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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 253 records · Page 14

High-efficiency high-gain monolithic heterostructure FET amplifier at 31 GHz

A three-stage heterostructure FET monolithic amplifier has achieved a power-added efficiency of 36 percent with 200 mW output and 18 dB gain at 31 GHz. At a higher drain voltage, the output power increases to 280 mW (with 17.5 dB gain and 31 percent PAE) at a power density of 0.7 W/mm. The MMIC chip measures 2.63 x 1.35 sq mm and requires only a single drain bias and a single gate bias.

Tserng, H. Q.↗

Estimation of Kalman filter gain from output residuals

This paper presents a procedure to estimate the Kalman filter gain from input-output measurement data with a given system model. The system model can be a finite element model or an experimental model from any identification method. The procedure consists of three basic steps. First, the stochastic portion related to the residuals of the response is computed. Second, the coefficients of a linear difference model for the stochastic portion are estimated by a least-squares solution that minimizes the filter residual. Third, the Kalman filter gain is computed from these model coefficients. Experimental results are presented to illustrate the usefulness of the developed procedure.

Juang, Jer-Nan↗

Velocity gained and altitude lost in recoveries from inclined flight paths

A series of charts is given showing the variation of the velocity gained and the altitude lost in dive pullouts with the initial indicated air speed and the dive angle. The effects of the maximum load factor, the drag parameter K, the initial altitude, and the type of recovery on the velocity gained and the altitude lost are also considered. The results were obtained from a step-by-step solution of the equations of motion in which mean values of the air density and the airplane drag coefficient were used. The load-factor variation with time is arbitrarily specified in various ways to simulate pull-out procedures, some of which might be encountered in flight.

Pearson, H A↗

Extended horizon lifting for periodic gain adjustment in control systems, and for equalization of communication channels

Periodic gain adjustment in plants of irreducible order, n, or for equalization of communications channels is effected in such a way that the plant (system) appears to be minimum phase by choosing a horizon time N is greater than n of liftings in periodic input and output windows rho sub u and rho sub y, respectively, where N is an integer chosen to define the extent (length) of each of the windows rho sub u and rho sub y, and n is the order of an irreducible input/output plant. The plant may be an electrical, mechanical, or chemical system, in which case output tracking (OT) is carried out for feedback control or a communication channel, in which case input tracking (IT) is performed. Conditions for OT are distinct from IT in terms of zero annihilation, namely H(sub s)H(sub s)(sup +) = I for OT and H(sub s)H(sub s)(sup +) = I of IT, where the OT conditions are intended for gain adjustments in the control system, and IT conditions are intended for equalization for communication channels.

Bayard, David S.↗

A Novel Approach to Noise-Filtering Based on a Gain-Scheduling Neural Network Architecture

A gain-scheduling neural network architecture is proposed to enhance the noise-filtering efficiency of feedforward neural networks, in terms of both nominal performance and robustness. The synergistic benefits of the proposed architecture are demonstrated and discussed in the context of the noise-filtering of signals that are typically encountered in aerospace control systems. The synthesis of such a gain-scheduled neurofiltering provides the robustness of linear filtering, while preserving the nominal performance advantage of conventional nonlinear neurofiltering. Quantitative performance and robustness evaluations are provided for the signal processing of pitch rate responses to typical pilot command inputs for a modern fighter aircraft model.

Troudet, T.↗

The Galileo high gain antenna deployment anomaly

On April 11, 1991, the Galileo spacecraft executed a sequence that would open the spacecraft's High Gain Antenna. The Antenna's launch restraint had been released just after deployment sequence, the antenna, which opens like an umbrella, never reached the fully deployed position. The analyses and tests that followed allowed a conclusive determination of the likely failure mechanisms and pointed to some strategies to use for recovery of the high gain antenna.

Johnson, Michael R.↗

Galileo mission planning for Low Gain Antenna based operations

The Galileo mission operations concept is undergoing substantial redesign, necessitated by the deployment failure of the High Gain Antenna, while the spacecraft is on its way to Jupiter. The new design applies state-of-the-art technology and processes to increase the telemetry rate available through the Low Gain Antenna and to increase the information density of the telemetry. This paper describes the mission planning process being developed as part of this redesign. Principal topics include a brief description of the new mission concept and anticipated science return (these have been covered more extensively in earlier papers), identification of key drivers on the mission planning process, a description of the process and its implementation schedule, a discussion of the application of automated mission planning tool to the process, and a status report on mission planning work to date. Galileo enhancements include extensive reprogramming of on-board computers and substantial hard ware and software upgrades for the Deep Space Network (DSN). The principal mode of operation will be onboard recording of science data followed by extended playback periods. A variety of techniques will be used to compress and edit the data both before recording and during playback. A highly-compressed real-time science data stream will also be important. The telemetry rate will be increased using advanced coding techniques and advanced receivers. Galileo mission planning for orbital operations now involves partitioning of several scarce resources. Particularly difficult are division of the telemetry among the many users (eleven instruments, radio science, engineering monitoring, and navigation) and allocation of space on the tape recorder at each of the ten satellite encounters. The planning process is complicated by uncertainty in forecast performance of the DSN modifications and the non-deterministic nature of the new data compression schemes. Key mission planning steps include quantifying resource or capabilities to be allocated, prioritizing science observations and estimating resource needs for each, working inter-and intra-orbit trades of these resources among the Project elements, and planning real-time science activity. The first major mission planning activity, a high level, orbit-by-orbit allocation of resources among science objectives, has already been completed; and results are illustrated in the paper. To make efficient use of limited resources, Galileo mission planning will rely on automated mission planning tools capable of dealing with interactions among time-varying downlink capability, real-time science and engineering data transmission, and playback of recorded data. A new generic mission planning tool is being adapted for this purpose.

Gershman, R.↗

Focal-Plane Analysis For Calculating Antenna Gain

Improved method devised for calculating gain of antenna system comprising main reflector and array of feed elements. Method involves much less computation; important advantage when necessary to compute gains repeatedly, with slight variations in design at each iteration, in effort to find optimum design.

Cramer, Paul W.↗

Extended Horizon Liftings for Periodic Gain Adjustments in Control Systems, and for Equalization of Communication Channels

Periodic gain adjustment in plants of irreducible order, n, or for equalization of communications channels is effected in such a way that the plant (system) appears to be minimum phase by choosing a horizon time N greater then n of liftings in periodic input and output windows Pu and Py, respectively, where N is an integer chosen to define the extent (length) of each of the windows Pu and Py, and n is the order of an irreducible input/output plant. The plant may be an electrical, mechanical or chemical system, in which case output tracking (OT) is carried out for feedback control or a communication channel, in which case input tracking (IT) is carried out. Conditions for OT are distinct from IT in terms of zero annihilation, namely for OT and of IT, where the OT conditions are intended for gain adjustments in the control system, and IT conditions are intended for equalization for communication channels.

Bayard, David S.↗

Synthesis of Optimal Constant-Gain Positive-Real Controllers for Passive Systems

This paper presents synthesis methods for the design of constant-gain positive real controllers for passive systems. The results presented in this paper, in conjunction with the previous work by the authors on passification of non-passive systems, offer a useful synthesis tool for the design of passivity-based robust controllers for non-passive systems as well. Two synthesis approaches are given for minimizing an LQ-type performance index, resulting in optimal controller gains. Two separate algorithms, one for each of these approaches, are given. The synthesis techniques are demonstrated using two numerical examples: control of a flexible structure and longitudinal control of a fighter aircraft.

Mao, Y.↗

Contrast Gain Control Model Fits Masking Data

We studied the fit of a contrast gain control model to data of Foley (JOSA 1994), consisting of thresholds for a Gabor patch masked by gratings of various orientations, or by compounds of two orientations. Our general model includes models of Foley and Teo & Heeger (IEEE 1994). Our specific model used a bank of Gabor filters with octave bandwidths at 8 orientations. Excitatory and inhibitory nonlinearities were power functions with exponents of 2.4 and 2. Inhibitory pooling was broad in orientation, but narrow in spatial frequency and space. Minkowski pooling used an exponent of 4. All of the data for observer KMF were well fit by the model. We have developed a contrast gain control model that fits masking data. Unlike Foley's, our model accepts images as inputs. Unlike Teo & Heeger's, our model did not require multiple channels for different dynamic ranges.

Watson, Andrew B.↗

Parafoveal Target Detectability Reversal Predicted by Local Luminance and Contrast Gain Control

This project is part of a program to develop image discrimination models for the prediction of the detectability of objects in a range of backgrounds. We wanted to see if the models could predict parafoveal object detection as well as they predict detection in foveal vision. We also wanted to make our simplified models more general by local computation of luminance and contrast gain control. A signal image (0.78 x 0.17 deg) was made by subtracting a simulated airport runway scene background image (2.7 deg square) from the same scene containing an obstructing aircraft. Signal visibility contrast thresholds were measured in a fully crossed factorial design with three factors: eccentricity (0 deg or 4 deg), background (uniform or runway scene background), and fixed-pattern white noise contrast (0%, 5%, or 10%). Three experienced observers responded to three repetitions of 60 2IFC trials in each condition and thresholds were estimated by maximum likelihood probit analysis. In the fovea the average detection contrast threshold was 4 dB lower for the runway background than for the uniform background, but in the parafovea, the average threshold was 6 dB higher for the runway background than for the uniform background. This interaction was similar across the different noise levels and for all three observers. A likely reason for the runway background giving a lower threshold in the fovea is the low luminance near the signal in that scene. In our model, the local luminance computation is controlled by a spatial spread parameter. When this parameter and a corresponding parameter for the spatial spread of contrast gain were increased for the parafoveal predictions, the model predicts the interaction of background with eccentricity.

Ahumada, Albert J., Jr.↗

Doping-Induced Type-II to Type-I Transition and Interband Optical Gain in InAs/AlSb Quantum Wells

We show that proper doping of the barrier regions can convert the well-known type-II InAs/AlSb QWs to type I, producing strong interband transitions comparable to regular type-I QWs. The interband gain for TM mode is as high as 4000 l/cm, thus providing an important alternative material system in the mid-infrared wavelength range. We also study the TE and TM gain as functions of doping level and intrinsic electron-hole density.

Kolokolov, K. I.↗

Evaluation of Experimental Data from the Gains Balloon GPS Surface Reflection Instrument

The GPS Surface Reflection Instrument was integrated as an experiment on the GAINS (Global Airocean IN-situ System) 48-hour balloon mission flown in June 2002. The data collected by similar instruments in the past has been used to measure sea state from which ocean surface winds can be accurately estimated. The GPS signal has also been shown to be reflected from wetland areas and even from subsurface moisture. The current version of the instrument has been redesigned to be more compact, use less power, and withstand a greater variation in environmental conditions than previous versions. This instrument has also incorporated a new data collection mode to track 5 direct satellites (providing a continuous navigation solution) and multiplex the remaining 7 channels to track the reflected signal of the satellite tracked in channel 0. The new software mode has been shown to increase the signal to noise ratio of the collected data and enhance the science return of the instrument. During the GAINS balloon flight over the Northwest US, the instrument measured surface reflections as they were detected over the balloon's ground track. Since ground surface elevations in this area vary widely from the WGS-84 ellipsoid altitude, the instrument software has been modified to incorporate a surface altitude correction based on USGS 30-minute Digital Elevation Models. Information presented will include facts about instrument design goals, data collection methodologies and algorithms, and will focus on results of the science data analyses for the mission.

Ganoe, George G.↗

Synthesis of Optimal Constant-Gain Positive-Real Controllers for Passive Systems

This paper presents synthesis methods for the design of constant-gain positive real controllers for passive systems. The results presented in this paper, in conjunction with the previous work by the authors on passification of non-passive systems, offer a useful synthesis tool for the design of passivity-based robust controllers for non-passive systems as well. Two synthesis approaches are given for minimizing an LQ-type performance index, resulting in optimal controller gains. Two separate algorithms, one for each of these approaches, are given. The synthesis techniques are demonstrated using two numerical examples: control of a flexible structure and longitudinal control of a fighter aircraft.

Mao, Y.↗

Model of visual contrast gain control and pattern masking

We have implemented a model of contrast gain and control in human vision that incorporates a number of key features, including a contrast sensitivity function, multiple oriented bandpass channels, accelerating nonlinearities, and a devisive inhibitory gain control pool. The parameters of this model have been optimized through a fit to the recent data that describe masking of a Gabor function by cosine and Gabor masks [J. M. Foley, "Human luminance pattern mechanisms: masking experiments require a new model," J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 11, 1710 (1994)]. The model achieves a good fit to the data. We also demonstrate how the concept of recruitment may accommodate a variant of this model in which excitatory and inhibitory paths have a common accelerating nonlinearity, but which include multiple channels tuned to different levels of contrast.

NASA Discipline Space Human Factors↗

Application of a Constant Gain Extended Kalman Filter for In-Flight Estimation of Aircraft Engine Performance Parameters

An approach based on the Constant Gain Extended Kalman Filter (CGEKF) technique is investigated for the in-flight estimation of non-measurable performance parameters of aircraft engines. Performance parameters, such as thrust and stall margins, provide crucial information for operating an aircraft engine in a safe and efficient manner, but they cannot be directly measured during flight. A technique to accurately estimate these parameters is, therefore, essential for further enhancement of engine operation. In this paper, a CGEKF is developed by combining an on-board engine model and a single Kalman gain matrix. In order to make the on-board engine model adaptive to the real engine s performance variations due to degradation or anomalies, the CGEKF is designed with the ability to adjust its performance through the adjustment of artificial parameters called tuning parameters. With this design approach, the CGEKF can maintain accurate estimation performance when it is applied to aircraft engines at offnominal conditions. The performance of the CGEKF is evaluated in a simulation environment using numerous component degradation and fault scenarios at multiple operating conditions.

Kobayashi, Takahisa↗

Stabilizing Gyroscopic Modes in Magnetic-Bearing-Supported Flywheels by Using Cross-Axis Proportional Gains

For magnetic-bearing-supported high-speed rotating machines with significant gyroscopic effects, it is necessary to stabilize forward and backward tilt whirling modes. Instability or low damping of these modes can prevent the attainment of desired shaft speed. We show analytically that both modes can be stabilized by using cross-axis proportional gains and high- and low-pass filters in the magnetic bearing controller. Furthermore, at high shaft speeds, where system phase lags degrade the stability of the forward-whirl mode, a phasor advance of the control signal can partially counteract the phase lag. In some range of high shaft speed, the derivative gain for the tilt modes (essential for stability for slowly rotating shafts) can be removed entirely. We show analytically how the tilt eigenvalues depend on shaft speed and on various controller feedback parameters.

Brown, Gerald V.↗