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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.

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At least 1,657 records · Page 92
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NASA NTRS1995

Telemetry down-link Doppler as an attitude sensor for spin stabilized spacecraft

The communications antenna on a spin stabilized spacecraft is seldom located on the spin axis, hence, the antenna is in motion relative to the center of mass of the spacecraft. The Doppler shift observed at the ground or space relay communications receivers will include oscillations whose frequency and amplitude are functions of the motion of the antenna and the attitude of the spacecraft relative to the line of sight (LOS). This functional dependence creates the possibility of estimating attitude parameters from Doppler measurements. This paper presents mathematical models of Doppler oscillations from spinning spacecraft, including the effects of nutation. Algorithms for estimating spin rate, attitude and nutation angle are described. Results of analysis of Doppler tracking of GOES-8 and WIND are also discussed.

Hendry, S. D.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Linking boundary-layer circulations and surface processes during FIFE89. Part 1: Observational analysis

Surface, aircraft, and satellite observations are analyzed for the 21-day 1989 intensive field campaign of the First ISLSCP Field Experiment (FIFE) to determine the effect of precipitation, vegetation, and soil moisture distributions on the thermal properties of the surface including the heat and moisture fluxes, and the corresponding response in the boundary-layer circulation. Mean and variance properties of the surface variables are first documented at various time and space scales. These calculations are designed to set the stage for Part 2, a modeling study that will focus on how time-space dependent rainfall distribution influences the intensity of the feedback between a vegetated surface and the atmospheric boundary layer. Further analysis shows strongly demarked vegetation and soil moisture gradients extending across the FIFE experimental site that were developed and maintained by the antecedent and ongoing spatial distribution of rainfall over the region. These gradients are shown to have a pronounced influence on the thermodynamic properties of the surface. Furthermore, perturbation surface wind analysis suggests for both short-term steady-state conditions and long-term averaged conditions that the gradient pattern maintained a diurnally oscillating local direct circulation with perturbation vertical velocities of the same order as developing cumulus clouds. Dynamical and scaling considerations suggest that the embedded perturbation circulation is driven by surface heating/cooling gradients and terrain ef fects rather than the manifestation of an inertial oscillation. The implication is that at even relatively small scales (less than 30 km), the differential evolution in vegetation density and soil moisture distribution over a relatively homogenous ecotone can give rise to preferential boundary-layer circulations capable of modifying local-scale horizontal and vertical motions.

Smith, Eric A.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Watson: A new link in the IIE iron chain

Watson, which was found in 1972 in South Australia, contains the largest single silicate rock mass seen in any known iron meteorite. A comprehensive study has been completed on this unusual meteorite: petrography, metallography, analyses of the silicate inclusion (whole rock chemical analysis, INAA, RNAA, noble gases, and oxygen isotope analysis) and mineral compositions (by electron microprobe and ion microprobe). The whole rock has a composition of an H-chondrite minus the normal H-group metal and troilite content. The oxygen isotope composition is that of the silicates in the IIE iron meteorites and lies along an oxygen isotope fractionation line with the H-group chondrites. Trace elements in the metal confirm Watson is a new IIE iron. Whole rock Watson silicate shows an enrichment in K and P (each approximately 2X H-chondrites). The silicate inclusion has a highly equilibrated igneous (peridotite-like) texture with olivine largely poikilitic within low-Ca pyroxene: olivine (Fa20), opx (Fs17Wo3), capx (Fs9Wo14)(with very fine exsolution lamellae), antiperthite feldspar (An1-3Or5) with less than 1 micron exsolution lamellae (An1-3Or greater than 40), shocked feldspar with altered stoichiometry, minor whitlockite (also a poorly characterized interstitial phosphate-rich phase) and chromite, and only traces of metal and troilite. The individual silicate minerals have normal chondritic REE patterns, but whitlockite has a remarkable REE pattern. It is very enriched in light REE (La is 720X C1, and Lu is 90X C1, as opposed to usual chonditic values of approximately 300X and 100-150X, respectively) with a negative Eu anomaly. The enrichment of whole rock K is expressed both in an unusually high mean modal Or content of the feldspar, Or13, and in the presence of antiperthite.

Olsen, Edward↗
NASA NTRS1994

Observational evidence linking a quasar with an optical transient

We present evidence for the association of a quasi stellar object (QSO) with a bright optical transient (OT). A V = 20.6 mag QSO with redshift z = 1.78 has been found within the 38 seconds x 62 seconds error ellipse of a bright OT discovered on a Harvard Patrol Camera plate taken in 1905. The chance of finding a random QSO at V less than or equal to 20.6 mag within this area is estimated as approximately 0.5%. Although the OT is within the error circle of the gamma-ray burst (GRB) GB 910219 position determined from the WATCH experiment, the localization for this same event determined from the Third Interplanetary Network does not include the OT or the QSO. Whether the GRB is related to the OT/QSO or not, the probable association of a bright OT with a QSO is a discovery that warrants further investigation.

Vrba, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Improved Microwave Fiber-Optic Link

High power output and narrow linewidth of Nd:YAG laser and external modulator combination enable higher stability and higher dynamic range fiber-optic transmission of microwave signals over longer distances. System prototype to test concept of high fidelity transmission of received microwave signals over fiber-optic cables, without need to downconvert microwave signals for transmission. Useful in distribution of future, more stable, frequency reference signals, phased array radar systems, and aircraft landing systems using bistatic radar.

Logan, Ronald T.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Wireless Infrared Data Link

Infrared transmitter and receiver designed for wireless transmission of information on measured physical quantity (for example, temperature) from transducer device to remote-acquisition system. In transmitter, output of transducer amplified and shifted with respect to bias or reference level, then fed to voltage-to-frequency converter to control frequency of repetition of current pulses applied to infrared-light-emitting diode. In receiver, frequency of repetition of pulses converted back into voltage indicative of temperature or other measured quantity. Potential applications include logging data while drilling for oil, transmitting measurements from rotors in machines without using slip rings, remote monitoring of temperatures and pressures in hazardous locations, and remote continuous monitoring of temperatures and blood pressures in medical patients, who thus remain mobile.

Roth, Timothy E.↗
NASA NTRS1997

The Link Between UV Extinction and Infrared Cirrus

Low resolution spectra from the International Ultraviolet Explorer satellite were used to derive ultraviolet extinction curves for stars in four clusters away from the galactic plane. The extinction in three of the clusters is very similar to the general interstellar curve defined by Seaton. Stars in the fourth region, near the Rho Ophiuci dark cloud, have extinction curves that are characterized by a small "linear" term component. The star BD +36 deg 781 is unique amongst the 20 stars observed in that it shows evidence for extinction by diamond grains near 1700 angstroms. We used data from the final release of the IRAS Sky Survey Atlas (ISSA) to determine the 60 micron to 100 micron intensity ratio for the infrared cirrus. The ISSA data, which have been corrected for zodiacal light, gave intensity ratios that are more robust and self-consistent than for other data sets that we used. When the infrared and ultraviolet data are combined, we see a general trend for low values of the ultraviolet "linear term" (al) to correlate with high values of 60 micron/100 micron ratio. This implies that, in regions where the average dust temperature is hotter (high 60 micron/100 micron ratio), there is a relative absence of the small silicate grains that are responsible for the ultraviolet linear term. However, the new data do not bear out our earlier contention that the 60 micron and 100 micron emissions are poorly correlated spatially in regions where the 60 micron/100 micron ratio is low. Only NGC 1647 shows this result. It may be that the different dust types are particularly poorly mixed in this area.

Hackwell, John A.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Sensitivity Analysis of Data Link Alternatives for LVLASO

As part of this research, we have modeled the Mode-S system when used to enhance communications among several ground vehicles to facilitate low-visibility landing and surface operations. The model has then been simulated using Bones Designer software. The effectiveness of the model has been evaluated under several conditions: (i) different number of vehicles (100, 200, and 300), (ii) different distributions of interarrival times for squitters: uniform, exponential, and constrained exponential, and (iii) Different safe distances (for collision purpose): squitter length, 1.5*squitter length, and 2* squitter length. The model has been developed in a modular fashion to facilitate any future modifications. The results from the simulations suggest that the Mode S system is indeed capable of functioning satisfactorily even when covering up to 300 vehicles. Certainly, about 10 percent of the squitters undergo collisions and hence the interarrival times for these is much larger than the expected time of 500 msec. In fact, the delay could be as much as 2 seconds. The model could be further enhanced to incorporate more realistic scenarios.

Mukkamala, Ravi↗
NASA NTRS1999

A Kinematic Link Between Boxy Bulges, Stellar Bars, and Nuclear Activity in NGC 3079 and NGC 4388

We present direct kinematic evidence for bar streaming in two active galaxies with boxy stellar bulges. The Hawaii Imaging Fabry-Perot Interferometer was used on the Canada-France-Hawaii 3.6-m telescope and the University of Hawaii 2.2-m telescope to derive the two-dimensional velocity field of the line-emitting gas in the disks of the Sc galaxy NGC 3079 and the Sb galaxy NGC 4388. In contrast to previous work based on long-slit data, the detection of the bar potential from the Fabry-Perot data does not rely on the existence of inner Lindblad resonances or strong bar-induced shocks. Simple kinematic models which approximate the intrinsic gas orbits as nonintersecting, inclined elliptical annuli that conserve angular momentum characterize the observed velocity fields. In NGC 3079, bar streaming motions with moderately eccentric orbits (e = b/a approx. 0.7) aligned along PA = 130 deg. intrinsic to the disk (PA = 97 deg. on the sky) are detected out to R(sub b) = 3.6 kpc. The orbits become increasingly circular beyond that radius (e = 1 at R(sub d) approx. = 6 kpc). The best model for NGC 4388 includes highly eccentric orbits (e approx. 0.3) for R(sub) less than or equal to 1.5 kpc which are aligned along PA = 135 deg. intrinsic to the disk (PA = 100 deg. on the sky). The observed "spiral arms" are produced by having the orbits become increasingly circular from the ends of the bar to the edge of the disk (R(sub d) approx. = 5 kpc), and the intrinsic bar PA shifting from 135 deg. to 90 deg.. Box-shaped bulges in both NGC 3079 and NGC 4388 are confirmed using new near-infrared images to reduce dust obscuration. Morphological analysis of starlight in these galaxies is combined with the gas kinematics derived from the Fabry-Perot spectra to test evolutionary models of stellar bars that involve transitory boxy bulges, and to quantify the importance of such bars in fueling active nuclei. Our data support the evolutionary bar models, but fail to prove convincingly that the stellar bars in NGC 3079 and NGC 4388 directly trigger or sustain the nuclear activity.

Veilleux, S.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Traffic Management in ATM Networks Over Satellite Links

This report presents a survey of the traffic management Issues in the design and implementation of satellite Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks. The report focuses on the efficient transport of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) traffic over satellite ATM. First, a reference satellite ATM network architecture is presented along with an overview of the service categories available in ATM networks. A delay model for satellite networks and the major components of delay and delay variation are described. A survey of design options for TCP over Unspecified Bit Rate (UBR), Guaranteed Frame Rate (GFR) and Available Bit Rate (ABR) services in ATM is presented. The main focus is on traffic management issues. Several recommendations on the design options for efficiently carrying data services over satellite ATM networks are presented. Most of the results are based on experiments performed on Geosynchronous (GEO) latencies. Some results for Low Earth Orbits (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) latencies are also provided.

Goyal, Rohit↗
NASA NTRS1990

STS-35/ASTRO-1: Day-1 Down-links

Live footage shows views of the ASTRO-1 observatory telescopes, moving into position. These views are shown from the right rear camera in the payload area. The telescopes are the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT), Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE), Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT), and the Broad Band X-Ray Telescope (BBXRT).

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1999

Are Hyperion and Phoebe Linked to Iapetus?

Narrowband reflectance spectra of the Saturnian satellites S VII Hyperion and S IX Phoebe were obtained across the 0.4 - 0.8 micron spectral region. The spectrum of Phoebe is similar to the spectrum of a C-class asteroid, with an absorption feature centered near 0.43 micron superimposed on the UV/blue intervalence charge transfer transition present in the spectrum. The spectrum of Hyperion shows the strong spectral slope apparent in spectra of many outer Solar System materials and attributed to organics. We use a linear mixing model to separate the reflectance spectrum of the dark material on Hyperion from the icy material. A distinct absorption feature centered at 0.67 micron is present. A slight inflection near 0.4 - 0.6 micron and change in slope near 0.73 micron suggesting the lower wavelength edge of an absorption are also present. These absorptions are very similar to those identified in the spectrum of the dark material on the surface of Iapetus, suggesting that the dark material on these two satellites is compositionally similar and has a similar origin. These absorption features are attributed to the (6)A(sub 1) yields (4)T(sub 2)(G) and (6)A(sub 1) yields (4)T(sub 1)(G) ferric charge transfer transitions in iron alteration minerals such as goethite and hematite that are products of the aqueous alteration of anhydrous silicates.

Jarvis, Kandy S.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Polar Layered Terrains: Links Between the Martian Volatile and Dust Cycles

The nature, origin and evolution of the polar layered terrains are a major mystery of Martian climate. Almost every aspect of these enigmatic terrains surrounding, and probably underlying, the polar residual ice caps is in contention. Are the polar laminae forming today? Are they inactive or even eroding, being mere relics of the past? Are the north and south polar layered terrains fundamentally different in composition, age or process? Are they a physical record of past, possibly cyclic, climate change and, if so, can we learn to read that record? We know from past Mariner 9 and Viking orbital observations that there are layered terrains at high latitudes, defined by alternating bands of visually lighter and darker material appearing in stacks hundreds of meters thick with individual bands as thin as could then be resolved (tens of meters). In this talk, aspects of the polar layered terrains will be reviewed with emphasis on issues likely to be addressed with data from ongoing and near-term flight missions to Mars. Particular attention will be given to what might be learned from observing the present seasonal cycles of dust, water and carbon dioxide on Mars, in conjunction with in situ data from one site on the south polar layered terrain.

Zurek, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Linking Human and Robotic Missions: Early Leveraging of the Code S Missions

A major long term NASA objective is to enable human exploration beyond low Earth orbit. This will take a strange approach, with a concentration on new, enabling technologies and capabilities. Mars robotic missions are logical and necessary steps in the progression toward eventual human missions.

Cooke, Doug↗
NASA NTRS2000

Downward Link of Solar Activity Variations Through Wave Driven Equatorial Oscillations (QBO and SAO)

Signatures of the 11-year solar activity/irradiance cycle are observed in the Quasi Biennial Oscillation (QBO) of the lower stratosphere. At these altitudes, the QBO is understood to be the result of "downward control" exerted by the wave mean flow interactions that drive the phenomenon. It is reasonable then to speculate that the QBO is a natural conduit to lower altitudes of solar activity variations in radiance (SAV). To test this hypothesis, we conducted experiments with a 2D version of our Numerical Spectral Model that incorporates Hines' Doppler Spread Parameterization for small-scale gravity waves (GW). To account for the SAV, we change the solar heating rate on a logarithmic scale from 0.1% at the surface to 1% at 50 kin to 10% at 100 km. With the same GW flux, we then conduct numerical experiments to evaluate the magnitude of the solar activity irradiance effect (SAE) on the zonal circulation at low latitudes. The numerical results obtained show that, under certain conditions, the SAE is significant in the zonal circulation and does extend to lower altitudes where the SAV is small. The differences in the wind velocities can be as large as 5 m/s at 20 kin. We carried out two numerical experiments with integrations over more than 20 years: 1) With the QBO period "tuned" to be 30 months, of academic interest but instructive, the seasonal cycle in the solar forcing [through the Semi-annual Oscillation (SAO)] acts as a strong pacemaker to produce a firm lock on the period and phase of the QBO. The SAE then shows up primarily as a distinct but relatively weak amplitude modulation. 2) With the QBO period between 30 and 34 (or less than 30, presumably) months, the seasonal phase lock is weak compared with (1). The SAV in the seasonal cycle then causes variations in the QBO period and phase, and this amplifies the SAE to produce relatively large variations in the wind field. We conclude that, under realistic conditions as in (2), the solar seasonal forcing, with activity variations in radiance, causes the phase and period of the QBO to change to produce a relatively large solar activity effect in the zonal circulation at low latitudes and low altitudes.

Mengel, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Measurement of Effective Canopy Temperature: The Missing Link to Modeling Transpiration in Controlled Environments

The objectives were to apply energy balance principles to plant canopies, and to determine which parameters are essential for predicting plant canopy transpiration (E) in controlled environments. Transpiration was accurately measured in a gas-exchange system. Absorbed radiation (R(sub abs)) by the canopy was measured with a net radiometer and calculated from short and long-wave radiation components. Average canopy foliar temperature T(sub L) can be measured with an infrared radiometer, but since T(sub L) is seldom uniform, a weighed average measurement of T(sub L) must be made. The effective canopy temperature T(sub C) is that temperature that balances the energy flux between absorbed radiation and latent heat L(sub E) and sensible heat (H) fluxes. TC should exactly equal air temperature T(sub A) when L(sub E) equals R(sub abs). When unnecessary thermal radiation from the lighting system is removed by a water filter, the magnitude of L(sub E) from transpiration approaches Rabs and T(sub C) is close to T(sub A). Unlike field models, we included the energy used in photosynthesis and found that up to 10% of Rabs was used in photosynthesis. We calculated aerodynamic conductance for H from measurements of wind speed and canopy height using the wind profile equation. Canopy aerodynamic conductance ranged from.03 to.04 m/s for wind speeds from.6 to 1 m/s; thus a 0.1 C canopy to air temperature difference results in a sensible heat flux of about 4 W/sq m, which is only 1% of R(sub abs). We examined the ability of wide angle infrared transducers to accurately integrate T(sub L) from the top to the bottom of the canopy. We measured evaporation from the hydroponic media to be approximately 1 micro mol/sq m s or 10% of R(sub abs). This result indicates that separating evaporation from transpiration is more important than exact measurement of canopy temperature.

Monje, O. A.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Runway Incursion Prevention System ADS-B and DGPS Data Link Analysis Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport

A Runway Incursion Prevention System (RIPS) was tested at the Dallas - Ft. Worth International Airport in October 2000. The system integrated airborne and ground components to provide both pilots and controllers with enhanced situational awareness, supplemental guidance cues, a real-time display of traffic information, and warning of runway incursions in order to prevent runway incidents while also improving operational capability. Rockwell Collins provided and supported a prototype Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) system using 1090 MHz and a prototype Differential GPS (DGPS) system onboard the NASA Boeing 757 research aircraft. This report describes the Rockwell Collins contributions to the RIPS flight test, summarizes the development process, and analyzes both ADS-B and DGPS data collected during the flight test. In addition, results are report on interoperability tests conducted between the NASA Advanced General Aviation Transport Experiments (AGATE) ADS-B flight test system and the NASA Boeing 757 ADS-B system.

Timmerman, J.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Tropical Ocean Evaporation/SST Sensitivity and It's Link to Water and Energy Budget Variations During ENSO

The continuing debate over feedback mechanisms governing tropical sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and tropical climate in general has highlighted the diversity of potential checks and balances within the climate system. Competing feedbacks due to changes in surface evaporation, water vapor, and cloud long- and shortwave radiative properties each may serve critical roles in stabilizing or destabilizing the climate system. It is also intriguing that even those climate variations having origins internal to the climate system - changes in ocean heat transport for example, apparently require complementary equilibrating effects by changes in atmospheric energy fluxes. Perhaps the best observational evidence of this is the relatively invariant nature of tropically averaged net radiation exiting the top-of-atmosphere (TOA) as measured by broadband satellite sensors over the past two decades. Thus, analyzing how these feedback mechanisms are operating within the context of current interannual variability may offer considerable insight for anticipating future climate change. In this paper we focus primarily on interannual variations of ocean evaporative fluxes and their significance for coupled water and energy cycles within the tropical climate system. In particular, we use both the da Silva estimates of surface fluxes (based on the Comprehensive Ocean Atmosphere Data Set, COADS) and numerical simulations from several global climate models to examine evaporation sensitivity to perturbations in SST associated with warm and cold ENSO events. The specific questions we address are as follows: (1) What recurring patterns of surface wind and humidity anomalies are present during ENSO and how do they combine to yield systematic evaporation anomalies?, (2) What is the resulting tropical ocean mean evaporation-SST sensitivity associated with this climate perturbation?, and (3) What role does this evaporation play in tropical heat and water balance over tropical oceanic regions? We use the da Silva ocean flux data to identify composite structure of departures of latent heat flux from climatology. We also show how these patterns arise out of associated wind and humidity anomaly distributions. Our preliminary work shows that evaporation sensitivity estimates from the da Silva / COADS data, computed for the tropical oceans (30 degrees N/S) are in the neighborhood of 5 to 6 W/square m K. Model estimates are also quite close to this figure. This rate is only slightly less than a rate corresponding to constant relative humidity; however, substantial regional departures from constant relative humidity are present. These patterns are robust and we relate the associated wind and humidity fluctuations noted in previous investigations to the derived evaporation anomalies. Finally, these results are interpreted with other data from the Earth radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE), Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) and NASA's Surface Radiation Budget (SRB) data set to characterize the tropical energetics of ENSO-related climate variability.

Robertson, Franklin R.↗