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At least 73 records · Page 4

DTED Integrity Monitoring Using Differential GPS and Radar Altimeter

This paper discusses a real-time digital terrain elevation data (DTED) integrity monitor for Civil Aviation applications. Providing pilots with Synthetic Vision (SV) displays containing terrain information has the potential to improve flight safety by improving situational awareness and thereby reducing the likelihood of Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT). Utilization of the DTED for flight-critical terrain-displays, however, requires a DTED integrity check and timely integrity alerts to the pilots in those cases where DTED may provide hazardous misleading information. The discussed integrity monitor checks the consistency between the sensed terrain profile as computed from DGPS and radar altimeter data and the terrain profile as given by the DTED. Probability of agreement between these two profiles is used to monitor the DTED integrity. A case study to verify the integrity monitor#s performance is presented based on data collected during flight testing performed by NASA at Asheville, NC.

Young, Steve↗

Use of non-spherical gravity harmonics for relative motion GN/C (category 2)

Detailed analysis of the Automatic Rendezvous and Capture problem indicate a need for three different regions of mathematical description for the GN&C algorithms: (1) multi-vehicle orbital mechanics to the rendezvous interface point, i.e., within 100 nm; (2) relative motion solutions (such as Clohessy-Wiltshire type) from the far-field to the near-field interface, i.e., within 1 nm and; (3) close proximity motion - the near-field motion where the relative differences in the gravitational and orbit inertial accelerations can be neglected from the equations of motion. Limit boundaries to these regions can be precisely defined by further analysis and will be functions of the tracking measurement accuracies and the computer resources available for the solution of the algorithms. This paper analyzes the relative motion in Regions 2 and 3 above and present the derivation and discussion of the general case of non-spherical gravitational perturbed relative motion. Mathematical deviations from the numerically integrated spherical gravity case and solutions from the Clohessy-Wiltshire equations are presented in the analysis. Based upon this preliminary analysis, it is recommended that further efforts be used to assess the relative position and velocity differences in Region 2 due to non-spherical gravity harmonics and that viable GN&C algorithms be developed to include these gravity perturbations (especially the effects of the first gravity harmonic, J2).

Henderson, David M.↗

Development of a Portable Oxygen Monitoring System for Operations in the International Space Station Airlock

NASA is currently engaged in an activity to facilitate effective operations on the International Space Station (ISS) after the Space Shuttle retires. Currently, the Space Shuttle delivers crew and cargo to and from ISS. The Space Shuttle provides the only large scale method of hardware return from ISS to the ground. Hardware that needs to be periodically repaired, refurbished, or recalibrated must come back from ISS on the Shuttle. One example of NASA flight hardware that is used on ISS and refurbished on the ground is the Compound Specific Analyzer for Oxygen (CSA-O2). The CSA-O2 is an electrochemical sensor that is used on orbit for about 12 months (depending on Shuttle launch schedules), then returned to the ground for sensor replacement. The shuttle is scheduled to retire in 2010, and the ISS is scheduled to operate until 2016. NASA needs a hand held sensor that measures oxygen in the ISS environment and has a 5-10 year service life. After conducting a survey of oxygen sensor systems, NASA selected a Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectrometer (TDLAS) as the method of measurement that best addresses the needs for ISS. These systems are compact, meet ISS accuracy requirements, and because they use spectroscopic techniques, the sensors are not consumed or altered after making a measurement. TDLAS systems have service life ratings of 5-10 years, based on the lifetime of the laser. NASA is engaged in modifying a commercially available sensor, the Vaisala OMT 355, for the ISS application. The Vaisala OMT 355 requires three significant modifications to meet ISS needs. The commercial sensor uses a wall mount power supply, and the ISS sensor needs to use a rechargeable battery as its source of power. The commercial sensor has a pressure correction setpoint: the sensor can be adjusted to operate at reduced pressure conditions, but the sensor does not self correct dynamically and automatically. The ISS sensor needs to operate in the airlock, and make accurate measurements in an environment that can change from 14.7 psia to 10.2 psia in 15 minutes. The commercial sensor needs to be repackaged into a configuration that is more compact, and better suited for ISS airlock operations. NASA has recently completed a prototype of the reconfigured system. The unit has been repackaged in a way that the optical path of the spectrometer is unchanged, but the electronics has been integrated into a case measuring 10.7 X 7.2 X 3.0 inches. Two flight qualified rechargeable batteries have been integrated into system. The batteries can power the sensor for 10 hours on a single charge. A pressure sensor has been added to the system. The modified unit automatically compensates for changes in pressure, and meets 0.2% accuracy requirements for oxygen measurements in an environment with 18 to 32% oxygen across a pressure range of 10.0 to 15.0 psia.

Graf, John↗

Application of the NASA Multiscale Analysis Tool: Multiscale Integration and Interoperability

In order to demonstrate NASMAT’s multiscale operability, a series of illustrative examples will be presented that focus on the application of NASMAT to practical problems. First, the multiscale integration and data recursion is demonstrated by performing a multiscale analysis using only built-in micromechanics methods. NASMAT’s integration is then highlighted by running a multiscale analysis where an external finite element software calls NASMAT. In this case, at each integration point within the finite element model, a local NASMAT analysis is performed to account for failure behavior at the constituent scale. In a similar example, an external program is called from within NASMAT. This case would be relevant for a user wanting to implement an outside micromechanics technique. A combination of these examples is then presented to further illustrate the code’s flexibility when interfacing with outside codes in a multiscale framework. For all examples, data is presented using a custom-developed visualization tool. Additional potential use cases are also addressed. Finally, the plan for upcoming features and added capabilities is discussed.

NASMAT↗

Dissemination of compressed satellite imagery within the Navy SPAWAR Central Site Product Display environment

This paper presents a case study of integration of compression techniques within a satellite image communication component of an actual tactical weather information dissemination system. The paper describes history and requirements of the project, and discusses the information flow, request/reply protocols, error handling, and, especially, system integration issues: specification of compression parameters and the place and time for compressor/decompressor plug-ins. A case for a non-uniform compression of satellite imagery is presented, and its implementation in the current system id demonstrated. The paper gives special attention to challenges of moving the system towards the use of standard, non-proprietary protocols (smtp and http) and new technologies (OpenDoc), and reports the ongoing work in this direction.

Kiselyov, Oleg↗

Piecewise linear approximation for hereditary control problems

Finite dimensional approximations are presented for linear retarded functional differential equations by use of discontinuous piecewise linear functions. The approximation scheme is applied to optimal control problems when a quadratic cost integral has to be minimized subject to the controlled retarded system. It is shown that the approximate optimal feedback operators converge to the true ones both in case the cost integral ranges over a finite time interval as well as in the case it ranges over an infinite time interval. The arguments in the latter case rely on the fact that the piecewise linear approximations to stable systems are stable in a uniform sense. This feature is established using a vector-component stability criterion in the state space R(n) x L(2) and the favorable eigenvalue behavior of the piecewise linear approximations.

Propst, Georg↗

The crack problem in a reinforced cylindrical shell

In this paper a partially reinforced cylinder containing an axial through crack is considered. The reinforcement is assumed to be fully bonded to the main cylinder. The composite cylinder is thus modelled by a nonhomogeneous shell having a step change in the elastic properties at the z=0 plane, z being the axial coordinate. Using a Reissner type transverse shear theory the problem is reduced to a pair of singular integral equations. In the special case of a crack tip touching the bimaterial interface it is shown that the dominant parts of the kernels of the integral equations associated with both membrane loading and bending of the shell reduce to the generalized Cauchy kernel obtained for the corresponding plane stress case. The integral equations are solved and the stress intensity factors are given for various crack and shell dimensions. A bonded fiberglass reinforcement which may serve as a crack arrestor is used as an example.

Yahsi, O. S.↗

The crack problem in a reinforced cylindrical shell

A partially reinforced cylinder containing an axial through crack is considered. The reinforcement is assumed to be fully bonded to the main cylinder. The composite cylinder is thus modelled by a nonhomogeneous shell having a step change in the elastic properties at the z = 0 plane, z being the axial coordinate. Using a Reissner type transverse shear theory the problem is reduced to a pair of singular integral equations. In the special case of a crack tip touching the bimaterial interface it is shown that the dominant parts of the kernels of the integral equations associated with both membrane loading and bending of the shell reduce to the generalized Cauchy kernel obtained for the corresponding plane stress case. The integral equations are solved and the stress intensity factors are given for various crack and shell dimensions. A bonded fiberglass reinforcement which may serve as a crack arrestor is used as an example.

Yahsi, O. S.↗

The Fokker-Planck coefficient for pitch-angle scattering of cosmic rays

For the case of homogeneous, isotropic magnetic field fluctuations, it is shown that most theories which are based on the quasi-linear and adiabatic approximation yield the same integral for the Fokker-Planck coefficient for the pitch angle scattering of cosmic rays. For example, despite apparent differences, the theories due to Jokipii and to Klimas and Sandri yield the same integral. It is also shown, however, that this integral in most cases has been evaluated incorrectly in the past. For large pitch angles these errors become significant, and for pitch angles of 90 deg the actual Fokker-Planck coefficient contains a delta function. The implications for these corrections relating cosmic ray diffusion coefficients to observed properties of the interplanetary magnetic field are discussed.

Fisk, L. A.↗

The Fokker-Planck coefficient for pitch-angle scattering of cosmic rays

For the case of homogeneous, isotropic magnetic field fluctuations, it is shown that most theories which are based on the quasi-linear and adiabatic approximations yield the same integral for the Fokker-Planck coefficient for the pitch-angle scattering of cosmic rays. For example, despite apparent differences, the theories due to Jokipii and to Klimas and Sandri yield the same integral. It is also shown, however, that this integral in most cases has been evaluated incorrectly in the past. For small pitch angles, the errors in previous evaluations are fortuitously of minor importance. For large pitch angles, however, these errors become more significant; and for pitch angles of 90 deg, the actual Fokker-Planck coefficient contains a delta function which has been overlooked in the past. The implications of these corrections on the possibility of relating cosmic-ray diffusion coefficients to observed properties of the interplanetary magnetic field are discussed.

Fisk, L. A.↗

Qualification of the RSRM case membrane case-to-insulation bondline inspection using the Thiokol Corporation ultrasonic RSRM bondline inspection system

Qualification testing of Combustion Engineering's AMDATA Intraspect/98 Data Acquisition and Imaging System that applies to the redesigned solid rocket motor (RSRM) case membrane case-to-insulation bondline inspection was performed. Testing was performed at M-67, the Thiokol Corp. RSRM Assembly Facility. The purpose of the inspection was to verify the integrity of the case membrane case-to-insulation bondline. The case membrane scanner was calibrated on the redesigned solid rocket motor case segment calibration standard, which had an intentional 1.0 by 1.0 in. case-to-insulation unbond. The case membrane scanner was then used to scan a 20 by 20 in. membrane area of the case segment. Calibration of the scanner was then rechecked on the calibration standard to ensure that the calibration settings did not change during the case membrane scan. This procedure was successfully performed five times to qualify the unbond detection capability of the case membrane scanner.

Cook, M.↗

Using an architectural approach to integrate heterogeneous, distributed software components

Many computer programs cannot be easily integrated because their components are distributed and heterogeneous, i.e., they are implemented in diverse programming languages, use different data representation formats, or their runtime environments are incompatible. In many cases, programs are integrated by modifying their components or interposing mechanisms that handle communication and conversion tasks. For example, remote procedure call (RPC) helps integrate heterogeneous, distributed programs. When configuring such programs, however, mechanisms like RPC must be used explicitly by software developers in order to integrate collections of diverse components. Each collection may require a unique integration solution. This paper describes improvements to the concepts of software packaging and some of our experiences in constructing complex software systems from a wide variety of components in different execution environments. Software packaging is a process that automatically determines how to integrate a diverse collection of computer programs based on the types of components involved and the capabilities of available translators and adapters in an environment. Software packaging provides a context that relates such mechanisms to software integration processes and reduces the cost of configuring applications whose components are distributed or implemented in different programming languages. Our software packaging tool subsumes traditional integration tools like UNIX make by providing a rule-based approach to software integration that is independent of execution environments.

Callahan, John R.↗

Supersonic wing-body center of pressure with finite afterbodies

Closed-form formulas for the effects of finite afterbodies on the longitudinal center of pressure location in the presence of a wing at supersonic speeds are presented, along with solutions for the case of negative afterbodies. A double integral is developed for the case of subsonic and supersonic leading edges and no afterbody and full afterbody. Attention is also given to the full/infinite body case, noting that a proportional variation of the pitching moment with the lift is found.

Vira, N. R.↗

Toward achieving global sole means radionavigation systems

This paper briefly reviews tentative requirements for global, earth-referenced sole means of navigation systems with emphasis on integrity and availability. These requirements can be allocated to integrated navigation system architectures based on for instance GPS, GLONASS, VOR/DME, TACAN, Omega, Chayka, and Loran-C. Fault detection and isolation techniques (FDI) for integrated radio navigation systems are presented. The FDI algorithm provides a protection radius with a specified confidence level as a function of measurement geometry and algorithm requirements. This is followed by a case study of integrated GPS/Loran-C.

Vangraas, F.↗

Towards A Flexible Data Fusion Tool Incorporating Model, Satellite, Regulatory Monitor and Low-Cost Sensor Data for Air Quality Estimation and Forecasting

Air quality managers, researchers, and concerned community scientists around the world have a variety of sources for air quality information, ranging from traditional regulatory monitoring networks and atmospheric chemistry models to remote sensing data products and low-cost sensor networks. However, the ability to incorporate data from these disparate sources and synthesize a comprehensive overview of the local air quality situation remains a considerable barrier for many end-users. This presentation will outline a tool, currently in development, which will address this need using a flexible data fusion approach. The tool will make use of air quality forecast model outputs (primarily from the NASA GEOS-CF composition forecast modeling system), satellite remote sensing data (from instruments including MODIS, VIIRS, TROPOMI, plus TEMPO for the US when available), and in-situ data from official regulatory and/or low-cost networks where these are available. The ability to incorporate data from low-cost sensor networks will be a key feature of the tool; it will make use of other available data sources to calibrate the low-cost sensor data on a regional scale, then use these calibrated low-cost sensor data for localized updating to resolve finer-scale air quality patterns. Development of this tool is taking place with the help of national and international partners and end-user groups, coordinated through the US EPA and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The tool is being developed on the Google Earth Engine cloud computing platform to facilitate integration of diverse data sources and free access by a broad community of end-users. Stewardship of the tool will be passed to US EPA and UNEP to support future activities with end-users in the US and around the world, and the tool itself will remain freely accessible. We hope that this tool will lower the barrier to entry for various user groups worldwide, including community scientists, who struggle to integrate disparate data sources to gain insight into their local air quality situations. This presentation will cover the early stages of the development of the tool, including the underlying methods and some pilot case studies in integrating low-cost sensor data.

global models↗

Thin-plate spline quadrature of geodetic integrals

Thin-plate spline functions (known for their flexibility and fidelity in representing experimental data) are especially well-suited for the numerical integration of geodetic integrals in the area where the integration is most sensitive to the data, i.e., in the immediate vicinity of the evaluation point. Spline quadrature rules are derived for the contribution of a circular innermost zone to Stoke's formula, to the formulae of Vening Meinesz, and to the recursively evaluated operator L(n) in the analytical continuation solution of Molodensky's problem. These rules are exact for interpolating thin-plate splines. In cases where the integration data are distributed irregularly, a system of linear equations needs to be solved for the quadrature coefficients. Formulae are given for the terms appearing in these equations. In case the data are regularly distributed, the coefficients may be determined once-and-for-all. Examples are given of some fixed-point rules. With such rules successive evaluation, within a circular disk, of the terms in Molodensky's series becomes relatively easy. The spline quadrature technique presented complements other techniques such as ring integration for intermediate integration zones.

Vangysen, Herman↗