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At least 361 records · Page 20

Application of stiffened cylinder analysis to ATP interior noise studies

An analytical model developed to predict the interior noise of propeller driven aircraft was applied to experimental configurations for a Fairchild Swearingen Metro II fuselage exposed to simulated propeller excitation. The floor structure of the test fuselage was of unusual construction - mounted on air springs. As a consequence, the analytical model was extended to include a floor treatment transmission coefficient which could be used to describe vibration attenuation through the mounts. Good agreement was obtained between measured and predicted noise reductions when the foor treatment transmission loss was about 20 dB - a value which is consistent with the vibration attenuation provided by the mounts. The analytical model was also adapted to allow the prediction of noise reductions associated with boundary layer excitation as well as propeller and reverberant noise.

Wilby, E. G.↗

An analytic-geometric model of the effect of spherically distributed injection errors for Galileo and Ulysses spacecraft - The multi-stage problem

In previous work the problem of injecting the Galileo and Ulysses spacecraft from low earth orbit into their respective interplanetary trajectories has been discussed for the single stage (Centaur) vehicle. The central issue, in the event of spherically distributed injection errors, is what happens to the vehicle? The difficulties addressed in this paper involve the multi-stage problem since both Galileo and Ulysses will be utilizing the two-stage IUS system. Ulysses will also include a third stage: the PAM-S. The solution is expressed in terms of probabilities for total percentage of escape, orbit decay and reentry trajectories. Analytic solutions are found for Hill's Equations of Relative Motion (more recently called Clohessy-Wiltshire Equations) for multi-stage injections. These solutions are interpreted geometrically on the injection sphere. The analytic-geometric models compare well with numerical solutions, provide insight into the behavior of trajectories mapped on the injection sphere and simplify the numerical two-dimensional search for trajectory families.

Longuski, James M.↗

Parsec-Scale Obscuring Accretion Disk with Large-Scale Magnetic Field in AGNs

A magnetic field dragged from the galactic disk, along with inflowing gas, can provide vertical support to the geometrically and optically thick pc (parsec) -scale torus in AGNs (Active Galactic Nuclei). Using the Soloviev solution initially developed for Tokamaks, we derive an analytical model for a rotating torus that is supported and confined by a magnetic field. We further perform three-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic simulations of X-ray irradiated, pc-scale, magnetized tori. We follow the time evolution and compare models that adopt initial conditions derived from our analytic model with simulations in which the initial magnetic flux is entirely contained within the gas torus. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the initial conditions based on the analytic solution produce a longer-lived torus that produces obscuration that is generally consistent with observed constraints.

galaxies↗

Dynamic remapping of parallel computations with varying resource demands

A large class of computational problems is characterized by frequent synchronization, and computational requirements which change as a function of time. When such a problem must be solved on a message passing multiprocessor machine, the combination of these characteristics lead to system performance which decreases in time. Performance can be improved with periodic redistribution of computational load; however, redistribution can exact a sometimes large delay cost. We study the issue of deciding when to invoke a global load remapping mechanism. Such a decision policy must effectively weigh the costs of remapping against the performance benefits. We treat this problem by constructing two analytic models which exhibit stochastically decreasing performance. One model is quite tractable; we are able to describe the optimal remapping algorithm, and the optimal decision policy governing when to invoke that algorithm. However, computational complexity prohibits the use of the optimal remapping decision policy. We then study the performance of a general remapping policy on both analytic models. This policy attempts to minimize a statistic W(n) which measures the system degradation (including the cost of remapping) per computation step over a period of n steps. We show that as a function of time, the expected value of W(n) has at most one minimum, and that when this minimum exists it defines the optimal fixed-interval remapping policy. Our decision policy appeals to this result by remapping when it estimates that W(n) is minimized. Our performance data suggests that this policy effectively finds the natural frequency of remapping. We also use the analytic models to express the relationship between performance and remapping cost, number of processors, and the computation's stochastic activity.

Nicol, D. M.↗

Analysis and testing of high entrainment single nozzle jet pumps with variable mixing tubes

An analytical model was developed to predict the performance characteristics of axisymmetric single-nozzle jet pumps with variable area mixing tubes. The primary flow may be subsonic or supersonic. The computer program uses integral techniques to calculate the velocity profiles and the wall static pressures that result from the mixing of the supersonic primary jet and the subsonic secondary flow. An experimental program was conducted to measure mixing tube wall static pressure variations, velocity profiles, and temperature profiles in a variable area mixing tube with a supersonic primary jet. Static pressure variations were measured at four different secondary flow rates. These test results were used to evaluate the analytical model. The analytical results compared well to the experimental data. Therefore, the analysis is believed to be ready for use to relate jet pump performance characteristics to mixing tube design.

Hickman, K. E.↗

Pressurization of cryogens: A review of current technology and its applicability to low-gravity conditions

A review of technology, history, and current status for pressurized expulsion of cryogenic tankage is presented. Use of tank pressurization to expel cryogenic fluids will continue to be studied for future spacecraft applications over a range of operating conditions in the low-gravity environment. The review examines experimental test results and analytical model development for quiescent and agitated conditions in normal-gravity, followed by a discussion of pressurization and expulsion in low-gravity. Validated, 1-D, finite difference codes exist for the prediction of pressurant mass requirements within the range of quiescent normal-gravity test data. To date, the effects of liquid sloshing have been characterized by tests in normal-gravity, but analytical models capable of predicting pressurant gas requirements remain unavailable. Efforts to develop multidimensional modeling capabilities in both normal and low-gravity have recently occurred. Low-gravity cryogenic fluid transfer experiments are needed to obtain low-gravity pressurized expulsion data. This data is required to guide analytical model development and to verify code performance.

Vandresar, N. T.↗

Pressurization of cryogens - A review of current technology and its applicability to low-gravity conditions

A review of technology, history, and current status for pressurized expulsion of cryogenic tankage is presented. Use of tank pressurization to expel cryogenic fluid will continue to be studied for future spacecraft applications over a range of operating conditions in the low-gravity environment. The review examines experimental test results and analytical model development for quiescent and agitated conditions in normal-gravity followed by a discussion of pressurization and expulsion in low-gravity. Validated, 1-D, finite difference codes exist for the prediction of pressurant mass requirements within the range of quiescent normal-gravity test data. To date, the effects of liquid sloshing have been characterized by tests in normal-gravity, but analytical models capable of predicting pressurant gas requirements remain unavailable. Efforts to develop multidimensional modeling capabilities in both normal and low-gravity have recently occurred. Low-gravity cryogenic fluid transfer experiments are needed to obtain low-gravity pressurized expulsion data. This data is required to guide analytical model development and to verify code performance.

Van Dresar, N. T.↗

Construction of analytically solvable models for interacting species

The basic form of a model representation for systems of n interacting biological species is a set of essentially nonlinear autonomous ordinary differential equations. A generic canonical expression for the rate functions in the equations is reported which permits the analytical general solution to be obtained by elementary computation. It is shown that a general analytical solution is directly obtainable for models where the rate functions are prescribed by the generic canonical expression from the outset. Some illustrative examples are given which demonstrate that the generic canonical expression can be used to construct analytically solvable models for two interacting species with limit-cycle dynamics as well as for a three-species interdependence.

Rosen, G.↗

System identification of the Large-Angle Magnetic Suspension Test Facility (LAMSTF)

The Large-Angle Magnetic Suspension Test Facility (LAMSTF), a laboratory-scale research project to demonstrate the magnetic suspension of objects over wide ranges of attitudes, has been developed. This system represents a scaled model of a planned Large-Gap Magnetic Suspension System (LGMSS). The LAMSTF system consists of a planar array of five copper electromagnets which actively suspend a small cylindrical permanent magnet. The cylinder is a rigid body and can be controlled to move in five independent degrees of freedom. Five position variables are sensed indirectly by using infra-red light-emitting diodes and light-receiving phototransistors. The motion of the suspended cylinder is in general nonlinear and hence only the linear, time-invariant perturbed motion about an equilibrium state is considered. One of the main challenges in this project is the control of the suspended element over a wide range of orientations. An accurate dynamic model plans an essential role in controller design. The analytical model of the LAMSTF system includes highly unstable real poles (about 10 Hz) and low-frequency flexible modes (about 0.16 Hz). Projection filters are proposed to identify the state space model from closed-loop test data in time domain. A canonical transformation matrix is also derived to transform the identified state space model into the physical coordinate. The LAMSTF system is stabilized by using a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) feedback controller. The rate information is obtained by calculating the back difference of the sensed position signals. The reference inputs contain five uncorrelated random signals. This control input and the system reponse are recorded as input/output data to identify the system directly from the projection filters. The sampling time is 4 ms and the model is fairly accurate in predicting the step responses for different controllers while the analytical model has a deficiency in the pitch axis.

Huang, Jen-Kuang↗

Improvement of analytical dynamic models using modal test data

A method developed to determine maximum changes in analytical mass and stiffness matrices to make them consistent with a set of measured normal modes and natural frequencies is presented. The corrected model will be an improved base for studies of physical changes, boundary condition changes, and for prediction of forced responses. The method features efficient procedures not requiring solutions of the eigenvalue problem, and the ability to have more degrees of freedom than the test data. In addition, modal displacements are obtained for all analytical degrees of freedom, and the frequency dependence of the coordinate transformations is properly treated.

Berman, A.↗

Application of system identification to analytic rotor modeling from simulated and wind tunnel dynamic test data, part 2

An introduction to aircraft state and parameter identification methods is presented. A simplified form of the maximum likelihood method is selected to extract analytical aeroelastic rotor models from simulated and dynamic wind tunnel test results for accelerated cyclic pitch stirring excitation. The dynamic inflow characteristics for forward flight conditions from the blade flapping responses without direct inflow measurements were examined. The rotor blades are essentially rigid for inplane bending and for torsion within the frequency range of study, but flexible in out-of-plane bending. Reverse flow effects are considered for high rotor advance ratios. Two inflow models are studied; the first is based on an equivalent blade Lock number, the second is based on a time delayed momentum inflow. In addition to the inflow parameters, basic rotor parameters like the blade natural frequency and the actual blade Lock number are identified together with measurement bias values. The effect of the theoretical dynamic inflow on the rotor eigenvalues is evaluated.

Hohenemser, K. H.↗

Modeling and Analysis of Facility Systems for A Hybrid Materials Test Program

Analytic modeling and analysis processes employed at NASA-SSC in rocket propulsion systems testing are discussed in this paper with application to test facility propellant supply system design, activation and test of a hybrid rocket motor provided. This paper discusses the analytic model employed, its utilization across project phases and reviews performance results.

Congiardo, Jared F.↗

Analytic methods of orbit determination

This paper discusses several analytic models for predicting orbit determination performance during an interplanetary mission. Previously developed models for cruise radio tracking are reviewed and extended. Models for use with first radio and then optical tracking during approach are also developed. Comparison of the results with those obtained with full simulation models is emphasized. Several example problems using the analytic models are introduced to demonstrate the physical understanding possible with their employment.

Curkendall, D. W.↗

Determination of Uncertainties for the New SSME Model

This report discusses the uncertainty analysis performed in support of a new test analysis and performance prediction model for the Space Shuttle Main Engine. The new model utilizes uncertainty estimates for experimental data and for the analytical model to obtain the most plausible operating condition for the engine system. This report discusses the development of the data sets and uncertainty estimates to be used in the development of the new model. It also presents the application of uncertainty analysis to analytical models and the uncertainty analysis for the conservation of mass and energy balance relations is presented. A new methodology for the assessment of the uncertainty associated with linear regressions is presented.

Coleman, Hugh W.↗

Random Dopant Induced Threshold Voltage Lowering and Fluctuations in Sub-0.1 (micron)meter MOSFET's: A 3-D 'Atomistic' Simulation Study

A three-dimensional (3-D) "atomistic" simulation study of random dopant induced threshold voltage lowering and fluctuations in sub-0.1 microns MOSFET's is presented. For the first time a systematic analysis of random dopant effects down to an individual dopant level was carried out in 3-D on a scale sufficient to provide quantitative statistical predictions. Efficient algorithms based on a single multigrid solution of the Poisson equation followed by the solution of a simplified current continuity equation are used in the simulations. The effects of various MOSFET design parameters, including the channel length and width, oxide thickness and channel doping, on the threshold voltage lowering and fluctuations are studied using typical samples of 200 atomistically different MOSFET's. The atomistic results for the threshold voltage fluctuations were compared with two analytical models based on dopant number fluctuations. Although the analytical models predict the general trends in the threshold voltage fluctuations, they fail to describe quantitatively the magnitude of the fluctuations. The distribution of the atomistically calculated threshold voltage and its correlation with the number of dopants in the channel of the MOSFET's was analyzed based on a sample of 2500 microscopically different devices. The detailed analysis shows that the threshold voltage fluctuations are determined not only by the fluctuation in the dopant number, but also in the dopant position.

Asenov, Asen↗

Technology requirements for large flexible space structures

Research, test, and demonstration experiments necessary for establishing a data base that will permit construction of large, lightweight flexible space structures meeting on-orbit pointing and surface precesion criteria are discussed. Attention is focused on the wrap-rib proof-of-concept antenna structures developed from technology used on the ATS-6 satellite. The target structure will be up to 150 m in diameter or smaller, operate at RF levels, be amenable to packaging for carriage in the Shuttle bay, be capable of being ground-tested, and permit on-orbit deployment and retraction. Graphite/epoxy has been chosen as the antenna ribs material, and the antenna mesh will be gold-plated Mo wire. A 55-m diam reflector was built as proof-of-concept with ground-test capability. Tests will proceed on components, a model, the entire structure, and in-flight. An analytical model has been formulated to characterize the antenna's thermal behavior. The flight test of the 55-m prototype in-orbit offers the chance to validate the analytical model and characterize the control, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of the antenna configuration.

Wada, B. K.↗

Analytical flow/thermal modeling of combustion gas flows in Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor test joints

A one-dimensional analytical tool, TOPAZ (Transient One-dimensional Pipe flow AnalyZer), was used to model the flow characteristics of hot combustion gases through Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) joints and to compute the resultant material surface temperatures and o-ring seal erosion of the joints. The capabilities of the analytical tool were validated with test data during the Seventy Pound Charge (SPC) motor test program. The predicted RSRM joint thermal response to ignition transients was compared with test data for full-scale motor tests. The one-dimensional analyzer is found to be an effective tool for simulating combustion gas flows in RSRM joints and for predicting flow and thermal properties.

Woods, G. H.↗

Maximum Likelihood Time-of-Arrival Estimation of Optical Pulses via Photon-Counting Photodetectors

Many optical imaging, ranging, and communications systems rely on the estimation of the arrival time of an optical pulse. Recently, such systems have been increasingly employing photon-counting photodetector technology, which changes the statistics of the observed photocurrent. This requires time-of-arrival estimators to be developed and their performances characterized. The statistics of the output of an ideal photodetector, which are well modeled as a Poisson point process, were considered. An analytical model was developed for the mean-square error of the maximum likelihood (ML) estimator, demonstrating two phenomena that cause deviations from the minimum achievable error at low signal power. An approximation was derived to the threshold at which the ML estimator essentially fails to provide better than a random guess of the pulse arrival time. Comparing the analytic model performance predictions to those obtained via simulations, it was verified that the model accurately predicts the ML performance over all regimes considered. There is little prior art that attempts to understand the fundamental limitations to time-of-arrival estimation from Poisson statistics. This work establishes both a simple mathematical description of the error behavior, and the associated physical processes that yield this behavior. Previous work on mean-square error characterization for ML estimators has predominantly focused on additive Gaussian noise. This work demonstrates that the discrete nature of the Poisson noise process leads to a distinctly different error behavior.

Erkmen, Baris I.↗