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At least 847 records · Page 47

ERTS-1 Role in land management and planning in Minnesota

Research on applications of ERTS-1 imagery to land use has focused on evaluating the ability of ERTS-1 imagery to update and refine the detail of land use information in the Minnesota Land Management Information System. Work has been directed toward defining the capabilities of the ERTS-1 system to provide information about surface cover by identifying forest, water, and wetland resources; urban and agricultural development: and testing and evaluating data input and output procedures. As capabilities were developed, meetings were held with administrators and resource information users from various agencies of government to identify their information needs. A full scale systems test for several selected pilot areas in the state is nearly complete. Users have been identified for each test area and they have been instrumental in identifying data requirements and analysis needs for administrative purposes. Users have both rural and urban orientations and provide a basis for evaluation of the results.

Sizer, J. E.↗

A study of the early detection of insect infestations and density/distribution of host plants

The author has identified the following significant results. With comparative observations of film types and seasonal influences on reflectance characteristics, many crop varieties can be identified. This study shows that citrus, sugar cane, brush, some winter vegetables, and grain crops could be identified. Vegetative patterns in border areas can be detected. This information can be useful in detecting avenues of entry of pest species and areas of stress that require vigilance in stopping the spread of destructive species. Influence of some environmental factors on crops that may be confused with pest injury, or related factors, can be detected and identified with Skylab data (S-190B).

Hart, W. G.↗

An Experiment to Evaluate Skylab Earth Resources Sensors for Detection of the Gulf Stream

The author has identified the following significant results. An experiment to evaluate the Skylab earth resources package for observing ocean currents was performed in the Straits of Florida in January 1974. Data from the S190 photographic facility, S191 spectroradiometer and S192 multispectral scanner, were compared with surface observations. The anticyclonic edge of the Gulf Stream could be identified in the Skylab S190A and B photographs, but the cyclonic edge was obscured by clouds. The aircraft photographs were judged not useful for spectral analysis because vignetting caused the blue/green ratios to be dependent on the position in the photograph. The spectral measurement technique could not identify the anticyclonic front, but mass of Florida Bay water which was in the process of flowing into the Straits could be identified and classified. Monte Carlo simulations of the visible spectrum showed that the aerosol concentration could be estimated and a correction technique was devised.

Maul, G. A.↗

Application of Landsat imagery to metallic mineral exploration in Utah

Standard interpretive techniques were used to study the mosaic of two Landsat images of north central Utah including several major mining districts. Correlation of major Landsat-identified lineaments with the major metallic mining districts suggests that the Landsat-identified lineaments are fractures and that their distribution may be a valuable guide for identifying other mineralized areas. The imagery provides a more complete understanding of the geological information for identifying major tectonic and structural trends in the area. Several of the major mines are located on or closely adjacent to the intersections of at least two major lineaments. Landsat data should therefore be used to complement current mineral exploration programs.

Anderson, A. T.↗

Remote sensing of geologic mineral occurrences for the Colorado mineral belt using LANDSAT data

The author has identified the following significant results. LANDSAT imagery was examined as a practical and productive tool for mineral exploration along the Colorado Mineral Belt. An attempt was made to identify all large, active and/or abandoned mining districts on the imagery which initially were discovered by surface manifestations. A number of strong photolinements, circular features, and color anomalies were identified. Some of these form a part of the structural and igneous volcanic framework in which mineral deposits occur. No specific mineral deposits such as veins or porphyries were identified. Promising linear and concentric features were field checked at several locations. Some proved to be fault zones and calderas; others were strictly topographic features related to stream or glacial entrenchment. The Silverton Caldera region and the Idaho Springs-Central City district were chosen and studied as case histories to evaluate the application of LANDSAT imagery to mineral exploration. Evidence of specific mineralization related to ore deposits in these two areas were observed only on low level photography.

Carpenter, R. H.↗

Isolation and identification of the conidial germination factor of Neurospora crassa

The germination-essential substance (germination factor /GF/) that is lost from conidia of Neurospora crassa on exposure to solutions of low water activity has been isolated and identified as a group of iron-transport compounds, or siderochromes. The principal siderochrome of conidia is ferricrocin, a cyclic hexapeptide. A closely related substance, ferrichrome C, is tentatively identified as a minor constituent. The same substances are also present in extracts of mycelium along with small amounts of a third siderochrome, which has not been identified. The GF activity of culture filtrates is due to coprogen, the only siderochrome previously identified with N. crassa.

Horowitz, N. H.↗

Coal conversion processes and analysis methodologies for synthetic fuels production

Information to identify viable coal gasification and utilization technologies is presented. Analysis capabilities required to support design and implementation of coal based synthetic fuels complexes are identified. The potential market in the Southeast United States for coal based synthetic fuels is investigated. A requirements analysis to identify the types of modeling and analysis capabilities required to conduct and monitor coal gasification project designs is discussed. Models and methodologies to satisfy these requirements are identified and evaluated, and recommendations are developed. Requirements for development of technology and data needed to improve gasification feasibility and economies are examined.

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Modal confidence factor in vibration testing

The theory and applications of a time domain modal test technique are presented. The method uses free decay of random responses from a structure under test to identify its modal characteristics namely, natural frequencies, damping factors, and mode shapes. The method can identify multimodal (highly coupled) systems and modes that have very small contribution in the responses. A method is presented to decrease the effects of high levels of noise in the data and thus improve the accuracy of identified parameters. This is accomplished using an oversized mathematical model. The concept of modal confidence factor (MCF) is developed. The MCF is a number calculated for every identified mode for a structure under test. The MCF varies from 0.000 for a distorted, nonlinear, or noise mode to 100.0 for a pure structural mode. The theory of the MCF is based on the correlation that exits between the modal deflection at a certain station and the modal deflection at the same station delayed in time. The theory and application of the MCF is illustrated by two experiments. The first experiment deals with simulated responses from a two degree of freedom system with 20 percent, 40 percent, and 100 percent noise added. The second experiment was run on a generalized payload model. The free decay response from the payload model contained about 22 percent noise.

Ibrahim, S. R.↗

Large modal survey testing using the Ibrahim time domain /ITD/ identification technique

The ability of the ITD identification algorithm in identifying a complete set of structural modal parameters using a large number of free-response time histories simultaneously in one analysis, assuming a math model with a high number of degrees-of-freedom, has been studied. Identification results using simulated free responses of a uniform rectangular plate, with 225 measurement stations, and experimental responses from a ground vibration test of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) Space Shuttle payload, with 142 measurement stations, are presented. As many as 300 degrees-of-freedom were allowed in analyzing these data. In general, the use of a significantly oversized math model in the identification process was found to maintain or increase identification accuracy and to identify modes of low response level that are not identified with smaller math model sizes. The concept of a Mode Shape Correlation Constant is introduced for use when more than one identification analysis of the same structure are conducted. This constant quantifies the degree of correlation between any two sets of complex mode shapes identified using different excitation conditions, different user-selectable algorithm constants, or overlapping sets of measurements.

Ibrahim, S. R.↗

Identification of multivariable high performance turbofan engine dynamics from closed loop data

The multivariable instrumental variable/approximate maximum likelihood (IV/AML) method or recursive time-series analysis is used to identify the multivariable (four inputs-three outputs) dynamics of the Pratt and Whitney F100 engine. A detailed nonlinear engine simulation is used to determine linear engine model structures and parameters at an operating point using open loop data. Also, the IV/AML method is used in a direct identification mode to identify models from actual closed loop engine test data. Models identified from simulated and test data are compared to determine a final model structure and parameterization that can predict engine response for a wide class of inputs. The ability of the IV/AML algorithm to identify useful dynamic models from engine test data is assessed.

Merrill, W.↗

Commercial/industrial photovoltaic module and array requirement study. Low-cost solar array project engineering area

Design requirements for photovoltaic modules and arrays used in commercial and industrial applications were identified. Building codes and referenced standards were reviewed for their applicability to commercial and industrial photovoltaic array installation. Four general installation types were identified - integral (replaces roofing), direct (mounted on top of roofing), stand-off (mounted away from roofing), and rack (for flat or low slope roofs, or ground mounted). Each of the generic mounting types can be used in vertical wall mounting systems. This implies eight mounting types exist in the commercial/industrial sector. Installation costs were developed for these mounting types as a function of panel/module size. Cost drivers were identified. Studies were performed to identify optimum module shapes and sizes and operating voltage cost drivers. The general conclusion is that there are no perceived major obstacles to the use of photovoltaic modules in commercial/industrial arrays.

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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.↗

Identification of multivariable high-performance turbofan engine dynamics from closed loop data

A typical engine control design cycle consists of developing a dynamic engine simulation from steady-state component performance data, designing a control based upon this simulation, and then testing and modifying the control in an engine test cell to meet performance requirements. This design cycle was successful for state-of-the-art engines. However, for more advanced multivariable engines that exhibit strong variable interactions, this procedure will result in substantial trial and error modification of the control during the testing phase. One method to automate the design process and reduce control modification testing and development cost would be to identify accurate dynamic models directly from the closed-loop test data. These identified models would then be used in conjunction with a synthesis procedure to systematically refine the control. Recent advances in closed-loop identifiability present a methodology for this direct identification of engine model dynamics from closed-loop test data. The application of an identification method to simulated and actual closed-loop F100 engine data is described. This study was undertaken to determine if useful dynamic engine models could be identified directly from closed-loop engine test data.

Merrill, W. C.↗

Identification of multivariable high performance turbofan engine dynamics from closed loop data

The multivariable instrumental variable/approximate maximum likelihood (IV/AML) method of recursive time-series analysis is used to identify the multivariable (four inputs-three outputs) dynamics of the Pratt and Whitney F100 engine. A detailed nonlinear engine simulation is used to determine linear engine model structures and parameters at an operating point using open loop data. Also, the IV/AML method is used in a direct identification made to identify models from actual closed loop engine test data. Models identified from simulated and test data are compared to determine a final model structure and parameterization that can predict engine response for a wide class of inputs. The ability of the IV/AML algorithm to identify useful dynamic models from engine test data is assessed. Previously announced in STAR as N82-20339

Merrill, W.↗

Information Science Panel joint meeting with Imaging Science Panel

Specific activity in information extraction science (taken to include data handling) is needed to: help identify the bounds of practical missions; identify potential data handling and analysis scenarios; identify the required enabling technology; and identify the requirements for a design data base to be used by the disciplines in determining potential parameters for future missions. It was defined that specific analysis topics were a function of the discipline involved, and therefore no attempt was made to define any specific analysis developments required. Rather, it was recognized that a number of generic data handling requirements exist whose solutions cannot be typically supported by the disciplines. The areas of concern were therefore defined as: data handling aspects of system design considerations; enabling technology for data handling, with specific attention to rectification and registration; and enabling technology for analysis. Within each of these areas, the following topics were addressed: state of the art (current status and contributing factors); critical issues; and recommendations for research and/or development.

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Problems associated with the utilization of algae in bioregenerative life support systems

A workshop was conducted to identify the potential problems associated with the use of microalgae in biorregenerative life support systems, and to identify algae rlated research issues that must be addressed through space flight experimentation. Major questions to be resolved relate to the choice of algal species for inclusion in a bioregenerative life support system, their long term behavior in the space environment, and the nature of the techniques required for the continuous growth of algae on the scale required. Consideration was given to the problems associated with the conversion of algal biomass into edible components. Specific concerns were addressed and alternative transformation processes identified and compared. The workshop identified the following major areas to be addressed by space flight experimentation: (1) long term culture stability, (2) optimal design of algal growth reactors, and (3) post growth harvesting and processing in the space environment.

Averner, M. M.↗

Adaptive control of large space structures using recursive lattice filters

The use of recursive lattice filters for identification and adaptive control of large space structures was studied. Lattice filters are used widely in the areas of speech and signal processing. Herein, they are used to identify the structural dynamics model of the flexible structures. This identified model is then used for adaptive control. Before the identified model and control laws are integrated, the identified model is passed through a series of validation procedures and only when the model passes these validation procedures control is engaged. This type of validation scheme prevents instability when the overall loop is closed. The results obtained from simulation were compared to those obtained from experiments. In this regard, the flexible beam and grid apparatus at the Aerospace Control Research Lab (ACRL) of NASA Langley Research Center were used as the principal candidates for carrying out the above tasks. Another important area of research, namely that of robust controller synthesis, was investigated using frequency domain multivariable controller synthesis methods.

Goglia, G. L.↗

Large Modal Survey Testing Using the Ibrahim Time Domain Identification Technique

The ability of the ITD identification algorithm in identifying a complete set of structural modal parameters using a large number of free-response time histories simultaneously in one analysis, assuming a math model with a high number of degrees-of-freedom, has been studied. Identification results using simulated free responses of a uniform rectangular plate, with 225 measurement stations, and experimental responses from a ground vibration test of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) Space Shuttle payload, with 142 measurement stations, are presented. As many as 300 degrees-of-freedom were allowed in analyzing these data. In general, the use of a significantly oversized math model in the identification process was found to maintain or increase identification accuracy and to identify modes of low response level that are not identified with smaller math model sizes. The concept of a Mode Shape Correlation Constant is introduced for use when more than one identification analysis of the same structure are conducted. This constant quantifies the degree of correlation between any two sets of complex mode shapes identified using different excitation conditions, different user-selectable algorithm constants, or overlapping sets of measurements.

Ibrahim, S. R.↗