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At least 37 records · Page 2

The Miniaturized Moessbauer Spectrometer MIMOS II for the Asteroid Redirect Mission(ARM): Quantative Iron Mineralogy And Oxidation States

The miniaturized Moessbauer spectrometer MIMOS II is an off‐the‐shelf instrument with proven flight heritage. It has been successfully deployed during NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission and was on‐board the UK‐led Beagle 2 Mars lander and the Russian Phobos‐Grunt sample return mission. A Moessbauer spectrometer has been suggested for ASTEX, a DLR Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA) mission study, and the potential payload to be hosted by the Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM). Here we make the case for in situ asteroid characterization with Moessbauer spectroscopy on the ARM employing one of three available fully-qualified flight-spare Moessbauer instruments.

Schroeder, C.↗

A comparative study of linear and nonlinear MIMO feedback configurations

In this paper, a comparison is conducted of several feedback configurations which have appeared in the literature (e.g. unity-feedback, model-reference, etc.). The linear time-invariant multi-input multi-output case is considered. For each configuration, the stability conditions are specified, the relation between achievable I/O maps and the achievable disturbance-to-output maps is examined, and the effect of various subsystem perturbations on the system performance is studied. In terms of these considerations, it is demonstrated that one of the configurations considered is better than all the others. The results are then extended to the nonlinear multi-input multi-output case.

Desoer, C. A.↗

Dual control and prevention of the turn-off phenomenon in a class of mimo systems

A recently developed methodology of adaptive dual control based upon sensitivity functions is applied here to a multivariable input-output model. The plant has constant but unknown parameters. It represents a simplified linear version of the relationship between the vibration output and the higher harmonic control input for a helicopter. The cautious and the new dual controller are examined. In many instances, the cautious controller is seen to turn off. The new dual controller modifies the cautious control design by numerator and denominator correction terms which depend upon the sensitivity functions of the expected future cost and avoids the turn-off and burst phenomena. Monte Carlo simulations and statistical tests of significance indicate the superiority of the dual controller over the cautious and the heuristic certainity equivalence controllers.

Mookerjee, P.↗

One Controller at a Time (1-CAT): A mimo design methodology

The One Controller at a Time (1-CAT) methodology for designing digital controllers for Large Space Structures (LSS's) is introduced and illustrated. The flexible mode problem is first discussed. Next, desirable features of a LSS control system design methodology are delineated. The 1-CAT approach is presented, along with an analytical technique for carrying out the 1-CAT process. Next, 1-CAT is used to design digital controllers for the proposed Space Based Laser (SBL). Finally, the SBL design is evaluated for dynamical performance, noise rejection, and robustness.

Mitchell, J. R.↗

MIMO system identification using frequency response data

A solution to the problem of obtaining a multi-input, multi-output statespace model of a system from its individual input/output frequency responses is presented. The Residue Identification Algorithm (RID) identifies the system poles from a transfer function model of the determinant of the frequency response data matrix. Next, the residue matrices of the modes are computed guaranteeing that each input/output frequency response is fitted in the least squares sense. Finally, a realization of the system is computed. Results of the application of RID to experimental frequency responses of a large space structure ground test facility are presented and compared to those obtained via the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm.

Medina, Enrique A.↗

Spaceborne P-Band MIMO SAR for Planetary Applications

The Space Exploration Synthetic Aperture Radar (SESAR) is an advanced P-band beamforming radar instrument concept to enable a new class of observations suitable to meet Decadal Survey science goals for planetary exploration. The radar operates at full polarimetry and fine (meter scale) resolution, and achieves beam agility through programmable waveform generation and digital beamforming. The radar architecture employs a novel low power, lightweight design approach to meet stringent planetary instrument requirements. This instrument concept has the potential to provide unprecedented surface and near-subsurface measurements applicable to multiple Decadal Survey Science Goals.

Rincon, Rafael↗

In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) on the Moon: Moessbauer Spectroscopy as a Process Monitor for Oxygen Production

Essential consumables like oxygen must to be produced from materials on the lunar surface to enable a sustained, long-term presence of humans on the Moon. The Outpost Precursor for ISRU and Modular Architecture (OPTIMA) field test on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, facilitated by the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES) of the University of Hawaii at Hilo, was designed to test the implementation of three hardware concepts to extract oxygen from the lunar regolith: Precursor ISRU Lunar Oxygen Testbed (PILOT) developed by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, CO; Regolith & Environmental Science and Oxygen & Lunar Volatiles Extraction (RESOLVE) developed at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, FL; and ROxygen developed at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. The three concepts differ in design, but all rely on the same general principle: hydrogen reduction of metal cations (primarily Fe2+) bonded to oxygen to metal (e.g., Fe0) with the production of water. The hydrogen source is residual hydrogen in the fuel tanks of lunar landers. Electrolysis of the water produces oxygen and hydrogen (which is recycled). We used the miniaturized M ssbauer spectrometer MIMOS II to quantify the yield of this process on the basis of the quantity of Fe0 produced. Iron M ssbauer spectroscopy identifies iron-bearing phases, determines iron oxidation states, and quantifies the distribution of iron between mineral phases and oxidation states. The oxygen yield can be calculated by quantitative measurements of the distribution of Fe among oxidation states in the regolith before and after hydrogen reduction. A M ssbauer spectrometer can also be used as a prospecting tool to select the optimum feedstock for the oxygen production plants (e.g., high total Fe content and easily reduced phases). As a demonstration, a MIMOS II backscatter spectrometer (SPESI, Germany) was mounted on the Cratos rover (NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH), which is one of several rover concepts designed to excavate and transfer regolith to the stationary hydrogen reduction plants. Spaceflight versions of the MIMOS II are part of the instrument payloads of NASA s Mars Exploration Rovers and still operating five years after landing on the surface of the planet. MIMOS II was also selected for Phobos-Grunt, a Russian sample return mission to the martian moon Phobos scheduled to launch in 2009, and ESA s ExoMars rover, an exobiology mission scheduled to launch in 2013. An advanced version of the instrument is currently under development. A new detector system with a higher energy resolution will not only reduce the necessary measurement time considerably, but also allow the simultaneous acquisition of an X-ray fluorescence spectrum to determine the elemental composition of samples.

Morris, R.V.↗

Robust Stability Analysis of the Space Launch System Control Design: A Singular Value Approach

Classical stability analysis consists of breaking the feedback loops one at a time and determining separately how much gain or phase variations would destabilize the stable nominal feedback system. For typical launch vehicle control design, classical control techniques are generally employed. In addition to stability margins, frequency domain Monte Carlo methods are used to evaluate the robustness of the design. However, such techniques were developed for Single-Input-Single-Output (SISO) systems and do not take into consideration the off-diagonal terms in the transfer function matrix of Multi-Input-Multi-Output (MIMO) systems. Robust stability analysis techniques such as H(sub infinity) and mu are applicable to MIMO systems but have not been adopted as standard practices within the launch vehicle controls community. This paper took advantage of a simple singular-value-based MIMO stability margin evaluation method based on work done by Mukhopadhyay and Newsom and applied it to the SLS high-fidelity dynamics model. The method computes a simultaneous multi-loop gain and phase margin that could be related back to classical margins. The results presented in this paper suggest that for the SLS system, traditional SISO stability margins are similar to the MIMO margins. This additional level of verification provides confidence in the robustness of the control design.

Pei, Jing↗

Applications of active adaptive noise control to jet engines

During phase 2 research on the application of active noise control to jet engines, the development of multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) active adaptive noise control algorithms and acoustic/controls models for turbofan engines were considered. Specific goals for this research phase included: (1) implementation of a MIMO adaptive minimum variance active noise controller; and (2) turbofan engine model development. A minimum variance control law for adaptive active noise control has been developed, simulated, and implemented for single-input/single-output (SISO) systems. Since acoustic systems tend to be distributed, multiple sensors, and actuators are more appropriate. As such, the SISO minimum variance controller was extended to the MIMO case. Simulation and experimental results are presented. A state-space model of a simplified gas turbine engine is developed using the bond graph technique. The model retains important system behavior, yet is of low enough order to be useful for controller design. Expansion of the model to include multiple stages and spools is also discussed.

Shoureshi, Rahmat↗

Telerobotic control of a mobile coordinated robotic server, executive summary

This interim report continues with the research effort on advanced adaptive controls for space robotics systems. In particular, previous results developed by the principle investigator and his research team centered around fuzzy logic control (FLC) in which the lack of knowledge of the robotic system as well as the uncertainties of the environment are compensated for by a rule base structure which interacts with varying degrees of belief of control action using system measurements. An on-line adaptive algorithm was developed using a single parameter tuning scheme. In the effort presented, the methodology is further developed to include on-line scaling factor tuning and self-learning control as well as extended to the multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) case. Classical fuzzy logic control requires tuning input scale factors off-line through trial and error techniques. This is time-consuming and cannot adapt to new changes in the process. The new adaptive FLC includes a self-tuning scheme for choosing the scaling factors on-line. Further the rule base in classical FLC is usually produced by soliciting knowledge from human operators as to what is good control action for given circumstances. This usually requires full knowledge and experience of the process and operating conditions, which limits applicability. A self-learning scheme is developed which adaptively forms the rule base with very limited knowledge of the process. Finally, a MIMO method is presented employing optimization techniques. This is required for application to space robotics in which several degrees-of-freedom links are commonly used. Simulation examples are presented for terminal control - typical of robotic problems in which a desired terminal point is to be reached for each link. Future activities will be to implement the MIMO adaptive FLC on an INTEL microcontroller-based circuit and to test the algorithm on a robotic system at the Mars Mission Research Center at North Carolina State University.

Lee, Gordon↗

Multivariable feedback design - Concepts for a classical/modern synthesis

This paper presents a practical design perspective on multivariable feedback control problems. It reviews the basic issue - feedback design in the face of uncertainties - and generalizes known single-input, single-output (SISO) statements and constraints of the design problem to multiinput, multioutput (MIMO) cases. Two major MIMO design approaches are then evaluated in the context of these results.

Doyle, J. C.↗

A research program in active control/aeroelasticity

In this research period a synthesis methodology for multifunctional robust aeroservoelastic systems was developed. The development consisted of the following stages: (1) development of an universal diagram to determine phase and gain margins of a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) system using singular value based stability margin criteria; (2) determination of singular value gradients with respect to design parameters and their application to improve stability margins of multiloop system; and (3) application of constrained optimization techniques to synthesize a low order robust controller for a high order MIMO aeroservoelastic system while satisfying several design constraints on the dynamic loads and responses and stability margins at the plant input and output. Overall research activities are summarized.

Source record↗

Development and testing of controller performance evaluation methodology for multi-input/multi-output digital control systems

Described here is the development and implementation of on-line, near real time controller performance evaluation (CPE) methods capability. Briefly discussed are the structure of data flow, the signal processing methods used to process the data, and the software developed to generate the transfer functions. This methodology is generic in nature and can be used in any type of multi-input/multi-output (MIMO) digital controller application, including digital flight control systems, digitally controlled spacecraft structures, and actively controlled wind tunnel models. Results of applying the CPE methodology to evaluate (in near real time) MIMO digital flutter suppression systems being tested on the Rockwell Active Flexible Wing (AFW) wind tunnel model are presented to demonstrate the CPE capability.

Pototzky, Anthony↗

System identification and model reduction using modulating function techniques

Weighted least squares (WLS) and adaptive weighted least squares (AWLS) algorithms are initiated for continuous-time system identification using Fourier type modulating function techniques. Two stochastic signal models are examined using the mean square properties of the stochastic calculus: an equation error signal model with white noise residuals, and a more realistic white measurement noise signal model. The covariance matrices in each model are shown to be banded and sparse, and a joint likelihood cost function is developed which links the real and imaginary parts of the modulated quantities. The superior performance of above algorithms is demonstrated by comparing them with the LS/MFT and popular predicting error method (PEM) through 200 Monte Carlo simulations. A model reduction problem is formulated with the AWLS/MFT algorithm, and comparisons are made via six examples with a variety of model reduction techniques, including the well-known balanced realization method. Here the AWLS/MFT algorithm manifests higher accuracy in almost all cases, and exhibits its unique flexibility and versatility. Armed with this model reduction, the AWLS/MFT algorithm is extended into MIMO transfer function system identification problems. The impact due to the discrepancy in bandwidths and gains among subsystem is explored through five examples. Finally, as a comprehensive application, the stability derivatives of the longitudinal and lateral dynamics of an F-18 aircraft are identified using physical flight data provided by NASA. A pole-constrained SIMO and MIMO AWLS/MFT algorithm is devised and analyzed. Monte Carlo simulations illustrate its high-noise rejecting properties. Utilizing the flight data, comparisons among different MFT algorithms are tabulated and the AWLS is found to be strongly favored in almost all facets.

Shen, Yan↗

Linear, multivariable robust control with a mu perspective

The structured singular value is a linear algebra tool developed to study a particular class of matrix perturbation problems arising in robust feedback control of multivariable systems. These perturbations are called linear fractional, and are a natural way to model many types of uncertainty in linear systems, including state-space parameter uncertainty, multiplicative and additive unmodeled dynamics uncertainty, and coprime factor and gap metric uncertainty. The structured singular value theory provides a natural extension of classical SISO robustness measures and concepts to MIMO systems. The structured singular value analysis, coupled with approximate synthesis methods, make it possible to study the tradeoff between performance and uncertainty that occurs in all feedback systems. In MIMO systems, the complexity of the spatial interactions in the loop gains make it difficult to heuristically quantify the tradeoffs that must occur. This paper examines the role played by the structured singular value (and its computable bounds) in answering these questions, as well as its role in the general robust, multivariable control analysis and design problem.

Packard, Andy↗

Formulation and verification of frequency response system identification techniques for large space structures

For the past several years much effort has been given to the development of techniques for designing control systems for large space structures (LSS's). The main objective of these efforts has been to develop a LSS control methodology that produces designs that meet strenuous performance requirements and are robust to model inaccuracies. Unfortunately, performance and robustness are conflicting requirements. Because LSS's can not be fully tested on ground, it has become an accepted fact that the design of LSS control systems to meet performance requirements can not be completed until the LSS is placed on-orbit and tested and an accurate model is extracted from on-orbit test results. Modern MIMO sampled-data frequency response design techniques are viable candidates for designing LSS control systems. First, this paper presents techniques for performing MIMO system identification (ID) from test data. Then, techniques for improving the performance of the system ID process in the presence of noise are presented. Finally, practical utility of the system ID approaches are validated by the presentation of results obtained from application on the LSS Ground Test Facility at Marshall Space Flight Center.

Mitchell, Jerrel R.↗

Control system design for flexible structures using data models

The dynamics and control of flexible aerospace structures exercises many of the engineering disciplines. In recent years there has been considerable research in the developing and tailoring of control system design techniques for these structures. This problem involves designing a control system for a multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) system that satisfies various performance criteria, such as vibration suppression, disturbance and noise rejection, attitude control and slewing control. Considerable progress has been made and demonstrated in control system design techniques for these structures. The key to designing control systems for these structures that meet stringent performance requirements is an accurate model. It has become apparent that theoretically and finite-element generated models do not provide the needed accuracy; almost all successful demonstrations of control system design techniques have involved using test results for fine-tuning a model or for extracting a model using system ID techniques. This paper describes past and ongoing efforts at Ohio University and NASA MSFC to design controllers using 'data models.' The basic philosophy of this approach is to start with a stabilizing controller and frequency response data that describes the plant; then, iteratively vary the free parameters of the controller so that performance measures become closer to satisfying design specifications. The frequency response data can be either experimentally derived or analytically derived. One 'design-with-data' algorithm presented in this paper is called the Compensator Improvement Program (CIP). The current CIP designs controllers for MIMO systems so that classical gain, phase, and attenuation margins are achieved. The center-piece of the CIP algorithm is the constraint improvement technique which is used to calculate a parameter change vector that guarantees an improvement in all unsatisfied, feasible performance metrics from iteration to iteration. The paper also presents a recently demonstrated CIP-type algorithm, called the Model and Data Oriented Computer-Aided Design System (MADCADS), developed for achieving H(sub infinity) type design specifications using data models. Control system design for the NASA/MSFC Single Structure Control Facility are demonstrated for both CIP and MADCADS. Advantages of design-with-data algorithms over techniques that require analytical plant models are also presented.

Irwin, R. Dennis↗