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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 1,009 records · Page 56

ALS/Milo: BL402 RSXD data analysis

Suite of tools designed to simply data collection, extraction, reduction, and plotting for resonant soft x-ray scattering experiments performed at ALS beamline 4.0.2; speeds up the process of converting data into meaningful information for users to publish experimental results. * Python software routines for processing CCD images, including reciprocal space maps, diffraction peak alignment, resonant spectral profiles, line-cut comparisons, coordinate transforms, etc. * Scan file generator, optimized for typical uses cases, reduces burden on users by handling complex operations behind the scenes of a simplified user interface * Deployed at beamline endstation computers; packaged and deployable as standardized PyPI package * Under version control (git) and hosted on LBL-sponsored repository (bitbucket)

Shafer, Padraic↗

Acoustical analysis system

Integrated system is described which replaces several instruments normally used to analyze acoustical data in failure detection of mechanical or fluid systems. Analysis system extracts and measures repetitive waveforms superimposed on noisy background and compares amplitude with internally stored waveforms. Equipment used in system may be interfaced with general purpose digital computer.

Tatge, R. B.↗

Tracking variations in the alpha activity in an electroencephalogram

The problem of tracking Alpha voltage variations in an electroencephalogram is discussed. This problem is important in encephalographic studies of sleep and effects of different stimuli on the brain. Very often the Alpha voltage is tracked by passing the EEG signal through a bandpass filter centered at the Alpha frequency, which hopefully will filter out unwanted noise from the Alpha activity. Some alternative digital techniques are suggested and their performance is compared with the standard technique. These digital techniques can be used in an environment where an electroencephalograph is interfaced with a small digital computer via an A/D convertor. They have the advantage that statistical statements about their variability can sometimes be made so that the effect sought can be assessed correctly in the presence of random fluctuations.

Prabhu, K. S.↗

Study on the effect of contamination on the performance of X-ray telescopes

Modifications were made to the X-ray reflectometer located at the Space Sciences Laboratory, Marshall Space Flight Center. One was an automatic drive for the Large Micrometer Head. This system, interfaced with the Hewlett Packard Computer System, is used to record data and provides the X-ray reflectometer with an automated data-taking capability. Using this system, a complete scatter curve can be obtained automatically. Previously, it was necessary to manually reset the system after recording for each data point in the scatter curve. The second modification provided an externally controlled electrical drive to move the microfocus X-ray source along its axis. With this modification, one can translate the X-ray source while it is operating to locate the position providing maximum count rate.

Neal, W. R.↗

A 30-cm thruster power processor test console

The development of a high performance ion propulsion system composed of an ion thruster and its associated power processing equipment, dictates the establishment of a mutually compatible set of electrical characteristics. A 30-cm thruster power processing console has been developed which utilizes power and control circuitry applicable to flight hardware designs, incorporates interface circuitry for optional direct computer control, and has self-contained instrumentation for assessing steady-state and dynamic system behavior. This paper discusses the console's design, utility, performance, and the potential impact of this development effort on future hardware designs.

Herron, B. G.↗

One-dimensional numerical analysis of the transient thermal response of multilayer insulative systems

A one-dimensional numerical analysis of the transient thermal response of multilayer insulative systems has been developed. The analysis can determine the temperature distribution through a system consisting of from one to four layers, one of which can be an air gap. Concentrated heat sinks at any interface can be included. The computer program based on the analysis will determine the thickness of a specified layer that will satisfy a temperature limit criterion at any point in the insulative system. The program will also automatically calculate the thickness at several points on a vehicle and determine total system mass.

Pittman, C. M.↗

Mission Control Center (MCC) System Specification for the Shuttle Orbital Flight Test (OFT) Timeframe

System specifications to be used by the mission control center (MCC) for the shuttle orbital flight test (OFT) time frame were described. The three support systems discussed are the communication interface system (CIS), the data computation complex (DCC), and the display and control system (DCS), all of which may interfere with, and share processing facilities with other applications processing supporting current MCC programs. The MCC shall provide centralized control of the space shuttle OFT from launch through orbital flight, entry, and landing until the Orbiter comes to a stop on the runway. This control shall include the functions of vehicle management in the area of hardware configuration (verification), flight planning, communication and instrumentation configuration management, trajectory, software and consumables, payloads management, flight safety, and verification of test conditions/environment.

Source record↗

Structural Optimization

Programming Structural Synthesis System (PROSSS) provides structural synthesis capability by combining SPAR and CONMIN computer programs with set of interface procedures. SPAR is large general-purpose finite-element structural-analysis program, and CONMIN is large general-purpose optimization program. User supplies two small problem-dependent programs to define design variables, constraints, and objective function.

Rogers, J. L., Jr↗

System for Structural Synthesis Combines Finite-Element Analysis and Optimization Programs

Programming System for Structural Synthesis, EAL/PROSSS, provides structural-synthesis capability by combining EAL and CONMIN computer programs with set of interface procedures. EAL is general-purpose finiteelement structural-analysis program; CONMIN is general-purpose optimization program. User supplies two smaller problem-dependent programs to define design variables, constraints, and objective function.

Rogers, J. L., Jr.↗

Radar cross calibration investigation TAMU radar polarimeter calibration measurements

A short pulse, 20 MHz bandwidth, three frequency radar polarimeter system (RPS) operates at center frequencies of 10.003 GHz, 4.75 GHz, and 1.6 GHz and utilizes dual polarized transmit and receive antennas for each frequency. The basic lay-out of the RPS is different from other truck mounted systems in that it uses a pulse compression IF section common to all three RF heads. Separate transmit and receive antennas are used to improve the cross-polarization isolation at each particular frequency. The receive is a digitally controlled gain modulated subsystem and is interfaced directly with a microprocesser computer for control and data manipulation. Antenna focusing distance, focusing each antenna pair, rf head stability, and polarization characteristics of RPS antennas are discussed. Platform and data acquisition procedures are described.

Blanchard, A. J.↗

Multi-man flight simulator

A prototype Air Traffic Control facility and multiman flight simulator facility was designed and one of the component simulators fabricated as a proof of concept. The facility was designed to provide a number of independent simple simulator cabs that would have the capability of some local, stand alone processing that would in turn interface with a larger host computer. The system can accommodate up to eight flight simulators (commercially available instrument trainers) which could be operated stand alone if no graphics were required or could operate in a common simulated airspace if connected to the host computer. A proposed addition to the original design is the capability of inputing pilot inputs and quantities displayed on the flight and navigation instruments to the microcomputer when the simulator operates in the stand alone mode to allow independent use of these commercially available instrument trainers for research. The conceptual design of the system and progress made to date on its implementation are described.

Macdonald, G.↗

DSS 13 Microprocessor Antenna Controller

A microprocessor based antenna controller system developed as part of the unattended station project for DSS 13 is described. Both the hardware and software top level designs are presented and the major problems encounted are discussed. Developments useful to related projects include a JPL standard 15 line interface using a single board computer, a general purpose parser, a fast floating point to ASCII conversion technique, and experience gained in using off board floating point processors with the 8080 CPU.

Gosline, R. M.↗

A microprocessor-based control system for the Vienna PDS microdensitometer

The Motorola Exorset 30 system, based on a Motorola 6809 microprocessor which serves as control processor for the microdensitometer is presented. User communication and instrument control are implemented in this syatem; data transmission to a host computer is provided via standard interfaces. The Vienna PDS system (VIPS) software was developed in BASIC and M6809 assembler. It provides efficient user interaction via function keys and argument input in a menu oriented environment. All parameters can be stored on, and retrieved from, minifloppy disks, making it possible to set up large scanning tasks. Extensive user information includes continuously updated status and coordinate displays, as well as a real time graphic display during scanning.

Jenkner, H.↗

Potential application of artificial concepts to aerodynamic simulation

The concept of artificial intelligence as it applies to computational fluid dynamics simulation is investigated. How expert systems can be adapted to speed the numerical aerodynamic simulation process is also examined. A proposed expert grid generation system is briefly described which, given flow parameters, configuration geometry, and simulation constraints, uses knowledge about the discretization process to determine grid point coordinates, computational surface information, and zonal interface parameters.

Kutler, P.↗

Study of the kinetics and mechanism of the thermal nitridation of SiO2

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been used to study the nitridation time and temperature dependence of the nitrogen distribution in thermally nitrided SiO2 films. The XPS data show that the maximum nitrogen concentration near the (SiO(x)N(y)/Si interface is initially at the interface, but moves 20-25 A away from the interface with increasing nitridation time. Computer modeling of the kinetic processes involved is carried out and reveals a mechanism in which diffusing species, initially consisting primarily of nitrogen, react with the substrate, followed by formation of the oxygen-rich oxynitride due to reaction of the diffusing oxygen displaced by the slower nitridation of the SiO2. The data are consistent with this mechanism provided the influence of the interfacial strain on the nitridation and oxidation kinetics is explicitly accounted for.

Vasquez, R. P.↗

Development of a mass spectrometer system for the measurement of inert gases in meteorites

The study of the inert gases in meteorites has provided many clues as to the origin and evolution of the solar system. Particularly crucial and complex are the gases krypton and xenon. To accurately measure the isotopic compositions of these gases requires a mass spectrometer of high sensitivity and resolution. A previously unused and largely untested mass spectrometer system was brought to the point where it was ready for routine sample analyses. This involved, among other things, focusing the ion beam for optimal peak shape and sensitivity, documenting the instrument's response to a series of characteristic tests such as multplier gain checks, and interfacing the instrument to a computer to run the sample analyses. Following this testing and setting up, three iron meteorite samples were to be analyzed for argon, krypton, and xenon. The three samples were shown in prior work to possibly contain primordial heavy inert gases. Although these analyses have not yet been carried out, it is anticipated that they will be completed in the near future.

Palma, R. L.↗

An interactive technique to generate digital elevation data using a vidicon camera

A technique is proposed for the semi-automatic digitization of topographic maps using a vidicon camera interfaced with a mini-computer system. The required input is a black and white map that shows only contour lines and corresponding elevation values such as the advance prints of 7.5 minute USGS topographic sheets. A set of image processing algorithms is implemented on an image of the contour map acquired by a vidicon camera. The system developed performs extraction of contour lines, tagging elevation values and subsequent interpolation of elevations to produce, in 5 sec. x 5 sec. intervals of latitude and longitude, digital elevation matrices. The interpolation of elevations for non-contour points is achieved using a steepest descent algorithm. A communications capability allows the final data to be transferred over telephone lines to an off-site unit such as the floppy disk or a micro-computer.

Sircar, J. K.↗