Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “synthetic”

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 127 records · Page 7

Coal conversion processes and analysis methodologies for synthetic fuels production

Information to identify viable coal gasification and utilization technologies is presented. Analysis capabilities required to support design and implementation of coal based synthetic fuels complexes are identified. The potential market in the Southeast United States for coal based synthetic fuels is investigated. A requirements analysis to identify the types of modeling and analysis capabilities required to conduct and monitor coal gasification project designs is discussed. Models and methodologies to satisfy these requirements are identified and evaluated, and recommendations are developed. Requirements for development of technology and data needed to improve gasification feasibility and economies are examined.

Source record↗

Use of petroleum-based correlations and estimation methods for synthetic fuels

Correlations of hydrogen content with aromatics content, heat of combustion, and smoke point are derived for some synthetic fuels prepared from oil and coal syncrudes. Comparing the results of the aromatics content with correlations derived for petroleum fuels shows that the shale-derived fuels fit the petroleum-based correlations, but the coal-derived fuels do not. The correlations derived for heat of combustion and smoke point are comparable to some found for petroleum-based correlations. Calculated values of hydrogen content and of heat of combustion are obtained for the synthetic fuels by use of ASTM estimation methods. Comparisons of the measured and calculated values show biases in the equations that exceed the critical statistics values. Comparison of the measured hydrogen content by the standard ASTM combustion method with that by a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method shows a decided bias. The comparison of the calculated and measured NMR hydrogen contents shows a difference similar to that found with petroleum fuels.

Antoine, A. C.↗

Considerations on real-time processing of spaceborne synthetic aperture radar data

This paper comprises a description of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) processing approaches and a discussion on the processor complexity measures. The objective of the paper is to provide basic system knowledge on the design of a real-time signal processor for spaceborne synthetic aperture radar. A review of SAR sensor performance capability and general electronic processing approaches will be given first. The discussion of SAR processor complexity is divided into two areas: the arithmetic complexity and the control complexity. A generalized treatment of these subjects is provided. The results could be readily extended to special cases.

Wu, C.↗

High speed techniques for synthetic aperture radar image formation

One possible approach to high speed synthetic aperture radar signal reconstruction involves the utilization of two dimensional real time spatial light modulators as recyclable replacements for photographic film in the input transducer plane of a modified synthetic aperture radar (SAR) coherent optical processor. Leading candidate spatial light modulators include modified Pockels readout optical modulators (PROM), charge coupled devices (CCD) addressed liquid crystal light valves, and CCD addressed membrane light modulators. The fundamental physical limitations affecting SAR processor performance characteristics of such real time devices are under investigation. Current research on PROM is focused on the effects of device operatonal mode, device constitutive parameters, electro-optic crystal orientation, writing wavelength, frame rate/data overwrite/presuming, erasure completeness, and image retention on the overall quality of SAR image formation. Both modulated laser scanning and intensified CRT temporal to spatial input approaches are being examined.

Psaltis, D.↗

Synthetic battery cycling techniques

Synthetic battery cycling makes use of the fast growing capability of computer graphics to illustrate some of the basic characteristics of operation of individual electrodes within an operating electrochemical cell. It can also simulate the operation of an entire string of cells that are used as the energy storage subsystem of a power system. The group of techniques that as a class have been referred to as Synthetic Battery Cycling is developed in part to try to bridge the gap of understanding that exists between single cell characteristics and battery system behavior.

Leibecki, H. F.↗

The carbon monoxide fourth positive bands in the Venus dayglow. I - Synthetic spectra

Recent observations of the Venus dayglow spectrum from 1200 to 1800 A are discussed, and identifications of the CO4+ bands are given using synthetic spectra. The main excitation mechanism is found to be resonant and fluorescent scattering of solar radiation, so the theory for this process is covered in some detail. A synthetic fluorescence spectrum is generated with the aid of high-resolution solar flux data, and emission rate factors are calculated. The influence of solar emission line excitation on this spectrum is demonstrated. In particular, it is shown that the uncertainties in interpreting the Venus dayglow are overcome by the identification of CO4+ bands in the v prime = 14 progression resulting from the fluorescent scattering by CO of solar Lyman alpha radiation.

Durrance, S. T.↗

Wide area, coarse resolution imaging with satellite-borne synthetic aperture radars in low-earth and geosynchronous orbits

The LEOSAR (low-earth-orbit synthetic aperture radar) can map around the earth, while the GEOSAR (geosynchronous synthetic aperture radar) can map a large global area bounded in both longitudinal and latitudinal ranges. This paper presents the mapping capabilities and power requirements of both LEOSAR and GEOSAR. For a low-earth-orbit SAR, images of swath widths of the order of 700 km are possible with 100-m resolution and 300 watts of average transmitter power at 9375 MHz. From a SAR in a 50-deg inclined geosynchronous circular orbit, the contiguous United States can be imaged in about 6.4 hours with 100-m resolution, 345 watts of average transmitter power, and a data rate of 6 megabits/sec at 2450 MHz.

Tomiyasu, K.↗

Servomechanism for Doppler shift compensation in optical correlator for synthetic aperture radar

A method and apparatus for correcting Doppler shifts in synthetic aperture radar data is described. An optical correlator for synthetic aperture radar data has a means for directing a laser beam at a signal film having radar return pulse intensity information recorded on it. A resultant laser beam passes through a range telescope, an azimuth telescope, and a Fourier transform filter located between the range and azimuth telescopes, and forms an image for recording on an image film. A compensation means for Doppler shift in the radar return pulse intensity information includes a beam splitter for reflecting the modulated laser beam, after having passed through the Fourier transform filter, to a detection screen having two photodiodes mounted on it.

Constaninides, N. J.↗

Synthetic battery cycling techniques

The group of techniques that as a class are referred to as synthetic battery cycling are described with reference to spacecraft battery systems. Synthetic battery cycling makes use of the capability of computer graphics to illustrate some of the basic characteristics of operation of individual electrodes within an operating electrochemical cell. It can also simulate the operation of an entire string of cells that are used as the energy storage subsystem of a power system.

Leibecki, H.↗

Target Simulator for Synthetic-Aperture Radars

In proposed Target Simulator for Testing Synthetic-Aperture Radars, radar transmitter output received, mixed down to video frequencies, and passed through variable digital delay. Delayed signal mixed up to original carrier frequency and transmitted back to radar. Synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) generates return signal that contains range-curvature information in addition to Doppler-frequency information.

Zebker, H. A.↗

What's so Hot About Formulated Synthetics?

The development of synthetic automotive engine oil is discussed. The history of synthetic lubricants, and of the additives required to compete in a market which developed by and for petroleum oils. Some examples of real data, and enlarged using heat transfer properties obtained by chemical engineering thermodynamic methods are shown. The prospects for future successes and ideas on the additives that would most help to bring them about are also presented.

Beerbower, A.↗

Synthetic aperture radar observation of ocean roughness from rolls in an unstable marine boundary layer

Simultaneous synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and cloud photographic observations of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida were made from a high-altitude aircraft when there was an unstable marine boundary layer. The synthetic aperture radar images show unusual kilometer-sized features on the ocean surface which are related to clouds. The ocean near shore was cloud-free and had no radar features, while from 30 to 330 km offshore there were clouds and prominent kilometer-sized features in the SAR image. These radar features are most prominent when the radar was looking upwind, are less prominent when the radar was looking downwind, and disappear entirely when the radar was looking crosswind. Since ocean radar echo strengths are believed to be controlled primarily by ocean waves satisfying the Bragg relation, these radar features most likely resulted from local enhancements of short gravity waves with 17- to 34-cm wavelengths, which in turn are surface expressions of roll convections in a kilometer-thick unstable marine boundary layer.

Thompson, T. W.↗

Radiation effects response data for synthetic organic insulation and dielectrics

Existing radiation response data for 130 materials of the synthetic organic insulation and dielectric class are analyzed, and thresholds and 25-percent change dose levels for these materials are presented. Both the lowest reported threshold dose (LTD) and the 25-percent change dose level are found to vary widely among the different insulators (used as spacecraft components). The LTD is tabulated to indicate the levels where radiation effects become apparent. These level are of use in setting a lower limit where changes can be expected, and could be used to exempt synthetic insulation and dielectrics from radiation considerations when the environments are substantially below this limit. Cautions to be observed in applying the data to current problems are presented.

Bouquet, F. L.↗

Variable Synthetic Capacitance

Feedback amplifier circuit synthesizes electronically variable capacitance. Variable Synthetic Capacitor is amplifier circuit with follower/feedback configuration. Effective input capacitance depends on input set current. If synthetic capacitor is connected across resonant element of oscillator, oscillator frequency controlled via input set current. Circuit especially suitable for fine frequency adjustments of piezoelectric-crystal or inductor/capacitor resonant oscillators.

Kleinberg, L. L.↗

Preliminary structural analysis of Shuttle payloads using a base drive method with synthetic inputs

A transient base drive (TBD) analytical method for the support of the preliminary design analysis of Space Shuttle payloads, which could potentially reduce the cost of the payload structural analysis, is derscribed. The validity of TBD predictions depends on the ability to provide accurate synthetic base inputs. Acceleration inputs with a frequency content and magnitude which are not associated with a specific configuration or condition were synthesized. The use of frequency envelopes in the derivation of synthetic inputs can provide appropriate predictions independent of the payload modal frequencies.

Nelson, D. A. R., Jr.↗

Synthetic spectra of cool stars for the wavelength range 2550-3200 A

In order to interpret the ultraviolet spectra of cool stars obtained with IUE and to determine the physical conditions in their outer atmospheres, synthetic IUE spectra of stars cooler than the Sun, mainly the Sun and the metal-deficient, carbon-rich CH stars were calculated. Results are encouraging. Synthetic spectra for the Sun over the range 2550 to 3300 A give roughly the observed level of overall emission and relative strengths or various absorption features (Fe II, Mg II, Mg I, and Fe I) although they still require extra sources of continuous opacity longward of 2650 A. Spectra of the CH stars have roughly the correct shape in the ultraviolet continuum for the expected effective temperature, although these models are problematic in that the electron density, hence H(-) opacity, is directly proportional to the Mg-Si-Fe density and the ratio of line to continuum opacity is only slightly affected by changing metallicity.

Eaton, Joel A.↗

Forest biomass, canopy structure, and species composition relationships with multipolarization L-band synthetic aperture radar data

The effect of forest biomass, canopy structure, and species composition on L-band synthetic aperature radar data at 44 southern Mississippi bottomland hardwood and pine-hardwood forest sites was investigated. Cross-polarization mean digital values for pine forests were significantly correlated with green weight biomass and stand structure. Multiple linear regression with five forest structure variables provided a better integrated measure of canopy roughness and produced highly significant correlation coefficients for hardwood forests using HV/VV ratio only. Differences in biomass levels and canopy structure, including branching patterns and vertical canopy stratification, were important sources of volume scatter affecting multipolarization radar data. Standardized correction techniques and calibration of aircraft data, in addition to development of canopy models, are recommended for future investigations of forest biomass and structure using synthetic aperture radar.

Sader, Steven A.↗

Learned pattern recognition using synthetic-discriminant-functions

A method of using synthetic-discriminant-functions to facilitate learning in a pattern recognition system is discussed. Learning is accomplished by continually adding images to the training set used for synthetic discriminant functions (SDF) construction. Object identification is performed by efficiently searching a library of SDF filters for the maximum optical correlation. Two library structures are discussed - binary tree and multilinked graph - along with maximum ascent, back-tracking, perturbation, and simulated annealing searching techniques. By incorporating the distortion invariant properties of SDFs within a library structure, a robust pattern recognition system can be produced.

Jared, David A.↗