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At least 307 records · Page 17

CAVE: A computer code for two-dimensional transient heating analysis of conceptual thermal protection systems for hypersonic vehicles

A digital computer code CAVE (Conduction Analysis Via Eigenvalues), which finds application in the analysis of two dimensional transient heating of hypersonic vehicles is described. The CAVE is written in FORTRAN 4 and is operational on both IBM 360-67 and CDC 6600 computers. The method of solution is a hybrid analytical numerical technique that is inherently stable permitting large time steps even with the best of conductors having the finest of mesh size. The aerodynamic heating boundary conditions are calculated by the code based on the input flight trajectory or can optionally be calculated external to the code and then entered as input data. The code computes the network conduction and convection links, as well as capacitance values, given basic geometrical and mesh sizes, for four generations (leading edges, cooled panels, X-24C structure and slabs). Input and output formats are presented and explained. Sample problems are included. A brief summary of the hybrid analytical-numerical technique, which utilizes eigenvalues (thermal frequencies) and eigenvectors (thermal mode vectors) is given along with aerodynamic heating equations that have been incorporated in the code and flow charts.

Rathjen, K. A.↗

Eigenvalue/eigenvector assignment using output feedback

The problem of eigenvalue assignment in a linear time-invariant system using output feedback is considered. New sufficient conditions are derived to assign an almost arbitrary set of minimum (n,m + r - 1) distinct eigenvalues where n, m, and r are the number of states, inputs, and outputs, respectively. These conditions precisely identify the class of systems where such an assignment is impossible. The synthesis technique also highlights the freedom in selection of closed-loop eigenvectors under output feedback. The utility of eigenvalue/eigenvector assignment in transient response shaping is illustrated by the design of a controller for the lateral dynamics of an aircraft.

Srinathkumar, S.↗

Applied Routh approximation

The Routh approximation technique for reducing the complexity of system models was applied in the frequency domain to a 16th order, state variable model of the F100 engine and to a 43d order, transfer function model of a launch vehicle boost pump pressure regulator. The results motivate extending the frequency domain formulation of the Routh method to the time domain in order to handle the state variable formulation directly. The time domain formulation was derived and a characterization that specifies all possible Routh similarity transformations was given. The characterization was computed by solving two eigenvalue-eigenvector problems. The application of the time domain Routh technique to the state variable engine model is described, and some results are given. Additional computational problems are discussed, including an optimization procedure that can improve the approximation accuracy by taking advantage of the transformation characterization.

Merrill, W. C.↗

On the append and continue features in NASTRAN

The APPEND feature is described which is applicable in the case of real eigenvalue analysis. This feature permitted the addition of new eigenvalues and eigenvectors to those already computed in a previously checkpointed run without re-executing the entire problem. The next feature was the CONTINUE feature which was applicable in the case of transient analysis of coupled equations. This feature enabled the integration of coupled equations to be continued beyond the last output time for which the solution was obtained in a previously checkpointed run (without re-executing the entire problem). These two features are illustrated by suitable examples.

Pamidi, P. R.↗

Updating of ADAPT predictions of sunspot activity

An eigenvector analysis procedure was used to analyze and develop algorithms for predicting sunspot numbers. The predictors in these algorithms consist of sunspot numbers from the preceding two solar cycles and magnetic index data from the preceding cycle. Predictions are presented for cycles 21 and 22. The sunspot activity for cycle 21 is predicted to remain below 100 until early 1980 when it will rapidly reach a peak of approximately 120. The two sigma accuracy on these estimates is approximately 20 sunspot numbers in the region of the peak and 10 sunspot numbers early and late in the cycle. Algorithms were also developed for predicting the period of future sunspot cycles using the same predictor vector.

Hunter, H. C.↗

The application of the Routh approximation method to turbofan engine models

The Routh approximation technique is applied in the frequency domain to a 16th order state variable turbofan engine model. The results obtained motivate the extension of the frequency domain formulation of the Routh method to the time domain to handle the state variable formulation directly. The time domain formulation is derived and a new characterization, which specifies all possible Routh similarity transformations, is given. This characterization is computed by the solution of two eigenvalue-eigenvector problems. The application of the time domain Routh technique to the state variable engine model is described and some results are given. Additional computational problems are discussed including an optimization procedure which can improve the approximation accuracy by taking advantage of the transformation characterization.

Merrill, W. C.↗

Eigenvalue/eigenvector assignment using output feedback

The problem of pole-assignment in a linear time-invariant multivariable system using output feedback is considered. New sufficient conditions are derived to assign an almost arbitrary set of min (n, m+r-1) distinct eigenvalues, where n, m, and r are the number of states, inputs, and outputs, respectively. The analysis also highlights the freedom in selection of closed-loop eigenvectors which can be used for response shaping.

Srinathkumar, S.↗

Coefficient matrices for implicit finite difference solution of the inviscid fluid conservation law equations

Although the Navier-Stokes equations describe most flows of interest in aerodynamics, the inviscid conservation law equations may be used for small regions with viscous forces. Thus, Euler equations and several time-accurate finite difference procedures, explicit and implicit, are discussed. Although implicit techniques require more computational work, they permit larger time steps to be taken without instability. It is noted that the Jacobian matrices for Euler equations in conservation-law form have certain eigenvalue-eigenvector properties which may be used to construct conservative-form coefficient matrices. This reduces the computation time of several implicit and semiimplicit schemes. Extensions of the basic approach to other areas are suggested.

Steger, J. L.↗

Cloud effects on middle ultraviolet global radiation

An Eppley radiometer and a Robertson-Berger sunburn meter are employed along with an all-sky camera setup to study cloud effects on middle ultraviolet global radiation at the ground level. Semiempirical equations to allow for cloud effects presented in previous work are compared with the experimental data. The study suggests a means of defining eigenvectors of cloud patterns and correlating them with the radiation at the ground level.

Borkowski, J.↗

Theory of the control of structures by low authority controllers

The novel idea presented is based on the observation that if a structure is controlled by distributed systems of sensors and actuators with limited authority, i.e., if the controller is allowed to modify only moderately the natural modes and frequencies of the structure, then it should be possible to apply root perturbation techniques to predict analytically the behavior of the total system. Attention is given to the root perturbation formula first derived by Jacobi for infinitesimal perturbations which neglect the induced eigenvector perturbation, a more general form of Jacobi's formula, first-order structural equations and modal state vectors, state-space equations for damper-augmented structures, and modal damping prediction formulas.

Aubrun, J. N.↗

The Lanczos algorithm with selective orthogonalization

A new stable and efficient implementation of the Lanczos algorithm is presented. The algorithm is a powerful method for finding a few eigenvalues and eigenvectors at one or both ends of the spectrum of a symmetric matrix A. The algorithm is particularly effective if A is large and sparse in that the only way in which A enters the calculation is through a subroutine which computes Av for any vector v. Thus the user is free to take advantage of any sparsity structure in A and A need not even be represented as a matrix et al.

Parlett, B. N.↗

Development and validation of a piloted simulation of a helicopter and external sling load

A generalized, real time, piloted, visual simulation of a single rotor helicopter, suspension system, and external load is described and validated for the full flight envelope of the U.S. Army CH-54 helicopter and cargo container as an example. The mathematical model described uses modified nonlinear classical rotor theory for both the main rotor and tail rotor, nonlinear fuselage aerodynamics, an elastic suspension system, nonlinear load aerodynamics, and a loadground contact model. The implementation of the mathematical model on a large digital computing system is described, and validation of the simulation is discussed. The mathematical model is validated by comparing measured flight data with simulated data, by comparing linearized system matrices, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors with manufacturers' data, and by the subjective comparison of handling characteristics by experienced pilots. A visual landing display system for use in simulation which generates the pilot's forward looking real world display was examined and a special head up, down looking load/landing zone display is described.

Shaughnessy, J. D.↗

Detection of ocean waste in the New York Bight

The application of remote sensing to detection and monitoring of ocean waste disposal in the New York Bight is discussed. Attention is focused on the two major pollutants in this area--sewage sludge and iron-acid waste--and on detecting and identifying these pollutants. The emphasis is on the use of LANDSAT multispectral data in identifying these pollutants and distinguishing them from other substances. The analysis technique applied to the LANDSAT data is the eigenvector. This approach proved to be quite successful in detecting iron-acid waste of the coast of Delaware and is applied here with relatively minor modifications. The results of the New York Bight work are compared to the Delaware results. Finally, other remote sensing systems (Nimbus G, aircraft photography and multispectral scanner systems) are discussed as possible complements of or replacements for the Landsat observations.

Philpot, W.↗

Linear state feedback, quadratic weights, and closed loop eigenstructures

Results are given on the relationships between closed loop eigenstructures, state feedback gain matrices of the linear state feedback problem, and quadratic weights of the linear quadratic regulator. Equations are derived for the angles of general multivariable root loci and linear quadratic optimal root loci, including angles of departure and approach. The generalized eigenvalue problem is used for the first time to compute angles of approach. Equations are also derived to find the sensitivity of closed loop eigenvalues and the directional derivatives of closed loop eigenvectors (with respect to a scalar multiplying the feedback gain matrix or the quadratic control weight). An equivalence class of quadratic weights that produce the same asymptotic eigenstructure is defined, sufficient conditions to be in it are given, a canonical element is defined, and an algorithm to find it is given. The behavior of the optimal root locus in the nonasymptotic region is shown to be different for quadratic weights with the same asymptotic properties.

Thompson, P. M.↗

Principal component greenness transformation in multitemporal agricultural Landsat data

A data compression technique for multitemporal Landsat imagery which extracts phenological growth pattern information for agricultural crops is described. The principal component greenness transformation was applied to multitemporal agricultural Landsat data for information retrieval. The transformation was favorable for applications in agricultural Landsat data analysis because of its physical interpretability and its relation to the phenological growth of crops. It was also found that the first and second greenness eigenvector components define a temporal small-grain trajectory and nonsmall-grain trajectory, respectively.

Abotteen, R. A.↗

Implementation of natural frequency analysis and optimality criterion design

A description is presented of an effective optimality criterion computer design approach for member size selection to improve frequency characteristics for moderately large structure models. It is shown that the implementation of the simultaneous iteration method within a natural frequency structural design optimization provides a method which is more efficient in isolating the lowest natural frequency modes than the frequently applied Stodola method. Additional computational advantages are derived by using previously converged eigenvectors at the start of the iterations during the second and the following design cycles. Vectors with random components can be used at the first design cycle, which, in relation to the entire computer time for the design program, results in only a moderate computational penalty.

Levy, R.↗

Design of robust state feedback controllers via eigenvalue/eigenvector assignment

A new method of selecting a multivariable state feedback controller is presented. The resulting controller simultaneously realizes arbitrary closed-loop eigenvalues, approximates specified modal behavior and achieves low eigensystem sensitivity with respect to plant parameter variations. The method characterizes a vector space slightly larger than the null space of the closed-loop system matrix and projects a desired modal matrix onto this space. Sensitivity of eigenvalues and eigenvectors is then minimized local to the desired modal matrix using a gradient search technique. A tutorial example to illustrate the design procedure is given.

Mielke, R. R.↗

Analysis of integral controls in linear quadratic regulator design

The application of linear optimal control to the design of systems with integral control action on specified outputs is considered. Using integral terms in a quadratic performance index, an asymptotic analysis is used to determine the effect of variable quadratic weights on the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the closed loop system. It is shown that for small integral terms the placement of integrator poles and gain calculation can be effectively decoupled from placement of the primary system eigenvalues. This technique is applied to the design of integral controls for a STOL aircraft outer loop guidance system.

Slater, G. L.↗