Altitude Operational Characteristics of a Prototype Model of the J47D (RX1-1 and RX1-3) Turbojet Engines with Integrated Electronic Control
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Bloomer, Harry E↗
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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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Poster Session Presentation: Hardware Evolution of Control Electronics
This poster corresponding to a presentation explains a process for the evolution of both analog and digital circuits, which are examined experimentally for fitness.
Gwaltney, David↗
Controlling Electron Backstreaming Phenomena Through the Use of a Transverse Magnetic Field
DEEP-SPACE mission propulsion requirements can be satisfied by the use of high specific impulse systems such as ion thrusters. For such missions. however. the ion thruster will be required to provide thrust for long periods of time. To meet the long operation time and high-propellant throughput requirements, thruster lifetime must be increased. In general, potential ion thruster failure mechanisms associated with long-duration thrusting can be grouped into four areas: (1) ion optics failure; (2) discharge cathode failure; (3) neutralizer failure; and (4) electron backstreaming caused by accelerator grid aperture enlargement brought on by accelerator grid erosion. The work presented here focuses on electron backstreaming. which occurs when the potential at the center of an accelerator grid aperture is insufficient to prevent the backflow of electrons into the ion thruster. The likelihood of this occurring depends on ion source operation time. plasma density, and grid voltages, as accelerator grid apertures enlarge as a result of erosion. Electrons that enter the gap between the high-voltage screen and accelerator grids are accelerated to the energies approximately equal to the beam voltage. This energetic electron beam (typically higher than 1 kV) can damage not only the ion source discharge cathode assembly. but also any of the discharge surfaces upstream of the ion acceleration optics that the electrons happen to impact. Indeed. past backstreaming studies have shown that near the backstreaming limit, which corresponds to the absolute value of the accelerator grid voltage below which electrons can backflow into the thruster, there is a rather sharp rise in temperature at structures such as the cathode keeper electrode. In this respect operation at accelerator grid voltages near the backstreaming limit is avoided. Generally speaking, electron backstreaming is prevented by operating the accelerator grid at a sufficiently negative voltage to ensure a sufficiently negative aperture center potential. This approach can provide the necessary margin assuming an expected aperture enlargement. Operation at very negative accelerator grid voltages, however, enhances ion charge-exchange and direct impingement erosion of the accelerator grid. The focus of the work presented here is the mitigation of electron backstreaming by the use of a magnetic field. The presence of a magnetic field oriented perpendicular to the thruster axis can significantly decrease the magnitude of the backflowing electron current by significantly reducing the electron diffusion coefficient. Negative ion sources utilize this principle to reduce the fraction of electrons in the negative ion beam. The focus of these efforts has been on the attenuation of electron current diffusing from the discharge plasma into the negative ion extraction optics by placing the transverse magnetic field upstream of the extraction electrodes. In contrast. in the case of positive ion sources such as ion thrusters, the approach taken in the work presented here is to apply the transverse field downstream of the ion extraction system so as to prevent electrons from flowing back into the source. It was found in the work presented here that the magnetic field also reduces the absolute value of the electron backstreaming limit voltage. In this respect. the applied transverse magnetic field provides two mechanisms for electron backstreaming mitigation: (1) electron current attenuation and (2) backstreaming limit voltage shift. Such a shift to less negative voltages can lead to reduced accelerator grid erosion rates.
Foster, John E.↗
Photon-Noise Limited Direct Detector Based on Disorder-Controlled Electron Heating
We present a new concept for a hot-electron direct detector (HEDD) capable of counting single millimeter-wave photons. The detector is based on a transition edge sensor (1-meu size bridge) made form a disordered superconducting film.
scattering↗
Integrated low power digital gyro control electronics
Embodiments of the invention generally encompass a digital, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) has been designed to perform excitation of a selected mode within a vibratory rate gyroscope, damping, or force-rebalance, of other modes within the sensor, and signal demodulation of the in-phase and quadrature components of the signal containing the angular rate information. The ASIC filters dedicated to each channel may be individually programmed to accommodate different rate sensor designs/technology or variations within the same class of sensors. The ASIC architecture employs a low-power design, making the ASIC, particularly suitable for use in power-sensitive applications.
M'Closkey, Robert↗
Cold Survivable Electronics Motor Control Law Implementation
For the last seven years JPL has been developing motor control electronics for use on future missions to extreme environments such as Europa and Mars. The packaging technology developed will allow the electronics to survive the extremes seen on the surface. This packaging technology allows us to package everything to control a number of motors on a single card including the closed loop control. In order to improve the performance of the motor control we have developed FPGA code to close the position, velocity and current control loops of the motor controller. This code allowed for a significant improvement in loop rate allowing the control of the motors to be more accurate. This allows for more accurate control of descent engines, more precise control of robotic arm motors. In this paper we will present the design of the control algorithm, the performance of the sensors and the test results of the resulting system.
Cheng, Ben↗
Whistler and Electron Firehose Instability Control of Electron Distributions in and Around Dipolarizing Flux Bundles
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Xu Zhang↗
Cost-effective actuator tester
Group of preprogrammed plug-in cards and control module converts breadboard control electronics of actuator assembly to actuator tester. System utilizes electronic control, and hydraulic systems of breadboard actuator into which it is installed.
Kopp, G. F.↗
Rugged, Portable, Real-Time Optical Gaseous Analyzer for Hydrogen Fluoride
Hydrogen fluoride (HF) is a primary evolved combustion product of fluorinated and perfluorinated hydrocarbons. HF is produced during combustion by the presence of impurities and hydrogen- containing polymers including polyimides. This effect is especially dangerous in closed occupied volumes like spacecraft and submarines. In these systems, combinations of perfluorinated hydrocarbons and polyimides are used for insulating wiring. HF is both highly toxic and short-lived in closed environments due to its reactivity. The high reactivity also makes HF sampling problematic. An infrared optical sensor can detect promptly evolving HF with minimal sampling requirements, while providing both high sensitivity and high specificity. A rugged optical path length enhancement architecture enables both high HF sensitivity and rapid environmental sampling with minimal gaseous contact with the low-reactivity sensor surfaces. The inert optical sample cell, combined with infrared semiconductor lasers, is joined with an analog and digital electronic control architecture that allows for ruggedness and compactness. The combination provides both portability and battery operation on a simple camcorder battery for up to eight hours. Optical detection of gaseous HF is confounded by the need for rapid sampling with minimal contact between the sensor and the environmental sample. A sensor is required that must simultaneously provide the required sub-parts-permillion detection limits, but with the high specificity and selectivity expected of optical absorption techniques. It should also be rugged and compact for compatibility with operation onboard spacecraft and submarines. A new optical cell has been developed for which environmental sampling is accomplished by simply traversing the few mm-thick cell walls into an open volume where the measurement is made. A small, low-power fan or vacuum pump may be used to push or pull the gaseous sample into the sample volume for a response time of a few seconds. The optical cell simultaneously provides for an enhanced optical interaction path length between the environmental sample and the infrared laser. Further, the optical cell itself is comprised of inert materials that render it immune to attack by HF. In some cases, the sensor may be configured so that the optoelectronic devices themselves are protected and isolated from HF by the optical cell. The optical sample cell is combined with custom-developed analog and digital control electronics that provide rugged, compact operation on a platform that can run on a camcorder battery. The sensor is inert with respect to acidic gases like HF, while providing the required sensitivity, selectivity, and response time. Certain types of combustion events evolve copious amounts of HF, very little of other gases typically associated with combustion (e.g., carbon monoxide), and very low levels of aerosols and particulates (which confound traditional smoke detectors). The new sensor platform could warn occupants early enough to take the necessary countermeasures.
Pilgrim, Jeffrey↗
Electron beam controller
An electron beam device which extracts energy from an electron beam before the electrons of the beam are captured by a collector apparatus is described. The device produces refocusing of a spent electron beam by minimizing tranverse electron velocities in the beam where the electrons, having a multiplicity of axial velocities, are sorted at high efficiency by collector electrodes.
Kosmahl, H. G.↗
Flight evaluation of a hydromechanical backup control for the digital electronic engine control system in an F100 engine
The backup control (BUC) features, the operation of the BUC system, the BUC control logic, and the BUC flight test results are described. The flight test results include: (1) transfers to the BUC at military and maximum power settings; (2) a military power acceleration showing comparisons bvetween flight and simulation for BUC and primary modes; (3) steady-state idle power showing idle compressor speeds at different flight conditions; and (4) idle-to-military power BUC transients showing where cpmpressor stalls occurred for different ramp rates and idle speeds. All the BUC transfers which occur during the DEEC flight program are initiated by the pilot. Automatic transfers to the BUC do not occur.
Walsh, K. R.↗
SDO FlatSat Facility
The goal of the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) is to understand and, ideally, predict the solar variations that influence life and society. It's instruments will measure the properties of the Sun and will take hifh definition images of the Sun every few seconds, all day every day. The FlatSat is a high fidelity electrical and functional representation of the SDO spacecraft bus. It is a high fidelity test bed for Integration & Test (I & T), flight software, and flight operations. For I & T purposes FlatSat will be a driver to development and dry run electrical integration procedures, STOL test procedures, page displays, and the command and telemetry database. FlatSat will also serve as a platform for flight software acceptance and systems testing for the flight software system component including the spacecraft main processors, power supply electronics, attitude control electronic, gimbal control electrons and the S-band communications card. FlatSat will also benefit the flight operations team through post-launch flight software code and table update development and verification and verification of new and updated flight operations products. This document highlights the benefits of FlatSat; describes the building of FlatSat; provides FlatSat facility requirements, access roles and responsibilities; and, and discusses FlatSat mechanical and electrical integration and functional testing.
Amason, David L.↗
Electronic motor control system Patent
Electronic circuit system for controlling electric motor speed
Thomas, H. N.↗
F-15 digital electronic engine control system description
A digital electronic engine control (DEEC) was developed for use on the F100-PW-100 turbofan engine. This control system has full authority control, capable of moving all the controlled variables over their full ranges. The digital computational electronics and fault detection and accomodation logic maintains safe engine operation. A hydromechanical backup control (BUC) is an integral part of the fuel metering unit and provides gas generator control at a reduced performance level in the event of an electronics failure. The DEEC's features, hardware, and major logic diagrams are described.
Myers, L. P.↗
Closed-Loop Motor-Speed Control
Electronic motor-speed control circuit designed to operate in electrically noisy environment. Includes optoelectronic pick-up device, placed inside motor housing to provide speed feedback signal. Automatically maintains speed motor at commanded value. Measures speed of motor in terms of frequency of pulses of infrared light chopped by fan blades of motor. Difference between measured and commanded speeds serves as control signal for external amplifier driving motor. Major advantage of circuit is low cost.
Smith, Matthew A.↗
Use of beam deflection to control an electron beam wire deposition process
A method for controlling an electron beam process wherein a wire is melted and deposited on a substrate as a molten pool comprises generating the electron beam with a complex raster pattern, and directing the beam onto an outer surface of the wire to thereby control a location of the wire with respect to the molten pool. Directing the beam selectively heats the outer surface of the wire and maintains the position of the wire with respect to the molten pool. An apparatus for controlling an electron beam process includes a beam gun adapted for generating the electron beam, and a controller adapted for providing the electron beam with a complex raster pattern and for directing the electron beam onto an outer surface of the wire to control a location of the wire with respect to the molten pool.
Taminger, Karen M.↗
Digital electronic engine control history
Full authority digital electronic engine controls (DEECs) were studied, developed, and ground tested because of projected benefits in operability, improved performance, reduced maintenance, improved reliability, and lower life cycle costs. The issues of operability and improved performance, however, are assessed in a flight test program. The DEEC on a F100 engine in an F-15 aircraft was demonstrated and evaluated. The events leading to the flight test program are chronicled and important management and technical results are identified.
Putnam, T. W.↗
Development of Electronic Load Controllers for Free-Piston Stirling Convertors Aided by Stirling Simulation Model
The free-piston Stirling convertor end-to-end modeling effort at the NASA Glenn Research Center has produced a software-based test bed in which free-piston Stirling convertors can be simulated and evaluated. The simulation model includes all the components of the convertor: the Stirling cycle engine, heat source, linear alternator, controller, and load. So far, it has been used in evaluating the performance of electronic controller designs. Three different controller design concepts were simulated using the model: 1) Controllers with parasitic direct current loading. 2) Controllers with parasitic alternating current loading. 3) Controllers that maintain a reference current. The free-piston Stirling convertor is an electromechanical device that operates at resonance. It is the function of the electronic load controller to ensure that the electrical load seen by the machine is always great enough to keep the amplitude of the piston and alternator oscillation at the rated value. This is done by regulating the load on the output bus. The controller monitors the instantaneous voltage, regulating it by switching loads called parasitic loads onto the bus whenever the bus voltage is too high and removing them whenever the voltage is too low. In the first type of controller, the monitor-ing and switching are done on the direct-current (dc) bus. In the second type, the alternating current bus is used. The model allows designers to test a controller concept before investing time in hardware. The simulation code used to develop the model also offers detailed models of digital and analog electronic components so that the resulting designs are realistic enough to translate directly into hardware circuits.
Regan, Timothy F.↗