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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 217 records · Page 12

Critical fault patterns determination in fault-tolerant computer systems

The method proposed tries to enumerate all the critical fault-patterns (successive occurrences of failures) without analyzing every single possible fault. The conditions for the system to be operating in a given mode can be expressed in terms of the static states. Thus, one can find all the system states that correspond to a given critical mode of operation. The next step consists in analyzing the fault-detection mechanisms, the diagnosis algorithm and the process of switch control. From them, one can find all the possible system configurations that can result from a failure occurrence. Thus, one can list all the characteristics, with respect to detection, diagnosis, and switch control, that failures must have to constitute critical fault-patterns. Such an enumeration of the critical fault-patterns can be directly used to evaluate the overall system tolerance to failures. Present research is focused on how to efficiently make use of these system-level characteristics to enumerate all the failures that verify these characteristics.

Mccluskey, E. J.↗

Evolution of photospheric magnetic field patterns during Skylab

The evolution of the photospheric magnetic-field pattern over eleven solar rotations preceding a minimum of the activity cycle is shown to be characterized by abrupt changes in the dominant geometrical patterns of the field. These changes are associated with the onset and end of a sudden increase in the calculated total energy content of the field, which is otherwise decreasing through the period. The calculated geometrical rearrangements correspond in time to observed restructurings of the corona, the interplanetary field, and the solar rotation pattern.

Levine, R. H.↗

Pattern classification using Charge Transfer Devices

The potential uses of Charge Transfer Devices (CTDs) in pattern classification operations are explored. The needs for a hardware-based pattern classifier are established, and a matrix multiplication subsystem based upon a sum of products CTD is presented. An evaluation process for sum of products devices (particularly analog-analog correlators) is developed, and the feasibility of employing a particular device in a pattern classifier is determined. Finally, the possible impact of future trends in technology is considered.

Snyder, W. E.↗

A fast-reacting and versatile optokinetic stimulus pattern by computer graphics with application examples

A computer graphics method for the generation of horizontally moving vertical stripes which serve as stimuli for optokinetic nystagmus is presented. The pattern is generated by the successive addition of a constant in a digital register, leading to its periodic overflow. Digital to analog conversion of the register contents results in a staircase waveform, which is converted into a pattern of vertical lines on a CRT. The addition of any number to the reference buffer shifts all lines uniformly, so that the group velocity of the pattern is easily controlled. The computer controlled display allows an accurate realization of a commanded velocity profile with practically no time delay and facilitates study under conditions of variable feedback. The display software can be easily modified to limit stimulation to a selected area of the moving retina, and the method has been used to simulate central scotomata. It is pointed out that the technique, while more accurate, versatile and responsive than a rotating drum device, may be less useful in experiments requiring a wide field display.

Yasui, S.↗

Maximum likelihood estimation of label imperfections and its use in the identification of mislabeled patterns

The problem of estimating label imperfections and the use of the estimation in identifying mislabeled patterns is presented. Expressions for the maximum likelihood estimates of classification errors and a priori probabilities are derived from the classification of a set of labeled patterns. Expressions also are given for the asymptotic variances of probability of correct classification and proportions. Simple models are developed for imperfections in the labels and for classification errors and are used in the formulation of a maximum likelihood estimation scheme. Schemes are presented for the identification of mislabeled patterns in terms of threshold on the discriminant functions for both two-class and multiclass cases. Expressions are derived for the probability that the imperfect label identification scheme will result in a wrong decision and are used in computing thresholds. The results of practical applications of these techniques in the processing of remotely sensed multispectral data are presented.

Chittineni, C. B.↗

Pattern measurements of a low-sidelobe horn antenna

The techniques and results of power pattern measurements of a corrugated horn antenna designed for low sidelobes are reported. The power pattern was measured to levels 90 dB below the main beam maximum in both the E- and H-planes. The measured patterns were found to be in good agreement with predictions from existing theory for the performance of corrugated scalar feeds.

Janssen, M. A.↗

Optimization of multi-layer front-contact grid patterns for solar cells

In a front-contact grid pattern for a solar cell there is a trade-off necessary between shadowing loss and excessive power loss due to voltage drop in the metalization itself. If the metalization is too little there may be excessive contact resistance to the underlying semiconductor and insufficient coverage to control losses in the thin front-surface layer of the solar cell. Optimization of grid pattern area and geometry is considered analytically to minimize total losses. Worthwhile performance advantages are shown to be possible, particularly in concentrator systems, if multi-layer grid patterns are used. The current carrying fingers should be approximately square in metal cross section and the main current feedout bars should not only be wider but also thicker than the primary collecting fingers. This is termed multi-level metalization. Effective use of multi-level grid metalization allows much greater concentration-to-loss ratio for a cell of large area and permits good performance from cells of high front-layer sheet resistance.

Flat, A.↗

Electronic heterodyne recording of interference patterns

An electronic heterodyne technique is being investigated for video (i.e., television rate and format) recording of interference patterns. In the heterodyne technique electro-optic modulation is used to introduce a sinusoidal phase shift between the beams of an interferometer. For phase modulation frequencies between 0.1 and 15 MHz an image dissector camera may be used to scan the resulting temporally modulated interference pattern. Heterodyne detection of the camera output is used to selectively record the interference pattern. An advantage of such synchronous recording is that it permits recording of low-contrast fringes in high ambient light conditions. The application of this technique to the recording of holograms is discussed.

Merat, F. L.↗

Theoretical performance of multi-layer grid patterns for solar cells

Multilayer grid patterns consist of fine closely spaced grid lines overlaid by coarser patterns of wider and thicker grid lines to collect the current from the finer grids with low series voltage drop and low active-layer sheet losses. An analytical approach leads to closed form solutions with simple relationships between the power losses in the active layer, in the grid and shadowing losses for optimum design proportions. The results show that multilayer grids, with line thickness equal to line width, greatly reduce losses in cell efficiency under concentration conditions of high current collection. (AlGa)As-pn GaAs cells of areas 1-25 sq cm and sheet resistance 40 ohms/square are considered. Also the performance of a n/p GaAs cell of dimensions 10 x 10 cm is studied. With optimized grid patterns high efficiencies are predicted for large area cells.

Flat, A.↗

Standard Transistor Array (STAR). Volume 2: Test pattern generation

Testing of large scale integrated logic circuits is considered from the point-of-view of automatic test pattern generation. A logic simulator based approach for automatic test pattern generation is taken and is described. The logic model and the timing model used in the simulator are also described. Two methods are presented for generating test patterns from the output of the simulator. Recommendations for future study are also presented.

Carroll, B. D.↗

Determination of turbidity patterns in Lake Chicot from LANDSAT MSS imagery

A historical analysis of all the applicable LANDSAT imagery was conducted on the turbidity patterns of Lake Chicot, located in the southeastern corner of Arkansas. By examining the seasonal and regional turbidity patterns, a record of sediment dynamics and possible disposition can be obtained. Sketches were generated from the suitable imagery, displaying different intensities of brightness observed in bands 5 and 7 of LANDSAT's multispectral scanner data. Differences in and between bands 5 and 7 indicate variances in the levels of surface sediment concentrations. High sediment loads are revealed when distinct patterns appear in the band 7 imagery. Additionally, the upwelled signal is exponential in nature and saturates in band 5 at low wavelengths for large concentrations of suspended solids.

Lecroy, S. R.↗

Determination of circulation and turbidity patterns in Kerr Lake from LANDSAT MSS imagery

The LANDSAT imagery was historically analyzed to determine the circulation and turbidity patterns of Kerr Lake, located on the Virginia-North Carolina border. By examining the seasonal and regional turbidity and circulation patterns, a record of sediment transport and possible disposition can be obtained. Sketches were generated, displaying different intensities of brightness observed in bands 5 and 7 of LANDSAT's multispectral scanner data. Differences in and between bands 5 and 7 indicate variances in the levels of surface sediment concentrations. High sediment loads are revealed when distinct patterns appear in the band 7 imagery. The upwelled signal is exponential in nature and saturates in band 5 at low wavelengths for large concentrations of suspended solids.

Lecroy, S. R.↗

Determination of turbidity patterns in Lake Chicot from LANDSAT MSS imagery

A historical analysis of all the applicable LANDSAT imagery was conducted on the turbidity patterns of Lake Chicot, located in the southeastern corner of Arkansas. By examining the seasonal and regional turbidity patterns, a record of sediment dynamics and possible disposition can be obtained. Sketches were generated from the suitable imagery, displaying different intensities of brightness observed in bands 5 and 7 of LANDSAT's multispectral scanner data. Differences in and between bands 5 and 7 indicate variances in the levels of surface sediment concentrations. High sediment loads are revealed when distinct patterns appear in the band 7 imagery. Additionally, the upwelled signal is exponential in nature and saturates in band 5 at low wavelengths for large concentrations of suspended solids.

Lecroy, S. R.↗

Lightning attachment patterns and flight conditions for storm hazards, 1980

As part of the NASA Langley Research Center Storm Hazards Program, 69 thunderstorm pentrations were made in 1980 with an F-106B airplane in order to record direct strike lightning data and the associated flight conditions. Ground based weather radar measurements in conjunction with these penetrations were made by NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory in Oklahoma and by NASA Wallops Flight Center in Virginia. In 1980, the airplane received 10 direct lightning strikes; in addition, lightning transient data were recorded from 6 nearby flashes. Following each flight, the airplane was thoroughly inspected for evidence of lightning attachment, and the individual lightning attachment points were plotted on isometric projections of the airplane to identify swept flash patterns. This report presents pilot descriptions of the direct strikes to the airplane, shows the strike attachment patterns that were found, and discusses the implications of the patterns with respect to aircraft protection design. The flight conditions are also included. Finally, the lightning strike scenarios for three U.S. Air Force F-106A airplanes which were struck during routine operations are given in the appendix to this paper.

Fisher, B. D.↗

Method of tracing contour patterns for use in making gradual contour resin matrix composites

The invention relates to methods for making alminate patterns for a resin matrix composite structural component. A sheet of paper is temporarily adhered to a model of the structrual component. A pen is positioned on the paper with a spindle touching the model surface opposite the pen. The pen and spindle are moved along the path that maintains the aforementioned contacts. The resulting line traced on paper is a model constant-thickness locus and provides a pattern for a single lamination of resin-impregnated fabric. The steps are repeated to make other patterns and each time the steps are repeated the distance between the tracer and the spindle is changed to correspond to the thickness of a lamination.

Fontes, M. J.↗

An analytic solution for the response of the neutral atmosphere to the high-latitude convection pattern

The analytic solutions to a two-dimensional, shallow-water model of the high-latitude thermosphere are developed. The equations are a linearized representation of the response of the neutral atmosphere to the momentum source due to the plasma convection pattern. The obtained results show how the neutral winds depend on the Pedersen and Hall ion drag coefficients and the horizontal wave number. The response depends on the dimensionless scale as it appears in the product of the Rossby radius of deformation and the wave number. The flow pattern is shifted in local time from the plasma flow pattern by an amount that depends on the average electron density. At the largest scales there is a 180 deg phase shift between the rotational flow components in the E and F regions. The model applies to quiet magnetic conditions and below 200 km of altitude.

Mikkelsen, I. S.↗

A flight study of tone radiation patterns generated by inlet rods in a small turbofan engine

This paper presents a flight study of tone radiation patterns from a small turbofan engine and compares results with similar static test stand data and a recently developed radiation theory. An interaction tone was produced by a circumferential array of inlet rods placed just upstream of the fan blades. Overhead and sideline flight directivity patterns showed cut-on of a dominant single mode occurred where predicted and the absence of any other significant circumferential or radial modes. In general, good agreement was found between measured flight and static data, with small differences being attributed to inlet geometry and/or forward speed effects. Good agreement was also obtained between flight data and theory for directivity pattern shape, however, the theory consistently predicted higher values for peak radiation angle over a wide range of frequency.

Preisser, J. S.↗

Larval adaptations and patterns of brachiopod diversity in space and time

Modern biodistributional patterns suggest that modes of larval development are a factor in determining the patterns of diversity in benthic invertebrates. Paleozoic brachiopods had diversity patterns suggesting that they possessed both planktotrophic and nonplanktotrophic modes. It is presently hypothesized that the planktotrophic lineages were lost to extinction, largely or entirely during the Permian-Triassic event, and that the failure of the articulate brachiopods to regain their former importance is substantially due to their nonplanktotrophic developmental mode.

Valentine, J. W.↗