Abstract: Automated time-difference measurements at the picosecond level have been achieved. The system described combines the best properties of three common methods: the single heterodyne measurement technique, the frequency divider, and the dual-mixer time-difference measurement system. This particular system combines two instrumentation standards, ANSI/IFEE-583 and ANSI/IEEE-488 with new, modular dual-mixer time-difference measurement hardware. The modular, standardized hardware together with the new measurement techniques permit the data acquisition modules to be contained in a standard CAMAC crate. This system, along with an external controller, is capable of measuring eiqht clocks, at the present time, and is expandable to twenty-four clocks with modified software and additional measurement modules. The system noise performance is described by a (rT = 3 x 10^-12 t^-1 for time difference measurements.

Description of a computer program for searching chemical information on magnetic tape.

Report issued by the U.S. National Bureau of Standards discussing an analysis of seismic design provisions for buildings with three main objectives. As stated in the introduction, "The first objective was to assist the ATC in the preparation of its report. The second objective of the study was to augment the text of the published Provisions by providing a formal, consistent documentation of the text. The third objective was to provide alternate arrangements of the Provisions that would make them more readily usable by several categories of users" (p. 1). This report includes illustrations.

Design and performance of a new near-zone electric field-strength meter.

From abstract: This paper describes a Bessel null technique to measure the frequency response of a frequency-modulated rf carrier and a program to automate frequency response measurements of signal generators with output frequencies from 0.450 to 2000 MHz. The measurements obtained using this technique are more precise than those obtained by a highly trained technician using a manual system.

Description of 15 specific systems employing search-type selection principles.

From introduction: The accurate prediction of phase equilibria plays an important. role in the chemical process industries. A grief overview of final phase equilibria predictive techniques is presented with special emphasis on methods in current use in industry. Areas were better fundamental understanding will lead to improved models are discussed whenever possible.

Permanence and colorimetric properties of signal glass.

Abstract: This bibliography contains approximately 450 citations of papers concerning the characterization of optical fiber waveguides. Papers from scientific journals, trade journals and conferences are included along with book chapters. The citations of organized by parameter measured and measurement method. Where published abstracts are available they are included.

from Introduction: The National Bureau of Standards has designed, constructed, and evaluated a standard for the support of very-high-frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) air navigation aids. The standard consists of two instruments: (1) a digital waveform signal generator for the composite VOR audio waveform, and (2) a standard phasemeter based on time series analysis of this waveform. Experimental results, a statistical analysis of them, and the principal software listings are included.

Introduction: A reference step-like pulse generator is described which has been developed at NBS. This generator can be used for accurately characterizing the step response of various kinds of trap ient recording equipment (oscilloscopes, waveform recorders, transient digitizers, etc.). Basic design principles are given as well as complete circuit diagrams and descriptions. An analysis of the output stage of the generator is presented together with the circuit models for developing a time-domain computer simulation program using extended- SCEPTRE. Preliminary specifications indicate that the NBS Reference Flat Pulse Generator provides a negative-going reference transition duration (90 to 10 percent) of 600 ps, *20 percent with baseline perturbations of less than *2 percent for less than 5 ns.

From abstract: The material included in this report is intended for a short course on electromagnetic compatibility/interference (EMC/EMI) metrology to be offered jointly by the staff of the Fields Characterization Group (723.03) and the Interference Characterization Group (723.04) of the Electromagnetic Fields Division (723). The purpose of this short course is to present a review of some of the radiated EMC/EMI measurement methods, to which the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) at Boulder, Colorado, has made significant contributions during the past two decades.

Abstract: Electroexplosive devices (EEDs) are electrically fired explosive initiators used in a wide variety of applications. The nature of most of these applications requires that the devices function with near certainty when required and remain inactive otherwise. Recent concern with pulsed electromagnetic interference (EMI) and nuclear electromagnetic pulse (EMP) made apparent the lack of methodology for assessing EED vulnerability. A new and rigorous approach for characterizing EED firing levels is developed in the context of statistical linear models and is demonstrated in this paper. We combine statistical theory and methodology with thermodynamic modeling to determine the probability that an EED, of a particular type, fires when excited by a pulse of a given width and amplitude. The results can be applied to any type of EED for which the hot-wire explosive binder does not melt below the firing temperature. Included are methods.for assessing model validity and for obtaining probability plots, called "Firing Likelihood Plots". A method of measuring the thermal time constant of an EED is given. This parameter is necessary to evaluate the effect of a train of pulses. These statistical methods are both more general and more efficient than previous methods for EED assessment. The results provide information …

From preface: STARPAC documentation is being published as a series of Technical Notes. This Note is the first in the series. It gives an overview of the STARPAC library, defines conventions used in the documentation, provides an example using STARPAC subroutines, and presents general background material. This Note includes information which is essential for using the STARPAC library, and users should be familiar with its contents before attempting to use any STARPAC subroutine.

Abstract: This report describes a system based on electromagnetic-acoustic transducers (EMATs) as an approach to automated nondestructive evaluation of thick weldments (>25 mm). Good signal-to-noise ratios, often a problem with EMATs, were possibTe through careful design of the transducers and associated electronic circuits and the use of signal averaging. At 454 kHz, the transducers produce shear-horizontal waves of approximately 7-mm wavelength in steel. The long wavelength permits determination of through-thickness flaw depth from the amplitudes of scattered ultrasonic waves. A minicomputer controlled transducer positioning and acquired the digitized ultrasonic waveforms for synthetic aperture processing. The synthetic aperture technique further improved signal quality and yielded flaw localization through the weld thickness. Measurements on artificial flaws demonstrated a detectability threshold of 0.5 mm (through thickness) and sizing ability up to 2.5 mm, in agreement with theoretical predictions. Details include the design of the transducers and electronics, as well as the mechanical positioner, signal processing algorithms, and complete computer program listing.

From introduction: This note describes the design and construction of a coaxial thermal noise standard. The standard is designed to operate at the boiling point of liquid nitrogen with a noise temperature accurate to t 1 K in the frequency range from 1 GHz to 12.4 GHz.

Abstract: Results of a research program to develop fitness-for-service criteria for assessing the significance of fatigue cracks in offshore structures are presented in five papers. Each paper describes the goals and approaches to a specific task and details the results of the study.

Abstract: This report presents the results of work at the National Bureau of Standards, Boulder, Colorado, to carefully evaluate, document, develop (when necessary), and describe the methodology for performing radiated susceptibility/vulnerability measurements using a reverberation chamber. The report describes the reverberation chamber theory of operation, construction, evaluation, functional operation, and use for performing immunity measurements. It includes an estimate of measurement uncertainties derived empirically from test results and from comparisons with anechoic chamber measurements. Finally, it discusses the limitations and advantages of the measurement technique to assist potential users in determining the applicability for this technique to their electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) measurement needs.

From introduction: Simple, precise expressions for lunar diameter, average brightness temperature, flux density, and shape factor are presented. An analysis of the relationship between these parameters and corresponding errors are included. For broadbeam (HPBW>d) antennas, results show that flux density and shape factor can be determined with errors less than 13 percent and 0.4 percent respectively at frequencies below 10 GHz. Extension of the analysis to higher frequencies is indicated.

From preface: This Note documents 16 subroutines for nonlinear least squares regression. Twelve of these compute the least squares estimates, performing either weighted or unweighted analysis with either numerically approximated or user-supplied (analytic) derivatives. The other four are user-callable subroutines for two procedures used within the estimation code: the first selects optimum step sizes for approximating the partial derivatives of the model; and the second checks the validity of a user-supplied derivative subroutine.