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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 919 records · Page 51

Transonic adaptive flutter suppression using approximate unsteady time domain aerodynamics

A digital adaptive controller is applied to the active flutter suppression problem of a wing under time varying flight conditions in subsonic and transonic flow. Linear quadratic controller gain at each time step is obtained using an iterative Riccati solver. The digital adaptive optimal controller is robust with respect to the unknown external loads. Flutter and divergence instabilities are simultaneously suppressed using a trailing-edge control surface and displacement sensing. A new transonic unsteady aerodynamic approximation methodology is developed which enables one to carry out the rapid calculation required for transonic aeroservoelastic applications. This approximation is based on a combination of unsteady subsonic aerodynamics combined with a transonic correction procedure. Aeroservoelastic transient time response is obtained using Roger's approximation, state transition matrices and an iterative time marching algorithm. The aeroservoelastic system in the time domain is modeled using a deterministic ARMA model together with a parameter estimator. Transonic flutter boundaries of a wing structure are computed, in the time domain, using an estimated aeroelastic system matrix and are in good agreement with experimental data for the low transonic Mach number range.

Pak, Chan-Gi↗

Hypersonic flow computations around re-entry vehicles

The development of an algorithm for the solution of the compressible Euler equations at high Mach numbers on unstructured tetrahedral meshes is described. The basic algorithm is constructed in the form of a central difference scheme plus an explicit added artificial viscosity based upon fourth order differences of the solution. The stability of the solution in the vicinity of strong gradients is preserved by the incorporation of an additional artificial viscosity based upon a second order difference. Higher order accuracy is regained by using the ideas of flux corrected transport to limit the amount of added viscosity. The solution is advanced to steady state by means of an explicit multi-stage time-stepping method. The computational efficiency of the complete process is improved by incorporating an unstructured multigrid acceleration procedure. A number of flows of practical interest are analyzed to demonstrate the numerical performance of the proposed approach.

Peraire, J.↗

Hybrid-dual-fourier tomographic algorithm for a fast three-dimensionial optical image reconstruction in turbid media

A reconstruction technique for reducing computation burden in the 3D image processes, wherein the reconstruction procedure comprises an inverse and a forward model. The inverse model uses a hybrid dual Fourier algorithm that combines a 2D Fourier inversion with a 1D matrix inversion to thereby provide high-speed inverse computations. The inverse algorithm uses a hybrid transfer to provide fast Fourier inversion for data of multiple sources and multiple detectors. The forward model is based on an analytical cumulant solution of a radiative transfer equation. The accurate analytical form of the solution to the radiative transfer equation provides an efficient formalism for fast computation of the forward model.

Alfano, Robert R.↗

Bootstrap Prediction Intervals in Non-Parametric Regression with Applications to Anomaly Detection

Prediction intervals provide a measure of the probable interval in which the outputs of a regression model can be expected to occur. Subsequently, these prediction intervals can be used to determine if the observed output is anomalous or not, conditioned on the input. In this paper, a procedure for determining prediction intervals for outputs of nonparametric regression models using bootstrap methods is proposed. Bootstrap methods allow for a non-parametric approach to computing prediction intervals with no specific assumptions about the sampling distribution of the noise or the data. The asymptotic fidelity of the proposed prediction intervals is theoretically proved. Subsequently, the validity of the bootstrap based prediction intervals is illustrated via simulations. Finally, the bootstrap prediction intervals are applied to the problem of anomaly detection on aviation data.

Kumar, Sricharan↗

Modeling and Simulation Credibility Assessments of Whole-Body Finite Element Computational Models for Use in NASA Extravehicular Activity Applications

Computational finite element (FE) models are used in suited astronaut injury risk assessments; however, these models’ verification, validation, and credibility (VV&C) procedures for simulating injuries in altered gravity environments are limited. Our study conducts VV&C assessments of THUMS and Elemance whole-body FE models for predicting suited astronaut injury biomechanics using eight credibility factors, as per NASA-STD-7009A. Credibility factor ordinal scores are assigned by reviewing existing documentation describing VV&C practices, and credibility sufficiency thresholds are assigned based on input from subject matter experts. Our results show the FE models are credible for suited astronaut injury investigation in specific ranges of kinematic and kinetic conditions correlating to highway and contact sports events. Nevertheless, these models are deficient when applied outside these ranges. Several credibility elevation strategies are prescribed to improve models’ credibility for the NASA-centric application domain.

Finite Element↗

Modeling and simulation credibility assessments of whole-body finite element computational models for use in NASA extravehicular activity applications

Computational finite element (FE) models are used in suited astronaut injury risk assessments; however, these models’ verification, validation, and credibility (VV&C) procedures for simulating injuries in altered gravity environments are limited. Our study conducts VV&C assessments of THUMS and Elemance whole-body FE models for predicting suited astronaut injury biomechanics using eight credibility factors, as per NASA-STD-7009A. Credibility factor ordinal scores are assigned by reviewing existing documentation describing VV&C practices, and credibility sufficiency thresholds are assigned based on input from subject matter experts. Our results show the FE models are credible for suited astronaut injury investigation in specific ranges of kinematic and kinetic conditions correlating to highway and contact sports events. Nevertheless, these models are deficient when applied outside these ranges. Several credibility elevation strategies are prescribed to improve models’ credibility for the NASA-centric application domain.

Finite Element↗

A general-purpose development environment for intelligent computer-aided training systems

Space station training will be a major task, requiring the creation of large numbers of simulation-based training systems for crew, flight controllers, and ground-based support personnel. Given the long duration of space station missions and the large number of activities supported by the space station, the extension of space shuttle training methods to space station training may prove to be impractical. The application of artificial intelligence technology to simulation training can provide the ability to deliver individualized training to large numbers of personnel in a distributed workstation environment. The principal objective of this project is the creation of a software development environment which can be used to build intelligent training systems for procedural tasks associated with the operation of the space station. Current NASA Johnson Space Center projects and joint projects with other NASA operational centers will result in specific training systems for existing space shuttle crew, ground support personnel, and flight controller tasks. Concurrently with the creation of these systems, a general-purpose development environment for intelligent computer-aided training systems will be built. Such an environment would permit the rapid production, delivery, and evolution of training systems for space station crew, flight controllers, and other support personnel. The widespread use of such systems will serve to preserve task and training expertise, support the training of many personnel in a distributed manner, and ensure the uniformity and verifiability of training experiences. As a result, significant reductions in training costs can be realized while safety and the probability of mission success can be enhanced.

Savely, Robert T.↗

Programmed Multiphasic Health Testing

Multiphase health screening procedures are advocated for detection and prevention of disease at an early stage through risk factor analysis. The use of an automated medical history questionnaire together with scheduled physical examination data provides a scanning input for computer printout. This system makes it possible to process laboratory results from 1,000 to 2,000 patients for biochemical determinations on an economically feasible base.

Hershberg, P. I.↗

Power spectral density estimation by spline smoothing in the frequency domain.

An approach, based on a global averaging procedure, is presented for estimating the power spectrum of a second order stationary zero-mean ergodic stochastic process from a finite length record. This estimate is derived by smoothing, with a cubic smoothing spline, the naive estimate of the spectrum obtained by applying Fast Fourier Transform techniques to the raw data. By means of digital computer simulated results, a comparison is made between the features of the present approach and those of more classical techniques of spectral estimation.-

De Figueiredo, R. J. P.↗

Spacecraft factory-to-pad testing concept

It is noted that the concept of factory-to-pad testing is based on the shipment of a flight-ready spacecraft to the launch base and can be achieved by thorough and comprehensive factory testing of the spacecraft. The principal objectives and results of this approach are shown to be significant cost reductions, increased test effectiveness, and fewer flight problems. Key elements for this concept's success are discussed, including factory-to-pad commonality of support equipment, test requirements and procedures, test teams, and computer programs. Applications of this approach in the space-shuttle era are considered, and a preliminary factory-to-pad concept for the Large Space Telescope spacecraft is presented.

Jones, R. H.↗

Experiment S-213 selenocentric geodetic reference system

Development and implementation of a photogrammetric system was undertaken to provide accurate selenodetic positions and topographic mapping of all areas overflown by orbital spacecraft. The system was installed in the scientific instrument module (SIM) bay of the Apollo command service module (CSM). In theory, this system provided everything a photogrammetrist could want: the position of each exposure station would be obtained from Earth-based tracking; the orientation of each photograph could be computed from the synchronized stellar exposure and the lock-angles determined by preflight calibration; and the scale of each stereomodel would be obtained directly from the altimeter data. Operationally, the data acquisition was adequate, but less than optimum. Systematic errors are believed to be the result of the primitive orbit determination procedures in use at the time of the Apollo 15 mission, inadequate models of the lunar gravity field, and spacecraft oscillations induced by uncoupled thrusting and various activities of the astronauts.

Doyle, F. J.↗

A solution method for the unsteady incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in generalized coordinate systems

A solution method based on a fractional step approach is developed for obtaining time-dependent solutions of the three-dimensional, incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in generalized coordinate systems. The governing equations are discretized conservatively by finite volumes using a staggered mesh system. The primitive variable formulation uses the volume fluxes across the faces of each computational cell as dependent variables. This procedure, combined with accurate and consistent approximations of geometric parameters, is done to satisfy the discretized mass conservation equation to machine accuracy as well as to gain favorable convergence properties of the Poisson solver. The discretized equations are second-order-accurate in time and space and no smoothing terms are added. An approximate-factorization scheme is implemented in solving the momentum equations. A novel ZEBRA scheme with four-color ordering is devised for the efficient solution of the Poisson equation. Several two and three-dimensional solutions are compared with other numerical and experimental results to validate the present method.

Rosenfeld, Moshe↗

A telerobotic system for automated assembly of large space structures

Future space missions such as polar platforms and antennas are anticipated to require large truss structures as their primary support system. During the past several years considerable research has been conducted to develop hardware and construction techniques suitable for astronaut assembly of truss structures in space. A research program has recently been initiated to develop the technology and to demonstrate the potential for automated in-space assembly of large erectable structures. The initial effort will be focussed on automated assembly of a tetrahedral truss composed of 2-meter members. The facility is designed as a ground based system to permit evaluation of assembly concepts and was not designed for space qualification. The system is intended to be used as a tool from which more sophisticated procedures and operations can be developed. The facility description includes a truss structure, motionbases and a robot arm equipped with an end effector. Other considerations and requirements of the structural assembly describe computer control systems to monitor and control the operations of the assembly facility.

Rhodes, Marvin D.↗

A telerobotic system for automated assembly of large space structures

Future space missions such as polar platforms and antennas are anticipated to require large truss structures as their primary support system. During the past several years considerable research has been conducted to develop hardware and construction techniques suitable for astronaut assembly of truss structures in space. A research program has recently been initiated to develop the technology and to demonstrate the potential for automated in-space assembly of large erectable structures. The initial effort will be focused on automated assembly of a tetrahedral truss composed of 2-meter members. The facility is designed as a ground based system to permit evaluation of assembly concepts and was not designed for space qualification. The system is intended to be used as a tool from which more sophisticated procedures and operations can be developed. The facility description includes a truss structure, motionbases and a robot arm equipped with an end effector. Other considerations and requirements of the structural assembly describe computer control systems to monitor and control the operations of the assembly facility.

Rhodes, Marvin D.↗

Numerical Procedures for Inlet/Diffuser/Nozzle Flows

Two primitive variable, pressure based, flux-split, RNS/NS solution procedures for viscous flows are presented. Both methods are uniformly valid across the full Mach number range, Le., from the incompressible limit to high supersonic speeds. The first method is an 'optimized' version of a previously developed global pressure relaxation RNS procedure. Considerable reduction in the number of relatively expensive matrix inversion, and thereby in the computational time, has been achieved with this procedure. CPU times are reduced by a factor of 15 for predominantly elliptic flows (incompressible and low subsonic). The second method is a time-marching, 'linearized' convection RNS/NS procedure. The key to the efficiency of this procedure is the reduction to a single LU inversion at the inflow cross-plane. The remainder of the algorithm simply requires back-substitution with this LU and the corresponding residual vector at any cross-plane location. This method is not time-consistent, but has a convective-type CFL stability limitation. Both formulations are robust and provide accurate solutions for a variety of internal viscous flows to be provided herein.

Rubin, Stanley G.↗

Response Surface Modeling Using Multivariate Orthogonal Functions

A nonlinear modeling technique was used to characterize response surfaces for non-dimensional longitudinal aerodynamic force and moment coefficients, based on wind tunnel data from a commercial jet transport model. Data were collected using two experimental procedures - one based on modem design of experiments (MDOE), and one using a classical one factor at a time (OFAT) approach. The nonlinear modeling technique used multivariate orthogonal functions generated from the independent variable data as modeling functions in a least squares context to characterize the response surfaces. Model terms were selected automatically using a prediction error metric. Prediction error bounds computed from the modeling data alone were found to be- a good measure of actual prediction error for prediction points within the inference space. Root-mean-square model fit error and prediction error were less than 4 percent of the mean response value in all cases. Efficacy and prediction performance of the response surface models identified from both MDOE and OFAT experiments were investigated.

Morelli, Eugene A.↗

Automated CFD Database Generation for a 2nd Generation Glide-Back-Booster

A new software tool, AeroDB, is used to compute thousands of Euler and Navier-Stokes solutions for a 2nd generation glide-back booster in one week. The solution process exploits a common job-submission grid environment using 13 computers located at 4 different geographical sites. Process automation and web-based access to the database greatly reduces the user workload, removing much of the tedium and tendency for user input errors. The database consists of forces, moments, and solution files obtained by varying the Mach number, angle of attack, and sideslip angle. The forces and moments compare well with experimental data. Stability derivatives are also computed using a monotone cubic spline procedure. Flow visualization and three-dimensional surface plots are used to interpret and characterize the nature of computed flow fields.

Chaderjian, Neal M.↗

Maipo River Valley Agriculture: Determining Crop Coefficients Using Remote Sensing for the Maipo River Valley Basin in Chile

Agriculture is the primary use of water in the Maipo River basin of Central Chile, accounting for ~ 75% of the total demand. Assessment of irrigation needs for agricultural production has commonly relied on reference crop coefficients (Kc) derived from geographic and climatic conditions that differ from those of Chile. In partnership with the Centro de Información de Recursos Naturales (CIREN), this work focused on calculating site-specific crop coefficients tailored to crop production in the water-stressed Maipo River Valley. Two distinct approaches were implemented, each relying on remotely-sensed Earth observation datasets from NASA over consecutive growing seasons from 2019 to 2022. The first method estimated Kc values based on their linear relationship with the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) obtained from either Terra Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) or Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) surface reflectance. The second technique leveraged information from the ISS Ecosystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) by computing the ratio between actual crop evapotranspiration (ET) and potential evapotranspiration (PET). Both procedures showed promising results that can build on one another. The former approach best captured vegetation signals of annual crops while the latter appeared suited for perennials. Overall, this study provides a strong basis and novel way to accurately estimate Kc using remote sensing, with the potential for improved irrigation management and reduction in water consumption.

Benjamin Goffin↗