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At least 1,639 records · Page 91

The Atmospheric Tides Middle Atmosphere Program (ATMAP)

Atmospheric tides, oscillations in meteorological fields occurring at subharmonics of a solar or lunar day, comprise a major component of middle atmosphere global dynamics. The purpose of the 1982 to 1986 Atmospheric Tides Atmosphere Program (ATMAP) was to foster an interaction between experimentalists, data analysts, and theoreticians and modelers, in order to better understand the physical mechanisms governing tides and their relationships to other scales of motion, and to thereby explain features of observed tidal structures in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. The ATMAP consisted of seven observational campaigns, five workshops and a climatological study. A historical perspective is provided along with a summary of major results, conclusions, and recommendations for future study which have emerged from the ATMAP.

Forbes, J. M.↗

A comparative analysis of static and dynamic load balancing strategies

The problem of uniformly distributing the load of a parallel program over a multiprocessor system was considered. A program was analyzed whose structure permits the computation of the optimal static solution. Then four strategies for load balancing were described and their performance compared. The strategies are: (1) the optimal static assignment algorithm which is guaranteed to yield the best static solution, (2) the static binary dissection method which is very fast but suboptimal, (3) the greedy algorithm, a static fully polynomial time approximation scheme, which estimates the optimal solution to arbitrary accuracy, and (4) the predictive dynamic load balancing heuristic which uses information on the precedence relationships within the program and outperforms any of the static methods. It is also shown that the overhead incurred by the dynamic heuristic is reduced considerably if it is started off with a static assignment provided by either of the three strategies.

Iqbal, M. Ashraf↗

HARP model rotor test at the DNW

Data from a test of a dynamically scaled model of the Hughes Advanced Rotor Program (HARP) bearingless model main rotor and 369K tail rotor are reported. The history of the HARP program and its goals are reviewed, and the main and tail rotor models are described. The test facilities and instrumentation are described, and wind tunnel test data are presented on hover, forward flight performance, and blade-vortex interaction. Performance data, acoustic data, and dynamic data from near field/far field and shear layer studies are presented.

Dawson, Seth↗

Performance tradeoffs in static and dynamic load balancing strategies

The problem of uniformly distributing the load of a parallel program over a multiprocessor system was considered. A program was analyzed whose structure permits the computation of the optimal static solution. Then four strategies for load balancing were described and their performance compared. The strategies are: (1) the optimal static assignment algorithm which is guaranteed to yield the best static solution, (2) the static binary dissection method which is very fast but sub-optimal, (3) the greedy algorithm, a static fully polynomial time approximation scheme, which estimates the optimal solution to arbitrary accuracy, and (4) the predictive dynamic load balancing heuristic which uses information on the precedence relationships within the program and outperforms any of the static methods. It is also shown that the overhead incurred by the dynamic heuristic is reduced considerably if it is started off with a static assignment provided by either of the other three strategies.

Iqbal, M. A.↗

Dynamics of the McDonnell-Douglas Large Scale Dynamic Rig and dynamic calibration of the rotor balance

A shake test was performed on the Large Scale Dynamic Rig in the 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel in support of the McDonnell Douglas Advanced Rotor Technology (MDART) Test Program. The shake test identifies the hub modes and the dynamic calibration matrix of the rotor balance. For hub mode identification, three configurations were tested: wind tunnel scale unlocked with dampers engaged and disengaged, and wind tunnel scale locked. Test data were analyzed with a multi-degree-of-freedom time domain algorithm to identify the modal properties of the hub modes. The damping of the low frequency hub modes (ground resonance modes) increases significantly with the wind tunnel dampers engaged. For dynamic calibration of the rotor balance, the shake test was performed only with the wind tunnel dampers engaged. The dynamic calibration matrix, computed from the shake test data using a least squares error method, is used to correct the five-per-rev vibratory balance readings. The corrections are large for the side force, moderate for the axial force and inplane hub moments, and small for the normal force.

Nguyen, Khanh↗

Space Shuttle Tail Service Mast Concept Verification

Design studies and analyses were performed to describe the loads and dynamics of the space shuttle tail service masts (TSMs). Of particular interest are the motion and interaction of the umbilical carrier plate, lanyard system, vacuum jacketed hoses, latches, links, and masthead. A development test rig was designed and fabricated to obtain experimental data. The test program is designed to (1) verify the theoretical dynamics calculations, (2) prove the soundness of design concepts, and (3) elucidate problem areas (if any) in the design of mechanisms and structural components. Design, fabrication, and initiation of TSM development testing at Kennedy Space Center are described.

Uda, R. T.↗

An Evaluation of The Dynamic Physical Security Risk Assessment Methodology for Fleet-Wide Applications

The requirements for U.S. nuclear power plants to maintain a large onsite physical security force contribute to their high operational costs. The cost of maintaining the current physical security posture is approximately 10% of the overall operation and maintenance budget for commercial nuclear power plants. The goal of the Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) program’s physical security pathway is to develop tools, methods, and technologies and provide the technical basis for an optimized physical security posture. The conservatisms built into current security postures may be analyzed and minimized to reduce security costs while still ensuring adequate security and operational safety. The research performed at Idaho National Laboratory within LWRS program’s physical security pathway has successfully developed a dynamic force-on-force modeling framework using various computer simulation tools and integrating them with the dynamic assessment Event Modeling Risk Assessment using Linked Diagrams (EMRALD) tool. This integrated process for physical security analysis is named Modeling and Analysis for Safety Security using Dynamic EMRALD Framework (MASS-DEF). This document provides an update on the progress in applying the MASS-DEF process to an operating commercial nuclear power plant as well as additional industry feedback regarding use of the tool for other physical security risk-informed topics. This report is only a summary of the progress and does not contain specific modeling results as those contain sensitive security information. Previous reports described how a user could integrate their plant-specific force-on-force models with the dynamic simulation tool EMRALD, model operator actions, and integrate with probabilistic risk assessment tools, such as CAFTA (Computer Aided Fault Tree Analysis System) or SAPHIRE (Systems Analysis Programs for Hands-on Integrated Reliability Evaluations), and with thermal-hydraulic tools, such as RELAP-5 or MAAP. Previous reports applied various combinations of available simulations codes with EMRALD using generic plant models to demonstrate how to perform the analysis. This report is an update the progress of applying the dynamic computational framework to an actual nuclear facility using their security scenarios and timelines. This report also provides an update to the procedural guidance for the MASS-DEF process and an overview of the generic models available for use by utilities. This report does not contain any plant’s sensitive information and/or safeguards information. This study’s purpose was to verify that the results achieved using generic models are similar to actual plant results and refine our guidance on the use of the framework. This assessment enables further analysis, such as what-if scenarios and staff-reduction evaluation, thereby optimizing physical security at plants.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Experimental dynamic response of a two-dimensional, Mach 2.7, mixed compression inlet

A test program was conducted on a two-dimensional supersonic inlet. Internal disturbances in diffuser exit mass flow were produced by oscillating overboard bypass doors. Open-loop dynamic responses of shock position, throat exit and diffuser exit static pressures are presented. The steady-state and dynamic coupling between ducts were also obtained. The experimental results from the two-dimensional inlet are compared to results from a similar size axisymmetric inlet and also to a transfer function synthesis program.

Baumbick, R. J.↗

Study of the dynamics of orbital assemblies including interactions with geometrical appendages

The complete equations for the Unified Flexible Spacecraft Simulation (UFSS) program developed for the NASA/MSFC are presented. This general purpose simulation program is based on an algorithm which utilizes the digital computer to synthesize the dynamic and kinematic equations for a topological tree configuration of N interconnected bodies (the interconnected system of bodies forms no closed loops), the terminal members of which may be flexible. Necessary input quantities to the dynamic subroutine include the mass and inertia properties of each body and the flexible characteristics of each terminal member in addition to the specification, for each body, of those bodies to which it connects. This latter description involves the specification of the number of rotational degrees of freedom at each interconnection along with the associated position vectors defining these connections relative to the mass centers of the bodies involved. These position vectors can be input as time-varying functions if desired, thus affording the capability of studying the effects of time-varying hinge locations. Springs and dampers are assumed to act at each interconnection and structural damping in the flexible terminal members is included in the form of equivalent viscous damping.

Ness, D. J.↗

Long-Term Dynamics of Small Bodies in the Solar System

As part of the NASA Planetary Geology and Geophysics program Prof. Norm Murray (CITA) and I have been conducting investigations of the long-term dynamics of small bodies in the outer solar system. This grant, and its predecessor NAG5- 7761, supports travel for collaboration by the Investigators and also supports Murray during an annual one month visit to the CfA for further collaboration. In the course of this grant we made a number of advances in solar system dynamics. For example, we developed an analytic model for the origin and consequence of chaos associated with three-body resonances in the asteroid belt. This has been shown to be important for the delivery of near Earth objects. We later extended this model to three- body resonances among planets. We were able to show that the numerically identified chaos among the outer planets results from a three-body resonance involving Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus. The resulting paper was awarded the 1999 Newcomb Cleveland award from the AAAS. This award singles out one paper published in Science each year for distinction.

Holman, Matthew J.↗

Long-Term Dynamics of Small Bodies in the Solar System

As part of the NASA Planetary Geology and Geophysics program Prof. Norm Murray (CITA) and I have been conducting investigations of the long-term dynamics of small bodies in the outer solar system. This grant, and its predecessor NAG5-7761, supported travel for collaboration by the Investigators and also supports Murray during an annual one month visit to the CfA for further collaboration. In the course of this grant we made a number of advances in solar system dynamics. For example, we developed an analytic model for the origin and consequence of chaos associated with three-body resonances in the asteroid belt. This has been shown to be important for the delivery of near Earth objects. We later extended this model to three-body resonances among planets. We were able to show that the numerically identified chaos among the outer planets results from a three-body resonance involving Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus. The resulting paper was awarded the 1999 Newcomb Cleveland award from the AAAS. This award singles out one paper published in Science each year for distinction. This grant has also supported, in part, my participate in other solar system dynamics projects. The results from those collaborations are also listed.

Saunders, Steve↗

Dynamics and control of multipayload platforms - The Middeck Active Control Experiment (MACE)

A flight experiment entitled the Middeck Active Control Experiment (MACE) proposed by the Space Engineering Research Center (SERC) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is described. The objective of this program is to investigate and validate the modeling of the dynamics of an actively controlled flexible, articulating, multibody platform free floating in zero gravity. A rationale and experimental approach for the program are presented. The rationale shows that on-orbit testing, coupled with ground testing and a strong analytical program, is necessary in order to fully understand both how flexibility of the platform affects the pointing problem, as well as how gravity perturbs this structural flexibility causing deviations between 1-and 0-gravity behavior. The experimental approach captures the essential physics of multibody platforms, by identifying the appropriate attributes, tests, and performance metrics of the test article, and defines the tests required to successfully validate the analytical framework.

Miller, David W.↗

Satellite Contamination and Materials Outgassing Knowledge base

Satellite contamination continues to be a design problem that engineers must take into account when developing new satellites. To help with this issue, NASA's Space Environments and Effects (SEE) Program funded the development of the Satellite Contamination and Materials Outgassing Knowledge base. This engineering tool brings together in one location information about the outgassing properties of aerospace materials based upon ground-testing data, the effects of outgassing that has been observed during flight and measurements of the contamination environment by on-orbit instruments. The knowledge base contains information using the ASTM Standard E- 1559 and also consolidates data from missions using quartz-crystal microbalances (QCM's). The data contained in the knowledge base was shared with NASA by government agencies and industry in the US and international space agencies as well. The term 'knowledgebase' was used because so much information and capability was brought together in one comprehensive engineering design tool. It is the SEE Program's intent to continually add additional material contamination data as it becomes available - creating a dynamic tool whose value to the user is ever increasing. The SEE Program firmly believes that NASA, and ultimately the entire contamination user community, will greatly benefit from this new engineering tool and highly encourages the community to not only use the tool but add data to it as well.

Minor, Jody L.↗

Trajectory Control in Rendezvous Problems Using Proportional Navigation

The rendezvous problem is defined by the end conditions that the position and velocity of a vehicle and its target are to be matched. In its present form proportional navigation theory allows the interception of a target by the vehicle, that is , the matching of positions. This report extends the theory to include the full rendezvous end conditions. Trajectory constraint equations are derived and the method of computing the required thrust program in idealized problems is outlined. The thrust program obtained results entirely from the trajectory and does not consider the dynamics of the vehicles or errors inherent in a real system. The properties of the thrust program, such as its variation both in magnitude and direction, are examined. An acceleration forcing function is also derived and its properties examined. The theory is applied to the satellite rendezvous problem as an example and some computations are presented.

Cicolani, Luigi S.↗

International lithosphere program - Exploiting the geodynamics revolution

After presenting a development history of the application of spacecraft technology in the field of earth dynamics, which encompasses the measurement of the motion and the large scale deformation of the tectonic plates as well as the monitoring of earth's gravity and magnetic fields, attention is given to the International Lithosphere Program (ILP). ILP studies the dynamics and evolution of the lithosphere, with a view to earth resources identification and geological hazard reduction. Among the major problems being addressed is the mechanism by which magmas are generated, extruded, and intruded, at convergent and divergent plate boundaries and within plates. By contrast to current understanding of rifting, almost nothing is known about how the process of subduction begins. The methods used to measure tectonic plate phenomena are: laser ranging to both the moon and man-made satellites, and VLBI.

Flinn, E. A.↗

Design, simulation and evaluation of advanced display concepts for the F-16 control configured vehicle

Advanced display concepts to augment the tracking ability of the F-16 Control Configured Vehicle (CCV) were designed, simulated, and evaluated. A fixed-base simulator was modified to represent the F-16 CCV. An isometric sidearm control stick and two-axis CCV thumb button were installed in the cockpit. The forward cockpit CRT was programmed to present an external scene (numbered runway, horizon) and the designed Heads Up Display. The cockpit interior was modified to represent a fighter and the F-16 CCV dynamics and direct lift and side force modes were programmed. Compensatory displays were designed from man-machine considerations. Pilots evaluated the Heads up Display and compensatory displays during simulated descents in the presence of several levels of filtered, zero-mean winds gusts. During a descent from 2500 feet to the runway, the pilots tracked a point on the runway utilizing the basic F-16, F-16 CCV, and F-16 CCV with advanced displays. Substantial tracking improvements resulted utilizing the CCV modes, and the displays were found to even further enhance the tracking ability of the F-16 CCV.

Klein, R. W.↗

Stirling Convertor Controller Development at NASA Glenn Research Center

For nearly two decades, NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) has been supporting the development of Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS). NASA desires higher conversion efficiency RPS options that are reliable and robust with long life design. Dynamic conversion, such as Stirling and Brayton, offer the potential for higher conversion efficiencies than current RPS but have yet to be demonstrated in a flight application. The RPS program sent out a solicitation to investigate options for dynamic conversion technologies. As a result of this solicitation, four dynamic power convertor (DPC) technologies were selected for design and three are proceeding to the fabrication phase of prototype dynamic convertors. One lesson learned from the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) project is that controller development should be coordinated with the development of a dynamic convertor. As a result of this, NASA GRC has been utilizing hardware from past Stirling convertor projects including that of the ASRG to support controller development for the DPC's. NASA GRC has developed a strong knowledge base on both analog and digital Stirling dynamic power convertor controllers and will continue to expand and apply that knowledge to the DPC's. Over the past 15 years, controllers were developed at GRC, at Lockheed Martin (LM) and by the Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL). Various generations of the controllers have been developed as lessons were learned through various component and system level tests. Some of the tests performed were fault tolerance, flight acceptance vibration, electromagnetic interference (EMI), spacecraft integration, and extended operation. The fault tolerance test characterized the controller's ability to handle various fault conditions, including high or low bus power consumptions, total open load or short circuit, and replacing a failed controller card while the backup maintains control of the Stirling convertor. The vibration test confirms the controller's ability to control an ASC during launch. The EMI test characterized the AC and DC magnetic and electric fields emitted by the single ASC and if the controller has an impact on the radiated EMI. Spacecraft integration testing in the Radioisotope Power Systems System Integration Laboratory (RSIL) provided insight into the electrical interactions between the representative RPS, its associated control schemes, and realistic electric system loads. The extended operation test allows data to be collected over a period of thousands of hours to obtain long term performance data of the system. This paper describes the history of controller development at NASA GRC, tests performed on these controllers, and lessons learned.

Dugala, Gina M.↗

Stirling Convertor Controller Development at NASA Glenn Research Center

For nearly two decades, NASA Glenn Research Center has been supporting the development of radioisotope power systems (RPS). NASA desires higher conversion efficiency RPS options that are reliable and robust with long-life design. Dynamic conversion, such as Stirling and Brayton, offer the potential for higher conversion efficiencies than current RPS but have yet to be demonstrated in a flight application. The RPS program sent out a solicitation to investigate options for dynamic conversion technologies. As a result of this solicitation, four dynamic power convertor (DPC) technologies were selected for design and three are proceeding to the fabrication phase of prototype dynamic convertors. One lesson learned from the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) project is that controller development should be coordinated with the development of a dynamic convertor. As a result of this, Glenn has been utilizing hardware from past Stirling convertor projects, including that of the ASRG, to support controller development for the DPCs. Glenn has developed a strong knowledge base on both analog and digital Stirling DPC controllers and will continue to expand and apply that knowledge to the DPCs. Over the past 15 years, controllers were developed at Glenn, at Lockheed Martin (LM), and by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). Various generations of the controllers have been developed as lessons were learned through various component- and system-level tests. Some of the tests performed were fault tolerance, flight acceptance vibration, electromagnetic interference (EMI), spacecraft integration, and extended operation. The fault tolerance test characterized the controller’s ability to handle various fault conditions, including high or low bus power consumption, total open load or short circuit, and replacing a failed controller card while the backup maintains control of the Stirling convertor. The vibration test confirms the controller’s ability to control an Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC) during launch. The EMI test characterized the alternating-current (AC) and direct-current (DC) magnetic and electric fields emitted by the single ASC and if the controller has an impact on the radiated EMI. Spacecraft integration testing in the Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS), System Integration Laboratory (RSIL) provided insight into the electrical interactions between the representative RPS, its associated control schemes, and realistic electric system loads. The extended operation test allows data to be collected over a period of thousands of hours to obtain long-term performance data of the system. This paper describes the history of controller development at Glenn, tests performed on these controllers, and lessons learned.

Dugala, Gina M.↗