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At least 199 records · Page 11

Analytical and experimental investigation of a 1/8-scale dynamic model of the shuttle orbiter. Volume 3B: Supporting data

The NASA Structural Analysis System (NASTRAN) Model 1 finite element idealization, input data, and detailed analytical results are presented. The data presented include: substructuring analysis for normal modes, plots of member data, plots of symmetric free-free modes, plots of antisymmetric free-free modes, analysis of the wing, analysis of the cargo doors, analysis of the payload, and analysis of the orbiter.

Mason, P. W.↗

Reaction Wheel Disturbance Model Extraction Software - RWDMES

The RWDMES is a tool for modeling the disturbances imparted on spacecraft by spinning reaction wheels. Reaction wheels are usually the largest disturbance source on a precision pointing spacecraft, and can be the dominating source of pointing error. Accurate knowledge of the disturbance environment is critical to accurate prediction of the pointing performance. In the past, it has been difficult to extract an accurate wheel disturbance model since the forcing mechanisms are difficult to model physically, and the forcing amplitudes are filtered by the dynamics of the reaction wheel. RWDMES captures the wheel-induced disturbances using a hybrid physical/empirical model that is extracted directly from measured forcing data. The empirical models capture the tonal forces that occur at harmonics of the spin rate, and the broadband forces that arise from random effects. The empirical forcing functions are filtered by a physical model of the wheel structure that includes spin-rate-dependent moments (gyroscopic terms). The resulting hybrid model creates a highly accurate prediction of wheel-induced forces. It accounts for variation in disturbance frequency, as well as the shifts in structural amplification by the whirl modes, as the spin rate changes. This software provides a point-and-click environment for producing accurate models with minimal user effort. Where conventional approaches may take weeks to produce a model of variable quality, RWDMES can create a demonstrably high accuracy model in two hours. The software consists of a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables the user to specify all analysis parameters, to evaluate analysis results and to iteratively refine the model. Underlying algorithms automatically extract disturbance harmonics, initialize and tune harmonic models, and initialize and tune broadband noise models. The component steps are described in the RWDMES user s guide and include: converting time domain data to waterfall PSDs (power spectral densities); converting PSDs to order analysis data; extracting harmonics; initializing and simultaneously tuning a harmonic model and a wheel structural model; initializing and tuning a broadband model; and verifying the harmonic/broadband/structural model against the measurement data. Functional operation is through a MATLAB GUI that loads test data, performs the various analyses, plots evaluation data for assessment and refinement of analysis parameters, and exports the data to documentation or downstream analysis code. The harmonic models are defined as specified functions of frequency, typically speed-squared. The reaction wheel structural model is realized as mass, damping, and stiffness matrices (typically from a finite element analysis package) with the addition of a gyroscopic forcing matrix. The broadband noise model is realized as a set of speed-dependent filters. The tuning of the combined model is performed using nonlinear least squares techniques. RWDMES is implemented as a MATLAB toolbox comprising the Fit Manager for performing the model extraction, Data Manager for managing input data and output models, the Gyro Manager for modifying wheel structural models, and the Harmonic Editor for evaluating and tuning harmonic models. This software was validated using data from Goodrich E wheels, and from GSFC Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) wheels. The validation testing proved that RWDMES has the capability to extract accurate disturbance models from flight reaction wheels with minimal user effort.

Blaurock, Carl↗

The Lewice Console

Lewice (LEWis ICE accretion program) is software used by literally hundreds of users in the aeronautics community for predicting ice shapes, collections efficiencies, and anti-icing heat requirements for aircraft. LEWICE performs its analysis in minutes on a desktop PC, allowing the user to run several parameter studies for design purposes. The ice shape predictions have been used to assess performance degradation both as an input to a CFD program or experimentally in flight or in a wind tunnel. This information is important to ensure an airplane s safe passage through an icing cloud. Currently, Lewice runs as a DOS program that accepts many different inputs such as cloud conditions, wing shapes, and thermal deicing inputs. Usually, such experimental data is stored in spreadsheets. However, Lewice inputs are text files; therefore, they must be generated by the user. Lewice s outputs (collection efficiency, ice shapes and thicknesses) are also text files; to plot the data, users must generate a spreadsheet with this output. Because all Lewice J/O is in the form of text files, using Lewice can be tricky and time-consuming. Our goal was to improve Lewice s usability by creating a user interface that would automatically generate Lewice input from a spreadsheet and automatically put Lewice output into spreadsheets with charts. Additionally, this user interface would automatically convert units (as Lewice only accepts input in certain units) and offer several output options. I call this program the Lewice Console. The Lewice Console is an easy to use interface for Lewice written in Visual Basic. It allows users to run Lewice given a spreadsheet listing experimental conditions. It automatically generates the input to Lewice, does necessary unit conversions, runs Lewice, and produces a spreadsheet with charts plotting the data. It allows users to import data from previously generated Lewice inputs into a spreadsheet. It also allows users to batch run Lewice on several different inputs to automatically generate multiple output spreadsheets. You can also generate plots of actual data vs. experimental data. These capabilities are just the beginning for the Lewice Console. Lewice is capable of running a full deicing experiment given a geometry and heating apparatus information. However, users find it difficult to run such experiments due to the number of inputs and the difficult input file format. The Lewice Console would simplify experiment generation by allowing the user to interactively draw a geometry, place heating apparatus, and specify information about each part. The input to Lewice would be automatically generated from the experiment the user draws on the screen. The Lewice Console would simplify the experiment building process. Currently, Lewice runs as a DOS program that accepts many different inputs such as

Armstrong, Aaron E.↗

An investigation of wing buffeting response at subsonic and transonic speeds. Phase 2: F-111A flight data analysis. Volume 2: Plotted power spectra

Plotted power spectra for all of the flight points examined during the Phase 2 flight data analysis are presented. Detailed descriptions of the aircraft, the flight instrumentation and the analysis techniques are given. Measured and calculated vibration mode frequencies are also presented to assist in further interpretation of the PSD data.

Benepe, D. B.↗

Computer program performs aerothermodynamic flight test data correlation

Computer program plots flight test data /stored on magnetic tape during the flight/ with comparative data from other tapes /design and post-flight predictions/. Information as to which measurements are on each tape, the order in which they appear, and the exact time span is supplied by the source of the data.

Schmus, F.↗

Faster simulation plots

Most simulation plots are heavily oversampled. Ignoring unnecessary data points dramatically reduces plot time with imperceptible effect on quality. The technique is suited to most plot devices. The departments laser printer's speed was tripled for large simulation plots by data thinning. This reduced printer delays without the expense of a faster laser printer. Surpisingly, it saved computer time as well. All plot data are now thinned, including PostScript and terminal plots. The problem, solution, and conclusions are described. The thinning algorithm is described and performance studies are presented. To obtain FORTRAN 77 or C source listings, mail a SASE to the author.

Fowell, Richard A.↗

Space station/base food system study. Volume 2: System assessments

The evaluation modeling technique is described which was used to combine the candidate element concepts into systems that meet mission requirements. Results of the assessment are presented in terms of systems performance data and plots of system trade-off data by highest ranking variable.

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EWB: The Environment WorkBench Version 4.0

The Environment WorkBench EWB is a desktop integrated analysis tool for studying a spacecraft's interactions with its environment. Over 100 environment and analysis models are integrated into the menu-based tool. EWB, which was developed for and under the guidance of the NASA Lewis Research Center, is built atop the Module Integrator and Rule-based Intelligent Analytic Database (MIRIAD) architecture. This allows every module in EWB to communicate information to other modules in a transparent manner from the user's point of view. It removes the tedious and error-prone steps of entering data by hand from one model to another. EWB runs under UNIX operating systems (SGI and SUN workstations) and under MS Windows (3.x, 95, and NT) operating systems. MIRIAD, the unique software that makes up the core of EWB, provides the flexibility to easily modify old models and incorporate new ones as user needs change. The MIRIAD approach separates the computer assisted engineering (CAE) tool into three distinct units: 1) A modern graphical user interface to present information; 2) A data dictionary interpreter to coordinate analysis; and 3) A database for storing system designs and analysis results. The user interface is externally programmable through ASCII data files, which contain the location and type of information to be displayed on the screen. This approach provides great flexibility in tailoring the look and feel of the code to individual user needs. MIRIADbased applications, such as EWB, have utilities for viewing tabulated parametric study data, XY line plots, contour plots, and three-dimensional plots of contour data and system geometries. In addition, a Monte Carlo facility is provided to allow statistical assessments (including uncertainties) in models or data.

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Monitoring of International Space Station Telemetry Using Shewhart Control Charts

Shewhart control charts have been established as an expedient method for analyzing dynamic, trending data in order to identify anomalous subsystem performance as soon as such performance would exceed a statistically established baseline. Additionally, this leading indicator tool integrates a selection methodology that reduces false positive indications, optimizes true leading indicator events, minimizes computer processor unit duty cycles, and addresses human factor concerns (i.e., the potential for flight-controller data overload). This innovation leverages statistical process control, and provides a relatively simple way to allow flight controllers to focus their attention on subtle system changes that could lead to dramatic off-nominal system performance. Finally, this capability improves response time to potential hardware damage and/or crew injury, thereby improving space flight safety. Shewhart control charts require normalized data. However, the telemetry from the ISS Early External Thermal Control System (EETCS) was not normally distributed. A method for normalizing the data was implemented, as was a means of selecting data windows, the number of standard deviations (Sigma Level), the number of consecutive points out of limits (Sequence), and direction (increasing or decreasing trend data). By varying these options, and treating them like dial settings, the number of nuisance alerts and leading indicators were optimized. The goal was to capture all leading indicators while minimizing the number of nuisances. Lean Six Sigma (L6S) design of experiment methodologies were employed. To optimize the results, Perl programming language was used to automate the massive amounts of telemetry data, control chart plots, and the data analysis.

Fitch, Jeffery T.↗

Computer program for plotting and fairing wind-tunnel data

A detailed description of the Langley computer program PLOTWD which plots and fairs experimental wind-tunnel data is presented. The program was written for use primarily on the Langley CDC computer and CALCOMP plotters. The fundamental operating features of the program are that the input data are read and written to a random-access file for use during program execution, that the data for a selected run can be sorted and edited to delete duplicate points, and that the data can be plotted and faired using tension splines, least-squares polynomial, or least-squares cubic-spline curves. The most noteworthy feature of the program is the simplicity of the user-supplied input requirements. Several subroutines are also included that can be used to draw grid lines, zero lines, axis scale values and lables, and legends. A detailed description of the program operational features and each sub-program are presented. The general application of the program is also discussed together with the input and output for two typical plot types. A listing of the program code, user-guide, and output description are presented in appendices. The program has been in use at Langley for several years and has proven to be both easy to use and versatile.

Morgan, H. L., Jr.↗

Plotting Lightning-Stroke Data

Data on lightning-stroke locations become easier to correlate with cloudcover maps with aid of new graphical treatment. Geographic region divided by grid into array of cells. Number of lightning strokes in each cell tabulated, and value representing density of lightning strokes assigned to each cell. With contour-plotting routine, computer draws contours of lightning-stroke density for region. Shapes of contours compared directly with shapes of storm cells.

Tatom, F. B.↗

Investigation of very low blockage ratio boattail models in the Langley 16-foot transonic tunnel

An investigation at an angle of attack of 0 deg was conducted in a 16 foot transonic tunnel at Mach numbers from 0.4 to 1.05 to determine the limits in Mach number at which valid boattail pressure drag data may be obtained with very low blockage ratio bodies. Extreme care was exercised when examining any data taken at subsonic Mach numbers very near 1.0 and lower than the supersonic Mach number at which shock reflections miss the model. Boattail pressure coefficient distributions did not indicate any error, but when integrated boattail pressure drag data was plotted as a function of Mach number, data which were in error were identified.

Reubush, D. E.↗

Experimental Sonic Boom Measurements on a Mach 1.6 Cruise Low-Boom Configuration

A wind tunnel test has been conducted by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (GAC) to measure the sonic boom pressure signature of a low boom Mach 1.6 cruise business jet in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel at Mach numbers 1.60 and 1.80. Through a cooperative agreement between GAC and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), GAC provided NASA access to some of the experimental data and NASA is publishing these data for the sonic boom research community. On-track and off-track near field sonic boom pressure signatures were acquired at three separation distances (0.5, 1.2, and 1.7 reference body lengths) and three angles of attack (-0.26deg, 0.26deg, and 0.68deg). The model was blade mounted to minimize the sting effects on the sonic boom signatures. Although no extensive data analysis is provided, selected data are plotted to illustrate salient features of the data. All of the experimental sonic boom pressure data are tabulated. Schlieren images of the configuration are also included.

Wilcox, Floyd J., Jr.↗

Volcanic Gas Emissions Mapping Using a Mass Spectrometer System

The visualization of hazardous gaseous emissions at volcanoes using in-situ mass spectrometry (MS) is a key step towards a better comprehension of the geophysical phenomena surrounding eruptive activity. In-Situ gas data consisting of helium, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and other gas species, were acquired with an MS system. MS and global position system (GPS) data were plotted on ground imagery, topography, and remote sensing data collected by a host of instruments during the second Costa Rica Airborne Research and Technology Applications (CARTA) mission This combination of gas and imaging data allowed 3-dimensional (3-D) visualization of the volcanic plume end the mapping of gas concentration at several volcanic structures and urban areas This combined set of data has demonstrated a better tool to assess hazardous conditions by visualizing and modeling of possible scenarios of volcanic activity. The MS system is used for in-situ measurement of three-dimensional gas concentrations at different volcanic locations with three different transportation platforms, aircraft, auto, and hand carried. The demonstration for urban contamination mapping is also presented as another possible use for the MS system.

Griffin, Timothy P.↗

Stiffness and damping of elastomeric O-rings

Report presents perameterpreturbation test program (using nineteen combinations of Test perameters) for elastomeric O-rings conducting for range of materials, temperatures, amplitudes, squeeze valves, stretch valves, cross-sectional diameters, and groove widths. Tests data were plotted and Power law lines fitted to sets of data.

Darlow, M. S.↗