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At least 37 records · Page 2

Overview on In-Space Internet Node Testbed (ISINT)

The Satellite Networks and Architecture Branch has developed the In-Space Internet Node Technology testbed (ISINT) for investigating the use of commercial Internet products for NASA missions. The testbed connects two closed subnets over a tabletop Ka-band transponder by using commercial routers and modems. Since many NASA assets are in low Earth orbits (LEO's), the testbed simulates the varying signal strength, changing propagation delay, and varying connection times that are normally experienced when communicating to the Earth via a geosynchronous orbiting (GEO) communications satellite. Research results from using this testbed will be used to determine which Internet technologies are appropriate for NASA's future communication needs.

Richard, Alan M.↗

Delay compensation in integrated communication and control systems. I - Conceptual development and analysis

A procedure for compensating for the effects of distributed network-induced delays in integrated communication and control systems (ICCS) is proposed. The problem of analyzing systems with time-varying and possibly stochastic delays could be circumvented by use of a deterministic observer which is designed to perform under certain restrictive but realistic assumptions. The proposed delay-compensation algorithm is based on a deterministic state estimator and a linear state-variable-feedback control law. The deterministic observer can be replaced by a stochastic observer without any structural modifications of the delay compensation algorithm. However, if a feedforward-feedback control law is chosen instead of the state-variable feedback control law, the observer must be modified as a conventional nondelayed system would be. Under these circumstances, the delay compensation algorithm would be accordingly changed. The separation principle of the classical Luenberger observer holds true for the proposed delay compensator. The algorithm is suitable for ICCS in advanced aircraft, spacecraft, manufacturing automation, and chemical process applications.

Luck, Rogelio↗

Global auroral responses to magnetospheric compressions by shocks in the solar wind: Two case studies

The global auroral responses to shocks in the solar wind at Earth were studied. The z-component of the interplanetary magnetic field, Bz, is negative ahead and behind the first shock and positive for the second case. A sudden-commencement geomagnetic storm develops in each case, with maximum D sub st 190 nT. An immediate auroral response is detected at all longitudes around the auroral oval, in which auroral luminosities increase by a factor of 2 to 3 with the first samples after each sudden commencement. The time delay in obtaining the first sample varies with local time from approx. 1 to 18 mins. No other significant variations in the aurora are associated with the immediate response. Beginning approx. 30 mins after each sudden commencement, the aurora becomes active and displays significant variations in its luminosity and spatial distribution. For Bz 0 an intense substorm develops. A sun-aligned transpolar arc forms when Bz 0, appearing first at local midnight as a polar arc and then lengthening sunward from the auroral oval across the polar cap to noon at an average speed of approx. 1 km/sec.

Craven, J. D.↗

Global auroral responses to magnetospheric compressions by shocks in the solar wind - Two case studies

The global auroral responses to shocks in the solar wind at earth were studied. The z-component of the interplanetary magnetic field, Bz, is negative ahead and behind the first shock and positive for the second case. A sudden-commencement geomagnetic storm develops in each case, with maximum D sub st 190 nT. An immediate auroral response is detected at all longitudes around the auroral oval, in which auroral luminosities increase by a factor of 2 to 3 with the first samples after each sudden commencement. The time delay in obtaining the first sample varies with local time from approx. 1 to 19 mins. No other significant variations in the aurora are associated with the immediate response. Beginning approx. 30 mins after each sudden commencement, the aurora becomes active and displays significant variations in its luminosity and spatial distribution. For Bz 0 an intense substorm develops. A sun-aligned transpolar arc forms when Bz 0, appearing first at local midnight as a polar arc and then lengthening sunward from the auroral oval across the polar cap to noon at an average speed of approx. 1 km/sec.

Craven, J. D.↗

Assessing Tactical Scheduling Options for Time-Based Surface Metering

This paper presents a parametric analysis of the most recent tactical scheduler design for NASA’s Airspace Technology Demonstration 2 (ATD-2) sub-project, committed to demonstrating time-based surface metering at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). The tactical scheduler design is implemented in a fast-time simulation model of CLT using NASA’s Surface Operations Simulator and Scheduler. The tactical scheduler is supported by three basic functions: trajectory prediction, runway scheduling, and advisory generation. A key parameter of the advisory generation function is the taxi time delay buffer used when calculating target gate pushback times from runway schedule. Multiple simulations that varied the amount of taxi time delay buffer were analyzed to determine the effect on tactical scheduler performance. The results show an improvement in tactical scheduler performance when the buffer is made sufficiently large to release departures from their gates early enough to maintain scheduler predicted runway throughput.

Zelinski, Shannon↗

Parameter degeneracy in models of the quadruple lens system Q2237+0305

The geometry of the quadruple lens system Q2237+0305 is modeled with a simple astigmatic lens: a power-law mass distribution: m approximately r(exp beta) with an external shear gamma. The image positions can be reproduced with an accuracy better than 0.01 arcsec for any 0.0 less than or = beta less than or = 1.85 and the corresponding value of gamma = 0.1385-0.0689 beta. This is a factor of approximately 4 more precise than what can be achieved by the best constant stellar mass/L lens models. The image intensity ratios and the time delay ratios are almost constant along our one parameter family of models, but the total magnification varies from 8 to greater than 1000, and the maximum time delay (between leading image B and trailing image C) for H(sub 0) of 75 km/s (Mpc) varies from more than 20 h to about 1.5 h, while beta increases from 0.0 to 1.85.

Wambsganss, Joachim↗

A new approach to approximating the linear quadratic optimal control law for hereditary systems with control delays

A factorization approach is presented for deriving approximations to the optimal feedback gain for the linear regulator-quadratic cost problem associated with time-varying functional differential equations with control delays. The approach is based on a discretization of the state penalty which leads to a simple structure for the feedback control law. General properties of the Volterra factors of Hilbert-Schmidt operators are then used to obtain convergence results for the feedback kernels.

Milman, M. H.↗

Approximating the linear quadratic optimal control law for hereditary systems with delays in the control

The fundamental control synthesis issue of establishing a priori convergence rates of approximation schemes for feedback controllers for a class of distributed parameter systems is addressed within the context of hereditary systems. Specifically, a factorization approach is presented for deriving approximations to the optimal feedback gains for the linear regulator-quadratic cost problem associated with time-varying functional differential equations with control delays. The approach is based on a discretization of the state penalty which leads to a simple structure for the feedback control law. General properties of the Volterra factors of Hilbert-Schmidt operators are then used to obtain convergence results for the controls, trajectories and feedback kernels. Two algorithms are derived from the basic approximation scheme, including a fast algorithm, in the time-invariant case. A numerical example is also considered.

Milman, Mark H.↗

Approximating the linear quadratic optimal control law for hereditary systems with delays in the control

The fundamental control synthesis issue of establishing a priori convergence rates of approximation schemes for feedback controllers for a class of distributed parameter systems is addressed within the context of hereditary schemes. Specifically, a factorization approach is presented for deriving approximations to the optimal feedback gains for the linear regulator-quadratic cost problem associated with time-varying functional differential equations with control delays. The approach is based on a discretization of the state penalty which leads to a simple structure for the feedback control law. General properties of the Volterra factors of Hilbert-Schmidt operators are then used to obtain convergence results for the controls, trajectories and feedback kernels. Two algorithms are derived from the basic approximation scheme, including a fast algorithm, in the time-invariant case. A numerical example is also considered.

Milman, Mark H.↗

The relative timing of microwaves and hard X-rays in solar flares

The timing of impulsive microwave and hard X-ray emission in solar flares with sub-second precision was compared. In flares demonstrating time structure on a scale less than approximately 1 s, 10.6 GHz microwaves were delayed with respect to hard X-rays by about 0.2 s. The delay varied from flare to flare and also within flares. No significant correlation was shown between the observed time delays and the peak X-ray or microwave flux or their ratio. Discussion included the electron propagation time from the top to the bottom of the loop, differential light travel time caused by the possible varying locations of the X-ray and microwave sources and the possible contamination of the microwave spikes with approximately 2 x 10 to the 7th K thermal emission.

Cornell, M. E.↗

Shock response spectra variational analysis for pyrotechnic qualification testing of flight hardware

Shock response spectra data from flight certification tests were analyzed to determine envelope variation with respect to mean values in each axis. An overall variation of + or - 8.61 dB or 169 percent exists for the data. This large variation may be attributed to one or more of the following: (1) Instrumentation problems may exist. (2) Variations in the source charge (blasting caps) such as shape or explosive load may exist. (3) Two blasting caps were used to excite the pyrotechnic plate tester. Delay time between charge firings may have varied. The cause or causes of the variations need to be identified and researched to prevent future pyroshock problems.

Smith, J. L.↗

Preliminary studies of autoignition and flashback in a premixing-prevaporizing flame tube using Jet-A fuel at lean equivalence ratios

Lean equivalence ratios from 0.3 to 0.7 were observed. Combustor inlet air pressures were varied from 0.54 to 2.5 MPa, combustor inlet air temperatures from 550 to 700 K, and reference velocities from 8 to 35 meters per second. Autoignition delay times ranged from 15 to 100 milliseconds and varied inversely with pressure. The Arrhenius activation energy was 41,840 joules per mole. Temperature rise data were obtained in a long premixing-prevaporizing tube at a pressure of 0.56 MPa. Preflame temperature rise data were a function of equivalence ratio, inlet air temperature, and tube residence time. Significant temperature rise occurred above temperatures of 760 K, with autoignition occurring at 775 K for equivalence ratios greater than 0.47. The reactions were similar to cool-flame phenomena. Flashback velocities were measured at temperatures of 610 and 700 K, pressure of 0.56 MPa, and equivalence ratios from 0.6 to 1. Flashback velocities varied from 30 to 65 meters per second.

Marek, C. J.↗

Evidence for Directly Driven Auroral Signatures Resulting from Interplanetary Pressure Pulses

It has been observed that the auroral signature of the arrival of an interplanetary pressure pulse at the bow shock causes an initial brightening near noon. Consequently, the bright region propagates to the night side via the dawn and dusk flanks. The delay time for subsequent auroral breakup is observed to vary significantly from seconds to hours. We have examined the 1998 and early 1999 interplanetary pressure pulse events recorded by WIND and ACE (over 35 in all) and correlated these with the Polar UVI data for the events that are imaged. Evidence for directly driven auroral activity resulting from an interplanetary pressure pulse will be discussed as well as the variation of the delay time for auroral breakup.

Spann, J. F., Jr.↗

Unequal-Arm Interferometry and Ranging in Space

Space-borne interferometric gravitational wave detectors, sensitive in the low-frequency (millihertz) band, will fly in the next decade. In these detectors the spacecraft-to-spacecraft light-traveltimes will necessarily be unequal, time-varying, and (due to aberration) have different time delays on up- and down-links. By using knowledge of the inter-spacecraft light-travel-times and their time evolution it is possible to cancel in post-processing the otherwise dominant laser phase noise and obtain a variety of interferometric data combinations sensitive to gravitational radiation. This technique, which has been named Time-Delay Interferometry (TDI), can be implemented with constellations of three or more formation-flying spacecraft that coherently track each other. As an example application we consider the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission and show that TDI combinations can be synthesized by properly time-shifting and linearly combining the phase measurements performed on board the three spacecraft. Since TDI exactly suppresses the laser noises when the delays coincide with the light-travel-times, we then show that TDI can also be used for estimating the time-delays needed for its implementation. This is done by performing a post-processing non-linear minimization procedure, which provides an effective, powerful, and simple way for making measurements of the inter-spacecraft light-travel-times. This processing technique, named Time-Delay Interferometric Ranging (TDIR), is highly accurate in estimating the time-delays and allows TDI to be successfully implemented without the need of a dedicated ranging subsystem.

gravitational waves↗

Using an Automated Air Traffic Simulation Capability for a Parametric Study in Traffic Flow Management

Flight delays occur when demand for capacity-constrained airspace or airports exceeds predicted capacity. Demand for capacity-constrained airspace or airports can be controlled by a series of Traffic Management Initiatives (TMIs), which use departure and airborne delays, as well as pre-departure and airborne reroutes, to manage access to the constrained resources. Two systems exist in current and planned future operations to address imbalances between demand and capacity. The Collaborative Trajectory Options Program (CTOP) reduces demand to constrained resources by assigning strategic departure delay and pre-departure reroutes. Reroutes are selected from Trajectory Options Sets (TOSs) submitted by airlines. As flights approach the constrained resource, the Time-Based Flow Management System (TBFM) is used to assign tactical delay to satisfy constraints. This paper describes experiments performed to study the impact of varying levels of airline participation in CTOP via submission of TOSs on ground delay and flight time, and the impact of departure uncertainty on TBFM delays. Results suggest that as CTOP participation increases, average ground delays decrease for all airlines, but to the greatest extent for airlines participating in CTOP. A threshold in CTOP participation, which varies with the constraint capacity, is identified beyond which there is relatively little further reduction in average ground delays. Similarly, given the likely level of CTOP participation, the capacity reduction for which CTOP would be an appropriate TMI is also identified. Results also suggest that high average departure errors and high variability in departure error can make the prioritization of TBFM internal departures in TBFM metering and scheduling infeasible. Departure errors at current levels are, however, acceptable.

CTOP↗

Using an Automated Air Traffic Simulation Capability for a Parametric Study in Traffic Flow Management

Flight delays occur when demand for capacity-constrained airspace or airports exceeds predicted capacity. Demand for capacity-constrained airspace or airports can be controlled by a series of Traffic Management Initiatives (TMIs), which use departure and airborne delays, as well as pre-departure and airborne reroutes, to manage access to the constrained resources. Two systems exist in current and planned future operations to address imbalances between demand and capacity. The Collaborative Trajectory Options Program (CTOP) reduces demand to constrained resources by assigning strategic departure delay and pre-departure reroutes. Reroutes are selected from Trajectory Options Sets (TOSs) submitted by airlines. As flights approach the constrained resource, the Time-Based Flow Management System (TBFM) is used to assign tactical delay to satisfy constraints. This paper describes experiments performed to study the impact of varying levels of airline participation in CTOP via submission of TOSs on ground delay and flight time, and the impact of departure uncertainty on TBFM delays. Results suggest that as CTOP participation increases, average ground delays decrease for all airlines, but to the greatest extent for airlines participating in CTOP. A threshold in CTOP participation, which varies with the constraint capacity, is identified beyond which there is relatively little further reduction in average ground delays. Similarly, given the likely level of CTOP participation, the capacity reduction for which CTOP would be an appropriate TMI is also identified. Results also suggest that high average departure errors and high variability in departure error can make the prioritization of TBFM internal departures in TBFM metering and scheduling infeasible. Departure errors at current levels are, however, acceptable.

integrated demand management↗