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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1987

A new linear quadratic optimal controller for the 34-meter high efficiency antenna position loop

The design of a new position loop controller for the 34-meter High Efficiency Deep Space antennas using linear quadratic (LQ) optimal control techniques is discussed. The LQ optimal control theory is reviewed, and model development and verification are discussed. Families of optimal gain vectors are generated by varying weight parameters. Performance specifications were used to select a final gain vector. Estimator dynamics were selected and the corresponding gain vectors were computed. Final estimator selection was based on position, commanded rate, and estimator error responses.

Nickerson, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Airborne microwave Doppler measurements of ocean wave directional spectra

A technique is presented for measuring ocean wave directional spectra from aircraft using microwave Doppler radar. The technique involves backscattering coherent microwave radiation from a patch of sea surface which is small compared to dominant ocean wavelengths in the antenna look direction, and large compared to these lengths in the perpendicular (azimuthal) direction. The mean Doppler shift of the return signal measured over short time intervals is proportional to the mean sea surface velocity of the illuminated patch. Variable sea surface velocities induced by wave motion therefore produce time-varying Doppler shifts in the received signal. The large azimuthal dimension of the patch implies that these variations must be produced by surface waves traveling near the horizontal antenna look direction thus allowing determination of the direction of wave travel. Linear wave theory is used to convert the measured velocities into ocean wave spectral densities. Spectra measured simultaneously with this technique and two laser profilometers, and nearly simultaneous with this technique and two laser profilometers, and nearly simultaneous with a surface buoy, are presented. Applications and limitations of this airborne Doppler technique are discussed.

Plant, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Imaging radar polarization signatures - Theory and observation

Radar polarimetry theory is reviewed, and comparison between theory and experimental results obtained with an imaging radar polarimeter employing two orthogonally polarized antennas is made. Knowledge of the scattering matrix permits calculation of the scattering cross section of a scatterer for any transmit and receive polarization combination, and a new way of displaying the resulting scattering cross section as a function of polarization is introduced. Examples of polarization signatures are presented for several theoretical models of surface scattering, and these signatures are compared with experimentally measured polarization signatures. The coefficient of variation, derived from the polarization signature, may provide information regarding the amount of variation in scattering properties for a given area.

Van Zyl, Jakob J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Space Station Freedom UHF antenna performance prediction

The ability of two Space Station Freedom (SSF) UHF antennas to communicate with an EVA astronaut one meter behind SSF major structures is analyzed. These regions are expected to have the most significant shadowing effects due to the large electrical size of the structures. The rigorous geometrical theory of diffraction method was used to compute the electric field. The total field is obtained by summing the direct fields from the antennas and the reflected and diffracted fields from the SSF structures. The computed signal strength in terms of the electric field behind SSF major structures is presented and compared to the signal strength corresponding to the 0 dB link margin. Based on the results obtained in this study, in order to increase the signal strength and to minimize the major structure near field shadowing effects when the EVA is working behind SSF major structures, the two UHF antenna booms should be mounted separately so that one boom is on the port side and the other boom is on the starboard side - one above the truss and one below the truss.

Hwu, Shian U.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Millimeter-wave double-dipole antennas for high-gain integrated reflector illumination

A double-dipole antenna backed by a ground plane has been fabricated for submillimeter wavelengths. The double-dipole antenna is integrated on a thin dielectric membrane with a planar detector at its center. Measured feed patterns at 246 GHz agree well with theory and demonstrate a rotationally symmetric pattern with high coupling efficiency to Gaussian beams. The input impedance is around 50 ohms, and will match well to a Schottky diode or SIS detector. The double-dipole antenna served as the feed for a small machined parabolic reflector. The integrated reflector had a measured gain of 37 dB at 119 microns. This makes the double-dipole antenna ideally suited as a feed for high resolution tracking or for long focal length Cassegrain antenna systems.

Filipovic, Daniel F.↗
NASA NTRS1986

An economical semi-analytical orbit theory for micro-computer applications

An economical algorithm is presented for predicting the position of a satellite perturbed by drag and zonal harmonics J2 through J4. Simplicity being of the essence, drag is modeled as a secular decay rate in the semimajor axis (retarded motion) with the zonal perturbations modeled from a modified version of Brouwers formulas. The algorithm is developed as an alternative on-board orbit predictor; a back up propagator requiring low energy consumption; or a ground based propagator for microcomputer applications (e.g., at the foot of an antenna). An O(J2) secular retarded state partial matrix (matrizant) is also given to employ with state estimation. The theory has been implemented in BASIC on an inexpensive microcomputer, the program occupying under 8K bytes of memory. Simulated trajectory data and real tracking data are employed to illustrate the theory's ability to accurately accommodate oblateness and drag effects.

Gordon, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Active microwave measurement from space of sea-surface winds

Radar backscatter measurements from the ocean were made at 13.9 GHz from Skylab. The radar signal increased rapidly with wind speed over the entire range of winds encountered, and for angles of incidence of 30 deg larger. Signals observed were normalized to a nominal incidence angle and to a nominal upwind observation direction, using a theoretical model that has been verified as approximately true with aircraft experiments. Observations during the summer and winter Skylab missions were treated separately because of possible differences caused by an accident to the antenna between the two sets of observations. The results are in general agreement with the theory in all cases. The objective analysis method used for determining surface-truth winds in the Skylab experiment was tested by comparing results obtained at weather ships with the observations made by the weather ships themselves. In most cases, the variance about the regression line between objective analysis and weather-ship data actually exceeded that about the regression line between objective analysis and backscatter data

Young, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Exact image theory for the slab problem

Exact image theory, recently introduced for the exact solution of problems involving homogeneous half spaces and microstrip-like geometries, is developed here for the problem of homogeneous slab of isotropic dielectric and/or magnetic material in free space. Expressions for image sources, creating the exact reflected and transmitted fields, are given and their numerical evaluation is demonstrated. Nonradiating modes, guided by the slab and responsible for the loss of convergence of the image functions, are considered and extracted. The theory can be applied, for example, in an analysis of finite ground planes in microstrip antenna structures.

Lindell, I. V.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Subreflector extension for improved efficiencies in Cassegrain antennas - GTD/PO analysis

Both offset and symmetric Cassegrain reflector antennas are used in satellite and ground communication systems. It is known that the subreflector diffraction can degrade the performance of these reflectors. A geometrical theory of diffraction/physical optics analysis technique is used to investigate the effects of the extended subreflector, beyond its optical rim, on the reflector efficiency and far-field patterns. Representative numerical results are shown for an offset Cassegrain reflector antenna with different feed illumination tapers and subreflector extensions. It is observed that for subreflector extensions as small as one wavelength, noticeable improvements in the overall efficiencies can be expected. Useful design data are generated for the efficiency curves and far-field patterns.

Rahmat-Samii, Yahya↗
NASA NTRS1993

Space Station UCS antenna pattern computation and measurement

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the interference to the Space Station Ultrahigh Frequency (UHF) Communication Subsystem (UCS) antenna radiation pattern due to its environment - Space Station. A hybrid Computational Electromagnetics (CEM) technique was applied in this study. The antenna was modeled using the Method of Moments (MOM) and the radiation patterns were computed using the Uniform Geometrical Theory of Diffraction (GTD) in which the effects of the reflected and diffracted fields from surfaces, edges, and vertices of the Space Station structures were included. In order to validate the CEM techniques, and to provide confidence in the computer-generated results, a comparison with experimental measurements was made for a 1/15 scale Space Station mockup. Based on the results accomplished, good agreement on experimental and computed results was obtained. The computed results using the CEM techniques for the Space Station UCS antenna pattern predictions have been validated.

Hwu, Shian U.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Simulation of patch and slot antennas using FEM with prismatic elements and investigations of artificial absorber mesh termination schemes

Year 1 progress can be characterized with four major achievements which are crucial toward the development of robust, easy to use antenna analysis code on doubly conformal platforms. (1) A new FEM code was developed using prismatic meshes. This code is based on a new edge based distorted prism and is particularly attractive for growing meshes associated with printed slot and patch antennas on doubly conformal platforms. It is anticipated that this technology will lead to interactive, simple to use codes for a large class of antenna geometries. Moreover, the codes can be expanded to include modeling of the circuit characteristics. An attached report describes the theory and validation of the new prismatic code using reference calculations and measured data collected at the NASA Langley facilities. The agreement between the measured and calculated data is impressive even for the coated patch configuration. (2) A scheme was developed for improved feed modeling in the context of FEM. A new approach based on the voltage continuity condition was devised and successfully tested in modeling coax cables and aperture fed antennas. An important aspect of this new feed modeling approach is the ability to completely separate the feed and antenna mesh regions. In this manner, different elements can be used in each of the regions leading to substantially improved accuracy and meshing simplicity. (3) A most important development this year has been the introduction of the perfectly matched interface (PMI) layer for truncating finite element meshes. So far the robust boundary integral method has been used for truncating the finite element meshes. However, this approach is not suitable for antennas on nonplanar platforms. The PMI layer is a lossy anisotropic absorber with zero reflection at its interface. (4) We were able to interface our antenna code FEMA_CYL (for antennas on cylindrical platforms) with a standard high frequency code. This interface was achieved by first generating equivalent magnetic currents across the antenna aperture using the FEM code. These currents were employed as the sources in the high frequency code.

Gong, J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Measurement of macroscopic plasma parameters with a radio experiment: Interpretation of the quasi-thermal noise spectrum observed in the solar wind

The ISEE-3 SBH radio receiver has provided the first systematic observations of the quasi-thermal (plasma waves) noise in the solar wind plasma. The theoretical interpretation of that noise involves the particle distribution function so that electric noise measurements with long antennas provide a fast and independent method of measuring plasma parameters: densities and temperatures of a two component (core and halo) electron distribution function have been obtained in that way. The polarization of that noise is frequency dependent and sensitive to the drift velocity of the electron population. Below the plasma frequency, there is evidence of a weak noise spectrum with spectral index -1 which is not yet accounted for by the theory. The theoretical treatment of the noise associated with the low energy (thermal) proton population shows that the moving electrical antenna radiates in the surrounding plasma by Carenkov emission which becomes predominant at the low frequencies, below about 0.1 F sub P.

Couturier, P.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Hoop/column antenna RF verification model. Volume 2: Analysis and correlation

As part of the Large Space System Technology Program, the theoretical and experimental results of the RF characteristic of a hoop/column, quad aperture antenna using an RF verification model are presented. To satisfy the primary purposes of the model, experimental pattern data is provided for the quad aperture configuration at different reflector edge illumination levels, from which the geometry and edge effects can be assessed, and experimental data which can be compared with calculations using various theoretical reflector scattering formulae are provided. It also experimentally determines the effects upon secondary patterns of scale model quartz cables, as used in the hoop/column design, upon secondary patterns in order to assess the importance of developing a scattering theory to predict such effects. In addition, a comprehensive theoretical study and the experimental pattern results of quad aperture antenna feeds, a discussion of the fundamental affect of parasitic side lobes, their amplitude, and location in space.

Croswell, W. F.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Source structure errors in the synchronization of clocks by radio interferometry

Radio interferometry has the potential of synchronizing clocks across intercontinental distances with accuracies better than one nanosecond. One of the potential error sources in such determinations is the spatial structure of the natural radio sources that provide the reference signals. Due to their extent, the effective position of these sources can vary as a function of the length and orientation of the baseline vector joining the two antennas. If they are not corrected, such variations can lead to errors in clock synchronization. The theory of structure corrections is presented and specific examples are given to illustrate the nature and size of the effect.

Thomas, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Effects of Multiple Scattering for Millimeter-Wavelength Weather Radars

Effects of multiple scattering on the reflectivity measurement for millimeter-wavelength weather radars are studied, in which backscattering enhancement may play an important role. In the previous works, the backscattering enhancement has been studied for plane wave injection, the reflection of which is received at the infinite distance. In this paper, a finite beam width of a Gaussian antenna pattern along with spherical wave is taken into account. A time-independent second order theory is derived for a single layer of clouds of a uniform density. The ordinary second-order scattering (ladder term) and the second-order backscattering enhancement (cross term) are derived for both the copolarized and cross-polarized waves.

multiple scattering↗
NASA NTRS1995

Analysis of elliptically polarized cavity backed antennas using a combined FEM/MoM/GTD technique

Radiation pattern prediction analysis of elliptically polarized cavity backed aperture antennas in a finite ground plane is carried out using a combined finite element method (FEM)/method of moments (MoM)/geometrical theory of diffraction (GTD) technique. The magnetic current on the cavity-backed aperture in an infinite ground plane is calculated using the combined FEM/MoM analysis. GTD, including the slope diffraction contribution, is used to calculate the diffracted fields due to both soft and hard polarizations at the edges of the finite ground plane. Numerical results for the radiation patterns of a cavity backed circular spiral microstrip patch antenna excited by a coaxial probe in a finite rectangular ground plane are computed and compared with experimental results.

Reddy, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

An economical semi-analytical orbit theory for micro-computer applications

An economical algorithm is presented for predicting the position of a satellite perturbed by drag and zonal harmonics J sub 2 through J sub 4. Simplicity being of the essence, drag is modeled as a secular decay rate in the semi-axis (retarded motion); with the zonal perturbations modeled from a modified version of the Brouwers formulas. The algorithm is developed as: an alternative on-board orbit predictor; a back up propagator requiring low energy consumption; or a ground based propagator for microcomputer applications (e.g., at the foot of an antenna). An O(J sub 2) secular retarded state partial matrix (matrizant) is also given to employ with state estimation. The theory was implemented in BASIC on an inexpensive microcomputer, the program occupying under 8K bytes of memory. Simulated trajectory data and real tracking data are employed to illustrate the theory's ability to accurately accommodate oblateness and drag effects.

Gordon, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Zone plate lens antennas for millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths

Zone plate lenses are a type of focusing element which function essentially as differential phase shifters, having a relatively few, coarsely quantized phase delays across the incident beam of radiation. The major advantages are ease of fabrication and much reduced thickness, compared to conventional refractive focusing elements. These considerations are both of particular importance for the submillimeter range, in which manufacturing tolerances for curved optical elements can pose significant problems, and where the absorption of readily available dielectric materials is quite large. In this presentation we briefly review the theory of zone plate lens operations, present a relatively simple method for calculating the aperture efficiency of zone plate lenses used as antennas, and show some theoretical and measured results in the 100 GHz range.

Goldsmith, Paul F.↗