Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Trajectory analysis”

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 379 records · Page 21

Lunar trajectory geometry

Analysis of earth-moon trajectories using geometric approach and patched conic trajectory, graphs

Carlson, K. M.↗

Monte Carlo Analysis as a Trajectory Design Driver for the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) Mission

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) will be injected into a highly eccentric Earth orbit and fly 3.5 phasing loops followed by a lunar flyby to enter a mission orbit with lunar 2:1 resonance. Through the phasing loops and mission orbit, the trajectory is significantly affected by lunar and solar gravity. We have developed a trajectory design to achieve the mission orbit and meet mission constraints, including eclipse avoidance and a 30-year geostationary orbit avoidance requirement. A parallelized Monte Carlo simulation was performed to validate the trajectory after injecting common perturbations, including launch dispersions, orbit determination errors, and maneuver execution errors. The Monte Carlo analysis helped identify mission risks and is used in the trajectory selection process.

monte carlo↗

Trajectory and System Analysis For Outer-Planet Solar-Electric Propulsion Missions

Outer-planet mission and systems analyses are performed using three next generation solar-electric ion thruster models. The impact of variations in thruster model, flight time, launch vehicle, propulsion and power systems characteristics is investigated. All presented trajectories have a single Venus gravity assist and maximize the delivered mass to Saturn or Neptune. The effect of revolution ratio - the ratio of Venusian orbital period to the flight time between launch and flyby dates - is also discussed.

Cupples, Michael↗

A Modification and Analysis of Lagrangian Trajectory Modeling and Granular Dynamics of Lunar Dust Particles

A previously developed mathematical model is amended to more accurately incorporate the effects of lift and drag on single dust particles in order to predict their behavior in the wake of high velocity gas flow. The model utilizes output from a CFD or DSMC simulation of exhaust from a rocket nozzle hot gas jet. An extension of the Saffman equation for lift based on the research of McLaughlin (1991) and Mei (1992) is used, while an equation for the Magnus force modeled after the work of Oesterle (1994) and Tsuji et al (1985) is applied. A relationship for drag utilizing a particle shape factor (phi = 0.8) is taken from the work of Haider and Levenspiel (1989) for application to non-spherical particle dynamics. The drag equation is further adjusted to account for rarefaction and compressibility effects in rarefied and high Mach number flows according to the work of Davies (1945) and Loth (2007) respectively. Simulations using a more accurate model with the correction factor (Epsilon = 0.8 in a 20% particle concentration gas flow) given by Richardson and Zaki (1954) and Rowe (1961) show that particles have lower ejection angles than those that were previously calculated. This is more prevalent in smaller particles, which are shown through velocity and trajectory comparison to be more influenced by the flow of the surrounding gas. It is shown that particles are more affected by minor changes to drag forces than larger adjustments to lift forces, demanding a closer analysis of the shape and behavior of lunar dust particles and the composition of the surrounding gas flow.

Long, Jason M.↗

Orbiter/carrier separation for the ALT free flight no. 1 reference trajectories. Mission planning, mission analysis and software formulation

Details of the generation of the separation trajectories are discussed. The analysis culminated in definition of separation trajectories between physical separation and orbiter/carrier vortex clearance. Specifications, assumptions and analytical approach used to generate the separation trajectories are presented. Results of the analytical approach are evaluated. Conclusions and recommendations are summarized. Supporting references are listed.

Glenn, G. M.↗

Design and analysis techniques for trajectory correction maneuvers

Selecting a spacecraft maneuver strategy usually involves tradeoffs of many competing factors. This paper describes such a tradeoff process. The method uses parametric data to cope with targeting requirements, thruster configuration and performance, hardware constraints, operational considerations, propellant optimization demands, and expected execution and orbit determination errors, while remaining flexible to react to new conditions.

Hintz, G. R.↗

Stochastic and fractal analysis of fracture trajectories

Analyses of fracture trajectories are used to investigate structures that fall between 'micro' and 'macro' scales. It was shown that fracture trajectories belong to the class of nonstationary processes. It was also found that correlation distance, which may be related to a characteristic size of a fracture process, increases with crack length. An assemblage of crack trajectory processes may be considered as a diffusive process. Chudnovsky (1981-1985) introduced a 'crack diffusion coefficient' d which reflects the ability of the material to deviate the crack trajectory from the most energetically efficient path and thus links the material toughness to its structure. For the set of fracture trajectories in AISI 304 steel, d was found to be equal to 1.04 microns. The fractal dimension D for the same set of trajectories was found to be 1.133.

Bessendorf, Michael H.↗

The analysis of control trajectories using symbolic and database computing

The research broadly concerned the symbolic computation, mixed numeric-symbolic computation, and data base computation of trajectories of dynamical systems, especially control systems. It was determined that trees can be used to compute symbolically series which approximate solutions to differential equations.

Grossman, Robert↗

Hodograph analysis in aircraft trajectory optimization

An account is given of key geometrical concepts involved in the use of a hodograph as an optimal control theory resource which furnishes a framework for geometrical interpretation of the minimum principle. Attention is given to the effects of different convexity properties on the hodograph, which bear on the existence of solutions and such types of controls as chattering controls, 'bang-bang' control, and/or singular control. Illustrative aircraft trajectory optimization problems are examined in view of this use of the hodograph.

Cliff, Eugene M.↗

The analysis of control trajectories using symbolic and database computing

This final report comprises the formal semi-annual status reports for this grant for the periods June 30-December 31, 1993, January 1-June 30, 1994, and June 1-December 31, 1994. The research supported by this grant is broadly concerned with the symbolic computation, mixed numeric-symbolic computation, and database computation of trajectories of dynamical systems, especially control systems. A review of work during the report period covers: trajectories and approximating series, the Cayley algebra of trees, actions of differential operators, geometrically stable integration algorithms, hybrid systems, trajectory stores, PTool, and other activities. A list of publications written during the report period is attached.

Grossman, Robert↗

Analysis of Capture Trajectories to the Vicinity of Libration Points

Spacecraft capture trajectories to the periodic orbits of the L1 and L2 points in the restricted Hill three-body problem are studied. The specific focus is on transfer to these vicinities from interplanetary trajectories. This application is motivated by future proposals to place "Deep Space ports" at the Earth and Mars L1 or L2 points. These spaceports are considered as candidate gateways for interplanetary transfers in the future. We utilize stable manifolds for capture trajectories to periodic orbits around the libration points. As a result, the cost of capture into a periodic orbit is also reduced relative to direct capture into a parabolic orbit. The way of linking between interplanetary transfer trajectories and the stable manifold is also discussed.

Nakamiya, M.↗