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At least 217 records · Page 12

Attitude and translation control of a low-altitude Gravsat

Dynamic simulation of the Gravsat's attitude and translation control system is used to provide an upper bound for the fuel supply and test the feasibility of the preliminary design. A preliminary design is made for the disturbance compensation system (DISCOS) sensor, the thruster control laws, reaction wheel control laws, and the onboard state estimators. The sensor analysis and noise measurements show no problems in scaling the Triad navigation satellite sensor design up to meet the Gravsat requirements, except for proof mass center-of-mass offset. A promising technique is proposed to measure and eliminate this error. The covariance analysis confirms that a sophisticated post-flight data fit will be necessary to reconstruct a scientifically useful proof mass state. The DISCOS sensor will have to be continuously calibrated from the inflight data to achieve this reconstruction.

Ray, J. C.↗

A translational registration system for LANDSAT image segments

The use of satellite images obtained from various dates is essential for crop forecast systems. In order to make possible a multitemporal analysis, it is necessary that images belonging to each acquisition have pixel-wise correspondence. A system developed to obtain, register and record image segments from LANDSAT images in computer compatible tapes is described. The translational registration of the segments is performed by correlating image edges in different acquisitions. The system was constructed for the Burroughs B6800 computer in ALGOL language.

Parada, N. D. J.↗

Translators between CADD and section 5 of the ANSI Y14.26M standard

The American National Standard, Engineering Drawing and Related Documentation Practices, Digital Representation for Communication of Product Definition Data (ANSI Y14.26M-1981) comprises an introduction, three sections corresponding to IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) Version 1.0, and Section 5, a constructive, relational, language-based representation for geometric and topological entities. This presentation discusses the design and development of two-way translators between Section 5 (herein, ANSI5) and CADD (Computer-Aided Design Drafting).

Emnett, R. F.↗

Translational control of a graphically simulated robot arm by kinematic rate equations that overcome elbow joint singularity

An operator commands a robot hand to move in a certain direction relative to its own axis system by specifying a velocity in that direction. This velocity command is then resolved into individual joint rotational velocities in the robot arm to effect the motion. However, the usual resolved-rate equations become singular when the robot arm is straightened. To overcome this elbow joint singularity, equations were developed which allow continued translational control of the robot hand even though the robot arm is (or is nearly) fully extended. A feature of the equations near full arm extension is that an operator simply extends and retracts the robot arm to reverse the direction of the elbow bend (difficult maneuver for the usual resolved-rate equations). Results show successful movement of a graphically simulated robot arm.

Barker, L. K.↗

Translational and extensional energy release rates (the J- and M-integrals) for a crack layer in thermoelasticity

A number of papers have been presented on the evaluation of energy release rate for thermoelasticity and corresponding J integral. Two main approaches were developed to treat energy release rate in elasticity. The first is based on direct calculation of the potential energy rate with respect to crack length. The second makes use of Lagrangian formalism. The translational and expansional energy release rates in thermoelasticity are studied by employing the formalism of irreversible thermodynamics and the Crack Layer Approach.

Chudnovsky, A.↗

Acoustic Translation of an Acoustically Levitated Sample

Acoustic-levitation apparatus uses only one acoustic mode to move sample from one region of chamber to another. Sample heated and cooled quickly by translation between hot and cold regions of levitation chamber. Levitated sample is raised into furnace region by raising plunger. Frequency of sound produced by transducers adjusted by feedback system to maintain (102) resonant mode, which levitates sample midway between transducers and plunger regardless of plunger position.

Barmatz, M. B.↗

The Mystro system: A comprehensive translator toolkit

Mystro is a system that facilities the construction of compilers, assemblers, code generators, query interpretors, and similar programs. It provides features to encourage the use of iterative enhancement. Mystro was developed in response to the needs of NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) and enjoys a number of advantages over similar systems. There are other programs available that can be used in building translators. These typically build parser tables, usually supply the source of a parser and parts of a lexical analyzer, but provide little or no aid for code generation. In general, only the front end of the compiler is addressed. Mystro, on the other hand, emphasizes tools for both ends of a compiler.

Collins, W. R.↗

Protobiological informatoin, bidirectional recognition and reverse translation

Emergence of protobiological information has been suggested by experiments in which heated mixtures of alpha-amino acids order themselves into a self limited array of thermal proteins. The polymers display selective catalytic, hormonal, and other activities. Interactions of varied cationic thermal proteins with polynucleotides indicate selective recognition in both directions. Reverse translation is partly a missing link in the molecular evolution flowsheet. The self ordering of amino acids serves conceptually as a deterministic evolutionary precursor of the modern coding mechanism. The possibility for the evolution of information at an early nontemplated protein stage is supported by findings of electrical signals from proteinoid microspheres prepared with no DNA/RNA in their history. The deposition of thermal copolyamino acids on lipid membranes in the Mueller-Rudin apparatus has here been found to produce electrical behavior like that evoked by bacterial EIM polypeptide. A new procedure is to make a film of membrane on the electrode; the results provide maximal repeatability. The principle of nonrandom biomacromolecular specificity identified by these studies in molecular evolution have been extrapolated to principles of evolution of advanced organisms.

Fox, S. W.↗

Translating Canard

Longitudinal trim control augmented when landing flaps deployed. Translating canard provides automatic pitch trim for wing-flap system while maintaining stable pitch break.

Yip, L. P.↗

Structural elements and organization of the ancestral translational machinery

The molecular mechanisms of the primitive translational apparatus are discussed in the framework of present-day protein biosynthesis. The structural necessities of an early adaptor and the multipoint recognition properties of such an adaptor are investigated on the basis of structure/function relationships found in a contemporary system and a molecular model of the contemporary transpeptidation complex. A model of the tRNA(Tyr)-tyrosyl tRNA synthetase complex including the positioning of the disordered region is proposed; the model is used to illustrate the required recognition properties of the ancestor aminoacyl synthetase.

Rein, R.↗

Translating Furnace For Fast Melting And Freezing

Developmental translating-furnace apparatus used to make ceramic/metal composite materials during parabolic trajectories of KC-135 airplane simulating low gravity. Mathematical modeling shows apparatus able both to melt metal alloys and to solidify resulting composite specimens during 22-to-30-second low-gravity intervals. Furnace assembly moves along crucible in programmed manner to preheat, melt, and solidfy specimen during interval to less than 22 second.

Workman, F.↗

Optical generation of a circular harmonic filter for rotation and translation invariant optical pattern recognition

A new method to generate a circular harmonic filter with both rotation and translation invariance is described, which is based on a phase-shifted double-exposure (PSDE) technique. An expression for the peak correlation intensity at the origin for the correlation plane as a function of target orientation for the PSDE filter is derived. Experimental results confirming the theoretical predictions are provided.

Cheng, Yeou-Yen↗

Subpixel translation-registration of random fields

The author examines both theoretically and through a simulation study the feasibility of identifying the location within a large reference gray-level array of a smaller sensed array to an accuracy finer than one pixel. It is assumed that the sensed image before discretization into pixels consists of a translated, but not rotated, section of the reference image with some superposed noise. The theoretical and empirical results show that when the noise has standard deviation no larger than that of a realistic reference field, the upper quartile of the registration error is on the order of 0.25-0.5 pixels.

Slud, Eric V.↗

AutoCAD-To-GIFTS Translator Program

AutoCAD-to-GIFTS translator program, ACTOG, developed to facilitate quick generation of small finite-element models using CASA/GIFTS finite-element modeling program. Reads geometric data of drawing from Data Exchange File (DXF) used in AutoCAD and other PC-based drafting programs. Geometric entities recognized by ACTOG include points, lines, arcs, solids, three-dimensional lines, and three-dimensional faces. From this information, ACTOG creates GIFTS SRC file, which then reads into GIFTS preprocessor BULKM or modified and reads into EDITM to create finite-element model. SRC file used as is or edited for any number of uses. Written in Microsoft Quick-Basic (Version 2.0).

Jones, Andrew↗

AutoCAD-To-NASTRAN Translator Program

Program facilitates creation of finite-element mathematical models from geometric entities. AutoCAD to NASTRAN translator (ACTON) computer program developed to facilitate quick generation of small finite-element mathematical models for use with NASTRAN finite-element modeling program. Reads geometric data of drawing from Data Exchange File (DXF) used in AutoCAD and other PC-based drafting programs. Written in Microsoft Quick-Basic (Version 2.0).

Jones, A.↗

Translation-vibration-dissociation coupling in nonequilibrium hypersonic flows

A new simple and computationally efficient model was developed, describing the evolution of vibrational states during relaxation and dissociation. The model is based on dividing the nitrogen molecules into two types, those in the vibrational states at a lower level, whose vibrational energy is below a cutoff energy, and those in an upper level, with vibrational energy above the cutoff. Dissociation occurs at the upper level, and recombination returns molecules to the lower level. The model was applied to two flows of engineering interest, the flow through a normal Mach 15 shock wave at 60 km, and a supersonic quasi-one-dimensional flow in a nozzle. Results are compared to those obtained by existing translation-vibration-dissociation coupling models, with results indicating significant differences between the models.

Candler, Graham↗

Raster Metafile and Raster Metafile Translator

The intent is to present an effort undertaken at NASA Langley Research Center to design a generic raster image format and to develop tools for processing images prepared in this format. Both the Raster Metafile (RM) format and the Raster Metafile Translator (RMT) are addressed. This document is intended to serve a varied audience including: users wishing to display and manipulate raster image data, programmers responsible for either interfacing the RM format with other raster formats or for developing new RMT device drivers, and programmers charged with installing the software on a host platform.

Taylor, Nancy L.↗

Active control of bearing preload using piezoelectric translators

In many spacecraft applications, mechanisms are required to perform precision pointing operations or to sometimes dither about or track a moving object. These mechanisms perform in a predictable and repeatable manner in benign temperature environments. Severe thermal gradients experienced in actual space applications however, cause assemblies to expand and contract around their bearings. This results in unpredictable changes in bearing preload, and hence bearing friction. This becomes a limitation for servos controlling pointing accuracy. Likewise, uncontrollable vibrations may couple into fixed preload (hence, fixed stiffness) mechanisms and limit pointing accuracy. Consequently, a complex problem faced today is how to design mechanisms that remain insensitive to changing thermal and vibrational spacecraft environments. Research presented involves the simplified modeling and test results of an actuator module that used piezoelectrically preload controlled bearings. The feasibility of actively controlling bearing preload was demonstrated. Because bearing friction is related to preload, a thermally active system designed with aluminum components and a 440 C bearing, was friction tested at temperatures ranging from 0 to 70 C (32 to 158 F). Effectiveness of the translators were demonstrated by mapping a controllable friction range throughout tested temperatures. It was learned that constant preload for this system could be maintained over an approximate 44 C (79 F) temperature span. From testing, it was also discovered that at the more deviate temperatures, expansions were so large that radial clearances were taken up and the duplex bearing became radially preloaded. Thus, active control of bearing preload is feasible but may be limited by inherent geometry constraints and materials used in the system.

Nye, Ted W.↗