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At least 109 records · Page 6

Design of optimal correlation filters for hybrid vision systems

Research is underway at the NASA Johnson Space Center on the development of vision systems that recognize objects and estimate their position by processing their images. This is a crucial task in many space applications such as autonomous landing on Mars sites, satellite inspection and repair, and docking of space shuttle and space station. Currently available algorithms and hardware are too slow to be suitable for these tasks. Electronic digital hardware exhibits superior performance in computing and control; however, they take too much time to carry out important signal processing operations such as Fourier transformation of image data and calculation of correlation between two images. Fortunately, because of the inherent parallelism, optical devices can carry out these operations very fast, although they are not quite suitable for computation and control type operations. Hence, investigations are currently being conducted on the development of hybrid vision systems that utilize both optical techniques and digital processing jointly to carry out the object recognition tasks in real time. Algorithms for the design of optimal filters for use in hybrid vision systems were developed. Specifically, an algorithm was developed for the design of real-valued frequency plane correlation filters. Furthermore, research was also conducted on designing correlation filters optimal in the sense of providing maximum signal-to-nose ratio when noise is present in the detectors in the correlation plane. Algorithms were developed for the design of different types of optimal filters: complex filters, real-value filters, phase-only filters, ternary-valued filters, coupled filters. This report presents some of these algorithms in detail along with their derivations.

Rajan, Periasamy K.↗

Crack growth in bonded elastic half planes

Two solutions were developed for the two dimensional problem of bonded linearly elastic half-planes. For each solution, numerical results are presented for the stress intensity factors, strain energy release rate, stresses, and displacements. The behavior predicted by the studies was investigated experimentally using polymers for the material pairs. Close agreement was found for the critical stress intensity factor at fracture for the perpendicular crack near the interface. Fracture along the interface proved to be inconclusive due to difficulties in obtaining a brittle bond. Some interesting and predictable behavior regarding the potential for the crack to cross the interface was observed and is discussed.

Goree, J. G.↗

Assembly Development for the Simons Observatory Focal Plane Readout Module

The Simons Observatory (SO) is a suite of instruments sensitive to temperature and polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) to be located at Cerro Toco in the Atacama Desert in Chile. Five telescopes, one large aperture telescope and four small aperture telescopes, will host roughly 70,000 highly multiplexed transition edge sensor (TES) detectors operated at 100 mK. Each SO focal plane module (UFM) couples 1,764 TESes to microwave resonators in a microwave multiplexing (μMux) readout circuit. Before detector integration, the100 mKμMux components are packaged into multiplexing modules (UMMs), which are independently validated to ensure they meet SO performance specifications. Here we present the assembly developments of these UMM readout packages for mid frequency (90/150 GHz) and ultra high frequency (220/280 GHz) UFMs.

Aamir M. Ali↗

Quantum Well and Quantum Dot Modeling for Advanced Infrared Detectors and Focal Plane Arrays

This viewgraph presentation reviews the modeling of Quantum Well Infrared Detectors (QWIP) and Quantum Dot Infrared Detectors (QDIP) in the development of Focal Plane Arrays (FPA). The QWIP Detector being developed is a dual band detector. It is capable of running on two bands Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) and Medium Wavelength Infrared (MWIR). The same large-format dual-band FPA technology can be applied to Quantum Dot Infrared Photodetector (QDIP) with no modification, once QDIP exceeds QWIP in single device performance. Details of the devices are reviewed.

quantum well↗

Space infrared telescope facility wide field and diffraction limited array camera (IRAC)

IRAC focal plane detector technology was developed and studies of alternate focal plane configurations were supported. While any of the alternate focal planes under consideration would have a major impact on the Infrared Array Camera, it was possible to proceed with detector development and optical analysis research based on the proposed design since, to a large degree, the studies undertaken are generic to any SIRTF imaging instrument. Development of the proposed instrument was also important in a situation in which none of the alternate configurations has received the approval of the Science Working Group.

Fazio, G. G.↗

Flow in out-of-plane double S-bonds

Developing flows in two out-of-plane double S-bend configurations have been measured by laser-Doppler anemometry. The first duct had a rectangular cross-section 40mmx40mm at the inlet and consisted of a uniform area 22.5 deg. - 22.5 deg. S-duct upstream with a 22.5 deg.- 22.5 deg. S- diffuser downstream. The second duct had a circular cross-section and consisted of a 45 deg. - 45 deg. uniform area S-duct upstream with a 22.5 deg. -22.5 deg. S-diffuser downstream. In both configurations the ratio of the mean radius of curvature to the inlet hydraulic diameter was 7.0, the exit-to-inlet area ratio of the diffusers was 1.5 and the ducts were connected so that the centerline of the S-duct lay in a plane normal to that of the S-diffuser. Streamwise and cross-stream velocity components were measured in laminar flow for the rectangular duct and in turbulent flow for both configurations; measurements of the turbulence levels, cross-correlations and wall static pressures were also made in the turbulent flow cases. Secondary flows of the first kind are present in the first S-duct and they are complemented or counteracted by the secondary flows generated by the area expansion and by the curvature of the S-diffusers downstream. Cross-stream velocities with magnitudes up to 0.19 and 0.11 of the bulk velocity were measured in the laminar and turbulent flows respectively in the rectangular duct and six cross-flow vortices were evident at the exit of the duct in both flow cases. The turbulent flow in the circular duct was qualitatively similar to that in the rectangular configuration, but the cross-stream velocities measured at the exit plane were smaller in the circular geometry. The results are presented in sufficient detail and accuracy for the assessment of numerical calculation methods and are listed in tabular form for this purpose.

Schmidt, M. C.↗

NASP and SDI Spearhead CFD Developments

The National Aerospace Plane (NASP) program's purpose, as stated by the National Space Council, is to "develop and demonstrate hypersonic technologies with the ultimate goal of single stage to orbit." The council has also directed that "performance of the experimental flight vehicle will be constrained to the minimum necessary to meet the highest priority research, as opposed to operational objectives .... The program will be conducted in such a way as to minimize technical and cost uncertainty associated with the experimental vehicle." The purpose of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), as defined by President Bush, is "...protection from limited ballistic missile strikes, whatever their source." Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) plays a vital role in both endeavors.

Mehta, Unmeel B.↗

Continuous Test and Transition Infrastructure for Quantum Networking for Science Complex

We propose a network architecture with a separate quantum dataplane and a conventional control plane: (a) Quantum Data Plane: The Quantum Data plane consists of links of dark fibers connecting quantum switches and repeaters, which in turn, connect to quantum computers, memory and sensors. Since the current reach is limited to local areas, it will begin as a collection of site networks at laboratories, (b) Conventional Control Plane: The Control plane provides management access to quantum devices for configuration and provisioning via control nodes with firewall and encryption capabilities. Continuous Test and Transition Infrastructure: We propose an infrastructure with a control plane connecting multiple sites via encrypted tunnels over conventional networks consisting of the following: (a) Site Quantum Networks: Individual site networks supported by their fiber plants connect laboratories that house and connect to their quantum devices for testing and interoperability.(b) Site Control Planes: Sites are connected over individual control planes with control hosts with Software Defined Networking capabilities, which can be peered with other networks via ESnet.(c) Progressive Expansion: Initially, sites will develop individual data planes with their specific quantum devices and fiber connections, and mechanisms to interface with conventional networks. They progressively expand and interconnect, under a wide-area ecosystem of peered control planes for device testing, interoperability development and roll off into production environments.

Rao, Nageswara S.↗

Electromagnetic diffraction by plane reflection diffraction gratings

A plane wave theory was developed to study electromagnetic diffraction by plane reflection diffraction gratings of infinite extent. A computer program was written to calculate the energy distribution in the various orders of diffraction for the cases when the electric or magnetic field vectors are parallel to the grating grooves. Within the region of validity of this theory, results were in excellent agreement with those in the literature. Energy conservation checks were also made to determine the region of validity of the plane wave theory. The computer program was flexible enough to analyze any grating profile that could be described by a single value function f(x). Within the region of validity the program could be used with confidence. The computer program was used to investigate the polarization and blaze properties of the diffraction grating.

Bocker, R. P.↗

Fracture toughness testing data: A technology survey

Technical abstracts for about 90 significant documents relating to fracture toughness testing for various structural materials including information on plane strain and the developing areas of mixed mode and plane stress test conditions are presented. An overview of the state-of-the-art represented in the documents that have been abstracted is included. The abstracts in the report are mostly for publications in the period April 1962 through April 1974. The purpose of this report is to provide, in quick reference form, a dependable source for current information in the subject field.

Stuhrke, W. F.↗

On the development of noise-producing large-scale wavelike eddies in a plane turbulent jet

The paper studies the development of large-scale wavelike eddies in a two-dimensional turbulent jet, extending earlier work on the mixing region (Liu, 1974). The basic mean flow developes from one of mixing-region type with an initially specified boundary-layer thickness into a fully developed jet. This study brings out the role of the varicose and sinuous modes as they develop in a growing mean flow. In general, it is found that, for a given frequency parameter, the varicose mode has a shorter streamwise lifetime than the sinuous mode. For lower frequencies, the latter persists past the end of the potential core only to become subject to dissipation by the enhanced fine-scale turbulent activity in that region.

Merkine, L.-O.↗

Thermal infrared pushbroom imagery acquisition and processing

A 9-element focal plane detector array and signal processing electronics was developed and delivered in December 1977. It was integrated into a thermal infrared imaging system using LSI microprocessor image processing and CRT display. After three years of laboratory operation, the focal plane has demonstrated high reliability and performance. On the basis of the 9-channel breadboard, the 90-element Aircraft Pushbroom IR/CCD Focal Plane Development Program was funded in October 1977. A follow-on program was awarded in July 1979, for the construction of a field test instrument and image processing facility. The objective of this project was to demonstrate thermal infrared pushbroom hard-copy imagery. It is pointed out that the successful development of the 9-element and 90-element thermal infrared hybrid imaging systems using photoconductive (Hg,Cd)Te has verified the operational concept of 8 to 14 micrometer pushbroom scanners.

Brown, T. J.↗

Flight Testing of Hypersonic Airbreathing Propulsion for Developing Computational Design Technology

The objective of this paper is to present and discuss a scenario and the requirements for flight testing of hypersonic airbreathing propulsion leading to the development of computational design technology. Flight Testing for this development is a significant part of a triad/synergistic, design approach which integrates computations, flight testing, and ground testing. These three complementary, design developmental tools have various capabilities and limitations. An incremental approach is necessary to use and to develop these tools effectively and efficiently. This computational technology must be developed keeping in focus the aerospace plane that is to be developed. The criteria for selecting the right plane are presented and consequently, the appropriate flight tests are identified. Two conceptual, flight-test systems are suggested considering the following: (1) the relevant, lessons learned from previous and current United States hypersonic programs, from the Apollo program, from the Space Shuttle program, and from the space station program; (2) the current need for a low risk, affordable access to space; and (3) the design challenge for hypersonic airbreathing propulsion testing. How these systems may be used for developing the computational design technology is described. The requirements for conducting propulsion- design computations, sources of uncertainties in these computations, and a guide for establishing the credibility of these computations are also presented.

Mehta, Unmeel B.↗

Cost-Driven Design of a Large Scale X-Plane

A conceptual design process focused on the development of a low-cost, large scale X-plane was developed as part of an internal research and development effort. One of the concepts considered for this process was the double-bubble configuration recently developed as an advanced single-aisle class commercial transport similar in size to a Boeing 737-800 or Airbus A320. The study objective was to reduce the contractor cost from contract award to first test flight to less than $100 million, and having the first flight within three years of contract award. Methods and strategies for reduced cost are discussed.

Welstead, Jason R.↗

Fabrication of Monolithic Sapphire Membranes for High Tc Bolometer Array Development

This paper examines the effectiveness of Pt/Cr thin film masks for the architecture of monolithic membrane structures in r-plane sapphire. The development of a pinhole-free Pt/Cr composite mask that is resistant to hot H2SO4:H3PO4 etchant, will lead to the fabrication of smooth sapphire membranes whose surfaces are well-suited for the growth of low-noise high Tc films. In particular, the relationship of thermal annealing conditions on the Pt/Cr composite mask system to: (1) changes in the surface morphology and elemental concentration of the Pt/Cr thin film layers and (2) etch pit formation on the sapphire surface will be presented.

Pugel, D. E.↗

Visible charge-coupled device (CCD) focal plane design considerations for multispectral applications

The typical Multispectral Linear Array (MLA) Instrument mission would be to gather high-resolution, radiometrically accurate earth resources data in several spectral bands over a prolonged period of time. These bands would include the visible (VIS), near infrared (NIR) and short wavelength infrared. Silicon charge-coupled imaging devices (CCDs) can be assembled into contiguous pixel focal planes which will cover the VIS/NIR region and operate reliably for several years in a space environment. A typical MLA focal plane would have approximately 12,000 pixels, with a pixel-to-pixel registration requirement on the order of + or - 0.1 pixel. The technology to assemble such focal planes has been developed and is described. The problem of polarization sensitivity associated with certain types of focal plane assemblies is addressed. Radiation effects on CCDs are also discussed, and a practical solution to the problem through the use of shielding is described.

Sadowski, H.↗