Key Words Non-contact measurements, modal analysis, model validation

Modal Testing↗

The Influence of Roughness on Gear Surface Fatigue

Gear working surfaces are subjected to repeated rolling and sliding contacts, and often designs require loads sufficient to cause eventual fatigue of the surface. This research provides experimental data and analytical tools to further the understanding of the causal relationship of gear surface roughness to surface fatigue. The research included evaluations and developments of statistical tools for gear fatigue data, experimental evaluation of the surface fatigue lives of superfinished gears with a near-mirror quality, and evaluations of the experiments by analytical methods and surface inspections. Alternative statistical methods were evaluated using Monte Carlo studies leading to a final recommendation to describe gear fatigue data using a Weibull distribution, maximum likelihood estimates of shape and scale parameters, and a presumed zero-valued location parameter. A new method was developed for comparing two datasets by extending the current methods of likelihood-ratio based statistics. The surface fatigue lives of superfinished gears were evaluated by carefully controlled experiments, and it is shown conclusively that superfinishing of gears can provide for significantly greater lives relative to ground gears. The measured life improvement was approximately a factor of five. To assist with application of this finding to products, the experimental condition was evaluated. The fatigue life results were expressed in terms of specific film thickness and shown to be consistent with bearing data. Elastohydrodynamic and stress analyses were completed to relate the stress condition to fatigue. Smooth-surface models do not adequately explain the improved fatigue lives. Based on analyses using a rough surface model, it is concluded that the improved fatigue lives of superfinished gears is due to a reduced rate of near-surface micropitting fatigue processes, not due to any reduced rate of spalling (sub-surface) fatigue processes. To complete the evaluations, surface inspection were completed. The surface topographies of the ground gears changed substantially due to running, but the topographies of the superfinished gears were essentially unchanged with running.

Krantz, Timothy↗

Materials And Processes Technical Information System (MAPTIS) LDEF materials database

The Materials and Processes Technical Information System (MAPTIS) is a collection of materials data which was computerized and is available to engineers in the aerospace community involved in the design and development of spacecraft and related hardware. Consisting of various database segments, MAPTIS provides the user with information such as material properties, test data derived from tests specifically conducted for qualification of materials for use in space, verification and control, project management, material information, and various administrative requirements. A recent addition to the project management segment consists of materials data derived from the LDEF flight. This tremendous quantity of data consists of both pre-flight and post-flight data in such diverse areas as optical/thermal, mechanical and electrical properties, atomic concentration surface analysis data, as well as general data such as sample placement on the satellite, A-O flux, equivalent sun hours, etc. Each data point is referenced to the primary investigator(s) and the published paper from which the data was taken. The MAPTIS system is envisioned to become the central location for all LDEF materials data. This paper consists of multiple parts, comprising a general overview of the MAPTIS System and the types of data contained within, and the specific LDEF data element and the data contained in that segment.

Davis, John M.↗

The thermal structure of Jupiter. I - Implications of Pioneer 10 infrared radiometer data

Temperature profiles for low latitude regions of Jupiter in the 1.0-0.1 bar pressure regime are recovered from Pioneer 10 infrared radiometer data. The temperature near 0.1 bar is 108-117 K, depending on the overlying thermal structure assumed. For the South Equatorial Belt (SEB), the temperature at 1.0 bar is 170 K, assuming an adiabatic lapse rate in the deep atmosphere. The South Tropical Zone temperature at this level is 155 K if pure gaseous absorption is assumed. The temperature is much closer to that in the SEB, assuming the presence of an optically opaque cloud near the 0.6 atm (145 K) level. Such a cloud presence in the STrZ may be correlated with the visible and 5 micron appearance of the planet and with NH3 saturation just below this position. The molar fraction of H2 most consistent with the data is 0.91 + or - 0.08. The effective temperatures of the SEB and STrZ are 127.6 and 124.2 K, respectively. A discrepancy with the preliminary neutral atmosphere inversion of Pioneer 10 radio occultation data remains unexplained.

Orton, G. S.↗

Quantitative validation of Ames IR intensity and new line lists for (32/33/34)S(16)O2, (32)S(18)O2 and (16)O(32)S(18)O

The quality of Ames-296K SO2 Infrared (IR) line list intensities is first validated by quantitative exploration of several dipole moment surfaces (DMSs) and partition sum convergence. The DMSs are computed with several of Dunning’s correlation-consistent basis sets and their vibrational dependence are compared to the empirical model derived from Stark effect experiments reported by D. Patel, D. Margolese, and T.R. Dykea [J.Chem.Phys. 70, 2740 (1979)]. The effective dipole deviations from the DMS adopted in the Ames IR lists is 0.2-0.4% for vibrational states up to 3v3. The vibrational dependence of the dipole moment is also in good agreement, except for nv1. Partition sum convergence at 296K is confirmed by new calculations with rotational quantum number J up to 150 and upper state E’ up to 8000 cm-1. The isotopologue consistency of the Ames IR line lists is superior relative to the regular Effective Hamiltonian (EH) models and Effective Dipole Moment (EDM) models. The v1+v2 and v2+v3 intensity consistency check reveals the recently reported experimental intensities need significant improvement or re-analysis. After the accuracy, convergence, and isotopologue consistency have been confirmed, the theoretical Ames-296K intensities are combined with the experimental line positions or EH models that experimental spectroscopists published after 2009. Three high-resolution IR line sets are reported for the (32/33/34)S(16)O2, (32)S(18)O2 and (16)O(32)S(18)O isotopologues: (1) the “New Lines Sets” include experimentally measured line positions; (2) the “Expanded Line Sets” include possible transitions among new rovibrational levels assigned in experiments and ground state (GS) levels predicted by reliable EH models; (3) the “Ames + MARVEL Sets” include possible transitions among all those levels reported in a recent MARVEL analysis. [Tóbiás et al, JQSRT 208, 152 (2018)]. Compared to the limited data in High-resolution TRANsmission molecular absorption database (HITRAN), these line sets have significantly improved the data coverage up to 4000 cm-1. Some missing bands can be traced to the unpublished experimental data. The isotopologue consistency of these line sets will help identify the uncertainties and defects in the experimental EH and EDM models. These line sets are good candidates for the next HITRAN update, if line shape parameters are available. The line sets can be downloaded from supplementary files or from the Ames Molecular Spectroscopic Database at http://huang.seti.org.

Xinchuan Huang↗

IUE spectra and optical imaging of the oxygen-rich supernova remnant N132D

We present new optical Charge Coupled Devices (CCD) interference filter imagery and International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) spectroscopy for the oxygen-rich supernova remnant N132D in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The optical images show a wealth of structure, and comparison with an archival Einstein High Resolution Imager (HRI) X-ray image shows that a few optical features have X-ray counter-parts, but in general there is little correlation between X-ray and optical features. The IUE spectra at two positions show strong lines of carbon and oxygen, with lines of neon, magnesium, silicon, and helium also present and variable in relative intensities. We use optical data for N132D from Dopita & Tuohy (1984) with our UV observations to compare with shock models (both with and without thermal conduction) and X-ray photoionization model calculations. While none of the model fits is entirely satisfactory, the generally weak UV emission relative to optical disagrees with the general character of shock model predictions and indicates that photoionization is the dominant excitation mechanism for the UV/optical emission. This conclusion is similar to what was found for E0102 - 7219, the oxygen-rich remnant in the Small Magellanic Cloud. We derive rough abundances for the emitting material in N132D, compare to stellar nucleosynthesis models, and discuss the implications for its precursor. A precursor near 20 solar mass is consistent with the data.

Blair, William P.↗

Land Surface Precipitation and Hydrology in MERRA-2

The Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA-2), provides global, 1-hourly estimates of land surface conditions for 1980-present at 50-km resolution. Outside of the high latitudes, MERRA-2 uses observations-based precipitation data products to correct the precipitation falling on the land surface. This paper describes the precipitation correction method and evaluates the MERRA-2 land surface precipitation and hydrology. Compared to monthly GPCPv2.2 observations, the corrected MERRA-2 precipitation (M2CORR) is better than the precipitation generated by the atmospheric models within the cyclingMERRA-2 system and the earlier MERRA reanalysis. Compared to 3-hourlyTRMM observations, the M2CORR diurnal cycle has better amplitude but less realistic phasing than MERRA-2 model-generated precipitation. Because correcting the precipitation within the coupled atmosphere-land modeling system allows the MERRA-2 near-surface air temperature and humidity to respond to the improved precipitation forcing, MERRA-2 provides more self-consistent surface meteorological data than were available from the earlier, offline MERRA-Land reanalysis. Overall, MERRA-2 land hydrology estimates are better than those of MERRA-Land and MERRA. A comparison against GRACE satellite observations of terrestrial water storage demonstrates clear improvements in MERRA-2 over MERRA in South America and Africa but also reflects known errors in the observations used to correct the MERRA-2 precipitation. The MERRA-2 and MERRA-Land surface and root zone soil moisture skill vs. in situ measurements is slightly higher than that of ERA-Interim Land and higher than that of MERRA (significantly for surface soil moisture). Snow amounts from MERRA-2 have lower bias and correlate better against reference data than do those of MERRA-Land and MERRA, with MERRA-2 skill roughly matching that of ERA-Interim Land. Seasonal anomaly R values against naturalized stream flow measurements in the United States are, on balance, highest for MERRA-2 and ERA-Interim Land, somewhat lower for MERRA-Land, and lower still for MERRA.

MERRA-↗

Tomographic Reconstruction of Mercury's Exosphere from MESSENGER Flyby Data

The exosphere of Mercury is among the best-studied examples of a common type of atmosphere, a surface-bounded exosphere. Mercury's exosphere was probed in 2008-2009 with Ultraviolet and Visible Spectrometer (UVVS) measurements obtained during three planetary flybys by the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft [1-3]. The measurements detailed the distribution of two previously known metallic constituents of Mercury's exosphere, Na and Ca, and indicated the presence in the gas phase of yet another metallic species, Mg. Such measurements can answer fundamental scientific questions regarding the relative importance of possible source and loss processes for exospheric species ejected from a surface boundary [4]. The trajectory of MESSENGER during the last of its three flybys provided the best spatial coverage prior to orbit insertion. The measurements by MESSENGER of Na, Ca, and Mg during the third flyby have been analyzed with a novel tomographic method. This approach maximizes the amount of information that can be extracted from line-of-sight measurements because it yields three-dimensional distributions of neutrals consistent with the data.

Killen, Rosemary M.↗

Initial Stability Assessment of S-NPP VIIRS Reflective Solar Band Calibration Using Invariant Desert and Deep Convective Cloud Targets

The latest CERES FM-5 instrument launched onboard the S-NPP spacecraft will use the VIIRS visible radiances from the NASA Land Product Evaluation and Analysis Tool Elements (PEATE) product for retrieving the cloud properties associated with its TOA flux measurement. In order for CERES to provide climate quality TOA flux datasets, the retrieved cloud properties must be consistent throughout the record, which is dependent on the calibration stability of the VIIRS imager. This paper assesses the NASA calibration stability of the VIIRS reflective solar bands using the Libya-4 desert and deep convective clouds (DCC). The invariant targets are first evaluated for temporal natural variability. It is found for visible (VIS) bands that DCC targets have half of the variability of Libya-4. For the shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands, the desert has less variability. The brief VIIRS record and target variability inhibits high confidence in identifying any trends that are less than 0.6yr for most VIS bands, and 2.5yr for SWIR bands. None of the observed invariant target reflective solar band trends exceeded these trend thresholds. Initial assessment results show that the VIIRS data have been consistently calibrated and that the VIIRS instrument stability is similar to or better than the MODIS instrument.

VIIRS↗

Measurement and Modeling of Steep Ocean Wave Slopes

Our study emphasizes the importance of identifying and quantifying the distribution variance, skewness and kurtosis from optical and microwave scattering observations. Recent field measurements of the sea slope distribution for intermediate-to-long scale gravity waves will be presented. These data were collected using an airborne laser range system designed to estimate the surface slope vector at horizontal scales of 1-2 m. The observed slope distribution tail indicates that the occurrence of steep waves substantially exceeds a Gaussian prediction. This measured peakedness is present over the wide range of sea state and wind speed conditions encountered. Data are further evaluated within the context of Cox and Munk's well-known sea slope investigations. Based on a re-evaluation of the Cox and Munk's reported parameters, we find a consistent picture develops wherein data are shown to consistently indicate non-Gaussian statistics. One fundamental application of such a non-Gaussian slope observation is its place in modifying predicted wave breaking probability to help to better quantify gas transfer processes at the sea surface.

Chapron, B.↗

Acceleration of low-energy protons and alpha particles at interplanetary shock waves

The low-energy protons and alpha particles in the energy range 30 keV/charge to 150 keV/charge associated with three different interplanetary shock waves in the immediate preshock and postshock region are studied using data obtained by the ISEE 3. The spatial distributions in the preshock and postshock medium are presented, and the dependence of the phase space density at different energies on the distance from the shock and on the form of the distribution function of both species immediately at the shock is examined. It is found that in the preshock region the particles are flowing in the solar wind frame of reference away from the shock and in the postshock medium the distribution is more or less isotropic in this frame of reference. The distribution function in the postshock region can be represented by a power law in energy which has the same spectral exponent for both protons and alpha particles. It is concluded that the first-order Fermi acceleration process can consistently explain the data, although the spectra of diffuse bow shock associated particles are different from the spectra of the interplanetary shock-associated particles in the immediate vicinity of the shock. In addition, the mean free path of the low energy ions in the preshock medium is found to be considerably smaller than the mean free path determined by the turbulence of the background interplanetary medium.

Scholer, M.↗

Interlaminar R-Curve Effects in Thermoplastic Composites: Experiments and Model Correlations

The interlaminar fracture behavior of thermoplastic composites under Mode-I and Mode-II static loading is investigated in this research. The material system under consideration is a carbon fiber reinforced low melt semi-crystalline resin TC1225 LMPAEK T700G (T700/LMPAEK)†. Characterization experiments were conducted to measure the load-displacement response, peak load, and propagation of delamination from a pre-implanted Kapton® insert. The Mode-I response was characterized using a double cantilever beam (DCB) test according to the ASTM D5528-22 standard. It was observed that the propagation exhibited significant resistance to delamination growth, i.e., an R-Curve effect. The test data indicated that the steady-state fracture toughness, G SS I , was approximately twice the mean initiation fracture toughness, G Ic . The Mode-II response of an end notch flexure (ENF) specimen tested according to the ASTM D7905-19 standard exhibited an unexpected stable behavior upon attaining peak load. Prior to attaining peak load, the Mode-II response exhibited some non-linearity, which may be attributed to nonlinear bulk material response, e.g., hyper-elasticity, viscoelasticity, plasticity, etc., and potentially friction at the load/support rollers and R-Curve effects. Finite element models based on the Cohesive Zone Method (CZM) and the Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) were used to predict the DCB and ENF specimen responses. DCB analysis results obtained using G SS I predicted propagation consistent with experimental data. However, results obtained with the as characterized G Ic were inaccurate in predicting delamination growth onset and peak load. ENF analysis results obtained with the as-characterized Mode-II fracture toughness, G IIc , were inaccurate in predicting the peak load and propagation. Hence, R-Curve effects were included in both DCB and ENF simulations, which enabled improved predictions. The experimentally determined Mode-I R-Curve was used for the DCB simulations, whereas an R-Curve was derived for Mode-II assuming that the change in compliance of the specimen was associated with crack growth only.

Prabhakar M Rao↗

Interlaminar R-Curve Effects in Thermoplastic Composites: Experiments and Model Correlations

The interlaminar fracture behavior of thermoplastic composites under Mode-I and Mode-II static loading is investigated in this research. The material system under consideration is a carbon fiber reinforced low melt semi-crystalline resin TC1225 LMPAEK T700G (T700/LMPAEK)†. Characterization experiments were conducted to measure the load-displacement response, peak load, and propagation of delamination from a pre-implanted Kapton® insert. The Mode-I response was characterized using a double cantilever beam (DCB) test according to the ASTM D5528-22 standard. It was observed that the propagation exhibited significant resistance to delamination growth, i.e., an R-Curve effect. The test data indicated that the steady-state fracture toughness, G SS I , was approximately twice the mean initiation fracture toughness, G Ic . The Mode-II response of an end notch flexure (ENF) specimen tested according to the ASTM D7905-19 standard exhibited an unexpected stable behavior upon attaining peak load. Prior to attaining peak load, the Mode-II response exhibited some non-linearity, which may be attributed to nonlinear bulk material response, e.g., hyper-elasticity, viscoelasticity, plasticity, etc., and potentially friction at the load/support rollers and R-Curve effects. Finite element models based on the Cohesive Zone Method (CZM) and the Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) were used to predict the DCB and ENF specimen responses. DCB analysis results obtained using G SS I predicted propagation consistent with experimental data. However, results obtained with the as characterized G Ic were inaccurate in predicting delamination growth onset and peak load. ENF analysis results obtained with the as-characterized Mode-II fracture toughness, G IIc , were inaccurate in predicting the peak load and propagation. Hence, R-Curve effects were included in both DCB and ENF simulations, which enabled improved predictions. The experimentally determined Mode-I R-Curve was used for the DCB simulations, whereas an R-Curve was derived for Mode-II assuming that the change in compliance of the specimen was associated with crack growth only.

Prabhakar Rao↗

Boundary layer transition detection on the X-15 vertical fin using surface-pressure-fluctuation measurements

A flush-mounted microphone on the vertical fin of an X-15 airplane was used to investigate boundary layer transition phenomenon during flights to peak altitudes of approximately 70,000 meters. The flight results were compared with those from wind tunnel studies, skin temperature measurements, and empirical prediction data. The Reynolds numbers determined for the end of transition were consistent with those obtained from wind tunnel studies. Maximum surface-pressure-fluctuation coefficients in the transition region were about an order of magnitude greater than those for fully developed turbulent flow. This was also consistent with wind tunnel data. It was also noted that the power-spectral-density estimates of the surface-pressure fluctuations were characterized by a shift in power from high frequencies to low frequencies as the boundary layer changed from turbulent to laminar flow. Large changes in power at the lowest frequencies appeared to mark the beginning of transition.

Lewis, T. L.↗

Operational and research aspects of a radio-controlled model flight test program

The operational and research aspects of a subscale, radio-controlled model flight test program are presented. By using low-cost free-flying models, an approach was developed for obtaining research-quality vehicle performance and aerodynamic information. The advantages and limitations learned by applying this approach to a specific flight test program are described. The research quality of the data acquired shows that model flight testing is practical for obtaining consistent and repeatable flight data.

Budd, Gerald D.↗

Stardust Dynamic Science at Wild 2: First Look

The Dynamic Science investigation on the STARDUST mission has been described previously. The data delivered by the STARDUST Project is multifold, but basically it consists of radio Doppler data from the Deep Space Network (DSN) and attitude control data (ACS) from the spacecraft. Doppler data were successfully recorded by JPL's Navigation System (closed-loop data) and also by its Radio Science System (open-loop data) at DSN stations DSS43 near Canberra Australia and at DSS14 at Goldstone California. Attitude control data were also successfully delivered to the Dynamic Science Team. Here we describe a preliminary analysis of the data. Beyond a closest approach distance of 150 km, a Doppler detection of a the Wild 2 nucleus mass was not expected. The current best estimate of the closest approach distance is 236.4 km, and as expected, any mass signal in the Doppler data is hopelessly buried in the noise. We have attempted to fit the data to a mass model with no success. However, analysis of the Doppler data and the ACS data for particle impacts on the spacecraft's Whipple shields is in progress, and will be reported at the meeting. The DSS43 closed-loop Doppler residuals are plotted as a function of time from the current best estimate of the time of Wild 2 closest approach, 2 January 2004, 19:43:11.7 UTC, Earth-receive time at the station.

Anderson, J. D.↗