Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “interferometry observations”

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 541 records · Page 30
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1974

Investigation of acoustic radiation from supersonic turbulent jets by double-pulse holographic interferometry

A new experimental method was used to optically investigate the acoustic field radiated from supersonic jets. The method utilizes a pulse ruby laser to obtain double exposure holograms of the sound field of a supersonic jet. The jet remains on during both exposures thus eliminating the no-flow exposure. The time separation between the pulses can be varied depending on the spectral component of the radiation to be observed. Optical records were obtained for supersonic jets with exit Mach number 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0. It was found that high frequency acoustic radiation mainly originates from the regions near the nozzle exit, whereas the low frequency noise is generated from regions further downstream. These findings are consistent with the acoustic data obtained by other investigators.

Ozkul, A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Recent decametric and hectometric observations of Jupiter

Observational results on Jupiter's high-frequency radiation, for the range 1-35 MHz (10 to 100 m), obtained over the past six years with the aid of orbited telescopes, are surveyed. Spectral distributions, periodic effects, burst waveforms and dynamic spectra of storms, polarization effects, high-resolution interferometry, and possible correlations with solar activity are discussed. Related spacecraft experiments are described. Close attention is given to long-term accumulation of occurrence probability data as functions of time and frequency (synoptic monitoring) on Jovian HF emission, and to dominating effects of the Jovian satellite Io, as well as modulation of periodicities by the 11.9-year orbital motion period of Jupiter. Possible effects of the other four Jovian satellites immersed in the Jovian magnetosphere are also taken into consideration. Absence of a Jovian Faraday effect and polarization of fine burst structure are discussed.

Carr, T. D.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Potential of long-baseline infrared interferometry for narrow-angle astrometry

Narrow-angle astrometry has many astrophysical applications, from the measurement of parallaxes to the search for planets around nearby stars. Ground-based long-focus telescopes with photoelectric detectors have achieved accuracies of about 2-3 milliarcsec in 1 h. This accuracy is limited primarily by the atmosphere, and is consistent with models of atmospheric turbulence. However, applying these turbulence models to observations with long-baseline interferometers yields astrometric errors that are far smaller than can be achieved with long-focus telescopes. The predictions for the ultimate accuracy of ground-based narrow-angle astrometry using long-baseline IR (2.2 micron) stellar interferometers are very promising. With the excellent seeing at a high altitude site like Mauna Kea, the atmospheric limit for a 1 h astrometric measurement is expected to be of the order of 10 microarcsec for 1 h of integration. This two-order-of-magnitude improvement over conventional measurements is due to two effects. One is that a long-baseline IR interferometer can find useful reference stars very near an arbitrary target star, so that the atmospherically-induced motions of both stars are highly correlated. The second is that the baseline length can be much larger than the separation of the stellar beams in the turbulent atmosphere, resulting in a reduction in astrometric error with increasing baseline length.

Shao, M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Tectonic deformation in southern California

Our objectives were to use modem geodetic data, especially those derived from space techniques like Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR), and the Global Positioning System (GPS) to infer crustal deformation in southern California and relate it to plate tectonics and earthquake hazard. To do this, we needed to collect some original data, write computer programs to determine positions of survey markers from geodetic observables, interpret time dependent positions in terms of velocity and earthquake caused episodic displacements, and construct a model to explain these velocities and displacements in terms of fault slip and plate movements.

Jackson, David D.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Kite: Status of the External Metrology Testbed for SIM

Kite is a system level testbed for the External Metrology system of the Space Interferometry Mission (SIM). The External Metrology System is used to track the fiducial that are located at the centers of the interferometer's siderostats. The relative changes in their positions needs to be tracked to tens of picometers in order to correct for thermal measurements, the Kite testbed was build to test both the metrology gauges and out ability to optically model the system at these levels. The Kite testbed is an over-constraint system where 6 lengths are measured, but only 5 are needed to determine the system. The agreement in the over-constrained length needs to be on the order of 140 pm for the SIM Wide-Angle observing scenario and 8 pm for the Narrow-Angle observing scenario. We demonstrate that we have met the Wide-Angle goal with our current setup. For the Narrow-Angle case, we have only reached the goal for on-axis observations. We describe the testbed improvements that have been made since our initial results, and outline the future Kite changes that will add further effects that SIM faces in order to make the testbed more SIM like.

metrology↗
NASA NTRS1978

Estimability and simple dynamical analyses of range (range-rate range-difference) observations to artificial satellites

Non-Bayesian statistics were used in simulation studies centered around laser range observations to LAGEOS. The capabilities of satellite laser ranging especially in connection with relative station positioning are evaluated. The satellite measurement system under investigation may fall short in precise determinations of the earth's orientation (precession and nutation) and earth's rotation as opposed to systems as very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) and lunar laser ranging (LLR). Relative station positioning, determination of (differential) polar motion, positioning of stations with respect to the earth's center of mass and determination of the earth's gravity field should be easily realized by satellite laser ranging (SLR). The last two features should be considered as best (or solely) determinable by SLR in contrast to VLBI and LLR.

Vangelder, B. H. W.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Radar interferometric studies of comets

Our objectives are to use radio interferometry to study composition, velocity distribution, maser excitation, and plasma interactions of cometary gas. Two new cometary chemistry programs were started with radio interferometers: (1) the VLA used to search for HC3N emission from Comet Brorsen-Metcalf at 3.3 cm wavelength; and (2) the BIMA millimeter array used to observe Comet Austin in HCN.

Snyder, Lewis E.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Constraints on interseismic deformation at Japan trench from VLBI data

Space geodetic data from very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) was used to estimate velocity relative to the plate interiors of two sites on the deforming leading edge at the Japan trench. Elastic models of interseismic deformation and results obtained were used to put constraints on the slip rate along the main thrust of the Japan subduction zone. Observed velocities reflect the sum of permanent west-northwest shortening in Honshu, elastic deformation due to locking of the main thrust fault at the Japan trench, and deformation associated with the subducting Phillipine plate. These velocities limit the locked segment of the main thrust at the Japan trench to 27 km vertically and 100 km along the dip. This indicates that the main Pacific plate thrust fault is not strongly coupled and probably does not generate strong earthquakes.

Argus, Donald F.↗
NASA NTRS2013

On Using Intensity Interferometry for Feature Identification and Imaging of Remote Objects

We derive an approximation to the intensity covariance function of two scanning pinhole detectors, facing a distant source (e.g., a star) being occluded partially by an absorptive object (e.g., a planet). We focus on using this technique to identify or image an object that is in the line-of-sight between a well-characterized source and the detectors. We derive the observed perturbation to the intensity covariance map due to the object, showing that under some reasonable approximations it is proportional to the real part of the Fourier transform of the source's photon-flux density times the Fourier transform of the object's intensity absorption. We highlight the key parameters impacting its visibility and discuss the requirements for estimating object-related parameters, e.g., its size, velocity or shape. We consider an application of this result to determining the orbit inclination of an exoplanet orbiting a distant star. Finally, motivated by the intrinsically weak nature of the signature, we study its signal-to-noise ratio and determine the impact of system parameters.

quantum optics↗
NASA NTRS1989

An experimental study of the initiation and progression of damage in compressively loaded composite laminates in the presence of a circular cutout

Experiments have been carried out on T300/BP907 and IM7/8551-7 graphite/epoxy laminates in an attempt to understand the mechanisms for the initiation and spread of damage in compressively loaded composite laminates containing a circular jutout. Based on the results of holographic interferometry, in-situ photomicrography, and strain measurements, it is found that the failure is initiated by fiber microbuckling in the 0-deg plies. This failure gradually develops as the hole surface in the form of a fiber jutout failure. Subsequent to the 0-deg ply failure, extensive delamination cracking is observed with increasing load, eventually leading to the catastrophic failure of the plate.

Waas, A. M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Compressibility effects on dynamic stall of airfoils undergoing rapid transient pitching motion

The research was carried out in the Compressible Dynamic Stall Facility, CDSF, at the Fluid Mechanics Laboratory (FML) of NASA Ames Research Center. The facility can produce realistic nondimensional pitch rates experienced by fighter aircraft, which on model scale could be as high as 3600/sec. Nonintrusive optical techniques were used for the measurements. The highlight of the effort was the development of a new real time interferometry method known as Point Diffraction Interferometry - PDI, for use in unsteady separated flows. This can yield instantaneous flow density information (and hence pressure distributions in isentropic flows) over the airfoil. A key finding is that the dynamic stall vortex forms just as the airfoil leading edge separation bubble opens-up. A major result is the observation and quantification of multiple shocks over the airfoil near the leading edge. A quantitative analysis of the PDI images shows that pitching airfoils produce larger suction peaks than steady airfoils at the same Mach number prior to stall. The peak suction level reached just before stall develops is the same at all unsteady rates and decreases with increase in Mach number. The suction is lost once the dynamic stall vortex or vortical structure begins to convect. Based on the knowledge gained from this preliminary analysis of the data, efforts to control dynamic stall were initiated. The focus of this work was to arrive at a dynamically changing leading edge shape that produces only 'acceptable' airfoil pressure distributions over a large angle of attack range.

Chandrasekhara, M. S.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Atmospheric Limitations to Repeat-Track Radar Interferometry

In its recent radar imaging mission, the Shuttle Imaging Radar satellite (SIR-C) devoted three days to repeat-track interferometry. We have analyzed the data from a test site in the Mojave desert of California. Although good topography ( +/- 10 m on 21 m postings) was obtained, most of the error was caused by turbulent water vapor in the lower atmosphere. Spatial structure of 6 km and all smaller sizes was observed. The RMS, one-way time delay was found to be 0.24 cm. Essentially identical results were obtained at two wavelengths, 24 and 5.7 cm.

Goldstein, Richard↗
NASA NTRS2003

Single and double bracewell nulling interferometer in space

As part of a NASA NRA study we have examined the design and use of a small Bracewell nulling interferometer in space for observations of Jovian and terrestrial planets in the 4-12 mu m spectral region.

Terrestrial Planet Finder exo-solar planets nullin↗
NASA NTRS1995

Detection, Measurement, Visualization, and Analysis of Seismic Crustal Deformation

Remote sensing plays a key role in the analysis of seismic crustal deformation. Recently radar interferometry has been used to measure one dimension of the strain fields of earthquakes at a resolution of centimeters. Optical imagery is useful in measuring the strain fields in both geographic dimensions of the strain field down to 1/20 of pixel size, and soon will be capable of high resolution. Visual observation of fault motion from space can also be used to detect fault motion from aerial photographs.

Remote sensing↗
NASA NTRS1998

A Multiplicity Survey of Chromospherically Active and Inactive Stars

Surveys of the three samples of solar-type stars, segregated by chromospheric emission level, were made to determine their multiplicity fractions and to investigate the evolution of multiplicity with age. In total, 245 stars were searched for companions with DeltaV <= 3.0 and separations of 0.035" to 1.08" using optical speckle interferometry, By incorporating the visual micrometer survey for duplicity of the LamontHussey Observatory, the angular coverage was extended to 5.0" with no change in in the DeltaV limit. This magnitude difference allows mass ratios of 0.63 and larger to be detected throughout a search region of 2-127 AU for the stars observed. The 84 primaries observed in the chromospherically active sample are presumably part of a young population and are found to have a multiplicity fraction of 17.9% +/- 4.6%. The sample of 118 inactive, presumably older, primaries were selected and observed using identical methods and are found to have a multiplicity fraction of only 8.5% +/- 2.7%. Given the known link between chromospheric activity and age, these results tentatively imply a decreasing stellar multiplicity fraction from 1 to 4 Gyr, the approximate ages of the two samples. Finally, only two of the 14 very active primaries observed were found to have a companion meeting the survey detection parameters. In this case, many of the systems are either very young, or close, RS CVn type multiples that are unresolvable using techniques employed here.

Mason, Brian D.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Control of the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna

The detection of gravity waves will open a new window of observation on the universe. Unlike typical observatories, which detect electromagnetic waves traveling through space-time, the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) will detect ripples in space-time itself. Science targets include galactic binaries, merging supermassive black holes, intermediate-mass/seed black holes, and cosmological backgrounds. Gravity waves are detected by measuring the strain in space, i.e. the change in distance between a set of masses (test masses or proof masses) separated by a great distance. Ground based detection of gravity waves by Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) and other observatories are possible with laser interferometry; hut the relatively short arm length (4 km) and seismic noise limit the measurement band to above 10 Hz on Earth. LISA also uses laser interferometric measurement of the change in distance between test masses, but does it in space. Each LISA spacecraft embodies two test masses. Space allows very long arm lengths (5 million km for LISA) and a very quiet acceleration environment (3.5x10(exp -15) meters per second squared/Hertz (sup 0.5) for LISA), which allows for the detection of gravity wave strains to a best sensitivity of 3x10(exp -24) strain/Hertz (sup 0.5) over the measurement band of 10(exp -4) to 10(exp -1) Hertz for a one-year observation. The LISA mission consists of three spacecraft in heliocentric orbit. The orbits are chosen so that the three spacecraft form a roughly equilateral triangle with its center located at a radius of 1 AU and 20 degrees behind the Earth, as shown. Requirements are placed on the rotational and translational dynamics of each spacecraft to ensure that the proper sensitivity for science measurements can be achieved.

Maghami, Peiman↗
NASA NTRS1973

The application of VLB interferometry to earth measurements

Results of a four-phase development of capability in very long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) are summarized. The objectives of the VLBI program at SAO are to: (1) develop the capability to collect, process, and analyze VLBI data; (2) determine experimentally the accuracy now attainable with VLBI and, within the constraints imposed by this accuracy, initiate a program of VLBI observations for geophysical applications; (3) identify all significant error sources and devise means for eliminating or correcting these errors; and (4) develop a long range plan for applying VLBI techniques to a program of earth physics measurements.

Michelini, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Iosipescu shear characterization of polymeric and metal matrix composites

The paper outlines the results of an experimental/analytical investigation of deformation and stress fields in the test section of graphite/epoxy and boron/aluminum Iosipescu specimens using high-resolution moire interferometry and finite-element analysis. Very good correlation between experiment and analysis is demonstrated for the graphite/epoxy specimens. This, in turn, justifies the use of correction factors employed in the previous investigations to eliminate differences in the initial shear moduli obtained from 0-deg and 90-deg Iosipescu specimens. The significant discrepancies observed in the case of boron/aluminum specimens are attributed to localized yielding at the notch tips caused by the clamping action, the associated in-plane bending effects and changing boundary conditions due to slippage in the grips.

Pindera, M.-J.↗