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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 379 records · Page 21

The stochastic control of the F-8C aircraft using the multiple model adaptive control /MMAC/ method

The purpose of this paper is to summarize results obtained for the adaptive control of the F-8C aircraft using the so-called MMAC method. The discussion includes the selection of the performance criteria for both the lateral and the longitudinal dynamics, the design of the Kalman filters for different flight conditions, the 'identification' aspects of the design using hypothesis testing ideas, and the performance of the closed loop adaptive system.

Athans, M.↗

An implementable digital adaptive flight controller designed using stabilized single stage algorithms

Simple mechanical linkages have not solved the many control problems associated with high performance aircraft maneuvering throughout a wide flight envelope. One procedure for retaining uniform handling qualities over such an envelope is to implement a digital adaptive controller. Towards such an implementation an explicit adaptive controller which makes direct use of on-line parameter identification, has been developed and applied to both linearized and nonlinear equations of motion for a typical fighter aircraft. This controller is composed of an on-line weighted least squares parameter identifier, a Kalman state filter, and a model following control law designed using single stage performance indices. Simulation experiments with realistic measurement noise indicate that the proposed adaptive system has the potential for on-board implementation.

Kaufman, H.↗

A real-time adaptive Hadamard transform video compressor

An adaptive video compressor was designed as part of the CTS Digital Video Curriculum Sharing Experiment. The compressor was constructed using field-to-field differencing on fields processed using a Hadamard transform method. The spatial resolution was improved using a fixed-rate, three-mode adaptive system to compress each field.

Jones, H. W., Jr.↗

The stochastic control of the F-8C aircraft using a multiple model adaptive control /MMAC/ method. I - Equilibrium flight

The purpose of this paper is to summarize some results obtained for the adaptive control of the F-8C aircraft using the so-called MMAC method. The discussion includes the selection of the performance criteria for both the lateral and the longitudinal dynamics, the design of the Kalman filters for different flight conditions, the 'identification' aspects of the design using hypothesis testing ideas, and the performance of the closed-loop adaptive system.

Athans, M.↗

Automated Plasma Spray (APS) process feasibility study: Plasma spray process development and evaluation

An automated plasma spray (APS) process was developed to apply two layer (NiCrAlY and ZrO2-12Y2O3) thermal-barrier coatings to aircraft gas turbine engine blade airfoils. The APS process hardware consists of four subsystems: a mechanical blade positioner incorporating two interlaced six-degree-of-freedom assemblies; a noncoherent optical metrology subsystem; a microprocessor-based adaptive system controller; and commercial plasma spray equipment. Over fifty JT9D first stage turbine blades specimens were coated with the APS process in preliminary checkout and evaluation studies. The best of the preliminary specimens achieved an overall coating thickness uniformity of + or - 53 micrometers, much better than is achievable manually. Factors limiting this performance were identified and process modifications were initiated accordingly. Comparative evaluations of coating thickness uniformity for manually sprayed and APS coated specimens were initiated. One of the preliminary evaluation specimens was subjected to a torch test and metallographic evaluation.

Fetheroff, C. W.↗

On-board multispectral classification study. Volume 2: Supplementary tasks

The operational tasks of the onboard multispectral classification study were defined. These tasks include: sensing characteristics for future space applications; information adaptive systems architectural approaches; data set selection criteria; and onboard functional requirements for interfacing with global positioning satellites.

Ewalt, D.↗

Automated Plasma Spray (APS) process feasibility study

An automated plasma spray (APS) process was developed to apply two layer (NiCrAlY and ZrO2-12Y2O3) thermal barrier coatings to aircraft and stationary gas turbine engine blade airfoils. The APS process hardware consists of four subsystems: a mechanical positioning subsystem incorporating two interlaced six degree of freedom assemblies (one for coating deposition and one for coating thickness monitoring); a noncoherent optical metrology subsystem (for in process gaging of the coating thickness buildup at specified points on the specimen); a microprocessor based adaptive system controller (to achieve the desired overall thickness profile on the specimen); and commerical plasma spray equipment. Over fifty JT9D first stage aircraft turbine blade specimens, ten W501B utility turbine blade specimens and dozens of cylindrical specimens were coated with the APS process in preliminary checkout and evaluation studies. The best of the preliminary turbine blade specimens achieved an overall coating thickness uniformity of 53 micrometers (2.1 mils), much better than is achievable manually. Comparative evaluations of coating thickness uniformity for manually sprayed and APS coated specimens were performed. One of the preliminary turbine blade evaluation specimens was subjected to a torch test and metallographic evaluation. Some cylindrical specimens coated with the APS process survived up to 2000 cycles in subsequent burner rig testing.

Fetheroff, C. W.↗

Some adaptive filtering techniques applied to the passive remote sensing problem

A review is made of recursive statistical regression techniques incorporating past or past and future observations through smoothing and Kalman filtering, respectively; with results for the cases of the Tiros-N/MSU and Nimbus-6/Scams remote sensing satellite experiments. In response to the lack of a satisfactory model for the medium sounded, which is presently a major limitation on retrieval technique performance, a novel, global approach is proposed which casts the retrieval problem into the framework of adaptive filtering. A numerical implementation of such an adaptive system is presented, with a multilayer, semi-spectral general circulation model for the atmosphere being used to fine-tune the sensor as well as the dynamical equations of a Kalman filter. It is shown that the assimilation of radiometric data becomes a straightforward subproblem.

Toldalagi, P. M.↗

Angle-Measurement and Ranging System

Optical system automatically supplies information on angular position and range of object. Stereo rangefinder video signals from cameras processed to determine center of brightness for images of beacon on target vehicle. Range updated by onboard computer. Originally developed for spacecraft rendezvous and guidance, features of system adapted to angle-measurement and ranging problems on Earth. Technique also used for tool alinement inspections and color recognition.

Tietz, J. C.↗

Histological and compositional responses of bone to immobilization and other experimental conditions

Histological techniques were utilized for evaluating progressive changes in tibial compact bone in adult male monkeys during chronic studies of immobilization-associated osteopenia. The animals were restrained in a semirecumbent position which reduces normally occurring stresses in the lower extremities and results in bone mass loss. The longest immobilization studies were of seven months duration. Losses of haversian bone tended to occur predominatly in the proximal tibia and were characterized by increased activation with excessive depth of penetration of osteoclastic activity. There was no apparent regulation of the size and orientation of resorption cavities. Rapid bone loss seen during 10 weeks of immobilization appeared to be due to unrestrained osteoclastic activity without controls and regulation which are characteristic of adaptive systems. The general pattern of loss persisted throughout 7 months of immobilization. Clear cut evidence of a formation phase in haversian bone was seen only after two months of reambulation.

Brown, R. J.↗

Robust Adaptive Control

Several concepts and results in robust adaptive control are are discussed and is organized in three parts. The first part surveys existing algorithms. Different formulations of the problem and theoretical solutions that have been suggested are reviewed here. The second part contains new results related to the role of persistent excitation in robust adaptive systems and the use of hybrid control to improve robustness. In the third part promising new areas for future research are suggested which combine different approaches currently known.

Narendra, K. S.↗

Automated Conduit Unloading

Large, cumbersome pipes removed from trailer by one operator. Swiveltruck trailer carries conduit and unloads it. Vertical bins interconnected by web belts that elevate conduit sections for delivery by gravity to unloading point. Trailer loaded with slurry-pipe sections 6 inches (15.2 centimeters) in diameter, but bin width readily changed to hold other sizes. Simple adjustments in bin-partition and web-belt positions needed to adapt system to different conduit cross sections.

Lewis, E. V.↗

High-Speed Propeller for Aircraft

Engine efficiency increased. Propeller blades required to be quite thin and highly swept to minimize compressibility losses and propeller noise during high-speed cruise. Use of 8 or 10 blades with highpropeller-power loading allows overall propeller diameter to be kept relatively small. Area-ruled spinner and integrated nacelle shape reduce compressibility losses in propeller hub region. Finally, large modern turboshaft engine and gearbox provide power to advanced propeller. Fuel savings of 30 to 50 percent over present systems anticipated. Propfan system adaptable to number of applications, such as highspeed (subsonic) business and general-aviation aircraft, and military aircraft including V/STOL.

Sagerser, D. A.↗

Canadian medical experiments on Shuttle Flight 41-G

During the 41-G mission, two payload specialist astronauts took part in six Canadian medical experiments designed to measure how the human nervous system adapts to weightlessness, and how this might contribute to space motion sickness. Similar tests conducted pre-flight provided base-line data, and post-flight experiments examined re-adaptation to the ground. No changes were detected in the vestibulo-ocular reflex during this 8-day mission. Pronounced proprioceptive illusions were experienced, especially immediately post-flight. Tactile acuity was normal in the fingers and toes, but the ability to judge limb position was degraded. Estimates of the locations of familiar targets were grossly distorted in the absence of vision. There were no differences in taste thresholds or olfaction. Despite pre-flight tests showing unusual susceptibility to motion sickness, the Canadian payload specialist turned out to be less susceptible than normal on-orbit. Re-adaptation to the normal gravity environment occurred within the first day after landing.

Watt, D. G. D.↗

Computer Control For Ion Engines

Computer system controls start-up, steady-state operation, throttling, and shutdown of pair of xenon-ion propulsion engines. Controls direction of thrust of each engine through operation of gimbal stepping motors. Controls valves in propellant-storage and propellant-distribution system. Control software establishes and maintains efficient, stable operation over entire range of operating variables, and throttles engines to any point within range. Computer operates power supplies, valves, and flow controllers of two ion engines, ion-neutralizer subsystem, and other equipment. Designed for use in interplanetary flight, system adaptable to industrial use in ion-beam deposition of thin films.

Brophy, John R.↗

Graphical Display Of Test-Flight Trajectories

Trajectories displayed directly on maps. Computer graphical system shows trajectories of experimental aircraft in real time during flight tests. Enables operator to choose variety of display modes and to issue course corrections to pilot. Principle of system adapted to variety of civil, military, and commercial uses in which paths of vehicles overlaid on maps - for example, in dispatching delivery vans.

Comperini, Robert G.↗

Earth Science Geostationary Platform Technology

The objective of the workshop was to address problems in science and in four technology areas (large space antenna technology, microwave sensor technology, electromagnetics-phased array adaptive systems technology, and optical metrology technology) related to Earth Science Geostationary Platform missions.

Wright, Robert L.↗