Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “linear equation systems”

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 793 records · Page 44

Analysis of turbulent flow about an isolated airfoil using a time dependent Navier-Stokes procedure

The procedure solves the Navier-Stokes equations by the consistently split linearized block implicit method of Briley and McDonald in a body fitted coordinate system. The procedure is described and results are presented for flow about an airfoil whose incidence changes from 6 degrees to 19 degrees at a Reynolds number of one million and Mach number of 0.2. In addition, the unsteady flow about an airfoil held at a constant 19 degree incidence is examined and compared to data.

Shamroth, S. J.↗

Magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium. II - General integrals of the equations with one ignorable coordinate

The steady equations of hydromagnetics for the isentropic or nonisentropic flow of an inviscid magnetofluid of high electrical conductivity, with one ignorable coordinate in a general orthogonal system, are treated. Several integrals of the equations are established thereafter reducing them to a scalar, quasi-linear, second order, partial differential equation for the magnetic potential. Simple solutions of this final equation are presented. The result, together with a similar treatment of helically symmetric hydromagnetic flows presented in a subsequent paper, allows a unified and systematic approach to the solution of problems involving steady hydromagnetic fields with a topological invariance in various curvilinear coordinates.

Tsinganos, K. C.↗

Singular Perturbations in Systems and Control

The application of singular perturbation theory to problems in systems and control is addressed. The types of systems considered include linear and nonlinear, discrete and continuous, and stochastic and deterministic. Both ordinary and partial differential equations are covered.

Ardema, M. D.↗

Estimating unsteady aerodynamic forces on a cascade in a three-dimensional turbulence field

An analytical method has been developed to estimate the unsteady aerodynamic forces caused by flow field turbulence on a wind tunnel turning vane cascade system (vane set). This method approximates dynamic lift and drag by linearly perturbing the appropriate steady state force equations, assuming that the dynamic loads are due only to free stream turbulence and that this turbulence is homogeneous, isotropic, and Gaussian. Correlation and unsteady aerodynamic effects are also incorporated into the analytical model. Using these assumptions, equations relating dynamic lift and drag to flow turbulence, mean velocity, and vane set geometry are derived. From these equations, estimates for the power spectra and rms (root mean squared value, delta) loading of both lift and drag can be determined.

Norman, T.↗

Estimating unsteady aerodynamic forces on a cascade in a three-dimensional turbulence field

An analytical method has been developed to estimate tne unsteady aerodynamic forces caused by flow field turbulence on a wind tunnel turning vane cascade system (vane set). This method approximates dynamic lift and drag by linearly perturbing the appropriate steady state force equations, assuming that the dynamic loads are due only to free stream turbulence and that this turbulence is homogeneous, isotropic, and Gaussian. Correlation and unsteady aerodynamic effects are also incorporated into the analytical model. Using these assumptions, equations relating dynamic lift and drag to flow turbulence, mean velocity, and vane set geometry are derived. From these equations, estimates for the power spectra and rms (root mean squared value, delta) loading of both lift and drag can be determined.

Norman, T. R.↗

Iterative methods for mixed finite element equations

Iterative strategies for the solution of indefinite system of equations arising from the mixed finite element method are investigated in this paper with application to linear and nonlinear problems in solid and structural mechanics. The augmented Hu-Washizu form is derived, which is then utilized to construct a family of iterative algorithms using the displacement method as the preconditioner. Two types of iterative algorithms are implemented. Those are: constant metric iterations which does not involve the update of preconditioner; variable metric iterations, in which the inverse of the preconditioning matrix is updated. A series of numerical experiments is conducted to evaluate the numerical performance with application to linear and nonlinear model problems.

Nakazawa, S.↗

Time scale analysis of a closed-loop discrete optimal control system

A two-time scale discrete control system is considered. The closed-loop optimal linear quadratic (LQ) regulator for the system requires the solution of a full-order algebraic matrix Riccati equation. Alternatively, the original system is decomposed into reduced-order slow and fast subsystems. The closed-loop optimal control of the subsystems requires the solution of two algebraic matrix Riccati equations of order lower than that required for the full-order system. A composite, closed-loop suboptimal control is created from the sum of the slow and fast feedback optimal controls. Numerical results obtained for an aircraft model show a very close agreement between the exact (optimal) solutions and computationally simpler composite (suboptimal) solutions. The main advantage of the method is the considerable reduction in the overall computational requirements for the closed-loop optimal control of digital flight systems.

Naidu, D. S.↗

The dynamics and control of the Space Station polar platform

The Space Station polar platform will carry a variety of earth observation instruments for NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In this paper, the asymmetrical platform is modeled as three connected rigid bodies. A generalized angular momentum equation is employed to derive the rotational equations of motion. These equations are linearized and used for preliminary sizing of control devices using a classical control approach. Two control systems are considered to stabilize the platform and satisfy the pointing requirements. The first system is composed of a single variable-speed, double-gimbaled momentum wheel and the second consists of three-reaction wheels. The performance of each system is assessed using a linear optimal control approach.

Wahbah, M. M.↗

Finding Optimal Gains In Linear-Quadratic Control Problems

Analytical method based on Volterra factorization leads to new approximations for optimal control gains in finite-time linear-quadratic control problem of system having infinite number of dimensions. Circumvents need to analyze and solve Riccati equations and provides more transparent connection between dynamics of system and optimal gain.

Milman, Mark H.↗

Factorization and the synthesis of optimal feedback gains for distributed parameter systems

An approach based on Volterra factorization leads to a new methodology for the analysis and synthesis of the optimal feedback gain in the finite-time linear quadratic control problem for distributed parameter systems. The approach circumvents the need for solving and analyzing Riccati equations and provides a more transparent connection between the system dynamics and the optimal gain. The general results are further extended and specialized for the case where the underlying state is characterized by autonomous differential-delay dynamics. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the second-order convergence rate that is derived for an approximation scheme for the optimal feedback gain in the differential-delay problem.

Milman, Mark H.↗

Time domain convergence properties of Lyapunov stable penalty methods

Linear hyperbolic partial differential equations are analyzed using standard techniques to show that a sequence of solutions generated by the Liapunov stable penalty equations approaches the solution of the differential-algebraic equations governing the dynamics of multibody problems arising in linear vibrations. The analysis does not require that the system be conservative and does not impose any specific integration scheme. Variational statements are derived which bound the error in approximation by the norm of the constraint violation obtained in the approximate solutions.

Kurdila, A. J.↗

Multiple Coarse Grid Multigrid Methods for Solving Elliptic Problems

In this paper we describe some classes of multigrid methods for solving large linear systems arising in the solution by finite difference methods of certain boundary value problems involving Poisson's equation on rectangular regions. If parallel computing systems are used, then with standard multigrid methods many of the processors will be idle when one is working at the coarsest grid levels. We describe the use of Multiple Coarse Grid MultiGrid (MCGMG) methods. Here one first constructs a periodic set of equations corresponding to the given system. One then constructs a set of coarse grids such that for each grid corresponding to the grid size h there are four grids corresponding to the grid size 2*h. Multigrid operations such as restriction of residuals and interpolation of corrections are done in parallel at each grid level. For suitable choices of the multigrid operators the MCGMG method is equivalent to the Parallel Superconvergent MultiGrid (PSMG) method of Frederickson and McBryan. The convergence properties of MCGMG methods can be accurately analyzed using spectral methods.

Xiao, Shengyou↗

Hubble Space Telescope Pointing Performance Due to Micro-Dynamic Disturbances from the NICMOS Cryogenic Cooler

The Vibration Admittance Test (VET) was performed to measure the emitted disturbances of the Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) Cryogenic Cooler (NCC) in preparation for NCC installation onboard the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) during Servicing Mission 3B (SM3B). Details of the VET ground-test are described, including facility characteristics, sensor complement and configuration, NCC suspension, and background noise measurements. Kinematic equations used to compute NCC mass center displacements and accelerations from raw measurements are presented, and dynamic equations of motion for the NCC VET system are developed and verified using modal test data. A MIMO linear frequency-domain analysis method is used to compute NCC-induced loads and HST boresight jitter from VET measurements. These results are verified by a nonlinear time-domain analysis approach using a high-fidelity structural dynamics and pointing control simulation for HST. NCC emitted acceleration levels not exceeding 35 micro-g rms were measured in the VET and analysis methods herein predict 3.1 milli-areseconds rms jitter for HST on-orbit. Because the NCC is predicted to become the predominant disturbance source for HST, VET results indicate that HST will continue to meet the 7 milli-arcsecond pointing stability mission requirement in the post-SM3B era.

Clapp, Brian R.↗

Cloud and Precipitation Analyses using Merged Datasets from Two Airborne Microwave Radiometers Covering 10–183 GHz

Microwave radiometers provide valuable insight into the structure and characteristics of clouds and precipitation. In NASA’s airborne remote-sensing arsenal, the Advanced Microwave Precipitation Radiometer (AMPR) and the Conical Scanning Millimeter-wave Imaging Radiometer (CoSMIR) have been used extensively in field campaigns throughout the world. AMPR operates with four channels between 10.7 and 85.5 GHz, while CoSMIR operates with nine channels ranging from 50.3 to 183.31 GHz. Although these datasets provide key information when used separately, the combination of these radiometers covers virtually the full range of frequencies used by the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI), enabling suborbital observations to compare with GPM spaceborne measurements. This presentation will detail the merger of AMPR and CoSMIR data during two NASA airborne field campaigns: the Integrated Precipitation and Hydrology Experiment (IPHEx) and the Olympic Mountains Experiment / Radar Definition Experiment (OLYMPEX/RADEX). Other field campaigns, such as the Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Snowstorms (IMPACTS), may be included as well. Using the merged brightness temperature dataset, features of precipitating and non-precipitating clouds containing liquid and/or ice hydrometeors will be discussed from selected flight segments. Geophysical retrievals derived from these brightness temperatures using a one-dimensional variational (1DVAR) technique and/or multi-linear regression equations will also be employed in these analyses. Observed transitions between precipitating and non-precipitating systems will be explored in greater detail. Dropsonde data will be used to provide environmental contexts throughout each flight, and additional observations (e.g., from airborne and/or land-based radar) will be incorporated to supplement the radiometer-based results. The broader implications of these results and pathways for future work will also be discussed.

Corey G. Amiot↗

Chandrasekhar-type algorithms for fast recursive estimation in linear systems with constant parameters

In this recursive method proposed, the gain matrix for the Kalman filter and the convariance of the state vector are computed not via the Riccati equation, but from certain other equations. These differential equations are of Chandrasekhar-type. The 'invariant imbedding' idea resulted in the reduction of the basic boundary value problem of transport theory to an equivalent initial value system, a significant computational advance. Initial value experience showed that there is some computational savings in the method and the loss of positive definiteness of the covariance matrix is less vulnerable.

Choudhury, A. K.↗

Design of adaptive control systems by means of self-adjusting transversal filters

The design of closed-loop adaptive control systems based on nonparametric identification was addressed. Implementation is by self-adjusting Least Mean Square (LMS) transversal filters. The design concept is Model Reference Adaptive Control (MRAC). Major issues are to preserve the linearity of the error equations of each LMS filter, and to prevent estimation bias that is due to process or measurement noise, thus providing necessary conditions for the convergence and stability of the control system. The controlled element is assumed to be asymptotically stable and minimum phase. Because of the nonparametric Finite Impulse Response (FIR) estimates provided by the LMS filters, a-priori information on the plant model is needed only in broad terms. Following a survey of control system configurations and filter design considerations, system implementation is shown here in Single Input Single Output (SISO) format which is readily extendable to multivariable forms. In extensive computer simulation studies the controlled element is represented by a second-order system with widely varying damping, natural frequency, and relative degree.

Merhav, S. J.↗

Reusable Launch Vehicle Control In Multiple Time Scale Sliding Modes

A reusable launch vehicle control problem during ascent is addressed via multiple-time scaled continuous sliding mode control. The proposed sliding mode controller utilizes a two-loop structure and provides robust, de-coupled tracking of both orientation angle command profiles and angular rate command profiles in the presence of bounded external disturbances and plant uncertainties. Sliding mode control causes the angular rate and orientation angle tracking error dynamics to be constrained to linear, de-coupled, homogeneous, and vector valued differential equations with desired eigenvalues placement. Overall stability of a two-loop control system is addressed. An optimal control allocation algorithm is designed that allocates torque commands into end-effector deflection commands, which are executed by the actuators. The dual-time scale sliding mode controller was designed for the X-33 technology demonstration sub-orbital launch vehicle in the launch mode. Simulation results show that the designed controller provides robust, accurate, de-coupled tracking of the orientation angle command profiles in presence of external disturbances and vehicle inertia uncertainties. This is a significant advancement in performance over that achieved with linear, gain scheduled control systems currently being used for launch vehicles.

Shtessel, Yuri↗

A Study of Strong Stability of Distributed Systems

The strong stability of distributed systems is studied and the problem of characterizing strongly stable semigroups of operators associated with distributed systems is addressed. Main emphasis is on contractive systems. Three different approaches to characterization of strongly stable contractive semigroups are developed. The first one is an operator theoretical approach. Using the theory of dilations, it is shown that every strongly stable contractive semigroup is related to the left shift semigroup on an L(exp 2) space. Then, a decomposition for the state space which identifies strongly stable and unstable states is introduced. Based on this decomposition, conditions for a contractive semigroup to be strongly stable are obtained. Finally, extensions of Lyapunov's equation for distributed parameter systems are investigated. Sufficient conditions for weak and strong stabilities of uniformly bounded semigroups are obtained by relaxing the equivalent norm condition on the right hand side of the Lyanupov equation. These characterizations are then applied to the problem of feedback stabilization. First, it is shown via the state space decomposition that under certain conditions a contractive system (A,B) can be strongly stabilized by the feedback -B(*). Then, application of the extensions of the Lyapunov equation results in sufficient conditions for weak, strong, and exponential stabilizations of contractive systems by the feedback -B(*). Finally, it is shown that for a contractive system, the first derivative of x with respect to time = Ax + Bu (where B is any linear bounded operator), there is a related linear quadratic regulator problem and a corresponding steady state Riccati equation which always has a bounded nonnegative solution.

Cataltepe, Tayfun↗