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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 397 records · Page 22

Correlation and registration of ERTS multispectral imagery

Examples of automatic digital processing demonstrate the feasibility of registering one ERTS multispectral scanner (MSS) image with another obtained on a subsequent orbit, and automatic matching, correlation, and registration of MSS imagery with aerial photography (multisensor correlation) is demonstrated. Excellent correlation was obtained with patch sizes exceeding 16 pixels square. Qualities which lead to effective control point selection are distinctive features, good contrast, and constant feature characteristics. Results of the study indicate that more than 300 degrees of freedom are required to register two standard ERTS-1 MSS frames covering 100 by 100 nautical miles to an accuracy of 0.6 pixel mean radial displacement error. An automatic strip processing technique demonstrates 600 to 1200 degrees of freedom over a quater frame of ERTS imagery. Registration accuracies in the range of 0.3 pixel to 0.5 pixel mean radial error were confirmed by independent error analysis. Accuracies in the range of 0.5 pixel to 1.4 pixel mean radial error were demonstrated by semi-automatic registration over small geographic areas.

Bonrud, L. O.↗

Report of the Subpanel on Error Characterization and Error Budgets

The state of knowledge of both user positioning requirements and error models of current and proposed satellite systems is reviewed. In particular the error analysis models for LANDSAT D are described. Recommendations are given concerning the geometric error model for the thematic mapper; interactive user involvement in system error budgeting and modeling and verification on real data sets; and the identification of a strawman mission for modeling key error sources.

Source record↗

Navigation study for low-altitude Earth satellites

This document describes several navigation studies for low-altitude Earth satellites. The use of Global Positioning System Navigation Package data for LANDSAT-5 orbit determination is evaluated. In addition, a navigation analysis for the proposed Tracking and Data Aquisition System is presented. This analysis, based on simulations employing one-way Doppler data, is used to determine the agreement between the Research and Development Goddard Trajectory Determination System and the Sequential Error Analysis Program results. Properties of several geopotential error models are studied and an exploratory study of orbit smoother process noise is presented.

Pastor, P. R.↗

Seventy-meter antenna performance predictions: GTD analysis compared with traditional ray-tracing methods

A comparative analysis was performed, using both the Geometrical Theory of Diffraction (GTD) and traditional pathlength error analysis techniques, for predicting RF antenna gain performance and pointing corrections. The NASA/JPL 70 meter antenna with its shaped surface was analyzed for gravity loading over the range of elevation angles. Also analyzed were the effects of lateral and axial displacements of the subreflector. Significant differences were noted between the predictions of the two methods, in the effect of subreflector displacements, and in the optimal subreflector positions to focus a gravity-deformed main reflector. The results are of relevance to future design procedure.

Schredder, J. M.↗

Full field flow visualization and computer-aided velocity measurements in a bank of cylinders in a wind tunnel

The full field flow tracking (FFFT) method that is presented in this paper uses a laser-generated, mechanically strobed planar sheet of light, a low luminosity TV camera coupled with a long distance microscope, and a computer-controlled video recorder to study nonintrusively and qualitatively the flow structures in a bank of cylinders that are placed in a wind tunnel. This setup simulates an upscale version of the geometry of internal cooling passageways characteristic of small air-cooled radial turbines. The qualitative images supplied by the FFFT system are processed by means of a computer-integrated image quantification (CIIQ) method into quantitative information, trajectories and velocities, that describe the flow upstream of and within the bank of cylinders. The tracking method is Lagrangian in concept, and permits identification and tracking of the same particle, thus facilitating construction of time dependent trajectories and the calculation of true velocities and accelerations. The error analysis evaluates the accuracy with which the seed particles follow the flow and the errors incurred during the quantitative processing of the raw data derived from the FFFT/CIIQ method.

Braun, M. J.↗

Analysis of a Shock-Associated Noise Prediction Model Using Measured Jet Far-Field Noise Data

A code for predicting supersonic jet broadband shock-associated noise was assessed using a database containing noise measurements of a jet issuing from a convergent nozzle. The jet was operated at 24 conditions covering six fully expanded Mach numbers with four total temperature ratios. To enable comparisons of the predicted shock-associated noise component spectra with data, the measured total jet noise spectra were separated into mixing noise and shock-associated noise component spectra. Comparisons between predicted and measured shock-associated noise component spectra were used to identify deficiencies in the prediction model. Proposed revisions to the model, based on a study of the overall sound pressure levels for the shock-associated noise component of the measured data, a sensitivity analysis of the model parameters with emphasis on the definition of the convection velocity parameter, and a least-squares fit of the predicted to the measured shock-associated noise component spectra, resulted in a new definition for the source strength spectrum in the model. An error analysis showed that the average error in the predicted spectra was reduced by as much as 3.5 dB for the revised model relative to the average error for the original model.

Dahl, Milo D.↗

Analysis of a Shock-Associated Noise Prediction Model Using Measured Jet Far-Field Noise Data

A code for predicting supersonic jet broadband shock-associated noise was assessed us- ing a database containing noise measurements of a jet issuing from a convergent nozzle. The jet was operated at 24 conditions covering six fully expanded Mach numbers with four total temperature ratios. To enable comparisons of the predicted shock-associated noise component spectra with data, the measured total jet noise spectra were separated into mixing noise and shock-associated noise component spectra. Comparisons between predicted and measured shock-associated noise component spectra were used to identify de ciencies in the prediction model. Proposed revisions to the model, based on a study of the overall sound pressure levels for the shock-associated noise component of the mea- sured data, a sensitivity analysis of the model parameters with emphasis on the de nition of the convection velocity parameter, and a least-squares t of the predicted to the mea- sured shock-associated noise component spectra, resulted in a new de nition for the source strength spectrum in the model. An error analysis showed that the average error in the predicted spectra was reduced by as much as 3.5 dB for the revised model relative to the average error for the original model.

Dahl, Milo D.↗

Measuring the Lense-Thirring precession using a second Lageos satellite

A complete numerical simulation and error analysis was performed for the proposed experiment with the objective of establishing an accurate assessment of the feasibility and the potential accuracy of the measurement of the Lense-Thirring precession. Consideration was given to identifying the error sources which limit the accuracy of the experiment and proposing procedures for eliminating or reducing the effect of these errors. Analytic investigations were conducted to study the effects of major error sources with the objective of providing error bounds on the experiment. The analysis of realistic simulated data is used to demonstrate that satellite laser ranging of two Lageos satellites, orbiting with supplemental inclinations, collected for a period of 3 years or more, can be used to verify the Lense-Thirring precession. A comprehensive covariance analysis for the solution was also developed.

Tapley, B. D.↗

Calibration analysis for a multi-channel infrared scanning radiometer

A procedure for calibrating an infrared scanning spectroradiometer by a computerized parametric error analysis technique was developed. The uncertainties in the radiometric measurements of scene radiance and (for the case of a blackbody scene) temperature due to possible uncertainties in the calibration target temperature, calibration target emissivity, and instrument temperature were calculated for a range of uncertainty levels in the parameters, as well as for a gamut of scent temperatures corresponding to a given spectral channel. This technique is applicable to the radiometric calibration of any infrared radiometer. It was applied specifically to the Cloud-Top Scanning (C.T.S) Radiometer, a three-channel instrument designed for aircraftborne cloud radiance measurements in the 6.75 and 11.5 micron thermal emission spectral regions.

Walden, H.↗

Analysis of filter tuning techniques for sequential orbit determination

This paper examines filter tuning techniques for a sequential orbit determination (OD) covariance analysis. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in sequential OD, primarily due to the successful flight qualification of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) Onboard Navigation System (TONS) using Doppler data extracted onboard the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) spacecraft. TONS computes highly accurate orbit solutions onboard the spacecraft in realtime using a sequential filter. As the result of the successful TONS-EUVE flight qualification experiment, the Earth Observing System (EOS) AM-1 Project has selected TONS as the prime navigation system. In addition, sequential OD methods can be used successfully for ground OD. Whether data are processed onboard or on the ground, a sequential OD procedure is generally favored over a batch technique when a realtime automated OD system is desired. Recently, OD covariance analyses were performed for the TONS-EUVE and TONS-EOS missions using the sequential processing options of the Orbit Determination Error Analysis System (ODEAS). ODEAS is the primary covariance analysis system used by the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Flight Dynamics Division (FDD). The results of these analyses revealed a high sensitivity of the OD solutions to the state process noise filter tuning parameters. The covariance analysis results show that the state estimate error contributions from measurement-related error sources, especially those due to the random noise and satellite-to-satellite ionospheric refraction correction errors, increase rapidly as the state process noise increases. These results prompted an in-depth investigation of the role of the filter tuning parameters in sequential OD covariance analysis. This paper analyzes how the spacecraft state estimate errors due to dynamic and measurement-related error sources are affected by the process noise level used. This information is then used to establish guidelines for determining optimal filter tuning parameters in a given sequential OD scenario for both covariance analysis and actual OD. Comparisons are also made with corresponding definitive OD results available from the TONS-EUVE analysis.

Lee, T.↗

Determination of the temperature of gas mixtures by using laser Raman scattering

A theoretical model for the Raman rotational spectrum of air was formulated, yielding the spectral temperature dependence; and an error analysis of temperature measurement accuracies was performed. The theoretical spectra and the predicted temperature measurement error of + or - 20 K (7 percent) compared well with experimental data. These experimental data consisted of Raman spectra of air obtained for temperatures ranging from 243 to 313 K at a pressure of 1 atmosphere. The use of selected lines resulted in an experimental accuracy of + or - 13 K (-5 percent).

Coney, T. A.↗

A study of the local pressure field in turbulent shear flow and its relation to aerodynamic noise generation

Work during the period of this report has been in three areas: (1) pressure transducer error analysis, (2) fluctuating velocity and pressure measurements in the NASA Lewis 6-inch diameter quiet jet facility, and (3) measurement analysis. A theory was developed and experimentally verified to quantify the pressure transducer velocity interference error. The theory and supporting experimental evidence show that the errors are a function of the velocity field's turbulent structure. It is shown that near the mixing layer center the errors are negligible. Turbulent velocity and pressure measurements were made in the NASA Lewis quiet jet facility. Some preliminary results are included.

Jones, B. G.↗

Optimization of multimagnetometer systems on a spacecraft

The problem of optimizing the position of magnetometers along a boom of given length to yield a minimized total error is investigated. The discussion is limited to at most four magnetometers, which seems to be a practical limit due to weight, power, and financial considerations. The outlined error analysis is applied to some illustrative cases. The optimal magnetometer locations, for which the total error is minimum, are computed for given boom length, instrument errors, and very conservative magnetic field models characteristic for spacecraft with only a restricted or ineffective magnetic cleanliness program. It is shown that the error contribution by the magnetometer inaccuracy is increased as the number of magnetometers is increased, whereas the spacecraft field uncertainty is diminished by an appreciably larger amount.

Neubauer, F. M.↗

Measuring software development characteristics in the local environment

In a brief evaluation of software-related considerations, it is found that suitable approaches for software development depend to a large degree on the characteristics of the particular project involved. An analysis is conducted of development problems in an environment in which ground support software is produced for spacecraft control. The amount of work involved is in the range from 6 to 10 man-years. Attention is given to a general project summary, a programmer/analyst survey, a component summary, a component status report, a resource summary, a change report, a computer program run analysis, aspects of data collection on a smaller scale, progress forecasting, problems of overhead, and error analysis.

Basili, V. R.↗

Further Developments of the Fringe-Imaging Skin Friction Technique

Various aspects and extensions of the Fringe-Imaging Skin Friction technique (FISF) have been explored through the use of several benchtop experiments and modeling. The technique has been extended to handle three-dimensional flow fields with mild shear gradients. The optical and imaging system has been refined and a PC-based application has been written that has made it possible to obtain high resolution skin friction field measurements in a reasonable period of time. The improved method was tested on a wingtip and compared with Navier-Stokes computations. Additionally, a general approach to interferogram-fringe spacing analysis has been developed that should have applications in other areas of interferometry. A detailed error analysis of the FISF technique is also included.

Zilliac, Gregory C.↗

Design and analysis of a star image motion compensator

The feasibility of designing and fabricating a small optical system to compensate for motions of a stellar field image on the focal plane of a large orbiting telescope is examined for a single-axis system. An all-reflecting two-mirror star image motion compensator maintains both a flat focal plane and image focus for one or more star images. Both theoretical and experimental evaluations show that only one adjustment is needed to aline the system since the change in focus is linearly related to the misalinements of all critical components. Results of an error analysis show that the focus error resulting from fabrication tolerances is very small compared to the adjustment capability of the system.

Romanczyk, K. C.↗