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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1974

Frequency standard stability for Doppler measurements on-board the shuttle

The short and long term stability characteristics of crystal and atomic standards are described. Emphasis is placed on crystal oscillators because of the selection which was made for the shuttle baseline and the complexities which are introduced by the shuttle environment. Attention is given, first, to the definitions of stability and the application of these definitions to the shuttle system and its mission. Data from time domain measurements are used to illustrate the definitions. Results of a literature survey to determine environmental effects on frequency reference sources are then presented. Finally, methods of standard frequency dissemination over radio frequency carriers are noted as a possible means of measuring absolute accuracy and long term stability characteristics during on one way Doppler equipment.

Harton, P. L.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Cryogenic Pound Circuits for Cryogenic Sapphire Oscillators

Two modern cryogenic variants of the Pound circuit have been devised to increase the frequency stability of microwave oscillators that include cryogenic sapphire-filled cavity resonators. The original Pound circuit is a microwave frequency discriminator that provides feedback to stabilize a voltage-controlled microwave oscillator with respect to an associated cavity resonator. In the present cryogenic Pound circuits, the active microwave devices are implemented by use of state-of-the-art commercially available tunnel diodes that exhibit low flicker noise (required for high frequency stability) and function well at low temperatures and at frequencies up to several tens of gigahertz. While tunnel diodes are inherently operable as amplitude detectors and amplitude modulators, they cannot, by themselves, induce significant phase modulation. Therefore, each of the present cryogenic Pound circuits includes passive circuitry that transforms the AM into the required PM. Each circuit also contains an AM detector that is used to sample the microwave signal at the input terminal of the high-Q resonator for the purpose of verifying the desired AM null at this point. Finally, each circuit contains a Pound signal detector that puts out a signal, at the modulation frequency, having an amplitude proportional to the frequency error in the input signal. High frequency stability is obtained by processing this output signal into feedback to a voltage-controlled oscillator to continuously correct the frequency error in the input signal.

Dick, G. John↗
NASA NTRS1987

Single-state selection system for hydrogen masers

The design and operation of a single-state selection system based on the adiabatic fast-passage technique for atomic state inversion is described. The system uses a variable-pitch dc solenoid and orthogonal four-wire RF coil to create the state-changing magnetic fields, and a half-wavelength state selection magnet to remove the inverted state atoms from the hydrogen beam. The system's performance was determined by measuring maser power as a function of line Q. The system removes more than 85 percent of undesired atoms from the beam. The potential effects of improvements in the maser on its frequency stability have been calculated. The use of single-state selection combined with increased RF coupling to the cavity and increased storage bulb collimation offers the possibility of frequency stability in the 10 to the -17th regime over intervals on the order of 60,000 s.

Mattison, Edward M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Squeeze-film dampers for turbomachinery stabilization

A technique for investigating the stability and damping present in centrally preloaded radially symmetric multi-mass flexible rotor bearing systems is presented. In general, one needs to find the eigenvalues of the linearized perturbation equations, though zero frequency stability maps may be found by solving as many simultaneous non-linear equations as there are dampers; and in the case of a single damper, such maps may be found directly, regardless of the number of degrees of freedom. The technique is illustrated for a simple symmetric four degree of freedom flexible rotor with an unpressurized damper. This example shows that whereas zero frequency stability maps are likely to prove to be a simple way to delineate multiple solution possibilities, they do not provide full stability information. Further, particularly for low bearing parameters, the introduction of an unpressurized squeeze film damper may promote instability in an otherwise stable system.

Mclean, L. J.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Characterization of Low-Frequency Combustion Stability of the Fastrac Engine

A series of tests were conducted to measure the combustion performance of the Fastrac engine thrust chamber. During mainstage, the thrust chamber exhibited no large-amplitude chamber pressure oscillations that could be identified as low-frequency combustion instability or 'chug'. However, during start-up and shutdown, the thrust chamber very briefly exhibited large-amplitude chamber pressure oscillations that were identified as chug. These instabilities during start-up and shutdown were regarded as benign due to their brevity. Linear models of the thrust chamber and the propellant feed systems were formulated for both the thrust chamber component tests and the flight engine tests. These linear models determined the frequency and decay rate of chamber pressure oscillations given the design and operating conditions of the thrust chamber and feed system. The frequency of chamber pressure oscillations determined from the model closely matched the frequency of low-amplitude, low-frequency chamber pressure oscillations exhibited in some of the later thrust chamber mainstage tests. The decay rate of the chamber pressure oscillations determined from the models indicated that these low-frequency oscillations were stable. Likewise, the decay rate, determined from the model of the flight engine tests indicated that the low-frequency chamber pressure oscillations would be stable.

Rocker, Marvin↗
NASA NTRS1991

The role of time and speed in NASA's SUNLITE program

The SUNLITE program of NASA's LaRC aims to demonstrate lower noise and better frequency stability for continuous-wave (CW) solid-state lasers in the microgravity environment of space. The program will utilize laser-diode-pumped nonplanar-ring oscillators regulated by ultra-stable high-finesse Fabry-Perot Spectrometers to produce light beams with phase rate or frequency variations as low as 3 Hz. SUNLITE will use the period-method (P-method) to measure the phase rate and frequency stability of the lasers. The P-method was chosen because it requires less memory space for the raw data, because frequencies can be analyzed on-line in real-time simply by reciprocating the periods (fi = 1/pi), and because the mean and variance of the frequencies can be calculated as fast or faster than they can be with the fastest fast Fourier transformations. Furthermore, for a given signal-to-noise power ratio, the P-method requires less data and less computer time to extract the noise components. Although the P-method does require fast Time Interval Counters, the Fourier transformation method requires comparably fast Sampling Volt meters. For either method, however, time and computer speed play a critical role.

Hafele, Joseph C.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Precision timekeeping using a small passive hydrogen maser

The timekeeping ability of a prototype passive hydrogen maser which is a factor of 5 smaller in size, weight, and cost than any previously designed, was compared to UTC (NBS) based on 10 cesium frequency standards including a large primary standard, NBS-4. The frequency of the prototype was monitored as a function of source pressure, cavity temperature, microwave power, modulation width, and magnetic field. Based on these measurements, a frequency stability of better than 6 x 10 to the -15 power was expected, implying a timekeeping ability of order 0.5 ns/day. Measurements vs UTC(NBS) indicate a joint timekeeping a stability of order 1.2 ns/day. Simultaneous measurements made between NBS-4, UTC(6600), and the small passive me maser show peak to peak time variations of the small maser vs UTC(6600) was 10 ns for the full 32 days if the average rate and drift are considered. Frequency stability of the small prototype vs UTC (NBS) was to 1.1 x 10 to the -14th power for tau = 1 to 8 days.

Walls, F. L.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Statistical properties of high performance cesium standards

The intermediate term frequency stability of a group of new high-performance cesium beam tubes at the U.S. Naval Observatory were analyzed from two viewpoints: (1) by comparison of the high-performance standards to the MEAN(USNO) time scale and (2) by intercomparisons among the standards themselves. For sampling times up to 5 days, the frequency stability of the high-performance units shows significant improvement over older commercial cesium beam standards.

Percival, D. B.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Frequency domain stability criteria for distributed nonlinear sampled-data systems.

Popov-type sufficient conditions are presented for the absolute stability of a class of closed loop sampled-data systems. The closed loop system consists of a linear distributed element, a feedback controller (linear or nonlinear), a sampler, and possibly a zero-order hold circuit. The distributed element is assumed to be finite Hankel transformable, and such that its dynamics can be represented by a transfer function which is the ratio of the multiple (Laplace and finite Hankel) transforms of output and input. The input is assumed to be distributed. The stability criterion presented here parallels the criterion for distributed systems that are finite Fourier transformable. An example is given to illustrate the applications of the stability criterion.

Nagarajan, N.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Computer programs for calculation of matrix stability and frequency response from a state-space system description

FORTRAN computer subroutines stemming from requirements to process state variable system equations for systems of high order are presented. They find the characteristic equation of a matrix using the method of Danilevsky, the number of roots with positive real parts using the Routh-Horwitz alternate formulation, convert a state variable system description to a Laplace transfer function using the method of Bollinger, and evaluate that transfer function and obtain its frequency response. A sample problem is presented to demonstrate use of the subroutines.

Seidel, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Temperature-Compensated Sapphire Microwave Resonator

Sapphire-dielectric-ring microwave resonator operating in "whispering-gallery" electromagnetic mode features differential-thermal-expansion design providing temperature compensation for ultrahigh frequency stability. Designed to minimize frequency fluctuations caused by temperature fluctuations at normal temperature equal to or even somewhat greater than temperature of liquid nitrogen. Ancillary equipment needed for operation smaller and less expensive, and liquid nitrogen used as coolant.

Dick, G. John↗
NASA NTRS2008

Extreme Temperature Operation of a 10 MHz Silicon Oscillator Type STCL1100

The performance of STMicroelectronics 10 MHz silicon oscillator was evaluated under exposure to extreme temperatures. The oscillator was characterized in terms of its output frequency stability, output signal rise and fall times, duty cycle, and supply current. The effects of thermal cycling and re-start capability at extreme low and high temperatures were also investigated. The silicon oscillator chip operated well with good stability in its output frequency over the temperature region of -50 C to +130 C, a range that by far exceeded its recommended specified boundaries of -20 C to +85 C. In addition, this chip, which is a low-cost oscillator designed for use in applications where great accuracy is not required, continued to function at cryogenic temperatures as low as - 195 C but at the expense of drop in its output frequency. The STCL1100 silicon oscillator was also able to re-start at both -195 C and +130 C, and it exhibited no change in performance due to the thermal cycling. In addition, no physical damage was observed in the packaging material due to extreme temperature exposure and thermal cycling. Therefore, it can be concluded that this device could potentially be used in space exploration missions under extreme temperature conditions in microprocessor and other applications where tight clock accuracy is not critical. In addition to the aforementioned screening evaluation, additional testing, however, is required to fully establish the reliability of these devices and to determine their suitability for long-term use.

Patterson, Richard L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Highly Stable Microwave Resonator

Superconducting walls on sapphire-filled cavity make low-loss device. Improved microwave resonant cavity consists of sapphire cylinder coated with thin film of superconducting lead. Operated well below superconducting transition temperature at 1.5K, cavity demonstrated superior frequency stability and quality factor. Cavity frequency highly stable and therefore suitable for use in standard frequency generators and filters.

Strayer, Donald M.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Investigation into the effects of VHF and UHF band radiation on Hewlett-Packard (HP) Cesium Beam Frequency Standards

This paper documents an investigation into reports which have indicated that exposure to VHF and UHF band radiation has adverse effects on the frequency stability of HP cesium beam frequency standards. Tests carried out on the basis of these reports show that sources of VHF and UHF radiation such as two-way hand held police communications devices do cause reproducible adverse effects. This investigation examines reproducible effects and explores possible causes.

Dickens, Andrew↗