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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.

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At least 379 records · Page 21

Rapid Prototyping Integrated With Nondestructive Evaluation and Finite Element Analysis

Most reverse engineering approaches involve imaging or digitizing an object then creating a computerized reconstruction that can be integrated, in three dimensions, into a particular design environment. Rapid prototyping (RP) refers to the practical ability to build high-quality physical prototypes directly from computer aided design (CAD) files. Using rapid prototyping, full-scale models or patterns can be built using a variety of materials in a fraction of the time required by more traditional prototyping techniques (refs. 1 and 2). Many software packages have been developed and are being designed to tackle the reverse engineering and rapid prototyping issues just mentioned. For example, image processing and three-dimensional reconstruction visualization software such as Velocity2 (ref. 3) are being used to carry out the construction process of three-dimensional volume models and the subsequent generation of a stereolithography file that is suitable for CAD applications. Producing three-dimensional models of objects from computed tomography (CT) scans is becoming a valuable nondestructive evaluation methodology (ref. 4). Real components can be rendered and subjected to temperature and stress tests using structural engineering software codes. For this to be achieved, accurate high-resolution images have to be obtained via CT scans and then processed, converted into a traditional file format, and translated into finite element models. Prototyping a three-dimensional volume of a composite structure by reading in a series of two-dimensional images generated via CT and by using and integrating commercial software (e.g. Velocity2, MSC/PATRAN (ref. 5), and Hypermesh (ref. 6)) is being applied successfully at the NASA Glenn Research Center. The building process from structural modeling to the analysis level is outlined in reference 7. Subsequently, a stress analysis of a composite cooling panel under combined thermomechanical loading conditions was performed to validate this process.

Abdul-Aziz, Ali↗

A feedback control model for network flow with multiple pure time delays

A control model describing a network flow hindered by multiple pure time (or transport) delays is formulated. Feedbacks connect each desired output with a single control sector situated at the origin. The dynamic formulation invokes the use of differential difference equations. This causes the characteristic equation of the model to consist of transcendental functions instead of a common algebraic polynomial. A general graphical criterion is developed to evaluate the stability of such a problem. A digital computer simulation confirms the validity of such criterion. An optimal decision making process with multiple delays is presented.

Press, J.↗

A directional microphone array for acoustic studies of wind tunnel models

An end-fire microphone array that utilizes a digital time delay system has been designed and evaluated for measuring noise in wind tunnels. The directional response of both a four- and eight-element linear array of microphones has enabled substantial rejection of background noise and reverberations in the NASA Ames 40- by 80-foot wind tunnel. In addition, it is estimated that four- and eight-element arrays reject 6 and 9 dB, respectively, of microphone wind noise, as compared with a conventional omnidirectional microphone with nose cone. Array response to two types of jet engine models in the wind tunnel is presented. Comparisons of array response to loudspeakers in the wind tunnel and in free field are made.

Soderman, P. T.↗

Precision Attitude Determination System (PADS) system design and analysis: Single-axis gimbal star tracker

The feasibility is evaluated of an evolutionary development for use of a single-axis gimbal star tracker from prior two-axis gimbal star tracker based system applications. Detailed evaluation of the star tracker gimbal encoder is considered. A brief system description is given including the aspects of tracker evolution and encoder evaluation. System analysis includes evaluation of star availability and mounting constraints for the geosynchronous orbit application, and a covariance simulation analysis to evaluate performance potential. Star availability and covariance analysis digital computer programs are included.

Source record↗

Performance verification and system parameter identification of spacecraft tape recorder control servo

Design adequacy of the lead-lag compensator of the frequency loop, accuracy checking of the analytical expression for the electrical motor transfer function, and performance evaluation of the speed control servo of the digital tape recorder used on-board the 1976 Viking Mars Orbiters and Voyager 1977 Jupiter-Saturn flyby spacecraft are analyzed. The transfer functions of the most important parts of a simplified frequency loop used for test simulation are described and ten simulation cases are reported. The first four of these cases illustrate the method of selecting the most suitable transfer function for the hysteresis synchronous motor, while the rest verify and determine the servo performance parameters and alternative servo compensation schemes. It is concluded that the linear methods provide a starting point for the final verification/refinement of servo design by nonlinear time response simulation and that the variation of the parameters of the static/dynamic Coulomb friction is as expected in a long-life space mission environment.

Mukhopadhyay, A. K.↗

Failure detection and isolation analysis of a redundant strapdown inertial measurement unit

The objective of this study was to define and develop techniques for failure detection and isolation (FDI) algorithms for a dual fail/operational redundant strapdown inertial navigation system are defined and developed. The FDI techniques chosen include provisions for hard and soft failure detection in the context of flight control and navigation. Analyses were done to determine error detection and switching levels for the inertial navigation system, which is intended for a conventional takeoff or landing (CTOL) operating environment. In addition, investigations of false alarms and missed alarms were included for the FDI techniques developed, along with the analyses of filters to be used in conjunction with FDI processing. Two specific FDI algorithms were compared: the generalized likelihood test and the edge vector test. A deterministic digital computer simulation was used to compare and evaluate the algorithms and FDI systems.

Motyka, P.↗

A nonlinear propulsion system simulation technique for piloted simulators

A real time digital simulation technique providing the capabilities needed to evaluate propulsion system performance and aircraft system interaction on NASA manned flight simulators, is discussed. A parameter correlation technique is used with real and pseudo dynamics in a stable integration convergence loop. The cycle time reported was 2.0 ms on one computer and 5.7 ms on the simulator computer. The model was found to be stable and accurate with time up to 50 ms. It is concluded that the program has generated a valuable simulation technology and flight simulator experience by providing an adequate level of detail to evaluate propulsion systems in a simulated flight environment.

Mihaloew, J. R.↗

Highly integrated digital engine control system on an F-15 airplane

The Highly Integrated Digital Electronic Control (HIDEC) program will demonstrate and evaluate the improvements in performance and mission effectiveness that result from integrated engine/airframe control systems. This system is being used on the F-15 airplane. An integrated flightpath management mode and an integrated adaptive engine stall margin mode are implemented into the system. The adaptive stall margin mode is a highly integrated mode in which the airplane flight conditions, the resulting inlet distortion, and the engine stall margin are continuously computed; the excess stall margin is used to uptrim the engine for more thrust. The integrated flightpath management mode optimizes the flightpath and throttle setting to reach a desired flight condition. The increase in thrust and the improvement in airplane performance is discussed.

Burcham, F. W., Jr.↗

Highly integrated digital engine control system on an F-15 airplane

The highly integrated digital electronic control (HIDEC) program will demonstrate and evaluate the improvements in performance and mission effectiveness that result from integrated engine-airframe control systems. This system is being used on the F-15 airplane at the Dryden Flight Research Facility of NASA Ames Research Center. An integrated flightpath management mode and an integrated adaptive engine stall margin mode are being implemented into the system. The adaptive stall margin mode is a highly integrated mode in which the airplane flight conditions, the resulting inlet distortion, and the engine stall margin are continuously computed; the excess stall margin is used to uptrim the engine for more thrust. The integrated flightpath management mode optimizes the flightpath and throttle setting to reach a desired flight condition. The increase in thrust and the improvement in airplane performance is discussed in this paper.

Burcham, F. W., Jr.↗

Predicted performance benefits of an adaptive digital engine control system of an F-15 airplane

The highly integrated digital electronic control (HIDEC) program will demonstrate and evaluate the improvements in performance and mission effectiveness that result from integrating engine-airframe control systems. Currently this is accomplished on the NASA Ames Research Center's F-15 airplane. The two control modes used to implement the systems are an integrated flightpath management mode and in integrated adaptive engine control system (ADECS) mode. The ADECS mode is a highly integrated mode in which the airplane flight conditions, the resulting inlet distortion, and the available engine stall margin are continually computed. The excess stall margin is traded for thrust. The predicted increase in engine performance due to the ADECS mode is presented in this report.

Burcham, F. W., Jr.↗

Predicted performance benefits of an adaptive digital engine control system on an F-15 airplane

The highly integrated digital electronic control (HIDEC) program will demonstrate and evaluate the improvements in performance and mission effectiveness that result from integrating engine-airframe control systems. Currently this is accomplished on the NASA Ames Research Center's F-15 airplane. The two control modes used to implement the systems are an integrated flightpath management mode and an integrated adaptive engine control system (ADECS) mode. The ADECS mode is a highly integrated mode in which the airplane flight conditions, the resulting inlet distortion, and the available engine stall margin are continually computed. The excess stall margin is traded for thrust. The predicted increase in engine performance due to the ADECS mode is presented in this report.

Burcham, F. W., Jr.↗

Space station integrated wall design and penetration damage control. Task 4: Impact detection/location system

A program to develop a methodology is documented for detecting and locating meteoroid and debris impacts and penetrations of a wall configuration currently specified for use on space station. Testing consisted of penetrating and non-penetrating hypervelocity impacts on single and dual plate test configurations, including a prototype 1.22 m x 2.44 m x 3.56 mm (4 ft x 8 ft x 0.140 in) aluminum waffle grid backwall with multilayer insulation and a 0.063-in shield. Acoustic data were gathered with transducers and associated data acquisition systems and stored for later analysis with a multichannel digitizer. Preliminary analysis of test data included sensor evaluation, impact repeatability, first waveform arrival, and Fourier spectral analysis.

Nelson, J. M.↗

Channel simulation to facilitate mobile-satellite communications research

The mobile-satellite-service channel simulator, which is a facility for an end-to-end hardware simulation of mobile satellite communications links is discussed. Propagation effects, Doppler, interference, band limiting, satellite nonlinearity, and thermal noise have been incorporated into the simulator. The propagation environment in which the simulator needs to operate and the architecture of the simulator are described. The simulator is composed of: a mobile/fixed transmitter, interference transmitters, a propagation path simulator, a spacecraft, and a fixed/mobile receiver. Data from application experiments conducted with the channel simulator are presented; the noise converison technique to evaluate interference effects, the error floor phenomenon of digital multipath fading links, and the fade margin associated with a noncoherent receiver are examined. Diagrams of the simulator are provided.

Davarian, Faramaz↗

Flight tests confirm X-29 technologies

Results of test flights of the X-29A which confirmed the viability of the aircraft design and obtained good agreement with preflight predictions are presented. In addition to a forward-swept wing, the features to be evaluated on the X-29 demonstrator were: a digital fly-by-wire flight control, a close-coupled wing-canard configuration, an aeroelastically tailored composite wing skin and a three-surface pitch control configuration. The X-29A advanced technology demonstrator is a single-seat, fighter-type aircraft, best known for its forward-swept wing with a thin supercritical airfoil. The key objectives in developing the technologies incorporated into the X-29A design included establishing new airframe-design freedoms and options, as well as demonstrating that adequate levels of dynamic stability can be achieved by controlling an unstable airframe with a close-coupled canard, symmetric flap, and strake-flap combination. The X-29A aircraft and its related systems performed well and are now in a flight research phase.

Hicks, John W.↗

Material property measurements with post-processed thermal image data

Some of the applications to materials evaluation and property determination of thermographic NDE using digital postprocessing of sequences of thermograms are demonstrated. A generic description is given of the steps used in postprocessing for obtaining material property values.

Welch, Christopher S.↗

Doppler detection of decompression bubbles with computer assisted digitization of ultrasonic signals

The use of an inexpensive, commercially available audio digitizer in conjunction with a PC to digitize Doppler bubble signals for visual and electronic evaluation is reported. This device can be operated simultaneously with Doppler audio monitoring. Precordial and arterial Doppler recordings of gas bubbles were obtained from anesthetized dogs after intravascular infusion or following decompression. Additional evaluations were conducted on Doppler bubble recordings obtained from human decompression studies. The device can be used in real-time or for later signal analysis. Accompanying menu-driven software provides for numerous signal modification options and visual displays. This device can provide a simultaneous visual display of Doppler signals normally available only for audio evaluation.

Butler, B. D.↗