Search NASASearch

Engineering topics

Boerner, W. M.

Publications and source records attributed to Boerner, W. M..

Spaceborne radar

The spaceborne radar panel considered how radar could be used to measure precipitation from satellites. The emphasis was on how radar could be used with radiometry (at microwave, visible (VIS), and infrared (IR) wavelengths) to reduce the uncertainties of measuring precipitation with radiometry alone. In addition, the fundamental electromagnetic interactions involved in the measurements were discussed to determine the key work areas for research and development to produce effective instruments. Various approaches to implementing radar systems on satellites were considered for both shared and dedicated instruments. Finally, a research and development strategy was proposed for establishing the parametric relations and retrieval algorithms required for extracting precipitation information from the radar and associated radiometric data.

Moore, R. K.

Prediction of solar induced currents and effects on power transmission systems in central Canada

The auroral-electrojet zone covers three quarters of Manitoba and consequently, solar storms strongly affect transmission lines. Harmonics are generated at transformers due to the saturation of their cores by induced currents, and the level of harmonics produced may cause malfunction of control relays, and yield unacceptable distortions in normal ac waveforms. The expected effects of long ac transmission systems were studied with emphasis on a 500 kv line to be built from Winnipeg to Minneapolis-St. Paul. Spectral analysis of induced current records from Manitoba Hydro's LaVerendrye station and magnetograms from IMS stations in Manitoba were used along with results of Campbell's work on the Alaskan pipeline induction problem (1978) in order to predict periodic and surge currents. It is concluded that the surge currents will produce significant levels of harmonics and corresponding operating problems during magnetic storms.

Goddard, W. R.