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Report presents theoretical analysis of vibrations of simply supported beam, bending stiffness varying about steady value, sinusoidally with position along length. Problem of practical importance because related to vibrations of twisted-pair electric-power transmission lines. Twists promote nonuniform shedding of vortexes and prevents resonant accumulation of vibrational energy from wind.
The design of a wide field imaging camera suitable for use with a glancing incidence X-ray telescope is complicated by the sharply concave nature of the optimum focal surface of such a telescope. Such a camera made up of a mosaic of CCDs is being designed which is intended for flight aboard the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF). The design rationale and tradeoffs are discussed, and the layout for the imaging CCD array is presented. The related issue of optimizing performance of transmission objective gratings is also discussed, and the array of CCD orientations suitable for this problem is presented.
An inherent problem of conventional point-to-point WAN architectures is that they cannot translate optical transmission bandwidth into comparable user available throughput due to the limiting electronic processing speed of the switching nodes. This report presents the first solution to WDM based WAN networks that overcomes this limitation. The proposed Lightnet architecture takes into account the idiosyncrasies of WDM switching/transmission leading to an efficient and pragmatic solution. The Lightnet architecture trades the ample WDM bandwidth for a reduction in the number of processing stages and a simplification of each switching stage, leading to drastically increased effective network throughputs.
Based upon quantum-inspired entanglement in quantum-classical hybrids, a simple algorithm for instantaneous transmissions of non-intentional messages (chosen at random) to remote distances is proposed. The idea is to implement instantaneous transmission of conditional information on remote distances via a quantum-classical hybrid that preserves superposition of random solutions, while allowing one to measure its state variables using classical methods. Such a hybrid system reinforces the advantages, and minimizes the limitations, of both quantum and classical characteristics. Consider n observers, and assume that each of them gets a copy of the system and runs it separately. Although they run identical systems, the outcomes of even synchronized runs may be different because the solutions of these systems are random. However, the global constrain must be satisfied. Therefore, if the observer #1 (the sender) made a measurement of the acceleration v(sub 1) at t =T, then the receiver, by measuring the corresponding acceleration v(sub 1) at t =T, may get a wrong value because the accelerations are random, and only their ratios are deterministic. Obviously, the transmission of this knowledge is instantaneous as soon as the measurements have been performed. In addition to that, the distance between the observers is irrelevant because the x-coordinate does not enter the governing equations. However, the Shannon information transmitted is zero. None of the senders can control the outcomes of their measurements because they are random. The senders cannot transmit intentional messages. Nevertheless, based on the transmitted knowledge, they can coordinate their actions based on conditional information. If the observer #1 knows his own measurements, the measurements of the others can be fully determined. It is important to emphasize that the origin of entanglement of all the observers is the joint probability density that couples their actions. There is no centralized source, or a sender of the signal, because each receiver can become a sender as well. An observer receives a signal by performing certain measurements synchronized with the measurements of the others. This means that the signal is uniformly and simultaneously distributed over the observers in a decentralized way. The signals transmit no intentional information that would favor one agent over another. All the sequence of signals received by different observers are not only statistically equivalent, but are also point-by-point identical. It is important to assume that each agent knows that the other agent simultaneously receives the identical signals. The sequences of the signals are true random, so that no agent could predict the next step with the probability different from those described by the density. Under these quite general assumptions, the entangled observers-agents can perform non-trivial tasks that include transmission of conditional information from one agent to another, simple paradigm of cooperation, etc. The problem of behavior of intelligent agents correlated by identical random messages in a decentralized way has its own significance: it simulates evolutionary behavior of biological and social systems correlated only via simultaneous sensoring sequences of unexpected events.
The standoff problem in pulsed-power driven IFE (Inertial Fusion Energy) refers to the problem of electrically connecting a fusion target with the driver in a way that preserves the driver/target interface in the presence of a large fusion energy release (100’s of megajoules to 1000 megajoules). High yield fusion drivers for stockpile stewardship applications have similar concerns, but without the complication of the high repetition rate needed for energy production. All proposed IFE or high yield systems have the challenge of protecting the reactor vessel and driver from the energy release, but pulsed power drivers have the additional challenge of establishing an electrical connection in a way that does not create excessive debris or require costly/massive structures that must be expendable. Fortunately, there are conceptual solutions in the form of very low mass transmission lines, usually in the form of wires or foils, since very little mass is needed to overcome the magnetic forces driving the transmission lines apart or provide a low resistance pathway given the short pulse duration of the driver. Several important aspects of the standoff problem were analyzed in the course of this LDRD project. Conceptual means of introducing the low mass transmission lines into the reactor chamber were proposed, including analysis of methods to retain the power flow gap between the electrodes in the presence of the chamber environment. The energy losses due to ohmic dissipation and magnetic acceleration of the low mass transmission lines were evaluated for candidate driver pulses and different transmission line masses, and the fluence of x-ray and neutron energy on the persistent power flow structures that must survive the pulse of energy were evaluated. Finally, means of rapidly pumping down the chamber were explored as a way to return the system to low pressure following the multi-atmosphere post-pulse pressure rise. The overall conclusion from the analysis is that, while the reactor environment creates stressful conditions for a low mass transmission line standoff system, there are concepts expending 10 kg or less of electrode mass each pulse with the potential to mitigate the stresses and successfully drive fusion targets. Whether such a system could lead to a practical and economical fusion reactor would require extensive research and development beyond the scope of the feasibility study.
High-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) is an indispensable tool for characterizing the structure and properties of materials down to the atomic scale. Conventional S/TEM imaging, however, is limited by the phase problem, whereby the phase of the electron exit wave is lost upon detection. Recent advances in diffractive imaging and 4D-STEM have enabled a range of phase-retrieval techniques that computationally reconstruct the missing information encoded in the phase of the transmission function. These approaches offer improved dose efficiency and enhanced sensitivity to weakly scattering signals, extending quantitative imaging to beam-sensitive materials composed of light elements. In this work, we introduce the phase problem in electron microscopy and survey the diverse landscape of phase-retrieval techniques used in the field. Despite their many acronyms and algorithmic variations, these techniques share a common physical and mathematical foundation. We present a unified framework that connects these seemingly distinct methods, from parallax imaging and tilt-corrected bright-field (tcBF-STEM), to aberration-corrected bright-field (acBF-STEM), optimum bright-field (OBF-STEM) and single-sideband (SSB) ptychography, as well as first-moment integrated center of mass techniques (iCOM) and iterative ptychographic algorithms. Based on these insights, we discuss the opportunities and practical limitations of applying these methods across different materials systems, detector designs, and microscope configurations.Graphical abstractRepresentative electron microscopy configurations used for phase retrieval and diffractive imaging in S/TEM: (a) Zernike phase-contrast transmission electron microscopy (TEM), (b) small-convergence-angle four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) for nanobeam-based phase reconstruction methods, and (c) large-convergence-angle 4D-STEM for ptychographic and related diffractive imaging techniques reviewed in this work.
Kennedy Space Center has the need for economical transmission of two multiplexed video signals along multimode fiberoptic systems. These systems must span unusual distances and must meet RS-250B short-haul standards after reception. Bandwidth is a major problem and studies of the installed fibers, available LEDs and PINFETs led to the choice of 100 MHz as the upper limit for the system bandwidth. Optical multiplexing and digital transmission were deemed inappropriate. Three electrical multiplexing schemes were chosen for further study. Each of the multiplexing schemes included an FM stage to help meet the stringent S/N specification. Both FM and AM frequency division multiplexing methods were investigated theoretically and these results were validated with laboratory tests. The novel application of quadrature amplitude multiplexing was also considered. Frequency division multiplexing of two wideband FM video signal appears the most promising scheme although this application requires high power highly linear LED transmitters. Futher studies are necessary to determine if LEDs of appropriate quality exist and to better quantify performance of QAM in this application.
In an optical fiber having NA greater than 1, light may be internally reflected when it strikes the fiber end at a fiber-air interface. This problem may be overcome by modification of the fiber by reverse tapering the core. Light is redirected by the taper to strike the interface at an angle closer to normal. This allows light to exit the fiber end that would by internally reflected in an untapered fiber of NA greater than 1. The novelty of the present invention lies in the tapering of the fiber core for increased through transmission of light. Prior art devices have made use of fiber tapers to achieve mode control or fiber coupling. The problem of internal reflection has not been addressed as it is one that is not as important in fibers having NA less than 1, which are more common. In chemical sensing it is advantageous to make use of fibers having higher NA due to an increased sensitivity. However the advantages in sensitivity are diminished due to the loss of signal at the fiber-air interface. The present invention overcomes the problem of loss at the interface, thus facilitating the use of high NA fibers for chemical sensing.
The interference problems faced by nongeostationary satellites may be of major significance. A general discussion indicates the scope of the problems and describes several configurations of importance. Computer programs are described, which are employed by NASA/JPL and the U.S. Air Force Satellite Control Facility to provide interference-free scheduling of commands and data transmission. Satellite system mission planners are not concerned with the precise prediction of interference episodes, but rather with the expected total amount of interference, the mean and maximum duration of events, and the mean spacing between episodes. The procedures in the theory of probability developed by the author which permit calculation of such quantities are described and applied to several real cases. It may be anticipated that the problems will become steadily worse in the future as more and more data transmissions attempt to occupy the same frequency band.
Entanglement distribution is a core function of quantum networks essential for operations including teleportation, distributed quantum sensing, and multisite computation. Entanglement throughput and fidelity are two critical performance measures that depend on the quantum transmission along the links and swapping operations at the repeaters along the path. We study the problem of computing a end-to-end entanglement path that satisfies both fidelity and throughput requirements, leveraging qubit buffers at the nodes and considering the sequential swapping order. We show that the general problem of simultaneously satisfying both metrics to be NP-hard, and develop an algorithm to maximize throughput subject to a given fidelity threshold. We introduce the concepts of entanglement probability distribution and path domination and exploit them in the design of our algorithm. Extensive numerical results show that our algorithm can find optimal solutions in networks with thousands of nodes in less than a second. We also describe practical and possible implementation aspects of this algorithm in terms of devices and architecture support.
Accumulation of soils and other particulate matter on the front cover glass of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules results in transmission losses that detrimentally affect the power output of PV installations. The conventional solution to this problem is manual abrasive scrubbing of modules, which entails significant water usage and manpower. To further combat this issue, there is a concerted effort within the PV industry to develop anti-soiling (AS) coatings to mitigate power losses due to soiling of PV modules, which can exceed 35% in some cases. However, relatively little is known about the fundamental physical and chemical mechanisms that enable anti-soiling behavior. In this project, a combination of advanced X-ray analysis tools and first principles computational modeling has employed to understand the physical and chemical interactions between environmental soils and PV cover glass materials. The specific objectives were: 1) investigate soiling interactions and cementation behavior of relevant PV materials, including bare glass, conventional antireflective (AR) coatings, and a commercial AS coating, using a library of representative particulate soils, and 2) utilize first principles computational spectroscopy modeling to interpret the experimental X-ray spectroscopy measurements and determine the detailed surface chemistry changes that occur on these surfaces in the presence of soiling and cementation.
Numerical modeling techniques for the transmission of vibration through ball or roller bearings are developed analytically and applied to several test problems. The method is based on a novel formulation of the bearing stiffness matrix, which is outlined. Numerical results for sample problems are presented graphically, and good agreement with experimental data is demonstrated.
The concept of a fully meshed network of briefcase-sized terminals is presented for personal communications over Ka-band satellite transponders. In this concept, undesirable double-hop delays are avoided for voice communications. The bandwidth and power resources of the transponder are efficiently shared by users in a simple demand-assigned manner via code-division multiple access (CDMA). Voice, data, and facsimile are statistically multiplexed at each terminal. In order to minimize terminal costs, frequency-precorrected, and level-preadjusted continuous-wave tones are sent from the central network control station in each beam so that the terminals in each down-link beam can use these pilots as references for antenna acquisition and tracking, as reliable frequency sources, and as indicators of signal fade for up-link power control (ULPC). The potential CDMA 'near-far' problem due to up-link fades is mitigated by using ULPC. Quasi-burst mode transmission is employed to minimize the potential clock and pseudorandom number code synchronization.
Rotationally symmetric arrays of circular waveguide fed apertures on conducting spherical surfaces have been analyzed. Representation of the outside electromagnetic fields in terms of spherical transmission line modes permit the array analysis to be viewed as a spherical waveguide junction discontinuity problem. The apertures, in general, carry dual polarized circular waveguide TE11 modes. Two independent formulations - the unit cell method and the eigenexcitation method that take rotational symmetry into account - are developed and are checked against each other numerically for computational accuracy. These two formulations are analytically linked as discrete Fourier series pairs. It is seen that mutual coupling along the array decays more rapidly when the polarization of excitation is perpendicular to the array plane than when it is parallel to it. This analysis has been applied in the performance analysis of the Dome Lens phased array radar antenna.
The paper describes a non-invasive method to measure the time an individual particle takes to move through a length of stainless steel pipe. The food product is in two phase flow (liquids and solids) and passes through a pipe with pressures of approximately 60 psig and temperatures of 270-285 F. The proposed problem solution is based on the detection of transitory amplitude and/or phase changes in a microwave transmission path caused by the passage of the particles of interest. The particles are enhanced in some way, as will be discussed later, such that they will provide transitory changes that are distinctive enough not to be mistaken for normal variations in the received signal (caused by the non-homogeneous nature of the medium). Two detectors (transmission paths across the pipe) will be required and place at a known separation. A minimum transit time calculation is made from which the maximum velocity can be determined. This provides the minimum residence time. Also average velocity and statistical variations can be computed so that the amount of 'over-cooking' can be determined.
Contents include the following: Salt Kinematics and InSAR. SAR Interferometry as a Tool for Monitoring Coastal Changes in the Nile River Delta of Egypt. Modem Radar Techniques for Geophysical Applications: Two Examples. WISDOM Experiment on the EXOMARS ESA Mission. An Ice Thickness Study Utilizing Ground Penetrating Radar on the Lower Jamapa. Probing the Martian Subsurface with Synthetic Aperture Radar. Planetary Surface Properties from Radar Polarimetric Observations. Imaging the Sub-surface Reflectors : Results From the RANETA/NETLANDER Field Test on the Antarctic Ice Shelf. Strategy for Selection of Mars Geophysical Analogue Sites. Observations of Low Frequency Low Altitude Plasma Oscillations at Mars and Implications for Electromagnetic Sounding of the Subsurface. Ionospheric Transmission Losses Associated with Mars-orbiting Radar. A Polarimetric Scattering Model for the 2-Layer Problem. Radars for Imaging and Sounding of Polar Ice Sheets. Strata: Ground Penetrating Radar for Mars Rovers. Scattering Limits to Depth of Radar Investigation: Lessons from the Bishop Tuff.
Most general aviation aircraft utilize single layer plexiglas material for the windshield and side windows. Adding noise control treatments to transparent panels is a challenging problem. In this paper, damped plexiglas windows are evaluated for replacement of conventional windows in general aviation aircraft to reduce the structure-borne and airborne noise transmitted into the interior. In contrast to conventional solid windows, the damped plexiglas window panels are fabricated using two or three layers of plexiglas with transparent viscoelastic damping material sandwiched between the layers. Results from acoustic tests conducted in the NASA Langley Structural Acoustic Loads and Transmission (SALT) facility are used to compare different designs of the damped plexiglas panels with solid windows of the same nominal thickness. Comparisons of the solid and damped plexiglas panels show reductions in the radiated sound power of up to 8 dB at low frequency resonances and as large as 4.5 dB over a 4000 Hz bandwidth. The weight of the viscoelastic treatment was approximately 1% of the panel mass. Preliminary FEM/BEM modeling shows good agreement with experimental results for radiated sound power.
As science, exploration, and commercial space missions become increasingly complex, so does the need for efficient, autonomous, and integrated spacecraft navigation and operations techniques. Key operational functions, including data collection and transmission, environment characterization, systems constraints, human factors, and navigation, often are intertwined and conflicted. Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) offers a framework for addressing integrated spacecraft navigation and planning in an uncertain dynamical environment. The goal of this study is to evaluate the utility of DRL for integrated spacecraft navigation and planning. This is achieved by developing a simple environmental characterization training environment in the Planar-Restricted 2-Body Problem (PR2BP), establishing benchmarks and heuristic baselines, and designing a previously unstudied Markov Decision Process (MDP) formulation. This MDP formulation enables the spacecraft DRL agents to appropriately balance navigation and actuation capabilities. The resulting DRL-derived policy exceeds a random or untrained policy and meets or exceeds the level of performance of a heuristic without actuation. In the process, valuable intuition is gained about the problem with insight into how DRL methods could scale to increasingly more realistic scenarios, including net-work design and training architectures, efficient state space representations, and methods for encouraging exploration in a parametric action space, among others.