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Results for “OSCILLATION FREQUENCY”

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At least 127 records · Page 7

Voltage tunable differential heterodyne spectroscopy in the far-infrared with Josephson junctions

The basic methods of differential heterodyne spectroscopy with Josephson junctions are described. A technique is outlined for bridging the gap between a local oscillator frequency and a signal frequency through the use of a voltage-tunable internal oscillation frequency in a Josephson junction structure. It is shown that an intermediate frequency can be converted to a conveniently low frequency by double frequency conversion carried out directly in a Josephson junction. The expected conversion efficiency is estimated qualitatively. Experiments are discussed in which the differential heterodyne frequency-conversion technique was demonstrated at a wavelength of 0.4 mm and a voltage-tunable oscillation in a double Josephson junction structure was observed, with oscillation line widths as narrow as 0.5 Hz, for a resistance of 3.3 nanohms and an estimated inductance of the order of 1 nH.

Ulrich, B. T.↗

Spreading of thermonuclear flames on the neutron star in SAX J1808.4-3658: an observational tool

We analyse archival Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) proportional counter array (PCA) data of thermonuclear X-ray bursts from the 2002 outburst of the accreting millisecond pulsar SAX 51808.4-3658. We present evidence of a complex frequency modulation of oscillations during burst rise, and correlations among the time evolution of the oscillation frequency, amplitude, and the inferred burning region area. We discuss these findings in the context of a model, based on thermonuclear flame spreading on the neutron star surface, that can qualitatively explain these features. From our model, we infer that for the 2002 Oct. 15 thermonuclear burst, the ignition likely occurred in the mid-latitudes, the burning region took approx. 0.2 s to nearly encircle the equatorial region of the neutron star, and after that the lower amplitude oscillation originated from the remaining asymmetry of the burning front in the same hemisphere where the burst ignited. We emphasize that studies of the evolution of burst oscillation properties during burst rise can provide a powerful tool to understand thermonuclear flame spreading on neutron star surfaces under extreme physical conditions.

Bhattacharyya, Sudip↗

Minicomputer-controlled frequency generator

Extremely-accurate and low-phase-noise frequency generator varies oscillator frequency as predetermined function of time. System could be used: (a) to automatically vary transmission frequencies in accordance with seasonal and diurnal changes in ionospheric conditions, (b) as automatic tuner for heterodyne receivers, or (c) as control element for phase-locked telemetry receivers.

Winkelstein, R. A.↗

Improving FM transmitter power and efficiency

Amplifier tracks oscillator frequency allowing narrow band high Q circuit to be used, increasing wide deviation FM transmission efficiency and power output, and suppressing spurious output frequencies system. Tracking oscillator and amplifier act like wideband circuitry with narrow-band advantages.

Honnell, M. A.↗

High-Frequency Density Oscillations from a Plasma Source Used for Simulating Low-Earth Orbit Plasma Environment

We present data from ground-based, vacuum-chamber tests demonstrating the ability to modulate the output of a plasma source capable of producing a low-Earth orbit (LEO) type plasma. We obtained plasma oscillations up to 2.5 kHz impingent on stationary test equipment, which corresponds to meter-level ionospheric structures in LEO. This plasma source is, therefore, suitable for developing scientific instruments that measure the LEO plasma environment, in situ, with meter-level spatial resolution. Measurements were made using a fixed-bias collector and an electrometer sampling at 40 kHz. A mechanical aperture was established at the output of the plasma source via two concentric grids. The outer grid was free to rotate in the azimuthal direction with respect to the fixed inner grid. An identical, alternating hole pattern in the two grids resulted in a variable aperture that cycles through 90 open/close cycles per revolution. The frequency of the plasma oscillations is limited by the mechanism used to spin the grids and the bearing assembly on which the grids rotate. Higher frequencies are obtainable by upgrading the drive mechanism, allowing the possibility of centimeter-level spatial resolution.

McTernan, Jesse K.↗

Numerical Studies of a Supersonic Fluidic Diverter Actuator for Flow Control

The analysis of the internal flow structure and performance of a specific fluidic diverter actuator, previously studied by time-dependent numerical computations for subsonic flow, is extended to include operation with supersonic actuator exit velocities. The understanding will aid in the development of fluidic diverters with minimum pressure losses and advanced designs of flow control actuators. The self-induced oscillatory behavior of the flow is successfully predicted and the calculated oscillation frequencies with respect to flow rate have excellent agreement with our experimental measurements. The oscillation frequency increases with Mach number, but its dependence on flow rate changes from subsonic to transonic to supersonic regimes. The delay time for the initiation of oscillations depends on the flow rate and the acoustic speed in the gaseous medium for subsonic flow, but is unaffected by the flow rate for supersonic conditions

Gokoglu, Suleyman A.↗

Ultra-stable oscillator with complementary transistors

A high frequency oscillator, having both good short and long term stability, is formed by including a piezoelectric crystal in the base circuit of a first bi-polar transistor circuit, the bi-polar transistor itself operated below its transitional frequency and having its emitter load chosen so that the input impedance, looking into the base thereof, exhibits a negative resistance in parallel with a capacitive reactance. Combined with this basic circuit is an auxiliary, complementary, second bi-polar transistor circuit of the same form with the piezoelectric crystal being common to both circuits. By this configuration small changes in quiescent current are substantially cancelled by opposite variations in the second bi-polar transistor circuit, thereby achieving from the oscillator a signal having its frequency of oscillation stable over long time periods as well as short time periods.

Kleinberg, L. L.↗

A calibration of solar envelope models using the frequencies of intermediate-degree solar acoustic oscillations

The frequency dependence of the phase shift, which arises from the reflection of internal acoustic waves (p-modes) at the outer solar layers, can be determined from the accurately measured frequencies of intermediate-degree p-modes. This dependence is sensitive to the complicated structure of the outer solar layers, down to the depth of the second ionization zone of helium. It can be used to calibrate solar envelope models. The results of the direct tests of a variety of solar envelope models using the phase shift inferred from the solar oscillation frequencies are reported.

Pamiatnykh, A. A.↗

Delay of Turbulent Boundary Layer Detachment by Mechanical Excitation: Application to Rearward-facing Ramp

A vane oscillating about a fixed point at the inlet to a two-dimensional 20 deg rearward-facing ramp proved effective in delaying the detachment of a turbulent boundary layer. Flow-field, surface static pressure, and smoke-wire flow visualization measurements were made. Surface pressure coefficient distributions revealed that two different effects occurred with axial distance along the ramp surface. The surface pressure coefficient varied as a complex function of the vane oscillation frequency and its trailing edge displacement amplitude; that is, it varied as a function of the vane oscillation frequency throughout the entire range of frequencies covered during the test, but it varied over only a limited range of the trailing edge displacement amplitudes covered.The complexity of these findings prompted a detailed investigation, the results of which revealed a combination of phenomena that explain qualitatively how the mechanically generated, periodic, sinusoidal perturbing signal produced by the oscillating vane reacts with the fluid flow to delay the detachment of a turbulent boundary layer experiencing transitory detachment.

McKinzie, Daniel J., Jr.↗

Investigations of the pathogenesis of acquired pendular nystagmus

We investigated the pathogenesis of acquired pendular nystagmus (APN) in six patients, three of whom had multiple sclerosis. First, we tested the hypothesis that the oscillations of APN are due to a delay in visual feedback secondary, for example, to demyelination of the optic nerves. We manipulated the latency to onset of visually guided eye movements using an electronic technique that induces sinusoidal oscillations in normal subjects. This manipulation did not change the characteristics of the APN, but did superimpose lower-frequency oscillations similar to those induced in normal subjects. These results are consistent with current models for smooth (non-saccadic) eye movements, which predict that prolongation of visual feedback could not account for the high-frequency oscillations that often characterize APN. Secondly, we attempted to determine whether an increase in the gain of the visually-enhanced vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), produced by viewing a near target, was accompanied by a commensurate increase in the amplitude of APN. Increases in horizontal or vertical VOR gain during near viewing occurred in four patients, but only two of them showed a parallel increase in APN amplitude. On the other hand, APN amplitude decreased during viewing of the near target in the two patients who showed no change in VOR gain. Taken together, these data suggest that neither delayed visual feedback nor a disorder of central vestibular mechanisms is primarily responsible for APN. More likely, these ocular oscillations are produced by abnormalities of internal feedback circuits, such as the reciprocal connections between brainstem nuclei and cerebellum.

NASA Program Space Physiology and Countermeasures↗

Real-Time Distributed Embedded Oscillator Operating Frequency Monitoring

A document discusses the utilization of embedded clocks inside of operating network data links as an auxiliary clock source to satisfy local oscillator monitoring requirements. Modem network interfaces, typically serial network links, often contain embedded clocking information of very tight precision to recover data from the link. This embedded clocking data can be utilized by the receiving device to monitor the local oscillator for tolerance to required specifications, often important in high-integrity fault-tolerant applications. A device can utilize a received embedded clock to determine if the local or the remote device is out of tolerance by using a single link. The local device can determine if it is failing, assuming a single fault model, with two or more active links. Network fabric components, containing many operational links, can potentially determine faulty remote or local devices in the presence of multiple faults. Two methods of implementation are described. In one method, a recovered clock can be directly used to monitor the local clock as a direct replacement of an external local oscillator. This scheme is consistent with a general clock monitoring function whereby clock sources are clocking two counters and compared over a fixed interval of time. In another method, overflow/underflow conditions can be used to detect clock relationships for monitoring. These network interfaces often provide clock compensation circuitry to allow data to be transferred from the received (network) clock domain to the internal clock domain. This circuit could be modified to detect overflow/underflow conditions of the buffering required and report a fast or slow receive clock, respectively.

Pollock, Julie↗

Parametrically disciplined operation of a vibratory gyroscope

Parametrically disciplined operation of a symmetric nearly degenerate mode vibratory gyroscope is disclosed. A parametrically-disciplined inertial wave gyroscope having a natural oscillation frequency in the neighborhood of a sub-harmonic of an external stable clock reference is produced by driving an electrostatic bias electrode at approximately twice this sub-harmonic frequency to achieve disciplined frequency and phase operation of the resonator. A nearly symmetric parametrically-disciplined inertial wave gyroscope that can oscillate in any transverse direction and has more than one bias electrostatic electrode that can be independently driven at twice its oscillation frequency at an amplitude and phase that disciplines its damping to zero in any vibration direction. In addition, operation of a parametrically-disciplined inertial wave gyroscope is taught in which the precession rate of the driven vibration pattern is digitally disciplined to a prescribed non-zero reference value.

Shcheglov, Kirill V.↗

Water-absorbing capacitor system for measuring relative humidity

A method and apparatus using a known water-absorbent polymer as a capacitor which is operated at a dc voltage for measuring relative humidity is presented. When formed as a layer between porous electrically-conductive electrodes and operated in an RC oscillator circuit, the oscillator frequency varies inversely with the partial pressure of the moisture to be measured. In a preferred embodiment, the capacitor is formed from Nafion and is operated at a low dc voltage with a resistor as an RC circuit in an RC oscillator. At the low voltage, the leakage current is proper for oscillation over a satisfactory range. The frequency of oscillation varies in an essentially linear fashion with relative humidity which is represented by the moisture being absorbed into the Nafion. The oscillation frequency is detected by a frequency detector.

Laue, Eric G.↗

Mach 10 bow-shock behavior of a forward-facing nose cavity

A detailed description of the bow-shock behavior associated with a conical-walled cavity with a flat circular base at M(infinity) = 10 is presented. An experimental test was performed on this configuration, and measurements of shock-oscillation frequency and amplitude, as well as shock shape, were recorded by a number of techniques. A laser-interferometer system was used for the first time during this test to determine bow-shock oscillation frequency in a nonintrusive manner. The primary behavior was a stable, periodically oscillating bow shock. Attention is also given to a violent bow-shock instability.

Huebner, Lawrence D.↗

Kinematic rate control of simulated robot hand at or near wrist singularity

A robot hand should obey movement commands from an operator on a computer program as closely as possible. However, when two of the three rotational axes of the robot wrist are colinear, the wrist loses a degree of freedom, and the usual resolved rate equations (used to move the hand in response to an operator's inputs) are indeterminant. Furthermore, rate limiting occurs in close vicinity to this singularity. An analysis shows that rate limiting occurs not only in the vicinity of this singularity but also substantially away from it, even when the operator commands rotational rates of the robot hand that are only a small percentage of the operational joint rate limits. Therefore, joint angle rates are scaled when they exceed operational limits in a real time simulation of a robot arm. Simulation results show that a small dead band avoids the wrist singularity in the resolved rate equations but can introduce a high frequency oscillation close to the singularity. However, when a coordinated wrist movement is used in conjunction with the resolved rate equations, the high frequency oscillation disappears.

Barker, K.↗