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At least 181 records · Page 10

System Measures Pressures Aboard A Compressor Rotor

Rotating pressure-measuring instrumentation includes on-board calibration standard. Computer-controlled, multichannel instrumentation system acquires pressure measurements from sensors mounted in 1.52-m-diameter rotor of compressor. Includes 5 miniature, electronically scanned pressure (ESP) modules, each containing 48 piezoresistive pressure sensors, pneumatic calibration valve, and electronic circuits for addressing and amplifying output of each sensor. Modules mounted on centerline of rotor, on instrumentation tower located inside nose cone of rotor. Subsystem designed to convert analog signal to distinct frequency without significantly affecting accuracy.

Freedman, Robert J.↗

Study for the analysis of the observations, and numerical data representing the planets as far-infrared calibration sources

The existing radiative transfer and inversion programs will be modified for application to the atmospheres of Uranus, Neptune, and Jupiter. The programs will be employed for analysis of KAO planetary observations in order to develop far infrared photometric calibration standards. This work will be carried out on MSFC computers. The expected end product of this task is a working program for analysis of the observations, and numerical data representing the planets as far-infrared calibration sources.

Wu, Shi Tsan↗

Algorithm for Lossless Compression of Calibrated Hyperspectral Imagery

A two-stage predictive method was developed for lossless compression of calibrated hyperspectral imagery. The first prediction stage uses a conventional linear predictor intended to exploit spatial and/or spectral dependencies in the data. The compressor tabulates counts of the past values of the difference between this initial prediction and the actual sample value. To form the ultimate predicted value, in the second stage, these counts are combined with an adaptively updated weight function intended to capture information about data regularities introduced by the calibration process. Finally, prediction residuals are losslessly encoded using adaptive arithmetic coding. Algorithms of this type are commonly tested on a readily available collection of images from the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) hyperspectral imager. On the standard calibrated AVIRIS hyperspectral images that are most widely used for compression benchmarking, the new compressor provides more than 0.5 bits/sample improvement over the previous best compression results. The algorithm has been implemented in Mathematica. The compression algorithm was demonstrated as beneficial on 12-bit calibrated AVIRIS images.

Kiely, Aaron B.↗

Importance of Calibration/Validation Traceability for Multi-Sensor Imaging Spectrometry Applications

Knowledge of calibration traceability is essential for ensuring the quality of data products relying on multiple sensors and especially true for imaging spectrometers. The current work discusses the expected impact that imaging spectrometers have in ensuring radiometric traceability for both multispectral and hyperspectral products. The Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory Pathfinder mission is used to show the role that high-accuracy imaging spectrometers can play in understanding test sites used for vicarious calibration of sensors. The associated Solar, Lunar for Absolute Reflectance Imaging Spectroradiometer calibration demonstration system is used to illustrate recent advances in laboratory radiometric calibration approaches that will allow both the use of imaging spectrometers as calibration standards as well as to ensure the consistency of the multiple imaging spectrometers expected to be on orbit in the next decade.

imagin↗

Simple ultraviolet calibration source with reference spectra and its use with the Galileo orbiter ultraviolet spectrometer

A simple compact electron impact laboratory source of UV radiation has been developed and is used to obtain calibrated optically thin VUV spectra and synthetic spectral models for important molecular band systems of H2, N2, and the n 1P0 Rydberg series of He. The relative spectral intensity of the electron impact source can be used as the primary calibration standard for VUV instrumentation in the 80-230 nm range and with FWHM of not less than 0.4 nm. The accuracy of the present method is 10 percent in the FUV and 20 percent in the EUV. Results for calibration of the Galileo orbiter ultraviolet spectrometer have been compared with those obtained using other methods.

Shemansky, D. E.↗

Integrated INS/GPS/GLONASS navigation aid for manned space flight

While both the U.S. Navstar GPS and the Soviet GLONASS will furnish users consistent global coverage for position fixes, neither system is certifiable as a sole-source navigation system because not enough of its satellites will be in view of vehicular receivers at one time to satisfy the redundancy and system-monitoring standards of the FAA and ICAO. A hybrid receiver employing combined signals from both satellite fleets will overcome this problem. While recent test flight results confirm the feasibility of precision landing approaches conducted by these means, issues bearing on calibration, standardization, and organization remain to be resolved politically and diplomatically.

Anderman, Alfred↗

A proposed high-intensity radiometer calibration method using concentrated solar radiation

Accurate calibration of irradiance measurement devices, or radiometers, is essential for ensuring the reliability of measurements in high heat applications such as concentrating solar power (CSP), aerospace, defense, and pulsed power systems. Despite the critical need, existing calibration standards and service providers are limited to irradiance levels below 100 kW/m 2 and specific radiation sources, which is insufficient for many applications. For instance, CSP technologies, particularly those under the Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) Gen 3 program, require accurate measurements of broadband irradiance at levels exceeding 2000 kW/m 2 . In even more extreme scenarios, such as re-entry vehicles, heat levels can surpass 10000 kW/m 2 . Current ISO standards, specifically ISO 14934–2 and ISO 14934–3, are constrained to lower irradiance levels and dependent on black body heat sources, limiting their applicability for high-intensity broadband irradiance measurements, particularly in concentrated solar applications. Here, to address this shortfall, the National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF) at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) proposes a calibration method and facility capable of characterizing radiometers up to 2750 kW/m 2 using concentrated solar irradiance. Calibrating with concentrated sunlight is important for solar applications as it aligns the calibration process with the solar spectrum. This alignment is crucial for minimizing systematic errors and avoiding the need for additional corrections that may arise when radiometers designed for solar applications are calibrated using black-body or electrical sources. This paper presents the present day NSTTF characterization facility and procedure, detailing the proposed calibration method and uncertainty quantification. The presented method builds upon 1980′s NSTTF methodology and involves both theoretical and empirical methods to establish a robust relationship between gauge voltage output and irradiance intensity, quantifying both measurement and fitting errors. By addressing the limitations of existing standards and extending the characterization range, this work provides an advancement in the field of high-intensity irradiance measurement and instrumentation characterization.

Gardon gauge↗

Scatter Removal using Black Body Grids and Determining the Minimum Resolvable Hydrogen Concentration at MARS

This dataset was used to develop and validate a scatter-correction pipeline for neutron radiographs acquired at the MARS beamline, based on the methodology of Carminati et al. (2019). Scatter removal was performed using 36 gadolinium black bodies to characterize and remove the spatially varying neutron scatter field that cannot be eliminated by conventional open-beam normalization. The dataset comprises eight samples - four single-crystal nickel and four polycrystalline austenitic 316L stainless steel. Within each material system, samples were pre-charged with hydrogen gas at four charging pressures (1.5, 5, 12.5, and 20 kpsi). Following scatter correction, the pipeline was applied to all radiographs to recover quantitative attenuation maps. After subtracting the known attenuation contribution of the metal matrix, spatial maps of the hydrogen attenuation coefficient were obtained for each sample. This data was then used to construct a calibration curve relating hydrogen attenuation to hydrogen concentration and to determine the minimum resolvable hydrogen concentration at the MARS beamline. The resulting dataset provides a pressure-resolved calibration standard for quantitative hydrogen mapping using neutron radiography.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Implications of Version 8 TOMS and SBUV Data for Long-Term Trend Analysis

Total ozone data from the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) and profile/total ozone data from the Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet (SBUV; SBW/2) series of instruments have recently been reprocessed using new retrieval algorithms (referred to as Version 8 for both) and updated calibrations. In this paper, we incorporate the Version 8 data into a TOMS/SBW merged total ozone data set and an S B W merged profile ozone data set. The Total Merged Ozone Data (Total MOD) combines data from multiple TOMS and SBW instruments to form an internally consistent global data set with virtually complete time coverage from October 1978 through December 2003. Calibration differences between instruments are accounted for using external adjustments based on instrument intercomparisons during overlap periods. Previous results showed errors due to aerosol loading and sea glint are significantly reduced in the V8 TOMS retrievals. Using SBW as a transfer standard, calibration differences between V8 Nimbus 7 and Earth Probe TOMS data are approx. 1.3%, suggesting small errors in calibration remain. We will present updated total ozone long-term trends based on the Version 8 data. The Profile Merged Ozone Data (Profile MOD) data set is constructed using data from the SBUV series of instruments. In previous versions, SAGE data were used to establish the long-term external calibration of the combined data set. The SBW Version 8 we assess the V8 profile data through comparisons with SAGE and between SBW instruments in overlap periods. We then construct a consistently-calibrated long term time series. Updated zonal mean trends as a function of altitude and season from the new profile data set will be shown, and uncertainties in determining the best long-term calibration will be discussed.

Frith, Stacey M.↗

Computerized tomography calibrator

A set of interchangeable pieces comprising a computerized tomography calibrator, and a method of use thereof, permits focusing of a computerized tomographic (CT) system. The interchangeable pieces include a plurality of nestable, generally planar mother rings, adapted for the receipt of planar inserts of predetermined sizes, and of predetermined material densities. The inserts further define openings therein for receipt of plural sub-inserts. All pieces are of known sizes and densities, permitting the assembling of different configurations of materials of known sizes and combinations of densities, for calibration (i.e., focusing) of a computerized tomographic system through variation of operating variables thereof. Rather than serving as a phanton, which is intended to be representative of a particular workpiece to be tested, the set of interchangeable pieces permits simple and easy standardized calibration of a CT system. The calibrator and its related method of use further includes use of air or of particular fluids for filling various openings, as part of a selected configuration of the set of pieces.

Engel, Herbert P.↗

A method for extracting calibrated volatility information from the FIGAERO-HR-ToF-CIMS and its experimental application

The Filter Inlet for Gases and AEROsols (FIGAERO) is an inlet specificallydesigned to be coupled with the Aerodyne High-Resolution Time-of-FlightChemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer (HR-ToF-CIMS). The FIGAERO-HR-ToF-CIMSprovides simultaneous molecular information relating to both the gas- andparticle-phase samples and has been used to extract vapour pressures (VPs) ofthe compounds desorbing from the filter whilst giving quantitativeconcentrations in the particle phase. However, such extraction of vapourpressures of the measured particle-phase components requires use ofappropriate, well-defined, reference compounds. Vapour pressures for thehomologous series of polyethylene glycols (PEG)((H-(O-CH 2 -CH 2 )n-OH) for n=3 to n=8), covering a rangeof vapour pressures (VP) (10 -1 to 10 -7 Pa) that areatmospherically relevant, have been shown to be reproduced well by a range ofdifferent techniques, including Knudsen Effusion Mass Spectrometry (KEMS).This is the first homologous series of compounds for which a number of vapourpressure measurement techniques have been found to be in agreement,indicating the utility as a calibration standard, providing an ideal set ofbenchmark compounds for accurate characterization of the FIGAERO forextracting vapour pressure of measured compounds in chambers and the realatmosphere. To demonstrate this, single-component and mixture vapour pressuremeasurements are made using two FIGAERO-HR-ToF-CIMS instruments based on anew calibration determined from the PEG series. VP values extracted from bothinstruments agree well with those measured by KEMS and reported values fromliterature, validating this approach for extracting VP data from the FIGAERO.This method is then applied to chamber measurements, and the vapour pressuresof known products are estimated.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Oxygen-Mass-Flow Calibration Cell

Proposed calibration standard for mass flow rate of oxygen based on conduction of oxygen ions through solid electrolyte membrane made of zirconia and heated to temperature of 1,000 degrees C. Flow of oxygen ions proportional to applied electric current. Unaffected by variations in temperature and pressure, and requires no measurement of volume. Calibration cell based on concept used to calibrate variety of medical and scientific instruments required to operate with precise rates of flow of oxygen.

Martin, Robert E.↗

The study of C-13(a, n)O-16 reactions in the Majorana Demonstrator calibration data

Neutron captures and delayed decays of reaction products are common sources of backgrounds in ultra-rare event searches. In this work, we studied 13C(a, n)1640 O reactions induced by a-particles emitted within the calibration sources of the Majorana Demonstrator. These sources are thorium-based calibration standards enclosed in carbon-rich materials. The reaction rate was estimated by using the 6129 keV ?-rays emitted from the excited 1643 O states that are populated when the incoming a-particles have enough energy. Thanks to the excellent energy performance of the Demonstrator’s germanium detectors, these characteristic photons can be clearly observed in the calibration data. Facilitated by Geant4 simulations, a comparison between the observed 6129 keV photon rates and predictions by a TALYS-based software was performed. The measurements and predictions were found to be consistent with each other, albeit with large statistical uncertainties. This agreement provides supports for further background predictions for (a, n)-reactions in future double-beta decay search efforts.

6 ≤ A ≤ 19↗

The long-term monitoring of the spectrophotometric IUE standard stars

For more than twelve years the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite has consistently monitored about 44 spectrophotometric standard stars. This monitoring program was set up mostly to fit some particular needs of the IUE mission, such as the study of the detector linearity, sensitivity, degradation, and scattered light profiles. The impressive body of data accumulated over the years of about 7000 images, is unique and particularly suited for stellar studies on the stars themselves. The most frequently observed early type stars used as baseline calibration standards are studied. Part of what has been learnt about the cameras from studies of these spectral images and which has indirectly affected most of the published studies is presented. Possible improvements in flux accuracy which will be incorporated in the IUE final archives are discussed.

Perez, M. R.↗

New Mie Scattering Diffuse Targets Development and Characterization

Earth science remote sensing observations require the detection and measurement of light originating from bright targets, such as clouds, and darker targets, such as an open ocean. This requirement drives the need to design, develop, and characterize improved calibration targets in support of current and future NASA instruments. New diffuse targets to be used as spectral albedo calibration standards were developed and characterized. The new targets based on fused silica or/and pressed and sintered Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) were developed to be Earth scene specific. The various reflectance levels are achieved by modifying the material parameters, thickness, and surface finish. The new targets were characterized in laboratory and simulated space environments. We acquired high accuracy reflectance and transmittance data using a precision optical scatterometer and spectrophotometer located in the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Diffuser Calibration Lab. The Total hemispherical reflectance (THR) and Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) were measured over the range of solar incident and scattered elevation and azimuthal angles typically realized on orbit by remote sensing instruments. We intend to space certify the new calibration targets after concluding on-orbit testing on the International Space Stations (ISS) scheduled for the second half of 2023.

Georgi Georgiev↗

A New Electromagnetic Instrument for Thickness Gauging of Conductive Materials

Eddy current techniques are widely used to measure the thickness of electrically conducting materials. The approach, however, requires an extensive set of calibration standards and can be quite time consuming to set up and perform. Recently, an electromagnetic sensor was developed which eliminates the need for impedance measurements. The ability to monitor the magnitude of a voltage output independent of the phase enables the use of extremely simple instrumentation. Using this new sensor a portable hand-held instrument was developed. The device makes single point measurements of the thickness of nonferromagnetic conductive materials. The technique utilized by this instrument requires calibration with two samples of known thicknesses that are representative of the upper and lower thickness values to be measured. The accuracy of the instrument depends upon the calibration range, with a larger range giving a larger error. The measured thicknesses are typically within 2-3% of the calibration range (the difference between the thin and thick sample) of their actual values. In this paper the design, operational and performance characteristics of the instrument along with a detailed description of the thickness gauging algorithm used in the device are presented.

Fulton, J. P.↗

Reliably Detectable Flaw Size for NDE Methods that Use Calibration

Probability of detection (POD) analysis is used in assessing reliably detectable flaw size in nondestructive evaluation (NDE). MIL-HDBK-1823 and associated mh1823 POD software gives most common methods of POD analysis. In this paper, POD analysis is applied to an NDE method, such as eddy current testing, where calibration is used. NDE calibration standards have known size artificial flaws such as electro-discharge machined (EDM) notches and flat bottom hole (FBH) reflectors which are used to set instrument sensitivity for detection of real flaws. Real flaws such as cracks and crack-like flaws are desired to be detected using these NDE methods. A reliably detectable crack size is required for safe life analysis of fracture critical parts. Therefore, it is important to correlate signal responses from real flaws with signal responses form artificial flaws used in calibration process to determine reliably detectable flaw size.

Koshti, Ajay M.↗