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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 253 records · Page 14

On certain families of rational functions arising in dynamics

It is noted that linear systems, depending on parameters, can occur in diverse situations including families of rational solutions to the Korteweg-de Vries equation or to the finite Toda lattice. The inverse scattering method used by Moser (1975) to obtain canonical coordinates for the finite homogeneous Toda lattice can be used for the synthesis of RC networks. It is concluded that the multivariable RC setting is ideal for the analysis of the periodic Toda lattice.

Byrnes, C. I.↗

Satellite tracking and earth dynamics research programs

The SAO laser site in Arequipa continued routine operations throughout the reporting period except for the months of March and April when upgrading was underway. The laser in Orroral Valley was operational through March. Together with the cooperating stations in Wettzell, Grasse, Kootwikj, San Fernando, Helwan, and Metsahove the laser stations obtained a total of 37,099 quick-look observations on 978 passes of BE-C, Starlette, and LAGEOS. The Network continued to track LAGEOS at highest priority for polar motion and Earth rotation studies, and for other geophysical investigations, including crustal dynamics, Earth and ocean tides, and the general development of precision orbit determination. The Network performed regular tracking of BE-C and Starlette for refined determinations of station coordinate and the Earth's gravity field and for studies of solid earth dynamics. Monthly statistics of the passes and points are given by station and by satellite.

Source record↗

Sensitivity of SLR baselines to errors in Earth orientation

The sensitivity of inter station distances derived from Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) to errors in Earth orientation is discussed. An analysis experiment is performed which imposes a known polar motion error on all of the arcs used over this interval. The effect of the averaging of the errors over the tracking periods of individual sites is assessed. Baselines between stations that are supported by a global network of tracking stations are only marginally affected by errors in Earth orientation. The global network of stations retains its integrity even in the presence of systematic changes in the coordinate frame. The effect of these coordinate frame changes on the relative locations of the stations is minimal.

Smith, D. E.↗

Integration of multi-discipline data processing for earth observing systems

The first steps taken to ensure the controlled evolution of existing facilities toward greater interoperability and sharing of resources among NASA-supported earth science and applications data systems (ESADS) are described. Recommendations made by the various panels during the 1987 ESADS Workshop are presented. The panels were concerned with directories and catalogs, data archives, data manipulation software, computational facilities, data storage media, database management, and networking. Consideration was also given to the tracking and tuning of overall development and management coordination issues.

Kahn, Ralph↗

Mars Digital Image Model 2.1 Control Network

USGS is currently preparing a new version of its global Mars digital image mosaic, which will be known as MDIM 2.1. As part of this process we are completing a new photogrammetric solution of the global Mars control network. This is an improved version of the network established earlier by RAND and USGS personnel, as partially described previously. MDIM 2.1 will have many improvements over earlier Viking Orbiter (VO) global mosaics. Geometrically, it will be an orthoimage product, draped on Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) derived topography, thus accounting properly for the commonly oblique VO imagery. Through the network being described here it will be tied to the newly defined IAU/IAG 2000 Mars coordinate system via ties to MOLA data. Thus, MDIM 2.1 will provide complete global orthorectified imagery coverage of Mars at the resolution of 1/256 deg of MDIM 2.0, and be compatible with MOLA and other products produced in the current coordinate system.

Archinal, B. A.↗

Optimal Experimental Design With Fast Neural Network Surrogate Models

Designing optimal experiments minimizes the uncertainty of results and maximizes the efficient use of resources. Herein, machine learning surrogate models and the approximate coordinate exchange (ACE) algorithm are used to determine optimum experimental designs over large or arbitrarily restrictive design spaces. Optimal experimental design is particularly salient in materials science where experiments are expensive and material properties must often be inferred indirectly. The proposed framework is demonstrated by finding optimal experiments with which the hidden constituent properties of composite materials can be most efficiently inferred from observable experimental outcomes. The optimum experimental design is given by an information-theoretic criteria, which maximizes the conditional mutual information between the hidden properties and the expected experimental outcomes. To perform tractable optimization a neural network is trained as a surrogate model to mimic a physics based simulation, which can calculate the expected experimental outcome based on a candidate experimental design and sampled constituent properties. The ACE algorithm is used to optimize over large design spaces with many tests and controlled parameters where an exhaustive search would be intractable even with the surrogate model. Using this approach, optimal experimental designs that are consistent with those produced by heuristic knowledge and established best practices are found; then optimal designs in larger design spaces where heuristic knowledge is unavailable are examined.

machine learning↗

Design of experiment for earth rotation and baseline parameter determination from very long baseline interferometry

The possibility of recovering earth rotation and network geometry (baseline) parameters are emphasized. The numerical simulated experiments performed are set up in an environment where station coordinates vary with respect to inertial space according to a simulated earth rotation model similar to the actual but unknown rotation of the earth. The basic technique of VLBI and its mathematical model are presented. The parametrization of earth rotation chosen is described and the resulting model is linearized. A simple analysis of the geometry of the observations leads to some useful hints on achieving maximum sensitivity of the observations with respect to the parameters considered. The basic philosophy for the simulation of data and their analysis through standard least squares adjustment techniques is presented. A number of characteristic network designs based on present and candidate station locations are chosen. The results of the simulations for each design are presented together with a summary of the conclusions.

Dermanis, A.↗

Max 1991 and beyond

Max '91, a coordinated, broad based observational program, was designed to help maximize the scientific return of solar activity studies. Max '91 benefited from the support of the NOAA space environment laboratory. An important source that increases solar ground based support observations is the solar observing optical network (SOON) solar patrol on tape (SOONSPOT) solar image archival system which has started operations. The past means and the future plans for ground based coordination and communications of Max '91 are summarized. The current status and the future developments of SOONSPOT are presented.

Kiplinger, Alan L.↗

Considerations for Isochronous Data Services over the Proximity-1 Space Link

Future mission concepts for robotic and human explorations will involve a high level of real time control/monitoring operations such as tele-operation for spacecraft rendezvous and surface mobile platforms carrying life-support equipments. The timely dissemination of voice, command, and real-time telemetry for monitoring and coordination purposes is critical for mission success. It is envisioned that future missions will require a network infrastructure capable of supporting isochronous data services. The CCSDS Proximity-1 Space Link Protocol1 could be used to provide isochronous service over the surface-to-Earth relay as well as "beyond-the-horizon" communications between distant Lunar or Mars surface elements. This paper will analyze the latency, jitter, and throughput performance of the Proximity-1 protocol for isochronous applications. In particular we will focus on constrained scenarios where the protocol operates in full-duplex mode, carrying isochronous traffic in one direction and error-controlled traffic in the other direction. We analyze the impact of the strict priority scheme in Proximity-1 on delay jitter and the impact of the isochronous traffic on the efficiency of the reliable data transfer in the other direction, and discuss methods for performance optimization. In general, jitter performance is driving by relative loading of isochronous traffic on the forward link compared to the acknowledgement traffic. Under light loading condition, the upper-bound of the delay jitter is the transmission duration of an acknowledgement frame on the forward link; for higher loading scenarios, the maximum jitter is scaled up by the inverse of the residual bandwidth, i.e., the spare capacity available in the forward link to carry isochronous traffic.

isochronous communications↗

Considerations for Isochronous Data Services over the Proximity-1 Space Link

Future mission concepts for robotic and human explorations will involve a high level of real time control/monitoring operations such as tele-operation for spacecraft rendezvous and surface mobile platforms carrying life-support equipments. The timely dissemination of voice, command, and real-time telemetry for monitoring and coordination purposes is critical for mission success. It is envisioned that future missions will require a network infrastructure capable of supporting isochronous data services. The CCSDS Proximity-1 Space Link Protocol1 could be used to carry isochronous traffic. This paper we will focus on the data link layer portion of the Proximity-1 protocol specification and analyze its jitter and performance for supporting isochronous applications. In particular we will focus on constrained scenarios where the protocol operates in full-duplex mode, carrying isochronous traffic in one direction and error-controlled traffic in the other direction. We analyze the impact of the strict priority scheme in Proximity-1 used to arbitrate channel access on the latency jitter of the isochronous traffic and the efficiency of the reliable data transfer. In general, jitter performance is driven by the loading of the acknowledgement traffic on the forward link. Under light loading condition, the upper-bound of the delay jitter is the transmission duration of an acknowledgement frame on the forward link; for higher loading scenarios, the maximum jitter is scaled up by the inverse of the residual bandwidth, i.e., the spare capacity available in the forward link after accounting for the acknowledgement traffic. We derive analytical expression on the maximum jitter and discuss its performance.

space link↗

Data Integration Support for Data Served in the OPeNDAP and OGC Environments

NASA is coordinating a technology development project to construct a gateway between system components built upon the Open-source Project for a Network Data AcceSs Protocol (OPeNDAP) and those made available made available via interfaces specified by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). This project is funded though the Advanced Collaborative Connections for Earth-Sun System Science (ACCESS) Program and is a NASA contribution to the Committee on Earth Satellites (CEOS) Working Group on Information Systems and Services (WGISS). The motivation for the project is the set of data integration needs that have been expressed by the Coordinated Enhanced Observing Period (CEOP), an international program that is addressing the study of the global water cycle. CEOP is assembling a large collection in situ and satellite data and mode1 results from a wide variety of sources covering 35 sites around the globe. The data are provided by systems based on either the OPeNDAP or OGC protocols but the research community desires access to the full range of data and associated services from a single client. This presentation will discuss the current status of the OPeNDAP/OGC Gateway Project. The project is building upon an early prototype that illustrated the feasibility of such a gateway and which was demonstrated to the CEOP science community. In its first year as an ACCESS project, the effort has been has focused on the design of the catalog and data services that will be provided by the gateway and the mappings between the metadata and services provided in the two environments.

McDonald, Kenneth R.↗

Polar motion and earth tides from laser tracking

The paper discusses techniques available for measuring polar motion, earth rotation and earth tides with laser tracking of satellites. In a discussion of future prospects, it is noted that when the Laser Geodynamics Satellite is launched, a network of laser stations is projected to be able to achieve better than 10 cm from each coordinate from less than one day of tracking.

Kolenkiewicz, R.↗

A distributed data base management facility for the CAD/CAM environment

Current/PAD research in the area of distributed data base management considers facilities for supporting CAD/CAM data management in a heterogeneous network of computers encompassing multiple data base managers supporting a variety of data models. These facilities include coordinated execution of multiple DBMSs to provide for administration of and access to data distributed across them.

Balza, R. M.↗

A discrete control model of PLANT

A model of the PLANT system using the discrete control modeling techniques developed by Miller is described. Discrete control models attempt to represent in a mathematical form how a human operator might decompose a complex system into simpler parts and how the control actions and system configuration are coordinated so that acceptable overall system performance is achieved. Basic questions include knowledge representation, information flow, and decision making in complex systems. The structure of the model is a general hierarchical/heterarchical scheme which structurally accounts for coordination and dynamic focus of attention. Mathematically, the discrete control model is defined in terms of a network of finite state systems. Specifically, the discrete control model accounts for how specific control actions are selected from information about the controlled system, the environment, and the context of the situation. The objective is to provide a plausible and empirically testable accounting and, if possible, explanation of control behavior.

Mitchell, C. M.↗

Demand Assignment in the ACTS LBR System

On the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) being developed at NASA Lewis, low-burst-rate (LBR) traffic stations will access the ACTS multibeam package via two hopping beams that can be directed at certain areas in the continental U.S. An onboard baseband processor (BBP) demodulates uplink traffic, switches it between uplink and downlink beams at baseband, and then remodulates it for retransmission at 20 GHz. This study describes the demand-assigned operation of the ACTS LBR system, where the onboard switch is remote from both traffic stations and master control station (MCS). Network control uses inbound and outbound orderwire channels and a BBP control channel, allowing the MCS to coordinate assignment of individual 64-kb/s spacecraft channels. Models are developed to simulate the dynamics of the assignment process and verify the call blocking behavior, to predict control channel loads, and to evaluate algorithms for burst time plan rearrangement.

White, Lawrence W.↗

Automated Escape Guidance Algorithms for An Escape Vehicle

An escape vehicle was designed to provide an emergency evacuation for crew members living on a space station. For maximum escape capability, the escape vehicle needs to have the ability to safely evacuate a station in a contingency scenario such as an uncontrolled (e.g., tumbling) station. This emergency escape sequence will typically be divided into three events: The fust separation event (SEP1), the navigation reconstruction event, and the second separation event (SEP2). SEP1 is responsible for taking the spacecraft from its docking port to a distance greater than the maximum radius of the rotating station. The navigation reconstruction event takes place prior to the SEP2 event and establishes the orbital state to within the tolerance limits necessary for SEP2. The SEP2 event calculates and performs an avoidance burn to prevent station recontact during the next several orbits. This paper presents the tools and results for the whole separation sequence with an emphasis on the two separation events. The fust challenge includes collision avoidance during the escape sequence while the station is in an uncontrolled rotational state, with rotation rates of up to 2 degrees per second. The task of avoiding a collision may require the use of the Vehicle's de-orbit propulsion system for maximum thrust and minimum dwell time within the vicinity of the station vicinity. The thrust of the propulsion system is in a single direction, and can be controlled only by the attitude of the spacecraft. Escape algorithms based on a look-up table or analytical guidance can be implemented since the rotation rate and the angular momentum vector can be sensed onboard and a-priori knowledge of the position and relative orientation are available. In addition, crew intervention has been provided for in the event of unforeseen obstacles in the escape path. The purpose of the SEP2 burn is to avoid re-contact with the station over an extended period of time. Performing this maneuver properly requires knowledge of the orbital state, which is obtained during the navigation state reconstruction event. Since the direction of the delta-v of the SEPI maneuver is a random variable with respect to the Local Vertical Local Horizontal (LVLH) coordinate system, calculating the required SEP2 burn is a challenge. This problem was solved using a neural network as a model-free function approximation technique.

Flanary, Ronald↗

Implementation of an intelligent control system

A laboratory testbed facility which was constructed at NASA LeRC for the development of an Intelligent Control System (ICS) for reusable rocket engines is described. The framework of the ICS consists of a hierarchy of various control and diagnostic functions. The traditional high speed, closed-loop controller resides at the lowest level of the ICS hierarchy. Above this level resides the diagnostic functions which identify engine faults. The ICS top level consists of the coordination function which manages the interaction between an expert system and a traditional control system. The purpose of the testbed is to demonstrate the feasibility of the OCS concept by implementing the ICS as the primary controller in a simulation of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). The functions of the ICS which are implemented in the testbed are as follows: an SSME dynamic simulation with selected fault mode models, a reconfigurable controller, a neural network for sensor validation, a model-based failure detection algorithm, a rule based failure detection algorithm, a diagnostic expert system, an intelligent coordinator, and a user interface which provides a graphical representation of the event occurring within the testbed. The diverse nature of the ICS has led to the development of a distributed architecture consisting of specialized hardware and software for the implementation of the various functions. This testbed is made up of five different computer systems. These individual computers are discussed along with the schemes used to implement the various ICS components. The communication between computers and the timing and synchronization between components are also addressed.

Simon, D. L.↗

Framework and Method for Controlling a Robotic System Using a Distributed Computer Network

A robotic system for performing an autonomous task includes a humanoid robot having a plurality of compliant robotic joints, actuators, and other integrated system devices that are controllable in response to control data from various control points, and having sensors for measuring feedback data at the control points. The system includes a multi-level distributed control framework (DCF) for controlling the integrated system components over multiple high-speed communication networks. The DCF has a plurality of first controllers each embedded in a respective one of the integrated system components, e.g., the robotic joints, a second controller coordinating the components via the first controllers, and a third controller for transmitting a signal commanding performance of the autonomous task to the second controller. The DCF virtually centralizes all of the control data and the feedback data in a single location to facilitate control of the robot across the multiple communication networks.

Sanders, Adam M.↗