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Werner, R. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Werner, R. A..

Navigation for the new millennium: Autonomous navigation for Deep Space 1

The autonomous optical navigation system technology for the Deep Space 1 (DS1) mission is reported on. The DS1 navigation system will be the first to use autonomous navigation in deep space. The systems tasks are to: perform interplanetary cruise orbit determination using images of distant asteroids; control and maintain the orbit of the spacecraft with an ion propulsion system and conventional thrusters, and perform late knowledge updates of target position during close flybys in order to facilitate high quality data return from asteroid MaAuliffe and comet West-Kohoutek-Ikemura. To accomplish these tasks, the following functions are required: picture planning; image processing; dynamical modeling and integration; planetary ephemeris and star catalog handling; orbit determination; data filtering and estimation; maneuver estimation, and spacecraft ephemeris updating. These systems and functions are described and preliminary performance data are presented.

Reidel, J. E.↗

Orbits Close to Asteroid 4769 Castalia

We use a radar-derived physical model of 4769 Castalia (1989 PB) to investigate close orbit dynamics around that kilometer- sized, uniformly rotating asteroid. Our methods of analysis provide a basis for systematic studies of particle dynamics close to any uniformly rotating asteroid. We establish that a Jacobi integral exists for particles orbiting this asteroid, examine the attendant zero-velocity surfaces, find families of periodic orbits, and determine their stability. All synchronous orbits and direct orbits within approx. 3 mean radii of Castalia are unstable and are subject to impact or escape from Castalia. Retrograde orbits are mostly stable and allow particles to orbit close to the asteroid surface. We derive a model which allows us to predict the escape conditions of a particle in orbit about Castalia and the (temporary) capture conditions for a hyperbolic interloper. Orbits within 1.5 km of Castalia are subject to immediate ejection from the system. Hyperbolic orbits with a V(sub infinity) less than 0.4 m/sec can potentially be captured by Castalia if their periapsis radius Is within approx. 2 km. For Castalia this capture region is small, but the results also apply to larger asteroids whose capture regions would also be larger. We determine bounds on ejecta speeds which either ensure ejecta escape or re-impact as functions of location on Castalia's surface. The speeds that ensure escape range from 0.28 to 0.84 m/sec and the speeds that ensure re-impact range from 0 to 0.18 m/sec. Speeds between these two bounds lead either to escape, re-impact, or potentially finite-time stable orbits. We develop a simple criterion which can establish whether a particle could have been ejected from the asteroid in the past and if it will impact the surface in the future.

Scheeres, D. J.↗

Variations of global mesoscale eddy energy observed from Geosat

Data on oceanic-current variability were extracted from Geosat altimeter observations for 44 17-day repeat cycles, using the Sandwell and Zhang (1989) technique to process the altimeter data and to produce a sea-surface-slope profile having an estimated accuracy of 0.2 microrad. These were used to generate a series of global eddy kinetic energy maps, each averaged over 3 months, together with their mean. It was found that the maximum mean eddy kinetic energy per unit mass exceeds 2000 sq cm/sq sec for most of the western boundary currents; for the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, however, this value reaches only 500 sq cm/sq sec.

Shum, C. K.↗

NASA Lewis F100 engine testing

Two builds of an F100 engine model derivative (EMD) engine were evaluated for improvements in engine components and digital electronic engine control (DEEC) logic. Two DEEC flight logics were verified throughout the flight envelope in support of flight clearance for the F100 engine model derivative program (EMPD). A nozzle instability and a faster augmentor transient capability was investigated in support of the F-15 DEEC flight program. Off schedule coupled system mode fan flutter, DEEC nose-boom pressure correlation, DEEC station six pressure comparison, and a new fan inlet variable vane (CIVV) schedule are identified.

Werner, R. A.↗

Steady-state performance of J85-21 compressor at 100 percent of design speed with and without interstage rake blockage

Internal compressor instrumentation blockage effects on steady state J85-21 compressor performance at 100 percent of design speed are determined. The blockage was generated by instrumented vanes for the first three compressor stages and by removal rakes for stages 4 to 9. Individual flow passage blockages ranged up to 4.5 percent with the instrumented vanes and up to 22 percent with the removable interstage rakes. At a Reynolds number index of 1.0, pressure ratio and airflow remained unchanged with insertion of the interstage rakes, but efficiency dropped 0.3 percentage point. Compressor exit profiles, compressor stage static pressure rise coefficients, turbine exit temperature, and fuel flow are also presented.

Werner, R. A.↗

Application of optimum smoothing for image distortion correction

Optimum linear smoothing is utilized to estimate certain distortions in LANDSAT-D images. Measurements that are processed by the smoother consist of designated control of point locations within the images. Image distortions that are estimated by the smoother are those induced by LANDSAT-D satellite navigation errors and slowly varying attitude and sensor alignment uncertainties. Preliminary results indicate that optimum smoothing produces substantially more accurate distortion estimates than optimum filtering and that optimum smoothing may reduce the number of control points needed to yield desired image correction accuracy.

Werner, R. A.↗