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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 307 records · Page 17

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NASA NTRS1979

Self-synchronizing Schlieren photography and interferometry for the visualization of unsteady transonic flows

The use of self synchronizing stroboscopic Schlieren and laser interferometer systems to obtain quantitative space time measurements of distinguished flow surfaces, steakline patterns, and the density field of two dimensional flows that exhibit a periodic content was investigated. A large field single path stroboscopic Schlieren system was designed, constructed and successfully applied to visualize four periodic flows: near wake behind an oscillating airfoil; edge tone sound generation; 2-D planar wall jet; and axisymmetric pulsed sonic jet. This visualization technique provides an effective means of studying quasi-periodic flows in real time. The image on the viewing screen is a spatial signal average of the coherent periodic motion rather than a single realization, the high speed motion of a quasi-periodic flow can be reconstructed by recording photographs of the flow at different fixed time delays in one cycle. The preliminary design and construction of a self synchronizing stroboscopic laser interferometer with a modified Mach-Zehnder optical system is also reported.

Kadlec, R.↗

NASA NTRS1980

A seasonal change in the effect of field-aligned currents at synchronous orbit

The expected signature of substorm field-aligned currents is described for synchronous satellites near 10 deg magnetic latitude. The main effect is a positive D perturbation premidnight and a negative D perturbation postmidnight. This behavior is illustrated for two substorms near the fall equinox. A second pair of substorms taken from winter solstice do not show the expected behavior. The absence of this effect in winter observations is verified statistically by superposed epoch analysis. A simple explanation of this behavior based on the geometry of the plane of magnetic symmetry is presented. During disturbed times at winter solstice a synchronous satellite nominally at 10 deg magnetic latitude is effectively at the magnetic equator. This distortion of the magnetic equator must be considered in future models of the disturbed magnetospheric magnetic field.

Mcpherron, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Factors controlling the occurrence of Pc 3 magnetic pulsations at synchronous orbit

The reported investigation has the purpose to extend the study of Pc 3 pulsations at synchronous orbit conducted by Arthur and McPherron (1977). A large data set is used with the goal of finding the factors related to the occurrence of Pc 3 pulsations at synchronous orbit. The results are compared with ground-based observations. The study demonstrates that the diurnal occurrence pattern has a maximum at a prenoon local time and shows a seasonal shift. Among the solar wind parameters, solar wind velocity and the direction of the IMF are found to be dominant factors. Attention is given to the analysis procedure, examples of 2-hour spectra, diurnal occurrence pattern, the correlation between solar wind parameters, and the solar wind stream structure and Pc 3 occurrence.

Takahashi, K.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Low cost transfer into useful sun-synchronous orbits at Mars

Mars oblateness has been found to provide sun-synchronous orbits, including orbits with stationary apsides, similar to those used at earth. A low mass and low data rate complement of scientific instruments placed in such orbits can provide exciting planetary investigations such as the Mars Orbiter Water Mission described herein. Use of a modest Shuttle kickstage (PAM-A) and existing spacecraft hardware makes this mission low-cost. A preliminary mission and spacecraft design is described. The major emphasis of the paper is on the mechanics of heliocentric transfer for the 1986 and 1988 launch opportunities, Martian sun-synchronous orbit geometries, injectable mass capabilities, and methods of achieving these scientifically useful orbits.

Glickman, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Memory-based frame synchronizer

A frame synchronizer for use in digital communications systems wherein data formats can be easily and dynamically changed is described. The use of memory array elements provide increased flexibility in format selection and sync word selection in addition to real time reconfiguration ability. The frame synchronizer comprises a serial-to-parallel converter which converts a serial input data stream to a constantly changing parallel data output. This parallel data output is supplied to programmable sync word recognizers each consisting of a multiplexer and a random access memory (RAM). The multiplexer is connected to both the parallel data output and an address bus which may be connected to a microprocessor or computer for purposes of programming the sync word recognizer. The RAM is used as an associative memory or decorder and is programmed to identify a specific sync word. Additional programmable RAMs are used as counter decoders to define word bit length, frame word length, and paragraph frame length.

Stattel, R. J.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Results of continuous synchronous orbit testing of sealed nickel-cadmium cells

Test results from continuous synchronous orbit testing of sealed nickel cadmium cells are presented. The synchronous orbit regime simulates a space satellite maintaining a position over a fixed point on earth as the earth rotates on its axis and revolves about the sun. Characteristics of each lot of cells, test conditions, and charge control methods are described.

Harkness, J. D.↗

NASA NTRS1982

The effects of Viterbi decoder node synchronization losses on the telemetry receiving system

The Viterbi decoders currently used by the Deep space Network (DSN) use an algorithm for maintaining node synchronization that breaks down at bit signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of about 2.0 dB. It is shown that this can become an important consideration when the effects of noisy carrier referencing are combined with the lower SNRs that are expected at Voyager 2 Uranus and Neptune encounters. Depending on the available carrier power, node synchronization losses of between 0.85 and 1.25 dB can be expected in addition to the radio loss.

Deutsch, L. J.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Viterbi decoder node synchronization losses in the Reed-Solomon/Veterbi concatenated channel

The Viterbi decoders currently used by the Deep Space Network (DSN) employ an algorithm for maintaining node synchronization that significantly degrades at bit signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of below 2.0 dB. In a recent report by the authors, it was shown that the telemetry receiving system, which uses a convolutionally encoded downlink, will suffer losses of 0.85 dB and 1.25 dB respectively at Voyager 2 Uranus and Neptune encounters. This report extends the results of that study to a concatenated (255,223) Reed-Solomon/(7, 1/2) convolutionally coded channel, by developing a new radio loss model for the concatenated channel. It is shown here that losses due to improper node synchronization of 0.57 dB at Uranus and 1.0 dB at Neptune can be expected if concatenated coding is used along with an array of one 64-meter and three 34-meter antennas.

Deutsch, L. J.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Node Synchronization for the Viterbi Decoder

At very low signal to noise ratios such as those that Voyager 2 will encounter at Uranus, the performance of the Reed-Solomon/Viterbi concatenated coding system could be seriously degraded by loss of node synchronization by the Viterbi decoder. This problem is described and now it can be almost completely avoided with a simple outboard hardware ""node synchronizer''. This device makes statistical decisions about node sync based on the hard quantized undecoded data stream. In a worst case Voyager-like environment, our method will detect and correct a true loss of node sync (thought to be a very rate event) within several hundred bits; many of these false alarms for our technique is on the order several years.

Lorden, G.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Performance analysis of the word synchronization properties of the outer code in a TDRSS decoder

A self-synchronizing coding scheme for NASA's TDRSS satellite system is a concatenation of a (2,1,7) inner convolutional code with a (255,223) Reed-Solomon outer code. Both symbol and word synchronization are achieved without requiring that any additional symbols be transmitted. An important parameter which determines the performance of the word sync procedure is the ratio of the decoding failure probability to the undetected error probability. Ideally, the former should be as small as possible compared to the latter when the error correcting capability of the code is exceeded. A computer simulation of a (255,223) Reed-Solomon code as carried out. Results for decoding failure probability and for undetected error probability are tabulated and compared.

Costello, D. J., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Validation of a fault-tolerant clock synchronization system

A validation method for the synchronization subsystem of a fault tolerant computer system is investigated. The method combines formal design verification with experimental testing. The design proof reduces the correctness of the clock synchronization system to the correctness of a set of axioms which are experimentally validated. Since the reliability requirements are often extreme, requiring the estimation of extremely large quantiles, an asymptotic approach to estimation in the tail of a distribution is employed.

Butler, R. W.↗

NASA NTRS1983

The JPL near-real-time VLBI system and its application to clock synchronization and earth orientation measurements

The JPL near-real-time VLBI system called Block I is discussed. The hardware and software of the system are described, and the Time and Earth Motion Precision Observations (TEMPO) which utilize Block I are discussed. These observations are designed to provide interstation clock synchronization to 10 nsec and to determine earth orientation (UT1 and polar motion - UTPM) to 30 cm or better in each component. TEMPO results for clock synchronization and UTPM are presented with data from the July 1980-August 1981 analyzed using the most recent JPL solution software and source catalog. Future plans for TEMPO and Block I are discussed.

Callahan, P. S.↗

NASA NTRS1983

AM Herculis binaries - Particle acceleration, radio emission and synchronization

It has been suggested that the recently discovered radio emission from AM Her arises as a result of gyrosynchrotron radiation from electrons at energies approximately 400 keV in the magnetosphere of the white dwarf. However, no mechanism for producing such energetic electrons was discussed. In this paper, it is argued that small departures from synchronous rotation can cause the companion star to act as a unipolar inductor. This leads to high voltages being produced across the companion star, which provides the necessary acceleration mechanism. This also implies that if the magnetic white dwarf was formed with a rapid rotation, synchronization would be achieved on a time scale approximately 10,000 yr.

Chanmugam, G.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Node synchronization for the Viterbi decoder

At very low signal to noise ratios such as those that Voyager 2 will encounter at Uranus, the performance of the Reed-Solomon/Viterbi concatenated coding system could be seriously degraded by loss of node synchronization by the Viterbi decoder. This problem is described and now it can be almost completely avoided with a simple outboard hardware 'node synchronizer'. This device makes statistical decisions about node sync based on the hard quantized undecoded data stream. In a worst case Voyager-like environment, our method will detect and correct a true loss of node sync (thought to be a very rare event) within several hundred bits; many of these false alarms for our technique is on the order several years. Previously announced in STAR as N83-28028

Lorden, G.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Detection and Symbol Synchronization for Multiple-bit Per Photon Optical Communications

Methods of detection and synchronization in a highly efficient direct detection optical communication system are reported. Results of measurements on this moderate-rate demonstration system capable of transmitting 2.5 bits/detected photon in low-background situations indicate that symbol slot synchronization is not a problem, and that a simple symbol detection scheme is adequate for this situation. This system is a candidate for interplanetary optical communications.

Marshall, W. K.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Synchronously deployable tetrahedral truss reflector

For apertures above 50 meters, the high structural stiffness and compact packaging of tetrahedral truss make this concept an attractive candidate for the reflector support structure. Various features of a deployable, foldable, doubly curved tetrahedral truss structure are presented as well as methods used to design the truss geometry and to synchronize deployment of the folding elements. An arc division method for distributing truss nodal locations over a doubly curved reflector surface is shown to decrease differences in surface strut lengths and to increase the geometric similarity of all node condigurations in each strut surface. These features enhance the design of a single node and strut synchronizer mechanism for each surface examined. The folding error resulting from using this approach is minimal.

Bush, H. G.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Synchronously deployable truss structure

A collapsible-expandable truss structure, including first and second spaced surface truss layers having an attached core layer is described. The surface truss layers are composed of a plurality of linear struts arranged in multiple triangular configurations. Each linear strut is hinged at the center and hinge connected at each end to a nodular joint. A passive spring serves as the expansion force to move the folded struts from a stowed collapsed position to a deployed operative final truss configuration. A damper controls the rate of spring expansion for the synchronized deployment of the truss as the folded configuration is released for deployment by the restrain belts. The truss is synchronously extended under the control of motor driven spools.

Bush, H. G.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Experience with synchronous and asynchronous digital control systems

Flight control systems have undergone a revolution since the days of simple mechanical linkages; presently the most advanced systems are full-authority, full-time digital systems controlling unstable aircraft. With the use of advanced control systems, the aerodynamic design can incorporate features that allow greater performance and fuel savings, as can be seen on the new Airbus design and advanced tactical fighter concepts. These advanced aircraft will be and are relying on the flight control system to provide the stability and handling qualities required for safe flight and to allow the pilot to control the aircraft. Various design philosophies have been proposed and followed to investigate system architectures for these advanced flight control systems. One major area of discussion is whether a multichannel digital control system should be synchronous or asynchronous. This paper addressed the flight experience at the Dryden Flight Research Facility of NASA's Ames Research Center with both synchronous and asynchronous digital flight control systems. Four different flight control systems are evaluated against criteria such as software reliability, cost increases, and schedule delays.

Regenie, V. A.↗