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At least 919 records · Page 51

Psychophysical Models for Signal Detection with Time Varying Uncertainty

Psychophysical models for the behavior of the human operator in detection tasks which include change in detectability, correlation between observations and deferred decisions are developed. Classical Signal Detection Theory (SDT) is discussed and its emphasis on the sensory processes is contrasted to decision strategies. The analysis of decision strategies utilizes detection tasks with time varying signal strength. The classical theory is modified to include such tasks and several optimal decision strategies are explored. Two methods of classifying strategies are suggested. The first method is similar to the analysis of ROC curves, while the second is based on the relation between the criterion level (CL) and the detectability. Experiments to verify the analysis of tasks with changes of signal strength are designed. The results show that subjects are aware of changes in detectability and tend to use strategies that involve changes in the CL's.

Gai, E.↗

A Method for the Study of Human Factors in Aircraft Operations

A method for the study of human factors in the aviation environment is described. A conceptual framework is provided within which pilot and other human errors in aircraft operations may be studied with the intent of finding out how, and why, they occurred. An information processing model of human behavior serves as the basis for the acquisition and interpretation of information relating to occurrences which involve human error. A systematic method of collecting such data is presented and discussed. The classification of the data is outlined.

Barnhart, W.↗

Cepheid Modeling

Mathematical techniques are used to model the instability behavior of Cepheid variables.

Fischel, D.↗

Verification by Remote Sensing of an Oil Slick Movement Prediction Model

The author has identified the following significant results. LANDSAT, aircraft, ships, and air-dropped current drogues were deployed to determine current circulation and to track oil slick movement on four different dates in Delaware Bay. Results were used to verify a predictive model for oil slick movement and dispersion. The model predicts the behavior of oil slicks given their size, location, tidal stage (current), weather (wind), and nature of crude. Both LANDSAT satellites provided valuable data on gross circulation patterns and convergent coastal fronts which by capturing oil slicks significantly influence their movement and dispersion.

Klemas, V.↗

Observations of interstellar helium with a gas absorption cell - Limits on the bulk velocity of the interstellar medium

Results are reported for observations of solar 584-A flux resonantly scattered by the 1s(2)-1s2p transition of neutral interstellar helium. A photometer equipped with a helium gas-absorption cell and flown aboard a sounding rocket to a peak altitude of 185 km was employed to observe the sky in Perseus. The data reduction procedure is described, including subtraction of the terrestrial atmospheric background, calculation of the solar flux, and reduction of the number density of scatters to a function of phase-space parameters of the local interstellar medium. The ratio of 584-A fluxes observed with the gas cell full and empty is computed and compared with numerical models of the interstellar-helium flow through the solar system. The results show that the bulk speed of the distant interstellar medium with respect to the sun is unlikely to be less than 10 to 15 km/s, at the 2-sigma level. Since this value is inconsistent with results obtained from Lyman-alpha observations, it is suggested that either the total ionization rate for helium is variable or present models of the behavior of the local interstellar medium need further refinement.

Freeman, J.↗

A Simulation Model of the Planetary Boundary Layer at Kennedy Space Center

A simulation model which predicts the behavior of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer has been developed and coded. The model is partially evaluated by comparing it with laboratory measurements and the sounding measurements at Kennedy Space Center. The applicability of such an approach should prove quite widespread.

Hwang, B.↗

Absorption models for low-frequency variability in compact radio sources

The consequences of the most plausible version of the absorption model for low-frequency variability in compact extragalactic radio sources are considered. The general restrictions placed on such a model are determined, and observational tests are suggested that can be used either to support the model or to discriminate among its various versions. It is shown that low-frequency variability in compact radio sources can be successfully explained by a class of models in which the flux is modulated by changes in free-free optical depth within an intervening ionized medium. Two versions of such a model are distinguished, one involving large changes in optical depth and the other, small changes. It is noted that while absorption effects are capable of causing rapid flux and structural variations at centimetric wavelengths, the models predict detailed behavior that is in direct conflict with observational data.

Marscher, A. P.↗

The Martian polar vortex - Theory of seasonal variation and observations of eolian features

Observations of eolian features in the south polar region of Mars show strikingly axisymmetric patterns. The paper presents an explanation for the patterns in terms of the simplest dynamical model possible. Piraglia's (1975) model is simplified by neglecting compressibility and by assuming a cylindrical rather than spherical geometry, but this model is extended by including the nonlinear transport terms (of order Rossby number) and the seasonal mass transfer terms. The proposed model is therefore focused on determining the surface stress in polar regions rather than the atmospheric structure. The model is described, the parameter values are discussed, and the solutions are compared with observations. It is shown that the model predicts seasonal behavior which can be divided into four periods: formation of the south polar cap, its maximum extent, sublimation, and absence.

French, R. G.↗

Pilot interaction with automated airborne decision making systems

The role of the pilot and crew for future aircraft is discussed. Fifteen formal experimental studies and the development of a variety of models of human behavior based on queueing history, pattern recognition methods, control theory, fuzzy set theory, and artificial intelligence concepts are presented. L.F.M.

Rouse, W. B.↗

Second quadrant effects in silicon solar cells

A simple model describing the behavior of a solar cell in the second quadrant of the I-V curve is described. In this mode of operation appreciable power is dissipated in the cell leading to thermal breakdown and the formation of hot spots. These hot spots will be stable in a current limited mode of operation. In addition a simple method is described to locate the hot spots.

Hartman, R. A.↗

Assessment of current state of the art in modeling techniques and analysis methods for large space structures

Advances in continuum modeling, progress in reduction methods, and analysis and modeling needs for large space structures are covered with specific attention given to repetitive lattice trusses. As far as continuum modeling is concerned, an effective and verified analysis capability exists for linear thermoelastic stress, birfurcation buckling, and free vibration problems of repetitive lattices. However, application of continuum modeling to nonlinear analysis needs more development. Reduction methods are very effective for bifurcation buckling and static (steady-state) nonlinear analysis. However, more work is needed to realize their full potential for nonlinear dynamic and time-dependent problems. As far as analysis and modeling needs are concerned, three areas are identified: loads determination, modeling and nonclassical behavior characteristics, and computational algorithms. The impact of new advances in computer hardware, software, integrated analysis, CAD/CAM stems, and materials technology is also discussed.

Noor, A. K.↗

Computer modeling of batteries from non-linear circuit elements

A simple non-linear circuit model for battery behavior is given. It is based on time-dependent features of the well-known PIN change storage diode, whose behavior is described by equations similar to those associated with electrochemical cells. The circuit simulation computer program ADVICE was used to predict non-linear response from a topological description of the battery analog built from advice components. By a reasonable choice of one set of parameters, the circuit accurately simulates a wide spectrum of measured non-linear battery responses to within a few millivolts.

Waaben, S.↗

Inversion Algorithms for Water Vapor Radiometers Operating at 20.7 and 31.4 Ghz

Eight water vapor radiometers (WVRs) were constructed as research and development tools to support the Advanced System Programs in the Deep Space Network and the Crustal Dynamics Project. These instruments are intended to operate at the stations of the Deep Space Network (DSN), various radio observatories, and obile facilities that participate in very long baseline interferometric (VLBI) experiments. It is expected that the WVRs will operate in a wide range of meteorological conditions. Several algorithms are discussed that are used to estimate the line-of-sight path delay due to water vapor and columnar liquid water rom the observed microwave brightness temperatures provided by the WVRs. In particular, systematic effects due to site and seasonal variations are examined. The accuracy of the estimation as indicated by a simulation calculation is approximately 0.3 cm for a noiseless WVR in clear and moderately cloudy weather. With a realistic noise model of WVR behavior, the inversion accuracy is approximately 0.6 cm.

Resch, G. M.↗

ECUT: Energy Conversion and Utilization Technologies program - Biocatalysis research activity

The activities of the Biocatalysis Research Activity are organized into the Biocatalysis and Molecular Modeling work elements and a supporting planning and analysis function. In the Biocatalysis work element, progress is made in developing a method for stabilizing genetically engineered traits in microorganisms, refining a technique for monitoring cells that are genetically engineered, and identifying strains of fungi for highly efficient preprocessing of biomass for optimizing the efficiency of bioreactors. In the Molecular Modeling work element, a preliminary model of the behavior of enzymes is developed. A preliminary investigation of the potential for synthesizing enzymes for use in electrochemical processes is completed. Contact with industry and universities is made to define key biocatalysis technical issues and to broaden the range of potential participants in the activity. Analyses are conducted to identify and evaluate potential concepts for future research funding.

Wilcox, R.↗

Life prediction and constitutive models for anisotropic materials

The intent of this program is to develop a basic understanding of cyclic creep-fatigue deformation mechanisms and damage accumulation, a capability for reliable life prediction, and the ability to model the constitutive behavior of anisotropic single crystal (SC) and directionally solidified or recrystallized (DSR) comprise the program, and the work breakdown for each option reflects a distinct concern for two classes of anisotropic materials, SC and DSR materials, at temperatures encountered in the primary gas path (airfoil temperatures), and at temperatures typical of the blade root attachment and shank area. Work directed toward the higher temperature area of concern in the primary gas path includes effects of coatings on the behavior and properties of the materials of interest. The blade root attachment work areas will address the effects of stress concentrations associated with attachment features.

Bill, R. C.↗

New Directions in Asymptotically Stable Finite-dimensional Adaptive Control of Linear Distributed Parameter Systems

Distributed Parameter Systems (DPS), such as systems described by partial differential equations, require infinite-dimensional state space descriptions to correctly model their dynamical behavior. However, any adaptive control algorithm must be finite-dimensional in order to be implemented via on-line digital computers. Finite-dimensional adaptive control of linear DPS requires stability analysis of nonlinear, time-varying, infinite-dimensional systems. The structure of nonadaptive finite-dimensional control of linear DPS is summarized as it relates to the existence of limiting systems for adaptive control. Two candidate schemes for finite-dimensional adaptive control of DPS are described and critical issues in infinite-dimensional stability analysis are discussed, in particular, the invariance principle, center manifold theory, and relationships between input-output and internal stability.

Balas, M. J.↗

Statistical methodologies for the control of dynamic remapping

Following an initial mapping of a problem onto a multiprocessor machine or computer network, system performance often deteriorates with time. In order to maintain high performance, it may be necessary to remap the problem. The decision to remap must take into account measurements of performance deterioration, the cost of remapping, and the estimated benefits achieved by remapping. We examine the tradeoff between the costs and the benefits of remapping two qualitatively different kinds of problems. One problem assumes that performance deteriorates gradually, the other assumes that performance deteriorates suddenly. We consider a variety of policies for governing when to remap. In order to evaluate these policies, statistical models of problem behaviors are developed. Simulation results are presented which compare simple policies with computationally expensive optimal decision policies; these results demonstrate that for each problem type, the proposed simple policies are effective and robust.

Saltz, J. H.↗

Retarding potential analyzer research

Studies were continued in the areas of ionospheric electrodynamics, plasma irregularities, and ion-neutral coupling. The spectral characteristics of structure in the ion concentration and the electric field at high latitudes were examined. It was found that in the region of velocity shears the relationship between the slopes of the two spectra are dependent on the existence of large field-aligned currents and apparently large ionospheric conductivity gradients. The relationship between the Joule dissipation and the locally measured value of the ion temperature were studied by examining the horizontal ion drift velocity. The importance of ion-neutral coupling was investigated in additional studies involving the nature of the coupling at high latitude boundaries and during times of magnetic disturbances. Much of this behavior can be modeled using globular circulation models. In order to study the storm time response of the thermosphere the global ion convection pattern was derived from DE-2 measurements and used as input in a circulation model. The calculated variables of neutral velocity and composition and temperature were compared with measurements to validate the technique.

Hanson, W. B.↗