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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 1,639 records · Page 91

In-flight radiometric calibration of AVIRIS in 1994

The AVIRIS sensor must be calibrated at the time it measures spectra from the ER-2 airborne platform in order to achieve research and application objectives that are both quantitative and physically based. However, the operational environment inside the Q-bay of the ER-2 at 20 km altitude differs from that in the AVIRIS laboratory with respect to temperature, pressure, vibration, and high-frequency electromagnetic fields. Experiments at surface calibration targets are used in each flight season to confirm the accuracy of AVIRIS in-flight radiometric calibrations. For these experiments, the MODTRAN radiative transfer code is constrained by using in situ measurements to independently predict the upwelling spectral radiance arriving at AVIRIS for a specific calibration target. AVIRIS calibration is validated in flight by comparing the MODTRAN-predicted radiance to the laboratory-calibrated radiance measured by the AVIRIS sensor for the same time over the calibration target. We present radiometric calibration results for the AVIRIS in-flight calibration experiment held at the beginning of the 1994 flight season.

Green, Robert O.↗

Finite-surface method for the Maxwell equations with corner singularities

The finite-surface method for the two-dimensional Maxwell equations in generalized coordinates is extended to treat perfect conductor boundaries with sharp corners. Known singular forms of the grid and the electromagnetic fields in the neighborhood of each corner are used to obtain accurate approximations to the surface and line integrals appearing in the method. Numerical results are presented for a harmonic plane wave incident on a finite flat plate. Comparisons with exact solutions show good agreement.

Vinokur, Marcel↗

Magnetically driven jets and winds: Exact solutions

We present a general class of self-similar solutions of the full set of MHD equations that include matter flow, electromagnetic fields, pressure, and gravity. The solutions represent axisymmetric, time-independent, nonrelativistic, ideal, magnetohydrodynamic, collimated outflows (jet and winds) from magnetized accretion disks around compact objects. The magnetic field extracts angular momentum from the disk, accelerates the outflows perpedicular to the disk, and provides collimation at large distances. The terminal outflow velocities are of the order of or greater than the rotational velocity of the disk at the base of the flow. When a nonzero electric current flows along the jet, the outflow radius oscillates with axial distance, whereas when the total electric current is zero (with the return current flowing across the jet's cross section), the outflow radius increase to a maximum and then decreases. The method can also be applied to relativistic outflows.

Contopoulos, J.↗

Electronic Compensation For Distortion Of Antenna Reflector

Proposed method of obtaining approximately desired radiation or reception pattern from antenna that includes reflector based on concept of superposition of electromagnetic fields generated by multiple feedhorns or feed antenna elements arrayed at various positions near reflector and excited at electronically adjustable magnitudes and phases. In intended application, reflector nominally paraboloidal, feed elements N feedhorns in hexagonal array, and method used to compensate for deviations of real reflector surface from nominal paraboloidal shape. Method and concept also applicable to electronic beam steering and electronic antenna compensation in other situations.

Bailey, M. C.↗

Complex-Amplitude Spatial Light Modulators

Spatial light modulators (SLMs) of proposed type provide independent control over both phase and amplitude of electromagnetic field of modulated light. Useful in optical processing of information in which it is essential to control complex amplitude as function of time and of position in correlation plane.

Juday, Richard D.↗

Electromagnetic compatibility and the all-electric airplane

NASA is studying the feasibility of installing 'all-electric' controls in future commercial aircraft, replacing the current hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Planes utilizing such equipment should weigh less and be cheaper to maintain, but might also be susceptible to interference from undesired external electromagnetic fields. Possible sources of these extraneous signals include radio and television broadcasters, two-way communications stations, and radar installations of all kinds. One way to reduce the hazard would be to use fiber-optic cables to carry signals from the cockpit to the various points of use, a concept known as 'fly-by-light' or FBL. However, electrical circuits (PBW, or 'power-by-wire') would still be required at both ends of the cables to perform control functions, so the possibility of harmful interference would remain. Computer models for two different antennas were created in order to find the magnitude of the electric fields which would be generated in the airspace around them while in the transmit mode. The first antenna was a horizontal 'rhombic' used by the Voice of America (VOA) for long-distance short-wave broadcasting. The second antenna was a multi-element 'log-periodic dipole array' (LPDA) of a type often used for two-way radio communications. For each case, a specified amount of power was applied in the computer model, and the resulting electric field intensity was predicted at a variety of locations surrounding the antenna. This information will then be used to calculate the levels of interference which could occur inside an airplane flying in the vicinity of these radiation emitters.

Christman, Al↗

Antibunching Effect of Kappa-Component Q-Coherent States

We introduce the antibunching effect for the q-electromagnetic field, and study this kind nonclassical properties of k-component q-coherent states given by Kuang et al. The results show that all of them show antibunching effect.

He, Jinyu↗

Magnetic Leviation System Design and Implementation for Wind Tunnel Application

This paper presents recent work in magnetic suspension wind tunnel development in National Cheng Kung University. In this phase of research, a control-based study is emphasized to implement a robust control system into the experimental system under study. A ten-coil 10 cm x 10 cm magnetic suspension wind tunnel is built using a set of quadrant detectors for six degree of freedom control. To achieve the attitude control of suspended model with different attitudes, a spacial electromagnetic field simulation using OPERA 3D is studied. A successful test for six degree of freedom control is demonstrated in this paper.

Lin, Chin E.↗

[Activities of the Department of Electrical Engineering, Howard University]

Theoretical derivations, computer analysis and test data are provided to demonstrate that the cavity model is a feasible one to analyze thin-substrate, rectangular-patch microstrip antennas. Seven separate antennas were tested. Most of the antennas were designed to resonate at L-band frequencies (1-2 GHz). One antenna was designed to resonate at an S-band (2-4 GHz) frequency of 2.025 GHz. All dielectric substrates were made of Duroid, and were of varying thicknesses and relative dielectric constant values. Theoretical derivations to calculate radiated free space electromagnetic fields and antenna input impedance were performed. MATHEMATICA 2.2 software was used to generate Smith Chart input impedance plots, normalized relative power radiation plots and to perform other numerical manipulations. Network Analyzer tests were used to verify the data from the computer programming (such as input impedance and VSWR). Finally, tests were performed in an anechoic chamber to measure receive-mode polar power patterns in the E and H planes. Agreement between computer analysis and test data is presented. The antenna with the thickest substrate (e(sub r) = 2.33,62 mils thick) showed the worst match to theoretical impedance data. This is anticipated due to the fact that the cavity model generally loses accuracy when the dielectric substrate thickness exceeds 5% of the antenna's free space wavelength. A method of reducing computer execution time for impedance calculations is also presented.

Yalamanchili, Raj C.↗

Microgravity and Charge Transfer in the Neuronal Membrane: Implications for Computational Neurobiology

Evidence from natural and artificial membranes indicates that the neural membrane is a liquid crystal. A liquid-to-gel phase transition caused by the application of superposed electromagnetic fields to the outer membrane surface releases spin-correlated electron pairs which propagate through a charge transfer complex. The propagation generates Rydberg atoms in the lipid bilayer lattice. In the present model, charge density configurations in promoted orbitals interact as cellular automata and perform computations in Hilbert space. Due to the small binding energies of promoted orbitals, their automata are highly sensitive to microgravitational perturbations. It is proposed that spacetime is classical on the Rydberg scale, but formed of contiguous moving segments, each of which displays topological equivalence. This stochasticity is reflected in randomized Riemannian tensor values. Spacetime segments interact with charge automata as components of a computational process. At the termination of the algorithm, an orbital of high probability density is embedded in a more stabilized microscopic spacetime. This state permits the opening of an ion channel and the conversion of a quantum algorithm into a macroscopic frequency code.

Wallace, Ron↗

Ionospheric Multi-Point Measurements Using Tethered Satellite Sensors

Many scientific questions concerning the distribution of electromagnetic fields and plasma structures in the ionosphere require measurements over relatively small temporal and spatial scales with as little ambiguity as possible. It is also often necessary to differentiate several geophysical parameters between horizontal and vertical gradients unambiguously. The availability of multiple tethered satellites or sensors, so-called "pearls-on-a-string," may make the necessary measurements practical. In this report we provide two examples of scientific questions which could benefit from such measurements (1) high-latitude magnetospheric-ionospheric coupling; and, (2) plasma structure impact on large and small-scale electrodynamics. Space tether state-of-the-art and special technical considerations addressing mission lifetime, sensor pointing, and multi-stream telemetry are reviewed.

Gilchrist, B. E.↗

Magnetospheric Constellation and Tomography Mission Concept

We describe the basic principles, instrumentation, and feasibility of a multi-satellite mission that combines in situ observations of plasma and electromagnetic fields with radio tomography imaging. We show that a 16-satellite radio tomography experiment can produce two-dimensional images of plasma density in the earth's magnetosphere at sufficient spatial (1/2 R(sub E)) and temporal (approximately 10s) resolution to address key problems of magnetospheric physics. The same mission can incorporate electron and ion analyzers, magnetometers, and electric field instruments on the same spacecraft. We suggest that the large-scale images are more valuable when combined with in situ observations, supporting an unambiguous interpretation of the in situ data and an investigation of the interdependence of small- and large-scale plasma processes.

Ergun, R. E.↗

Fabrication of Large YBCO Superconducting Disks

We have undertaken fabrication of large bulk items to develop a repeatable process and to provide test articles in laboratory experiments investigating reported coupling of electromagnetic fields with the local gravity field in the presence of rotating superconducting disks. A successful process was developed which resulted in fabrication of 30 cm diameter annular disks. The disks were fabricated of the superconductor YBa2Cu3O(7-x). Various material parameters of the disks were measured.

Koczor, Ronald J.↗

The Influence of Modulated Signal Risetime in Flight Electronics Radiated Immunity Testing with a Mode-Stirred Chamber

For electromagnetic immunity testing of an electronic system, it is desirable to demonstrate its functional integrity when exposed to the full range and intensity of environmental electromagnetic threats that may be encountered over its operational life. As part of this, it is necessary to show proper system operation when exposed to representative threat signal modulations. Modulated signal transition time is easily overlooked, but can be highly significant to system susceptibility. Radiated electromagnetic field immunity testing is increasingly being performed in Mode Stirred Chambers. Because the peak field vs. time relationship is affected by the operation of a reverberating room, it is important to understand how the room may influence any input signal modulation characteristics. This paper will provide insight into the field intensity vs. time relationship within the test environment of a mode stirred chamber. An understanding of this relationship is important to EMC engineers in determining what input signal modulation characteristics will be transferred to the equipment under test. References will be given for the development of this topic, and experimental data will be presented

Ely, Jay J.↗

Some Notes on Sparks and Ignition of Fuels

This report compliments a concurrent analysis of the electromagnetic field threat to the fuel system of a transport aircraft. The accompanying effort assessed currents, voltages and power levels that may be induced upon fuel tank wiring from radio transmitters (inside and outside the aircraft). In addition to this, it was also essential to determine how much voltage, current, or power is required to create a fuel-vapor ignition hazard. The widely accepted minimum guideline for aircraft fuel-vapor ignition is the application of a 0.2 millijoule energy level. However, when considering radio frequency (RF) sources, this guideline is seriously inadequate. This report endeavors to bridge the gap between a traditional understanding of electrical breakdown, heating and combustion; and supplement the knowledge with available information regarding aircraft fuel-vapor ignition by RF sources

Fisher, Franklin A.↗

Characterization of Finite Ground Coplanar Waveguide with Narrow Ground Planes

Coplanar waveguide with finite width ground planes is characterized through measurements, conformal mapping, and the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) technique for the purpose of determining the optimum ground plane width. The attenuation and effective permittivity of the lines are related to its geometry. It is found that the characteristics of the Finite Ground Coplanar line (FGC) are not dependent on the ground plane width if it is greater than twice the center conductor width, but less than lambda(sub d)/8. In addition, electromagnetic field plots are presented which show for the first time that electric fields in the plane of the substrate terminate on the outer edge of the ground plane, and that the magnitude of these fields is related to the ground plane width.

Ponchak, George E.↗

Modeling of Turbulent Flow in Electromagnetically Levitated Metal Droplets

This article details an effort to improve the understanding and prediction of turbulent flow inside a droplet of molten metal levitated in an electromagnetic field. It is shown that the flow field in a test case, a nickel droplet levitated under microgravity conditions, is in the transitional regime between laminar and turbulent flow. Past research efforts have used laminar, enhanced viscosity, and k-epsilon turbulence models to describe the flow. The method highlighted in our study is the renormalization group (RNG) algorithm. We show that an accurate description of the turbulent eddy viscosity is critical in order to obtain realistic velocity fields, and that the turbulent eddy viscosity cannot be uniform in levitated droplets. The RNG method does not impose isotropic length or time scales on the flow field, thus allowing such nonuniform features to be captured. A number of other materials processing applications exhibit similarly complex flow characteristics, such as highly recirculating, transitional, and free surface flows, for which this modeling approach may prove useful.

Berry, S.↗

A Comparison of Three-Dimensional Simulations of Traveling-Wave Tube Cold-Test Characteristics Using CST MICROWAVE STUDIO and MAFIA

Previously, it was shown that MAFIA (solutions of Maxwell's equations by the Finite Integration Algorithm), a three-dimensional simulation code, can be used to produce accurate cold-test characteristics including frequency-phase dispersion, interaction impedance, and attenuation for traveling-wave tube (TWT) slow-wave structures. In an effort to improve user-friendliness and simulation time, a model was developed to compute the cold-test parameters using the electromagnetic field simulation software package CST MICROWAVE STUDIO (MWS). Cold-test parameters were calculated for several slow-wave circuits including a ferruled coupled-cavity, a folded waveguide, and a novel finned-ladder circuit using both MWS and MAFIA. Comparisons indicate that MWS provides more accurate cold-test data with significantly reduced simulation times. Both MAFIA and MWS are based on the finite integration (FI) method; however, MWS has several advantages over MAFIA. First, it has a Windows based interface for PC operation, making it very user-friendly, whereas MAFIA is UNIX based. MWS uses a new Perfect Boundary Approximation (PBA), which increases the accuracy of the simulations by avoiding stair step approximations associated with MAFIA's representation of structures. Finally, MWS includes a Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) compatible macro language that enables the simulation process to be automated and allows for the optimization of user-defined goal functions, such as interaction impedance.

Chevalier, C. T.↗