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At least 1,135 records · Page 63
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1973

Mars physical parameters as determined from Mariner 9 observations of the natural satellites

Derivation of values for the Mars gravity field, as well as the mass and spin axis direction, by processing combined radio and optical data taken with the Mariner 9 spacecraft. The optical data consists of 62 TV photographs of Phobos and Deimos taken during the Mars orbiting phase of Mariner 9. The radio data consists of apoapsis state vectors obtained from 195 one-revolution fits of the Doppler data. A first-order analytic theory is used to model both the satellites and the spacecraft's motion. However, the shallow resonance condition of Mariner 9's orbit necessitated development of a partial second-order theory to model the long-period perturbations which derive from Mars even-order tesseral harmonics. Use of an analytic theory allows rapid and inexpensive processing of both data types simultaneously. The results are in good agreement with those previously published from Mariner 9 Doppler and landmark data.

Born, G. H.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Human Modeling For Ground Processing Human Factors Engineering Analysis

There have been many advancements and accomplishments over that last few years using human modeling for human factors engineering analysis for design of spacecraft and launch vehicles. The key methods used for this are motion capture and computer generated human models. The focus of this paper is to explain the different types of human modeling used currently and in the past at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) currently, and to explain the future plans for human modeling for future spacecraft designs.

Tran, Donald↗
NASA NTRS1992

Code inspection instructional validation

The Shuttle Data Systems Branch (SDSB) of the Flight Data Systems Division (FDSD) at Johnson Space Center contracted with Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) to validate the effectiveness of an interactive video course on the code inspection process. The purpose of this project was to determine if this course could be effective for teaching NASA analysts the process of code inspection. In addition, NASA was interested in the effectiveness of this unique type of instruction (Digital Video Interactive), for providing training on software processes. This study found the Carnegie Mellon course, 'A Cure for the Common Code', effective for teaching the process of code inspection. In addition, analysts prefer learning with this method of instruction, or this method in combination with other methods. As is, the course is definitely better than no course at all; however, findings indicate changes are needed. Following are conclusions of this study. (1) The course is instructionally effective. (2) The simulation has a positive effect on student's confidence in his ability to apply new knowledge. (3) Analysts like the course and prefer this method of training, or this method in combination with current methods of training in code inspection, over the way training is currently being conducted. (4) Analysts responded favorably to information presented through scenarios incorporating full motion video. (5) Some course content needs to be changed. (6) Some content needs to be added to the course. SwRI believes this study indicates interactive video instruction combined with simulation is effective for teaching software processes. Based on the conclusions of this study, SwRI has outlined seven options for NASA to consider. SwRI recommends the option which involves creation of new source code and data files, but uses much of the existing content and design from the current course. Although this option involves a significant software development effort, SwRI believes this option will produce the most effective results.

Orr, Kay↗
NASA NTRS1982

Human Tissue Stimulator

Neurodyne Corporation Human Tissue Stimulator (HTS) is a totally implantable system used for treatment of chronic pain and involuntary motion disorders by electrical stimulation. It was developed by Pacesetter Systems, Inc. in cooperation with the Applied Physics Laboratory. HTS incorporates a nickel cadmium battery, telemetry and command systems technologies of the same type as those used in NASA's Small Astronomy Satellite-3 in microminiature proportions so that the implantable element is the size of a deck of cards. The stimulator includes a rechargeable battery, an antenna and electronics to receive and process commands and to report on its own condition via telemetry, a wireless process wherein instrument data is converted to electrical signals and sent to a receiver where signals are presented as usable information. The HTS is targeted to nerve centers or to particular areas of the brain to provide relief from intractable pain or arrest involuntary motion. The nickel cadmium battery can be recharged through the skin. The first two HTS units were implanted last year and have been successful. Extensive testing is required before HTS can be made available for general use.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1997

Models of Speed Discrimination

The prime purpose of this project was to investigate various theoretical issues concerning the integration of information across visual space. To date, most of the research efforts in the study of the visual system seem to have been focused in two almost non-overlaping directions. One research focus has been the low level perception as studied by psychophysics. The other focus has been the study of high level vision exemplified by the study of object perception. Most of the effort in psychophysics has been devoted to the search for the fundamental "features" of perception. The general idea is that the most peripheral processes of the visual system decompose the input into features that are then used for classification and recognition. The experimental and theoretical focus has been on finding and describing these analyzers that decompose images into useful components. Various models are then compared to the physiological measurements performed on neurons in the sensory systems. In the study of higher level perception, the work has been focused on the representation of objects and on the connections between various physical effects and object perception. In this category we find the perception of 3D from a variety of physical measurements including motion, shading and other physical phenomena. With few exceptions, there seem to be very limited development of theories describing how the visual system might combine the output of the analyzers to form the representation of visual objects. Therefore, the processes underlying the integration of information over space represent critical aspects of vision system. The understanding of these processes will have implications on our expectations for the underlying physiological mechanisms, as well as for our models of the internal representation for visual percepts. In this project, we explored several mechanisms related to spatial summation, attention, and eye movements. The project comprised three components: 1. Modeling visual search for the detection of speed deviation. 2. Perception of moving objects. 3. Exploring the role of eye movements in various visual tasks.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2012

Compliance with High-Intensity Radiated Fields Regulations - Emitter's Perspective

NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) uses high-power transmitters on its large antennas to communicate with spacecraft of NASA and its partner agencies. The prime reflectors of the DSN antennas are parabolic, at 34m and 70m in diameter. The DSN transmitters radiate Continuous Wave (CW) signals at 20 kW - 500 kW at X-band and S-band frequencies. The combination of antenna reflector size and high frequency results in a very narrow beam with extensive oscillating near-field pattern. Another unique feature of the DSN antennas is that they (and the radiated beam) move mostly at very slow sidereal rate, essentially identical in magnitude and at the opposite direction of Earth rotation.The DSN is in the process of revamping its documentation to provide analysis of the High Intensity Radiation Fields (HIRF) environment resulting from radio frequency radiation from DSN antennas for comparison to FAA regulations regarding certification of HIRF protection as outlined in the FAA regulations on HIRF protection for aircraft electrical and electronic systems (Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) [section sign][section sign] 23.1308, 25.1317, 27.1317, and 29.1317).This paper presents work done at JPL, in consultation with the FAA. The work includes analysis of the radiated field structure created by the unique DSN emitters (combination of transmitters and antennas) and comparing it to the fields defined in the environments in the FAA regulations. The paper identifies areas that required special attention, including the implications of the very narrow beam of the DSN emitters and the sidereal rate motion. The paper derives the maximum emitter power allowed without mitigation and the mitigation zones, where required.Finally, the paper presents summary of the results of the analyses of the DSN emitters and the resulting DSN process documentation.

DSN emitters↗
NASA NTRS1972

A simulation of saltation dynamics with application to terrestrial and Martian model surfaces.

The feasibility of predicting the saltation threshold from a dynamic model of the saltation process is demonstrated. The model is based on mechanical equations that describe the trajectories of particles (sand grains) near the ground-atmosphere interface. The equations of particle motion are formulated in terms of forces and moments. The forces employed are based on theoretical and experimental results obtained for continuum flow. Surface structuring analytics and simulated fluid turbulence further modify the particle behavior. The model is used to predict the threshold velocities on Mars.

Andres, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1974

A simulation of synthetic aperture radar imaging of ocean waves

A simulation of radar imaging of ocean waves with synthetic aperture techniques is presented. The modelling is simplistic from the oceanographic and electromagnetic viewpoint in order to minimize the computational problems, yet reveal some of the physical problems associated with the imaging of moving ocean waves. The model assumes: (1) The radar illuminates a one-dimensional, one harmonic ocean wave. (2) The scattering is assumed to be governed by geometrical optics. (3) The radar is assumed to be down-looking, with Doppler processing (range processing is suppressed due to the one-dimensional nature of the problem). (4) The beamwidth of the antenna (or integration time) is assumed to be sufficiently narrow to restrict the specular points of the peaks and troughs of the wave. The results show that conventional processing of the image gives familiar results if the ocean waves are stationary. When the ocean wave dispersion relationship is satisfied, the image is smeared due to the motion of the specular points over the integration time. In effect, the image of the ocean is transferred to the near field of the synthetic aperture.

Swift, C. T.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Calculation of Water Drop Trajectories to and About Arbitrary Three-Dimensional Bodies in Potential Airflow

Calculations can be performed for any atmospheric conditions and for all water drop sizes, from the smallest cloud droplet to large raindrops. Any subsonic, external, non-lifting flow can be accommodated; flow into, but not through, inlets also can be simulated. Experimental water drop drag relations are used in the water drop equations of motion and effects of gravity settling are included. Seven codes are described: (1) a code used to debug and plot body surface description data; (2) a code that processes the body surface data to yield the potential flow field; (3) a code that computes flow velocities at arrays of points in space; (4) a code that computes water drop trajectories from an array of points in space; (5) a code that computes water drop trajectories and fluxes to arbitrary target points; (6) a code that computes water drop trajectories tangent to the body; and (7) a code that produces stereo pair plots which include both the body and trajectories. Code descriptions include operating instructions, card inputs and printouts for example problems, and listing of the FORTRAN codes. Accuracy of the calculations is discussed, and trajectory calculation results are compared with prior calculations and with experimental data.

Norment, H. G.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Synthetic aperture radar imaging of moving ocean waves

A theory for the radar imaging of ocean waves is presented under the assumptions that a swell propagates through an ensemble of Bragg scatterers and that the integration time of the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is small compared to the angular velocity of the swell. Results are presented which show image development and distortions caused by the radial velocities and accelerations of the swell. Neglecting small wave bunching and tilts due to the longer underlying waves, and considering only one-dimensional geometries, the mechanism of wave motions are considered and their efforts on the production of the usual intensity pattern representing the wave image are studied. The analysis shows that in certain situations a processed image can appear which has twice the spatial period of the actual long wave on the ocean, which can confuse the interpretation of ocean wave analysis.

Swift, C. T.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Parameter estimation based on Doppler frequency shifts

An acoustic source generates an amplitude-modulated tone, with Doppler variations due to the relative motion between source and receiver. A method is presented for real-time estimation of tone rest frequency and minimal distance between source and receiver, using digital signal processing techniques. The algorithm presented here was implemented using a Texas Instruments TMS32010 processor.

Statman, Joseph I.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Redundant manipulators for momentum compensation in a micro-gravity environment

This paper is concerned with the implementation and assessment of joint motion management strategies for kinematically redundant robotic manipulators operating in the micro-gravity environment of Space Station. These robots must be capable of conducting experiments and manufacturing processes without disturbing the micro-gravity environment through base reactions/motions. The redundant degrees of freedom of the manipulator permit the inverse kinematic problem to be solved simultaneously with the minimization of a cost function. The cost function in this case is the weighted sum of the squares of the base forces and moments and is minimized over discrete time segments. The Generalized Inverse Method and Rayleigh Ritz technique are used to solve the combined optimization/inverse kinematics problem. Numerical examples include various robotic configurations and degrees of manipulator redundancy.

Quinn, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Aeroacoustic and aerodynamic applications of the theory of nonequilibrium thermodynamics

Recent developments in the field of nonequilibrium thermodynamics associated with viscous flows are examined and related to developments to the understanding of specific phenomena in aerodynamics and aeroacoustics. A key element of the nonequilibrium theory is the principle of minimum entropy production rate for steady dissipative processes near equilibrium, and variational calculus is used to apply this principle to several examples of viscous flow. A review of nonequilibrium thermodynamics and its role in fluid motion are presented. Several formulations are presented of the local entropy production rate and the local energy dissipation rate, two quantities that are of central importance to the theory. These expressions and the principle of minimum entropy production rate for steady viscous flows are used to identify parallel-wall channel flow and irrotational flow as having minimally dissipative velocity distributions. Features of irrotational, steady, viscous flow near an airfoil, such as the effect of trailing-edge radius on circulation, are also found to be compatible with the minimum principle. Finally, the minimum principle is used to interpret the stability of infinitesimal and finite amplitude disturbances in an initially laminar, parallel shear flow, with results that are consistent with experiment and linearized hydrodynamic stability theory. These results suggest that a thermodynamic approach may be useful in unifying the understanding of many diverse phenomena in aerodynamics and aeroacoustics.

Horne, W. Clifton↗
NASA NTRS1991

Experimental testbed for cooperative robotic manipulators

The robotic testbed facility within Rensselaer's Center for Intelligent Robotic Systems for Space Exploration consists of two PUMA robot manipulators, each mounted on a moving platform. Each platform has a tilt and rotate capability and can move along a two rail linear track. One purpose of this system is to demonstrate the coordination of two arms in relative motion to each other. The system is also useful for investigating the integration problems that occur in an environment that is heavily dependent upon the acquisition, transmission, and processing of data in the form of information, knowledge, and control commands.

Desrochers, A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Receptivity in parallel flows: An adjoint approach

Linear receptivity studies in parallel flows are aimed at understanding how external forcing couples to the natural unstable motions which a flow can support. The vibrating ribbon problem models the original Schubauer and Skramstad boundary layer experiment and represents the classic boundary layer receptivity problem. The process by which disturbances are initiated in convectively-unstable jets and shear layers has also received attention. Gaster was the first to handle the boundary layer analysis with the recognition that spatial modes, rather than temporal modes, were relevant when studying convectively-unstable flows that are driven by a time-harmonic source. The amplitude of the least stable spatial mode, far downstream of the source, is related to the source strength by a coupling coefficient. The determination of this coefficient is at the heart of this type of linear receptivity study. The first objective of the present study was to determine whether the various wave number derivative factors, appearing in the coupling coefficients for linear receptivity problems, could be reexpressed in a simpler form involving adjoint eigensolutions. Secondly, it was hoped that the general nature of this simplification could be shown; indeed, a rather elegant characterization of the receptivity properties of spatial instabilities does emerge. The analysis is quite distinct from the usual Fourier-inversion procedures, although a detailed knowledge of the spectrum of the Orr-Sommerfeld equation is still required. Since the cylinder wake analysis proved very useful in addressing control considerations, the final objective was to provide a foundation upon which boundary layer control theory may be developed.

Hill, D. Christopher↗
NASA NTRS1994

Application of the coded long-pulse technique to plasma line studies of the ionosphere

Recently, the coded long-pulse radar technique was tested at Arecibo Observatory, Puerto Rico using photoelectron-enhanced plasma lines in the daytime ionosphere. The technique immediately proved to be a powerful diagnostic tool for studying natural ionospheric phenomena. Our initial observations indicate that extremely accurate measurements of absolute electron density (0.01 to 0.03% error bars) can be achieved with an altitude resolution of 150 m and a temporal resolution of approx. 2 s. In addition, the technique provides information about electron density structure within a 150-m altitude cell and yields parameters from which the energy spectrum of suprathermal electrons (equal to or greater than 5 eV) can be deduced. Our earliest measurements are used to illustrate applications of the coded long-pulse technique to several aeronomic/ionsospheric areas of current interest. These include studies of neutral wave motions in the lower thermosphere, measurements of ion composition in the F(sub 1) region/upper ionosphere, and investigations of electron-gas thermal balance and photoelectron energy loss processes. The technique can be utilized to examine irregularity formation in the F region, probe electron acceleration processes in ionospheric modification experiments, verify the magnetic field dependence of Langmuir wave damping, and more generally test higher order corrections suggested for the Langmuir dispersion relation. It is anticipated that the latter tests will facilitate measurements of ionospheric currents.

Djuth, Frank T.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Techniques For Topographical Mapping Via Interferometric SAR

Two techniques for processing data acquired by airborne interferometric synthetic-aperture-radar (SAR) system yield terrain-height maps. Predicated on availability of accurate navigational system that yields data on motion and orientation of airplane that carries SAR system and, also effectively gives orientation of baseline between two radar antennas of system. Three-dimensional coordinates of target point on terrain determined from (1) position and orientation of airplane as given by navigational system and (2) slant range gamma and phase shift phase as measured by SAR system.

Madsen, Soren N.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Investigation of Tropical Transport with UARS Data

Measurements of trace constituents obtained by instruments aboard the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) have been used to study transport processes associated with the quasi-biennial oscillation, laterally propagating Rossby waves, and upward propagating Kelvin waves in the tropical and subtropical upper troposphere and stratosphere. Mean vertical motions, vertical diffusivities and in-mixing rates were inferred from observations of the 'tape recorder' signal in near-equatorial stratospheric water vapor. The effect of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) on tracer distributions in the upper half of the stratosphere was seen in a spectacular 'staircase' pattern, predominantly in the winter hemisphere, revealing the latitudinally asymmetric nature of QBO transport due to induced mean meridional circulations and modulation of lateral mixing associated with planetary Rossby waves. The propagation of Rossby waves across the equator in the westerly phase of the QBO was seen in tracer fields and corroborating United Kingdom Meteorological Office (UKMO) analyses; a modeling study of the effect of these waves on typical QBO wind profiles was performed. Water vapor in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere was found to exhibit signatures of the tropical intraseasonal oscillation (TIO) and faster Kelvin waves in the two regions, respectively.

Dunkerton, Timothy J.↗