Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “nonlinear programming”

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.

At least 721 records · Page 40

Three-Dimensional, Subsonic, Turbulent Juncture Region Flow

CMC3DPNS predicts three-dimensional, subsonic, turbulent aerodynamic juncture region flow. Versatile program for comprehensive flow-field analysis applies finite-element methodology to nonlinear field problems. Order-ofmagnitude analysis of subsonic, three-dimensional, steady time-averaged NavierStokes equations for semibounded aerodynamic juncture geometries yields para bolic Navier-Stokes equations. CMC3DPNS solves these equations to predict juncture-region flow.

Baker, A. J.↗

A forward method for optimal stochastic nonlinear and adaptive control

A computational approach is taken to solve the optimal nonlinear stochastic control problem. The approach is to systematically solve the stochastic dynamic programming equations forward in time, using a nested stochastic approximation technique. Although computationally intensive, this provides a straightforward numerical solution for this class of problems and provides an alternative to the usual dimensionality problem associated with solving the dynamic programming equations backward in time. It is shown that the cost degrades monotonically as the complexity of the algorithm is reduced. This provides a strategy for suboptimal control with clear performance/computation tradeoffs. A numerical study focusing on a generic optimal stochastic adaptive control example is included to demonstrate the feasibility of the method.

Bayard, David S.↗

Development of the XV-15 tiltrotor research aircraft - Lessons learned

The initial ground rules that guided the decision process during the initial stages of the XV-15 tiltrotor aircraft development are reviewed and reevaluated. A full flight-envelope nonlinear simulation mathematical model is outlined, along with the advantages of a multiaircraft program. Direct involvement of government engineers in all aspects of the program is considered to be beneficial, while the ejection-seat test requirement is not. Utilization of existing components - a rotor, transmissions, and engines - is analyzed, and emphasis is placed on integrated system test plans responsible for producing two reliable aircraft through a complete checkout of the aircraft subsystems before the start of the fligth program. Wind-tunnel and fatigue test requirements are presented, and the decision to go with an all mechanical control system design is addressed.

Schroers, Laurel G.↗

Linearized aerodynamic and control law models of the X-29A airplane and comparison with flight data

Flight control system design and analysis for aircraft rely on mathematical models of the vehicle dynamics. In addition to a six degree of freedom nonlinear simulation, the X-29A flight controls group developed a set of programs that calculate linear perturbation models throughout the X-29A flight envelope. The models include the aerodynamics as well as flight control system dynamics and were used for stability, controllability, and handling qualities analysis. These linear models were compared to flight test results to help provide a safe flight envelope expansion. A description is given of the linear models at three flight conditions and two flight control system modes. The models are presented with a level of detail that would allow the reader to reproduce the linear results if desired. Comparison between the response of the linear model and flight measured responses are presented to demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of the linear models' ability to predict flight dynamics.

Bosworth, John T.↗

Topological analysis of chaotic orbits: Revisiting Hyperion

There is emerging interest in the possibility of chaotic evolution in astrophysical systems. To mention just one example, recent well-sampled ground-based observations of the Saturian satellite Hyperion strongly suggest that it is exhibiting chaotic behavior. We present a general technique, the method of close returns, for the analysis of data from astronomical objects believed to be exhibiting chaotic motion. The method is based on the extraction of pieces of the evolution that exhibit nearly periodic behavior-episodes during which the object stays near in phase space to some unstable periodic orbit. Such orbits generally act as skeletal features, tracing the topological organization of the manifold on which the chaotic dynamics takes place. This method does not require data sets as lengthy as other nonlinear analysis techniques do and is therefore well suited to many astronomical observing programs. Well sampled data covering between twenty and forty characteristic periods of the system have been found to be sufficient for the application of this technique. Additional strengths of this method are its robustness in the presence of noise and the ability for a user to clearly distinguish between periodic, random, and chaotic behavior by inspection of the resulting two-dimensional image. As an example of its power, we analyze close returns in a numerically generated data set, based on a model for Hyperion extensively studied in the literature, corresponding to nightly observations of the satellite. We show that with a small data set, embedded unstable periodic orbits can be extracted and that these orbits can be responsible for nearly periodic behavior lasting a substantial fraction of the observing run.

Boyd, Patricia T.↗

Parameter identification and modeling of longitudinal aerodynamics

Using a comprehensive flight test database and a parameter identification software program produced at NASA Ames Research Center, a math model of the longitudinal aerodynamics of the Harrier aircraft was formulated. The identification program employed the equation error method using multiple linear regression to estimate the nonlinear parameters. The formulated math model structure adhered closely to aerodynamic and stability/control theory, particularly with regard to compressibility and dynamic manoeuvring. Validation was accomplished by using a three degree-of-freedom nonlinear flight simulator with pilot inputs from flight test data. The simulation models agreed quite well with the measured states. It is important to note that the flight test data used for the validation of the model was not used in the model identification.

Aksteter, J. W.↗

An Overview of Preliminary Computational and Experimental Results for the Semi-Span Super-Sonic Transport (S4T) Wind-Tunnel Model

A summary of computational and experimental aeroelastic and aeroservoelastic (ASE) results for the Semi-Span Super-Sonic Transport (S4T) wind-tunnel model is presented. A broad range of analyses and multiple ASE wind-tunnel tests of the S4T have been performed in support of the ASE element in the Supersonics Program, part of NASA's Fundamental Aeronautics Program. The computational results to be presented include linear aeroelastic and ASE analyses, nonlinear aeroelastic analyses using an aeroelastic CFD code, and rapid aeroelastic analyses using CFD-based reduced-order models (ROMs). Experimental results from two closed-loop wind-tunnel tests performed at NASA Langley's Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT) will be presented as well.

Silva, Walter A.↗

Simple high-accuracy resolution program for convective modelling of discontinuities

For steady multidimensional convection, the Quadratic Upstream Interpolation for Convective Kinematics (QUICK) scheme has several attractive properties. However, for highly convective simulation of step profiles, QUICK produces unphysical overshoots and a few oscillations, and this may cause serious problems in nonlinear flows. Fortunately, it is possible to modify the convective flux by writing the normalized convected control-volume face value as a function of the normalized adjacent upstream node value, developing criteria for monotonic resolution without sacrificing formal accuracy. This results in a nonlinear functional relationship between the normalized variables, whereas standard methods are all linear in this sense. The resulting Simple High Accuracy Resolution Program (SHARP) can be applied to steady multidimensional flows containing thin shear or mixing layers, shock waves, and other frontal phenomena. This represents a significant advance in modeling highly convective flows of engineering and geophysical importance. SHARP is based on an explicit, conservative, control-volume flux formation, equally applicable to one, two, or three dimensional elliptic, parabolic, hyperbolic, or mixed-flow regimes. Results are given for the bench-mark purely convective first-order results and the nonmonotonic predictions of second- and third-order upwinding.

Leonard, B. P.↗

Stress, stability, and vibration of complex, branched shells of revolution.

A comprehensive computer program, designated BOSOR4, for analysis of the stress, stability, and vibration of segmented, ring-stiffened, branched shells of revolution and prismatic shells and panels is described. The program performs large-deflection axisymmetric stress analysis, small-deflection nonsymmetric stress analysis, modal vibration analysis with axisymmetric nonlinear prestress included, and buckling analysis with axisymmetric or nonsymmetric prestress. One of the main advantages of the code is the provision for realistic engineering details such as eccentric load paths, internal supports, arbitrary branching conditions, and a library of wall constructions. The program is based on the finite-difference energy method, which is very rapidly convergent with increasing numbers of mesh points.

Bushnell, D.↗

Stress, stability and vibration of complex, branched shells of revolution

A comprehensive computer program, designated BOSOR4, for analysis of the stress, stability, and vibration of segmented, ring-stiffened, branched shells of revolution and prismatic shells and panels is described. The program performs large-deflection axisymmetric stress analysis, small-deflection nonsymmetric stress analysis, modal vibration analysis with axisymmetric nonlinear prestress included, and buckling analysis with axisymmetric or nonsymmetric prestress. One of the main advantages of the code is the provision for realistic engineering details such as eccentric load paths, internal supports, arbitrary branching conditions, and a 'library' of wall constructions. The program is based on the finite-difference energy method, which is very rapidly convergent with increasing numbers of mesh points. The organization of the program is briefly described with the flow of calculations charted for each of the types of analysis. Overlay charts and core storage requirements are given for the CDC 6600, IBM 370/165, and UNIVAC 1108 versions of BOSOR4.

Bushnell, D.↗

PIAS: A program for an iterative aeroelastic solution

A Program for an Iterative Aeroelastic Solution (PIAS) is discussed. This will be a modular computer program that combines the use of a finite-element structural analysis code with any linear or nonlinear aerodynamic code. At this point in time, PIAS has been designed but the software has not been written. The idea for this development originated with P. J. (Bud) Bobbitt of the NASA Langley Research Center. There was initial interest in an aeroelastic solution for a separation-induced leading-edge vortex. Some examples of the flow patterns for a low aspect ratio wing are shown. The Leading-Edge Vortex Program, which calculates pressure distributions including the effects of a separation-induced leading-edge vortex, uses an iterative solution method. This led to the concept of an iteration cycle on configuration shape external to the aerodynamic code.

Manro, M. E.↗

Optimal Control of SOEC-Based Hydrogen Production Systems for Demand Response Using Deep Reinforcement Learning in Smart Grids

Solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) hydrogen production technology can range in size from small, appliance-size equipment to large-scale, central production facilities that can be tied directly to renewable or non-greenhouse-gas-emitting forms of electricity production, making it an ideal resource for demand response (DR). The SOEC hydrogen production system is a complex integrated system that encompasses fluid dynamics, electrical dynamics, and electrochemical and thermal dynamics, all of which involve non-linearity and non-convexity. Proper control of the SOEC hydrogen production system is crucial to enable its participation in the DR program. Here, to overcome the difficulty of designing an explicit control law for such nonlinear systems with nonconvex optimization features in DR applications, deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is explored to achieve the optimal control of the SOEC system for DR participation. Specifically, a twin delayed deterministic policy gradient (TD3) control framework is applied to achieve optimal response performance during DR events by considering power tracking error and hydrogen production efficiency with a suitable reward function. Two case studies with grid connections for tracking different DR commands were investigated. The first case study involved operating conditions reaching the boundaries, while the second involved operating conditions within the boundaries. The results showed that the proposed DRL-based control for SOEC can track the DR signal in a timely manner while maintaining high energy efficiency.

08 HYDROGEN↗

2024 Incubator Final Report: Active Hybrid Mooring

This Incubator project has defined and developed a representation of an active hybrid mooring (AHM) system in Simulink to assess whether the speed and accuracy of AHM is sufficient to warrant further investigation in a larger project. We first built a representative mooring system for the VolturnUS-S 15MW floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) in 1,000-meter water depth to provide baseline loads and displacements needed in the AHM system, with the results showing off-the-shelf actuators would be practical. We then defined model configurations for the numerical and physical substructures, using standalone MoorDyn v2 with a novel input strategy and chained hydraulic actuators represented in Simulink Simscape, respectively. The remainder of the project has focused on verifying the existing models for speed and accuracy against OpenFAST simulations, increasing their complexity to enable six degree of freedom (6DOF) operation, and connecting the numerical and physical substructures into a single holistic model. The verification phase of the project has shown promising results, though further refinement is needed to resolve accuracy discrepancies and for robust performance across a wider range of metocean conditions. The numerical model we developed is computationally stable and operates faster than real time using a time step of 0.01 seconds or shorter, indicating the model is likely fast enough for our AHM design to operate successfully. Additionally, the Simscape model of a hydraulic actuator operates with less than 0.3% relative error when actuating mooring loads from an OpenFAST simulation of the VolturnUS-S 1,000-meter mooring system. The aforementined refinements will be performed in the next year as a Continuing Incubator, with key remaining tasks include programming the predictor-corrector loop to minimize movement error, testing against more complex nonlinear wave cases, and expanding to enable loads from connected shared mooring lines.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Numerical analysis of stiffened shear webs in the postbuckling range

The postbuckling behavior of shear webs divided into rectangular panels by stiffeners (uprights) was studied numerically, using the STAGS program in which two-dimensional finite differences are used to solve buckling and nonlinear problems. Universal nondimensional parameters, suggested by linear buckling data, are found to hold for the postbuckling range. Results indicate that the postbuckling stiffness of shear webs with isotropic panels is roughly two thirds of the prebuckling stiffness. The postbuckling behavior of shear webs with isotropic and orthotropic material properties is compared. Some practical aspects of solving nonlinear problems of this type by the numerical method employed are examined.

Stein, M.↗

Comparison of the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of Barber S-2 and ASF ride control freight trucks

The results of an experimental and analytical program to define the load deflection characteristics of a Barber S-2 freight truck and to compare these characteristics to those of an ASF freight truck of the same load capacity are presented. The comparison of the two trucks is made on a parameter basis and on the basis of the wheel/rail loads induced by track misalignment. The results indicate there is very little difference in the parameters and the response of the two trucks. This is of course qualified by the assumptions required in the development of the mathematical models.

Abbott, P.↗

Two-Stage Linearization Circuit

High accuracy is obtained by combining analog and digital corrections. Proximity-sensor linearization circuit has two stages. First-stage linearization is accurate to about 3 percent; accuracy of final output is better than 0.5 percent. By modifying contents of the Programable Read-Only Memory (PROM), circuit can also be used to derive a nonlinear output.

Waldeck, G. C.↗

A three degree-of-freedom, typical section flutter analysis using harmonic transonic air forces

Typical section flutter solutions are obtained using generalized air forces calculated with OPTRAN2, a program based on the transonic small perturbation potential equation, which uses potentials from a nonlinear solution to the steady flow to obtain linear unsteady air forces. Flutter results are calculated with a conventional, linear V-g type solution. Results are presented for a NACA 64A010 airfoil oscillating in plunge and pitch, and with a quarter-chord control surface in the Mach number range of 0.80 to 0.90. The flutter boundary shows a significant 'transonic' bucket, together with changes in flutter mode as, with increasing Mach numbers, a shock appears on the airfoil and then moves aft. Single degree-of-freedom instabilities associated with both the pitch and the control surface motions are identified.

Weatherill, W. H.↗