9,028 research outputs found
Simulation study of a geometric shape factor technique for estimating earth-emitted radiant flux densities from wide-field-of-view radiation measurements
Geometric shape factors were computed and applied to satellite simulated irradiance measurements to estimate Earth emitted flux densities for global and zonal scales and for areas smaller than the detector field of view (FOV). Wide field of view flat plate detectors were emphasized, but spherical detectors were also studied. The radiation field was modeled after data from the Nimbus 2 and 3 satellites. At a satellite altitude of 600 km, zonal estimates were in error 1.0 to 1.2 percent and global estimates were in error less than 0.2 percent. Estimates with unrestricted field of view (UFOV) detectors were about the same for Lambertian and limb darkening radiation models. The opposite was found for restricted field of view detectors. The UFOV detectors are found to be poor estimators of flux density from the total FOV and are shown to be much better as estimators of flux density from a circle centered at the FOV with an area significantly smaller than that for the total FOV
Automated Mars surface sample return mission concepts for achievement of essential scientific objectives
Mission concepts were investigated for automated return to Earth of a Mars surface sample adequate for detailed analyses in scientific laboratories. The minimum sample mass sufficient to meet scientific requirements was determined. Types of materials and supporting measurements for essential analyses are reported. A baseline trajectory profile was selected for its low energy requirements and relatively simple implementation, and trajectory profile design data were developed for 1979 and 1981 launch opportunities. Efficient spacecraft systems were conceived by utilizing existing technology where possible. Systems concepts emphasized the 1979 launch opportunity, and the applicability of results to other opportunities was assessed. It was shown that the baseline missions (return through Mars parking orbit) and some comparison missions (return after sample transfer in Mars orbit) can be accomplished by using a single Titan III E/Centaur as the launch vehicle. All missions investigated can be accomplished by use of Space Shuttle/Centaur vehicles
Effects of Excessive Natural Mulch on Development, Yield, and Structure of Native Grassland
Prairie vegetation is so universally mowed, grazed, or burned that little information has been recorded on its behavior under complete protection. Climax grassland, when grazed lightly or even moderately, may retain essentially its natural composition over extremely long periods (16, 18). But aside from observation there is little information upon the unusual and rare phenomenon of complete protection of grassland from disturbance over a considerable period of time
Energy Spectrum Evolution of a Diffuse Field in Elastic Body Caused by Weak Nonlinearity
We study the evolution of diffuse elastodynamic spectral energy density under
the influence of weak nonlinearity. It is shown that the rate of change of this
quantity is given by a convolution of the linear energy at two frequencies.
Quantitative estimates are given for sample aluminum and fused silica blocks of
experimental interest.Comment: 9 pages, 3 figures; revised for better presentatio
Research and investigation of geology, mineral, and water resources of Maryland
The authors have identified the following significant results. Field work in Baltimore County revealed that the signature returns of serpentinitic and nonserpentinitic rocks correlates with the vegetation cover and land use pattern. In Maryland Piedmont, bedrock lithology and structure are enhanced only to the extent that land use is geologically dictated. Two prominent sets of linear features are detected on ERTS-1 imagery at N 45 deg E and N 20 deg E. Beaches of Chesapeake Bay are classified as broad and narrow beaches based on the width of the backshore zone. It is shown by comparing historical shorelines of Ocean City, from the inlet to the Maryland-Delaware line that reversal zones of erosion and accretion occur at different locations for different periods. High reflectance levels (high marsh-high topographic areas) for the lower Eastern Shore are found to be distributed as two distinct trending linear ridge systems. Observations of MSS band 5 dated 9 April 1974 exhibited an unique sedimentation pattern for Chesapeake Bay. Following a 1.5 inch rainfall, heavy concentration of suspended sediments is observed on the imagery, particularly in the area of the turbidity maximum
Local Ferroelectricity in SrTiO_3 Thin Films
The temperature-dependent polarization of SrTiO_3 thin films is investigated
using confocal scanning optical microscopy. A homogeneous out-of-plane and
inhomogeneous in-plane ferroelectric phase are identified from images of the
linear electrooptic response. Both hysteretic and non-hysteretic behavior are
observed under a dc bias field. Unlike classical transitions in bulk
ferroelectrics, local ferroelectricity is observed at temperatures far above
the dielectric permittivity maximum. The results demonstrate the utility of
local probe experiments in understanding inhomogeneous ferroelectrics.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in PR
Nonequilibrium quantum-impurities: from entropy production to information theory
Nonequilibrium steady-state currents, unlike their equilibrium counterparts,
continuously dissipate energy into their physical surroundings leading to
entropy production and time-reversal symmetry breaking. This letter discusses
these issues in the context of quantum impurity models driven out of
equilibrium by attaching the impurity to leads at different chemical potentials
and temperatures. We start by pointing out that entropy production is often
hidden in traditional treatments of quantum-impurity models. We then use simple
thermodynamic arguments to define the rate of entropy production. Using the
scattering framework recently developed by the authors we show that the rate of
entropy production has a simple information theoretic interpretation in terms
of the Shannon entropy and Kullback-Leibler divergence of nonequilibrium
distribution function. This allows us to show that the entropy production is
strictly positive for any nonequilibrium steady-state. We conclude by applying
these ideas to the Resonance Level Model and the Kondo model.Comment: 5 pages, 1 figure new version with minor clarification
Peering from the outside in: viscoelastic properties of the extracellular matrix dictate spatial organization and apoptosis resistance in mammary epithelial cells
The compliance of the extracellular matrix (ECM) differs between tissues and is altered in tumors. We examined the consequence of modifying the viscoelastic properties of the ECM on mammary epithelial cell (MEC) morphogenesis and apoptosis regulation. Results showed that the elastic modulus of the ECM exerts a profound effect on MEC tissue organization and gene expression that correlates with changes in actin organization and apoptosis resistance. Altering the rigidity of the ECM directly influences integrin expression and additionally modifies integrin-induced gene expression in association with actin reorganization. These data suggest that the compliance of the ECM may cooperatively regulate cell behavior by altering integrin function. Studies are now underway to investigate the possibility that these effects are mediated via changes in integrin-actin cytoskeletal dynamics
Control of rotorcraft retreating blade stall using air-jet vortex generators
A series of low-speed wind tunnel tests were carried out on an oscillating airfoil fitted with two rows of air-jet vortex generators (AJVGs). The airfoil used had an RAE 9645 section and the two spanwise arrays of AJVGs were located at x/c=0.12 and 0.62. The devices and their distribution were chosen to assess their ability to modify/control dynamic stall; the goal being to enhance the aerodynamic performance of helicopter rotors on the retreating blade side of the disc. The model was pitched about the quarter chord with a reduced frequency
(k) of 0.1 in a sinusoidal motion defined by a=15o+10sin_ t. The measured data indicate that, for continuous blowing from the front row of AJVGs with a momentum blowing coefficient (C μ) greater than 0.008, modifications to the stalling process are encouraging. In particular, the pitching moment behavior exhibits delayed stall and there is a marked reduction in the normal force hysteresis
- âŠ