Search NASASearch

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Simulation Optimization”

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 37 records · Page 2

Surrogates for numerical simulations; optimization of eddy-promoter heat exchangers

Although the advent of fast and inexpensive parallel computers has rendered numerous previously intractable calculations feasible, many numerical simulations remain too resource-intensive to be directly inserted in engineering optimization efforts. An attractive alternative to direct insertion considers models for computational systems: the expensive simulation is evoked only to construct and validate a simplified, input-output model; this simplified input-output model then serves as a simulation surrogate in subsequent engineering optimization studies. A simple 'Bayesian-validated' statistical framework for the construction, validation, and purposive application of static computer simulation surrogates is presented. As an example, dissipation-transport optimization of laminar-flow eddy-promoter heat exchangers are considered: parallel spectral element Navier-Stokes calculations serve to construct and validate surrogates for the flowrate and Nusselt number; these surrogates then represent the originating Navier-Stokes equations in the ensuing design process.

Patera, Anthony T.

Interplanetary Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories (IPOST). Volume 1: User's guide

IPOST is intended to support many analysis phases, from early interplanetary feasibility studies through spacecraft development and operations. The IPOST output provides information for sizing and understanding mission impacts related to propulsion, guidance, communications, sensor/actuators, payload, and other dynamic and geometric environments. IPOST models three degree of freedom trajectory events, such as launch/ascent, orbital coast, propulsive maneuvering (impulsive and finite burn), gravity assist, and atmospheric entry. Trajectory propagation is performed using a choice of Cowell, Encke, Multiconic, Onestep, or Conic methods. The user identifies a desired sequence fo trajectory events, and selects which parameters are independent (controls) and dependent (targets), as well as other constraints and the coat function. Targeting and optimization is performed using the Stanford NPSOL algorithm. IPOST structure allows sub-problems within a master optimization problem to aid in the general constrained parameter optimization solution. An alternate optimization method uses implicit simulation and collocation techniques.

Hong, P. E.

Optimizing simulated trajectories

General-purpose rigid-body six-degrees-of-freedom program is used to solve wide variety of atmospheric flight mechanics and orbital transfer problems. Written for analysis of powered or unpowered vehicles operation near rotating oblate planet, typical applications include: guidance and flight-control system simulation and analysis, loads and dispersion-type analysis.

Brauer, G. L.

Huygens Titan Probe Trajectory Reconstruction Using Traditional Methods and the Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories II

On January 14, 2005, ESA's Huygens probe separated from NASA's Cassini spacecraft, entered the Titan atmosphere and landed on its surface. As part of NASA Engineering Safety Center Independent Technical Assessment of the Huygens entry, descent, and landing, and an agreement with ESA, NASA provided results of all EDL analyses and associated findings to the Huygens project team prior to probe entry. In return, NASA was provided the flight data from the probe so that trajectory reconstruction could be done and simulation models assessed. Trajectory reconstruction of the Huygens entry probe at Titan was accomplished using two independent approaches: a traditional method and a POST2-based method. Results from both approaches are discussed in this paper.

Striepe, Scott A.

Choosing Your Poison: Optimizing Simulator Visual System Selection as a Function of Operational Tasks

Although current technology simulator visual systems can achieve extremely realistic levels they do not completely replicate the experience of a pilot sitting in the cockpit, looking at the outside world. Some differences in experience are due to visual artifacts, or perceptual features that would not be present in a naturally viewed scene. Others are due to features that are missing from the simulated scene. In this paper, these differences will be defined and discussed. The significance of these differences will be examined as a function of several particular operational tasks. A framework to facilitate the choice of visual system characteristics based on operational task requirements will be proposed.

Sweet, Barbara T.

Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories II (POST2) Surrogate Models for Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) Performance Assessment

The primary purpose of the multiPOST tool is to enable the execution of much larger sets of vehicle cases to allow for broader trade space exploration. However, this exploration is not achieved solely with the increased case throughput. The multiPOST tool is applied to carry out a Design of Experiments (DOE), which is a set of cases that have been structured to capture a maximum amount of information about the design space with minimal computational effort. The results of the DOE are then used to fit a surrogate model, ultimately enabling parametric design space exploration. The approach used for the MAV study includes both DOE and surrogate modeling. First, the primary design considerations for the vehicle were used to develop the variables and ranges for the multiPOST DOE. The final set of DOE variables were carefully selected in order to capture the desired vehicle trades and take into account any special considerations for surrogate modeling. Next, the DOE sets were executed through multiPOST. Following successful completion of the DOE cases, a manual verification trial was performed. The trial involved randomly selecting cases from the DOE set and running them by hand. The results from the human analyst's run and multiPOST were then compared to ensure that the automated runs were being executed properly. Completion of the verification trials was then followed by surrogate model fitting. After fits to the multiPOST data were successfully created, the surrogate models were used as a stand-in for POST2 to carry out the desired MAV trades. Using the surrogate models in lieu of POST2 allowed for visualization of vehicle sensitivities to the input variables as well as rapid evaluation of vehicle performance. Although the models introduce some error into the output of the trade study, they were very effective at identifying areas of interest within the trade space for further refinement by human analysts. The next section will cover all of the ground rules and assumptions associated with DOE setup and multiPOST execution. Section 3.1 gives the final DOE variables and ranges, while section 3.2 addresses the POST2 specific assumptions. The results of the verification trials are given in section 4. Section 5 gives the surrogate model fitting results, including the goodness-of-fit metrics for each fit. Finally, the MAV specific results are discussed in section 6.

Zwack, M. R.

Optimization Of Simulated Trajectories

Program To Optimize Simulated Trajectories (POST) provides ability to target and optimize trajectories of point-mass powered or unpowered vehicle operating at or near rotating planet. Used successfully to solve wide variety of problems in mechanics of atmospheric flight and transfer between orbits. Generality of program demonstrated by its capability to simulate up to 900 distinct trajectory phases, including generalized models of planets and vehicles. VAX version written in FORTRAN 77 and CDC version in FORTRAN V.

Brauer, Garry L.

Optimized space shuttle trajectory simulation

A computer program for simulating optimized space shuttle trajectories is presented. The program considers the ascent, return, and synergetic maneuvers of lifting boosters and spacecraft. Other constraints on optimum trajectory such as maximum heating, acceleration, angle of attack, and excluded or included overflight or impact regions are examined. Mathematical models are included to support the theoretical aspects of the discussion.

Tramonti, L.

Simulation System Optimization for Rotorcraft Research on the Vertical Motion Simulator

A handling qualities experiment was run on the Vertical Motion Simulator using the GenHel math model configured for a UH60A Blackhawk helicopter. In order to obtain valid handling qualities ratings, the simulation system including the math model were optimized to provide realistic cues. The aircraft math model was adjusted to account for the simulator motion system delays and the motion systems gains and washouts were tuned for the bob-up, precision hover and sidestep tasks. The handling qualities ratings from this experiment showed good correlation to flight ratings.

Beard, Steven D.

Simulation and Optimization Methods for Assessing the Impact of Aviation Operations on the Environment

There is increased awareness of anthropogenic factors affecting climate change and urgency to slow the negative impact. Greenhouse gases, oxides of Nitrogen and contrails resulting from aviation affect the climate in different and uncertain ways. This paper develops a flexible simulation and optimization software architecture to study the trade-offs involved in reducing emissions. The software environment is used to conduct analysis of two approaches for avoiding contrails using the concepts of contrail frequency index and optimal avoidance trajectories.

Sridhar, Banavar