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At least 217 records · Page 12

An Interactive MATLAB Program for Fitting Transfer Functions to Frequency Responses

A computer program called FRFit (Frequency Response Fitting) is described for fitting single-input single-output transfer function models to empirical frequency response data. The program is interactive in that the user specifies ``elementary factors'' (gain, delay, pure differentiators and integrators, and first- and second-order zeros and poles) by entering numerical values or moving sliders in a graphical user interface. A nonlinear optimization can then be performed to obtain maximum likelihood estimates of transfer function parameters and uncertainties to provide feedback on the modeling and refine estimates. Several examples are discussed, including the identification of aircraft pitch dynamics from simulation data and data reported in the literature, approximating Theodorsen's function of unsteady aerodynamics, and obtaining a reduced-order model of a computational fluid dynamics code describing the unsteady aerodynamics around an aeroelastic wing. The program has some usefulness as a teaching aid, and can be applied to model structure determination, reduced-order modeling, preliminary analysis, and simple system identification problems. The program was written in MATLAB and is planned for public release through the NASA Software Catalog.

System identification

An Interactive MATLAB Program for Fitting Transfer Functions to Frequency Responses

A computer program called FRFit (Frequency Response Fitting) for matching single-input single-output (SISO) transfer function models to empirical frequency response data is described. The program was written in MATLAB and has a graphical user interface (GUI). It is interactive in that the user manually builds the transfer function model using ``elementary factors'' (gain, delay, differentiators and integrators, and first- and second-order poles and zeros) and adjusts their values with sliders or entry fields. A nonlinear optimization can also be used to determine maximum-likelihood estimates of the transfer function parameters and their associated uncertainties. The program has some usefulness as a teaching aid, and can be applied to model structure determination, reduced-order modeling, preliminary analysis, and other system identification problems. FRFit is demonstrated using example problems, including the identification of aircraft transfer functions and rational function approximations of Theodorsen's function.

Frequency response

New Constraints on Titan's Stratospheric n-Butane Abundance

Curiously, n-butane has yet to be detected at Titan, though it is predicted to be present in a wide range of abundances that span over 2.5 orders of magnitude. We have searched infrared spectroscopic observations of Titan for signals from n-butane (n-C4H10) in Titan's stratosphere. Three sets of Cassini Composite Infrared Spectrometer Focal Plane 4 (1050–1500 cm−1) observations were selected for modeling, having been collected from different flybys and pointing latitudes. We modeled the observations with the Nonlinear Optimal Estimator for MultivariatE Spectral AnalySIS radiative transfer tool. Temperature profiles were retrieved for each of the data sets by modeling the ν4 emission from methane near 1305 cm−1. Then, incorporating the temperature profiles, we retrieved abundances of all of Titan's known trace gases that are active in this spectral region, reliably reproducing the observations. We then systematically tested a set of models with varying abundances of n-butane, investigating how the addition of this gas affected the fits. We did this for several different photochemically predicted abundance profiles from the literature, as well as for a constant-with-altitude profile. Ultimately, though we did not produce any firm detection of n-butane, we derived new upper limits on its abundance specific to the use of each profile and to multiple different ranges of stratospheric altitudes. These results will tightly constrain the C4 chemistry of future photochemical modeling of Titan's atmosphere and also motivate the continued search for n-butane and its isomer, isobutane.

Brendan L. Steffens

A Rideshare Tensegrity Rover Concept to Explore Titan’s Lands and Oceans

The Tension Adjustable Network for Deploying Entry Membrane (TANDEM) concept is a phase II NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) project. One of the goals for this project was to extend the application of tensegrity-based rovers to a rideshare concept for a Titan mission. This report provides preliminary details of the TANDEM concept for Titan. System analyses of the entry vehicle were performed and compared to data from the Huygens mission to Titan. The entry aeroshell was based on Huygens and Stardust aeroshells. Modeling, simulation and design of the tensegrity deployment were performed using a nonlinear optimization form-finding algorithm. Lastly, a neuroevolution-based machine learning control strategy was applied, which produced efficient rolling locomotion gaits.

tensegrity

Development and optimization of a nonlinear multiparameter model for the human operator

A systematic method is proposed for the development, optimization, and comparison of controller-models for the human operator. This is suitable for any designed model, even multiparameter systems. A random search technique is chosen for the parameter optimization. As valuation criteria for the quality of the model development the criterion function - the comparison between the input and output functions of the human operator and those of the model - and the most important characteristic values and functions of the statistical signal theory are used. A nonlinear multiparameter model for the human operator is being designed which considers the complex input information rate per time in a single display. The nonlinear features of the model are effected by a modified threshold element and a decision algorithm. Different display-configurations as well as various transfer functions of the controlled element are explained by different optimized parameter-combinations.

Johannsen, G.

Nonlinear program based optimization of boost and buck-boost converter designs

The facility of an Augmented Lagrangian (ALAG) multiplier based nonlinear programming technique is demonstrated for minimum-weight design optimizations of boost and buck-boost power converters. Certain important features of ALAG are presented in the framework of a comprehensive design example for buck-boost power converter design optimization. The study provides refreshing design insight of power converters and presents such information as weight and loss profiles of various semiconductor components and magnetics as a function of the switching frequency.

Rahman, S.

Constrained optimization for image restoration using nonlinear programming

The constrained optimization problem for image restoration, utilizing incomplete information and partial constraints, is formulated using nonlinear proramming techniques. This method restores a distorted image by optimizing a chosen object function subject to available constraints. The penalty function method of nonlinear programming is used. Both linear or nonlinear object function, and linear or nonlinear constraint functions can be incorporated in the formulation. This formulation provides a generalized approach to solve constrained optimization problems for image restoration. Experiments using this scheme have been performed. The results are compared with those obtained from other restoration methods and the comparative study is presented.

Yeh, C.-L.

Lyapunov optimal feedback control of a nonlinear inverted pendulum

Liapunov optimal feedback control is applied to a nonlinear inverted pendulum in which the control torque was constrained to be less than the nonlinear gravity torque in the model. This necessitates a control algorithm which 'rocks' the pendulum out of its potential wells, in order to stabilize it at a unique vertical position. Simulation results indicate that a preliminary Liapunov feedback controller can successfully overcome the nonlinearity and bring almost all trajectories to the target.

Grantham, W. J.

A unified funnel restoration SQP algorithm

We consider nonlinearly constrained optimization problems and discuss a generic double-loop framework consisting of basic algorithmic ingredients that unifies a broad range of nonlinear optimization solvers. This framework has been implemented in the open-source solver Uno, a Swiss Army knife-like C++ optimization framework that unifies many nonlinearly constrained nonconvex optimization solvers. We illustrate the framework with a sequential quadratic programming (SQP) algorithm that maintains an acceptable upper bound on the constraint violation, called a funnel, that is monotonically decreased to control the feasibility of the iterates. Infeasible quadratic subproblems are handled by a feasibility restoration strategy. Globalization is controlled by a line search or a trust-region method. We prove global convergence of the trust-region funnel SQP method, building on known results from filter methods. We implement the algorithm in Uno, and we provide extensive test results for the trust-region line-search funnel SQP on small CUTEst instances.

Kiessling, David [Katholieke Univ. Leuven, Heverle

Nonlinear singularly perturbed optimal control problems with singular arcs

Singular perturbation techniques are studied for dealing with singular arc problems by analyzing a relatively low-order but otherwise general system. This system encompasses many flight mechanic problems including Goddard's problem and a version of the minimum time-to-climb problem. Boundary layer solutions are constructed which are stable and reach the outer solution in a finite time. A uniformly valid composite solution is then formed from the reduced and boundary layer solutions. The value of the approximate solution is that it is relatively easy to obtain and does not involve singular arcs. To illustrate the utility of the results, the technique is used to obtain an approximate solution of a simplified version of the aircraft minimum time-to-climb problem.

Ardema, M. D.

Sub-Optimal Control of Nonlinear Flexible Space Structures

A simple yet effective method is presented for the on-line vibration control of nonlinear distributed parameter systems, with constant or time-varying properties, responding to a wide class of dynamic environments. The control procedure uses pulse generators located at selected positions throughout a given system. The degree of system oscillation near each controller determines the controller's activation time and pulse amplitude. The direct method of Liapunov is used to establish that the response of the controlled nonlinear system is Lagrange stable. Analytical and experimental studies of a wing-like plate demonstrate the feasibility, reliability, and robustness of the proposed vibration-suppression method.

Dehghanyar, T. J.