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At least 1,477 records · Page 82

Gate Drive Technology Evaluation and Development to Maximize Switching Speed of SiC Discrete Devices and Power Modules in Hard Switching Applications

To understand the limitation of maximizing the switching speed of SiC low current discrete devices and high current power modules in hard switching applications, double pulse tests are conducted and the testing results are analyzed. For power modules, the switching speed is generally limited by the parasitics rather than the gate drive capability. For the discrete SiC device, the conventional voltage source gate drive (VSG) is not sufficient to maximize the switching speed even if the external gate resistance is minimized. The limitation of existing current source gate drives (CSG) are analyzed, and a CSG dedicated for SiC discrete devices is proposed, which can provide constant current during the switching transient regardless of the high Miller voltage and large internal gate resistance. Compared with the conventional VSG, the proposed CSG achieves 67% faster turnon time and 50% turn-off time, and 68% reduction in switching loss at full load condition.

Handong Gui↗

Auralization of Amplitude Modulated Helicopter Flyover Noise

Rotorcraft noise is an active field of study as the sound produced by these vehicles is often found to be annoying. A means to auralize rotorcraft flyover noise is sought to help understand the factors leading to annoyance. Previous work by the authors auralized a complete flyover event in which the source noise synthesis traversed a range of emission angles. The source noise definition process for the synthesis used helicopter flyover recordings. Although this process yielded both periodic and aperiodic (modulation) components at a set of discrete emission angles, only the periodic components were used in the previous work to synthesize the sound of the flyover event. In the current work, aperiodic amplitude modulation is incorporated into the source noise synthesis to improve its fidelity toward assessing rotorcraft noise annoyance. The method is demonstrated using ground recordings from a flight test of the AS350 helicopter for the source noise definition.

Krishnamurthy, Siddhartha↗

Experimental Investigation of Drag Modulation Aerocapture: Drag-Skirt Separation in Hypersonic Free Flight

Free flight tests were conducted in carbon dioxide at Mach 12 of notional drag modulation aerocapture configurations for a small satellite mission to Venus. The configurations were based on research conducted at the Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Colorado Boulder, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Ames Research Center. The drag modulation aerocapture approach being studied involves an atmospheric entry vehicle that employs an attached drag device, a drag skirt, that is jettisoned at the appropriate time to allow the payload-portion of the vehicle to exit the atmosphere, slowed enough to be captured into orbit. A total of eight tests were performed. Reynolds numbers, based on the pre-separation base diameter, ranged from 0.82 x 106 to 2.96 x 106. The tests demonstrated the feasibility of a clean drag skirt separation at hypersonic speeds and, for the conditions of the tests, the stability of the central flight system body during and after separation from the drag skirt. Two drag skirt geometries were tested: an axisymmetric conical frustum, and a faceted frustum representative of a mechanically-deployable device. Drag skirts of various masses were tested to examine the effect of pre- and post-separation ballistic coefficient ratio on the separation dynamics. A new test capability for multi-body interactions in hypersonic free flight was developed for these tests, and is described.

aerocapture↗

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↗

Far-infrared room-temperature focal plane modules for polar radiant energy in the Far InfraRed experiment

This work presents focal plane modules for Polar Radiant Energy in the Far InfraRed Experiment, a passive remote-sensing instrument aimed to determine errors in the estimated outgoing longwave radiation in the Earth’s polar regions to reduce uncertainties in surface emissivity, mass balance, and ice flux. The focal plane arrays are micromachined at JPL and integrated into sub-assembly modules to be mounted on the optical telescope of the instrument.

White, Mary↗

Assembly and Integration Process of the High-Density Detector Array Readout Modules for the Simons Observatory

The Simons Observatory will measure the cosmic microwave background tempera-ture and polarization using a suite of new telescopes in the Atacama Desert in Chile. The Simons Observatory will use dichroic transition edge sensor (TES) bolometer arrays spanning six frequency bands from 27 to 280 GHz. The Simons Observa-tory will pioneer the use of a densely packed multiplexing architecture based on the microwave SQUID multiplexer ( 𝜇mux), housing ∼2000 microwave resonators, each coupled to a TES. The Simons Observatory aims to multiplex each array of ∼2000 detectors with a single pair of coaxial cables and requires a multiplexing factor of ∼1000 . The Simons Observatory cryogenic readout system is called the universal microwave multiplexing module (UMM). The UMM couples to both horn and lenslet-coupled detector arrays and is integrated into the universal focal-plane module (UFM) after being independently characterized. We present processes we have developed for highly repeatable and automated integration methods of UMMs, which will be needed for the production of the 49 UFMs required for the first stage of the Simons Observatory.

CMB↗

ANOPP2’s Farassat Formulations Internal Functional Module (AFFIFM) Reference Manual

This manual documents version 1.4.0 of ANOPP2’s Farassat Formulations Internal Functional Modules (AFFIFMs) developed by NASA Langley Research Center’s Aeroacoustics Branch. The AFFIFMs provide the capability of calculating an acoustic pressure time history (APTH), or similar metric, provided one or more Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FWH) surfaces. AFFIFMs also allow for compact line sources. This application programming interface (API) is part of a larger toolkit called the Aircraft NOise Prediction Program 2 (ANOPP2). The goal of ANOPP2 is to provide the ability to independently: (1) assess aircraft system noise; (2) assess aircraft component noise; and (3) evaluate aircraft noise reduction technologies and flight procedures. Additionally, ANOPP2 is designed to provide a capability for understanding the fundamental physics involved in noise generation to support experiments and flight demonstration activities. As a component of ANOPP2, ANOPP2’s Farassat Formulations Internal Functional Modules and this document may be included as part of the ANOPP2 distribution, or they may be provided independent of that distribution. This is the ANOPP2 internal version of this document. It supersedes the NASA Internal Distribution(NID), US General Distribution (UGD), and General Public Distribution (GPD) versions.

Acoustics↗

Assembly of the IXPE Mirror Modules

Expected to launch in December 2021, the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) is a NASA Astrophysics Small Explorer Mission with significant contributions from the Italian space agency (ASI). Three identical x-ray telescopes combine to form the IXPE Observatory. Each is comprised of a 4-m-focal length mirror module assembly (MMA, provided by Marshall Space Flight Center) that focuses x-rays onto a polarization-sensitive, imaging detector (contributed by ASI-funded institutions). This paper describes the now-completed assembly process for the 3 flight and one spare mirror modules, and compares as-tested calibrated performance with as-built metrology data. Unexpected challenges and lessons-learned are also discussed.

X-ray optics IXPE polarimetry↗

Cold-Point Tropopause Temperature Bias in Reanalyses Modulated By Equatorial Waves

In this reanalysis inter-comparison study, we compare the modeled Cold-point tropopause temperature (CPT from model level data) near the equator to that of multi-mission GNSS-RO within a preliminary time period of 2007-2011. The known reanalysis CPT temperature warm bias is studied relative to the phase of equatorial waves filtered from GNSS-RO at tropopause level. This uncovers a common denominator in the CPT temperature bias behavior in all reanalyses: - When equatorial waves are present, within their cold phase the reanalysis bias is increased by over 1K, i.e. >1K on top of the reanalysis average warm bias. - Within an equatorial wave’s warm phase, the opposite is observed, with the reanalysis CPT temperature bias even being reversed at higher equatorial wave amplitudes, i.e. the modeled CPT becoming too cold in these cases. - With no equatorial wave anomalies present, the reanalysis bias remains at the average reported in previous inter-comparisons that looked at zonal-mean CPT biases. Inertia-Gravity and Mixed Rossby-Gravity waves show this behavior most clearly, Kelvin waves show a similar modulation but with half of the magnitude, and equatorial Rossby wave modulation of CPT reanalysis bias is still apparent but with further decreased magnitude. This hints on a time-space scale-dependence, with medium-smaller-scale and faster equatorial waves influencing CPT reanalysis bias the most. For comparison, the large-scale and slow-moving MJO does not show any of the effects described above. Current work focuses on the data assimilation response of the reanalysis systems, again relative to the equatorial wave’s phases.

Tropopause↗

Developing the CRTM Active Sensor Module

Active sensors provide vertically resolved atmospheric and cloud information, however the assimilation of such observations into NWP models has been limited for several reasons including lack of reliable forward model. We present the development of CRTM active sensor module including its adjoint and tangent linear by taking advantage of current CRTM modules for calculating atmospheric transmittance and cloud absorption and scattering. Current CRTM cloud coefficients lack cloud backscattering information, thus we have implemented a new cloud scattering database generated using the discrete dipole technique that include backscattering coefficients. The radar simulator is currently being tested within the JEDI/GEOS data assimilation framework to facilitate the assimilation of radar measurements such as CloudSat CPR and GPM DPR into the NASA GEOS model.

CRTM↗

Charge-Sign Dependent Cosmic-Ray Modulation Observed with the Calorimetric Electron Telescope on the International Space Station

We present the observation of a charge-sign dependent solar modulation of galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) with the Calorimetric Electron Telescope onboard the International Space Station over 6 yr, corresponding to the positive polarity of the solar magnetic field. The observed variation of proton count rate is consistent with the neutron monitor count rate, validating our methods for determining the proton count rate. It is observed by the Calorimetric Electron Telescope that both GCR electron and proton count rates at the same average rigidity vary in anticorrelation with the tilt angle of the heliospheric current sheet, while the amplitude of the variation is significantly larger in the electron count rate than in the proton count rate. We show that this observed charge-sign dependence is reproduced by a numerical “drift model” of the GCR transport in the heliosphere. This is a clear signature of the drift effect on the long-term solar modulation observed with a single detector.

O. Adriani↗

Assembly of the FOXSI-4 Mirror Modules

The Focusing Optics X-ray Solar Imager 4 (FOXSI 4) is a heliophysics sounding rocket experiment that is currently in its fourth launch campaign. The payload is comprised of seven 2 m focal length X-ray telescopes, which each consist of a grazing incidence mirror module that focuses x-rays onto an imaging detector. For this fourth flight, Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) designed, built, and tested three new high-angular-resolution optics. This paper describes the design and assembly of the FOXSI 4 mirror modules.

Stephen D. Bongiorno↗

Assembly of the FOXSI-4 Mirror Modules

The Focusing Optics X-ray Solar Imager 4 (FOXSI-4) is a heliophysics sounding rocket experiment that is currently in its fourth launch campaign. The payload is comprised of seven x-ray telescopes, which each consist of a 2 m focal length grazing incidence mirror module that focuses x-rays onto an imaging detector. For this fourth flight, Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) designed, built, and tested three new high-angular-resolution mirror module assemblies (MMAs). This paper describes the design and assembly of the FOXSI-4 MMAs.

FOXSI-4↗

Modeling Uprighting of the Orion Crew Module using a Finite Element Method with Wave Coupling and Structural Deformability

The Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) for the Orion Crew Module (CM) includes five bags that inflate after splashdown to rotate and upright the CM as necessary. Wave conditions can be severe enough to damage the bags and tethers, which could make the recovery operation hazardous. The CMUS therefore has design limits that ultimately constrain where the CM can land based upon sea conditions. This manuscript describes a full fluid-structure interaction computational model being used for the CMUS. It is a finite element model that uses explicit time integration to directly simulate uprighting, a computational approach usually reserved for short duration, highly transient phenomena and novelly applied here. The goal of this current effort is to determine the feasibility of this approach for CMUS uprighting, and to estimate the loads the CMUS bags experience in different wave conditions. The results from this work will be used to supplement other experimental and computational data in support of NASA’s Artemis program.

John Puryear↗

Developmental Hardware Testing Results and Forward Plans for the Spacecraft Water Impurity Monitor (SWIM) Organic Water Module (OWM)

We present testing results for developmental hardware of the Spacecraft Water Impurity Monitor (SWIM) Organic Water Module (OWM). SWIM-OWM will monitor spacecraft potable water and system water for trace organic contaminants. The system will detect and identify the specific organic chemical that makes up a given total organic carbon reading. We have built a first development unit (1DU) for SWIM-OWM, which directly injects aqueous water samples and detects chemicals with both a thermal conductivity detector and mass spectrometer sensor. The gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GCMS) system that comprises SWIM-OWM draws on the success of ISS-proven mass spectrometer hardware, and the demonstration of GCMS detection of trace organic contaminants in ISS cabin air. SWIM-OWM benefits from the excellent sensitivity and specificity afforded by GCMS. We have demonstrated detection of a set of chemicals relevant to both crew health and performance as well as system monitoring; these target chemicals range from light, volatile organics such as acetone and ethanol, to heavier, very non-volatile compounds such as dimethyl sulfone and o-phthalaldehyde. Direct aqueous injection was chosen for the general applicability of the technique to clean water sampling and to preclude sample pre-processing, which facilitates an on-line implementation of the SWIM-OWM when deployed in a spacecraft or habitation module. A specific advantage of direct aqueous injection when coupled with appropriate methods is that both the light, volatile organics and heavier non-volatiles can be detected from a single injection, in a single chromatogram. Results from 1DU testing will be discussed, and forward plans will be outlined for continued maturation of SWIM-OWM with the goal of implementing a technology demonstration for the purposes of maturing the engineering design and operations in an environment relevant to NASA’s future goals of exploring and setting up habitation on the Moon and Mars.

Water Monitoring↗

Developmental Hardware Testing Results and Forward Plans for Spacecraft Water Impurity Monitor (SWIM) Organic Water Module (OWM)

We present testing results for developmental hardware of the Spacecraft Water Impurity Monitor (SWIM) Organic Water Module (OWM). SWIM-OWM will monitor spacecraft potable water and system water for trace organic contaminants. The system will detect and identify the specific organic chemical that makes up a given total organic carbon reading. We have built a first development unit (1DU) for SWIM-OWM, which directly injects aqueous water samples and detects chemicals with both a thermal conductivity detector and mass spectrometer sensor. The gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GCMS) system that comprises SWIM-OWM draws on the success of ISS-proven mass spectrometer hardware, and the demonstration of GCMS detection of trace organic contaminants in ISS cabin air. SWIM-OWM benefits from the excellent sensitivity and specificity afforded by GCMS. We have demonstrated detection of a set of chemicals relevant to both crew health and performance as well as system monitoring; these target chemicals range from light, volatile organics such as acetone and ethanol, to heavier, very non-volatile compounds such as dimethyl sulfone and o-phthalaldehyde. Direct aqueous injection was chosen for the general applicability of the technique to clean water sampling and to preclude sample pre-processing, which facilitates an on-line implementation of the SWIM-OWM when deployed in a spacecraft or habitation module. A specific advantage of direct aqueous injection when coupled with appropriate methods is that both the light, volatile organics and heavier non-volatiles can be detected from a single injection, in a single chromatogram. Results from 1DU testing will be discussed, and forward plans will be outlined for continued maturation of SWIM-OWM with the goal of implementing a technology demonstration for the purposes of maturing the engineering design and operations in an environment relevant to NASA’s future goals of exploring and setting up habitation on the Moon and Mars.

Water Monitoring↗

Final Report on Radiation Measurements Performed Inside of the BEAM Module

Measurements of the radiation environment inside of the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) have been made on a pseudo-continuous basis since June 6, 2016 using both passive and active instrumentation. Passive detectors yield a single cumulative dose value (or average daily dose) over the measurement period from deploy to return to ground. Active Radiation Environment Monitor (REM) sensors yield dose rate, Linear Energy Transfer (LET) spectra, and particle-specific dose, all on a 1-minute cadence. From the initial install in 2016 until early 2018, BEAM was an empty module. In 2018, further testing was approved and stowage began to be moved into BEAM. As a result, it was decided to stop measurements with RAM detectors to avoid potential difficulties with access after stowage was added. The REM sensors remained however in the original deploy locations.

radiation exposure↗