Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Time resolved imaging”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 records

Time-resolved imaging and spectral studies of an X-ray burst from the globular cluster Terzan

The first image of an X-ray burst was recorded with the HRI detector at the Einstein Observatory while observing the globular cluster Terzan 2. The burst was coincident with a persistent X-ray source located near the center of the cluster (thus confirming an earlier suggested identification) and reached a peak luminosity exceeding 5 x 10 to the 38th (d/10 kpc) squared. After a rapid rise to peak luminosity, a double-peaked spectral variation was observed over the next approximately 20 s with anticorrelated changes in the apparent emission region radius and temperature derived from blackbody (and modified blackbody) spectral fits. A shell or disk geometry, which undergoes adiabatic expansion and contraction, may be implied for the burst emission region. Alternatively, Comptonization is required. It is also shown that the peak burst luminosity must exceed the Eddington limit.

Grindlay, J. E.↗

Experimental Visualizations of a Generic Launch Vehicle Flow Field: Time-Resolved Shadowgraph and Infrared Imaging

Time-Resolved shadowgraph and infrared (IR) imaging were performed to investigate off-body and on-body flow features of a generic, 'hammer-head' launch vehicle geometry previously tested by Coe and Nute (1962). The measurements discussed here were one part of a large range of wind tunnel test techniques that included steady-state pressure sensitive paint (PSP), dynamic PSP, unsteady surface pressures, and unsteady force measurements. Image data was captured over a Mach number range of 0.6 less than or equal to M less than or equal to 1.2 at a Reynolds number of 3 million per foot. Both shadowgraph and IR imagery were captured in conjunction with unsteady pressures and forces and correlated with IRIG-B timing. High-speed shadowgraph imagery was used to identify wake structure and reattachment behind the payload fairing of the vehicle. Various data processing strategies were employed and ultimately these results correlated well with the location and magnitude of unsteady surface pressure measurements. Two research grade IR cameras were positioned to image boundary layer transition at the vehicle nose and flow reattachment behind the payload fairing. The poor emissivity of the model surface treatment (fast PSP) proved to be challenging for the infrared measurement. Reference image subtraction and contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) were used to analyze this dataset. Ultimately turbulent boundary layer transition was observed and located forward of the trip dot line at the model sphere-cone junction. Flow reattachment location was identified behind the payload fairing in both steady and unsteady thermal data. As demonstrated in this effort, recent advances in high-speed and thermal imaging technology have modernized classical techniques providing a new viewpoint for the modern researcher

Shadowgraph↗

Time Resolved Particle Image Velocimetry in Nozzle Flow

Temporally resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV) is the newest and most exciting tool recently developed to support our continuing efforts to characterize and improve our understanding of the decay of turbulence in jet flows—a critical element for understanding the acoustic properties of the flow. A new TR-PIV system has been developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center which is capable of acquiring planar PIV image frame pairs at up to 25 kHz. The data reported here were collected at Mach numbers of 0.5 and 0.9 and at temperature ratios of 0.89 and 1.76. The field of view of the TR-PIV system covered six nozzle diameters along the lip line of the 50.8 mm diameter jet. The cold flow data at Mach 0.5 were compared with hotwire anemometry measurements in order to validate the new TR-PIV technique. The axial turbulence profiles measured across the shear layer using TR-PIV were thinner than those measured using hotwire anemometry and remained centred along the nozzle lip line. The collected TR-PIV data illustrate the differences in the single point statistical flow properties of cold and hot jet flows. The planar, time-resolved velocity records were then used to compute two-point space–time correlations of the flow at the Mach 0.9 flow condition. The TR-PIV results show that there are differences in the convective velocity and growth rate of the turbulent structures between cold and hot flows at the same Mach number.

Temporally Resolved Particle Image Velocimetry↗

Space-resolved spectra of laser-produced plasmas in the XUV

The design and imaging properties of an XUV (extreme ultraviolet, 200-550 A) normal-incidence slitless spectrograph, the spectrum obtained from laser-generated plasmas, and the monochromatic plasma images are described. The electron temperature of the plasmas, electron density as a function of position in the plasma, and the thickness of material penetrated by the laser pulse are determined. Elements from Z = 6 to Z = 28 were investigated, in addition to Nb. Secondary plasma-emission regions were observed 2-3 mm from the flat (thick or thin) targets. Time-integrated photographs of the expanding plasmas were recorded by the slitless spectrograph. A technique for obtaining time-resolved images of the plasmas in picosecond time intervals is proposed, and problems in the design of a stigmatic XUV spectrograph are discussed.

Feldman, U.↗

Time Resolved Stereo Particle Image Velocimetry Measurements of the Instabilities Downstream of a Backward-Facing Step in a Swept-Wing Boundary Layer

Time-resolved particle image velocimetry (TRPIV) measurements are performed down-stream of a swept backward-facing step, with a height of 49% of the boundary-layer thickness. The results agree well qualitatively with previously reported hotwire measurements, though the amplitudes of the fluctuating components measured using TRPIV are higher. Nonetheless, the low-amplitude instabilities in the flow are fairly well resolved using TR- PIV. Proper orthogonal decomposition is used to study the development of the traveling cross flow and Tollmien-Schlichting (TS) instabilities downstream of the step and to study how they interact to form the large velocity spikes that ultimately lead to transition. A secondary mode within the traveling cross flow frequency band develops with a wavelength close to that of the stationary cross flow instability, so that at a certain point in the phase, it causes an increase in the spanwise modulation initially caused by the stationary cross flow mode. This increased modulation leads to an increase in the amplitude of the TS mode, which, itself, is highly modulated through interactions with the stationary cross flow. When the traveling cross flow and TS modes align in time and space, the large velocity spikes occur. Thus, these three instabilities, which are individually of low amplitude when the spikes start to occur (U'rms/Ue <0.03), interact and combine to cause a large flow disturbance that eventually leads to transition.

Eppink, Jenna L.↗

The Focal Surface of EUSO Telescope

The Extreme Universe Space Observatory (EUSO) is a science mission under conceptual design for the detection of extremely high energy cosmic rays and neutrinos by the observation of time-resolved images of atmospheric fluorescence photons generated along the extensive air shower, in the near ultraviolet wavelength region. A refractive telescope with double-sided double Fresnel lens will be employed to achieve a large field of view of 60 degrees. The energy and arrival direction of the primary particles will be determined by observing the time evolution of the airshower. The focal surface of the EUSO telescope will be segmented to a few hundred thousand pixels to resolve the entire field of view with the angular resolution of the order of 0.1 degree. The time evolution will be observed with the time resolution of 0.8 microsecond. A large scale array of multianode photomultiplier (MAPMT) is being studied as the EUSO focal surface. The MAPMT array is capable of detecting near ultraviolet photons at single photoelectron level. In this contribution, we will report the present status of the focal surface design including the optimization of anode segmentation and the minimization of the dead area and discuss overall experimental performance in detecting extensive airshowers.

Shimizu, H. M.↗

Probing for Exoplanets Hiding in Dusty Debris Disks: Disk Imaging, Characterization, and Exploration with HST-STIS Multi-roll Coronagraphy

Spatially resolved scattered-light images of circumstellar debris in exoplanetary systems constrain the physical properties and orbits of the dust particles in these systems. They also inform on co-orbiting (but unseen) planets, the systemic architectures, and forces perturbing the starlight-scattering circumstellar material. Using HST/STIS broadband optical coronagraphy, we have completed the observational phase of a program to study the spatial distribution of dust in a sample of ten circumstellar debris systems, and one "mature" protoplanetrary disk all with HST pedigree, using PSF-subtracted multi-roll coronagraphy. These observations probe stellocentric distances greater than or equal to 5 AU for the nearest systems, and simultaneously resolve disk substructures well beyond corresponding to the giant planet and Kuiper belt regions within our own Solar System. They also disclose diffuse very low-surface brightness dust at larger stellocentric distances. Herein we present new results inclusive of fainter disks such as HD92945 (F (sub disk) /F (sub star) = 5x10 (sup -5) confirming, and better revealing, the existence of a narrow inner debris ring within a larger diffuse dust disk. Other disks with ring-like sub-structures and significant asymmetries and complex morphologies include: HD181327 for which we posit a spray of ejecta from a recent massive collision in an exo-Kuiper belt; HD61005 suggested to be interacting with the local ISM; HD15115 and HD32297, discussed also in the context of putative environmental interactions. These disks, and HD15745, suggest that debris system evolution cannot be treated in isolation. For AU Mic's edge-on disk we find out-of-plane surface brightness asymmetries at greater than or equal to 5 AU that may implicate the existence of one or more planetary perturbers. Time resolved images of the MP Mus proto-planetary disk provide spatially resolved temporal variability in the disk illumination. These and other new images from our HST/STIS GO/12228 program enable direct inter-comparison of the architectures of these exoplanetary debris systems in the context of our own Solar System.

stellocentric distances↗

Optical Studies of Active Comets

This grant was to support optical studies of comets close enough to the sun to be outgassing. The main focus of the observations was drawn to the two extraordinarily bright comets Hyakutake and Hale-Bopp, but other active comets were also studied in detail during the period of funding. Major findings (all fully published) under this grant include: (1) Combined optical and submillimeter observations of the comet/Centaur P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1 were used to study the nature of mass loss from this object. The submillimeter observations show directly that the optically prominent dust coma is ejected by the sublimation of carbon monoxide. Simultaneous optical-submillimeter observations allowed us to test earlier determinations of the dust mass loss rate. (2) We modelled the rotation of cometary nuclei using time-resolved images of dust jets as the primary constraint. (3) We obtained broad-band optical images of several comets for which we subsequently attempted submillimeter observations, in order to test and update the cometary ephemerides. (4) Broad-band continuum images of a set of weakly active comets and, apparently, inactive asteroids were obtained in BVRI using the University of Hawaii 2.2-m telescope. These images were taken in support of a program to test the paradigm that many near-Earth asteroids might be dead or dormant comets. We measured coma vs. nucleus colors in active comets (finding that coma particle scattering is different from, and cannot be simply related to, nucleus color). We obtained spectroscopic observations of weakly active comets and other small bodies using the HIRES spectrograph on the Keck 10-m telescope. These observation place sensitive limits to outgassing from these bodies, aided by the high (40,000) spectral resolution of HIRES.

Jewitt, David↗

Optical Studies of Active Comets

This grant was to support optical studies of comets close enough to the sun to be outgassing. The main focus of the observations was drawn to the two extraordinarily bright comets Hyakutake and Hale-Bopp, but other active comets were also studied in detail during the period of funding. Major findings under this grant include: (1) Combined optical and submillimeter observations of the comet/Centaur P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1 were used to study the nature of mass loss from this object. (2) We modelled the rotation of cometary nuclei using time-resolved images of dust jets as the primary constraint. The fortuitous apparition of comet Hale-Bopp allowed us to see the full complexity of this. (3) We obtained broad-band optical images of several comets for which we subsequently attempted submillimeter observations, in order to test and update the cometary ephemerides. This step is essential to the success of submillimeter observations, which are taken by instruments with narrow fields of view and without benefit of optical confirmation of the pointing. (4) Broad-band continuum images of a set of weakly active comets and, apparently, inactive asteroids were obtained in BVRI using the University of Hawaii 2.2-m telescope. These images were taken in support of a program to test the paradigm that many near-Earth asteroids might be dead or dormant comets. We measured coma vs. nucleus colors in active comets (finding that coma particle scattering is different from, and cannot be simply related to, nucleus color). (5) We obtained spectroscopic observations of weakly active comets and other small bodies limits to outgassing from these bodies, aided by the high (40,000) spectral resolution of HIRES.

Jewitt, David↗

On the Use of Liquid Nitrogen Droplets as Flow Tracers in Cryogenic Flow Facilities at NASA Langley Research Center

The injection of liquid nitrogen droplets to cool the gas temperature in cryogenic wind tunnels is discussed as a method of natural seeding for velocimetry-focused, particle-based, laser diagnostics. Historical observations and issues with seeding are presented for both ground-test facilities of interest in this work at NASA Langley: the 0.3-m Transonic Cryogenic Wind Tunnel (TCT) and the National Transonic Facility (NTF). Recent observations of natural seeding with a Rayleigh scattering instrument are presented in the two facilities, which motivated the purposeful use of a pulse-burst laser system to observe the particles directly with a sequentially operated laser sheet for the first time. Time-resolved image sequences of unevaporated liquid nitrogen droplets were readily acquired for tunnel total temperatures of 200 K and below. The preliminary results promote a discussion on the fitness of these natural particles as flow tracers for either a particle image velocimetry or a particle tracking velocimetry instrument in these high-Reynolds-number facilities.

cryogenic wind tunnels↗

Time-resolved diffusion tomographic imaging in highly scattering turbid media

A method for imaging objects in highly scattering turbid media. According to one embodiment of the invention, the method involves using a plurality of intersecting source/detectors sets and time-resolving equipment to generate a plurality of time-resolved intensity curves for the diffusive component of light emergent from the medium. For each of the curves, the intensities at a plurality of times are then inputted into the following inverse reconstruction algorithm to form an image of the medium: X.sup.(k+1).spsp.T =?Y.sup.T W+X.sup.(k).spsp.T .LAMBDA.!?W.sup.T W+.LAMBDA.!.sup.-1 wherein W is a matrix relating output at detector position r.sub.d, at time t, to source at position r.sub.s, .LAMBDA. is a regularization matrix, chosen for convenience to be diagonal, but selected in a way related to the ratio of the noise, to fluctuations in the absorption (or diffusion) X.sub.j that we are trying to determine: .LAMBDA..sub.ij =.lambda..sub.j .delta..sub.ij with .lambda..sub.j = /<.DELTA.Xj.DELTA.Xj> Here Y is the data collected at the detectors, and X.sup.k is the kth iterate toward the desired absoption information.

Alfano, Robert R.↗

Optical Imaging of Flow Pattern and Phantom

Time-resolved optical imaging technique has been used to image the spatial distribution of small droplets and jet sprays in a highly scattering environment. The snake and ballistic components of the transmitted pulse are less scattered, and contain direct information about the sample to facilitate image formation as opposed to the diffusive components which are due to multiple collisions as a light pulse propagates through a scattering medium. In a time-gated imaging scheme, these early-arriving, image-bearing components of the incident pulse are selected by opening a gate for an ultrashort period of time and a shadowgram image is detected. Using a single shot cooled CCD camera system, the formation of water droplets is monitored as a function of time. Picosecond time-gated image of drop in scattering cells, spray droplets as a function of let speed and gas pressure, and model calcification samples consisted of calcium carbonate particles of irregular shapes ranging in size from 0. 1 to 1.5 mm affixed to a microscope slide have been measured. Formation produced by an impinging jet will be further monitored using a CCD with 1 kHz framing illuminated with pulsed light. The desired image resolution of the fuel droplets is on the 20 pm scale using early light through a highly scattering medium. A 10(exp -6)m displacement from a jet spray with a flow speed of 100 m/sec introduced by the ns grating pulse used in the imaging is negligible. Early ballistic/snake light imaging offers nondestructive and noninvasive method to observe the spatial distribution of hidden objects inside a highly scattering environment for space, biomedical, and materials applications. In this paper, the techniques we will present are time-resolved K-F transillumination imaging and time-gated scattered light imaging. With a large dynamic range and high resolution, time-gated early light imaging has the potential for improving rocket/aircraft design by determining jets shape and particle sizes. Refinements to these techniques may enable drop size measurements in the highly scattering, optically dense region of multi-element rocket injectors. These types of measurements should greatly enhance the design of stable, and higher performing rocket engines.

Galland, Pierre A.↗

Wind Tunnel Flow Field Visualizations of the Space Launch System Vehicle Ascent

A series of wind tunnel tests were conducted to characterize the force-and-moment, and aeroacoustic environment of several configurations of the Space Launch System during ascent. The tests were conducted in the 11-by-11 foot transonic and 9-by-7 foot supersonic test sections at NASA Ames research center. Throughout these experiments data was collected from several types of instrumentation including: multicomponent force-and-moment strain gage balances, dynamic and steady-state pressure sensors, unsteady and steady pressure-sensitive paint, time-resolved shadowgraph and infrared imaging. The following details results and analysis from the time-resolved shadowgraph and infrared imaging data systems. The time-resolved shadowgraph and infrared imaging provided a qualitative measurement of the near-field turbulent fluctuations. These results helped provide context to the relative magnitude and frequency content of the fluid-structure-interaction driving the surface pressure phenomena characterized by the discrete pressure transducers and unsteady pressure sensitive paint.

Garbeff, Theodore J., II↗

Wind Tunnel Flow Field Visualizations of the Space Launch System Vehicle Ascent

A wind tunnel test was conducted to characterize the aeroacoustic environment of several configurations of the Space Launch System during ascent. The test was conducted in the 11-by-11 foot transonic and 9-by-7 foot supersonic test sections at NASA Ames research center. Throughout this experiment data was collected from several types of instrumentation including: dynamic and steady-state pressure sensors, unsteady and steady pressure sensitive paint, time-resolved shadowgraph and infrared imaging. The following details results and analysis from the time-resolved shadowgraph and infrared imaging data systems. The time-resolved shadowgraph provided a qualitative measurement of the near-field turbulent fluctuations. These results helped provide context to the relative magnitude and frequency content of the fluid-structure-interaction driving the surface pressure phenomena characterized by the discrete pressure transducers and unsteady pressure sensitive paint. The infrared imaging was used to verify boundary layer trip effectiveness and provide temperature correction for the unsteady pressure sensitive paint.

Shadowgraph↗

Turbulent Statistics from Time-Resolved PIV Measurements of a Jet Using Empirical Mode Decomposition

Empirical mode decomposition is an adaptive signal processing method that when applied to a broadband signal, such as that generated by turbulence, acts as a set of band-pass filters. This process was applied to data from time-resolved, particle image velocimetry measurements of subsonic jets prior to computing the second-order, two-point, space-time correlations from which turbulent phase velocities and length and time scales could be determined. The application of this method to large sets of simultaneous time histories is new. In this initial study, the results are relevant to acoustic analogy source models for jet noise prediction. The high frequency portion of the results could provide the turbulent values for subgrid scale models for noise that is missed in large-eddy simulations. The results are also used to infer that the cross-correlations between different components of the decomposed signals at two points in space, neglected in this initial study, are important.

Dahl, Milo D.↗

Turbulent Statistics from Time-Resolved PIV Measurements of a Jet Using Empirical Mode Decomposition

Empirical mode decomposition is an adaptive signal processing method that when applied to a broadband signal, such as that generated by turbulence, acts as a set of band-pass filters. This process was applied to data from time-resolved, particle image velocimetry measurements of subsonic jets prior to computing the second-order, two-point, space-time correlations from which turbulent phase velocities and length and time scales could be determined. The application of this method to large sets of simultaneous time histories is new. In this initial study, the results are relevant to acoustic analogy source models for jet noise prediction. The high frequency portion of the results could provide the turbulent values for subgrid scale models for noise that is missed in large-eddy simulations. The results are also used to infer that the cross-correlations between different components of the decomposed signals at two points in space, neglected in this initial study, are important.

Dahl, Milo D.↗

Turbulent Statistics From Time-Resolved PIV Measurements of a Jet Using Empirical Mode Decomposition

Empirical mode decomposition is an adaptive signal processing method that when applied to a broadband signal, such as that generated by turbulence, acts as a set of band-pass filters. This process was applied to data from time-resolved, particle image velocimetry measurements of subsonic jets prior to computing the second-order, two-point, space-time correlations from which turbulent phase velocities and length and time scales could be determined. The application of this method to large sets of simultaneous time histories is new. In this initial study, the results are relevant to acoustic analogy source models for jet noise prediction. The high frequency portion of the results could provide the turbulent values for subgrid scale models for noise that is missed in large-eddy simulations. The results are also used to infer that the cross-correlations between different components of the decomposed signals at two points in space, neglected in this initial study, are important.

Dahl, Milo D.↗

Time-resolved diffusion tomographic 2D and 3D imaging in highly scattering turbid media

A method for imaging objects in highly scattering turbid media. According to one embodiment of the invention, the method involves using a plurality of intersecting source/detectors sets and time-resolving equipment to generate a plurality of time-resolved intensity curves for the diffusive component of light emergent from the medium. For each of the curves, the intensities at a plurality of times are then inputted into the following inverse reconstruction algorithm to form an image of the medium: wherein W is a matrix relating output at source and detector positions r.sub.s and r.sub.d, at time t, to position r, .LAMBDA. is a regularization matrix, chosen for convenience to be diagonal, but selected in a way related to the ratio of the noise, to fluctuations in the absorption (or diffusion) X.sub.j that we are trying to determine: .LAMBDA..sub.ij =.lambda..sub.j .delta..sub.ij with .lambda..sub.j = /<.DELTA.Xj.DELTA.Xj> Y is the data collected at the detectors, and X.sup.k is the kth iterate toward the desired absorption information. An algorithm, which combines a two dimensional (2D) matrix inversion with a one-dimensional (1D) Fourier transform inversion is used to obtain images of three dimensional hidden objects in turbid scattering media.

Alfano, Robert R.↗