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Results for “Pulse generators”

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 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1973

Technique for extending the frequency range of digital dividers

A technique for extending the frequency range of a presettable digital divider is described. The conventional digital divider consists of several counter stages with the count of each stage compared to a preselected number. When the counts for all stages are equal to the preselected numbers, an output pulse is generated and all stages are reset. For high input frequencies, the least significant stage of the divider has to be reset in a very short time. This limits the frequency that can be handled by the conventional digital divider. This invention provides a technique in which the second least significant and higher stages are reset and the least significant stage is permitted to free-run. Hence, the time in which the reset operation can be performed is increased thereby extending the frequency range of the divider.

Long, W. C.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Fast scan control for deflection type mass spectrometers

A high speed scan device is reported that allows most any scanning sector mass spectrometer to measure preselected gases at a very high sampling rate. The device generates a rapidly changing staircase output which is applied to the accelerator of the spectrometer and it also generates defocusing pulses that are applied to one of the deflecting plates of the spectrometer which when shorted to ground deflects the ion beam away from the collector. A defocusing pulse occurs each time there is a change in the staircase output.

Yeager, P. R.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Exploratory laser experiments

Experiments are described which were undertaken to explore the application of various dye laser methods for generating laser pulses which could be tuned over H2O absorption lines in the visible and near infrared. Specific topics discussed include: operation of a long pulse dye laser with a tunable, narrow band output at high energies near the 5915 A water vapor absorption bands; assembly and operation of a short duration dye laser near the 5915 A water vapor absorption bands; construction of a dye laser to be pumped to operate in the red and near infrared; and preliminary studies of the beam divergence of the output of the a laser-pumped system. Results are summarized.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1976

ULF wave generation through particle precipitation induced by VLF transmitters

The paper examines the feasibility of a technique to simulate ULF waves in the ionosphere using controlled particle precipitation. In the proposed model of micropulsation generation, a pulse from a VLF ground transmitter (or satellite transmitter) is injected into the magnetosphere and follows the earth's static magnetic field lines to a region near the magnetic equatorial plane where it begins to interact strongly with energetic electrons through gyroresonance. VLF emissions are produced in the gyroresonance interaction, and numerous energetic electrons are scattered into the loss cone, proceeding down the magnetic field lines and precipitating into the lower ionosphere where they create large-scale enhancements of ionization. The results lend support to the idea of attempting to produce detectable ULF waves by using ground- or satellite-based VLF transmitters.

Bell, T. F.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Measurement of bit-error rate

Error rate of RF digital communication link is measured at low signal-to-noise ratios using this technique. In this method, identical pseudo-random sequences of pulses are generated at transmitter and receiver of link. However, comparison of two sequences at receiver involves integration that makes bit-tracking threshold depend on length of pseudo-random sequence, rather than on actual rate of transmission of individual bits.

Fowler, J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Computerized thermal transient test console

A system for nondestructively testing electroexplosive devices by the thermal transient test technique is described. The signal, which is generated by pulsing the electroexplosive device bridgewire is reduced to digital form. The data is then interpreted by an appropriate program and the essential electrothermal parameters are resolved. The system is fast, eliminates arbitrary interpretation of the analog, and lends itself to production testing.

Menichelli, V. J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

High-accuracy range measurements to the moon

The lunar ranging station at the University of Texas McDonald Observatory has made more than 1800 range measurements to the four lunar retroreflectors during the first six years of its operation. Each range consists of a normal point constructed of from 5 to 20 single photoelectron returns. Normal point accuracies to about four parts in 10 to the tenth plus or minus 10 cm have become routine. The availability of excellent commercial timing equipment means that the error for such a measurement is primarily dependent on the width of the transmitted laser pulse. Second generation systems using mode-locked subnanosecond lasers can probably achieve routine normal point accuracies approaching one part in 10 to the tenth plus or minus 2 cm. High speed pockel cells may permit such accuracies to be realized with conventional Q-switched lasers.

Silverberg, E. C.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Qualification model spacecraft tests for DEMP, SGEMP, and ESD effects

The development of a satellite design demonstration test program is described. The test approach is comprehensive in that it includes the effects from electrostatic discharge (ESD), system generated electromagnetic pulse (SGEMP), as well as dispersed electromagnetic pulses (DEMP). The comprehensive test concept is based on the similarity of the satellite's response to several environments.

Chivington, E. P.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Annual Conference on Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects, 17th, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., July 15-18, 1980, Proceedings

The conference covered the radiation effects on devices, circuits, and systems, physics and basic radiation effects in materials, dosimetry and radiation transport, spacecraft charging, and space radiation effects. Other subjects included single particle upset phenomena, systems-generated electromagnetic pulse phenomena, fabrication of hardened components, testing techniques, and hardness assurance.

Mcgarrity, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Acoustic power dissipation on radiation through duct terminations - Experiments

An acoustic impulse technique is used to study the acoustic transmission characteristics of ducts, nozzles, orifices, and perforated plates. High intensity pulses were generated by discharging a capacitor across a spark gap for both heated and unheated flows, with and without simulated flights. The effect of a termination geometry on power absorption for high acoustic intensities was observed, showing the existence of power absorption at low frequencies for the duct, nozzles, orifice plates, and perforated plates at a no flow condition; the amount of power absorption was controlled primarily by the open area at the exit. Power conservation with flow was similar to that for no flow: Power absorption initially increased for the duct and conical nozzles and then decreased with increasing Mach number. Power absorption results for the suppressor nozzle were similar to those for the conical nozzle, and the nonlinear effect was found to be insignificant in the presence of flow. A power imbalance was noted for heated jets, with a greater power loss at low frequencies than for unheated jets. Low frequency power absorption increased with the simulated flight, and a small amount of low frequency power absorption was found even for low intensity sound. A typical schlieren photograph of vortex formation (Whiffen and Ahuja, 1981) helped to confirm that sound energy can be converted into vortical energy and may account for low frequency power losses.

Salikuddin, M.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Spacecraft charging technology in the satellite X-ray test facility

A satellite X-ray test facility (SXTF) is planned for studying system generated electromagnetic pulse effects on full scale, operational spacecraft. The environment created by a distant, high altitude nuclear burst can be simulated using pulsed X-ray sources. The facility is to be installed in a thermal vacuum chamber with dimensions greater then 10 m diameter and 20 m height and equipped with solar simulators and equipment for simulating the charging environment of space. The spacecraft charging system consists of several low energy electron and hydrogen ion sources (5-25 keV), one or two medium energy electron accelerators (150-300 keV), an array of vacuum ultraviolet lamps, and geomagnetic field suppression coils. Military, scientific, and commercial spacecraft can be tested before launching into the radiation environment of space. construction of SXTF is scheduled to begin in 1982 and the facility should be available for general use in 1984. Potential users are encouraged to express their needs for specific testing environments in SXTF.

Sponaugle, T. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Commutated automatic gain control system

A commutated automatic gain control (AGC) system was designed and built for a prototype Loran C receiver. The receiver uses a microcomputer to control a memory aided phase-locked loop (MAPLL). The microcomputer also controls the input/output, latitude/longitude conversion, and the recently added AGC system. The circuit designed for the AGC is described, and bench and flight test results are presented. The AGC circuit described actually samples starting at a point 40 microseconds after a zero crossing determined by the software lock pulse ultimately generated by a 30 microsecond delay and add network in the receiver front end envelope detector.

Yost, S. R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Measurements by the plasma diagnostics package on STS-3

A comprehensive set of measurements about the orbiter environment are provided by the plasma diagnostics package (PDP). Ion and electron particle densities, energies, and spatial distribution functions; ion mass for identification of particular molecular ion species; and magnetic fields, electric fields and electromagnetic waves over a broad frequency range are studied. Shuttle environmental measurements will be made both on the pallet and, by use of the remote manipulator system (RMS), the PDP will be maneuvered in and external to the bay area to continue environmental measurements and to carry on a joint plasma experiment with the Utah State University fast-pulsed electron generator. Results of orbiter environment EMI measurements and S-band field strengths as well as preliminary results from wake search operations indicating wake boundary identifiers are reported.

Shawhan, S. D.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Early experiments in charged particle beams from the Space Shuttle

Characteristics of studies on board the Shuttle involving the interaction of particle beams with the atmosphere and the ionosphere, and the effects of the beams on the electrical potential of the platform, are discussed. Noting that the Shuttle allows greater weight and power demands by scientific payloads than previous satellite launches, the OSS-1 Vehicle Charging and Potential experiment and the Spacelab 1 Particle Accelerator and Phenomena Induced by Charged Particle Beams are described. Instrumentation details are provided, including charge and current probes, the Spherical Retarding Potential Analyzer, the Fast Pulse Electron Generator, and digital control and interface units. The SEPAC equipment, which comprises an electron beam accelerator, and MPD plasma jet, and diagnostic units are detailed, and operating procedures and experiment objectives are outlined.

Raitt, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Ultrasonic and mechanical characterizations of fatigue states of graphite epoxy composite laminates

Results of an exploration of the relationship between ultrasonic attenuation and fatigue survivability of graphite fiber epoxy composites fabricated under different cure conditions are reported. A total of 9 27 x 40 cm eight-ply graphite epoxy laminated specimens were formed, and fatigue tests were run on five partial samples at 73.5 N varying at 30 Hz, with tests ending at a 1.27 cm deflection. A pulsed oscillator generated sinusoidal waves and transducers recorded the passage of the ultrasonic waves for display on oscilloscopes. Cure pressures ranged from 0.52-0.85 MPa and cure temperatures were in the 150-200 C interval. Ultrasonic through-transmission at 4 MHz was performed prior to and during fatigue testing. The minimum void volume fraction occurred at 175 C and 0.86 MPa. The flexural stiffness decreased with the number of fatigue cycles past 10,000, when the attenuation also increased. Correlations were found between the 4.0 MHz signal attenuation and the void volume fraction, and between the number of fatigue cycles to failure and the 4.0 MHz signal attenuation.

Williams, J. H., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Vehicle charging and potential on the STS-3 mission

An electron gun with fast pulse capability was used in the vehicle charging and potential experiment carried on the OSS-1 pallet to study dielectric charging, return current mechanisms, and the techniques required to manage the electrical charging of the orbiter. Return currents and charging of the dielectrics were measured during electron beam emission and plasma characteristics in the payload bay were determined in the absence of electron beam emission. The fast pulse electron generator, charge current probes, spherical retarding potential analyzer, and the digital control interface unit which comprise the experiment are described. Results show that the thrusters produce disturbances which are variable in character and magnitude. Strong ram/wake effects were seen in the ion densities in the bay. Vehicle potentials are variable with respect to the plasma and depend upon location on the vehicle relative to the main engine nozzles, the vehicle attitude, and the direction of the geomagnetic field.

Williamson, R.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Suprathermal plasma observed on STS-3 Mission by plasma diagnostics package

Artificially produced electron beams were used extensively during the past decade as a means of probing the magnetosphere, and more recently as a means of actively controlling spacecraft potential. Experimentation in these areas has proven valuable, yet at times confusing, due to the interaction of the electron beam with the ambient plasma. The OSS-1/STS-3 Mission in March 1982 provided a unique opportunity to study beam-plasma interactions at an altitude of 240 km. On board for this mission was a Fast Pulse Electron Generator (FPEG). Measurements made by the Plasma Diagnostics Package (PDP) while extended on the Orbiter RMS show modifications of the ion and electron energy distributions during electron beam injection. Observations made by charged particle detectors are discussed and related to measurements of Orbiter potential. Several of the PDP instruments, the joint PDP/FPEG experiment, and observations made during electron beam injection are described.

Paterson, W.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Wave propagation in a plate after impact by a projectile

The wave propagation in a circular plate after impact by a cylindrical projectile is studied. In the vicinity of impact, the pressure is computed numerically. An intense pressure pulse is generated that peaks 0.2 microns after impact, then drops sharply to a plateau. The response of the plate is determined adopting a modal solution of Mindlin's equations. Velocity and acceleration histories display both propagating and dispersive features.

El-Raheb, M.↗