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At least 343 records · Page 19

Solid-State Power Amplifier For 61.5 GHz

Power amplifiers based on impact-avalanche-transit-time (IMPATT) diodes developed for operation in communication systems at frequencies near 60 GHz. Built in seven modular stages, power transferred through sections of waveguide and isolator/circulator assemblies. Intended as replacements for bulkier and heavier traveling-wave-tube amplifiers.

Powers, Michael K.↗

Impedance Matching a Quarter Wave Resonant Receiver to Improve Efficiency in Unipolar Capacitive Wireless Power Transfer

Impedance matching techniques to achieve high performance in conventional wireless power transfer (WPT) systems are well established. These WPT systems are modelled as a lumped circuit, where the voltages/currents are approximately uniform and mostly unaffected by parasitic elements. However, a group of WPT techniques exist that utilize parasitic elements to form a highly resonant power transfer condition at high quality factors, exploiting a distributed circuit operation that can be modeled as a mutually coupled transmission line. A calculated matching network typically becomes unmatched when connected to the transmission line, as it changes the electrical structure of the coupled transmission line. This is particularly true for WPT systems that use quarter wave (QWR) or half wave resonators (HWR) for the receiver. Here we present one technique of matching to a mutually coupled transmission line where a parallel path is formed that improves the power transfer efficiency without severely altering the transmission line characteristics.

Wireless↗

Observations of Intermediate-Scale Diurnal Waves in the Equatorial Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere

The purpose of this study is to seek observational evidence for diurnal, vertically propagating inertia-gravity waves (IGWs) in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT). Numerical modeling studies indicate that vertically propagating IGWs excited by tropical heating provide a significant source of momentum for the semiannual oscillation (SAO) in the equatorial zonal mean winds. The power spectrum of these waves has a strong diurnal component. We analyze global patterns of ascending and descending node differences in MLT satellite temperatures, which are assumed in this study to be proxies for waves of diurnal period. Juxtaposed upon the planetary-scale features are localized variations with longitudinal wavelengths ranging from 25 deg to 50 deg, and with vertical wavelengths between 13 and 25 km. These intermediate-scale variations are spatially coherent, and persist for several weeks. Their amplitudes generally increase with altitude, while their phase structures suggest both eastward and westward propagation. The variance of wave numbers 9-17 in the MLT is examined in relation to the underlying stratospheric zonal mean zonal gradient winds. Stronger variances generally coincide with periods where the underlying zonal mean winds are relatively light, or unidirectional. The weak inverse association between variance strength and zonal wind magnitude is suggestive of a wave filtering mechanism.

Lieberman, R. S.↗

ATS-F Comsat Millimeter Wave Propagation Experiment

The ATS-F Comsat Millimeter Wave Propagation Experiment has been designed to gather statistical data on the attenuation caused by rain at millimeter wave frequencies. These data will be used to determine system design parameters for future communications satellite systems operating at frequencies above 10 GHz. The experiment has 39 ground terminals transmitting at 13.2 or 17.8 GHz to a transponder on board the ATS-F satellite. The transponder retransmits these signals at 4 GHz to a central earth terminal which records their amplitudes once each second. The data will be analyzed to provide probabilities of attenuation as functions of parameters such as rainfall, location, and time. These probabilities can then be used to determine the required power margins of millimeter wave communications systems. Techniques of overcoming severe attenuation such as site diversity and the use of a spot beam to increase the power level at selected locations will also be evaluated.

Westerlund, L. H.↗

On an invariance property of acoustic waveguides

The acoustic power transmitted by a variable-area duct section which carries a steady subsonic flow is investigated under the conditions of both upstream- and downstream-propagating incident plane waves. It is found that the ratio of the power transmitted by incident waves moving against the flow to the power transmitted by incident waves moving with the flow is equal to the ratio of the difference between the Mach number and unity to the square of the sum of the Mach number and unity.

Davis, S. S.↗

Landing characteristics in waves of three dynamic models of flying boats

Powered models of three different flying boats were landed in oncoming waves of various heights and lengths. The effects of varying the trim at landing, the deceleration after landing, and the size of the waves were determined. Data are presented on the motions and accelerations obtained during landings in rough water.

LOADS, LANDING - IMPACT, WATER↗

Landing Characteristics in Waves of Three Dynamic Models of Flying Boats

Powered models of three different flying boats were landed in oncoming wave of various heights and lengths. The resulting motions and acceleration were recorded to survey the effects of varying the trim at landing, the deceleration after landing, and the size of the waves. One of the models had an unusually long afterbody. The data for landing with normal rates of deceleration indicated that the most severe motions and accelerations were likely to occur at some period of the landing run subsequent to the initial impact. Landings made at abnormally low trims led to unusually severe bounces during the runout. The least severe landing occurred after a small lending when the model was rapidly decelerated at about 0.4 g in a simulation of the proposed use of braking devices. The severity of the landings increased with wave height and was at a maximum when the wave length was of the order of from one and one-half to twice the over-all length of the model. The models with afterbodies of moderate length frequently bounced clear of the water into a stalled attitude at speeds below flying speed. The model with the long afterbody had less tendency to bounce from the waves and consequently showed less severe accelerations during the landing run than the models with moderate lengths of afterbody.

Benson, James M.↗

The detection and characterization of high frequency and high wavenumber solar oscillations

Doppler shift measurements of the Na D(sub 1) absorption line have revealed solar oscillations in a new regime of frequency and wavenumber. Oscillations of vertical velocities in the temperature minimum and low chromosphere of the Sun are observed with frequencies ranging up to 9.5 mHz. There is no evidence for chromospheric modes of 3 minute period. This indicates that the chromosphere does not form a good cavity for acoustic waves. The fundamental-modes appear with wavenumbers up to 5.57 M per m (equivalent spherical harmonic degree, 3877). The frequencies lie below the predicted values at wavenumbers above 1 M per m. The values are in agreement with previous measurements that exist for wavenumbers up to 2.67 M per m. Spatial maps of velocity power show that high wavenumber oscillations are suppressed in active regions. The shape of the power depression indicates that wave motion is affected in the layer of atmosphere where the measurement is made. The f-modes are suppressed in the same way as p-modes, indicating that the mechanism for wave suppression affects velocity fluctuations. Mode frequencies are not affected by the magnetic fields by more than 50 micro Hz, the precision of the measurement.

Fernandes, David Neil↗

Efficiency enhancement of octave-bandwidth TWT's by the use of multistage depressed collectors

A small size two and four stage depressed collector was evaluated in conjunction with a 4.8 to 9.6 GHz traveling wave tube of 325 to 675 W power output. In spite of large fixed traveling wave tube losses, very significant efficiency enhancement was demonstrated with both the two and four stage multistage depressed collectors (MDC). The improvement in the overall efficiency ranged from a factor of 2.5 to 3.0 for the two stage MDC and a factor of 3.0 to 3.5 for the four stage MDC. An overall efficiency of 37.0 to 44.3 percent across the frequency band was demonstrated with the use of harmonic injection.

Ramins, P.↗

A study of rain effects on radar scattering from water waves

Results are presented from a laboratory investigation of microwave power return due to rain-generated short waves on a wind wave surface. The wind wave tank, sensor, and data processing methods used in the study are described. The study focuses on the response of a 36-GHz radar system, orientated 30 deg from nadir and pointing upwind, to surface waves generated by various combinations of rain and wind. The results show stronger radar signal levels due to short surface waves generated by rain impacting the wind wave surface, supporting the results of Moore et al. (1979) for a 14-GHz radar.

Bliven, Larry F.↗

Method and apparatus for minimizing multiple degree of freedom vibration transmission between two regions of a structure

Arrays of actuators are affixed to structural elements to impede the transmission of vibrational energy. A single pair is used to provide control of bending and extensional waves and two pairs are used to control torsional motion. The arrays are applied to a wide variety of structural elements such as a beam structure that is part of a larger framework that may or may not support a rigid or non-rigid skin. Electrical excitation is applied to the actuators that generate forces on the structure. These electrical inputs may be adjusted in their amplitude and phase by a controller in communication with appropriate vibrational wave sensors to impede the flow of vibrational power in all of the above mentioned wave forms beyond the actuator location. Additional sensor elements can be used to monitor the performance and adjust the electrical inputs to maximize the attenuation of vibrational energy.

Silcox, Richard J.↗

Miniaturized Wilkinson Power Dividers Utilizing Capacitive Loading

This letter reports the miniaturization of a planar Wilkinson power divider by capacitive loading of the quarter wave transmission lines employed in conventional Wilkinson power dividers. Reduction of the transmission line segments from lambda/4 to between lambda/5 and lambda/12 are reported here. The input and output lines at the three ports and the lines comprising the divider itself are coplanar waveguide (CPW) and asymmetric coplanar stripline (ACPS), respectively. The 10 GHZ power dividers are fabricated on high resistivity silicon (HRS) and alumina wafers. These miniaturized dividers are 74% smaller than conventional Wilkinson power dividers, and have a return loss better than +30 dB and an insertion loss less than 0.55 dB. Design equations and a discussion about the effect of parasitic reactance on the isolation are presented for the first time.

Scardelletti, Maximilian C.↗

Wave Telescope Technique for MMS Magnetometer

Multipoint measurements are a powerful method in studying wavefields in space plasmas.The wave telescope technique is tested against magnetic field fluctuations in the terrestrial magnetosheath measured by the four Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft on a spatial scale of about 20 km.The dispersion relation diagram and the wave vector distribution are determined for the first time in the ion-kinetic range. Moreover, the dispersion relation diagram is determined in a proxy plasma restframe by regarding the low-frequency dispersion relation as a Doppler relation and compensating for the apparent phase velocity. Fluctuations are highly compressible, and the wave vectors have an angle of about 60 from the mean magnetic field. We interpret that the measured fluctuations represent akinetic-drift mirror mode in the magnetosheath which is dispersive and in a turbulent state accompanied by a sideband formation.

Magnetometer↗

Plasma waves in planetary magnetospheres

Research conducted within the last four years on plasma waves in the terrestrial magnetosphere as well as those of Jupiter and Saturn is reviewed. Studies aimed at the characterization of plasma wave emissions in the earth's magnetosheath and magnetopause are considered, together with investigations of the characteristics and mechanisms of electron cyclotron harmonic and upper hybrid resonance waves, nonthermal continuum radiation, auroral kilometric radiation, chorus, hiss and whistler-mode turbulence, whistlers, power line radiation, ion cyclotron waves, an ionospheric irregularities and instabilities. Experimental studies based on the injection of waves or plasma into the ionosphere and plasma waves in the laboratory are also examined. In situ Voyager data and radio astronomical observations of Jupiter are discussed as they relate to the plasma waves detected in the Jovian mgnetosheath and magnetopause, outer and inner magnetosphere and magnetotail, as well as the Jovian radio emission. In the case of Saturn, particular attention is given to the emissions observed during the Voyager encounter with the planet, its rings and Titan.

Anderson, R. R.↗

Interim report on the analysis of the microwave power module

The results of a traveling wave tube multistage depressed collector (TWT-MDC) design study in support of the DARPA/DoD Microwave Power Module (MPM) Program are described. The study stressed the MDC as a key element in obtaining the required high overall efficiencies in the MPM application. The results showed that an efficient MDC, utilizing conventional design and fabrication techniques can be designed for the first generation MPM TWT, which permits a package one wavelength thick (.66 in. at 18 GHz). The overall TWT efficiency goal of 40 percent for electronic countermeasure (ECM) applications appears to be readily achievable. However, the 50 percent goal for radar applications presents a considerable challenge.

Ramins, Peter↗

A 2.5-2.7 THz Room Temperature Electronic Source

We report on a room temperature 2.5 to 2.7 THz electronic source based on frequency multipliers. The source utilizes a cascade of three frequency multipliers with W-band power amplifiers driving the first stage multiplier. Multiple-chip multipliers are utilized for the two initial stages to improve the power handling capability and a sub-micron anode is utilized for the final stage tripler. Room temperature measurements indicate that the source can put out a peak power of about 14 microwatts with more than 4 microwatts in the 2.5 to 2.7 THz range.

Varactor diodes↗

Gravitational-wave observations as a tool for testing relativistic gravity

Gravitational-wave observations can be powerful tools in the testing of relativistic theories of gravity - perhaps the only tools for distinguishing between certain extant theories in the foreseeable future. In this paper we examine gravitational radiation in the far field using a formalism that encompasses all 'metric theories of gravity.' There are six possible modes of polarization, which can be completely resolved by feasible experiments. We set forth a theoretical framework for classification of waves and theories, based on the Lorentz transformation properties of the six modes. We also show in detail how the six modes may be experimentally identified and to what extent such information limits the 'correct' theory of gravity.

Eardley, D. M.↗

A fractal interpretation of topography and geoid spectra on the earth, moon, Venus, and Mars

Global spectra are available for topography and geoid on the earth, Venus, Mars, and the moon. If the spectral energy density has a power law dependence on wave number, a fractal is defined. The topography spectrum for the earth is a well-defined fractal with D = 1.5; this corresponds to Brown noise with the amplitude proportional to the wavelength. Although there is more scatter for the other planetary bodies, the data for Mars and the moon correlate well with the data for the earth. Venus topography also exhibits a Brown noise behavior but with a smaller amplitude. The power law dependence of the earth's geoid is known as Kaula's law. It is shown that uncompensated Brown topography gives a geoid with a power law dependence that is in quite good agreement with Kaula's law. However, the required amplitude is only 8 percent of the observed topography. A similar result is found for the other bodies, with the ratio of the amplitude of topography required to explain the geoid to the observed topography increasing to 72 percent for the moon.

Turcotte, Donald L.↗