Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “parameter identification”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 757 records · Page 42

Flight-Time Identification of a UH-60A Helicopter and Slung Load

This paper describes a flight test demonstration of a system for identification of the stability and handling qualities parameters of a helicopter-slung load configuration simultaneously with flight testing, and the results obtained. Tests were conducted with a UH-60A Black Hawk at speeds from hover to 80 kts. The principal test load was an instrumented 8 x 6 x 6 ft cargo container. The identification used frequency domain analysis in the frequency range to 2 Hz, and focussed on the longitudinal and lateral control axes since these are the axes most affected by the load pendulum modes in the frequency range of interest for handling qualities. Results were computed for stability margins, handling qualities parameters and load pendulum stability. The computations took an average of 4 minutes before clearing the aircraft to the next test point. Important reductions in handling qualities were computed in some cases, depending on control axis and load-sling combinations. A database, including load dynamics measurements, was accumulated for subsequent simulation development and validation.

Cicolani, Luigi S.↗

Uncertainties in νp-process nucleosynthesis from Monte Carlo variation of reaction rates

ABSTRACT It has been suggested that a νp-process can occur when hot, dense, and proton-rich matter is expanding within a strong flux of antineutrinos. In such an environment, proton-rich nuclides can be produced in sequences of proton captures and (n, p) reactions, where the free neutrons are created in situ by $\overline{\nu }_\mathrm{e}+\mathrm{p} {\rightarrow} \mathrm{n}+\mathrm{e}^+$ reactions. The detailed hydrodynamic evolution determines where the nucleosynthesis path turns off from N = Z line and how far up the nuclear chart it runs. In this work, the uncertainties on the final isotopic abundances stemming from uncertainties in the nuclear reaction rates were investigated in a large-scale Monte Carlo approach, simultaneously varying more than 10 000 reactions. A large range of model conditions was investigated because a definitive astrophysical site for the νp-process has not yet been identified. The present parameter study provides, for each model, identification of the key nuclear reactions dominating the uncertainty for a given nuclide abundance. As all rates appearing in the νp-process involve unstable nuclei, and thus only theoretical rates are available, the final abundance uncertainties are larger than those for nucleosynthesis processes closer to stability. Nevertheless, most uncertainties remain below a factor of 3 in trajectories with robust nucleosynthesis. More extreme conditions allow production of heavier nuclides but show larger uncertainties because of the accumulation of the uncertainties in many rates and because the termination of nucleosynthesis is not at equilibrium conditions. It is also found that the solar ratio of the abundances of 92Mo and 94Mo could be reproduced within uncertainties.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Single photoionization of the Kr-like Rb ii ion in the photon energy range 22–46.0 eV

Abstract Single photoionization cross-sections for Kr-like Rb+ ions are reported in the energy (wavelength) range from 22 (564 Å) to 46 eV (270 Å). Theoretical cross-section calculations for this trans-Fe element are compared with measurements from the ASTRID radiation facility in Aarhus, Denmark and from the dual laser plasma technique, at respectively 40 and 35 meV FWHM energy resolution. In the photon energy region 22–32 eV the spectrum is dominated by excitation auto-ionizing resonance states. Above 32 eV the cross-section exhibits classic Fano window resonances features, which are analysed and discussed. Large-scale theoretical photoionization cross-section calculations, performed using a Dirac Coulomb R-matrix approximation are benchmarked against these high-resolution experimental results. Comparison of the theoretical work with the experimental studies allowed the identification of resonance features and their parameters in the spectra in addition to contributions from excited metastable states of the Rb+ ions.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Interactive visualization of multi-data-set Rietveld analyses using Cinema:Debye-Scherrer [nteractive Visualization of Multi-Dataset Rietveld Analyses using Cinema:Debye-Scherrer]

A tool named Cinema:Debye-Scherrer to visualize the results of a series of Rietveld analyses is presented. The multi-axis visualization of the high-dimensional data sets resulting from powder diffraction analyses allows identification of analysis problems, prediction of suitable starting values, identification of gaps in the experimental parameter space and acceleration of scientific insight from the experimental data. The tool is demonstrated with analysis results from 59 U–Nb alloy samples with different compositions, annealing times and annealing temperatures as well as with a high-temperature study of the crystal structure of CsPbBr 3 . A script to extract parameters from a series of Rietveld analyses employing the widely used GSAS Rietveld software is also described. Finally, both software tools are available for download.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Model Reference Adaptive Control (MRAC) for Additive Manufacturing (AM)

Model Reference Adaptive Control (MRAC) is based on the fundamental concept that the process under investigation is to be controlled to follow or “track” a reference system (model) characterized by a state/input/output model employing an adaptive optimization algorithm to adjust the controller parameters in real-time. The generic structure of the MRAC is shown in Fig. 1 consisting of the following primary components: Reference model, Process (system) model, controller and the adaption algorithm. The basic structure of the controller is specified by a linear construct with the corresponding real-time adaption algorithms given by a gradient-type (so-called MIT rule) or based on stability theory (Lyapunov, hyperstability). This approach to adaptive control is termed “direct”, since the controller (parameters) are adjusted based on the component models/algorithm in contrast to the “indirect” approach that adjusts the process model parameters applying real-time system identification techniques.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Generation of long time creep data on refractory alloys at elevated temperatures

Four separate studies of various aspects of the vacuum creep behavior of two tantalum alloys (T-111 and ASTAR 811C) and of pure CVD tungsten are reported. The first part of the program involved a study of the influence of high temperature pre-exposure to vacuum or to liquid lithium on the subsequent creep behavior T-111 alloy. Results of this study revealed significant effects of pre-exposure on the 1% creep life of T-111, with life reductions of about 3 orders of magnitude being observed in extreme cases. The second part of this study involved an investigation of the creep behavior of T-111 under conditions of continuously increasing stress and decreasing temperature which simulated the conditions anticipated in radioisotope capsule service. Results of this study showed that such test conditions produced a creep curve having a very unusual shape, and led to the identification of a new creep design parameter for this type of service. The third area of investigation was a study of the influence of heat treatment on the microstructure and creep behavior of ASTAR 811C. The fourth part of the program was directed toward a preliminary characterization of the 1% creep life of CVD tungsten as obtained from two different sources.

Sheffler, K. D.↗

Adaptive control laws for F-8 flight tests

An adaptive flight-control-system design for NASA's F-8 Digital Fly-by-Wire research aircraft is described. This design implements an explicit parallel maximum likelihood identification algorithm to estimate key aircraft parameters. The estimates are used to compute gains in simplified quadratic-optimal command augmentation control laws. Design details for the control laws and identifier are presented, and performance evaluation results from NASA Langley's F-8 simulator are summarized.

Stein, G.↗

Adaptive control laws for F-8 flight test

This paper describes an adaptive flight control system design for NASA's F-8 digital fly-by-wire research aircraft. This design implements an explicit parallel maximum likelihood identification algorithm to estimate key aircraft parameters. The estimates are used to compute gains in simplified quadratic-optimal command augmentation control laws. Design details for the control laws and identifier are presented, and performance evaluation results from NASA Langley's F-8 Simulator are summarized.

Stein, G.↗

Effects of space environment on composites: An analytical study of critical experimental parameters

A generalized methodology currently employed at JPL, was used to develop an analytical model for effects of high-energy electrons and interactions between electron and ultraviolet effects. Chemical kinetic concepts were applied in defining quantifiable parameters; the need for determining short-lived transient species and their concentration was demonstrated. The results demonstrates a systematic and cost-effective means of addressing the issues and show qualitative and quantitative, applicable relationships between space radiation and simulation parameters. An equally important result is identification of critical initial experiments necessary to further clarify the relationships. Topics discussed include facility and test design; rastered vs. diffuse continuous e-beam; valid acceleration level; simultaneous vs. sequential exposure to different types of radiation; and interruption of test continuity.

Gupta, A.↗

A distributed system adaptive control strategy

One attitude control device being studied for large spacecraft consists of two counter-rotating rings, each designated as an annular momentum control device (AMCD), that are attached to a spacecraft using several magnetic bearings distributed along the circumference of the rings. For large spacecraft large rings are desirable. Unfortunately, for large rings flexibility is appreciable and it becomes necessary to account for the distributed nature of the rings in the design of the magnetic bearing controllers. Also ring behavior is unpredictably sensitive to ring temperature, spin rate, manufacturing imperfections, and other variables. For that reason a distributed adaptive microcomputer-based control system is being sought for ring stabilization and maneuvering. An original adaptive-control methodology for distributed-parameter systems is detailed and application to spinning ring, i.e., AMCD, stabilization is used as an illustration. The proposed methodology, presented as a step-by-step procedure, combines a lumped-parameter expansion description of distributed parameter systems with a fundamental simultaneous identification and control strategy. Simulations are presented providing preliminary evidence of the capabilities of the proposed procedure.

Johnson, C. R., Jr.↗

A Module Experimental Process System Development Unit (MEPSDU)

The purpose of this program is to demonstrate the technical readiness of a cost effective process sequence that has the potential for the production of flat plate photovoltaic modules which met the price goal in 1986 of $.70 or less per watt peak. Program efforts included: preliminary design review, preliminary cell fabrication using the proposed process sequence, verification of sandblasting back cleanup, study of resist parameters, evaluation of pull strength of the proposed metallization, measurement of contact resistance of Electroless Ni contacts, optimization of process parameter, design of the MEPSDU module, identification and testing of insulator tapes, development of a lamination process sequence, identification, discussions, demonstrations and visits with candidate equipment vendors, evaluation of proposals for tabbing and stringing machine.

Source record↗

Modeling of human operator dynamics in simple manual control utilizing time series analysis

Time series analysis is applied to model human operator dynamics in pursuit and compensatory tracking modes. The normalized residual criterion is used as a one-step analytical tool to encompass the processes of identification, estimation, and diagnostic checking. A parameter constraining technique is introduced to develop more reliable models of human operator dynamics. The human operator is adequately modeled by a second order dynamic system both in pursuit and compensatory tracking modes. In comparing the data sampling rates, 100 msec between samples is adequate and is shown to provide better results than 200 msec sampling. The residual power spectrum and eigenvalue analysis show that the human operator is not a generator of periodic characteristics.

Agarwal, G. C.↗

Modeling human target acquisition in ground-to-air weapon systems

The problems associated with formulating and validating mathematical models for describing and predicting human target acquisition response are considered. In particular, the extension of the human observer model to include the acquisition phase as well as the tracking segment is presented. Relationship of the Observer model structure to the more complex Standard Optimal Control model formulation and to the simpler Transfer Function/Noise representation is discussed. Problems pertinent to structural identifiability and the form of the parameterization are elucidated. A systematic approach toward the identification of the observer acquisition model parameters from ensemble tracking error data is presented.

Phatak, A. V.↗

Adaptive control of a flexible beam using least square lattice filters

This paper presents an indirect adaptive control scheme for the control of flexible structures using recursive least square lattice filters. The identification scheme uses lattice filters which provide an on-line estimate of the number of modes, mode shapes and modal amplitudes. These modes are coupled and a transformation to decouple them in order to obtain the natural modes is presented. The decoupled modal amplitude time series are then used in an equation error identification scheme to identify the model parameters in an autoregressive moving average (ARMA) form. The control is based on modal pole placement scheme with the objective of vibration suppression. The control gains are calculated based on the identified ARMA parameters. Before using the identified parameters for control, detailed testing and validation procedures are carried out on the identified parameters. The full adaptive control scheme is demonstrated using the simulation for the 12 foot free-free beam apparatus at NASA Langley Research Center.

Sundararajan, N.↗

Detailed design of a variable volume hydrogen maser

Identification of the hydrogen maser design parameters include the shape of the bulk, q (quality parameter), tuning factors, materials to be used, and operational temperature to offset the wall shift. Expressions for the statistic error on the measured frequency were derived. Localized variations in the concentration of excited atoms were studied and how the shape of the container (the ratio of surface to volume in particular) affects their behavior.

Cervenka, P. O.↗

Modeling, estimation and identification methods for static shape determination of flexible structures

This paper outlines methods for modeling, identification and estimation for static determination of flexible structures. The shape estimation schemes are based on structural models specified by (possibly interconnected) elliptic partial differential equations. The identification techniques provide approximate knowledge of parameters in elliptic systems. The techniques are based on the method of maximum-likelihood that finds parameter values such that the likelihood functional associated with the system model is maximized. The estimation methods are obtained by means of a function-space approach that seeks to obtain the conditional mean of the state given the data and a white noise characterization of model errors. The solutions are obtained in a batch-processing mode in which all the data is processed simultaneously. After methods for computing the optimal estimates are developed, an analysis of the second-order statistics of the estimates and of the related estimation error is conducted. In addition to outlining the above theoretical results, the paper presents typical flexible structure simulations illustrating performance of the shape determination methods.

Rodriguez, G.↗

Adaptive control: Stability, convergence, and robustness

The deterministic theory of adaptive control (AC) is presented in an introduction for graduate students and practicing engineers. Chapters are devoted to basic AC approaches, notation and fundamental theorems, the identification problem, model-reference AC, parameter convergence using averaging techniques, and AC robustness. Consideration is given to the use of prior information, the global stability of indirect AC schemes, multivariable AC, linearizing AC for a class of nonlinear systems, AC of linearizable minimum-phase systems, and MIMO systems decouplable by static state feedback.

Sastry, Shankar↗

Free-decay time-domain modal identification for large space structures

Concept definition studies for the Modal Identification Experiment (MIE), a proposed space flight experiment for the Space Station Freedom (SSF), have demonstrated advantages and compatibility of free-decay time-domain modal identification techniques with the on-orbit operational constraints of large space structures. Since practical experience with modal identification using actual free-decay responses of large space structures is very limited, several numerical and test data reduction studies were conducted. Major issues and solutions were addressed, including closely-spaced modes, wide frequency range of interest, data acquisition errors, sampling delay, excitation limitations, nonlinearities, and unknown disturbances during free-decay data acquisition. The data processing strategies developed in these studies were applied to numerical simulations of the MIE, test data from a deployable truss, and launch vehicle flight data. Results of these studies indicate free-decay time-domain modal identification methods can provide accurate modal parameters necessary to characterize the structural dynamics of large space structures.

Kim, Hyoung M.↗