Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Cascade Back-Propagation Learning in Neural Networks
The cascade back-propagation (CBP) algorithm is the basis of a conceptual design for accelerating learning in artificial neural networks. The neural networks would be implemented as analog...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Using PXI-Based Arbitrary Waveform Generators for Non-Standard Raster/Stroke (Vector) Video
A number of display systems primarily used in specialized areas such as aviation, space (NASA), and military/defense employ non-standard video signal...
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Bio-Inspired Engineering of Exploration Systems
The multidisciplinary concept of " b ioinspired e ngineering of e xploration s ystems" (BEES) is described, which is a guiding principle of the continuing effort to develop biomorphic...
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Electrophoretic Deposition for Fabricating Microbatteries
An improved method of fabrication of cathodes of microbatteries is based on electrophoretic deposition. Heretofore, sputtering (for deposition) and the use of photoresist and liftoff...
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Microscope Cells Containing Multiple Micromachined Wells
An improved design for multiple-well microscope cells and an associated improved method of fabricating them have been devised. [As used here, "well" denotes a cavity that has...
Briefs: Information Technology
Developing Generic Software for Spacecraft Avionics
A proposed approach to the development of software for spacecraft avionics is based partly on a concept of generic software that could be tailored to satisfy requirements for specific missions. The proposed approach would stand in contrast to the conventional approach of first defining avionics...
Briefs: Information Technology
Using Fractional Clock-Period Delays in Telemetry Arraying
A set of special digital all-pass finite- impulse- response (FIR) filters produces phase shifts equivalent to delays that equal fractions of the sampling or clock period of a...
Briefs: Materials
Perovskite Superlattices as Tunable Microwave Devices
Experiments have shown that superlattices that comprise alternating epitaxial layers of dissimilar paraelectric perovskites can exhibit large changes in permittivity with the application...
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Piezoelectrically Actuated Shutter for High Vacuum
A piezoelectrically actuated shutter is undergoing development for use in experiments on laser cooling of atoms. The shutter is required to be compatible with ultrahigh vacuum [pressure of...
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Flight Tests of a Ministick Controller in an F/A-18 Airplane
In March of 1999, five pilots performed flight tests to evaluate the handling qualities of an F/A-18 research airplane equipped with a small-displacement center stick (ministick)...
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Mirrors Containing Biomimetic Shape-Control Actuators
Curved mirrors of a proposed type would comprise lightweight sheets or films containing integral, biologically inspired actuators for controlling their surface figures. These mirrors...
Briefs: Physical Sciences
Assessment of Models of Chemically Reacting Granular Flows
A report presents an assessment of a general mathematical model of dense, chemically reacting granular flows like those in fluidized beds used to pyrolize biomass. The model incorporates submodels that have been described in several NASA Tech Briefs articles, including "Generalized...
Briefs: Physical Sciences
Numerical Study of Pyrolysis of Biomass in Fluidized Beds
A report presents a numerical-simulation study of pyrolysis of biomass in fluidized-bed reactors, performed by use of the mathematical model described in "Model of Fluidized Bed Containing Reacting Solids and Gases" (NPO-30163), which appears elsewhere in this issue of NASA Tech Briefs....
Briefs: Physical Sciences
Integrated Arrays of Ion-Sensitive Electrodes
The figure depicts an example of proposed compact water-quality sensors that would contain integrated arrays of ion-sensitive electrodes (ISEs). These sensors would serve as electronic...
Briefs: Physical Sciences
Model of Fluidized Bed Containing Reacting Solids and Gases
A mathematical model has been developed for describing the thermofluid dynamics of a dense, chemically reacting mixture of solid particles and gases. As used here, "dense"...
Briefs: Physical Sciences
Using Diffusion Bonding in Making Piezoelectric Actuators
A technique for the fabrication of piezoelectric actuators that generate acceptably large forces and deflections at relatively low applied voltages involves the stacking and diffusion...
Briefs: Software
Exchanging 3D Data Between Mechanical CAD (MCAD) Systems
Manufacturing companies must bring high-quality products to market faster than ever before. This tightened timeframe significantly impacts the manufacturing supply chain — a familiar...
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Wheel Design Verified With FEA Software
This paper examines an aluminum wheel design used with a run-flat tire called an extended mobility technology (EMT) tire, which can be safely driven without air for at least 80 km (50 miles). The setup of the finite element model of the wheel is discussed in detail, along with a parametric study of the...
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Membrane Mirrors With Bimorph Shape Actuators
Deformable mirrors of a proposed type would be equipped with relatively-large-stroke microscopic piezoelectric actuators that would be used to maintain their reflective surfaces in precise...
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Rollable Thin-Shell Nanolaminate Mirrors
A class of lightweight, deployable, thin-shell, curved mirrors with built-in precise-shape-control actuators is being developed for high-resolution scientific imaging. This technology incorporates a...
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Surface-Micromachined Planar Arrays of Thermopiles
Planar two-dimensional arrays of thermopiles intended for use as thermal-imaging detectors are to be fabricated by a process that includes surface micromachining. These thermopile arrays...
Features: Photonics/Optics
Advanced Near-Infrared Cameras
Many imaging applications in the near-infrared (NIR) region of the spectrum require sensors that see beyond the traditional charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor’s spectral range. A standard uncoated CCD...
Briefs: Motion Control
Touchdown Ball-Bearing System for Magnetic Bearings
The torque-limited touchdown bearing system (TLTBS) is a backup mechanical- bearing system for a high-speed rotary machine in which the rotor shaft is supported by magnetic bearings in...
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Flux-Based Deadbeat Control of Induction-Motor Torque
An improved method and prior methods of deadbeat direct torque control involve the use of pulse-width modulation (PWM) of applied voltages. The prior methods are based on the use of...
Briefs: Medical
Time-Resolved Measurements in Optoelectronic Microbioanalysis
A report presents discussion of time-resolved measurements in optoelectronic microbioanalysis. Proposed microbioanalytical "laboratory-on-a-chip" devices for detection of microbes and toxic chemicals would include optoelectronic sensors and associated electronic circuits that would...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Block QCA Fault-Tolerant Logic Gates
Suitably patterned arrays (blocks) of quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) have been proposed as fault-tolerant universal logic gates. These block QCA gates could be used to realize the potential of QCA...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Hybrid VLSI/QCA Architecture for Computing FFTs
A data-processor architecture that would incorporate elements of both conventional very-large-scale integrated (VLSI) circuitry and quantum- dot cellular automata (QCA) has been proposed to...
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Block Copolymers as Templates for Arrays of Carbon Nanotubes
A method of manufacturing regular arrays of precisely sized, shaped, positioned, and oriented carbon nanotubes has been proposed. Arrays of carbon nanotubes could prove useful in...
Briefs: Information Technology
Collaborative Software Development Approach Used To Deliver the New Shuttle Telemetry Ground Station
United Space Alliance (USA) developed and used a new software development method to meet technical, schedule, and budget challenges faced...
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