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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 595 records · Page 33
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1987

Optimal service allocation among two heterogeneous traffic types with no queueing

Two communication traffic streams with Poisson statistics arrive at a network node. These are to be transmitted across a channel with a total bandwidth capacity of C slots. Messages not accepted at the node are assumed to be lost. Under the assumptions of exponential service time distributions, the problem of dynamic allocation of available channel bandwidth among the two traffic types is studied in order to minimize a weighted sum of blocking probabilities. Modeling the system as a two-dimensional Markov chain is studied to minimize a weighted sum of blocking probabilities. Modeling the system as a two-dimensional Markov chain, it is shown by an application of dynamic programming principles that the optimal policy has the form of a 'switching curve'.

Lambadaris, I.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Timing Sampler For Delay Measurements

Integrated circuit called timing sampler used to measure delays in complementary metal oxide/silicon logic gates. Circuit chip contains chains of inverters and metal traces having minimum parasitic delays (delay chains), circuits to compare pulse timings, and output multiplexer. Timing sampler enables delay measurements for both positive and negative logic-level transitions by use of variety of circuit geometries representing tentative practical designs.

Blaes, Brent R.↗
NASA NTRS1988

The scheduling techniques of ESP2

The Mission Analysis Division of the Systems Analysis and Integration Laboratory at the Marshall Space Flight Center has developed a robust automatic scheduler which can produce detailed schedules for the multi-step activities required for payload operations on the Space Station. This scheduler, a part of the Expert Scheduling Program (ESP2), has five components: the bookkeeper, checker, loader, selector, and explainer. The bookkeeper maintains the usage profiles for nondepletable resources, consumables, equipment, crew, and the times of all the steps for the payload activities for several different schedules simultaneously. The checker searches the data maintained by the bookkeeper and finds times when the constraints of each step of an activity are satisfied. The loader is an expert system that uses the techniques of forward chaining, depth-first searching, and backtracking to manage the workings of the checker so that activities are placed in the schedule without violating constraints (such as crew, resources, and orbit opportunities). The checker searches the data maintained by the bookkeeper and finds times when the constraints of each step of an activity are satisfied. The loader is an expert system which uses the techniques of forward chaining, depth-first searching, and backtracking to manage the workings of the checker so that activities are placed in the schedule without violating the constraints. The selector has several methods of choosing the next activity for the loader to schedule. The explainer shows the user why an activity was or was not scheduled at a certain time; it offers a unique graphical explanation of how the expert system (the loader) works.

Jaap, John P.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Prototype laser-diode-pumped solid state laser transmitters

Monolithic, diode-pumped Nd:YAG ring lasers can provide diffraction-limited, single-frequency, narrow-linewidth, tunable output which is adequate for use as a local oscillator in a coherent communication system. A laser was built which had a linewidth of about 2 kHz, a power of 5 milliwatts, and which was tunable over a range of 30 MHz in a few microseconds. This laser was phase-locked to a second, similar laser. This demonstrates that the powerful technique of heterodyne detection is possible with a diode-pumped laser used as the local oscillator. Laser diode pumping of monolithic Nd:YAG rings can lead to output powers of hundreds of milliwatts from a single laser. A laser was built with a single-mode output of 310 mW. Several lasers can be chained together to sum their power, while maintaining diffraction-limited, single frequency operation. This technique was demonstrated with two lasers, with a total output of 340 mW, and is expected to be practical for up to about ten lasers. Thus with lasers of 310 mW, output of up to 3 W is possible. The chaining technique, if properly engineered, results in redundancy. The technique of resonant external modulation and doubling is designed to efficiently convert the continuous wave, infrared output of our lasers into low duty-cycle pulsed green output. This technique was verified through both computer modeling and experimentation. Further work would be necessary to develop a deliverable system using this technique.

Kane, Thomas J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

H-alpha Fabry-Perot interferometric observations of blue compact dwarf galaxies

H-alpha Fabry-Perot interferometric observations of the two blue compact dwarf galaxies (BCDs) 7 Zw 403 and 1 Zw 49 are presented. The velocity field of 7 Zw 403 shows no clear large-scale organized motion but the velocity field is not completely chaotic either. The gas associated with the 8 H II regions in 7 Zw 403 has neither the highest nor lowest velocities. The BCD 1 Zw 49 is dominated by a single H II region which is about 50 times brighter than any other feature in the galaxy. There is a chain of fainter H II regions extending across the galaxy. The velocity field is well ordered along the H II region chain, but it is very complex around the dominant H II region, suggesting H-alpha loops and filaments around the latter. Both BCDs show velocity gradients of about 25 km/s on scales of about 10 pc in 7 Zw 403 and of about 50 pc in 1 Zw 49. These velocity discontinuities compress the gas and are probably responsible for the star formation.

Thuan, Trinh Xuan↗
NASA NTRS1988

Structural chemistry of Au(III)-substituted Ba2YCu3O(7-delta)

A series of gold-substituted perovskite superconductors Ba2Y(Cu/1-x/Aux)3O(7-delta)(x = 0-0.1) was synthesized. For x = 0.1, there was no change in the a and b lattice parameters (a = 3.826 A and b = 3.889 A), but a 0.06 A c-axis expansion to 11.75 A was observed. Substituted gold was found to be trivalent by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Replacing Cu(1) in the copper oxide chain with a slight reordering of oxygen is consistent with c-axis expansion. The formal charge of the site remains trivalent, while remaining Cu in the chains is reduced to Cu(I), resulting in an oxygen stoichiometry of less than 7. Finally, no large effect on Tc is observed (Tc = 89 K for x = 0.10), in contrast to the effect of a number of other metal ion dopants. These results are discussed relative to the chemistry of Au(III) and to the use of the metal in structures containing gold and ceramic superconductors.

Hepp, A. F.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Observations of ionospheric convection vortices - Signatures of momentum transfer

Several classes of traveling vortices in the dayside ionospheric flow have been detected and tracked using the Greenland magnetometer chain. One class observed during quiet times consists of a continuous series of vortices moving generally antisunward for several hours at a time. Assuming each vortex to be the convection pattern produced by a small field aligned current moving across the ionosphere, the amount of field aligned current was found by fitting a modeled ground magnetic signature to measurements from the chain of magnetometers. The calculated field aligned current is seen to be steady for each vortex and neighboring vortices have currents of opposite sign. Low altitude DMSP observations indicate the vortices are on field lines which map to the inner edge of the low latitude boundary layer. Because the vortices are conjugate to the boundary layer, repeat in a regular fashion and travel antisunward, it is argued that this class of vortices is caused by surface waves at the magnetopause. No strong correlations between field aligned current strength and solar wind density, velocity, or Bz is found.

Mchenry, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Fault trees and imperfect coverage

A new algorithm is presented for solving the fault tree. The algorithm includes the dynamic behavior of the fault/error handling model but obviates the need for the Markov chain solution. As the state space is expanded in a breadth-first search (the same is done in the conversion to a Markov chain), the state's contribution to each future state is calculated exactly. A dynamic state truncation technique is also presented; it produces bounds on the unreliability of the system by considering only part of the state space. Since the model is solved as the state space is generated, the process can be stopped as soon as the desired accuracy is reached.

Dugan, Joanne B.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Shape control of high degree-of-freedom variable geometry trusses

Common static trusses are constrained to permit no relative motion between truss elements. A Variable Geometry Truss (VGT), however, is a truss which contains some number of variable length links. The extensible links allow the truss to change shape in a precise, controllable manner. These changes can also be used to control the vibrational response of a truss structure or to perform robotic tasks. Many geometric configurations, both planar and spatial, are possible candidates for VGT manipulators. Here, only two geometries are discussed; the three degree-of-freedom (DOF) spatial octahedral/octahedral truss and the three DOF planar tetrahedral truss. These truss geometries are used as the fundamental element in a repeating chain of trusses. This results in a highly dexterous manipulator with perhaps 30 to 60 degrees of freedom that retains the favorable stiffness properties of a conventional truss. From a fixed base, this type of manipulator could perform shape or vibration control while extending and snaking through complex passageways or moving around obstacles to perform robotic tasks. The approach taken here is to first concentrate on fully understanding the forward and inverse kinematics of the fundamental elements and then utilizing the insight thus gained to solve the more complex problem of the kinematic chains.

Salerno, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Manipulation strategies for massive space payloads

Control for the bracing strategy is being examined. It was concluded earlier that trajectory planning must be improved to best achieve the bracing motion. Very interesting results were achieved which enable the inverse dynamics of flexible arms to be calculated for linearized motion in a more efficient manner than previously published. The desired motion of the end point beginning at t=0 and ending at t=t sub f is used to calculate the required torque at the joint. The solution is separated into a causal function that is zero for t is less than 0 and an accusal function which is zero for t is greater than t sub f. A number of alternative end point trajectories were explored in terms of the peak torque required, the amount of anticipatory action, and other issues. The single link case is the immediate subject and an experimental verification of that case is being performed. Modeling with experimental verification of closed chain dynamics continues. Modeling effort has pointed out inaccuracies that result from the choice of numerical techniques used to incorporate the closed chain constraints when modeling our experimental prototype RALF (Robotic Arm Large and Flexible). Results were compared to TREETOPS, a multi body code. The experimental verification work is suggesting new ways to make comparisons with systems having structural linearity and joint and geometric nonlinearity. The generation of inertial forces was studied with a small arm that will damp the large arm's vibration.

Book, Wayne J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Determination of the thermal stability of perfluoroalkylethers

The thermal decomposition temperatures of several commercial and custom synthesized perfluoroalkylether fluids were determined with a computerized tensimeter. In general, the decomposition temperatures of the commercial fluids were all similar and significantly higher than those for custom synthesized fluids. Correlation of the decomposition temperatures with the molecular structures of the primary components of the commercial fluids revealed that the stability of the fluids is not affected by intrinsic factors such as carbon chain length, branching, or cumulated difluoroformal groups. Instead, correlation with extrinsic factors revealed that the stability may be limited by the presence of small quantities of thermally unstable material and/or chlorine-containing material arising from the use of chlorine-containing solvents during synthesis. Finally, correlation of decomposition temperatures with molecular weights for Demnum and Krytox fluids supports a chain cleavage reaction mechanism for Demnum fluids and an unzipping reaction mechanism for Krytox fluids.

Helmick, Larry S.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Expert systems for automated maintenance of a Mars oxygen production system

A prototype expert system was developed for maintaining autonomous operation of a Mars oxygen production system. Normal operation conditions and failure modes according to certain desired criteria are tested and identified. Several schemes for failure detection and isolation using forward chaining, backward chaining, knowledge-based and rule-based are devised to perform several housekeeping functions. These functions include self-health checkout, an emergency shut down program, fault detection and conventional control activities. An effort was made to derive the dynamic model of the system using Bond-Graph technique in order to develop the model-based failure detection and isolation scheme by estimation method. Finally, computer simulations and experimental results demonstrated the feasibility of the expert system and a preliminary reliability analysis for the oxygen production system is also provided.

Ash, Robert L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Nonlinear strain-displacement relations and flexible multibody dynamics

Dynamics of chains of flexible bodies undergoing large rigid body motions, but small elastic deflections are considered. The role of nonlinear strain-displacement relations in the development of the motion equations correct to first order in elastic deflections is investigated. The general form of these equations linearized only in the small elastic deflections is presented, and the relative significance of various nonlinear terms is studied both analytically and through the use of the numerical simulations. Numerical simulations are performed for a two link chain constrained to move in the plane, subject to hinge torques. Each link is modeled as a thin beam. Slew maneuver simulation results are compared for models with and without properly modeled kinematics of deformation. The goal of this case study is to quantify the importance of the terms in the equations of motion which arise from the inclusion of nonlinear strain-displacement relations. It is concluded that unless the consistently linearized equations in elastic deflections and speeds are available and necessary, the inconsistently (prematurely) linearized equations should be replaced in all cases by ruthlessly linearized equations: equations in which all nonlinear terms involving the elastic deflections and speeds are ignored.

Padilla, Carlos E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

The effect of thermal damage on the mechanical properties of polymer regrinds

Reprocessed polymers are subjected to high processing temperatures that result in the breakdown of molecular chains and changes in the molecular structures. These phenomena are reflected in the mechanical properties of materials. Practically every regrind is seen as a new material. These experiments deal with the molding, regrinding, and reprocessing of test specimens for the study of their mechanical properties. The comparative test data from each recycled material would give students an insight of the molecular structures and property degradation. Three important rheological and mechanical properties such as melt flow, impact strength, and flexural strength are to be determined. These properties play key roles in the selection of engineering materials. The material selected for demonstration was Makrolon 3000L, a polycarbonate thermoplastic from Bayer AG. The thermal degradation due to repeated processing is reflected in the decrease in molecular weight and breakdown of molecular chains causing increase in melt flow. The Izod-impact resistance and the flexural strength deteriorate gradually.

Kundu, Nikhil K.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Monocoque structure for the SKITTER three-legged walker

The SKITTER 2 design is a monocoque version of the proposed lunar three-legged walker. By the definition of monocoque, the body and legs are a shell with no internal ribbing or supports added for absorbing stresses. The purpose of the monocoque is to encase the elements used for power transmission, power supply, and control of the motion. The material for the structure is a vinyl ester resin, Derakane 8084. This material is easily formable and locally obtainable. The body consists of a hexagonally shaped cylinder with truncated hexagonal pyramids on the top and botton. The legs are eight inch diameter cylinders. The legs are comprised of a tibia section and a femur section. The SKITTER 2 is powered by six actuators which provide linear forces that are transformed into rotary torques by a series of chains and sprockets. The joints connect the femur to the body and the tibia to the femur. Surrounding the joints are flexible rubber hoses that fully encase the chains and sprockets. The SKITTER 2 is capable of walking upside down, righting itself after being overturned, and has the ability to perform in many environments. Applications for this walker include lunar transport or drilling, undersea exploration, and operation in severe surroundings such as arctic temperatures or high radiation.

Bansek, Robert N.↗
NASA NTRS1989

MEVTV Workshop on Tectonic Features on Mars

The state of knowledge of tectonic features on Mars was determined and kinematic and mechanical models were assessed for their origin. Three sessions were held: wrinkle ridges and compressional structure; strike-slip faults; and extensional structures. Each session began with an overview of the features under discussion. In the case of wrinkle ridges and extensional structures, the overview was followed by keynote addresses by specialists working on similar structures on the Earth. The first session of the workshop focused on the controversy over the relative importance of folding, faulting, and intrusive volcanism in the origin of wrinkle ridges. The session ended with discussions of the origin of compressional flank structures associated with Martian volcanoes and the relationship between the volcanic complexes and the inferred regional stress field. The second day of the workshop began with the presentation and discussion of evidence for strike-slip faults on Mars at various scales. In the last session, the discussion of extensional structures ranged from the origin of grabens, tension cracks, and pit-crater chains to the origin of Valles Marineris canyons. Shear and tensile modes of brittle failure in the formation of extensional features and the role of these failure modes in the formation of pit-crater chains and the canyons of Valles Marineris were debated. The relationship of extensional features to other surface processes, such as carbonate dissolution (karst) were also discussed.

Watters, Thomas R.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Synthesis and structural chemistry of Au(III)-substituted Ba2YCu3O(7-delta)

Gold-substituted superconductors, Ba2Y(Au(x)Cu(1-x))3O(7-delta) (x = 0-0.1) were synthesized. For x = 0.1, there was no change in the a and b lattice parameters (a = 3.826 A and b = 3.889 A) but a 0.06 A c axis expansion to 11.75 A was observed. Substituted gold is found to be trivalent by XPS. Replacing Cu(1) in the copper oxide chain with a slight reordering of oxygen is consistent with c axis expansion. The formal charge of the site remains trivalent; remaining Cu in the chains may be reduced resulting in an oxygen stoichiometry is less than or equal to 7. A small effect on T(sub c)(89 K for x = 0.10) is observed upon gold substitution.

Hepp, A. F.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Recursive multibody dynamics and discrete-time optimal control

A recursive algorithm is developed for the solution of the simulation dynamics problem for a chain of rigid bodies. Arbitrary joint constraints are permitted, that is, joints may allow translational and/or rotational degrees of freedom. The recursive procedure is shown to be identical to that encountered in a discrete-time optimal control problem. For each relevant quantity in the multibody dynamics problem, there exists an analog in the context of optimal control. The performance index that is minimized in the control problem is identified as Gibbs' function for the chain of bodies.

Deleuterio, G. M. T.↗