Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Target tracking”

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 523 records · Page 29
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Adapt: A Weather Radar Data Analysis and Nowcasting Platform for Informed Adaptive Scanning

SF-26-021 Adapt is a data processing platform for real-time data analysis, short term prediction of targets convective cells and tracking for archived data. It provides tools for downloading, processing, segmenting, projecting, analyzing, and visualizing storm cell data from weather radar. The pipeline includes cell detection, motion estimation using optical flow, cell property extraction, and persistence to NetCDF and SQLite/Parquet for guiding adaptive scanning.

Raut, Bhupendra Ashokrao [Argonne National Laborat↗
DOE OSTI2024

Computational simulations and beamline optimizations for an electron beam degrader at CEBAF

An electron beam degrader is under development with the objective of measuring the transverse and longitudinal acceptance of the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) at Jefferson Lab. This project is in support of the CE+BAF positron capability. Computational simulations of beam-target interactions and particle tracking were performed integrating the GEANT4 and Elegant toolkits. A solenoid was added to the setup to control the beam's divergence. Parameter optimization of the solenoid field and magnetic quadrupoles gradient was also performed to further reduce particle loss through the rest of the injector beamline.

Lizárraga-Rubio, V.↗
DOE OSTI2019

CSP Systems Analysis - Final Project Report

The CSP Systems Analysis project was a three-year effort supporting the Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) Subprogram within the Solar Energy Technologies Office of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The goal of the CSP Systems Analysis project was to provide timely and accurate CSP cost data to the DOE and predict performance and cost for emerging technologies that may impact research directions and industry investment. The project consisted of six, mostly independent tasks. Major accomplishments over the three-year period of performance were as follows. The NREL team maintained current cost estimates for CSP technologies by annual updates to the cost input parameters within NREL's System Advisor Model (SAM). SAM is a performance and cost simulation software that includes technology models for the primary CSP technologies. During the period from 2016 to 2018, the estimated cost within SAM's default CSP molten-salt power tower technology dropped from 13.0 to 11.1 cent/kWh (real dollars without incentives). Power cycle models for the supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) Brayton Cycle were developed and made an option within SAM's molten-salt power tower model. These models were subsequently used to evaluate the cost reduction potential of alternative salts. The partial-cooling model was found to provide the greatest cost-reduction potential due to its combination of efficiency and temperature differential across the turbine and thermal energy storage (TES) system. These studies were documented in two journal articles. NREL's optical modeling software SolTrace and SolarPILOT were made more versatile and released as open-source software to the CSP community. These tools help researchers and developers to model and optimize the optical performance of CSP collector systems. The new features were highlighted in a recorded webinar that can be accessed from the NREL SAM website. New models for solar-thermal systems, that is, applications for solar industrial process heat, were developed, validated, and installed within SAM. The analysis includes a 2018 review of linear collectors in the market that are tailored for solar process heat applications. In 2018 the NREL team also developed an annual simulation for a direct steam generation system integrated with a latent-heat TES system. This analysis was submitted for journal publication. The NREL team continued to support the exchange of information and development of CSP guidelines within the international CSP community of SolarPACES. Much of the work under this project was presented at SolarPACES, including the development of a modeling checklist to help CSP stakeholders standardize the models used for estimating CSP performance and cost. The CSP Systems Analysis project also supported DOE requests for tracking and reporting programmatic targets for the CSP Subprogram.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Avian Radar / Processed Data

This dataset contains radar track data of avian targets from DeTect's 7360 s-band radar during the large barge deployment from June 2024 though September 2024.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

A fast Monte Carlo cell-by-cell simulation for radiobiological effects in targeted radionuclide therapy using pre-calculated single-particle track standard DNA damage data

Introduction: We developed a new method that drastically speeds up radiobiological Monte Carlo radiation-track-structure (MC-RTS) calculations on a cell-by-cell basis. Methods: The technique is based on random sampling and superposition of single-particle track (SPT) standard DNA damage (SDD) files from a “pre-calculated” data library, constructed using the RTS code TOPAS-nBio, with “time stamps” manually added to incorporate dose-rate effects. This time-stamped SDD file can then be input into MEDRAS, a mechanistic kinetic model that calculates various radiation-induced biological endpoints, such as DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), misrepairs and chromosomal aberrations, and cell death. As a benchmark validation of the approach, we calculated the predicted energy-dependent DSB yield and the ratio of direct-to-total DNA damage, both of which agreed with published in vitro experimental data. We subsequently applied the method to perform a superfast cell-by-cell simulation of an experimental in vitro system consisting of neuroendocrine tumor cells uniformly incubated with 177 Lu. Results and discussion: The results for residual DSBs, both at 24 and 48 h post-irradiation, are in line with the published literature values. Our work serves as a proof-of-concept demonstration of the feasibility of a cost-effective “in silico clonogenic cell survival assay” for the computational design and development of radiopharmaceuticals and novel radiotherapy treatments more generally.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
NASA NTRS1975

Viewfinder/tracking system for Skylab

Basic component of system is infrared spectrometer designed for manual target acquisition, pointing and tracking, and data-take initiation. System incorporates three main subsystems which include: (1) viewfinder telescope, (2) control panel and electronics assembly, and (3) IR-spectrometer case assembly.

Casey, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Head tracking at large angles from the straight ahead position

One of the big advantages of a helmet sight in a high performance aircraft is its off-boresight capability in aiming a fire control system. However, tracking data using a target that is moving rapidly and randomly for an extended period of time is missing. This study is intended to provide data in this area that will be of value to engineers in designing head control systems.

Monk, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1980

An Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker using a microprogrammed processor

A recently developed Imaging Infrared Seeker uses a microprogrammed processor to perform gimbal servo control and system interface while performing the seeker functions of automatic target detection, acquisition, and tracking. The automatic detection mode requires up to 80% of the available capability of a high performance microprogrammed processor. Although system complexity was increased significantly, this approach can be cost effective when the basic computation capacity is already available.

Richmond, K. V.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Piloted simulator evaluation of a relaxed static stability fighter at high angle-of-attack

A piloted simulator evaluation of the stability and control characteristics of a relaxed static stability fighter aircraft was conducted using a differential maneuvering simulator. The primary purpose of the simulation was to evaluate the effectiveness of the limiters in preventing departure from controlled flight. The simulation was conducted in two phases, the first consisting of open-loop point stability evaluations over a range of subsonic flight conditions, the second concentrating on closed-loop tracking of a preprogrammed target in low speed, high angle-of-attack air combat maneuvering. The command limiters were effective in preventing departure from controlled flight while permitting competent levels of sustained maneuvering. Parametric variations during the study included the effects of pitch control power and wing-body static margin. Stability and control issues were clearly shown to impact the configuration design.

Lapins, M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

STRAP V - Higher accuracy, lower drift attitude control system

The STRAP V system was developed to provide higher accuracy and lower limit cycle fine pointing (+ or - 7 arcseconds) in all three axes at targets which cannot be tracked by startrackers or solar trackers. The system provides an increase in pointing performance over that obtainable with the STRAP IV (1) Attitude Control System (ACS). The STRAP IV concept of third axis updates is utilized to reduce pointing errors, using the flight-proven STRAP III (2) system as a first stage. Flight aspect photographs and telemetry records show that the STRAP V objectives have been met. The STRAP IV major error contributors have been significantly reduced and the tracking flexibility has been increased with only minor error contributions. Attention is given to the basic STRAP III control modes, major STRAP IV system error sources, tuned restrained inertial gyros (TRIGs), the programmable sequence timer, the STRAP V control box, third axis update, system gyro alignments, and STRAP V operational capabilities.

Budney, T. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Identification of pilot dynamics from in-flight tracking data

Data from a representative flight task involving an F-14 'pursuer' aircraft tracking a T-38 'target' aircraft in a 3G wind-up turn and in level flight are processed using a least squares identification technique in an attempt to identify pilot/vehicle dynamics. Comparative identification results are provided by a Fourier coefficient method which requires a carefully designed and implemented input consisting of a sum of sinusoids. The least-squares results compare favorably with those obtained by the Fourier technique. An example of crossover frequency regression is discussed in the light of the conditions of one of the flight configurations.

Hess, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

High repetition rate sealed CO2 TEA lasers using heterogeneous catalysts

The significant operational advantages offered by CO2 lasers, operating in the 10.6 micron region of the spectrum, over current solid state lasers, emitting in the near IR region, have prompted increased interest in the development of compact, reliable, rugged CO2 laser sources. Perhaps the most critical aspect associated with achieving a laser compatible with military use is the development of lasers which require no gas replenishment. Sealed, single shot, CO2 TEA lasers have been available for a number of years. Stark et al were first to demonstrate reliable sealed operation in single shot CO2 TEA lasers in 1975 using gas catalysis. GEC Avionics reported the compact, environmentally qualified, MKIII CO2 TEA laser with a pulse life of greater than 10 to the 6th power pulses in 1980. A sealed laser lifetime of greater than 10 to the 6th power pulses is acceptable for single shot cases, such as direct detection rangefinders for tank laser sights. However, in many other applications, such as tracking of fast moving targets, it is essential that a repetition rate of typically 30Hz to 100Hz is employed. In such cases, a pulse lifetime of 10 to the 6th power pulses is no longer sufficient and a minimum pulse lifetime 10 to the 7th power pulses is essential to ensure a useful service life. In 1983 Stark el al described a sealed, 100Hz CO2 TEA laser, with a life of greater than 2.6 x 10 to the 6th power, which employed heterogeneous catalysis. Following this pioneering work, GEC Avionics has been engaged in the development of sealed high repetition rate lasers with a pulse lifetime of 20 million pulses.

Price, H. T.↗
NASA NTRS1996

STS-78 Flight Day 10

On this tenth day of the STS-78 mission, the flight crew, Cmdr. Terence T. Henricks, Pilot Kevin R. Kregel, Payload Cmdr. Susan J. Helms, Mission Specialists Richard M. Linnehan, Charles E. Brady, Jr., and Payload Specialists Jean-Jacques Favier, Ph.D. and Robert B. Thirsk, M.D., continue to perform in a nearly flawless fashion. The crew is shown completing another of four tests focusing on the effects of microgravity on the vestibular system in the inner ear. In space, the vestibular system sometimes becomes confused as to which way is up and down, leading to nausea and disorientation. Using specially designed head gear to monitor head movement and eye coordination, Linnehan, Brady, Favier, Thirsk and Helms performed tests throughout their shifts to determine how the head and eyes track visual and motion targets in microgravity. The study is providing scientists with important information about the crews' ability to adapt to microgravity.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1997

Lessons Learned from the Clementine Mission

According to BMDO, the Clementine mission achieved many of its technology objectives during its flight to the Moon in early 1994 but, because of a software error, was unable to test the autonomous tracking of a cold target. The preliminary analyses of the returned lunar data suggest that valuable scientific measurements were made on several important topics but that COMPLEX's highest-priority objectives for lunar science were not achieved. This is not surprising given that the rationale for Clementine was technological rather than scientific. COMPLEX lists below a few of the lessons that may be learned from Clementine. Although the Clementine mission was not conceived as a NASA science mission exactly like those planned for the Discovery program, many operational aspects of the two are similar. It is therefore worthwhile to understand the strengths and faults of the Clementine approach. Some elements of the Clementine operation that led to the mission's success include the following: (1) The mission's achievements were the responsibility of a single organization and its manager, which made that organization and that individual accountable for the final outcome; (2) The sponsor adopted a hands-off approach and set a minimum number of reviews (three); (3) The sponsor accepted a reasonable amount of risk and allowed the project team to make the trade-offs necessary to minimize the mission's risks while still accomplishing all its primary objectives; and (4) The development schedule was brief and the agreed-on funding (and funding profile) was adhered to. Among the operational shortcomings of Clementine were the following: (1) An overly ambitious schedule and a slightly lean budget (meaning insufficient time for software development and testing, and leading ultimately to human exhaustion); and (2) No support for data calibration, reduction, and analysis. The principal lesson to be learned in this category is that any benefits from the constructive application of higher risk for lower cost and faster schedule will be lost if the schedule does not allow adequate time for the development of all essential systems or makes no allowance for human frailties. Another lesson to be drawn is that despite its limitations, if judged strictly as a science mission, Clementine attested that significant scientific information can be gathered during a technology-demonstration mission. In the current era of limited funds, when science missions will be infrequent, the opportunity to fly scientific instruments aboard missions whose objectives might be other than science must be seized and, indeed, encouraged. During such opportunities it would be inexcusable to do second-class science. Thus the scientific community must be actively involved in such projects from their initiation.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2003

Terrain Model Registration for Single Cycle Instrument Placement

This paper presents an efficient and robust method for registration of terrain models created using stereo vision on a planetary rover. Our approach projects two surface models into a virtual depth map, rendering the models as they would be seen from a single range sensor. Correspondence is established based on which points project to the same location in the virtual range sensor. A robust norm of the deviations in observed depth is used as the objective function, and the algorithm searches for the rigid transformation which minimizes the norm. An initial coarse search is done using rover pose information from odometry and orientation sensing. A fine search is done using Levenberg-Marquardt. Our method enables a planetary rover to keep track of designated science targets as it moves, and to hand off targets from one set of stereo cameras to another. These capabilities are essential for the rover to autonomously approach a science target and place an instrument in contact in a single command cycle.

Deans, Matthew↗
NASA NTRS2005

Deconvolution of Energy Spectra in the ATIC Experiment

The Advanced Thin Ionization Calorimeter (ATIC) balloon-borne experiment is designed to perform cosmic- ray elemental spectra measurements from below 100 GeV up to tens TeV for nuclei from hydrogen to iron. The instrument is composed of a silicon matrix detector followed by a carbon target, interleaved with scintillator tracking layers, and a segmented BGO calorimeter composed of 320 individual crystals totalling 18 radiation lengths, used to determine the particle energy. The technique for deconvolution of the energy spectra measured in the thin calorimeter is based on detailed simulations of the response of the ATIC instrument to different cosmic ray nuclei over a wide energy range. The method of deconvolution is described and energy spectrum of carbon obtained by this technique is presented.

Batkov, K. E.↗