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At least 127 records · Page 7

Specialty three-dimensional finite element analysis codes

General purpose finite element computer codes that can model inelastic material behavior have been available for more than a decade. However, these codes have not been accurate enough for use in analyzing hot section engine components. To correct this problem, General Electric developed a series of nine new stand-alone computer codes for NASA. Because of the large temperature excursions associated with hot section engine components, these codes have been designed to accommodate broad variations in material behavior, including plasticity and creep. The capabilities of these computer codes are summarized.

Lackney, Joseph J.↗

Near-real-time TOMS, telecommunications and meteorological support for the 1987 Airborne Antarctic Ozone Experiment

The goal of the 1987 Airborne Antarctic Ozone Experiment was to improve the understanding of the mechanisms involved in the formation of the Antarctic ozone hole. Total ozone data taken by the Nimbus-7 Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) played a central role in the successful outcome of the experiment. During the experiment, the near-real-time TOMS total ozone observations were supplied within hours of real time to the operations center in Punta Arenas, Chile. The final report summarizes the role which Research and Data Systems (RDS) Corporation played in the support of the experiment. The RDS provided telecommunications to support the science and operations efforts for the Airborne Antarctic Ozone Experiment, and supplied near real-time weather information to ensure flight and crew safety; designed and installed the telecommunications network to link NASA-GSFC, the United Kingdom Meteorological Office (UKMO), Palmer Station, the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) to the operation at Punta Arenas; engineered and installed stations and other stand-alone systems to collect data from designated low-orbiting polar satellites and beacons; provided analyses of Nimbus-7 TOMS data and backup data products to Punta Arenas; and provided synoptic meteorological data analysis and reduction.

Ardanuy, P.↗

Automation of surface observations program

At present, surface weather observing methods are still largely manual and labor intensive. Through the nationwide implementation of Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS), this situation can be improved. Two ASOS capability levels are planned. The first is a basic-level system which will automatically observe the weather parameters essential for aviation operations and will operate either with or without supplemental contributions by an observer. The second is a more fully automated, stand-alone system which will observe and report the full range of weather parameters and will operate primarily in the unattended mode. Approximately 250 systems are planned by the end of the decade. When deployed, these systems will generate the standard hourly and special long-line transmitted weather observations, as well as provide continuous weather information direct to airport users. Specific ASOS configurations will vary depending upon whether the operation is unattended, minimally attended, or fully attended. The major functions of ASOS are data collection, data processing, product distribution, and system control. The program phases of development, demonstration, production system acquisition, and operational implementation are described.

Short, Steve E.↗

The Environment for Application Software Integration and Execution (EASIE), version 1.0. Volume 3: Program execution guide

The Environment for Application Software Integration and Execution, EASIE, provides a methodology and a set of software utility programs to ease the task of coordinating engineering design and analysis codes. EASIE was designed to meet the needs of conceptual design engineers that face the task of integrating the results of many stand-alone engineering analysis programs. EASIE provides access to these programs via a quick, uniform, user-friendly interface. In addition, EASIE provides utilities which aid in the execution of the following tasks: selection of application programs, modification and review of program data, automatic definition and coordination of data files during program execution and a logging of steps executed throughout a design study. Volume 3, the Program Execution Guide, describes the executive capabilities provided by EASIE and defines the command language and menus available under Version 1.0. EASIE provides users with two basic modes of operation. One is the Application-Derived Executive (ADE) which provides users with sufficient guidance to quickly review data, select menu action items, and execute application programs. The second is the Complete Control Executive (CCE), which provides a full executive interface allowing users in-depth control of the design process.

Schwing, James L.↗

Development of a 32-bit UNIX-based ELAS workstation

A mini/microcomputer UNIX-based image analysis workstation has been designed and is being implemented to use the Earth Resources Laboratory Applications Software (ELAS). The hardware system includes a MASSCOMP 5600 computer, which is a 32-bit UNIX-based system (compatible with AT&T System V and Berkeley 4.2 BSD operating system), a floating point accelerator, a 474-megabyte fixed disk, a tri-density magnetic tape drive, and an 1152 by 910 by 12-plane color graphics/image interface. The software conversion includes reconfiguring the ELAs driver Master Task, recompiling and then testing the converted application modules. This hardware and software configuration is a self-sufficient image analysis workstation which can be used as a stand-alone system, or networked with other compatible workstations.

Spiering, Bruce A.↗

Problems and progress in aeroelasticity for interdisciplinary design

Some problems and progress in the development of aerodynamic and aeroelastic computational capabilities are reviewed with emphasis on needs for use in current interdisciplinary design procedures as well as for stand-alone analyses. The primary focus is on integral-equation methods which are well suited for general, accurate, efficient, and unified treatment of flow around vehicles having arbitrary shapes, motions, and deformations at subsonic, transonic, and supersonic speeds up to high angles of attack. Computational methods for potential flows and viscous flows are discussed, and some applications are shown. Calculation of steady and unsteady aeroelastic characteristics of aircraft with nonlinear aerodynamic behavior is also addressed briefly.

Yates, E. Carson, Jr.↗

Software tools for the integration and execution of multidisciplinary analysis programs

The Environment for Application Software Integration and Execution (EASIE) software furnishes a methodology and a set of utility routines for design teams to use in building, maintaining, and applying CAD systems consituted by a large number of diverse, stand-alone analysis codes. EASIE uses a central data base that contains all variables required as inputs to the analysis programs that will make up the integrated system. Attention is given to the illustrative cases of three operational design systems based on EASIE.

Rowell, L. F.↗

Simulating The Gamma-Ray Observatory Spacecraft

Gamma-Ray Observatory (GRO) spacecraft constitutes major advance in gamma-ray astronomy by offering first opportunity for comprehensive observations in range of 0.1 to 30,000 MeV. GRO Attitude Dynamics Simulator (GROSS) computer program designed to simulate mission. Consists of three separate programs: stand-alone profile program; simulator program, containing simulation control input/output (SCIO) subsystem, truth model (TM) subsystem, and on-board computer (OBC) subsystem; and postprocessor program. Written in FORTRAN 77.

Garrick, J.↗

CISLUNAR program manual: A low-thrust trajectory determination model

CISLUNAR is a stand-alone computer program designed to generate the trajectory of a low-thrust spacecraft travelling in Earth-Moon space. The program allows the creation of functional trajectories dependent on the supplied spacecraft characteristics. The trajectory generation is a user interactive process. The original intent was for the program user to modify the necessary control values until a staisfactory trajectory has been created.

Source record↗

The Environment for Application Software Integration and Execution (EASIE), version 1.0. Volume 2: Program integration guide

The Environment for Application Software Integration and Execution, EASIE, provides a methodology and a set of software utility programs to ease the task of coordinating engineering design and analysis codes. EASIE was designed to meet the needs of conceptual design engineers that face the task of integrating many stand-alone engineering analysis programs. Using EASIE, programs are integrated through a relational data base management system. In volume 2, the use of a SYSTEM LIBRARY PROCESSOR is used to construct a DATA DICTIONARY describing all relations defined in the data base, and a TEMPLATE LIBRARY. A TEMPLATE is a description of all subsets of relations (including conditional selection criteria and sorting specifications) to be accessed as input or output for a given application. Together, these form the SYSTEM LIBRARY which is used to automatically produce the data base schema, FORTRAN subroutines to retrieve/store data from/to the data base, and instructions to a generic REVIEWER program providing review/modification of data for a given template. Automation of these functions eliminates much of the tedious, error prone work required by the usual approach to data base integration.

Jones, Kennie H.↗

Aircraft integrated design and analysis: A classroom experience

AAE 451 is the capstone course required of all senior undergraduates in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University. During the past year the first steps of a long evolutionary process were taken to change the content and expectations of this course. These changes are the result of the availability of advanced computational capabilities and sophisticated electronic media availability at Purdue. This presentation will describe both the long range objectives and this year's experience using the High Speed Commercial Transport design, the AIAA Long Duration Aircraft design and RPV design proposal as project objectives. The central goal of these efforts is to provide a user-friendly, computer-software-based environment to supplement traditional design course methodology. The Purdue University Computer Center (PUCC), the Engineering Computer Network (ECN) and stand-alone PC's are being used for this development. This year's accomplishments center primarily on aerodynamics software obtained from NASA/Langley and its integration into the classroom. Word processor capability for oral and written work and computer graphics were also blended into the course. A total of ten HSCT designs were generated, ranging from twin-fuselage aircraft, forward swept wing aircraft to the more traditional delta and double-delta wing aircraft. Four Long Duration Aircraft designs were submitted, together with one RPV design tailored for photographic surveillance.

Weisshaar, Terrence A.↗

A real-time simulator of a turbofan engine

A real-time digital simulator of a Pratt and Whitney F100 engine has been developed for real-time code verification and for actuator diagnosis during full-scale engine testing. This self-contained unit can operate in an open-loop stand-alone mode or as part of closed-loop control system. It can also be used for control system design and development. Tests conducted in conjunction with the NASA Advanced Detection, Isolation, and Accommodation program show that the simulator is a valuable tool for real-time code verification and as a real-time actuator simulator for actuator fault diagnosis. Although currently a small perturbation model, advances in microprocessor hardware should allow the simulator to evolve into a real-time, full-envelope, full engine simulation.

Litt, Jonathan S.↗

The Environment for Application Software Integration and Execution (EASIE) version 1.0. Volume 1: Executive overview

The Environment for Application Software Integration and Execution (EASIE) provides a methodology and a set of software utility programs to ease the task of coordinating engineering design and analysis codes. EASIE was designed to meet the needs of conceptual design engineers that face the task of integrating many stand-alone engineering analysis programs. Using EASIE, programs are integrated through a relational database management system. Volume 1, Executive Overview, gives an overview of the functions provided by EASIE and describes their use. Three operational design systems based upon the EASIE software are briefly described.

Rowell, Lawrence F.↗

Application of a PC based, real-time, data-aquisition system in rotorcraft wind-tunnel testing

Data has been acquired for a rotocraft test in the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel using a desktop data acquisition system. The system, which consists of an IBM Personal Computer AT (PC-AT) and an Omega Engineering OM-900 Stand-Alone Interface System, is well suited for acquiring high speed data on a limited number of channels. The data acquisition system and the interrupt driven software which provides the capability for near real-time cyclic data acquisition as well as data storage and display are described.

Wilbur, Matthew L.↗

Common Graphics Library (CGL). Volume 2: Low-level user's guide

The intent is to instruct the users of the Low-Level routines of the Common Graphics Library (CGL). The Low-Level routines form an application-independent graphics package enabling the user community to construct and design scientific charts conforming to the publication and/or viewgraph process. The Low-Level routines allow the user to design unique or unusual report-quality charts from a set of graphics utilities. The features of these routines can be used stand-alone or in conjunction with other packages to enhance or augment their capabilities. This library is written in ANSI FORTRAN 77, and currently uses a CORE-based underlying graphics package, and is therefore machine-independent, providing support for centralized and/or distributed computer systems.

Taylor, Nancy L.↗

REDEX: The ranging equipment diagnostic expert system

REDEX, an advanced prototype expert system that diagnoses hardware failures in the Ranging Equipment (RE) at NASA's Ground Network tracking stations is described. REDEX will help the RE technician identify faulty circuit cards or modules that must be replaced, and thereby reduce troubleshooting time. It features a highly graphical user interface that uses color block diagrams and layout diagrams to illustrate the location of a fault. A semantic network knowledge representation technique was used to model the design structure of the RE. A catalog of generic troubleshooting rules was compiled to represent heuristics that are applied in diagnosing electronic equipment. Specific troubleshooting rules were identified to represent additional diagnostic knowledge that is unique to the RE. Over 50 generic and 250 specific troubleshooting rules have been derived. REDEX is implemented in Prolog on an IBM PC AT-compatible workstation. Block diagram graphics displays are color-coded to identify signals that have been monitored or inferred to have nominal values, signals that are out of tolerance, and circuit cards and functions that are diagnosed as faulty. A hypertext-like scheme is used to allow the user to easily navigate through the space of diagrams and tables. Over 50 graphic and tabular displays have been implemented. REDEX is currently being evaluated in a stand-alone mode using simulated RE fault scenarios. It will soon be interfaced to the RE and tested in an online environment. When completed and fielded, REDEX will be a concrete example of the application of expert systems technology to the problem of improving performance and reducing the lifecycle costs of operating NASA's communications networks in the 1990's.

Luczak, Edward C.↗

Navigational and Environmental Measurement System (NEMS)

The NEMS concept and design were initiated from the need to measure and record positional and environmental information during aircraft flights of developmental science research instrumentation. The unit was designed as a stand-alone system which could serve the needs of instruments whose developmental nature did not justify the cost and complexity of including these measurements within the instrument data system. Initially, the system was comprised of a Loran-C receiver and a portable IBM compatible computer recording position and time. Later, the system was interfaced with the Wallops aircraft inertial navigation system (INS), and various other sensors were supplied and shared by the Goddard science users. Real-time position mapping on video monitors was added for investigator's use and information. In 1987, the use of a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver was included in some missions. A total configuration of the system and the various sensors which can be incorporated are shown.

Clem, T. D.↗

The interface in tungsten fiber reinforced niobium metal-matrix composites

The creep resistance of tungsten fiber reinforced niobium metal-matrix composites was evaluated. The interface region between the fiber and matrix was characterized by microhardness and electron probe microanalysis measurements which indicated that its properties were between those of fiber and matrix. However, the measured properties of the composite exceeded those calculated by the rule of mixtures even when the interface zone was assumed to retain all the strength of the fiber. The composite structure appeared to enhance the strengths of both the fibers and the matrix above what they exhibited in stand-alone tests. The effect of fiber orientation and matrix alloy composition on the fiber/matrix interface were also evaluated. Small alloying additions of zirconium and tungsten to the niobium matrix affected the creep resistance of the composites only slightly. A decrease in the creep resistance of the composite with increasing zirconium content in the matrix was ascribed to an increase in the diffusion rate of the fiber/matrix interdiffusion reaction, and a slight increase in the creep resistance of the composite was observed with an addition of 9 w percent tungsten to the matrix. In addition, Kirkendall void formation was observed at the fiber/matrix interface; the void distribution differed depending on the fiber orientation relative to the stress axis.

Grobstein, Toni L.↗