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At least 235 records · Page 13

Experience with Free Bodies

Some of the problems that confront an analyst in free body modeling, to satisfy rigid body conditions are discussed and with some remedies for these problems are presented. The problems of detecting these culprits at various levels within the analysis are examined. A new method within NASTRAN for checking the model for defects very early in the analysis without requiring the analyst to bear the expense of an eigenvalue analysis before discovering these defects is outlined.

Butler, T. G.↗

On implementing self-checking microprocessors

A simple and general model of the interfaces and check circuits used for comparing and detecting faults in a pair of 16-bit processors is described, and problems encountered in the application of TI 9900 processors are discussed. The greatest incompatibility is found to lie between the rollback structures of the CPUs and the interface and check logic (ICL) model. The ICL model generates a reset when an error is detected, and a rollback is expected to occur when it is released. The TI 9900 requires a reset of minimum duration, and after release goes through an initialization cycle, obtains rollback parameters from fixed memory locations, and executes the rollback, consistent with the ICL. The ICL is relatively simple, having a complexity equivalent to fewer than 1000 gates.

Rennels, D. A.↗

Thermal System Verification and Model Validation for NASA's Cryogenic Passively Cooled James Webb Space Telescope

A thorough and unique thermal verification and model validation plan has been developed for NASA s James Webb Space Telescope. The JWST observatory consists of a large deployed aperture optical telescope passively cooled to below 50 Kelvin along with a suite of several instruments passively and actively cooled to below 37 Kelvin and 7 Kelvin, respectively. Passive cooling to these extremely low temperatures is made feasible by the use of a large deployed high efficiency sunshield and an orbit location at the L2 Lagrange point. Another enabling feature is the scale or size of the observatory that allows for large radiator sizes that are compatible with the expected power dissipation of the instruments and large format Mercury Cadmium Telluride (HgCdTe) detector arrays. This passive cooling concept is simple, reliable, and mission enabling when compared to the alternatives of mechanical coolers and stored cryogens. However, these same large scale observatory features, which make passive cooling viable, also prevent the typical flight configuration fully-deployed thermal balance test that is the keystone to most space missions thermal verification plan. JWST is simply too large in its deployed configuration to be properly thermal balance tested in the facilities that currently exist. This reality, when combined with a mission thermal concept with little to no flight heritage, has necessitated the need for a unique and alternative approach to thermal system verification and model validation. This paper describes the thermal verification and model validation plan that has been developed for JWST. The plan relies on judicious use of cryogenic and thermal design margin, a completely independent thermal modeling cross check utilizing different analysis teams and software packages, and finally, a comprehensive set of thermal tests that occur at different levels of JWST assembly. After a brief description of the JWST mission and thermal architecture, a detailed description of the three aspects of the thermal verification and model validation plan is presented.

Cleveland, Paul E.↗

Kate's Model Verification Tools

Kennedy Space Center's Knowledge-based Autonomous Test Engineer (KATE) is capable of monitoring electromechanical systems, diagnosing their errors, and even repairing them when they crash. A survey of KATE's developer/modelers revealed that they were already using a sophisticated set of productivity enhancing tools. They did request five more, however, and those make up the body of the information presented here: (1) a transfer function code fitter; (2) a FORTRAN-Lisp translator; (3) three existing structural consistency checkers to aid in syntax checking their modeled device frames; (4) an automated procedure for calibrating knowledge base admittances to protect KATE's hardware mockups from inadvertent hand valve twiddling; and (5) three alternatives for the 'pseudo object', a programming patch that currently apprises KATE's modeling devices of their operational environments.

Morgan, Steve↗

Bridging the Gap Between Requirements and Model Analysis : Evaluation on Ten Cyber-Physical Challenge Problems

Formal verfication and simulation are powerful tools to validate requirements against complex systems. [Problem] Requirements are developed in early stages of the software lifecycle and are typically written in ambiguous natural language. There is a gap between such requirements and formal notations that can be used by verification tools, and lack of support for proper association of requirements with software artifacts for verification. [Principal idea] We propose to write requirements in an intuitive, structured natural language with formal semantics, and to support formalization and model/code verification as a smooth, well-integrated process. [Contribution] We have developed an end-to-end, open source requirements analysis framework that checks Simulink models against requirements written in structured natural language. Our framework is built in the Formal Requirements Elicitation Tool (fret); we use fret's requirements language named fretish, and formalization of fretish requirements in temporal logics. Our proposed framework contributes the following features: 1) automatic extraction of Simulink model information and association of fretish requirements with target model signals and components; 2) translation of temporal logic formulas into synchronous dataflow cocospec specifications as well as Simulink monitors, to be used by verification tools; we establish correctness of our translation through extensive automated testing; 3) interpretation of counterexamples produced by verification tools back at requirements level. These features support a tight integration and feedback loop between high level requirements and their analysis. We demonstrate our approach on a major case study: the Ten Lockheed Martin Cyber-Physical, aerospace-inspired challenge problems.

Mavridou, Anastasia↗

Recent Improvements and Verification of A Full Body Model in Opensim

BACKGROUND: The dynamic feasibility [1,2] criterion, that the subject’s Center of Pressure (COP) be located within the Base of Support (BOS) which outlines the feet, has aided in assessing the stability of human motion recorded on earth while performing the recorded tasks in lunar gravity or as countermeasures exercises on a vibration isolation and stabilization system in microgravity. The convex hull of the BOS on the platform under the subject’s feet was estimated using virtual markers on the feet of the scaled subject model. The COP was calculated using the ground reaction forces and moments determined from motion capture data with biomechanical modeling tools [3]. Occasionally, large-amplitude oscillatory spikes or “artifacts” were observed in the subject’s linear and angular momentum derivatives, affecting some COP data derived from motion capture. The purpose of this investigation was to assess and improve the accuracy of model scaling and BOS estimation as well as to determine the efficacy of model adjustments in mitigating artifacts influencing motion capture-derived ground reaction force and COP results. METHODS: To aid evaluation of proposed process and model updates, motion capture data were collected for two subjects during unit test and range of motion trials, lunar tasks, and countermeasures exercise motions. Markers were added to the full body Plug-in Gait marker set [4] during data collection. New markers were placed on the front, back, sides, and top of the head to improve scaling using distances between marker pairs. Medial elbow markers were added to stabilize the upper arm during OpenSim Inverse Kinematics (IK) [5]. Finally, markers were added on the outer edge of the heels and on the outside edges of the first and last toes on each foot. These additional foot markers were made available to test new automated foot scaling techniques and to calculate the error between the subject’s estimated and recorded BOS. The modified unscaled OpenSim Full Body Rajagopal Model [6,7] was adjusted using some previously investigated techniques [8] to mitigate rapid shifts in joint angles occurring during IK, as these were found to cause the spike artifacts observed in subsequent stages of analysis. Since OpenSim models use Euler angles and rotation sequences, the arm axes of rotation were adjusted, and the pelvis order of rotation was changed to minimize the likelihood of encountering “gimbal lock” during common human motion. The model clavicle, arm, elbow, wrist, pelvis, and ankle angle limits were adjusted to better accommodate the full human range of motion seen in exercise and lunar data. The shoulder joint center was calculated using a “pivoting” algorithm [9], and both shoulder joint center and upper arm markers were included during IK to provide additional shoulder stability on a case-by-case basis. The quality of IK results was assessed by three criteria: minimizing error between recorded motion capture markers and model markers, checking for reasonable rates of change in joint angles between fames (i.e., no IK artifacts), and ensuring the absence of spikes in the inertial forces and angular momentum derivatives calculated using a custom OpenSim plugin [10]. RESULTS: The additional markers placed on the subject during data collection allowed the head and feet to be scaled more accurately using distances between new marker pairs. Scaling with BOS markers placed on the subject and removing the limit on subtalar angle resulted in more accurate BOS determination. Unrealistically large changes in joint angles between frames could be reduced by including clavicle, sternum, and medial elbow markers during IK. In cases with large arm ranges of motion, results could be further improved by running IK using medial elbow and virtual shoulder joint center markers. Model adjustments significantly improved the IK results affecting COP calculation and increased the accuracy of BOS estimation.

C A Bell↗

Force testing manual for the Langley 20-inch Mach 6 tunnel

Data reduction and procedures for conducting force tests in a 20 inch Mach 6 tunnel are described. A discussion of pretest and testing phases are included. Items that are to be checked during model design and construction are outlined as well as safety requirements, starting loads tests, instructions for data acquisition and model installation. Measurement of balance and model misalignment and instructions for calibrating the angle of attack screen are covered. Procedures for making reference pressure, attitude tare, and data runs are included. The 20 inch tunnel force program is examined, and a description of data recording system input and load contrast sheets is given. An appendix presents a description, operating characteristics, and Mach number calibration of the tunnel, as well as tunnel characteristics.

Keyes, J. W.↗

Detection of SO2 in the UV spectrum of Venus

The broad absorption feature below 3300 A in the Venus UV spectrum is identified as primarily due to SO2 absorption based on new higher resolution spectra of the 3000-3400 A region showing broad (10 A), unresolved absorptions in the regions at all SO2 band origins between 3000 and 3300 A. SO2 mixing ratios vary from 5 x 10 to the -7th down to an upper limit of 2 x 10 to the -8th at a phase angle of 138 deg. Previous observational determinations of the SO2 mixing ratio were biased toward large phase angles, and consequently did not detect any SO2 absorption at the 10 to the -8th level. The upper limit derived from the CS2 band head at 3206 A is not greater than 5 x 10 to the -8th. The observed range of SO2 mixing ratios is consistent with model predictions based on the sulfur photochemistry at the cloud tops. Ground-based observations of SO2 mixing ratio will provide constraints on models and check on the Venera and Pioneer Venus measurements of the mixing ratios of SO2 and other sulfur-bearing gases with altitude.

Barker, E. S.↗

The isotopic composition of galactic cosmic ray lithium, beryllium and boron

The isotopic composition of galactic-cosmic-ray Li, Be, and B has been measured near 100 MeV/nucleon by using the University of Chicago IMP 7 and IMP 8 cosmic-ray telescopes during 1973-1975. The measured abundances allow detailed checks of models of interstellar propagation and solar modulation to be made and conclusions to be drawn concerning the spectral forms at the source and the minimum solar modulation level. For example, comparing these results with local interstellar spectra calculated by using a 'leaky box' model, it is found that if solar modulation is ignored, there is no unique leakage mean free path consistent with all the observations. However, by taking account of a sizable level of residual solar modulation, excellent agreement is obtained between the calculated and measured abundances. Thus, these isotopic abundances confirm the old hypothesis that cosmic-ray Li, Be, and B are produced as secondaries in interstellar space.

Garcia-Munoz, M.↗

Simple turbulence models and their application to boundary layer separation

Measurements in the boundary layer and wake of a stalled airfoil are presented in two coordinate systems, one aligned with the airfoil chord, the other being conventional boundary layer coordinates. The NACA 4412 airfoil is studied at a single angle of attack corresponding to maximum lift, the Reynolds number based on chord being 1.5 x 10 to the 6th power. Turbulent boundary layer separation occurred at the 85 percent chord position. The two-dimensionality of the flow was documented and the momentum integral equation studied to illustrate the importance of turbulence contributions as separation is approached. The assumptions of simple eddy-viscosity and mixing-length turbulence models are checked directly against experiment. Curvature effects are found to be important as separation is approached.

Wadcock, A. J.↗

Acoustic performance of inlet suppressors on an engine generating a single mode

Three single degree of freedom liners with different open area ratio face sheets were designed for a single spinning mode in order to evaluate an inlet suppressor design method based on mode cutoff ratio. This mode was generated by placing 41 rods in front of the 28 blade fan of a JT15D turbofan engine. At the liner design this near cutoff mode has a theoretical maximum attenuation of nearly 200 dB per L/D. The data show even higher attenuations at the design condition than predicted by the theory for dissipation of a single mode within the liner. This additional attenuation is large for high open area ratios and should be accounted for in the theory. The data show the additional attenuation to be inversely proportional to acoustic resistance. It was thought that the additional attenuation could be caused by reflection and modal scattering at the hard to soft wall interface. A reflection model was developed, and then modified to fit the data. This model was checked against independent (multiple pure tone) data with good agreement.

Heidelberg, L. J.↗

Acoustic performance of inlet suppressors on an engine generating a single mode

As part of a program to evaluate an inlet suppressor design method based on mode cutoff ratio, three single degree of freedom liners with different open area ratio face sheets were designed for a single spinning mode. This mode was generated by placing 41 rods in front of the 28 blade fan of a JT15D turbofan engine. At the liner design this near cutoff mode has a theoretical maximum attenuation of nearly 200 dB per L/D. The data show even higher attenuations at the design condition than predicted by the theory for dissipation of a single mode within the liner. This additional attenuation is large for high open area ratios and should be accounted for in the theory. The data shows the additional attenuation to be inversely proportional to acoustic resistance. It was thought that the additional attenuation could be caused by reflection and modal scattering at the hard to soft wall interface. A reflection model was developed, and then modified to fit the data. This model was checked against independent (multiple pure tone) data with good agreement.

Heidelberg, L. J.↗

An interactive review system for NASTRAN

An interactive review system that addresses the problems of model display, model error checking, and postprocessing is described. The menu driven system consists of four programs whose advantages and limitations are detailed. The interface between NASTRAN and MOVIE-BYU, the modifications required to make MOVIE usable in a finite element context, and the resulting capabilities of MOVIE as a graphics postprocessor for NASTRAN are illustrated.

Durocher, L. L.↗

The computation of Laplacian smoothing splines with examples

Laplacian smoothing splines (LSS) are presented as generalizations of graduation, cubic and thin plate splines. The method of generalized cross validation (GCV) to choose the smoothing parameter is described. The GCV is used in the algorithm for the computation of LSS's. An outline of a computer program which implements this algorithm is presented along with a description of the use of the program. Examples in one, two and three dimensions demonstrate how to obtain estimates of function values with confidence intervals and estimates of first and second derivatives. Probability plots are used as a diagnostic tool to check for model inadequacy.

Wendelberger, J. G.↗

Modeling of transient heat pipe operation

Mathematical models and an associated computer program for heat pipe startup from the frozen state have been developed. Finite element formulations of the governing equations are written for each heat pipe region for each operating condition during startup from the frozen state. The various models were checked against analytical and experimental data available in the literature for three specific types of operation. Computations using the methods developed were made for a space shuttle reentry mission where a heat pipe cooled leading edge was used on the wing.

Colwell, Gene T.↗

Heat transfer and fluid flow in floating-zone crystal growth with a mostly covered melt surface

Computer simulation was conducted to study a modified floating-zone crystal growth process, in which the melt surface is mostly covered with a heated ring. The growth of 6-mm diameter single crystals of NaNO3 was considered, and the effects of the following parameters were studied: (1) temperature of the ring, (2) growth rate, (3) surface tension-temperature coefficient of the melt, (4) thermal expansion coefficient of the melt, and (5) gravity. It was demonstrated that thermocapillary convection in the melt zone is reduced significantly in this modified process. The model was checked against the measured lengths of the meniscus near the growth front and axial temperature distribution in a growing crystal, and the agreement was good.

Lan, C. W.↗

Observational evidence for various models of Moving Magnetic Features

New measurements of Moving Magnetic Features (MMFs) based on the observations of the active region NOAA 5612 made at Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO) on August 2, 1989 are presented. The existing theoretical models are checked against the new observations, and the origin of MMFs conjectured from the deduced observational constraints is discussed.

Lee, Jeongwoo W.↗