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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 127 records · Page 7

DSN test and training system

Key characteristics of the Deep Space Network Test and Training System were presented. Completion of the Mark III-75 system implementation is reported. Plans are summarized for upgrading the system to a Mark III-77 configuration to support Deep Space Network preparations for the Mariner Jupiter/Saturn 1977 and Pioneer Venus 1978 missions. A general description of the Deep Space Station, Ground Communications Facility, and Network Operations Control Center functions that comprise the Deep Space Network Test and Training System is also presented.

H. C. Thorman↗

More About Architecture For Intelligent Robotic Control

Boolean neural networks proposed to implement part of intermediate level of hierarchical architecture of control system for artificially intelligent control of robot hand. Concept described in "Architecture for Intelligent Control of Robotic Tasks" (NPO-17871). Rule level of architecture implemented in two Boolean neural networks operated and updated in alternation. No explicit programming of network. Internal configuration not unique but, depends on initial state and history of previous adaptations. Accepts new rules sequentially presented by external controller.

Fiorini, Paolo↗

Airport-Noise Levels and Annoyance Model (ALAMO) user's guide

A guide for the use of the Airport-Noise Level and Annoyance MOdel (ALAMO) at the Langley Research Center computer complex is provided. This document is divided into 5 primary sections, the introduction, the purpose of the model, and an in-depth description of the following subsystems: baseline, noise reduction simulation and track analysis. For each subsystem, the user is provided with a description of architecture, an explanation of subsystem use, sample results, and a case runner's check list. It is assumed that the user is familiar with the operations at the Langley Research Center (LaRC) computer complex, the Network Operating System (NOS 1.4) and CYBER Control Language. Incorporated within the ALAMO model is a census database system called SITE II.

Deloach, R.↗

Evaluating Space Network (SN) scheduling operations concepts through statistical analysis

The Network Control Center (NCC) currently uses the NCC Data System (NCCDS) to schedule customer spacecraft communication requests for the Space Network (SN). The NCC/Request Oriented Scheduling Engine (NCC/ROSE), which implements an operational concept called flexible scheduling, is being tested as a potential replacement for the NCCDS scheduler in an effort to increase the efficiency of the NCC scheduling operations. This paper describes the high fidelity benchmark tests being conducted on NCC/ROSE, the evaluation techniques used to compare schedules, and the results of the tests. This testing will verify the increases in efficiency and productivity that can help the NCC meet the anticipated scheduling loads well into the next century.

Kwadrat, Carl↗

Concorde with the airlines

The only supersonic aircraft in airline service, Concorde, offers the first actual test of supersonic cruise feasibility and the only real experience relative to passenger, airline, and community acceptance. The dominant characteristic of Concorde operations is low aircraft utilization, due partly to the restricted route network. Operating costs, the maintenance/reliability record and associated dispatch delays are discussed. Problems with overwater operations, and the secondary boom phenomena are examined. Monthly average load factors for various routes, major causes of technical delays, aircraft technical performance, and aircraft tracks are graphically depicted.

Leyman, C. S.↗

DeepONet-Assisted Optimization of Surface Topography for Transition Delay in a Mach 4.5 Boundary Layer

We use deep learning, an ensemble variational technique (EnVar), and direct numerical simulations(DNS) to design an optimal topography for a two-dimensional roughness element that delays the on-set of laminar-turbulent transition in a Mach 4.5 flat-plate boundary layer. Deep operator networks (DeepONets), which have the known ability to learn complex nonlinear operators within dynamical systems, are used for machine learning. For the baseline configuration of a smooth flat plate, the second-mode waves at the DNS inflow cause a quick nonlinear breakdown of the high-speed boundary layer within the computational domain. Results reported in the present study validate the ability of DeepONets to model the transition delay via a given topography of the roughness element. The computing cost to optimize the rough-ness element for minimal skin-friction drag is substantially lowered by the DeepONets-based reduced-order model. In comparison to the baseline method of EnVar optimization based on DNS alone, the DeepONets-based EnVar optimizer is able to delay transition past the outflow boundary of the computational domain while utilizing almost 5–6 times fewer DNS.

Machine Learning↗

NOCA upgrade

The network operations control area (NOCA) of the space flight operations facility (SFOF) is being upgraded in both hardware and software capabilities to provide the visibility and operability necessary for the operations control function to be performed within the present technological environment of the tracking network. The hardware implementation currently in progress is addressed. It provides a standard operating console with increased display capacity and improved ergonomics as a replacement for the existing, outmoded, circular consoles original to the SFOF.

Gould, G. D.↗

Throughput and packet delay analysis for the H-network - CSMA/CD with adaptive and nonadaptive backoff protocols

The structure of a high-data-rate (about 7 Mbytes/sec) local area network named the H-Network is described which is used to provide point to point analysis and broadcast communication in a multiprocessor environment, the Homogeneous Multiprocessor (Dimopoulos, 1983). The throughput and packet delay characteristics for the H-Network operating under CSMA/CD are presented, using adaptive and nonadaptive backoff protocols. The network is found to perform quite well, with an average utilization factor of over 60 percent and a maximum packet delay of less than 500 microsec for the case of 10 competing stations.

Dimopoulos, Nikitas J.↗

Earth-Space Link Attenuation Estimation via Ground Radar Kdp

A method of predicting attenuation on microwave Earth/spacecraft communication links, over wide areas and under various atmospheric conditions, has been developed. In the area around the ground station locations, a nearly horizontally aimed polarimetric S-band ground radar measures the specific differential phase (Kdp) along the Earth-space path. The specific attenuation along a path of interest is then computed by use of a theoretical model of the relationship between the measured S-band specific differential phase and the specific attenuation at the frequency to be used on the communication link. The model includes effects of rain, wet ice, and other forms of precipitation. The attenuation on the path of interest is then computed by integrating the specific attenuation over the length of the path. This method can be used to determine statistics of signal degradation on Earth/spacecraft communication links. It can also be used to obtain real-time estimates of attenuation along multiple Earth/spacecraft links that are parts of a communication network operating within the radar coverage area, thereby enabling better management of the network through appropriate dynamic routing along the best combination of links.

Bolen, Steven M.↗

Link monitor and control operator assistant: A prototype demonstrating semiautomated monitor and control

This article describes the approach, results, and lessons learned from an applied research project demonstrating how artificial intelligence (AI) technology can be used to improve Deep Space Network operations. Configuring antenna and associated equipment necessary to support a communications link is a time-consuming process. The time spent configuring the equipment is essentially overhead and results in reduced time for actual mission support operations. The NASA Office of Space Communications (Code O) and the NASA Office of Advanced Concepts and Technology (Code C) jointly funded an applied research project to investigate technologies which can be used to reduce configuration time. This resulted in the development and application of AI-based automated operations technology in a prototype system, the Link Monitor and Control Operator Assistant (LMC OA). The LMC OA was tested over the course of three months in a parallel experimental mode on very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) operations at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Center. The tests demonstrated a 44 percent reduction in pre-calibration time for a VLBI pass on the 70-m antenna. Currently, this technology is being developed further under Research and Technology Operating Plan (RTOP)-72 to demonstrate the applicability of the technology to operations in the entire Deep Space Network.

Lee, L. F.↗

High-speed, cross-continental networks - A necessity

The networking requirements that the Earth Observing System (EOS) program has levied on NASA and the national and international operational networking communities is addressed. The objectives of the EOS program are listed and include the development and operation of an observing system to acquire essential, global earth science data on a long-term, sustained basis and in a manner which maximizes the scientific utility of the data and simplifies data analysis. Network design issues are also discussed, including protocol selection, the Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol suite, the Open Systems Interconnect network suite, and the internet evolution. Open and closed network issues are also discussed. A number of networks now in place are assessed including NASNet, and ESNet. These offer possible options and/or solutions to be considered by the NASA Headquarters EOS Data and Information Systems Program.

Wong, C. M.↗

Communications and control for electric power systems

The first section of the report describes the AbNET system, a hardware and software communications system designed for distribution automation (it can also find application in substation monitoring and control). The topology of the power system fixes the topology of the communications network, which can therefore be expected to include a larger number of branch points, tap points, and interconnections. These features make this communications network unlike any other. The network operating software has to solve the problem of communicating to all the nodes of a very complex network in as reliable a way as possible even if the network is damaged, and it has to do so with minimum transmission delays and at minimum cost. The design of the operating protocols is described within the framework of the seven-layer Open System Interconnection hierarchy of the International Standards Organization. Section 2 of the report describes the development and testing of a high voltage sensor based on an electro-optic polymer. The theory of operation is reviewed. Bulk fabrication of the polymer is discussed, as well as results of testing of the electro-optic coefficient of the material. Fabrication of a complete prototype sensor suitable for use in the range 1-20 kV is described. The electro-optic polymer is shown to be an important material for fiber optic sensing applications. Appendix A is theoretical support for this work. The third section of the report presents the application of an artificial neural network, Kohonen's self-organizing feature map, for the classification of power system states. This classifier maps vectors of an N-dimensional space to a 2-dimensional neural net in a nonlinear way preserving the topological order of the input vectors. These mappings are studied using a nonlinear power system model.

Kirkham, H.↗

Communications protocols for a fault tolerant, integrated local area network for Space Station applications

The evolutionary growth of the Space Station and the diverse activities onboard are expected to require a hierarchy of integrated,local area networks capable of supporting data, voice and video communications. In addition, fault tolerant network operation is necessary to protect communications between critical systems attached to the net and to relieve the valuable human resources onboard Space Station of day-to-day data system repair tasks. An experimental, local area network is being developed which will serve as a testbed for investigating candidate algorithms and technologies for a fault tolerant, integrated network. The establishment of a set of rules or protocols which govern communications on the net is essential to obtain orderly and reliable operation. A hierarchy of protocols for the experimental network is presented and procedures for data and control communications are described.

Meredith, B. D.↗

DeepONet-Assisted Optimization of Surface Topography for Transition Delay in A Mach 4.5 Boundary Layer

We use deep learning, an ensemble variationaltechnique (EnVar), and direct numerical simulations(DNS) to design an optimal topography for a two-dimensional roughness element that delays the on-set of laminar-turbulent transition in a Mach 4.5 flat-plate boundary layer. Deep operator networks (Deep-ONets), which have the known ability to learn com-plex nonlinear operators within dynamical systems,are used for machine learning. For the baseline config-uration of a smooth flat plate, the second-mode wavesat the DNS inflow cause a quick nonlinear breakdownof the high-speed boundary layer within the computa-tional domain. Results reported in the present studyvalidate the ability of DeepONets to model the tran-sition delay via a given topography of the roughnesselement. The computing cost to optimize the rough-ness element for minimal skin-friction drag is substan-tially lowered by the DeepONets-based reduced-ordermodel. In comparison to the baseline method of EnVaroptimization based on DNS alone, the DeepONets-based EnVar optimizer is able to delay transition pastthe outflow boundary of the computational domainwhile utilizing almost 5–6 times fewer DNS.

Machine Learning↗

Hybrid routing technique for a fault-tolerant, integrated information network

The evolutionary growth of the space station and the diverse activities onboard are expected to require a hierarchy of integrated, local area networks capable of supporting data, voice, and video communications. In addition, fault-tolerant network operation is necessary to protect communications between critical systems attached to the net and to relieve the valuable human resources onboard the space station of time-critical data system repair tasks. A key issue for the design of the fault-tolerant, integrated network is the development of a robust routing algorithm which dynamically selects the optimum communication paths through the net. A routing technique is described that adapts to topological changes in the network to support fault-tolerant operation and system evolvability.

Meredith, B. D.↗

Operational training for the mission operations at the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research (INPE)

This paper describes the selection and training process of satellite controllers and data network operators performed at INPE's Satellite Tracking and Control Center in order to prepare them for the mission operations of the INPE's first (SCD1) satellite. An overview of the ground control system and SCD1 architecture and mission is given. Different training phases are described, taking into account that the applicants had no previous knowledge of space operations requiring, therefore, a training which started from the basics.

Rozenfeld, Pawel↗

Distributed Finite Element Analysis Using a Transputer Network

The principal objective of this research effort was to demonstrate the extraordinarily cost effective acceleration of finite element structural analysis problems using a transputer-based parallel processing network. This objective was accomplished in the form of a commercially viable parallel processing workstation. The workstation is a desktop size, low-maintenance computing unit capable of supercomputer performance yet costs two orders of magnitude less. To achieve the principal research objective, a transputer based structural analysis workstation termed XPFEM was implemented with linear static structural analysis capabilities resembling commercially available NASTRAN. Finite element model files, generated using the on-line preprocessing module or external preprocessing packages, are downloaded to a network of 32 transputers for accelerated solution. The system currently executes at about one third Cray X-MP24 speed but additional acceleration appears likely. For the NASA selected demonstration problem of a Space Shuttle main engine turbine blade model with about 1500 nodes and 4500 independent degrees of freedom, the Cray X-MP24 required 23.9 seconds to obtain a solution while the transputer network, operated from an IBM PC-AT compatible host computer, required 71.7 seconds. Consequently, the $80,000 transputer network demonstrated a cost-performance ratio about 60 times better than the $15,000,000 Cray X-MP24 system.

Watson, James↗

High-Speed Civil Transport Forecast: Simulated Airlines Scenarios for Mach 1.6, Mach 2.0, and Mach 2.4 Configurations for Year 2015

The report describes the development of a database of fuel burn and emissions from projected High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) fleets that reflect actual airlines' networks, operational requirement, and traffic flow as operated by simulated world wide airlines for Mach 1.6, 2.0, and 2.4 HSCT configurations. For the year 2015, McDonnell Douglas Corporation created two supersonic commercial air traffic networks consisting of origin-destination city pair routes and associated traffic levels. The first scenario represented a manufacturing upper limit producible HSCT fleet availability by year 2015. The fleet projection of the Mach 2.4 configuration for this scenario was 1059 units with a traffic capture of 70 percent. The second scenario focused on the number of units that can minimally be produced by the year 2015. Using realistic production rates, the HSCT fleet projection amounts to 565 units. The traffic capture associated with this fleet was estimated at 40 percent. The airlines network was extracted from the actual networks of 21 major world airlines. All the routes were screened for suitability for HSCT operations. The route selection criteria included great circle distance, difference between flight path distance and great circle distance to avoid overland operations, and potential flight frequency.

Metwally, Munir↗