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At least 217 records · Page 12

Run Time Improvement Efforts for the Roman Space Telescope Thermal Analysis

"Observatory thermal models for large, complex missions, such as the Wide Field InfraRed Survey Telescope (WFIRST) mission, produce an immense amount of data to be processed. Configuration management of the model throughout the project life cycle has mainly focused on which versions of the subsystem models form the current observatory level configuration. However, the results produced by the model are not nearly as well The Roman Space Telescope (RST), formerly known as the Wide Field InfraRed Survey Telescope, is the next great astrophysics observatory mission to follow the James Webb Space Telescope with a planned launch in 2026. As a large scale, flagship mission for NASA with challenging wave front error stability requirements, a single model approach for both thermal discipline analysis and thermo-optical distortion analysis has been used since the early days of the project. In alleviating the need to maintain two separate models for different analysis types, it imposes run time penalties on the thermal analysis with a large model with significant radiation heat exchange. Throughout the lifecycle of the project, the component models have steadily grown in size, resulting in a continuous growth of the overall observatory model with each update and consequently a considerable increase in the model run time. While ongoing efforts to reduce run time are continuously investigated, previous efforts had primarily focused on timestep size and total simulation time to reach quasi-equilibrium. More recently, studies were performed on the total number of radiation couplings (radks) included in the model, which has a nearly linear impact on run time, but increases exponentially with node count. As standard practice for spacecraft analysis, small radks were excluded from the temperature solution based on the assumption that their interchange/view factors have a negligible impact on heat flow. Four approaches were investigated to reduce the model run time while minimizing the impact on accuracy: (1) the Equivalent Radiation Network node, (2) Progressive Radk Inclusion as solution proceeds, (3) Targeted Radk Filtering for critical/non critical areas, and lastly (4) Representation of culled radks with Backloads. Furthermore, the investigation of model run time also revealed that cold cases took noticeably longer to run than hot cases; the root computational inefficiencies were explored along with the computation penalty of linearization of the external radks and recalculation of temperature dependent linear couplings at each timestep. This paper outlines the details of each of the above approaches and their impact on run time and model accuracy.

Thermal Analysis↗

Run Time Improvement Efforts for the Roman Space Telescope Thermal Analysis

Observatory thermal models for large, complex missions, such as the Wide Field InfraRed Survey Telescope (WFIRST) mission, produce an immense amount of data to be processed. Configuration management of the model throughout the project life cycle has mainly focused on which versions of the subsystem models form the current observatory level configuration. However, the results produced by the model are not nearly as well The Roman Space Telescope (RST), formerly known as the Wide Field InfraRed Survey Telescope, is the next great astrophysics observatory mission to follow the James Webb Space Telescope with a planned launch in 2026. As a large scale, flagship mission for NASA with challenging wave front error stability requirements, a single model approach for both thermal discipline analysis and thermo-optical distortion analysis has been used since the early days of the project. In alleviating the need to maintain two separate models for different analysis types, it imposes run time penalties on the thermal analysis with a large model with significant radiation heat exchange. Throughout the lifecycle of the project, the component models have steadily grown in size, resulting in a continuous growth of the overall observatory model with each update and consequently a considerable increase in the model run time. While ongoing efforts to reduce run time are continuously investigated, previous efforts had primarily focused on timestep size and total simulation time to reach quasi-equilibrium. More recently, studies were performed on the total number of radiation couplings (radks) included in the model, which has a nearly linear impact on run time, but increases exponentially with node count. As standard practice for spacecraft analysis, small radks were excluded from the temperature solution based on the assumption that their interchange/view factors have a negligible impact on heat flow. Four approaches were investigated to reduce the model run time while minimizing the impact on accuracy: (1) the Equivalent Radiation Network node, (2) Progressive Radk Inclusion as solution proceeds, (3) Targeted Radk Filtering for critical/non critical areas, and lastly (4) Representation of culled radks with Backloads. Furthermore, the investigation of model run time also revealed that cold cases took noticeably longer to run than hot cases; the root computational inefficiencies were explored along with the computation penalty of linearization of the external radks and recalculation of temperature dependent linear couplings at each timestep. This paper outlines the details of each of the above approaches and their impact on run time and model accuracy.

Thermal Analysis↗

Using the NPSS Environment to Model an Altitude Test Facility

An altitude test facility was modeled using Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS). This altitude test facility model represents the most detailed facility model developed in the NPSS architecture. The current paper demonstrates the use of the NPSS system to define the required operating range of a component for the facility. A significant number of additional component models were easily developed to complete the model. Discussed in this paper are the additional components developed and what was done in the development of these components.

Lavelle, Thomas M.↗

The Relocation of Particulate Contamination During Space Flight

A computer simulation program to model the redistribution of particulate contaminants on a spacecraft after launch is developed. The component models for particulate adhesion, meteoroid impact, and electrostatic forces are described and intermediate results are presented. The results of a sample calculation show that the recontamination process is important.

Barengoltz, J.↗

Crew appliance computer program manual, volume 1

Trade studies of numerous appliance concepts for advanced spacecraft galley, personal hygiene, housekeeping, and other areas were made to determine which best satisfy the space shuttle orbiter and modular space station mission requirements. Analytical models of selected appliance concepts not currently included in the G-189A Generalized Environmental/Thermal Control and Life Support Systems (ETCLSS) Computer Program subroutine library were developed. The new appliance subroutines are given along with complete analytical model descriptions, solution methods, user's input instructions, and validation run results. The appliance components modeled were integrated with G-189A ETCLSS models for shuttle orbiter and modular space station, and results from computer runs of these systems are presented.

Russell, D. J.↗

Spacecraft recontamination

A computer simulation program to model the redistribution of particulate contaminants on a spacecraft after launch was developed. The component models for particulate adhesion, meteoroid impact, and electrostatic forces are described and intermediate results are presented. The results of a sample calculation show that the recontamination process is important.

Barengoltz, J.↗

Modelling Solar Spectral Irradiance Variations at Ultraviolet Wavelengths

Solar UV irradiance variations with solar activity are examined using a three component model of the CaII K chromospheric emission. This model, developed from ground based observations of the location, area and relative intensity of CaII K plage, in conjunction with measurements throughout solar cycle 21 of the full disc CaII K emission, includes the contributions to the ultraviolet flux from both plage and active network emission. The model successfully replicates changes in the Lyman alpha flux related to the 27 day rotation of solar plage, outbreaks (or rounds) of activity over periods of a year or more, and the growth and accumulation of active regions over the eleven year solar activity cycles. Estimates of the magnitude of the solar cycle variability of the UV emission between 200 and 300 nm are presented but cannot currently be verified by available observations.

Lean, J. L.↗

Evaluation of Composite Airframe Dynamic Impact Modeling Using Hawker 4000 Fuselage Drop Test Data

Two drop tests of partial Hawker 4000 fuselage sections were conducted at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center (LaRC) to characterize the response of representative composite aerospace structure to dynamic impact loads. Test conditions were selected to induce damage into the composite structure in order to study material failure within a composite fuselage and evaluate the capability of finite element (FE) model analysis to predict that failure. The tests were simulated using FE models which were generated to isolate the effect of developmental data availability on predictive capability. FE Models of the tested fuselage sections were generated using two limited data sets. The first model configuration was reverse engineered from the test article with no information related to design or fabrication details which would be known only by the manufacturer. The second model was generated from data provided by the manufacturer but without additional material characterization test data. Models were developed using these methodologies for both fuselage sections tested. Correlation of each model to the tests conducted was evaluated in terms of damage, deformation, and cabin acceleration measurements. Correlation between the developed models and the tested fuselage sections showed that the reverse engineered model predicted the composite damage and cabin acceleration measured during test though it was limited due to lack of detail in the composite layup changes through the structure. The model developed using manufacturer specifications did not predict damage, due to limited material and component model characterization data, but it did predict acceleration on par with the reverse engineered model. Model capability and limitation sources identified were verified through correlation of a final model which was developed by combining the individual data sets. The combined model demonstrated that the addition of calibrated composite material models to accurate composite layup definitions and detailed geometry led to improved correlation of damage and acceleration response within the composite fuselage structures.

Crashworthiness↗

Evaluation of Composite Airframe Dynamic Impact Modeling Using Hawker 4000 Fuselage Drop Test Data

Two drop tests of partial Hawker 4000 fuselage sections were conducted at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center (LaRC) to characterize the response of representative composite aerospace structure to dynamic impact loads. Test conditions were selected to induce damage into the composite structure in order to study material failure within a composite fuselage and evaluate the capability of finite element (FE) model analysis to predict that failure. The tests were simulated using FE models which were generated to isolate the effect of developmental data availability on predictive capability. FE Models of the tested fuselage sections were generated using two limited data sets. The first model configuration was reverse engineered from the test article with no information related to design or fabrication details which would be known only by the manufacturer. The second model was generated from data provided by the manufacturer but without additional material characterization test data. Models were developed using these methodologies for both fuselage sections tested. Correlation of each model to the tests conducted was evaluated in terms of damage, deformation, and cabin acceleration measurements. Correlation between the developed models and the tested fuselage sections showed that the reverse engineered model predicted the composite damage and cabin acceleration measured during test though it was limited due to lack of detail in the composite layup changes through the structure. The model developed using manufacturer specifications did not predict damage, due to limited material and component model characterization data, but it did predict acceleration on par with the reverse engineered model. Model capability and limitation sources identified were verified through correlation of a final model which was developed by combining the individual data sets. The combined model demonstrated that the addition of calibrated composite material models to accurate composite layup definitions and detailed geometry led to improved correlation of damage and acceleration response within the composite fuselage structures.

Crashworthiness↗

Improvement and extension of a radar forest backscattering model

Radar modeling of mangal forest stands, in the Sundarbans area of Southern Bangladesh, was developed. The modeling employs radar system parameters such as wavelength, polarization, and incidence angle, with forest data on tree height, spacing, biomass, species combinations, and water content (including slightly conductive water) both in leaves and trunks of the mangal. For Sundri and Gewa tropical mangal forests, five model components are proposed, which are required to explain the contributions of various forest species combinations in the attenuation and scattering of mangal vegetated nonflooded or flooded surfaces. Statistical data of simulated images (HH components only) were compared with those of SIR-B images both to refine the modeling procedures and to appropriately characterize the model output. The possibility of delineation of flooded or non-flooded boundaries is discussed.

Simonett, David S.↗

System-Availability And Resource-Allocation Program

ACARA analyzes availability, life-cycle cost, and scheduling of resources. Uses statistical Monte Carlo method to simulate capacity states of system as well as failure and repair of components. Failures of components modeled mathematically by use of combination of exponential and Weibull probability distributions. Schedules replacement of components to optimize performance of system. Made to comply with any constraints on production of components, capacities of resupply vehicles, spares kept on site, crews, and/or equipment. Written in APL2.

Viterna, L. A.↗

ASCA Observations of "Type 2" LINERs Evidence for a Stellar Source of Ionization

We present ASCA observations of LINERs without broad H.alpha emission in their optical spectra. The sample of "type 2" LINERs consists of NGC 404, 4111, 4192, 4457, and 4569. We have detected X-ray emission from all the objects except for NGC 404; among the detected objects are two so-called transition objects (NGC 4192 and NGC 4569), which have been postulated to be composite nuclei having both an H II region and a LINER component. The images of NGC 4111 and NGC 4569 in the soft (0.5-2 keV) and hard (2-7 keV) X-ray bands are extended on scales of several kpc. The X-ray spectra of NGC 4111, NGC 4457 and NGC 4569 are well fitted by a two-component model that consists of soft thermal emission with kT approximately 0.65 keV and a hard component represented by a power law (photon index approximately 2) or by thermal bremsstrahlung emission (kT approximately several keV). The extended hard X-rays probably come from discrete sources, while the soft emission most likely originates from hot gas produced by active star formation in the host galaxy. We have found no clear evidence for the presence of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in the sample. Using black hole masses estimated from host galaxy bulge luminosities, we obtain an upper limit on the implied Eddington ratios less than 5 x 10(exp -5). If an AGN component is the primary ionization source of the optical emission lines, then it must be heavily obscured with a column density significantly larger than 10(exp 23)/sq cm, since the observed X-ray luminosity is insufficient to drive the luminosities of the optical emission lines. Alternatively, the optical emission could be ionized by a population of exceptionally hot stars. This interpretation is consistent with the small [O I] lambda6300/H.alpha ratios observed in these sources, the ultraviolet spectral characteristics in the cases where such information exists, and the X-ray results reported here. We also analyze the X-ray properties of NGC 4117, a low-luminosity Seyfert 2 galaxy serendipitously observed in the field of NGC 4111.

Terashima, Yuichi↗

Core Body Temperature Predictions Using Metabolic Energy Expenditure and Heart Rate During Simulated Extravehicular Activity

Long duration spaceflight missions will require crew to become more autonomous in conducting extravehicular activities (EVA) without direct communication with Mission Control for biomedical support. To enable such autonomy, we are developing a Crew State and Risk Model (CSRM) as a collection of key physiology domains that drive EVA crew capabilities and workloads. One model component of CSRM is human thermal regulation. In this paper, customized development of a baseline model to predict core body temperature is presented using physiology inputs of heart rate and metabolic rate. The model development dataset included a baseline study where participants (n=6, equal male and female) performed a 5-hour EVA in a two-part session while wearing a hybrid space suit simulator (HS3). The first session included an end-to-end EVA traversing 1500 meters to a geology site and traversing back to a habitat conducting geology, payload relocation, and maintenance operations every 500 meters. The second session included standalone tasks of a 2000-meter traverse followed by geology tasks. Thermal measures of core body temperature, local skin temperature, liquid cooling garment temperature, heart rate, and metabolic rate were collected through the test duration. Multiple regression was used to build a linear equation to predict core body temperature from inputs of heart rate and metabolic rate. Heat storage was calculated via predicted core body temperature plus LCG and skin temperatures. The model was tested against a dataset from a pressurized suited test (n=6, equal male and female) in the NASA Active Response Gravity Offload System (ARGOS) conducting similar end-to-end EVA and standalone tasks. Predicted error of the model against the raw test cases was 0.2±0.15 °C. The baseline prediction of core body temperature using heart rates and metabolic rates allows for simple real-time tracking from data collected in-flight to monitor crew consumables and thermal flight limits during EVA.

Bradley Hoffmann↗

The SMAP Level 4 Surface and Root-zone Soil Moisture (L4_SM) Product

The Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP) mission is being developed by NASA for launch in 2013 as one of four first-tier missions recommended by the U.S. National Research Council Committee on Earth Science and Applications from Space in 2007. The primary science objectives of SMAP are to enhance understanding of land surface controls on the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to determine their linkages. Moreover, the high resolution soil moisture mapping provided by SMAP has practical applications in weather and seasonal climate prediction, agriculture, human health, drought and flood decision support. In this paper we describe the assimilation of SMAP observations for the generation of the planned SMAP Level 4 Surface and Root-zone Soil Moisture (L4_SM) product. The SMAP mission makes simultaneous active (radar) and passive (radiometer) measurements in the 1.26-1.43 GHz range (L-band) from a sun-synchronous low-earth orbit. Measurements will be obtained across a 1000 km wide swath using conical scanning at a constant incidence angle (40 deg). The radar resolution varies from 1-3 km over the outer 70% of the swath to about 30 km near the center of the swath. The radiometer resolution is 40 km across the entire swath. The radiometer measurements will allow high-accuracy but coarse resolution (40 km) measurements. The radar measurements will add significantly higher resolution information. The radar is however very sensitive to surface roughness and vegetation structure. The combination of the two measurements allows optimal blending of the advantages of each instrument. SMAP directly observes only surface soil moisture (in the top 5 cm of the soil column). Several of the key applications targeted by SMAP, however, require knowledge of root zone soil moisture (approximately top 1 m of the soil column), which is not directly measured by SMAP. The foremost objective of the SMAP L4_SM product is to fill this gap and provide estimates of root zone soil moisture that are informed by and consistent with SMAP observations. Such estimates are obtained by merging SMAP observations with estimates from a land surface model in a soil moisture data assimilation system. The land surface model component of the assimilation system is driven with observations-based surface meteorological forcing data, including precipitation, which is the most important driver for soil moisture. The model also encapsulates knowledge of key land surface processes, including the vertical transfer of soil moisture between the surface and root zone reservoirs. Finally, the model interpolates and extrapolates SMAP observations in time and in space. The L4_SM product thus provides a comprehensive and consistent picture of land surface hydrological conditions based on SMAP observations and complementary information from a variety of sources. The assimilation algorithm considers the respective uncertainties of each component and yields a product that is superior to satellite or model data alone. Error estimates for the L4_SM product are generated as a by-product of the data assimilation system.

Reichle, Rolf↗

The application of a time-domain deconvolution technique for identification of experimental acoustic-emission signals

A method is presented for the signature analysis of pulses by reconstructing in the time domain the shape of the pulse prior to its passing through the measurement system. This deconvolution technique is first evaluated using an idealized system and analytical pulse models and is shown to provide improved results. An experimental situation is then treated; system-component models are developed for the digitizer, tape recorder, filter, transducer and mechanical structure. To accommodate both calibration results and manufacturer's data, and to provide stable mathematical models entails considerable effort: some 30 parameters must be identified to model this system - which is still a substantial approximation - albeit of very high order. Experimental pulses generated by a ball drop, spark discharge and a tearing crack are then deconvoluted 'back through' the system as modeled, using this technique. These results are compared and indicate (a) that consistent shapes may be expected from a given type of source and (b) that some sources can be identified with greater clarity using the deconvolution approach.

Houghton, J. R.↗

3C 279 - The case for 'superluminal' expansion

The compact extragalactic radio source 3C 279 was observed with the Haystack-Goldstone interferometer (wavelength approximately 3.8 cm) during six separate sessions spread between October 1970 and April 1972. The fringe amplitudes from each of these observation sessions were consistent with a two-component model of the brightness distribution of the source. The position angle of the line joining the components remained at 38 + or - 2 deg, while the angular separation between the components increased nearly linearly at the rate of 0.5 + or 0.1 milliarcsec/yr during this period. The corresponding apparent expansion speed is (21 + or - 4)c, for H = 50 km/s per Mpc and q = 0.05

Cotton, W. D.↗

Comprehensive system models: Strategies for evaluation

The task of evaluating comprehensive earth system models is vast involving validations of every model component at every scale of organization, as well as tests of all the individual linkages. Even the most detailed evaluation of each of the component processes and the individual links among them should not, however, engender confidence in the performance of the whole. The integrated earth system is so rich with complex feedback loops, often involving components of the atmosphere, oceans, biosphere, and cryosphere, that it is certain to exhibit emergent properties very difficult to predict from the perspective of a narrow focus on any individual component of the system. Therefore, a substantial share of the task of evaluating comprehensive earth system models must reside at the level of whole system evaluations. Since complete, integrated atmosphere/ ocean/ biosphere/ hydrology models are not yet operational, questions of evaluation must be addressed at the level of the kinds of earth system processes that the models should be competent to simulate, rather than at the level of specific performance criteria. Here, we have tried to identify examples of earth system processes that are difficult to simulate with existing models and that involve a rich enough suite of feedbacks that they are unlikely to be satisfactorily described by highly simplified or toy models. Our purpose is not to specify a checklist of evaluation criteria but to introduce characteristics of the earth system that may present useful opportunities for model testing and, of course, improvement.

Field, Christopher↗

The Composition of Centaur 5145 Pholus

We present a new spectrum of the Centaur object 5145 Pholus between 1.15 and 2.4 micro meters. We model this, and the previously published (0.4- to 1.0- micrometer) spectrum, using Hapke scattering theory. Seen in absorption are the 2.04- micrometer band of H2O ice and a strong band at 2.27 micrometer, interpreted as frozen methanol and/or a photolytic product of methanol having small molecular weight. The presence of small molecules is indicative of a chemically primitive surface, since heating and other processes remove the light hydrocarbons in favor of macromolecular carbon of the kind found in carbonaceous meteorites. The unusually red slope of Pholus' spectrum is matched by fine grains of a refractory organic solid (tholin). Olivine (which we model with Fo 82) also appears to be present on Pholus. We present a five-component model for the composite spectrum of all spectroscopic and photometric data available for 5145 Pholus and conclude that this is a primitive object which has not yet been substantially processed by solar heat. The properties of Pholus are those of the nucleus of a large comet that has never been active.

Cruikshank, D. P.↗