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At least 901 records · Page 50

Spray characterization using planar laser imaging

Results on the application of a planar polarization ratio technique to spray and soot particle measurements are presented and compared with the phase Doppler particle analyzer (PDPA) measurements. With the assumption of a logarithmic normal distribution, reasonable agreement between the two techniques were obtained, demonstrating the capability of the planar polarization ratio technique to differentiate regions containing soot particles from those containing droplets. A comparison of quantitative measurement capabilities of the two techniques showed that the planar polarization ratio technique can be applied to complicated combustion environments for at least semiquantitative investigation of sprays.

Pal, S.↗

A method for detection of deformations in large phase array antennas for spaceborne synthetic aperture radars

A method to measure deformations in large, planar phased array antennas used in spaceborne synthetic aperture radars (SAR) is described. This method has the advantages that the deformation measurements can be performed anywhere in orbit and that no additional sensor is required. Indirect test results using the SEASAT SAR data indicate that this technique can detect deformations of small fractions of a wavelength.

Li, F. K.↗

Low velocity opposed-flow frame spread in a transport-controlled environment DARTFire

The overall objectives of the DARTFire project are to uncover the underlying physics and increase understanding of the mechanisms that cause flames to propagate over solid fuels against a low velocity of oxidizer flow in a low-gravity environment. Specific objectives are (1) to analyze experimentally observed flame shapes, measured gas-phase field variables, spread rates, radiative characteristics, and solid-phase regression rates for comparison with previously developed model prediction capability that will be continually extended, and (2) to investigate the transition from ignition to either flame propagation or extinction in order to determine the characteristics of those environments that lead to flame evolution. To meet the objectives, a series of sounding rocket experiments has been designed to exercise several of the dimensional, controllable variables that affect the flame spread process over PMMA in microgravity, i.e., the opposing flow velocity (1-20 cm/s), the external radiant flux directed to the fuel surface (0-2 W/cm(exp 2)), and the oxygen concentration of the environment (35-70%). Because radiative heat transfer is critical to these microgravity flame spread experiments, radiant heating is imposed, and radiant heat loss will be measured. These are the first attempts at such an experimental control and measurement in microgravity. Other firsts associated with the experiment are (1) the control of the low velocity, opposed flow, which is of the same order as diffusive velocities and Stefan flows; (2) state-of-the-art quantitative flame imaging for species-specific emissions (both infrared and ultraviolet) in addition to novel intensified array imaging to obtain a color image of the very dim, low-gravity flames.

West, Jeff↗

Nonuniform sampling techniques for antenna applications

A two-dimensional sampling technique, which can employ irregularly spaced samples (amplitude and phase) in order to generate the complete far-field patterns is presented. The technique implements a matrix inversion algorithm, which depends only on the nonuniform sampled data point locations and with no dependence on the actual field values at these points. A powerful simulation algorithm is presented to allow a real-life simulation of many reflector/feed configurations and to determine the usefulness of the nonuniform sampling technique for the copolar and cross-polar patterns. Additionally, an overlapped window concept and a generalized error simulation model are discussed to identify the stability of the technique for recovering the field data among the nonuniform sampled data. Numerical results are tailored for the pattern reconstruction of a 20-m offset reflector antenna operating at L-band. This reflector is planned to be used in a proposed measurement concept of large antenna aboard the Space Shuttle, whereby it would be almost impractical to accurately control the movement of the Shuttle with respect to the RF source in prescribed directions in order to generate uniform sampled points. Also, application of the nonuniform sampling technique to patterns obtained using near-field measured data is demonstrated. Finally, results of an actual far-field measurement are presented for the construction of patterns of a reflector antenna from a set of nonuniformly distributed measured amplitude and phase data.

Rahmat-Samii, Yahya↗

Association Between Cardiovascular and Intraocular Pressure Changes in a 14-Day 6 deg Head Down Tilt (HDT) Bed Rest Study: Possible Implications in Retinal Anatomy

Visual symptoms and intracranial pressure increase reported in astronauts returning from long duration missions in low Earth-orbit are thought to be related to fluid shifts within the body due to microgravity exposure. Because of this possible relation to fluid shifts, studies conducted in head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest are being monitored for potential changes in ocular health. These measures will also serve to determine whether HDT is a suitable ground-based analog to model subclinical cardiovascular and ocular changes that could shed light on the etiology of the VIIP syndrome observed in spaceflight. Sixteen healthy normotensive (12M, 4F, age range 29-54 years), non-smoker and normal weight subjects, volunteered to participate in a 14 day 6 deg head HDT study conducted at the NASA Flight Analogs Research Unit (FARU). This facility provides standard bed rest conditions (diet, wake/sleep time, time allowed in sunlight) during the time that the subjects stay at the FARU. Cardiovascular parameters were obtained in supine posture at BR-5, BR+0, and BR+3 and ocular monitoring was performed weekly. Intraocular pressure (IOP) increased from pre-bed rest BR-3) to the third day into bed rest (BR+3). Values reached a plateau towards the end of the bed rest phase (BR10) and decreased within the first three days of recovery (BR+2) returning to levels comparable to baseline at BR-3. As expected, most cardiovascular parameters were affected by 14 days of HDT bed rest. Plasma volume decreased as a result of bed rest but recovered to baseline levels by BR+3. Indications of cardiovascular deconditioning included increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate, and a decrease in stroke volume and cardiac output between BR-5 and BR+3. Due to the experimental design of this study, we were not able to test the hypothesis that fluid shifts might be involved in the IOP increase during the bed rest phase, since cardiovascular measures were not available for those time points. There was no correlation between the largest change in IOP (BR-3 versus BR3) and cardiovascular measure changes between baseline (BR-5) and post bed rest (BR+2). While no clinically relevant visual changes were observed during the study, measurement of various retinal parameters was performed with optical coherence tomography (OCT). A decrease in central subfield retinal thickness was observed between BR+2 and baseline at BR-10, but no association was observed with IOP changes. This work investigates the time course of changes in IOP during 14-day HDT bed rest in an attempt to characterize HDT bed rest as a model of the VIIP syndrome and delve into its etiology.

Cromwell, Ronita↗

Digital Doppler measurement with spacecraft

Digital and analog phase-locked loop (PLL) receivers were operated in parallel, each tracking the residual carrier from a spacecraft. The PLL tracked the downlink carrier and measured its instantaneous phase. This information, combined with a knowledge of the uplink carrier and the transponder ratio, permitted the computation of a Doppler observable. In this way, two separate Doppler measurements were obtained for one observation window. The two receivers agreed on the magnitude of the Doppler effect to within 1 mHz. There was less jitter on the data from the digital receiver. This was due to its smaller noise bandwidth. The demonstration and its results are described.

Kinman, Peter W.↗

Experimental measurement of structural power flow on an aircraft fuselage

An experimental technique is used to measure the structural power flow through an aircraft fuselage with the excitation near the wing attachment location. Because of the large number of measurements required to analyze the whole of an aircraft fuselage, it is necessary that a balance be achieved between the number of measurement transducers, the mounting of these transducers, and the accuracy of the measurements. Using four transducers mounted on a bakelite platform, the structural intensity vectors at locations distributed throughout the fuselage are measured. To minimize the errors associated with using a four transducers technique the measurement positions are selected away from bulkheads and stiffeners. Because four separate transducers are used, with each transducer having its own drive and conditioning amplifiers, phase errors are introduced in the measurements that can be much greater than the phase differences associated with the measurements. To minimize these phase errors two sets of measurements are taken for each position with the orientation of the transducers rotated by 180 deg and an average taken between the two sets of measurements. Results are presented and discussed.

Cuschieri, J. M.↗

Measuring trace dispersants in gas streams

Detection system uses phase shift of acoustic waves to measure amount of gaseous substances on sorption sensor. Three-part device optimizes stability and assists in achieving low-phase-noise levels.

Updike, O. L.↗

Ionosphere total electron measurements as extracted from satellite tracking data

The Goddard Range and Range Rate System (GRARR) determines the range of a spacecraft by measuring the group delay of a modulated wave and the range rate by measuring the Doppler phase shift of the carrier. An analytical technique is presented for obtaining corrections and equivalent total electron content along the vertical, using VHF GRARR data and a radial model of the ionosphere. The results of computation for a representative pass are given, and estimated accuracy is discussed from a statistical view point. Using VHF GRARR data and a radial model of the ionosphere. The results of computation for a representative pass are given, and estimated accuracy is discussed from a statistical view point. Using GRARR range, range rate, and angle tracking data from Explorer 41, values of total electron content on the order of 10 to the 17th to 10 to the 18th power (electrons/sq m) were obtained. These values agree with estimates of the total electron content from ionospheric profiles using f sub o F sub 2 predict data.

Murray, C. W., Jr.↗

Analysis and design of antennas for air traffic collision avoidance systems.

The analysis and design procedure of an antenna for a CW Doppler radar system being developed for pilot warning of midair collision hazards is presented. The antenna consists of two vertical arrays of half-wavelength dipoles mounted near a circular conducting cylinder. Each vertical array is composed of three vertical dipoles. Each array provides relatively uniform illumination (2.3 dB) in the forward 180-deg angular segment of the horizontal plane and approximately plus or minus 10 to 15 deg coverage in the vertical plane. The antenna could be used in a two-mode operation, either in a standard monopulse radar system (sum and difference amplitude patterns) or in a system where amplitude and phase are the measurable quantities.

Balanis, C. A.↗

Circularly-polarized multiband telemetry tracking antenna

Utilize coaxial horn feed to illuminate reflector; feed has inner horn for X-band, and outer horn for S-band. Tracking error signals for servo correction are derived from measurements of relative phase and relative amplitude between two modes.

Woo, K. E.↗

A receiver design for the ATS-F radio beacon experiment.

The basic design of the overall receiving system is determined by the received power density from the satellite and the desired compromise between ground antenna aperture, system response times, and measurement signal-to-noise ratio. The measurement of Faraday rotation is discussed together with the measurement of modulation phase, aspects of system calibration, and overall system concepts.

Grubb, R. N.↗