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At least 271 records · Page 15

Principles to Products: Toward Realizing MOS 2.0

This is a report on the Operations Revitalization Initiative, part of the ongoing NASA-funded Advanced Multi-Mission Operations Systems (AMMOS) program. We are implementing products that significantly improve efficiency and effectiveness of Mission Operations Systems (MOS) for deep-space missions. We take a multi-mission approach, in keeping with our organization's charter to "provide multi-mission tools and services that enable mission customers to operate at a lower total cost to NASA." Focusing first on architectural fundamentals of the MOS, we review the effort's progress. In particular, we note the use of stakeholder interactions and consideration of past lessons learned to motivate a set of Principles that guide the evolution of the AMMOS. Thus guided, we have created essential patterns and connections (detailed in companion papers) that are explicitly modeled and support elaboration at multiple levels of detail (system, sub-system, element...) throughout a MOS. This architecture is realized in design and implementation products that provide lifecycle support to a Mission at the system and subsystem level. The products include adaptable multi-mission engineering documentation that describes essentials such as operational concepts and scenarios, requirements, interfaces and agreements, information models, and mission operations processes. Because we have adopted a model-based system engineering method, these documents and their contents are meaningfully related to one another and to the system model. This means they are both more rigorous and reusable (from mission to mission) than standard system engineering products. The use of models also enables detailed, early (e.g., formulation phase) insight into the impact of changes (e.g., to interfaces or to software) that is rigorous and complete, allowing better decisions on cost or technical trades. Finally, our work provides clear and rigorous specification of operations needs to software developers, further enabling significant gains in productivity.

AMMOS↗

Space shuttle thermal scale modeling application study

The critical thermal control problems and verification of thermal mathematical model results for the space shuttle concept are discussed. The use of a small scale thermal model of the space shuttle is proposed. It was determined that a one-third scale model of the space shuttle would serve as a useful tool throughout the entire thermal design and verification program. The major considerations in modeling the conduction-radiation-convection fields, the level of detail for modeling various systems, preliminary test requirements, and potential applications of the thermal scale model are summarized.

Marshall, K. N.↗

A simulation of water pollution model parameter estimation

A parameter estimation procedure for a water pollution transport model is elaborated. A two-dimensional instantaneous-release shear-diffusion model serves as representative of a simple transport process. Pollution concentration levels are arrived at via modeling of a remote-sensing system. The remote-sensed data are simulated by adding Gaussian noise to the concentration level values generated via the transport model. Model parameters are estimated from the simulated data using a least-squares batch processor. Resolution, sensor array size, and number and location of sensor readings can be found from the accuracies of the parameter estimates.

Kibler, J. F.↗

A review of the structure and dynamics of upper-level frontal zones

The development of structural models of upper-level frontal systems from the application of upper-air data to analyses utilizing radiosonde and aircraft observations is reviewed. The effects of turbulent processes and baroclinic waves on frontal structures and dynamics are examined. The use of the Sawyer-Eliassen (1956) equation for calculating the geostrophic, vertical circulations assosicated with frontal zones is described. The formation of upper-level fronts in two-dimensional flows and in three-dimensional baroclinic waves is studied and examples are provided. Future observational, diagnostic, and theoretical investigations on upper-level frontal zones are discussed.

Keyser, D.↗

Nonlinear Optical Properties and Applications of Polydiacetylene

Recently, we have demonstrated a picosecond all-optical switch, which also functions as a partial all-optical NAND logic gate using a novel polydiacetylene that is synthesized in our laboratory. The nonlinear optical properties of the polydiacetylene material are measured using the Z-scan technique. A theoretical model based on a three level system is investigated and the rate equations of the system are solved. The theoretical calculations are proven to match nicely with the experimental results. The absorption cross-sections for both the first and higher excited states are estimated. The analyses also show that the material suffers a photochemical change beyond a certain level of the laser power and its physical properties suffer radical changes. These changes are the cause for the partial NAND gate function and the switching mechanism.

Abdeldayem, Hossin↗

Atmospheric Models for Mars Aerocapture

level Mars atmospheric model. Applications include systems design, performance analysis, and operations planning for aerobraking, entry descent and landing, and aerocapture. Typical Mars aerocapture periapsis altitudes (for systems with rigid- aeroshell heat shields) are about 50 km. This altitude is above the 0-40 km height range covered by Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) nadir observations. Recently, TES limb sounding data have been made available, spanning more than two Mars years (more than 200,000 data profiles) with altitude coverage up to about 60 km, well within the height range of interest for aerocapture. Results are presented comparing Mars-GRAM atmospheric density with densities from TES nadir and limb sounding observations. A new Mars-GRAM feature is described which allows individual TES nadir or limb profiles to be extracted from the large TES databases, and to be used as an optional replacement for standard Mars-GRAM background (climatology) conditions. For Monte-Carlo applications such as aerocapture guidance and control studies, Mars-GRAM perturbations are available using these TES profile background conditions.

Justus, C. G.↗

Mars Aerocapture and Validation of Mars-GRAM with TES Data

Mars Global Reference Atmospheric Model (Mars-GRAM) is a widely-used engineering- level Mars atmospheric model. Applications include systems design, performance analysis, and operations planning for aerobraking, entry descent and landing, and aerocapture. Typical Mars aerocapture periapsis altitudes (for systems with rigid-aeroshell heat shields) are about 50 km. This altitude is above the 0-40 km height range covered by Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) nadir observations. Recently, TES limb sounding data have been made available, spanning more than two Mars years (more than 200,000 data profiles) with altitude coverage up to about 60 km, well within the height range of interest for aerocapture. Results are presented comparing Mars-GRAM atmospheric density with densities from TES nadir and limb sounding observations. A new Mars-GRAM feature is described which allows individual TES nadir or limb profiles to be extracted from the large TES databases, and to be used as an optional replacement for standard Mars-GRAM background (climatology) conditions. For Monte-Carlo applications such as aerocapture guidance and control studies, Mars-GRAM perturbations are available using these TES profile background conditions.

Justus, C. G.↗

ESAS Deliverable PS 1.1.2.3: Customer Survey on Code Generations in Safety-Critical Applications

Automated code generators (ACG) are tools that convert a (higher-level) model of a software (sub-)system into executable code without the necessity for a developer to actually implement the code. Although both commercially supported and in-house tools have been used in many industrial applications, little data exists on how these tools are used in safety-critical domains (e.g., spacecraft, aircraft, automotive, nuclear). The aims of the survey, therefore, were threefold: 1) to determine if code generation is primarily used as a tool for prototyping, including design exploration and simulation, or for fiight/production code; 2) to determine the verification issues with code generators relating, in particular, to qualification and certification in safety-critical domains; and 3) to determine perceived gaps in functionality of existing tools.

Schumann, Johann↗

Liquefaction of Cryogenic Fluids for Production and Storage of Commodities on Extra-Terrestrial Surfaces

The Cryogenic Fluid In-situ Liquefaction for Landers (CryoFILL) activity has been investigating concepts for the liquefaction of cryogenic fluids produced on the surface of the Moon and Mars. CryoFILL consists of four activities: liquid nitrogen liquefaction testing that was completed in 2019, liquid oxygen liquefaction testing planned to begin in early 2022, fiber-optic sensor temperature measurement system development, and lightweight vacuum jacketed systems designed for the atmosphere of Mars. Additional activities include the development and validation of numerical modeling systems at three stages: thermodynamic models of the liquefaction process for basic energy/mass estimates, nodal models to predict liquefaction tank system level performance, and computational fluid dynamics to assess fluid phenomena occurring within the tank, specifically condensation and stratification within the ullage. These developments form a combined liquefaction and storage solution to support Lunar and Martian exploration. Key testing results from liquid nitrogen testing as well as plans for liquid oxygen testing will be discussed including key sensitivities from analytical evaluation of completed test results. Progress on the development and improvements on fiber optic sensor testing and developments will also be provided. Finally, work on the progress of the lightweight vacuum jacketed systems being co-developed by NASA and industry will be summarized.

Liquefaction↗

Integrating State Data Assimilation and Innovative Model Parameterization Reduces Simulated Carbon Uptake in the Arctic and Boreal Region

Model representation of carbon uptake and storage is essential for accurate projection of the response of the arctic‐boreal zone to a rapidly changing climate. Land model estimates of LAI and aboveground biomass that can have a marked influence on model projections of carbon uptake and storage vary substantially in the arctic and boreal zone, making it challenging to correctly evaluate model estimates of Gross Primary Productivity (GPP). To understand and correct bias of LAI and aboveground biomass in the Community Land Model (CLM), we assimilated the 8‐day Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) LAI observation and a machine learning product of annual aboveground biomass into CLM using an Ensemble Adjustment Kalman Filter (EAKF) in an experimental region including Alaska and Western Canada. Assimilating LAI and aboveground biomass reduced these model estimates by 58% and 72%, respectively. The change of aboveground biomass was consistent with independent estimates of canopy top height at both regional and site levels. The International Land Model Benchmarking system assessment showed that data assimilation significantly improved CLM's performance in simulating the carbon and hydrological cycles, as well as in representing the functional relationships between LAI and other variables. To further reduce the remaining bias in GPP after LAI bias correction, we re‐parameterized CLM to account for low temperature suppression of photosynthesis. The LAI bias corrected model that included the new parameterization showed the best agreement with model benchmarks. Combining data assimilation with model parameterization provides a useful framework to assess photosynthetic processes in LSMs.

land data assimilation↗

Experimental models of communication at the molecular and microsystemic levels.

Communication at both the macromolecular and the (supramacromolecular) microsystemic levels has been demonstrated in artificial polymers and artificial systems. These phenomena are models for communication in evolving and contemporary systems. The significance of a combination of communication at the two levels is emphasized.

Fox, S. W.↗

Evaluating the Assumptions in an Empirical Jet-Surface Interaction Noise Model

A set of empirical jet-surface interaction noise models, developed for single-stream round nozzles exhausting over a simple surface in a static ambient, are evaluated for use in more realistic applications that include multi-stream nozzle systems, multi-plane surface geometries, and a flight-stream. The simple-single-stream models have several advantages when used in system-level noise studies: they are robust, they are quickly computed, and they are generally applicable to a wide range of configurations. However, these models require simplifying assumptions when applied to more complex jet exhaust systems; for example, previous work on multi-stream jets used an empirical formula to compute a single-stream equivalent jet potential core length that could be used to predict the noise using simple-single-stream jet-surface interaction models. This paper considers the effect of flight and multi-plane surfaces using a similar approach: introducing assumptions to simplify the complex system, applying the simple-single-stream models, and evaluating the uncertainty.

Jet Noise↗

Evaluating the Assumptions in an Empirical Jet-Surface Interaction Noise Model

A set of empirical jet-surface interaction noise models, developed for single-stream round nozzles exhausting over a simple surface in a static ambient, are evaluated for use in more realistic applications that include multi-stream nozzle systems, multi-plane surface geometries, and a flight-steam. The simple-single-stream models have several advantages when used in system-level noise studies: they are robust, they are quickly computed, and they are generally applicable to a wide range of configurations. However, these models require simplifying assumptions when applied to more complex jet exhaust systems; for example, previous work on multi-stream jets used an empirical formula to compute a single-stream equivalent jet potential core length that could be used to predict the noise using simple-single-stream jet-surface interaction models. This paper considers the effect of flight and multi-plane surfaces using a similar approach: introducing assumptions to simplify the complex system, applying the simple-single-stream models, and evaluating the uncertainty.

Jet Noise↗

Analyzing the Operational Behavior of the Alignment and Phasing System of the Thirty Meter Telescope using SysML

The Alignment and Phasing System (APS) of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) is responsible for positioning individual segments of the primary mirror, as well as the secondary and tertiary mirrors. Given its essential role, understanding the as-speci ed behavior and verifying related requirements is vital to the correct operation of the TMT. Analyzing the behavior of APS is challenging due to the variety of interactions with other subsystems. This paper presents results from developing an integrated system model that captures the structure, behavior, and requirements in a formal modeling language to enable automated veri cation using appropriate solvers. Speci cally, demonstrated and discussed are the results of applying a Systems Modeling Language (SysMLTM) based approach in which operational modes, behavior speci cations and use case scenarios are used for the purpose of verifying requirements on timing, power, and pointing error through system-level simulation using a single, integrated model.

Troy, Mitchell↗

V-SUIT Model Validation Using PLSS 1.0 Test Results

The dynamic portable life support system (PLSS) simulation software Virtual Space Suit (V-SUIT) has been under development at the Technische Universitat Munchen since 2011 as a spin-off from the Virtual Habitat (V-HAB) project. The MATLAB(trademark)-based V-SUIT simulates space suit portable life support systems and their interaction with a detailed and also dynamic human model, as well as the dynamic external environment of a space suit moving on a planetary surface. To demonstrate the feasibility of a large, system level simulation like V-SUIT, a model of NASA's PLSS 1.0 prototype was created. This prototype was run through an extensive series of tests in 2011. Since the test setup was heavily instrumented, it produced a wealth of data making it ideal for model validation. The implemented model includes all components of the PLSS in both the ventilation and thermal loops. The major components are modeled in greater detail, while smaller and ancillary components are low fidelity black box models. The major components include the Rapid Cycle Amine (RCA) CO2 removal system, the Primary and Secondary Oxygen Assembly (POS/SOA), the Pressure Garment System Volume Simulator (PGSVS), the Human Metabolic Simulator (HMS), the heat exchanger between the ventilation and thermal loops, the Space Suit Water Membrane Evaporator (SWME) and finally the Liquid Cooling Garment Simulator (LCGS). Using the created model, dynamic simulations were performed using same test points also used during PLSS 1.0 testing. The results of the simulation were then compared to the test data with special focus on absolute values during the steady state phases and dynamic behavior during the transition between test points. Quantified simulation results are presented that demonstrate which areas of the V-SUIT model are in need of further refinement and those that are sufficiently close to the test results. Finally, lessons learned from the modelling and validation process are given in combination with implications for the future development of other PLSS models in V-SUIT.

Olthoff, Claas↗

A Perspective on Computational Human Performance Models as Design Tools

The design of interactive systems, including levels of automation, displays, and controls, is usually based on design guidelines and iterative empirical prototyping. A complementary approach is to use computational human performance models to evaluate designs. An integrated strategy of model-based and empirical test and evaluation activities is particularly attractive as a methodology for verification and validation of human-rated systems for commercial space. This talk will review several computational human performance modeling approaches and their applicability to design of display and control requirements.

Jones, Patricia M.↗

Thermal Integration of a Liquid Acquisition Device into a Cryogenic Feed System

Primary objectives of this effort were to define the following: (1) Approaches for quantification of the accumulation of thermal energy within a capillary screen liquid acquisition device (LAD) for a lunar lander upper stage during periods of up to 210 days on the lunar surface, (2) techniques for mitigating heat entrapment, and (3) perform initial testing, data evaluation. The technical effort was divided into the following categories: (1) Detailed thermal modeling of the LAD/feed system interactions using both COMSOL computational fluid device and standard codes, (2) FLOW-3D modeling of bulk liquid to provide interfacing conditions for the LAD thermal modeling, (3) condensation conditioning of capillary screens to stabilize surface tension retention capability, and (4) subscale testing of an integrated LAD/feed system. Substantial progress was achieved in the following technical areas: (1) Thermal modeling and experimental approaches for evaluating integrated cryogen LAD/feed systems, at both the system and component levels, (2) reduced gravity pressure control analyses, (3) analytical modeling and testing for capillary screen conditioning using condensation and wicking, and (4) development of rapid turnaround testing techniques for evaluating LAD/feed system thermal and fluid integration. A comprehensive effort, participants included a diverse cross section of representatives from academia, contractors, and multiple Marshall Space Flight Center organizations.

Hastings, L. J.↗

Hybrid CMS methods with model reduction for assembly of structures

Future on-orbit structures will be designed and built in several stages, each with specific control requirements. Therefore there must be a methodology which can predict the dynamic characteristics of the assembled structure, based on the dynamic characteristics of the subassemblies and their interfaces. The methodology developed by CSC to address this issue is Hybrid Component Mode Synthesis (HCMS). HCMS distinguishes itself from standard component mode synthesis algorithms in the following features: (1) it does not require the subcomponents to have displacement compatible models, which makes it ideal for analyzing the deployment of heterogeneous flexible multibody systems, (2) it incorporates a second-level model reduction scheme at the interface, which makes it much faster than other algorithms and therefore suitable for control purposes, and (3) it does answer specific questions such as 'how does the global fundamental frequency vary if I change the physical parameters of substructure k by a specified amount?'. Because it is based on an energy principle rather than displacement compatibility, this methodology can also help the designer to define an assembly process. Current and future efforts are devoted to applying the HCMS method to design and analyze docking and berthing procedures in orbital construction.

Farhat, Charbel↗