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At least 145 records · Page 8

An improved dual-frequency technique for the remote sensing of ocean currents and wave spectra

A two frequency microwave radar technique for the remote sensing of directional ocean wave spectra and surface currents is investigated. This technique is conceptually attractive because its operational physical principle involves a spatial electromagnetic scattering resonance with a single, but selectable, long gravity wave. Multiplexing of signals having different spacing of the two transmitted frequencies allows measurements of the entire long wave ocean spectrum to be carried out. A new scatterometer is developed and experimentally tested which is capable of making measurements having much larger signal/background values than previously possible. This instrument couples the resonance technique with coherent, frequency agility radar capabilities. This scatterometer is presently configured for supporting a program of surface current measurements.

Schuler, D. L.↗

Development of Countermeasures to Aid Functional Egress from the Crew Exploration Vehicle Following Long Duration Spaceflight

Astronauts experience disturbances in sensorimotor function following their return to Earth due to adaptive responses that occur during exposure to the microgravity conditions of space flight. As part of the Crew Exploration Vehicle design requirements, the crewmember adapted to the microgravity state may need to egress the vehicle within a few minutes for safety and operational reasons in various sea state conditions following a water landing. The act of emergency egress includes and is not limited to rapid motor control tasks (including both fine motor such as object manipulation and gross motor such as opening a hatch) and visual acuity tasks while maintaining spatial orientation and postural stability in time to escape safely. Exposure to even low frequency motions (0.2-2.0 Hz) induced by sea conditions surrounding a vessel can cause significant fine and gross motor control problems affecting critical functions. These motion frequencies coupled with the varying sea state conditions (frequencies ranging from 0.125-0.5 Hz) cause performance deficits by affecting the efficacy of motor and visual acuity dependent skills in tasks critical to emergency egress activities such as visual monitoring of displays, actuating discrete controls, operating auxiliary equipment and communicating with Mission Control and recovery teams. Thus, during exploration class missions the sensorimotor disturbances due to the crewmember's adaptation to microgravity may lead to disruption in the ability to maintain postural stability and perform functional egress tasks during the initial introduction to the Earth's gravitational environment. At present, the functional implication of the interactions between a debilitated crewmember during readaptation to Earth s gravity and the environmental constraints imposed by a water landing scenario is not defined and no operational countermeasure has been implemented to mitigate this risk. Stochastic resonance (SR) is a mechanism whereby noise can assist and hence enhance the response of neural systems to relevant, subthreshold sensory signals. Application of subthreshold stochastic resonance noise coupled to sensory input either through the proprioceptive, visual or vestibular sensory systems, has been shown to improve motor function. Crew members who have adapted to microgravity have acquired new sensorimotor strategies that take time to discard. We hypothesize that detection of time-critical subthreshold sensory signals will play a crucial role in improving strategic responses and thus the rate of skill re-acquisition will be faster, leading to faster recovery of function during their re-adaptation to Earth G. Therefore, we expect the use of stochastic resonance mechanisms will enhance the acquisition of new strategic abilities. This process should ensure rapid restoration of functional egress capabilities during the initial return to Earth G after prolonged space flight. Therefore, the overall goals of this project are to investigate performance of motor and visual tasks during varying sea state conditions and develop a countermeasure based on stochastic resonance that could be implemented to enhance sensorimotor capabilities with the aim of facilitating rapid adaptation to Earth s gravity, allowing rapid CEV egress on water in varying sea states following long-duration space flight.

Mulavara, Ajitkumar↗

Dielectronic recombination

Dielectronic recombination rate coefficient determined by quantum theory of resonance- collision processes, considering coupling, degeneracy and overlapping resonances

Shore, B. W.↗

Acoustoelasticity

Sound or pressure variations inside bounded enclosures are investigated. Mathematical models are given for determining: (1) the interaction between the sound pressure field and the flexible wall of a Helmholtz resonator; (2) coupled fluid-structural motion of an acoustic cavity with a flexible and/or absorbing wall; (3) acoustic natural modes in multiple connected cavities; and (4) the forced response of a cavity with a flexible and/or absorbing wall. Numerical results are discussed.

Dowell, E. H.↗

The reaction N/4S/ + O3 - An upper limit for the rate constant at 298 K

The reaction of N(4S) atoms with ozone was examined at 298 K using discharge flow and flash photolysis techniques, both coupled with resonance fluorescence detection of N(4S). No reaction was detected in either system, and an upper limit of 5 x 10 to the -16th cu cm/molecule/s was estimated for the rate constant. This is 1000 times lower than the presently accepted value of 5.7 x 10 to the -13th cu cm/molecule/s which is based on a discharge flow-mass spectrometric study of the reaction. Potential complications in the latter experiment are discussed.

Stief, L. J.↗

Parallel plate radiofrequency ion thruster

An 8-cm-diam. argon ion thruster is described. It is operated by applying 100 to 160 Mhz rf power across a thin plasma volume in a strongly divergent static magnetic field. No cathode or electron emitter is required to sustain a continuous wave plasma discharge over a broad range of propellant gas flow. Preliminary results indicate that a large fraction of the incident power is being reflected by impedance mismatching in the coupling structure. Resonance effects due to plasma thickness, magnetic field strength, and distribution are presented. Typical discharge losses obtained to date are 500 to 600 W per beam ampere at extracted beam currents up to 60 mA.

Nakanishi, S.↗

Introduction to dissociative recombination

Dissociative recombination (DR) of molecular ions with electrons has important consequences in many areas of physical science. Ab-initio calculations coupled with resonant scattering theory and multichannel quantum defect studies have produced detailed results illuminating the role of ion vibrational excitation, the quantum yields of the DR products, and the role of Rydberg states. The theoretical and experimental results are discussed.

Guberman, Steven L.↗

Oscillations of drops in zero gravity with weak viscous effects

Nonlinear oscillations and other motions of large axially symmetric liquid drops in zero gravity are studied numerically by a boundary-integral method. The effect of small viscosity is included in the computations by retaining first-order viscous terms in the normal stress boundary condition. This is accomplished by making use of a partial solution of the boundary-layer equations which describe the weak vortical surface layer. Small viscosity is found to have a relatively large effect on resonant mode coupling phenomena.

Lundgren, T. S.↗

Measurement of a high electrical quality factor in a niobium resonator for a gravitational radiation detector

The mechanical and electrical quality factors of a 10-g niobium resonator were measured at 4.4 K and were found to be 8.1 x 10 to the 6th, and 3.8 x 10 to the 6th, respectively. The value for the electrical quality factor is high enough for a system operating at 50 mK at a sensitivity level of one phonon. The resonator's low damping properties make it suitable for use as a transducer for a cryogenic three-mode gravitational radiation detector. A practical design is given for the mounting of the resonator on a 2400-kg aluminum-bar detector. Projections are made for the sensitivity of a 2400-kg bar instrumented as a three-mode system with this resonator inductively coupled to a SQUID.

Folkner, W. M.↗

Acoustophoresis method and apparatus

A method and apparatus are provided for acoustophoresis, i.e., the separation of species via acoustic waves. An ultrasonic transducer applies an acoustic wave to one end of a sample container containing at least two species having different acoustic absorptions. The wave has a frequency tuned to or harmonized with the point of resonance of the species to be separated. This wave caused the species to be driven to an opposite end of the sample container for removal. A second ultrasonic transducer may be provided to apply a second, oppositely directed acoustic wave to prevent undesired streaming. In addition, a radio frequency tuned to the mechanical resonance and coupled with a magnetic field can serve to identify a species in a medium comprising species with similar absorption coefficients, whereby an acoustic wave having a frequency corresponding to this gyrational rate can then be applied to sweep the identified species to one end of the container for removal.

Heyman, Joseph S.↗

Acoustophoresis separation method

A method and apparatus are provided for acoustophoresis, i.e., the separation of species via acoustic waves. An ultrasonic transducer applies an acoustic wave to one end of a sample container containing at least two species having different acoustic absorptions. The wave has a frequency tuned to or harmonized with the point of resonance of the species to be separated. This wave causes the species to be driven to an opposite end of the sample container for removal. A second ultrasonic transducer may be provided to apply a second, oppositely directed acoustic wave to prevent undesired streaming. In addition, a radio frequency tuned to the mechanical resonance and coupled with a magnetic field can serve to identify a species in a medium comprising species with similar absorption coefficients, whereby an acoustic wave having a frequency corresponding to this gyrational rate can then be applied to sweep the identified species to one end of the container for removal.

Heyman, Joseph S.↗

Whole earth telescope observations of the DBV white dwarf GD 358

We report on the analysis of 154 hours of early continuous high-speed photometry on the pulsating DB white dwarf (DBV) GD 358, obtained during the Whole Earth Telescope (WET) run of 1990 May. The power spectrum of the light curve is dominated by power in the range from 1000 to 2400 microHz with more than 180 significant peaks in the total spectrum. We identify all of the triplet frequencies as degree l = 1, and from the details of their spacings we derive the total stellar mass as 0.61 + or - 0.03 solar mass, the mass of the outer helium envelope as 2.0 + or - 1.0 x 10(exp -6) M(sub *), the absolute luminosity as 0.050 + or - 0.012 solar luminosity and the distance as 42 + or - 3 pc. We find strong evidence for differential rotation in the radial direction -- the outer envelope is rotating at least 1.8 times faster than the core -- and we detect the presence of a weak magnetic field with a strength of 1300 + or - 300 G. We also find a significant power at the sums and differences of the dominant frequencies, indicating nonlinear processes are significant, but they have a richness and complexity that rules out resonant mode coupling as a major cause.

Winget, D. E.↗

The Onset of Resonance-Controlled Instability in Spherical Bubble Oscillations

Single bubble dynamics are investigated using acoustic techniques for isolation and manipulation. The goal of the investigations is to understand the dynamic origin of the various phenomena that bubbles exhibit: light emission, enhanced mass transport, chaotic and quasiperiodic oscillations, and translations. Once understood, acoustically manipulated bubbles can serve as platforms for materials effects on free surfaces, using surfactants to alter surface rheology and observing how that affects both dynamics and also mass transport. The effects of gravity on the problem will be shown to be significant. The first set of observations from 1g experimentation are presented. These observations are of the onset conditions for instability of the spherical shape of the bubble. For the size range 55-90 microns in diameter we observe instability governed by resonant mode coupling, which is significantly affected by the buoyant force and its effects.

Holt, R. Glynn↗

Modeling of Horns for Sonic/Ultrasonic Applications

JPL has a requirement for telerobotic tools for planetary sample acquisition, which require low power and have the ability to work in harsh environments. We are currently investigating the possibility of using ultrasonic horns to develop a family of ultrasonic tools for these environments. In an effort to determine control parameters a one-dimensional Mason's model for a stepped ultrasonic horn assembly was developed which includes the effects of mechanical and electrical losses in the piezoelectric material and acoustic elements. The model is separated into three regions; the piezoelectric stack including stress bolt the backing layer and the horn. The model is found to predict the impedance data of the horn assembly very accurately up to the first coupled (radial) resonance. The model also allows for the calculation of the velocity and force and power delivered to each acoustic element. FEM modeling and accelerometer data from the horn tip were used to corroborate the model. The difficulties associated with modeling the load impedance of various devices will be discussed and current directions noted.

Sherrit, Stewart↗

NASA Tech Briefs, April 2006

The topics covered include: 1) Replaceable Sensor System for Bioreactor Monitoring; 2) Unitary Shaft-Angle and Shaft-Speed Sensor Assemblies; 3) Arrays of Nano Tunnel Junctions as Infrared Image Sensors; 4) Catalytic-Metal/PdO(sub x)/SiC Schottky-Diode Gas Sensors; 5) Compact, Precise Inertial Rotation Sensors for Spacecraft; 6) Universal Controller for Spacecraft Mechanisms; 7) The Flostation - an Immersive Cyberspace System; 8) Algorithm for Aligning an Array of Receiving Radio Antennas; 9) Single-Chip T/R Module for 1.2 GHz; 10) Quantum Entanglement Molecular Absorption Spectrum Simulator; 11) FuzzObserver; 12) Internet Distribution of Spacecraft Telemetry Data; 13) Semi-Automated Identification of Rocks in Images; 14) Pattern-Recognition Algorithm for Locking Laser Frequency; 15) Designing Cure Cycles for Matrix/Fiber Composite Parts; 16) Controlling Herds of Cooperative Robots; 17) Modification of a Limbed Robot to Favor Climbing; 18) Vacuum-Assisted, Constant-Force Exercise Device; 19) Production of Tuber-Inducing Factor; 20) Quantum-Dot Laser for Wavelengths of 1.8 to 2.3 micron; 21) Tunable Filter Made From Three Coupled WGM Resonators; and 22) Dynamic Pupil Masking for Phasing Telescope Mirror Segments.

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