Fabrication of sea-floor models
Sea-floor models are fabricated simply and inexpensively by utilizing milling machine programmed with data tapes from ocean sounding surveys, and cement vermiculite mixture.
Hale, G. L.↗
SEARCH · Search NASA
Results for “utility programs”
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.
Evaluation of an F100 multivariable control using a real-time engine simulation
A multivariable control design for the F100 turbofan engine was evaluated, as part of the F100 multivariable control synthesis (MVCS) program. The evaluation utilized a real-time, hybrid computer simulation of the engine and a digital computer implementation of the control. Significant results of the evaluation are presented and recommendations concerning future engine testing of the control are made.
Szuch, J. R.↗
Some programming techniques for increasing program versatility and efficiency on CDC equipment
Five programming techniques used to decrease core and increase program versatility and efficiency are explained. The techniques are: (1) dynamic storage allocation, (2) automatic core-sizing and core-resizing, (3) matrix partitioning, (4) free field alphanumeric reads, and (5) incorporation of a data complex. The advantages of these techniques and the basic methods for employing them are explained and illustrated. Several actual program applications which utilize these techniques are described as examples.
Tiffany, S. H.↗
The effect of operations on the ground noise footprints associated with a large multibladed, nonbanging helicopter
In order to expand the data base of helicopter external noise characteristics, a flyover noise measurement program was conducted utilizing the NASA Civil Helicopter Research Aircraft. The remotely operated multiple array acoustics range (ROMAAR) and a 2560-m linear microphone array were utilized for the purpose of documenting the noise characteristics of the test helicopter during flyby and landing operations. By utilizing both ROMAAR concept and the linear array, the data necessary to plot the ground noise footprints and noise radiation patterns were obtained. Examples of the measured noise signature of the test helicopter, the ground noise footprint or contours, and the directivity patterns measured during level flyby and landing operations of a large, multibladed, nonbanging helicopter, the CH-53, are presented.
Hilton, D. A.↗
Dynamic cross correlation studies of wave particle interactions in ULF phenomena
Magnetic field observations made by satellites in the earth's magnetic field reveal a wide variety of ULF waves. These waves interact with the ambient particle populations in complex ways, causing modulation of the observed particle fluxes. This modulation is found to be a function of species, pitch angle, energy and time. The characteristics of this modulation provide information concerning the wave mode and interaction process. One important characteristic of wave-particle interactions is the phase of the particle flux modulation relative to the magnetic field variations. To display this phase as a function of time a dynamic cross spectrum program has been developed. The program produces contour maps in the frequency time plane of the cross correlation coefficient between any particle flux time series and the magnetic field vector. This program has been utilized in several studies of ULF wave-particle interactions at synchronous orbit.
Mcpherron, R. L.↗
RF Design and Predicted Performance for a Future 34-meter Shaped Dual-reflector Antenna System Using the Common Aperture X-S Feedhorn
The Networks Consolidation Program (NCP) will utilize 34-meter shaped dual-reflector Cassegrain antennas. The shaping calculations, the X/S-band feedhorn to be used, and the predicted RF performance of this antenna system are discussed.
Williams, W. F.↗
Hybrid optimization of truss structures with strength and buckling constraints
An efficient scheme utilizing standard nonlinear programming methodology is presented for the optimal design of elastic, redundant structures with strength and buckling constraints. Numerical examples are given which demonstrate how this method, involving a constraint redefinition, can successfully overcome certain problems typical to such structures. The scheme is applied to the design of a cantilever truss with strength and buckling constraints, in which optimal nonuniform cross section columns are used for all elements critical in buckling. It is found that permitting node movement and adding redundancies can lower the weight of the structure for the prescribed design constraints. In addition, the node excursions in this configuration are shown to be relatively small.
Hajela, P.↗
Automatic charge control system for satellites
The SCATHA and the ATS-5 and 6 spacecraft provided insights to the problem of spacecraft charging at geosychronous altitudes. Reduction of the levels of both absolute and differential charging was indicated, by the emission of low energy neutral plasma. It is appropriate to complete the transition from experimental results to the development of a system that will sense the state-of-charge of a spacecraft, and, when a predetermined threshold is reached, will respond automatically to reduce it. A development program was initiated utilizing sensors comparable to the proton electrostatic analyzer, the surface potential monitor, and the transient pulse monitor that flew in SCATHA, and combine these outputs through a microprocessor controller to operate a rapid-start, low energy plasma source.
Shuman, B. M.↗
Effect of stress concentrations in composite structures
Composite structures have found wide use in many engineering fields and a sound understanding of their response under load is important to their utilization. An experimental program is being carried out to gain a fundamental understanding of the failure mechanics of multilayered composite structures at GALCIT. As a part of this continuing study, the performance of laminated composite plates in the presence of a stress gradient and the failure of composite structures at points of thickness discontinuity is assessed. In particular, the questions of initiation of failure and its subsequent growth to complete failure of the structure are addressed.
Babcock, C. D.↗
Comparison of manually produced and automated cross country movement maps using digital image processing techniques
The Image-Based Information System (IBIS) was used to automate the cross country movement (CCM) mapping model developed by the Defense Mapping Agency (DMA). Existing terrain factor overlays and a CCM map, produced by DMA for the Fort Lewis, Washington area, were digitized and reformatted into geometrically registered images. Terrain factor data from Slope, Soils, and Vegetation overlays were entered into IBIS, and were then combined utilizing IBIS-programmed equations to implement the DMA CCM model. The resulting IBIS-generated CCM map was then compared with the digitized manually produced map to test similarity. The numbers of pixels comprising each CCM region were compared between the two map images, and percent agreement between each two regional counts was computed. The mean percent agreement equalled 86.21%, with an areally weighted standard deviation of 11.11%. Calculation of Pearson's correlation coefficient yielded +9.997. In some cases, the IBIS-calculated map code differed from the DMA codes: analysis revealed that IBIS had calculated the codes correctly. These highly positive results demonstrate the power and accuracy of IBIS in automating models which synthesize a variety of thematic geographic data.
Wynn, L. K.↗
Managing Development and Maintenance of Software
Source Management Utility (SMU) computer program is tool to manage development and maintenance of computer software. Its purpose to control organization of configured data sets containing source, object, and load-module files. Written in PL/1 and assembler.
Rook, Gerald W.↗
Microcomputer design and analysis of the cable catenary large space antenna system
The use of microcomputers in the design of a cable catenary large space antenna system is discussed. The development of a system design capability, data base utilization, systems integration, program structure and logic, and integrated graphics output are discussed.
Akle, W.↗
Optimization of payload mass placement in a dual keel space station
In order to keep a Space Station in a stable low-Earth orbit, angular momentum storage and translational attitude control systems will have to be used. In order to minimize the size of these attitude control systems, the induced gravity gradient torque effects will have to be minimized. This can be done by minimizing the cross-products of inertia of the Station through the management of payload placement with the Station geometry. A derived and automated methodology is presented which utilizes mathematical nonlinear programming techniques. An optimal arrangement of a set of five payloads on a Dual Keel Space Station was found that minimized the cross products of inertia and thus the required controllability resources.
Ferebee, Melvin J., Jr.↗
MCC flight operations automation of STS orbiter systems monitoring
The integration of new capabilities into the Mission Control Center at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas in order to improve the data monitoring and analysis of the STS is discussed. User interface application software and systems, such as the flight data file Shuttle mission simulator and failure analysis program, to be utilized for flight operations automation are examined. Consideration is given to task automation, the trend monitoring system, the data retrieval system, and the launch processing system. The development and functions of the Shuttle data analysis system, which is to operate in real time, are described.
Bates, William V., Jr.↗
Multitasking and microtasking experience on the NA S Cray-2 and ACF Cray X-MP
The fast Fourier transform (FFT) kernel of the NAS benchmark program has been utilized to experiment with the multitasking library on the Cray-2 and Cray X-MP/48, and microtasking directives on the Cray X-MP. Some performance figures are shown, and the state of multitasking software is described.
Raiszadeh, Farhad↗
Evaluation and Improvement of Liquid Propellant Rocket Chugging Analysis Techniques. Part 1: A One-Dimensional Analysis of Low Frequency Combustion Instability in the Fuel Preburner of the Space Shuttle Main Engine
Low frequency combustion instability, known as chugging, is consistently experienced during shutdown in the fuel and oxidizer preburners of the Space Shuttle Main Engines. Such problems always occur during the helium purge of the residual oxidizer from the preburner manifolds during the shutdown sequence. Possible causes and triggering mechanisms are analyzed and details in modeling the fuel preburner chug are presented. A linearized chugging model, based on the foundation of previous models, capable of predicting the chug occurrence is discussed and the predicted results are presented and compared to experimental work performed by NASA. Sensitivity parameters such as chamber pressure, fuel and oxidizer temperatures, and the effective bulk modulus of the liquid oxidizer are considered in analyzing the fuel preburner chug. The computer program CHUGTEST is utilized to generate the stability boundary for each sensitivity study and the region for stable operation is identified.
Lim, Kair Chuan↗
Modeling, simulation and control for a cryogenic fluid management facility, preliminary report
The synthesis of a control system for a cryogenic fluid management facility was studied. The severe demand for reliability as well as instrumentation and control unique to the Space Station environment are prime considerations. Realizing that the effective control system depends heavily on quantitative description of the facility dynamics, a methodology for process identification and parameter estimation is postulated. A block diagram of the associated control system is also produced. Finally, an on-line adaptive control strategy is developed utilizing optimization of the velocity form control parameters (proportional gains, integration and derivative time constants) in appropriate difference equations for direct digital control. Of special concern are the communications, software and hardware supporting interaction between the ground and orbital systems. It is visualized that specialist in the OSI/ISO utilizing the Ada programming language will influence further development, testing and validation of the simplistic models presented here for adaptation to the actual flight environment.
Turner, Max A.↗
Launch packaging options for the photovoltaic power module cargo element
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration recently embarked on the Space Station Freedom program, which will utilize the Shuttle Orbiter for transportation to orbit. This task will be accomplished with a number of flights over several years. Each flight is unique in terms of the hardware that is manifested and the method by which it is integrated to form viable cargo elements. Work Package 4 is responsible for the electric power system for Space Station Freedom, and was delegated the authority to develop a photovoltaic (PV) power module cargo element. The PV power module consists of several unique assemblies. The first of these is the combined solar array/beta gimbal assembly. The remaining assemblies form the single combined integrated equipment assembly for each PV power module. These three combined assemblies are packaged into a launch cradle to form the PV power module cargo element, which is placed in the cargo bay of the Shuttle Orbiter for transportation to orbit. Various constraints determine the packaging options for the three PV power module combined assemblies. The size and shape of the combined assemblies in relation to the Shuttle Orbiter cargo bay dimensions and other manifested hardware are ultimately a factor in determining the acceptable packaging schemes for the PV power module cargo element. Several packaging options for the PV power module cargo element are presented. These options are discussed in terms of their impact on the overall flight hardware manifest as determined by the various constraints.
Hoberecht, Mark A.↗