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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 181 records · Page 10

Experimental studies of graphite-epoxy and boron-epoxy angle ply laminates in compression

A test program aimed at studying the nonlinear/inelastic response under axial compression across a wide range of angle ply was graphite-epoxy and boron-epoxy laminates was presented and described. The strength allowables corresponding to the various laminate configurations were defined and the failure mechanisms which dictate their mode of failure were detected. The program involved two types of specimens for each laminate configuration: compression sandwich coupons and compression tubes. The test results indicate that the coupons perform better than the tubes displaying considerably high stress-strain allowables and mechanical properties relative to the tubes. Also, it is observed that depending on their dimensions the coupons are susceptible to very pronounced edge effects. This sensitivity results in assigning to the laminate conservative mechanical properties rather than the actual ones.

Weller, T.↗

High temperature fatigue behavior of tungsten copper composites

The present study investigates the high-temperature fatigue behavior of a 9-v/o tungsten fiber-reinforced copper matrix composite. Load-controlled isothermal fatigue at 260 and 560 C and thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) experiments, both in-phase and out-of-phase between 260 and 560 C, were performed. The stress-strain response under all conditions displayed considerable inelasticity. Strain ratchetting was observed during all the fatigue experiments. For the isothermal fatigue and in-phase TMF tests, the ratchetting was always in a tensile direction, continuing until failure. The ratchetting during the out-of-phase TMF test shifted from a tensile to a compressive direction. For all cases, the fatigue lives were found to be controlled by the damage of the copper matrix. On a stress basis, TMF loading substantially reduced lives relative to isothermal cycling.

Verrilli, M. J.↗

New techniques for the analysis of manual control systems

Studies are summarized on the application of advanced analytical and computational methods to the development of mathematical models of human controllers in multiaxis manual control systems. Specific accomplishments include the following: (1) The development of analytical and computer methods for the measurement of random parameters in linear models of human operators. (2) Discrete models of human operator behavior in a multiple display situation were developed. (3) Sensitivity techniques were developed which make possible the identification of unknown sampling intervals in linear systems. (4) The adaptive behavior of human operators following particular classes of vehicle failures was studied and a model structure proposed.

Bekey, G. A.↗

Advanced Caution and Warning System, Final Report - 2011

The work described in this report is a continuation of the ACAWS work funded in fiscal year (FY) 2010 under the Exploration Technology Development Program (ETDP), Integrated Systems Health Management (ISHM) project. In FY 2010, we developed requirements for an ACAWS system and vetted the requirements with potential users via a concept demonstration system. In FY 2011, we developed a working prototype of aspects of that concept, with placeholders for technologies to be fully developed in future phases of the project. The objective is to develop general capability to assist operators with system health monitoring and failure diagnosis. Moreover, ACAWS was integrated with the Discrete Controls (DC) task of the Autonomous Systems and Avionics (ASA) project. The primary objective of DC is to demonstrate an electronic and interactive procedure display environment and multiple levels of automation (automatic execution by computer, execution by computer if the operator consents, and manual execution by the operator).

Spirkovska, Lilly↗

Uncovering metallic glasses hidden vacancy-like motifs using machine learning

Vacancies are a ubiquitous type of defect in crystalline materials that can affect their properties and behavior, including atomic diffusivity, deformation processes, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity. While well-defined in crystals, it is challenging to identify such topological footprints in the amorphous structure of metallic glasses (MGs). Here, we uncover an unforeseen vacancy-like structural motif named Q7, which refers to an atomic Voronoi polyhedron with seven quadrangular faces, by investigating MG local atomic configurations with the help of machine learning. The Q7 motif exhibits characteristics similar to crystalline vacancies and plays a significant role in short-range structural disorder in MGs. The atoms at the center of the Q7 motif display larger local entropy, atomic volume, and local tension. Additionally, its concentration follows an Arrhenius-like relationship with temperature, accurately indicating the glass transition temperature, and is strongly correlated with the yield and failure of MGs during mechanical deformation. The discovery of the Q7 motif provides new insights into understanding the intricate relationship between local disorder and structural relaxation in MGs, offering a remarkable ability to predict their thermal and mechanical behavior. This potentially paves the way for enhancements in the design and manufacturing processes of MGs and other amorphous materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Boundary layers in centrifugal compressors

The utility of boundary-layer theory in the design of centrifugal compressors is demonstrated. Boundary-layer development in the diffuser entry region is shown to be important to stage efficiency. The result of an earnest attempt to analyze this boundary layer with the best tools available is displayed. Acceptable prediction accuracy was not achieved. The inaccuracy of boundary-layer analysis in this case would result in stage efficiency prediction as much as four points low. Fluid dynamic reasons for analysis failure are discussed with support from flow data. Empirical correlations used today to circumnavigate the weakness of the theory are illustrated.

Dean, R. C., Jr.↗

A model for simultaneous monitoring and control

Mathematical models of the human operator have been concerned primarily with his input/output characteristics and his adaptive behavior to sudden changes in the controlled element dynamics. Newer models have examined the ability of the human to detect failures when acting as a monitor. However, models for simultaneous monitoring and control (e.g., an aircraft pilot flying a split axis approach) are necessary for performing pilot task allocations and for coordinated design of display and control subsystems. Flight test results of simulated instrument helicopter approaches conducted have shown the following: (1) constant speed approaches can be made quite comfortably by the pilots; (2) pilots cannot hover on situation displays alone; and (3) pilots can hover with a flight director display, but feel uncomfortable because they do not have enough time to monitor the situation displays.

Curry, R. E.↗

Strength characterization of yttria/alumina-doped sintered silicon nitride

The flexural strength of yttria/alumina-doped sintered silicon nitride (Ford Material-RM 20) was measured as a function of temperature (20 to 1400 deg C), applied stress and time. Flexural stress rupture testing at 800 and 1000 deg C indicated that the material can sustain 344 MPa and 276 MPa, respectively, without failure, for a limited time (less than or equal to 100 h). The RM 20 material was susceptible to both oxidation and early stages of creep deformation at temperatures above 1000 deg C and displayed extensive creep deformation and degradation in strength above 1300 deg C.

Govila, R. K.↗

Three approaches to reliability analysis

It is noted that current reliability analysis tools differ not only in their solution techniques, but also in their approach to model abstraction. The analyst must be satisfied with the constraints that are intrinsic to any combination of solution technique and model abstraction. To get a better idea of the nature of these constraints, three reliability analysis tools (HARP, ASSIST/SURE, and CAME) were used to model portions of the Integrated Airframe/Propulsion Control System architecture. When presented with the example problem, all three tools failed to produce correct results. In all cases, either the tool or the model had to be modified. It is suggested that most of the difficulty is rooted in the large model size and long computational times which are characteristic of Markov model solutions.

Mesh networks↗

Quantification of scaling exponents and crossover phenomena in nonstationary heartbeat time series

The healthy heartbeat is traditionally thought to be regulated according to the classical principle of homeostasis whereby physiologic systems operate to reduce variability and achieve an equilibrium-like state [Physiol. Rev. 9, 399-431 (1929)]. However, recent studies [Phys. Rev. Lett. 70, 1343-1346 (1993); Fractals in Biology and Medicine (Birkhauser-Verlag, Basel, 1994), pp. 55-65] reveal that under normal conditions, beat-to-beat fluctuations in heart rate display the kind of long-range correlations typically exhibited by dynamical systems far from equilibrium [Phys. Rev. Lett. 59, 381-384 (1987)]. In contrast, heart rate time series from patients with severe congestive heart failure show a breakdown of this long-range correlation behavior. We describe a new method--detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA)--for quantifying this correlation property in non-stationary physiological time series. Application of this technique shows evidence for a crossover phenomenon associated with a change in short and long-range scaling exponents. This method may be of use in distinguishing healthy from pathologic data sets based on differences in these scaling properties.

NASA Discipline Number 14-10↗

Piloted Simulation Tests of Propulsion Control as Backup to Loss of Primary Flight Controls for a B747-400 Jet Transport

Partial failures of aircraft primary flight control systems and structural damages to aircraft during flight have led to catastrophic accidents with subsequent loss of lives (e.g. DC-10, B-747, C-5, B-52, and others). Following the DC-10 accident at Sioux City, Iowa in 1989, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended 'Encourage research and development of backup flight control systems for newly certified wide-body airplanes that utilize an alternate source of motive power separate from that source used for the conventional control system.' This report describes the concept of a propulsion controlled aircraft (PCA), discusses pilot controls, displays, and procedures; and presents the results of a PCA piloted simulation test and evaluation of the B747-400 airplane conducted at NASA Ames Research Center in December, 1996. The purpose of the test was to develop and evaluate propulsion control throughout the full flight envelope of the B747-400 including worst case scenarios of engine failures and out of trim moments. Pilot ratings of PCA performance ranged from adequate to satisfactory. PCA performed well in unusual attitude recoveries at 35,000 ft altitude, performed well in fully coupled ILS approaches, performed well in single engine failures, and performed well at aft cg. PCA performance was primarily limited by out-of-trim moments.

Bull, John↗

High temperature fatigue behavior of tungsten copper composites

The high temperature fatigue behavior of a 9 vol percent, tungsten fiber reinforced copper matrix composite was investigated. Load-controlled isothermal fatigue experiments at 260 and 560 C and thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) experiments, both in phase and out of phase between 260 and 560 C, were performed. The stress-strain response displayed considerable inelasticity under all conditions. Also, strain ratcheting was observed during all the fatigue experiments. For the isothermal fatigue and in-phase TMF tests, the ratcheting was always in a tensile direction, continuing until failure. The ratcheting during the out-of-phase TMF test shifted from a tensile direction to a compressive direction. This behavior was thought to be associated with the observed bulging and the extensive cracking of the out-of-phase specimen. For all cases, the fatigue lives were found to be controlled by damage to the copper matrix. Grain boundary cavitation was the dominant damage mechanism of the matrix. On a stress basis, TMF loading reduced lives substantially, relative to isothermal cycling. In-phase cycling resulted in the shortest lives, and isothermal fatigue at 260 C, the longest.

Verrilli, Michael J.↗

Landsat-7 ETM+: 12 years On-Orbit Reflective-Band Radiometric Performance

The Landsat-7 ETM+ sensor has been operating on orbit for more than 12 years and characterizations of its performance have been ongoing over this period. In general, the radiometric performance of the instrument has been remarkably stable: (1) Noise performance has degraded by 2% or less overall, with a few detectors displaying step changes in noise of 2% or less, (2) Coherent noise frequencies and magnitudes have generally been stable, though the within-scan amplitude variation of the 20kHz noise in bands 1 and 8 disappeared with the failure of the scan line corrector and a new similar frequency noise (now about 18kHz) has appeared in two detectors in band 5 and increased in magnitude with time, (3) Bias stability has been better than 0.25 DN out of a normal value of 15 DN in high gain, (4) Relative gains, the differences in response between the detectors in the band, have generally changed by 0.1% or less over the mission, with the exception of a few detectors with a step response change of 1% or less and (5) Gain stability averaged across all detectors in a band, which is related to the stability of the absolute calibration, has been more stable than the techniques used to measure it. Due to the inability to confirm changes in the gain (beyond a few detectors that have been corrected back to the band average), ETM+ reflective band data continues to be calibrated with the pre-launch measured gains. In the worst case some bands may have changed as much as 2% in uncompensated absolute calibration over the 12 years.

Markham, Brian L.↗

Fault Management Techniques in Human Spaceflight Operations

This paper discusses human spaceflight fault management operations. Fault detection and response capabilities available in current US human spaceflight programs Space Shuttle and International Space Station are described while emphasizing system design impacts on operational techniques and constraints. Preflight and inflight processes along with products used to anticipate, mitigate and respond to failures are introduced. Examples of operational products used to support failure responses are presented. Possible improvements in the state of the art, as well as prioritization and success criteria for their implementation are proposed. This paper describes how the architecture of a command and control system impacts operations in areas such as the required fault response times, automated vs. manual fault responses, use of workarounds, etc. The architecture includes the use of redundancy at the system and software function level, software capabilities, use of intelligent or autonomous systems, number and severity of software defects, etc. This in turn drives which Caution and Warning (C&W) events should be annunciated, C&W event classification, operator display designs, crew training, flight control team training, and procedure development. Other factors impacting operations are the complexity of a system, skills needed to understand and operate a system, and the use of commonality vs. optimized solutions for software and responses. Fault detection, annunciation, safing responses, and recovery capabilities are explored using real examples to uncover underlying philosophies and constraints. These factors directly impact operations in that the crew and flight control team need to understand what happened, why it happened, what the system is doing, and what, if any, corrective actions they need to perform. If a fault results in multiple C&W events, or if several faults occur simultaneously, the root cause(s) of the fault(s), as well as their vehicle-wide impacts, must be determined in order to maintain situational awareness. This allows both automated and manual recovery operations to focus on the real cause of the fault(s). An appropriate balance must be struck between correcting the root cause failure and addressing the impacts of that fault on other vehicle components. Lastly, this paper presents a strategy for using lessons learned to improve the software, displays, and procedures in addition to determining what is a candidate for automation. Enabling technologies and techniques are identified to promote system evolution from one that requires manual fault responses to one that uses automation and autonomy where they are most effective. These considerations include the value in correcting software defects in a timely manner, automation of repetitive tasks, making time critical responses autonomous, etc. The paper recommends the appropriate use of intelligent systems to determine the root causes of faults and correctly identify separate unrelated faults.

O'Hagan, Brian↗

Utilization of ERTS-1 data to monitor and classify eutrophication of inland lakes

The author has identified the following significant results. Significant findings are: (1) one-acre lakes and one-acre islands are detectable; (2)removal of atmospheric parameters derived from RPMI measurements show test lakes to have reflectances of 3.1 to 5.5% in band 4 and 0.3 to 2.3% in band 5; (3) failure to remove reflectance caused by atmosphere results in errors up to 500% in computing lake reflectance from ERTS-1 data; (4) in band 4, up to seven reflectance levels were observed in test lakes; (5) reflectance patterns have been displayed on a color-coded TV monitor and on computer-generated gray scales; (6) deep and shallow water can be separated by a trained photointerpreter and automatic machine processing, with estimates of water depth possible in some cases; (7) RPMI provides direct spectral signature measurements of lakes and lake features such as algal scums and floating plants; (8) a method is reported for obtaining lake color, as estimated by Forel-Ule standards, from ERTS-1 data; (9) a strong correlation between browner water color, diminishing water transparency; and (10) classifying lake eutrophication by observation of surface scums or macrophytes in shallow water seems straightforward.

Rogers, R. H.↗

Design and implementation of a status at a glance user interface for a power distribution expert system

A user interface to the power distribution expert system for Space Station Freedom is discussed. The importance of features which simplify assessing system status and which minimize navigating through layers of information are examined. Design rationale and implementation choices are also presented. The amalgamation of such design features as message linking arrows, reduced information content screens, high salience anomaly icons, and color choices with failure detection and diagnostic explanation from an expert system is shown to provide an effective status-at-a-glance monitoring system for power distribution. This user interface design offers diagnostic reasoning without compromising the monitoring of current events. The display can convey complex concepts in terms that are clear to its users.

Liberman, Eugene M.↗

Piloted simulation tests of propulsion control as backup to loss of primary flight controls for a mid-size jet transport

Failures of aircraft primary flight-control systems to aircraft during flight have led to catastrophic accidents with subsequent loss of lives (e.g. , DC-1O crash, B-747 crash, C-5 crash, B-52 crash, and others). Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC) investigated the use of engine thrust for emergency flight control of several airplanes, including the B-720, Lear 24, F-15, C-402, and B-747. A series of three piloted simulation tests have been conducted at Ames Research Center to investigate propulsion control for safely landing a medium size jet transport which has experienced a total primary flight-control failure. The first series of tests was completed in July 1992 and defined the best interface for the pilot commands to drive the engines. The second series of tests was completed in August 1994 and investigated propulsion controlled aircraft (PCA) display requirements and various command modes. The third series of tests was completed in May 1995 and investigated PCA full-flight envelope capabilities. This report describes the concept of a PCA, discusses pilot controls, displays, and procedures; and presents the results of piloted simulation evaluations of the concept by a cross-section of air transport pilots.

Bull, John↗

The Automation of Field Operations and Services (AFOS) within the NWS and its impact on aviation meteorology

Future program efforts in Automation of Field Operations and Services (AFOS) are presented. The AFOS concept involves extensive use of minicomputers, video display, and rapid communication to aid field personnel in their daily activities. Some of the predominant characteristics of AFOS are: (1) communications will be consolidated and streamlined, (2) the system is modular in structure, (3) it is not subject to catastrophic failure, (4) it can be implemented in phases adaptable to changing conditions and requirements. Aviation forecast products now available and future products are discussed.

Gross, E. M.↗