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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 19 records

The phase mixing of Alfven waves, coordinated modes, and coronal heating

Phase mixing has been a popular theoretical mechanism invoked to dissipate the photospheric plane shear Alfven waves hypothesized to penetrate up into the coronal hole and solar wind, thereby maintaining the expanding coronal gas at 1.5 million K and serving as the principal energy source for the solar wind. However, phase mixing requires an ignorable coordinate, which is not available in the presumably filamentary coronal hole. The filamentary density and temperature of the coronal hole couple the waves into a coordinated mode with a unique phase velocity omega/k, which provides the other popular theoretical mechanism, viz, resonant absorption where the local Alfven speed C is equal to omega/k. This provides coronal heating at radial distances O(10 solar radii), where it serves to accelerate the solar wind to high velocity. But it does not provide the principal heat input in the first 1-2 solar radii, required by Withbroe's (1988) analysis of the observed structure of the coronal hole.

Parker, E. N.↗

Effects of joint rate and displacement constraints on stability regions

A block diagram showing plant dynamics in normal mode coordinates, a linear feedback controller with command limits, and actuator dynamics with rate and displacement limits is given. The objective is to examine the effects of joint rate and displacement saturation limits on the stability regions. An unstable short period dynamic model is transformed into normal mode coordinates and is augmented with actuator dynamics. A linear feedback controller is used to provide closed-loop stability. The stability with constrained actuator rate limits under varying bandwidth, displacement and command limits is examined.

Shrivastava, P. C.↗

Vertical normal modes of a mesoscale model using a scaled height coordinate

Vertical modes were derived for a version of the Colorado State Regional Atmospheric Mesoscale Modeling System. The impacts of three options for dealing with the upper boundary of the model were studied. The standard model formulation holds pressure constant at a fixed altitude near the model top, and produces a fastest mode with a speed of about 90 m/sec. An alternative formulation, which allows for an external mode, could require recomputation of vertical modes for every surface elevation on the horizontal grid unless the modes are derived in a particular way. These results have bearing on the feasibility of applying vertical mode initialization to models with scaled height coordinates.

Lipton, A. E.↗

Algorithms for Efficient Computation of Transfer Functions for Large Order Flexible Systems

An efficient and robust computational scheme is given for the calculation of the frequency response function of a large order, flexible system implemented with a linear, time invariant control system. Advantage is taken of the highly structured sparsity of the system matrix of the plant based on a model of the structure using normal mode coordinates. The computational time per frequency point of the new computational scheme is a linear function of system size, a significant improvement over traditional, still-matrix techniques whose computational times per frequency point range from quadratic to cubic functions of system size. This permits the practical frequency domain analysis of systems of much larger order than by traditional, full-matrix techniques. Formulations are given for both open- and closed-loop systems. Numerical examples are presented showing the advantages of the present formulation over traditional approaches, both in speed and in accuracy. Using a model with 703 structural modes, the present method was up to two orders of magnitude faster than a traditional method. The present method generally showed good to excellent accuracy throughout the range of test frequencies, while traditional methods gave adequate accuracy for lower frequencies, but generally deteriorated in performance at higher frequencies with worst case errors being many orders of magnitude times the correct values.

Maghami, Peiman G.↗

Efficient Computation of Closed-loop Frequency Response for Large Order Flexible Systems

An efficient and robust computational scheme is given for the calculation of the frequency response function of a large order, flexible system implemented with a linear, time invariant control system. Advantage is taken of the highly structured sparsity of the system matrix of the plant based on a model of the structure using normal mode coordinates. The computational time per frequency point of the new computational scheme is a linear function of system size, a significant improvement over traditional, full-matrix techniques whose computational times per frequency point range from quadratic to cubic functions of system size. This permits the practical frequency domain analysis of systems of much larger order than by traditional, full-matrix techniques. Formulations are given for both open and closed loop loop systems. Numerical examples are presented showing the advantages of the present formulation over traditional approaches, both in speed and in accuracy. Using a model with 703 structural modes, a speed-up of almost two orders of magnitude was observed while accuracy improved by up to 5 decimal places.

Maghami, Peiman G.↗

Effect of long-duration spaceflight on postural control during self-generated perturbations

This report is the first systematic evaluation of the effects of prolonged weightlessness on the bipedal postural control processes during self-generated perturbations produced by voluntary upper limb movements. Spaceflight impacts humans in a variety of ways, one of which is compromised postflight postural control. We examined the neuromuscular activation characteristics and center of pressure (COP) motion associated with arm movement of eight subjects who experienced long-duration spaceflight (3--6 mo) aboard the Mir space station. Surface electromyography, arm acceleration, and COP motion were collected while astronauts performed rapid unilateral shoulder flexions before and after spaceflight. Subjects generally displayed compromised postural control after flight, as evidenced by modified COP peak-to-peak anterior-posterior and mediolateral excursion, and pathlength relative to preflight values. These changes were associated with disrupted neuromuscular activation characteristics, particularly after the completion of arm acceleration (i.e., when subjects were attempting to maintain upright posture in response to self-generated perturbations). These findings suggest that, although the subjects were able to assemble coordination modes that enabled them to generate rapid arm movements, the subtle control necessary to maintain bipedal equilibrium evident in their preflight performance is compromised after long-duration spaceflight.

NASA Discipline Neuroscience↗

Effect of Long-Duration Spaceflight on Postural Control During Self-Generated Perturbations

This report is the first systematic evaluation of the effects of prolonged weightlessness on the bipedal postural control processes during self-generated perturbations produced by voluntary upper limb movements. Spaceflight impacts humans in a variety of ways, one of which is compromised postflight postural control. We examined the neuromuscular activation characteristics and center of pressure motion (COP) associated with arm movement of eight subjects who experienced long duration spaceflight (3-6 months) aboard the Mir space station. Surface electromyography (EMG), arm acceleration, and COP motion were collected while astronauts performed rapid unilateral shoulder flexions prior to and after spaceflight. Subjects displayed compromised postural control after flight as evidenced by modified peak-to-peak COP anterior-posterior and medio-lateral motion and COP pathlength relative to preflight values. These changes were associated with disrupted neuromuscular activation characteristics, particularly after the completion of arm acceleration (i.e. when subjects were attempting to maintain their upright posture). These findings suggest that although the subjects were able to assemble coordination modes that enabled them to generate rapid arm movements, the subtle control necessary to maintain bipedal equilibrium evident in their preflight performance is compromised after long duration spaceflight.

Layne, Charles S.↗

Nonlinear analysis of rotor-bearing systems using component mode synthesis

The method of component mode synthesis is developed to determine the forced response of nonlinear, multishaft, rotor-bearing systems. The formulation allows for simulation of system response due to blade loss, distributed unbalance, base shock, maneuver loads, and specified fixed frame forces. The motion of each rotating component of the system is described by superposing constraint modes associated with boundary coordinates and constrained precessional modes associated with internal coordinates. The precessional modes are truncated for each component and the reduced component equations are assembled with the nonlinear supports and interconnections to form a set of nonlinear system equations of reduced order. These equations are then numerically integrated to obtain the system response. A computer program, which is presently restricted to single shaft systems, has been written and results are presented for transient system response associated with blade loss dynamics with squeeze film dampers, and with interference rubs.

Nelson, H. D.↗

Absorption coefficients for water vapor at 193 nm from 300 to 1073 K

Measurements of the water absorption coefficient at 193 nm from 300 to 1073 K are reported. The measurements were made using broadband VUV radiation and a monochromator-based detection system. The water vapor was generated by a saturator and metered into a flowing, 99 cm absorption cell via a water vapor mass flow meter. The 193 nm absorption coefficient measurements are compared to room temperature and high temperature shock tube measurements with good agreement. The absorption can be parameterized by a nu3 vibrational mode reaction coordinate and the thermal population of the nu3 mode.

Kessler, W. J.↗

Coordination strategies of crew management

An exploratory study that describes and contrasts two three-person flight crews performing in a B-727 simulator is presented. This study specifically attempts to delineate crew communication patterns accounting for measured differences in performance across routine and nonroutine flight patterns. The communication patterns in the two crews evaluated indicated different modes of coordination, i.e., standardization in the less effective crew and planning/mutual adjustment in the more effective crew.

Conley, Sharon↗

Evolution of perturbations in an inflationary universe

The evolution of inhomogeneous density perturbations in a model of the very early universe that is dominated for a time by a constant energy density of a false quantum-mechanical vacuum is analyzed. During this period, the universe inflates exponentially and supercools exponentially, until a phase transition back to the true vacuum reheats the matter and radiation. Focus is on the physically measurable, coordinate-independent modes of inhomogeneous perturbations of this model and it is found that all modes either are constant or are exponentially damped during the inflationary era.

Frieman, J. A.↗

Multibody dynamics: Modeling component flexibility with fixed, free, loaded, constraint, and residual modes

The assumed-modes method in multibody dynamics allows the elastic deformation of each component in the system to be approximated by a sum of products of spatial and temporal functions commonly known as modes and modal coordinates respectively. The choice of component modes used to model articulating and non-articulating flexible multibody systems is examined. Attention is directed toward three classical Component Mode Synthesis (CMS) methods whereby component normal modes are generated by treating the component interface (I/F) as either fixed, free, or loaded with mass and stiffness contributions from the remaining components. The fixed and free I/F normal modes are augmented by static shape functions termed constraint and residual modes respectively. A mode selection procedure is outlined whereby component modes are selected from the Craig-Bampton (fixed I/F plus constraint), MacNeal-Rubin (free I/F plus residual), or Benfield-Hruda (loaded I/F) mode sets in accordance with a modal ordering scheme derived from balance realization theory. The success of the approach is judged by comparing the actuator-to-sensor frequency response of the reduced order system with that of the full order system over the frequency range of interest. A finite element model of the Galileo spacecraft serves as an example in demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed mode selection method.

Spanos, John T.↗

Science Community Interface

The interface is described between NASA HQ, NASA Goddard, and the rocket Principal Investigators. The proposal selection process is described along with the cycle time to flight, constraints imposed by science objectives on operations, campaign modes, and coordination with ground based facilities. There were questions about the success rate of proposals and the primary sources of funding for the payloads program from the branches of the science divisions in OSSA, especially space physics, astrophysics, Earth sciences, and solar system exploration. The presentation is given in the form of viewgraphs.

Neupert, Werner M.↗

Multibody model reduction by component mode synthesis and component cost analysis

The classical assumed-modes method is widely used in modeling the dynamics of flexible multibody systems. According to the method, the elastic deformation of each component in the system is expanded in a series of spatial and temporal functions known as modes and modal coordinates, respectively. This paper focuses on the selection of component modes used in the assumed-modes expansion. A two-stage component modal reduction method is proposed combining Component Mode Synthesis (CMS) with Component Cost Analysis (CCA). First, each component model is truncated such that the contribution of the high frequency subsystem to the static response is preserved. Second, a new CMS procedure is employed to assemble the system model and CCA is used to further truncate component modes in accordance with their contribution to a quadratic cost function of the system output. The proposed method is demonstrated with a simple example of a flexible two-body system.

Spanos, J. T.↗

Vibration of a flexible spacecraft with momentum exchange controllers

Floating reference frames were investigated in order to allow first order vibration analysis in the presence of large system rotations. When the deformations of an elastic continuum are expanded in terms of the free-free modes of an unconstrained system, the rigid body modes are found to be fixed relative to the Tisserand frame, with respect to which the relative momentum is zero. The proof presented for this is based on the orthogonality condition for modes with distinct natural frequencies. This result also guarantees the independence of coordinates for all modes with nonzero natural frequencies. A Modified Tisserand Constraint is introduced in order to define a floating reference frame with similar properties for an elastic body which contains a spinning rotor. Finite element equations of motion are derived for a completely flexible spacecraft with momentum exchange controllers, using a Modified Tisserand Frame. The deformable systems covered in this application are assumed to undergo only small rotations, and therefore the rotor torques must formally be small, although in engineering applications it may be possible to relax this constraint. A modal analysis is performed for the system and the resulting set of equations is reduced in number by a truncation procedure for more efficient system simulation.

Canavin, J. R.↗

A NASTRAN DMAP alter for the coupling of modal and physical coordinate substructures

A method is described to derive a generalized coordinate model consisting of flexible cantilever modes and rigid body modes from a physical coordinate model using a direct matrix abstraction procedure alter to rigid format 3. This model can readily be coupled to other substructures using modal synthesis techniques. It allows the use of a reduced size model for structural analyses while maintaining the capability of recovering the accelerations, forces, stresses, etc., from the original, large, complex model. This output recovery is accomplished with the use of a loads transformation matrix which relates the output parameters to the modal coordinate accelerations. In addition, a method is described to synthesize structural models consisting of hybrid coordinates for use in dynamic response analyses where one structure is described using physical coordinates and the other using generalized modal coordinates.

Wilson, T. L.↗

Experience with a three-axis side-located controller during a static and centrifuge simulation of the piloted launch of a manned multistage vehicle

An investigation was conducted to determine a human pilot's ability to control a multistage vehicle through the launch trajectory. The simulation was performed statically and dynamically by utilizing a human centrifuge. An interesting byproduct of the program was the three-axis side-located controller incorporated for pilot control inputs. This method of control proved to be acceptable for the successful completion of the tracking task during the simulation. There was no apparent effect of acceleration on the mechanical operation of the controller, but the pilot's control feel deteriorated as his dexterity decreased at high levels of acceleration. The application of control in a specific control mode was not difficult. However, coordination of more than one mode was difficult, and, in many instances, resulted in inadvertent control inputs. The acceptable control harmony at an acceleration level of 1 g became unacceptable at higher acceleration levels. Proper control-force harmony for a particular control task appears to be more critical for a three-axis controller than for conventional controllers. During simulations in which the pilot wore a pressure suit, the nature of the suit gloves further aggravated this condition.

Andrews, William H.↗

Multi-disciplinary optimization of aeroservoelastic systems

New methods were developed for efficient aeroservoelastic analysis and optimization. The main target was to develop a method for investigating large structural variations using a single set of modal coordinates. This task was accomplished by basing the structural modal coordinates on normal modes calculated with a set of fictitious masses loading the locations of anticipated structural changes. The following subject areas are covered: (1) modal coordinates for aeroelastic analysis with large local structural variations; and (2) time simulation of flutter with large stiffness changes.

Karpel, Mordechay↗