Real-Time Array Feed Compensation System Demonstrated at JPL
A real-time array feed compensation system has been constructed, and is currently undergoing tests at JPL.
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A real-time array feed compensation system has been constructed, and is currently undergoing tests at JPL.
Time division multiplexed telemetry transmitting system controlled by programmed memory
The objective of system identification is to determine reliable dynamical models of a structure by systematically using its measured excitation and response. It brings together in an integrated fashion, experimental, analytical, and computational techniques in structural dynamics. Areas of application for system identification include the following: (1) Model Evaluation--assessing assumptions (linearity and equivalent viscous damping) and techniques (finite-element modeling) used to construct theoretical models of a structure; (2) Model Improvement--updating of a theoretical model to enable more accurate response predictions for possible future loads on the structure, or for control of the structure; (3) Empirical Modelling--developing empirical relationships (nonlinear models) or empirical parameter values (modal damping) because the present state of the art does not provide theoretical results; and (4) Damage Detection and Assessment--continual or episodic updating of a structural model through vibration monitoring to detect and locate any structural damage. It can be argued that since the construction or modification of models using test data is subject to inherent uncertainties, the above problems should be properly treated within a Bayesian probabilistic framework. Such a methodology is presented which allows the precision of the estimates of the model parameters to be computed. It also leads to a guiding principle in applications. Namely, when selecting a single model from a given class of models, one should take the most probable model in the class based on the experimental data. Practical applications of this principle are given which are based on the utilization of measured seismic motions in large civil structures. Examples include the application of a computer program MODE-ID to identify modal properties directly from seismic excitation and response time histories from a nine-story steel-frame building at JPL and from a freeway overpass bridge.
The first major overhaul and refurbishment of the Ames 40- by 80-foot wind tunnel since it was put into operation in 1944 was recently completed. A substantial part of this refurbishment was devoted to providing this wind tunnel with a modern real time data acquisition and analysis system to increase the safety, efficiency, and accuracy of experimental investigations in this facility. Background leading to the requirements for the new system, major elements of the system, and some of the applications of the system are summarized. The potential of computerized data acquisition systems for wind tunnels in terms of long term trends in hardware and software costs, and the constraints which must be dealt with to achieve the full potential of computerized data acquisition systems are discussed.
The authors present a result on the l-infinity to l-infinity performance of slowly time varying systems. In particular, it is shown that the performance of such systems cannot be much worse than that of the frozen-time systems which are time invariant. This result is used to characterize a class of indirect adaptive controllers that can stabilize a time-invariant system subjected to both parametric and l-infinity to l-infinity bounded unstructured uncertainty. Pertaining to this class of controllers, a particular indirect adaptive scheme is proposed that provides the greatest upper bound on the size of the unstructured uncertainty for which stability is ensured.
Model reference adaptive control is applied to linear time varying systems and to nonlinear systems amenable to virtual linearization. Asymptotic stability is guaranteed even if the perfect model following conditions do not hold, provided that some sufficient conditions are satisfied. Simulations show the scheme to be capable of effectively controlling certain nonlinear systems.
A study is conducted of feedback design for systems with multiple time-scale structure uncovering an intrinsic time-scale structure for a state feedback system with full state output. From this a multiple time-scale asymptotic observer and a system with state feedback via a two time-scale asymptotic observer is considered. Finally more general results for a restricted class of systems are obtained.
A Pegasus-Harrier propulsion system is selected as a baseline for developing mathematical modeling and simulation techniques for VSTOL. Initially, static and dynamic propulsion system characteristics are modeled in detail to form a nonlinear aerothermodynamic digital computer simulation of a Pegasus engine. From this high fidelity simulation, a real-time propulsion model is formulated by applying a piecewise linear state variable methodology. A hydromechanical and water injection control system is also simulated. It is noted that the real-time dynamic model includes the detail and flexibility required for evaluating critical control parameters and propulsion component limits over a limited flight envelope.
The effects of imperfect timing in direct detection (non-coherent) optical binary systems using both PPM and on-off keying for bit transmission are investigated. Particular emphasis is placed on specification of timing accuracy, and an examination of system degradation when this accuracy is not attained. Bit error probabilities are shown as a function of timing errors, from which average error probabilities can be computed for specific synchronization methods. Of significant importance is the presence of a residual, or irreducible error probability in both systems, due entirely to the timing system, that cannot be overcome by the data channel.
Magellan radar images reveal that Venus' exposed geologic record covers a relatively short and recent time span, as indicated by the low density of impact craters across the planet. Therefore, because impact cratering in itself will not be a useful tool to define geologic ages on Venus, it was questioned whether a useful stratigraphic scheme can be developed for the planet. We believe that a venusian stratigraphy is possible and that it can be based on the following: (1) an examination of the rationale and methods that have been used to develop such schemes for the other planets; and (2) what can be gleaned from Magellan and other datasets of Venus.
This study aims to document, compare and contrast the differences in prediction skill of the GEOS seasonal forecast system over the two periods: 1982-1998 and 1999-2016. The systematic biases are different over these periods due to various factors, and properly accounting for them is important in estimating the forecast skill.
At present, ground navigation support for interplanetary spacecraft requires human intervention for data pre-processing, filtering, and post-processing activities; these actions must be repeated each time a new batch of data is collected by the ground data system.
Asymptotic stability of feedback control systems containing single time varying element
This paper presents an algorithm to identify a state-space model of a linear system using a backward-time approach. The procedure consists of three basic steps. First, the Markov parameters of a backward-time observer are computed from experimental input-output data. Second, the backward-time observer Markov parameters are decomposed to obtain the backward-time system Markov parameters (backward-time pulse response samples) from which a backward-time state-space model is realized using the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm. Third, the obtained backward-time state space model is converted to the usual forward-time representation. Stochastic properties of this approach will be discussed. Experimental results are given to illustrate when and to what extent this concept works.
The problems of estimation and control of discrete, linear, time-varying systems are considered. Previous solutions to these problems involved either approximate techniques, open-loop control solutions, or results which required excessive computation. The estimation problem is solved by two different methods, both of which yield the identical algorithm for determining the optimal filter. The partitioned results achieve a substantial reduction in computation time and storage requirements over the expanded solution, however. The results reduce to the Kalman filter when no delays are present in the system. The control problem is also solved by two different methods, both of which yield identical algorithms for determining the optimal control gains. The stochastic control is shown to be identical to the deterministic control, thus extending the separation principle to time delay systems. The results obtained reduce to the familiar optimal control solution when no time delays are present in the system.
The Real-Time Data System (RTDS) project is exploring the application of advanced technologies to the real-time flight operations environment of the Mission Control Centers at NASA's Johnson Space Center. The system, based on a network of engineering workstations, provides services such as delivery of real time telemetry data to flight control applications. To automate the operation of this complex distributed environment, a facility called PILOT (Process Integrity Level and Operation Tracker) is being developed. PILOT comprises a set of distributed agents cooperating with a rule-based expert system; together they monitor process operation and data flows throughout the RTDS network. The goal of PILOT is to provide unattended management and automated operation under user control.