Archive for category Uncategorized
Sea Launch Back in Action With Successful Launch!
Posted by Val in Space and Satellites, Uncategorized on September 28, 2011
Sea Launch is back after a two-year hiatus after a Zeni-3SL rocket launched the ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7 broadcast satellite into orbit from the ocean-based Odyssey Launch Platform. One hour and seven minutes after launch from the equatorial location, a Block DM-SL upper stage fired to send the Eutelsat satellite into an equatorial transfer orbit. Officials report the launch went as planned and that the satellite is performing as expected.
This was the first Sea Launch mission in more than two years. The international consortium went through a bankruptcy organization that resulted in the Russian company Energia purchasing 95 percent of the company.
Satellite operators had been looking forward to the return of Sea Launch, which provides more competition among launch providers. Sea Launch is especially well suited for geosynchronous communications satellites that require equatorial orbits because the launch platform can be towed to an ideal location.
The launch was also good news for the the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau and the Yuzhny Machine Building Plant, which design and construct the Zenit boosters. The return to flight gives a boost to the nation’s space industry.
Beluga Whale, Mariachi Band And Some Fancy Wedding Dancing?
Posted by Val in Acoustics & Sonar, Uncategorized on August 8, 2011
This video of a 9 year old beluga whale seemingly dancing to some mariachi music has surfaced recently. It was shot during a wedding ceremony that took place in Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. The whale seemed to bob his head and follow the rhythm of the music. A lot of people would like to believe that this is exactly what the whale was doing. However, scientific research shows that whales can’t hear the music the way we do. They simply feel the vibrations. But, that in itself, is a powerful gift.
The underwater environment of the world’s oceans is filled with a variety of sounds. Most aquatic animals use sound for communications between members of their species. The reason for this is that sounds propagates well in water and covers longer distances.
Whales depend on sound vibration for orientation. This ability is important for predators of the deep sea where light is greatly reduced. They use sound waves in echolocation and this allows them to detect objects and organisms by means of sonar. Whales, as well as many other marine animals, use a form of song to communicate through the water. A whale will use their songs most often as mating calls for the opposite sex.
You can listen to the marine sounds around the world on their site. Please click on the link below. This is quite a unique experience to be able to hear underwater sounds across the globe.
http://www.listentothedeep.com/acoustics/index2.php?web=lidoearth&lang=en
If you wish to enhance your understanding of the underlying principles of underwater and engineering acoustics needed to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic noise on marine life, please attend ATI’s Underwater Acoustics for Biologists and Conservation Managers course that will be presented on October 17-20, 2011 in Seattle, WA.
Do You Resonate with Shock, Noise and Vibration?
Posted by Markutus in Acoustics & Sonar, ENGINEERING, Uncategorized on July 19, 2011
Negative Stiffness Vibration Isolator
Two Short Courses from ATI on Vibration, Shock or Noise
in Vehicles, Devices, and Equipment
If you are concerned with vibration, shock or noise in vehicles, devices, and equipment; then Applied Technology Institute (ATI) short courses maybe for you.
Why not take a short course?
Our short courses are less than a week long and are designed to help you keep your professional knowledge up-to-date. They provide a practical overview of space and defense technologies which furnish a strong foundation for understanding the issues that must be confronted in the use, regulation and development of complex systems.
If you are test personnel who conduct or supervise or “contract out” vibration and shock tests, then take the three-day course fundamentals course. It also benefits design, quality and reliability specialists who interface with vibration and shock test activities.
If you have some prior acquaintance with vibration or noise fields, then you should sign up for the more advanced four day course. It emphasizes understanding of the relevant phenomena and concepts in order to enable the participants to address a wide range of practical problems insightfully.
See sections below for more details on these two short courses from ATI.
FUNDAMENTALS OF RANDOM VIBRATION & SHOCK TESTING
This three-day course is primarily designed for test personnel who conduct or supervise or “contract out” vibration and shock tests. It also benefits design, quality and reliability specialists who interface with vibration and shock test activities.
From this course you will obtain the ability to understand and communicate meaningfully with test personnel, perform basic engineering calculations and evaluate tradeoffs between test equipments’ and procedures.
Each student receives the instructor’s brand new, minimal-mathematics, minimal-theory hardbound text Random Vibration & Shock Testing, Measurement, Analysis & Calibration. This 444 page, 4-color book also includes a CDROM with video clips and animations.
What you will learn:
• How to plan, conduct and evaluate vibration and shock tests and screens.
• How to attack vibration and noise problems.
• How to make vibration isolation, damping and absorbers work for vibration and noise control.
• How noise is generated and radiated, and how it can be reduced.
This course is intended for engineers and scientists concerned with the vibration reduction and quieting of vehicles, devices, and equipment. The course will provide guidance relevant to design, problem solving, and development of improvements.
It will emphasize understanding of the relevant phenomena and concepts in order to enable the participants to address a wide range of practical problems insightfully. The instructors will draw on their extensive experience to illustrate the subject matter with examples related to the participant’s specific areas of interest.
Although the course will begin with a review and will include some demonstrations, participants ideally should have some prior acquaintance with vibration or noise fields. Each participant will receive a complete set of course notes and the text Noise and Vibration Control Engineering, a $210 value.
What you will learn:
How to attack vibration and noise problems
What means are available for vibration and noise control?
How to make vibration isolation, damping, and absorbers work
How noise generated and radiated, and how it can be reduced?
Course Outline, Samplers, and Notes
Determine for yourself the value of these courses before you sign up.
• Fundamentals of Random Vibration & Shock Testing course slide sampler
• Vibration & Noise Control course slide sampler
Our other short courses are designed for individuals involved in planning, designing, building, launching, and operating space and defense systems. See our samples (See Slide Samples) on some of our courses.
Or check out the new ATI channel on YouTube.
After attending a course you will receive a full set of detailed notes from the class for future reference, as well as a certificate of completion. Please visit our website for more valuable information.
About ATI and the Instructors
Since 1984, ATI has provided leading-edge public courses and onsite technical training to DoD and NASA personnel, as well as contractors. Whether you are a busy engineer, a technical expert or a project manager, you can enhance your understanding of complex systems in a short time. You will become aware of the basic vocabulary essential to interact meaningfully with your colleagues.
Our mission here at ATI is to provide expert training and the highest quality professional development in space, communications, defense, sonar, radar, and signal processing. We are not a one-size-fits-all educational facility. Our short classes include both introductory and advanced courses.
ATI’s instructors are world-class experts who are the best in the business. They are carefully selected for their ability to clearly explain advanced technology.
Fundamentals of Random Vibration & Shock Testing course
Wayne Tustin has since 1995 been president of a specialized engineering school and consultancy he founded in Santa Barbara, CA. His BSEE degree is from the University of Washington, Seattle. He is a licensed Professional Engineer – Quality in the State of California. Wayne’s first encounter with vibration was at Boeing/Seattle, performing what later came to be called modal tests, on the XB-52 prototype of that highly reliable platform. Subsequently he headed field service and technical training for a manufacturer of electrodynamic shakers, before establishing another specialized school on which he left his name. Wayne has written several books and literally hundreds of articles dealing with practical aspects of vibration and shock measurement and testing.
Vibration & Noise Control course
Dr. Eric Ungar has specialized in research and consulting in vibration and noise for more than 40 years, published over 200 technical papers, and translated and revised Structure-Borne Sound. He has led short courses at the Pennsylvania State University for over 25 years and has presented numerous seminars worldwide. Dr. Ungar has served as President of the Acoustical Society of America, as President of the Institute of Noise Control Engineering, and as Chairman of the Design Engineering Division of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ASME honored him with its Trent-Crede Medal in Shock and Vibration. ASA awarded him the Per Bruel Gold Medal for Noise Control and Acoustics for his work on vibrations of complex structures, structural damping, and isolation.
Dr. James Moore has, for the past twenty years, concentrated on the transmission of noise and vibration in complex structures, on improvements of noise and vibration control methods, and on the enhancement of sound quality. He has developed Statistical Energy Analysis models for the investigation of vibrations and noise complex structures as submarines, helicopters, and automobiles and has been instrumental in the acquisition of corresponding data bases. He has participated in the development of active noise control systems, noise reduction coating and signal conditioning means, as well as in the presentation of numerous short courses and industrial training programs.
Times, Dates, and Locations
Fundamentals of Random Vibration & Shock Testing
Sep 20-22, 2011 Detroit, MI
Oct 4-6, 2011 Santa Clarita, CA
Nov 7-9, 2011 Acton, MA
Vibration & Noise Control
Sep 26-29, 2011 Boston, MA
Mar 12-15, 2012 Columbia, MD
Apr 30-May 3, 2012 Boston, MA
Ocean Observing Systems (OOS) and March 11, 2011 Tsunami Warnings
Posted by Jim in Ocean Observing Systems OOS, Uncategorized, Underwater Acoustics and Sonar on July 16, 2011
Ocean Observing Systems (OOS) have many sensor to detect earthquakes and tsunamis.
Japan’s most powerful earthquake since records began has struck the north-east coast, triggering a massive tsunami. A massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit the Pacific Ocean nearby Northeastern Japan at around 2:46pm on March 11 (JST) causing damage with blackouts, fire and tsunami.
Cars, ships and buildings were swept away by a wall of water after the 8.9-magnitude tremor, which struck about 400km (250 miles) north-east of Tokyo.
A state of emergency has been declared at a nuclear power plant, where pressure has exceeded normal levels.
The following videos provide good information.
http://www.youtube.com/user/NOAAPMEL?feature=mhum#p/c/3BDBAAAA7D4EB2DA/0/2mKbFORiDzg
Would You Like To Listen To The Deep Ocean? Here is your chance.
Posted by Val in Acoustics & Sonar, Uncategorized on July 7, 2011
The following image shows an overview of dolphin presence at the ANTARES observatory during May 2010. In this case the indicator measures the strength of whistle content found in the acoustic data.
The underwater environment of the world’s oceans is fill with a variety of sounds. Most aquatic animals use sound for communications between members of their species. The reason for all this cacophony is that sounds propagates well in water and covers longer distances.
The advance of modern technology causes the increase in anthropogenic sources of sound that affects the marine life. There are multiple cases of whales beaching themselves that were recorded in recent years. On the occasions listed below testing of mid-frequency to low-frequency active sonar was conducted in the area.
- 1996: 12 Cuvier’s beaked whales beached in Greece
- 1999: 4 beaked whales beached in the US Virgin Islands
- 2000: 3 beaked whales beached in Madeira
- 2002: 14 different whales beached in the Canary Islands
At best, the whales hear the “clicks” and change their hunting grounds not returning to the same spot for a few years. There is also evidence that they change their “song” and make it louder.
This causes a lot of concern to the marine biologists around the world. A new project called LIDO or “Listening to the Deep Ocean environment” has emerged recently. It proposes to establish a first nucleus of a regional network of multidisciplinary seafloor observatories contributing to the coordination of high quality research in the ESONET NoE by allowing the long-term monitoring of Geohazards and Marine Ambient Noise in the Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent Atlantic waters.
You can listen to the marine sounds around the world on their site. Please click on the link below. This is quite a unique experience to be able to hear underwater sounds across the globe.
http://www.listentothedeep.com/acoustics/index2.php?web=lidoearth&lang=en
If you wish to enhance your understanding of the underlying principles of underwater and engineering acoustics needed to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic noise on marine life, please attend ATI’s Underwater Acoustics for Biologists and Conservation Managers course that will be presented on October 17-20, 2011 in Seattle, WA.
Do you hear better than your grandparents did 40 years ago?
Posted by Val in Uncategorized on April 27, 2011
“Yes” say the results of two hearing studies 40 years apart conducted by National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. The results were prominent in upper frequencies (2,000, 3000, 4000 and 6000 Hz) which are responsible for our ability to understand speech sound with a lot of noise in the background (think talking to your friend in a car moving 70 mph with the windows down and sunroof open).
So what are the contributing factors in our improved hearing?
· We smoke less
· We get better treatment for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
· Our childhood ear infections are treated more effectively
· We receive vaccines that protect us from meningitis
· Those of us with really noisy jobs use hearing protection and get annual hearing tests
· The number of manufacturing jobs has decreased by more than 50%
Those are truly amazing results considering the global march of the iPod!
Read more about the study here.
Fully Submersible Submarines Are Used For Drug Trafficking
Posted by Val in General, Uncategorized on February 16, 2011
On February 14, 2011 Columbian authorities seized a fully submersible submarine that was used for drag trafficking. The sub was found about 275 miles southwest of Bogota. Sub was equipped with two diesel engines and air conditioning and was made to carry the crew of 6. The vessel had the capacity to sail all the way to Mexico without surfacing once. This sub is the first of its kind. Only semi-submersible submarines were found previosly. Read more here.
ATI’s Short Course on Wavelets: A Conceptual Practical Approach
Posted by Val in & SIGNAL PROCESSING, Defense, Including Radar, Missiles and EW, ENGINEERING, Uncategorized on January 25, 2011
Video Clip: Click to Watch
Wavelets can be used to identify the time, the frequency, and the shape of a transient signal
Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT) are in wide use and work very well if your signal stays at a constant frequency (“stationary”). But if the signal could vary, have pulses, “blips” or any other kind of interesting behavior then you need Wavelets. Wavelets are remarkable tools that can stretch and move like an amoeba to find the hidden “events” and then simultaneously give you their location, frequency, and shape. Wavelet Transforms allow this and many other capabilities not possible with conventional methods like the FFT
In this class you will learn how Wavelets can be used to identify the time, the frequency, and the shape of a transient signal (radar pulse, heartbeat, stock market tic, image edge detection in baggage, etc,) and do all 3 simultaneously! For example, in the figure above (a 3-D wavelet transform of a chirp signal), the horizontal axis indicates time, the vertical axis indicates frequency, and the colors indicate magnitude (at that particular time and frequency)
This course is vastly different from traditional math-oriented Wavelet courses or books in that we use examples, figures, and computer demonstrations to show how to understand and work with Wavelets. This is a comprehensive, in-depth, up-to-date treatment of the subject, but from an intuitive, conceptual point of view.
We do look at a few key equations from the traditional literature but only AFTER the concepts are demonstrated and understood. If desired, further study from scholarly texts and papers is then made much easier and more palatable when you already understand the fundamental equations and how they relate to the real world. Each student will receive extensive course slides, a CD with MATLAB demonstrations, and a copy of the instructor’s new book, Conceptual Wavelets.
What you will learn:
• How to use Wavelets as a “microscope” to analyze data that changes over time or has hidden “events” that would not show up on an FFT.
• How to understand and efficiently use the three types of Wavelet Transforms to better analyze and process your data using state-of-the-art methods and applications.
• How to compress and de-noise data using advanced Wavelet techniques. How to avoid potential pitfalls by understanding the concepts. A “safe” method if in doubt.
• How to increase productivity and reduce cost by choosing (or building) a Wavelet that best matches your particular application.
Course Outline, Samplers, and Notes
1. What is a Wavelet? Examples and Uses. “Waves” that can start, stop, move and stretch. Real-world applications in many fields: Signal and Image Processing, Internet Traffic, Airport Security, Medicine, JPEG, Finance, Pulse and Target Recognition, Radar, Sonar, etc.
2. Comparison with traditional methods. The concept of the FFT, the STFT, and Wavelets as all being various types of comparisons with the data. Strengths, weaknesses, optimal choices.
3. The Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT). Stretching and shifting the Wavelet for optimal correlation. Predefined vs. Constructed Wavelets.
4. The Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT). Shrinking the signal by factors of 2 through downsampling. Understanding the DWT in terms of correlations with the data. Relating the DWT to the CWT. Demonstrations and uses.
5. The Redundant Discrete Wavelet Transform (RDWT). Stretching the Wavelet by factors of 2 without downsampling. Tradeoffs between the alias-free processing and the extra storage and computational burdens. A hybrid process using both the DWT and the RDWT. Demonstrations and uses.
6. “Perfect Reconstruction Filters”. How to cancel the effects of aliasing. How to recognize and avoid any traps. A breakthrough method to see the filters as basic Wavelets. The “magic” of alias cancellation demonstrated in both the time and frequency domains.
7. Highly useful properties of popular Wavelets. How to choose the best Wavelet for your application. When to create your own and when to stay with proven favorites.
8. Compression and De-Noising using Wavelets. How to remove unwanted or non-critical data without throwing away the alias cancellation capability. A new, powerful method to extract signals from large amounts of noise. Demonstrations.
9. Additional Methods and Applications. Image Processing. Detecting Discontinuities, Self-Similarities and Transitory Events. Speech Processing. Human Vision. Audio and Video. BPSK/QPSK Signals. Wavelet Packet Analysis. Matched Filtering. How to read and use the various Wavelet Displays. Demonstrations.
10. Further Resources. The very best of Wavelet references.
Determine for yourself the value of this course before you sign up.
See Slide Samples of our Wavelets: A Conceptual Practical Approach
After attending the course you will receive a full set of detailed notes from the class for future reference, as well as a certificate of completion. Please visit our website for more valuable information.
Comments from participants:
“Your Wavelets course was very helpful in our Radar studies. We often use wavelets now instead of the Fourier Transform for precision de-noising.”
–Long To, NAWC WD, Point Wugu, CA
“I was looking forward to this course and it was very rewarding–Your clear explanations starting with the big picture immediately contextualized the material allowing us to drill a little deeper with a fuller understanding”
–Steve Van Albert, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
“Good overview of key wavelet concepts and literature. The course provided a good physical understanding of wavelet transforms and applications.”
–Stanley Radzevicius, ENSCO, Inc.
The Instructor
Dr. Lee Fugal is the Founder and President of an independent consulting firm. He has over 30 years of industry experience in Digital Signal Processing (including Wavelets) and Satellite Communications.
He has been a full-time consultant on numerous assignments since 1991. Recent projects include Excision of Chirp Jammer Signals using Wavelets, design of Space-Based Geolocation Systems (GPS & Non-GPS), and Advanced Pulse Detection using Wavelet Technology.
He has taught upper-division University courses in DSP and in Satellites as well as Wavelet short courses and seminars for Practicing Engineers and Management. He holds a Masters in Applied Physics (DSP) from the University of Utah, is a Senior Member of IEEE, and a recipient of the IEEE Third Millennium Medal.
About ATI
Since 1984, the Applied Technology Institute (ATI) has provided leading-edge public courses and onsite technical training to DoD and NASA personnel, as well as contractors.
Our mission here at ATI is to provide expert training and the highest quality professional development in space, communications, defense, sonar, radar, and signal processing. We are not a one-size-fits-all educational facility.
Our short classes include both introductory and advanced courses. ATI’s instructors are world-class experts who are the best in the business. They are carefully selected for their ability to clearly explain advanced technology.
Times, Dates, and Locations
Wavelets: A Conceptual Practical Approach
Feb 22-24, 2011 San Diego, CA
Jun 7-9, 2011 Beltsville, MD
Sincerely,
The ATI Courses Team
P.S Call today for registration at 410-956-8805 or 888-501-2100 or access our website at www.ATIcourses.com. For general questions please email us at ATI@ATIcourses.com.
LOCKHEED TO PROVIDE AEGIS COMBAT SYSTEM FOR AUSTRALIA
Posted by Val in Defense, Including Radar, Missiles and EW, Uncategorized on September 29, 2010
Lockheed has been awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee performance incentives contract for post-critical design review (CDR) Aegis combat systems engineering to support the Australian Government. The Australian Government has selected the Aegis combat system for its air warfare destroyer (AWD) program.. Under the $197m foreign military sale, Lockheed will provide combat systems engineering, computer program development, technical manuals, ship integration and test. The company will also design and build an Aegis weapon system (AWS) based on the US Navy AWS Baseline 7 phase I to support the AWD program. The US Naval Sea Systems Command is the prime contractor and work will be carried out at the company’s facilities in US and Australia. The contract also includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $211m. Work is expected to be complete by December 2014.
NASA Ranks In the Top 5 Best Places to Work In The Federal Government/ Goddard Best In NASA
Posted by Jim in Continuing Education and Seminar Marketing, Satellites, Space and Satellites, Systems Engineering and Project Management, Uncategorized on September 1, 2010
The Partnership for Public Service 2010 ratings for the “Best Places to Work in the Federal Government placed NASA as number 5.
NASA’s workforce continues to score well on the survey among the 32 large federal agencies. The best places to work index is based on employee responses to questions about whether they are satisfied with their jobs and organization. A key factor is also whether employees would recommend their organization to others as a good place to work.
In addition to this overall index, agencies and subcomponents also were scored in workplace environment categories such as effective leadership, employee skills/mission match and work/life balance. NASA was among the leaders in several categories, including effective leadership, support for diversity, teamwork, training and performance based rewards. The complete listing of the rankings and scores for federal components is available at:
The Best Places to Work rankings are the most comprehensive and authoritative rating and analysis of employee satisfaction and commitment in the federal government. The 2010 rankings are the fifth edition of this ongoing series, following the 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009 versions.
2010 Overall Index Scores
Rank Agency 2010 2009 % Change
1 Nuclear Regulatory Commission 81.8 80.7 1.30
2 Government Accountability Office 81.6 76.6 6.60
3 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 79.2 0.00
4 Smithsonian Institution 76.2 0.00
5 National Aeronautics and Space Administration 74.2 71.7 3.50
6 Social Security Administration 71.6 67.0 6.80
7 Department of State 70.8 69.1 2.40
8 General Services Administration 69.8 67.5 3.40
9 Department of Justice 69.3 68.0 1.90
10 Intelligence Community 69.0 70.9 -2.60
Of the subagency rankings NASA Goddard ranked highest for NASA
7 7 Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA) 79.5 74.5 6.80
11 11 John C. Stennis Space Center (NASA) 77.0 72.0 7.00
12 12 Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (NASA) 76.7 78.7 -2.50
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