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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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2001

Optimal Control Design Using an H2 Method for the Glovebox Integrated Microgravity Isolation Technology (g-LIMIT)

The acceleration environment on the International Space Station (ISS) will likely exceed the requirements of many micro-gravity experiments. The Glovebox Integrated Microgravity Isolation Technology (g-LIMIT) is being built by the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center to attenuate the nominal acceleration environment and provide some isolation for micro-gravity science experiments. G-LIMIT uses Lorentz (voice-coil) magnetic actuators to isolate a platform for mounting science payloads from the nominal acceleration environment. The system utilizes payload acceleration, relative position, and relative orientation measurements in a feedback controller to accomplish the vibration isolation task. The controller provides current command to six magnetic actuators, producing the required experiment isolation from the ISS acceleration environment. This paper presents the development of a candidate control law to meet the acceleration attenuation requirements for the g-LIMIT experiment platform. The controller design is developed using linear optimal control techniques for both frequency-weighted H(sub 2) and H(sub infinity) norms. Comparison of the performance and robustness to plant uncertainty for these two optimal control design approaches are included in the discussion.

Calhoun, Phillip C.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Optimal Control Design using an H(sub 2) Method for the Glovebox Integrated Microgravity Isolation Technology (G-Limit)

The acceleration environment on the International Space Station (ISS) will likely exceed the requirements of many micro-gravity experiments. The Glovebox Integrated Microgravity Isolation Technology (g-LIMIT) is being built by the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center to attenuate the nominal acceleration environment and provide some isolation for microgravity science experiments. G-LIMIT uses Lorentz (voice-coil) magnetic actuators to isolate a platform for mounting science payloads from the nominal acceleration environment. The system utilizes payload acceleration, relative position, and relative orientation measurements in a feedback controller to accomplish the vibration isolation task. The controller provides current commands to six magnetic actuators, producing the required experiment isolation from the ISS acceleration environment. This paper presents the development of a candidate control law to meet the acceleration attenuation requirements for the g-LIMIT experiment platform. The controller design is developed using linear optimal control techniques for frequency-weighted H(sub 2) norms. Comparison of the performance and robustness to plant uncertainty for this control design approach is included in the discussion.

Calhoun, Philip C.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Timekeeping for the Space Technology 5 (ST-5) Mission

Space Technology 5, or better known as ST-5, is a space technology development mission in the New Millennium Program (NMP) and NASA s first experiment in the design of miniaturized satellite constellations. The mission will design, integrate and launch multiple spacecraft into an orbit high above the Earth s protective magnetic field known as the magnetosphere. Each spacecraft incorporates innovative technology and constellation concepts which will be instrumental in future space science missions. A total of three ST-5 spacecraft will be launched as secondary payloads into a highly elliptical geo-synchronous transfer orbit, and will operate as a 3-element constellation for a minimum duration of 90 days. In order to correlate the time of science measurements with orbit position relative to the Earth, orbit position in space (with respect to other objects in space) and/or with events measured on Earth or other spacecraft, accurate knowledge of spacecraft and ground time is needed. Ground time as used in the USA (known as Universal Time Coordinated or UTC) is maintained by the U.S. Naval Observatory. Spacecraft time is maintained onboard within the Command and Data Handling (C&DH) system. The science requirements for ST-5 are that spacecraft time and ground time be correlatable to each other, with some degree of accuracy. Accurate knowledge of UTC time on a spacecraft is required so that science measurements can be correlated with orbit position relative to the Earth, orbit position in space and with events measured on Earth or other spacecraft. The most crucial parameter is not the clock oscillator frequency, but more importantly, how the clock oscillator frequency varies with time or temperature (clock oscillator drift). Even with an incorrect clock oscillator frequency, if there were no drift, the frequency could be assessed by comparing the spacecraft clock to a ground clock during a few correlation events. Once the frequency is accurately known, it is easy enough to make a regular adjustment to the spacecraft clock or to calculate the correct ground time for a given spacecraft clock time. The oscillator frequency, however, is temperature dependent, drifts with age and is affected by radiation; hence, repeated correlation measurements are required.

Raphael, Dave↗
NASA NTRS2017

Computational Study of Combustor-Turbine Interactions

The Open National Combustion Code (OpenNCC) is applied to the simulation of a realisticcombustor configuration [Energy Efficient Engine (E(exp. 3))] in order to investigate the unsteady flow fields inside the combustor and around the first stage stator of a high pressure turbine (HPT). We consider one-twelfth (24 degrees) of the full annular E(exp. 3) combustor with three different geometries of the combustor exit: one without the vane, and two others with the vane set at different relative positions in relation to the fuel nozzle (clocking). Although it is common to take the exit flow profiles obtained by separately simulating the combustor and then feed it as the inflow profile when modeling the HPT, our studies show that the unsteady flow fields are influenced by the presence of the vane as well as clocking. More importantly, the characteristics (e.g., distribution and strength) of the high temperature spots (i.e., hot-streaks) appearing on the vane significantly alters. This indicates the importance of simultaneously modeling both the combustor and the HPT to understand the mechanics of the unsteady formulation of hot-streaks.

turbines↗
NASA NTRS2017

Computational Study of Combustor-Turbine Interactions

The Open National Combustion Code (OpenNCC) is applied to the simulation of a realisticcombustor configuration (Energy Efficient Engine (E3)) in order to investigate the unsteady flow fields inside the combustor and around the first stage stator of a high pressure turbine (HPT). We consider one-twelfth (24 degrees) of the full annular E3 combustor with three different geometries of the combustor exit: one without the vane, and two others with the vane set at different relative positions in relation to the fuel nozzle (clocking). Although it is common to take the exit flow profiles obtained by separately simulating the combustor and then feed it as the inflow profile when modeling the HPT, our studies show that the unsteady flow fields are influenced by the presence of the vane as well as clocking. More importantly, the characteristics (e.g., distribution and strength) of the high temperature spots (i.e., hot-streaks) appearing on the vane significantly alters. This indicates the importance of simultaneously modeling both the combustor and the HPT to understand the mechanics of the unsteady formulation of hot-streaks.

turbines↗
NASA NTRS2015

A Heuristic Approach to Correlating ERAM Flight Data from Twenty Centers

Among its many other functions, the Federal Aviation Administration’s En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) provides external systems with real-time air traffic data for flights in enroute airspace in the National Airspace System. It replaced the En Route Host computer and backup system used at 20 FAA Air Route Traffic Control Centers (Centers) nationwide. Among the new features of ERAM, its output data stream of flight plan and track data includes a unique identifier for a flight originating in any one of the 20 ERAM Centers. The unique identifier, called the Global Unique Flight Identifier (GUFI), is persistent across all the Centers that track the flight. However, certain factors make it difficult to correlate data using the GUFI. First, the value of the GUFI is only unique within a time window of seven days. Second, the GUFI is attached only to flight-plan related data messages. Finally, track positions reported by ERAM do not reference the GUFI. In order to correlate historical as well as real time flight-plan and position related ERAM data, an efficient, heuristic approach was developed, and a prototype was developed. The approach showed that the processing speed, through parallel processing, is sufficient to correlate ERAM data in real-time. As described in this paper, when there are multiple track positions reported from multiple Centers within a few seconds, each position is assigned with a weighted score to indicate the quality of the position relative to its last know position. The weighted score can be used to eliminate potentially duplicate track positions. The approach is database-agnostic, and can be implemented in a Big Data system such as an Apache Hadoop system, as well as in traditional database systems.

Correlating ERAM Flight Data↗
NASA NTRS1973

Device for determining relative angular position between a spacecraft and a radiation emitting celestial body

Signals indicative of the relative angular position between a spin stabilized spacecraft, probe, or sounding rocket and a radiation emitting celestial body are derived with a detector including four electrodes for deriving indications of the centroid of the radiation image on the detector. During each spin of the satellite each electrode derives a signal having a first non-zero level while the detector is not illuminated by the radiation, and a sound non-zero level while it is illuminated by the radiation.

Farthing, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS2003

A Fuzzy Technique for Performing Lateral-Axis Formation Flight Navigation Using Wingtip Vortices

Close formation flight involving aerodynamic coupling through wingtip vortices shows significant promise to improve the efficiency of cooperative aircraft operations. Impediments to the application of this technology include internship communication required to establish precise relative positioning. This report proposes a method for estimating the lateral relative position between two aircraft in close formation flight through real-time estimates of the aerodynamic effects imparted by the leading airplane on the trailing airplane. A fuzzy algorithm is developed to map combinations of vortex-induced drag and roll effects to relative lateral spacing. The algorithm is refined using self-tuning techniques to provide lateral relative position estimates accurate to 14 in., well within the requirement to maintain significant levels of drag reduction. The fuzzy navigation algorithm is integrated with a leader-follower formation flight autopilot in a two-ship F/A-18 simulation with no intership communication modeled. It is shown that in the absence of measurements from the leading airplane the algorithm provides sufficient estimation of lateral formation spacing for the autopilot to maintain stable formation flight within the vortex. Formation autopilot trim commands are used to estimate vortex effects for the algorithm. The fuzzy algorithm is shown to operate satisfactorily with anticipated levels of input uncertainties.

Hanson, Curtis E.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Thermally unstable roosts influence winter torpor patterns in a threatened bat species

Abstract Many hibernating bats in thermally stable, subterranean roosts have experienced precipitous declines from white-nose syndrome (WNS). However, some WNS-affected species also use thermally unstable roosts during winter that may impact their torpor patterns and WNS susceptibility. From November to March 2017–19, we used temperature-sensitive transmitters to document winter torpor patterns of tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus) using thermally unstable roosts in the upper Coastal Plain of South Carolina. Daily mean roost temperature was 12.9 ± 4.9°C SD in bridges and 11.0 ± 4.6°C in accessible cavities with daily fluctuations of 4.8 ± 2°C in bridges and 4.0 ± 1.9°C in accessible cavities and maximum fluctuations of 13.8 and 10.5°C, respectively. Mean torpor bout duration was 2.7 ± 2.8 days and was negatively related to ambient temperature and positively related to precipitation. Bats maintained non-random arousal patterns focused near dusk and were active on 33.6% of tracked days. Fifty-one percent of arousals contained passive rewarming. Normothermic bout duration, general activity and activity away from the roost were positively related to ambient temperature, and activity away from the roost was negatively related to barometric pressure. Our results suggest ambient weather conditions influence winter torpor patterns of tricolored bats using thermally unstable roosts. Short torpor bout durations and potential nighttime foraging during winter by tricolored bats in thermally unstable roosts contrasts with behaviors of tricolored bats in thermally stable roosts. Therefore, tricolored bat using thermally unstable roosts may be less susceptible to WNS. More broadly, these results highlight the importance of understanding the effect of roost thermal stability on winter torpor patterns and the physiological flexibility of broadly distributed hibernating species.

Biodiversity & Conservation↗
NASA NTRS2015

An Upper Bound on Orbital Debris Collision Probability When Only One Object has Position Uncertainty Information

Upper bounds on high speed satellite collision probability, P (sub c), have been investigated. Previous methods assume an individual position error covariance matrix is available for each object. The two matrices being combined into a single, relative position error covariance matrix. Components of the combined error covariance are then varied to obtain a maximum P (sub c). If error covariance information for only one of the two objects was available, either some default shape has been used or nothing could be done. An alternative is presented that uses the known covariance information along with a critical value of the missing covariance to obtain an approximate but useful P (sub c) upper bound. There are various avenues along which an upper bound on the high speed satellite collision probability has been pursued. Typically, for the collision plane representation of the high speed collision probability problem, the predicted miss position in the collision plane is assumed fixed. Then the shape (aspect ratio of ellipse), the size (scaling of standard deviations) or the orientation (rotation of ellipse principal axes) of the combined position error ellipse is varied to obtain a maximum P (sub c). Regardless as to the exact details of the approach, previously presented methods all assume that an individual position error covariance matrix is available for each object and the two are combined into a single, relative position error covariance matrix. This combined position error covariance matrix is then modified according to the chosen scheme to arrive at a maximum P (sub c). But what if error covariance information for one of the two objects is not available? When error covariance information for one of the objects is not available the analyst has commonly defaulted to the situation in which only the relative miss position and velocity are known without any corresponding state error covariance information. The various usual methods of finding a maximum P (sub c) do no good because the analyst defaults to no knowledge of the combined, relative position error covariance matrix. It is reasonable to think, given an assumption of no covariance information, an analyst might still attempt to determine the error covariance matrix that results in an upper bound on the P (sub c). Without some guidance on limits to the shape, size and orientation of the unknown covariance matrix, the limiting case is a degenerate ellipse lying along the relative miss vector in the collision plane. Unless the miss position is exceptionally large or the at-risk object is exceptionally small, this method results in a maximum P (sub c) too large to be of practical use. For example, assuming that the miss distance is equal to the current ISS alert volume along-track (+ or -) distance of 25 kilometers and that the at-risk area has a 70 meter radius. The maximum (degenerate ellipse) P (sub c) is about 0.00136. At 40 kilometers, the maximum P (sub c) would be 0.00085 which is still almost an order of magnitude larger than the ISS maneuver threshold of 0.0001. In fact, a miss distance of almost 340 kilometers is necessary to reduce the maximum P (sub c) associated with this degenerate ellipse to the ISS maneuver threshold value. Such a result is frequently of no practical value to the analyst. Some improvement may be made with respect to this problem by realizing that while the position error covariance matrix of one of the objects (usually the debris object) may not be known the position error covariance matrix of the other object (usually the asset) is almost always available. Making use of the position error covariance information for the one object provides an improvement in finding a maximum P (sub c) which, in some cases, may offer real utility. The equations to be used are presented and their use discussed.

Frisbee, Joseph H., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Multi-Maneuver Clohessy-Wiltshire Targeting

Orbital rendezvous involves execution of a sequence of maneuvers by a chaser vehicle to bring the chaser to a desired state relative to a target vehicle while meeting intermediate and final relative constraints. Intermediate and final relative constraints are necessary to meet a multitude of requirements such as to control approach direction, ensure relative position is adequate for operation of space-to-space communication systems and relative sensors, provide fail-safe trajectory features, and provide contingency hold points. The effect of maneuvers on constraints is often coupled, so the maneuvers must be solved for as a set. For example, maneuvers that affect orbital energy change both the chaser's height and downrange position relative to the target vehicle. Rendezvous designers use experience and rules-of-thumb to design a sequence of maneuvers and constraints. A non-iterative method is presented for targeting a rendezvous scenario that includes a sequence of maneuvers and relative constraints. This method is referred to as Multi-Maneuver Clohessy-Wiltshire Targeting (MM_CW_TGT). When a single maneuver is targeted to a single relative position, the classic CW targeting solution is obtained. The MM_CW_TGT method involves manipulation of the CW state transition matrix to form a linear system. As a starting point for forming the algorithm, the effects of a series of impulsive maneuvers on the state are derived. Simple and moderately complex examples are used to demonstrate the pattern of the resulting linear system. The general form of the pattern results in an algorithm for formation of the linear system. The resulting linear system relates the effect of maneuver components and initial conditions on relative constraints specified by the rendezvous designer. Solution of the linear system includes the straight-forward inverse of a square matrix. Inversion of the square matrix is assured if the designer poses a controllable scenario - a scenario where the the constraints can be met by the sequence of maneuvers. Matrices in the linear system are dependent on selection of maneuvers and constraints by the designer, but the matrices are independent of the chaser's initial conditions. For scenarios where the sequence of maneuvers and constraints are fixed, the linear system can be formed and the square matrix inverted prior to real-time operations. Example solutions are presented for several rendezvous scenarios to illustrate the utility of the method. The MM_CW_TGT method has been used during the preliminary design of rendezvous scenarios and is expected to be useful for iterative methods in the generation of an initial guess and corrections.

Dannemiller, David P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Algebraic criteria for positive realness relative to the unit circle.

A definition is presented of the circle positive realness of real rational functions relative to the unit circle in the complex variable plane. The problem of testing this kind of positive reality is reduced to the algebraic problem of determining the distribution of zeros of a real polynomial with respect to and on the unit circle. Such reformulation of the problem avoids the search for explicit information about imaginary poles of rational functions. The stated algebraic problem is solved by applying the polynomial criteria of Marden (1966) and Jury (1964), and a completely recursive algorithm for circle positive realness is obtained.

Siljak, D. D.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Video Guidance Sensor Flight Experiment Results

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center flew on the STS-87 mission an active sensor system, the Video Guidance Sensor (VGS), to demonstrate its functioning in space and to collect performance data. The VGS was designed to provide near-range sensor data as part of an automatic rendezvous and docking system. The sensor determines the relative positions and attitudes between the active sensor and the passive target. The VGS uses laser diodes to illuminate retro-reflectors in the target, a solid-state camera to detect the return from the target, and a frame grabber and digital signal processor to convert the video information into the relative positions and attitudes. The system is designed to operate with the target within a relative azimuth of +/- 9.5 degrees and a relative elevation of +/- 7.5 degrees. The system will acquire and track the target within that field-of-view anywhere from 1.5 meters to 110 meters range, and is designed to acquire at relative attitudes of +/- 10 degrees in pitch and yaw and at any roll angle. The data is output from the sensor at 5 Hz, and the target and sensor software have been designed to permit two independent sensors to operate simultaneously (in order to allow for redundancy). The data from the flight experiment includes raw video data from the VGS camera, relative position and attitude measurements from the VGS to the target, independent hand-held laser ranges from the Shuttle Aft Flight Deck to the target, and Remote Manipulator System position data to correlate with the VGS data. The experiment was quite successful and returned much useful information. The experience gained from the design and flight of this experiment will lead to improved video sensors in the future.

Howard, Richard T.↗
NASA NTRS2000

The Fall 2000 and Fall 2001 SOHO-Ulysses Quadratures

SOHO-Ulysses quadrature occurs when the SOHO-Sun-Ulysses included angle is 90 degrees. It is only at such times that the same plasma leaving the Sun in the direction of Ulysses can first be remotely analyzed with SOHO instruments and then later be sampled in situ by Ulysses instruments. The quadratures in December 2000 and 2001 are of special significance because Ulysses will be near the south and north heliographic poles, respectively, and the solar cycle will be near sunspot maximum. Quadrature geometry is sometimes confusing and observations are influenced by solar rotation. The Fall 2000 and 2001 quadratures are more complex than usual because Ulysses is not in a true polar orbit and the orbital speed of Ulysses about the Sun is becoming comparable to the speed of SOHO about the Sun. In 2000 Ulysses will always be slightly behind the pole but will appear to hang over the pole for over two months because it is moving around the Sun in the same direction as SOHO. In 20001, Ulysses will be slightly in front of the pole so that its footpoint will be directly observable. Detailed plots will be shown of the relative positions of SOHO and Ulysses will their relative positions. In neither case is true quadrature actually achieved, but this works to the observers advantage in 2001.

Suess, S. T.↗
NASA NTRS2001

The Fall 2000 and Fall 2001 SOHO-Ulysses Quadratures

SOHO-Ulysses quadrature occurs when the SOHO-Sun-Ulysses included angle is 90 degrees. It is only at such times that the same plasma leaving the Sun in the direction of Ulysses can first be remotely analyzed with SOHO instruments and then later be sampled in situ by Ulysses instruments. The quadratures in December 2000 and 2001 are of special significance because Ulysses will be near the south and north heliographic poles, respectively, and the solar cycle will be near sunspot maximum. Quadrature geometry is sometimes confusing and observations are influenced by solar rotation. The Fall 2000 and 2001 quadratures are more complex than usual because Ulysses is not in a true polar orbit and the orbital speed of Ulysses about the Sun is becoming comparable to the speed of SOHO about the Sun. In 2000 Ulysses will always be slightly behind the pole but will appear to hang over the pole for over two months because it is moving around the Sun in the same direction as SOHO. In 2001 Ulysses will be slightly in front of the pole so that its footpoint will be directly observable. Detailed plots will be shown of the relative positions of SOHO and Ulysses will their relative positions. In neither case is true quadrature actually achieved, but this works to the observers advantage in 2001.

Suess, S. T.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Combined pressure and temperature distortion effects on internal flow of a turbofan engine

An additional data base for improving and verifying a computer simulation developed by an engine manufacturer was obtained. The multisegment parallel compressor simulation was designed to predict the effects of steady-state circumferential inlet total-pressure and total-temperature distortions on the flows into and through a turbofan compression system. It also predicts the degree of distortion that will result in surge of the compressor. The effect of combined 180 deg square-wave distortion patterns of total pressure and total temperature in various relative positions is reported. The observed effects of the combined distortion on a unitary bypass ratio turbofan engine are presented in terms of total and static pressure profiles and total temperature profiles at stations ahead of the inlet guide vanes as well as through the fan-compressor system. These observed profiles are compared with those predicted by the complex multisegment model. The effects of relative position of the two components comprising the combined distortion on the degree resulting in surge are discussed. Certain relative positions required less combined distortion than either a temperature or pressure distortion by itself.

Braithwaite, W. M.↗