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At least 325 records · Page 18

Test and Analysis Correlation of Standard and Hybrid Standard/Thin-ply Composite Notched Test Specimens

Hybrid composite laminates, a combination of standard-and thin-ply layers, are structurally efficient and can offer opportunities for weight savings over composite laminates composed of only standard-thickness plies. Three hybrid laminates and three standard laminates were tested and analyzed to provide a baseline comparison for not only weight savings and strength benefits of the hybrid stacking sequences, but also to provide fidelity for progressive failure modeling techniques using the two different laminate designs. The standard and hybrid composite specimens were designed to have the same thickness and in-plane stiffness properties, as closely as possible, and were loaded with axial tension and axial compression. Small notched specimens were tested under compression and tension loading, and larger intermediate specimens were tested under tension loading, only. The finite element modeling represented the as-designed panel dimensions as well as the real-life testing conditions through various boundary conditions. The progressive failure modeling and analysis technique described, exhibited very good correlation with the hybrid test specimens, and therefore is appropriate for use in future investigations into more appealing stacking sequences. The progressive failure modeling can also be used to determine the proper usage of thin-ply materials in order to determine the most ideal strength benefits over their standard-ply counterparts.

Alana Zahn↗

Hybrid Systems Diagnosis

This paper reports on an on-going Project to investigate techniques to diagnose complex dynamical systems that are modeled as hybrid systems. In particular, we examine continuous systems with embedded supervisory controllers that experience abrupt, partial or full failure of component devices. We cast the diagnosis problem as a model selection problem. To reduce the space of potential models under consideration, we exploit techniques from qualitative reasoning to conjecture an initial set of qualitative candidate diagnoses, which induce a smaller set of models. We refine these diagnoses using parameter estimation and model fitting techniques. As a motivating case study, we have examined the problem of diagnosing NASA's Sprint AERCam, a small spherical robotic camera unit with 12 thrusters that enable both linear and rotational motion.

McIlraith, Sheila↗

The analysis of polar clouds from AVHRR satellite data using pattern recognition techniques

The cloud cover in a set of summertime and wintertime AVHRR data from the Arctic and Antarctic regions was analyzed using a pattern recognition algorithm. The data were collected by the NOAA-7 satellite on 6 to 13 Jan. and 1 to 7 Jul. 1984 between 60 deg and 90 deg north and south latitude in 5 spectral channels, at the Global Area Coverage (GAC) resolution of approximately 4 km. This data embodied a Polar Cloud Pilot Data Set which was analyzed by a number of research groups as part of a polar cloud algorithm intercomparison study. This study was intended to determine whether the additional information contained in the AVHRR channels (beyond the standard visible and infrared bands on geostationary satellites) could be effectively utilized in cloud algorithms to resolve some of the cloud detection problems caused by low visible and thermal contrasts in the polar regions. The analysis described makes use of a pattern recognition algorithm which estimates the surface and cloud classification, cloud fraction, and surface and cloudy visible (channel 1) albedo and infrared (channel 4) brightness temperatures on a 2.5 x 2.5 deg latitude-longitude grid. In each grid box several spectral and textural features were computed from the calibrated pixel values in the multispectral imagery, then used to classify the region into one of eighteen surface and/or cloud types using the maximum likelihood decision rule. A slightly different version of the algorithm was used for each season and hemisphere because of differences in categories and because of the lack of visible imagery during winter. The classification of the scene is used to specify the optimal AVHRR channel for separating clear and cloudy pixels using a hybrid histogram-spatial coherence method. This method estimates values for cloud fraction, clear and cloudy albedos and brightness temperatures in each grid box. The choice of a class-dependent AVHRR channel allows for better separation of clear and cloudy pixels than does a global choice of a visible and/or infrared threshold. The classification also prevents erroneous estimates of large fractional cloudiness in areas of cloudfree snow and sea ice. The hybrid histogram-spatial coherence technique and the advantages of first classifying a scene in the polar regions are detailed. The complete Polar Cloud Pilot Data Set was analyzed and the results are presented and discussed.

Smith, William L.↗

Error Control Coding Techniques for Space and Satellite Communications

Bootstrap Hybrid Decoding (BHD) (Jelinek and Cocke, 1971) is a coding/decoding scheme that adds extra redundancy to a set of convolutionally encoded codewords and uses this redundancy to provide reliability information to a sequential decoder. Theoretical results indicate that bit error probability performance (BER) of BHD is close to that of Turbo-codes, without some of their drawbacks. In this report we study the use of the Multiple Stack Algorithm (MSA) (Chevillat and Costello, Jr., 1977) as the underlying sequential decoding algorithm in BHD, which makes possible an iterative version of BHD.

Costello, Daniel J., Jr.↗

Aeroservoelastic stabilization techniques for hypersonic flight vehicles

The potential of Hybrid Phase Stabilization (HPS), particularly for highly unstable aircraft, using a hypersonic flight vehicle (HSV) as a relevant example, is discussed. The development of HPS is presented and the result is compared with that generated using a conventional gain stabilization technique. Since HPS was not addressed in the MIL-spec requirements, a preliminary residual response metric was developed to provide guidance in assessing HPS.

Chan, Samuel Y.↗

Aeroservoelastic stabilization techniques for hypersonic flight vehicles

The potential of Hybrid Phase Stabilization (HPS), particularly for highly unstable aircraft, using a hypersonic flight vehicle (HSV) as a relevant example, is discussed. The development of HPS is presented and the result is compared with that generated using a conventional gain stabilization technique. Since HPS was not addressed in the MIL-spec requirements, a preliminary residual response metric was developed to provide guidance in assessing HPS.

Cheng, Peter Y.↗

An Application of CFD to Guide Forced Boundary-Layer Transition for Low-Speed Tests of a Hybrid Wing-Body Configuration

A hybrid transition trip-dot sizing and placement test technique was developed in support of recent experimental research on a hybrid wing-body configuration under study for the NASA Environmentally Responsible Aviation project. The approach combines traditional methods with Computational Fluid Dynamics. The application had three-dimensional boundary layers that were simulated with either fully turbulent or transitional flow models using established Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes methods. Trip strip effectiveness was verified experimentally using infrared thermography during a low-speed wind tunnel test. Although the work was performed on one specific configuration, the process was based on fundamental flow physics and could be applicable to other configurations.

Luckring, James M.↗

Sculpting in cyberspace: Parallel processing the development of new software

Stimulating creativity in problem solving, particularly where software development is involved, is applicable to many disciplines. Metaphorical thinking keeps the problem in focus but in a different light, jarring people out of their mental ruts and sparking fresh insights. It forces the mind to stretch to find patterns between dissimilar concepts, in the hope of discovering unusual ideas in odd associations (Technology Review January 1993, p. 37). With a background in Engineering and Visual Design from MIT, I have for the past 30 years pursued a career as a sculptor of interdisciplinary monumental artworks that bridge the fields of science, engineering and art. Since 1979, I have pioneered the application of computer simulation to solve the complex problems associated with these projects. A recent project for the roof of the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh made particular use of the metaphoric creativity technique described above. The problem-solving process led to the creation of hybrid software combining scientific, architectural and engineering visualization techniques. David Steich, a Doctoral Candidate in Electrical Engineering at Penn State, was commissioned to develop special software that enabled me to create innovative free-form sculpture. This paper explores the process of inventing the software through a detailed analysis of the interaction between an artist and a computer programmer.

Fisher, Rob↗

Image data compression investigation

NASA continuous communications systems growth has increased the demand for image transmission and storage. Research and analysis was conducted on various lossy and lossless advanced data compression techniques or approaches used to improve the efficiency of transmission and storage of high volume stellite image data such as pulse code modulation (PCM), differential PCM (DPCM), transform coding, hybrid coding, interframe coding, and adaptive technique. In this presentation, the fundamentals of image data compression utilizing two techniques which are pulse code modulation (PCM) and differential PCM (DPCM) are presented along with an application utilizing these two coding techniques.

Myrie, Carlos↗

Laser particulate spectrometer

Hybrid laser scattering and extinction technique measures particle diameters from 0.8 to 2.75 micrometers and speeds from 0.2 to 20 m/s. Operating pressures range from ambient to ultra-high vacuum, and temperatures range from 77 to 300 K. Potential applications include air pollution, clean room, and particle size monitoring.

Boyd, B. A.↗

Geologic mapping using LANDSAT data

The feasibility of automated classification for lithologic mapping with LANDSAT digital data was evaluated using three classification algorithms. The two supervised algorithms analyzed, a linear discriminant analysis algorithm and a hybrid algorithm which incorporated the Parallelepiped algorithm and the Bayesian maximum likelihood function, were comparable in terms of accuracy; however, classification was only 50 per cent accurate. The linear discriminant analysis algorithm was three times as efficient as the hybrid approach. The unsupervised classification technique, which incorporated the CLUS algorithm, delineated the major lithologic boundaries and, in general, correctly classified the most prominent geologic units. The unsupervised algorithm was not as efficient nor as accurate as the supervised algorithms. Analysis of spectral data for the lithologic units in the 0.4 to 2.5 microns region indicated that a greater separability of the spectral signatures could be obtained using wavelength bands outside the region sensed by LANDSAT.

Siegal, B. S.↗

Investigation of energy management strategies for photovoltaic systems - An analysis technique

Progress is reported in formulating energy management strategies for stand-alone PV systems, developing an analytical tool that can be used to investigate these strategies, applying this tool to determine the proper control algorithms and control variables (controller inputs and outputs) for a range of applications, and quantifying the relative performance and economics when compared to systems that do not apply energy management. The analysis technique developed may be broadly applied to a variety of systems to determine the most appropriate energy management strategies, control variables and algorithms. The only inputs required are statistical distributions for stochastic energy inputs and outputs of the system and the system's device characteristics (efficiency and ratings). Although the formulation was originally driven by stand-alone PV system needs, the techniques are also applicable to hybrid and grid connected systems.

Cull, R. C.↗

Laminar flow control for transport aircraft applications

The incorporation of laminar flow control into transport aircraft is discussed. Design concepts for the wing surface panel of laminar flow control transport aircraft are described. The development of small amounts of laminar flow on small commercial transports with natural or hybrid flow control is examined. Techniques for eliminating the insect contamination problem in the leading-edge region are proposed.

Wagner, R. D.↗

Dynamic response of laminated composite plates using a three-dimensional hybrid-stress finite-element formulation

A method of analysis of dynamic response of laminated composite plates is presented. The analysis is carried by using a hybrid-stress finite element numerical technique. By using this approach, the response of simply supported laminated plates subjected to sinusoidal loading are investigated. For the solution of the finite element equations of motion of free vibrations and dynamic response problems, two effective methods of solution, the space iteration method and the Newmark direct integration method are used. These two methods are discussed here.

Liou, W. J.↗

The tapered slot antenna - A new integrated element for millimeter-wave applications

Tapered slot antennas (TSAs) with a number of potential applications as single elements and focal-plane arrays are discussed. TSAs are fabricated with photolithographic techniques and integrated in either hybrid or MMIC circuits with receiver or transmitter components. They offer considerably narrower beams than other integrated antenna elements and have high aperture efficiency and packing density as array elements. Both the circuit and radiation properties of TSAs are reviewed. Topics covered include: antenna beamwidth, directivity, and gain of single-element TSAs; their beam shape and the effect of different taper shapes; and the input impedance and the effects of using thick dielectrics. These characteristics are also given for TSA arrays, as are the circuit properties of the array elements. Different array structures and their applications are also described.

Yngvesson, K. Sigfrid↗

Hierarchical classification in high dimensional numerous class cases

As progress in new sensor technology continues, increasingly high resolution imaging sensors are being developed. These sensors give more detailed and complex data for each picture element and greatly increase the dimensionality of data over past systems. Three methods for designing a decision tree classifier are discussed: a top down approach, a bottom up approach, and a hybrid approach. Three feature extraction techniques are implemented. Canonical and extended canonical techniques are mainly dependent upon the mean difference between two classes. An autocorrelation technique is dependent upon the correlation differences. The mathematical relationship between sample size, dimensionality, and risk value is derived.

Kim, Byungyong↗