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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 235 records · Page 13

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NASA NTRS1973

Critique of fluid theory of magnetospheric phenomena

It is pointed out that the fluid theory has been successful in magnetospheric problems (such as the shape of the magnetopause) which involve basic considerations such as the conservation of particles, of momentum, and of energy, but that it is inadequate for other problems (such as the energization of auroral particles). Difficulties arise from the fact that it is not always possible to specify 'a volume of plasma' because particles do not remain as neighbors. Misuse of the fluid theory has led to a number of fallacies, such as the idea that the causal order of physical events in cosmic electrodynamics is the reverse of that in the familiar laboratory electrodynamics. This mistaken idea comes from a confusion of a mathematical sequence of calculations with the causal order. A plea is made for a common sense approach to magnetospheric and auroral problems wherein the fluid theory is used whenever it can, but where it is not expected to be adequate for all occasions.

Heikkila, W. J.↗

NASA NTRS1975

On the interaction structure of linear multi-input feedback control systems

The closely-related problems of designing reliable feedback stabilization strategy and coordinating decentralized feedbacks are considered. Two approaches are taken. A geometric characterization of the structure of control interaction (and its dual) was first attempted and a concept of structural homomorphism developed based on the idea of 'similarity' of interaction pattern. The idea of finding classes of individual feedback maps that do not 'interfere' with the stabilizing action of each other was developed by identifying the structural properties of nondestabilizing and LQ-optimal feedback maps. Some known stability properties of LQ-feedback were generalized and some partial solutions were provided to the reliable stabilization and decentralized feedback coordination problems. A concept of coordination parametrization was introduced, and a scheme for classifying different modes of decentralization (information, control law computation, on-line control implementation) in control systems was developed.

Wong, P. K.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Integration-free interval doubling for Riccati equation solutions

Various algorithms are given for the case of constant coefficients. The algorithms are based on two ideas: first, relate the Re solution with general initial conditions to anchored RE solutions; and second, when the coefficients are constant the anchored solutions have a basic shift-invariance property. These ideas are used to construct an integration free superlinearly convergent iterative solution to the algebraic RE. The algorithm, arranged in square-root form, is thought to be numerically stable and competitive with other methods of solving the algebraic RE.

Bierman, G. J.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Beneficial uses of space

The study elicited over 100 ideas for Space Processing. Of the elicited ideas, more than 20% involved processing of biologicals, or related medical and life sciences applications. Among these were High Purity Separation of Isoenzymes, and Development of Biorhythms applications data. Program planning for four products is outlined. Experimentation and testing resulted in definition of nearly 70 series of tests in ground-based laboratories, sounding rockets, etc., and space shuttle. Development schedules established timing and interrelationships of decisions involved in carrying these products to the point of production. The potential profitability of the four products is determined. Resources needed to achieve full scale production included use of shuttle for transportation, for which cost apportionment model was developed. R and D resources for the four products totalled $46,000,000 with Isoenzymes requiring the smallest expenditure, $4,000,000. A computerized profitability model (INVEST) was used to determine the measures of profitability of each product. Results build confidence that there will be a payoff.

Bloom, H. L.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Meteorological needs of the aviation community

A study was conducted to determine the important meteorological needs of the aviation community and to recommend research in those areas judged most beneficial. The study was valuable in that it provided a comprehensive list of suspected meteorological deficiencies and ideas for research programs relative to these deficiencies. The list and ideas were generated from contacts with various pilots, air traffic controllers, and meteorologists.

Luers, J. K.↗

NASA NTRS1978

The solar probe and coronal dynamics

The discovery of coronal holes led to basic changes in ideas about the structure of the low corona and its expansion into the solar wind. The nature of the energy flux is not understood. Current ideas include enhanced thermal conductivities, extended MHD wave heating, and wave momentum transfer, all in rapidly diverging geometries. There is little feel for the relative importance of these processes. The Solar Probe, with its penetration deep into the solar corona, could lead to observational constraints on their relative importance, and thus to an understanding of the origin of the solar wind. Observations from the Solar Probe will also bear on such questions as to whether small scale "intrastream" structure is common close to the Sun in open field-line regions, whether the properties of the wind are pronouncedly different over closed and open field-line regions at five solar radii, and many others. The resolution of these questions requires measurements of the magnetic field and of the proton and electron distribution functions.

Belcher, J.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Integration-free interval doubling for Riccati equation solutions

Starting with certain identities obtained by Reid (1972) and Redheffer (1962) for general matrix Riccati equations (RE's), we give various algorithms for the case of constant coefficients. The algorithms are based on two ideas - first, relate the RE solution with general initial conditions to anchored RE solutions; and second, when the coefficients are constant, the anchored solutions have a basic shift-invariance property. These ideas are used to construct an integration-free, superlinearly convergent iterative solution to the algebraic RE. Preliminary numerical experiments show that our algorithms, arranged in square-root form, provide a method that is numerically stable and appears to be competitive with other methods of solving the algebraic RE.

Sidhu, G. S.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Interpretation of Beta Lyrae. IV - Hydrogen emission profiles and the pattern of gaseous flow in the system

The paper presents an interpretation of hydrogen emission profiles found in Beta Lyrae by attributing the asymmetry of the two emission peaks of both H-alpha and H-gamma at different phases to the absorption of an expanding-rotating gaseous stream. It is proposed that different relative shifts of the absorption line with respect to the emission line exist at different phases resulting in an apparent change in the profile with phase. Based on this idea, the expected profiles at four different phases have been computed for the H-alpha and H-gamma lines. They show a general trend close to what has been observed. Based on this same idea an apparent discrepancy between the observed results of the H-gamma profile obtained at two different epochs about 15 years apart becomes understandable. Finally a physical picture that can produce this periodic shift of the emission line relative to the absorption line is proposed and discussed.

Huang, S.-S.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Optimal large angle maneuvers with simultaneous shape control/vibration arrest

A relaxation method is demonstrated which reliably solves the nonlinear two point boundary value problem which arises when optimal control theory is applied to determination of large angle maneuvers of flexible spacecraft. The basic ideas are summarized and several idealized maneuvers are determined. The emphasis is upon demonstrating the basic ideas and practical aspects of the methodology.

Turner, J. D.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Automation in organizations: Eternal conflict

Some ideas on and insights into the problems associated with automation in organizations are presented with emphasis on the concept of automation, its relationship to the individual, and its impact on system performance. An analogy is drawn, based on an American folk hero, to emphasize the extent of the problems encountered when dealing with automation within an organization. A model is proposed to focus attention on a set of appropriate dimensions. The function allocation process becomes a prominent aspect of the model. The current state of automation research is mentioned in relation to the ideas introduced. Proposed directions for an improved understanding of automation's effect on the individual's efficiency are discussed. The importance of understanding the individual's perception of the system in terms of the degree of automation is highlighted.

Dieterly, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Program on stimulating operational private sector use of Earth observation satellite information

Ideas for new businesses specializing in using remote sensing and computerized spatial data systems were developd. Each such business serves as an 'information middleman', buying raw satellite or aircraft imagery, processing these data, combining them in a computer system with customer-specific information, and marketing the resulting information products. Examples of the businesses the project designed are: (1) an agricultural facility site evaluation firm; (2) a mass media grocery price and supply analyst and forecaster; (3) a management service for privately held woodlots; (4) a brokerage for insulation and roofing contractors, based on infrared imagery; (5) an expanded real estate information service. In addition, more than twenty-five other commercially attractive ideas in agribusiness, forestry, mining, real estate, urban planning and redevelopment, and consumer information were created. The commercial feasibility of the five business was assessed. This assessment included market surveys, revenue projections, cost analyses, and profitability studies. The results show that there are large and enthusiastic markets willing to pay for the services these businesses offer, and that the businesses could operate profitably.

Eastwood, L. F., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Interactive modeling, design and analysis of large spacecraft

An efficient computer aided design and analysis capability applicable to large space structures was developed to relieve the engineer of much of the effort required in the past. The automated capabilities can be used to rapidly synthesize, evaluate, and determine performance characteristics and costs for future large spacecraft concepts. The interactive design and evaluation of advanced spacecraft program (IDEAS) is used to illustrate the power, efficiency, and versatility of the approach. The coupling of space environment modeling algorithms with simplified analysis and design modules in the IDEAS program permits rapid evaluation of completing spacecraft and mission designs. The approach is particularly useful in the conceptual design phase of advanced space missions when a multiplicity of concepts must be considered before a limited set can be selected or more detailed analysis. Integrated spacecraft systems level data and data files are generated or subsystems and mission reexamination and/or refinement and for more rigorous analyses.

Garrett, L. B.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Component Cost Analysis of Large Scale Systems

The ideas of cost decomposition is summarized to aid in the determination of the relative cost (or 'price') of each component of a linear dynamic system using quadratic performance criteria. In addition to the insights into system behavior that are afforded by such a component cost analysis CCA, these CCA ideas naturally lead to a theory for cost-equivalent realizations.

Skelton, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Convective flow during dendritic growth

A review is presented of the major experimental findings obtained from recent ground-based research conducted under the SPAR program. Measurements of dendritic growth at small supercoolings indicate that below approximately 1.5 K a transition occurs from diffusive control to convective control in succinonitrile, a model system chosen for this study. The key theoretical ideas concerning diffusive and convective heat transport during dendritic growth are discussed, and it is shown that a transition in the transport control should occur when the characteristic length for diffusion becomes larger than the characteristic length for convection. The experimental findings and the theoretical ideas discussed suggest that the Fluid Experiment System could provide appropriate experimental diagnostics for flow field visualization and quantification of the fluid dynamical effects presented here.

Glicksman, M. E.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Interactive analysis of a large aperture Earth observations satellite

A system level design and analysis has been conducted on an Earth Observation Satellite (EOS) system using the Interactive Design and Evaluation of Advanced Spacecraft (IDEAS) computer-aided design and analysis program. The IDEAS program consists of about 40 user-friendly technical modules and an interactive graphics display. The reflector support system and feed mast of the EOS spacecraft are constructed with box-truss structural concept, a lattice configuration which can be packaged for delivery in a single Shuttle flight and deployed in orbit. The deployed spacecraft consists of a 120-m by 60-m parabolic focal axis. The spacecraft was modeled for structural, thermal, and control systems analysis and structural elements were designed. On-orbit dynamic and thermal loading analyses were conducted; spacecraft weights and developmental and first unit costs were determined.

Wright, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Space structure vibration modes: How many exist? Which ones are important?

Several assertions are argued regarding mode analysis of structural vibration. The idea of a "mode' is, in essence, a mathematical one. It is highly unlikely that any real structure can vibrate exactly so that all its points move in unison; in other words, it is highly unlikely that any structure has any modes. As an approximation, however, the use of a mode is an excellent one for many structures, especially for the "lower modes'. The agreement between experiment and theory for the "higher modes' tends to become weaker. In this approximate sense, most structures have a very large number of modes. It is elementary to show, however, that no real structure has an infinite number of modes. The only utility of the "infinite modes' idea is within the purely mathematical domain. Many "error indices' can be defined as guidelines for structural modal order reduction. Simple modal truncation, although suggested by experience with slender rods, is naive. The proper process is mode selection, based on a appropriate error criterion.

Hughes, P. C.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Interactive analysis of a large aperture Earth Observations Satellite

A system level design and analysis has been conducted on an Earth Observation Satellite (EOS) system using the Interactive Design and Evaluation of Advanced Spacecraft (IDEAS) computer-aided design and analysis program. The IDEAS program consists of about 40 user-friendly technical modules and an interactive graphics display. The reflector support system and feed mast of the EOS spacecraft are constructed with a box-truss structural concept, a lattice configuration which can be packaged for delivery in a single Shuttle flight and deployed in orbit. The deployed spacecraft consists of a 120-m by 60-m parabolic reflector, a 120-m-long support structure, and a 30-m feed arc beam on the focal axis. The spacecraft was modeled for structural, thermal, and control systems analysis and structural elements were designed. On-orbit dynamic and thermal loading analyses were conducted and spacecraft weights were determined.

Wright, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Nonlinear problems in flight dynamics

A comprehensive framework is proposed for the description and analysis of nonlinear problems in flight dynamics. Emphasis is placed on the aerodynamic component as the major source of nonlinearities in the flight dynamic system. Four aerodynamic flows are examined to illustrate the richness and regularity of the flow structures and the nature of the flow structures and the nature of the resulting nonlinear aerodynamic forces and moments. A framework to facilitate the study of the aerodynamic system is proposed having parallel observational and mathematical components. The observational component, structure is described in the language of topology. Changes in flow structure are described via bifurcation theory. Chaos or turbulence is related to the analogous chaotic behavior of nonlinear dynamical systems characterized by the existence of strange attractors having fractal dimensionality. Scales of the flow are considered in the light of ideas from group theory. Several one and two degree of freedom dynamical systems with various mathematical models of the nonlinear aerodynamic forces and moments are examined to illustrate the resulting types of dynamical behavior. The mathematical ideas that proved useful in the description of fluid flows are shown to be similarly useful in the description of flight dynamic behavior.

Chapman, G. T.↗