SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “SARS”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 559 records · Page 31

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1989

C-band SAR observations of marginal ice zone rheology in the Labrador Sea

Synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) imagery collected during the LIMEX'87 field program in the Labrador Sea is used to qualitatively interpret the deformational modes in play throughout the experiment. The ice cover exhibited two distinct rheologies separated by a clear line of shear: a nonlinear viscous outer regime, and a quasi-brittle inner regime. A single constitutive relation capable of effectively modeling both is unlikely within a plastic rate-independent formulation. Rate-dependent effects are discussed in relation to favoring brittle fraction in an otherwise ductile material.

Drinkwater, Mark R.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Statistical Partial Calibration Of Polarimetric SAR Imagery

Mathematical technique for partial calibration of quadpolarization synthetic-aperture-radar (SAR) image data makes possible to remove partially those contaminating cross-polarization effects (crosstalk) arising in antenna(s) and/or other transmitting and receiving channels. Quadpolarization data processed with help of technique better approximates backscattering properties of target area. If corner reflectors or other known discrete radar targets placed in target area, all of data channels calibrated both relatively to each other and absolutely.

Klein, Jeffrey D.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Estimating SAR Doppler Shifts From Homogeneous Targets

Algorithm that processes some of information in synthetic-aperture-radar (SAR) echoes from homogeneous targets yields optimal estimates of Doppler frequency shifts. Helps in further processing to extract as much information as possible about targets. Used to improve radiometric calibrations, to estimate direction of radar antenna, and to determine speeds of moving targets more accurately. Also helpful in measurements of speeds of ocean currents and of wind shears at airports.

Jin, Michael Y.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Estimating SAR Doppler Shifts From Quasi-Homogeneous Targets

Linear-estimator subalgorithm optimized for local terrain. Algorithm processes some of information in synthetic-aperture-radar echoes from quasi-homogeneous targets, yielding optimal estimates of Doppler frequency shifts. Differs from one described in article, "Estimating SAR Doppler Shifts From Homogeneous Targets", NPO-17869, though offers similar advantages for measurements of wind shears and speeds of ocean currents. Derivation of algorithm involves some of same terminology and simplifying assumptions, however, target area considered quasi-homogeneous in sense it consists of patchwork of subareas, each of which is homogeneous target differing from its neighbors. This assumption more realistic than assumption of homogeneity.

Jin, Michael Y.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Program Processes SAR Data

MacMultiview is interactive software tool for Macintosh II family of computers enabling one to display, and make computations using, polarimetric radar data collected by Jet Propulsion Laboratory's imaging SAR (synthetic-aperture radar) polarimeter system. Provides two basic functions: synthesis of polarimetric images and computation of polarization signatures. System includes single-frequency L-band sensor mounted on NASA CV990 aircraft and its replacement, multifrequency P-, L-, and C-band sensors mounted on NASA DC-8 airplane. Written in C.

Norikane, Lynne↗

NASA NTRS1989

Effects of the ephemeris error on effective pointing for a spaceborne SAR

Both Magellan SAR data acquisition and image processing require the knowledge of both the ephemeris (spacecraft position and velocity) and the radar pointing direction. Error in the knowledge of the radar pointing direction results in a loss of SNR in the image product. An error in the ephemeris data has a similar effect. To facilitate SNR performance analysis, an effective pointing error is defined to characterize the effect of the ephemeris error. A systematic approach to relate the ephemeris error to the effective pointing errors is described. Result of this analysis has led to a formal accuracy requirement levied on the Magellan navigation system.

Jin, Michael Y.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Automated tracking of arctic ice floes in multitemporal SAR imagery

A discussion is presented of two algorithms to perform shape matching on the boundaries of ice floes in SAR (synthetic aperture radar) images in order to produce an ice motion map. The algorithms match a shape descriptor known as the psi-s curve. The first algorithm uses normalized correlation to match the psi-s curves, while the second uses dynamic programming to compute an elastic match that better accommodates deformation of the ice floe boundary.

Mcconnell, R.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Preliminary observations of Labrador Sea marginal ice zone rheology using C-band SAR

SAR imagery collected in the Labrador Sea during Limex '87 are used to interpret modes of sea-ice deformation. The ice canopy exhibited two distinct rheologies separated by a clear line of shear; a quasi-brittle inner regime and a nonlinear viscous outer regime. A single constitutive relation capable of modeling both is unlikely within a plastic rate-independent formulation. Rate dependent effects are discussed as an explanation for brittle fracture in ductile materials.

Drinkwater, Mark R.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Data compression for Eos on-board SAR processor

A lightweight, low-power, real-time data compressor design for the Earth Observing System (Eos) onboard synthetic aperture radar (SAR) processor is presented. The implementation is based on VLSI design of a pipelined binary tree-searched vector quantizer (VQ), utilizing space-qualifiable 1.25-micron CMOS technology. The implementation exploits VLSI system design principles such as the modularity, regular data flow, simple interconnection, localized communication, simple global control, and parallel/pipelined processing. The overall system requires 30 chips with only one VLSI processing element design. The total weight is about 1.2 lbs, with an estimated power dissipation of approximately 4 watts operating at the maximum input data rate. The projected throughput rate exceeds 5 MHz.

Chang, C. Y.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Integrated imaging experiment with C-SAR and other geological image data across the Nelson Front, Northern Manitoba

This paper presents preliminary results from the integration of geophysical and geological data sets using Bayesian statistical analysis with the purpose of mapping the Churchill-Superior Boundary zone. In the Wabowden area the contribution of each rock type to the aeromagnetic anomaly is judged by convolving the aeromagnetic anomaly value with the average magnetic susceptibility. The 'a posteriori' probabilities of significant patterns in the new data are then computed. The highest 'a posteriori' probability occurs along a narrow corridor whose trend coincides remarkably with the location of the Churchill-Superior Boundary Zone. In the Wekusko Lake area, C-SAR and TM data were integrated using an image analysis system. Here the emphasis is on mapping of geological structures.

Rao, G. S. K.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Multiple image SAR shape-from-shading

A technique for combining radar image shape-from-shading with stereo radargrammetry to produce terrain surface models using multiple SAR images is described. This technique is expected to be of use to reconstruct surface shape from Magellan images of planet Venus, and to refine the results of terrestrial radar measurements. Local variation in pixel shading is an indicator of terrain slope changes. This variation in pixel shading offers an opportunity for increasing the detail of terrain mapping over that which is available from stereo radargrammetry alone. Shape-from-shading can potentially provide a relative change in height at each pixel. This leads to a dense set of height measurements and a more faithful rendition of the local terrain shapes. However, shape-from-shading needs some type of boundary values or external terrain low-frequency information to succeed. These can be obtained from stereo or from altimeter measurements.

Thomas, J.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Acousto-Optical/Electronic Processor For SAR

Lightweight, compact, low-power apparatus processes synthetic-aperture-radar (SAR) returns in real time, providing imagery aboard moving aircraft or spacecraft platform. Processor includes optical and electronic subsystems that, together, resolve range and azimuth coordinates of radar targets by combination of spatial and temporal integrations.

Bicknell, T. J.↗

NASA NTRS1992

More About Calibration Of Polarimetric SAR

Azimuthal symmetry is not assumed. Two sets of equations and algorithms for radiometric and polarimetric calibration of complex quadpolarization data gathered by synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) based partly on known scattering characteristics of artificial targets in scene, and partly on assumption that all other targets scatter reciprocally.

Klein, Jeffrey D.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Accounting For Gains And Orientations In Polarimetric SAR

Calibration method accounts for characteristics of real radar equipment invalidating standard 2 X 2 complex-amplitude R (receiving) and T (transmitting) matrices. Overall gain in each combination of transmitting and receiving channels assumed different even when only one transmitter and one receiver used. One characterizes departure of polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system from simple 2 X 2 model in terms of single parameter used to transform measurements into format compatible with simple 2 X 2 model. Data processed by applicable one of several prior methods based on simple model.

Freeman, Anthony↗

NASA NTRS1991

SAR data compression: Application, requirements, and designs

The feasibility of reducing data volume and data rate is evaluated for the Earth Observing System (EOS) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). All elements of data stream from the sensor downlink data stream to electronic delivery of browse data products are explored. The factors influencing design of a data compression system are analyzed, including the signal data characteristics, the image quality requirements, and the throughput requirements. The conclusion is that little or no reduction can be achieved in the raw signal data using traditional data compression techniques (e.g., vector quantization, adaptive discrete cosine transform) due to the induced phase errors in the output image. However, after image formation, a number of techniques are effective for data compression.

Curlander, John C.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Eutelsat 2: SAR-10009 nickel-hydrogen battery

The topics are presented in viewgraph form and include SAR-10009 design features, specific energy, analyses and testing, redundant structural insulation, electronics, corrosion protection, battery cell life cycle tests, and spacecraft launches.

Miller, Lee↗

NASA NTRS1991

The relationship between aboveground biomass and radar backscatter as observed on airborne SAR imagery

The initial results of an experiment to examine the dependence of radar image intensity on total above-ground biomass in a southern US pine forest ecosystem are presented. Two sets of data are discussed. First, we examine two L-band (VV-polarization) data sets which were collected 5 years apart. These data sets clearly illustrate the change in backscatter resulting from the growth of a young pine stand. Second, we examine the dependence between radar backscatter and biomass as a function of radar frequency using data from the JPL Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (AIRSAR) and ERIM/NADC P-3 SAR systems. These results show that there is a positive correlation between above-ground biomass and radar backscatter and at C-, L-, and P-bands, but very little correlation at C-band. The biomass level for which this positive correlation holds decreases as radar frequency increases. This positive correlation is stronger at HH and HV polarizations that VV polarization at L- and P-bands, but strongest at VV polarization for C-band.

Kasischke, Eric S.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Soil moisture measurements from airborne SAR

The preliminary results of algorithm development and testing for soil moisture retrieval at high incidence angles are reported. Based on first-order surface backscattering models, a physically based algorithm for retrieval of soil moisture was developed and evaluated using NASA/JPL aircraft synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. It shows that the copolarization ratio is sensitive to soil moisture change but not to surface roughness at high incidence angles. This algorithm performed well at L-band and should be useful. This study suggests that incidence angles greater than 40 degrees are optimal for such monitoring.

Shi, Jiancheng↗