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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
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NASA NTRS1980

Ultrasonic spectrum analysis using frequency-tracked gated RF pulses

A new method of ultrasonic frequency analysis is introduced which employs frequency-tracked gated RF drive pulses rather than shock-excited broadband spikes to generate the ultrasonic waveform. The new technique, a variation of the sampled-continuous wave technique, eliminates problems associated with finite pulse widths of conventional methods. It is shown to yield correct ultrasonic wave velocity measurements of the sample irrespective of receiver gate width or position provided any portions of two successive echoes are gated simultaneously into the spectrum analyzer. The experimental observations are substantiated by a theoretical model based on the time-frequency domain formulation of ultrasonic frequency analysis.

Cantrell, J. H., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Large-scale waves in the ionosphere observed by the AE satellite

Atmospheric Explorer (AE) satellite data were used to establish whether coherent waves in the gravity wave range are present in both neutral and ionized media in the thermosphere. The AE-C data in particular are shown. Data consist of the in situ argon, helium, nitrogen, and oxygen densities, plasma density, and ion and electron temperatures. Filtering provides the fluctuation signals for each which are spectrum analyzed for power and cross spectra. The observed frequencies are essentially proportional to the spatial wavenumbers along the satellite track. Scale sizes range from thousands to tens of kilometers.

Gross, S. H.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A search strategy for SETI - The search for extraterrestrial intelligence

A search strategy is proposed for the detection of signals of extraterrestrial intelligent origin. It constitutes an exploration of a well defined volume of search space in the microwave region of the spectrum and envisages the use of a combination of sky survey and targeted star approaches. It is predicated on the use of existing antennas equipped with sophisticated multichannel spectrum analyzers and signal processing systems operating in the digital mode. The entire sky would be surveyed between 1 and 10 GHz with resolution bin widths down to 32 Hz. More than 700 nearby solar type stars and other selected interesting directions would be searched between 1 GHz and 3 GHz with bin widths down to 1 Hz. Particular emphasis would be placed on those solar type stars that are within 20 light years of earth.

Billingham, J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Analysis of SETI data collected in the parasitic mode

A system for performing SETI observations continuously as part of non-SETI observations at a radio observatory is presented, and the analysis of results obtained by the parasitic system is discussed. The system, designated SERENDIP, is a real-time microprocessor-controlled spectrum analyzer with algorithms for performing statistical operations and recording those spectra with characteristics presumed to be typical of intelligent rather than astrophysical origin. Programs also exist for the post-acquisition analysis of signal autocorrelation, power spectra, time behavior and positional coordinates, and for a generalized cluster analysis to detect clusters of signal detections. In a recent run of 35 days, the SERENDIP system detected 4000 narrowband spectra exceeding a preset threshold, of which 98% were determined to be of instrumental origin. The remaining class of detections is also believed to be instrumental, although not as well organized as the first signals, and means are currently being sought for eliminating them.

Bowyer, S.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A bimodal search strategy for SETI

A SETI plan has been developed jointly by the NASA Ames Research Center and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory with the objective of both observing all potential sites to some limiting equivalent isotropic radiated power and surveying with greater sensitivity a set of especially promising sites. The bimodal search strategy assumes that existing radio telescopes with state-of-the-art receivers and data processing devices will have the sensitivity to explore the vicinity of nearby stars for similar transmitters and the entire galaxy for more powerful signals. The discrete source observational mode is designed to observe 773 F, G and K-type stars within 25 pc of the sun at frequencies from 1.2 to 3 GHz and spot bands between 3 and 25 GHz with sensitivities from 10 to the -25th to 10 to the -27th W/sq m. The sky survey is intended to search the entire celestial sphere between 1.2 and 10 GHz and spot bands between 10 and 25 GHz at a sensitivity limit of approximately 10 to the -23rd times the square root of the frequency. Instrumentation for the surveys includes a large multichannel spectrum analyzer. Immediate goals of the program are the investigation of the RF background at high resolution and the development of signal detection algorithms, with operation to begin in 1984.

Gulkis, S.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A design study of a signal detection system

A system is described which can aid in the search for radio signals from extraterrestrial sources, or in other applications characterized by low signal-to-noise ratios and very high data rates. The system follows a multichannel (16 million bin) spectrum analyzer, and has critical processing, system control, and memory fuctions. The design includes a moderately rich set of algorithms to be used in parallel to detect signals of unknown form. A multi-threshold approach is used to obtain high and low signal sensitivities. Relatively compact and transportable memory systems are specified.

Healy, T. J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Ten years of the international review meetings on Communication with Extraterrestrial Intelligence /CETI/

The development of ideas on CETI within the international community over the past five years is reviewed, and the outlook for future CETI activities is discussed. The growth of review sessions on CETI held annually by the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) is considered, with particular attention given to the issue of radio frequency allocation for the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. CETI activities outside the IAA are then examined, including the Viking search for life on Mars, Project Orion for the detection of extrasolar planetary systems, SETI programs undertaken in the U.S. and Soviet Union, and the development of multispectral spectrum analyzers and signal processors. The expected future development of CETI strategies, techniques and instrumentation as well as popular and scientific interest in SETI are discussed, and it is noted that the IAA sessions remain the only regular international forum for the exchange of data on all aspects of CETI.

Pesek, R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

SETI downconverter

The SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) breadboard subsystem was begun in order to develop the technology to efficiently implement a SETI instrument capable of searching wide bandwidth with high resolution. The downconverter covered is the interface hardware between the receiver IF output and ADC used as the input to the spectrum analyzer.

Crow, B.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Measurements of plasma wave spectra in Jupiter's magnetosphere

Compressed plots of E field averages for all of the 16-channel spectrum analyzer data from the Voyager 1 and 2 magnetosphere traversals are presented to provide an overall framework for the discussion. The importance of considering peaks as well as averages is illustrated by using 16-channel measurements from the first inbound and last outbound bow shock for Voyager 2. Selected wideband measurements from the waveform receivers are presented to demonstrate how many important wave bursts are variable in times less than or comparable to the 4-s scan period of the 16-channel analyzer.

Scarf, F. L.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Solar maximum mission: Ground support programs at the Harvard Radio Astronomy Station

Observations of the spectral characteristics of solar radio bursts were made with new dynamic spectrum analyzers of high sensitivity and high reliability, over the frequency range 25-580 MHz. The observations also covered the maximum period of the current solar cycle and the period of international cooperative programs designated as the Solar Maximum Year. Radio data on shock waves generated by solar flares were combined with optical data on coronal transients, taken with equipment on the SMM and other satellites, and then incorporated into computer models for the outward passage of fast-mode MHD shocks through the solar corona. The MHD models are non-linear, time-dependent and for the most recent models, quasi-three-dimensional. They examine the global response of the corona for different types of input pulses (thermal, magnetic, etc.) and for different magnetic topologies (for example, open and closed fields). Data on coronal shocks and high-velocity material ejected from solar flares have been interpreted in terms of a model consisting of three main velocity regimes.

Maxwell, A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

SETI science working group report

This report covers the initial activities and deliberations of a continuing working group asked to assist the SETI Program Office at NASA. Seven chapters present the group's consensus on objectives, strategies, and plans for instrumental R&D and for a microwave search for extraterrestrial in intelligence (SETI) projected for the end of this decade. Thirteen appendixes reflect the views of their individual authors. Included are discussions of the 8-million-channel spectrum analyzer architecture and the proof-of-concept device under development; signal detection, recognition, and identification on-line in the presence of noise and radio interference; the 1-10 GHz sky survey and the 1-3 GHz targeted search envisaged; and the mutual interests of SETI and radio astronomy. The report ends with a selective, annotated SETI reading list of pro and contra SETI publications.

Drake, F.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Advanced acousto-optic signal processors

The basic acousto-optic signal processing architectures (spectrum analyzer, space-integrating, time-integrating, and triple product processor) systems and algorithms such as the chirp-Z transform are reviewed. New acousto-optic data processing systems and applications that utilze these basic architectures and new ones are described. These include a matched spatial filter acousto-optic processor, two new hybrid time and space-integrating systems, a triple product processor, and four new matrix-vector iterative feedback systems.

Casasent, D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Noise-Path Measurements in Aircraft Structures

System determines amount of radiated sound power separately attributed to airborne and structure-borne paths in aircraft. Also used to evaluate vibrating plates and thin shells. Sound transducers include array of lightweight, miniature piezoelectric accelerometers and two-microphone probe. Multichannel Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analyzer/computer used for analog-to-digital conversion and to analyze spectrum of each of input signals. Noise-path identification in aircraft performed in flight by this system.

Mcgary, M. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Investigation on experimental techniques to detect, locate and quantify gear noise in helicopter transmissions

A robotic system to automate the detection, location, and quantification of gear noise using acoustic intensity measurement techniques has been successfully developed. Major system components fabricated under this grant include an instrumentation robot arm, a robot digital control unit and system software. A commercial, desktop computer, spectrum analyzer and two microphone probe complete the equipment required for the Robotic Acoustic Intensity Measurement System (RAIMS). Large-scale acoustic studies of gear noise in helicopter transmissions cannot be performed accurately and reliably using presently available instrumentation and techniques. Operator safety is a major concern in certain gear noise studies due to the operating environment. The man-hours needed to document a noise field in situ is another shortcoming of present techniques. RAIMS was designed to reduce the labor and hazard in collecting data and to improve the accuracy and repeatability of characterizing the acoustic field by automating the measurement process. Using RAIMS a system operator can remotely control the instrumentation robot to scan surface areas and volumes generating acoustic intensity information using the two microphone technique. Acoustic intensity studies requiring hours of scan time can be performed automatically without operator assistance. During a scan sequence, the acoustic intensity probe is positioned by the robot and acoustic intensity data is collected, processed, and stored.

Flanagan, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

JPL's role in the SETI program

The goal of the JPL SETI Team is to develop the strategies and the instrumentation required to carry out an effective, yet affordable, SETI Microwave Observing Program. The primary responsibility for JPL is the development and implementation of the Sky Survey component of the bimodal search program recommended by the SETI Science Working Group (NASA Technical Paper 2244, 1983). JPL is also responsible for the design and implementation of microwave analog instrumentation (including antenna feed systems, low noise RF amplifiers, antenna monitor and control interfaces, etc.) to cover the microwave window for the Sky Survey and the Target Search observations. The primary site for the current SETI Field Test activity is the Venus Station of the Goldstone Deep Space Communication Complex. A SETI controller was constructed and installed so that pre-programmed and real time SETI monitor and control data can be sent to and from the station controller. This unit will be interfaced with the MCSA. A SETI Hardware Handbook was prepared to describe the various systems that will be used by the project at the Venus Station; the handbook is frequently being expanded and updated. The 65,000 channel FFT Spectrum analyzer in the RFI Surveillance System was modified to permit operation with variable resolutions (300 Hz to less than 1 Hz) and with real-time accumulation, which will enhance the capability of the system for testing Sky Survey search strategies and signal detection algorithms.

Klein, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Signal processing in SETI

It is believed that the Galaxy might contain ten billion potential life sites. In view of the physical inaccessibility of extraterrestrial life on account of the vast distances involved, a logical first step in a search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) appears to be an attempt to detect signals already being radiated. The characteristics of the signals to be expected are discussed together with the search strategy of a NASA program. It is pointed out that all presently planned searches will use existing radio-astronomy antennas. If no extraterrestrial intelligence signals are discovered, society will have to decide whether SETI justifies a dedicated facility of much greater collecting area. Attention is given to a multichannel spectrum analyzer, CW signal detection, pulse detection, the pattern detector, and details of SETI system operation.

Cullers, D. K.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The search for extraterrestrial life: Recent developments; Proceedings of the Symposium, Boston University, MA, June 18-21, 1984

The conference presents papers on the history of the search for extraterrestrial life, the scientific rationale and methods used in the search for other planetary systems, the detection of distant planets with the Space Telescope, planetary searches using optical astrometric interferometers, and infrared spectral identification of complex organic molecules in interstellar grains. Also considered are universal protein ancestors from hydrogen cyanide and water, astronomical sources of polarized light and their role in determining molecular chirality on earth, the universal diagrams and life in the universe, the precambrian evolution of terrestrial life and a thermodynamic approach to the occurrance and appearance of galactic life forms. Papers are also presented on the Ohio Seti program, lunar reflections of terrestrial radio leakage, the multichannel spectrum analyzer, software implementation of detection algorithms for the MCSA, the Serendip II design, galactic colonization and competition in a young galactic disk, implications of ancient and future migrations, extraterrestrial intelligence, the ineviability and the possible structures of supercivilizations, planetary, interplanetary and interstellar organic matter, and universal aspects of biological evolution.

Papagiannis, M. D.↗