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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 1,063 records · Page 59

X-33 Attitude Control Using the XRS-2200 Linear Aerospike Engine

The Vehicle Control Systems Team at Marshall Space Flight Center, Structures and Dynamics Laboratory, Guidance and Control Systems Division is designing, under a cooperative agreement with Lockheed Martin Skunkworks, the Ascent, Transition, and Entry flight attitude control systems for the X-33 experimental vehicle. Test flights, while suborbital, will achieve sufficient altitudes and Mach numbers to test Single Stage To Orbit, Reusable Launch Vehicle technologies. Ascent flight control phase, the focus of this paper, begins at liftoff and ends at linear aerospike main engine cutoff (MECO). The X-33 attitude control system design is confronted by a myriad of design challenges: a short design cycle, the X-33 incremental test philosophy, the concurrent design philosophy chosen for the X-33 program, and the fact that the attitude control system design is, as usual, closely linked to many other subsystems and must deal with constraints and requirements from these subsystems. Additionally, however, and of special interest, the use of the linear aerospike engine is a departure from the gimbaled engines traditionally used for thrust vector control (TVC) in launch vehicles and poses certain design challenges. This paper discusses the unique problem of designing the X-33 attitude control system with the linear aerospike engine, requirements development, modeling and analyses that verify the design.

Hall, Charles E.↗

Propulsion Flight Research at NASA Dryden From 1967 to 1997

From 1967 to 1997, pioneering propulsion flight research activities have been conceived and conducted at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. Many of these programs have been flown jointly with the United States Department of Defense, industry, or the Federal Aviation Administration. Propulsion research has been conducted on the XB-70, F-111 A, F-111E, YF-12, JetStar, B-720, MD-11, F-15, F- 104, Highly Maneuverable Aircraft Technology, F-14, F/A-18, SR-71, and the hypersonic X-15 airplanes. Research studies have included inlet dynamics and control, in-flight thrust computation, integrated propulsion controls, inlet and boattail drag, wind tunnel-to-flight comparisons, digital engine controls, advanced engine control optimization algorithms, acoustics, antimisting kerosene, in-flight lift and drag, throttle response criteria, and thrust-vectoring vanes. A computer-controlled thrust system has been developed to land the F-15 and MD-11 airplanes without using any of the normal flight controls. An F-15 airplane has flown tests of axisymmetric thrust-vectoring nozzles. A linear aerospike rocket experiment has been developed and tested on the SR-71 airplane. This paper discusses some of the more unique flight programs, the results, lessons learned, and their impact on current technology.

Burcham, Frank W., Jr.↗

Massively scalable workflows for quantum chemistry: BigChem and ChemCloud

Electronic structure theory, i.e., quantum chemistry, is the fundamental building block for many problems in computational chemistry. Here we present a new distributed computing framework (BigChem), which allows for an efficient solution of many quantum chemistry problems in parallel. BigChem is designed to be easily composable and leverages industry-standard middleware (e.g., Celery, RabbitMQ, and Redis) for distributed approaches to large scale problems. BigChem can harness any collection of worker nodes, including ones on cloud providers (such as AWS or Azure), local clusters, or supercomputer centers (and any mixture of these). BigChem builds upon MolSSI packages, such as QCEngine to standardize the operation of numerous computational chemistry programs, demonstrated here with Psi4, xtb, geomeTRIC, and TeraChem. BigChem delivers full utilization of compute resources at scale, offers a programable canvas for designing sophisticated quantum chemistry workflows, and is fault tolerant to node failures and network disruptions. We demonstrate linear scalability of BigChem running computational chemistry workloads on up to 125 GPUs. Finally, we present ChemCloud, a web API to BigChem and successor to TeraChem Cloud. ChemCloud delivers scalable and secure access to BigChem over the Internet.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Stabilization of linear multivariable systems by output feedback.

A method is developed for improving the stability of linear multivariable systems using output feedback. The technique, which utilizes a gradient approach, has been mechanized in a digital computer program. Illustrative results are given for a seven-state two-feedback model of the Saturn V booster.

Mcbrinn, D. E.↗

An historical survey of computational methods in optimal control.

Review of some of the salient theoretical developments in the specific area of optimal control algorithms. The first algorithms for optimal control were aimed at unconstrained problems and were derived by using first- and second-variation methods of the calculus of variations. These methods have subsequently been recognized as gradient, Newton-Raphson, or Gauss-Newton methods in function space. A much more recent addition to the arsenal of unconstrained optimal control algorithms are several variations of conjugate-gradient methods. At first, constrained optimal control problems could only be solved by exterior penalty function methods. Later algorithms specifically designed for constrained problems have appeared. Among these are methods for solving the unconstrained linear quadratic regulator problem, as well as certain constrained minimum-time and minimum-energy problems. Differential-dynamic programming was developed from dynamic programming considerations. The conditional-gradient method, the gradient-projection method, and a couple of feasible directions methods were obtained as extensions or adaptations of related algorithms for finite-dimensional problems. Finally, the so-called epsilon-methods combine the Ritz method with penalty function techniques.

Polak, E.↗

TRIM-STAB-Aerospace vehicle trim and stability

Program calculates stability and control characteristics of aerospace vehicles, which are usally calculated by either constant coefficient time-slice linear analysis or by nonlinear simulation.

Barnes, R. E.↗

A finite element algorithm for sound propagation in axisymmetric ducts containing compressible mean flow

An accurate mathematical model for sound propagation in axisymmetric aircraft engine ducts with compressible mean flow is reported. The model is based on the usual perturbation of the basic fluid mechanics equations for small motions. Mean flow parameters are derived in the absence of fluctuating quantities and are then substituted into the equations for the acoustic quantities which were linearized by eliminating higher order terms. Mean swirl is assumed to be zero from the restriction of axisymmetry. A linear rectangular serendipity element is formulated from these equations using a Galerkin procedure and assembled in a special purpose computer program in which the matrix map for a rectangular mesh was specifically coded. Representations of the fluctuating quantities, mean quantities and coordinate transformations are isoparametric. The global matrix is solved by foreward and back substitution following an L-U decomposition with pivoting restricted internally to the blocks. Results from the model were compared with results from several alternative analyses and yielded satisfactory agreement.

Abrahamson, A. L.↗

Space construction base operations in support of solar power satellite development

Development of the Solar Power Satellite (SPS) system for initial operation in the late 1990's requires substantial orbital development activities in the mid-1980's leading to a key system development decision in about 1987. A manned Space Construction Base (SCB) in low-earth orbit is needed to support the SPS orbital development program. The SPS system development issues are defined, along with a candidate development program for resolving these issues. The development hardware systems of interest for the mid-1980's include: (1) a tapered linear array microwave antenna (123 x 125.6 m 'cross') with a 57-kW/rf amplitron output, which is SCB constructed and operated in low-earth orbit initially, and, subsequently, unmanned in geosynchronous earth orbit; and (2) a SCB-constructed and -operated 9 x 14.4 m planar array antenna (358 kW/rf/) powered by a 455-kWe silicon photovoltaic solar collector.

Mckhann, G. G.↗

Guide to a condensed form of NASTRAN

A limited capability form of NASTRAN level 16 is presented to meet the needs of universities and small consulting firms. The input cards, the programming language of the direct matrix abstraction program, the plotting, the problem definition, and the modules' diagnostic messages are described. Sample problems relating to the analysis of linear static, vibration, and buckling are included. This guide can serve as a handbook for instructional courses in the use of NASTRAN or for users who need only the capability provided by the condensed form.

Rogers, J. L., Jr.↗

Line-focus concentrating collector program

The Line-Focus Concentrating Collector Program has emphasized the development and dissemination of concentrating solar technology in which the reflected sunlight is focused onto a linear or line receiver. Although a number of different types of line-focus concentrators were developed, the parabolic trough has gained the widest acceptance and utilization within the industrial and applications sectors. The trough is best applied for application scenarios which require temperatures between 140 and 600 F. Another concept, the bowl, is investigated for applications which may require temperatures in the range between 600 and 1200 F. Current technology emphases are upon the reduction of system installation cost and the implementation of production oriented engineering.

Dugan, V. L.↗

Investigating tectonic and bathymetric features of the Indian Ocean using MAGSAT magnetic anomaly data

MAGSAT Investigator-B tapes were preprocessed by (1) removing all data points with obvious erroneous values and location errors; (2) removing smaller spikes (typically 15 nT or more), and deleting data tracks with fewer than 20 points; and (3) removing a linear trend from each track. The remaining data were recorded on tape for use by the equivalent source mapping (ESMAP) program which uses a least squares algorithm to fit the magnetization parameter of the grid of equivalent source dipoles in the crust to satellite data acquired at different times and locations. ESMAP was implemented on the TASC computing system and modified to read preprocessed MAGSAT tapes and interface with TASC plotting software. Some verification of the software was accomplished. Gridded 1-degree mean values of gravity anomaly and sea surface undulation computed from SEASAT radar altimeter were obtained and brought on line.

Lazarewicz, A. R.↗

The development of aerospace polyimide adhesives

Few materials are available which can be used as aerospace adhesives at temperatures in the range of 300 C. The Materials Division at NASA-Langley Research Center developed several high temperature polyimide adhesives to fulfill the stringent needs of current aerospace programs. These adhesives are the result of a decade of basic research studies on the structure property relationships of both linear and addition aromatic polyimides. The development of both in house and commercially available polyimides is reviewed with regards to their potential for use as aerospace adhesives.

St.clair, A. K.↗

The development of aerospace polyimide adhesives

Few materials are available which can be used as aerospace adhesives at temperatures in the range of 300 C. The Materials Division at NASA-Langley Research Center developed several high temperature polyimide adhesives to fulfill the stringent needs of current aerospace programs. These adhesives are the result of a decade of basic research studies on the structure property relationships of both linear and addition aromatic polyimides. The development of both in house and commercially available polyimides is reviewed with regards to their potential for use as aerospace adhesives.

St. Clair, A. K.↗

Solenoid-Simulation Circuit

Electrical properties of solenoids imitated for tests of control circuits. Simulation circuit imitates voltage and current responses of two engine-controlling solenoids. Used in tests of programs of digital engine-control circuits, also provides electronic interface with circuits imitating electrical properties of pressure sensors and linear variable-differential transformers. Produces voltages, currents, delays, and discrete turnon and turnoff signals representing operation of solenoid in engine-control relay. Many such circuits used simulating overall engine circuitry.

Simon, R. A.↗

Application of a sensitivity analysis technique to high-order digital flight control systems

A sensitivity analysis technique for multiloop flight control systems is studied. This technique uses the scaled singular values of the return difference matrix as a measure of the relative stability of a control system. It then uses the gradients of these singular values with respect to system and controller parameters to judge sensitivity. The sensitivity analysis technique is first reviewed; then it is extended to include digital systems, through the derivation of singular-value gradient equations. Gradients with respect to parameters which do not appear explicitly as control-system matrix elements are also derived, so that high-order systems can be studied. A complete review of the integrated technique is given by way of a simple example: the inverted pendulum problem. The technique is then demonstrated on the X-29 control laws. Results show linear models of real systems can be analyzed by this sensitivity technique, if it is applied with care. A computer program called SVA was written to accomplish the singular-value sensitivity analysis techniques. Thus computational methods and considerations form an integral part of many of the discussions. A user's guide to the program is included. The SVA is a fully public domain program, running on the NASA/Dryden Elxsi computer.

Paduano, James D.↗

Linear statistical analysis of maneuver optimization techniques

It is shown how a method for maneuver design during the Jovian satellite tour phase of the Galileo mission requires a full-scale redesign of the tour at each maneuver. Software was developed to provide insight into the statistical properties of this process; it is based on the use of linear perturbations to provide trajectory propagation and a least squares representation of the optimization. The result is a Monte Carlo program, making it possible to evaluate the proposed strategy.

Maize, Earl H.↗

Computational fluid dynamics on a massively parallel computer

A finite difference code was implemented for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations on the Connection Machine, a massively parallel computer. The code is based on the ARC2D/ARC3D program and uses the implicit factored algorithm of Beam and Warming. The codes uses odd-even elimination to solve linear systems. Timings and computation rates are given for the code, and a comparison is made with a Cray XMP.

Jespersen, Dennis C.↗

Controls for agility research in the NASA High-Alpha Technology Program

The research process being used to develop control law design methodologies and guidelines in the NASA High-Alpha Technology Program are discussed. This step-by-step process consists of four basic elements: (1) control law architecture definition and linear synthesis, (2) nonlinear batch simulation, (3) piloted simulation evaluation, and (4) flight test validation. This paper discusses the research tools being used in this effort and provides a status report on design methodologies and guidelines being developed for each of these elements.

Foster, John V.↗