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Results for “Predictive control”

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 1,441 records · Page 80

Iron-mediated oxidation of methoxyhydroquinone at Rifle, Colorado

In this study, the oxidation of 2-methoxyhydroquinone (MH2Q) by ferric iron (Fe(III)) under dark conditions in the absence and presence of oxygen was investigated within a pH range of 4 – 6. While Fe(III) was capable of stoichiometrically oxidizing MH2Q under anaerobic conditions, catalytic oxidation of MH2Q was observed in the presence of O2 due to further cycling between oxygen, semiquinone radicals, and iron species. A detailed kinetic model was developed to describe the predominant mechanisms, which indicated that both the undissociated and mono-dissociated anions of MH2Q were kinetically active species towards Fe(III) reduction, with the mono-dissociated anion being the key species accounting for the pH dependence of the oxidation. The generated radical intermediates, namely semiquinone and superoxide, are of great importance in reaction chain propagation. The kinetic model may provide critical insight into the underlying mechanisms of the thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of metal-organic interactions and assist in understanding and predicting the factors controlling iron and organic matter transformation and bioavailability in aquatic systems.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Colloid thruster technology

A program is described for attaining control, reproducibility, and predictability of operation for the annular colloid emitter. A thruster of an improved design was used for a 1000 hour test. The thruster was operated with a neutralizer for 1023 hours at 15 kV with an average thrust of 25 micropound and specific impulse of 1160 sec. The performance was stable, and the beam was vectored periodically. The clean condition of the emitter edge at the end of the test coupled with no degradation in performance during the test indicated that the lifetime could be extrapolated by at least an order of magnitude over the test time.

Perel, J.↗

Literature survey for suppression of scattered light in large space telescopes

A literature survey is presented of articles dealing with all aspects of predicting, measuring, and controlling unwanted scattered (stray) light. The survey is divided into four broad classifications: (1) existing baffle/telescope designs; (2) computer programs for the analysis/design of light suppression systems; (3) the mechanism, measurement, and control of light scattering; and (4) the advantages and problems introduced by the space environment for the operation of diffraction-limited optical systems.

Tifft, W. G.↗

Apollo 15 mission report. Supplement 3: Ascent propulsion system final flight evaluation

The results are presented of the postflight analysis of the ascent propulsion system (APS) performance during the Apollo 15 Mission. The information presented includes: (1) calculated performance values for the APS lunar liftoff burn; (2) disucssion of analysis techniques, problems and assumptions; (3) comparison of postflight analysis and preflight prediction; (4) reaction control system (RCS) duty cycle included in the APS performance analysis; (5) transient performance analysis; and (6) the APS propellant consumption values.

Griffin, W. G.↗

Space shuttle orbit maneuvering engine reusable thrust chamber program

Reusable thrust chamber and injector concepts were evaluated for the space shuttle orbit maneuvering engine (OME). Parametric engine calculations were carried out by computer program for N2O4/amine, LOX/amine and LOX/hydrocarbon propellant combinations for engines incorporating regenerative cooled and insulated columbium thrust chambers. The calculation methods are described including the fuel vortex film cooling method of combustion gas temperature control, and performance prediction. A method of acceptance of a regeneratively cooled heat rejection reduction using a silicone oil additive was also demonstrated by heated tube heat transfer testing. Regeneratively cooled thrust chamber operation was also demonstrated where the injector was characterized for the OME application with a channel wall regenerative thrust chamber. Bomb stability testing of the demonstration chambers/injectors demonstrated recovery for the nominal design of acoustic cavities. Cavity geometry changes were also evaluated to assess their damping margin. Performance and combustion stability was demonstrated of the originally developed 10 inch diameter combustion pattern operating in an 8 inch diameter thrust chamber.

Senneff, J. M.↗

Helicopter Acoustics

Exterior and interior noise problems are addressed both from the physics and engineering as well as the human factors point of view. The role of technology in closing the gap between what the customers and regulating agencies would like to have and what is available is explored. Noise regulation concepts, design, operations and testing for noise control, helicopter noise prediction, and research tools and measurements are among the topics covered.

Source record↗

Helicopter Acoustics, part 2

Exterior and interior helicopter noise problems are addressed from the physics and engineering as well as the human factors point of view. Noise regulation concepts, human factors and criteria, rotor noise generation and control, design, operations and testing for noise control, helicopter noise prediction, and research tools and measurements are covered.

Source record↗

Pilot-optimal augmentation synthesis

An augmentation synthesis method usable in the absence of quantitative handling qualities specifications, and yet explicitly including design objectives based on pilot-rating concepts, is presented. The algorithm involves the unique approach of simultaneously solving for the stability augmentation system (SAS) gains, pilot equalization and pilot rating prediction via optimal control techniques. Simultaneous solution is required in this case since the pilot model (gains, etc.) depends upon the augmented plant dynamics, and the augmentation is obviously not a priori known. Another special feature is the use of the pilot's objective function (from which the pilot model evolves) to design the SAS.

Schmidt, D. K.↗

Wind-tunnel test results of a full-scale multicyclic controllable twist rotor

Results of wind tunnel testing of a multicyclic controllable twist rotor at several flight conditions and advance ratios of 0.22 and 0.33 are evaluated. It is found that blade flatwise bending moments and root control actuator loads (fixed system) can be reduced with multicyclic control. Flatwise bending moment reductions of 22-30% with concurrent 83% reductions in control loads were predicted. Analysis of profile power changes indicates a decrease in profile power coefficient of 0.00016, corresponding to a loss of 0.12 sq m of equivalent drag area.

Mccloud, J. L., III↗

Investigation of blown boundary layers with an improved wall jet system

Measurements were made in a two dimensional incompressible wall jet submerged under a thick upstream boundary layer with a zero pressure gradient and an adverse pressure gradient. The measurements included mean velocity and Reynolds stresses profiles, skin friction, and turbulence spectra. The measurements were confined to practical ratios (less than 2) of the jet velocity to the free stream velocity. The wall jet used in the experiments had an asymmetric velocity profile with a relatively higher concentration of momentum away from the wall. An asymmetric jet velocity profile has distinct advantages over a uniform jet velocity profile, especially in the control of separation. Predictions were made using Irwin's (1974) method for blown boundary layers. The predictions clearly show the difference in flow development between an asymmetric jet velocity profile and a uniform jet velocity profile.

Saripalli, K. R.↗

Ultraheavy cosmic rays - HEAO-3 results

The instrumentation and results from the Heavy Nuclei experiment on the HEAO 3 satellite are described. Six independently analyzed dual-gap ionization chambers measured the energy loss of the cosmic rays while a Cerenkov counter with 8 independently analyzed photomultipliers viewed two sheets of Pilot 425 plastic in a white box. Trajectories of the cosmic ray nuclei were determined in multiwire ionization hodoscopes. Variations in abundances were observed to be imperfectly ordered in terms of the first ionization potential, and volatility was also ruled out as the controlling factor. A predicted drop in abundance after Ba-56 was found, along with another sharp fall above Pb-82. Only one actinide-type event was detected during the 14 mos of viewing, a result consistent with other findings but which testifies against r-process formation.

Israel, M. H.↗

Requirements for a mobile communications satellite system. Volume 3: Large space structures measurements study

This study report defines a set of tests and measurements required to characterize the performance of a Large Space System (LSS), and to scale this data to other LSS satellites. Requirements from the Mobile Communication Satellite (MSAT) configurations derived in the parent study were used. MSAT utilizes a large, mesh deployable antenna, and encompasses a significant range of LSS technology issues in the areas of structural/dynamics, control, and performance predictability. In this study, performance requirements were developed for the antenna. Special emphasis was placed on antenna surface accuracy, and pointing stability. Instrumentation and measurement systems, applicable to LSS, were selected from existing or on-going technology developments. Laser ranging and angulation systems, presently in breadboard status, form the backbone of the measurements. Following this, a set of ground, STS, and GEO-operational were investigated. A third scale (15 meter) antenna system as selected for ground characterization followed by STS flight technology development. This selection ensures analytical scaling from ground-to-orbit, and size scaling. Other benefits are cost and ability to perform reasonable ground tests. Detail costing of the various tests and measurement systems were derived and are included in the report.

Akle, W.↗

Shuttle Performance: Lessons Learned, part 1

Beginning with the first orbital flight of the Space Shuttle, a great wealth of flight data became available to the aerospace community. These data were immediately subjected to analyses by several different groups with different viewpoints and motivations. The results were collected and presented in several papers in the subject areas of ascent and entry aerodynaics; guidance, navigation, and control; aerothermal environment prediction; thermal protection systems; and measurement techniques.

James P Arrington↗

Loads and aeroelasticity division research and technology accomplishments for FY 1983 and plans for FY 1984

Research was done in the following areas: development and validation of solution algorithms, modeling techniques, integrated finite elements for flow-thermal-structural analysis and design, optimization of aircraft and spacecraft for the best performance, reduction of loads and increase in the dynamic structural stability of flexible airframes by the use of active control, methods for predicting steady and unsteady aerodynamic loads and aeroelastic characteristics of flight vehicles with emphasis on the transonic range, and methods for predicting and reducing helicoper vibrations.

Gardner, J. E.↗

Flight Mechanics/Estimation Theory Symposium 1988

This conference publication includes 28 papers and abstracts presented at the Flight Mechanics/Estimation Theory Symposium on May 10 to 11, 1988. Sponsored by the Flight Dynamics Division of Goddard Space Flight Center, this symposium features technical papers on a wide range of issue related to orbit-attitude prediction, determination and control; attitude sensor calibration; attitude determination error analysis; attitude dynamics; and orbit decay and maneuver strategy. Government, industry, and the academic community participated in the preparation and presentation of these papers.

Stengle, Thomas↗