Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Classical Control”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 343 records · Page 19
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1991

Sensitivity analysis, approximate analysis, and design optimization for internal and external viscous flows

A gradient-based design optimization strategy for practical aerodynamic design applications is presented, which uses the 2D thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations. The strategy is based on the classic idea of constructing different modules for performing the major tasks such as function evaluation, function approximation and sensitivity analysis, mesh regeneration, and grid sensitivity analysis, all driven and controlled by a general-purpose design optimization program. The accuracy of aerodynamic shape sensitivity derivatives is validated on two viscous test problems: internal flow through a double-throat nozzle and external flow over a NACA 4-digit airfoil. A significant improvement in aerodynamic performance has been achieved in both cases. Particular attention is given to a consistent treatment of the boundary conditions in the calculation of the aerodynamic sensitivity derivatives for the classic problems of external flow over an isolated lifting airfoil on 'C' or 'O' meshes.

Taylor, Arthur C., III↗
NASA NTRS1980

A pilot modeling technique for handling-qualities research

A brief survey of the more dominant analysis techniques used in closed-loop handling-qualities research is presented. These techniques are shown to rely on so-called classical and modern analytical models of the human pilot which have their foundation in the analysis and design principles of feedback control. The optimal control model of the human pilot is discussed in some detail and a novel approach to the a priori selection of pertinent model parameters is discussed. Frequency domain and tracking performance data from 10 pilot-in-the-loop simulation experiments involving 3 different tasks are used to demonstrate the parameter selection technique. Finally, the utility of this modeling approach in handling-qualities research is discussed.

Hess, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Optimal symmetric flight studies

Several topics in optimal symmetric flight of airbreathing vehicles are examined. In one study, an approximation scheme designed for onboard real-time energy management of climb-dash is developed and calculations for a high-performance aircraft presented. In another, a vehicle model intermediate in complexity between energy and point-mass models is explored and some quirks in optimal flight characteristics peculiar to the model uncovered. In yet another study, energy-modelling procedures are re-examined with a view to stretching the range of validity of zeroth-order approximation by special choice of state variables. In a final study, time-fuel tradeoffs in cruise-dash are examined for the consequences of nonconvexities appearing in the classical steady cruise-dash model. Two appendices provide retrospective looks at two early publications on energy modelling and related optimal control theory.

Weston, A. R.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Dynamic Stability and Gravitational Balancing of Multiple Extended Bodies

Feasibility of a non-invasive compensation scheme was analyzed for precise positioning of a massive extended body in free fall using gravitational forces influenced by surrounding source masses in close proximity. The N-body problem of classical mechanics is a paradigm used to gain insight into the physics of the equivalent N-body problem subject to control forces. The analysis addressed how a number of control masses move around the proof mass so that the proof mass position can be accurately and remotely compensated when exogenous disturbances are acting on it, while its sensitivity to gravitational waves remains unaffected. Past methods to correct the dynamics of the proof mass have considered active electrostatic or capacitive methods, but the possibility of stray capacitances on the surfaces of the proof mass have prompted the investigation of other alternatives, such as the method presented in this paper. While more rigorous analyses of the problem should be carried out, the data show that, by means of a combined feedback and feed-forward control approach, the control masses succeeded in driving the proof mass along the specified trajectory, which implies that the proof mass can, in principle, be balanced via gravitational forces only while external perturbations are acting on it. This concept involves the dynamic stability of a group of massive objects interacting gravitationally under active control, and can apply to drag-free control of spacecraft during missions, to successor gravitational wave space borne sensors, or to any application requiring flying objects to be precisely controlled in position and attitude relative to another body via gravitational interactions only.

Quadrelli, Marco↗
NASA NTRS2000

SIM Configuration Evolution

The Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) is a space-based 10 m baseline Michelson interferometer. Planned for launch in 2005 aboard a Delta III launch vehicle, or equivalent, its primary objective is to measure the positions of stars and other celestial objects with an unprecedented accuracy of 4 micro arc seconds. With such an instrument, tremendous advancement can be expected in our understanding of stellar and galactic dynamics. Using triangulation from opposite sides of the orbit around the sun (i.e. by using parallax) one can measure the distance to any observable object in our galaxy. By directly measuring the orbital wobble of nearby stars, the mass and orbit of planets can be determined over a wide range of parameters. The distribution of velocity within nearby galaxies will be measurable. Observations of these and other objects will improve the calibration of distance estimators by more than an order of magnitude. This will permit a much better determination of the Hubble Constant as well as improving our overall understanding of the evolution of the universe. SIM has undergone several transformations, especially over the past year and a half since the start of Phase A. During this phase of a project, it is desirable to perform system-level trade studies, so the substantial evolution of the design that has occurred is quite appropriate. Part of the trade-off process has addressed two major underlying architectures: SIM Classic; and Son of SIM. The difference between these two architectures is related to the overall arrangement of the optical elements and the associated metrology system. Several different configurations have been developed for each architecture. Each configuration is the result of design choices that are influenced by many competing considerations. Some of the more important aspects will be discussed. The Space Interferometry Mission has some extremely challenging goals: millikelvin thermal stability, nanometer stabilization of optics, picometer measurement of wavefront, and others. In order to meet these goals, a significant amount of technological development is required. Although there has been a program operating for about a decade developing technologies specifically to address the challenges of space-based interferometry, there still remains a tremendous effort to achieve the incredible accuracy required of SIM. The projected viability of some of these areas has influenced design choices during the evolution of the many configurations that have been developed. For instance, the perceived complexity of the IR laser metrology system used to measure and control the positions of key optical elements was the strongest discriminator between the two architectures, and led to a decision to select SOS rather than Classic in early 1998. More recently, an appreciation of the sensitivity to beam-walk within the SOS architecture is forcing a reconsideration of that decision. At the time of submission of this abstract, there is some hope that a full-aperture metrology system may alleviate this issue. In addition to describing the current configuration of SIM, the influence of a few selected areas on the evolution of the configuration will be discussed.

Aaron, Kim M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Martian surface and crust - Review and synthesis.

The nature of the classical marking of Mars are studied on the basis of Mariner 9 data and some earlier data. The analysis leads to a model of the Martian crust. Evidence for petrologic distinctions between surface materials in dark and light regions is obtained. It is shown that the classical markings are a complex result of three factors: (1) availability of two types of rock material transportable by wind, (2) topographic control of deposition, and (3) prevailing winds producing quasi-permanent preferential deposition patterns. The crust, especially in the Tharsis region, bears strong evidence of mantle-induced uplift of a type existing on earth. Such uplifts have obliterated ancient craters, caused fractures and graben systems, and have resulted in intense volcanism.

Hartmann, W. K.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Using Bond Graphs for Articulated, Flexible Multi-bodies, Sensors, Actuators, and Controllers with Application to the International Space Station

Conceptually, modeling of flexible, multi-body systems involves a formulation as a set of time-dependent partial differential equations. However, for practical, engineering purposes, this modeling is usually done using the method of Finite Elements, which approximates the set of partial differential equations, thus generalizing the approach to all continuous media. This research investigates the links between the Bond Graph method and the classical methods used to develop system models and advocates the Bond Graph Methodology and current bond graph tools as alternate approaches that will lead to a quick and precise understanding of a flexible multi-body system under automatic control. For long endurance, complex spacecraft, because of articulation and mission evolution the model of the physical system may change frequently. So a method of automatic generation and regeneration of system models that does not lead to implicit equations, as does the Lagrange equation approach, is desirable. The bond graph method has been shown to be amenable to automatic generation of equations with appropriate consideration of causality. Indeed human-interactive software now exists that automatically generates both symbolic and numeric system models and evaluates causality as the user develops the model, e.g. the CAMP-G software package. In this paper the CAMP-G package is used to generate a bond graph model of the International Space Station (ISS) at an early stage in its assembly, Zvezda. The ISS is an ideal example because it is a collection of bodies that are articulated, many of which are highly flexible. Also many reaction jets are used to control translation and attitude, and many electric motors are used to articulate appendages, which consist of photovoltaic arrays and composite assemblies. The Zvezda bond graph model is compared to an existing model, which was generated by the NASA Johnson Space Center during the Verification and Analysis Cycle of Zvezda.

Montgomery, Raymond C.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Separating the Influence of Environment from Stress Relaxation Effects on Dwell Fatigue Crack Growth in a Nickel-Base Disk Alloy

Both environmental embrittlement and crack tip visco-plastic stress relaxation play a significant role in determining the dwell fatigue crack growth (DFCG) resistance of nickel-based disk superalloys. In the current study performed on the Low Solvus High Refractory (LSHR) disk alloy, the influence of these two mechanisms were separated so that the effects of each could be quantified and modeled. Seven different microstructural variations of LSHR were produced by controlling the cooling rate and the subsequent aging and thermal exposure heat treatments. Through cyclic fatigue crack growth testing performed both in air and vacuum, it was established that four out of the seven LSHR heat treatments evaluated, possessed similar intrinsic environmental resistance to cyclic crack growth. For these four heat treatments, it was further shown that the large differences in dwell crack growth behavior which still persisted, were related to their measured stress relaxation behavior. The apparent differences in their dwell crack growth resistance were attributed to the inability of the standard linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) stress intensity parameter to account for visco-plastic behavior. Crack tip stress relaxation controls the magnitude of the remaining local tensile stresses which are directly related to the measured dwell crack growth rates. It was hypothesized that the environmentally weakened grain boundary crack tip regions fail during the dwells when their strength is exceeded by the remaining local crack tip tensile stresses. It was shown that the classical creep crack growth mechanisms such as grain boundary sliding did not contribute to crack growth, but the local visco-plastic behavior still plays a very significant role by determining the crack tip tensile stress field which controls the dwell crack growth behavior. To account for the influence of the visco-plastic behavior on the crack tip stress field, an empirical modification to the LEFM stress intensity parameter, Kmax, was developed by incorporating into the formulation the remaining stress level concept as measured by simple stress relaxation tests. The newly proposed parameter, Ksrf, did an excellent job in correlating the dwell crack growth rates for the four heat treatments which were shown to have similar intrinsic environmental cyclic fatigue crack growth resistance.

Dwell crack growth↗
NASA NTRS2016

Separating the Influence of Environment from Stress Relaxation Effects on Dwell Fatigue Crack Growth

Seven different microstructural variations of LSHR were produced by controlling the cooling rate and the subsequent aging and thermal exposure heat treatments. Through cyclic fatigue crack growth testing performed both in air and vacuum, it was established that four out of the seven LSHR heat treatments evaluated, possessed similar intrinsic environmental resistance to cyclic crack growth. For these four heat treatments, it was further shown that the large differences in dwell crack growth behavior which still persisted, were related to their measured stress relaxation behavior. The apparent differences in their dwell crack growth resistance were attributed to the inability of the standard linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) stress intensity parameter to account for visco-plastic behavior. Crack tip stress relaxation controls the magnitude of the remaining local tensile stresses which are directly related to the measured dwell crack growth rates. It was hypothesized that the environmentally weakened grain boundary crack tip regions fail during the dwells when their strength is exceeded by the remaining local crack tip tensile stresses. It was shown that the classical creep crack growth mechanisms such as grain boundary sliding did not contribute to crack growth, but the local visco-plastic behavior still plays a very significant role by determining the crack tip tensile stress field which controls the dwell crack growth behavior. To account for the influence of the visco-plastic behavior on the crack tip stress field, an empirical modification to the LEFM stress intensity parameter, Kmax, was developed by incorporating into the formulation the remaining stress level concept as measured by simple stress relaxation tests. The newly proposed parameter, Ksrf, did an excellent job in correlating the dwell crack growth rates for the four heat treatments which were shown to have similar intrinsic environmental cyclic fatigue crack growth resistance.

environmental damage↗
NASA NTRS2001

Experimental and Computational Studies of the Control of Convection of Non-Conducting Liquids During solidification by Means of a Magnetic Field Gradient

The elimination of convection is essential in experimental investigations of diffusive transport (of heat and matter) during solidification. One classical approach to damping convection in a conducting liquid is the application of a magnetic field. The damping phenomenon is the induction, by the motion of a conductor in a magnetic field, of currents which interact with the field to produce Lorentz forces that oppose the flow. However, there are many liquids which are not sufficiently conducting to exploit this phenomenon; examples include the transparent liquids (such as succinonitrile-acetone) that are used as "model alloys" in fundamental solidification studies. There have been several investigations of the solidification of these liquids that have been carried out in orbiting laboratories to eliminate natural convection. The paper describes an investigation of an alternative approach whereby a magnetic field gradient is applied to the liquid. A magnetic body force then arises which is dependent on the susceptibility of the liquid and thereby on the temperature and or concentration. With the field gradient aligned vertically and of correct magnitude, the variation of gravitational body force due to temperature/concentration dependent density can be counterbalanced by a variation in magnetic body force. Experiments have been carried out in a super-conducting magnet at Marshall Space Flight Center to measure velocities in an aqueous manganese chloride solution. The solution was contained in a chamber with temperature controlled end walls and glass side walls. Velocities were measured by particle image velocimetry. Starting from zero current in the magnet (zero field gradient) flow driven by the temperature difference between the end walls was measured. At a critical current the flow was halted. At higher currents the normal convection was reversed. The experiments included ones where the solution was solidified and were accompanied by solution of the flow/transport equations using the software package FLUENT.

Seybert, C. D.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Quadratic performance index generation for optimal regular design.

Application of optimal control theory to practical problems has been limited by the difficulty of prescribing a performance index which accurately reflects design requirements. The task of deriving equivalent performance indices is considered in the present paper for a plant that is a completely controllable, scalar linear system with state feedback. A quadratic index is developed which leads to an optimal design performance satisfying some of the classical performance criteria.

Bullock, T. E.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Chemical vapor deposition growth

A laboratory type CVD reactor system with a vertical deposition chamber and sample pedestal heated by an external RF coil has been extensively modified by installation of mass flow controllers, automatic process sequence timers, and special bellows-sealed air-operated valves for overall improved performance. Various film characterization procedures, including classical metallography, SEM analyses, X ray diffraction analyses, surface profilometry, and electrical measurements (resistivity, carrier concentration, mobility, spreading resistance profiles, and minority-carrier lifetime by the C-V-t method) area used to correlate Si sheet properties with CVD parameters and substrate properties. Evaluation procedures and measurements are given. Experimental solar cell structures were made both in epitaxial Si sheet (on sapphire substrates) and in polycrystalline material on alumina substrates, the former to provide an indication of what might be an upper limit on performance of the latter. Preliminary results are given, as obtained in cell structures not specially designed to allow for the unique properties of the sheet material, and fabricated in material known to be far from optimum for photovoltaic performance. Low power conversion efficiencies have been obtained in the epitaxial as well as the polycrystalline Si sheet.

Ruth, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Sequential design of discrete linear quadratic regulators via optimal root-locus techniques

A sequential method employing classical root-locus techniques has been developed in order to determine the quadratic weighting matrices and discrete linear quadratic regulators of multivariable control systems. At each recursive step, an intermediate unity rank state-weighting matrix that contains some invariant eigenvectors of that open-loop matrix is assigned, and an intermediate characteristic equation of the closed-loop system containing the invariant eigenvalues is created.

Shieh, Leang S.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Backscattering and Nonparaxiality Arrest Collapse of Damped Nonlinear Waves

The critical nonlinear Schrodinger equation (NLS) models the propagation of intense laser light in Kerr media. This equation is derived from the more comprehensive nonlinear Helmholtz equation (NLH) by employing the paraxial approximation and neglecting the backscattered waves. It is known that if the input power of the laser beam (i.e., L(sub 2) norm of the initial solution) is sufficiently high, then the NLS model predicts that the beam will self-focus to a point (i.e.. collapse) at a finite propagation distance. Mathematically, this behavior corresponds to the formation of a singularity in the solution of the NLS. A key question which has been open for many years is whether the solution to the NLH, i.e., the 'parent' equation, may nonetheless exist and remain regular everywhere, in particular for those initial conditions (input powers) that lead to blowup in the NLS. In the current study, we address this question by introducing linear damping into both models and subsequently comparing the numerical solutions of the damped NLH (boundary-value problem) with the corresponding solutions of the damped NLS (initial-value problem). Linear damping is introduced in much the same way as done when analyzing the classical constant-coefficient Helmholtz equation using the limiting absorption principle. Numerically, we have found that it provides a very efficient tool for controlling the solutions of both the NLH and NHS. In particular, we have been able to identify initial conditions for which the NLS solution does become singular. whereas the NLH solution still remains regular everywhere. We believe that our finding of a larger domain of existence for the NLH than that for the NLS is accounted for by precisely those mechanisms, that have been neglected when deriving the NLS from the NLH, i.e., nonparaxiality and backscattering.

Fibich, G.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Controlling Microbial Byproducts using Model-Based Substrate Monitoring and Control Strategies

We have developed a computer-controlled bioreactor system to study various aspects of microbially-mediated nitrogen cycling. The system has been used to investigate methods for controlling microbial denitrification (the dissimilatory reduction of nitrate to N2O and N2) in hydroponic plant growth chambers. Such chambers are key elements of advanced life support systems being designed for use on long duration space missions, but nitrogen use efficiency in them is reduced by denitrification. Control software architecture was designed which permits the heterogeneous control of system hardware using traditional feedback control, and quantitative and qualitative models of various system features. Model-based feed forward control entails prediction of future systems in states and automated regulation of system parameters to achieve desired and avoid undesirable system states. A bacterial growth rate model based on the classic Monod model of saturation kinetics was used to evaluate the response of several individual denitrifying species to varying environmental conditions. The system and models are now being applied to mixed microbial communities harvested from the root zone of a hydroponic growth chamber. The use of a modified Monod organism interaction model was evaluated as a means of achieving more accurate description of the dynamic behavior of the communities. A minimum variance parameter estimation routine was also' used to calibrate the constant parameters in the model by iterative evaluation of substrate (nitrate) uptake and growth kinetics. This representation of processes and interactions aids in the formulation of control laws. The feed forward control strategy being developed will increase system autonomy, reduce crew intervention and limit the accumulation of undesirable waste products (NOx).

Smernoff, David T.↗
NASA NTRS1975

The effects of selected modern technological concepts on the performance and handling characteristics of LTA vehicles

The results of an airship design sensitivity study are presented. A wide variety of airship design concepts, including the classical and high aero-lift augmented-hybrids are examined with regard to specific technological improvements, and consequent gains in performance, stability and control and flying qualities. Variations in size, payload, power required and airspeed are quantitatively analyzed for airships representing aero-to-buoyant lift ratios of zero to 3.0 over a range of technology improvements implying reduced drag, reduced structural weight fractions and lighter, more efficient propulsion systems. Qualitatively, future airships are discussed in terms of stability, control and flying qualities requirements dictated by projected demands for vastly improved operational effectiveness and ease of handling. Such topics include stability augmentation systems, load-alleviation systems and total computer state-sensing and controls management systems. It was shown that, for the most part, highly refined conventional designs offer attractive gains in both performance and ease of handling. Hybrid airships represent a good potential for missions requiring the transport of heavy payloads at higher airspeeds over shorter ranges without the capability for sustained hover and vertical flight.

Mazza, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Digital set point control of nonlinear stochastic systems

A technique for digital control of nonlinear stochastic plants is presented. The development achieves a practical digital algorithm with which the closed-loop system behaves in a classical Type I manner even with gross nonlinearities in the plant structure and low signal-to-noise power ratios. The design procedure is explained in detail and illustrated by an example whose simulated responses testify to the practicality of the approach.

Moose, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Optimal damper location in the vibration control of large space structures

The problem of finding the optimal location of active dampers for the vibration control of space structures is investigated. The optimal location is where maximum damping can be introduced to a particular vibration mode. To this end, classical root locus techniques are used to study the effect on eigenvalues of placing a damper on an undamped structure. An efficient formulation is derived which avoids the solution of the damped eigenvalue problem. Based on the observation of the results for a free-free beam model, a Minimum Constrained Frequency Criterion (MCFC) for locating the optimal damper location is proposed.

Wang, B. P.↗