Thruster Imaging Analysis for Control of a Solar Concentrator

Abstract

This paper discusses results of image processing of solar thruster images for use in controlling a solar concentrator. Video capture images of an SRS solar thruster are analyzed to determine focal spot parameters and the best method of determining placement of the solar focal spot to provide maximum power transfer to the thruster. Since the intensity of the light is distorted by shadows and specular reflection, location of the focal spot is non-trivial with absorber information obscured in the specular reflection, that focal spot information needs to be de-convolved using Digital Signal Processing (DSP) from the scattering distribution of the thruster absorber. The paper discusses characterizing the specular reflection of the thruster secondary concentrator and discusses its effect on the determination of focal spot location.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 21, 2003
Accession Number
ADA415049

Entities

People

  • Joe Beasley

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Cameras
  • Computer Vision
  • Detectors
  • Digital Image Processing
  • Digital Images
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Energy Transfer
  • Filters
  • Filtration
  • Heat Transfer
  • Image Processing
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Signal Processing
  • Spacecraft
  • Specular Reflection
  • Thrusters

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Solar Photovoltaics and Thermoelectric Devices.
  • Spectroscopy.
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster