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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 1,279 records · Page 71

Advanced ground station architecture

This paper describes a new station architecture for NASA's Ground Network (GN). The architecture makes efficient use of emerging technologies to provide dramatic reductions in size, operational complexity, and operational and maintenance costs. The architecture, which is based on recent receiver work sponsored by the Office of Space Communications Advanced Systems Program, allows integration of both GN and Space Network (SN) modes of operation in the same electronics system. It is highly configurable through software and the use of charged coupled device (CCD) technology to provide a wide range of operating modes. Moreover, it affords modularity of features which are optional depending on the application. The resulting system incorporates advanced RF, digital, and remote control technology capable of introducing significant operational, performance, and cost benefits to a variety of NASA communications and tracking applications.

Zillig, David↗

NASA redox storage system development project, calendar year 1982

Development was continued for iron-chromium battery operation at 65 C. Membranes that were adequate at 25 C were shown to be unacceptable at 65 C with regard to selectivity. This led to the elevated-temperature, mixed-reactant mode of operation, in which each reactant solution, when discharged, contains both ferrous and chromic chlorides. This operating mode allows the use of very low-resistivity membranes, resulting in high energy efficiencies at current densities. It also allows the use of very simple techniques to correct for solvent or reactant transfer through cell membranes. Screening of candidate catalysts for the chromium electrode led to the development of a bismuth-lead candidate having several attractive characteristics.

Source record↗

Large optical cavity AlGaAs injection lasers with multiple active regions

A new type of AlGaAs injection laser is presented whose basic structure consists of alternating p- and n-type layers of GaAs and Al(x)Ga(1-x), with the GaAs layers serving as the active regions of the device. The electrical mode of operation is found to be that of a bistable device (SCR) and not of a simple pn junction. Optically, the device oscillates in a 'supermode' made up of a coherent superposition of single waveguide modes. Possible applications include pulsed mode operation of injection lasers and power combining of the output of many individual lasers.

Katz, J.↗

Fermilab’s Muon Campus: Status, Experiments, and Future

The Fermilab Muon Campus, repurposed Tevatron-era Antiproton Source facilities, is currently the home to the g-2 and Mu2e muon experiments. Collecting data since 2017, the g-2 experiment is wrapping up a final run before the Muon Campus transitions to Mu2e operation. Currently in the commissioning process, the Mu2e experiment is expected to begin calibration and data collection in fiscal year 2024. A majority of the Muon Campus is shared between the two experiments, however the modes of operation for each are significantly different. An 8 GeV primary proton beam strikes a target to produce a 3.1 GeV/c secondary muon beam for g-2, while the Mu2e experiment uses the Delivery Ring, formerly the Antiproton Accumulator Ring, for a pulsed, resonantly extracted, 8 kW, 8 GeV proton beam incident on a target in the experiment's target hall to produce a muon beam for the experiment. The design and current state of the Muon Campus and the current and future plans of the g-2 and Mu2e experiments, including the transition between operating modes, will be presented.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Large-Scale Adoption of Self-Synchronized Universal Droop Controller-Based Inverters to Enable Ancillary Services for Different Modes of Distribution System Operations

This work proposes the large-scale adoption of self-synchronized universal droop controller (SUDC)-based inverters to enable ancillary services for different modes of distribution system operations. The IEEE 123 bus system was modeled on a real-time simulator to study the performance of large-scale adoption of SUDC inverters in a distribution system. The resulting data collected shows that the voltage and the frequency were regulated within ranges, such as less than 5% for voltage and less than 0.5% for frequency, under different load variations and grid operations. Also, the black start was achieved within 0.4 s without any voltage overshoot. Through the simulation and validation on a small microgrid and the IEEE 123 bus distribution system, it can be concluded that the SUDC was successfully adopted to regulate the voltage and the frequency within the given ranges, and black start achieved within 1 s without voltage overshoot for different modes of distribution system operations.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Constricted double-heterojunction AlGaAs diode lasers - Structures and electrooptical characteristics

Constricted double-heterojunction (CDH) diode lasers are presented as a class of nonplanar-substrate devices for which the lasing cavity is on the least resistive electrical path between the contact and the substrate. Various CDH structures are discussed while treating such topics as liquid-phase epitaxy over channeled substrates, lateral mode control, and current control in nonplanar-substrate devices. Ridge-guide CDH lasers with positive-index lateral mode confinement provides single-mode CW operation to 7 mW/facet at room temperature and to 3 mW/facet at 150 C, while exhibiting light-current characteristics with second-harmonic distortions as low as -57 dB below the fundamental level. Semileaky guide CDH lasers with an asymmetric leaky cavity provide single-mode operation to 15-20 mW/facet CW, and to 50 mW/facet at 50% duty cycle.

Botez, D.↗

Electronic Switching Spherical Array (ESSA) antenna systems

ESSA (Electronic Switching Spherical Array) is an antenna system conceived, developed and qualified for linking satellite data transmissions with NASA's tracking and data relay satellites (TDRSS) and tracking and data acquisition satellites (TDAS). ESSA functions in the S band frequency region, cover 2 pi or more steradians with directional gain and operates in multiple selectable modes. ESSA operates in concert with the NASA's TDRS standard transponder in the retrodirective mode or independently in directional beam, program track and special modes. Organizations and projects to the ESSA applications for NASA's space use are introduced. Coverage gain, weight power and implementation and other performance information for satisfying a wide range of data rate requirements are included.

Hockensmith, R. P.↗

A least-squares parameter estimation algorithm for switched hammerstein systems with applications to the VOR

A "Multimode" or "switched" system is one that switches between various modes of operation. When a switch occurs from one mode to another, a discontinuity may result followed by a smooth evolution under the new regime. Characterizing the switching behavior of these systems is not well understood and, therefore, identification of multimode systems typically requires a preprocessing step to classify the observed data according to a mode of operation. A further consequence of the switched nature of these systems is that data available for parameter estimation of any subsystem may be inadequate. As such, identification and parameter estimation of multimode systems remains an unresolved problem. In this paper, we 1) show that the NARMAX model structure can be used to describe the impulsive-smooth behavior of switched systems, 2) propose a modified extended least squares (MELS) algorithm to estimate the coefficients of such models, and 3) demonstrate its applicability to simulated and real data from the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR). The approach will also allow the identification of other nonlinear bio-systems, suspected of containing "hard" nonlinearities.

Evaluation Studies↗

Interactive orbital proximity operations planning system

An interactive, graphical proximity operations planning system was developed which allows on-site design of efficient, complex, multiburn maneuvers in the dynamic multispacecraft environment about the space station. Maneuvering takes place in, as well as out of, the orbital plane. The difficulty in planning such missions results from the unusual and counterintuitive character of relative orbital motion trajectories and complex operational constraints, which are both time varying and highly dependent on the mission scenario. This difficulty is greatly overcome by visualizing the relative trajectories and the relative constraints in an easily interpretable, graphical format, which provides the operator with immediate feedback on design actions. The display shows a perspective bird's-eye view of the space station and co-orbiting spacecraft on the background of the station's orbital plane. The operator has control over two modes of operation: (1) a viewing system mode, which enables him or her to explore the spatial situation about the space station and thus choose and frame in on areas of interest; and (2) a trajectory design mode, which allows the interactive editing of a series of way-points and maneuvering burns to obtain a trajectory which complies with all operational constraints. Through a graphical interactive process, the operator will continue to modify the trajectory design until all operational constraints are met. The effectiveness of this display format in complex trajectory design is presently being evaluated in an ongoing experimental program.

Grunwald, Arthur J.↗

Control of Wind Tunnel Operations Using Neural Net Interpretation of Flow Visualization Records

Neural net control of operations in a small subsonic/transonic/supersonic wind tunnel at Lewis Research Center is discussed. The tunnel and the layout for neural net control or control by other parallel processing techniques are described. The tunnel is an affordable, multiuser platform for testing instrumentation and components, as well as parallel processing and control strategies. Neural nets have already been tested on archival schlieren and holographic visualizations from this tunnel as well as recent supersonic and transonic shadowgraph. This paper discusses the performance of neural nets for interpreting shadowgraph images in connection with a recent exercise for tuning the tunnel in a subsonic/transonic cascade mode of operation. That mode was operated for performing wake surveys in connection with NASA's Advanced Subsonic Technology (AST) noise reduction program. The shadowgraph was presented to the neural nets as 60 by 60 pixel arrays. The outputs were tunnel parameters such as valve settings or tunnel state identifiers for selected tunnel operating points, conditions, or states. The neural nets were very sensitive, perhaps too sensitive, to shadowgraph pattern detail. However, the nets exhibited good immunity to variations in brightness, to noise, and to changes in contrast. The nets are fast enough so that ten or more can be combined per control operation to interpret flow visualization data, point sensor data, and model calculations. The pattern sensitivity of the nets will be utilized and tested to control wind tunnel operations at Mach 2.0 based on shock wave patterns.

Buggele, Alvin E.↗

Spacelab interface development tests. Software description

The software requirements for the Spacelab Interface Development Tests are described. The software operates in two modes. The multiplexer-demultiplexer mode transmits operator-controlled information to the Spacelab. The pulse coded modulation (PCM) mode records and displays operator selected PCM data for visual analysis.

Akers, J. W.↗

Multistage depressed collector with efficiency of 90 to 94 percent for operation of a dual-mode traveling wave tube in the linear region

An axisymmetric, multistage, depressed collector of fixed geometric design was evaluated in conjunction with an octave bandwidth, dual mode traveling wave tube (TWT). The TWT was operated over a wide range of conditions to simulate different applications. The collector performance was optimized (within the constraint of fixed geometric design) over the range of TWT operating conditions covered. For operation of the TWT in the linear, low distortion range, 90 percent and greater collector efficiencies were obtained leading to TWT overall efficiencies of 20 to 35 percent, as compared with 2 to 5 percent with an undepressed collector. With collectors of this efficiency and minimized beam interception losses, it becomes practical to design dual mode TWT's such that the low mode can represent operation well below saturation. Consequently, the required pulse up in beam current can be reduced or eliminated, and this mitigates beam control and dual mode TWT circuit design problems. For operation of the dual mode TWT at saturation, average collector efficiencies in excess of 85 percent were obtained for both the low and high modes across an octave bandwidth, leading to a three to fourfold increase in the TWT overall efficiency.

Ramins, P.↗

Development of an Integrated Nozzle for a Symmetric, RBCC Launch Vehicle Configuration

The development of rocket based combined cycle (RBCC) engines is highly dependent upon integrating several different modes of operation into a single system. One of the key components to develop acceptable performance levels through each mode of operation is the nozzle. It must be highly integrated to serve the expansion processes of both rocket and air-breathing modes without undue weight, drag, or complexity. The NASA GTX configuration requires a fixed geometry, altitude-compensating nozzle configuration. The initial configuration, used mainly to estimate weight and cooling requirements was a 1 So half-angle cone, which cuts a concave surface from a point within the flowpath to the vehicle trailing edge. Results of 3-D CFD calculations on this geometry are presented. To address the critical issues associated with integrated, fixed geometry, multimode nozzle development, the GTX team has initiated a series of tasks to evolve the nozzle design, and validate performance levels. An overview of these tasks is given. The first element is a design activity to develop tools for integration of efficient expansion surfaces With the existing flowpath and vehicle aft-body, and to develop a second-generation nozzle design. A preliminary result using a "streamline-tracing" technique is presented. As the nozzle design evolves, a combination of 3-D CFD analysis and experimental evaluation will be used to validate the design procedure and determine the installed performance for propulsion cycle modeling. The initial experimental effort will consist of cold-flow experiments designed to validate the general trends of the streamline-tracing methodology and anchor the CFD analysis. Experiments will also be conducted to simulate nozzle performance during each mode of operation. As the design matures, hot-fire tests will be conducted to refine performance estimates and anchor more sophisticated reacting-flow analysis.

Smith, Timothy D.↗

GEOS 3 altimeter performance

GEOS 3 (Geodynamics Experimental Ocean Satellite) is the first satellite launched in the NASA Earth and Ocean Physics Applications Program and is designed to perform both geodetic and oceanographic missions. Aboard GEOS 3 is a radar altimeter for measuring the ocean surface characteristics and the spacecraft to ocean surface distance. Frequency of operation is 13.9 GHz, with two modes of operation - global or long pulse (200 nsec) mode, and intensive or short pulse (12 nsec) pulse mode. The discussion covers spacecraft and instrumentation, mission objectives, spacecraft performance, and altimeter data characteristics. Although the altimeter operation is planned only over water, the checkout of the altimeter system demonstrated that the global mode is capable of operating over land for which the terrain is not too mountainous. Sample altimeter sea surface and waveform measurements are presented.

Martin, C. F.↗

Noise field of a supersonic Mach 1.5 cold model jet.

Systematic surveys of both the near and far noise fields were made for a supersonic (nozzle design Mach number 1.5) cold model jet. The purpose of this investigation was to extend the existing understanding of the noise field of a supersonic shock-free jet at a moderate exit Mach number and the variations in its acoustic behavior when the nozzle was operated at its underexpanded mode, where strong shock waves were present. It was found that the broad-band pressure spectra of apparent sources in each of the individual characteristic flow regions were grossly similar. The strongest source for the shock-free jet was located in the region between the laminar core tip and the supersonic core tip, whereas for the underexpanded jet the strongest source was found near the middle of the flow region containing repetitive shock waves. It is shown that the significant increase in the noise output at the underexpanded mode of operation was primarily due to high-frequency components.

Yu, J. C.↗

A study of application of remote sensing to river forecasting. Volume 1: Executive summary

A project is described whose goal was to define, implement and evaluate a pilot demonstration test to show the practicability of applying remotely sensed data to operational river forecasting in gaged or previously ungaged watersheds. A secondary objective was to provide NASA with documentation describing the computer programs that comprise the streamflow forecasting simulation model used. A computer-based simulation model was adapted to a streamflow forecasting application and implemented in an IBM System/360 Model 44 computer, operating in a dedicated mode, with operator interactive control through a Model 2250 keyboard/graphic CRT terminal. The test site whose hydrologic behavior was simulated is a small basin (365 square kilometers) designated Town Creek near Geraldine, Alabama.

Source record↗

Method of and means for testing a tape record/playback system

A tape record/playback system was tested by first deriving an analog test signal and a band-limited digital reference signal from a pseudo-noise sequence generator driven by a clock signal. It recorded the signals on respective tracks of the system during operation in a record mode. During the playback mode of operation of the system, a delayed analog reference signal without time base variations was reconstructed from the played back reference signal. It was compared with the played back test signal in order to obtain an error signal that was a measure of the performance of the system.

Wallace, G. R.↗

Critical fault patterns determination in fault-tolerant computer systems

The method proposed tries to enumerate all the critical fault-patterns (successive occurrences of failures) without analyzing every single possible fault. The conditions for the system to be operating in a given mode can be expressed in terms of the static states. Thus, one can find all the system states that correspond to a given critical mode of operation. The next step consists in analyzing the fault-detection mechanisms, the diagnosis algorithm and the process of switch control. From them, one can find all the possible system configurations that can result from a failure occurrence. Thus, one can list all the characteristics, with respect to detection, diagnosis, and switch control, that failures must have to constitute critical fault-patterns. Such an enumeration of the critical fault-patterns can be directly used to evaluate the overall system tolerance to failures. Present research is focused on how to efficiently make use of these system-level characteristics to enumerate all the failures that verify these characteristics.

Mccluskey, E. J.↗