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At least 55 records · Page 3

Shuttle avionics visual display

SAV-D system is composed of display description language (DDL) and its language processor. Language provides for the description of displays in terms of static and variable references for text, special symbols, lines, and circles. SAV-D permits use of high-order English-like language to describe complete displays with increased speed and ease of coding, debugging, and modification. It also allows one to specify static and variable attribute, such as location, flash, dash, character size, and intensity.

Yoshimura, A. A.↗

Substructure coupling: A different approach

The substructure analysis of the Lockheed L-1011 Dash 500 long range derivative without use of the NASTRAN level 16 multistage substructuring capability is described. It is presented as an example of how a large structural analysis can be organized into manageable independent tasks and how preprocessors, model definition conventions, and data management programs can be used to simplify the data management and model documentation. A procedure is described to analyze a single substructure by modifying the static solution to solve the interface compatibility equations simultaneously with the substructure solution.

Lahey, R. S.↗

Study of heat sink thermal protection systems for hypersonic research aircraft

The feasibility of using a single metallic heat sink thermal protection system (TPS) over a projected flight test program for a hypersonic research vehicle was studied using transient thermal analyses and mission performance calculations. Four materials, aluminum, titanium, Lockalloy, and beryllium, as well as several combinations, were evaluated. Influence of trajectory parameters were considered on TPS and mission performance for both the clean vehicle configuration as well as with an experimental scramjet mounted. From this study it was concluded that a metallic heat sink TPS can be effectively employed for a hypersonic research airplane flight envelope which includes dash missions in excess of Mach 8 and 60 seconds of cruise at Mach numbers greater than 6. For best heat sink TPS match over the flight envelope, Lockalloy and titanium appear to be the most promising candidates

Vahl, W. A.↗

Study of aerodynamic technology for VSTOL fighter attack aircraft

Vertical short takeoff aircraft capability, supersonic dash capability, and transonic agility were investigated for the development of Fighter/attack aircraft to be accommodated on ships smaller than present aircraft carriers. Topics covered include: (1) description of viable V/STOL fighter/attack configuration (a high wing, close-coupled canard, twin-engine, control configured aircraft) which meets or exceeds specified levels of vehicle performance; (2) estimates of vehicle aerodynamic characteristics and the methodology utilized to generate them; (3) description of propulsion system characteristics and vehicle mass properties; (4) identification of areas of aerodynamic uncertainty; and (5) a test program to investigate the areas of aerodynamic uncertainty in the conventional flight mode.

Burhans, W., Jr.↗

Characteristics of the handling and positioning aid

The handling and positioning aid which (HPA) provides a wide range of adjustable work stations both inboard and outboard of the cargo bay is discussed. It can assist with berthing and docking, it is robust, stiff, has a simple control system, and is modular. An articulated arm version of HPA employed in a typical servicing mission is shown. Mounted on a base frame that spans the Orbiter cargo bay, the 6 m arm is long enough to hold the satellite being serviced and keep its solar array clear of the Orbiter radiators. By adjusting the length and angle of the support platform mast, and rotating the tip of the HPA arm, almost every item on the satellite can be reached. Spares and change-out units can be brought to and from the work site by the RMS, which is controlled from the aft flight deck. The fore and aft position of the base frame can be changed between Orbiter flights and this, together with the 5 degrees of freedom (DOF) of the long arm, allows work sites to be chosen that meet the clearance, reach and vision requirements of many missions. Flight article activities are shown are shown above the dashed horizontal line and Development Test Article (DTA) work below. Flight article requirements and concepts and the design of the DTA are developed.

Goodwin, C. J.↗

A remote augmentor lift system with a turbine bypass engine

Two supersonic vertical takeoff or landing (VTOL) aircraft engine types, a conventional medium bypass ratio turbofan, and a turbine bypass turbojet were studied. The aircraft assumed was a clipped delta wing with canard configuration. A VTOL deck launched intercept, DLI, mission with Mach 1.6 dash and cruise segments was used as the design mission. Several alternate missions requiring extended subsonic capabilities were analyzed. Comparisons were made between the turbofan (TF) and the turbine bypass turbojet (TBE) engines in airplane types using a Remote Augmented Lift Systems, RALS and a Lift plus Lift Cruise system (L+LC). The figure of merit was takeoff gross weight for the VTOL DLI mission. The results of the study show that the turbine bypass turbojet and the conventional turbofan are competitive engines for both type of aircraft in terms of takeoff gross weight and range. However, the turbine bypass turbojet would be a simpler engine and may result in more attractive life cycle costs and reduced maintenance. The RALS and L+LC airplane types with either TBE or TF engines have approximately the same aircraft takeoff gross weight.

Fishbach, L. H.↗

Analysis of multispectral data using an unsupervised classification technique: Application to VAS

A statistical classification method based on clustering of multidimensional histograms was applied to several channels of the VAS multispectral imagery. The method automatically discriminates and classifies atmospheric ground features such as cloud types, atmospheric moisture patterns, ocean, or ground. Such a clustering method has the advantage of forming natural data groupings, without a priori classification. Clusters are not limited by straight lines or plane surfaces as is the case in threshold methods. The method was applied to simultaneous full resolution images from channels 8 (11.2 micron), 10 (6.7 micron), and 12 (3.9 micron). Twenty image segments of 64 by 64, 12 image segments of 128 by 128, and 4 image segments of 254 by 254 picture elements were analyzed. In addition, normal VISSR mode images at 1800, 1830, and 2000 GMT were used to identify the classes. The gray levels measured along a scan line and the result of the classification scheme (dashed curves) for the three channels investigated are shown. Each point of the image is affected to a class. Each class is identified by a center of gravity that is represented by a vector in the three dimensional space of gray levels.

Szejwach, G.↗

Energy state revisited

Kaiser (1944) has introduced the concept of 'resultant height' in connection with aircraft minimum-time climbs. Its use as a state variable in trajectory work is attractive because it is a 'slower' variable than either altitude or velocity. Kelley (1972, 1973) has made an attempt to synthesize 'slow' state variables in connection with singular-perturbation procedures. In the present investigation, attempts are made to synthesize both 'fast' and 'slow' variables for the minimum-time-to-climb problem along lines explored by Kelley. Attention is given to climb equations, energy-modeling simplifications, 'slow'-variable choice, 'fast'-variable-choice considerations, a singular-perturbation analysis, the choice of a 'fast' variable, and the climb-dash problem.

Kelley, H. J.↗

Energy state revisited

Kaiser (1944) has introduced the concept of "resultant height' in connection with aircraft minimum-time climbs. Its use as a state variable in trajectory work is attractive because it is a "slower' variable than either altitude or velocity. Kelley (1972, 1973) has made an attempt to synthesize "slow' state variables in connection with singular-perturbation procedures. In the present investigation, attempts are made to synthesize both "fast' and "slow' variables for the minimum-time-climb problem along lines explored by Kelley. Attention is given to climb equations, energy-modeling simplifications, "slow'-variable choice, "fast'-variable-choice considerations, a singular-perturbation analysis, the choise of a "fast' variable, and the climb-dash problem.

Kelley, H. J.↗

Computers in the cockpit - But what about the pilots?

The advent of the microprocessor has made it possible to design and implement small special purpose digital computers for the flightdeck of an aircraft. However, by the end of the 1970s, many in aviation and government were concerned about certain safety implications of developments related to automation which had occurred. As a result of these concerns, NASA was directed to examine the human factors of automation. A field investigation concerning the arising questions was conducted, taking into account the introduction of the Dash 80 airliner in 1980. Attention is given to the design philosophy of the aircraft, the study methodology, and preliminary results of the study, which are based on analysis of the first wave of questionnaire data and interviews. Almost all pilots, and check captains as well, expressed the view that the first 50 to 100 hours in the -80 were difficult. The reasons for these difficulties were related to cockpit automation and, in addition, to the fact that the new aircraft was more powerful than the older models to which they were accustomed.

Wiener, E. L.↗

Model-following control for an oblique-wing aircraft

A variable-skew oblique wing offers a substantial aerodynamic performance advantage for aircraft missions that require both high efficiency in subsonic flight and supersonic dash or cruise. The most obvious characteristic of the oblique-wing concept is the asymmetry associated with wing-skew angle which results in significant aerodynamic and inertial cross-coupling between the aircraft longitudinal and lateral-directional axes. A technique for synthesizing a decoupling controller while providing the desired stability augmentation. The proposed synthesis procedure uses the cncept of explicit model following. Linear quadratic optimization techniques are used to design the linear feedback system. The effectiveness of the control laws developed in achieving the desired decoupling is illustrated for a given flight condition by application to linearized equations of motion, and also to the nonlinear equations of six degrees of freedom of motion with nonlinear aerodynamic data.

Alag, G. S.↗

Model-following control for an oblique-wing aircraft

A variable-skew oblique wing offers a substantial aerodynamic performance advantage for aircraft missions that require both high efficiency in subsonic flight and supersonic dash or cruise. The most obvious characteristic of the oblique-wing concept is the asymmetry associated with wing-skew angle which results in significant aerodynamic and inertial cross-coupling between the aircraft longitudinal and lateral-directional axes. This paper presents a technique for synthesizing a decoupling controller while providing the desired stability augmentation. The proposed synthesis procedure uses the concept of explicit model following. Linear quadratic optimization techniques are used to design the linear feedback system. The effectiveness of the control laws developed in achieving the desired decoupling is illustrated for a given flight condition by application to linearized equations of motion, and also to the nonlinear equations of six degrees of freedom of motion with nonlinear aerodynamic data.

Alag, G. S.↗

Color contouring for atmospheric data sets

A program has been developed for use by researchers at the Langley Research Center (LaRC) to allow a quick and easy method to display color contour plots. The bilinear interpolation technique used in the contouring routine enables the user to analyze large data sets with smoothly varying color changes instead of dashes and lines. Annotations can be added to enhance the contour plot, and the resulting plot can easily be made into a color print or a viewgraph.

Ferebee, M. T.↗

Vestibular models for design and evaluation of flight simulator motion

The use of spatial orientation models in the design and evaluation of control systems for motion-base flight simulators is investigated experimentally. The development of a high-fidelity motion drive controller using an optimal control approach based on human vestibular models is described. The formulation and implementation of the optimal washout system are discussed. The effectiveness of the motion washout system was evaluated by studying the response of six motion washout systems to the NASA/AMES Vertical Motion Simulator for a single dash-quick-stop maneuver. The effects of the motion washout system on pilot performance and simulator acceptability are examined. The data reveal that human spatial orientation models are useful for the design and evaluation of flight simulator motion fidelity.

Bussolari, S. R.↗

An airfoil designed for a high-altitude, long endurance remotely piloted vehicle

The preliminary design of high-altitude, long-endurance RPVs is complicated by the paucity of data concerning airfoils with high lift coefficients at low Re numbers. Attention is presently given to a generic airfoil of this type for the design Re number range of 700,000 to 2 million. Low drag is predicted for lift coefficients from 0.4 (for high speed dashes) to 1.5 (for maximum mission endurance). The airfoil is such that its maximum lift coefficient, at 1.8, is unaffected by the surface contamination that would be encountered during takeoffs and landings in rain or over insect-infested runways.

Maughmer, Mark D.↗

Model-following output feedback controller for oblique-wing aircraft

A variable-skew oblique-wing offers a substantial aerodynamic performance advantage for aircraft missions that require both high efficiency in subsonic flight and supersonic dash or cruise. The most obvious characteristics of the oblique-wing concept is the asymmetry of the wing-skew angle that causes a significant aerodynamic and inertial cross coupling between the aircraft longitudinal and lateral-directional axes. This paper presents a technique for synthesizing a decoupling controller while providing the desired stability augmentation. The use of output feedback in control law synthesis without the requirement of state estimation is presented. An explicit model-following control system with output feedback is developed. The effectiveness of the control laws developed in achieving the desired decoupling is illustrated for a given flight condition for an oblique-wing aircraft.

Alag, Gurbux Singh↗

Infrared aircraft measurements of stratospheric composition over Antarctica during September 1987

The JPL Mark IV interferometer recorded high resolution, infared solar spectra from the NASA DC-8 aircraft during flights over Antarctica in September 1987. The atmospheric absorption features in these spectra were analyzed to determine the overburdens of O3, NO, NO2, HNO3, ClONO2, HCl, HF, CH4, N2O, CO, H2O and CFC-12. The spectra were obtained at latitudes which ranged between 64 degrees S and 86 degrees S, allowing the composition in the interior of the polar vortex to be compared with that at the edge. The latitude dependence observed for NO, HO2, HNO3, ClONO2, HCl and HF are summerized. The values at 30 deg S were observed on the ferry flight from New Zealand to Hawaii. The dashed lines connecting the two were interpolated across the region for which there are no measurements. The chemically perturbed region is seen to consist of a collar of high HNO3 and ClONO2 surrounding a core in which the overburdens of these and of HCl and NO2 are very low. Clear increases in the overburdens of HF and HNO3 were observed during the course of September in the vortex core. HCl and NO2 exhibited smaller, less significant increases. The overburdens of the tropospheric source gases, N2O, CH4, CF2Cl2, and H2O were observed to much smaller over Antarctica than at mid-latitudes. This, together with the fact that HF over Antarctica was more that double its mid-latitude value, suggests that downwelling has occurred.

Toon, Goeff C.↗

Design of a sample acquistion system for the Mars exobiological penetrator

The Mars Exobiological Penetrator will be imbedded into several locations on the Martian surface. It contains various scientific instruments, such as an Alpha-Particle Instrument (API), Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), Evolved Gas Analyzer (EGA) and accelerometers. A sample is required for analysis in the API and DSC. To avoid impact contaminated material, this sample must be taken from soil greater than 2 cm away from the penetrator shell. This study examines the design of a dedicated sampling system including deployment, suspension, fore/after body coupling, sample gathering and placement. To prevent subsurface material from entering the penetrator sampling compartment during impact, a plug is placed in the exit hole of the wall. A U-lever device is used to hold this plug in the penetrator wall. The U-lever rotates upon initial motion of the core-grinder mechanism (CGM), releasing the plug. Research points to a combination of coring and grinding as a plausible solution to the problem of dry drilling. The CGM, driven by two compressed springs, will be deployed along a tracking system. A slowly varying load i.e., springs, is favored over a fixed displacement motion because of its adaptability to different material hardness. However, to accommodate sampling in a low density soil, two dash pots set a maximum transverse velocity. In addition, minimal power use is achieved by unidirectional motion of the CGM. The sample will be transported to the scientific instruments by means of a sample placement tray that is driven by a compressed spring to avoid unnecessary power usage. This paper also explores possible modifications for size, weight, and time as well as possible future studies.

Thomson, Ron↗