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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 433 records · Page 24

Microgravity isolation system design: A modern control analysis framework

Many acceleration-sensitive, microgravity science experiments will require active vibration isolation from the manned orbiters on which they will be mounted. The isolation problem, especially in the case of a tethered payload, is a complex three-dimensional one that is best suited to modern-control design methods. These methods, although more powerful than their classical counterparts, can nonetheless go only so far in meeting the design requirements for practical systems. Once a tentative controller design is available, it must still be evaluated to determine whether or not it is fully acceptable, and to compare it with other possible design candidates. Realistically, such evaluation will be an inherent part of a necessary iterative design process. In this paper, an approach is presented for applying complex mu-analysis methods to a closed-loop vibration isolation system (experiment plus controller). An analysis framework is presented for evaluating nominal stability, nominal performance, robust stability, and robust performance of active microgravity isolation systems, with emphasis on the effective use of mu-analysis methods.

Hampton, R. D.↗

Modeling Provider Creativity in Medical System Design Simulating a Medical MacGyver

This presentation describes a method for modeling provider creativity during the requirements building and risk assessment phase of medical system design. Practicing medicine in isolated, confined, and extreme environments requires providers to use limited supplies in creative ways. This is necessary to handle unexpected medical events or make better use of limited storage capacity by leaving low-use, bulky equipment behind in favor of in situ or dual-use resources. This is a highly-valued skillset in remote environments, however, the ability to simulate this care creativity computationally is difficult.

Brian Lonquich↗

Spacecraft rendezvous operational considerations affecting vehicle systems design and configuration

One lesson learned from Orbiting Maneuvering Vehicle (OMV) program experience is that Design Reference Missions must include an appropriate balance of operations and performance inputs to effectively drive vehicle systems design and configuration. Rendezvous trajectory design is based on vehicle characteristics (e.g., mass, propellant tank size, and mission duration capability) and operational requirements, which have evolved through the Gemini, Apollo, and STS programs. Operational constraints affecting the rendezvous final approach are summarized. The two major objectives of operational rendezvous design are vehicle/crew safety and mission success. Operational requirements on the final approach which support these objectives include: tracking/targeting/communications; trajectory dispersion and navigation uncertainty handling; contingency protection; favorable sunlight conditions; acceptable relative state for proximity operations handover; and compliance with target vehicle constraints. A discussion of the ways each of these requirements may constrain the rendezvous trajectory follows. Although the constraints discussed apply to all rendezvous, the trajectory presented in 'Cargo Transfer Vehicle Preliminary Reference Definition' (MSFC, May 1991) was used as the basis for the comments below.

Prust, Ellen E.↗

Robust control systems design by H-infinity optimization theory

In this paper, step-by-step procedures of applying the H-infinity theory to robust control systems design are given. The objective of the paper is to eliminate the possible difficulties a control engineer may encounter in applying H-infinity control theory and to clear up some misconceptions about H-infinity theory like high-gain controller and numerical obstacles, etc. An efficient algorithm is used to compute the optimal H-infinity norm. The Glover and Doyle (1988) controller formulas are slightly modified and used to construct an optimal controller without any numerical difficulties.

Chang, B. C.↗

Control-System Design Program

Control-theory design package, Optimal Regulator Algorithms for Control of Linear Systems (ORACLS), developed to aid in design of controllers and optimal filters for systems modeled by linear, time-invariant differential and difference equations. Optimal linear quadratic regulator theory, Linear-Quadratic-Gaussian (LQG) problem, most widely accepted method of determining optimal control policy. Provides for solution to time-in-variant continuous or discrete LQG problems. Attractive to control-system designer providing rigorous tool for dealing with multi-input and multi-output dynamic systems in continuous and discrete form. CDO version written in FORTRAN IV. VAX version written in FORTRAN 77.

Frisch, Harold P.↗

Program Management for Concurrent University Satellite Programs, Including Propellant Feed System Design Elements

Propulsion options for CubeSats are limited but are necessary for the CubeSat industry to continue future growth. Challenges to CubeSat propulsion include volume/mass constraints, availability of sufficiently small and certified hardware, secondary payload status, safe storage of high energy, and power requirements. A multi-mode (chemical and electric) thruster was developed by at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) to enable CubeSat propulsion missions. Two satellite buses, a 3U and 6U, are being developed by the M-SAT satellite research team at Missouri S&T to demonstrate the multi-mode thruster's capabilities. Two key challenges related to these missions are the development of the feed system to support the thruster and management of the two programs' personnel, resources, timelines, and budgets. The feed system was designed to support the unique needs of the thruster including material compatibility with the custom ionic liquid, variable flow rate, high pressurization, and high voltage within the constraints and budget of a student-designed propulsion system. The feed system was also designed to minimize risk as a secondary payload. This resulted in the development of a unique method to pressurize propellant stored in the feed system tubing. Within the expected operating pressure range, the method was experimentally shown to provide sufficient pressure and propellant volume to the thruster to meet mission success criteria. The 3U and 6U CubeSat buses were designed concurrently with complimentary payloads, hardware, objectives, and team structures. Resources such as personnel, lab space, and time had to be carefully balanced between the two teams. With proper management, the two programs have been able to support one another, providing valuable insight and collaboration between the two teams. Lessons learned include experience with design, testing, and assembly of hardware, team training/mentoring and motivation, improved documentation practices, and risk management.

Withrow, Shannah Nichole↗

Navigation system design for a Halley Flyby/Tempel 2 Rendezvous mission using ion drive

A dual comet (Hall Flyby/Tempel 2 Rendezvous) mission, making use of the solar electric propulsion system, is under consideration for a 1985 launch. This paper describes the preliminary navigation system design for this mission. Orbit determination and guidance strategies for each mission phase are discussed. Navigation accuracy analyses and parametric senstivity studies for the Tempel 2 rendezvous approach phase are presented.

Wood, L. J.↗

Preliminary system design study for a digital fly-by-wire flight control system for an F-8C aircraft

The design of a fly-by-wire control system having a mission failure probability of less than one millionth failures per flight hour is examined. Emphasis was placed on developing actuator configurations that would improve the system performance, and consideration of the practical aspects of sensor/computer and computer/actuator interface implementation. Five basic configurations were defined as appropriate candidates for the F-8C research aircraft. Options on the basic configurations were included to cover variations in flight sensors, redundancy levels, data transmission techniques, processor input/output methods, and servo actuator arrangements. The study results can be applied to fly by wire systems for transport aircraft in general and the space shuttle.

Seacord, C. L.↗

Conceptual spacecraft and arcjet propulsion system design for the SP-100 interim reference mission

An arcjet propulsion system, delivering 7.5 N thrust, was defined for the SP-100 Space Reactor Power System Interim Reference Mission. Conceptual design trades and configuration studies of a spacecraft suitable for the mission were performed to the extent necessary to define propulsion system requirements and interfaces. The propulsion system design is based on the use of 30-kW, constricted arc, ammonia arcjet engines operating in parallel during orbit boost from low earth to geosynchronous orbit.

Zafran, S.↗

Effect of Thrustor Arcing on Ion Rocket System Design

Arcing between the electrodes of an ion rocket thrustor is investigated for the effect it will have on the overall design of ion rocket systems. The effect of generator, transformer, and inserted impedances on system stability and efficiency, and on operating lifetime of thrustor components are considered. Rate of arcing, preferential arc paths, speed of arc interruption, and response of thrustors to voltage transients are also discussed. The study indicates that arcing is a system hazard and that arcing rates are of prime importance in the design and development of thrustors, thrustor arrays, and system components. Two system models for reducing the hazard are proposed, based on principles developed herein, published data, and experience available from operation of nine-module electron-bombardment thrustor array. Experimental investigation of these models is presently underway.

THRUSTOR↗

Materials, Processes and Manufacturing in Ares 1 Upper Stage: Integration with Systems Design and Development

Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle Upper Stage is designed and developed based on sound systems engineering principles. Systems Engineering starts with Concept of Operations and Mission requirements, which in turn determine the launch system architecture and its performance requirements. The Ares I-Upper Stage is designed and developed to meet these requirements. Designers depend on the support from materials, processes and manufacturing during the design, development and verification of subsystems and components. The requirements relative to reliability, safety, operability and availability are also dependent on materials availability, characterization, process maturation and vendor support. This paper discusses the roles and responsibilities of materials and manufacturing engineering during the various phases of Ares IUS development, including design and analysis, hardware development, test and verification. Emphasis is placed how materials, processes and manufacturing support is integrated over the Upper Stage Project, both horizontally and vertically. In addition, the paper describes the approach used to ensure compliance with materials, processes, and manufacturing requirements during the project cycle, with focus on hardware systems design and development.

Bhat, Biliyar N.↗

Reliability considerations in long-life outer planet spacecraft system design

A Mariner Jupiter/Saturn mission has been planned for 1977. System reliability questions are discussed, taking into account the actual and design lifetime, causes of mission termination, in-flight failures and their consequences for the mission, and the use of redundancy to avoid failures. The design process employed optimizes the use of proven subsystem and system designs and then makes the necessary improvements to increase the lifetime as required.

Casani, E. K.↗

Hubble Space Telescope Pointing Control System design improvement study

As part of the NASA Controls/Structures Integration Program, a study was undertaken to determine if improvements to the performance of the Hubble Space Telescope Pointing Control System could be obtained when advanced control system design techniques were applied using simulation models and telemetry data from the spacecraft. The study was managed through the Marshall Space Flight Center. Four universities and one aerospace company developed controller designs and tested their performance. This paper summarizes the goals and provides an overview of the study.

Bukley, Angelia P.↗

The interplanetary Pioneers. Volume 2: System design and development

The Pioneer systems, subsystems, and ground support activities are described. Details are given on the launch trajectory and solar orbit plans, spacecraft design approach and evolution, scientific instrument, test and ground support equipment, Delta launch vehicle, tracking and communication, and data processing equipment. Pioneer specifications, and reliability and quality assurance are also included.

Corliss, W. R.↗

Exploration Planetary Surface Structural Systems: Design Requirements and Compliance

The Lunar Surface Systems Project developed system concepts that would be necessary to establish and maintain a permanent human presence on the Lunar surface. A variety of specific system implementations were generated as a part of the scenarios, some level of system definition was completed, and masses estimated for each system. Because the architecture studies generally spawned a large number of system concepts and the studies were executed in a short amount of time, the resulting system definitions had very low design fidelity. This paper describes the development sequence required to field a particular structural system: 1) Define Requirements, 2) Develop the Design and 3) Demonstrate Compliance of the Design to all Requirements. This paper also outlines and describes in detail the information and data that are required to establish structural design requirements and outlines the information that would comprise a planetary surface system Structures Requirements document.

Dorsey, John T.↗