Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “frequency selection”

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 91 records · Page 5

Behavioral analysis of signals that guide learned changes in the amplitude and dynamics of the vestibulo-ocular reflex

We characterized the dependence of motor learning in the monkey vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) on the duration, frequency, and relative timing of the visual and vestibular stimuli used to induce learning. The amplitude of the VOR was decreased or increased through training with paired head and visual stimulus motion in the same or opposite directions, respectively. For training stimuli that consisted of simultaneous pulses of head and target velocity 80-1000 msec in duration, brief stimuli caused small changes in the amplitude of the VOR, whereas long stimuli caused larger changes in amplitude as well as changes in the dynamics of the reflex. When the relative timing of the visual and vestibular stimuli was varied, brief image motion paired with the beginning of a longer vestibular stimulus caused changes in the amplitude of the reflex alone, but the same image motion paired with a later time in the vestibular stimulus caused changes in the dynamics as well as the amplitude of the VOR. For training stimuli that consisted of sinusoidal head and visual stimulus motion, low-frequency training stimuli induced frequency-selective changes in the VOR, as reported previously, whereas high-frequency training stimuli induced changes in the amplitude of the VOR that were more similar across test frequency. The results suggest that there are at least two distinguishable components of motor learning in the VOR. One component is induced by short-duration or high-frequency stimuli and involves changes in only the amplitude of the reflex. A second component is induced by long-duration or low-frequency stimuli and involves changes in the amplitude and dynamics of the VOR.

NASA Discipline Neuroscience↗

Survey of man-made electrical noise affecting radio broadcasting

Survey, consisting of limited noise measurements, was made to augment and verify existing data at HF and VHF and to obtain basic data at UHF. Exact frequencies were determined by the absence of intentionally generated signals around three selected frequencies.

Bisignani, W. T.↗

Improved Dichroics For Microwave Reflector Antenna Systems

Panel contains array of grid and square conductive loops as array elements designed to reflect most of incident electromagnetic radiation in K(subu) band (13.5 to 15.5 GHz) and to pass that in X band (7 to 9 GHz). Designed to exhibit this dichroic property at angles of incidence up to 40 degrees in transverse electric, transverse magnetic, or circular polarization. Concept of gridded-square-loop dichroic array related to double-loop dichroic arrays described in "Frequency-Selective Microwave Reflectors" (NPO-18701). Improved version exhibits smaller shift of resonant frequency with angle of incidence.

Wu, Te-Kao↗

Antennas and Propagation; Proceedings of the International Conference, 8th, Heriot-Watt Univeristy, Edinburgh, UK, Mar. 30 - Apr. 2, 1993. Vols. 1 & 2

Conference papers from sessions on the following topics are presented: satellite antennas; modal analysis of transmission line structures; fading and scintillation; microcellular; numerical analysis; Olympus; indoor mobile; mechanical aspects of satellite antennas; flat plate and printed antennas; fade counter measures; electromagnetic theory; feeds for satellites; antennas for personal communications; frequency selected surfaces; remote sensing; active patch antennas; antenna measurements; clear air/trans horizon; high frequency system and noise; rain attenuation and rain scatter; and high frequency direction finding.

Source record↗

Simulation of interference between Earth stations and Earth-orbiting satellites

It is often desirable to determine the potential for radio frequency interference between earth stations and orbiting spacecraft. This information can be used to select frequencies for radio systems to avoid interference or it can be used to determine if coordination between radio systems is necessary. A model is developed that will determine the statistics of interference between earth stations and elliptical orbiting spacecraft. The model uses orbital dynamics, detailed antenna patterns, and spectral characteristics to obtain accurate levels of interference at the victim receiver. The model is programmed into a computer simulation to obtain long-term statistics of interference. Two specific examples are shown to demonstrate the model. The first example is a simulation of interference from a fixed-satellite earth station to an orbiting scatterometer receiver. The second example is a simulation of interference from earth-exploration satellites to a deep-space earth station.

Bishop, D. F.↗

Carbon Nanotubes as Resonators for RF Spectrum Analyzers

Electromechanical resonators of a proposed type would comprise single carbon nanotubes suspended between electrodes (see Figure 1). Depending on the nanotube length, diameter, and tension, these devices will resonate at frequencies in a range from megahertz through gigahertz. Like the carbon-nanotube resonators described in the preceding article, these devices will exhibit high quality factors (Q values), will be compatible with integration with electronic circuits, and, unlike similar devices made from silicone and silicone carbide, will have tunable resonant frequencies as high as several GHz. An efficient electromechanical transduction method for the carbon nanotube resonators is provided by the previously observed variation of carbon nanotube length with charge injection. It was found that injection of electrons or holes, respectively, lengthens or shortens carbon nanotubes, by amounts of the order of a percent at bias levels of a few volts. The charge-dependent length change also enables a simple and direct means of tuning the resonant frequency by varying the DC bias and hence the tension along the tube, much like tuning a guitar string. In its basic form, the invention is a tunable high-Q resonator based on a suspended carbon nanotube bridge with attached electrodes (see Figure 1). An applied DC bias controls the tension and thus the frequency of resonance. If one were to superimpose a radio-frequency (RF) bias on the DC bias, then the resulting rapid variation in tension or length would set the tube into vibration. If, on the other hand, the carbon nanotube were to be set into vibration by interaction between an incident RF electric field and electric charges in the nanotube, then the vibration would give rise to an RF signal output that is proportional to the RF amplitude at the resonance frequency. Because the transduction mechanism is extremely sensitive and the active volume is only a few nanometers in diameter, this device is not well suited for use as a microwave power device. Instead, this carbon nanotube mechanical resonator would be useful primarily as part of a highly precise, sensitive, frequency-selective detector. An array of such devices featuring nanotubes of different lengths (and thus different frequencies) could be made to operate as a highspeed spectrum analyzer (see Figure 2)

Hunt, Brian↗

A Review of Variable-impedance Acoustic Liner Concepts Developed at NASA

This paper presents results attained in the NASA Langley Research Center test rigs using acoustic liners for which the impedance varies over the liner surface. These liners are typically designed for significant sound absorption over a wide frequency range, but it is also possible to design them to achieve increased absorption at selected frequencies. A brief review is provided regarding a number of variable-impedance concepts. The first is a modified version of a conventional two-layer liner, in which the embedded septum location and flow resistance are different for adjacent core chambers. Two concepts employ core chambers with different lengths, one with bent chambers to allow packaging within a limited volume, and the other with shared inlet ports to reduce the surface porosity. The last employs a perforated facesheet in which the hole diameter and porosity are varied over the surface of the liner. Data acquired in the NASA normal incidence and grazing flow impedance tubes are used to demonstrate the capabilities of these concepts. Impedance prediction models are also presented for comparison with these measured data.

Michael G. Jones↗

Satellite-based interference analyzer

System identifies terrestrial sources of radiofrequency interference and measures their frequency spectra and amplitudes. Designed to protect satellite communication networks, system measures entire noise spectrum over selected frequency band and can raster-scan geographical region to locate noise sources. Once interference is analyzed, realistic interference protection ratios are determined and mathematical models for predicting ratio-frequency noise spectra are established. This enhances signal-detection and locates optimum geographical positions and frequency bands for communication equipment.

Varice, H.↗

Statistical Analysis of Interference Between Earth Stations and Earth-Orbiting Satellites

Determination of the potential for radio frequency interference between Earth stations and orbiting spacecraft is often desirable. This information can be used to select frequencies for radio systems to avoid interference or it can be used to determine if coordination between radio systems is necessary. Also, it is useful for planning emission standards and filtering requirements for future telecommunications equipment. A model is developed that will determine the statistics of interference between Earth stations and elliptical orbiting spacecraft. The model uses orbital dynamics, detailed antenna patterns, and spectral characteristics to obtain accurate levels of interference at the victim receiver. The model is programmed into a computer simulation to obtain long term statistics of interference.

satellite communications interference geometry↗

Low-frequency radio navigation system

A method of continuous wave navigation using four transmitters operating at sufficiently low frequencies to assure essentially pure groundwave operation is described. The transmitters are keyed to transmit constant bursts (1/4 sec) in a time-multiplexed pattern with phase modulation of at least one transmitter for identification of the transmitters and with the ability to identify the absolute phase of the modulated transmitter and the ability to modulate low rate data for transmission. The transmitters are optimally positioned to provide groundwave coverage over a service region of about 50 by 50 km for the frequencies selected in the range of 200 to 500 kHz, but their locations are not critical because of the beneficial effect of overdetermination of position of a receiver made possible by the fourth transmitter. Four frequencies are used, at least two of which are selected to provide optimal resolution. All transmitters are synchronized to an average phase as received by a monitor receiver.

Wallis, D. E.↗

Investigating the Feedback Path in a Jet-Surface Resonant Interaction

A resonant interaction between an 8:1 aspect ratio rectangular jet and flat-plates, placed parallel to the jet, is studied experimentally. For certain locations of the plate relative to the jet, the resonance takes place with a loud accompanying tone. The sound pressure level spectra are often marked by multiple peaks. The frequencies of the spectral peaks are studied as a function of the streamwise length of the plate, its relative location to the jet as well as the jet Mach number. It is demonstrated that the tones are not due to a simple feedback between the plate's trailing edge and the nozzle's exit; the leading edge of the plate also comes into play in the frequency selection. With parametric variation, it is found that there is an order in the most energetic spectral peaks; their frequencies cluster in distinct bands. The 'fundamental', i.e., the lowest frequency band is explained by an acoustic feedback involving diffraction at the plate's leading edge.

Resonance↗

Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering for high-pressure gas temperature measurements

An experiment was set up to evaluate the feasibility of using Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering as a diagnostic technique for measuring gas temperature in high pressure environments, such as the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Preburner. A high pressure furnace is used as the scattering chamber. Either nitrogen or hydrogen may be used. An argon ion laser beam is focused into the furnace. Light backscattering from the gas in the furnace is collected and analyzed with a 5-pass scanning Fabry-Perot interferometer and photon counting electronics. The multi-pass configuration provides the high frequency selectively needed to measure the Brillouin peaks in the presence of large amounts of spuriously scattered light at the laser frequency. Preliminary measurements were made at room temperature in nitrogen at pressures up to 2000 psia. The free spectral range of the interferometer and frequency separation of the Brillouin peaks are determined from measured spectra. Temperature measurements are then obtained using the simple continuum theory with low frequency values of specific heat ratio and shear viscosity. The measured temperatures are within 10 percent of the true value.

Seasholtz, Richard G.↗

Multiple Input Design for Real-Time Parameter Estimation in the Frequency Domain

A method for designing multiple inputs for real-time dynamic system identification in the frequency domain was developed and demonstrated. The designed inputs are mutually orthogonal in both the time and frequency domains, with reduced peak factors to provide good information content for relatively small amplitude excursions. The inputs are designed for selected frequency ranges, and therefore do not require a priori models. The experiment design approach was applied to identify linear dynamic models for the F-15 ACTIVE aircraft, which has multiple control effectors.

Morelli, Eugene↗

A simple low loss technique for frequency locking lasers

We report the results of a novel method for frequency stabilizing laser diodes based on the resonant Faraday effects. A Faraday cell with crossed Brewster windows comprises the intracavity frequency selective element. In this arrangement a laser pull-in range of 4A was measured and the laser operated at a single frequency with a linewidth less than 6 Mhz.

Valdez, E. C.↗

Diode-laser frequency stabilization based on the resonant Faraday effect

The authors present the results of a method for frequency stabilizing laser diodes based on the resonant Faraday effects. A Faraday cell in conjunction with a polarizer crossed with respect to the polarization of the laser diode comprises the intracavity frequency selective element. In this arrangement, a laser pull-in range of 9 A was measured, and the laser operated at a single frequency with a linewidth less than 6 MHz.

Wanninger, P.↗

Overview of techniques for mitigation of fading and shadowing in the direct broadcast satellite radio environment

The DBS radio propagation environment is divided into three sub-environments, indoor, rural-suburban mobile and urban mobile. Indoor propagation effects are in a large part determined by construction material. Non-metallic materials afford direct, albeit attenuated penetration of the satellite signal with a minimum of multipath signal scattering. Signal penetration into structures using significant metallic materials is often indirect, through openings such as doors and windows and propagation will involve significant multipath components. Even so, delay spread in many situations is on the order of 10's of nanoseconds resulting in relatively flat fading. Thus frequency diversity techniques such as Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex (OFDM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) or equalization techniques do not realize their intended performance enhancement. Antenna diversity, directivity and placement are key mitigation techniques for the indoor environment. In the Rural-Suburban mobile environment with elevation angles greater than 20 deg, multipath components from the satellite signal are 15-20 dB below the line-of-sight signal level and often originate from nearby reflectors. Thus shadowing is the dominant signal impairment and fading effects are again found to be relatively flat for a large fading margin. Because receiver motion induces rapid variations in the signal level, temporal diversity techniques such as interleaving, channel coding and retransmission can be used to combat short intermittent fading events. Antenna diversity and directivity techniques are again useful in this environment. Finally, in the Urban mobile environment, slower vehicle speeds and blockage by buildings causes signal fades that are too long and too deep to combat with signal margin or time diversity. Land-based signal boosters are needed to fill in the coverage gaps of the satellite only broadcast scheme. On frequency boosters are suggested to conserve bandwidth yet these produce long delay multipath and create a frequency selective fading environment. Enter now OFDM, spread spectrum, equalization and other techniques that are capable of deconvolving the channel effects and effecting significant performance improvements by extracting the frequency diversity or time diversity components comprising the received signal.

Bell, David↗