Search NASASearch

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “dynamic 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 109 records · Page 6

Satellite-tracking and earth-dynamics research programs

The following activities in Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's (SAO) earth-dynamics programs are covered: (1) satellite-tracking network operations; (2) satellite geodesy and geophysics programs; (3) atmospheric research. Approximately 46,000 successful range measurements were acquired by the SAO laser stations in Peru, South Africa, Brazil, and Arizona. The Peole satellite-tracking campaign conducted in conjunction with the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales was completed in August 1973. The SAO network obtained 4482 validated returns of 310 arcs of Peole. These data are of particular value for obtaining more accurate gravity-field and zonal-harmonics coefficients.

Weiffenbach, G. C.

The NASA Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) program - Building technology to solve future challenges

This paper presents the NASA Computational Fluid Dynamics program in terms of a strategic vision and goals as well as NASA's financial commitment and personnel levels. The paper also identifies the CFD program customers and the support to those customers. In addition, the paper discusses technical emphasis and direction of the program and some recent achievements. NASA's Ames, Langley, and Lewis Research Centers are the research hubs of the CFD program while the NASA Headquarters Office of Aeronautics represents and advocates the program.

Richardson, Pamela F.

Space station structures and dynamics test program

The design, construction, and operation of a low-Earth orbit space station poses challenges for development and implementation of technology. One specific challenge is the development of a dynamics test program for defining the space station design requirements, and identifying and characterizing phenomena affecting the space station's design and development. The test proposal, as outlined, is a comprehensive structural dynamics program to be launched in support of the space station (SS). Development of a parametric data base and verification of the mathematical models and analytical analysis tools necessary for engineering support of the station's design, construction, and operation provide the impetus for the dynamics test program. The four test phases planned are discussed: testing of SS applicable structural concepts; testing of SS prototypes; testing of actual SS structural hardware; and on-orbit testing of SS construction.

Bugg, Frank M.

Space station structures and dynamics test program

The design, construction, and operation of a low-Earth orbit space station poses unique challenges for development and implementation of new technology. The technology arises from the special requirement that the station be built and constructed to function in a weightless environment, where static loads are minimal and secondary to system dynamics and control problems. One specific challenge confronting NASA is the development of a dynamics test program for: (1) defining space station design requirements, and (2) identifying the characterizing phenomena affecting the station's design and development. A general definition of the space station dynamic test program, as proposed by MSFC, forms the subject of this report. The test proposal is a comprehensive structural dynamics program to be launched in support of the space station. The test program will help to define the key issues and/or problems inherent to large space structure analysis, design, and testing. Development of a parametric data base and verification of the math models and analytical analysis tools necessary for engineering support of the station's design, construction, and operation provide the impetus for the dynamics test program. The philosophy is to integrate dynamics into the design phase through extensive ground testing and analytical ground simulations of generic systems, prototype elements, and subassemblies. On-orbit testing of the station will also be used to define its capability.

Moore, Carleton J.

A 4-cylinder Stirling engine computer program with dynamic energy equations

A computer program for simulating the steady state and transient performance of a four cylinder Stirling engine is presented. The thermodynamic model includes both continuity and energy equations and linear momentum terms (flow resistance). Each working space between the pistons is broken into seven control volumes. Drive dynamics and vehicle load effects are included. The model contains 70 state variables. Also included in the model are piston rod seal leakage effects. The computer program includes a model of a hydrogen supply system, from which hydrogen may be added to the system to accelerate the engine. Flow charts are provided.

Daniele, C. J.

Verification of a landing dynamics computer program using Viking Lander data

An investigation was conducted to verify the accuracy of the Landing Dynamics Computer Program (LDCP) used to simulate the landing event of the Viking Lander (VL) on to the Martian surface. This verification was achieved by comparing the analytical data with results from a test program involving a dynamically scaled model of a VL configuration. A secondary objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of the VL to initial rates and orientations, configuration modifications, and footpad friction.

Muraca, R. J.

A modal combination computer program for dynamic analysis of structures

Computer program determines the response of a composite linear structure to sinusoidal base motion of a restrained structure or sinusoidal forces of a free structure. This program is applied to problems of testing practices and closed-loop stability of autopilot controlled space vehicles. It is written for the IBM 7094 in FORTRAN 4 language.

Bamford, R. M.

Thermosphere dynamics - Contributions from the first 5 years of the Dynamics Explorer program

Instrumentation flown on the Dynamics Explorer 2 (DE-2) spacecraft enabled the dynamics of both the neutral and the ionized components of the earth's upper atmosphere to be monitored over the lifetime of the spacecraft, from August 1981 to February 1983. The direct measurements of global thermospheric vector neutral winds and ion drifts were supplemented by observations of neutral and ionic constituent abundances and temperatures, precipitating particle fluxes and pitch angle distributions, electric and magnetic fields, and global-scale auroral luminosity distributions. Analysis of this unique and comprehensive global data base has led to advances in our understanding of the manner in which the earth's thermosphere responds dynamically to the insertion of energy and momentum. We review the scientific progress achieved over the past 5 years through the efforts of members of the Dynamics Explorer science team and the other interested scientists who have used the DE data base to investigate the dynamical response of the thermosphere.

Killeen, T. L.

Comparison study of gear dynamic computer programs at NASA Lewis Research Center

A comparison study was performed on four gear dynamic analysis computer programs developed under NASA/Army sponsorship. These programs are GRDYNMULT (a multimesh program applicable to a number of epicyclic systems), TELSGE (a single mesh program), PGT (a multimesh program applicable to a planetary system with three planets), and DANST (a single mesh program). The capabilities and features, input and output options, and technical aspects of the programs were reviewed and compared. Results are presented in a concise tabular form. Parametric studies of the program models were performed to investigate the predicted results of the programs as input parameters such as speed, torque, and mesh damping were varied. In general, the program models predicted similar dynamic load and stress levels as operating conditions were varied. Flash temperature predictions from programs GRDYNMULT and TELSGE indicated similar trends; however, actual values were not in close agreement. The program GRDYNMULT was found to be the most versatile in system size, type, and analysis capabilities. The programs DANST, TELSGE, and PGT are more specialized for specific systems; however, in specific areas they provide a more detailed treatment than GRDYNMULT.

Zakrajsek, James J.

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.

Special activity utilization of GDSCC antennas during 1980

In addition to direct spacecraft project support, the GDSCC antennas also support special activities. These activities can be categorized as advanced system program, crustal dynamics program, and radio astronomy program activities. The goals of these types of activities that received tracking support at Goldstone are discussed. All Goldstone stations (DSSs 11, 12, 13, and 14) provided a total of 2814.5 tracking hours to special activities during the period January through December 1980.

Jackson, E. B.

Special activity utilization of GDSCC antennas during 1981

The activities are categorized as advanced systems program, radio astronomy program, crustal dynamics program, and operations and support activities. The goals of each of the activities that received tracking support at Goldstone during 1981 are discussed. All Goldstone stations (DSSs 11, 12, 13 and 14) provided a total of 2353.55 hours of support to special activities during the period.

Jackson, E. B.

Dispersion analysis and linear error analysis capabilities of the space vehicle dynamics simulation program

Previous error analyses conducted by the Guidance and Dynamics Branch of NASA have used the Guidance Analysis Program (GAP) as the trajectory simulation tool. Plans are made to conduct all future error analyses using the Space Vehicle Dynamics Simulation (SVDS) program. A study was conducted to compare the inertial measurement unit (IMU) error simulations of the two programs. Results of the GAP/SVDS comparison are presented and problem areas encountered while attempting to simulate IMU errors, vehicle performance uncertainties and environmental uncertainties using SVDS are defined. An evaluation of the SVDS linear error analysis capability is also included.

Snow, L. S.

Program of Research in Structures and Dynamics

The Structures and Dynamics Program was first initiated in 1972 with the following two major objectives: to provide a basic understanding and working knowledge of some key areas pertinent to structures, solid mechanics, and dynamics technology including computer aided design; and to provide a comprehensive educational and research program at the NASA Langley Research Center leading to advanced degrees in the structures and dynamics areas. During the operation of the program the research work was done in support of the activities of both the Structures and Dynamics Division and the Loads and Aeroelasticity Division. During the period of 1972 to 1986 the Program provided support for two full-time faculty members, one part-time faculty member, three postdoctoral fellows, one research engineer, eight programmers, and 28 graduate research assistants. The faculty and staff of the program have published 144 papers and reports, and made 70 presentations at national and international meetings, describing their research findings. In addition, they organized and helped in the organization of 10 workshops and national symposia in the structures and dynamics areas. The graduate research assistants and the students enrolled in the program have written 20 masters theses and 2 doctoral dissertations. The overall progress is summarized.

Source record

Models and Algorithms for Equilibrium Analysis of Mixed-Material Nucleic Acid Systems

Dynamic programming algorithms within the NUPACK software suite enable analysis of equilibrium base-pairing properties for complex and test tube ensembles containing arbitrary numbers of interacting nucleic acid strands. Currently, calculations are limited to single-material systems that are either all-RNA or all-DNA. Here, to enable analysis of mixed-material systems that are critical for modern applications in vitro, in situ, and in vivo, we develop physical models and dynamic programming algorithms that allow the material of the system to be specified at nucleotide resolution. Free energy parameter sets are constructed for both RNA/DNA and RNA/2'OMe-RNA mixed-material systems by combining available empirical mixed-material parameters with single-material parameter sets to enable treatment of the full complex and test tube ensembles. New dynamic programming recursions account for the material of each nucleotide throughout the recursive process. For a complex with N nucleotides, the mixed-material dynamic programming algorithms maintain the O(N 3 ) time complexity of the single-material algorithms, enabling efficient calculation of diverse physical quantities over complex and test tube ensembles (e.g., complex partition function, equilibrium complex concentrations, equilibrium base-pairing probabilities, minimum free energy secondary structure(s), and Boltzmann-sampled secondary structures) at a cost increase of roughly 2.0-3.5×. The results of existing single-material algorithms are exactly reproduced when applying the new mixed-material algorithms to single-material systems. Accuracy is significantly enhanced using mixed-material models and algorithms to predict RNA/DNA and RNA/2'OMe-RNA duplex melting temperatures from the experimental literature as well as RNA/DNA melt profiles from new experiments. In conclusion, mixed-material analyses can be performed online using the NUPACK web app (www.nupack.org) or locally using the NUPACK Python module.

2′OMe-RNA

Comparison of Real-Time Pressure Rail Selection Algorithms for the Hybrid Hydraulic Electric Architecture: Case Study on a Track Loader

Abstract The hybrid hydraulic electric architecture (HHEA) seeks to combine the high power/torque/force density of hydraulics with the efficiency of electric machines. A set of common pressure rails is used to provide a majority of the power and this power is modulated by small electric machines to provide precise control for the operator. The HHEA has been studied in previous work using off-line dynamic programming optimization to determine energy efficient pressure rail selections, but this approach requires drive cycle information apriori. A Lagrange multiplier method has also been investigated where a set of gains (Lagrange multipliers) are optimized off-line with the idea the these gains, once determined, could be used for real-time operation. In this work, three new real-time pressure rail selection algorithms that do not require future drive cycle information are investigated; greedy, torque minimizing, and thresholding. The greedy control is found to only use 1% more energy than the globally optimal dynamic programming solution; but a model of energy loss is required.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION