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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1998

Progressive Failure And Life Prediction of Ceramic and Textile Composites

An engineering approach to predict the fatigue life and progressive failure of multilayered composite and textile laminates is presented. Analytical models which account for matrix cracking, statistical fiber failures and nonlinear stress-strain behavior have been developed for both composites and textiles. The analysis method is based on a combined micromechanics, fracture mechanics and failure statistics analysis. Experimentally derived empirical coefficients are used to account for the interface of fiber and matrix, fiber strength, and fiber-matrix stiffness reductions. Similar approaches were applied to textiles using Repeating Unit Cells. In composite fatigue analysis, Walker's equation is applied for matrix fatigue cracking and Heywood's formulation is used for fiber strength fatigue degradation. The analysis has been compared with experiment with good agreement. Comparisons were made with Graphite-Epoxy, C/SiC and Nicalon/CAS composite materials. For textile materials, comparisons were made with triaxial braided and plain weave materials under biaxial or uniaxial tension. Fatigue predictions were compared with test data obtained from plain weave C/SiC materials tested at AS&M. Computer codes were developed to perform the analysis. Composite Progressive Failure Analysis for Laminates is contained in the code CPFail. Micromechanics Analysis for Textile Composites is contained in the code MicroTex. Both codes were adapted to run as subroutines for the finite element code ABAQUS and CPFail-ABAQUS and MicroTex-ABAQUS. Graphic user interface (GUI) was developed to connect CPFail and MicroTex with ABAQUS.

Xue, David Y.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Software for Testing Electroactive Structural Components

A computer program generates a graphical user interface that, in combination with its other features, facilitates the acquisition and preprocessing of experimental data on the strain response, hysteresis, and power consumption of a multilayer composite-material structural component containing one or more built-in sensor(s) and/or actuator(s) based on piezoelectric materials. This program runs in conjunction with Lab-VIEW software in a computer-controlled instrumentation system. For a test, a specimen is instrumented with appliedvoltage and current sensors and with strain gauges. Once the computational connection to the test setup has been made via the LabVIEW software, this program causes the test instrumentation to step through specified configurations. If the user is satisfied with the test results as displayed by the software, the user activates an icon on a front-panel display, causing the raw current, voltage, and strain data to be digitized and saved. The data are also put into a spreadsheet and can be plotted on a graph. Graphical displays are saved in an image file for future reference. The program also computes and displays the power and the phase angle between voltage and current.

Moses, Robert W.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Turbofan Engine Simulated in a Graphical Simulation Environment

Recently, there has been an increase in the development of intelligent engine technology with advanced active component control. The computer engine models used in these control studies are component-level models (CLM), models that link individual component models of state space and nonlinear algebraic equations, written in a computer language such as Fortran. The difficulty faced in performing control studies on Fortran-based models is that Fortran is not supported with control design and analysis tools, so there is no means for implementing real-time control. It is desirable to have a simulation environment that is straightforward, has modular graphical components, and allows easy access to health, control, and engine parameters through a graphical user interface. Such a tool should also provide the ability to convert a control design into real-time code, helping to make it an extremely powerful tool in control and diagnostic system development. Simulation time management is shown: Mach number versus time, power level angle versus time, altitude versus time, ambient temperature change versus time, afterburner fuel flow versus time, controller and actuator dynamics, collect initial conditions, CAD output, and component-level model: CLM sensor, CAD input, and model output. The Controls and Dynamics Technologies Branch at the NASA Glenn Research Center has developed and demonstrated a flexible, generic turbofan engine simulation platform that can meet these objectives, known as the Modular Aero-Propulsion System Simulation (MAPSS). MAPSS is a Simulink-based implementation of a Fortran-based, modern high pressure ratio, dual-spool, low-bypass, military-type variable-cycle engine with a digital controller. Simulink (The Mathworks, Natick, MA) is a computer-aided control design and simulation package allows the graphical representation of dynamic systems in a block diagram form. MAPSS is a nonlinear, non-real-time system composed of controller and actuator dynamics (CAD) and component-level model (CLM) modules. The controller in the CAD module emulates the functionality of a digital controller, which has a typical update rate of 50 Hz. The CLM module simulates the dynamics of the engine components and uses an update rate of 2500 Hz, which is needed to iterate to balance mass and energy among system components. The actuators in the CAD module use the same sampling rate as those in the CLM. Two graphs of normalized spool speed versus time in seconds and one graph of normalized average metal temperature versus time in seconds is shown. MAPSS was validated via open-loop and closed-loop comparisons with the Fortran simulation. The preceding plots show the normalized results of a closed-loop comparison looking at three states of the model: low-pressure spool speed, high-pressure spool speed, and the average metal temperature measured from the combustor to the high-pressure turbine. In steady state, the error between the simulations is less than 1 percent. During a transient, the difference between the simulations is due to a correction in MAPSS that prevents the gas flow in the bypass duct inlet from flowing forward instead of toward the aft end, which occurs in the Fortran simulation. A comparison between MAPSS and the Fortran model of the bypass duct inlet flow for power lever angles greater than 35 degrees is shown.

Parker, Khary I.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Software and Algorithms for Biomedical Image Data Processing and Visualization

A new software equipped with novel image processing algorithms and graphical-user-interface (GUI) tools has been designed for automated analysis and processing of large amounts of biomedical image data. The software, called PlaqTrak, has been specifically used for analysis of plaque on teeth of patients. New algorithms have been developed and implemented to segment teeth of interest from surrounding gum, and a real-time image-based morphing procedure is used to automatically overlay a grid onto each segmented tooth. Pattern recognition methods are used to classify plaque from surrounding gum and enamel, while ignoring glare effects due to the reflection of camera light and ambient light from enamel regions. The PlaqTrak system integrates these components into a single software suite with an easy-to-use GUI (see Figure 1) that allows users to do an end-to-end run of a patient s record, including tooth segmentation of all teeth, grid morphing of each segmented tooth, and plaque classification of each tooth image. The automated and accurate processing of the captured images to segment each tooth [see Figure 2(a)] and then detect plaque on a tooth-by-tooth basis is a critical component of the PlaqTrak system to do clinical trials and analysis with minimal human intervention. These features offer distinct advantages over other competing systems that analyze groups of teeth or synthetic teeth. PlaqTrak divides each segmented tooth into eight regions using an advanced graphics morphing procedure [see results on a chipped tooth in Figure 2(b)], and a pattern recognition classifier is then used to locate plaque [red regions in Figure 2(d)] and enamel regions. The morphing allows analysis within regions of teeth, thereby facilitating detailed statistical analysis such as the amount of plaque present on the biting surfaces on teeth. This software system is applicable to a host of biomedical applications, such as cell analysis and life detection, or robotic applications, such as product inspection or assembly of parts in space and industry.

Talukder, Ashit↗
NASA NTRS2008

Software Simulates Sight: Flat Panel Mura Detection

In the increasingly sophisticated world of high-definition flat screen monitors and television screens, image clarity and the elimination of distortion are paramount concerns. As the devices that reproduce images become more and more sophisticated, so do the technologies that verify their accuracy. By simulating the manner in which a human eye perceives and interprets a visual stimulus, NASA scientists have found ways to automatically and accurately test new monitors and displays. The Spatial Standard Observer (SSO) software metric, developed by Dr. Andrew B. Watson at Ames Research Center, measures visibility and defects in screens, displays, and interfaces. In the design of such a software tool, a central challenge is determining which aspects of visual function to include while accuracy and generality are important, relative simplicity of the software module is also a key virtue. Based on data collected in ModelFest, a large cooperative multi-lab project hosted by the Optical Society of America, the SSO simulates a simplified model of human spatial vision, operating on a pair of images that are viewed at a specific viewing distance with pixels having a known relation to luminance. The SSO measures the visibility of foveal spatial patterns, or the discriminability of two patterns, by incorporating only a few essential components of vision. These components include local contrast transformation, a contrast sensitivity function, local masking, and local pooling. By this construction, the SSO provides output in units of "just noticeable differences" (JND) a unit of measure based on the assumed smallest difference of sensory input detectable by a human being. Herein is the truly amazing ability of the SSO, while conventional methods can manipulate images, the SSO models human perception. This set of equations actually defines a mathematical way of working with an image that accurately reflects the way in which the human eye and mind behold a stimulus. The SSO is intended for a wide variety of applications, such as evaluating vision from unmanned aerial vehicles, measuring visibility of damage to aircraft and to the space shuttles, predicting outcomes of corrective laser eye surgery, inspecting displays during the manufacturing process, estimating the quality of compressed digital video, evaluating legibility of text, and predicting discriminability of icons or symbols in a graphical user interface.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1987

Two demonstrators and a simulator for a sparse, distributed memory

Described are two programs demonstrating different aspects of Kanerva's Sparse, Distributed Memory (SDM). These programs run on Sun 3 workstations, one using color, and have straightforward graphically oriented user interfaces and graphical output. Presented are descriptions of the programs, how to use them, and what they show. Additionally, this paper describes the software simulator behind each program.

Brown, Robert L.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Mission telemetry system monitor: A real-time knowledge-based system

The Galileo Mission Telemetry System (MTS) has a cluster of computer subsystems configured as a star network. The MTS handles the real-time processing of spacecraft telemetry and ground monitor data. Large volumes of status and fault messages are generated as a result of changes in the system environment. These messages are triggered by the conditions that exist on any one particular subsystem or device. The order of message generation is in time sequence and does not always correlate to the function sequence of active processes. A significant number of messages provide context with varying degrees of uncertainty. As such, highly skilled telemetry controllers are required to regularly go through high volumes of messages generated by the MTS to identify, diagnose, and isolate faults. A knowledge-based system prototype is being developed to monitor the Galileo Mission Telemetry System performance. The system design approach features temporal reasoning, uncertainty management, and intelligent graphic user interfaces.

Mouneimne, Samih A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Applications of artificial intelligence to space station and automated software techniques: High level robot command language

The objective is to develop a system that will allow a person not necessarily skilled in the art of programming robots to quickly and naturally create the necessary data and commands to enable a robot to perform a desired task. The system will use a menu driven graphical user interface. This interface will allow the user to input data to select objects to be moved. There will be an imbedded expert system to process the knowledge about objects and the robot to determine how they are to be moved. There will be automatic path planning to avoid obstacles in the work space and to create a near optimum path. The system will contain the software to generate the required robot instructions.

Mckee, James W.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Advanced Software Development Workstation Project

The Advanced Software Development Workstation Project, funded by Johnson Space Center, is investigating knowledge-based techniques for software reuse in NASA software development projects. Two prototypes have been demonstrated and a third is now in development. The approach is to build a foundation that provides passive reuse support, add a layer that uses domain-independent programming knowledge, add a layer that supports the acquisition of domain-specific programming knowledge to provide active support, and enhance maintainability and modifiability through an object-oriented approach. The development of new application software would use specification-by-reformulation, based on a cognitive theory of retrieval from very long-term memory in humans, and using an Ada code library and an object base. Current tasks include enhancements to the knowledge representation of Ada packages and abstract data types, extensions to support Ada package instantiation knowledge acquisition, integration with Ada compilers and relational databases, enhancements to the graphical user interface, and demonstration of the system with a NASA contractor-developed trajectory simulation package. Future work will focus on investigating issues involving scale-up and integration.

Lee, Daniel↗
NASA NTRS1990

Continuation of research into software for space operations support, volume 1

A prototype workstation executive called the Hardware Independent Software Development Environment (HISDE) was developed. Software technologies relevant to workstation executives were researched and evaluated and HISDE was used as a test bed for prototyping efforts. New X Windows software concepts and technology were introduced into workstation executives and related applications. The four research efforts performed included: (1) Research into the usability and efficiency of Motif (an X Windows based graphic user interface) which consisted of converting the existing Athena widget based HISDE user interface to Motif demonstrating the usability of Motif and providing insight into the level of effort required to translate an application from widget to another; (2) Prototype a real time data display widget which consisted of research methods for and prototyping the selected method of displaying textual values in an efficient manner; (3) X Windows performance evaluation which consisted of a series of performance measurements which demonstrated the ability of low level X Windows to display textural information; (4) Convert the Display Manager to X Window/Motif which is the application used by NASA for data display during operational mode.

Collier, Mark D.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Techniques and implementation of the embedded rule-based expert system using Ada

Ada is becoming an increasingly popular programming language for large Government-funded software projects. Ada with its portability, transportability, and maintainability lends itself well to today's complex programming environment. In addition, expert systems have also assured a growing role in providing human-like reasoning capability and expertise for computer systems. The integration of expert system technology with Ada programming language, specifically a rule-based expert system using an ART-Ada (Automated Reasoning Tool for Ada) system shell is discussed. The NASA Lewis Research Center was chosen as a beta test site for ART-Ada. The test was conducted by implementing the existing Autonomous Power EXpert System (APEX), a Lisp-base power expert system, in ART-Ada. Three components, the rule-based expert system, a graphics user interface, and communications software make up SMART-Ada (Systems fault Management with ART-Ada). The main objective, to conduct a beta test on the ART-Ada rule-based expert system shell, was achieved. The system is operational. New Ada tools will assist in future successful projects. ART-Ada is one such tool and is a viable alternative to the straight Ada code when an application requires a rule-based or knowledge-based approach.

Liberman, Eugene M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

GTEX: An expert system for diagnosing faults in satellite ground stations

A proof of concept expert system called Ground Terminal Expert (GTEX) was developed at The University of Akron in collaboration with NASA Lewis Research Center. The objective of GTEX is to aid in diagnosing data faults occurring with a digital ground terminal. This strategy can also be applied to the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) technology. An expert system which detects and diagnoses faults would enhance the performance of the VSAT by improving reliability and reducing maintenance time. GTEX is capable of detecting faults, isolating the cause and recommending appropriate actions. Isolation of faults is completed to board-level modules. A graphical user interface provides control and a medium where data can be requested and cryptic information logically displayed. Interaction with GTEX consists of user responses and input from data files. The use of data files provides a method of simulating dynamic interaction between the digital ground terminal and the expert system. GTEX as described is capable of both improving reliability and reducing the time required for necessary maintenance.

Schlegelmilch, Richard F.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Engine Data Interpretation System (EDIS), phase 2

A prototype of an expert system was developed which applies qualitative constraint-based reasoning to the task of post-test analysis of data resulting from a rocket engine firing. Data anomalies are detected and corresponding faults are diagnosed. Engine behavior is reconstructed using measured data and knowledge about engine behavior. Knowledge about common faults guides but does not restrict the search for the best explanation in terms of hypothesized faults. The system contains domain knowledge about the behavior of common rocket engine components and was configured for use with the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). A graphical user interface allows an expert user to intimately interact with the system during diagnosis. The system was applied to data taken during actual SSME tests where data anomalies were observed.

Cost, Thomas L.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Telerobotic ground-remote operations

The Telerobotic Ground-Remote Operations task consists of development of a demonstration local-site operator control station that includes a graphical user interface (GUI) for control of a remote robot, and development of operator-assisted perception algorithms and software that will provide flexible and accurate world modeling capabilities. The topics covered are presented in view graph form and include: (1) local site development configuration; (2) system design; (3) operator control station (local site) software block diagram; (4) operator-assisted perception; and (5) program status.

Bon, Bruce↗
NASA NTRS1991

Higher-order neural network software for distortion invariant object recognition

The state-of-the-art in pattern recognition for such applications as automatic target recognition and industrial robotic vision relies on digital image processing. We present a higher-order neural network model and software which performs the complete feature extraction-pattern classification paradigm required for automatic pattern recognition. Using a third-order neural network, we demonstrate complete, 100 percent accurate invariance to distortions of scale, position, and in-plate rotation. In a higher-order neural network, feature extraction is built into the network, and does not have to be learned. Only the relatively simple classification step must be learned. This is key to achieving very rapid training. The training set is much smaller than with standard neural network software because the higher-order network only has to be shown one view of each object to be learned, not every possible view. The software and graphical user interface run on any Sun workstation. Results of the use of the neural software in autonomous robotic vision systems are presented. Such a system could have extensive application in robotic manufacturing.

Reid, Max B.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The X-windows interactive navigation data editor

A new computer program called the X-Windows Interactive Data Editor (XIDE) was developed and demonstrated as a prototype application for editing radio metric data in the orbit-determination process. The program runs on a variety of workstations and employs pull-down menus and graphical displays, which allow users to easily inspect and edit radio metric data in the orbit data files received from the Deep Space Network (DSN). The XIDE program is based on the Open Software Foundation OSF/Motif Graphical User Interface (GUI) and has proven to be an efficient tool for editing radio metric data in the navigation operations environment. It was adopted by the Magellan Navigation Team as their primary data-editing tool. Because the software was designed from the beginning to be portable, the prototype was successfully moved to new workstation environments. It was also itegrated into the design of the next-generation software tool for DSN multimission navigation interactive launch support.

Rinker, G. C.↗
NASA NTRS1992

IGGy: An interactive environment for surface grid generation

A graphically interactive derivative of the EAGLE boundary code is presented. This code allows the user to interactively build and execute commands and immediately see the results. Strong ties with a batch oriented script language are maintained. A generalized treatment of grid definition parameters allows a more generic definition of the grid generation process and allows the generation of command scripts which can be applied to topologically similar configurations. The use of the graphical user interface is outlined and example applications are presented.

Prewitt, Nathan C.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The NASA-IGES geometry data visualizer

NIGESview, an interactive software tool for reading, viewing, and translating geometry data available in the Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) format, is described. NIGESview is designed to read a variety of IGES entities, translate some of the entities, graphically view the data, and output a file in a specific IGES format. The software provides a modern graphical user interface and is designed in a modular fashion so developers can utilize all or part of the code in their grid generation software for computational fluid dynamics.

Blake, Matthew W.↗