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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 613 records · Page 34
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2016

Towards Autonomous Aviation Operations: What Can We Learn from Other Areas of Automation?

Rapid advances in automation has disrupted and transformed several industries in the past 25 years. Automation has evolved from regulation and control of simple systems like controlling the temperature in a room to the autonomous control of complex systems involving network of systems. The reason for automation varies from industry to industry depending on the complexity and benefits resulting from increased levels of automation. Automation may be needed to either reduce costs or deal with hazardous environment or make real-time decisions without the availability of humans. Space autonomy, Internet, robotic vehicles, intelligent systems, wireless networks and power systems provide successful examples of various levels of automation. NASA is conducting research in autonomy and developing plans to increase the levels of automation in aviation operations. This paper provides a brief review of levels of automation, previous efforts to increase levels of automation in aviation operations and current level of automation in the various tasks involved in aviation operations. It develops a methodology to assess the research and development in modeling, sensing and actuation needed to advance the level of automation and the benefits associated with higher levels of automation. Section II describes provides an overview of automation and previous attempts at automation in aviation. Section III provides the role of automation and lessons learned in Space Autonomy. Section IV describes the success of automation in Intelligent Transportation Systems. Section V provides a comparison between the development of automation in other areas and the needs of aviation. Section VI provides an approach to achieve increased automation in aviation operations based on the progress in other areas. The final paper will provide a detailed analysis of the benefits of increased automation for the Traffic Flow Management (TFM) function in aviation operations.

Sridhar, Banavar↗
NASA NTRS2017

Strategies Toward Automation of Overset Structured Surface Grid Generation

An outline of a strategy for automation of overset structured surface grid generation on complex geometries is described. The starting point of the process consists of an unstructured surface triangulation representation of the geometry derived from a native CAD, STEP, or IGES definition, and a set of discretized surface curves that captures all geometric features of interest. The procedure for surface grid generation is decomposed into an algebraic meshing step, a hyperbolic meshing step, and a gap-filling step. This paper will focus primarily on the high-level plan with details on the algebraic step. The algorithmic procedure for the algebraic step involves analyzing the topology of the network of surface curves, distributing grid points appropriately on these curves, identifying domains bounded by four curves that can be meshed algebraically, concatenating the resulting grids into fewer patches, and extending appropriate boundaries of the concatenated grids to provide proper overlap. Results are presented for grids created on various aerospace vehicle components.

overset↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Flight Test Evaluation of Autonomous Descending-Decelerating Precision Point-in-Space Approach to the Ground

New forms of highly automated Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft, such as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, could transform transportation, cargo delivery, and a variety of public services. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) conducted a series of flight demonstrations in collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Sikorsky Aircraft (a Lockheed Martin company) to progressively evaluate autonomous technologies. The autoland flight test research is a first in series for investigating the world’s first procedural descending-decelerating automated landing with vertical guidance Instrument Flight Procedures (IFP). The Sikorsky Optionally Piloted Vehicle (OPV) experimental UH-60 Black Hawk was used to evaluate a flight path’s four-dimensional trajectory (4DT) management into primitive commands and then follow those commands to a Point-in-Space (PinS) landing to the ground. All flight procedures were manually flown to the ground at 12 degrees with a 20-knot tail wind to ensure flight safety before automation was engaged. New and novel high precision approach procedures could pave the way for all future VTOL operations.

David Zahn↗
DOE OSTI2022

Crowd Dynamics: Modeling and Control of Multiagent Systems

This review aims to present recent developments in modeling and control of multiagent systems. A particular focus is set on crowd dynamics characterized by complex interactions among agents, also called social interactions, and large-scale systems. Specifically, in a crowd each individual agent interacts with a field generated by the other agents and the environment. These systems can be modeled at the microscopic scale by ordinary differential equations, while an alternative description at the mesoscopic scale is given by a partial differential equation for the propagation of the probability density of the agents. Control actions can be applied at the individual level as well as at the level of the corresponding fields. This article presents and compares different control types, and the specific application to multilane, multiclass traffic is developed in some detail, showing the main tools at work in a hybrid setting with relevant impacts on autonomous driving.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
NASA NTRS1972

Study 2.5 final report. DORCA computer program. Volume 5: Analysis report

A modification of the Dynamic Operational Requirements and Cost Analysis Program to perform traffic analyses of the automated satellite program is described. Inherent in the analyses of the automated satellite program was the assumption that a number of vehicles were available to perform any or all of the missions within the satellite program. The objective of the modification was to select a vehicle or group of vehicles for performing all of the missions at the lowest possible cost. A vehicle selection routine and the capability to simulate ground based vehicle operational modes were incorporated into the program.

Campbell, N.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Automated design and optimization of flexible booster autopilots via linear programming, volume 1

A nonlinear programming technique was developed for the automated design and optimization of autopilots for large flexible launch vehicles. This technique, which resulted in the COEBRA program, uses the iterative application of linear programming. The method deals directly with the three main requirements of booster autopilot design: to provide (1) good response to guidance commands; (2) response to external disturbances (e.g. wind) to minimize structural bending moment loads and trajectory dispersions; and (3) stability with specified tolerances on the vehicle and flight control system parameters. The method is applicable to very high order systems (30th and greater per flight condition). Examples are provided that demonstrate the successful application of the employed algorithm to the design of autopilots for both single and multiple flight conditions.

Hauser, F. D.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Compact rotary sequencer

Rotary sequencer is assembled from conventional planetary differential gearset and latching mechanism utilizing inputs and outputs which are coaxial. Applications include automated production-line equipment in home appliances and in vehicles.

Appleberry, W. T.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The manned transportation system study - Defining human pathways into space

The Manned Transportation System (MTS) Study, conducted by a NASA-Industry Team (NIT), has developed substantiating data for subsequent NASA decisions on the “right” set of manned transportation elements needed for human access to space. It also provides the framework for detailed definition of those manned transportation elements. Including the next manned transportation system, to be developed. Process and product are presented to inform the aerospace community and subject our approach and conclusions to peer review, NASA/JSC lead the NIT, with participation from KSC, LaRC, MSFC, and NASA/Headquarters, along with six aerospace contractor (Boeing, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin Marietta, McDonnell Douglas, and Rockwell). Each major milestone was archived through team consensus. Our mission model was derived from the FY90 Civil Needs Data Base (CNDB) and included flight assignments for Department of Defense (DOD) missions. Identifying and defining architecture evaluation criteria, i.e. attributes, specified the amount and type of data needed for each concept under consideration. Several architectures, each beginning with today’s transportation systems, were defined using representative systems to explore our future options and address specific questions currently being debated. Our solutions are a function of the level of space activity the nation chooses to follow. However, they all emphasize affordability, safety, routineness, and reliability. Finally, key issues associated with our current business practices were challenged and the impact associated with those practices quantified.

NASA Langley Research Center↗
NASA NTRS2000

Synchronized target subsystem for automated docking systems

A synchronized target subsystem for use in an automated docking or station keeping system for docking a chase vehicle with a target vehicle wherein the chase vehicle is provided with a video camera which provides adjacent frames each having a predetermined time duration. A light source mounted on the target vehicle flashes at a frequency which has a time duration which is a multiple of the duration time of the frames, the light being on for at least one frame duration and being off for the remainder of the cycle. An image processing unit is connected to the camera for receiving signals from the camera and subtracting one of the adjacent frames from the other to detect whether the light appears in one frame, both frames or neither frame. If the target light appears in both frames or neither frame, the image processing unit feeds a signal to a timing circuit to advance the video camera one frame. This process is continued until the target light appears in one frame and not in the other, at which time the process of advancing the video camera is stopped.

Howard, Richard T.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Vandenberg Air Force Base Pressure Gradient Wind Study

Warning category winds can adversely impact day-to-day space lift operations at Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) in California. NASA's Launch Services Program and other programs at VAFB use wind forecasts issued by the 30 Operational Support Squadron Weather Flight (30 OSSWF) to determine if they need to limit activities or protect property such as a launch vehicle. The 30 OSSWF tasked the AMU to develop an automated Excel graphical user interface that includes pressure gradient thresholds between specific observing stations under different synoptic regimes to aid forecasters when issuing wind warnings. This required the AMU to determine if relationships between the variables existed.

Shafer, Jaclyn A.↗
NASA NTRS2014

TPSAS-NF1676L-19134-DND

Composite materials and structures are state-of-art enabling technology for modern aerospace vehicles, reducing weight and maintenance requirements, and increasing performance and reliability. Numerical-control manufacturing systems, including automated fiber placement (AFP), are widely used to fabricate these components. However, the challenging weight and performance requirements necessary for the next generation of aerospace vehicles will push the composites state-of-art even further, and require development of even more advanced materials, manufacturing, and structures technologies that are more affordable and more efficient. The Integrated Structural Assembly of Advanced Composites (ISAAC) system is intended to address many of NASA's critical research needs in the field of advanced composites. The baseline ISAAC system, combining a commercial robot with multiple degrees of freedom, a tool changer interface, and a special-purpose AFP end effector, will enable very precise and accurate additive manufacturing of composite structures. One promising area of research enabled by the ISAAC system is advanced composite tow-steered structures that have tailored structural load paths. Several examples are presented that describe these tow-steered composite structures in more detail.

Brian K Stewart↗
NASA NTRS1993

Profile negotiation: An air/ground automation integration concept for managing arrival traffic

NASA Ames Research Center and NASA Langley Research Center conducted a joint simulation study to evaluate a profile negotiation process (PNP) between a time-based air traffic control ATC system and an airplane equipped with a four dimensional flight management system (4D FMS). Prototype procedures were developed to support the functional implementation of this process. The PNP was designed to provide an arrival trajectory solution that satisfies the separation requirements of ATC while remaining as close as possible to the airplane's preferred trajectory. The Transport Systems Research Vehicle cockpit simulator was linked in real-time to the Center/TRACON Automation System (CTAS) for the experiment. Approximately 30 hours of simulation testing were conducted over a three week period. Active airline pilot crews and active Center controller teams participated as test subjects. Results from the experiment indicate the potential for successful incorporation of airplane preferred arrival trajectories in the CTAS automation environment. Controllers were able to consistently and effectively negotiate nominally conflict-free trajectories with pilots flying a 4D-FMS-equipped airplane. The negotiated trajectories were substantially closer to the airplane's preference than would have otherwise been possible without the PNP. Airplane fuel savings relative to baseline CTAS were achieved in the test scenarios. The datalink procedures and clearances developed for this experiment, while providing the necessary functionality, were found to be operationally unacceptable to the pilots. Additional pilot control and understanding of the proposed airplane-preferred trajectory and a simplified clearance procedure were cited as necessary for operational implementation of the concept. From the controllers' perspective, the main concerns were the ability of the 4D airplane to accurately track the negotiated trajectory and the workload required to support the PNP as implemented in this study.

Williams, David H.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Coupling Damage-Sensing Particles to the Digitial Twin Concept

The research presented herein is a first step toward integrating two emerging structural health management paradigms: digital twin and sensory materials. Digital twin is an emerging life management and certification paradigm whereby models and simulations consist of as-built vehicle state, as-experienced loads and environments, and other vehicle-specific history to enable high-fidelity modeling of individual aerospace vehicles throughout their service lives. The digital twin concept spans many disciplines, and an extensive study on the full domain is out of the scope of this study. Therefore, as it pertains to the digital twin, this research focused on one major concept: modeling specifically the as-manufactured geometry of a component and its microstructure (to the degree possible). The second aspect of this research was to develop the concept of sensory materials such that they can be employed within the digital twin framework. Sensory materials are shape-memory alloys that undergo an audible phase transformation while experiencing sufficient strain. Upon embedding sensory materials with a structural alloy, this audible transformation helps improve the reliability of crack detection especially at the early stages of crack growth. By combining these two early-stage technologies, an automated approach to evidence-based inspection and maintenance of aerospace vehicles is sought.

Hochhalter, Jacob↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Foundational Human-Autonomy Teaming Research and Development in Scalable Remotely Operated Advanced Air Mobility Operations: Research Model and Initial Work

To achieve the scalability envisioned for many Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) applications, uncrewed aerial system (UAS) concepts are being pursued with the goal of enabling fewer human operators to manage more increasingly autonomous vehicles. NASA’s Transformational Tools and Technologies – Revolutionary Aviation Mobility (T3-RAM) subproject has identified human-autonomy teaming (HAT) as a critical area of research required to support these operations. Under T3-RAM, the HAT Foundational Research Activity has been tasked with providing basic research to identify HAT and human-automation interaction (HAI) principles that can be used to achieve scalable multi-vehicle UAS operations. This paper first outlines a research model to produce ecologically relevant basic research, then contextualizes completed and planned research and development activities within this model. Proposed research threads are presented, along with their practical and theoretical implications.

Human-Autonomy Teaming↗
NASA NTRS2017

Design, Manufacture and Test of Cryotank Components

On the composite cryotank technology development (CCTD) project, the Boeing Company built two cryotanks as a means of advancing technology and manufacturing readiness levels (TRL and MRL) and lowering the risk of fabricating full-scale fuel containment vessels.1 CCTD focused on upper stage extended duration applications where long term storage of propellants is required. The project involved the design, analysis, fabrication, and test of manufacturing demonstration units (MDU), a 2.4 m (precursor) and a 5.5 m composite cryotank. Key design features included one-piece wall construction to minimize overall weight (eliminating the need for a bellyband joint), 3-dimensionally (3D) reinforced y-joint material to alleviate stress concentrations at the tank to skirt interface and a purge-able fluted core skirt to carry high axial launch loads. The tanks were made with OoA curing pre-impregnated (prepreg) carbon/epoxy (C/E) slit-tape tow (STT) that contained thin micro-crack resistant plies in the tank wall center to impede permeation. The tanks were fabricated at Boeing's Seattle-based Advanced Development Center (ADC) using RAFP and multipiece break-down tooling. The tooling was designed and built by Janicki Industries (JI) at Sedro Woolley, Washington. Tank assemblage consisted of co-bonded dome covers, one-piece fluted core skirts and mechanical fastened cover/sump. Ultrasonic inspection was performed after every cure or bond and a structural health monitoring system (SHMS) was installed to identify potential impact damage events (in-process and/or during transportation). The tanks were low temperature tested at NASA's George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Alabama. The testing, which consisted of a sequence of fill/drain pressure and thermal cycles using LH2, was successfully concluded in 2012 on the 2.4 m tank and in 2014 on the 5.5 m tank. Structural, thermal, and permeation performance data was obtained. 2 Critical design features and manufacturing advancements, which helped to validate 25% weight and 30% cost reduction projections, were matured. These advancements will help to guide future composite tank integration activities on next generation long duration aircraft and space launch vehicles. Because CCTD addressed innovative design features, heavy lift size scale-up, multipiece captured tooling, new generation automated material placement (AMP) equipment and OoA materials, this chapter should be of interest to educators, students and manufacturers of composite hardware and flight vehicles.

McCarville, Douglas A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Environmental statement for National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Office of Space Science, launch vehicle and propulsion programs

NASA OSS Launch Vehicle and Propulsion Programs are responsible for the launch of approximately 20 automated science and applications spacecraft per year. These launches are for NASA programs and those of other U. S. government agencies, private organizations, such as the Comsat Corporation, foreign countries, and international organizations. Launches occur from Cape Kennedy, Florida; Vandenberg Air Force Base, California; Wallops Island, Virginia; and the San Marco Platform in the Indian Ocean off Kenya. Spacecraft launched by this program contribute in a variety of ways to the control of and betterment of the environment. Environmental effects caused by the launch vehicles are limited in extent, duration, and intensity and are considered insignificant.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1989

Toward a human-centered aircraft automation philosophy

The evolution of automation in civil aircraft is examined in order to discern trends in the respective roles and functions of automation technology and the humans who operate these aircraft. The effects of advances in automation technology on crew reaction is considered and it appears that, though automation may well have decreased the frequency of certain types of human errors in flight, it may also have enabled new categories of human errors, some perhaps less obvious and therefore more serious than those it has alleviated. It is suggested that automation could be designed to keep the pilot closer to the control of the vehicle, while providing an array of information management and aiding functions designed to provide the pilot with data regarding flight replanning, degraded system operation, and the operational status and limits of the aircraft, its systems, and the physical and operational environment. The automation would serve as the pilot's assistant, providing and calculating data, watching for the unexpected, and keeping track of resources and their rate of expenditure.

Billings, Charles E.↗