Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “interactive model”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2

Space station crew safety: Human factors interaction model

A model of the various human factors issues and interactions that might affect crew safety is developed. The first step addressed systematically the central question: How is this space station different from all other spacecraft? A wide range of possible issue was identified and researched. Five major topics of human factors issues that interacted with crew safety resulted: Protocols, Critical Habitability, Work Related Issues, Crew Incapacitation and Personal Choice. Second, an interaction model was developed that would show some degree of cause and effect between objective environmental or operational conditions and the creation of potential safety hazards. The intermediary steps between these two extremes of causality were the effects on human performance and the results of degraded performance. The model contains three milestones: stressor, human performance (degraded) and safety hazard threshold. Between these milestones are two countermeasure intervention points. The first opportunity for intervention is the countermeasure against stress. If this countermeasure fails, performance degrades. The second opportunity for intervention is the countermeasure against error. If this second countermeasure fails, the threshold of a potential safety hazard may be crossed.

Cohen, M. M.↗

The Challenge of Grounding Planning in Simulation with an Interactive Model Development Environment

A principal obstacle to fielding automated planning systems is the difficulty of modeling. Physical systems are modeled conventionally based on specification documents and the modeler's understanding of the system. Thus, the model is developed in a way that is disconnected from the system's actual behavior and is vulnerable to manual error. Another obstacle to fielding planners is testing and validation. For a space mission, generated plans must be validated often by translating them into command sequences that are run in a simulation testbed. Testing in this way is complex and onerous because of the large number of possible plans and states of the spacecraft. Though, if used as a source of domain knowledge, the simulator can ease validation. This paper poses a challenge: to ground planning models in the system physics represented by simulation. A proposed, interactive model development environment illustrates the integration of planning and simulation to meet the challenge. This integration reveals research paths for automated model construction and validation.

radio occultation↗

Evaluation of Finite-Rate Gas/Surface Interaction Models for a Carbon Based Ablator

Two sets of finite-rate gas-surface interaction model between air and the carbon surface are studied. The first set is an engineering model with one-way chemical reactions, and the second set is a more detailed model with two-way chemical reactions. These two proposed models intend to cover the carbon surface ablation conditions including the low temperature rate-controlled oxidation, the mid-temperature diffusion-controlled oxidation, and the high temperature sublimation. The prediction of carbon surface recession is achieved by coupling a material thermal response code and a Navier-Stokes flow code. The material thermal response code used in this study is the Two-dimensional Implicit Thermal-response and Ablation Program, which predicts charring material thermal response and shape change on hypersonic space vehicles. The flow code solves the reacting full Navier-Stokes equations using Data Parallel Line Relaxation method. Recession analyses of stagnation tests conducted in NASA Ames Research Center arc-jet facilities with heat fluxes ranging from 45 to 1100 wcm2 are performed and compared with data for model validation. The ablating material used in these arc-jet tests is Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator. Additionally, computational predictions of surface recession and shape change are in good agreement with measurement for arc-jet conditions of Small Probe Reentry Investigation for Thermal Protection System Engineering.

Ablation↗

Electrons, muons and hadrons in extensive air showers and how do they depend on nuclear interaction model, part 2

Some of the results of Monte Carlo simulations of extensive air showers for nuclear interactions models are presented. The most significant part of scaling violation effect is generated by the inclusion of rising cross-section. Among the models considered the lowest value for Eo/N(max) is obtained when rapidly rising cross-section and charge exchange are both included (model R-F01). The value is still 1.38 GeV/electron. Except at the highest energies, the sensitivity to atomic mass of the primary is greater than to specific assumptions about multiple production.

Wrotniak, J. A.↗

Parameters of Nocilla gas/surface interaction model from measured accomodation coefficients

Free-molecule aerodynamic coefficients are computed for a flat plate surface element at various angles of attack using the normal and tangential accomodation coefficients and the Nocilla model of the gas/surface interaction. The Nocilla model assumes that the molecules reflect from a surface in the form of a drifting Maxwellian with a mean velocity at a specific temperature. The computations use curve fits of the angular variation of the existing measurements of the accomodation coefficients and of the parameters in the Nocilla model. The two methods indicate that a surface element has considerably more lift than predicted by an assumption of diffuse scattering. In other respects the predictions by the two methods do not agree.

Collins, Frank G.↗

An Algorithm for Interactive Modeling of Space-Transportation Engine Simulations: A Constraint Satisfaction Approach

In this research we have developed an algorithm for the purpose of constraint processing by utilizing relational algebraic operators. Van Beek and others have investigated in the past this type of constraint processing from within a relational algebraic framework, producing some unique results. Apart from providing new theoretical angles, this approach also gives the opportunity to use the existing efficient implementations of relational database management systems as the underlying data structures for any relevant algorithm. Our algorithm here enhances that framework. The algorithm is quite general in its current form. Weak heuristics (like forward checking) developed within the Constraint-satisfaction problem (CSP) area could be also plugged easily within this algorithm for further enhancements of efficiency. The algorithm as developed here is targeted toward a component-oriented modeling problem that we are currently working on, namely, the problem of interactive modeling for batch-simulation of engineering systems (IMBSES). However, it could be adopted for many other CSP problems as well. The research addresses the algorithm and many aspects of the problem IMBSES that we are currently handling.

Mitra, Debasis↗

Comparisons of the Maxwell and CLL Gas/Surface Interaction Models Using DSMC

Two contrasting models of gas-surface interactions are studied using the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. The DSMC calculations examine differences in predictions of aerodynamic forces and heat transfer between the Maxwell and Cercignani-Lampis-Lord (CLL) models for flat plate configurations at freestream conditions corresponding to a 140 km orbit around Venus. The size of the flat plate is that of one of the solar panels on the Magellan spacecraft, and the freestream conditions are one of those experienced during aerobraking maneuvers. Results are presented for both a single flat plate and a two-plate configuration as a function of angle of attack and gas-surface accommodation coefficients. The two plate system is not representative of the Magellan geometry, but is studied to explore possible experiments that might be used to differentiate between the two gas surface interaction models.

Hedahl, Marc O.↗

Computation of turbulent channel flow using Large-Eddy Interaction Model

The objective of the paper is to investigate the nature and values of closure parameters appearing in the proposed Large-Eddy Interaction Model for prediction of turbulent flow field. Effects of two closure parameters on predicted Reynolds stresses and other turbulence structural quantities are examined for channel flows at two Reynolds numbers.

Hong, S. K.↗

Wave/current interaction model

The wave-current interaction for the application to remote sensing data via numerical simulations and data comparison is modelled. Using the field data of surface current shear, wind condition and ambient wave spectrum, the numerical simulations of directional wave spectrum evolution were used to interpret and to compare with the aircraft data from Radar Ocean Wave Spectrometer (ROWS) and Surface Contour Radar (SCR) across the front during Frontal Air Sea Interaction Experiment (FASINEX). The wave-ice interaction was inspired by the observation of large amplitude waves hundreds of kms inside the ice pack in the Weddell Sea, resulting in breakup of the ice pack. The developed analysis of processes includes the refraction of waves at the pack edge, the effects of pack compression on wave propagation, wave train stability and buckling stability in the ice pack. Sources of pack compression and interaction between wave momentum and pack compression are investigated. Viscous camping of propagating waves in the marginal ice zone are also studied. The analysis suggests an explanation for the change in wave dispersion observed from the ship and the sequence of processes that cause ice pack breakup, pressure ridge formation and the formation of open bands of water.

Liu, A. K.↗

Development of Large-Eddy Interaction Model for inhomogeneous turbulent flows

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the applicability of a currently proposed model, with minimum empiricism, for calculation of the Reynolds stresses and other turbulence structural quantities in a channel. The current Large-Eddy Interaction Model not only yields Reynolds stresses but also presents an opportunity to illuminate typical characteristic motions of large-scale turbulence and the phenomenological aspects of engineering models for two Reynolds numbers.

Hong, S. K.↗

Some remarks about simulation of cosmic ray phenomena with use of nuclear interaction models based on the current SPS proton-antiproton data

The x-y controversy is studied by introducing models with as many features (except for x and y distributions) in common, as possible, to avoid an extrapolation problem, only primary energies of 500 TeV are considered. To prove the point, Monte Carlo simulations are performed of EAS generated by 500 TeV vertical primary protons. Four different nuclear interaction models were used. Two of them are described elsewhere. Two are: (1) Model M-Y00 - with inclusive x and y distributions behaving in a scaling way; and (2) Model M-F00 - at and below ISR energies (1 TeV in Lab) exactly equivalent to the above, then gradually changing to provide the distributions in rapidity at 155 TeV as given by SPS proton-antiproton. This was achieved by gradual decrease in the scale unit in x distributions of produced secondaries, as interaction energy increases. Other modifications to the M-Y00 model were made.

Wrotniak, J. A.↗

Multiplicity distributions in interaction models used for cascade simulations

In cascade simulations, conservation of energy is of paramount importance. It is pointed out that it is possible to construct algorithms in which energies of secondaries are chosen from physically correct distributions in such a way as to conserve energy, and give physically correct multiplicity distributions without further adjustment. The resulting non-Poissonian nature of the distribution and the approximate KNO scaling are related to the large fluctuations in the energy available for pion production and to the detailed shape of the inclusive momentum distribution. Two multiparticle production algorithms are described which have these features. One is the algorithm used in the simulation of C jets, the other is for a hadron-nucleus interaction model used in the calculation of muon and neutrino fluxes.

Ellsworth, R. W.↗

An interactive modeling program for the generation of planar polygons for boundary type solids representations of wire frame models

The development of a general link between three dimensional wire frame models and rigid solid models is discussed. An interactive computer graphics program was developed to serve as a front end to an algorithm (COSMIC Program No. ARC-11446) which offers a general solution to the hidden line problem where the input data is either line segments of n-sided planar polygons of the most general type with internal boundaries. The program provides a general interface to CAD/CAM data bases and is implemented for models created on the Unigraphics VAX 11/780-based CAD/CAM systems with the display software written for DEC's VS11 color graphics devices.

Ozsoy, T.↗

Modifications to an interactive model of the human body during exercise: With special emphasis on thermoregulation

Since 1988 an interactive computer model of the human body during exercise has been under development by a number of undergraduate students in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Iowa State University. The program, written under the direction of Dr. Richard C. Seagrave, uses physical characteristics of the user, environmental conditions and activity information to predict the onset of hypothermia, hyperthermia, dehydration, or exhaustion for various levels and durations of a specified exercise. The program however, was severely limited in predicting the onset of dehydration due to the lack of sophistication with which the program predicts sweat rate and its relationship to sensible water loss, degree of acclimatization, and level of physical training. Additionally, it was not known whether sweat rate also depended on age and gender. For these reasons, the goal of this creative component was to modify the program in the above mentioned areas by applying known information and empirical relationships from literature. Furthermore, a secondary goal was to improve the consistency with which the program was written by modifying user input statements and improving the efficiency and logic of the program calculations.

Scherb, Megan Kay↗

Continued development and validation of the AER two-dimensional interactive model

Results from two-dimensional chemistry-transport models have been used to predict the future behavior of ozone in the stratosphere. Since the transport circulation, temperature, and aerosol surface area are fixed in these models, they cannot account for the effects of changes in these quantities, which could be modified because of ozone redistribution and/or other changes in the troposphere associated with climate changes. Interactive two-dimensional models, which calculate the transport circulation and temperature along with concentrations of the chemical species, could provide answers to complement the results from three-dimension model calculations. In this project, we performed the following tasks in pursuit of the respective goals: (1) We continued to refine the 2-D chemistry-transport model; (2) We developed a microphysics model to calculate the aerosol loading and its size distribution; (3) The treatment of physics in the AER 2-D interactive model were refined in the following areas--the heating rate in the troposphere, and wave-forcing from propagation of planetary waves.

Ko, M. K. W.↗

Probabilistic Multi-Factor Interaction Model for Complex Material Behavior

Complex material behavior is represented by a single equation of product form to account for interaction among the various factors. The factors are selected by the physics of the problem and the environment that the model is to represent. For example, different factors will be required for each to represent temperature, moisture, erosion, corrosion, etc. It is important that the equation represent the physics of the behavior in its entirety accurately. The Multi-Factor Interaction Model (MFIM) is used to evaluate the divot weight (foam weight ejected) from the external launch tanks. The multi-factor has sufficient degrees of freedom to evaluate a large number of factors that may contribute to the divot ejection. It also accommodates all interactions by its product form. Each factor has an exponent that satisfies only two points - the initial and final points. The exponent describes a monotonic path from the initial condition to the final. The exponent values are selected so that the described path makes sense in the absence of experimental data. In the present investigation, the data used were obtained by testing simulated specimens in launching conditions. Results show that the MFIM is an effective method of describing the divot weight ejected under the conditions investigated. The problem lies in how to represent the divot weight with a single equation. A unique solution to this problem is a multi-factor equation of product form. Each factor is of the following form (1 xi/xf)ei, where xi is the initial value, usually at ambient conditions, xf the final value, and ei the exponent that makes the curve represented unimodal that meets the initial and final values. The exponents are either evaluated by test data or by technical judgment. A minor disadvantage may be the selection of exponents in the absence of any empirical data. This form has been used successfully in describing the foam ejected in simulated space environmental conditions. Seven factors were required to represent the ejected foam. The exponents were evaluated by least squares method from experimental data. The equation is used and it can represent multiple factors in other problems as well; for example, evaluation of fatigue life, creep life, fracture toughness, and structural fracture, as well as optimization functions. The software is rather simplistic. Required inputs are initial value, final value, and an exponent for each factor. The number of factors is open-ended. The value is updated as each factor is evaluated. If a factor goes to zero, the previous value is used in the evaluation.

Abumeri, Galib H.↗

Development of Human-Spacesuit Interaction Models

Today’s astronaut corps represents a wide range of various anthropometric dimensions. Accommodating this wide range of anthropometry and protecting for size variations in future crews, makes spacesuit sizing and fit a challenging and necessary aspect of suit development. Spacesuit fit can play an important role in performance, but a suit fit assessment, especially in dynamic postures, is difficult without extensive human-in-the-loop testing. One approach to address this issue is to model and simulate the human-spacesuit interactions for a target population early in the design process. The Anthropometry and Biomechanics Facility (ABF) at the NASA Johnson Space Center has been working to incorporate parametric human models based on 3D full-body scan data with spacesuit CAD models that can be driven by the user or imported motion capture data. An articulated spacesuit model combined with a poseable high-fidelity human model allows comparisons to be made between spacesuit capabilities and normal human ranges of motion. Furthermore, predictions can be made as to how a specific individual or population may perform in the suit from the perspective of reach and mobility. In this paper, we will present case study examples of reach, mobility, and fit analyses that can be done with these models and the methodology developed thus far. These models have the potential to become powerful tools for evaluating future spacesuit design architectures from the perspective of optimizing fit and performance.

Jarvis, Sarah↗