Orbital operations study - A triadic decimal digit printer-reader unit, preliminary design considerations Technical report no. 6
Triadic digit reader and printer for automatic data processing system
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Some computer applications in Saturn stage checkout.
Computer applications in checkout of individual Saturn stages and in prelaunch checkout of complete Saturn vehicle
PRELAUNCH TESTING↗
Digital decoder for phase-delay coded data
Coded or modulated digital data converts to nonreturn to zero /NRZ/ data. Technique includes logic implementation and pertinent timing diagrams. Demodulation to NRZ facilitates digital logic operations on incoming data. Phase-delay modulation has advantage of inherent self-timing not present in NRZ modulation.
Lewin, J.↗
Data compression/error correction digital test system. Appendix 1: Operation
The DC/EC operating instructions are provided for anticipated operating conditions. The instructions are supported by illustrations and tables for the controls and indication of radiation-built equipment. The transmitter control panel provides a functional representation of the system configuration. Inputs and outputs of functional units are brought to jacks on the panel for interconnection and monitoring, and to allow independent use of subsystems of the transmitter.
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An analog-to-digital conversion system with a logarithmic characteristic
Detailed analysis of an analog-to-digital conversion system consisting of a linear converter and a logarithmic amplifier containing nonlinear elements. It is shown that the small-signal resolution of such a system is much greater than that of linear systems used under the same conditions. A design for a low-power analog-to-digital converter operating at medium speed with a large input signal variation field is outlined.
Bellomo, A.↗
Analysis of ERTS imagery using special electronic viewing/measuring equipment
An electronic satellite image analysis console (ESIAC) is being employed to process imagery for use by USGS investigators in several different disciplines studying dynamic hydrologic conditions. The ESIAC provides facilities for storing registered image sequences in a magnetic video disc memory for subsequent recall, enhancement, and animated display in monochrome or color. Quantitative measurements of distances, areas, and brightness profiles can be extracted digitally under operator supervision. Initial results are presented for the display and measurement of snowfield extent, glacier development, sediment plumes from estuary discharge, playa inventory, phreatophyte and other vegetative changes.
Evans, W. E.↗
Analytical study to define a helicoper stability derivative extraction method, volume 2
The data generated during tests to determine helicopter stability derivatives are presented in the form of graphs. The data are based on CH-53A helicopters and CH-54B helicopters with various digital filters operating at various airspeeds. Curves are plotted for a time history comparison of identified derivative models against flight data for the helicopters at specific airspeeds and maneuvers.
Molusis, J. A.↗
On the feasibility of real-time prediction of aircraft carrier motion at sea
The ability to predict the aircraft carrier's motion over an interval of several seconds within reasonable error bounds may allow an improvement in touchdown dispersion and a more certain value for ramp clearance due to a smoother aircraft trajectory. Also, improved information to the landing signal officer should decrease the number of waveoffs substantially. It is quantitatively shown that, based on the power density spectrum data for pitch and heave measured for various ships and sea conditions, the motion can be predicted well for up to 15 seconds. The zero crossover times for both pitch and heave motions can be predicted with impressive accuracy. The predictor was designed on the basis of Kalman's optimum filtering theory for the discrete time case, adapted for real-time digital computer operation.
Sidar, M.↗
Planetary imaging - Past, present, and future
Recent exploration of the planets has been highlighted by the development of visual imaging systems carried on board the spacecraft. This paper describes the evolution of planetary camera systems from the earliest reconnaissance flight to Mars in 1965 (Mariner 4) through the planned mission to Jupiter and Saturn in 1977. Advances in telecommunication performance, mission planning and operations, and digital processing of images are also discussed. Science objectives and changes in the imaging systems required to meet these objectives are discussed for the Mariner Mars 1971 (Mariner 9), Mariner Venus-Mercury (Mariner 10), Viking 1975 (Mars Orbiter), and Mariner Jupiter-Saturn 1977 missions. The last section of the paper describes future plans for imaging experiments based on cameras using solid-state sensors, particularly charge-coupled devices.
Masursky, H.↗
A stand-alone interactive graphics finite element modeling system
The finite element modeling (FEM) system described here is an interactive graphics system designed for use with an intelligent terminal. It offers an economical alternative to the conventional methods (hand compilation and remote terminals) of 2 and 3-dimensional model generation. Using local computing and local storage, this FEM system allows the operator to create and display 3-dimensional models entirely off-line from the host computer. This eliminates costly on-line computer and host-processing time, and makes the user more effective by greatly reducing computer response time. The system allows model generation by down-loading node and element data from the host computer or by using the system's model generation operations for digitizing and automatic creation. The system then generates completed model information in the desired analysis package's bulk data format and transmits it to the host computer for finite element analysis.
Gingerich, J. Z.↗
WEST-3 wind turbine simulator development. Volume 1: Summary
This report is a summary description of WEST-3, a new real-time wind turbine simulator developed by Paragon Pacific Inc. WEST-3 is an all digital, fully programmable, high performance parallel processing computer. Contained in the report are descriptions of the WEST-3 hardware and software. WEST-3 consists of a network of Computational Units (CUs) working in parallel. Each CU is a custom designed high speed digital processor operating independently of other CUs. The CU, which is the main building block of the system, is described in some detail. A major contributor to the high performance of the system is the use a unique method for transferring data among the CUs. The software aspects of WEST-3 covered in the report include the preparation of the simulation model (reformulation, scaling and normalization), and the use of the system software (Translator, Linker, Assembler and Loader). Also given is a description of the wind turbine simulation model used in WEST-3, and some sample results from a study conducted to validate the system. Finally, efforts currently underway to enhance the user friendliness of the system are outlined; these include the 32-bit floating point capability, and major improvements in system software.
Sridhar, S.↗
ACTS and OLYMPUS propagation experiments
The OLYMPUS and ACTS satellites both provide opportunities for 10 to 30 GHz propagation measurements. The spacecraft are sufficiently alike that OLYMPUS can be used to test some prototype ACTS equipment and experiments. Data are particularly needed on short term signal behavior and in support of uplink power control and adaptive forward error correction (FEC) techniques. The Virginia Tech Satellite Communications Group has proposed a set of OLYMPUS experiments including attenuation and fade rate measurements, data communications, uplink power control, rain scatter interference, and small-scale site diversity operation. A digital signal processing receiver for the OLYMPUS and ACTS beacon signals is being developed.
Bostian, Charles W.↗
Motion and force controlled vibration testing
A technique for controlling both the input acceleration and force in vibration tests is proposed to alleviate the overtesting risks and the problems associated with response limiting in conventional vibration tests of aerospace hardware. Previous research on impedance and force controlled vibration tests is reviewed and a simple equation governing the dual control of acceleration and force is derived. A practical method for implementing the dual control technique in random vibration tests has been demonstrated in JPL's environmental test facility using a conventional digital controller operating in the extremal mode. The dual control technique provides appropriate real-time notching of the input acceleration and a corresponding reduction of the test item response at resonances. Issues concerning the need for force and acceleration phase information, the adequacy of specifying the blocked force, and the derivation of the total force for multipoint supports are discussed.
Scharton, Terry D.↗
Hypercluster Parallel Processor
Hypercluster computer system includes multiple digital processors, operation of which coordinated through specialized software. Configurable according to various parallel-computing architectures of shared-memory or distributed-memory class, including scalar computer, vector computer, reduced-instruction-set computer, and complex-instruction-set computer. Designed as flexible, relatively inexpensive system that provides single programming and operating environment within which one can investigate effects of various parallel-computing architectures and combinations on performance in solution of complicated problems like those of three-dimensional flows in turbomachines. Hypercluster software and architectural concepts are in public domain.
Blech, Richard A.↗
Large angle magnetic suspension test fixture
Progress made under the subject grant in the period from 1 Nov. 1992 to 31 May 1993 is presented. The research involves the continued development of the Large Angle Magnetic Suspension Test Fixture (LAMSTF) and also the recommissioning of an additional piece of exisiting hardware. During the period in question, the initial configuration of LAMSTF was completed and made routinely and reliably operational. A digital phase advance controller was completed and documented. The goal of a controlled 360 deg rotation was achieved. Work started on the recommissioning of the Annular Suspension and Pointing System (ASPS). Work completed during the report period included: modeling; position sensing; controller; support of the Second International Symposium on Magnetic Suspension Technology; and recommissioning of the Annular Suspension and Pointing System.
Britcher, Colin P.↗
The NASA Electronic Still Camera system
The Electronic Still Camera (ESC) project has been implemented in its first form for space shuttle operations. The system is composed of three components: (1) a hand-held battery-operated fully digital and programmable high-resolution camera; (2) a laptop-computer-based playback/downlink unit for onboard image processing; and (3) a ground station capable of receiving shuttle data, processing images, producing hardcopies, and distributing the data and hardcopies to end users. The advantages of the ESC system over film and satellites are discussed, and system specifications are summarized.
Holland, S. D.↗
Lower Robotic Arm Assembly Having a Plurality of Tendon Driven Digits
A lower robotic arm includes a base structure, a plurality of digits, and a plurality of tendons. The digits each include first, second, third, and fourth phalanges. Each digit is operatively attached to the base structure at the respective first phalange. A first joint operatively connects the first and second phalange to define a first axis, a second operatively connects the second and third phalange to define a second axis, and a third joint operatively connects the third and fourth phalange to define a third axis, such that the phalanges are selectively rotatable relative to the adjacent phalange, about the respective axis. The tendons are operatively connected to a respective one of the fourth phalanges. Each tendon selectively applies a first torque to the respective fourth phalange to urge the respective phalanges to rotate in a first direction about the respective axes.
Guo, Raymond↗
Digital Flight - A New Cooperative Operating Mode to Complement VFR and IFR
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Air Traffic Management↗