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At least 19 records

Heuristic search in robot configuration space using variable metric

A method to generate obstacle free trajectories for both mobile robots and linked robots is proposed. The approach generates the shortest paths in a configuration space. The metric in the configuration space can be adjusted to obtain a tradeoff between safety and velocity by imposing extra costs on paths near obstacles.

Verwer, Ben J. H.↗

Results of investigations on a 0.010-scale 140A/B configuration space shuttle vehicle orbiter model 72-0 in the NASA/Langley Research Center continuous flow hypersonic tunnel (OA90)

Data are documented which were obtained during wind tunnel tests. The test was conducted beginning 4 March and ending 6 March 1974 for a total of 24 occupancy hours. all test runs were conducted at a Mach number of 10.3 and at Reynolds numbers of 0.65, 1.0 and 1.33 million per foot. Only the complete 140A/B was tested with various elevon, speedbrake, and bodyflap settings at angles of attack from 12 to 37 degrees at 0 and -5 degrees of beta, and from 0 to -9 degrees of beta at 20 and 30 degrees angle of attack. The purpose was to obtain hypersonic longitudinal and lateral-directional stability and control characteristics of the updated space shuttle vehicle configuration.

Hawthorne, P. J.↗

Results of investigations on an 0.015 scale 140A/B configuration space shuttle vehicle orbiter model (49-0) in the LTV 4 by 4-foot high speed wind tunnel (0A84)

Data obtained from a wind tunnel test of an 0.015-scale 140 A/B configuration space shuttle vehicle orbiter model (49-0) are presented. Runs were conducted at Mach numbers 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0 and Reynolds numbers of 8.4, 9.0, 9.0, 10.9, and 13.6 million per foot respectively. Various control surface settings were investigated from angles of attack of minus 4 degrees to plus 30 degrees at fixed angles of sideslip of zero and minus 5 degrees and through angles of sideslip from minus 2 to plus 8 degrees at fixed angles of attack of zero, plus 10, plus 15, and plus 20 degrees. The purpose of the test was to define the longitudinal and lateral-directional stability and control characteristics for the updated SSV configuration.

Esparza, V.↗

Configuration space representation in parallel coordinates

By means of a system of parallel coordinates, a nonprojective mapping from R exp N to R squared is obtained for any positive integer N. In this way multivariate data and relations can be represented in the Euclidean plane (embedded in the projective plane). Basically, R squared with Cartesian coordinates is augmented by N parallel axes, one for each variable. The N joint variables of a robotic device can be represented graphically by using parallel coordinates. It is pointed out that some properties of the relation are better perceived visually from the parallel coordinate representation, and that new algorithms and data structures can be obtained from this representation. The main features of parallel coordinates are described, and an example is presented of their use for configuration space representation of a mechanical arm (where Cartesian coordinates cannot be used).

Fiorini, Paolo↗

Proof of Concept Study of Trade Space Configuration Tool for Spacecraft Design

Spacecraft design is a very difficult and time consuming process because requirements and criteria are often changed or modified as the design is refined. Accounting for these adjustments in the design constraints plays a significant role in furthering the overall progress. There are numerous aspects and variables that hold significant influence on various characteristics of the design. This can be especially frustrating when attempting to conduct rapid trade space analysis on system configurations. Currently, the data and designs considered for trade space evaluations can only be displayed by using the traditional interfaces of Excel spreadsheets or CAD (Computer Aided Design) models. While helpful, these methods of analyzing the data from a systems engineering approach can be rather complicated and overwhelming. As a result, a proof of concept was conducted on a dynamic data visualization software called Thinkmap SDK (Software Developer Kit) to allow for better organization and understanding of the relationships between the various aspects that make up an entire design. The Orion Crew Module Aft Bay Subsystem was used as the test case for this study because the design and layout of many of the subsystem components will be significant in ensuring the overall center of gravity of the capsule is correct. A simplified model of this subsystem was created and programmed using Thinkmap SDK to create a preliminary prototype application of a Trade Space Configuration Tool. The completed application ensures that the core requirements for the Tool can be met. Further development is strongly suggested to produce a full prototype application to allow final evaluations and recommendations of the software capabilities.

Glidden, Geoffrey L.↗

Verification of post permanently manned configuration Space Station elements

An account is given of the techniques and ground systems designed to fulfill post permanently manned configuration (PMC) Space Station verification tasks. Consideration is given to analysis using computer math models and computer-aided interface verification systems, testing using simulators and interface mixtures, and special inspection. It is noted that an initial Space Station design that accommodates and facilitates verification is crucial to an effective verification program as well as proper instrumentation, built-in test capability, and a precise configuration management, control and record system. It is concluded that post PMC verification should be accounted for both in the initial Space Station design and in the subsequent development of initial assembly flight verification techniques and capabilities.

Scully, E. J.↗

Structural dynamics model and response of the deployable reference configuration space station

The analytical models and results of a structural dynamics investigation of the reference initial operation and evolutionary configurations of the nine foot bay space station are presented. This investigation was carried out between April and August 1984 as part of a team effort to define a reference configuration for the first U.S. manned space station. The results presented herein serve as a guide, a point of departure and a standard for future NASA and contractor studies leading to the design of the Space Station. The reference initial operation configuration of the nine foot bay station was found to be very flexible, with its lowest mode between 0.096 and 0.138 Hertz depending on station attachments. However, for the transient load cases which were then available, internal member loads had positive margins of safety and preliminary results indicate that laboratory experiments which require quiescent conditions can be satisfied down to the order of 0.0001 g's.

Housner, J. M.↗

Results of investigations (OA20A) on a 0.015-scale 140A/B configuration space shuttle vehicle orbiter model in the NASA/Langley Research Center unitary plan wind tunnel

Data obtained from a wind tunnel test of a 0.015-scale 140A/B configuration SSV orbiter model are presented. This test was conducted with runs at Mach numbers of 2.5, 3.9, and 4.6 for a constant Reynolds number of 2.5 x 1,000,000/foot. Only one model configuration, the complete 140A/B orbiter vehicle, was investigated; various control-surface settings were run through angles-of-attack from -4 to +42 degrees at 0 and +3 degrees of yaw and through angles-of-sideslip from -4 to +6 degrees at 0, +10, +20, and +30 degrees pitch. The purpose of this test was to establish and verify longitudinal and lateral-directional stability and control characteristics for the updated SSV configuration.

Nichols, M. E.↗

Results of investigation on an 0.004-scale 140c modified configuration space shuttle vehicle orbiter model (74-0) in the NASA/Langley Research Center hypersonic nitrogen tunnel (OA89)

Wind tunnel test data for the modified space shuttle vehicle orbiter is documented. Tests were made at various elevon settings and additionally in wing off/bodyflap off configuration at angles of attack from -5 to 42.5 degrees at zero yaw. Data obtained on high hypersonic longitudinal and lateral directional stability and control characteristics of the updated SSV configuration in an initially diatomic medium are included.

Hawthorne, P. J.↗

Results of investigations on an 0.004-scale 140A/B configuration space shuttle vehicle orbiter model (34-0) in the NASA/Langley Research Center hypersonic helium tunnel (OA88)

Data obtained during a wind tunnel test of an 0.004-scale 140A/B configuration SSV Orbiter are reported. The test was conducted at a nominal Mach number of 20 and at Reynolds numbers of 0.7, 1.1, 2.0, and 4 x 10 to the 6th power per foot. The complete 140A/B model was tested with various elevon settings and additionally in wing off/bodyflap off configurations at angles of attack from 18 to 54 degrees at zero yaw. This test was performed to obtain high hypersonic longitudinal and lateral-directional stability and control characteristics of the SSV configuration.

Hawthorne, P. J.↗

Results of investigations on a 0.004-scale 140C modified configuration space shuttle vehicle orbiter model (74-0) in the NASA/Langley Research Center hypersonic helium tunnel

Data obtained during a wind tunnel test of a 0.004-scale 140C modified configuration SSV orbiter are documented. The test was conducted during August 1974 with 80 occupancy hours charged, and all runs were conducted at a nominal Mach number of 20 and at Reynolds numbers of 0.7, 1.0, 1.8, and 1,100,000 based on body length. The complete -140C modified model was tested with various elevon settings at angles of attack from 10 to 50 degrees at zero yaw and from angles of sideslip of -10 to +10 at 35 deg angle of attack. The purpose of this test was to obtain high hypersonic longitudinal and lateral-directional stability and control characteristics of the updated SSV configuration.

Hawthorne, P. J.↗

Results of investigations (OA77 and OA78) on an 0.015-scale 140A/B configuration space shuttle vehicle orbiter model 49-0 in the AEDC VKF B and C wind tunnels, revision A

Aerodynamic data obtained from wind tunnel tests of an 0.015-scale 140A/B configuration SSV Orbiter model in the AEDC VKF B and C wind tunnels are presented. Tests were conducted at Mach numbers of 6 and 8 in the B tunnel and at a Mach number of 10 to in the C tunnel to verify hypersonic stability and control characteristics, determine control surface effectiveness, and investigate Reynolds number effects of the 140A/B configuration. Force data were obtained for various control surface settings and Reynolds numbers in the angle-of-attack range of 15 deg to 45 deg and at angles of sideslip of -5 deg to +10 deg. Data were obtained for a few configurations at angles of attack from -27 deg to 45 deg. Control surface variables included elevon, rudder, speedbrake and bodyflap deflections. The effects of an alternate wing leading edge shape were investigated to determine its hypersonic stability and control characteristics.

Gillins, R. L.↗

Results of wind tunnel tests at Mach 5 on the .004 scale model 2A configuration space shuttle to determine proximity effects and orbiter control effectiveness during orbiter/external tank abort separation (IAG)

Results from tests in the NASA/MSFC Trisonic Wind Tunnel on 0.004-Scale Orbiter and External Tank Force Models in Close Proximity (RTLS Abort Separation Conditions) are presented. The primary test objectives were to obtain data concerning proximity effects on the aerodynamic forces and moments experienced by Vehicle 2A Configuration Shuttle Orbiter and External Tank during an abort separation (Return to Launch Site) at a Mach number of 5. Additionally, data on orbiter control effectiveness during such an abort was obtained. Proximity effects were investigated for relative angles of incidence from minus 5 deg to plus 10 deg of the orbiter FRL with respect to the external tank centerline over a range of vertical and longitudinal displacements from the mated position to 2.5 tank diameters below and 3 tank diameters aft of the mated position.

Garton, W. P.↗

An approach for configuring space photovoltaic tandem arrays based on cell layer performance

Meeting solar array performance goals of 300 W/Kg requires use of solar cells with orbital efficiencies greater than 20 percent. Only multijunction cells and cell layers operating in tandem produce this required efficiency. An approach for defining solar array design concepts that use tandem cell layers involve the following: transforming cell layer performance at standard test conditions to on-orbit performance; optimizing circuit configuration with tandem cell layers; evaluating circuit sensitivity to cell current mismatch; developing array electrical design around selected circuit; and predicting array orbital performance including seasonal variations.

Flora, C. S.↗