Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Feed”

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 973 records · Page 54
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1986

Near-field Testing of the 15-meter Model of the Hoop Column Antenna

The technical results from near-field testing of the 15-meter model of the hoop column antenna at the Martin Marietta Denver Aerospace facility are documented. The antenna consists of a deployable central column and a 15 meter hoop, stiffened by cables into a structure with a high tolerance repeatable surface and offset feed location. The surface has been configured to have four offset parabolic apertures, each about 6 meters in diameter, and is made of gold plated molybdenum wire mesh. Pattern measurements were made with feed systems radiating at frequencies of 7.73, 11.60, 2.27, 2.225, and 4.26 (all in GHz). This report (Volume 1) covers the testing from an overall viewpoint and contains information of generalized interest for testing large antennas. This volume discusses the deployment of the antenna in the Martin Facility and the measurements to determine mechanical stability and trueness of the reflector surface, gives the test program outline, and gives a synopsis of antenna electromagnetic performance. Three techniques for measuring surface mechanical tolerances were used (theodolites, metric cameras, and near-field phase), but only the near-field phase approach is included. The report also includes an error analysis. A detailed listing of the antenna patterns are provided for the 2.225 Ghz feed in Volume 3 of this report, and for all other feeds in Volume 2.

Hoover, J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Early adaptation to altered gravitational environments in the squirrel monkey

The feeding behavior of two squirrel monkeys flown in Spacelab 3 is compared to that of six monkeys exposed to 1.5 G through centrifugation. The monkeys in the centrifugation study were housed unrestrained in cages, maintained at 25 C + or - 1 C, exposed to a 12:12 light/dark cycle, and had unrestrained access to food and water. The Spacelab monkeys were maintained at 26 C, exposed to a 12:12 light/dark cycle and had unlimited food and water. It is observed that the centrifuge rats displayed a change in feeding behavior for 4 days prior to resuming a normal pattern; one Spacelab monkey exhibited a 6 day depression before recover to control levels, and the feeding pattern of the second monkey was not influenced by the environment. It is noted that the effect of an altered dynamic environment is variable on the feeding behavior of individual monkeys.

Fuller, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The grid array antenna

Attention is called to the grid array as a possible useful antenna design for UHF clear air radars. This type of antenna integrates radiating elements and the feed network into a single structure so that a fairly large array can be driven from a single feed point. Figures are given which demonstrate the basic principle of the grid array, which are adapted from Conti et al. (1981). Conductors are arranged above a ground plane in a repeating, staggered array of connected rectangles. Each rectangular element is approximately one by one-half wavelength in size. The currents on the conductors at resonance is indicated. The grid array illustrated can be expanded in both vertical and horizontal directions about the feed point by adding additional rectangular conductors. The design eliminates the feed network and would provide a thin, panel-like antenna that could be easily built and transported.

Ecklund, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Method to determine the optimal parameters of the Arecibo 46.8-MHz antenna system

The spherical reflector at the Arecibo Observatory (AO) offers great advantages for the design of simple and inexpensive high performance steerable antennas at VHF. Light and small feeds have the added benefit that they can be quickly installed in the Arecibo platform. It is important to evaluate the performance of any given feed including the effects of the spherical reflector. The optimization is emphasized of two parameters, namely, the distance below the focal point of the reflector and the beam width of a point feed. For the design of the feed at 46.8 MHz at the AO there were other requirements independent of MST (mesosphere stratosphere troposphere) work. The design of the primary array is discussed along with its performance with the AO spherical reflector.

Ierkic, H. M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

A novel array antenna for MSAT applications

The issue of reducing the cost of phased array vehicle antennas through the use of a lens feeding arrangement instead of phase shifters at each element is addressed. In particular, the economic viability of a mobile satellite system (MSAT) is largely dependent on the efficient use of the allocated scarce spectrum and orbit as well as the satellite power. the type of vehicle antenna used will play a critical role in achieving this efficiency. A standard design approach for an electronically steered array uses phase shifters at each element to provide beam steering. A method for reducing the required number of phase shifters by using an R-KR lens feed network is outlined. The authors briefly discuss the phase shifter approach to beam steering, examine various lens feed techniques, and describe the R-KR lens approach. The lens feed network architecture is examined, a computer model for simulation of the array is presented, and the results of analysis of a suggested design for the MSAT application are given. In addition, satellite acquisition and tracking considerations are investigated.

Bodnar, Donald G.↗
NASA NTRS1991

The dielectric-filled parabola - A new millimeter/submillimeter wavelength receiver/transmitter front end

A design is presented for a semi-integrated millimeter/submillimeter wavelength receiver/transmitter front end incorporating a planar antenna and a solid-state device in an efficient feed structure which can be matched directly to high f-number optical systems. The feed system combines the simplicity and robustness of a dielectric substrate lens with the high gain of a parabolic reflector in a single structure that is termed a dielectric-filled parabola. The same fundamental unit can be configured as either a heterodyne or direct detection mode receiver, a power transmitter or a frequency multiplier by changing out the solid-state device and/or the integrated antenna. The structure can also be used with a small integrated antenna array in a multibeam or imaging arrangement. Design and fabrication details for the feed system are given. These are followed by beam pattern and impedance measurements taken on a microwave model when dipole, bow-tie, log-periodic, and log-spiral antennas are used as the integrated feed elements.

Siegel, Peter H.↗
NASA NTRS1992

DSS-13 beam-waveguide antenna performance in the bypass mode

A new 34-meter beam-waveguide (BWG) antenna that contains two microwave paths, a centerline feed system, and a bypass feed system, was built at the Deep Space Station 13 (DDS 13) at Goldstone, California. Previous articles have described the test results from the evaluation of the centerline BWG feed system in the receive mode as well as the test package hardware used to perform these tests. The test results from the evaluation of the bypass BWG feed system on the DSS-13 antenna in the receive mode, including the operating noise-temperature and the antenna-area-efficiency measurements, are presented.

Stewart, S. R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Beneficiation of ilmenite from lumar analog

The results reported were obtained on a meteoric eucrite sample called Millbillillie Sample no. 173. Optical microscopy studies of the sample showed it to consist of ilmenite, troilite, and transparent gangue. The transparent gangue consisted of feldspar (anorthite), pyroxenes, olivines, and opaques. Troilite was present in minor quantities. Screen assay analyses of the 30, 100, 200, and 400 US mesh screen fractions showed that minor concentration of titanium occurred in the 200 x 400 and -400 mesh screen fractions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies of the bulk sample showed the presence of a variety of ilmenite grains, ranging from 50 microns down to less than 1 micron without any evidence of liberation. Electron Diffraction Scans (EDS) confirmed the ratio of Fe to Ti in the ilmenite grains. Dry magnetic separation in a Frantz Isodynamic Separator was found to be effective only at sizes finer than 150 microns (100 US mesh) and more so at 200 mesh (74 microns). In each case, dedusting of the sample to remove -400 mesh (-0.037 microns) fines was required. Liberation size was determined to be 200 mesh and finer. The highest grade concentrate assaying 3.45 percent Ti was produced by magnetic separation of the -200 + 400 mesh screen fraction assaying 0.44 Ti (from a -30 mesh sample) at a current setting of 0.35 AMP. This concentrate contained 21.2 percent of the Ti values in the screen fraction with 2.72 weight percent of feed to test. The results can be projected to a sample stage ground to -200 mesh. Magnetic separation of the 200 + 400 mesh (-0.074 + 0.037 microns) should produce a concentrate accounting for 1.41 weight percent of the feed. This concentrate will analyze 3.45 percent Ti and contain 10.3 percent of the Ti values in the feed. By changing the Frantz Magnetic Separator settings, a lower grade concentrate analyzing 0.98 percent Ti can be produced at an increased recovery of 25.4 percent. The concentrate weight will be 11.7 percent of the feed. It must be emphasized that improved grades and recoveries can be obtained with the -400 mesh fines. However, beneficiation of these extremely fine materials is not possible in a practical process scheme.

Ramadorai, G.↗
NASA NTRS1994

RF optics study for DSS-43 ultracone implementation

The Ultracone feed system will be implemented on DSS 43 to support the S-band (2.3 GHz) Galileo contingency mission. The feed system will be installed in the host country's cone, which is normally used for radio astronomy, VLBI, and holography. The design must retain existing radio-astronomy capabilities, which could be impaired by shadowing from the large S-band feed horn. Computer calculations were completed to estimate system performance and shadowing effects for various configurations of the host country's cone feed systems. Also, the DSS-43 system performance using higher gain S-band horns was analyzed. A new S-band horn design with improved return loss and cross-polarization characteristics is presented.

Lee, P.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) Flight Dynamics Simulations Using MATLAB (R)

This paper describes a study to verify onboard attitude control laws in the coarse Sun-pointing (CSP) mode by simulation and to develop procedures for operational support for the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) mission. SOHO was launched on December 2, 1995, and the predictions of the simulation were verified with the flight data. This study used a commercial off the shelf product MATLAB(tm) to do the following: Develop procedures for computing the parasitic torques for orbital maneuvers; Simulate onboard attitude control of roll, pitch, and yaw during orbital maneuvers; Develop procedures for predicting firing time for both on- and off-modulated thrusters during orbital maneuvers; Investigate the use of feed forward or pre-bias torques to reduce the attitude handoff during orbit maneuvers - in particular, determine how to use the flight data to improve the feed forward torque estimates for use on future maneuvers. The study verified the stability of the attitude control during orbital maneuvers and the proposed use of feed forward torques to compensate for the attitude handoff. Comparison of the simulations with flight data showed: Parasitic torques provided a good estimate of the on- and off-modulation for attitude control; The feed forward torque compensation scheme worked well to reduce attitude handoff during the orbital maneuvers. The work has been extended to prototype calibration of thrusters from observed firing time and observed reaction wheel speed changes.

Headrick, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Evaluation of an Anaerobic Digestion System for Processing CELSS Crop Residues for Resource Recovery

Three bioreactors, connected in series, were used to process CELSS potato residues for recovery of resources. The first stage was an anaerobic digestor (8 L working volume; cow rumen contents inoculum; fed-batch; 8 day retention time; feed rate 25 gdw/day) that converted 33% of feed (dry weight loss) to CO2 and "volatile fatty acids" (vfa, 83:8:8 mmolar ratio acetic:propionic:butyric). High nitrate-N in the potato residue feed was absent in the anaerobic effluent, with a high portion converted to NH4(+)-N and the remainder unaccounted and probably lost to denitrification and NH4(+) volatilization. Liquid anaerobic effluent was fed to an aerobic, yeast biomass production vessel (2 L volume; Candida ingens inoculum; batch [pellicle] growth; 2 day retention time) where the VFAs and some NH4(+)-N were converted into yeast biomass. Yeast yields accounted for up to 8% of potato residue fed into the anaerobic bioreactor. The third bioreactor (0.5 L liquid working volume; commercial nitrifier inoculum; packed-bed biofilm; continuous yeast effluent feed; recirculating; constant volume; 2 day hydraulic retention time) was used to convert successfully the remaining NH4(+)-N into nitrate-N (preferred form of N for CELSS crop production) and to remove the remaining degradable soluble organic carbon. Effluents from the last two stages were used for partial replenishment of minerals for hydroponic potato production.

Strayer, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS2000

A Low Loss Microstrip Antenna for Radiometric Applications

The design and analysis of a series-fed, low-loss, inverted microstrip array antenna, operating at 1.413 GHz is presented. The antenna is composed of two subarrays. Each subarray consists of an equal number of microstrip patches all connected together with microstrip lines. In the first design microstrip array for linear polarization is presented which incorporated a series feeding technique. The next design, which is capable of dual linear polarization (V-polarization and H-polarization), utilizes a corporate feed network for the V-pol and series feed arrangement for the H-pol. The first element of each subarray for H-pol is coaxially fed with a 180 deg phase difference. This approach ensures a symmetric radiation pattern on broadside in H-pol. For the V-pol two feeds are in the same phase on the two subarrays ensuring a broadside beam in V-pol. The designs presented here are simulated using the IE3D code that utilizes the method of moments. Measured results are compared with simulated results and show good agreement.

Wahid, Parveen↗
NASA NTRS2000

Analysis of the DFP/AFCS Systems for Compensating Gravity Distortions on the 70-Meter Antenna

This paper presents the theoretical computations showing the expected performances for both systems. The basic analysis tool is a Physical Optics reflector analysis code that was ported to a parallel computer for faster execution times. There are several steps involved in computing the RF performance of the various systems. 1 . A model of the RF distortions of the main reflector is required. This model is based upon measured holography maps of the 70-meter antenna obtained at 3 elevation angles. The holography maps are then processed (using an appropriate gravity mechanical model of the dish) to provide surface distortion maps at all elevation angles. 2. From the surface distortion maps, ray optics is used to determine the theoretical shape of the DFP that will exactly phase compensate the distortions. 3. From the theoretical shape and a NASTRAN mechanical model of the plate, the actuator positions that generate a surface that provides the best RMS fit to the theoretical model are selected. Using the actuator positions and the NASTRAN model provides an accurate description of the actual mirror shape. 4. Starting from the mechanical drawings of the feed, a computed RF feed pattern is generated. This pattern is expanded into a set of spherical wave modes so that a complete near field analysis of the reflector system can be obtained. 5. For the array feed, the excitation coefficients that provide the maximum gain are computed using a phase conjugate technique. The basic experimental geometry consisted of a dual shaped 70-meter antenna system; a refocusing ellipse, a DFP and an array feed system. To provide physical insight to the systems performance, focal plane field plots are presented at several elevations. Curves of predicted performance are shown for the DFP system, monopulse tracking system, AFCS and combined DFP/AFCS system. The calculated results show that the combined DFP/AFCS system is capable of recovering the majority of the gain lost due to gravity distortion.

Imbriale, William A.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Membrane Separation of Gases From The Martian Atmosphere

A test bed has been constructed to test membrane modules for separation of gases under temperature and pressure conditions normally encountered on the surface of Mars. The test bed allows independent control of (1) feed flow rates, (2) feed composition, (3) feed pressure, (4) permeate pressure, and (5) operating temperature. Preliminary data obtained at a nominal feed pressure of 760 torr and permeate pressure of 10 torr has demonstrated the ability of one membrane module to operate at temperatures as low as -70 C. At temperatures below -40 C, however, significant loss of carbon dioxide and argon was observed, probably indicating condensation at the relatively high pressure used. As expected, permeation flow rates decreased with decreasing temperature, the flow at -30 C approximately 37% of the value at +23 C. Values of permeability for individual gas components showed similar decreases with decreasing temperature, but permeability ratios changed significantly. For example, the ratio of the permeabilities of carbon dioxide and nitrogen increased from 2.6 at 23 C to 5.6 at -30 C. Additional data at lower operating pressures and temperatures must be obtained in order to optimize design of a usable separation system.

Jennings, Paul A.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Membrane Separation of Gases from the Martian Atmosphere

A test bed has been constructed to test membrane modules for separation of gases under temperature and pressure conditions normally encountered on the surface of Mars. The test bed allows independent control of: (1) feed flow rates, (2) feed composition, (3) feed pressure, (4) permeate pressure, and (5) operating temperature. Preliminary data obtained at a nominal feed pressure of 760 torr and permeate pressure of 10 torr has demonstrated the ability of one membrane module to operate at temperatures as low as -70 C. At temperatures below -40 C, however, significant loss of carbon dioxide and argon was observed, probably indicating condensation at the relatively high pressure used. As expected, permeation flow rates decreased with decreasing temperature, the flow at -30 C approximately 37% of the value at +23 C. Values of permeability for individual gas components showed similar decreases with decreasing temperature, but permeability ratios changed significantly. For example, the ratio of the permeabilities of carbon dioxide and nitrogen increased from 2.6 at 23 C to 5.6 at -30 C. Additional data at lower operating pressures and temperatures must be obtained in order to optimize design of a usable separation system.

Jennings, Paul A.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Fuel Cell/Reformers Technology Development

NASA Glenn Research Center is interested in developing Solid Oxide Fuel Cell for use in aerospace applications. Solid oxide fuel cell requires hydrogen rich feed stream by converting commercial aviation jet fuel in a fuel processing process. The grantee's primary research activities center on designing and constructing a test facility for evaluating injector concepts to provide optimum feeds to fuel processor; collecting and analyzing literature information on fuel processing and desulfurization technologies; establishing industry and academic contacts in related areas; providing technical support to in-house SOFC-based system studies. Fuel processing is a chemical reaction process that requires efficient delivery of reactants to reactor beds for optimum performance, i.e., high conversion efficiency and maximum hydrogen production, and reliable continuous operation. Feed delivery and vaporization quality can be improved by applying NASA's expertise in combustor injector design. A 10 KWe injector rig has been designed, procured, and constructed to provide a tool to employ laser diagnostic capability to evaluate various injector concepts for fuel processing reactor feed delivery application. This injector rig facility is now undergoing mechanical and system check-out with an anticipated actual operation in July 2004. Multiple injector concepts including impinging jet, venturi mixing, discrete jet, will be tested and evaluated with actual fuel mixture compatible with reforming catalyst requirement. Research activities from September 2002 to the closing of this collaborative agreement have been in the following areas: compiling literature information on jet fuel reforming; conducting autothermal reforming catalyst screening; establishing contacts with other government agencies for collaborative research in jet fuel reforming and desulfurization; providing process design basis for the build-up of injector rig facility and individual injector design.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2007

Steerable Space Fed Lens Array for Low-Cost Adaptive Ground Station Applications

The Space Fed Lens Array (SFLA) is an alternative to a phased array antenna that replaces large numbers of expensive solid-state phase shifters with a single spatial feed network. SFLA can be used for multi-beam application where multiple independent beams can be generated simultaneously with a single antenna aperture. Unlike phased array antennas where feed loss increases with array size, feed loss in a lens array with more than 50 elements is nearly independent of the number of elements, a desirable feature for large apertures. In addition, SFLA has lower cost as compared to a phased array at the expense of total volume and complete beam continuity. For ground station applications, both of these tradeoff parameters are not important and can thus be exploited in order to lower the cost of the ground station. In this paper, we report the development and demonstration of a 952-element beam-steerable SFLA intended for use as a low cost ground station for communicating and tracking of a low Earth orbiting satellite. The dynamic beam steering is achieved through switching to different feed-positions of the SFLA via a beam controller.

Lee, Richard Q.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Integrated lunar materials manufacturing process

A manufacturing plant and process for production of oxygen on the moon uses lunar minerals as feed and a minimum of earth-imported, process materials. Lunar feed stocks are hydrogen-reducible minerals, ilmenite and lunar agglutinates occurring in numerous, explored locations mixed with other minerals in the pulverized surface layer of lunar soil known as regolith. Ilmenite (FeTiO.sub.3) and agglutinates contain ferrous (Fe.sup.+2) iron reducible by hydrogen to yield H.sub.2 O and metallic Fe at about 700.degree.-1,200.degree. C. The H.sub.2 O is electrolyzed in gas phase to yield H.sub.2 for recycle and O.sub.2 for storage and use. Hydrogen losses to lunar vacuum are minimized, with no net hydrogen (or any other earth-derived reagent) consumption except for small leaks. Feed minerals are surface-mined by front shovels and transported in trucks to the processing area. The machines are manned or robotic. Ilmenite and agglutinates occur mixed with silicate minerals which are not hydrogen-reducible at 700.degree.-1,200.degree. C. and consequently are separated and concentrated before feeding to the oxygen generation process. Solids rejected from the separation step and reduced solids from the oxygen process are returned to the mine area. The plant is powered by nuclear or solar power generators. Vapor-phase water electrolysis, a staged, countercurrent, fluidized bed reduction reactor and a radio-frequency-driven ceramic gas heater are used to improve thermal efficiency.

Gibson, Michael A.↗