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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 55 records · Page 3

Application of a Galerkin finite element method to atmospheric transport problems

Numerical simulation of the movement of a contaminant within the atmosphere presents difficulties due to the multidimensionality of the problem and the fact that the horizontal transport is usually convection dominated, that the boundary conditions are mixed, and that both slow and fast atmospheric chemical reactions can be important. In this study, numerical experiments using a Crank-Nicolson Galerkin finite element method to solve the time-dependent partial differential equations demonstrate the applicability and accuracy of this method for the variety of conditions encountered in atmospheric pollutant modeling. The Crank-Nicolson Galerkin method using piecewise linear, piecewise cubic Hermite polynomials, and upwind finite elements is shown to accurately model the pure convection of initial wave forms. Numerical results studying the interactions of convection, diffusion, chemical reaction, pollutant removal, and the effects of contaminant emission source strength, source location and multiple sources are also presented.

Carmichael, G. R.↗

A Model-Based Anomaly Detection Approach for Analyzing Streaming Aircraft Engine Measurement Data

This paper presents a model-based anomaly detection architecture designed for analyzing streaming transient aircraft engine measurement data. The technique calculates and monitors residuals between sensed engine outputs and model predicted outputs for anomaly detection purposes. Pivotal to the performance of this technique is the ability to construct a model that accurately reflects the nominal operating performance of the engine. The dynamic model applied in the architecture is a piecewise linear design comprising steady-state trim points and dynamic state space matrices. A simple curve-fitting technique for updating the model trim point information based on steadystate information extracted from available nominal engine measurement data is presented. Results from the application of the model-based approach for processing actual engine test data are shown. These include both nominal fault-free test case data and seeded fault test case data. The results indicate that the updates applied to improve the model trim point information also improve anomaly detection performance. Recommendations for follow-on enhancements to the technique are also presented and discussed.

Propulsion System Performance↗

A Model-Based Anomaly Detection Approach for Analyzing Streaming Aircraft Engine Measurement Data

This paper presents a model-based anomaly detection architecture designed for analyzing streaming transient aircraft engine measurement data. The technique calculates and monitors residuals between sensed engine outputs and model predicted outputs for anomaly detection purposes. Pivotal to the performance of this technique is the ability to construct a model that accurately reflects the nominal operating performance of the engine. The dynamic model applied in the architecture is a piecewise linear design comprising steady-state trim points and dynamic state space matrices. A simple curve-fitting technique for updating the model trim point information based on steadystate information extracted from available nominal engine measurement data is presented. Results from the application of the model-based approach for processing actual engine test data are shown. These include both nominal fault-free test case data and seeded fault test case data. The results indicate that the updates applied to improve the model trim point information also improve anomaly detection performance. Recommendations for follow-on enhancements to the technique are also presented and discussed.

Propulsion System Performance↗

Evaluation of Material Models within LS-DYNA(Registered TradeMark) for a Kevlar/Epoxy Composite Honeycomb

The performance of material models to simulate a novel composite honeycomb Deployable Energy Absorber (DEA) was evaluated using the nonlinear explicit dynamic finite element code LS-DYNA(Registered TradeMark). Prototypes of the DEA concept were manufactured using a Kevlar/Epoxy composite material in which the fibers are oriented at +/-45 degrees with respect to the loading axis. The development of the DEA has included laboratory tests at subcomponent and component levels such as three-point bend testing of single hexagonal cells, dynamic crush testing of single multi-cell components, and impact testing of a full-scale fuselage section fitted with a system of DEA components onto multi-terrain environments. Due to the thin nature of the cell walls, the DEA was modeled using shell elements. In an attempt to simulate the dynamic response of the DEA, it was first represented using *MAT_LAMINATED_COMPOSITE_FABRIC, or *MAT_58, in LS-DYNA. Values for each parameter within the material model were generated such that an in-plane isotropic configuration for the DEA material was assumed. Analytical predictions showed that the load-deflection behavior of a single-cell during three-point bending was within the range of test data, but predicted the DEA crush response to be very stiff. In addition, a *MAT_PIECEWISE_LINEAR_PLASTICITY, or *MAT_24, material model in LS-DYNA was developed, which represented the Kevlar/Epoxy composite as an isotropic elastic-plastic material with input from +/-45 degrees tensile coupon data. The predicted crush response matched that of the test and localized folding patterns of the DEA were captured under compression, but the model failed to predict the single-cell three-point bending response.

Polanco, Michael A.↗

Towards a Theory of Sampled-Data Piecewise-Deterministic Markov Processes

The analysis and design of practical control systems requires that stochastic models be employed. Analysis and design tools have been developed, for example, for Markovian jump linear continuous and discrete-time systems, piecewise-deterministic processes (PDP's), and general stochastic hybrid systems (GSHS's). These model classes have been used in many applications, including fault tolerant control and networked control systems. This paper presents initial results on the analysis of a sampled-data PDP representation of a nonlinear sampled-data system with a jump linear controller. In particular, it is shown that the state of the sampled-data PDP satisfies the strong Markov property. In addition, a relation between the invariant measures of a sampled-data system driven by a stochastic process and its associated discrete-time representation are presented. As an application, when the plant is linear with no external input, a sufficient testable condition for the convergence in distribution to the invariant delta Dirac measure is given.

Herencia-Zapana, Heber↗

Monte Carlo Simulation of Nonlinear Radiation Induced Plasmas

A Monte Carlo simulation model for radiation induced plasmas with nonlinear properties due to recombination was, employing a piecewise linearized predict-correct iterative technique. Several important variance reduction techniques were developed and incorporated into the model, including an antithetic variates technique. This approach is especially efficient for plasma systems with inhomogeneous media, multidimensions, and irregular boundaries. The Monte Carlo code developed has been applied to the determination of the electron energy distribution function and related parameters for a noble gas plasma created by alpha-particle irradiation. The characteristics of the radiation induced plasma involved are given.

Wang, B. S.↗

Bayesian Vision for Shape Recovery

We present a new Bayesian vision technique that aims at recovering a shape from two or more noisy observations taken under similar lighting conditions. The shape is parametrized by a piecewise linear height field, textured by a piecewise linear irradiance field, and we assume Gaussian Markovian priors for both shape vertices and irradiance variables. The observation process. also known as rendering, is modeled by a non-affine projection (e.g. perspective projection) followed by a convolution with a piecewise linear point spread function. and contamination by additive Gaussian noise. We assume that the observation parameters are calibrated beforehand. The major novelty of the proposed method consists of marginalizing out the irradiances considered as nuisance parameters, which is achieved by Laplace approximations. This reduces the inference to minimizing an energy that only depends on the shape vertices, and therefore allows an efficient Iterated Conditional Mode (ICM) optimization scheme to be implemented. A Gaussian approximation of the posterior shape density is computed, thus providing estimates both the geometry and its uncertainty. We illustrate the effectiveness of the new method by shape reconstruction results in a 2D case. A 3D version is currently under development and aims at recovering a surface from multiple images, reconstructing the topography by marginalizing out both albedo and shading.

Jalobeanu, Andre↗

Scattering from perfectly conducting and resistive strips on a grounded dielectric slab

The scattering properties of perfectly conducting and resistive strips are predicted for strips which are located on a dielectric slab backed by a perfectly conducting ground plane. The spectral domain Green's function is used to relate the currents and fields on the strip, and the resulting integral equation is solved using the method of moments. Both TE and TM strips are examined using piecewise linear and pulse subdomain basis functions, respectively, to model the current on the strip. Calculated results are compared with results measured at the NASA Langley Research Center.

PULSE SUBDOMAIN BASIS FUNCTION↗

Comparison of CEAS and Williams-type models for spring wheat yields in North Dakota and Minnesota

The CEAS and Williams-type yield models are both based on multiple regression analysis of historical time series data at CRD level. The CEAS model develops a separate relation for each CRD; the Williams-type model pools CRD data to regional level (groups of similar CRDs). Basic variables considered in the analyses are USDA yield, monthly mean temperature, monthly precipitation, and variables derived from these. The Williams-type model also used soil texture and topographic information. Technological trend is represented in both by piecewise linear functions of year. Indicators of yield reliability obtained from a ten-year bootstrap test of each model (1970-1979) demonstrate that the models are very similar in performance in all respects. Both models are about equally objective, adequate, timely, simple, and inexpensive. Both consider scientific knowledge on a broad scale but not in detail. Neither provides a good current measure of modeled yield reliability. The CEAS model is considered very slightly preferable for AgRISTARS applications.

Barnett, T. L.↗

Numerical methods for multibody systems

This article gives a brief summary of some results obtained by Nasser on modeling and simulation of inequality problems in multibody dynamics. In particular, the augmented Lagrangian method discussed here is applied to a constrained motion problem with impulsive inequality constraints. A fundamental characteristic of the multibody dynamics problem is the lack of global convexity of its Lagrangian. The problem is transformed into a convex analysis problem by localization (piecewise linearization), where the augmented Lagrangian has been successfully used. A model test problem is considered and a set of numerical experiments is presented.

Glowinski, Roland↗

A Piecewise Linear State Variable Technique for Real Time Propulsion System Simulation

The emphasis on increased aircraft and propulsion control system integration and piloted simulation has created a need for higher fidelity real time dynamic propulsion models. A real time propulsion system modeling technique which satisfies this need and which provides the capabilities needed to evaluate propulsion system performance and aircraft system interaction on manned flight simulators was developed and demonstrated using flight simulator facilities at NASA Ames. A piecewise linear state variable technique is used. This technique provides the system accuracy, stability and transient response required for integrated aircraft and propulsion control system studies. The real time dynamic model includes the detail and flexibility required for the evaluation of critical control parameters and propulsion component limits over a limited flight envelope. The model contains approximately 7.0 K bytes of in-line computational code and 14.7 K of block data. It has an 8.9 ms cycle time on a Xerox Sigma 9 computer. A Pegasus-Harrier propulsion system was used as a baseline for developing the mathematical modeling and simulation technique. A hydromechanical and water injection control system was also simulated. The model was programmed for interfacing with a Harrier aircraft simulation at NASA Ames. Descriptions of the real time methodology and model capabilities are presented.

Mihaloew, J. R.↗

A piecewise linear state variable technique for real time propulsion system simulation

The emphasis on increased aircraft and propulsion control system integration and piloted simulation has created a need for higher fidelity real time dynamic propulsion models. A real time propulsion system modeling technique which satisfies this need and which provides the capabilities needed to evaluate propulsion system performance and aircraft system interaction on manned flight simulators was developed and demonstrated using flight simulator facilities at NASA Ames. A piecewise linear state variable technique is used. This technique provides the system accuracy, stability and transient response required for integrated aircraft and propulsion control system studies. The real time dynamic model includes the detail and flexibility required for the evaluation of critical control parameters and propulsion component limits over a limited flight envelope. The model contains approximately 7.0 K bytes of in-line computational code and 14.7 K of block data. It has an 8.9 ms cycle time on a Xerox Sigma 9 computer. A Pegasus-Harrier propulsion system was used as a baseline for developing the mathematical modeling and simulation technique. A hydromechanical and water injection control system was also simulated. The model was programmed for interfacing with a Harrier aircraft simulation at NASA Ames. Descriptions of the real time methodology and model capabilities are presented.

Mihaloew, J. R.↗

An optimal Space Shuttle ascent trajectory for the first orbital flight test

An optimal solution of the ascent trajectory of the Space Shuttle for the first orbital flight test is presented; the optimization is a minimum propellant, four-control problem in yaw angle, roll angle, pitch angle and vacuum thrust of each Space Shuttle main engine. Piecewise linear segments with juncture points treated as parameters are employed to model the controls. Equations of motion for a three-dimensional flight with pitch plane moment balance about an oblate are integrated numerically with a fourth-order Runge-Kutta method; two- and one-dimensional cubic spline function curve fits of aerodynamic coefficients are used during the first and second stages, respectively. The constraint minimization problem is solved with the Davidon-Fletcher-Powell function method.

Johnson, I. L., Jr.↗

Orbit-determination performance of Doppler data for interplanetary cruise trajectories. Part 1: Error analysis methodology

An error covariance analysis methodology is used to investigate different weighting schemes for two-way (coherent) Doppler data in the presence of transmission-media and observing-platform calibration errors. The analysis focuses on orbit-determination performance in the interplanetary cruise phase of deep-space missions. Analytical models for the Doppler observable and for transmission-media and observing-platform calibration errors are presented, drawn primarily from previous work. Previously published analytical models were improved upon by the following: (1) considering the effects of errors in the calibration of radio signal propagation through the troposphere and ionosphere as well as station-location errors; (2) modelling the spacecraft state transition matrix using a more accurate piecewise-linear approximation to represent the evolution of the spacecraft trajectory; and (3) incorporating Doppler data weighting functions that are functions of elevation angle, which reduce the sensitivity of the estimated spacecraft trajectory to troposphere and ionosphere calibration errors. The analysis is motivated by the need to develop suitable weighting functions for two-way Doppler data acquired at 8.4 GHz (X-band) and 32 GHz (Ka-band). This weighting is likely to be different from that in the weighting functions currently in use; the current functions were constructed originally for use with 2.3 GHz (S-band) Doppler data, which are affected much more strongly by the ionosphere than are the higher frequency data.

Ulvestad, J. S.↗

Parallel processors and nonlinear structural dynamics algorithms and software

A nonlinear structural dynamics finite element program was developed to run on a shared memory multiprocessor with pipeline processors. The program, WHAMS, was used as a framework for this work. The program employs explicit time integration and has the capability to handle both the nonlinear material behavior and large displacement response of 3-D structures. The elasto-plastic material model uses an isotropic strain hardening law which is input as a piecewise linear function. Geometric nonlinearities are handled by a corotational formulation in which a coordinate system is embedded at the integration point of each element. Currently, the program has an element library consisting of a beam element based on Euler-Bernoulli theory and trianglar and quadrilateral plate element based on Mindlin theory.

Belytschko, Ted↗

Tortuosity of lightning return stroke channels

Data obtained from photographs of lightning are presented on the tortuosity of return stroke channels. The data were obtained by making piecewise linear fits to the channels, and recording the cartesian coordinates of the ends of each linear segment. The mean change between ends of the segments was nearly zero in the horizontal direction and was about eight meters in the vertical direction. Histograms of these changes are presented. These data were used to create model lightning channels and to predict the electric fields radiated during return strokes. This was done using a computer generated random walk in which linear segments were placed end-to-end to form a piecewise linear representation of the channel. The computer selected random numbers for the ends of the segments assuming a normal distribution with the measured statistics. Once the channels were simulated, the electric fields radiated during a return stroke were predicted using a transmission line model on each segment. It was found that realistic channels are obtained with this procedure, but only if the model includes two scales of tortuosity: fine scale irregularities corresponding to the local channel tortuosity which are superimposed on large scale horizontal drifts. The two scales of tortuosity are also necessary to obtain agreement between the electric fields computed mathematically from the simulated channels and the electric fields radiated from real return strokes. Without large scale drifts, the computed electric fields do not have the undulations characteristics of the data.

Levine, D. M.↗

Determination of precipitation profiles from airborne passive microwave radiometric measurements

This study presents the first quantitative retrievals of vertical profiles of precipitation derived from multispectral passive microwave radiometry. Measurements of microwave brightness temperature (Tb) obtained by a NASA high-altitude research aircraft are related to profiles of rainfall rate through a multichannel piecewise-linear statistical regression procedure. Statistics for Tb are obtained from a set of cloud radiative models representing a wide variety of convective, stratiform, and anvil structures. The retrieval scheme itself determines which cloud model best fits the observed meteorological conditions. Retrieved rainfall rate profiles are converted to equivalent radar reflectivity for comparison with observed reflectivities from a ground-based research radar. Results for two case studies, a stratiform rain situation and an intense convective thunderstorm, show that the radiometrically derived profiles capture the major features of the observed vertical structure of hydrometer density.

Kummerow, Christian↗

Parametric identification of a vibratory system with a clearance

An analytical and experimental investigation of a vibratory system with a clearance was conducted. A finite element model and an equivalent single-degree-of-freedom closed-form solution were used to determine the dynamic parameters and response of an experimental structure interacting with a gap. The closed-form solution is obtained by taking advantage of the piecewise linearity of the system. Results from these solution methods are in agreement with experimental data. The results also suggest that the closed-form solution approximates the response of the experimental structure with accuracy greater than that of the finite element model. The closed-form solution was also used to determine the gap size of the structure. The parameter identification procedure utilized in this study appears to be simple to use and can be readily extended to other types of piecewise-linear multi-degree-of-freedom systems.

Alexander, R. M.↗