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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

System Measures Loads In Bolts

Improved technique for ultrasonic nondestructive measurement of loads in bolts involves use of pulsed phase-locked loop interferometer. Provides for correction of errors and for automatic readout of loads in bolts. Actual bolt load measured, using transducers rebonded after bolts tightened. Calibration block and thermometer added. Technique applicable to critical fasteners in aerospace applications, nuclear reactors, petroleum and other chemical processing plants, steel bridges, and other structures.

Allison, Sidney G.↗

The block adaptive multigrid method applied to the solution of the Euler equations

In the present study, a scheme capable of solving very fast and robust complex nonlinear systems of equations is presented. The Block Adaptive Multigrid (BAM) solution method offers multigrid acceleration and adaptive grid refinement based on the prediction of the solution error. The proposed solution method was used with an implicit upwind Euler solver for the solution of complex transonic flows around airfoils. Very fast results were obtained (18-fold acceleration of the solution) using one fourth of the volumes of a global grid with the same solution accuracy for two test cases.

Pantelelis, Nikos↗

Linear Parameter Varying Control Synthesis for Actuator Failure, Based on Estimated Parameter

The design of a linear parameter varying (LPV) controller for an aircraft at actuator failure cases is presented. The controller synthesis for actuator failure cases is formulated into linear matrix inequality (LMI) optimizations based on an estimated failure parameter with pre-defined estimation error bounds. The inherent conservatism of an LPV control synthesis methodology is reduced using a scaling factor on the uncertainty block which represents estimated parameter uncertainties. The fault parameter is estimated using the two-stage Kalman filter. The simulation results of the designed LPV controller for a HiMXT (Highly Maneuverable Aircraft Technology) vehicle with the on-line estimator show that the desired performance and robustness objectives are achieved for actuator failure cases.

Shin, Jong-Yeob↗

Measures and Models for Estimating and Predicting Cognitive Fatigue

We analyzed EEG and ERPs in a fatiguing mental task and created statistical models for single subjects. Seventeen subjects (4 F, 18-38 y) viewed 4-digit problems (e.g., 3+5-2+7=15) on a computer, solved the problems, and pressed keys to respond (intertrial interval = 1 s). Subjects performed until either they felt exhausted or three hours had elapsed. Re- and post-task measures of mood (Activation Deactivation Adjective Checklist, Visual Analogue Mood Scale) confirmed that fatigue increased and energy decreased over time. We tested response times (RT); amplitudes of ERP components N1, P2, P300, readiness potentials; and amplitudes of frontal theta and parietal alpha rhythms for change as a function of time. For subjects who completed 3 h (n=9) we analyzed 12 15-min blocks. For subjects who completed at least 1.5 h (n=17), we analyzed the first-, middle-, and last 100 error-free trials. Mean RT rose from 6.7 s to 8.5 s over time. We found no changes in the amplitudes of ERP components. In both analyses, amplitudes of frontal theta and parietal alpha rose by 30% or more over time. We used 30-channel EEG frequency spectra to model the effects of time in single subjects using a kernel partial least squares classifier. We classified 3.5s EEG segments as being from the first 100 or the last 100 trials, using random sub-samples of each class. Test set accuracies ranged from 63.9% to 99.6% correct. Only 2 of 17 subjects had mean accuracies lower than 80%. The results suggest that EEG accurately classifies periods of cognitive fatigue in 90% of subjects.

Trejo, Leonard J.↗

At least some errors are randomly generated (Freud was wrong)

An experiment was carried out to expose something about human error generating mechanisms. In the context of the experiment, an error was made when a subject pressed the wrong key on a computer keyboard or pressed no key at all in the time allotted. These might be considered, respectively, errors of substitution and errors of omission. Each of seven subjects saw a sequence of three digital numbers, made an easily learned binary judgement about each, and was to press the appropriate one of two keys. Each session consisted of 1,000 presentations of randomly permuted, fixed numbers broken into 10 blocks of 100. One of two keys should have been pressed within one second of the onset of each stimulus. These data were subjected to statistical analyses in order to probe the nature of the error generating mechanisms. Goodness of fit tests for a Poisson distribution for the number of errors per 50 trial interval and for an exponential distribution of the length of the intervals between errors were carried out. There is evidence for an endogenous mechanism that may best be described as a random error generator. Furthermore, an item analysis of the number of errors produced per stimulus suggests the existence of a second mechanism operating on task driven factors producing exogenous errors. Some errors, at least, are the result of constant probability generating mechanisms with error rate idiosyncratically determined for each subject.

Sellen, A. J.↗

Performance of the Dsa's Subcarrier Demodulation Digital Loop

The subcarrier demodulation digital loop is part of the baseband assembly. The subcarrier demodulator is a fourth-order Costas-type loop corresponding to a type 2 analog loop in terms of steady state response. The expected value and the variance of the error signal are determined as functions of the input SNR. A Nyquist sampling rate of the input signal is assumed. From the integro-difference equations a mixed s/z domain block diagram is obtained. From the loop's transfer function a set of gains for the loop filter is obtained. Also, a set of state equations is presented for future reference. Finally, the noise-equivalent bandwidths are calculated for normalized computation times of 0, 0.25 and 0.5. The subcarrier demodulator analyzed tracks a parabolic phase input with finite steady state error. Since at each update instant the loop gains are adjusted to compensate for the variations in SNR of the input signal, the noise-equivalent bandwidth is maintained constant.

Simon, M. K.↗

Upper bounds on sequential decoding performance parameters

This paper presents the best obtainable random coding and expurgated upper bounds on the probabilities of undetectable error, of t-order failure (advance to depth t into an incorrect subset), and of likelihood rise in the incorrect subset, applicable to sequential decoding when the metric bias G is arbitrary. Upper bounds on the Pareto exponent are also presented. The G-values optimizing each of the parameters of interest are determined, and are shown to lie in intervals that in general have nonzero widths. The G-optimal expurgated bound on undetectable error is shown to agree with that for maximum likelihood decoding of convolutional codes, and that on failure agrees with the block code expurgated bound. Included are curves evaluating the bounds for interesting choices of G and SNR for a binary-input quantized-output Gaussian additive noise channel.

Jelinek, F.↗

Lightweight reflector assembly

An inexpensive, lightweight reflective assembly member having good optical quality and particularly adaptable to accommodating temperature variations without providing destructive thermal stresses and reflective slope errors is described. The reflective assembly consists of a thin sheet of glass with appropriate reflective coating and a cellular glass block substrate bonded together. The method of fabrication includes abrading the cellular substrate with an abrasive master die to form an appropriate concave surface. An adhesive is applied to the abraded surface and a lamina reflective surface is placed under a uniform pressure to conform the reflective surface onto the desired abraded surface of the substrate.

Argoud, M. J.↗

Efficient telemetry format

Format would simplify ground processing of telemetry data. Also, missing minor frame would create error in only one set of source data instead of disrupting all sets. Format organizes data from various sources into autonomous blocks. Data are pre-processed, in effect, so main computer only needs to determine block type and process data set as batch.

Greenberg, E.↗

Initial results from Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) postretrieval observations

Initial postretrieval observations of the Long Duration Exposure Facility and the 57 onboard experiments are reported in this paper. These observations have revealed that the facility and experiments, which had remained in space for 68 months prior to being retrieved in January 1990, can be used to generate 'gage block' type data to verify the existing models of the low earth orbit environments and if necessary, the data to correct errors in these existing models. The LDEF observations can also be used to update and revise the existing models used by spacecraft designers to predict the effects of long exposures in these environments on spacecraft materials and components.

Kinard, William H.↗

Spin glasses and error-correcting codes

In this article, we study a model for error-correcting codes that comes from spin glass theory and leads to both new codes and a new decoding technique. Using the theory of spin glasses, it has been proven that a simple construction yields a family of binary codes whose performance asymptotically approaches the Shannon bound for the Gaussian channel. The limit is approached as the number of information bits per codeword approaches infinity while the rate of the code approaches zero. Thus, the codes rapidly become impractical. We present simulation results that show the performance of a few manageable examples of these codes. In the correspondence that exists between spin glasses and error-correcting codes, the concept of a thermal average leads to a method of decoding that differs from the standard method of finding the most likely information sequence for a given received codeword. Whereas the standard method corresponds to calculating the thermal average at temperature zero, calculating the thermal average at a certain optimum temperature results instead in the sequence of most likely information bits. Since linear block codes and convolutional codes can be viewed as examples of spin glasses, this new decoding method can be used to decode these codes in a way that minimizes the bit error rate instead of the codeword error rate. We present simulation results that show a small improvement in bit error rate by using the thermal average technique.

Belongie, M. L.↗

Block encoders for Reed-Muller codes

Encoding algorithms generate a 32 x 64-bit matrix Reed-Muller code from a 6-bit orthogonal code-word. This increases error-free reception by a high rate telemetry channel under adverse signal noise with minimal use of additional hardware.

Anderson, T. O.↗

Evaluation of three coding schemes designed for improved data communication

Three coding schemes designed for improved data communication are evaluated. Four block codes are evaluated relative to a quality function, which is a function of both the amount of data rejected and the error rate. The Viterbi maximum likelihood decoding algorithm as a decoding procedure is reviewed. This evaluation is obtained by simulating the system on a digital computer. Short constraint length rate 1/2 quick-look codes are studied, and their performance is compared to general nonsystematic codes.

Snelsire, R. W.↗

A discussion of dynamic stability measurement techniques

Techniques for the measurement of the dynamic stability of linear systems are discussed. Particular attention is given to an analysis of the errors in the procedures, and to methods for calculating the system damping from the data. The techniques discussed include: transient decay, moving block analysis, spectral analysis, random decrement signatures, transfer function analysis, and parameter identification methods. The special problems of rotorcraft dynamic stability testing are discussed.

Johnson, W.↗

Tutorial on Reed-Solomon error correction coding

This tutorial attempts to provide a frank, step-by-step approach to Reed-Solomon (RS) error correction coding. RS encoding and RS decoding both with and without erasing code symbols are emphasized. There is no need to present rigorous proofs and extreme mathematical detail. Rather, the simple concepts of groups and fields, specifically Galois fields, are presented with a minimum of complexity. Before RS codes are presented, other block codes are presented as a technical introduction into coding. A primitive (15, 9) RS coding example is then completely developed from start to finish, demonstrating the encoding and decoding calculations and a derivation of the famous error-locator polynomial. The objective is to present practical information about Reed-Solomon coding in a manner such that it can be easily understood.

Geisel, William A.↗

Precision in Assembled Discrete Lattice Space Structures for Next-Generation ISAM Applications

Robust autonomous robotic assembly of large-scale space structures has been a long-term and challenging goal to enable higher quality in-space communication and science instrumentation. For optical observatory support structures and antenna structures, the challenge is the strict dimensional precision requirements (generally RMS surface error) driven by the operational radiation wavelength. Early theoretical work in the area linked RMS surface error of a reflector support truss plate to the natural passive dynamic mode frequencies of the structure, as well as to the error distribution in dimensions of constituent structural elements. Prior robotic truss assembly demonstrations focused on designing ultra-high precision structural elements, joints, and robotic actuators. Recently, an alternative space structure assembly strategy based on a programmable matter approach (NASA ARMADAS) was demonstrated. This approach uses lattice building blocks (voxels) that are reversibly, mechanically joined into a bulk lattice structure by robots that locomote in and on the structure itself. Such a system can achieve high-level autonomy with low computation, robustly assemble utilizing inexpensive and imprecise robots, and efficiently build structures several orders of magnitude larger than the assembly robots. However, for instrumentation support structure applications, the resulting precision of these building block-based lattice structures is not well studied. Since they are demonstrated with many more assembly units than prior art trusses, it is unclear whether the same precision design approaches apply. In this work, we study in simulation the effects of voxel geometry, error in distribution, assembly resolution (module size), and assembly geometry on the error of both beam and plate lattice structures. While average RMS error of a plate increases with plate size, increasing plate thickness quickly collapses RMS error towards a limit that is on the order of the error of the constituent parts. We validate our models against previously published precision measurements of built systems. Results from this study will guide manufacturing precision requirements, as well as designs, for future robotically assembled structural applications and establish feasibility for different applications.

Christine E Gregg↗

Apollo experience report: Very high frequency ranging system

The history of the Apollo very-high-frequency ranging system development program is presented from the program-planning stage through the final-test and flight-evaluation stages. Block diagrams of the equipment are presented, and a description of the theory of operation is outlined. A sample of the distribution of errors measured in the aircraft-flight test program is included. The report is concluded with guidelines or recommendations for the management of development programs having the same general constraints.

Panter, W. C.↗

Performance of convolutionally encoded noncoherent MFSK modem in fading channels

The performance of a convolutionally encoded noncoherent multiple-frequency shift-keyed (MFSK) modem utilizing Viterbi maximum-likelihood decoding and operating on a fading channel is described. Both the lognormal and classical Rician fading channels are considered for both slow and time-varying channel conditions. Primary interest is in the resulting bit error rate as a function of the ratio between the energy per transmitted information bit and noise spectral density, parameterized by both the fading channel and code parameters. Fairly general upper bounds on bit error probability are provided and compared with simulation results in the two extremes of zero and infinite channel memory. The efficacy of simple block interleaving in combatting channel memory effects are thoroughly explored. Both quantized and unquantized receiver outputs are considered.

Modestino, J. W.↗