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At least 379 records · Page 21

Proceedings: Sixth Annual Workshop on Meteorological and Environmental Inputs to Aviation Systems

The proceedings of a workshop on meteorological and environmental inputs to aviation systems held at The University of Tennessee Space Institute, Tullahoma, Tennessee. October 26 - 28, 1982, are reported. The workshop, jointly sponsored by NASA, NOAA, and FAA, brought together many disciplines of the aviation communities in round table discussions. The major objectives of the workshop are to satisfy such needs of the sponsoring agencies as the expansion of our understanding and knowledge of the interaction of the atmosphere with aviation systems, the better definition and implementation of services to operators, and the collection and interpretation of data for establishing operational criteria relating the total meteorological inputs from the atmospheric sciences to the needs of aviation communities. The unique aspects of the workshop were the diversity of the participants and the achievement of communication across the interface of the boundaries between pilots, meteorologists, training personnel, accident investigators, traffic controllers, flight operation personnel from military, civil, general aviation, and commercial interests alike. Representatives were in attendance from government, airlines, private agencies, aircraft manufacturers, Department of Defense, industries, research institutes, and universities.

Walter Frost↗

Input impedance and mutual coupling of rectangular microstrip antennas

A moment method solution to the problem of input impedance and mutual coupling of rectangular microstrip antenna elements is presented. The formulation uses the grounded dielectric slab Green's function to account rigorously for the presence of the substrate and surface waves. Both entire basis (EB) and piecewise sinusoidal (PWS) expansion modes are used, and their relative advantages are noted. Calculations of input impedance and mutual coupling are compared with measured data and other calculations.

Pozar, D. M.↗

ESCHER: An interactive mesh-generating editor for preparing finite-element input

ESCHER is an interactive mesh generation and editing program designed to help the user create a finite-element mesh, create additional input for finite-element analysis, including initial conditions, boundary conditions, and slidelines, and generate a NEUTRAL FILE that can be postprocessed for input into several finite-element codes, including ADINA, ADINAT, DYNA, NIKE, TSAAS, and ABUQUS. Two important ESCHER capabilities, interactive geometry creation and mesh archival storge are described in detail. Also described is the interactive command language and the use of interactive graphics. The archival storage and restart file is a modular, entity-based mesh data file. Modules of this file correspond to separate editing modes in the mesh editor, with data definition syntax preserved between the interactive commands and the archival storage file. Because ESCHER was expected to be highly interactive, extensive user documentation was provided in the form of an interactive HELP package.

Oakes, W. R., Jr.↗

Using a commercial CAD system for simultaneous input to theoretical aerodynamic programs and wind-tunnel model construction

The Computer Aided Design (CAD) system's common geometry database was used to generate input for theoretical programs and numerically controlled (NC) tool paths for wind tunnel part fabrication. This eliminates the duplication of work in generating separate geometry databases for each type of analysis. Another advantage is that it reduces the uncertainty due to geometric differences when comparing theoretical aerodynamic data with wind tunnel data. The system was adapted to aerodynamic research by developing programs written in Design Analysis Language (DAL). These programs reduced the amount of time required to construct complex geometries and to generate input for theoretical programs. Certain shortcomings of the Design, Drafting, and Manufacturing (DDM) software limited the effectiveness of these programs and some of the Calma NC software. The complexity of aircraft configurations suggests that more types of surface and curve geometry should be added to the system. Some of these shortcomings may be eliminated as improved versions of DDM are made available.

Enomoto, F.↗

On the rate of energy input in thermal solar flares

The rise phases of solar soft X-ray flares observed by X-ray crystal spectrometers on P78-1 are discussed in terms of the rate of change of X-ray flux as a function of time. It is shown that the flux increases exponentially over most of the rise time. The e-folding time (tau) has a cutoff at approximately 13 s. Soft X-ray flares with smaller values of tau are not observed. It is suggested that this phenomenon is due to the ability of the solar atmosphere to absorb the input energy and convert it into a typical soft X-ray flare, when the value of tau is greater than about 13 s. For energy input rates with tau greater than about 13 s, the temperature attained by the plasma is typically around 2 x 10 to the 7th K, but for values of tau less than 13 s, the gas is heated to much higher temperatures (about 10 to the 8th K), producing a certain class of hard X-ray flares.

Feldman, U.↗

Sixth Annual Workshop on Meteorological and Environmental Inputs to Aviation Systems, 26-28 October 1982, Tullahoma, Tenn

The six workshops whose proceedings are presently reported considered the subject of meteorological and environmental information inputs to aviation, in order to satisfy workshop-sponsoring agencies' requirements for (1) greater knowledge of the interaction of the atmosphere with aircraft and airport operators, (2) a better definition and implementation of meteorological services to operators, and (3) the collection and interpretation of data useful in establishing operational criteria that relate the atmospheric science input to aviation community operations. Workshop topics included equipment and instrumentation, forecasts and information updates, training and simulation facilities, and severe weather, icing and wind shear.

Camp, D. W.↗

Application of multiple input random and polyreference analysis techniques to the Galileo spacecraft modal test

An experimental modal analysis of the Galileo spacecraft was required to verify a finite element model used in loads analysis. Multiple input random and polyreference analysis techniques were applied in this program to demonstrate their effectiveness in determining the modal characteristics of a complex space structure. The methods were successful in determining an accurate set of modal data from two days of data acquisition. A complete set of results was available within 24 hours of test completion. Final analysis shows the modes from the multiple input random tests to be more complete and orthogonal than those obtained from classical sine dwell methods.

Chen, J. C.↗

Reinterpretation of otolith input as a primary factor in space motion sickness

It is hypothesized that exposure to prolonged free fall is a form of sensory/motor rearrangement rather than a direct change in otolith sensitivity or sensory compensation for a reduced otolith input. The rearrangement of stimuli will force a new interpretation by the CNS of otolith input. This reinterpretation is necessary for a structured and meaningful interaction with the new environment. Data from two flight experiments are presented which support an otolith reinterpretation hypothesis. The first experiment measured vestibulo-spinal reflex changes as a function of sustained free fall. Findings indicate that when a monosynaptic reflex (H-reflex), measured from the major postural muscles (soleus), is used adaptation to space flight includes a change in how the CNS interprets a fall. In a normal gravity environment a sudden unexpected fall will produce a potentiated H reflex. After seven days in flight an equivalent fall does not potentiate the reflex. During postflight a greatly increased reflex is observed in those crewmen most susceptible to space motion sickness. In the second experiment self motion perception and torsional eyemovements were modified as a function of exposure to sustained free fall. Preflight roll motion (about the X axis) was perceived as pure roll, and the eye movements recorded were countertorsional. Postflight, roll stimulation was perceived as linear translation (side to side movement) with a small angular motion component. Eye movement measurements confirmed significantly more horizontal motion.

Reschke, M. F.↗

Input-output description of linear systems with multiple time-scales

It is pointed out that the study of systems evolving at multiple time-scales is simplified by studying reduced-order models of these systems valid at specific time-scales. The present investigation is concerned with an extension of results on the time-scale decomposition of autonomous systems to that of input-output systems. The results are employed to study conditions under which positive realness of a transfer function is preserved under singular perturbation. Attention is given to the perturbation theory for linear operators, the multiple time-scale structure of autonomous linear systems, the input-output description of two time-scale linear systems, the positive realness of two time-scale systems, and multiple time-scale linear systems.

Madriz, R. S.↗

Input-current shaped ac to dc converters

The problem of achieving near unity power factor while supplying power to a dc load from a single phase ac source of power is examined. Power processors for this application must perform three functions: input current shaping, energy storage, and output voltage regulation. The methods available for performing each of these three functions are reviewed. Input current shaping methods are either active or passive, with the active methods divided into buck-like and boost-like techniques. In addition to large reactances, energy storage methods include resonant filters, active filters, and active storage schemes. Fast voltage regulation can be achieved by post regulation or by supplementing the current shaping topology with an extra switch. Some indications of which methods are best suited for particular applications concludes the discussion.

Source record↗

Net thrust calculation sensitivity of an afterburning turbofan engine to variations in input parameters

The calculated value of net thrust of an aircraft powered by a General Electric F404-GE-400 afterburning turbofan engine was evaluated for its sensitivity to various input parameters. The effects of a 1.0-percent change in each input parameter on the calculated value of net thrust with two calculation methods are compared. This paper presents the results of these comparisons and also gives the estimated accuracy of the overall net thrust calculation as determined from the influence coefficients and estimated parameter measurement accuracies.

Hughes, D. L.↗

Multiple-input experimental modal analysis

The development of experimental modal analysis techniques is reviewed. System and excitation assumptions are discussed. The methods examined include the forced normal mode excitation method, the frequency response function method, the damped complex exponential response method, the Ibrahim time domain approach, the polyreference approach, and mathematical input-output model methods. The current trend toward multiple input utilization in the estimation of system parameters is noted.

Allemang, R. J.↗

Input impedance of a probe-fed circular microstrip antenna with thick substrate

A method of computing the input impedance for the probe fed circular microstrip antenna with thick dielectric substrate is presented. Utilizing the framework of the cavity model, the fields under the microstrip patch are expanded in a set of modes satisfying the boundary conditions on the eccentrically located probe, as well as on the cavity magnetic wall. A mode-matching technique is used to solve for the electric field at the junction between the cavity and the coaxial feed cable. The reflection coefficient of the transverse electromagnetic (TEM) mode incident in the coaxial cable is determined, from which the input impedance of the antenna is computed. Measured data are presented to verify the theoretical calculations. Results of the computation of various losses for the circular printed antenna as a function of substrate thickness are also included.

Davidovitz, M.↗

Nonlinear input-output systems

Necessary and sufficient conditions that the nonlinear system dot-x = f(x) + ug(x) and y = h(x) be locally feedback equivalent to the controllable linear system dot-xi = A xi + bv and y = C xi having linear output are found. Only the single input and single output case is considered, however, the results generalize to multi-input and multi-output systems.

Hunt, L. R.↗

Input-output characterization of fiber composites by SH waves

Input-output characterization of fiber composites is studied theoretically by tracing SH waves in the media. A fiberglass epoxy composite is modeled as a homogeneous transversely isotropic continuum plate. The reflection of an SH wave at a stress-free plane boundary in a semi-infinite transversely isotropic medium is considered first. It is found that an incident SH wave reflects only a similar SH wave back into the medium. It is also established that the angle of reflection of the reflected wave is equal to the angle of incidence of the incident wave. The phase velocity of the SH waves and the delay time of the SH waves in reaching the receiving transducer are computed as functions of a reflection index, defined as the number of reflections of the SH waves from the bottom face of the continuum plate. The directivity function corresponding to the shear stress associated with the SH waves in the continuum plate is also derived as a function of the reflection index. A theoretical output voltage from the receiving transducer is calculated for a tone burst (a periodic input voltage of finite duration). The output voltage is shown for tone bursts of duration 60 microseconds and center frequencies of 0.75, 1.00, and 1.25 MHz. The study enhances the quantitative and qualitative understanding of the nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of fiber composites which can be modeled as transversely isotropic media.

Renneisen, John D.↗

Optimal discrete-time LQR problems for parabolic systems with unbounded input: Approximation and convergence

An abstract approximation and convergence theory for the closed-loop solution of discrete-time linear-quadratic regulator problems for parabolic systems with unbounded input is developed. Under relatively mild stabilizability and detectability assumptions, functional analytic, operator techniques are used to demonstrate the norm convergence of Galerkin-based approximations to the optimal feedback control gains. The application of the general theory to a class of abstract boundary control systems is considered. Two examples, one involving the Neumann boundary control of a one-dimensional heat equation, and the other, the vibration control of a cantilevered viscoelastic beam via shear input at the free end, are discussed.

Rosen, I. G.↗

Multimodal user input to supervisory control systems - Voice-augmented keyboard

The use of a voice-augmented keyboard input modality is evaluated in a supervisory control application. An implementation of voice recognition technology in supervisory control is proposed: voice is used to request display pages, while the keyboard is used to input system reconfiguration commands. Twenty participants controlled GT-MSOCC, a high-fidelity simulation of the operator interface to a NASA ground control system, via a workstation equipped with either a single keyboard or a voice-augmented keyboard. Experimental results showed that in all cases where significant performance differences occurred, performance with the voice-augmented keyboard modality was inferior to and had greater variance than the keyboard-only modality. These results suggest that current moderately priced voice recognition systems are an inappropriate human-computer interaction technology in supervisory control systems.

Mitchell, Christine M.↗

Adaptive control with saturating inputs

An extension of the results from Goodwin, Ramadge and Caines (1980) to the case where the input of the linear system saturates is presented. A necessary condition for closed loop stability of such a system is shown to be that the system must remain in a region from which y(t) = 0 is reachable with saturating inputs. With a slight modification of the original algorithm, the closed loop system is shown to be stable whenever the plant is exponentially stable.

Abramovitch, Daniel Y.↗