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Results for “input-output dynamics”

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

On stability theory

It is found that under mild assumptions, feedback system stability can be concluded if one can 'topologically separate' the infinite-dimensional function space containing the system's dynamical input-output relations into two regions, one region containing the dynamical input-output relation of the 'feedforward' element of the system and the other region containing the dynamical output-input relation of the 'feedback' element. Nonlinear system stability criteria of both the input-output type and the state-space (Liapunov) type are interpreted in this context. The abstract generality and conceptual simplicity afforded by the topological separation perspective clarifies some of the basic issues underlying stability theory and serves to suggest improvements in existing stability criteria. A generalization of Zames' (1966) conic-relation stability criterion is proved, laying the foundation for improved multivariable generalizations of the frequency-domain circle stability criterion for nonlinear systems.

Safonov, M. G.↗

The matching of biological and technical elements and systems

The conditions necessary for matching the input-output relationships of nonlinear dynamic systems without memory and with image memory are discussed. A structural representation is provided for the input-output relationships of matched elements and systems with distributed kernels.

Zozulya, Y. I.↗

A revised dynamic otolith model.

Dynamic otolith model based on input-output experiments, including static component to permit steady output to acceleration or sustained tilt

Meiry, J. L.↗

Some modern control techniques for human operator modeling and identification

Some recent results in quantitative modeling of the human operator are reviewed as well as a method for processing his input-output data. Modern control techniques are applied to the pilot operating in a dynamic compensatory tracking task. Trained pilots are known to behave in an optimal manner under fully stressed conditions. This has led to the development of an optimal control model of the human operator which takes his limitations into account. A rationale for determining the appropriate cost functions is determined. Experimental results indicate that the model can closely predict pilot performance in one- or two-axis tracking tasks. The model predicts pilot remnant (noise), error scores, and frequency response in both single-axis and multi-axis tracking tasks.

Shirley, R. S.↗

A multiloop generalization of the circle criterion for stability margin analysis

In order to provide a theoretical tool suited for characterizing the stability margins of multiloop feedback systems, multiloop input-output stability results generalizing the circle stability criterion are considered. Generalized conic sectors with 'centers' and 'radii' determined by linear dynamical operators are employed to specify the stability margins as a frequency dependent convex set of modeling errors (including nonlinearities, gain variations and phase variations) which the system must be able to tolerate in each feedback loop without instability. The resulting stability criterion gives sufficient conditions for closed loop stability in the presence of frequency dependent modeling errors, even when the modeling errors occur simultaneously in all loops. The stability conditions yield an easily interpreted scalar measure of the amount by which a multiloop system exceeds, or falls short of, its stability margin specifications.

Safonov, M. G.↗

A multiloop generalization of the circle criterion for stability margin analysis

In order to provide a theoretical tool well suited for use in characterizing the stability margins (e.g., gain and phase margins) of multiloop feedback systems, multiloop input-output stability results generalizing the circle stability criterion are considered. Generalized conic sectors with 'centers' and 'radii' determined by linear dynamical operators are employed to enable an engineer to specify the stability margins which he desires as a frequency-dependent convex set of modeling errors (including nonlinearities, gain variations, and phase variations) which the system must be able to tolerate in each feedback loop without instability. The resulting stability criterion gives sufficient conditions for closed-loop stability in the presence of such frequency-dependent modeling errors, even when the modeling errors occur simultaneously in all loops.

Safonov, M. G.↗

Identification of a linear model of rotor-fuselage dynamics from nonlinear simulation data

Linear regression techniques are used to obtain 9- and 12-degree-of-freedom linear rotorcraft models from the input-output data generated by a nonlinear, blade-element rotorcraft simulation in hover. The resulting models are used to evaluate the coupling of the fuselage modes with the rotor flapping and lead-lag modes at various frequencies. New techniques are proposed and evaluated to improve the identification process, including a method of verifying the assumed model structure by using data sets generated at different input frequencies.

Duval, R. W.↗

Jump resonant frequency islands in nonlinear feedback control systems

A new type of jump resonance is predicted and observed in certain nonlinear feedback control systems. The new jump resonance characteristic is described as a 'frequency island' due to the fact that a portion of the input-output transfer characteristic is disjoint from the main body. The presence of such frequency islands was predicted by using a sinusoidal describing function characterization of the dynamics of an inertial gyro employing nonlinear ternary rebalance logic. While the general conditions under which such islands are possible has not been examined, a numerical approach is presented which can aid in establishing their presence. The existence of the frequency islands predicted for the ternary rebalanced gyro was confirmed by simulating the nonlinear system and measuring the transfer function.

Koenigsberg, W. D.↗

The economics of project analysis: Optimal investment criteria and methods of study

Insight is provided toward the development of an optimal program for investment analysis of project proposals offering commercial potential and its components. This involves a critique of economic investment criteria viewed in relation to requirements of engineering economy analysis. An outline for a systems approach to project analysis is given Application of the Leontief input-output methodology to analysis of projects involving multiple processes and products is investigated. Effective application of elements of neoclassical economic theory to investment analysis of project components is demonstrated. Patterns of both static and dynamic activity levels are incorporated.

Scriven, M. C.↗

The effects of attention sharing in a dynamic dual task environment

There are numerous examples of cases where the human operator is confronted with several tasks occurring simultaneously and continuously in time. The current study is an investigation into the nature of attention sharing between two continuous tasks with independent input-output modes. Eleven subjects were tested using a zero order compensatory control task with three levels of difficulty (input bandwidth) for each subject. As a secondary task on half of the trials, the subjects were also required to verbally shadow a random auditory input. Results from an extensive time and frequency domain analysis of the data are presented and discussed. The evidence supports a single channel model for continuous dual-task control.

Cliff, R. C.↗

Control theory analysis of a three-axis VTOL flight director

A control theory analysis of a VTOL flight director and the results of a fixed-based simulator evaluation of the flight-director commands are discussed. The VTOL configuration selected for this study is a helicopter-type VTOL which controls the direction of the thrust vector by means of vehicle-attitude changes and, furthermore, employs high-gain attitude stabilization. This configuration is the same as one which was simulated in actual instrument flight tests with a variable stability helicopter. Stability analyses are made for each of the flight-director commands, assuming a single input-output, multi-loop system model for each control axis. The analyses proceed from the inner-loops to the outer-loops, using an analytical pilot model selected on the basis of the innermost-loop dynamics. The time response of the analytical model of the system is primarily used to adjust system gains, while root locus plots are used to identify dominant modes and mode interactions.

Niessen, F. R.↗

Flight test evaluation of a digital controller used in a VTOL automatic approach and landing system

As part of the NASA Langley Research Center's effort to develop technology for VTOL operation in the air transportation system in the late 1980's and beyond, research has been conducted aimed at developing digital controller design procedures. This paper describes the verification of one design procedure by the flight evaluation of an advanced digital control algorithm. The control algorithm, operating at 10 iterations per second, follows step guidance commands with zero steady state error and thus provides an autotrim capability for the nonlinear vehicle. Changes in vehicle dynamics are accounted for using a gain scheduling technique. This control algorithm is combined with sensor filters, a trajectory generator, and a closed loop guidance algorithm to form a VTOL autoland system. A CH-47 tandem rotor helicopter which contains a set of sensors, onboard digital flight computers and electro-hydraulic actuators is used in the evaluation. All software, except input-output routines, is coded in FORTRAN using floating point arithmetic and executed in the flight computer. This autoland system is exercised by automatically flying straight-in descending decelerating trajectories typical of VFR manual approaches to a predetermined landing pad.

Downing, D. R.↗

A 100,000 pulse height analyzer for use in High Energy Cosmic Ray Experiments (HECRE) on high altitude balloon flights

A description is given of a wide dynamic range pulse height analyzer system developed for use on High Energy Cosmic Ray Experiment (HECRE) Balloon Flights. A wide dynamic range of 100,000 is obtained by extending the range of a basic 1024 channel analyzer through the use of multiple ranges and range selection. The system described here contains four 100,000 pulse height analyzers. Each 100,000 pulse height analyzer consists of a group of cordwood welded modules mounted and interconnected on a printed circuit card. Four of these card assemblies, the required clock drive circuitry (discrete components mounted and interconnected on a separate card) and three input-output connectors are interconnected and mounted on the system board.

Cancro, C. A.↗