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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 271 records · Page 15

Civil helicopter flight operations using differential GPS

The results of NASA flight trials of a dual-receiver differential global positioning system (DGPS) for civilian helicopter navigation applications, are presented. The three principal components of the DGPS system are described, including the GPS ground-reference system, a range tracking system, and an on-board sequential GPS receiver. The ground-based receiver in the DGPS operates at a known fixed location and receives C/A code signals from NAVSTAR satellites. System bias errors in the ground receiver are subtracted from the airborne solution for the navigational fix. Calculations of the differential bias error are carried out using an on-board PDP-11/34 M research computer. The ground-reference differential corrections for satellites are given in a table. It is shown that the differential correction signal of the DGPS contains only a small (0.1 rad/sec) high-frequency component which can be attributed to system error. A schematic diagram of the DGPS postflight data processing routine is provided.

Edwards, F. G.↗

Automated mesoscale winds derived from GOES multispectral imagery

An automated technique for extracting mesoscale winds from sequences of GOES visible infrared spin scan radiatiometer (VISSR) image pairs has been developed, tested extensively, and configured for quasi-real time research applications on the Atmospheric Sciences Division's research computing sytem. The entire system of computer codes was successfully vectorized for execution on an array processor resulting in job turnaround in less than 1 hour. An objective quality control system provides much greater than 99 percent accuracy in eliminating questionable wind estimates. Dynamical analysis of cloud wind divergence has revealed temporally consistent convergence centers on the meso-beta scale that are highly correlated with ongoing and future developing convective storms.

Wilson, G. S.↗

Interactive information processing for NASA's mesoscale analysis and space sensor program

The Atmospheric Sciences Division (ASD) of the Systems Dynamics Laboratory at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is currently involved in interactive information processing for the Mesoscale Analysis and Space Sensor (MASS) program. Specifically, the ASD is engaged in the development and implementation of new space-borne remote sensing technology to observe and measure mesoscale atmospheric processes. These space measurements and conventional observational data are being processed together to gain an improved understanding of the mesoscale structure and the dynamical evolution of the atmosphere relative to cloud development and precipitation processes. To satisfy its vast data processing requirements, the ASD has developed a Researcher Computer System consiting of three primary computer systems which provides over 20 scientists with a wide range of capabilities for processing and displaying a large volumes of remote sensing data. Each of the computers performs a specific function according to its unique capabilities.

Parker, K. G.↗

Progress of Stirling cycle analysis and loss mechanism characterization

An assessment of Stirling engine thermodynamic modeling and design codes shows a general deficiency; this deficiency is due to poor understanding of the fluid flow and heat transfer phenomena that occur in the oscillating flow and pressure level environment within the engines. Stirling engine thermodynamic loss mechanisms are listed. Several experimental and computational research efforts now underway to characterize various loss mechanisms are reviewed. The need for additional experimental rigs and rig upgrades is discussed. Recent developments and current efforts in Stirling engine thermodynamic modeling are also reviewed.

Tew, R. C., Jr.↗

Recent advances in structural dynamics of large space structures

Recent progress in the area of structural dynamics of large space structures is reviewed. Topics include system identification, large angle slewing of flexible structures, definition of scaling limitations in structural models, and recent results on a tension-stabilized antenna concept known as the hoop-column. Increasingly complex laboratory experiments guide most of the activities leading to realistic technological developments. Theoretical progress in system identification based on system realization theory resulting in unification of several methods is reviewed. Experimental results from implementation of a theoretical large-angle slewing control approach are shown. Status and results of the development of a research computer program for analysis of the transient dynamics of large angle motion of flexible structures are presented. Correlation of results from analysis and vibration tests of the hoop-column antenna concepts are summarized.

Pinson, Larry D.↗

Recent advances in structural dynamics of large space structures

Recent progress in the area of structural dynamics of large space structures is reviewed. Topics include system identification, large angle slewing of flexible structures, definition of scaling limitations in structural models, and recent results on a tension-stabilized antenna concept known as the hoop-column. Increasingly complex laboratory experiments guide most of the activities leading to realistic technological developments. Theoretical progress in system identification based on system realization theory resulting in unification of several methods is reviewed. Experimental results from implementation of a theoretical large-angle slewing control approach are shown. Status and results of the development of a research computer program for analysis of the transient dynamics of large angle motion of flexible structures are presented. Correlation of results from analysis and vibration tests of the hoop-column antenna concept are summarized.

Pinson, Larry D.↗

Studies of asteroids, comets, and Jupiter's outer satellites

The work comprises observational, theoretical, and computational research on asteroids, together with a smaller effort concerning the astrometry of comets and Jupiter's satellites JVI through JXIII. Two principal areas of research, centering on astrometry and photometry, are interrelated in their aim to study the overall structure of the asteroid belt and the physical and orbital properties of individual asteroids. About 2000 accurate photographic positions of asteroids and comets, including a number from the Lowell, Palomar, and Goethe-Link archival plate collections, the last of which was donated to us last winter by Indiana University were measured and published. Charge coupled device (CCD) astrometry of 36 faint targets was undertaken, including 4 comets; JVI, JVII, JVIII, JLX, JXI, and JXII; and 26 asteroids, most of which are Earth-approachers. A deep, bias-correctable asteroid survey (LUKAS), the aim of which is to determine the true spatial distribution of asteroids down to subkilometer diameters was started. A series of eight plates at the UK Schmidt telescope that contain images of asteroids as faint as V approximately 22 mag was obtained. Analysis of microdensitometric scans of two plates has shown that about 98 percent of the asteroid images could be identified completely automatically.

Bowell, Edward↗

Transonic CFD applications at Boeing

The use of computational methods for three dimensional transonic flow design and analysis at the Boeing Company is presented. A range of computational tools consisting of production tools for every day use by project engineers, expert user tools for special applications by computational researchers, and an emerging tool which may see considerable use in the near future are described. These methods include full potential and Euler solvers, some coupled to three dimensional boundary layer analysis methods, for transonic flow analysis about nacelle, wing-body, wing-body-strut-nacelle, and complete aircraft configurations. As the examples presented show, such a toolbox of codes is necessary for the variety of applications typical of an industrial environment. Such a toolbox of codes makes possible aerodynamic advances not previously achievable in a timely manner, if at all.

Tinoco, E. N.↗

New atmospheric sensor analysis study

The functional capabilities of the ESAD Research Computing Facility are discussed. The system is used in processing atmospheric measurements which are used in the evaluation of sensor performance, conducting design-concept simulation studies, and also in modeling the physical and dynamical nature of atmospheric processes. The results may then be evaluated to furnish inputs into the final design specifications for new space sensors intended for future Spacelab, Space Station, and free-flying missions. In addition, data gathered from these missions may subsequently be analyzed to provide better understanding of requirements for numerical modeling of atmospheric phenomena.

Parker, K. G.↗

Multispectral image fusion using neural networks

A prototype system is being developed to demonstrate the use of neural network hardware to fuse multispectral imagery. This system consists of a neural network IC on a motherboard, a circuit card assembly, and a set of software routines hosted by a PC-class computer. Research in support of this consists of neural network simulations fusing 4 to 7 bands of Landsat imagery and fusing (separately) multiple bands of synthetic imagery. The simulations, results, and a description of the prototype system are presented.

Kagel, J. H.↗

Studies of asteroids, comets, and Jupiter's outer satellites

Observational, theoretical, and computational research was performed, mainly on asteroids. Two principal areas of research, centering on astrometry and photometry, are interrelated in their aim to study the overall structure of the asteroid belt and the physical and orbital properties of individual asteroids. Two highlights are: detection of CN emission from Chiron; and realization that 1990 MB is the first known Trojan type asteroid of a planet other than Jupiter. A new method of asteroid orbital error analysis, based on Bayesian theory, was developed.

Bowell, Edward↗

A survey of commercial object-oriented database management systems

The object-oriented data model is the culmination of over thirty years of database research. Initially, database research focused on the need to provide information in a consistent and efficient manner to the business community. Early data models such as the hierarchical model and the network model met the goal of consistent and efficient access to data and were substantial improvements over simple file mechanisms for storing and accessing data. However, these models required highly skilled programmers to provide access to the data. Consequently, in the early 70's E.F. Codd, an IBM research computer scientists, proposed a new data model based on the simple mathematical notion of the relation. This model is known as the Relational Model. In the relational model, data is represented in flat tables (or relations) which have no physical or internal links between them. The simplicity of this model fostered the development of powerful but relatively simple query languages that now made data directly accessible to the general database user. Except for large, multi-user database systems, a database professional was in general no longer necessary. Database professionals found that traditional data in the form of character data, dates, and numeric data were easily represented and managed via the relational model. Commercial relational database management systems proliferated and performance of relational databases improved dramatically. However, there was a growing community of potential database users whose needs were not met by the relational model. These users needed to store data with data types not available in the relational model and who required a far richer modelling environment than that provided by the relational model. Indeed, the complexity of the objects to be represented in the model mandated a new approach to database technology. The Object-Oriented Model was the result.

Atkins, John↗

National Center for Supercomputer Applications

Viewgraphs on the National Center for Supercomputer Applications are presented. The objective is to develop comprehensive computational research environments through the use of evolving software technology.

Arrott, Matthew↗

A 500 megabyte/second disk array

Applications at the Army High Performance Computing Research Center's (AHPCRC) Graphic and Visualization Laboratory (GVL) at the University of Minnesota require a tremendous amount of I/O bandwidth and this appetite for data is growing. Silicon Graphics workstations are used to perform the post-processing, visualization, and animation of multi-terabyte size datasets produced by scientific simulations performed of AHPCRC supercomputers. The M.A.X. (Maximum Achievable Xfer) was designed to find the maximum achievable I/O performance of the Silicon Graphics CHALLENGE/Onyx-class machines that run these applications. Running a fully configured Onyx machine with 12-150MHz R4400 processors, 512MB of 8-way interleaved memory, 31 fast/wide SCSI-2 channel each with a Ciprico disk array controller we were able to achieve a maximum sustained transfer rate of 509.8 megabytes per second. However, after analyzing the results it became clear that the true maximum transfer rate is somewhat beyond this figure and we will need to do further testing with more disk array controllers in order to find the true maximum.

Ruwart, Thomas M.↗

Heat-transfer measurements and computations of swept-shock-wave boundary-layer interactions

An experimental and computational research program providing new knowledge of the heat transfer in swept-shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions is described. An equilibrium turbulent boundary layer on a flat plate is subjected to impingement by a swept planar shock wave generated by a sharp fin. Five different interactions with fin angles ranging from 10 to 20 deg at freestream Mach numbers of 3 and 4 produce a variety of interaction strengths ranging from weak to very strong. A foil heater generates a uniform heat flux over the flat plate surface, and miniature thin-film-resistance sensors are used to measure the local surface temperature. The heat convection equation is then solved for the heat transfer distribution within an interaction, yielding an uncertainty of about +/- 10%. These data are compared with numerical Navier-Stokes solutions that employ a k-epsilon turbulence model. A simple peak heat transfer correlation for fin interactions is suggested.

Lee, Y.↗

Status of The SPARC-GRIPS Initiative

The GCM-Reality Intercomparison Project for the Symbolic Processing Algorithmic Research Computer (SPARC) is an initiative designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of our ability to model the present-day climate and the impacts of different physical perturbations. This poster will show the different scientific experiments being conducted in the general purpose rocket instrumentation and payload system (GRIPS) and include some summaries of the results. The three concurrent aspects of GRIPS are: (1) studies of the climate and transient features simulated by the models; (2) examinations of different parametrizations and their impacts on the model climate; (3) studies of the impact of physical perturbations, such as solar forcing, volcanic aerosols and ozone change. Sample results from a number of these areas will be presented, with discussion of their implications for our ability to model the climate of the present and future atmosphere.

Pawson, Steven↗

Airport Simulations Using Distributed Computational Resources

The Virtual National Airspace Simulation (VNAS) will improve the safety of Air Transportation. In 2001, using simulation and information management software running over a distributed network of super-computers, researchers at NASA Ames, Glenn, and Langley Research Centers developed a working prototype of a virtual airspace. This VNAS prototype modeled daily operations of the Atlanta airport by integrating measured operational data and simulation data on up to 2,000 flights a day. The concepts and architecture developed by NASA for this prototype are integral to the National Airspace Simulation to support the development of strategies improving aviation safety, identifying precursors to component failure.

McDermott, William J.↗

(abstract) User Support for an MPP, JPL Begins the Process

The issue of training end-users and center staff in the effective utilization of Cray Research computers is a constant, on-going process at most all sites. Problems such as training materials, class frequency, videos, and site-specific information are very important components in this area. Panel members will offer a varied approach to technical training, and CRI will present possible solutions as well.

training Cray staff users approaches↗