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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 541 records · Page 30

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NASA NTRS1976

K/S two-point-boundary-value problems

A method for developing the missing general K/S (Kustaanheimo/Stiefel) boundary conditions is presented, with use of the formalism of optimal control theory. As an illustrative example, the method is applied to the K/S Lambert problem to derive the missing terminal condition. The necessary equations are developed for a solution to this problem with the generalized eccentric anomaly, E, as the independent variable. This formulation, requiring the solution of only one nonlinear, well-behaved equation in one unknown, E, results in considerable simplification of the problem.

Jezewski, D. J.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Downstream boundary conditions for viscous flow problems

The problem of the specification of artificial outflow conditions in flow problems is studied. It is shown that for transport type equations incorrect outflow conditions will adversely affect the solution only in a small region near the outflow boundary, while for elliptic equations, e.g. those governing the streamfunction or pressure, a correct boundary specification is essential. In addition, integral outflow boundary conditions for fluid dynamical problems are considered. It is shown that such conditions are well posed, and their effect on the solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations is also considered.

Fix, G.↗

NASA NTRS1977

The problem of internal and edge cracks in an orthotropic strip

The plane elastostatic problem of internal and edge cracks in an infinite orthotropic strip is considered. The problems for the material types I and II are formulated in terms of singular integral equations. For the symmetric case the stress-intensity factors are calculated and are compared with the isotropic results. The results show that because of the dependence of the Fredholm kernels on the elastic constants in the strip (unlike the crack problem for an infinite plane) the stress-intensity factors are dependent on the elastic constants and are generally different from the corresponding isotropic results

Delale, F.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Problems pilots face involving wind shear

Educating pilots and the aviation industry about wind shears presents a major problem associated with this meteorological phenomenon. The pilot's second most pressing problem is the need for a language to discuss wind shear encounters with other pilots so that the reaction of the aircraft to the wind shear encounter can be accurately described. Another problem is the flight director which gives a centered pitch command for a given angular displacement from the glide slope. It was suggested that they should instead be called flight path command and should not center unless the aircraft is actually correcting to the flight path.

Melvin, W. W.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Boundary-value problem of configurations with compressible free vortex flow

A self-consistent version of the compressible boundary-value problem for configurations with leading-edge vortex separation is formulated, based on the assumption that the compressible flow field is controlled by the linearized potential equation. The stream surface boundary condition and the zero pressure jump condition of the compressible free vortex flows are analyzed; application of the Goethert rule permits the compressible nonlinear boundary-value problem for the subsonic flow domain to be transformed into an equivalent nonlinear incompressible problem. The compressibility corrections developed are used in numerical calculations of subsonic leading-edge vortex flows about planar wing geometries. The sample calculations, employing an inviscid flow model in which the wing and vortex sheets are represented by piecewise continuous quadratic doublet sheet distributions, are applicable to high subsonic Mach numbers.

Brune, G. W.↗

NASA NTRS1978

On the inherent intractability of certain coding problems

The fact that the general decoding problem for linear codes and the general problem of finding the weights of a linear code are both NP-complete is shown. This strongly suggests, but does not rigorously imply, that no algorithm for either of these problems which runs in polynomial time exists.

Berlekamp, E. R.↗

NASA NTRS1978

On a numerical solution of the plastic buckling problem of structures

An automated digital computer procedure is presented for the accurate and efficient solution of the plastic buckling problem of structures. This is achieved by a Sturm sequence method employing a bisection strategy, which eliminates the need for having to solve the buckling eigenvalue problem at each incremental (decremental) loading stage that is associated with the usual solution techniques. The plastic buckling mode shape is determined by a simple inverse iteration process, once the buckling load has been established. Numerical results are presented for plate problems with various edge conditions. The resulting computer program written in FORTRAN V for the JPL UNIVAC 1108 machine proves to be most economical in comparison with other existing methods of such analysis.

Gupta, K. K.↗

NASA NTRS1977

The optimal control frequency response problem in manual control

An optimal control frequency response problem is defined within the context of the optimal pilot model. The problem is designed to specify pilot model control frequencies reflective of important aircraft system properties, such as control feel system dynamics, airframe dynamics, and gust environment, as well as man machine properties, such as task and attention allocation. This is accomplished by determining a bounded set of control frequencies which minimize the total control cost. The bounds are given by zero and the neuromuscular control frequency response for each control actuator. This approach is fully adaptive, i.e., does not depend upon user entered estimates. An algorithm is developed to solve this optimal control frequency response problem. The algorithm is then applied to an attitude hold task for a bare airframe fighter aircraft case with interesting dynamic properties.

Harrington, W. W.↗

NASA NTRS1979

General aviation IFR operational problems

Operational problems of general aviation IFR operators (particularly single pilot operators) were studied. Several statistical bases were assembled and utilized to identify the more serious problems and to demonstrate their magnitude. These bases include official activity projections, historical accident data and delay data, among others. The GA operating environment and cockpit environment were analyzed in detail. Solutions proposed for each of the problem areas identified are based on direct consideration of currently planned enhancements to the ATC system, and on a realistic assessment of the present and future limitations of general aviation avionics. A coordinated set of research program is suggested which would provide the developments necessary to implement the proposed solutions.

Bolz, E. H.↗

NASA NTRS1978

A dependency-based modelling mechanism for problem solving

The paper develops a technique of dependency net modeling which relies on an explicit representation of justifications for beliefs held by the problem solver. Using these justifications, the modeling mechanism is able to determine the relevant lines of inference to pursue during problem solving. Three particular problem-solving difficulties which may be handled by the dependency-based technique are discussed: (1) subgoal violation detection, (2) description binding, and (3) maintaining a consistent world model.

London, P.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Stochastic inverse problem in the radiation of noise

The reported investigation is concerned with a stochastic inverse radiation problem in a uniform medium. The problem is illustrated with the aid of a simple model consisting of an array of point sources. The entropy functional is chosen to be the structural functional in determining the source distribution. A general theory for the stochastic inverse problem is introduced. It is shown that the general procedure yields the methods of the Lagrangian multiplier, when the structural and residual functionals are specialized. Tihonov's regularization and a method related to generalized or pseudoinverses are also obtained. Examples considered for purposes of illustration are related to a continuous source with the least noise intensity, a continuous source with a potential, and an axisymmetric line source.

Chow, P. L.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Error analysis of finite difference schemes applied to hyperbolic initial boundary value problems

Finite difference methods for the numerical solution of mixed initial boundary value problems for hyperbolic equations are studied. The reported investigation has the objective to develop a technique for the total error analysis of a finite difference scheme, taking into account initial approximations, boundary conditions, and interior approximation. Attention is given to the Cauchy problem and the initial approximation, the homogeneous problem in an infinite strip with inhomogeneous boundary data, the reflection of errors in the boundaries, and two different boundary approximations for the leapfrog scheme with a fourth order accurate difference operator in space.

Skollermo, G.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Application of the pseudostate theory to the three-body Lambert problem

The pseudostate theory, which approximates three-body trajectories by overlapping the conic effects of both massive bodies on the third body, has been used to solve boundary value problems. Frequently, the approach to the secondary is quite close, as in interplanetary gravity assist trajectories or satellite tour trajectories. In this case the orbit with respect to the primary is radically changed so that perturbation techniques are time consuming, yet higher accuracy than point-to-point conics (V-infinity matching) is necessary. This method reduces the solution of the three-body Lambert problem to solving two conic Lambert problems and inverting a 7 x 7 matrix, the components of which are all found analytically. Typically 90-95% of the point-to-point conic error with respect to an integrated trajectory is eliminated.

Byrnes, D. V.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Problem solving and decisionmaking: An integration

An attempt was made to redress a critical fault of decisionmaking and problem solving research-a lack of a standard method to classify problem or decision states or conditions. A basic model was identified and expanded to indicate a possible taxonomy of conditions which may be used in reviewing previous research or for systematically pursuing new research designs. A generalization of the basic conditions was then made to indicate that the conditions are essentially the same for both concepts, problem solving and decisionmaking.

Dieterly, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Global geochemical problems

Application of remote sensing techniques to the solution of geochemical problems is considered with emphasis on the 'carbon-cycle'. The problem of carbon dioxide sinks and the areal extent of coral reefs are treated. In order to assess the problems cited it is suggested that remote sensing techniques be utilized to: (1)monitor globally the carbonate and bicarbonate concentrations in surface waters of the world ocean; (2)monitor the freshwater and oceanic biomass and associated dissolved organic carbon; (3) inventory the coral reef areas and types and the associated oceanographic climatic conditions; and (4)measure the heavy metal fluxes from forested and vegetated areas, from volcanos, from different types of crustal rocks, from soils, and from sea surfaces.

Harriss, R. C.↗

NASA NTRS1975

The prevention of electronical breakdown and electrostatic voltage problems in the space shuttle and its payloads. Part 2: Design guides and operations considerations

The specific electrical discharge problems that can directly affect the shuttle vehicle and its payloads are addressed. General design guidelines are provided to assist flight hardware managers in minimizing these kinds of problems. Specific data are included on workmanship practices and system testing while in low pressure environments. Certain electrical discharge problems that may be unique to the design of the shuttle vehicle itself and to its various mission operational models are discussed.

Whitson, D. W.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Central configurations and hyperbolic-elliptic motion in the three-body problem

A refined classification of motion for the planar three-body problem with zero-sum total energy is presented. The structure and dimensions of the sets of initial conditions leading to parabolic expansion or hyperbolic-elliptic motion are found. Attention is given to the use of the Hamiltonian of the system and to the two- and three-dimensional problem. It is verified that the new coordinates of position and linear momentum approaches limits as t (time) approaches infinity, and that these limits constitute equilibrium solutions to the three-body problem representing control configurations.

Hulkower, N. D.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Spectral methods for problems in complex geometries

The properties of spectral methods are surveyed and their extension to solve problems in complex geometries is developed. A new iteration procedure is introduced to solve efficiently the full matrix equations resulting from spectral approximations to nonconstant coefficient boundary-value problems in complex geometries. It is shown that the work required to solve these spectral equations exceeds that of solving the lowest-order finite-difference approximation to the same problem by only O(N log N).

Orszag, S. A.↗