Scholarly Communications Project

Document Type:Dissertation
Name:Kory James Priestley
Email address:k.j.priestley@larc.nasa.gov
URN:1997/00080
Title:Use of First-Principle Numerical Models to Enhance the Understanding of the Operational Analysis of Space-Based Earth Radiation Budget Instruments
Degree:Doctor of Philosophy
Department:Mechanical Engineering
Committee Chair: Prof. J. R. Mahan
Chair's email:jrmahan@vt.edu
Committee\ Members:
Keywords:remote sensing, thermistor bolometers, radiometry, CERES
Date of defense:July 25, 1997
Availability:Release the entire work for Virginia Tech access only.
After one year release worldwide only with written permission of the student and the advisory committee chair.

Abstract:

NASAıs Clouds and the Earthıs Radiant Energy System (CERES) program is a key component of the Earth Observing System (EOS). The CERES Proto-Flight Model (PFM) instrument is to be launched on NASAıs Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) spacecraft in November, 1997. Each CERES instrument will contain three scanning thermistor bolometer radiometers to monitor the longwave, 5.0 to >100 microns, and shortwave, 0.3 to 5.0 microns, components of the Earthıs radiative energy budget.

High-level, first-principle dynamic electrothermal models of the CERES radiometric channels have been completed under NASA sponsorship. These first-principle models consist of optical, thermal and electrical modules. Optical characterization of the channels is ensured by Monte-Carlo-based ray-traces. Accurate thermal and electrical characterization is assured by transient finite-difference formulations. This body of research presents the evolution of these models by outlining their development and validation. Validation of the models is accomplished by simulating the ground calibration process of the actual instruments and verifying that the models accurately predict instrument performance. The result of this agreement is a high confidence in the model to predict other aspects of instrument performance.

List of Attached Files

Biblio.pdf Ch1.pdf Ch2.pdf
Ch3.pdf Ch4.pdf Ch5.pdf
Ch6.pdf Etd1.pdf Etd2.pdf
Etd3.pdf Etd4.pdf Etd5.pdf
Figa.pdf Figb.pdf Figc.pdf
Tables.pdf Vita.pdf

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