Progress of analog-hybrid computation

Review of fast analog/hybrid computer systems, integrated operational amplifiers, electronic mode-control switches, digital attenuators, and packaging technique

Design of a fast computer-based partial discharge diagnostic system

Partial discharges cause progressive deterioration of insulating materials working in high voltage conditions and may lead ultimately to insulator failure. Experimental findings indicate that deterioration increases with the number of discharges and is consequently proportional to the magnitude and frequency of the applied voltage. In order to obtain a better understanding of the mechanisms of deterioration produced by partial discharges, instrumentation capable of individual pulse resolution is required. A new computer-based partial discharge detection system was designed and constructed to conduct long duration tests on sample capacitors. This system is capable of recording large number of pulses without dead time and producing valuable information related to amplitude, polarity, and charge content of the discharges. The operation of the system is automatic and no human supervision is required during the testing stage. Ceramic capacitors were tested at high voltage in long duration tests. The obtained results indicated that the charge content of partial discharges shift towards high levels of charge as the level of deterioration in the capacitor increases

Absorption Voltages and Insulation Resistance in Ceramic Capacitors with Cracks

Time dependence of absorption voltages (V(sub abs)) in different types of low-voltage X5R and X7R ceramic capacitors was monitored for a maximum duration of hundred hours after polarization. To evaluate the effect of mechanical defects on V(sub abs)), cracks in the dielectric were introduced either mechanically or by thermal shock. The maximum absorption voltage, time to roll-off, and the rate of voltage decrease are shown to depend on the crack-related leakage currents and insulation resistance in the parts. A simple model that is based on the Dow equivalent circuit for capacitors with absorption has been developed to assess the insulation resistance of capacitors. Standard measurements of the insulation resistance, contrary to the measurements based on V(sub abs)), are not sensitive to the presence of mechanical defects and fail to reveal capacitors with cracks

Absorption Voltages and Insulation Resistance in Ceramic Capacitors with Cracks

Time dependence of absorption voltages (Vabs) in different types of low-voltage X5R and X7R ceramic capacitors was monitored for a maximum duration of hundred hours after polarization. To evaluate the effect of mechanical defects on Vabs, cracks in the dielectric were introduced either mechanically or by thermal shock. The maximum absorption voltage, time to roll-off, and the rate of voltage decrease are shown to depend on the crack-related leakage currents and insulation resistance in the parts. A simple model that is based on the Dow equivalent circuit for capacitors with absorption has been developed to assess the insulation resistance of capacitors. Standard measurements of the insulation resistance, contrary to the measurements based on Vabs, are not sensitive to the presence of mechanical defects and fail to reveal capacitors with cracks. Index Terms: Ceramic capacitor, insulation resistance, dielectric absorption, cracking

Advanced instrumentation: Technology database enhancement, volume 4, appendix G

The purpose of this task was to add to the McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Company's Sensors Database, including providing additional information on the instruments and sensors applicable to physical/chemical Environmental Control and Life Support System (P/C ECLSS) or Closed Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) which were not previously included. The Sensors Database was reviewed in order to determine the types of data required, define the data categories, and develop an understanding of the data record structure. An assessment of the MDSSC Sensors Database identified limitations and problems in the database. Guidelines and solutions were developed to address these limitations and problems in order that the requirements of the task could be fulfilled

Electrical Characterization and Detection of Blood Cells and Stones in Urine

Urine contains an immense amount of information related to its physical, chemical, and biological components; hence, it is a promising tool in detecting various diseases. Available methods for detecting hematuria (blood in the urine) are not accurate. Results are influenced by many factors, such as, health and vitals of the patients, settings of the equipment and laboratories, which leads to false positive or false negative outputs. This necessitates the development of new, accurate, and easy-access methods that save time and effort. This study demonstrates a label-free and accurate method for detecting the presence of red and white blood cells (RBCs and WBCs) in urine by measuring the changes in the dielectric properties of urine upon increasing concentrations of both cell types. The current method could detect changes in the electrical properties of fresh urine over a short time interval, making this method suitable for detecting changes that cannot be recognized by conventional methods. Correcting these changes enabled the detection of a minimum cell concentration of 10² RBCs per ml which is not possible by conventional methods used in the labs except for the semi-quantitative method that can detect 50 RBCs per ml, but it is a lengthy and involved procedure, not suitable for high volume labs. This ability to detect a very small amount of both types of cells makes the proposed technique an attractive tool for detecting hematuria, the presence of which is indicative of problems in the excretory system. Furthermore, urolithiasis is also a very common problem worldwide, affecting adults, kids, and even animals. Calcium oxalate is the major constituent of urinary tract stones in individuals, primarily due to the consumption of high oxalate foods. The occurrence of urinary oxalate occurs by endogenous synthesis, especially in the upper urinary tract. In a normal, healthy individual, the excretion of oxalate ranges from 10 to 45 mg/day, depending on the age and gender, but the risk of stone formation starts at 25 mg/day depending on the health history of the individual. This study also addresses the detection of the presence of calcium oxalate in urine following the same label-free approach. This can be done by measuring the changes in the dielectric properties of urine with increasing concentrations of calcium oxalate hydrate (CaC₂O₄.H₂O). The current method could detect dynamic changes in the electrical properties of urine over a time interval in samples containing calcium oxalate hydrate even at a concentration as low as 10 μg/mL of urine, making this method suitable for detecting changes that cannot be recognized by conventional methods. The ability to detect a very small amount of stones makes it an attractive tool for detecting and quantifying stones in kidneys. Using a non-invasive method which also works as a precautionary measure for early detection of some severe ailments, holds a good scope. It forms the basis of the cytological examinations and molecular assays for the diagnosis of several diseases. This method can be considered a point-of-care test because the results can be instantaneously shared with the members of the medical team. Based on these results, it is anticipated that the present approach to be a starting point towards establishing the foundation for label-free electrical-based identification and quantification of an unlimited number of nano-sized particles

Aircraft electromagnetic compatibility

Illustrated are aircraft architecture, electromagnetic interference environments, electromagnetic compatibility protection techniques, program specifications, tasks, and verification and validation procedures. The environment of 400 Hz power, electrical transients, and radio frequency fields are portrayed and related to thresholds of avionics electronics. Five layers of protection for avionics are defined. Recognition is given to some present day electromagnetic compatibility weaknesses and issues which serve to reemphasize the importance of EMC verification of equipment and parts, and their ultimate EMC validation on the aircraft. Proven standards of grounding, bonding, shielding, wiring, and packaging are laid out to help provide a foundation for a comprehensive approach to successful future aircraft design and an understanding of cost effective EMC in an aircraft setting

The measurement of the dielectric constant of concrete pipes and clay pipes

To optimize the effectiveness of the rehabilitation of underground utilities, taking in consideration limitation of available resources, there is a need for a cost effective and efficient sensing systems capable of providing effective, in real time and in situ, measurement of infrastructural characteristics. To carry out accurate non-destructive condition assessment of buried and above ground infrastructure such as sewers, bridges, pavements and dams, an advanced ultra-wideband (UWB) based radar was developed at Trenchless Technology Centre (TTC) and Centre for Applied Physics Studies (CAPS) at Louisiana Tech University (LTU). One of the major issues in designing the FCC compliant UWB radar was the contribution of the pipe wall, presence of complex soil types and moderate-to-high moisture levels on penetration depth of the electromagnetic (EM) energy. The electrical properties of the materials involved in designing the UWB radar exhibit a significant variation as a result of the moisture content, mineral content, bulk density, temperature and frequency of the electromagnetic signal propagating through it. Since no measurements of frequency dependence of the dielectric permittivity and conductivities of the pipe wall material in the FCC approved frequency range exist, in this thesis, the dielectric constant of concrete and clay pipes are measured over a microwave frequency range from 1 Ghz to 10 Ghz including the effects of moisture and chloride content. A high performance software package called MU-EPSLN™ was used for the calculations. Data reduction routines to calculate the complex permeability and permittivity of materials as well as other parameters are also provided. The results obtained in this work will be used to improve the accuracy of the numerical simulations and the performances of the UWB radar system

Experimental Measurement of Dielectric Properties of Powdery Materials using a Coaxial Transmission Line

This study proposes a standard methodology for coaxial dielectric property measurements of powdery materials (1-10GHz) using a coaxial transmission line. Four powdery materials with dielectric constants ranging from 3.5 to 70 (SiO2, Al2O3, CeO2, and TiO2) were experimentally investigated at varying volume loading fractions in a paraffin mixture. A statistically significant number of paraffin heterogeneous-mixtures was synthesized for all dielectric powders. The dielectric properties of the constitutive materials were determined using appropriate mixture equations. The sensitivity of the equations dielectric prediction to volume loading is discussed with guidance on selecting the best mixing equation. It was determined that low volume loadings of less than 10% were ideal for a general case where little to nothing is known about the sample. If the general range of the dielectric constant is known different mixture equations were found to be optimal for specific ranges. Furthermore, there was not a single mixing equation that proved best over the entire range of dielectrics studied. To this end, a standard testing procedure for powdery materials is justified, with guidelines for selection of an appropriate mixture equation. The justification is based on the ratio of the dielectric constant of the powder to that of the paraffin. These findings provide a baseline procedure for determining dielectric properties of new powdery materials that have applications in the area of microwave catalysis

Development of microwave NDT inspection techniques for large solid propellant rocket motors Final report

Microwave nondestructive testing techniques for large solid propellant rocket engine