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Cooper, D. W.

Publications and source records attributed to Cooper, D. W..

18 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1979

Shuttle orbiter radar cross-sectional analysis

Theoretical and model simulation studies on signal to noise levels and shuttle radar cross section are described. Pre-mission system calibrations, system configuration, and postmission system calibration of the tracking radars are described. Conversion of target range, azimuth, and elevation into radar centered east north vertical position coordinates are evaluated. The location of the impinging rf energy with respect to the target vehicles body axis triad is calculated. Cross section correlation between the two radars is presented.

Cooper, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Method of forming metal hydride films

The substrate to be coated (which may be of metal, glass or the like) is cleaned, both chemically and by off-sputtering in a vacuum chamber. In an ultra-high vacuum system, vapor deposition by a sublimator or vaporizer coats a cooled shroud disposed around the substrate with a thin film of hydride forming metal which getters any contaminant gas molecules. A shutter is then opened to allow hydride forming metal to be deposited as a film or coating on the substrate. After the hydride forming metal coating is formed, deuterium or other hydrogen isotopes are bled into the vacuum system and diffused into the metal film or coating to form a hydride of metal film. Higher substrate temperatures and pressures may be used if various parameters are appropriately adjusted.

Steinberg, R.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Remote profiling of lake ice using an S-band short-pulse radar aboard an all-terrain vehicle

A short-pulse (one nanosecond) S-band radar system was developed to supplement the information obtained with the aid of the SLAR system of the Great Lakes ice information system. It is the objective of the ice information system to aid in extending the winter navigation season. The SLAR imagery cannot be interpreted directly to obtain information concerning the thickness of the ice. This information is to be provided by a remote ice measuring system utilizing nanosecond radar pulses. A description is given of investigations in which such a system was installed on a C-47 aircraft. In other studies reported an S-band short-pulse radar was mounted on an all-terrain vehicle.

Cooper, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1976

All-weather ice information system

Heart of system consists of two major components: side-looking airborne radar system for detecting ice cover and type, and modified short pulse S-band radar system for simultaneously determining ice cover regardless of cloud cover.

Schertler, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Measurement of lake ice thickness with a short-pulse radar system

Measurements of lake ice thickness were made during March 1975 at the Straits of Mackinac by using a short-pulse radar system aboard an all-terrain vehicle. These measurements were compared with ice thicknesses determined with an auger. Over 25 sites were explored which had ice thicknesses in the range 29 to 60 cm. The maximum difference between radar and auger measurements was less than 9.8 percent. The magnitude of the error was less than + or - 3.5 cm. The NASA operating short-pulse radar system used in monitoring lake ice thickness from an aircraft is also described.

Cooper, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Great Lakes all-weather ice information system

The all-weather ice information system described uses the X-band side-looking airborne radar to determine the aerial distribution, location, and type of ice cover in the Great Lakes and an airborne S-band short-pulse radar to determine the ice thickness. Results from the 1974-1975 winter season demonstrated the ability of the system to provide all-weather ice information to shippers at the required time.

Schertler, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Remote profiling of lake ice using an S-band short-pulse radar aboard an all-terrain vehicle

The airborne short-pulse radar system described was developed to measure ice thickness in an attempt to extend the winter navigation system as a means of reducing coal and ore shipping costs. Experimental studies of the accuracy and limitations of the system are discussed, and measurements made at 25 sites are compared. The radar system was found to provide accurate lake ice thickness measurements that were not affected by snow cover or adverse weather conditions. Surface melting and rain, however, preclude measurements.

Cooper, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Great Lakes all-weather ice information system

A system is described which utilizes an X-band Side-Looking-Airborne-Radar (SLAR) for determining type, location, and aerial distribution of the ice cover in the Great Lakes and an airborne, S-band, short pulse radar for obtaining ice thickness. The SLAR system is currently mounted aboard a U.S. Coast Guard C-130B aircraft. Digitized SLAR data are relayed in real-time via the NOAA-GOES-1 satellite in geosynchronous orbit to the U.S. Coast Guard Ice Center in Cleveland, Ohio. SLAR images along with hand-drawn interpretative ice charts for various winter shipping areas in the Great Lakes are broadcast to facsimile recorders aboard Great Lakes vessels. The operational aspects of this ice information system are being demonstrated by NASA, U.S. Coast Guard, and NOAA/National Weather Service. Results from the 1974-75 winter season demonstrated the ability of this system to provide all-weather ice information to shippers in a timely manner.

Schertler, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Remote profiling of lake ice using an S-band short pulse radar aboard an all-terrain vehicle

An airborne short-pulse radar system to measure ice thickness was designed. The system supported an effort to develop an all-weather Great Lakes Ice Information System to aid in extending the winter navigation season. Experimental studies into the accuracy and limitations of the system are described. A low power version was operated from an all-terrain vehicle on the Straits of Mackinac during March 1975. The vehicle allowed rapid surveying of large areas and eliminated the ambiguity in location between the radar system and the ground truth ice auger team. It was also possible to the effects of snow cover, surface melt water, pressure ridging, and ice type upon the accuracy of the system. Over 25 sites were explored which had ice thicknesses from 29 to 60 cm. The maximum radar overestimate was 9.8 percent, while the maximum underestimate was 6.6 percent. The average error of the 25 measurements was 0.1 percent.

Cooper, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Remote profiling of lake ice thickness using a short pulse radar system aboard a C-47 aircraft

Description of the design and operation of two new short-pulse radar systems developed for use aboard aircraft for remote profiling of lake ice thickness. The principle of operation is based on the fact that the return signal is composed of a pulse return from the top of the ice and another, delayed in time, from the ice-water interface. The delay time between these two pulses directly gives the ice thickness when allowance is made for the slower RF propagation through the ice. The two systems are the S band and the C band systems, and their comparative merits are discussed.

Cooper, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Remote profiling of lake ice thickness using a short pulse radar system aboard a C-47 aircraft

Design and operation of short pulse radar systems for use in ice thickness measurement are described. Two ice profiling systems were tested, an S system which used either random noise or continous wave modulation at 2.8 GHz and a less powerful C band system which operated at 6.0 GHz and did not have random noise modulation. Flight altitudes of 4,000 feet were used, but the S band system was usable at 7,000 feet allowing flights in poor weather conditions. A minimum ice thickness of four inches is required for measurement, while the thickest ice measured was 36 inches. System accuracy is plus or minus one inch.

Cooper, D. W.↗