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At least 577 records · Page 32

Reduced-Order Aerodynamic Modeling Based on CFD Frequency Responses from Multisine Inputs

A system identification analysis was performed to determine reduced-order models of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver for linear aeroelastic analysis and control design. The application was to the FUN3D code and the flexible half-span wind tunnel test article, in transonic flow conditions, used in the NASA-Boeing collaboration called the Integrated Adaptive Wing Technology Maturation (IAWTM) project. Multiple inputs (structural mode displacements and control surface deflections) were simultaneously excited with orthogonal phase-optimized multisines and multiple outputs (generalized aerodynamic forces) were recorded, from which the matrix of frequency responses were computed using a single CFD run. A state-space model was then fit to the frequency response data using a maximum-likelihood estimator.

System identification↗

Fluid System Stability Analysis Techniques

Fluid systems, or networks, consist of multiple components that work together to achieve some desired thermofluid state. For any generic application, this fluid state can be a combination of the fluid pressure, flow rate, enthalpy, or species concentration. Fluid system components, such as pumps and valves, are often governed by nonlinear differential equations, resulting in complex component-to-component interactions. System-level fluid network stability occurs when the flow through the system can maintain a steady-state solution in the presence of small perturbations, which depends on these component interactions. System instability, however, can go undetected until issues arise during integrated system testing. This presentation explores a method for system designers to think of the fluid network as an assembly of components, each with their own thermofluid surfaces of partial stability, called nullclines. The intersections of all nullclines yields system-level solutions, called equilibrium points. When designers define operating points, they are tuning system parameters so that these equilibrium points move to the desired location in the thermofluid state plane. However, linearization theory shows us that the dynamic behavior around these points can be unstable. The local stability of these equilibrium points can be assessed analytically with eigen-analysis, or numerically by propagating state-plane samples to construct a phase portrait. Investigating a phase portrait can help designers gain a qualitative understanding of a system’s dynamic performance. This understanding can then help inform requirement definitions, component selection, and operational procedures. This presentation includes an example of the phase portrait technique on a system featuring a centrifugal pump and a back-pressure regulator (BPR). Numerical modeling of this system suggests that equilibrium points on the left-hand side of the pump curve are dynamically unstable.

Fluid System↗

Fluid System Stability Analysis Techniques

Fluid systems, or networks, consist of multiple components that work together to achieve some desired thermofluid state. For any generic application, this fluid state can be a combination of the fluid pressure, flow rate, enthalpy, or species concentration. Fluid system components, such as pumps and valves, are often governed by nonlinear differential equations, resulting in complex component-to-component interactions. System-level fluid network stability occurs when the flow through the system can maintain a steady-state solution in the presence of small perturbations, which depends on these component interactions. System instability, however, can go undetected until issues arise during integrated system testing. This presentation explores a method for system designers to think of the fluid network as an assembly of components, each with their own thermofluid surfaces of partial stability, called nullclines. The intersections of all nullclines yields system-level solutions, called equilibrium points. When designers define operating points, they are tuning system parameters so that these equilibrium points move to the desired location in the thermofluid state plane. However, linearization theory shows us that the dynamic behavior around these points can be unstable. The local stability of these equilibrium points can be assessed analytically with eigen-analysis, or numerically by propagating state-plane samples to construct a phase portrait. Investigating a phase portrait can help designers gain a qualitative understanding of a system’s dynamic performance. This understanding can then help inform requirement definitions, component selection, and operational procedures. This presentation includes an example of the phase portrait technique on a system featuring a centrifugal pump and a back-pressure regulator (BPR). Numerical modeling of this system suggests that equilibrium points on the left-hand side of the pump curve are dynamically unstable.

Fluid System↗

Digital redesign of the control system for the Robotics Research Corporation model K-1607 robot

The analog control system for positioning each link of the Robotics Research Corporation Model K-1607 robot manipulator was redesigned for computer control. In order to accomplish the redesign, a linearized model of the dynamic behavior of the robot was developed. The parameters of the model were determined by examination of the input-output data collected in closed-loop operation of the analog control system. The robot manipulator possesses seven degrees of freedom in its motion. The analog control system installed by the manufacturer of the robot attempts to control the positioning of each link without feedback from other links. Constraints on the design of a digital control system include: the robot cannot be disassembled for measurement of parameters; the digital control system must not include filtering operations if possible, because of lack of computer capability; and criteria of goodness of control system performing is lacking. The resulting design employs sampled-data position and velocity feedback. The criteria of the design permits the control system gain margin and phase margin, measured at the same frequencies, to be the same as that provided by the analog control system.

Carroll, Robert L.↗

Aircraft ride quality controller design using new robust root clustering theory for linear uncertain systems

The aspect of controller design for improving the ride quality of aircraft in terms of damping ratio and natural frequency specifications on the short period dynamics is addressed. The controller is designed to be robust with respect to uncertainties in the real parameters of the control design model such as uncertainties in the dimensional stability derivatives, imperfections in actuator/sensor locations and possibly variations in flight conditions, etc. The design is based on a new robust root clustering theory developed by the author by extending the nominal root clustering theory of Gutman and Jury to perturbed matrices. The proposed methodology allows to get an explicit relationship between the parameters of the root clustering region and the uncertainty radius of the parameter space. The current literature available for robust stability becomes a special case of this unified theory. The bounds derived on the parameter perturbation for robust root clustering are then used in selecting the robust controller.

Yedavalli, R. K.↗

A predictability study of Lorenz's 28-variable model as a dynamical system

The dynamics of error growth in a two-layer nonlinear quasi-geostrophic model has been studied to gain an understanding of the mathematical theory of atmospheric predictability. The growth of random errors of varying initial magnitudes has been studied, and the relation between this classical approach and the concepts of the nonlinear dynamical systems theory has been explored. The local and global growths of random errors have been expressed partly in terms of the properties of an error ellipsoid and the Liapunov exponents determined by linear error dynamics. The local growth of small errors is initially governed by several modes of the evolving error ellipsoid but soon becomes dominated by the longest axis. The average global growth of small errors is exponential with a growth rate consistent with the largest Liapunov exponent. The duration of the exponential growth phase depends on the initial magnitude of the errors. The subsequent large errors undergo a nonlinear growth with a steadily decreasing growth rate and attain saturation that defines the limit of predictability. The degree of chaos and the largest Liapunov exponent show considerable variation with change in the forcing, which implies that the time variation in the external forcing can introduce variable character to the predictability.

Krishnamurthy, V.↗

A Highly Sensitive Multi-Element HgCdTe E-APD Detector for IPDA Lidar Applications

An HgCdTe electron avalanche photodiode (e-APD) detector has been developed for lidar receivers, one application of which is integrated path differential absorption lidar measurements of such atmospheric trace gases as CO2 and CH4. The HgCdTe APD has a wide, visible to mid-wave-infrared, spectral response, high dynamic range, substantially improved sensitivity, and an expected improvement in operational lifetime. A demonstration sensor-chip assembly consisting of a 4.3 lm cutoff HgCdTe 4 9 4 APD detector array with 80 micrometer pitch pixels and a custom complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor readout integrated circuit was developed. For one typical array the APD gain was 654 at 12 V with corresponding gain normalized dark currents ranging from 1.2 fA to 3.2 fA. The 4 9 4 detector system was characterized at 77 K with a 1.55 micrometer wavelength, 1 microsecond wide, laser pulse. The measured unit gain detector photon conversion efficiency was 91.1%. At 11 V bias the mean measured APD gain at 77 K was 307.8 with sigma/mean uniformity of 1.23%. The average, noise-bandwidth normalized, system noise-equivalent power (NEP) was 1.04 fW/Hz(exp 1/2) with a sigma/mean of 3.8%. The measured, electronics-limited, bandwidth of 6.8 MHz was more than adequate for 1 microsecond pulse detection. The system had an NEP (3 MHz) of 0.4 fW/Hz(exp 1/2) at 12 V APD bias and a linear dynamic range close to 1000. A gain-independent quantum-limited SNR of 80% of full theoretical was indicative of a gain-independent excess noise factor very close to 1.0 and the expected APD mode quantum efficiency.

NEP↗

Feedback maximization

Consideration is given to synthesis methods for feedback systems with nonlinear dynamic compensation, which permits increased feedback while preserving robustness, global stability, good transient responses, and stability of the output processes. Material needed for the realization of design goals from the areas of linear systems, nonlinear oscillation, and stability of nonlinear systems is covered. The three main parts of the book are: (1) linear feedback systems, (2) nonlinear feedback system analysis, and (3) synthesis methods for globally stable Nyquist-stable feedback systems with increased feedback.

Lurie, B. J.↗

Automatic control of cryogenic wind tunnels

Inadequate Reynolds number similarity in testing of scaled models affects the quality of aerodynamic data from wind tunnels. This is due to scale effects of boundary-layer shock wave interaction which is likely to be severe at transonic speeds. The idea of operation of wind tunnels using test gas cooled to cryogenic temperatures has yielded a quantrum jump in the ability to realize full scale Reynolds number flow similarity in small transonic tunnels. In such tunnels, the basic flow control problem consists of obtaining and maintaining the desired test section flow parameters. Mach number, Reynolds number, and dynamic pressure are the three flow parameters that are usually required to be kept constant during the period of model aerodynamic data acquisition. The series of activity involved in modeling, control law development, mechanization of the control laws on a microcomputer, and the performance of a globally stable automatic control system for the 0.3-m Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel (TCT) are discussed. A lumped multi-variable nonlinear dynamic model of the cryogenic tunnel, generation of a set of linear control laws for small perturbation, and nonlinear control strategy for large set point changes including tunnel trajectory control are described. The details of mechanization of the control laws on a 16 bit microcomputer system, the software features, operator interface, the display and safety are discussed. The controller is shown to provide globally stable and reliable temperature control to + or - 0.2 K, pressure to + or - 0.07 psi and Mach number to + or - 0.002 of the set point value. This performance is obtained both during large set point commands as for a tunnel cooldown, and during aerodynamic data acquisition with intrusive activity like geometrical changes in the test section such as angle of attack changes, drag rake movements, wall adaptation and sidewall boundary-layer removal. Feasibility of the use of an automatic Reynolds number control mode with fixed Mach number control is demonstrated.

Balakrishna, S.↗

Alpha-canonical form representation of the open loop dynamics of the Space Shuttle main engine

A parameter and structure estimation technique for multivariable systems is used to obtain a state space representation of open loop dynamics of the space shuttle main engine in alpha-canonical form. The parameterization being used is both minimal and unique. The simplified linear model may be used for fault detection studies and control system design and development.

Duyar, Almet↗

NASTRAN computer system level 12.1

Program uses finite element displacement method for solving linear response of large, three-dimensional structures subject to static, dynamic, thermal, and random loadings. Program adapts to computers of different manufacture, permits up-dating and extention, allows interchange of output and input information between users, and is extensively documented.

Butler, T. G.↗

New considerations for pogo prevention on space shuttle

Recommendations for improving the methodology of pogo suppression for the space shuttle include: Consideration of inter-pump location for accumulator or active device, inclusion of tank outflow effects in dynamic structural analysis, the use of simplified transfer functions in systems studies, three phase dynamic testing program for turbopump with development of dynamic flowmeters, and the use of a linearized mathematical model for engine physics studies.

Rubin, S.↗

Design and testing of a coaxial linear magnetic spring with integral linear motor

The design of a coaxial linear magnetic spring which incorporates a linear motor to control axial motion and overcome system damping is presented, and the results of static and dynamic tests are reported. The system has nominal stiffness 25,000 N/m and is designed to oscillate a 900-g component over a 4.6-mm stroke in a Stirling-cycle cryogenic refrigerator being developed for long-service (5-10-yr) space applications (Stolfi et al., 1983). Mosaics of 10 radially magnetized high-coercivity SmCO5 segments enclosed in Ti cans are employed, and the device is found to have quality factor 70-100, corresponding to energy-storage efficiency 91-94 percent. Drawings, diagrams, and graphs are provided.

Patt, P. J.↗

Modal techniques for analyzing airplane dynamics

A series of techniques are presented for analyzing airplane control and output characteristics. State-space matrix equations describing the linear perturbation dynamics are transformed from physical coordinates into scaled, modal coordinates. Techniques for analyzing the impacts of system inputs on the fundamental modes of motion and the appearance of these modes in the system outputs are explained. Scaled modal matrices are used to compute steady-state control inputs which optimize the steady-state response of selected system outputs. Graphics which promote quick understanding of the analysis are presented to display the resulting vectors and matrices. The defined analysis techniques are applied to an example airplane model, illustrating the insight which can be acquired using the described modal techniques.

Arbuckle, P. Douglas↗

CSI, optimal control, and accelerometers: Trials and tribulations

New results concerning optimal design with accelerometers are presented. These results show that the designer must be concerned with the stability properties of two Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) compensators, one of which does not explicitly appear in the closed-loop system dynamics. The new concepts of virtual and implemented compensators are introduced to cope with these subtleties. The virtual compensator appears in the closed-loop system dynamics and the implemented compensator appears in control electronics. The stability of one compensator does not guarantee the stability of the other. For strongly stable (robust) systems, both compensators should be stable. The presence of controlled and uncontrolled modes in the system results in two additional forms of the compensator with corresponding terms that are of like form, but opposite sign, making simultaneous stabilization of both the virtual and implemented compensator difficult. A new design algorithm termed sensor augmentation is developed that aids stabilization of these compensator forms by incorporating a static augmentation term associated with the uncontrolled modes in the design process.

Benjamin, Brian J.↗

Recent Updates to the GEOS-5 Linear Model

Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) is close to having a working 4DVAR system and has developed a linearized version of GEOS-5.This talk outlines a series of improvements made to the linearized dynamics, physics and trajectory.Of particular interest is the development of linearized cloud microphysics, which provides the framework for 'all-sky' data assimilation.

Adjoint↗

Simulation and Analysis of Technology and Operational Procedures to Reduce the Combined Effects of Emissions and Contrails

The development and evaluation of concepts and technology to support future air traffic management systems require a hierarchy of models ranging from real-time simulations to extensive field evaluations. Air traffic simulation models such as Airspace Concept Evaluation System, Center Tracon Automation System, Future Air traffic management Concept Evaluation Tool and others are used to design air traffic systems balancing the conflicting objectives of maximizing safety, meeting future demands for airports and airspace and increase efficiency of traffic flows in the presence of uncertain weather. The impact of aviation emissions and contrails on climate imposes another constraint on the design of aircraft and aviation operations. The understanding of the complex interaction between physical climate system, the carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions and aviation activity can be improved by the development of integrated assessment models that include emission and climate models together with air traffic simulations. The modeling of aircraft emissions and their interaction with each other to change the concentration levels of different gasses in the atmosphere and the resulting impact of the radiative forcing on the equilibrium of the Earth's atmosphere is complex and requires the use of coupled atmosphere-ocean general circulation models together with three-dimensional models of carbon cycle and chemistry of other non-CO2 greenhouse gases. These models are computationally intensive and unsuitable for studies involving the generation of multiple scenarios. Simple emission and climate models, based on the input-output relations of linear systems, capture the fundamental emission to climate impact behavior by careful selection of key variables and their dynamics. The impact of various greenhouse gases depends on the total concentration, effect per unit change in atmospheric concentration and the spatial distribution of the gas. All these quantities are influenced by the lifetime of the gas. The impact of a greenhouse gas depends on the interval of assessment, which may vary from a few decades to a few centuries. Climate metrics are aimed at providing a common scale to compare different greenhouse gases. If the metrics are to be used as a tool in developing and evaluating aviation operations, they should be transparent and easy to apply. Global Warming Potential and Aggregate Global Temperature Potential are some of the commonly used metrics. This paper integrates a national-level air traffic simulation and optimization capability with simple climate models and carbon cycle models, and climate metrics to assess the impact of aviation on climate. The capability brings together metrics, which are useful in aviation operations together with metrics used in climate studies. The capability can be used to make trade-offs between extra fuel cost and reduction in climate impact. There is considerable uncertainty in our understanding of the radiative forcing associated with emissions and contrails. The parameters in the simulation can be used to evaluate the effect of various uncertainties in emission models and contrails. It can also be used to evaluate the impact of different decision horizons. Alternatively, the optimization results from the simulation can be used as inputs to other tools that monetize global climate impacts like the FAA's Aviation Environmental Portfolio Management Tool for Impacts.

impact of aviation on the environment↗

Direct Optimal Control of Duffing Dynamics

The "direct control method" is a novel concept that is an attractive alternative and competitor to the differential-equation-based methods. The direct method is equally well applicable to nonlinear, linear, time-varying, and time-invariant systems. For all such systems, the method yields explicit closed-form control laws based on minimization of a quadratic control performance measure. We present an application of the direct method to the dynamics and optimal control of the Duffing system where the control performance measure is not restricted to a quadratic form and hence may include a quartic energy term. The results we present in this report also constitute further generalizations of our earlier work in "direct optimal control methodology." The approach is demonstrated for the optimal control of the Duffing equation with a softening nonlinear stiffness.

Oz, Hayrani↗