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Riehl, J. P.

Publications and source records attributed to Riehl, J. P..

Evolutionary use of nuclear electric propulsion

Evolving new propulsion technologies through a rational and conscious effort to minimize development costs and program risks while maximizing the performance benefits is intuitively practical. A phased approach to the evolution of nuclear electric propulsion from use on planetary probes, to lunar cargo vehicles, and finally to manned Mars missions with a concomitant growth in technology is considered. Technology levels and system component makeup are discussed for nuclear power systems and both ion and magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters. Mission scenarios are described, which include analysis of a probe to Pluto, a lunar cargo mission, Martian split, all-up, and quick-trip mission options. Evolutionary progression of the use of NEP in such missions is discussed.

Hack, K. J.↗

REDUCE 2: A computer program for the symbolic reduction of large block diagrams

REDUCE 2 is reported as a FORMAC program which symbolically calculates the transfer function(s) of any linear-block-diagram output variable to any or all input variables. The program requires as input a set of algebraic expressions representing the block diagram, the desired transfer function(s), and a string of variables indicating the desired order of reduction. The solution is presented in the compact form of a set of nested functions (super G's). The program can handle systems as large as 600 equations and is intended as a tool for the analysis of complex control and dynamic systems. A companion FORTRAN program, EVAL 2, which numerically evaluates the solution set to obtain amplitude ratio and phase angle as functions of frequency is also presented.

Lorenzo, C. F.↗

Pilot/vehicle control optimization using averaged operational mode and subsystem relative performance index sensitivities

A method is presented for designing optimal feedback controllers for systems having subsystem sensitivity constraints. Such constraints reflect the presence of subsystem performance indices which are in conflict with the performance index of the overall system. The key to the approach is the use of relative performance index sensitivity (a measure of the deviation of a performance index from its optimum value). The weighted sum of subsystem and/or operational mode relative performance index sensitivies is defined as an overall performance index. A method is developed to handle linear systems with quadratic performance indices and either full or partial state feedback. The usefulness of this method is demonstrated by applying it to the design of a stability augmentation system (SAS) for a VTOL aircraft. A desirable VTOL SAS design is one that produces good VTOL transient response both with and without active pilot control. The system designed using this method is shown to effect a satisfactory compromise solution to this problem.

Leininger, G. G.↗

Applications of symbolic computing methods to the dynamic analysis of large systems

Since the symbolic computing language is very well suited to the operations with algebraic equations, techniques use the transfer function concept as a tool for the analysis of large linear dynamic systems. Techniques were coded in the experimental symbolic computer language FORMAC. The first of these approaches, REDUCE 1, establishes the techniques and a computer program to symbolically reduce arbitrary block diagrams associated with large systems for desired transfer functions. Symbolic closed form solutions are determined in several forms including an expanded form in terms of the driving frequencies and system constants. Programs are also written to numerically evaluate the symbolic solutions. A second computer program, REDUCE 2, is also based on the use of symbolic computing methods and was written to accommodate large engineering systems.

Lorenzo, C. F.↗