Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “speckle”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 469 records · Page 26
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

Advanced technology development multi-color holography

This is the final report of the Multi-color Holography project. The comprehensive study considers some strategic aspects of multi-color holography. First, various methods of available techniques for accurate fringe counting are reviewed. These are heterodyne interferometry, quasi-heterodyne interferometry, and phase-shifting interferometry. Phase-shifting interferometry was found to be the most suitable for multi-color holography. Details of experimentation with a sugar solution are also reported where better than 1/200 of a fringe order measurement capability was established. Rotating plate glass phase shifter was used for the experimentation. The report then describes the possible role of using more than two wavelengths with special reference-to-object beam intensity ratio needs in multicolor holography. Some specific two- and three-color cases are also described in detail. Then some new analysis methods of the reconstructed wavefront are considered. These are deflectometry, speckle metrology, confocal optical signal processing, and phase shifting technique related applications. Finally, design aspects of an experimental breadboard are presented.

Vikram, Chandra S.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Unsupervised segmentation of polarimetric SAR data using the covariance matrix

A method for unsupervised segmentation of polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data into classes of homogeneous microwave polarimetric backscatter characteristics is presented. Classes of polarimetric backscatter are selected on the basis of a multidimensional fuzzy clustering of the logarithm of the parameters composing the polarimetric covariance matrix. The clustering procedure uses both polarimetric amplitude and phase information, is adapted to the presence of image speckle, and does not require an arbitrary weighting of the different polarimetric channels; it also provides a partitioning of each data sample used for clustering into multiple clusters. Given the classes of polarimetric backscatter, the entire image is classified using a maximum a posteriori polarimetric classifier. Four-look polarimetric SAR complex data of lava flows and of sea ice acquired by the NASA/JPL airborne polarimetric radar (AIRSAR) are segmented using this technique. The results are discussed and compared with those obtained using supervised techniques.

Rignot, Eric J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Strain sensing technology for high temperature applications

This review paper discusses the status of strain sensing technology for high temperature applications. Technologies covered are those supported by NASA such as required for applications in hypersonic vehicles and engines, advanced subsonic engines, as well as material and structure development. The applications may be at temperatures of 540 C (1000 F) to temperatures in excess of 1400 C (2500 F). The most promising technologies at present are the resistance strain gage and remote sensing schemes. Resistance strain gages discussed include the BCL gage, the LaRC compensated gage, and the PdCr gage. Remote sensing schemes such as laser based speckle strain measurement, phase-shifting interferometry and X-ray extensometry will be discussed. Present status and limitations of these technologies are presented.

Williams, W. D.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Characterization of spatial statistics of distributed targets in SAR data

A statistical approach to the analysis of spatial statistics in polarimetric multifrequency SAR data, which is aimed at extracting the intrinsic variability of the target by removing variability from other sources, is presented. An image model, which takes into account three sources of spatial variability, namely, image speckle, system noise, and the intrinsic spatial variability of the target or texture, is described. It is shown that the presence of texture increases the image variance-to-mean square ratio and introduces deviations of the image autocovariance function from the expected SAR system response. The approach is exemplified by sea-ice SAR imagery acquired by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory three-frequency polarimetric airborne SAR. Data obtained indicate that, for different sea-ice types, the spatial statistics seem to vary more across frequency than across polarization and the observed differences increase in magnitude with decreasing frequency.

Rignot, E.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Performance of high resolution decoding with Multi-Anode Microchannel Array detectors

The Multi-Anode Microchannel Array (MAMA) is a microchannel plate based photon counting detector with applications in ground-based and space-based astronomy. The detector electronics decode the position of each photon event, and the decoding algorithm that associates a given event with the appropriate pixel is determined by the geometry of the anode array. The standard MAMA detector has a spatial resolution set by the anode array of 25 microns, but the MCP pore resolution exceeds this. The performance of a new algorithm that halves the pixel spacing and improves the pixel spatial resolution is described. The new algorithm does not degrade the pulse-pair resolution of the detector and does not require any modifications to the detector tube. Measurements of the detector's response demonstrate that high resolution decoding yields a 60 percent enhancement in spatial resolution. Measurements of the performance of the high resolution algorithm with a 14 micron MAMA detector are also described. The parameters that control high resolution performance are discussed. Results of the application of high resolution decoding to speckle interferometry are presented.

Kasle, David B.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Luminosities for two yellow supergiants - Nonvariables and the instability strip

The luminosities for two yellow supergiants HD 183864 and Psi And = HD 223047 are determined from the IUE spectra of their hot companions. The absolute magnitudes of HD 183864 and HD 223047 are -2.3 and -2.1 mag, respectively, and their companions have spectral types of A0.0 V and B8.8 V. The companion of Psi And is compatible with the orbital motion tentatively detected by speckle interferometric observations. The supergiant luminosities are combined with the Cepheid luminosities determined in the same way, and also the variables and nonvariables from Schmidt's studies of open clusters. As found by Schmidt, the variable and nonvariable supergiants have almost no overlap in the HR diagram. The combined sample defines the locus of the helium burning blue loops of evolutionary tracks. Because no nonvariables are found to the blue of fainter Cepheids, the observed blue edge of the Cepheid region may be partly determined by the blue loops rather than by the region of pulsational instability.

Evans, Nancy R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Instantaneous velocity field measurement of objects in coaxial rotation using digital image velocimetry

The instantaneous velocity fields of time-dependent flows, or of a collection of objects moving with spatially varying velocities, can be measured by means of digital image velocimetry (DIV). DIV overcomes several shortcomings of such existing techniques as laser-speckle or particle-image velocimetry. Attention is presently given to numerically generated images representing objects in uniform motion which are then used for the experimental validation of DIV.

Cho, Y.-C.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Stellar multiple systems - Constraints on the mechanism of origin

The discovery rate of premain-sequence binary and multiple systems has increased dramatically over the last few years, providing us with our first insights into the nature of such systems at young ages. The observational data derived from spectroscopic, occultation, speckle, visual, and other techniques are reviewed. Where possible, the premain-sequence binary population is compared with main-sequence systems. These results are interpreted in terms of binary formation mechanisms. While wide binaries (P is greater than 100 yr) are ordinarily explained by a fragmentation process during the collapse of a rotating protostar, the origin of some systems by capture is a possibility. The origin of close systems is not well understood: various processes, such as fragmentation during late stages of collapse, gravitational instabilities in disks, or orbital decay from a longer-period system are examined.

Bodenheimer, Peter↗
NASA NTRS1992

Coherent-backscatter effect - A vector formulation accounting for polarization and absorption effects and small or large scatterers

Previous theoretical work on the coherent-backscatter effect in the context of speckle time autocorrelation has gone beyond the diffusion approximation and the assumption of isotropic (point) scatterers. This paper extends the theory to include the effects of polarization and absorption, and to give the angular line shape. The results are expressions for angular variations valid for small and large scatterers and linear and circular polarizations, in lossless or lossy media. Calculations show that multiple anisotropic scattering results in the preservation of incident polarization. Application to a problem in radar astronomy is considered. It is shown that the unusual radar measurements (high reflectivity and polarization ratios) of Jupiter's icy Galilean satellites can be explained by coherent backscatter from anisotropic (forward) scatterers.

Peters, Kenneth J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Image restoration of R136 - The dense core of NGC 2070

We present results from the application of a new seeing deconvolution technique to images of the dense core of NGC 2070 = 30 Doradus (the controversial object R136a). We utilize a new maximum entropy algorithm capable of restoring images to very high resolution, even to subpixel accuracy. Images of the object in different colors, as well as comparisons with previous speckle results, have been used to check the validity of the results. Our images of R136 have an angular resolution approaching 0.2 arcsec, better than any direct images of this object published to date, and corroborate evidence that R136a is a dense star cluster core, rather than a single ultraluminous object.

Weir, N.↗
NASA NTRS1993

The mass-luminosity relation for stars of mass 1.0 to 0.08 solar mass

Mass-luminosity relations determined at IR wavelengths are presented for stars with masses 1.0 to 0.08 solar mass. Using IR speckle imaging techniques on a sample of nearby binaries, we have been able to concentrate on the lower main sequence, for which an accurate mass-luminosity calibration has remained problematic. In addition, the mass-visual luminosity relation for stars with 2.0-0.08 solar mass is produced by implementing new photometric relations linking V to JHK wavelengths for the nearby stars, supplemented with eclipsing binary information. These relations predict that objects with masses of about 0.08 solar mass have M(K) of about 10 and M(V) of about 18.

Henry, Todd J.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Segmentation Of Multifrequency Complex-Amplitude SAR Data

Several mathematical models and associated algorithms implement method of segmenting multifrequency, highly speckled, high-resolution, complex-amplitude (amplitude and phase) synthetic-aperture-radar (SAR) digitized image into regions, within each of which radar backscattering characteristics are similar or homogeneous from place to place. Typically, each region represents different type of terrain or other surface; e.g., forest, agricultural land, sea ice, or water. Method of segmentation of SAR scene into regions is product of generalization, to multifrequency case, of single-frequency method described in "Algorithms for Segmentation of Complex-Amplitude SAR Data" (NPO-18524).

Rignot, Eric J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Strain sensing technology for high temperature applications

This review discusses the status of strain sensing technology for high temperature applications. Technologies covered are those supported by NASA such as required for applications in hypersonic vehicles and engines, advanced subsonic engines, as well as material and structure development. The applications may be at temperatures of 540 C (1000 F) to temperatures in excess of 1400 C (2500 F). The most promising technologies at present are the resistance strain gage and remote sensing schemes. Resistance strain gages discussed include the BCL gage, the LaRC compensated gage, and the PdCr gage. Remote sensing schemes such as laser based speckle strain measurement, phase-shifling interferometry, and x-ray extensometry are discussed. Present status and limitations of these technologies are presented.

Williams, W. Dan↗
NASA NTRS1993

Evaluation of advanced materials through experimental mechanics and modelling

Composite materials have been frequently used in aerospace vehicles. Very often defects are inherited during the manufacture and damages are inherited during the construction and services. It becomes critical to understand the mechanical behavior of such composite structure before it can be further used. One good example of these composite structures is the cylindrical bottle of solid rocket motor case with accidental impact damages. Since the replacement of this cylindrical bottle is expensive, it is valuable to know how the damages affects the material, and how it can be repaired. To reach this goal, the damage must be characterized and the stress/strain field must be carefully analyzed. First the damage area, due to impact, is surveyed and identified with a shearography technique which uses the principle of speckle shearing interferometry to measure displacement gradient. Within the damage area of a composite laminate, such as the bottle of solid rocket motor case, all layers are considered to be degraded. Once a lamina being degraded the stiffness as well as strength will be drastically decreased. It becomes a critical area of failure to the whole bottle. And hence the stress/strain field within and around a damage should be accurately evaluated for failure prediction. To investigate the stress/strain field around damages a Hybrid-Numerical method which combines experimental measurement and finite element analysis is used. It is known the stress or strain at the singular point can not be accurately measured by an experimental technique. Nevertheless, if the location is far away from the singular spot, the displacement can be found accurately. Since it reflects the true displacement field locally regardless of the boundary conditions, it is an excellent input data for a finite element analysis to replace the usually assumed boundary conditions. Therefore, the Hybrid-Numerical method is chosen to avoid the difficulty and to take advantage of both experimental technique and finite element analysis. Experimentally, the digital image correlation technique is employed to measure the displacement field. It is done by comparing two digitized images, before and after loading. Numerically, the finite element program, ABAQUS (version 5.2), is used to analyze the stress and strain field. It takes advantage of the high speed and huge memory size of modern supercomputer, CRAY Y-MP, at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.

Yang, Yii-Ching↗
NASA NTRS1993

The frequency of T Tauri companion stars

We present the results of a magnitude-limited multiplicity survey of T Tauri stars in two nearby star-forming regions, Taurus-Auriga and Ophiuchus-Scorpius. Each of the 69 stars in the sample was observed at K with an infrared array camera on the Hale 5-m Telescope at Palomar Observatory and imaged using 2D speckle imaging techniques. Thirty-three companion stars were found of which 15 were new detections. One of the main results of this survey indicates that the binary star frequency in the projected linear separation range 14 to 225 AU for T Tauri stars is a factor of 3.5 greater than that of the solar-type main-sequence stars. Given the limited angular separation range of this survey, the rate at which binaries are detected suggests that most T Tauri stars have companions. We propose that the observed overabundance of companions to T Tauri stars relative to their older counterparts on the main sequence is an evolutionary effect; in this scheme, triple and higher order T Tauri star systems, which are observed at higher frequencies than for the solar-type main-sequence stars, are disrupted by close encounters with another star or system of stars.

Ghez, A. M.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Evaluation of Pd-Cr Wires for Strain Gage Application

A newly developed alloy, palladium-13 weight percent chromium (Pd13Cr), was identified by United Technologies Research Center under a NASA contract to be the best material for high temperature strain gage applications. An electrical resistance strain gage that can provide accurate static strain measurement to a temperature higher than that of a commercially available gage is urgently needed in aerospace and aeronautics research. A strain gage made of a 25.4 micron (1 mil) diameter Pd13Cr wire has been recently demonstrated to be usable for static strain measurements to 800 C. This compares to the 400 C temperature limit of the commercially available strain gages. The performance of the Pd-Cr gage, however, strongly depends on the quality of the Pd13Cr wire. Four batches of Pd-Cr wires purchased from three different manufacturers were therefore evaluated to determine the best source of the wire for strain gage applications. The three suppliers were Precious Metal Institute in China, Sigmund Cohn Co., and G & S Titanium, Inc. in the United States. Two batches of wires obtained from Previous Metal Institute in 1987 and 1992, respectively are referred to herein as China87 and China92 wires. The mechanical, chemical and electrical properties of these wires, both as-received and after high temperature exposures at 800 C for 50 hours were analyzed. The elastic modulus and the failure strength of the wires were evaluated using a tensile test machine equipped with a laser speckle strain measurement system. The chemical and microstructural properties of the wires were inspected using a plasma atomic emission spectrometer and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS). The electrical stability and repeatability of the wires were determined by measuring the electrical resistance of the wires during three thermal cycles to 1000 C and a ten-hour soak at 1000 C. As a result of this study, the wire which has the highest strength, the least impurities content, the best oxidation resistance and the best electrical stability will be selected for upcoming strain gage applications.

Lei, Jih-Fen↗
NASA NTRS1994

High-resolution imaging with a tip-tilt Cassegrain secondary

A prototype adaptive secondary mirror has been developed on a 2.3-m telescope to stabilize rapid motion caused by atmospheric turbulence. The instantaneous position of an image's centroid, or brightest speckle, is measured by a near-infrared camera system which enables the tip-tilt mirror to recenter the image. Correction is accomplished at closed-loop frequencies of less than or = 100 Hz on guide stars with K (2.2 micrometers) magnitudes less than or = 8. Image motion is reduced to less than 0.1 sec rms, removing over 90% of low-frequency (f less than or = 5 Hz) tilt power, leaving less than or = 1 rad exp 2 mean square wave front tilt phase error. In seeing conditions where D/r sub o approximately = 4, long exposures in the H band (1.6 micrometers) exhibit a nearly diffraction-limited resolution of 0.19 sec full width at half maximum (FWHM) (Strehl ratio aprroximately = 0.14)-a factor of 4 improvement over uncorrected images. Reduction of the present static optical errors will improve the Strehl ratio another factor of 2, leading to approximately 70% of the maximum possible Strehl ratio.

Close, L. M.↗