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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 415 records · Page 23

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NASA NTRS2008

Ares-I Bending Filter Design using a Constrained Optimization Approach

The Ares-I launch vehicle represents a challenging flex-body structural environment for control system design. Software filtering of the inertial sensor output is required to ensure adequate stable response to guidance commands while minimizing trajectory deviations. This paper presents a design methodology employing numerical optimization to develop the Ares-I bending filters. The design objectives include attitude tracking accuracy and robust stability with respect to rigid body dynamics, propellant slosh, and flex. Under the assumption that the Ares-I time-varying dynamics and control system can be frozen over a short period of time, the bending filters are designed to stabilize all the selected frozen-time launch control systems in the presence of parameter uncertainty. To ensure adequate response to guidance command, step response specifications are introduced as constraints in the optimization problem. Imposing these constrains minimizes performance degradation caused by the addition of the bending filters. The first stage bending filter design achieves stability by adding lag to the first structural frequency to phase stabilize the first flex mode while gain stabilizing the higher modes. The upper stage bending filter design gain stabilizes all the flex bending modes. The bending filter designs provided here have been demonstrated to provide stable first and second stage control systems in both Draper Ares Stability Analysis Tool (ASAT) and the MSFC MAVERIC 6DOF nonlinear time domain simulation.

Hall, Charles↗

DOE OSTI2021

Mechanisms of Dynamic Near-Wake Modulation of a Utility-Scale Wind Turbine

The current study uses large eddy simulations to investigate the transient response of a utility-scale wind turbine wake to dynamic changes in atmospheric and operational conditions, as observed in previous field-scale measurements. Most wind turbine wake investigations assume quasi-steady conditions, but real wind turbines operate in a highly stochastic atmosphere, and their operation (e.g. blade pitch, yaw angle) changes constantly in response. Furthermore, dynamic control strategies have been recently proposed to optimize wind farm power generation and longevity. Therefore, improved understanding of dynamic wake behaviours is essential. First, changes in blade pitch are investigated and the wake expansion response is found to display hysteresis as a result of flow inertia. The time scales of the wake response to different pitch rates are quantified. Next, changes in wind direction with different time scales are explored. Under short time scales, the wake deflection is in the opposite direction of that observed under quasi-steady conditions. Finally, yaw changes are implemented at different rates, and the maximum inverse wake deflection and time scale are quantified, showing a clear dependence on yaw rate. To gain further physical understanding of the mechanism behind the inverse wake deflection, the streamwise vorticity in different parts of the wake is quantified. The results of this study provide guidance for the design of advanced wake flow control algorithms. The lag in wake response observed for both blade pitch and yaw changes shows that proposed dynamic control strategies must implement turbine operational changes with a time scale of the order of the rotor time scale or slower.

flow-structure interactions↗

NASA NTRS1989

An integrated methodology for optimizing structural composite damping

A method is presented for tailoring plate and shell composite structures for optimal forced damped dynamic response. The damping of specific vibration modes is optimized with respect to dynamic performance criteria including placement of natural frequencies and minimization of resonance amplitudes. The structural composite damping is synthesized from the properties of the constituent materials, laminate parameters, and structural geometry based on a specialty finite element. Application studies include the optimization of laminated composite beams and composite shells with fiber volume ratios and ply angles as design variables. The results illustrate the significance of damping tailoring to the dynamic performance of composite structures, and the effectiveness of the method in optimizing the structural dynamic response.

Saravanos, D. A.↗

NASA NTRS1990

An integrated methodology for optimizing the passive damping of composite structures

Saravanos, D. A.↗

DOE OSTI2023

High-throughput, dynamic, multi-dimensional: an expanding repertoire of plant respiration measurements

A recent burst of technological innovation and adaptation has greatly improved our ability to capture respiration rate data from plant sources. At the tissue level, several independent respiration measurement options are now available, each with distinct advantages and suitability, including high-throughput sampling capacity. These advancements facilitate the inclusion of respiration rate data into large-scale biological studies such as genetic screens, ecological surveys, crop breeding trials, and multi-omics molecular studies. As a result, our understanding of the correlations of respiration with other biological and biochemical measurements is rapidly increasing. Difficult questions persist concerning the interpretation and utilization of respiration data; concepts such as allocation of respiration to growth versus maintenance, the unnecessary or inefficient use of carbon and energy by respiration, and predictions of future respiration rates in response to environmental change are all insufficiently grounded in empirical data. However, we emphasize that new experimental designs involving novel combinations of respiration rate data with other measurements will flesh-out our current theories of respiration. Furthermore, dynamic recordings of respiration rate, which have long been used at the scale of mitochondria, are increasingly being used at larger scales of size and time to reflect processes of cellular signal transduction and physiological response to the environment. Herein, we also highlight how respiratory methods are being better adapted to different plant tissues including roots and seeds, which have been somewhat neglected historically.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

NASA NTRS2010

Practical Loop-Shaping Design of Feedback Control Systems

An improved methodology for designing feedback control systems has been developed based on systematically shaping the loop gain of the system to meet performance requirements such as stability margins, disturbance attenuation, and transient response, while taking into account the actuation system limitations such as actuation rates and range. Loop-shaping for controls design is not new, but past techniques do not directly address how to systematically design the controller to maximize its performance. As a result, classical feedback control systems are designed predominantly using ad hoc control design approaches such as proportional integral derivative (PID), normally satisfied when a workable solution is achieved, without a good understanding of how to maximize the effectiveness of the control design in terms of competing performance requirements, in relation to the limitations of the plant design. The conception of this improved methodology was motivated by challenges in designing control systems of the types needed for supersonic propulsion. But the methodology is generally applicable to any classical control-system design where the transfer function of the plant is known or can be evaluated. In the case of a supersonic aerospace vehicle, a major challenge is to design the system to attenuate anticipated external and internal disturbances, using such actuators as fuel injectors and valves, bypass doors, and ramps, all of which are subject to limitations in actuator response, rates, and ranges. Also, for supersonic vehicles, with long slim type of structures, coupling between the engine and the structural dynamics can produce undesirable effects that could adversely affect vehicle stability and ride quality. In order to design distributed controls that can suppress these potential adverse effects, within the full capabilities of the actuation system, it is important to employ a systematic control design methodology such as this that can maximize the effectiveness of the control design in a methodical and quantifiable way. The emphasis is in generating simple but rather powerful design techniques that will allow even designers with a layman s knowledge in controls to develop effective feedback control designs. Unlike conventional ad hoc methodologies of feedback control design, in this approach actuator rates are incorporated into the design right from the start: The relation between actuator speeds and the desired control bandwidth of the system is established explicitly. The technique developed is demonstrated via design examples in a step-by-step tutorial way. Given the actuation system rates and range limits together with design specifications in terms of stability margins, disturbance rejection, and transient response, the procedure involves designing the feedback loop gain to meet the requirements and maximizing the control system effectiveness, without exceeding the actuation system limits and saturating the controller. Then knowing the plant transfer function, the procedure involves designing the controller so that the controller transfer function together with the plant transfer function equate to the designed loop gain. The technique also shows what the limitations of the controller design are and how to trade competing design requirements such as stability margins and disturbance rejection. Finally, the technique is contrasted against other more familiar control design techniques, like PID control, to show its advantages.

Kopasakis, George↗

NASA NTRS1994

Design and performance of very long-wavelength GaAs/Al(x)Ga(1-x)As quantum-well infrared photodetectors

We present an extensive and detailed study of very long wavelength quantum well infrared photodetectors covering the spectral region between 14 and 20 micrometers. Measurements were made on seven different molecular beam epitaxy grown samples having different well widths and barrier heights. In this study we combine experimental results with theoretical analysis and focus on the relationship between the quantum well structure and detector performance, i.e., responsivity, dark current, dynamic resistance, noise current, optical-gain, and detectivity. These results provide the basis for further optimization, and the detector parameters needed for the design of the readout circuit for focal plane arrays.

Sarusi, G.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Atomic-Scale Visualization of Surface Segregation and Ordering of Pt in a Dilute Cu(Pt) Alloy under a Hydrogen Atmosphere

Surface segregation is a common phenomenon in alloys exposed to reactive atmospheres, yet the atomic mechanisms underlying surface structure and composition dynamics remain largely unexplored. Using a combination of environmental transmission electron microscopy observations and atomistic modeling, here we report the surface segregation process of Pt atoms in a dilute Pt(Cu) alloy and determine the distribution of Pt atoms at both atomically flat and stepped surfaces of the Pt(Cu) alloy at elevated temperatures and in a hydrogen gas atmosphere. Through directly probing Pt segregation, we find that Pt atoms segregated on the (100) surface exhibit a p(2 × 2) ordering, with ~25% Pt occupancy. In contrast, on the stepped (410) surface, hydrogen adsorption induces Pt segregation, initially occurring at the step edges, which then expands to the terrace sites upon increased hydrogen coverage, resulting in an ordered distribution of segregated Pt atoms with ~22% occupancy. Finally, these observations offer mechanistic insights into the structure and composition dynamics of the topmost atomic layer of the alloy in response to environmental stimuli and hold practical implications for the design and optimization of catalysts based on Pt group metals.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

Deconstructing Chirality: Probing Local and Nonlocal Effects in Azobenzene Derivatives with X-ray Circular Dichroism

Resolving molecular chirality on the atomic scale remains a critical challenge in chemistry. Conventional Optical Circular Dichroism spectroscopy often overlooks subtle and localized structural features. Here, we computationally investigate site-specific X-ray circular dichroism (XCD) across a series of trans-azobenzene derivatives to deconstruct and interpret chiroptical signals at the atomic level. Our modeling reveals that XCD is capable of distinguishing dichroic contributions arising from both a local chiral center and a global molecular twist, revealing their intricate interplay and potential for constructive or destructive interference. We show that sterically induced global distortions can dominate the XCD signal in some cases, even suppressing the response from the chiral center itself. This insight suggests a new molecular design principle for tuning the chiroptical activity, which we extend by proposing strategies to achieve unidirectional photoisomerization through steric gearing. Altogether, this work establishes a quantitative framework for engineering chiroptical responses, laying the foundation for the design of functional chiral systems utilizing principles of unidirectional molecular motor-like conformational dynamics.

X-ray spectroscopy↗

DOE OSTI2025

Replication Data for: Deconstructing Chirality: Probing Local and Non-local Effects in Azobenzene Derivatives with X-ray Circular Dichroism

Resolving molecular chirality at the atomic scale remains a critical challenge in chemistry. Conventional Optical Circular Dichroism spectroscopy often overlooks subtle and localized structural features. Here, we computationally investigate site-specific X-ray Circular Dichroism (XCD) across a series of trans-azobenzene derivatives to deconstruct and interpret chiroptical signals at the atomic level. Our modeling reveals that XCD is capable of distinguishing dichroic contributions arising from both a local chiral center and global molecular twist, revealing their intricate interplay and potential for constructive or destructive interference. We show that sterically-induced global distortions can dominate the XCD signal in some cases, even suppressing the response from the chiral center itself. This insight suggests a new molecular design principle for tuning chiroptical activity, which we extend by proposing strategies to achieve unidirectional photoisomerization through steric gearing. Altogether, this work establishes a quantitative framework for engineering chiroptical responses, laying the foundation for the design of functional chiral systems utilizing principles of unidirectional molecular motor-like conformational dynamics.

Chemistry↗

NASA NTRS1990

Airframe structural optimization for maximum fatigue life

A methodology is outlined for optimization of airframe structures under dynamic constraints to maximize service life of specified fatigue-critical components. For practical airframe structures, this methodology describes the development of sensitivity analysis and computational procedures for constraints on the steady-state dynamic response displacements and stresses. Strain energy consideration is used for selection of structural members for modification. Development of a design model and its relation to an analysis model, as well as ways to reduce the dimensionality of the problem via approximation concepts, are described. This methodology is demonstrated using an elastic stick model for the MH-53J helicopter to show service life improvements of the hinge fold region.

D. P. Schrage↗

NASA NTRS2011

Max Launch Abort System (MLAS) Pad Abort Test Vehicle (PATV) II Attitude Control System (ACS) Integration and Pressurization Subsystem Dynamic Random Vibration Analysis

In order to mitigate catastrophic failures on future generation space vehicles, engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration have begun to integrate a novel crew abort systems that could pull a crew module away in case of an emergency at the launch pad or during ascent. The Max Launch Abort System (MLAS) is a recent test vehicle that was designed as an alternative to the baseline Orion Launch Abort System (LAS) to demonstrate the performance of a "tower-less" LAS configuration under abort conditions. The MLAS II test vehicle will execute a propulsive coast stabilization maneuver during abort to control the vehicles trajectory and thrust. To accomplish this, the spacecraft will integrate an Attitude Control System (ACS) with eight hypergolic monomethyl hydrazine liquid propulsion engines that are capable of operating in a quick pulsing mode. Two main elements of the ACS include a propellant distribution subsystem and a pressurization subsystem to regulate the flow of pressurized gas to the propellant tanks and the engines. The CAD assembly of the Attitude Control System (ACS) was configured and integrated into the Launch Abort Vehicle (LAV) design. A dynamic random vibration analysis was conducted on the Main Propulsion System (MPS) helium pressurization panels to assess the response of the panel and its components under increased gravitational acceleration loads during flight. The results indicated that the panels fundamental and natural frequencies were farther from the maximum Acceleration Spectral Density (ASD) vibrations which were in the range of 150-300 Hz. These values will direct how the components will be packaged in the vehicle to reduce the effects high gravitational loads.

Ekrami, Yasamin↗

NASA NTRS2019

Standard Evaluation of exoplanet Yield for the LUVOIR and HabEx Concept Studies

The HabEx and LUVOIR mission concepts aim to directly image and spectrally characterize potentially habitable exoplanets. We use EXOSIMS to simulate design reference missions with observation scheduling to determine yield of exoplanets detected, spectrally characterized, and orbits determined. EXOSIMS performs dynamically responsive scheduling with realistic mission observing constraints on Monte Carlo universes of synthetic planets around known nearby stars. We use identical astrophysical inputs and the individual observing scenarios of each concept to evaluate a common comparison of the detection and spectral characterization yields of HabEx and LUVOIR. HabEx is evaluated for the 4m hybrid starshade and coronagraph architecture, the 4m coronagraph only architecture, and the 4 m starshade only architecture. LUVOIR is evaluated for the 8 m architecture of their final report. Yield analysis shows that both concepts can directly image and spectrally characterize earth-like planets in the habitable zone and that each concept has complementary strengths.

Keithly, Dean↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Gust Load Alleviation Control and Gust Estimation for a High Aspect Ratio Wing Wind Tunnel Model

This paper presents the gust load alleviation (GLA) study of the aspect ratio 13.5 Common Research Model (CRM) wind-tunnel model. This study details the design of the GLA controller in preparation for wind-tunnel testing in the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel at NASA Langley Research Center. An aeroservolastic (ASE) model was first reduced using a model reduction method that takes advantage of the sinusoidal steady-state response. Then, the reduced model was used to design an extended-state Kalman filter which estimates the states and the sinusoidal gust input. The GLA control was then derived using the optimal control solution to a multi-objective cost function. The results of the GLA controller indicate a 75.6% reduction in wing-root strain while maintaining robust stability margins. The final paper will include performance under sub-optimal conditions, e.g., sensor noise, uncertainty in gust frequency, etc..

Christopher Forte↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Gust Load Alleviation Control and Gust Estimation for a High Aspect Ratio Wing Wind Tunnel Model

This paper presents the gust load alleviation (GLA) study of the aspect ratio 13.5 Common Research Model (CRM) wind-tunnel model. This study details the design of the GLA controller in preparation for wind-tunnel testing in the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel at NASA Langley Research Center. An aeroservolastic (ASE) model is first reduced using a model reduction method that takes advantage of the sinusoidal steady-state response. Then, the reduced model is used to design an extended-state Kalman filter which estimates the states and the sinusoidal gust input. The GLA control is then derived using the optimal control solution to a multi-objective cost function. The results of the GLA controller indicate a 69.07% reduction in wing-root strain without sensor noise and 68.45% reduction with sensor noise, while maintaining robust stability margins. An adaptive GLA controller is developed for uncertain gust frequency and shows a 71.03% reduction in wing root strain compared to the non-adaptive control reduction of just 39.19%.

Christopher Forte↗

DOE OSTI2020

Multivariate Regression of Pyrotechnic Igniter Output

Multivariate multiple regression models are applied to simplified pyrotechnic igniters for the first time to understand how changes in manufactured parameters can affect the output gas dynamic response and the timing of ignition events. The statistical modeling technique is applied to demonstrate quantification of the effects of a set of independent variables measured in the as-fabricated igniters on a set of responses experimentally measured from the functioned igniters. Two independent process variables were intentionally varied following a full factorial experimental design while several other independent variables varied within their normal manufacturing variability range. The four igniter performance responses consisted of the timing of sequential events during igniter function and visual gas dynamic output in the form of shock wave strength observed with high-speed schlieren imaging. Linear regression models built using the measurements throughout the manufacturing processes and the output variance provide insight into the critical device parameters that dominate performance

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗

NASA NTRS1992

Experimental validation of structural optimization methods

The topic of validating structural optimization methods by use of experimental results is addressed. The need for validating the methods as a way of effecting a greater and an accelerated acceptance of formal optimization methods by practicing engineering designers is described. The range of validation strategies is defined which includes comparison of optimization results with more traditional design approaches, establishing the accuracy of analyses used, and finally experimental validation of the optimization results. Examples of the use of experimental results to validate optimization techniques are described. The examples include experimental validation of the following: optimum design of a trussed beam; combined control-structure design of a cable-supported beam simulating an actively controlled space structure; minimum weight design of a beam with frequency constraints; minimization of the vibration response of helicopter rotor blade; minimum weight design of a turbine blade disk; aeroelastic optimization of an aircraft vertical fin; airfoil shape optimization for drag minimization; optimization of the shape of a hole in a plate for stress minimization; optimization to minimize beam dynamic response; and structural optimization of a low vibration helicopter rotor.

Adelman, Howard M.↗

NASA NTRS2022

An Overall Assessment of JPSS-3 VIIRS Radiometric Performance Based on Pre-Launch Testing

Satellite imagery and data are playing an increasingly important role in scientific studies of the Earth and its climate. The scientific community has been demanding ever-increasing capabilities and accuracy from the data provided by these satellites. One key instrument on board a series of satellite platforms is the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), which provides high-quality data of the Earth from low Earth orbit covering the visible to long-wave infrared parts of the spectrum. The fourth build in the series, set to be launched on the Joint Polar-orbiting Satellite System 3 (JPSS-3) platform, has recently completed its main ground calibration program and is set to be integrated into the satellite bus in the near future. This calibration program covered a comprehensive series of performance metrics designed to demonstrate the quality of the science data and ensure the instrument can maintain its calibration successfully once on-orbit. The subject of this work covers the radiometric calibration metrics including dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio/noise equivalent differential temperature (SNR/NEdT), polarization sensitivity, scattered light response, relative spectral response, response versus scan angle, and uniformity, as well as uncertainties; all key metrics met or exceeded their design requirements with some minor exceptions. Comparisons to previous builds will also be provided.

JPSS-3↗