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At least 1,045 records · Page 58

Quantification of Lanthanides in a Molten Salt Reactor Surrogate Off-Gas Stream Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

To enable the deployment of molten salt reactor technology, the development of off-gas treatment systems and advanced monitoring tools capable of operating with high temperatures and radiation fields while delivering near real-time information is necessary. Here, we aim to fulfill this requirement and proposes laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for monitoring molten salt aerosol streams. A sheath gas measuring method was developed to protect optical elements from aerosol particles and to ensure a relatively constant aerosol stream for measurement. An aqueous system was studied to demonstrate the utility of LIBS for monitoring possible fission products in an aerosol stream: Gd, Nd, and Sm up to 2000 parts per million (ppm). A calibration model was built using partial least squares (PLS) regression with five, six, and nine latent variables for Gd, Nd, and Sm, respectively. This calibration model successfully estimated the concentrations of three test samples, which were validated with inductively charged plasma optical emission spectroscopy measurements at a 99.9% confidence interval. To enhance these models, a genetic algorithm was used to filter the spectra before entering the PLS model, thereby limiting the spectral features being regressed to those with greater correlations to concentration. This allowed for the number of latent variables used in the PLS models to be reduced to four, three, and three for Gd, Nd, and Sm, respectively. Finally, the genetic algorithm-filtered PLS models were used to predict the concentrations of the aerosol stream on a real-time dataset and resulted in a 73%, 18%, and 25% improvement in root mean squared error of prediction compared to the original PLS models developed.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Space shuttle post-entry and landing analysis. Volume 2: Appendices

Four candidate navigation systems for the space shuttle orbiter approach and landing phase are evaluated in detail. These include three conventional navaid systems and a single-station one-way Doppler system. In each case, a Kalman filter is assumed to be mechanized in the onboard computer, blending the navaid data with IMU and altimeter data. Filter state dimensions ranging from 6 to 24 are involved in the candidate systems. Comprehensive truth models with state dimensions ranging from 63 to 82 are formulated and used to generate detailed error budgets and sensitivity curves illustrating the effect of variations in the size of individual error sources on touchdown accuracy. The projected overall performance of each system is shown in the form of time histories of position and velocity error components.

Crawford, B. S.↗

Trellis phase codes for power-bandwith efficient satellite communications

Support work on improved power and spectrum utilization on digital satellite channels was performed. Specific attention is given to the class of signalling schemes known as continuous phase modulation (CPM). The specific work described in this report addresses: analytical bounds on error probability for multi-h phase codes, power and bandwidth characterization of 4-ary multi-h codes, and initial results of channel simulation to assess the impact of band limiting filters and nonlinear amplifiers on CPM performance.

Wilson, S. G.↗

Spacecraft methods and structures with enhanced attitude control that facilitates gyroscope substitutions

Methods and structures are provided that enhance attitude control during gyroscope substitutions by insuring that a spacecraft's attitude control system does not drive its absolute-attitude sensors out of their capture ranges. In a method embodiment, an operational process-noise covariance Q of a Kalman filter is temporarily replaced with a substantially greater interim process-noise covariance Q. This replacement increases the weight given to the most recent attitude measurements and hastens the reduction of attitude errors and gyroscope bias errors. The error effect of the substituted gyroscopes is reduced and the absolute-attitude sensors are not driven out of their capture range. In another method embodiment, this replacement is preceded by the temporary replacement of an operational measurement-noise variance R with a substantially larger interim measurement-noise variance R to reduce transients during the gyroscope substitutions.

Li, Rongsheng↗

Optical Photometric Observations of GEO Debris

We report on a continuing program of optical photometric measurements of faint orbital debris at geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO). These observations can be compared with laboratory studies of actual spacecraft materials in an effort to determine what the faint debris at GEO may be. We have optical observations from Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) in Chile of two samples of debris: 1. GEO objects discovered in a survey with the University of Michigan's 0.6-m aperture Curtis-Schmidt telescope MODEST (for Michigan Orbital DEbris Survey Telescope), and then followed up in real-time with the CTIO/SMARTS 0.9-m for orbits and photometry. Our goal is to determine 6 parameter orbits and measure colors for all objects fainter than R = 15 t11 magnitude that are discovered in the MODEST survey. 2. A smaller sample of high area to mass ratio (AMR) objects discovered independently, and acquired using predictions from orbits derived from independent tracking data collected days prior to the observations. Our optical observations in standard astronomical BVRI filters are done with either telescope, and with the telescope tracking the debris object at the object's angular rate. Observations in different filters are obtained sequentially. We have obtained 71 calibrated sequences of R-B-V-I-R magnitudes. A total of 66 of these sequences have 3 or more good measurements in all filters (not contaminated by star streaks or in Earth's shadow). Most of these sequences show brightness variations, but a small subset has observed brightness variations consistent with that expected from observational errors alone. The majority of these stable objects are redder than a solar color in both B-R and R-I. There is no dependence on color with brightness. For a smaller sample of objects we have observed with synchronized CCD cameras on the two telescopes. The CTIO 0.9-m observes in B, and MODEST in R. The CCD cameras are electronically linked together so that the start time and duration of observations are the same to better than 50 milliseconds. Thus, the B-R color is a true measure of the surface of the debris piece facing the telescopes for that observation. Any change in color reflects a real change in the debris surface. We will compare our observations with models and laboratory measurements of selected surfaces.

Seitzer, Patrick↗

A review of reduced Kalman filters for clock ensembles

This paper reviews the author’s previous work on free-running timescales based on Kalman filters that act upon clock comparisons. The natural Kalman clock ensemble algorithm tends to optimize long-term timescale stability at the expense of short-term stability. By subjecting each postmeasurement error covariance matrix to a non-transparent reduction operation, one obtains corrected clocks with improved short-term stability and little sacrifice of long-term stability. A new result on covariance matrix reduction is also stated.

Greenhall, Charles A.↗

Development and Validation of a Simulation Testbed for the Intelligent Building Agents Laboratory (IBAL) Using TRNSYS

This paper documents the development and validation of a dynamic primary cooling and thermal storage system simulation testbed. The system simulation testbed, sIBAL, is based on the Intelligent Building Agents Laboratory (IBAL) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which is a research infrastructure and testbed for the development, evaluation, and demonstration of intelligent control algorithms. The sIBAL testbed developed in this project will serve as a virtual twin of the real facility for future control algorithm development. The details of the methodologies used to develop and validate the simulation testbed, which replicates the dynamic behaviors of the primary cooling and ice storage system in the IBAL facility, are presented. The simulation testbed was developed in TRNSYS using built-in component models and MATLAB functions to replicate the two water-cooled chillers, a thermal storage tank, pumps, valves and other components for four different operation modes. Experiments on IBAL components were designed and executed to generate experimental data for model development and verification of the simulation platform. The validation of the simulation results was carried out in two phases: 1) independent component simulations for the chillers and thermal storage tank, and 2) a combined testbed simulation of the entire hydronic system. Comparison of simulation results to the experimental data obtained from the IBAL facility showed errors within 1 °C for the temperatures outputs of both the chiller and the thermal storage model. The error is within an acceptable range for further intelligent control algorithms development. The findings from the study are summarized and presented along with areas where additional research is needed. In addition, data filtering procedures and model refinement measures utilized to improve the accuracy and accelerate the computation time of the simulation are presented.

cooling systems↗

Determination of Small Animal Long Bone Properties Using Densitometry

Assessment of bone structural property changes due to loading regimens or pharmacological treatment typically requires destructive mechanical testing and sectioning. Our group has accurately and non-destructively estimated three dimensional cross-sectional areal properties (principal moments of inertia, Imax and Imin, and principal angle, Theta) of human cadaver long bones from pixel-by-pixel analysis of three non-coplanar densitometry scans. Because the scanner beam width is on the order of typical small animal diapbyseal diameters, applying this technique to high-resolution scans of rat long bones necessitates additional processing to minimize errors induced by beam smearing, such as dependence on sample orientation and overestimation of Imax and Imin. We hypothesized that these errors are correctable by digital image processing of the raw scan data. In all cases, four scans, using only the low energy data (Hologic QDR-1000W, small animal mode), are averaged to increase image signal-to-noise ratio. Raw scans are additionally processed by interpolation, deconvolution by a filter derived from scanner beam characteristics, and masking using a variable threshold based on image dynamic range. To assess accuracy, we scanned an aluminum step phantom at 12 orientations over a range of 180 deg about the longitudinal axis, in 15 deg increments. The phantom dimensions (2.5, 3.1, 3.8 mm x 4.4 mm; Imin/Imax: 0.33-0.74) were comparable to the dimensions of a rat femur which was also scanned. Cross-sectional properties were determined at 0.25 mm increments along the length of the phantom and femur. The table shows average error (+/- SD) from theory of Imax, Imin, and Theta) over the 12 orientations, calculated from raw and fully processed phantom images, as well as standard deviations about the mean for the femur scans. Processing of phantom scans increased agreement with theory, indicating improved accuracy. Smaller standard deviations with processing indicate increased precision and repeatability. Standard deviations for the femur are consistent with those of the phantom. We conclude that in conjunction with digital image enhancement, densitometry scans are suitable for non-destructive determination of areal properties of small animal bones of comparable size to our phantom, allowing prediction of Imax and Imin within 2.5% and Theta within a fraction of a degree. This method represents a considerable extension of current methods of analyzing bone tissue distribution in small animal bones.

Breit, Gregory A.↗

Active Cancellation of Servo-Induced Noise on Stabilized Lasers via Feedforward

Many precision laser applications require active frequency stabilization. However, such stabilization loops operate by pushing noise to frequencies outside their bandwidth, leading to large “servo bumps” that can have deleterious effects for certain applications. The prevailing approach to filtering this noise is to pass the laser through a high-finesse optical cavity, which places constraints on the system design. Here, we propose and demonstrate a different approach where a frequency error signal is derived from a beat note between the laser and the light that passes through the reference cavity. The phase noise derived from this beat note is fed forward to an electro-optic modulator after the laser, carefully accounting for relative delay, for real-time frequency correction. With a hertz-line-width laser, we show ≳20 dB noise suppression at the peak of the servo bump (approximately 250 kHz) and a noise-suppression bandwidth of approximately 5 MHz—well beyond the servo bump. By simulating the Rabi dynamics of a two-level atom with our measured data, we demonstrate substantial improvements to the pulse fidelity over a wide range of Rabi frequencies. Here, our approach offers a simple and versatile method for obtaining a clean spectrum of a narrow-line-width laser, as required in many emerging applications of cold atoms, and is readily compatible with commercial systems that may even include wavelength conversion.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Robust Optimal Control of Inverter-Based Resources Under Grid-Forming Operation

In this paper, we propose and solve a robust control problem for inverter-based resources under grid-forming operation to regulate the voltage and frequency. One major challenge is to mitigate the effect of unmeasurable load current disturbance, grid and load parametric uncertainties. Moreover, strong coupling between the state variables on both the AC and DC sides, as well as between the modulating control input and the frequency impose additional challenges. To address these challenges, first, a robust control problem is solved at the high level via transformation into an equivalent, but more tractable, optimal control problem. Then, in the middle layer a voltage control law is designed on the one side, and a frequency control law on the other side. Finally, an inverter filter current controller is designed to complete the controller design. Theoretical results are derived to provide stability guarantees for the resulting closed-loop system. Specifically, we show that the inverter current injection error is dissipative, the frequency error is semi-globally asymptotically stable, and the inverter terminal voltage error is globally asymptotically stable, all with provided sufficient conditions. Here, numerical simulation experiments are used to validate the theoretical claims. Furthermore, the developed controller is compared with existing work in literature to show the efficacy of the proposed approach.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

The effects of channel errors in DPCM systems and comparison with PCM systems.

Sampling, quantization, and channel errors in differential pulse-code modulation (DPCM) systems are considered and compared to results obtained with standard pulse-code modulation (PCM) systems. DPCM and PCM are compared for three different reconstruction filters. The optimum prediction coefficient is shown to depend on the channel noise.-

Essman, J. E.↗

Real-time orbit estimation for ATS-6 from redundant attitude sensors

A program installed in the ATSOCC on-line computer operates with attitude sensor data to produce a smoothed real-time orbit estimate. This estimate is obtained from a Kalman filter which enables the estimate to be maintained in the absence of T/M data. The results are described of analytical and numerical investigations into the sensitivity of Control Center output to the position errors resulting from the real-time estimation. The results of the numerical investigation, which used several segments of ATS-6 data gathered during the Sensor Data Acquisition run on August 19, 1974, show that the implemented system can achieve absolute position determination with an error of about 100 km, implying pointing errors of less than 0.2 deg in latitude and longitude. This compares very favorably with ATS-6 specifications of approximately 0.5 deg in latitude-longitude.

Englar, T. S., Jr.↗

Viking satellite orbit determination

During the summer of 1976, the two Viking spacecraft, each consisting of an orbiter-lander combination, were inserted into orbit about Mars. The paper describes the experiences of the Viking Satellite Orbit Determination Team in determining Mars centered ephemerides of the orbiters and positions of the landers from the two-way Doppler and range data, and synthesizes the different phases of the navigation plan which involves pre-flight modeling and error analysis for all Viking navigation functions from launch through landing. The problem of initial orbit convergence is solved by using DPODP's (Double Precision Orbit Determination Program) square-root batch data filter, and gravity models for both Viking I and Viking II were produced from the combination of short arc estimates. The importance of synchronous Viking orbits (with the rotational period of Mars) is stressed and future extended missions of the spacecraft are outlined.

Hildebrand, C. E.↗

Estimation of Kalman filter model parameters from an ensemble of tests

A methodology for estimating initial mean and covariance parameters in a Kalman filter model from an ensemble of nonidentical tests is presented. In addition, the problem of estimating time constants and process noise levels is addressed. Practical problems such as developing and validating inertial instrument error models from laboratory test data or developing error models of individual phases of a test are generally considered.

Gibbs, B. P.↗

Comparison of stratospheric aerosol measurements over Poker Flat, Alaska, July, 1979

Stratospheric aerosols were collected at Poker Flat, Alaska, in July, 1979, to determine particle properties, confirm coincident satellite SAGE measurements, and compare similar results obtained with different airborne samplers. Because of the steep slopes in size-distribution curves for larger particles, it is found that properties such as concentrations, aerosol mass, and optical extinction are very sensitive to small errors in radii. It is calculated that the concentration measurements agree with photoelectric particle counter results when a 16% radius change is introduced. An 8% radius change matches our calculated sulfate mass with filter mass measurements. And a 13% radius change results in agreement between the calculated optical extinction and coincident SAGE satellite results. Recognizing that different instruments can produce 10-20% differences in measured sizes, it is believed the results of these comparative measurements of SAGE and in situ instruments are essentially in agreement.

Farlow, N. H.↗

The evaluation of the OSGLR algorithm for restructurable controls

The detection and isolation of commercial aircraft control surface and actuator failures using the orthogonal series generalized likelihood ratio (OSGLR) test was evaluated. The OSGLR algorithm was chosen as the most promising algorithm based on a preliminary evaluation of three failure detection and isolation (FDI) algorithms (the detection filter, the generalized likelihood ratio test, and the OSGLR test) and a survey of the literature. One difficulty of analytic FDI techniques and the OSGLR algorithm in particular is their sensitivity to modeling errors. Therefore, methods of improving the robustness of the algorithm were examined with the incorporation of age-weighting into the algorithm being the most effective approach, significantly reducing the sensitivity of the algorithm to modeling errors. The steady-state implementation of the algorithm based on a single cruise linear model was evaluated using a nonlinear simulation of a C-130 aircraft. A number of off-nominal no-failure flight conditions including maneuvers, nonzero flap deflections, different turbulence levels and steady winds were tested. Based on the no-failure decision functions produced by off-nominal flight conditions, the failure detection performance at the nominal flight condition was determined. The extension of the algorithm to a wider flight envelope by scheduling the linear models used by the algorithm on dynamic pressure and flap deflection was also considered. Since simply scheduling the linear models over the entire flight envelope is unlikely to be adequate, scheduling of the steady-state implentation of the algorithm was briefly investigated.

Bonnice, W. F.↗

Doppler global velocimetry: Development of a flight research instrumentation system for application to non-intrusive measurements of the flow field

Doppler Global Velocimetry (DGV) is a new diagnostic tool that offers potential for flow field measurements in flight by acquiring three-component velocity data in near real-time during flight maneuvers. The feasibility of implementation of a flight DGV system aboard NASA's High-Angle-of-Attack Research Vehicle (HARV) was addressed in this work by identifying the essential characteristics of a flight measurement system and by performing calibration and error tests. Results from this work were: an outline that establishes a preliminary basis for system configurations by analyzing measurement errors, installation issues, and operating requirements; measurement of the accuracy of the DGV technique using a laboratory breadboard DGV system based on a frequency-doubled Nd: YAG laser and iodine Absorption Line Filter (ALF), which showed excellent agreement between the DGV data and pilot measurements on a laminar flow jet with velocities of up to 150 m/sec; a survey of DGV system components and technologies that are relevant to the design of a flight measurement system, including a survey of cameras for the next generation DGV receivers; an assessment of the candidate lasers and absorption line filters for the flight system, resulting in a near-term recommendation of Nd: host lasers and an iodine ALF for both flight and wind tunnel applications.

Komine, Hiroshi↗

Seasonal Glacier and Snow Loading in Svalbard Recovered from Geodetic Observations

We processed time series from seven Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations and one Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) station in Svalbard. The goal was to capture the seasonal vertical displacements caused by elastic response of variable mass load due to ice and snow accumulation. We found that estimates of the annual signal in different GNSS solutions disagree by more than 3 mm which makes geophysical interpretation of raw GNSS time series problematic. To overcome this problem, we have used an enhanced Common Mode (CM) filtering technique. The time series are differentiated by the time series from remote station BJOS with known mass loading signals removed a priori. Using this technique, we have achieved a substantial reduction of the differences between the GNSS solutions. We have computed mass loading time series from a regional Climatic Mass Balance (CMB) and snow model that provides the amount of water equivalent at a 1 km resolution with a time step of 7 days. We found that the entire vertical loading signal is present in data of two totally independent techniques at a statistically significant level of 95%. This allowed us to conclude that the remaining errors in vertical signal derived from the CMB model are less than 0.2 mm at that significance level. Refining the land water storage loading model with a CMB model resulted in a reduction of the annual amplitude from 2:1 mm to 1:1 mm in the CM filtered time series, while it had only a marginal impact on raw time series. This provides a strong evidence that CM filtering is essential for revealing local periodic signals when a millimetre level of accuracy is required.

H P Kierulf↗