Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “pulsing frequency”

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

Delta wing vortex manipulation using pulsed and steady blowing during ramp pitching

The effectiveness of steady and pulsed blowing as a method of controlling delta wing vortices during ramp pitching has been investigated in flow visualization experiments conducted in a water tunnel. The recessed angled spanwise blowing technique was utilized for vortex manipulation. This technique was implemented on a beveled 60 delta wing using a pair of blowing ports located beneath the vortex core at 40% chord. The flow was injected primarily in the spanwise direction but was also composed of a component normal to the wing surface. The location of vortex burst was measured as a function of blowing intensity and pulsing frequency under static conditions, and the optimum blowing case was applied at three different wing pitching rates. Experimental results have shown that, when the burst location is upstream of the blowing port, pulsed blowing delays vortex breakdown in static and dynamic cases. Dynamic tests verified the existence of a hysteresis effect and demonstrated the improvements offered by pulsed blowing over both steady blowing and no-blowing scenarios. The application of blowing, at the optimum pulsing frequency, made the vortex breakdown location comparable in static and ramp pitch-up conditions.

Moreira, J.↗

Recent Outbursts from the Transient X-Ray Pulsar Cepheus X-4 (GS 2138 + 56)

We report on X-ray observations of the 66 s period transient X-ray pulsar Cep X-4 (GS 2138+56) with the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory and with the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). Two outbursts from Cep X-4 were observed with BATSE in 1993 June-July and in 1997 July. Pulse frequencies of v = 15.0941 + or - 0.0002 mHz on 1993 June 25 (MJD 49,163) and v = 15.0882 + or - 0.0002 mHz on 1997 July 12 (MJD 50,641) were each measured from 2-day spans of BATSE data near each outburst's peak. Cep X-4 showed an average spin down rate of dot-v = (-4.14 + or - 0.08) x 10(exp -14) Hz s(exp -1) between the 1993 and 1997 outbursts. After BATSE could no longer detect Cep X-4, public observations were performed on 1997 July 18 and July 25 with the Proportional Counter Array (PCA) on RXTE. A pulse frequency of v = 15.088 + or - 0.004 mHz was measured from observations on 1997 July 18 (MJD 50,647). Significant aperiodic noise, with an rms variance of about 18% in the frequency range 0.01 - 1.0 Hz, was observed on both days. Energy- and intensity-dependent pulse shape variations were also seen in these data. Recently published optical observations associate Cep X-4 with a Be companion star. If all four outbursts observed from Cep X-4 are assumed to occur at the same orbital phase, we find that the orbital period is between 23 and 147.3 days.

Wilson, Colleen A.↗

Pulse-timing study of Vela X-1 based on Hakucho and Tenma data - 1980-1984

The extensive observations of Vela X-1 acquired from 1980 to 1984 with the Hakucho and Tenma satellites, using a pulse-filtering technique that provides a significant improvement in pulse-timing precision, are reexamined. The details of the preparation of this data base, including the determination of updated orbital parameters based on these and previously published observations covering a 10-yr interval, are reported. Preparatory to estimation of angular-acceleration flux-correlation pairs, substantially improved estimates of the power density of fluctuations in the derivative of the pulse frequency on analysis periods between 0.5 and 80 days are presented. These results support the phenomenological hypothesis that unresolved fluctuations in the angular acceleration of the neutron star, describable as random noise, are responsible for the entire history of the observed variation in pulse frequency of Vela X-1 on all time scales longer than a few days.

Deeter, J. E.↗

Detector response in time-of-flight mass spectrometry at high pulse repetition frequencies

Dead time effects in chevron configured dual microchannel plates (MCPs) are investigated. Response times are determined experimentally for one chevron-configured dual MCP-type detector and two discrete dynode-type electron multipliers with 16 and 23 resistively divided stages. All of these detectors are found to be suitable for time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF MS), yielding 3-6-ns (FWHM) response times triggered on a single ion pulse. It is concluded that, unless there are viable solutions to overcome dead time disadvantages for continuous dynode detectors, suitable discrete dynode detectors for TOF MS appear to have a significant advantage for high repetition rate operation.

Gulcicek, Erol E.↗

Filamentary surface plasma discharge flow length and time scales

Nanosecond surface dielectric barrier discharges (ns-SDBDs) are a class of plasma actuators that utilize a high-voltage pulse of nanosecond duration between two surface-mounted electrodes to create an electrical breakdown of air, along with rapid heating. These actuators usually produce multiple filaments when operated at high pulse frequencies, and the rapid heating leads to the formation of shock waves and complex flow fields. In this work we replicate a single filament of the ns-SDBDs and characterize the induced flow using velocity measurements from particle image velocimetry and density measurements from background-oriented schlieren. The discharge is produced by a high voltage electrical pulse between two copper electrodes on an acrylic base. A hot gas kernel characterizes the flow field formed close to the electrodes that expands and cools over time and a vortex ring that propagates away from the surface while entraining cold ambient fluid. The gas density deficit inside the kernel displays a power-law decay over time. Based on the observations, we develop a simplified theoretical model based on vortex-driven cooling and perform a scaling analysis to obtain the induced flow length and time scales. The results show that the cooling process's time scales correspond to a circulation-based time scale of the vortex ring, and the length scale of the kernel corresponds to the vortex ring radius. Furthermore, these findings can guide the choice of optimal filament spacing and pulse frequencies in the design, deployment, and operation of ns-SDBDs for flow control.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Observation of a Long-Term Spin-up Trend in 4U 1538-52

The high-mass X-ray pulsar 4U 153 8-52 has been continually monitored by the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) on Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory. These observations permit the construction of long-term pulse frequency and intensity histories. The frequency history reveals that a reversal of the long-term trend in the accretion torque, from spinning down to spinning up, has occurred, probably in 1988. This is the first time a long-term change is known to have occurred for this source, The magnitude of the average absolute value of (dot-nu / nu) is approximately 10(exp -11)/s over an interval of approximately 5 year is similar during spin-down and spin-up. Shorter term pulse frequency variations of either sign are also observed. The power density spectrum of fluctuations in angular acceleration is consistent with white noise on timescales from 16 to 1600 days. It can be well fit with a power law with a power-law index of 0.10 plus or minus 0.21 and white noise strength of (7.6 +/- 1.6) x 10(exp -21) (Hz/s(exp 2)/Hz). These observations are also used to set 95% confidence level lower and upper limits on the rate of orbital period change, -3.9< dot-P orb /P orb <2. 1, in units of 10(exp -6) yr(exp -1).

Rubin, B. C.↗

Discovery of Weak EXO 2030+375 Outbursts with BATSE

EXO 2030+375 is a 42-second X-ray pulsar orbiting a Be star every 46 days. Previous work using epoch-folded frequency searches over one-day intervals of BATSE data indicated that EXO 2030+375 underwent a 2.5 year period of quiescence from 1993 Sept-1996 March. Improvements in the search method that reduced systematic errors due to aperiodic noise from the nearby black hole candidate Cyg X-1 and sources undergoing Earth occultation, have allowed longer time intervals to be searched, hence increasing BATSE's sensitivity. Using the improved method with four-day intervals, we detect EXO 2030+375 near most of its periastron passages during 1993 Sept-1996 March for most periastron passages during BATSE's nine years in orbit. Earth occultation measurements in the 20-100 keV band, selected with Cyg X-1 was below the Earth's horizon and epoch-folded at EXO 2030+375's orbital period of 46 days also indicate that EXO 2030+375 was active for most of the mission. We will present histories of EXO 2030+375's pulse frequency, pulse flux, and total flux. In addition, we will present results of pulse timing analyses and evidence that EXO 2030+375's outbursts shift in orbital phase.

Wilson, Colleen A.↗

Joint Experimental and Computational Characterization of Sum-Frequency Generation between a Continuous Wave Laser and an Ultrafast Frequency Comb Laser for Tunable Laser Development

Ultrafast optical frequency combs allow for both high spectral and temporal resolution in molecular spectroscopy and have become a powerful tool in many areas of chemistry and physics. Ultrafast lasers and frequency combs generated from ultrafast mode-locked lasers often need to be converted to other wavelengths. Commonly used wavelength conversions are optical parametric oscillators, which require an external optical cavity, and supercontinuum generation combined with optical parametric amplifiers. Whether commercial or home-built, these systems are complex and costly. Here, we investigate an alternative, simple, and easy-to-implement approach to tunable frequency comb ultrafast lasers enabled by new continuous-wave laser technology. Sum-frequency generation between an Nd:YAG continuous-wave laser and a Yb:fiber femtosecond frequency comb in a beta-barium borate (BBO) crystal is explored. The resulting sum-frequency beam is a pulsed frequency comb with the same repetition rate as the Yb:fiber source. SNLO simulation software is used to simulate the results and provide benchmarks for designing future systems to achieve wavelength conversion and tunability in otherwise difficult-to-reach spectral regions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A Derivation of the Long-Term Degradation of a Pulsed Atomic Frequency Standard from a Control-Loop Model

The phase of a frequency standard that uses periodic interrogation and control of a local oscillator (LO) is degraded by a long-term random-walk component induced by downconversion of LO noise into the loop passband. The Dick formula for the noise level of this degradation is derived from an explicit solution of an LO control-loop model.

Dick formula local oscillator frequency phase freq↗

Controlled electrochemical nutrient delivery to enhance marine primary productivity

Oceanic photosynthesis contributes to approximately half of the Earth’s net annual primary productivity. Marine photosynthetic productivity has a high degree of heterogeneity due to spatial and temporal co-limitations of light, temperature, and/or nutrients. Across coastal, near-shore, and open ocean regions, insufficient concentrations of key nutrients (e.g., N, P, Fe) can limit primary productivity. Although studies have shown a significant increase in primary productivity with the addition of low doses of trace nutrients, a sustainable approach to reliably deliver and maintain low doses of nutrients and ensure their bioavailability, remains a challenge. Chemical nutrient addition has relied on the use of chelating agents to ensure nutrient bioavailability, but synthetic chelators are persistent environmental pollutants. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time the use of a controlled electrochemical nutrient delivery (CEND) approach to accelerate the growth of phytoplankton without the need for such chelators. Our study uses commercial stainless-steel electrodes to deliver low concentrations of iron to enhance growth rates in the microalga Picochlorum celeri TG2. To demonstrate the process control offered by the CEND method, we evaluate iron delivery as a function of pulse time, pulse frequency, and rest time between pulses. Our data show that at the same total Fe dose of 163 ppb, electrochemical iron delivery can achieve 9.54 ± 0.58 mg biomass/µg Fe, which is comparable to 9.14 ± 0.17 mg biomass/µg Fe achieved with chemical iron additions that include the synthetic chelating agent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Further, when different total iron doses (163 ppb, 325 ppb, and 650 ppb) were delivered over 72 h using CEND, biomass yield per iron dose was higher at lower doses: 9.54 ± 0.58 mg biomass/µg Fe at 163 ppb vs. 4.32 ± 0.32 mg biomass/µg Fe at 650 ppb. This highlights the benefits of CEND in delivering frequent and low doses of nutrients for improved process efficiency. Preliminary assessments show both lower cost and reduced greenhouse gas emissions from electrochemical over chemical iron additions with EDTA. The CEND approach opens new pathways to enhance marine primary productivity, without the unintended environmental impacts of synthetic chelators.

analytical chemistry↗

A MAGNETIC CORE VOLTAGE-TO-FREQUENCY CONVERTER

Controlling the frequency of a square-loop magnetic core oscillator using a dc voltage to give a voltage-to-frequency conversion for use in pulse frequency modulated telemetry systems

PFM TELEMETRY↗

High-resolution gray-scale recorder

Electronic circuit makes it possible to obtain gray-scale recordings with good contrast and linearity over entire recording density range for ultrasonic testing unit. Electronic circuit produces square wave of constant voltage but of varying width. Frequency of square-wave pulses can be adjusted to determine optimum pulse frequency.

Moorhead, P. E.↗

XTE J1906+09 Observations with RXTE

The 89 s pulsar XTE J1906+09 was serendipitously discovered in a 1996 observation of the soft gamma repeater SGR 1900+14. Two outbursts, in 1996 September and 1998 September have been reported to date. Since this system appears to be transient, it is likely in a Be/X-ray binary, accreting material from a circumstellar disk around its companion. Preliminary pulse timing analyses of RXTE data from the 1998 September outburst revealed an orbital signature consistent with either (i) a low-eccentricity, short period orbit, similar to OAO 1657-415 or (ii) periastron passage in a longer orbital period, higher eccentricity Be/X-ray binary system. No companion has been identified to date due to the large 2 feet error radius of the current best position. SGR 1900+14 has been regularly monitored with RXTE since 1998. Because XTE J1906+09 is only 33 feet away, it often shares the RXTE/PCA field of view with SGR 1900+14, giving us a large number of archival PCA observations. We will present results of a search of RXTE data for outbursts of XTE 1906+09, including histories of pulse frequency, 2-30 keV intensity, pulse profiles, and energy spectra. Results of a pulse timing analysis of the detected outbursts will also be presented.

Wilson, Colleen A.↗