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At least 37 records · Page 2

Wildfire-fighting Use Case Requirements to Monitor

In this technical report, we provide requirements for a wildfire-fighting use-case, towards the Safety Demonstrator 1. The use case will incorporate ground and airborne assets operating in a coordinated fashion, and will comprise five activities, from detection to the execution of the initial attack. Depending on the activity and the data involved, the requirements identified may be non-probabilistic or probabilistic. In both cases, we first identify some of the requirements we wish to monitor, and then present a formalization using the language of requirements of the NASA requirements elicitation tool FRET. To formalize probabilistic requirements, we use a novel extension to FRET’s requirements language that incorporates notions of probability, and discuss how requirements can be translated into existing probabilistic temporal logics like PCTL. We exemplify how some of the requirements presented can be monitored using the existing tools Ogma and Copilot. We close with a summary and future directions.

Requirements↗

Comparison of Force and Moment Coefficients for the Same Test Article in Multiple Wind Tunnels

This paper compares the results of force and moment measurements made on the same test article and with the same balance in three transonic wind tunnels. Comparisons are made for the same combination of Reynolds number, Mach number, sideslip angle, control surface configuration, and angle of attack range. Between-tunnel force and moment differences are quantified. An analysis of variance was performed at four unique sites in the design space to assess the statistical significance of between-tunnel variation and any interaction with angle of attack. Tunnel to tunnel differences too large to attribute to random error were detected were observed for all forces and moments. In some cases these differences were independent of angle of attack and in other cases they changed with angle of attack.

Deloach, Richard↗

Failure detection and fault management techniques for flush airdata sensing systems

A high-angle-of-attack flush airdata sensing system was installed and flight tested on the F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle at NASA-Dryden. This system uses a matrix of pressure orifices arranged in concentric circles on the nose of the vehicle to determine angles of attack, angles of sideslip, dynamic pressure, and static pressure as well as other airdata parameters. Results presented use an arrangement of 11 symmetrically distributed ports on the aircraft nose. Experience with this sensing system data indicates that the primary concern for real-time implementation is the detection and management of overall system and individual pressure sensor failures. The multiple port sensing system is more tolerant to small disturbances in the measured pressure data than conventional probe-based intrusive airdata systems. However, under adverse circumstances, large undetected failures in individual pressure ports can result in algorithm divergence and catastrophic failure of the entire system. How system and individual port failures may be detected using chi sq. analysis is shown. Once identified, the effects of failures are eliminated using weighted least squares.

Whitmore, Stephen A.↗

The geographical distribution of lightning: Forestry and range requirements and interests

In an attempt to reduce the response time of the initial attack forces to lightning-caused fire, a lightning detection system that effectively locates accurate directions to lightning discharges to over 200 miles from the detection equipment was developed. The system was first tested in Alaska in 1975. Since that time, further development and operational testing led to the implementation of wide area networks. For the 1979 fire season an eight station network in Alaska is to be implemented that will cover virtually all of the lightning-caused fire areas in the state. In the western United States, an eighteen station network that will cover approximately 85% of eleven states is to be implemented. For the first time, large scale ground discharge lightning distribution information is to be available.

Vance, D. L.↗

Fault-Detection Tool Has Companies 'Mining' Own Business

A successful launching of NASA's Space Shuttle hinges heavily on the three Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSME) that power the orbiter. These critical components must be monitored in real time, with sensors, and compared against expected behaviors that could scrub a launch or, even worse, cause in- flight hazards. Since 1981, SSME faults have caused 23 scrubbed launches and 29 percent of total Space Shuttle downtime, according to a compilation of analysis reports. The most serious cases typically occur in the last few seconds before ignition; a launch scrub that late in the countdown usually means a period of investigation of a month or more. For example, during the launch attempt of STS-41D in 1984, an anomaly was detected in the number three engine, causing the mission to be scrubbed at T-4 seconds. This not only affected STS-41D, but forced the cancellation of another mission and caused a 2-month flight delay. In 2002, NASA s Kennedy Space Center, the Florida Institute of Technology, and Interface & Control Systems, Inc., worked together to attack this problem by creating a system that could automate the detection of mechanical failures in the SSMEs fuel control valves.

Source record↗

Characterization of Naturally-Occurring Particles in the Nasa Langley 0.3-m Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel Using PTV

Naturally-occurring particles within the NASA Langley 0.3-m Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel are characterized for their aerodynamic performance using particle tracking velocimetry. Two sets of experiments were conducted to observe different behaviors of the particles. The normal shockwave emanating from the top surface of a supercritical airfoil was used to induce velocity lag in the particles, and the subsequent spatial decay of the velocity was used to estimate the effective diameter of the particles. Mean particle diameters between 1.6 and 1.9 𝝁m were measured, with sizes ranging from 0.2 to 3.5 𝝁m over the entire ensemble. The response of particles to separated flow was investigated. By operating in “high-lift” (low Mach number, high angle of attack) conditions with a semi-span airfoil, the ability of particles to detect separated flow on the upper surface of the airfoil was assessed. Transition from fully attached flow to fully separated flow was observed on the top surface of the airfoil accompanying a variation of angle of attack from 8° to 12°. Examination of velocity distributions indicates less than 10 percent of particle trajectories did not respond to the regions of separated flow. These results are promising, but further facility-specific work is needed to answer the broader question of particle tracking reliability.

Transonic↗

Characterization of Naturally-Occurring Particles in the NASA Langley 0.3-m Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel Using PTV

Naturally-occurring particles within the NASA Langley 0.3-m Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel are characterized for their aerodynamic performance using particle tracking velocimetry. Two sets of experiments were conducted to observe different behaviors of the particles. The normal shockwave emanating from the top surface of a supercritical airfoil was used to induce velocity lag in the particles, and the subsequent spatial decay of the velocity was used to estimate the effective diameter of the particles. Mean particle diameters between 1.6 and 1.9 𝝁m were measured, with sizes ranging from 0.2 to 3.5 𝝁m over the entire ensemble. The response of particles to separated flow was investigated. By operating in “high-lift” (low Mach number, high angle of attack) conditions with a semi-span airfoil, the ability of particles to detect separated flow on the upper surface of the airfoil was assessed. Transition from fully attached flow to fully separated flow was observed on the top surface of the airfoil accompanying a variation of angle of attack from 8° to 12°. Examination of velocity distributions indicates less than 10 percent of particle trajectories did not respond to the regions of separated flow. These results are promising, but further facility-specific work is needed to answer the broader question of particle tracking reliability.

Transonic↗

High angle of attack position sensing for the Southampton University magnetic suspension and balance system

An all digital five channel position detection system is to be installed in the Southampton University Magnetic Suspension and Balance System (SUMSBS). The system is intended to monitor a much larger range of model pitch attitudes than has been possible hitherto, up to a maximum of a 90 degree angle of attack. It is based on the use of self-scanning photodiode arrays and illuminating laser light beams, together with purpose built processing electronics. The principles behind the design of the system are discussed, together with the results of testing one channel of the system which was used to control the axial position of a magnetically suspended model in SUMSBS. The removal of optically coupled heave position information from the axial position sensing channel is described.

Parker, David H.↗

Airframe noise measurements on a transport model in a quiet flow facility

An experimental investigation was conducted in an anechoic flow facility to explore problems and methods of measuring the airframe (nonpropulsive) noise associated with a 1/20-scale model of a B-737 transport. The test model geometry simulated the cruise and a landing configuration. Nonpropulsive model noise was detected at various flow velocities and at various angles of attack when turbulent flow was induced over the model. Discrete tones, associated with the extended undercarriage and wheel cavities, and an increase in broadband sound pressure level were observed with the model in a landing configuration.

Shearin, J. G.↗

Computer Program Recognizes Patterns in Time-Series Data

A computer program recognizes selected patterns in time-series data like digitized samples of seismic or electrophysiological signals. The program implements an artificial neural network (ANN) and a set of N clocks for the purpose of determining whether N or more instances of a certain waveform, W, occur within a given time interval, T. The ANN must be trained to recognize W in the incoming stream of data. The first time the ANN recognizes W, it sets clock 1 to count down from T to zero; the second time it recognizes W, it sets clock 2 to count down from T to zero, and so forth through the Nth instance. On the N + 1st instance, the cycle is repeated, starting with clock 1. If any clock has not reached zero when it is reset, then N instances of W have been detected within time T, and the program so indicates. The program can readily be encoded in a field-programmable gate array or an application-specific integrated circuit that could be used, for example, to detect electroencephalographic or electrocardiographic waveforms indicative of epileptic seizures or heart attacks, respectively.

Hand, Charles↗

Airfoil transition and separation studies using an infrared imaging system

An infrared imaging system was used to detect the thermal signature of boundary-layer flow regimes on a NACA 0012 airfoil from zero angle of attack up to separation. The boundary-layer transition from laminar to turbulent flow and the onset of separation could be seen on the airfoil thermograms. The findings were compared against the behavior of aluminum foil tufts observable both visually and with the infrared imaging system. This arrangement offers the option of using the infrared imaging system both for flow regime detection through surface thermography and flow visualization by the aluminum foil tufts. Ultimately the surface temperature changes due to variation in the angle of attack of a lifting surface provide a means for interpretation of the boundary-layer flow regimes.

Gartenberg, Ehud↗

Development of an Autonomous Lidar Instrument for Use on a UAV Platform in Support of Homeland Security

Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center have developed an autonomous aerosol backscatter lidar instrument for use on the high-altitude ER-2 aircraft (for more information please visit http://cpl.gsfc.nasa.gov). Work is currently underway to transfer this instrument to a UAV platform such as Global Hawk. While the NASA applications are Earth science and satellite validation, there is clearly a Homeland Security application for such an instrument. One novel concept is to have a fleet of UAVs stationed around the country, each UAV having a payload including a lidar instrument. In the event of attack, the appropriate UAV(s) could be launched for purposes of, e.g., plume detection and tracking that are critical for decision support. While the existing lidar instrument is not directly capable of biological species discrimination, it is capable of plume tracking and thus can demonstrate to DHS the capabilities and utility of such instruments. Using NASA funding we will have an instrument ready to fly on Global Hawk by end of 2005. We would like to find partners, either within private industry or within DHS who would be willing to contribute aircraft access and flight hours for a demonstration flight. Longer-term partnerships to develop more advanced and more capable types of lidar instruments are also desirable. In this presentation we will detail the existing ER-2 lidar instrument and show measurement results, show the progress made on adapting to the Global Hawk platform, present concepts for DHS uses of such instruments, and openly pursue partnership opportunities.

McGill, Matthew↗

NO PLIF Visualizations of the Orion Capsule in LENS-I

Planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) of nitric oxide (NO) was used to visualize the interaction of reaction-control-system (RCS) jet flows in the wake of a hypersonic capsule reentry vehicle. The tests were performed at the Calspan University at Buffalo Research Center's (CUBRC) LENS-I reflected shock tunnel facility. This was the first application of PLIF to study RCS jets in a large-scale pulsed hypersonic facility. The LENS-I facility allowed RCS jet flows to be studied while varying the flow enthalpy, Reynolds number, angle of attack and jet configuration. The interaction of pitch and roll jets with the flowfield was investigated. Additionally, thin film sensors were used to monitor heat transfer on the surface of the model to detect any localized heating resulting from the firing of the RCS jets. Tests were conducted with the model held at angles of attack of 18deg and 22deg. The nominal Mach number in all tests was 8, while Reynolds number based on model diameter ranged from 2.2x10(exp 6) - 1.5x10(exp 7). Images were processed using the Virtual Diagnostics Interface (ViDI) system developed at NASA Langley Research Center to provide a three-dimensional display of the experimental data.

Combs, C.↗

Data acquisition for stall/spin flight research

A special purpose digital data acquisition system is built for stall/spin flight research. A Schweizer 2-32 sailplane is used as the test vehicle. Computer hardware and its architecture are described. Concepts of system failure detection are considered in the design. Special instrumentation developed for the high angle of attack flight is presented. A representative flight time history of a maneuver also is shown. The flight data will be used for the identification of aerodynamic parameters.

Srijayantha, M.↗

The Incidence of Patent Foramen Ovale in 1,000 Consecutive Patients: A Contrast Transesophageal Echocardiography Study

Study objective: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is present in 10 to 35% of people and has been reported to be an important risk factor for cardioembolic cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) and transient ischemic attacks (TIAS), especially in younger patients. While contrast transthoracic echocardiography has been used to detect PFO, contrast transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has a greater sensitivity. Prior studies reported the incidence of PFO in patients presenting with a CVA or TIA. Design: To determine the incidence of PFO in a more general population, we reviewed 1,000 consecutive TEES performed with contrast and color Doppler for the presence of PFO and other cardioembolic risk factors, including atrial septal aneurysm (ASA), aortic plaque, atrial fibrillation (AFib), and atrial thrombi. While imaging with monoplane or biplane TEE, multiple injections of agitated saline solution were injected during cough or Valsalva maneuver to detect flow through a PFO. Patients: There were 482 male and 518 female patients with mean age of 60 + 17 years (range 11 to 93 years). Results: Patent foramen ovale was found in 9.2% of all patients and, though seen in all age groups divided by decade, the incidence in patients aged 40 to 49 years was greater than those aged 70 to 79 years (12.96% vs 6.15%',, p=0.03). Contrast TEE had a much higher detection rate than color Doppler alone. Importantly, there was no greater incidence of PFO in patients with CVA vs thos~ without CVA, or in male vs female patients. Also, there was a very strong correlation between the presence of ASA and PFO (p<.001). Conclusion: Thus, PFO detected by TEE, frequently seen with ASA, is seen in all age groups and does not in itself present a risk factor for CVA. The association of PFO with peripheral thrombosis and CVA needs further study.

Fisher, Daniel C.↗

R2U2 in Space: System and Software Health Management for Small Satellites

In order for small but complex systems like rovers, SmallSats, or Unmanned Aircraft (UAS) to operate autonomously, they must have a real-time solution for assessing their own system health. System and Software Health Management (SHM) enables better detection of faulty sensors and software problems, and enables better fault management including mitigation of unpredicted fault scenarios in the absence of a human on-board. In recent work, we have developed a Responsive, Realizable, Unobtrusive Unit (R2U2) for on-board SHM of autonomous UAS and demonstrated its ability to detect faults during flight time. These faults, from sensor failures, to software problems, to malicious security attacks, can present as transient temporal faults that even humans are challenged to find. An R2U2 congfiuration is a modular combination of multiple types of temporal logic runtime observers with fault-specic Bayesian Nets and sensor filters. R2U2 reasons about both on-board hardware and software components; R2U2 itself can be instantiated as an independent FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array)-based conguration or as a software component running independently from other software on-board. Small satellites, such as CubeSats, also require on-board SHM and failure mitigation, as limited telemetry bandwidth does not allow the transmission of the entire system state for ground-based health management. However, the autonomous operation of satellites brings a set of challenges different from UAS, including the effects of radiation on non-rad-hard, low-cost components, and the harsher environment of space. We surmise that a new extension of R2U2 could be adapted to help better detect, for example, radiation errors in cheaper COTS (Commercial Off the Shelf) (not rad-hard) components often used in small space systems. Since small satellites often operate in coordination, we will also examine new ways of distributed monitoring of their communication and cooperation and real-time detection of off-nominal situations utilizing multiple satellites. This talk will discuss preliminary work and ideas for building on terrestrial success of system and software health management for the harsher, and differently challenging, environment of space.

Runtime Verification & Validation↗

Flight test to determine feasibility of a proposed airborne wake vortex detection concept

This investigation was conducted to determine the radial extent at which aircraft mounted flow vanes or roll rate gyros can sense the circulatory flow field that exists around the lift induced vortex system generated by an aircraft in flight. The probe aircraft was equipped with wingtip sensors for measuring angle of attack and angle of sideslip, and with a fuselage mounted gyroscope for measuring roll rate. Analysis of flight test data indicated that the vortex was detectable at a lateral distance of about 105 feet (best results) using unsophisticated equipment. Measurements were made from the centerline of the probe aircraft to the center of the nearest vortex with the probe aircraft flying between one half and one and one half miles behind the vortex generating aircraft.

Branstetter, James R.↗

Ground radar detection of meteoroids in space

A special test to lower the detection threshold for satellite fragments potentially dangerous to spacecraft was carried out by NORAD for NASA, using modified radar software. The Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System, a large, planar face, phased radar, operates at a nominal 430 MHz and produces 120 pulses per second, 45 of which were dedicated to search. In a time period of 8.4 hours of observations over three days, over 6000 objects were detected and tracked of which 37 were determined to have velocities greater than escape velocity. Six of these were larger objects with radar cross sections greater than 0.1 sq m and were probably orbiting satellites. A table gives the flux of both observed groups.

Kessler, D. J.↗