Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Object Model”

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 1,333 records · Page 74

An alternative mechanism for production of emission features in some infrared objects

Two dust-envelope models of the M supergiant VX Sgr, which exhibits a prominent emission feature at 10 microns, are presented. The models indicate that, for certain envelope sizes, the presence of the observed emission feature does not necessarily indicate that the emitting grains possess a similar feature in their emissivity profile. The mechanism which may in some cases be producing the observed emission feature is discussed.

Apruzese, J. P.↗

Bringing wings of change - NASA's airfoil research program

A review is presented of progress in attaining technical objectives in three areas of semiautomatic airfoil development: software, hardware, and applications. Software objectives seek improved mathematical models and computer codes for flow analysis and design optimization for a variety of conditions. The 17-step iterative computer model used in designing the GA (W)-1 airfoil is effective but not yet fully automated; with present methods only single-point computer optimization is possible. Hardware objectives calling for improvement in test facilities and techniques are met in part by the introduction of the Langley (F-3C) wind tunnel for independent evaluation of transonic Mach number and Reynolds effects up to 12-16 million, and by a two-dimensional test section for the Langley 1/3 transonic cryogenic tunnel which will extend the Reynolds number to 50 million. The current status of low-speed, thin, and rotorcraft airfoil development programs is discussed.

Pierpont, P. K.↗

The use of Ada in distributed simulations

The increasing need for detailed information about systems of continually growing complexity enhances steadily the demands regarding the employed models. The present investigation is concerned with work related to the development of high-performance computer hardware intended for the support of the real-time simulation of jet engines. The hardware is structured in the form of a network of communicating microprocessors running in parallel. The need for a higher-order language capability for programming such a network has led to the research considered in this study. Attention is given to the hardware which is being developed, an abstract model, programming language considerations, research considerations, research objectives, Ada tasks, Ada packages, the Ada model, the mapping of the model to the hardware, a precompiler example, and the advantages of Ada.

Collins, W. R.↗

Modelling direction solidification

The overall objective of this program is to develop an improved understanding of some phenomena of importance to directional solidification. The aim of this research is also to help predict differences in behavior between solidification on Earth and solidification in space. In this report, the validity of the Burton-Primslichter equation is explored. The influence of operating variables on grain and twin generation and propagation in single crystals of In sub (x) Ga sub (1-x) Sb is also investigated.

Wilcox, W. R.↗

Large Engine Technology (LET) Short Haul Civil Tiltrotor Contingency Power Materials Knowledge and Lifing Methodologies

This report documents the results of an experimental program conducted on two advanced metallic alloy systems (Rene' 142 directionally solidified alloy (DS) and Rene' N6 single crystal alloy) and the characterization of two distinct internal state variable inelastic constitutive models. The long term objective of the study was to develop a computational life prediction methodology that can integrate the obtained material data. A specialized test matrix for characterizing advanced unified viscoplastic models was specified and conducted. This matrix included strain controlled tensile tests with intermittent relaxtion test with 2 hr hold times, constant stress creep tests, stepped creep tests, mixed creep and plasticity tests, cyclic temperature creep tests and tests in which temperature overloads were present to simulate actual operation conditions for validation of the models. The selected internal state variable models where shown to be capable of representing the material behavior exhibited by the experimental results; however the program ended prior to final validation of the models.

Spring, Samuel D.↗

The Digital Astronaut Project Bone Remodeling Model

One of the main objectives is to provide a tool to help HHC address Bone Gap Osteo 4: We don't know the contribution of each risk factor on bone loss and recovery of bone strength and which factors are the best targets for countermeasure application; and Osteo7: We need to identify options for mitigation of early onset osteoporosis before, during, and after spaceflight.

Pennline, J. A.↗

Two-Pendulum Model of Propellant Slosh in Europa Clipper PMD Tank

The objective of this fluids analysis is to model propellant slosh for the Europa Clipper mission using a two-pendulum model, such that controls engineers can predict slosh behavior during the mission. Propellant slosh causes shifts in center of mass and exerts forces and torques on the spacecraft which, if not adequately controlled, can lead to mission failure. The two-pendulum model provides a computationally simple model that can be used to predict slosh for the Europa Clipper tank geometry. The Europa Clipper tank is cylindrical with a domed top and bottom and includes a propellant management device (PMD). Due to the lack of experimental data in low gravity environments, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation results were used as 'real' slosh behavior for two propellants at three fill fractions. Key pendulum parameters were derived that allow the pendulum model's center of mass, forces, and moments to closely match the CFD data. The parameter trends were examined as a function of tank fill fraction and compared with solutions to analytic equations that describe the frequency of slosh in tanks with simple geometries. The trends were monotonic as expected, and parameters resembled analytical predictions; any differences could be explained by the specific differences in the geometry of the tank. This paper summarizes the new method developed at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) for deriving pendulum parameters for two-pendulum equivalent sloshing models. It presents the results of this method and discusses the validity of the results. This analysis is at a completed stage and will be applied in the immediate future to the evolving tank geometry as Europa Clipper moves past its preliminary design review (PDR) phase.

Propellant Slosh↗

Verification of thermal analysis codes for modeling solid rocket nozzles

One of the objectives of the Solid Propulsion Integrity Program (SPIP) at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is development of thermal analysis codes capable of accurately predicting the temperature field, pore pressure field and the surface recession experienced by decomposing polymers which are used as thermal barriers in solid rocket nozzles. The objective of this study is to provide means for verifications of thermal analysis codes developed for modeling of flow and heat transfer in solid rocket nozzles. In order to meet the stated objective, a test facility was designed and constructed for measurement of the transient temperature field in a sample composite subjected to a constant heat flux boundary condition. The heating was provided via a steel thin-foil with a thickness of 0.025 mm. The designed electrical circuit can provide a heating rate of 1800 W. The heater was sandwiched between two identical samples, and thus ensure equal power distribution between them. The samples were fitted with Type K thermocouples, and the exact location of the thermocouples were determined via X-rays. The experiments were modeled via a one-dimensional code (UT1D) as a conduction and phase change heat transfer process. Since the pyrolysis gas flow was in the direction normal to the heat flow, the numerical model could not account for the convection cooling effect of the pyrolysis gas flow. Therefore, the predicted values in the decomposition zone are considered to be an upper estimate of the temperature. From the analysis of the experimental and the numerical results the following are concluded: (1) The virgin and char specific heat data for FM 5055 as reported by SoRI can not be used to obtain any reasonable agreement between the measured temperatures and the predictions. However, use of virgin and char specific heat data given in Acurex report produced good agreement for most of the measured temperatures. (2) Constant heat flux heating process can produce a much higher heating rate than the radiative heating process. The results show that heating rates of 125 C/s (225 F/s) can be achieved. (3) The electrical resistance of the FM 5055 samples were about 150 Omega in the virgin state, and decreased to about 35 Omega when charred. A reliable scheme must be developed to electrically insulate the composite from the heater foil in order to prevent any current leakage into the sample which can result in volumetric heating of the char zone of the composite.

Keyhani, M.↗

Parafoveal Target Detectability Reversal Predicted by Local Luminance and Contrast Gain Control

This project is part of a program to develop image discrimination models for the prediction of the detectability of objects in a range of backgrounds. We wanted to see if the models could predict parafoveal object detection as well as they predict detection in foveal vision. We also wanted to make our simplified models more general by local computation of luminance and contrast gain control. A signal image (0.78 x 0.17 deg) was made by subtracting a simulated airport runway scene background image (2.7 deg square) from the same scene containing an obstructing aircraft. Signal visibility contrast thresholds were measured in a fully crossed factorial design with three factors: eccentricity (0 deg or 4 deg), background (uniform or runway scene background), and fixed-pattern white noise contrast (0%, 5%, or 10%). Three experienced observers responded to three repetitions of 60 2IFC trials in each condition and thresholds were estimated by maximum likelihood probit analysis. In the fovea the average detection contrast threshold was 4 dB lower for the runway background than for the uniform background, but in the parafovea, the average threshold was 6 dB higher for the runway background than for the uniform background. This interaction was similar across the different noise levels and for all three observers. A likely reason for the runway background giving a lower threshold in the fovea is the low luminance near the signal in that scene. In our model, the local luminance computation is controlled by a spatial spread parameter. When this parameter and a corresponding parameter for the spatial spread of contrast gain were increased for the parafoveal predictions, the model predicts the interaction of background with eccentricity.

Ahumada, Albert J., Jr.↗

The Impact of Prior Biosphere Models in the Inversion of Global Terrestrial CO2 Fluxes by Assimilating OCO-2 Retrievals

Atmospheric mixing ratios of carbon dioxide (CO2) are largely controlled by anthropogenic emissions and biospheric fluxes. The processes controlling terrestrial biosphere-atmosphere carbon exchange are currently not fully understood, resulting in terrestrial biospheric models having significant differences in the quantification of biospheric CO2 fluxes. Atmospheric transport models assimilating measured (in situ or space-borne) CO2 concentrations to estimate "top-down" fluxes, generally use these biospheric CO2 fluxes as a priori information. Most of the flux inversion estimates result in substantially different spatio-temporal posteriori estimates of regional and global biospheric CO2 fluxes. The Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 (OCO-2) satellite mission dedicated to accurately measure column CO2 (XCO2) allows for an improved understanding of global biospheric CO2 fluxes. OCO-2 provides much-needed CO2 observations in data-limited regions facilitating better global and regional estimates of "top-down" CO2 fluxes through inversion model simulations. The specific objectives of our research are to: 1) conduct GEOS-Chem 4D-Var assimilation of OCO-2 observations, using several state-of-the-science biospheric CO2 flux models as a priori information, to better constrain terrestrial CO2 fluxes, and 2) quantify the impact of different biospheric model prior fluxes on OCO-2-assimilated a posteriori CO2 flux estimates. Here we present our assessment of the importance of these a priori fluxes by conducting Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSE) using simulated OCO-2 observations with known "true" fluxes.

Biosphere↗

(GO)2-SIM: a GCM-Oriented Ground-Observation Forward-Simulator Framework for Objective Evaluation of Cloud and Precipitation Phase

General circulation model (GCM) evaluation using ground-based observations is complicated by inconsistencies in hydrometeor and phase definitions. Here we describe (GO)2-SIM, a forward simulator designed for objective hydrometeor-phase evaluation, and assess its performance over the North Slope of Alaska using a 1-year GCM simulation. For uncertainty assessment, 18 empirical relationships are used to convert model grid-average hydrometeor (liquid and ice, cloud, and precipitation) water contents to zenith polarimetric micropulse lidar and Ka-band Doppler radar measurements, producing an ensemble of 576 forward-simulation realizations. Sensor limitations are represented in forward space to objectively remove from consideration model grid cells with undetectable hydrometeor mixing ratios, some of which may correspond to numerical noise.Phase classification in forward space is complicated by the inability of sensors to measure ice and liquid signals distinctly. However, signatures exist in lidar–radar space such that thresholds on observables can be objectively estimated and related to hydrometeor phase. The proposed phase-classification technique leads to misclassification in fewer than 8% of hydrometeor-containing grid cells. Such misclassifications arise because, while the radar is capable of detecting mixed-phase conditions, it can mistake water- for ice-dominated layers. However, applying the same classification algorithm to forward-simulated and observed fields should generate hydrometeor-phase statistics with similar uncertainty. Alternatively, choosing to disregard how sensors define hydrometeor phase leads to frequency of occurrence discrepancies of up to 40%. So, while hydrometeor-phase maps determined in forward space are very different from model "reality" they capture the information sensors can provide and thereby enable objective model evaluation.

Lamer, K.↗

(GO) 2 -SIM: a GCM-oriented ground-observation forward-simulator framework for objective evaluation of cloud and precipitation phase

General circulation model (GCM) evaluation using ground-based observations is complicated by inconsistencies in hydrometeor and phase definitions. Here we describe (GO) 2 -SIM, a forward simulator designed for objective hydrometeor-phase evaluation, and assess its performance over the North Slope of Alaska using a 1-year GCM simulation. For uncertainty assessment, 18 empirical relationships are used to convert model grid-average hydrometeor (liquid and ice, cloud, and precipitation) water contents to zenith polarimetric micropulse lidar and Ka-band Doppler radar measurements, producing an ensemble of 576 forward-simulation realizations. Sensor limitations are represented in forward space to objectively remove from consideration model grid cells with undetectable hydrometeor mixing ratios, some of which may correspond to numerical noise. Phase classification in forward space is complicated by the inability of sensors to measure ice and liquid signals distinctly. However, signatures exist in lidar–radar space such that thresholds on observables can be objectively estimated and related to hydrometeor phase. The proposed phase-classification technique leads to misclassification in fewer than 8 % of hydrometeor-containing grid cells. Such misclassifications arise because, while the radar is capable of detecting mixed-phase conditions, it can mistake water- for ice-dominated layers. However, applying the same classification algorithm to forward-simulated and observed fields should generate hydrometeor-phase statistics with similar uncertainty. Alternatively, choosing to disregard how sensors define hydrometeor phase leads to frequency of occurrence discrepancies of up to 40 %. So, while hydrometeor-phase maps determined in forward space are very different from model reality they capture the information sensors can provide and thereby enable objective model evaluation.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Petri Nets for Adversarial Models using Monte Carlo Simulation

We describe an object-oriented framework and user interface for developing models of adversarial scenarios, implemented as stochastic Petri nets. The framework is implemented using the statistical computing language R, and provides facilities for eliciting models from subject matter experts, displaying models graphically, simulating scenario execution, and presenting scenario outcomes and statistics.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Dynamic Rupture Modeling of the 1999 Chi-Chi, Taiwan Earthquake Using 3DFinite Element Method. Sensitivity Analysis of Slip Rate Function to Model Parameters of Crustal Weak-Zone

The main objective of this study was the dynamic rupture modeling of the M7.3 1999 Chi-Chi, Taiwan earthquake. The purpose of the numerical modeling was two folded. First, using models of rupture dynamics, derive kinematic rupture characteristics, including spatial and temporal variations of the slip rate time history and rupture speed, in the long-period ground motion generation area (LMGA), strong motion generation areas (SMGAs) and background fault area for a thrust shallow rupture. Second, investigate the sensitivity of source time function characteristics in the LMGA and SMGA areas to model parameterization of low-velocity weak zone, such as thickness and shear wave velocity.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Integrated developmental model of life-support capabilities in wheat

The objective of this project was to develop a model for CO2, O2, H2O, and nitrogen use during the life cycle of wheat. Spreadsheets and accompanying graphs were developed to illustrate plant population reactions to environmental parameters established in the Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) program at Kennedy Space Center, Fl. The spreadsheets and graphs were produced using validated biomass production chamber (BPC) data from BWT931. Conditions of the BPC during the 83 day plant growth period were as follows: The BPC area is 27.8 m(exp 2), volume is 113 m(exp 3). Temperatures during the 83 day plant growth period ranged from 16.3 to 24.8 C during the light cycle (except for day 69, when the minimum and maximum temperatures were 7.7 C and 7.9 C, respectively) and 14.5 C and 23.6 C during the dark cycle (except for day 49, when the minimum and maximum temperatures were 11.1 C and 11.3 C, respectively). Relative humidity was 85 percent for the first seven days of plant growth, and 70 percent thereafter. The plant leaf canopy area was 10 m(exp 2). Presented is a list and explanation of each spreadsheet and accompanying graph(s), conditions under which the data were collected, and formulas used to obtain each result.

Darnell, R. L.↗

Nuclear-dominated accretion flows in two dimensions – II. Ejecta dynamics and nucleosynthesis for CO and ONe white dwarfs

We study mass ejection from accretion discs formed in the merger of a white dwarf with a neutron star or black hole. These discs are mostly radiatively inefficient and support nuclear fusion reactions, with ensuing outflows and electromagnetic transients. Here we perform time-dependent, axisymmetric hydrodynamic simulations of these discs including a physical equation of state, viscous angular momentum transport, a coupled 19-isotope nuclear network, and self-gravity. We find no detonations in any of the configurations studied. Our global models extend from the central object to radii much larger than the disc. We evolve these global models for several orbits, as well as alternate versions with an excised inner boundary to much longer times. We obtain robust outflows, with a broad velocity distribution in the range 10 2 –10 4 km s -1 . The outflow composition is mostly that of the initial white dwarf, with burning products mixed in at the |${\lesssim } 10\rm {-}30{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$| level by mass, including up to ~10 -2 M ⊙ of 56 Ni. These heavier elements (plus 4 He) are ejected within ≲ 40° of the rotation axis, and should have higher average velocities than the lighter elements that make up the white dwarf. These results are in broad agreement with previous one- and two-dimensional studies, and point to these systems as progenitors of rapidly rising (~ few day) transients. If accretion on to the central BH/NS powers a relativistic jet, these events could be accompanied by high-energy transients with peak luminosities ~10 47 –10 50 erg s -1 and peak durations of up to several minutes, possibly accounting for events like CDF-S XT2.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

A parametric LQ approach to multiobjective control system design

The synthesis of a constant parameter output feedback control law of constrained structure is set in a multiple-objective linear quadratic regulator (MOLQR) framework. The use of intuitive objective functions such as model-following ability and closed-loop trajectory sensitivity allows multiple-objective decision-making techniques, such as the surrogate worth tradeoff method, to be applied. For the continuous-time deterministic problem with an infinite time horizon, dynamic compensators as well as static output feedback controllers can be synthesized using a descent Anderson-Moore algorithm modified to impose linear equality constraints on the feedback gains by moving in feasible directions. Results of three different examples are presented, including a unique reformulation of the sensitivity reduction problem.

Kyr, Doug↗