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NASA NTRS1981

Array-fed reflector antenna design and applications

One phase of the spacecraft antenna research carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for deep space and near-earth communications is described. Array-fed reflector antenna designs have been elaborated for beam scanning, power amplification, and multiple beam applications. The antenna designs derive from similar optical concepts. Each antenna comprises a relatively small plane-wave array feeding a near-field dual-reflector system. The main reflector and the the subreflector are confocal paraboloids having identical focal length to diameter ratios. The array feed is positioned in such a way that the subreflector is in the near-field (collimated beam) region of the feed. The field distribution of the feed aperture is thereby recreated approximately in the main reflector aperture. The detailed design concepts of the antennas (beam-scanning, high-power, and mutliple-beam) are discussed, and the calculated and measured RF performances of the antennas are presented.

Woo, K.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Performance evaluation of the JPL interim digital SAR processor

The performance of the Interim Digital SAR Processor (IDP) was evaluated. The IDP processor was originally developed for experimental processing of digital SEASAT SAR data. One phase of the system upgrade which features parallel processing in three peripheral array processors, automated estimation for Doppler parameters, and unsupervised image pixel location determination and registration was executed. The method to compensate for the target range curvature effect was improved. A four point interpolation scheme is implemented to replace the nearest neighbor scheme used in the original IDP. The processor still maintains its fast throughput speed. The current performance and capability of the processing modes now available on the IDP system are updated.

Wu, C.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Identification of multivariable high-performance turbofan engine dynamics from closed loop data

A typical engine control design cycle consists of developing a dynamic engine simulation from steady-state component performance data, designing a control based upon this simulation, and then testing and modifying the control in an engine test cell to meet performance requirements. This design cycle was successful for state-of-the-art engines. However, for more advanced multivariable engines that exhibit strong variable interactions, this procedure will result in substantial trial and error modification of the control during the testing phase. One method to automate the design process and reduce control modification testing and development cost would be to identify accurate dynamic models directly from the closed-loop test data. These identified models would then be used in conjunction with a synthesis procedure to systematically refine the control. Recent advances in closed-loop identifiability present a methodology for this direct identification of engine model dynamics from closed-loop test data. The application of an identification method to simulated and actual closed-loop F100 engine data is described. This study was undertaken to determine if useful dynamic engine models could be identified directly from closed-loop engine test data.

Merrill, W. C.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Galileo spacecraft modal identification using an eigensystem realization algorithm

A modal parameter identification technique referred to as the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm (ERA) was applied to free-response measurements from the Galileo spacecraft modal survey test. The data were recorded following single-point random excitation of the structure. This work is one phase in a research project coordinated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to compare the performance of various contemporary identification techniques using Galileo data. Principal emphasis is placed on estimating the accuracy of the ERA-identified modal parameters. Various accuracy indicators, such as Modal Amplitude Coherence and Modal Phase Collinearity, are discussed. More than 20 modes of the spacecraft were identified, demonstrating the ability of the ERA method to determine the dynamics of such complex structures using only a few seconds of test data.

Pappa, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Development of algorithms for using satellite meteorological data sets to study global transport of stratospheric aerosols and ozone

The utilization of stratospheric aerosol and ozone measurements obtained from the NASA developed SAM II and SAGE satellite instruments were investigated for their global scale transports. The stratospheric aerosols showed that during the stratospheric warming of the winter 1978 to 1979, the distribution of the zonal mean aerosol extinction ratio in the northern high latitude exhibited distinct changes. Dynamic processes might have played an important role in maintenance role in maintenance of this zonal mean distribution. As to the stratospheric ozone, large poleward ozone transports are shown to occur in the altitude region from 24 km to 38 km near 55N during this warming. This altitude region is shown to be a transition region of the phase relationship between ozone and temperature waves from an in-phase one above 38 km. It is shown that the ozone solar heating in the upper stratosphere might lead to enhancement of the damping rate of the planetary waves due to infrared radiation alone in agreement with theoretical analyses and an earlier observational study.

Want, P. H.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Design of an advanced flight planning system

The demand for both fuel conservation and four-dimensional traffic management require that the preflight planning process be designed to account for advances in airborne flight management and weather forecasting. The steps and issues in designing such an advanced flight planning system are presented. Focus is placed on the different optimization options for generating the three-dimensional reference path. For the cruise phase, one can use predefined jet routes, direct routes based on a network of evenly spaced grid points, or a network where the grid points are existing navaid locations. Each choice has its own problem in determining an optimum solution. Finding the reference path is further complicated by choice of cruise altitude levels, use of a time-varying weather field, and requiring a fixed time-of-arrival (four-dimensional problem).

Sorensen, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Measurements of nitric oxide in the boundary layer and free troposphere over the Pacific Ocean

Measurements of NO and O3 are presented from 13 aircraft flights made over the Pacific Ocean in the autumn of 1983 during one phase of the NASA Global Tropospheric Experiment. All of the flights were made between 15 deg and 42 deg N and from the coast of California to west of the Hawaiian Islands. Within the upper marine boundary layer the median daytime mixing ratio of NO was near 1 part per trillion by volume (pptv). Values of NO less than 10 pptv were often observed up to altitudes near 6 km. Thus for the location and season of the measurements, a net photochemical destruction of O3 would be anticipated for the boundary layer region and to altitudes of 2-3 km. At higher altitudes of 7-11 km in the free troposphere, larger mixing ratios and greater variability were usually observed for NO. Both features are consistent with observed examples of injection of NO and O3 from the lower stratosphere and with the injection of NO from towering, electrically active, cumulonimbus clouds.

Ridley, B. A.↗

NASA NTRS1986

A study of MAPSE extensions

The technical issues of extending the Minimal Ada Programming Support Environment (MAPSE) to support the life cycle of large, complex distributed systems such as the Space Station Program (SSP) are studied. The work has been divided into two phases, Phase one, covered herein, identifies a list of advanced technical tools needed to extend the MAPSE to meet the needs believed to be inherent in the Software Support Environment (SSE). The description of SSE requirements are given, and a list of the tools are identified. An outline is also given of the principle requirements for a MAPSE, along with a description of the life cycle model and a description of the tools in the context of the life cycle model.

Auty, David↗

NASA NTRS1989

On principles, methods and recent advances in studies towards a GPS-based control system for geodesy and geodynamics

Although Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) and Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) are becoming increasingly important tools for geodynamic studies, their future role may well be fulfilled by using alternative techniques such as those utilizing the signals from the Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS, without the full implementation of the system, already offers a favorable combination of cost and accuracy and has consistently demonstrated the capability to provide high precision densification control in the regional and local areas of the VLBI and SLR networks. This report reviews VLBI and SLR vis-a-vis GPS and outlines the capabilities and limitations of each technique and how their complementary application can be of benefit to geodetic and geodynamic operations. It demonstrates, albeit with a limited data set, that dual-frequency GPS observations and interferometric type analysis techniques make possible the modelling of the GPS orbits for several days with an accuracy of a few meters. The use of VLBI or SLR sites as fiducial stations together with refinements in the orbit determination procedures can greatly reduce the systematic errors in the GPS satellite orbits used to compute the positions of non-fiducial locations. In general, repeatability and comparison with VLBI of the GPS determined locations are of the order of between 2 parts in 10 to the 7th power and 5 parts in 10 to the 8th power for baseline lengths less than 2000 km. This report is mainly a synthesis of problems, assumptions, methods and recent advances in the studies towards the establishment of a GPS-based system for geodesy and geodynamics and is one phase in the continuing effort for the development of such a system. To some, including the author, it seems reasonable to expect within the next few years that more evidence will show GPS to be as a powerful and reliable a tool as mobile VLBI and SLR are today, but largely more economical.

Delikaraoglou, Demitris↗

NASA NTRS1990

Hot filament technique for measuring the thermal conductivity of molten lithium fluoride

Molten salts, such as lithium fluoride, are attractive candidates for thermal energy storage in solar dynamic space power systems because of their high latent heat of fusion. However, these same salts have poor thermal conductivities which inhibit the transfer of heat into the solid phase and out of the liquid phase. One concept for improving the thermal conductivity of the thermal energy storage system is to add a conductive filler material to the molten salt. High thermal conductivity pitch-based graphite fibers are being considered for this application. Although there is some information available on the thermal conductivity of lithium fluoride solid, there is very little information on lithium fluoride liquid, and no information on molten salt graphite fiber composites. This paper describes a hot filament technique for determining the thermal conductivity of molten salts. The hot filament technique was used to find the thermal conductivity of molten lithium fluoride at 930 C, and the thermal conductivity values ranged from 1.2 to 1.6 W/mK. These values are comparable to the slightly larger value of 5.0 W/mK for lithium fluoride solid. In addition, two molten salt graphite fiber composites were characterized with the hot filament technique and these results are also presented.

Jaworske, Donald A.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder (LAWS) phase 1. Volume 1: Executive summary

The laser atmospheric wind sounder (LAWS) will provide a new space based capability for the direct measurement of atmospheric winds in the troposphere. LAWS will make a major contribution toward advancing the understanding and prediction of the total Earth system and NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) Program. LAWS is designed to measure a fundamental atmospheric parameter required to advance weather forecasting accuracies and investigate global climatic change. LAWS has a potential added benefit of providing (global) concentration profiles of large aerosols including visible and subvisible cirrus clouds, volcanic dust, smoke, and other pollutants. The objective of this Phase One study was to develop a LAWS concept and configuration. The instrument design is outlined in this first volume of three.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1990

Effect of convection on the microstructure of a lamellar eutectic growing with a stepped interface

A two dimensional model developed to study the influence of convective flow on the concentration field ahead of a growing lamellar eutectic is described when one phase projects out into the melt creating a stepped interface. The two dimensional convective flow field, which is periodic in the horizontal direction, was computed numerically using the software FLUENT. The velocity field generated due to the flow of melt over the steps was then incorporated into a finite difference scheme employed to solve the concentration field. The average interfacial composition was calculated and converted to lamellar spacing using the Jackson and Hunt minimum supercooling criterion. It was found that a stepped interface is more sensitive to convection than a planar interface.

Seth, Jayshree↗

NASA NTRS1989

ALS rocket engine combustion devices design and demonstration

Work performed during Phase one is summarized and the significant technical and programmatic accomplishments occurring during this period are documented. Besides a summary of the results, methodologies, trade studies, design, fabrication, and hardware conditions; the following are included: the evolving Maintainability Plan, Reliability Program Plan, Failure Summary and Analysis Report, and the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis.

Arreguin, Steve↗

NASA NTRS1991

The effects of pressure sensor acoustics on airdata derived from a high-angle-of-attack flush airdata sensing (HI-FADS) system

The accuracy of a prototype nonintrusive airdata system derived for high-angle-of-attack measurements was demonstrated for quasi-steady maneuvers as great as 55 degrees during phase one of the F-18 high alpha research vehicle flight test program. This system consists of a matrix of nine pressure ports arranged in annular rings on the aircraft nose, and estimates the complete airdata set utilizing flow modeling and nonlinear regression. Particular attention is paid to the effects of acoustical distortions within the individual pressure sensors of the HI-FADS pressure matrix. A dynamic model to quantify these effects which describes acoustical distortion is developed and solved in closed form for frequency response.

Whitmore, Stephen R.↗

NASA NTRS1991

High resolution synchrotron X-radiation diffraction imaging of crystals grown in microgravity and closely related terrestrial crystals

Irregularities in three crystals grown in space and in four terrestrial crystals grown under otherwise comparable conditions have been observed in high resolution diffraction imaging. The images provide important new clues to the nature and origins of irregularities in each crystal. For two of the materials, mercuric iodide and lead tin telluride, more than one phase (an array of non-diffracting inclusions) was observed in terrestrial samples; but the formation of these multiple phases appears to have been suppressed in directly comparable crystals grown in microgravity. The terrestrial seed crystal of triglycine sulfate displayed an unexpected layered structure, which propagated during directly comparable space growth. Terrestrial Bridgman regrowth of gallium arsenide revealed a mesoscopic structure substantially different from that of the original Czochralski material. A directly comparable crystal is to be grown shortly in space.

Steiner, Bruce↗

NASA NTRS1992

Influence of convection on microstructure

The primary motivation for this research has been to determine the cause for space processing altering the microstructure of some eutectics, especially the MnBi-Bi eutectic. Prior experimental research at Grumman and here showed that the microstructure of MnBi-Bi eutectic is twice as fine when solidified in space or in a magnetic field, is uninfluenced by interfacial temperature gradient, adjusts very quickly to changes in freezing rate, and becomes coarser when spin-up/spin-down (accelerated crucible rotation technique) is used during solidification. Theoretical work at Clarkson predicted that buoyancy driven convection on earth could not account for the two fold change in fiber spacing caused by solidification in space. However, a lamellar structure with a planar interface was assumed, and the Soret effect was not included in the analysis. Experimental work at Clarkson showed that the interface is not planar, and that MnBi fibers project out in front of the Bi matrix on the order of one fiber diameter. Originally four primary hypotheses were to be tested under this current grant: (1) a fibrous microstructure is much more sensitive to convection than a lamellar microstructure, which was assumed in our prior theoretical treatment; (2) an interface with one phase projecting out into the melt is much more sensitive to convection than a planar interface, which was assumed in our prior theoretical treatment; (3) the Soret effect is much more important in the absence of convection and has a sufficiently large influence on microstructure that its action can explain the flight results; and (4) the microstructure is much more sensitive to convection when the composition of the bulk melt is off eutectic. As reported previously, we have learned that while a fibrous microstructure and a non-planar interface are more sensitive to convection than a lamellar microstructure with a planar interface, the influence of convection remains too small to explain the flight and magnetic field results. Similarly addition of the Soret effect does not explain the flight and magnetic field results.

Wilcox, William R.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Effect of convection on the microstructure of a lamellar eutectic growing with a stepped interface

Seth, Jayshree↗

NASA NTRS1991

Mesoscale and large-scale variability of the Antarctic circumpolar current

This investigation of the physical oceanography of the Southern Ocean will carry out two parallel efforts during the years preceding the launch of TOPEX/POSEIDON. First, the Geosat data will be used to develop a preliminary descriptive picture of the mesoscale and large-scale, low-frequency surface circulation of the Southern Ocean. Some of this analysis of Geosat data has already begun. For example, as a measure of the geographical distribution of mesoscale variability, a color-coded map of the standard deviation of sea level from two years of Geosat data is shown. Efforts are presently under way to investigate the seasonal and year-to-year variability of this mesoscale energy. The data are also being used to generate low-pass filtered fields of sea level from which the temporal evolution of large-scale variability in the Southern Ocean may be investigated. The second parallel effort is the development and test of modeling and data assimilation techniques that will later be applied to TOPEX/POSEIDON data during the postlaunch phase. One objective of the modeling and data assimilation is to investigate the relation between mesoscale sea level variations and eddy flux in the Southern Ocean. Uncertainties in present estimates of the various components of meridional oceanic heat transport are large. The evidence presented indicates that the very energetic mesoscale variability in the ACC apparently accounts for much of the estimated 0.45x10(exp 15) watts of poleward heat transport across the ACC required to balance the heat budget. Eddy variability is strongly coherent vertically in the ACC, at least in the vicinity of Drake Passage where nearly all of the historical in situ data have been collected.

Chelton, Dudley B.↗