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At least 73 records · Page 4

Some characteristics of the international space channel

Some physical characteristics of radio transmission links and the technology of PCM modulation combine with the Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunications Union to define a communications channel having a determinable channel capacity, error rate, and sensitivity to interference. These characteristics and the corresponding limitations on EIRP, power flux density, and power spectral density for space service applications are described. The ITU regulations create a critical height of 1027 km where some parameters of the limitation rules change. The nature of restraints on power spectral density are discussed and an approach to a standardized representation of Necessary Bandwidth for the Space Services is described. It is shown that, given the PFD (power flux density) and PSD (power spectral density) limitations of radio regulations, the channel performance is determined by the ratio of effective receiving antenna aperture to system noise temperature. Based on this approach, the method for a quantitative trade-off between spectrum spreading and system performance is presented. Finally, the effects of radio frequency interference between standard systems is analyzed.

Noack, T. L.↗

Basic research planning in mathematical pattern recognition and image analysis

Fundamental problems encountered while attempting to develop automated techniques for applications of remote sensing are discussed under the following categories: (1) geometric and radiometric preprocessing; (2) spatial, spectral, temporal, syntactic, and ancillary digital image representation; (3) image partitioning, proportion estimation, and error models in object scene interference; (4) parallel processing and image data structures; and (5) continuing studies in polarization; computer architectures and parallel processing; and the applicability of "expert systems" to interactive analysis.

Bryant, J.↗

Laser-Induced Incandescence in Microgravity

Knowledge of soot concentration is important due to its presence and impact upon a wide range of combustion processes ranging from diffusion to premixed flames, laminar to turbulent processes and homogeneous to heterogeneous combustion. Measurement of soot volume fraction (f(sub v)) is essential to discerning its formation and growth. The presence of soot also affects other physical and chemical properties of combustion thereby affecting studies not directly concerned with either its formation or growth, such as radiative heat transfer, CO oxidation and fuel vaporization or pyrolysis rates. Microgravity offers unique opportunities for studying both soot growth and the effect of soot radiation upon flame structure and spread. Spatial scales and residence time scales are greatly extended in 0-g facilitating soot growth studies. With the varied geometries, short duration microgravity test times and time-varying processes there is a demand for measurement of f(sub v) with high spatial and temporal resolution. Laser-induced incandescence (LII) has advanced f(sub v) measurements in many 1-g combustion processes. To create laser-induced incandescence, a pulsed high intensity laser heats soot to incandescence temperatures. Using appropriate spectral and temporal detection conditions, the resulting incandescence can be selectively detected apart from the non-laser-heated soot and flame gases. Theoretical modelling and experiments have shown that the resulting incandescence is representative of f(sub v). Using an intensified array camera and a laser sheet for excitation, one- and two-dimensionally resolved LII images of f(sub v) have been obtained in 1-g. LII has been characterized and developed at NASA-Lewis for soot volume fraction determination in a wide range of 1-g combustion applications. Broadly grouped, the characterization work has included studies of excitation intensity, excitation wavelength and the optimum temporal and spectral detection conditions to enable an accurate representation of soot volume fraction by LII. Tests for special requirements imposed by different combustion processes have been performed in laminar and turbulent diffusion flames, rich sooting premixed flames, single droplet combustion, and other heterogeneous combustion. These studies demonstrated LII's high sensitivity, temporal and spatial capabilities and its geometric versatility. In contrast to the advantages offered to combustion studies by a microgravity environment, advanced diagnostics, specifically those requiring pulsed laser diagnostics have been limited due to the size, weight and power limitations in a low-gravity environment. Reported here are the first demonstrations of LII performed in a microgravity environment. Examples are shown for laminar and turbulent gas-jet diffusion flames in 0-g.

VanderWal, Randy L.↗

A New Class of Finite Difference Schemes

Fluid flows in the transitional and turbulent regimes possess a wide range of length and time scales. The numerical computation of these flows therefore requires numerical methods that can accurately represent the entire, or at least a significant portion, of this range of scales. The inaccurate representation of small scales is inherent to non-spectral schemes. This can be detrimental to computations where the energy in the small scales is comparable to that in the larger scales, e.g. large-eddy simulations of high Reynolds number turbulence. The inaccurate numerical representation of the small scales in these large-eddy simulations can result in the numerical error overwhelming the contribution of the subgrid-scale model.

Mahesh, K.↗

An algorithm for computing the number of distinct spectral vectors in thematic mapper data

A computationally efficient method was developed to compute the number of distinct spectral vectors and their frequency of occurrence in Landsat-4 Thematic Mapper (TM) data. The algorithm first partitions the image into spectrally disjoint subsets and then computes the frequency distribution of distinct spectral vectors within each subset from a multidimensional histogram. The overall frequency distribution is tabulated by accumulating the results from each subset. The number of distinct spectral vectors could be used as a measure of potential storage compaction of alternate data representations for data compression, or as a measure of information content in the comparison of spectral band combinations and/or spatial resolutions for an image. Results from processing three 512 x 512 pixel Landsat-4 TM images and one Landsat-4 Multispectral Scanner (MSS) image are presented as examples. An algorithm for computing the frequency distribution of distinct spectral vectors in MSS data is given in the Appendix.

Wharton, S. W.↗

Homogeneous quantum electrodynamic turbulence

The electromagnetic field equations and Dirac equations for oppositely charged wave functions are numerically time-integrated using a spatial Fourier method. The numerical approach used, a spectral transform technique, is based on a continuum representation of physical space. The coupled classical field equations contain a dimensionless parameter which sets the strength of the nonlinear interaction (as the parameter increases, interaction volume decreases). For a parameter value of unity, highly nonlinear behavior in the time-evolution of an individual wave function, analogous to ideal fluid turbulence, is observed. In the truncated Fourier representation which is numerically implemented here, the quantum turbulence is homogeneous but anisotropic and manifests itself in the nonlinear evolution of equilibrium modal spatial spectra for the probability density of each particle and also for the electromagnetic energy density. The results show that nonlinearly interacting fermionic wave functions quickly approach a multi-mode, dynamic equilibrium state, and that this state can be determined by numerical means.

Shebalin, John V.↗

Spectral ordering techniques for incomplete LU preconditoners for CG methods

The effectiveness of an incomplete LU (ILU) factorization as a preconditioner for the conjugate gradient method can be highly dependent on the ordering of the matrix rows during its creation. Detailed justification for two heuristics commonly used in matrix ordering for anisotropic problems is given. The bandwidth reduction and weak connection following heuristics are implemented through an ordering method based on eigenvector computations. This spectral ordering is shown to be a good representation of the heuristics. Analysis and test cases in two and three dimensional diffusion problems demonstrate when ordering is important, and when an ILU decomposition will be ordering insensitive. The applicability of the heuristics is thus evaluated and placed on a more rigorous footing.

Clift, Simon S.↗

A Parametric Study of Fine-scale Turbulence Mixing Noise

The present paper is a study of aerodynamic noise spectra from model functions that describe the source. The study is motivated by the need to improve the spectral shape of the MGBK jet noise prediction methodology at high frequency. The predicted spectral shape usually appears less broadband than measurements and faster decaying at high frequency. Theoretical representation of the source is based on Lilley's equation. Numerical simulations of high-speed subsonic jets as well as some recent turbulence measurements reveal a number of interesting statistical properties of turbulence correlation functions that may have a bearing on radiated noise. These studies indicate that an exponential spatial function may be a more appropriate representation of a two-point correlation compared to its Gaussian counterpart. The effect of source non-compactness on spectral shape is discussed. It is shown that source non-compactness could well be the differentiating factor between the Gaussian and exponential model functions. In particular, the fall-off of the noise spectra at high frequency is studied and it is shown that a non-compact source with an exponential model function results in a broader spectrum and better agreement with data. An alternate source model that represents the source as a covariance of the convective derivative of fine-scale turbulence kinetic energy is also examined.

Khavaran, Abbas↗

Material properties for mantle convection consistent with observed surface fields

An attempt is made to derive constraints on mantle convection from observed surface fields: plate velocities, gravity, topography and heat flow. The spherical harmonic spectra of the fields are expressed in terms of a spectral magnitude and slope, and requirements for the minimal representation of the equations for mantle convection are discussed. The effects of the boundary layer represented by the surface fields on convection at the mantle surface and at deeper levels are then examined, and a mean value of the effective mantle viscosity of approximately 10 to the 23rd g/cm per sec is obtained, together with values of 10 to the 8th and 10 to the 7th for the Rayleigh numbers of whole mantle and upper mantle convection, respectively. Consideration is then given to the compositional, thermal and rheological aspects of mantle convection, and it is pointed out that constraints on the depth and other properties of convection will require more detailed modeling using the relationships between the harmonic coefficients of the surface fields.

Kaula, W. M.↗

Radiative Studies of Planetary Atmospheres

Retrieval algorithms and associated software for application to CIRS infrared spectral data have been developed and coded. A general forward radiative transfer code has been written that runs efficiently on a Macintosh, even at high spectral resolution (0.5 per centimeter). It makes use of the correlated-k approach for representation of the gaseous absorption and can include those gases listed in the HITRAN and GEISA atlases, along with collision-induced absorption. Cloud effects are included as spectrally dependent absorbers. Provision has been made for future extension to include particle scattering in an n-stream approximation. The primary purpose of the code is to produce synthetic data and to serve as the forward calculating element in gas and cloud retrieval programs developed for the Mac as well as other platforms. Initial development of algorithms and production software suitable for application to CIRS data to be obtained from Jupiter, Saturn and Titan has been completed, and production versions of the software for application to the spectral data are in place. This includes temperature, gaseous constituent, and cloud opacity retrieval, algorithms that can be applied to both nadir and limb data. This work has been done as a cooperative effort between Conrath and Matcheva (Cornell), Achterberg (GSFWSSAI), and Flasar (GSFC).

Conrath, Barney J.↗

Filter and Passband Problems

Problems associated with achieving precision in photometric measurements of stars are examined. The thermal stabilization of glass and interference filters and the determination of correct analytic representations of bandwidth effects in data reduction are particularly discussed. Spectral sampling requirements are also addressed.

Young, A. T.↗

DSP Implementation of the Multiscale Retinex Image Enhancement Algorithm

The Retinex is a general-purpose image enhancement algorithm that is used to produce good visual representations of scenes. It performs a non-linear spatial/ spectral transform that synthesizes strong local contrast enhancement and color constancy. A real-time, video frame rate implementation of the Retinex is required to meet the needs of various potential users. Retinex processing contains a relatively large number of complex computations, thus to achieve real-time performance using current technologies requires specialized hardware and software. In this paper we discuss the design and development of a digital signal processor (DSP) implementation of the Retinex. The target processor is a Texas Instruments TMS320C6711 floating point DSP. NTSC video is captured using a dedicated frame grabber card, Retinex processed, and displayed on a standard monitor. We discuss the optimizations used to achieve real-time performance of the Retinex and also describe our future plans on using alternative architectures.

Hines, Glenn D.↗

Spectral multigrid methods for the solution of homogeneous turbulence problems

New three-dimensional spectral multigrid algorithms are analyzed and implemented to solve the variable coefficient Helmholtz equation. Periodicity is assumed in all three directions which leads to a Fourier collocation representation. Convergence rates are theoretically predicted and confirmed through numerical tests. Residual averaging results in a spectral radius of 0.2 for the variable coefficient Poisson equation. In general, non-stationary Richardson must be used for the Helmholtz equation. The algorithms developed are applied to the large-eddy simulation of incompressible isotropic turbulence.

Erlebacher, G.↗

Spectral multigrid methods for the solution of homogeneous turbulence problems

New three-dimensional spectral multigrid algorithms are analyzed and implemented to solve the variable coefficient Helmholtz equation. Periodicity is assumed in all three directions which leads to a Fourier collocation representation. Convergence rates are theoretically predicted and confirmed through numerical tests. Residual averaging results in a spectral radius of 0.2 for the variable coefficient Poisson equation. In general, non-stationary Richardson must be used for the Helmholtz equation. The algorithms developed are applied to the large-eddy simulation of incompressible isotropic turbulence.

Erlebacher, G.↗

Discontinuous Spectral Difference Method for Conservation Laws on Unstructured Grids

A new, high-order, conservative, and efficient discontinuous spectral finite difference (SD) method for conservation laws on unstructured grids is developed. The concept of discontinuous and high-order local representations to achieve conservation and high accuracy is utilized in a manner similar to the Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) and the Spectral Volume (SV) methods, but while these methods are based on the integrated forms of the equations, the new method is based on the differential form to attain a simpler formulation and higher efficiency. Conventional unstructured finite-difference and finite-volume methods require data reconstruction based on the least-squares formulation using neighboring point or cell data. Since each unknown employs a different stencil, one must repeat the least-squares inversion for every point or cell at each time step, or to store the inversion coefficients. In a high-order, three-dimensional computation, the former would involve impractically large CPU time, while for the latter the memory requirement becomes prohibitive. In addition, the finite-difference method does not satisfy the integral conservation in general. By contrast, the DG and SV methods employ a local, universal reconstruction of a given order of accuracy in each cell in terms of internally defined conservative unknowns. Since the solution is discontinuous across cell boundaries, a Riemann solver is necessary to evaluate boundary flux terms and maintain conservation. In the DG method, a Galerkin finite-element method is employed to update the nodal unknowns within each cell. This requires the inversion of a mass matrix, and the use of quadratures of twice the order of accuracy of the reconstruction to evaluate the surface integrals and additional volume integrals for nonlinear flux functions. In the SV method, the integral conservation law is used to update volume averages over subcells defined by a geometrically similar partition of each grid cell. As the order of accuracy increases, the partitioning for 3D requires the introduction of a large number of parameters, whose optimization to achieve convergence becomes increasingly more difficult. Also, the number of interior facets required to subdivide non-planar faces, and the additional increase in the number of quadrature points for each facet, increases the computational cost greatly.

Liu, Yen↗

Compact finite difference schemes with spectral-like resolution

The present finite-difference schemes for the evaluation of first-order, second-order, and higher-order derivatives yield improved representation of a range of scales and may be used on nonuniform meshes. Various boundary conditions may be invoked, and both accurate interpolation and spectral-like filtering can be accomplished by means of schemes for derivatives at mid-cell locations. This family of schemes reduces to the Pade schemes when the maximal formal accuracy constraint is imposed with a specific computational stencil. Attention is given to illustrative applications of these schemes in fluid dynamics.

Lele, Sanjiva K.↗

Validation of High Speed Earth Atmospheric Entry Radiative Heating from 9.5 to 15.5 km/s

This paper presents an overview of the analysis and measurements of equilibrium radiation obtained in the NASA Ames Research Center's Electric Arc Shock Tube (EAST) facility as a part of recent testing aimed at reaching shock velocities up to 15.5 km/s. The goal of these experiments was to measure the level of radiation encountered during high speed Earth entry conditions, such as would be relevant for an asteroid, inter-planetary or lunar return mission. These experiments provide the first spectrally and spatially resolved data for high speed Earth entry and cover conditions ranging from 9.5 to 15.5 km/s at 13.3 and 26.6 Pa (0.1 and 0.2 Torr). The present analysis endeavors to provide a validation of shock tube radiation measurements and simulations at high speed conditions. A comprehensive comparison between the spectrally resolved absolute equilibrium radiance measured in EAST and the predictive tools, NEQAIR and HARA, is presented. In order to provide a more accurate representation of the agreement between the experimental and simulation results, the integrated value of radiance has been compared across four spectral regions (VUV, UV/Vis, Vis/NIR and IR) as a function of velocity. Results have generally shown excellent agreement between the two codes and EAST data for the Vis through IR spectral regions, however, discrepancies have been identified in the VUV and parts of the UV spectral regions. As a result of the analysis presented in this paper, an updated parametric uncertainty for high speed radiation in air has been evaluated to be [9.0%, -6.3%]. Furthermore, due to the nature of the radiating environment at these high shock speeds, initial calculations aimed at modeling phenomena that become more significant with increasing shock speed have been performed. These phenomena include analyzing the radiating species emitting ahead of the shock and the increased significance of radiative cooling mechanisms.

Equilibrium↗