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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 145 records · Page 8

Microwave characteristics of GaAs MMIC integratable optical detectors

Interdigitated photoconductive detectors were fabricated on microwave device structures, making them easily integratable with Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMIC). Detector responsivity as high as 2.5 A/W and an external quantum efficiency of 3.81 were measured. Response speed was nearly independent of electrode geometry, and all detectors had usable response at frequencies to 6 GHz. A small signal model of the detectors based on microwave measurements was also developed.

Claspy, Paul C.↗

Direct measurement of MPD thrust

An integrally mounted accelerometer has been used to obtain direct thrust measurements during operation of a magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster. The structural oscillations which can mask the accelerometer output have been ameliorated by stiffening the thruster to increase the lowest resonant frequency above the 1kHz region of interest. In addition, signal conditioning is used to provide a high signal-to-noise accelerometer output waveform. Impulse response measurement of the thruster frequency response function has proven to be an effective means of selecting the signal filter and estimating measurement errors. Comparison of the total impulse derived from the accelerometer output with that from a swinging arm thrust stand indicates 3 percent agreement, providing some confidence in the viability of the accelerometer thrust measurement technique.

Berg, J. M.↗

Far-infrared imaging antenna arrays

A far-infrared monolithic imaging antenna array with diffraction-limited resolution has been demonstrated. The optical system is similar to an oil-immersion microscope, except that the position of the object and the image are interchanged. The array is a series of evaporated silver bow-tie antennas of 75 nm thick, spaced at 310 microns, on a fused-quartz substrate; the bow angle of 60 deg gives an impedance of 150 ohm to match to bismuth microbolometers. The measured responsivity of the array elements is 1-2 V/W at the relatively low bias of 1 mA. Previous measurements have shown that the bolometers are 1/f noise limited up to 100 kHz and that they have a frequency response of 5 MHz. The antenna array should be adequate for far-infrared plasma interferometer measurements.

Neikirk, D. P.↗

Performance characteristics of InGaAs/GaAs and GaAs/InGaAlAs coherently strained superlattice photodiodes

The properties of In(0.24)Ga(0.76)As/GaAs and GaAs/In(0.05)Ga(0.58)Al(0.37)As superlattice photodiodes grown by molecular beam epitaxy have been investigated. From the temporal response characteristics, deconvolved rise times about 60-100 ps are obtained. The measured responsivities of the photodiodes with dark currents of 5-10 nA at 10 V are about 0.4 A/W, which correspond to peak external quantum efficiencies of about 60 percent. These results indicate that very high performance photodiodes can be realized with strained layers.

Das, Utpal↗

Bias Selective Operation of Sb-Based Two-Color Photodetectors

Multicolor detectors have a strong potential to replace conventional single-color detectors in application dealing with the simultaneous detection of more than one wavelength. This will lead to the reduction of heavy and complex optical components now required for spectral discrimination for multi-wavelengths applications. This multicolor technology is simpler, lighter, compact and cheaper with respect to the single-color ones. In this paper, Sb-based two-color detectors fabrication and characterization are presented. The color separation is achieved by fabricating dual band pn junction on a GaSb substrate. The first band consists of an InGaAsSb pn junction for long wavelength detection, while the second band consists of a GaSb pn junction for shorter wavelength detection. Three metal contacts were deposited to access the individual junctions. Surface morphology of multi-layer thin films and also device characteristics of quasi-dual band photodetector were characterized using standard optical microscope and electro-optic techniques respectively. Dark current measurements illustrated the diode behavior of both lattice-matched detector bands. Spectral response measurements indicated either independent operation of both detectors simultaneously, or selective operation of one detector, by the polarity of the bias voltage, while serially accessing both devices.

Abedin, M. N.↗

High-Sensitivity, Broad-Range Vacuum Gauge Using Nanotubes for Micromachined Cavities

A broad-range vacuum gauge has been created by suspending a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) (metallic or semiconducting) in a Schottky diode format or in a bridge conductor format, between two electrically charged mesas. SWNTs are highly sensitive to molecular collisions because of their extremely small diameters in the range of 1 to 3 nanometers. The measurement parameter will be the change in conductivity of SWNT due to decreasing rate of molecular collisions as the pressure inside a chamber decreases. The rate of heat removal approaches a saturation limit as the mean free path (m.f.p.) lengths of molecules increase due to decreasing pressure. Only those sensing elements that have a long relaxation time can produce a measureable response when m.f.p. of molecules increases (or time between two consecutive collisions increases). A suspended SWNT offers such a capability because of its one-dimensional nature and ultrasmall diameter. In the initial approach, similar architecture was used as that of a SWNT-Schottky diode that has been developed at JPL, and has its changing conductivity measured as the test chamber is pumped down from atmospheric pressure to high vacuum (10(exp -7) Torr). Continuous response of decreasing conductivity has been measured as a function of decreasing pressure (SWNT is a negative thermal coefficient material) from atmosphere to less than 10(exp -6) Torr. A measureable current change in the hundreds of nA range has been recorded in the 10(exp -6) Torr regime.

Manohara, Harish↗

Bone Analyzer

The danger of disuse osteoporosis under weightless condition in space led to extensive research into measurements of bone stiffness and mass by the Biomedical Research Division of Ames and Stanford University. Through its Technology Utilization Program, NASA funded an advanced SOBSA, a microprocessor-controlled bone probe system. SOBSA determines bone stiffness by measuring responses to an electromagnetic shaker. With this information, a physician can identify bone disease, measure deterioration and prescribe necessary therapy. The system is now undergoing further testing.

Source record↗

Flight Demonstration Of Low Overpressure N-Wave Sonic Booms And Evanescent Waves

The recent flight demonstration of shaped sonic booms shows the potential for quiet overland supersonic flight, which could revolutionize air transport. To successfully design quiet supersonic aircraft, the upper limit of an acceptable noise level must be determined through quantitative recording and subjective human response measurements. Past efforts have concentrated on the use of sonic boom simulators to assess human response, but simulators often cannot reproduce a realistic sonic boom sound. Until now, molecular relaxation effects on low overpressure rise time had never been compared with flight data. Supersonic flight slower than the cutoff Mach number, which generates evanescent waves, also prevents loud sonic booms from impacting the ground. The loudness of these evanescent waves can be computed, but flight measurement validation is needed. A novel flight demonstration technique that generates low overpressure N-waves using conventional military aircraft is outlined, in addition to initial quantitative flight data. As part of this demonstration, evanescent waves also will be recorded.

Haering, Edward A., Jr.↗

Measurements of acoustic responses of gaseous propellant injectors

Results are presented for an investigation intended to provide experimental data that can quantitatively describe the way in which various coaxial injector designs affect the stability of gaseous propellant rocket motors. The response factors of configurations that simulate the flow conditions in a gaseous-fuel injector element and a gaseous-oxidizer injector element are measured by using a modified impedance-tube technique and under cold-flow conditions simulating those observed in rocket motors with axial instability. The measured injector response factor data are presented and discussed. It is shown that there is reasonable agreement between the measured injector response factors and those predicted by the Feiler and Heidmann model (1967), and that the orifice length can be varied to shift the resonant frequency of the injector without any change in the magnitude of the response factor at resonance. A change in the injector open-area ratio is found to have a significant effect on the characteristics of the injector response factor.

Janardan, B. A.↗

Stratospheric responses to solar ultraviolet variations - Comparisons with photochemical models

At latitudes and altitudes where transport effects on ozone mixing ratio can be neglected, ozone and temperature responses to short-term changes in solar ultraviolet flux can be used to calculate implied bounds on two basic photochemical parameters: the odd oxygen photochemical relaxation time and the chemical sensitivity of odd oxygen to local temperature changes. Seasonally averaged values of these parameters are derived from response measurements and are compared with model calculations between 0.7 and 4 mbar at tropical latitudes. Results are in agreement within measurement and model uncertainties at all pressure levels. Model values of mean ozone and of the response of ozone to perturbations are functions of the same photochemical data. Therefore this agreement provides a constraint which should be considered when changes are proposed in model input data for the purpose of improving agreement between measured and calculated high-altitude ozone.

Hood, L. L.↗

Plan, execute, and discuss vibration measurements and correlations to evaluate a NASTRAN finite element model of the AH-64 helicopter airframe

A ground vibration test was performed on the AH-64 (Apache) helicopter to determine the frequency response of the airframe. The structure was excited at both the main and tail rotor hubs, separately, and response measurements were taken at 102 locations throughout the fuselage structure. Frequency responses were compared and correlated with results from a NASTRAN finite element model of AH-64. In addition, natural frequencies and mode shapes were estimated from the frequency response data and were correlated with analytical results.

Ferg, D.↗

Multispectral scanner flight model (F-1) radiometric calibration and alignment handbook

This handbook on the calibration of the MSS-D flight model (F-1) provides both the relevant data and a summary description of how the data were obtained for the system radiometric calibration, system relative spectral response, and the filter response characteristics for all 24 channels of the four band MSS-D F-1 scanner. The calibration test procedure and resulting test data required to establish the reference light levels of the MSS-D internal calibration system are discussed. The final set of data ("nominal" calibration wedges for all 24 channels) for the internal calibration system is given. The system relative spectral response measurements for all 24 channels of MSS-D F-1 are included. These data are the spectral response of the complete scanner, which are the composite of the spectral responses of the scan mirror primary and secondary telescope mirrors, fiber optics, optical filters, and detectors. Unit level test data on the measurements of the individual channel optical transmission filters are provided. Measured performance is compared to specification values.

Source record↗

Spatial Resolution Characterization for Aerial Digital Imagery

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration have jointly conducted characterizations of aerial digital imagery from commercial data providers. In a typical scenario, a vendor acquired imagery over the Stennis Space Center test range and provided a common data package to SSC. SSC personnel analyzed the geopositional accuracy and spatial resolution of the images, then documented the characterization results in a report and delivered the report to the USGS. Spatial resolution characterization was based on edge response measurements using one of the SSC edge targets and the tilted-edge technique. Relative Edge Response (RER) has been estimated for aerial digital imagery from several commercial data providers. RER is one of the engineering parameters used in the General Image Quality Equation to provide predictions of imaging system performance expressed in terms of the National Imagery Interpretability Rating Scale.

Blonski, Slawomir↗

Comparison of analytical and flight test identified aerodynamic derivatives for a tandem-rotor transport helicopter

Flight tests for verifying an analytical aerodynamic derivative model of a CH-47 helicopter were conducted for low cruise speeds and transition to hover portions of curved, decelerating landing approach trajectories. All testing was performed on a closed loop basis with the stability augmentation system of the helicopter operating, and response data were obtained using both manual and computer generated input maneuvers. The results indicate some differences between the measured response time histories and those predicted by both analytical and flight test identified derivatives. With some exceptions the discrepancies are not severe, and the overall agreement between the measured and computed time histories is reasonably good. No adverse effects attributable to closed loop testing were noted, and the use of computer generated inputs proved to be superior to manual ones.

Hodge, W. F.↗

Application of carbon-powder-polymer composite as a continuous crack-length sensor

This paper explores the application of carbon-powder-impregnated polymeric composites for measuring crack extensions. The strain sensitivity of the gage material is shown to be very small. In the first series of tests, the gage material is characterized by measuring the change in electrical resistance due to machined slits for various gage lengths. The measured responses is compared with the response predicted from a very simple electrical model. On the basis of good correlation and repeatability, the usefulness of such gages to measure crack extensions is assessed by a second series of tests. Further work to improve the gage response by optimizing the shape of the gage and making the gage and the adhesive layer thinner is proposed. The presented concept, with improvements, can result in a reliable, inexpensive crack gage requiring inexpensive instrumentation.

Prabhakaran, R.↗

High Temperature / High Frequency Temperature Measurement: Achieving MHz Response at Temperatures > 1000 Deg-F

High frequency temperature measurements are not possible with current SOA temperature measurement devices at temperatures higher than ~700 deg-F. Temperature measurements above ~1000 deg-F are typical for entry vehicle thermal protection systems (TPS), rocket engines, ram/scramjet engines, etc. A new technology capable of achieving ~1200 deg-F temperature measurements with MHz response has been achieved. Investigations are underway to extend the concept to even higher temperatures. A U.S. patent application is about to be submitted.

High Frequency↗

Concepts for a theoretical and experimental study of lifting rotor random loads and vibrations. Phase 6-B: Experiments with progressing/regressing forced rotor flapping modes

A two bladed 16-inch hingeless rotor model was built and tested outside and inside a 24 by 24 inch wind tunnel test section at collective pitch settings up to 5 deg and rotor advance ratios up to .4. The rotor model has a simple eccentric mechanism to provide progressing or regressing cyclic pitch excitation. The flapping responses were compared to analytically determined responses which included flap-bending elasticity but excluded rotor wake effects. Substantial systematic deviations of the measured responses from the computed responses were found, which were interpreted as the effects of interaction of the blades with a rotating asymmetrical wake.

Hohenemser, K. H.↗