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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 487 records · Page 27
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1984

The window controller

The window controller developed for the computer animation system (TAN) of the human-body modeling and positioning system TEMPUS (Badler et al., 1983) is characterized, and its operation is illustrated with diagrams. The controller is associated with a screen viewport and comprises five nested squares related to five modifications of the window, including zooming in and out, translation, locking plus translation, and extension of extremes plus translation. The variations of the controller and its limitations are considered, and its advantages over the use of a miniworld in a separate viewport are indicated.

Badler, N. I.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Contact dynamics math model

The Space Station Mechanism Test Bed consists of a hydraulically driven, computer controlled six degree of freedom (DOF) motion system with which docking, berthing, and other mechanisms can be evaluated. Measured contact forces and moments are provided to the simulation host computer to enable representation of orbital contact dynamics. This report describes the development of a generalized math model which represents the relative motion between two rigid orbiting vehicles. The model allows motion in six DOF for each body, with no vehicle size limitation. The rotational and translational equations of motion are derived. The method used to transform the forces and moments from the sensor location to the vehicles' centers of mass is also explained. Two math models of docking mechanisms, a simple translational spring and the Remote Manipulator System end effector, are presented along with simulation results. The translational spring model is used in an attempt to verify the simulation with compensated hardware in the loop results.

Glaese, John R.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Effects of prolonged weightlessness on self-motion perception and eye movements evoked by roll and pitch

Seven astronauts reported translational self-motion during roll simulation 1-3 h after landing following 5-7 d of orbital flight. Two reported strong translational self-motion perception when they performed pitch head motions during entry and while the orbiter was stationary on the runway. One of two astronauts from whom adequate data were collected exhibited a 132-deg shift in the phase angle between roll stimulation and horizontal eye position 2 h after landing. Neither of two from whom adequate data were collected exhibited increased horizontal eye movement amplitude or disturbance of voluntary pitch or roll body motion immediately postflight. These results are generally consistent with an otolith tilt-translation reinterpretation model and are being applied to the development of apparatus and procedures intended to preadapt astronauts to the sensory rearrangement of weightlessness.

Reschke, Millard F.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Direct simulation of AFE forebody and wake flow with thermal radiation

Calculated results for the flowfield structure and surface quantities are presented for an axisymmetric representation of an aeroassist flight experiment vehicle. The direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method is used to perform the calculations, since the flow is highly nonequilibrium about the vehicle during both the compression and expansion phases. The body configuration is an elliptically blunt nose followed by a skirt with a circular radius and an afterbody. Freestream conditions correspond to a single point along the entry trajectory at an altitude of 90 km and a velocity of 9.9 km/s. The calculations account for nonequilibrium in the translational and internal modes, dissociation, ionization, and thermal radiation. The degree of dissociation is large, but the maximum ionization is only about 2 percent by mole fraction. The bluntforebody flow experiences a high degree of thermal nonequilibrium in which the translational temperature is generally greater than the internal temperature. However, as the flow expands about the aerobrake skirt and afterbody, the internal temperature is generally greater than the translational temperature.

Moss, James N.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Conservation equations and physical models for hypersonic air flows in thermal and chemical nonequilibrium

The conservation equations for simulating hypersonic flows in thermal and chemical nonequilibrium and details of the associated physical models are presented. These details include the curve fits used for defining thermodynamic properties of the 11 species air model, curve fits for collision cross sections, expressions for transport properties, the chemical kinetics models, and the vibrational and electronic energy relaxation models. The expressions are formulated in the context of either a two or three temperature model. Greater emphasis is placed on the two temperature model in which it is assumed that the translational and rotational energy models are in equilibrium at the translational temperature, T, and the vibrational, electronic, and electron translational energy modes are in equilibrium at the vibrational temperature, T sub v. The eigenvalues and eigenvectors associated with the Jacobian of the flux vector are also presented in order to accommodate the upwind based numerical solutions of the complete equation set.

Peter A. Gnoffo↗
NASA NTRS1989

An English language interface for constrained domains

The Multi-Satellite Operations Control Center (MSOCC) Jargon Interpreter (MJI) demonstrates an English language interface for a constrained domain. A constrained domain is defined as one with a small and well delineated set of actions and objects. The set of actions chosen for the MJI is from the domain of MSOCC Applications Executive (MAE) Systems Test and Operations Language (STOL) directives and contains directives for signing a cathode ray tube (CRT) on or off, calling up or clearing a display page, starting or stopping a procedure, and controlling history recording. The set of objects chosen consists of CRTs, display pages, STOL procedures, and history files. Translation from English sentences to STOL directives is done in two phases. In the first phase, an augmented transition net (ATN) parser and dictionary are used for determining grammatically correct parsings of input sentences. In the second phase, grammatically typed sentences are submitted to a forward-chaining rule-based system for interpretation and translation into equivalent MAE STOL directives. Tests of the MJI show that it is able to translate individual clearly stated sentences into the subset of directives selected for the prototype. This approach to an English language interface may be used for similarly constrained situations by modifying the MJI's dictionary and rules to reflect the change of domain.

Page, Brenda J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Rapid rotational/translational maneuvering experiments of a flexible steel beam

Future space manipulators may need translational base motion to expand the access region of a manipulator. An experiment was conducted to demonstrate slewing of flexible structures with coupled rotational and translational axes while simultaneously suppressing vibrational motion during the maneuver. In the experiment, a flexible steel beam carried by a translational cart was maneuvered by an active controller to perform position-control tasks. Experimental results are presented to show how the flexibility of the steel beam influences the multi-input multi-output feedback controller.

Juang, Jer-Nan↗
NASA NTRS1989

Statistical fluctuations in Monte Carlo calculations

The time counter and modified Nanbu simulation techniques are analyzed, with emphasis placed on the convergence of the calculations to a steady macroscopic state. Such variables as translational and rotational temperature, and flow velocity, sampled at several points in the flowfield, are considered. Both macroscopic averages and molecular distribution functions are analyzed. The calculation of inelastic collisions, in which transfer of energy between translational and internal energy modes is performed, is achieved through the use of the Larsen-Borgnakke phenomenological model. It is noted that, with reference to translational temperature, the time counter method shows less statistical scatter than that found with the modified Nanbu simulation technique.

Boyd, I. D.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Direct simulation of AFE forebody and wake flow with thermal radiation

Calculated results for the flowfield structure and surface quantities are presented for an axisymmetric representation of an aeroassist flight experiment vehicle. The direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method is used to perform the calculations, since the flow is highly nonequilibrium about the vehicle during both the compression and expansion phases. The body configuration is an elliptically blunt nose followed by a skirt with a circular radius and an afterbody. Freestream conditions correspond to a single point along the entry trajectory at an altitude of 90 km and a velocity of 9.9 km/s. The calculations account for nonequilibrium in the translational and internal modes, dissociation, ionization, and thermal radiation. The degree of dissociation is large, but the maximum ionization is only about 2 percent by mole fraction. The blunt forebody flow experiences a high degree of thermal nonequilibrium in which the translational temperature is generally greater than the internal temperature. However, as the flow expands about the aerobrake skirt and afterbody, the internal temperature is generally greater than the translational temperature.

Moss, James N.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Aid For Simulating Digital Flight Control Systems

DIVERS translator is computer program to convert descriptions of digital flight-control systems (DFCS) into computer program. Language developed to represent design charts of DFCS. Translator converts DIVERS source code into easily transportable language, while minimizing probability that results are affected by interpretation of programmer. Final translated program used as standard of comparison to verify operation of actual flight-control systems. Applicable to simulation of other control systems; for example, electrical circuits and logic processes. Written in C.

Hartman, Richard M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Learning receptor positions from imperfectly known motions

An algorithm is described for learning image interpolation functions for sensor arrays whose sensor positions are somewhat disordered. The learning is based on failures of translation invariance, so it does not require knowledge of the images being presented to the visual system. Previously reported implementations of the method assumed the visual system to have precise knowledge of the translations. It is demonstrated that translation estimates computed from the imperfectly interpolated images can have enough accuracy to allow the learning process to converge to a correct interpolation.

Ahumada, Albert J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Formal verification of a set of memory management units

This document describes the verification of a set of memory management units (MMU). The verification effort demonstrates the use of hierarchical decomposition and abstract theories. The MMUs can be organized into a complexity hierarchy. Each new level in the hierarchy adds a few significant features or modifications to the lower level MMU. The units described include: (1) a page check translation look-aside module (TLM); (2) a page check TLM with supervisor line; (3) a base bounds MMU; (4) a virtual address translation MMU; and (5) a virtual address translation MMU with memory resident segment table.

Schubert, E. Thomas↗
NASA NTRS1992

VETA-1 x ray detection system

The alignment and X-ray imaging performance of the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) Verification Engineering Test Article-I (VETA-I) was measured by the VETA-I X-Ray Detection System (VXDS). The VXDS was based on the X-ray detection system utilized in the AXAF Technology Mirror Assembly (TMA) program, upgraded to meet the more stringent requirements of the VETA-I test program. The VXDS includes two types of X-ray detectors: (1) a High Resolution Imager (HRI) which provides X-ray imaging capabilities, and (2) sealed and flow proportional counters which, in conjunction with apertures of various types and precision translation stages, provide the most accurate measurement of VETA-I performance. Herein we give an overview of the VXDS hardware including X-ray detectors, translation stages, apertures, proportional counters and flow counter gas supply system and associated electronics. We also describe the installation of the VXDS into the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) X-Ray Calibration Facility (XRCF). We discuss in detail the design and performance of those elements of the VXDS which have not been discussed elsewhere; translation systems, flow counter gas supply system, apertures and thermal monitoring system.

Podgorski, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The three-dimensional evolution of a plane mixing layer - The Kelvin-Helmholtz rollup

The hydrodynamic evolution of an incompressible plane mixing layer is addressed to elucidate scalar mixing in free shear flows. A detailed description of the onset of three-dimensionality in a mixing layer before or in the absence of pairing is presented. Various simulations were performed to investigate the sensitivity of these results to variations in initial conditions. These variations included changes in amplitude, wavelength, functional form, and relative phasing of the initial low-wavenumber disturbances. Pierrehumber and Widnall's (1982) translative instability eigenfunctions are found to include rib vortices in the braid region and oppositely signed streamwise vorticity in the roller core. The translative instability is an instability of the late-time oversaturated flow. Three-dimensional perturbation growth similar to that of the translative instability can occur whenever spanwise vorticity is present in the braid region. The nonlinear effects that occur when the initial rib circulation is sufficiently high are discussed.

Rogers, Michael M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Magellan observations of extended impact crater related features on the surface of Venus

The hydrodynamic evolution of an incompressible plane mixing layer is addressed to elucidate scalar mixing in free shear flows. A detailed description of the onset of three-dimensionality in a mixing layer before or in the absence of pairing is presented. Various simulations were performed to investigate the sensitivity of these results to variations in initial conditions. These variations included changes in amplitude, wavelength, functional form, and relative phasing of the initial low-wavenumber disturbances. Pierrehumber & Widnall's (1982) translative instability eigenfunctions are found to include rib vortices in the braid region and oppositely signed streamwise vorticity in the roller core. The translative instability is an instability of the late-time oversaturated flow. Three-dimensional perturbation growth similar to that of the translative instability can occur whenever spanwise vorticity is present in the braid region. The nonlinear effects that occur when the initial rib circulation is sufficiently high are discussed.

Campbell, D. B.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Skyline based terrain matching

Skyline-based terrain matching, a new method for locating the vantage point of stereo camera or laser range-finding measurements on a global map previously prepared by satellite or aerial mapping is described. The orientation of the vantage is assumed known, but its translational parameters are determined by the algorithm. Skylines, or occluding contours, can be extracted from the sensory measurements taken by an autonomous vehicle. They can also be modeled from the global map, given a vantage estimate from which to start. The two sets of skylines, represented in cylindrical coordinates about either the true or the estimated vantage, are employed as 'features' or reference objects common to both sources of information. The terrain matching problem is formulated in terms of finding a translation between the respective representations of the skylines, by approximating the two sets of skylines as identical features (curves) on the actual terrain. The search for this translation is based on selecting the longest of the minimum-distance vectors between corresponding curves from the two sets of skylines. In successive iterations of the algorithm, the approximation that the two sets of curves are identical becomes more accurate, and the vantage estimate continues to improve. The algorithm was implemented and evaluated on a simulated terrain. Illustrations and examples are included.

Page, Lance A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Spline screw payload fastening system

A system for coupling an orbital replacement unit (ORU) to a space station structure via the actions of a robot and/or astronaut is described. This system provides mechanical and electrical connections both between the ORU and the space station structure and between the ORU and the ORU and the robot/astronaut hand tool. Alignment and timing features ensure safe, sure handling and precision coupling. This includes a first female type spline connector selectively located on the space station structure, a male type spline connector positioned on the orbital replacement unit so as to mate with and connect to the first female type spline connector, and a second female type spline connector located on the orbital replacement unit. A compliant drive rod interconnects the second female type spline connector and the male type spline connector. A robotic special end effector is used for mating with and driving the second female type spline connector. Also included are alignment tabs exteriorally located on the orbital replacement unit for berthing with the space station structure. The first and second female type spline connectors each include a threaded bolt member having a captured nut member located thereon which can translate up and down the bolt but are constrained from rotation thereabout, the nut member having a mounting surface with at least one first type electrical connector located on the mounting surface for translating with the nut member. At least one complementary second type electrical connector on the orbital replacement unit mates with at least one first type electrical connector on the mounting surface of the nut member. When the driver on the robotic end effector mates with the second female type spline connector and rotates, the male type spline connector and the first female type spline connector lock together, the driver and the second female type spline connector lock together, and the nut members translate up the threaded bolt members carrying the first type electrical connector up to the complementary second type connector for interconnection therewith.

Vranish, John M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Registering and resampling images in STSDAS

Registering different images can be difficult, especially if the images to be registered are images at different wavelengths, where features in one image may look entirely different or be absent from the second image. Using two new packages soon to be added to the STSDAS package, REGISTER and RESAMPLE, this job is done automatically. The REGISTER package allows the user to determine the amount of translation, rotation, and/or magnification needed to make two images, spectra, or time series congruent. The methods implemented to compute the registration parameters use: a set of the pixel coordinates of the same features identified in two files, or the FITS coordinate transformation parameters in the headers of two data files, or a single feature identified as the peak of a cross-correlation between two vectors. The coefficients describing the registration are defined by the equations (for a two-dimensional image): x = a + bx + cy, y = d + ex + fy, where (X,Y) are the pixel coordinates of a feature in the reference image, (x,y) are the pixel coordinates of a feature in the secondary image, and the computed coefficients are a, b, c, d, e, and f. Results may be produced by linking the output of REGISTER to RESAMPLE in a command language procedure. The output from REGISTER and the input to RESAMPLE consists of a matrix of coefficients (a through f above) fully specifying the registration. The RESAMPLE package resamples simple vector or image data for a given amount of translation, rotation (images only), and magnification, or reflection of the science data. Specific options included are: image rotation about the FITS reference pixel; scale changes, i.e. magnification or demagnification (for images, independently on both axes); simple translation; reflection (for images, about one or both axes); and resampling and registration to a reference data set. Output from the RESAMPLE task is the resampled image which may then be displayed and compared with the reference image.

Williamson, R. L., II↗