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At least 163 records · Page 9

The engineering design integration (EDIN) system

A digital computer program complex for the evaluation of aerospace vehicle preliminary designs is described. The system consists of a Univac 1100 series computer and peripherals using the Exec 8 operating system, a set of demand access terminals of the alphanumeric and graphics types, and a library of independent computer programs. Modification of the partial run streams, data base maintenance and construction, and control of program sequencing are provided by a data manipulation program called the DLG processor. The executive control of library program execution is performed by the Univac Exec 8 operating system through a user established run stream. A combination of demand and batch operations is employed in the evaluation of preliminary designs. Applications accomplished with the EDIN system are described.

Glatt, C. R.

Lunar motion analysis and laser data management

Work completed in lunar motion analysis and laser data management during the period July 1, 1971 - September 30, 1975 was reported. In this context, analysis refers to theoretical or numerical studies involving real or potential applications of such observations to improvement of the physical model, and data management refers to the process by which observed photon events are turned into observations and are made available to potential users. The data analysis work included: (1) bringing to operational status of computer programs for the numerical integration of the lunar orbit motion and for the application of lunar laser time delays for the improvement of the parameters of the physical model, (2) program improvement and program integrity, (3) three-dimensional ephemeris, and (4) miscellaneous independent studies. The data management work included: (1) data identification, (2) observatory interfaces, and (3) data distribution.

Mulholland, J. D.

Computer simulation incorporating a helicopter model for evaluation of aircraft avionics systems

A computer program was developed to integrate avionics research in navigation, guidance, controls, and displays with a realistic aircraft model. A user oriented program is described that allows a flexible combination of user supplied models to perform research in any avionics area. A preprocessor technique for selecting various models without significantly changing the memory storage is included. Also included are mathematical models for several avionics error models and for the CH-47 helicopter used in this program.

Ostroff, A. J.

Analysis of separation of the space shuttle orbiter from a large transport airplane

The feasibility of safely separating the space shuttle orbiter (140A/B) from the top of a large carrier vehicle (the C-5 airplane) at subsonic speeds was investigated. The longitudinal equations of motion for both vehicles were numerically integrated using a digital computer program which incorporates experimentally derived interference aerodynamic data to analyze the separation maneuver for various initial conditions. Separation of the space shuttle orbiter from a carrier vehicle was feasible for a range of dynamic-pressure and flight-path-angle conditions. By using an autopilot, the vehicle attitudes were held constant which ensured separation. Carrier-vehicle engine thrust, landing gear, and spoilers provide some flexibility in the separation maneuver.

Wilhite, A. W.

ICAN: Integrated composites analyzer

The ICAN computer program performs all the essential aspects of mechanics/analysis/design of multilayered fiber composites. Modular, open-ended and user friendly, the program can handle a variety of composite systems having one type of fiber and one matrix as constituents as well as intraply and interply hybrid composite systems. It can also simulate isotropic layers by considering a primary composite system with negligible fiber volume content. This feature is specifically useful in modeling thin interply matrix layers. Hygrothermal conditions and various combinations of in-plane and bending loads can also be considered. Usage of this code is illustrated with a sample input and the generated output. Some key features of output are stress concentration factors around a circular hole, locations of probable delamination, a summary of the laminate failure stress analysis, free edge stresses, microstresses and ply stress/strain influence coefficients. These features make ICAN a powerful, cost-effective tool to analyze/design fiber composite structures and components.

Murthy, P. L. N.

ICAN - Integrated composites analyzer

The ICAN computer program performs all the essential aspects of mechanics/analysis/design of multilayered fiber composites. Modular, open-ended and user friendly, the program can handle a variety of composite systems having one type of fiber and one matrix as constituents as well as intraply and interply hybrid composite systems. It can also simulate isotropic layers by considering a primary composite system with negligible fiber volume content. This feature is specifically useful in modeling thin interply matrix layers. Hygrothermal conditions and various combinations of in-plane and bending loads can also be considered. Usage of this code is illustrated with a sample input and the generated output. Some key features of output are stress concentration factors around a circular hole, locations of probable delamination, a summary of the laminate failure stress analysis, free edge stresses, microstresses and ply stress/strain influence coefficients. These features make ICAN a powerful, cost-effective tool to analyze/design fiber composite structures and components.

Murthy, P. L. N.

Evaluation and Improvement of Liquid Propellant Rocket Chugging Analysis Techniques. Part 2: a Study of Low Frequency Combustion Instability in Rocket Engine Preburners Using a Heterogeneous Stirred Tank Reactor Model

During the shutdown of the space shuttle main engine, oxygen flow is shut off from the fuel preburner and helium is used to push the residual oxygen into the combustion chamber. During this process a low frequency combustion instability, or chug, occurs. This chug has resulted in damage to the engine's augmented spark igniter due to backflow of the contents of the preburner combustion chamber into the oxidizer feed system. To determine possible causes and fixes for the chug, the fuel preburner was modeled as a heterogeneous stirred tank combustion chamber, a variable mass flow rate oxidizer feed system, a constant mass flow rate fuel feed system and an exit turbine. Within the combustion chamber gases were assumed perfectly mixed. To account for liquid in the combustion chamber, a uniform droplet distribution was assumed to exist in the chamber, with mean droplet diameter determined from an empirical relation. A computer program was written to integrate the resulting differential equations. Because chamber contents were assumed perfectly mixed, the fuel preburner model erroneously predicted that combustion would not take place during shutdown. The combustion rate model was modified to assume that all liquid oxygen that vaporized instantaneously combusted with fuel. Using this combustion model, the effect of engine parameters on chamber pressure oscillations during the SSME shutdown was calculated.

Bartrand, Timothy A.

Relationship between voids and interlaminar shear strength of polymer matrix composites

The effect of voids on the interlaminar shear strength of a polyimide matrix composite system is described. The AS4 graphite/PMR-15 composite was chosen for study because this system can be readily processed by using the standard specified cure cycle to produce void-free composites and because preliminary work in this study had shown that the processing parameters of this resin matrix system can be altered to produce cured composites of varying void contents. Thirty-eight 12-ply unidirectional composite panels were fabricated for this study. A significant range of void contents (0 to 10 percent) was produced. The panels were mapped, ultrasonically inspected, and sectioned into interlaminar shear, flexure, and fiber content specimens. The density of each specimen was measured and interlaminar shear and flexure strength measurements were then made. The fiber content was measured last. The results of these tests were evaluated by using ultrasonic results, photomicrographs, statistical methods, theoretical relationships derived by other investigators, and comparison of the test data with the Integrated Composite Analyzer (ICAN) computer program developed at the Lewis Research Center for predicting composite ply properties. The testing is described in as much detail as possible in order to help others make realistic comparisons.

Bowles, Kenneth J.

Relationship between voids and interlaminar shear strength of polymer matrix composites

The effect of voids on the interlaminar shear strength of a polyimide matrix composite system is described. The AS4 graphite/PMR-15 composite was chosen for study because this system can be readily processed by using the standard specified cure cycle to produce void-free composites and because preliminary work in this study had shown that the processing parameters of this resin matrix system can be altered to produce cured composites of varying void contents. Thirty-eight 12-ply unidirectional composite panels were fabricated for this study. A significant range of void contents (0 to 10 percent) was produced. The panels were mapped, ultrasonically inspected, and sectioned into interlaminar shear, flexure, and fiber content specimens. The density of each specimen was measured and interlaminar shear and flexure strength measurements were then made. The fiber content was measured last. The results of these tests were evaluated by using ultrasonic results, photomicrographs, statistical methods, theoretical relationships derived by other investigations, and comparison of the test data with the Integrated Composite Analyzer (ICAN) computer program developed at the Lewis Research Center for predicting composite ply properties. The testing is described in as much detail as possible in order to help others make realistic comparisons.

Bowles, Kenneth J.

SAFSIM overview

An overview of the systems analysis flow simulator (SAFSIM) computer program is provided. SAFSIM is being developed at Sandia National Laboratories and is currently funded by the Air Force Space Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (SNTP) Program. SAFSIM is a general purpose, Fortran computer program to simulate the integrated performance of complex systems involving fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and reactor dynamics. SAFSIM provides sufficient versatility to allow the engineering simulation of almost any system. SAFSIM is based on a 1-D finite element model and provides the analyst with approximate solutions to complex problems.

Dobranich, Dean

Integrated Composite Analyzer (ICAN/PC)

Integrated Composites Analyzer (ICAN/PC) computer program designed to carry out comprehensive linear analysis of multilayered continuous-fiber polymer matrix composites. Performs micromechanics, macromechanics, and laminate analyses, taking account of hygrothermal responses of fiber composites. Written in FORTRAN 77.

Murthy, P. L. N.

C-Language Integrated Production System, Version 6.0

C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) computer programs are specifically intended to model human expertise or other knowledge. CLIPS is designed to enable research on, and development and delivery of, artificial intelligence on conventional computers. CLIPS 6.0 provides cohesive software tool for handling wide variety of knowledge with support for three different programming paradigms: rule-based, object-oriented, and procedural. Rule-based programming: representation of knowledge as heuristics - essentially, rules of thumb that specify set of actions performed in given situation. Object-oriented programming: modeling of complex systems comprised of modular components easily reused to model other systems or create new components. Procedural-programming: representation of knowledge in ways similar to those of such languages as C, Pascal, Ada, and LISP. Version of CLIPS 6.0 for IBM PC-compatible computers requires DOS v3.3 or later and/or Windows 3.1 or later.

Riley, Gary

Analytical Fuselage and Wing Weight Estimation of Transport Aircraft

A method of estimating the load-bearing fuselage weight and wing weight of transport aircraft based on fundamental structural principles has been developed. This method of weight estimation represents a compromise between the rapid assessment of component weight using empirical methods based on actual weights of existing aircraft, and detailed, but time-consuming, analysis using the finite element method. The method was applied to eight existing subsonic transports for validation and correlation. Integration of the resulting computer program, PDCYL, has been made into the weights-calculating module of the AirCraft SYNThesis (ACSYNT) computer program. ACSYNT has traditionally used only empirical weight estimation methods; PDCYL adds to ACSYNT a rapid, accurate means of assessing the fuselage and wing weights of unconventional aircraft. PDCYL also allows flexibility in the choice of structural concept, as well as a direct means of determining the impact of advanced materials on structural weight. Using statistical analysis techniques, relations between the load-bearing fuselage and wing weights calculated by PDCYL and corresponding actual weights were determined.

Chambers, Mark C.

Development of Advanced Methods of Structural and Trajectory Analysis for Transport Aircraft

In this report the author describes: (1) development of advanced methods of structural weight estimation, and (2) development of advanced methods of flight path optimization. A method of estimating the load-bearing fuselage weight and wing weight of transport aircraft based on fundamental structural principles has been developed. This method of weight estimation represents a compromise between the rapid assessment of component weight using empirical methods based on actual weights of existing aircraft and detailed, but time-consuming, analysis using the finite element method. The method was applied to eight existing subsonic transports for validation and correlation. Integration of the resulting computer program, PDCYL, has been made into the weights-calculating module of the AirCraft SYNThesis (ACSYNT) computer program. ACSYNT bas traditionally used only empirical weight estimation methods; PDCYL adds to ACSYNT a rapid, accurate means of assessing the fuselage and wing weights of unconventional aircraft. PDCYL also allows flexibility in the choice of structural concept, as well as a direct means of determining the impact of advanced materials on structural weight.

Ardema, Mark D.

PixelLearn

PixelLearn is an integrated user-interface computer program for classifying pixels in scientific images. Heretofore, training a machine-learning algorithm to classify pixels in images has been tedious and difficult. PixelLearn provides a graphical user interface that makes it faster and more intuitive, leading to more interactive exploration of image data sets. PixelLearn also provides image-enhancement controls to make it easier to see subtle details in images. PixelLearn opens images or sets of images in a variety of common scientific file formats and enables the user to interact with several supervised or unsupervised machine-learning pixel-classifying algorithms while the user continues to browse through the images. The machinelearning algorithms in PixelLearn use advanced clustering and classification methods that enable accuracy much higher than is achievable by most other software previously available for this purpose. PixelLearn is written in portable C++ and runs natively on computers running Linux, Windows, or Mac OS X.

Mazzoni, Dominic

Modeling Principles Using the Relation Between Lagrange Multipliers and Bond Graphs

Final document is attached. Modeling dynamic systems by bond graphs has become state of the art technology since hundreds of researchers around the world have incorporated the technology in many fields of engineering and science. The legacy of its invertor Prof. Henry Paynter at MIT in 1959 is now a fundamental and practical technique to understand reality by building computer models. This paper addresses a particular aspect of this technology when modeling of mechanical systems require relaxation of constraints by means of Lagrange principles. Lagrange's equations are a useful means of describing and solving systems with kinematic constraints. Lagrange multipliers are variables used in equations to find the extremes of multivariate functions. Here we explore the relation of Lagrange multipliers to solve modeling difficulties of a space vehicle with equations with dependent derivatives. Lagrange multipliers were used in conjunction with bond graphs to simulate a system where joints of kinematic linkages produce dependent derivatives. NASA's Morpheus Project lunar lander was used as a case study. The Morpheus Project is a terrestrial test vehicle designed to fly the terminal descent trajectory of a lunar lander to advance the Autonomous Landing Hazard Avoidance Technology (ALHAT). An objective of this study is to apply the modeling approach herein to capture the dynamic movement of the lander as the propellant is sloshed and consumed. This paper expands further the analysis presented by (Granda, J J. Nguyen, L, Carlson, T, Sahragard-Monfared, G., Fornalski, E., Brocker 2016). Using an automated approach bond graph models of state space equations were generated using the Computer Aided Modeling Program (CAMPG). Integral causality models and derivative causality models were considered in order to find the simpler solution for the mathematical dependencies produced in modeling this vehicle.

Granda, Jose J.

Cost advantages of an integrated documentation approach

Interactive use of on-line computing terminals for updating programs is discussed. An integrated documentation approach using predocumented subroutines and metaprogram techniques is found to be an efficient means of generating the relevant documentation and of reducing program development costs.

Felsman, W. O.

Data systems and computer science programs: Overview

An external review of the Integrated Technology Plan for the Civil Space Program is presented. The topics are presented in viewgraph form and include the following: onboard memory and storage technology; advanced flight computers; special purpose flight processors; onboard networking and testbeds; information archive, access, and retrieval; visualization; neural networks; software engineering; and flight control and operations.

Smith, Paul H.