Summer 2006 Poster Presentation of Projects
First, Second, and Third Place Winners

Presentation of Awards
From left: Dr. Clark Penrod, ARL:UT Executive Director; Christi Habecker, ARL:UT Educational Programs Coordinator; Srikanth Kodali, third place winner; Nicole Varnado, second place winner; Carl Richardson, first place winner; and Dr. Michael Pestorius, ARL:UT Independent Research & Development Coordinator

1st Place, Poster Presentation
Display Gun Diagnostics
By Carl Richardson
Del Valle High School
Supervisors:  Dr. Mark Crawford, Dwayne Surls, and Alex Sitzman; Institute for Advanced Techonology

Abstract
The purpose of this project was to fabricate the necessary diagnostic equipment to collect data from the display rail launcher. Collected data included armature position inside the bore, breech, shunt and armature current, and the breech voltage. To measure current, Rogowski coils were utilized around the positive rail clamp and the muzzle shunt. Rogowski coils were ideal because they are easily fabricated, easy to calibrate, and produce a voltage directly proportional to the rate of change in the current flowing through the conductor. The Rogowski coils were calibrated by utilizing an additional current sensor with a known amps/volts ratio around the muzzle shunt. The gun was then fired without an armature at a low voltage. To detect armature position an array of B-dot probes was mounted under the bore of the gun. As the armature passed though the bore, the electromagnetic field around the armature would induce a voltage in the windings of the B-dot probes in relation to armature position and current flow.

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2nd place, poster presentation

A Visualization of Interfering Signals in LWDA Data
By Nicole Varnado
McNeil High School
Supervisor: Dr. Tom Gaussiran, Space & Geophysics Laboratory, ARL:UT

Abstract
Modern radio telescopes collect data in frequency ranges that are often contaminated by a multitude of interfering man-made signals.  The Long Wavelength Array (LWA) is a proposed radio telescope designed to operate in the relatively unexplored frequency range of 20 to 80 MHz.  The radio frequency interference (RFI) in this frequency band is generated by sources including television, FM radio stations, and High Frequency communications. Transmissions from such sources of RFI are expected to adversely affect LWA radio observations. 

The goal of this project was to create a visual depiction of RFI signals from sample measurements mirroring LWA data.  Using the programming language Python, I created animations that included spectrograms, power spectrum, and power time graphs that eased identification of man-made signals. The spectrogram animation showed the intensity of collected frequencies over time, and the spectrum and power time plots conveyed power of the signals in the frequency and time domains, respectively.  In this project, I will create more focused, detailed animations of multiple data samples.  From this, I will be able to identify both impulsive and continuous RFI signatures within samples. 

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3rd place, poster presentation

Testing for Reliability of Components Used in the Joint Biological Point Detection System
By Srikanth Kodali
Connally High School
Supervisor: Jeffrey Michalski, Space & Geophysics Laboratory, ARL:UT

Abstract
Rigorous inspection and evaluation standards were evolved for the many components that comprise the Joint Biological Point Detection System.  These tests were applied to various units and assemblies over the course of approximately three months, allowing for segregation of improperly functioning components from the working components.  The use of these industrial techniques, in combination with a closely-regulated manufacturing system allowed for the successful fabrication and delivery of the JBPDS collector line replaceable units (LRUs).  The manufacturing process and the rules that govern it are as necessary as the initial research and development phase that was required to develop the JBPDS.  Quality testing of the parts revealed defective components and gave an understanding of the basic causes of failure, such as inherent or manufacturing flaws.  This gives an informed understanding of the probable yields and reliability of unit, and allows for maximum cost-effectiveness.  The different components that go into the JBPDS have been subject to electrical and other tests both under nominal and stress conditions.  A brief functional description of the various parts is provided along with stress conditions, test results and evaluation.

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