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At least 703 records · Page 39

Influence of an Internally-Generated QBO on Modeled Stratospheric Dynamics and Ozone

A GEOS V2 CCM simulation with an internally generated quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) signal is compared to an otherwise identical simulation without a QBO. In a present-day climate, inclusion of the modeled QBO makes a significant difference to stratospheric dynamics and ozone throughout the year. The QBO enhances variability in the tropics, as expected, but also in the polar stratosphere in some seasons. The modeled QBO also affects the mean stratospheric climate. Because tropical zonal winds in the baseline simulation are generally easterly, there is a relative increase in zonal wind magnitudes in tropical lower and middle stratosphere in the QBO simulation. Extra-tropical differences between the QBO and 'no QBO' simulations thus reflect a bias toward the westerly phase of the QBO: a relative strengthening and poleward shifting the polar stratospheric jets, and a reduction in Arctic lower stratospheric ozone.

Hurwitz, M. M.↗

Helicopter mathematical models and control law development for handling qualities research

Progress made in joint NASA/Army research concerning rotorcraft flight-dynamics modeling, design methodologies for rotorcraft flight-control laws, and rotorcraft parameter identification is reviewed. Research into these interactive disciplines is needed to develop the analytical tools necessary to conduct flying qualities investigations using both the ground-based and in-flight simulators, and to permit an efficient means of performing flight test evaluation of rotorcraft flying qualities for specification compliance. The need for the research is particularly acute for rotorcraft because of their mathematical complexity, high order dynamic characteristics, and demanding mission requirements. The research in rotorcraft flight-dynamics modeling is pursued along two general directions: generic nonlinear models and nonlinear models for specific rotorcraft. In addition, linear models are generated that extend their utilization from 1-g flight to high-g maneuvers and expand their frequency range of validity for the design analysis of high-gain flight control systems. A variety of methods ranging from classical frequency-domain approaches to modern time-domain control methodology that are used in the design of rotorcraft flight control laws is reviewed. Also reviewed is a study conducted to investigate the design details associated with high-gain, digital flight control systems for combat rotorcraft. Parameter identification techniques developed for rotorcraft applications are reviewed.

Chen, Robert T. N.↗

Subseasonal-to-Seasonal Hindcast Skill Assessment of Ridging Events Related to Drought Over the Western United States

Persistent atmospheric ridging events centered near the western United States are associated with widespread precipitation deficits and meteorological drought. Due to the relatively low skill of- dynamical models in forecasting precipitation on subseasonal‐to‐seasonal (S2S) time scales across this region, forecasts of ridging are explored in this study as a potential bridge for early warning drought prediction. To assess skill, we evaluate deterministic and probabilistic S2S hindcasts (out to 6 week lead time) of ridging events and geopotential height anomalies over the western United States in five ensemble hindcast systems. Prediction skill for ridging events is shown to be highly variable across models. For some models, longer‐time‐averaged patterns of geopotential height anomalies across the first 6 weeks can be skillfully simulated, when evaluated probabilistically against climatology. The most skillful models show modest skill in forecasting above normal ridging occurrences at lead times of Weeks 3–4 and Weeks 5–6,with some sensitivity to the specific ridge location and method for determining skill. Using the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model as a case study, longer lead time forecast busts are shown to often occur under extended periods of highly active La Nina‐like tropical convection. Model errors at simulating these tropical convection features may have a disproportionately large impact and degrade downstream forecasts over the western United States. Despite the documented model shortcomings, our results highlight an opportunity to target skillful ridging forecasts from dynamical models for improving early warning drought forecasting at S2S lead times.

S2S↗

The Large-Scale Plasmaspheric Density Trough Associated With the 24 May 2000 Geomagnetic Storm: IMAGE EUV Observations and Global Core Plasma Modeling

The IMAGE EUV imager observed a plasmaspheric density, trough in association with a geomagnetically active period on 24 May 2000. In EUV, this density, trough appears as an Archimedes spiral extending from Earth's shadow to approximately 1900 MLT. We present an analysis of this density trough using simulated EUV images, Observational EUV images are subjected to edge analysis to establish the plasmapause L-shell and the location of the density trough in terms of L-shell, MLT extent, and radial width. The plasmaspheric density distribution is modeled using both static and dynamic models for the plasmasphere. The background plasmasphere is then numerically simulated using the 4-parameter plasmaspheric density model contained within the Global Core Plasma Model (GCPM) and the Dynamic Global Core Plasma Model (DGCPM). Simulated EUV images of the model plasmasphere are produced once an artificial density, depletion, matching the observed MLT extent and width, has been removed. Once the azimuthal extent and width of the trough have been simulated, the depth of the artificial density depletion is iteratively adjusted to produce simulated EUV images that approximate observation. The results of this analysis and discussion of possible origins for this density trough will be presented.

Adrian, M. L.↗

Attitude control with realization of linear error dynamics

An attitude control law is derived to realize linear unforced error dynamics with the attitude error defined in terms of rotation group algebra (rather than vector algebra). Euler parameters are used in the rotational dynamics model because they are globally nonsingular, but only the minimal three Euler parameters are used in the error dynamics model because they have no nonlinear mathematical constraints to prevent the realization of linear error dynamics. The control law is singular only when the attitude error angle is exactly pi rad about any eigenaxis, and a simple intuitive modification at the singularity allows the control law to be used globally. The forced error dynamics are nonlinear but stable. Numerical simulation tests show that the control law performs robustly for both initial attitude acquisition and attitude control.

Paielli, Russell A.↗

Short-term variability of nitrogen dioxide in the winter stratosphere

Measurements of limb radiance from the Solar Mesosphere Explorer (SME) satellite are used to infer the NO2 density at the 10- and 16-mbar pressure levels from January 1 to March 31 of 1982. A photochemical-dynamical model is developed using the presently accepted chemistry of the NO(x) family. The dynamical model produces isentropic trajectories which simulate the history of air parcels. From the trajectories the photochemical model calculates NO2 densities, which are compared to those observed by SME. Although the model generally reproduces the spatial and temporal variations rather well, some disagreement was noted for conditions of exceptionally low temperatures. Further analysis indicates that the temperature sensitivity of the N2O5 photolysis cross sections may be overestimated at low temperatures.

Zawodny, J. M.↗

Northern Forest Ecosystem Dynamics Using Coupled Models and Remote Sensing

Forest ecosystem dynamics modeling, remote sensing data analysis, and a geographical information system (GIS) were used together to determine the possible growth and development of a northern forest in Maine, USA. Field measurements and airborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data were used to produce maps of forest cover type and above ground biomass. These forest attribute maps, along with a conventional soils map, were used to identify the initial conditions for forest ecosystem model simulations. Using this information along with ecosystem model results enabled the development of predictive maps of forest development. The results obtained were consistent with observed forest conditions and expected successional trajectories. The study demonstrated that ecosystem models might be used in a spatial context when parameterized and used with georeferenced data sets.

Ranson, K. J.↗

Advances in Aircraft System Identification at NASA Langley Research Center

Advances in aircraft system identification at NASA Langley Research Center are discussed. The relevant time period includes the years since the last summary paper of this kind, which was published in the Journal of Aircraft in 2005. Research advances were achieved in flight test experiment design, frequency-domain modeling, real-time autonomous global modeling, rapid simulation development and updating, dynamic modeling in turbulence, flight data corrections, model uncertainty characterization, and aeroelastic modeling using distributed sensing. Possible future developments in the field are identified.

Aircraft system identification↗

Explicit modeling of composite plates and beams in the dynamics of multibody systems

The state of the art dynamic response analysis of flexible multibody systems is currently restricted to elastic bodies with homogeneous materials. The requirements for high speed operation has made it necessary to use lightweight multi layered composite bodies in robotic systems and space structure applications. Dynamic modeling and analysis of such systems are particularly important since the effects of body flexibility to the performance are likely to be more pronounced. The eight-noded isoperimetric quadrilateral element with independent rotational and displacement degrees of freedom is extended to laminated composite elements. The element includes an arbitrary number of bonded layers, each of which may have a different thickness. The transverse shear deformation which is a predominant factor in the analysis of laminated composite structures is taken into account in developing the stiffness and mass matrices. The corresponding 3-D mode shapes are then incorporated to the multibody system dynamical equations. Floating body reference frames allow the selection of different boundary conditions, and the dynamical equations contain all the nonlinear interactions between the rigid and elastic motion. Example simulations are presented to illustrate the methods proposed.

Amirouche, F. M. L.↗

Modeling of a Stewart Platform for Analyzing One Directional Dynamics for Spacecraft Docking Operations

A one-directional dynamic model of a Stewart Platform was developed to assist NASA in analyzing the dynamic response in spacecraft docking operations. A simplified mechanical drawing was created, capturing the physical structure's main features. A simplified schematic diagram was developed in a lumped mass model from the mechanical drawing. Three differential equations were derived according to the schematic diagram. A Simulink diagram was created using MATLAB to represent the three equations. System parameters, including spring constants and masses, are derived in detail from the physical system. The model can be used for further analysis via computer simulation in predicting dynamic response in its main docking direction, i.e., up-and-down motion.

Stewart Platform↗

A model for rotorcraft flying qualities studies

This paper outlines the development of a mathematical model that is expected to be useful for rotorcraft flying qualities research. A computer model is presented that can be applied to a range of different rotorcraft configurations. The algorithm computes vehicle trim and a linear state-space model of the aircraft. The trim algorithm uses non linear optimization theory to solve the nonlinear algebraic trim equations. The linear aircraft equations consist of an airframe model and a flight control system dynamic model. The airframe model includes coupled rotor and fuselage rigid body dynamics and aerodynamics. The aerodynamic model for the rotors utilizes blade element theory and a three state dynamic inflow model. Aerodynamics of the fuselage and fuselage empennages are included. The linear state-space description for the flight control system is developed using standard block diagram data.

Mittal, Manoj↗

Adaption of a corrector module to the IMP dynamics program

The corrector module of the RAEIOS program and the IMP dynamics computer program were combined to achieve a date-fitting capability with the more general spacecraft dynamics models of the IMP program. The IMP dynamics program presents models of spacecraft dynamics for satellites with long, flexible booms. The properties of the corrector are discussed and a description is presented of the performance criteria and search logic for parameter estimation. A description is also given of the modifications made to add the corrector to the IMP program. This includes subroutine descriptions, common definitions, definition of input, and a description of output.

Source record↗

Modeling the Dynamics of Ensemble-Averaged Linear Disturbances in Homogeneous Shear Flow

In order to expand the predictive capability of single-point turbulence closure models to account for the early-stage transition regime, a methodology for the formulation and calibration of model equations for the ensemble-averaged disturbance kinetic energy and energy dissipation rate is presented. The calibration is based on homogeneous shear flow where disturbances can be described by rapid distortion theory (RDT). The relationship between RDT and linear stability theory is exploited in order to obtain a closed set of modeled equations. The linear disturbance equations are solved directly so that the numerical simulation yields a database from which the closure coefficients in the ensemble-averaged disturbance equations can be determined. Key words: transition/turbulence modeling, homogeneous shear, rapid distortion theory.

Thacker, W. D.↗

Wind turbulence inputs for horizontal axis wind turbines

Wind turbine response characteristics in the presence of atmospheric turbulence was predicted using two major modeling steps. First, the important atmospheric sources for the force excitations felt by the wind turbine system were identified and characterized. Second, a dynamic model was developed which describes how these excitations are transmitted through the structure and power train. The first modeling step, that of quantifying the important excitations due to the atmospheric turbulence was established. The dynamic modeling of the second step was undertaken separately.

Holley, W. E.↗

Modeling Tool Advances Rotorcraft Design

Continuum Dynamics Inc. (CDI), founded in 1979, specializes in advanced engineering services, including fluid dynamic modeling and analysis for aeronautics research. The company has completed a number of SBIR research projects with NASA, including early rotorcraft work done through Langley Research Center, but more recently, out of Ames Research Center. NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants on helicopter wake modeling resulted in the Comprehensive Hierarchical Aeromechanics Rotorcraft Model (CHARM), a tool for studying helicopter and tiltrotor unsteady free wake modeling, including distributed and integrated loads, and performance prediction. Application of the software code in a blade redesign program for Carson Helicopters, of Perkasie, Pennsylvania, increased the payload and cruise speeds of its S-61 helicopter. Follow-on development resulted in a $24 million revenue increase for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, of Stratford, Connecticut, as part of the company's rotor design efforts. Now under continuous development for more than 25 years, CHARM models the complete aerodynamics and dynamics of rotorcraft in general flight conditions. CHARM has been used to model a broad spectrum of rotorcraft attributes, including performance, blade loading, blade-vortex interaction noise, air flow fields, and hub loads. The highly accurate software is currently in use by all major rotorcraft manufacturers, NASA, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy.

Source record↗

Combining Structural and Substructural Mathematical Models

Automation reduces input length and potential data-entry errors. Matrix Automated Reduction and Coupling (MARC) program used for combining NASTRAN substructural models with primary structural model MARC also constructs job-control language (JCL) stream for NASTRAN batch job that utilizes previously-written user library of dynamic models. Minimizes lengthy input and reduces potential data-entry errors. MARC procedure used in assembling Space Shuttle orbiter dynamic models since 1983 and reduced NASTRAN modeling input time by as much as 50 percent. MARC program written in FORTRAN IV for interactive execution.

Choa, V. K.↗

Dynamical and chemical contributions to variability in microwave limb sounder Arctic stratoshperic column ozone

Analyses of column ozone above 100 hPa (Col100) derived from Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) data in February/March 1992-1998 show that about half of the interannual variability in Col100 in the Arctic polar vortex in late winter results from interannual variability in chemical loss. A majority of the remainder results from interannual variability in day-to-day dynamical motions including adiabatic warming/cooling and poleward advection of underlying upper tropospheric subtropical air on short timescales, rather than from variations in descent rates and large-scale transport over the winters. The morphology of Col100 from MLS remains very similar to that in the dynamical models even in the years with most chemical ozone loss. The amount and character of day-to-day variability in dynamical models closely follows that in MLS Col100. Although the morphology of and day-to-day variability in Arctic column ozone are controlled by dynamical processes, chemical ozone loss was a major factor in producing both the low values of and the large interannual variability in Arctic column ozone observed during the 1990s.

Arctic ozone loss↗