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At least 91 records · Page 5

Massively parallel computation of RCS with finite elements

One of the promising combinations of finite element approaches for scattering problems uses Whitney edge elements, spherical vector wave-absorbing boundary conditions, and bi-conjugate gradient solution for the frequency-domain near field. Each of these approaches may be criticized. Low-order elements require high mesh density, but also result in fast, reliable iterative convergence. Spherical wave-absorbing boundary conditions require additional space to be meshed beyond the most minimal near-space region, but result in fully sparse, symmetric matrices which keep storage and solution times low. Iterative solution is somewhat unpredictable and unfriendly to multiple right-hand sides, yet we find it to be uniformly fast on large problems to date, given the other two approaches. Implementation of these approaches on a distributed memory, message passing machine yields huge dividends, as full scalability to the largest machines appears assured and iterative solution times are well-behaved for large problems. We present times and solutions for computed RCS for a conducting cube and composite permeability/conducting sphere on the Intel ipsc860 with up to 16 processors solving over 200,000 unknowns. We estimate problems of approximately 10 million unknowns, encompassing 1000 cubic wavelengths, may be attempted on a currently available 512 processor machine, but would be exceedingly tedious to prepare. The most severe bottlenecks are due to the slow rate of mesh generation on non-parallel machines and the large transfer time from such a machine to the parallel processor. One solution, in progress, is to create and then distribute a coarse mesh among the processors, followed by systematic refinement within each processor. Elimination of redundant node definitions at the mesh-partition surfaces, snap-to-surface post processing of the resulting mesh for good modelling of curved surfaces, and load-balancing redistribution of new elements after the refinement are auxiliary steps expected to result in a robust low i/o system for very large finite element problems.

Parker, Jay↗

Review of recent WEC-Sim (v6.1) advanced features

WEC-Sim (Wave Energy Converter SIMulator) is an opensource software for modeling the motions, loads and power generation of wave energy converters. WEC-Sim performs simulations in the time domain using hydrodynamic coefficients calculated by boundary element method (BEM) frequency-domain potential flow solvers such as WAMIT, NEMOH, Capytaine, or Ansys AQWA. WEC-Sim development is ongoing, including various features, applications, and example cases used to demonstrate potential use-cases to meet the needs of the growing marine energy industry. Through input from a broad user base and an extensive team of developers and collaborators, new features of WEC-Sim are developed to expand the software’s use cases and improve overall functionality. Three new WEC-Sim features highlighted in this paper include updating WEC-Sim to be compatible with MoorDyn Version 2, incorporation of second order excitation loads (quadratic transfer functions) and allowing for dynamically changing hydrodynamics.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

Frequency domain approach for evaluation of stochastic control of elastic spacecraft

An attempt is made to develop a reduced-order filter for an elastic spacecraft. The frequency-domain approach is resorted to both for arriving at an appropriate ROF and for evaluating the resulting stochastic flight controller. The frequency-domain approach employed is contrasted to the time-domain approach previously utilized by the authors. A linearized deterministic dynamical model of a solar electric propulsion spacecraft is analyzed. Flexibility modes were incorporated profitably into the ROF model, and the stochastic controllers exhibit notching of structural resonances reminiscent of classical notch filters. Accurate estimates of modal parameters (damping, natural frequency) are deemed crucial, and use of worst-case values in the ROF design is recommended.

Larson, V.↗

Dynamic response and stability analysis of flexible, multibody systems

A general version of Lagrange's equations, including auxiliary nonholonomic, rheonomic conditions of constraint, is used in the dynamic simulation and stability analysis of interconnected flexible bodies. Modeling of the nonlinear flexible/rigid dynamic coupling effects, the interaction forces/torques, and the elastic deformation effects is discussed. A digital computer program is developed to obtain time-domain solution for the nonlinear response of systems represented as a collection of individual bodies, numerical linearization of system-governing equations, time-domain solution for the perturbation response about a nominal state, and a frequency-domain stability analysis corresponding to the linearization. The digital simulation code is employed to study the dynamic behavior of a typical satellite and a spacecraft with deployable experiment booms.

Bodley, C. S.↗

Practical gust load alleviation and flutter suppression control laws based on a LQG methodology

A modified linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) synthesis procedure has been used to design low-order robust multiloop controllers for a flexible airplane. The introduction of properly constructed fictitious Gauss-Markov processes in the control loops allowed meeting classical frequency-domain stability criteria using the direct synthesis procedures of modern time-domain control theory. Model reduction was used to simplify the control laws to the point where they could be easily implemented on onboard flight computers. These control laws provided excellent gust load and flutter mode control with good stability margins and compared very favorably to other control laws synthesized by the classical root-locus technique.

Gangsaas, D.↗

A SAR correlation algorithm which accommodates large-range migration

This paper presents an algorithm for azimuth correlation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data with extraordinarily large-range migration which cannot be accommodated by the existing frequency domain interpolation approach used in current Seasat SAR processing. A mathematical model is provided for the SAR range-correlated point-target response both in the spatial and frequency domains. A simple and efficient processing algorithm derived from the exact two-dimensional correlation algorithm is given. This algorithm enables azimuth correlation by two cascaded one-dimensional correlation steps. The first step is to transform the range-correlated SAR data into the frequency domain in azimuth, followed by a newly developed range convolution filter to correct the range-dispersed spectrum of the range-correlated point-target response (RCPTR). The second step is the frequency-domain range migration correction approach for the azimuth compression. Simulation results provided here indicate that this processing algorithm yields a satisfactory compressed impulse response for SAR data with large-range migration whereas previous methods were subject to a broadening of the impulse response along range.

Jin, M. Y.↗

A linearized unsteady aerodynamic analysis for transonic cascades

The unsteady airloads generated by the vibrations of turbomachine blades operating at transonic Mach numbers are predicted by a linearized potential flow analysis whose unsteady aerodynamics model encompasses the effects of blade geometry, nonzero mean pressure variation across the blade row, high frequency blade motion, and shock motion, all within the framework of a linearized frequency-domain formulation. A numerical solution for the entire unsteady flow field is determined by matching a solution covering an extended blade passage region to another covering, and extending beyond, the supersonic region(s) adjacent to a blade surface. Results are given for cascades of double circular arc and flat plate blades, in order to demonstrate the unsteady analysis and to partially illustrate the effects of blade geometry, inlet Mach number, vibration frequency and shock motion on unsteady response.

Verdon, J. M.↗

Demonstration of frequency-sweep testing technique using a Bell 214-ST helicopter

A demonstration of frequency-sweep testing using a Bell-214ST single-rotor helicopter was completed in support of the Army's development of an updated MIL-H-8501A, and an LHX (ADS-33) handling-qualities specification. Hover and level-flight (V sub a = 0 knots and V sub a = 90 knots) tests were conducted in 3 flight hours by Army test pilots at the Army Aviation Engineering Flight Activity (AEFA) at Edwards AFB, Calif. Bandwidth and phase-delay parameters were determined from the flight-extracted frequency responses as required by the proposed specifications. Transfer function modeling and verification demonstrates the validity of the frequency-response concept for characterizing closed-loop flight dynamics of single-rotor helicopters -- even in hover. This report documents the frequency-sweep flight-testing technique and data-analysis procedures. Special emphasis is given to piloting and analysis considerations which are important for demonstrating frequency-domain specification compliance.

Tischler, Mark B.↗

Flight evaluation of height response characteristics for the hover bob-up task and comparison with proposed criteria

The CH-47B variable-stability helicopter was used to evaluate a range of height-response configurations while performing a precision hover bob-up task. The purpose of the study was to assess the validity of results obtained in previous ground-based and in-flight simulations in the context of a precision bob-up task and to provide additional flight data for inclusion in revisions to specifications for helicopter handling qualities. Height response characteristics were implemented using explicit model-following techniques, and the resulting CH-47B dynamics were validated using time-domain and frequency-domain data-analysis methods. The tests complemented the previous investigations by providing detailed pilot comments and ratings, and performance and control-utilization data that relate exclusively to the hover bob-up task. The results are compared with those from previous investigations and with new criteria that have been proposed for handling qualities requirements for helicopters.

Hindson, W. S.↗

Model-based analysis of control/display interaction in the hover task

The effect of Control/Display interaction in the hover task is analyzed using an optimal control approach to modeling pilot control behavior. The control/display configurations considered are those previously evaluated in a flight research program. The experimental data-base is reviewed and the procedure for modeling the task and the displayed information is presented in detail. All model-based results, time-domain as well as frequency-domain, are found to correlate extremely well with the subjective pilot ratings and comments. Time-domain measures consist of root mean-square errors and control inputs, attention allocation to displayed quantities, and magnitudes of task objective function. Frequency-domain measures include bandwidth, stability margins, and pilot phase compensation. Results are also shown to agree with previous findings on task interference in multi-axis tasks.

Schmidt, David K.↗

Helicopter mathematical models and control law development for handling qualities research

Progress made in joint NASA/Army research concerning rotorcraft flight-dynamics modeling, design methodologies for rotorcraft flight-control laws, and rotorcraft parameter identification is reviewed. Research into these interactive disciplines is needed to develop the analytical tools necessary to conduct flying qualities investigations using both the ground-based and in-flight simulators, and to permit an efficient means of performing flight test evaluation of rotorcraft flying qualities for specification compliance. The need for the research is particularly acute for rotorcraft because of their mathematical complexity, high order dynamic characteristics, and demanding mission requirements. The research in rotorcraft flight-dynamics modeling is pursued along two general directions: generic nonlinear models and nonlinear models for specific rotorcraft. In addition, linear models are generated that extend their utilization from 1-g flight to high-g maneuvers and expand their frequency range of validity for the design analysis of high-gain flight control systems. A variety of methods ranging from classical frequency-domain approaches to modern time-domain control methodology that are used in the design of rotorcraft flight control laws is reviewed. Also reviewed is a study conducted to investigate the design details associated with high-gain, digital flight control systems for combat rotorcraft. Parameter identification techniques developed for rotorcraft applications are reviewed.

Chen, Robert T. N.↗

Advancements in frequency-domain methods for rotorcraft system identification

A new method for frequency-domain identification of rotorcraft dynamics is presented. Nonparametric frequency-response identification and parametric tranfer-function modeling methods are extended to allow the extraction of state-space (stability and control derivative) representations. An interactive computer program DERIVID is described for the iterative solution of the multi-input/multi-output frequency-response matching approach used in the identification. Theoretical accuracy methods are used to determine the appropriate model structure and degree-of-confidence in the identified parameters. The method is applied to XV-15 tilt-rotor aircraft data in hover. Bare-airframe stability and control derivatives for the lateral/directional dynamics are shown to compare favorably with models previously obtained using time-domain identification methods and the XV-15 simulation program.

Tischler, Mark B.↗

Spline function approximation for velocimeter Doppler frequency measurement

A spline function approximation approach for measuring the Doppler spectral peak frequency in a laser Doppler velocimeter system is presented. The processor is designed for signal bursts with mean Doppler shift frequencies up to 100 MHz, input turbulence up to 20 percent, and photon counts as low as 300. The frequency-domain processor uses a bank of digital bandpass filters for the capture of the energy spectrum of each signal burst. The average values of the filter output energies, as a function of normalized frequency, are modeled as deterministic spline functions which are linearly weighted to evaluate the spectral peak location associated with the Doppler shift. The weighting coefficients are chosen to minimize the mean square error. Performance evaluation by simulation yields average errors in estimating mean Doppler frequencies within 0.5 percent for poor signal-to-noise conditions associated with a low photon count of 300 photons/burst.

Savakis, Andreas E.↗

Integrated control-system design via generalized LQG (GLQG) theory

Thirty years of control systems research has produced an enormous body of theoretical results in feedback synthesis. Yet such results see relatively little practical application, and there remains an unsettling gap between classical single-loop techniques (Nyquist, Bode, root locus, pole placement) and modern multivariable approaches (LQG and H infinity theory). Large scale, complex systems, such as high performance aircraft and flexible space structures, now demand efficient, reliable design of multivariable feedback controllers which optimally tradeoff performance against modeling accuracy, bandwidth, sensor noise, actuator power, and control law complexity. A methodology is described which encompasses numerous practical design constraints within a single unified formulation. The approach, which is based upon coupled systems or modified Riccati and Lyapunov equations, encompasses time-domain linear-quadratic-Gaussian theory and frequency-domain H theory, as well as classical objectives such as gain and phase margin via the Nyquist circle criterion. In addition, this approach encompasses the optimal projection approach to reduced-order controller design. The current status of the overall theory will be reviewed including both continuous-time and discrete-time (sampled-data) formulations.

Bernstein, Dennis S.↗

Advancements in frequency-domain methods for rotorcraft system identification

A new method for frequency-domain identification of rotorcraft dynamics is presented. Nonparametric frequency-response identification and parametric transfer-function modeling methods are extended to allow the extraction of state-space (stability and control derivative) representations. An interactive computer program DERIVID is described for the iterative solution of the multi-input/multi-output frequency-response matching approach used in the identification. Theoretical accuracy methods are used to determine the appropriate model structure and degree-of-confidence in the identified parameters. The method is applied to XV-15 tilt-rotor aircraft data in hover. Bare-airframe stability and control derivatives for the lateral/directional dynamics are shown to compare favorably with models previously obtained using time-domain identification methods and the XV-15 simulation program.

Tischler, Mark B.↗

An experimental modal testing/identification technique for personal computers

A PC-based system for mode shape identification is evaluated. A time-domain modal identification procedure is utilized to identify the mode shapes of a beam apparatus from discrete time-domain measurements. The apparatus includes a cantilevered aluminum beam, four accelerometers, four low-pass filters, and the computer. The method's algorithm is comprised of an identification algorithm: the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm (ERA) and an estimation algorithm called Minimum Model Error (MME). The identification ability of this algorithm is compared with ERA alone, a frequency-response-function technique, and an Euler-Bernoulli beam model. Detection of modal parameters and mode shapes by the PC-based time-domain system is shown to be accurate in an application with an aluminum beam, while mode shapes identified by the frequency-domain technique are not as accurate as predicted. The new method is shown to be significantly less sensitive to noise and poorly excited modes than other leading methods. The results support the use of time-domain identification systems for mode shape prediction.

Roemer, Michael J.↗

Sensitivity analysis of dynamic aeroelastic responses

This paper summarizes ongoing research on the sensitivity analysis of dynamic aeroelastic response of wings. Two approaches are being used to express the unsteady aerodynamic loads: (1) the frequency-domain approach, and (2) the state-space approach. The frequency-domain approach is demonstrated on a three-dimensional box wing and the state-space domain approach is demonstrated on a simple two-dimensional sectional model. Three different methods are used to find the sensitivities: (1) a purely finite difference approach, (2) a semi-analytical approach in which an analytical expression is used for calculating the sensitivity of an eigenvalue of the complex valued aeroelastic matrix, however, the derivatives of the components of the matrix are obtained using finite difference, and (3) a semi-analytic approach that differs from (2) in the sense that the sensitivity of the aerodynamic matrix is now obtained analytically. A good agreement is seen between the three sets of results. For the two-dimensional sectional model the results for the sensitivities of the flutter speed with respect to the various parameters are obtained.

Kapania, Rakesh K.↗

Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT) applied to the design of a rotorcraft flight control system

Quantitative Feedback Theory describes a frequency-domain technique for the design of multi-input, multi-output control systems which meet time or frequency domain performance criteria when specified uncertainty exists in the linear description of the vehicle dynamics. Quantitative Feedback Theory is applied to the design of the longitudinal flight control system for a linear uncertain model of the AH-64 rotorcraft. In this model, the uncertainty is assigned, and is assumed to be attributable to actual uncertainty in the dynamic model and to the changes in the vehicle aerodynamic characteristics which occur near hover. The model includes an approximation to the rotor and actuator dynamics. The design example indicates the manner in which handling qualities criteria may be incorporated into the design of realistic rotorcraft control systems in which significant uncertainty exists in the vehicle model.

Hess, R. A.↗