Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “closed loop”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 181 records · Page 10

Closed-loop stability of linear quadratic optimal systems in the presence of modeling errors

The well-known stabilizing property of linear quadratic state feedback design is utilized to evaluate the robustness of a linear quadratic feedback design in the presence of modeling errors. Two general conditions are obtained for allowable modeling errors such that the resulting closed-loop system remains stable. One of these conditions is applied to obtain two more particular conditions which are readily applicable to practical situations where a designer has information on the bounds of modeling errors. Relations are established between the allowable parameter uncertainty and the weighting matrices of the quadratic performance index, thereby enabling the designer to select appropriate weighting matrices to attain a robust feedback design.

Toda, M.↗

Cycle-averaged dynamics of a periodically driven, closed-loop circulation model

Time-varying elastance models have been used extensively in the past to simulate the pulsatile nature of cardiovascular waveforms. Frequently, however, one is interested in dynamics that occur over longer time scales, in which case a detailed simulation of each cardiac contraction becomes computationally burdensome. In this paper, we apply circuit-averaging techniques to a periodically driven, closed-loop, three-compartment recirculation model. The resultant cycle-averaged model is linear and time invariant, and greatly reduces the computational burden. It is also amenable to systematic order reduction methods that lead to further efficiencies. Despite its simplicity, the averaged model captures the dynamics relevant to the representation of a range of cardiovascular reflex mechanisms. c2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Non-NASA Center↗

Closed-Loop Endoatmospheric Ascent Guidance

This paper will present a complete formulation of the optimal control problem for atmospheric ascent of rocket powered launch vehicles subject to usual load constraints and final condition constraints. We shall demonstrate that the classical finite difference method for two-point-boundary-value-problems (TPBVP) is suited for solving the ascent trajectory optimization problem in real time, therefore closed-loop optimal endoatmospheric ascent guidance becomes feasible. Numerical simulations with a the vehicle data of a reusable launch vehicle will be provided.

Lu, Ping↗

Integrated Evaluation of Closed Loop Air Revitalization System Components

NASA s vision and mission statements include an emphasis on human exploration of space, which requires environmental control and life support technologies. This Contractor Report (CR) describes the development and evaluation of an Air Revitalization System, modeling and simulation of the components, and integrated hardware testing with the goal of better understanding the inherent capabilities and limitations of this closed loop system. Major components integrated and tested included a 4-Bed Modular Sieve, Mechanical Compressor Engineering Development Unit, Temperature Swing Adsorption Compressor, and a Sabatier Engineering and Development Unit. The requisite methodolgy and technical results are contained in this CR.

Murdock, K.↗

Closed-Loop Control for Sonic Fatigue Testing Systems

This article documents recent improvements to the acoustic control system of the Thermal Acoustic Fatigue Apparatus (TAFA), a progressive wave tube test facility at the NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA. A brief summary of past acoustic performance is first given to serve as a basis of comparison with the new performance data using a multiple-input, closed-loop, narrow-band controller. Performance data in the form of test section acoustic power spectral densities and coherence are presented for a variety of input spectra including uniform, band-limited random and an expendable launch vehicle payload bay environment.

Rizzi, Stephen A.↗

Low-temperature plasma technology as part of a closed-loop resource management system

The results of this testing indicate that the agitated low-temperature plasma reactor system successfully converted carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen into gaseous products at residence times that were about ten times shorter than those achieved by stationary processing. The inorganic matrix present was virtually unchanged by the processing technique. It was concluded that this processing technique is feasible for use as part of a close-looped processing resource management system.

Hetland, Melanie D.↗

Partial gravity simulation using a pneumatic actuator with closed loop mechanical amplification

To support future manned missions to the surface of the Moon and Mars or missions requiring manipulation of payloads and locomotion in space, a training device is required to simulate the conditions of both partial and microgravity as compared to the gravity on Earth. The focus of this paper is to present the development, construction, and testing of a partial gravity simulator which uses a pneumatic actuator with closed loop mechanical amplification. Results of the testing show that this type of simulator maintains a constant partial gravity simulation with a variation of the simulated body force between 2.2 percent and 10 percent, depending on the type of locomotion inputs. The data collected using the simulator show that mean stride frequencies at running speeds at lunar and Martian gravity levels are 12 percent less than those at Earth gravity. The data also show that foot/ground reaction forces at lunar and Martian gravity are, respectively, 62 percent and 51 percent less than those on Earth.

Ray, David M.↗

Evaluation of Low-Energy Hydrogen Separation Method Using Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Closed-Loop ECLSS Air Revitalization (CLEAR)

The State-of-the-Art (SOA) air revitalization architecture onboard the International Space Station (ISS) recovered approximately 50% of the oxygen (O 2 ) from metabolic carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) via the Sabatier process from 2011 to 2017. O 2 recovery is currently constrained by the limited availability of reactant hydrogen (H 2 ) preventing complete conversion of CO 2 to H 2 O. Increasing O 2 recovery within Closed-Loop ECLSS is essential to reducing resupply mass for long-duration manned missions; specifically focusing on water (H 2 O) which supplies H 2 for Sabatier via water electrolysis. Past ground test endeavors at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) have attempted to recover H 2 from Sabatier-produced CH 4 using technologies such as carbon vapor deposition (CVD) and plasma pyrolysis. The byproducts of these technologies can act as a catalyst poison or reactor deadload to the Sabatier reactor. Hydrogen separation techniques must be utilized to maintain the Sabatier catalyst during gas recycling and must be scalable, non-energy intensive, and safe to operate in a habitation setting. Research indicated that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) could meet these criteria and were tested for their capability to capture the various carbon-based gaseous products of CVD and plasma pyrolysis such as acetylene (C 2 H 2 ), ethylene (C 2 H 4 ), ethane (C 2 H 6 ), and carbon monoxide (CO) which would purify the hydrogen gas stream passing through the MOF. A sub-scale adsorption column was developed by Marshall Space Flight Center to test three MOF candidates against a synthetic gas mixture comprised of process-relevant carbonous gases and hydrogen to evaluate the separation capability of the MOFs. The results of the hydrogen separation capability, isothermal desorption capability, and demonstrated cyclic reuse of the MOF are presented in this paper.

Kagen Crawford↗

A closed-loop causal model of workload based on a comparison of fuzzy and crisp measurements techniques

Fuzzy and crisp measurements of workload are compared for a tracking task that varied in bandwidth and order of control. Fuzzy measures are as powerful as crisp measures, and can under certain conditions give extra insights into workload causality. Both methods suggest that workload arises in a system in which effort, performance, difficulty, and task variables are linked in a closed loop. Marked individual differences were found. Future work on the fuzzy measurement of workload is justified.

Moray, Neville↗

Closed Loop, DM Diversity-based, Wavefront Correction Algorithm for High Contrast Imaging Systems

High contrast imaging from space relies on coronagraphs to limit diffraction and a wavefront control systems to compensate for imperfections in both the telescope optics and the coronagraph. The extreme contrast required (up to 10(exp -10) for terrestrial planets) puts severe requirements on the wavefront control system, as the achievable contrast is limited by the quality of the wavefront. This paper presents a general closed loop correction algorithm for high contrast imaging coronagraphs by minimizing the energy in a predefined region in the image where terrestrial planets could be found. The estimation part of the algorithm reconstructs the complex field in the image plane using phase diversity caused by the deformable mirror. This method has been shown to achieve faster and better correction than classical speckle nulling.

Give'on, Amir↗

Galileo attitude and articulation control subsystem closed loop testing

In order to ensure the reliable operation of the Attitude and Articulation Control Subsystem (AACS) which will guide the Galileo spacecraft on its two and one-half year journey to Jupiter, the AACS is being rigorously tested. The primary objectives of the test program are the verification of the AACS's form, fit, and function, especially with regard to subsystem external interfaces and the functional operation of the flight software. Attention is presently given to the Galileo Closed Loop Test System, which simulates the dynamic and 'visual' flight environment for AACS components in the laboratory.

Lembeck, M. F.↗

Real-Time Closed Loop Modulated Turbine Cooling

It has been noted by industry that in addition to dramatic variations of temperature over a given blade surface, blade-to-blade variations also exist despite identical design. These variations result from manufacturing variations, uneven wear and deposition over the life of the part as well as limitations in the uniformity of coolant distribution in the baseline cooling design. It is proposed to combine recent advances in optical sensing, actuation, and film cooling concepts to develop a workable active, closed-loop modulated turbine cooling system to improve by 10 to 20 the turbine thermal state over the flight mission, to improve engine life and to dramatically reduce turbine cooling air usage and aircraft fuel burn. A reduction in oxides of nitrogen (NOx) can also be achieved by using the excess coolant to improve mixing in the combustor especially for rotorcraft engines. Recent patents filed by industry and universities relate to modulating endwall cooling using valves. These schemes are complex, add weight and are limited to the endwalls. The novelty of the proposed approach is twofold 1) Fluidic diverters that have no moving parts are used to modulate cooling and can operate under a wide range of conditions and environments. 2) Real-time optical sensing to map the thermal state of the turbine has never been attempted in realistic engine conditions.

turbines↗

Closed-loop strain controlled testing at elevated temperatures with a non-contacting gage

Normal strains were measured over a 100 micron gage length at a distance of 50 microns from the edge of a notch using a non-contacting, laser-based interferometric technique. Tests were performed at 600 C under direct strain control from this interferometric 'micro-gage'. A minicomputer system, that produced a voltage analog of strain as a final output, controlled the strain measuring apparatus. This analog output was used directly as the feedback signal to a closed-loop, electrohydraulic mechanical test system. This allowed both strain rate and strain amplitude to be controlled at the notch root of the specimen.

Martin, J. F.↗

Closed-Loop Aeromaneuvering for a Mars Precision Landing

Controlled aeromaneuvering is considered as a means of achieving a precisely targeted landing on Mars. This paper presents a preliminary study of the control issues. The candidate vehicle is the existing Mars Pathfinder augmented with roll thrusters and a center of mass offset actuator. These allow control of both bank angle and lift force, giving the ability to control the range and cross-track during the aeromaneuvering entry. A preliminary control system structure is proposed and a design simulation illustrates significant targeting improvement under closed-loop control.

Smith, Roy↗

Closed Loop Requirements and Analysis Management

Effective systems engineering involves the use of analysis in the derivation of requirements and verification of designs against those requirements. The initial development of requirements often depends on analysis for the technical definition of specific aspects of a product. Following the allocation of system-level requirements to a product's components, the closure of those requirements often involves analytical approaches to verify that the requirement criteria have been satisfied. Meanwhile, changes that occur in between these two processes need to be managed in order to achieve a closed-loop requirement derivation/verification process. Herein are presented concepts for employing emerging Team center capabilities to jointly manage requirements and analysis data such that analytical techniques are utilized to effectively derive and allocate requirements, analyses are consulted and updated during the change evaluation processes, and analyses are leveraged during the design verification process. Recommendations on concept validation case studies are also discussed.

Lamoreaux, Michael↗

Closed-Loop Control of Laser Surface Treatment via Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Current composite manufacturing rates need to be improved to meet the projected demand of on-demand mobility (ODM) and commercial aircraft transports. Some processes in the composite manufacturing chain require touch labor such as manual sanding of surfaces prior to bonding and installing thousands of mechanical fasteners in bonded primary structures to achieve Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. The consequences are insufficient repeatability in bond quality resulting in increased manufacturing time. The FAA has indicated that robust process control is one potential means of certifying bondlines in primary structure. This work describes an integrated closed-loop control system between a laser machining system and laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) instrumentation as a means of assuring bond performance and achieving certified composite bondlines. Preliminary results from in-situ treatment and inspection are presented. Results indicate that LIBS inspection and laser treatment can be conducted simultaneously to achieve high quality, reliable adhesive bonds.

Rodolfo Ledesma↗

Closed-Loop Control of Laser Surface Treatment via Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Current composite manufacturing rates need to be improved to meet the projected demand of on-demand mobility (ODM) and commercial aircraft transports. Some processes in the composite manufacturing chain require touch labor such as manual sanding of surfaces prior to bonding and installing thousands of mechanical fasteners in bonded primary structures to achieve Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. The consequences are insufficient repeatability in bond quality resulting in increased manufacturing time. The FAA has indicated that robust process control is one potential means of certifying bondlines in primary structure. This work describes an integrated closed-loop control system between a laser machining system and laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) instrumentation as a means of assuring bond performance and achieving certified composite bondlines. Preliminary results from in-situ treatment and inspection are presented. Results indicate that LIBS inspection and laser treatment can be conducted simultaneously to achieve high quality, reliable adhesive bonds.

Rodolfo Ledesma↗

An Approach for Hydrogen Recycling in a Closed-loop Life Support Architecture to Increase Oxygen Recovery Beyond State-of-the-Art

State‐of‐the‐art atmosphere revitalization life support technology on the International Space Station is theoretically capable of recovering 50% of the oxygen from metabolic carbon dioxide via the Carbon Dioxide Reduction Assembly (CRA). When coupled with a Plasma Pyrolysis Assembly (PPA), oxygen recovery increases dramatically, thus drastically reducing the logistical challenges associated with oxygen resupply. The PPA decomposes methane to predominantly form hydrogen and acetylene. Because of the unstable nature of acetylene, a down‐stream separation system is required to remove acetylene from the hydrogen stream before it is recycled to the CRA. A new closed‐loop architecture that includes a PPA and downstream Hydrogen Purification Assembly (HyPA) is proposed and discussed. Additionally, initial results of separation material testing are reported.

Abney, Morgan B.↗