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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 289 records · Page 16

Compiling global name-space parallel loops for distributed execution

Distributed memory machines do not provide hardware support for a global address space. Thus programmers are forced to partition the data across the memories of the architecture and use explicit message passing to communicate data between processors. The compiler support required to allow programmers to express their algorithms using a global name-space is examined. A general method is presented for analysis of a high level source program and its translation into a set of independently executing tasks communicating via messages. If the compiler has enough information, this translation can be carried out at compile time. Otherwise, run-time code is generated to implement the required data movement. The analysis required in both situations is described and the performance of the generated code on the Intel iPSC/2 is presented.

Koelbel, Charles↗

Concurrent planning and execution for autonomous robots

The Task Control Architecture (TCA) provides communication and coordination facilities to construct distributed, concurrent robotic systems. The use of TCA in a system that walks a legged robot through rugged terrain is described. The walking system, as originally implemented, had a sequential sense-plan-act control cycle. Utilizing TCA features for task sequencing and monitoring, the system was modified to concurrently plan and execute steps. Walking speed improved by over 30 percent, with only a relatively modest conversion effort.

Simmons, Reid G.↗

Large Deployable Reflector (LDR) system concept and technology definition study. Volume 1: Executive summary, analyses and trades, and system concepts

A study was conducted to define reasonable and representative large deployable reflector (LDR) system concepts for the purpose of defining a technology development program aimed at providing the requisite technological capability necessary to start LDR development by the end of 1991. This volume includes the executive summary for the total study, a report of thirteen system analysis and trades tasks (optical configuration, aperture size, reflector material, segmented mirror, optical subsystem, thermal, pointing and control, transportation to orbit, structures, contamination control, orbital parameters, orbital environment, and spacecraft functions), and descriptions of three selected LDR system concepts. Supporting information is contained in appendices.

Agnew, Donald L.↗

Multi-agent planning and scheduling, execution monitoring and incremental rescheduling: Application to motorway traffic

This article describes a planning method applicable to agents with great perception and decision-making capabilities and the ability to communicate with other agents. Each agent has a task to fulfill allowing for the actions of other agents in its vicinity. Certain simultaneous actions may cause conflicts because they require the same resource. The agent plans each of its actions and simultaneously transmits these to its neighbors. In a similar way, it receives plans from the other agents and must take account of these plans. The planning method allows us to build a distributed scheduling system. Here, these agents are robot vehicles on a highway communicating by radio. In this environment, conflicts between agents concern the allocation of space in time and are connected with the inertia of the vehicles. Each vehicle made a temporal, spatial, and situated reasoning in order to drive without collision. The flexibility and reactivity of the method presented here allows the agent to generate its plan based on assumptions concerning the other agents and then check these assumptions progressively as plans are received from the other agents. A multi-agent execution monitoring of these plans can be done, using data generated during planning and the multi-agent decision-making algorithm described here. A selective backtrack allows us to perform incremental rescheduling.

Mourou, Pascal↗

Enhancing real-time flight simulation execution by intercepting Run-Time Library calls

Standard operating system input-output (I/O) procedures impose a large time penalty on real-time program execution. These procedures are generally invoked by way of Run-Time Library (RTL) calls. To reduce the time penalty, as well as add flexibility, a technique has been developed to dynamically intercept these calls. The design and implementation of this technique, as applied to FORTRAN WRITE statements, are described. Measured performance gains using this RTL intercept technique are on the order of 1000 percent.

Reinbachs, Namejs↗

A hypersonic executive transport

Four teams of seven students each developed conceptual designs for a hypersonic executive transport. The specifications called for a 10-passenger jet that had a range of 6000 nm while cruising at a Mach number between M = 4 and M = 6 and was capable of operating from 10,000-ft runways. The configurations produced by the student design teams varied significantly in both planform and propulsion, but all met the mission requirements. A methane-fueled, variable-cycle turbofan-ramjet powered, double-delta transport was the most conventional design; a second aircraft having variable sweep canards utilized hydrogen-fueled turbofan-ramjet engines and laminar flow control on its delta wing. Two configurations were derived from waverider concepts, analytically shaped flying wings that exploit an M = 6 shock wave for efficient lift-to-drag ratios. One of the waveriders uses a liquid, noncryogenic fuel - methylcyclohexane - to power separate turbofan and ramjet engines. The second waverider initially operates its turbofan-ramjet engine with liquid JP-X for take-off and flight to M = 3, then switches to liquid hydrogen for the ramjet high Mach number cycle. The design studies include the effects of aerodynamic heating, environmental concerns, and operating and production costs of each hypersonic transport.

Debonis, J.↗

Aerodynamic characteristics and pressure distributions for an executive-jet baseline airfoil section

A wind tunnel test of an executive-jet baseline airfoil model was conducted in the adaptive-wall test section of the NASA Langley 0.3-Meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel. The primary goal of the test was to measure airfoil aerodynamic characteristics over a wide range of flow conditions that encompass two design points. The two design Mach numbers were 0.654 and 0.735 with corresponding Reynolds numbers of 4.5 x 10(exp 6) and 8.9 x 10(exp 6) based on chord, respectively, and normal-force coefficients of 0.98 and 0.51, respectively. The tests were conducted over a Mach number range from 0.250 to 0.780 and a chord Reynolds number range from 3 x 10(exp 6) to 18 x 10(exp 6). The angle of attack was varied from -2 deg to a maximum below 10 deg with one exception in which the maximum was 14 deg for a Mach number of 0.250 at a chord Reynolds number of 4.5 x 10(exp 6). Boundary-layer transition was fixed at 5 percent of chord on both the upper and lower surfaces of the model for most of the test. The adaptive-wall test section had flexible top and bottom walls and rigid sidewalls. Wall interference was minimized by the movement of the adaptive walls, and the airfoil aerodynamic characteristics were corrected for any residual top and bottom wall interference.

Allison, Dennis O.↗

Space history, space policy, and executive leadership

A lecture that attempts to establish the role of space historians in formulating space policy is presented. The discussion focusses on two adages and their relevance to space policy. The adages are as follows: 'write about what you know;' and 'good managers do things right; good executives do the right things.'

Kraemer, Sylvia K.↗

Electronic Engineering Notebook: A software environment for research execution, documentation and dissemination

The electronic engineering notebook (EEN) consists of a free form research notebook, implemented in a commercial package for distributed hypermedia, which includes utilities for graphics capture, formatting and display of LaTex constructs, and interfaces to the host operating system. The latter capability consists of an information computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tool and a means to associate executable scripts with source objects. The EEN runs on Sun and HP workstations. The EEN, in day-to-day use can be used in much the same manner as the sort of research notes most researchers keep during development of projects. Graphics can be pasted in, equations can be entered via LaTex, etc. In addition, the fact that the EEN is hypermedia permits easy management of 'context', e.g., derivations and data can contain easily formed links to other supporting derivations and data. The CASE tool also permits development and maintenance of source code directly in the notebook, with access to its derivations and data.

Moerder, Dan↗

Assessment of a career development program for executive amd mid-level managers

This project sought to validate the competencies required of mid-level and executive managers at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), in order to enable an assessment of the Resident Management Education Program (RMEP). Forty (40) statements describing management competencies were presented to a sample of 37 KSC managers, who judged each as essential, useful but not essential, or not needed at each of two management levels. A content validity ratio (CVR) was calculated for each competency statement at the two management levels. There was general agreement on the validity of 36 or the 40 competency statements. Based on the content validity ratios and comments from respondents, recommendations for improvement of the RMEP were made.

Swanson, James R., Sr.↗

Structural Arrangement Trade Study. Volume 1: Reusable Hydrogen Composite Tank System (RHCTS) and Graphite Composite Primary Structures (GCPS). Executive summary

This volume is the first of a three volume set that discusses the structural arrangement trade study plan that will identify the most suitable configuration for an SSTO winged vehicle capable of delivering 25,000 lbs to a 220 nm circular orbit at 51.6 deg inclination. The Reusable Hydrogen Composite Tank System (RHCTS), and Graphite Composite Primary Structures most suitable for intertank, wing and thrust structures are identified. This executive summary presents the trade study process, the selection process, requirements used, analysis performed and data generated. Conclusions and recommendations are also presented.

Source record↗

Optimal attitude maneuver execution for the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) mission

The Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft will require frequent attitude reorientations in order to maintain the spacecraft high gain antenna (HGA) within 3 deg of earth-pointing. These attitude maneuvers will be accomplished by employing a series of ground-commanded thruster pulses, computed by ground operations personnel, to achieve the desired change in the spacecraft angular momentum vector. With each maneuver, attitude nutation will be excited. Large nutation angles are undesirable from a science standpoint. It is important that the thruster firings be phased properly in order to minimize the nutation angle at the end of the maneuver so that science collection time is maximized. The analysis presented derives a simple approximation for the nutation contribution resulting from a series of short thruster burns. Analytic equations are derived which give the induced nutation angle as a function of the number of small thruster burns used to execute the attitude maneuver and the phasing of the burns. The results show that by properly subdividing the attitude burns, the induced nutation can be kept low. The analytic equations are also verified through attitude dynamics simulation and simulation results are presented. Finally, techniques for quantifying the post-maneuver nutation are discussed.

Woodard, Mark A.↗

An executable specification for the message processor in a simple combining network

While the primary function of the network in a parallel computer is to communicate data between processors, it is often useful if the network can also perform rudimentary calculations. That is, some simple processing ability in the network itself, particularly for performing parallel prefix computations, can reduce both the volume of data being communicated and the computational load on the processors proper. Unfortunately, typical implementations of such networks require a large fraction of the hardware budget, and so combining networks are viewed as being impractical. The FFP Machine has such a combining network, and various characteristics of the machine allow a good deal of simplification in the network design. Despite being simple in construction however, the network relies on many subtle details to work correctly. This paper describes an executable model of the network which will serve several purposes. It provides a complete and detailed description of the network which can substantiate its ability to support necessary functions. It provides an environment in which algorithms to be run on the network can be designed and debugged more easily than they would on physical hardware. Finally, it provides the foundation for exploring the design of the message receiving facility which connects the network to the individual processors.

Middleton, David↗

Executing CLIPS expert systems in a distributed environment

This paper describes a framework for running cooperating agents in a distributed environment to support the Intelligent Computer Aided Design System (ICADS), a project in progress at the CAD Research Unit of the Design Institute at the California Polytechnic State University. Currently, the systems aids an architectural designer in creating a floor plan that satisfies some general architectural constraints and project specific requirements. At the core of ICADS is the Blackboard Control System. Connected to the blackboard are any number of domain experts called Intelligent Design Tools (IDT). The Blackboard Control System monitors the evolving design as it is being drawn and helps resolve conflicts from the domain experts. The user serves as a partner in this system by manipulating the floor plan in the CAD system and validating recommendations made by the domain experts. The primary components of the Blackboard Control System are two expert systems executed by a modified CLIPS shell. The first is the Message Handler. The second is the Conflict Resolver. The Conflict Resolver synthesizes the suggestions made by the domain experts, which can be either CLIPS expert systems, or compiled C programs. In DEMO1, the current ICADS prototype, the CLIPS domain expert systems are Acoustics, Lighting, Structural, and Thermal; the compiled C domain experts are the CAD system and the User Interface.

Taylor, James↗

Advanced transportation system studies technical area 2(TA-2): Heavy lift launch vehicle development: Executive summary - volume 1

The purpose of the TA-2 contract was to provide advanced launch vehicle concept definition and analysis to assist NASA in the identification of future launch vehicle requirements. Contracted analysis activities included vehicle sizing and performance analysis, subsystem concept definition, propulsion subsystem definition (foreign and domestic), ground operations and facilities analysis, and life cycle cost estimation. This document is part of the final report for the TA-2 contract. The final report consists of three volumes: Volume 1 is the Executive Summary, Volume 2 is Technical Results, and Volume 3 is Program Cost Estimates. The document-at-hand, Volume 1, provides a summary description of the technical activities that were performed over the entire contract duration, covering three distinct launch vehicle definition activities: heavy-lift (300,000 pounds injected mass to low Earth orbit) launch vehicles for the First Lunar Outpost (FLO), medium-lift (50,000-80,000 pounds injected mass to low Earth orbit) launch vehicles, and single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) launch vehicles (25,000 pounds injected mass to a Space Station orbit).

McCurry, J.↗

Assessment of dual-point drag reduction for an executive-jet modified airfoil section

This paper presents aerodynamic characteristics and pressure distributions for an executive-jet modified airfoil and discusses drag reduction relative to a baseline airfoil for two cruise design points. A modified airfoil was tested in the adaptive-wall test section of the NASA Langley 0.3-Meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel (0.3-m TCT) for Mach numbers ranging from 0.250 to 0.780 and chord Reynolds numbers ranging from 3.0 x 10(exp 6) to 18.0 x 10(exp 6). The angle of attack was varied from minus 2 degrees to almost 10 degrees. Boundary-layer transition was fixed at 5 percent of chord on both the upper and lower surfaces of the model for most of the test. The two design Mach numbers were 0.654 and 0.735, chord Reynolds numbers were 4.5 x 10(exp 6) and 8.9 x 10(exp 6), and normal-force coefficients were 0.98 and 0.51. Test data are presented graphically as integrated force and moment coefficients and chordwise pressure distributions. The maximum normal-force coefficient decreases with increasing Mach number. At a constant normal-force coefficient in the linear region, as Mach number increases an increase occurs in the slope of normal-force coefficient versus angle of attack, negative pitching-moment coefficient, and drag coefficient. With increasing Reynolds number at a constant normal-force coefficient, the pitching-moment coefficient becomes more negative and the drag coefficient decreases. The pressure distributions reveal that when present, separation begins at the trailing edge as angle of attack is increased. The modified airfoil, which is designed with pitching moment and geometric constraints relative to the baseline airfoil, achieved drag reductions for both design points (12 and 22 counts). The drag reductions are associated with stronger suction pressures in the first 10 percent of the upper surface and weakened shock waves.

Allison, Dennis O.↗

ASAC Executive Assistant Architecture Description Summary

In this technical document, we describe the system architecture developed for the Aviation System Analysis Capability (ASAC) Executive Assistant (EA). We describe the genesis and role of the ASAC system, discuss the objectives of the ASAC system and provide an overview of components and models within the ASAC system, discuss our choice for an architecture methodology, the Domain Specific Software Architecture (DSSA), and the DSSA approach to developing a system architecture, and describe the development process and the results of the ASAC EA system architecture. The document has six appendices.

Roberts, Eileen↗

Aviation System Analysis Capability Executive Assistant Design

In this technical document, we describe the design developed for the Aviation System Analysis Capability (ASAC) Executive Assistant (EA) Proof of Concept (POC). We describe the genesis and role of the ASAC system, discuss the objectives of the ASAC system and provide an overview of components and models within the ASAC system, and describe the design process and the results of the ASAC EA POC system design. We also describe the evaluation process and results for applicable COTS software. The document has six chapters, a bibliography, three appendices and one attachment.

Roberts, Eileen↗