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Pawlik, Eugene V.

Publications and source records attributed to Pawlik, Eugene V..

Precision segmented reflectors for space applications

A project to develop precision segmented reflectors (PSRs) which operate at submillimeter wavelengths is described. The development of a light efficient means for the construction of large-aperture segmented reflecting space-based telescopes is the primary aim of the project. The 20-m Large Deployable Reflector (LDR) telescope is being developed for a survey mission, and it will make use of the reflector panels and materials, structures, and figure control being elaborated for the PSR. The surface accuracy of a 0.9-m PSR panel is shown to be 1.74-micron RMS, the goal of 100-micron RMS positioning accuracy has been achieved for a 4-m erectable structure. A voice-coil actuator for the figure control system architecture demonstrated 1-micron panel control accuracy in a 3-axis evaluation. The PSR technology is demonstrated to be of value for several NASA projects involving optical communications and interferometers as well as missions which make use of large-diameter segmented reflectors.

Lehman, David H.

JPL future missions and energy storage technology implications

The mission model for JPL future programs is presented. This model identifies mission areas where JPL is expected to have a major role and/or participate in a significant manner. These missions are focused on space science and applications missions, but they also include some participation in space station activities. The mission model is described in detail followed by a discussion on the needs for energy storage technology required to support these future activities.

Pawlik, Eugene V.

Power Matching of an Ion Thruster to Solar Cell Power Output

A 20-cm-diam thruster was operated over a 2:1 range of output power, allowing for continuous matching of thruster power to a varying solar cell output level. The technique of matching power by varying either the ion beam current or the net accelerating voltage is described. Ion beam current control, implemented in thruster control loops, utilized existing laboratory hardware. Stable thruster operation was achieved over a range of 1000 to 2000 W. Bistable values of mercury propellant flow at the same discharge chamber and ion beam conditions were also observed.

Pawlik, Eugene V.

Experimental Evaluation of Steady-State Control Properties of an Electron-Bombardment Ion Thrustor

Examined in this report are the experimental steady-state gains, or changes, in beam-current output with changes in thrustor inputs for a 10-centimeter-diameter electron-bombardment ion thrustor. A general leveling off of beam current as a function of an input variable was found at the upper range of each variable, At the design operating point, the filament-heating current exhibited the greatest sensitivity, or percentage beam-current output change for a percentage change in the input (2 to 4). Accelerator voltage showed the least effect (0.04) while discharge voltage, magnetic field, and neutral propellant flow exhibited about the same sensitivity (0.4 to 0.5). Some effects of nonlinearity are shown that may require consideration in the design of a closed-loop control system.

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