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At least 145 records · Page 8

Switched-beam radiometer front-end network analysis

The noise figure performance of various delay-line networks fabricated from microstrip lines with varying number of elements was investigated using a computer simulation. The effects of resistive losses in both the transmission lines and power combiners were considered. In general, it is found that an optimum number of elements exists, depending upon the resistive losses present in the network. Small resistive losses are found to have a significant degrading effect upon the noise figure performance of the array. Extreme stability in switching characteristics is necessary to minimize the nondeterministic noise of the array. For example, it is found that a 6 percent tolerance on the delay-line lengths will produce a 0.2 db uncertainty in the noise figure which translates into a 13.67 K temperature uncertainty generated by the network. If the tolerance can be held to 2 percent, the uncertainty in noise figure and noise temperature will be 0.025 db and 1.67 K, respectively. Three phase shift networks fabricated using a commercially available PIN diode switch were investigated. Loaded-line phase shifters are found to have desirable RF and noise characteristics and are attractive components for use in phased-array networks.

Trew, R. J.↗

Design and Stress Analysis of Low-Noise Adjusted Bearing Contact Spiral Bevel Gears

An integrated computerized approach for design and stress analysis of low-noise spiral bevel gear drives with adjusted bearing contact is proposed. The procedure of computations is an iterative process that requires four separate procedures and provide: (a) a parabolic function of transmission errors that is able to reduce the effect of errors of alignment on noise and vibration, and (b) reduction of the shift of bearing contact caused by misalignment. Application of finite element analysis enables us to determine the contact and bending stresses and investigate the formation of the bearing contact. The design of finite element models and boundary conditions is automated and does not require intermediate CAD computer programs for application of general purpose computer program for finite element analysis.

Fuentes, A.↗

Advanced Sine Wave Modulation of Continuous Wave Laser System for Atmospheric CO2 Differential Absorption Measurements

NASA Langley Research Center in collaboration with ITT Exelis have been experimenting with Continuous Wave (CW) laser absorption spectrometer (LAS) as a means of performing atmospheric CO2 column measurements from space to support the Active Sensing of CO2 Emissions over Nights, Days, and Seasons (ASCENDS) mission.Because range resolving Intensity Modulated (IM) CW lidar techniques presented here rely on matched filter correlations, autocorrelation properties without side lobes or other artifacts are highly desirable since the autocorrelation function is critical for the measurements of lidar return powers, laser path lengths, and CO2 column amounts. In this paper modulation techniques are investigated that improve autocorrelation properties. The modulation techniques investigated in this paper include sine waves modulated by maximum length (ML) sequences in various hardware configurations. A CW lidar system using sine waves modulated by ML pseudo random noise codes is described, which uses a time shifting approach to separate channels and make multiple, simultaneous online/offline differential absorption measurements. Unlike the pure ML sequence, this technique is useful in hardware that is band pass filtered as the IM sine wave carrier shifts the main power band. Both amplitude and Phase Shift Keying (PSK) modulated IM carriers are investigated that exibit perfect autocorrelation properties down to one cycle per code bit. In addition, a method is presented to bandwidth limit the ML sequence based on a Gaussian filter implemented in terms of Jacobi theta functions that does not seriously degrade the resolution or introduce side lobes as a means of reducing aliasing and IM carrier bandwidth.

Campbell, Joel F.↗

The CACAO Method for Smoothing, Gap Filling, and Characterizing Seasonal Anomalies in Satellite Time Series

Consistent, continuous, and long time series of global biophysical variables derived from satellite data are required for global change research. A novel climatology fitting approach called CACAO (Consistent Adjustment of the Climatology to Actual Observations) is proposed to reduce noise and fill gaps in time series by scaling and shifting the seasonal climatological patterns to the actual observations. The shift and scale CACAO parameters adjusted for each season allow quantifying shifts in the timing of seasonal phenology and inter-annual variations in magnitude as compared to the average climatology. CACAO was assessed first over simulated daily Leaf Area Index (LAI) time series with varying fractions of missing data and noise. Then, performances were analyzed over actual satellite LAI products derived from AVHRR Long-Term Data Record for the 1981-2000 period over the BELMANIP2 globally representative sample of sites. Comparison with two widely used temporal filtering methods-the asymmetric Gaussian (AG) model and the Savitzky-Golay (SG) filter as implemented in TIMESAT-revealed that CACAO achieved better performances for smoothing AVHRR time series characterized by high level of noise and frequent missing observations. The resulting smoothed time series captures well the vegetation dynamics and shows no gaps as compared to the 50-60% of still missing data after AG or SG reconstructions. Results of simulation experiments as well as confrontation with actual AVHRR time series indicate that the proposed CACAO method is more robust to noise and missing data than AG and SG methods for phenology extraction.

LAI↗

Celestial Reference Frames at Multiple Radio Wavelengths

In 1997 the IAU adopted the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF) built from S/X VLBI data. In response to IAU resolutions encouraging the extension of the ICRF to additional frequency bands, VLBI frames have been made at 24, 32, and 43 gigahertz. Meanwhile, the 8.4 gigahertz work has been greatly improved with the 2009 release of the ICRF-2. This paper discusses the motivations for extending the ICRF to these higher radio bands. Results to date will be summarized including evidence that the high frequency frames are rapidly approaching the accuracy of the 8.4 gigahertz ICRF-2. We discuss current limiting errors and prospects for the future accuracy of radio reference frames. We note that comparison of multiple radio frames is characterizing the frequency dependent systematic noise floor from extended source morphology and core shift. Finally, given Gaia's potential for high accuracy optical astrometry, we have simulated the precision of a radio-optical frame tie to be approximately10-15 microarcseconds ((1-sigma) (1-standard deviation), per component).

quasars↗

Linear system identification via backward-time observer models

Presented here is an algorithm to compute the Markov parameters of a backward-time observer for a backward-time model from experimental input and output data. The backward-time observer Markov parameters are decomposed to obtain the backward-time system Markov parameters (backward-time pulse response samples) for the backward-time system identification. The identified backward-time system Markov parameters are used in the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm to identify a backward-time state-space model, which can be easily converted to the usual forward-time representation. If one reverses time in the model to be identified, what were damped true system modes become modes with negative damping, growing as the reversed time increases. On the other hand, the noise modes in the identification still maintain the property that they are stable. The shift from positive damping to negative damping of the true system modes allows one to distinguish these modes from noise modes. Experimental results are given to illustrate when and to what extent this concept works.

Juang, Jer-Nan↗

An experimental study of USB flap noise reduction through mean flow modification

The effect of mean flow modification on the noise production of upper surface blown flaps has been studied experimentally. Mean velocity profile at the nozzle exit was modified from the usual 'top-hat' shape to 'Gamma' and 'L'-shaped profiles. The 'L'-modification caused noise reduction around and above the peak frequency of the 'top-hat' spectrum when compared on an equal thrust per exit area basis. Modification to 'Gamma'-shaped profile resulted in a shift of the spectrum to lower frequencies and a lower overall noise reduction. These modifications alter the development of the large scale disturbances in the upper shear layer and trailing edge wake of the wall jet geometry.

Joshi, M. C.↗

Application of Twin Beams in Mach-Zehnder Interferometer

Using the twin beams generated from parametric amplifier to drive the two port of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, it is shown that the minimum detectable optical phase shift can be largly reduced to the Heisenberg limit(1/n) which is far below the Shot Noise Limit(1/square root of n) the large gain limit. The dependence of the minimum detectable phase shift on parametric gain and the inefficient photodetectors has been discussed.

Zhang, J. X.↗

A Phase-Shifting Zernike Wavefront Sensor for the Palomar P3K Adaptive Optics System

A phase-shifting Zernike wavefront sensor has distinct advantages over other types of wavefront sensors. Chief among them are: 1) improved sensitivity to low-order aberrations and 2) efficient use of photons (hence reduced sensitivity to photon noise). We are in the process of deploying a phase-shifting Zernike wavefront sensor to be used with the realtime adaptive optics system for Palomar. Here we present the current state of the Zernike wavefront sensor to be integrated into the high-order adaptive optics system at Mount Palomar's Hale Telescope.

adaptive optics↗

Flow and Noise Control: Toward a Closer Linkage

Motivated by growing demands for aircraft noise reduction and for revolutionary new aerovehicle concepts, the late twentieth century witnessed the beginning of a shift from single-discipline research, toward an increased emphasis on harnessing the potential of flow and noise control as implemented in a more fully integrated, multidisciplinary framework. At the same time, technologies for developing radically new aerovehicles, which promise quantum leap benefits in cost, safety and performance benefits with environmental friendliness, have appeared on the horizon. Transitioning new technologies to commercial applications will also require coupling further advances in traditional areas of aeronautics with intelligent exploitation of nontraditional and interdisciplinary technologies. Physics-based modeling and simulation are crucial enabling capabilities for synergistic linkage of flow and noise control. In these very fundamental ways, flow and noise control are being driven to be more closely linked during the early design phases of a vehicle concept for optimal and mutual noise and performance benefits.

Thomas, Russell H.↗

Flyover and static tests to study flight velocity effects on jet noise of suppressed and unsuppressed plug nozzle configurations

Two spoke-type suppressor plug nozzles and a basic plug nozzle were tested for noise and thrust performance. The nozzles were mounted on an underwing nacelle on an F-106B aircraft, and tests were made both statically and in flyovers at Mach 0.4 at an altitude of 91 meters (300 ft). The flight and static data were adjusted to common reference conditions so that direct comparisons could be made. The noise characteristics that these nozzles would have on a large multiengine aircraft at a 640-meter (2100-ft) sideline distance are also presented. Flight noise levels for all three nozzles were higher than static at comparable conditions; and a shift in the frequency spectra was seen from static to flight, indicating the presence of a forward velocity effect on the noise characteristics.

Chamberlin, R.↗

A History of Jet Noise Research at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

This paper reviews jet noise research conducted at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from the early 1950s to the present day. Research conducted by NASA’s predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), and early years of NASA focused on turbojet noise, where a common approach for reducing jet noise was to limit the jet exit velocity to speeds that provided acceptable noise levels. Suppressors tested during this time resulted in thrust losses that were too severe to be implemented. With the introduction of turbofan engines in the 1960s, NASA shifted research to programs for both subsonic and supersonic aircraft applications with specific noise reduction goals. Subsonic research focused on increasing the bypass ratio of the engine to reduce the jet exit velocity of the core exhaust and adding mixers to the dual exhaust streams. Advances in computational methods improved aerodynamic designs and jet noise prediction tools. Supersonic applications proved to be more troublesome as programs aimed at large commercial transports required higher specific thrust engines. Changing the engine cycle to reduce jet noise was not compatible with mission range and speed requirements. Research for supersonic commercial aircraft remains an area of interest today at NASA.

Jet Noise↗

Optimizing signal-to-error ratio in standing wave ultrasonic measurements

Standing wave ultrasonic techniques for the measurement of very small changes in acoustic attenuation and phase velocity are discussed. Enhanced sensitivity to these small changes was achieved by making the specimen part of a composite ultrasonic resonator. It was found that a point of maximum sensitivity on the response of such an ultrasonic resonator need not coincide with a point of maximum signal-to-error ratio. A model is presented and analyzed which takes into account error due to long term (low frequency) noise effects such as gain drifts and dc level shifts. This model yields a quantitative value for the signal-to-error ratio in which the signal is defined as the ideal change in the monitored response and the error as the difference between the experimentally measured change and the signal. The specific frequency dependent forms for the ultrasonic response and the sensitivity enhancement factor were used to predict the operating point on a mechanical resonance corresponding to maximum signal-to-error ratio.

Brown, J. J.↗

Development of the One-Sided Nonlinear Adaptive Doppler Shift Estimation

The new development of a one-sided nonlinear adaptive shift estimation technique (NADSET) is introduced. The background of the algorithm and a brief overview of NADSET are presented. The new technique is applied to the wind parameter estimates from a 2-micron wavelength coherent Doppler lidar system called VALIDAR located in NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia. The new technique enhances wind parameters such as Doppler shift and power estimates in low Signal-To-Noise-Ratio (SNR) regimes using the estimates in high SNR regimes as the algorithm scans the range bins from low to high altitude. The original NADSET utilizes the statistics in both the lower and the higher range bins to refine the wind parameter estimates in between. The results of the two different approaches of NADSET are compared.

Beyon, Jeffrey Y.↗

Acoustic characteristics of large-scale STOL model at forward speed

Wind-tunnel investigations of the acoustic characteristics of the externally blown jet flap (EBF) and augmentor wing STOL concepts are dicussed. The large-scale EBF model was equipped with a triple-slotted blown by four JT15D turbofan engines with circular, coannular exhaust nozzles. The large-scale augmentor wing model was equipped with an unlined augmentor blown by a slot primary nozzle. The effects of airspeed and angle of attack on the acoustics of the EBF were small. At a forward speed of 60 knots, the impingement noise of the landing flap was approximately 2 db lower than in the static tests. Angle of attack increased the impingement noise approximately 0.1 decibels per degree. Flap deflection had a greater effect on the acoustics of the augmentor wing than did airspeed. For a nozzle pressure ratio of 1.9, the peak perceived noise level of the landing flap was 3 to 5 PNdb higher than that of the takeoff flap. The total sound power was also significantly higher for landing indicating that turning in the augmentor generated acoustic energy. Airspeed produced a small aft shift in acoustic directivity with no significant change in the peak perceived noise levels or sound power levels.

Falarski, M. D.↗

Acoustic Issues in Human Spaceflight

NASA is concerned about acute effect of sound on crew performance on International Space Station (ISS), and is developing strategies to assess and reduce acute, chronic, and delayed effects of sound. High noise levels can cause headaches, irritation, fatigue, impaired sleep, headache, and tinnitus and have resulted in an inability to hear alarms. Speech intelligibility may be more impaired for crew understanding non-native language in a noisy environment. No hearing loss occurred, but significant effects on crew performance and communication occurred. Permanent Threshold Shifts (PTS) have not been observed in the US shuttle program. Russian specification for noise in spacecraft is 60 dBA (awake) and 50 dBA (asleep) while the U.S. noise specification on ISS is NC 50 (awake) and NC 40 (asleep) with a 85 dBA hazard limit. Background noise levels of ISS modules have measured 56-69 dBA. Treadmill exercise operations measure 77 dBA. Alarms are required to be 20 dBA above ambient. Hearing protection is recommended when noise exceeds 60 dB 24 hour Leq. Countermeasures include hearing protection and design/ engineering controls. Advanced composite materials with excellent low frequency attenuation properties could be applied as a barrier protection around noisy equipment, or used on personal protective equipment worn by the crew. Hearing protection countermeasures include foam ear inserts, passive muff headsets, and active noise reduction headsets. Oto-acoustic emissions (OAE) could be used to monitor effectiveness of hearing protection countermeasures and tailor hearing protection countermeasures to individual crewmembers. Micro-gravity, vibration, toxic fumes, air quality/composition, stress, temperature, physical exertion or some combination of the above factors may have interacted with moderate long-term noise exposure to cause significant hearing loss. Longitudinal studies will need to address what co-morbidity factors, such as radiation, toxicology, microgravity effects (fluid shift), aging, are involved with hearing loss.

Clark, Jonathan B.↗