Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “basis sets”

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 919 records · Page 51

Identification of Material Type and Thickness Using Combined X-ray and Fast Neutron Radiography

Material identification (ID) using radiography is a problem that has implicitly existed since the discovery of the X-ray. Since 9-11, this problem has received renewed attention for homeland security applications of the generic, “what is in the box?” type1. Examples of items potentially in the box include: roadside bombs, nuclear weapons, contraband shipments and the like. In these cases, the “what” can include: explosives, projectiles, fissile material, or drugs. Here we investigate the ability of 60Co gamma-rays, 14MeV neutrons, and their combination to tease apart information about density, thickness and atomic number of items in the box. That information subset can be combined with other types of independent information (e.g. neutron and gammaspectroscopy, intelligence, photographs etc.) to assert a more complete picture of what, exactly, is in the box? That more complete information set can form the basis for actions including: remote detonation, evacuations, disablement, detention, search, arrest etc.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Synthesis of Single Qutrit Circuits from Clifford + R Gates

The Clifford + R gate-set is a promising basis for fault-tolerant synthesis of qutrit unitaries. We present an algorithm for approximating an arbitrary single-qutrit unitary with a circuit over the Clifford + R gates. Moreover, we analyze its complexity and obtain the non-Clifford gates cost.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Jupiter radiation belt models (July 1974)

Flux profiles which were derived from data returned by Pioneer 10 during Jupiter encounter, form the basis for a new set of numerical models for the energy spectra of electrons and protons in Jupiter's inner magnetosphere.

Divine, N.↗

Simple formulas for designing an offset multibeam parabolic reflector

Theoretical methods (computer programs) which are available for analyzing reflector performance are of the 'forward' type. Performance parameters can be calculated after the configuration of the reflector is given. In many practical applications, however, the problem is often of the 'inverse' type. The reflector has to be designed on the basis of a given set of performance parameters. Attention is given to a systematic procedure based on simple formulas for solving such an inverse problem. Because of the simplicity of the formulas, the final results obtained from the procedure do not have great accuracy. Thus, they represent only a preliminary design, which can be refined by repeatedly using the forward-type programs.

Lee, S.-W.↗

On the nonlinear characteristics of the axisymmetric flow regime: Cylindrical and spherical systems

The physical relationship between steady axisymmetric flows that might be observed in the atmosphere and in laboratory vessels is investigated theoretically. This is accomplished by comparing both the nonlinear structure and the thermal forcing mechanisms in two truncated spectral models of flow in the atmosphere and the rotating laboratory cylinder, respectively. Under statically stable conditions, the response of the internally forced spherical model (which is developed here from a set of new orthonormal basis functions) exhibits steady behavior different from that in the externally forced cylindrical model. Two regions of multiple steady solutions occur in the cylindrical model, under stable conditions, that are not found in the spherical one. The possible physical relevance of these multiple solutions is investigated by determining their location in parameter space with respect to the classical Hadley-Rossby transition curve. The results suggest that the wave flow regime, in an annulus, might develop catastrophically when an upper symmetric flow ceases to exist.

Higgins, R. W.↗

Hypersonic rarefied flow about a compression corner - DSMC simulation and experiment

The phenomena of shock/boundary-layer interactions and flow separation are investigated using both computational and experimental methods for low-density hypersonic flow about two-dimensional compression corners. The numerical calculations are made with the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. Experimental measurements provide information concerning the flowfield structure and surface flow patterns by means of gas glow discharge and oil flow pictures, respectively. Comparison of the two data sets provides a qualitative basis for assessing the ability of the DSMC method to describe such flows.

Moss, James N.↗

A second-order structural identification procedure via state space-based system identification

A theory is presented for transforming the system theory-based realization models into the corresponding physical coordinate-based structural models. The theory has been implemented into a computational procedure and applied to several example problems. The results show that the present transformation theory yields an objective model basis possessing a unique set of structural parameters from an infinite set of equivalent system realization models. For proportionally damped systems, the transformation directly and systematically yields the normal modes and modal damping. When non-proportional damping is present, the relative magnitude and phase of the damped model shapes are separately characterized, and a corrective transformation is then employed to capture the undamped normal modes and non-diagonal modal damping matrix.

Alvin, K. F.↗

Plastic buckling of a rectangular plate under edge thrusts

The fundamental equations for the plastic buckling of a rectangular plate under edge thrusts are developed on the basis of a new set of stress-strain relations for the behavior of a metal in the plastic range. These relations are derived for buckling from a state of uniform compression. The fundamental equation for the buckling of a simply compressed plate together with typical boundary conditions is then developed and the results are applied to calculating the buckling loads of a thin strip, a simply supported plate, and a cruciform section. Comparisons with the theories of Timoshenko and Ilyushin are made. Finally, an energy method is given which can be used for finding approximate values of the critical load.

Handelman, G H↗

Method of implementing digital phase-locked loops

In a new formulation for digital phase-locked loops, loop-filter constants are determined from loop roots that can each be selectively placed in the s-plane on the basis of a new set of parameters, each with simple and direct physical meaning in terms of loop noise bandwidth, root-specific decay rate, or root-specific damping. Loops of first to fourth order are treated in the continuous-update approximation (BLT yields 0) and in a discrete-update formulation with arbitrary BLT. Deficiencies of the continuous-update approximation in large-BLT applications are avoided in the new discrete-update formulation. A new method for direct, transient-free acquisition with third- and fourth-order loops can improve the versatility and reliability of acquisition with such loops.

Stephens, Scott A.↗

Method of Implementing Digital Phase-Locked Loops

In a new formulation for digital phase-locked loops, loop-filter constants are determined from loop roots that can each be selectively placed in the s-plane on the basis of a new set of parameters, each with simple and direct physical meaning in terms of loop noise bandwidth, root-specific decay rate, and root-specific damping. Loops of first to fourth order are treated in the continuous-update approximation (B(sub L)T approaches 0) and in a discrete-update formulation with arbitrary B(sub L)T. Deficiencies of the continuous-update approximation in large-B(sub L)T applications are avoided in the new discrete-update formulation.

Stephens, Scott A.↗

Problems in Assessment of the UV Penetration into Natural Waters from Space-based Measurements

Satellite instruments currently provide global maps of surface UV (ultraviolet) irradiance by combining backscattered radiance data with radiative transfer models. The models are often limited by uncertainties in physical input parameters of the atmosphere and surface. Global mapping of the underwater UV irradiance creates further challenges for the models. The uncertainties in physical input parameters become more serious because of the presence of absorbing and scattering quantities caused by biological processes within the oceans. In this paper we summarize the problems encountered in the assessment of the underwater UV irradiance from space-based measurements, and propose approaches to resolve the problems. We have developed a radiative transfer scheme for computation of the UV irradiance in the atmosphere-ocean system. The scheme makes use of input parameters derived from satellite instruments such as TOMS (Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer) and SeaWiFS (Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor). The major problem in assessment of the surface UV irradiance is to accurately quantify the effects of clouds. Unlike the standard TOMS UV algorithm, we use the cloud fraction products available from SeaWiFS and MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer) to calculate instantaneous surface flux at the ocean surface. Daily UV doses can be calculated by assuming a model of constant cloudiness throughout the day. Both SeaWiFS and MODIS provide some estimates of seawater optical properties in the visible. To calculate the underwater UV flux the seawater optical properties must be extrapolated down to shorter wavelengths. Currently, the problem of accurate extrapolation of visible data down to the UV spectral range is not solved completely, and there are few available measurements. The major difficulty is insufficient correlation between photosynthetic and photoprotective pigments of phytoplankton absorbing in the visible and UV respectively. We propose to empirically parameterize seawater absorption in the UV on a basis of available data sets of bio-optical measurements from a variety of ocean waters. Another problem is the lack of reliable data on pure seawater absorption in the UV. Laboratory measurements of the UV absorption of both pure water and pure seawater are required.

Vasilkov, Alexander P.↗

Atomistic Modeling of Surface and Bulk Properties of Cu, Pd and the Cu-Pd System

The BFS (Bozzolo-Ferrante-Smith) method for alloys is applied to the study of the Cu-Pd system. A variety of issues are analyzed and discussed, including the properties of pure Cu or Pd crystals (surface energies, surface relaxations), Pd/Cu and Cu/Pd surface alloys, segregation of Pd (or Cu) in Cu (or Pd), concentration dependence of the lattice parameter of the high temperature fcc CuPd solid solution, the formation and properties of low temperature ordered phases, and order-disorder transition temperatures. Emphasis is made on the ability of the method to describe these properties on the basis of a minimum set of BFS universal parameters that uniquely characterize the Cu-Pd system.

Bozzolo, Guillermo↗

Assessment of the Quality of the Version 1.07 Temperature-Versus-Pressure Profiles of the Middle Atmosphere from TIMED/SABER

The quality of the retrieved temperature-versus-pressure (or T(p)) profiles is described for the middle atmosphere for the publicly available Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) Version 1.07 (V1.07) data set. The primary sources of systematic error for the SABER results below about 70 km are (1) errors in the measured radiances, (2) biases in the forward model, and (3) uncertainties in the corrections for ozone and in the determination of the reference pressure for the retrieved profiles. Comparisons with other correlative data sets indicate that SABER T(p) is too high by 1-3 K in the lower stratosphere but then too low by 1 K near the stratopause and by 2 K in the middle mesosphere. There is little difference between the local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) algorithm results below about 70 km from V1.07 and V1.06, but there are substantial improvements/differences for the non-LTE results of V1.07 for the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere (UMLT) region. In particular, the V1.07 algorithm uses monthly, diurnally averaged CO2 profiles versus latitude from the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model. This change has improved the consistency of the character of the tides in its kinetic temperature (T(sub k)). The T(sub k) profiles agree with UMLT values obtained from ground-based measurements of column-averaged OH and O2 emissions and of the Na lidar returns, at least within their mutual uncertainties. SABER T(sub k) values obtained near the mesopause with its daytime algorithm also agree well with the falling sphere climatology at high northern latitudes in summer. It is concluded that the SABER data set can be the basis for improved, diurnal-to-interannual-scale temperatures for the middle atmosphere and especially for its UMLT region.

Remsberg, E. E.↗

Shape Distribution of Fragments from Microsatellite Impact Tests

Fragment shape is an important factor for conducting reliable orbital debris damage assessments for critical space assets, such as the International Space Station. To date, seven microsatellite impact tests have been completed as part of an ongoing collaboration between Kyushu University and the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office. The target satellites ranged in size from 15 cm 15 cm 15 cm to 20 cm 20 cm 20 cm. Each target satellite was equipped with fully functional electronics, including circuits, battery, and transmitter. Solar panels and multi-layer insulation (MLI) were added to the target satellites of the last two tests. The impact tests were carried out with projectiles of different sizes and impact speeds. All fragments down to about 2 mm in size were collected and analyzed based on their three orthogonal dimensions, x, y, and z, where x is the longest dimension, y is the longest dimension in the plane perpendicular to x, and z is the longest dimension perpendicular to both x and y. Each fragment was also photographed and classified by shape and material composition. This data set serves as the basis of our effort to develop a fragment shape distribution. Two distinct groups can be observed in the x/y versus y/z distribution of the fragments. Objects in the first group typically have large x/y values. Many of them are needle-like objects originating from the fragmentation of carbon fiber reinforced plastic materials used to construct the satellites. Objects in the second group tend to have small x/y values, and many of them are box-like or plate-like objects, depending on their y/z values. Each group forms the corresponding peak in the x/y distribution. However, only one peak can be observed in the y/z distribution. These distributions and how they vary with size, material type, and impact parameters will be described in detail within the paper.

Liou, J.C.↗

A Multifaceted Approach to Modernizing NASA's Advanced Multi-Mission Operations System (AMMOS) System Architecture

The Advanced Multi-Mission Operations Systems (AMMOS) is NASA's premier space mission operations product line offering for use in deep-space robotic and astrophysics missions. The general approach to AMMOS modernization over the course of its 29-year history exemplifies a continual, evolutionary approach with periods of sponsor investment peaks and valleys in between. Today, the Multimission Ground Systems and Services (MGSS) office-the program office that manages the AMMOS for NASA-actively pursues modernization initiatives and continues to evolve the AMMOS by incorporating enhanced capabilities and newer technologies into its end-user tool and service offerings. Despite the myriad of modernization investments that have been made over the evolutionary course of the AMMOS, pain points remain. These pain points, based on interviews with numerous flight project mission operations personnel, can be classified principally into two major categories: 1) information-related issues, and 2) process-related issues. By information-related issues, we mean pain points associated with the management and flow of MOS data across the various system interfaces. By process-related issues, we mean pain points associated with the MOS activities performed by mission operators (i.e., humans) and supporting software infrastructure used in support of those activities. In this paper, three foundational concepts-Timeline, Closed Loop Control, and Separation of Concerns-collectively form the basis for expressing a set of core architectural tenets that provides a multifaceted approach to AMMOS system architecture modernization intended to address the information- and process-related issues. Each of these architectural tenets will be further explored in this paper. Ultimately, we envision the application of these core tenets resulting in a unified vision of a future-state architecture for the AMMOS-one that is intended to result in a highly adaptable, highly efficient, and highly cost-effective set of multimission MOS products and services.

Estefan, Jeff A.↗

AJAX CABOTS Data

The Alpha Jet Atmospheric eXperiment (AJAX) airborne science project based out of NASA Ames Research Center performed eight science flights in coordination with the California Baseline Ozone Transport Study (CABOTS) campaign. Many of these flights included a series of vertical profiles (~ 0-5 km) distributed roughly along either a North/South or East/West transect. Some flights also connected the fixed-location measurements at Visalia (TOPAZ ozone lidar) and Bodega Bay (ozonesondes). AJAX measured ozone, carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and 3-D winds on each flight, and those in situ measurements are the basis of the data sets collected here. Trace gas data sets including time and aircraft position have been delivered as comma-separated-value text files. Meteorological data (temperature, pressure and 3-dimensional winds) are provided at 1 Hz in ICARTT-compliant text files.

Iraci, Laura T.↗

Draft LunaNet Interoperability Specification

Under the guidance of NASA’s Space Communication and Navigation (SCaN) program, this document, along with its companion documents, LunaNet Services Requirements Document (TBD) and the LunaNet Concept of Operations and Architecture (TBD), provides the basis for a comprehensive set of requirements for operation of a lunar communications and navigation network capable of interoperating with other networks compliant with the Lunar Network (LunaNet) for services to the human exploration, lunar science, and space technology missions. LunaNet will start with a simple architecture of a few nodes to meet the needs of the early missions and evolve to meet the growing needs of a sustained lunar presence. All relay network services are not expected to be met by a single spacecraft platform, or node. The expectation is that the needs of NASA, its partners and other users will be met through a combination of interoperable systems provided by NASA, international partners, and commercial providers. Interoperability across this network-of-networks can be achieved through negotiation of mutually-agreed-upon standards that will be reflected in this document and in the specifications defined by other participants in the combined, cooperative lunar network.

LunaNet↗

Draft LunaNet Interoperability Specification

This document, along with its companion documents, provides the basis for a comprehensive set of requirements for operation of a lunar communications and navigation network capable of interoperating with other networks compliant with the Lunar Network (LunaNet). LunaNet will include Earth ground stations and orbiting spacecraft and will provide services to human exploration, lunar science, and space technology missions. LunaNet will start with a simple architecture of a few nodes to meet the needs of the early missions and evolve to meet the growing needs of a sustained lunar presence. All relay network services are not expected to be met by a single spacecraft, or node. The expectation is that the needs of users will be met through a combination of interoperable systems provided by NASA, international partners, and commercial providers. Interoperability across this network-of-networks can be achieved through negotiation of mutually-agreed-upon standards that will be reflected in this document and in the specifications defined by other participants in the cooperative lunar network. This document was written and reviewed by NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).

LunaNet↗