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At least 91 records · Page 5

Time and space integrating acousto-optic folded spectrum processing for SETI

Time and space integrating folded spectrum techniques utilizing acousto-optic devices (AOD) as 1-D input transducers are investigated for a potential application as wideband, high resolution, large processing gain spectrum analyzers in the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence (SETI) program. The space integrating Fourier transform performed by a lens channels the coarse spectral components diffracted from an AOD onto an array of time integrating narrowband fine resolution spectrum analyzers. The pulsing action of a laser diode samples the interferometrically detected output, aliasing the fine resolution components to baseband, as required for the subsequent charge coupled devices (CCD) processing. The raster scan mechanism incorporated into the readout of the CCD detector array is used to unfold the 2-D transform, reproducing the desired high resolution Fourier transform of the input signal.

Wagner, K.

Advanced Mirror & Modelling Technology Development

The 2020 Decadal technology survey is starting in 2018. Technology on the shelf at that time will help guide selection to future low risk and low cost missions. The Advanced Mirror Technology Development (AMTD) team has identified development priorities based on science goals and engineering requirements for Ultraviolet Optical near‐Infrared (UVOIR) missions in order to contribute to the selection process. One key development identified was lightweight mirror fabrication and testing. A monolithic, stacked, deep core mirror was fused and replicated twice to achieve the desired radius of curvature. It was subsequently successfully polished and tested. A recently awarded second phase to the AMTD project will develop larger mirrors to demonstrate the lateral scaling of the deep core mirror technology. Another key development was rapid modeling for the mirror. One model focused on generating optical and structural model results in minutes instead of months. Many variables could be accounted for regarding the core, face plate and back structure details. A portion of a spacecraft model was also developed. The spacecraft model incorporated direct integration to transform optical path difference to Point Spread Function (PSF) and between PSF to modulation transfer function. The second phase to the project will take the results of the rapid mirror modeler and integrate them into the rapid spacecraft modeler.

Effinger, Michael

Lightweight, Miniature Inertial Measurement System

A miniature, lighter-weight, and highly accurate inertial navigation system (INS) is coupled with GPS receivers to provide stable and highly accurate positioning, attitude, and inertial measurements while being subjected to highly dynamic maneuvers. In contrast to conventional methods that use extensive, groundbased, real-time tracking and control units that are expensive, large, and require excessive amounts of power to operate, this method focuses on the development of an estimator that makes use of a low-cost, miniature accelerometer array fused with traditional measurement systems and GPS. Through the use of a position tracking estimation algorithm, onboard accelerometers are numerically integrated and transformed using attitude information to obtain an estimate of position in the inertial frame. Position and velocity estimates are subject to drift due to accelerometer sensor bias and high vibration over time, and so require the integration with GPS information using a Kalman filter to provide highly accurate and reliable inertial tracking estimations. The method implemented here uses the local gravitational field vector. Upon determining the location of the local gravitational field vector relative to two consecutive sensors, the orientation of the device may then be estimated, and the attitude determined. Improved attitude estimates further enhance the inertial position estimates. The device can be powered either by batteries, or by the power source onboard its target platforms. A DB9 port provides the I/O to external systems, and the device is designed to be mounted in a waterproof case for all-weather conditions.

Tang, Liang

A method of determining spectral analytical dye densities

A straightforward method for the user of color imagery to determine the spectral analytical density of dyes present in the processed imagery is presented. The method involves exposing a large number of different color patches on the film which span the gamut of the film's imaging capabilities. From integral spectral density measurements at 16 to 19 different wavelengths, the unit spectral dye curves for each of the three dyes present were determined in two different types of color films. A discussion of the use of these spectral dye densities to determine the transformation between integral density measurements and analytical density is presented.

Scarpace, F. L.

Fast Image Texture Classification Using Decision Trees

Texture analysis would permit improved autonomous, onboard science data interpretation for adaptive navigation, sampling, and downlink decisions. These analyses would assist with terrain analysis and instrument placement in both macroscopic and microscopic image data products. Unfortunately, most state-of-the-art texture analysis demands computationally expensive convolutions of filters involving many floating-point operations. This makes them infeasible for radiation- hardened computers and spaceflight hardware. A new method approximates traditional texture classification of each image pixel with a fast decision-tree classifier. The classifier uses image features derived from simple filtering operations involving integer arithmetic. The texture analysis method is therefore amenable to implementation on FPGA (field-programmable gate array) hardware. Image features based on the "integral image" transform produce descriptive and efficient texture descriptors. Training the decision tree on a set of training data yields a classification scheme that produces reasonable approximations of optimal "texton" analysis at a fraction of the computational cost. A decision-tree learning algorithm employing the traditional k-means criterion of inter-cluster variance is used to learn tree structure from training data. The result is an efficient and accurate summary of surface morphology in images. This work is an evolutionary advance that unites several previous algorithms (k-means clustering, integral images, decision trees) and applies them to a new problem domain (morphology analysis for autonomous science during remote exploration). Advantages include order-of-magnitude improvements in runtime, feasibility for FPGA hardware, and significant improvements in texture classification accuracy.

Thompson, David R.

Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) Capability Maturity Levels for Ecosystems Enabling Digital Transformation

Digital engineering (DE) and integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) are widely recognized as critical enablers of faster, more affordable, and more reliable aerospace systems. However, many organizations have struggled to realize the promised return on investment (ROI) from digital initiatives. A primary reason is the absence of a shared, decision-focused framework that distinguishes simple digitization of existing workflows from true digital transformation that fundamentally changes how engineering decisions are made. This paper introduces an ICME capability maturity framework that fills this gap. The framework defines six cumulative ICME capability maturity levels (CMLs), explicitly tied to decision authority, engineering integration, optimization, and uncertainty management across material, process, structure, and performance scales. It is designed to complement established readiness metrics such as technology readiness levels (TRLs), manufacturing readiness levels (MRLs), and integration readiness levels (IRLs), by addressing a missing dimension: the conditions required for model-informed decision authority across scales. A unifying figure and capability table illustrate the six-level ICME Capability Maturity Framework, showing how organizations progress from digitization—with limited or negative ROI—to true digital transformation, where ICME-enabled workflows deliver measurable improvements in decision quality, cycle time, risk reduction, and reuse. The framework is intended for both technical practitioners and executive leadership, providing a common language to assess current state, guide roadmaps, align software ecosystem investments, and set realistic expectations for digital transformation outcomes. A regulatory-relevant statement clarifying the relationship between ICME capability and existing certification frameworks is provided.

ICME

Extension of Case's method to the two-region critical cylinder and its application as an analytic standard

The normal mode expansion technique is applied to the transformed monoenergetic integral transport equation to develop a solution for the rotationally invariant and axially infinite, critical, two-region cylinder with a finite outer reflector boundary. Isotropic scattering and identical neutron mean free paths in the core and reflector regions are assumed. The solution in terms of singular integral equations is obtained by applying a completeness theorem found for the singular eigenfunctions. Numerical results for a variety of core and reflector multiplying properties and reflector thickness are presented and compared with the results of other method. An example of this type of application is given in a study of approximations inherent in the neutronic design analysis of a small, fast-neutron-spectrum reactor concept proposed as a space power source.

Westfall, R. M.

Improved methods for calculating the thickness noise

Advanced methods to compute the rotor thickness noise which is predominant in the case of high speed rotor were developed. These methods were deduced from a previous method by transforming the integral coordinate, commuting the order of integration and differential, and/or performing chordwise integration analytically with some adequate assumption. The necessary computational times and waveforms obtained by the previous and three advanced methods were compared. It was then concluded that the advanced methods could save the computational time compared with the previous method with the same accuracy.

Nakamura, Y.

Modeling of pressure spectra in a turbulent shear flow

The development of the pressure spectrum has been followed from its separation into turbulent-turbulent and turbulent-mean square contributions to a unified spectral model. The model is obtained by Fourier transforming the integral solution to Poisson's equation for an isotropic, homogeneous, constant mean shear flow. The variations in the asymptotic form for the mean-shear spectrum is discussed. It is noted that the spectra are associated with the particular velocity field selected, and that by an appropriate choice of spectral forms, the mean-square pressure of the flow may be calculated.

Beuther, P.

On-Orbit System Identification

Information derived from accelerometer readings benefits important engineering and control functions. Report discusses methodology for detection, identification, and analysis of motions within space station. Techniques of vibration and rotation analyses, control theory, statistics, filter theory, and transform methods integrated to form system for generating models and model parameters that characterize total motion of complicated space station, with respect to both control-induced and random mechanical disturbances.

Mettler, E.

Numerical simulation of rarefied gas flow through a slit

Two different approaches, the finite-difference method coupled with the discrete-ordinate method (FDDO), and the direct-simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method, are used in the analysis of the flow of a rarefied gas from one reservoir to another through a two-dimensional slit. The cases considered are for hard vacuum downstream pressure, finite pressure ratios, and isobaric pressure with thermal diffusion, which are not well established in spite of the simplicity of the flow field. In the FDDO analysis, by employing the discrete-ordinate method, the Boltzmann equation simplified by a model collision integral is transformed to a set of partial differential equations which are continuous in physical space but are point functions in molecular velocity space. The set of partial differential equations are solved by means of a finite-difference approximation. In the DSMC analysis, three kinds of collision sampling techniques, the time counter (TC) method, the null collision (NC) method, and the no time counter (NTC) method, are used.

Keith, Theo G., Jr.

FDDO and DSMC analyses of rarefied gas flow through 2D nozzles

Two different approaches, the finite-difference method coupled with the discrete-ordinate method (FDDO), and the direct-simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method, are used in the analysis of the flow of a rarefied gas expanding through a two-dimensional nozzle and into a surrounding low-density environment. In the FDDO analysis, by employing the discrete-ordinate method, the Boltzmann equation simplified by a model collision integral is transformed to a set of partial differential equations which are continuous in physical space but are point functions in molecular velocity space. The set of partial differential equations are solved by means of a finite-difference approximation. In the DSMC analysis, the variable hard sphere model is used as a molecular model and the no time counter method is employed as a collision sampling technique. The results of both the FDDO and the DSMC methods show good agreement. The FDDO method requires less computational effort than the DSMC method by factors of 10 to 40 in CPU time, depending on the degree of rarefaction.

Chung, Chan-Hong

Similar solutions for the compressible laminar boundary layer with heat transfer and pressure gradient

Stewartson's transformation is applied to the laminar compressible boundary-layer equations and the requirement of similarity is introduced, resulting in a set of ordinary nonlinear differential equations previously quoted by Stewartson, but unsolved. The requirements of the system are Prandtl number of 1.0, linear viscosity-temperature relation across the boundary layer, an isothermal surface, and the particular distributions of free-stream velocity consistent with similar solutions. This system admits axial pressure gradients of arbitrary magnitude, heat flux normal to the surface, and arbitrary Mach numbers. The system of differential equations is transformed to integral system, with the velocity ratio as the independent variable. For this system, solutions are found by digital computation for pressure gradients varying from that causing separation to the infinitely favorable gradient and for wall temperatures from absolute zero to twice the free-stream stagnation temperature. Some solutions for separated flows are also presented.

Cohen, Clarence B

Scattering From A Thick Dichroic Microwave Reflector

Thick Frequency Selective Surface with Rectangular Apertures, TFSSRA, computer program developed to calculate scattering parameters of thick frequency-selective surface with rectangular apertures on skew grid at oblique angle of incidence. Integral equation transformed into matrix equation, which is then solved. Written in FORTRAN 77 with single precision.

Chen, Jacqueline C.

Profiles of emission lines in Be stars.

Study of the broadening functions resulting from a gaseous ring in circular motion around a star according to Kepler's law. When the distribution in the gaseous ring has a circular symmetry in the equatorial plane, the broadening profile is related to the surface density distribution along the radius by an integral equation which can be transformed into the Abel integral equation and solved analytically. Profiles corresponding to gaseous rings with a uniform density distribution but different widths are used to illustrate the general properties of the profile broadened by the gaseous ring in circular motion. The emission profile has also been studied for cases in which the circular motion does not follow Kepler's law.

Huang, S. S.