Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “developable planes”

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 505 records · Page 28
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1994

Object recognition and pose estimation of planar objects from range data

The Extravehicular Activity Helper/Retriever (EVAHR) is a robotic device currently under development at the NASA Johnson Space Center that is designed to fetch objects or to assist in retrieving an astronaut who may have become inadvertently de-tethered. The EVAHR will be required to exhibit a high degree of intelligent autonomous operation and will base much of its reasoning upon information obtained from one or more three-dimensional sensors that it will carry and control. At the highest level of visual cognition and reasoning, the EVAHR will be required to detect objects, recognize them, and estimate their spatial orientation and location. The recognition phase and estimation of spatial pose will depend on the ability of the vision system to reliably extract geometric features of the objects such as whether the surface topologies observed are planar or curved and the spatial relationships between the component surfaces. In order to achieve these tasks, three-dimensional sensing of the operational environment and objects in the environment will therefore be essential. One of the sensors being considered to provide image data for object recognition and pose estimation is a phase-shift laser scanner. The characteristics of the data provided by this scanner have been studied and algorithms have been developed for segmenting range images into planar surfaces, extracting basic features such as surface area, and recognizing the object based on the characteristics of extracted features. Also, an approach has been developed for estimating the spatial orientation and location of the recognized object based on orientations of extracted planes and their intersection points. This paper presents some of the algorithms that have been developed for the purpose of recognizing and estimating the pose of objects as viewed by the laser scanner, and characterizes the desirability and utility of these algorithms within the context of the scanner itself, considering data quality and noise.

Pendleton, Thomas W.↗
NASA NTRS2005

1024x1024 Pixel MWIR and LWIR QWIP Focal Plane Arrays and 320x256 MWIR:LWIR Pixel Colocated Simultaneous Dualband QWIP Focal Plane Arrays

Mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) and long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) 1024x1024 pixel quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) focal planes have been demonstrated with excellent imaging performance. The MWIR QWIP detector array has demonstrated a noise equivalent differential temperature (NE(Delta)T) of 17 mK at a 95K operating temperature with f/2.5 optics at 300K background and the LWIR detector array has demonstrated a NE(Delta)T of 13 mK at a 70K operating temperature with the same optical and background conditions as the MWIR detector array after the subtraction of system noise. Both MWIR and LWIR focal planes have shown background limited performance (BLIP) at 90K and 70K operating-temperatures respectively, with similar optical and background conditions. In addition, we are in the process of developing MWIR and LWIR pixel collocated simultaneously readable dualband QWIP focal plane arrays.

quantum wells↗
NASA NTRS1974

The circumferentially notched cylindrical bar as a fracture toughness test specimen

The present work reviews the use of the notched cylinder as a screening specimen for use in sorting materials with respect to their relative levels of plane strain fracture toughness. Irwin's work in developing an estimate of stress intensity factors for the circumferentially cracked cylinder is reviewed. Some discrepancies between stress intensity factors determined with fatigue cracked notched cylinders and those determined with plate specimens are discussed. Problems in the technical realization of fatigue cracking a specimen are briefly discussed, and the problem of ensuring low eccentricity of loading when testing notch cylindrical specimens is considered. Finally, specimen size requirements for testing are examined.

Brown, W. F., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Volumetric pattern analysis of fuselage-mounted airborne antennas

A volumetric pattern analysis of fuselage-mounted airborne antennas at high frequencies was investigated. The primary goal of the investigation was to develop a numerical solution for predicting radiation patterns of airborne antennas in an accurate and efficient manner. An analytical study of airborne antenna pattern problems is presented in which the antenna is mounted on the fuselage near the top or bottom. Since this is a study of general-type commercial aircraft, the aircraft was modeled in its most basic form. The fuselage was assumed to be an infinitely long perfectly conducting elliptic cylinder in its cross-section and a composite elliptic cylinder in its elevation profile. The wing, cockpit, stabilizers (horizontal and vertical) and landing gear are modeled by "N" sided bent or flat plates which can be arbitrarily attached to the fuselage. The volumetric solution developed utilizes two elliptic cylinders, namely, the roll plane and elevation plane models to approximate the principal surface profile (longitudinal and transverse) at the antenna location. With the belt concept and the aid of appropriate coordinate system transformations the solution can be used to predict the volumetric patterns of airborne antennas in an accurate and efficient manner. Applications of this solution to various airborne antenna problems show good agreement with scale model measurements. Extensive data are presented for a microwave landing antenna system.

Yu, C. L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Guidance of an aeromaneuvering orbit-to-orbit shuttle through a statistically varying atmosphere

One candidate for a reusable upper stage to be carried by the space shuttle is an aeromaneuvering orbit-to-orbit shuttle (AMOOS). This concept uses the drag of the vehicle during a pass through the atmosphere rather than the propulsion system to slow the vehicle on a return from a high energy orbit. The nature and magnitude of the sensitivity of AMOOS to uncertainties in the properties of the atmosphere are shown. Various guidance schemes for correcting for the effects that the unpredictable variations in the atmosphere have on the trajectory are discussed. For the mission studied here, a payload retrieval from geosynchronous orbit with aerodynamic plane change, a linear feedback guidance scheme was developed. A relatively simple heuristic law was used to demonstrate the concept. Using optimal control theory a feedback law was developed analytically. Testing with a large number of different atmospheres showed this law to be a feasible means of controlling the AMOOS trajectory. Refinements to the technique offer promise of significant improvement, and these are discussed.

Rehder, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Turbulent boundary layers with large streamline curvature effects

It has been shown that turbulent flows are greatly affected by streamline curvature. In spite of this and the fact that curved shear flows are frequently encountered in engineering applications, the predictions of such flows are relatively less developed than the predictions of two-dimensional plane flows. Recently, various attempts were made by different investigators; however, their methods are only successful when the product of the boundary layer thickness to the local surface curvature is approximately 0.05. The present paper investigates the more general case where this product is in the range from 0.1 to 0.5. Results show that the calculated boundary-layer characteristics for arbitrary free stream conditions are in good agreement with measurements.

So, R. M. C.↗
NASA NTRS1978

A semiclassical approach to collisional ionization with application to the Ar-He system

A semiclassical approach based on the propagation of classical trajectories on potential surfaces analytically continued into the complex plane, together with a discretization procedure, has been developed for the problem of collisional ionization. Based on Franck-Condon considerations the formalism is reduced to that of the two-state approximation. Preionization loss and tunnelling beyond turning points have not been considered. Calculated partial ionization cross sections for the Ar-He system show good agreement with a fully quantum mechanical treatment.

Lam, K.-S.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Finite dynamic element formulation for a plane triangular element

Higher order correction terms for the stiffness and inertia matrices associated with a triangular plane stress-strain finite dynamic element are developed in detail. Numerical results are presented which indicate that the adoption of these matrices along with a suitable quadratic matrix eigenproblem solver effects a significant economy in the free vibration solution of structure when compared with the analysis based on the usual finite element procedure. Finally, a FORTRAN IV computer program listing of the various relevant matrices is given.

Gupta, K. K.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Investigation of electrodynamic stabilization and control of long orbiting tethers

An algorithm for using electric currents to control pendular oscillations induced by various perturbing forces on the Skyhook wire is considered. Transverse and vertical forces on the tether; tether instability modes and causes during retrieval by space shuttle; simple and spherical pendulum motion and vector damping; and current generation and control are discussed. A computer program for numerical integration of the in-plane and out-of-plane displacements of the tether vs time was developed for heuristic study. Some techniques for controlling instabilities during payload retrieval and methods for employing the tether for launching satellites from the space shuttle are considered. Derivations and analyses of a general nature used in all of the areas studied are included.

Arnold, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Extension to an analysis of turbulent swirling compressible flow for application to axisymmetric small gas turbine ducts

An existing computer program, the Axisymmetric Diffuser Duct Code (ADD code), which calculates compressible turbulent swirling flow through axisymmetric ducts was modified to permit calculation of flows through small gas turbine ducts with struts, guide vanes and large degrees of turning. The improvements include a coordinate generator, an end-wall loss model, and a generalized geometry capability to describe struts and guide vanes in ducts which turn more than 90 degrees. An improved output format was developed to provide the solution on any arbitrary plane in the duct and an extensive literature survey of calculation procedures used in gas turbine technology was completed which suggests improvements in the computer code. Calculations are presented for the flow through the AGT101 small gas turbine inlet duct and turbine exhaust diffuser which demonstrate the ADD code modifications implemented in the investigation. The computed results compare favorably with experimental results.

Anderson, O. L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Computation of turbulent boundary layer flows with an algebraic stress turbulence model

An algebraic stress turbulence model is presented, characterized by the following: (1) the eddy viscosity expression is derived from the Reynolds stress turbulence model; (2) the turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate equation is improved by including a production range time scale; and (3) the diffusion coefficients for turbulence equations are adjusted so that the kinetic energy profile extends further into the free stream region found in most experimental data. The turbulent flow equations were solved using a finite element method. Examples include: fully developed channel flow, fully developed pipe flow, flat plate boundary layer flow, plane jet exhausting into a moving stream, circular jet exhausting into a moving stream, and wall jet flow. Computational results compare favorably with experimental data for most of the examples considered. Significantly improved results were obtained for the plane jet flow, the circular jet flow, and the wall jet flow; whereas the remainder are comparable to those obtained by finite difference methods using the standard kappa-epsilon turbulence model. The latter seems to be promising with further improvement of the expression for the eddy viscosity coefficient.

Kim, Sang-Wook↗
NASA NTRS1986

Fracture mechanics

The application of fracture mechanics to the design of ceramic structures will require the precise measurement of crack growth and fracture resistance of these materials over their entire range of anticipated service temperatures and standardized test methods for making such measurements. The development of a standard test for measuring the plane strain fracture toughness is sought. Stress intensity factor coefficients were determined for three varieties of chevron-notch specimens, and fracture toughness measurements were made on silicon nitrides, silicon carbides, and aluminum oxides to assess the performance of each specimen variety. It was determined that silicon nitride and silicon carbides have flat crack growth resistance curves, but aluminum oxide does not. Additionally, batch-to-batch differences were noticed for the aluminum oxide. Experiments are continuing to explain the rising crack growth resistance and batch-to-batch variations for the aluminum oxide.

Shannon, John L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Analysis of interlaminar fracture in composites under combined loading

Delamination is a predominant failure mode in continuous fiber reinforced laminated composite structures. One type of delamination is the transverse crack tip delamination which originates at the tip of transverse matrix cracks. An analytical model based on the sublaminate approach and fracture mechanics is developed to study the growth of such delaminations. Plane strain conditions are assumed and estimates are provided for the total strain energy release rate as well as the mode 1 and mode 2 contribution. The energy release rate estimates are used in combination with a simple failure law to predict critical delamination growth strains and stresses. These predictions are compared with experimental data on T300/934 Graphite Epoxy (+ or - 25/90 nano seconds) laminates in the range n=.5 to 8. A good agreement is demonstrated for the range of n where the experimental observations indicate transverse crack tip delamination to be the predominant failure mode.

Armanios, Erian A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Scramjet testing from Mach 4 to 20 - Present capability and needs for the nineties

Consideration is given to the development of testing methods for the National Aerospace Plane (NASP) program, focusing on techniques for simulating and testing scramjet engines and scramjet engine components during flight from Mach 4 to Mach 20. The flight conditions associated with the NASP are outlined and the stagnation temperatures and pressures required to simulate flight up to orbital speeds are presented. The types of test facilities needed for scramjet propulsion testing are discussed, including combustion-heated facilities, electric arc-heated facilities, convection-heated facilities, shock tunnels, and expansion tubes. Issues related to assessing the flow quality in the scramjet ground testing facilities are examined, including uniformity, contamination, dissociation, ionization, nonequilibrium, and turbulence. Direct-connect combustor versus free-jet scramjet engine tests are compared and the capabilities of current and near-future scramjet engine test facilities are evaluated.

Thomas, Scott R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Turbulence modeling in supersonic combusting flows

To support the National Aerospace Plane project, the RPLUS3D CFD code has been developed at NASA Lewis. The code has the ability to solve three-dimensional flowfields with finite rate combustion of hydrogen and air. The combustion processes of the hydrogen-air system are simulated by an 18-reaction path, 8-species chemical kinetic mechanism. The code uses a Lower-Upper (LU) decomposition numerical algorithm as its basis, making it a very efficient and robust code. Except for the Jacobian matrix for the implicit chemistry source terms, there is no inversion of a matrix even though it uses a fully implicit numerical algorithm. A k-epsilon (two equation) turbulence model is incorporated into the RPLUS3D code.

Chitsomboon, Tawit↗
NASA NTRS1992

Periodic structures with time-varying loads

A new method is described for generating and predicting the power scattered at multiple frequencies from a periodic array excited by a monochromatic incident plane wave. The scattered power is predicted by developing an equivalent circuit representation from the exact method of moment solution of the unloaded periodic problem and then employing a modified method of moments approach to predict the scattered fields due to time-varying loads. An advantage of this method is that the generality of the equivalent circuit can be exploited to study the effects of different loads on the power scattered in the harmonic frequencies with a minimal amount of effort. The method can also be applied to multiple incident frequencies.

Epp, Larry W.↗
NASA NTRS1995

On absorbing boundary conditions for linearized Euler equations by a perfectly matched layer

Recently, Berenger introduced a Perfectly Matched Layer (PML) technique for absorbing electromagnetic waves. In the present paper, a perfectly matched layer is proposed for absorbing out-going two-dimensional waves in a uniform mean flow, generated by linearized Euler equations. It is well known that the linearized Euler equations support acoustic waves, which travel with the speed of sound relative to the mean flow, and vorticity and entropy waves, which travel with the mean flow. The PML equations to be used at a region adjacent to the artificial boundary for absorbing these linear waves are defined. Plane waves solutions to the PML equations are developed and wave propagation and absorption properties are given. It is shown that the theoretical reflection coefficients at an interface between the Euler and PML domains are zero, independent of the angle of incidence and frequency of the waves. As such, the present study points out a possible alternative approach for absorbing out-going waves of the Euler equations with little or no reflection in computation. Numerical examples that demonstrate the validity of the proposed PML equations are also presented.

Hu, Fang Q.↗