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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 721 records · Page 40

An experimental investigation of an axisymmetric jet in a coflowing airstream

The flow development of an axisymmetric jet exhausting into a moving airstream has been studied. The jet has a Reynolds number of 22,600, and the ratio of the jet velocity to the wind tunnel velocity is 5.1 to 1. The flow field of the axisymmetric jet was examined at locations varying from approximately zero to eight diameters downstream of the orifice. Of primary concern at each downstream location was the mapping of the one point statistical properties of the flow, including mean velocity, turbulent intensity, and intermittency. Autocorrelations and power spectral density curves were determined for both the fluctuating velocity field and the concentration signal at various distances from the jet's center line for different downstream locations. A laser Doppler velocimeter, using a phase locked loop processor, was used to make the desired velocity field measurements which were compared with hot wire anemometer and pressure probe data.

Catalano, G. D.↗

Coordinated design of coding and modulation systems

Work on partial unit memory codes continued; it was shown that for a given virtual state complexity, the maximum free distance over the class of all convolutional codes is achieved within the class of unit memory codes. The effect of phase-lock loop (PLL) tracking error on coding system performance was studied by using the channel cut-off rate as the measure of quality of a modulation system. Optimum modulation signal sets for a non-white Gaussian channel considered an heuristic selection rule based on a water-filling argument. The use of error correcting codes to perform data compression by the technique of syndrome source coding was researched and a weight-and-error-locations scheme was developed that is closely related to LDSC coding.

Massey, J. L.↗

A microcomputer-based low-cost Omega navigation system

The application of a low cost, commercially available microcomputer as the navigation processor for a simplified OMEGA navigation system is an area of current research. The interface of a low cost front end OMEGA sensor is described and an example of the phase processing software and navigation routines is given. Emphasis is placed on the description of results obtained with the software version of the OMEGA burst filter known as the memory aided phase locked loop.

Lilley, R. W.↗

Analysis of bilinear noise models in circuits and devices

There are a number of applications in which linear noise models are inappropriate. In the paper, the use of bilinear noise models in circuits and devices is considered. Several physical problems are studied in this framework. These include circuits involving varying parameters (such as variable resistance circuits constructed using field-effect transistors), the effect of switching jitter on sampled data system performance and communication systems involving voltage-controlled oscillators and phase-lock loops. In addition, several types of analytical techniques for stochastic bilinear systems are considered. Specifically, the moment equations of Brockett for bilinear systems driven by white noise are discussed, and closed-form expressions for certain bilinear systems (those that evolve an Abelian or solvable Lie groups) driven by white or colored noise are derived. In addition, an approximate statistical technique involving the use of harmonic expansions is described.

Willsky, A. S.↗

Unbalanced quadriphase demodulator

A new and improved apparatus and method are described for demodulation of quaternary phase shift keyed (QPSK) data, particularly unbalanced QPSK. Phase adjustment of the output of a phase locked loop local oscillator is performed to reduce sensitivity to amplitude variations internal to the demodulator.

Koybayashi, H. S.↗

Cascaded coherent tracking systems with time-varying channels

A performance analysis is presented of a two-way coherent tracking system (of the type used for spacecraft tracking and navigation) in which the transmitted signals have pass through linear time-varying channels. The performance of the system is characterized by the steady state probability density function of the reduced phase error process in the second tracking loop, the system considered consisting of two first-order phase locked loops in cascade. While the log normal channel, which arises in communication through planetary atmospheres, was used as the channel model, the results can be extended to other channels, such as the Rice and Rayleigh channels.

Weber, W. J., III↗

Laser space rendezvous and docking system study continuation

Investigations were made of a configuration for a spaceborne laser radar (ladar) to meet the requirements for rendezvous and docking with a cooperative object in synchronous orbit. An analysis was completed of laser phase locking techniques, while experimental verification was made of pulse repetition frequency and resonant scanning control loops. Data measurements on a satellite mock-up were also made. The investigation supports the original contention that a rendezvous and docking ladar can be configured to offer a cost effective and reliable solution to envisioned space missions.

Adelman, S.↗

Analysis and design of a high power laser adaptive phased array transmitter

The feasibility of delivering substantial quantities of optical power to a satellite in low earth orbit from a ground based high energy laser (HEL) coupled to an adaptive antenna was investigated. Diffraction effects, atmospheric transmission efficiency, adaptive compensation for atmospheric turbulence effects, including the servo bandwidth requirements for this correction, and the adaptive compensation for thermal blooming were examined. To evaluate possible HEL sources, atmospheric investigations were performed for the CO2, (C-12)(O-18)2 isotope, CO and DF wavelengths using output antenna locations of both sea level and mountain top. Results indicate that both excellent atmospheric and adaption efficiency can be obtained for mountain top operation with a micron isotope laser operating at 9.1 um, or a CO laser operating single line (P10) at about 5.0 (C-12)(O-18)2um, which was a close second in the evaluation. Four adaptive power transmitter system concepts were generated and evaluated, based on overall system efficiency, reliability, size and weight, advanced technology requirements and potential cost. A multiple source phased array was selected for detailed conceptual design. The system uses a unique adaption technique of phase locking independent laser oscillators which allows it to be both relatively inexpensive and most reliable with a predicted overall power transfer efficiency of 53%.

Mevers, G. E.↗

Unsteady loads due to propulsive lift configurations. Part B: Pressure and velocity measurements in a three dimensional wall jet

The effects of increasing the velocity ratio, lambda sub j were explored. The quantities measured include the width of the mixing region, the mean velocity field, turbulent intensities and time scales. In addition, wall and static pressure velocity correlations and coherences are presented. The velocity measurements were made using a laser Doppler velocimeter with a phase locked loop processor. The fluctuating pressures were monitored using condenser type microphones.

Catalano, G. D.↗

Development of Surfaces Optically Suitable for Flat Solar Panels

Three areas of research in the development of flat solar panels are described. (1) A reflectometer which can separately evaluate the spectral and diffuse reflectivities of surfaces was developed. The reflectometer has a phase locked detection system. (2) A coating composed of strongly bound copper oxide that is formed by an etching process performed on an aluminum alloy with high copper content was also developed. Because of this one step fabrication process, fabrication costs are expected to be small. (3) A literature search was conducted and conclusions on the required optical properties of flat plate solar collectors are presented.

Desmet, D.↗

Pressure and velocity measurements in a three dimensional wall jet

A flat plate and a curved wall surface, intended to model a wing-flap combination in a high V/STOL configuration, were used to measure pressure and flow velocity in a freely expanding coflowing jet and a three dimensional wall jet. The effects of increasing the velocity ratio of the jet exit plane velocity to the free stream velocity were investigated. Velocity measurements were made using a two color laser Doppler velocimeter with a phase-locked loop processor. Fluctuating pressures were monitored with condenser-type microphones. Quantities measured include the width of the mixing region, the mean velocity field, turbulent intensities, and time scales. Wall and static pressure-velocity correlations and coherences are presented.

Catalano, G. D.↗

Shuttle GPS R/PA evaluation analysis and performance tradeoff study

Primary responsibility was understanding and analyzing the various GPS receiver functions as they relate to the shuttle environment. These receiver functions included acquisition properties of the sequential detector, acquisition and tracking properties of the various receiver phase locked loops, and the techniques of sequential receiver operation. In addition to these areas, support was provided in the areas of oscillator stability requirements, antenna management, and navigation filter requirements, including preposition aiding.

Booth, R. W. D.↗

Initial flight test of a Loran-C receiver/data collection system

Development of a low cost Loran C receiver for general aviation use is discussed. The preparation and procedure of a flight test conducted with a receiver design which utilizes a phase locked loop oscillator to track the Loran C signals is described. It is indicated that such a receiver is a viable alternative for future work in developing a low cost Loran-C navigator.

Fischer, J. P.↗

Results of the second flight test of the Loran-C receiver/data collection system

The components of the Loran-C navigation system which were developed thus far are a phase-locked-loop receiver and a microcomputer development system. The microcomputer is being used as a means of testing and implementing software to handle sensor control and navigation calculations. Currently, the microcomputer is being used to collect and record data from the receiver in addition to development work. With these components, it was possible to record receiver data over a period of time and then reduce this data to obtain statistical information. It was particularly interesting to load the equipment developed in the laboratory into an aircraft and collect data while in flight. For initial flight tests, some important considerations were how well the entire system will perform in the field, signal strength levels while on the ground and in the air, the amount of noise present, changing of signal-to-noise ratio for various aircraft configurations and maneuvers, receiver overloading due to other equipment and antennas, and the overall usefulness of Loran-C as a navigation aid.

Fischer, J. P.↗

Effect of various features on the life cycle cost of the timing/synchronization subsystem of the DCS digital communications network

The effect on the life cycle cost of the timing subsystem was examined, when these optional features were included in various combinations. The features included mutual control, directed control, double-ended reference links, independence of clock error measurement and correction, phase reference combining, self-organization, smoothing for link and nodal dropouts, unequal reference weightings, and a master in a mutual control network. An overall design of a microprocessor-based timing subsystem was formulated. The microprocessor (8080) implements the digital filter portion of a digital phase locked loop, as well as other control functions such as organization of the network through communication with processors at neighboring nodes.

Kimsey, D. B.↗

Costas loop demodulation of suppressed carrier BPSK signals in the DSN environment: Experimental results obtained at TDL

Suppressed carrier binary phase-shift keyed (BPSK) signalling is currently being considered as a design alternative for future DSN telemetry in the multimegabit range. Carrier tracking of such signals is usually achieved by a Costas loop, as opposed to the ordinary phase lock loop. A Costas loop capable of demodulating BPSK signals with data rates up to 1 Msps was designed and constructed and its Doppler tracking performance with respect to a Block 3 receiver was tested at the Telecommunications Development Laboratory (TDL). The compatibility of suppressed carrier signalling with the current radiometric system, specifically Doppler tracking and ranging, was investigated. The experimental results obtained to-date with respect to Doppler tracking are presented.

Reasoner, R.↗

Development of Surfaces Optically Suitable for Flat Solar Panels

A reflectometer which can separately evaluate the spectral and diffuse reflectivities of surfaces is described. A phase locked detection system for the reflectometer is also described. A selective coating on aluminum potentially useful for flat plate solar collector applications is presented. The coating is composed of strongly bound copper oxide (divalent) and is formed by an etching process performed on an aluminum alloy with high copper content. Fabrication costs are expected to be small due to the one stop fabrication process. A number of conclusions gathered from the literature as to the required optical properties of flat plate solar collectors are discussed.

Source record↗

Ground-to-space optical power transfer

Using laser radiation as the energy input to a rocket, it is possible to consider the transfer of large payloads economically between low initial orbits and higher energy orbits. In this paper we will discuss the results of an investigation to use a ground-based High Energy Laser (HEL) coupled to an adaptive antenna to transmit multi-megawatts of power to a satellite in low-earth orbit. Our investigation included diffraction effects, atmospheric transmission efficiency, adaptive compensation for atmospheric turbulence effects, including the servo bandwidth requirements for this correction, and the adaptive compensation for thermal blooming. For these evaluations we developed vertical profile models of atmospheric absorption, strength of optical turbulence (CN2), wind, temperature, and other parameters necessary to calculate system performance. Our atmospheric investigations were performed for CO2, 12C18O2 isotope, CO and DF wavelengths. For all of these considerations, output antenna locations of both sea level and mountain top (3.5 km above sea level) were used. Several adaptive system concepts were evaluated with a multiple source phased array concept being selected. This system uses an adaption technique of phase locking independent laser oscillators. When both system losses and atmospheric effects were assessed, the results predicted an overall power transfer efficiency of slightly greater than 50%.

Mevers, G. E.↗