Clarkson University participate to the National Science Foundation Nucleation In ForesTs (NIFTY) project

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1 Clarkson University participate to the National Science Foundation Nucleation In ForesTs (NIFTY) project Very little information is currently available regarding the spatial scales on which nucleation occurs in the near surface layer. A series of measurements of the spatial and vertical extent of particle concentrations are needed to support the ground level composition measurements to better understand nucleation and growth. As part of the May 2008 Nucleation In ForesTs (NIFTY) campaign, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system was flown in the vicinity of the Morgan-Monroe State Forest (MMSF), a rural area of southwestern Indiana. The National Science Foundation and Indiana University awarded Clarkson University $100,000 to perform nucleation measurements in the canopy and from air at the Morgan Monroe State Forest, Bloomington-Martinsville, Indiana. Bayard D. Clarkson Distinguished Professor, and CARES Director Phil Hopke, Alan Rossner, Bernard Crimmins, Suresh Dhaniyala, and Pier Marzocca have been involved in this project. From May 4 thru May 29, 2008 a group from Clarkson consisting of Professor Marzocca, Alan Rossner, four undergraduate students (Jonathan Hoffman, William Hull, Daniel Valyou, and Erik Zito) and one graduate student (Joshua Butler) traveled to Indiana University to support the NIFTY research campaign leaded by Sara Pryor, Professor and Chair of the Atmospheric Science Program and Director of Graduate Studies Dept. of Geography at Indiana University. Our group s mission was to supplement the single-point measurements made at the flux tower by profiling nucleation events at altitudes in the proximity of the tower as well as in locations remote to the tower to determine the horizontal and vertical extents of nucleation events. This was accomplished with a Vector-P Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and a modified scale model Cessna 182. A flight data recorder was installed to provide the necessary flight data to enable spatial modeling of the aerosol measurements. The Clarkson Vector-P UAV carried a TSI Model 3007 Condensation Particle Counter (CPC) and a Grimm Model Universal Aerosol Spectrometer (UAS). The CPC provides number concentration of the particles smaller than ~ 1 μm while the UAS provides number concentration measurement of particles in the size range of 0.25 to 20 μm. These measurements were designed to supplement the extensive measurements being made on the 46 m instrumented tower. Twelve flights were conducted on 6 separate days within a two week period. Data was taken from ground to a maximum altitude of 1300 feet above ground level. The first two flights were conducted at the Academy of Model Aeronautics headquarters in Muncie Indiana with the support of their Technical Director, Greg Hahn. The next ten flights were conducted at an Academy of Model Aeronautics airfield at the edge of the forest. An electrical problem towards the end of the campaign resulted in an early termination of the flight program. Clarkson University s UAV team is working on the second generation UAV for future campaign, planned for next year. A redesign of the UAV s fuselage structure to improve its cargo capacity and interior volume as well as improve the fuselage s aerodynamics are among the modifications that will be made in this second generation UAV. Future iterations of the Clarkson UAV will be based on a molded structure to ensure quick and inexpensive replacement of damaged parts. This will also incorporate a modular design to allow the UAV to be used as an experimental test platform.

2 Clarkson University Aerosol Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (a-uav) Vector P Vector P in flight - May 13, 2008, Muncie, Indiana

3 Group Photo. Clarkson University UAV-Team members in Indiana (IU, Bloomington IN), from left: Josh Butler, Pier Marzocca, Will Hull, Jonathan Hoffman, Dan Valyou, Erik Zito, Alan Rossner Group Photo. NIFTY Campaign Field Crew

4 Vector P Pre-flight tests, - May 15, 2008, Bloomington, IN Landing, - May 13, 2008, Muncie, Indiana

5 Team at work, - May 13, 2008, Muncie, Indiana Group photo, Clarkson University UAV-Team members in Indiana (IU, Bloomington IN), from left: Jonathan Hoffman (Pilot), Erik Zito (UAV Integration), Dennis Friesel (Pilot), Greg Hahn Technical Director of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, Lane Jorgensen (Pilot), Pier Marzocca. Front Row: Will Hull, Dan Valyou. - May 13, 2008, Muncie, Indiana