INFLAME LW channel diagnostic and rework

Task 1 - LW Vibration analysis 3 months labor for Matt at half time Background: From the initial test flight, it was found that the aircraft environment produced significantly noisier spectrometer signal output due to the vibration. Figure 1 shows the calibration signal for the LW instrument in the laboratory and aircraft environment, with a reported oscillation frequency of approximately 20 Hz (Johnson, 2010). This task would analyze the LW optics structures to reduce the effect of aircraft vibration on the spectrometer signal. It is expected that a redesign to stiffen the optics mounts will improve instrument performance. Figure 1: FTS interferogram signal during laboratory (left) and aircraft (right) calibrations (Johnson et al., 2010). Task outline: · $2500 Obtain Creo/Inventor software with FEA analysis · Calculate bracket properties of corner cubes and beam split o Model brackets and measure loading mass o Model bending reactions under load o Calculate stiffness o FEA model vs. hand calculations. · Vibration model o Solve undamped natural frequency o Experimentally calculate damping ratio o Create differential equation of motion · Simulate response to external forces o View response for single-frequency inputs o Superposition of various aircraft frequencies o Create design goals: X% increase in stiffness = Y% decrease in deflection at Z Hz · Redesign of geometry o Drawings for manufacture o Response of new design · Report results Task 2 - Convert embedded software from LabView to embedded LabWindows (C code) 3-6 months of labor for Tom at half time (could use intern help if available) Background: The original instrument controller was developed using national instruments LabView software. Review of this software shows much of the controller operates as a set of serial state machines. The method chosen reduces the amount of data that can be collected by the instrument. Converting this software to a c-based embedded controller would have the following benefits: · Utilize multi-threading to reduce scan time (reduce scan setup). This will allow scans to be completed in less time. · Add double buffering of data to reduce time between scans. Provide mechanisms so data can be collected while a previous dataset is saved. · C code would be easier to maintain and improve. It also provides a path forward to an embedded controller design for enhanced avionics. This would be a path forward to an RTG4 controller design utilizing updated electronics.

Increase scientific understanding of natural phenomena using remote sensing.

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