Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “domain structure”

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 937 records · Page 52
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1976

Development of a high capacity bubble domain memory element and related epitaxial garnet materials for application in spacecraft data recorders. Item 2: The optimization of material-device parameters for application in bubble domain memory elements for spacecraft data recorders

Bubble domain materials and devices are discussed. One of the materials development goals was a materials system suitable for operation of 16 micrometer period bubble domain devices at 150 kHz over the temperature range -10 C to +60 C. Several material compositions and hard bubble suppression techniques were characterized and the most promising candidates were evaluated in device structures. The technique of pulsed laser stroboscopic microscopy was used to characterize bubble dynamic properties and device performance at 150 kHz. Techniques for large area LPE film growth were developed as a separate task. Device studies included detector optimization, passive replicator design and test and on-chip bridge evaluation. As a technology demonstration an 8 chip memory cell was designed, tested and delivered. The memory elements used in the cell were 10 kilobit serial registers.

Besser, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Studies in astronomical time series analysis. I - Modeling random processes in the time domain

Several random process models in the time domain are defined and discussed. Attention is given to the moving average model, the autoregressive model, and relationships between and combinations of these models. Consideration is then given to methods for investigating pulse structure, procedures of model construction, computational methods, and numerical experiments. A FORTRAN algorithm of time series analysis has been developed which is relatively stable numerically. Results of test cases are given to study the effect of adding noise and of different distributions for the pulse amplitudes. A preliminary analysis of the light curve of the quasar 3C 272 is considered as an example.

Scargle, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Hypercube matrix computation task

A major objective of the Hypercube Matrix Computation effort at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is to investigate the applicability of a parallel computing architecture to the solution of large-scale electromagnetic scattering problems. Three scattering analysis codes are being implemented and assessed on a JPL/California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Mark 3 Hypercube. The codes, which utilize different underlying algorithms, give a means of evaluating the general applicability of this parallel architecture. The three analysis codes being implemented are a frequency domain method of moments code, a time domain finite difference code, and a frequency domain finite elements code. These analysis capabilities are being integrated into an electromagnetics interactive analysis workstation which can serve as a design tool for the construction of antennas and other radiating or scattering structures. The first two years of work on the Hypercube Matrix Computation effort is summarized. It includes both new developments and results as well as work previously reported in the Hypercube Matrix Computation Task: Final Report for 1986 to 1987 (JPL Publication 87-18).

Calalo, Ruel H.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Modeling with Livingstone

MPL is the language with which a modeler describes a system to be diagnosed or controlled by Livingstone. MPL is used to specify what are the components of the system, how they are interconnected, and how they behave both nominally and when failed. Component behavioral models used by Livingstone are described by a set of propositional, well-formed formula (wff). An understanding of well-formed formula, primitive component types specified through defcomponent, and device structure specified by defmodule, is essential to understanding of MPL, This document describes: welI-formed formula (wff): The basis for describing the behavior of a component in a system defvalues: Specifies the domain (legal values) of a variable defcomponent: Defines the modes, behaviors and mode transitions for primitive components deftnodule: Defines composite devices, consisting of interconnected components defrelation: A macro mechanism for expanding a complex wff according to the value of an argument forall: An iteration construct used to expand a wff or relation on a set of arguments defsymbol-expansion: A mechanism for naming a collection of symbols (eg the name of all valves in the system)

Kurien, J.↗
NASA NTRS2004

An Exploratory Study of Cost Engineering in Axiomatic Design: Creation of the Cost Model Based on an FR-DP Map

Large complex projects cost large sums of money throughout their life cycle for a variety of reasons and causes. For such large programs, the credible estimation of the project cost, a quick assessment of the cost of making changes, and the management of the project budget with effective cost reduction determine the viability of the project. Cost engineering that deals with these issues requires a rigorous method and systematic processes. This paper introduces a logical framework to a&e effective cost engineering. The framework is built upon Axiomatic Design process. The structure in the Axiomatic Design process provides a good foundation to closely tie engineering design and cost information together. The cost framework presented in this paper is a systematic link between the functional domain (FRs), physical domain (DPs), cost domain (CUs), and a task/process-based model. The FR-DP map relates a system s functional requirements to design solutions across all levels and branches of the decomposition hierarchy. DPs are mapped into CUs, which provides a means to estimate the cost of design solutions - DPs - from the cost of the physical entities in the system - CUs. The task/process model describes the iterative process ot-developing each of the CUs, and is used to estimate the cost of CUs. By linking the four domains, this framework provides a superior traceability from requirements to cost information.

Lee, Taesik↗
NASA NTRS2018

International Space Station Future Correlation Analysis Improvements

Ongoing modal analyses and model correlation are performed on different configurations of the International Space Station (ISS). These analyses utilize on-orbit dynamic measurements collected using four main ISS instrumentation systems: External Wireless Instrumentation System (EWIS), Internal Wireless Instrumentation System (IWIS), Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS), and Structural Dynamic Measurement System (SDMS). Remote Sensor Units (RSUs) are network relay stations that acquire flight data from sensors. Measured data is stored in the Remote Sensor Unit (RSU) until it receives a command to download data via RF to the Network Control Unit (NCU). Since each RSU has its own clock, it is necessary to synchronize measurements before analysis. Imprecise synchronization impacts analysis results. A study was performed to evaluate three different synchronization techniques: (i) measurements visually aligned to analytical time-response data using model comparison, (ii) Frequency Domain Decomposition (FDD), and (iii) lag from cross-correlation to align measurements. This paper presents the results of this study.

time synchronization↗
NASA NTRS1996

RAINBOWS and CERAMBOWS: The Technologies of Pre-Stressed Piezo Actuators

Amplified mechanical displacement effects, similar to those observed in the recently reported Rainbow actuators, have also been found to exist in prestressed ceramic/metal composite structures coined as CERAMBOW's - an acronym for CERamic And Metal Biased Oxide Wafer. Mimicking the Rainbows in many ways, the intentionally created internal compressive and tensile stresses within the Cerambows are used to amplify their displacement properties via the combined effects of piezoelectric d31 strain and domain reorientation. They are fabricated from ferroelectric, piezoelectric or electrostrictive materials and metal substrates of significantly different thermal expansions which are largely responsible for the creation of the stress. Typical ceramics used in Cerambows are PZT, PLZT, PBZT, PSZT and PMN and some typical metal substrates are Al, Ag, Ni, brass, steel and Be/Cu foil. Shapes can vary from round disks to square plates and rectangular bars. Formed at an elevated temperature of approximately 250 C, the stresses on cooling to room temperature are generally sufficient to produce displacements as large as 0.125mm (5 mils) when activated unipolar and 0.25mm (10 mils) when operated bipolar at 450 volts in a dome mode. Comparing equal structures of a Cerambow with a Rainbow, the Cerambow was found to achieve approximately 70% of the displacement that would normally be obtained with a Rainbow. Although this difference in displacement is sufficient to prefer a Rainbow for many applications, there are some advantages for the Cerambow. Among these are (1) the processing temperatures are lower, (2) high lead-containing ceramics are not required and (3) in some instances the metal substrate is more convenient to interface with other elements of a device. However, the disadvantages include (1) lower displacement in the dome mode of operation, (2) the higher displacement saddle mode has not yet been demonstrated with a Cerambow and (3) the ceramic/metal bond interface is a possible failure area when operated for extended periods of time. The applications for Cerambows are considered to be similar to Rainbows, i.e., actuators, pumps, deflectors, vibrators, speakers, hydrophones, hydroprojectors, switches, etc.

Haertling, Gene H.↗
NASA NTRS1989

A finite difference treatment of Stokes-type flows: Preliminary report

The equations Laplacian operator omega = 0, (1.1a) and omega = Laplacian operator Chi, (1.1b) describe, in suitable units, 2-D Stokes flow of an incompressible fluid occupying a domain D in which omega is the vorticity and Chi is the stream function. The flow is uniquely determined by specifying the velocity on the boundary B of D, a condition which leads to specifying the stream function Chi and its normal derivative Chi sub n on B. A mathematically similar problem arises in describing the equilibrium of a flat plate in structural mechanics where a related 1-D problem by finite difference or finite element methods is to introduce effective methods for imposing the boundary conditions through which (1.1a) is coupled to (1.1b). These models thus provide a simple starting point for examining the general treatment of boundary conditions for more general time dependent Navier-Stokes incompressible flows. For the purpose of discussion it is assumed that D is a square domain. A standard finite difference method to solve (1.1) is to introduce a uniform grid and then use standard five point finite difference operators to express each equation in (1.1). At any point on the boundary B a value of Chi is specified by the boundary conditions but a value of omega at the same boundary mesh point will also be required to complete the computation. Methods are discussed which overcome the difficulty in solving these problems.

Rose, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

The structure and dynamics of bubble-type vortex breakdown

A unique discrete form of the Navier-Stokes equations for unsteady, three-dimensional, incompressible flow has been used to study vortex breakdown numerically. A Burgers-type vortex was introduced along the central axis of the computational domain, and allowed to evolve in space and time. By varying the strength of the vortex and the free stream axial velocity distribution, using a previously developed Rossby number criterion as a guide, the location and size of the vortex breakdown region was controlled. While the boundaries of the vortex breakdown bubble appear to be nominally symmetric, the internal flow field is not. Consequently, the mechanisms for mixing and entrainment required to sustain the bubble region are different from those suggested by earlier axisymmetric models. Results presented in this study, for a Reynolds number of 200, are in good qualitative agreement with higher Reynolds number experimental observations, and a variety of plots have been presented to help illuminate the fluid physics.

Spall, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Recent developments in learning control and system identification for robots and structures

This paper reviews recent results in learning control and learning system identification, with particular emphasis on discrete-time formulation, and their relation to adaptive theory. Related continuous-time results are also discussed. Among the topics presented are proportional, derivative, and integral learning controllers, time-domain formulation of discrete learning algorithms. Newly developed techniques are described including the concept of the repetition domain, and the repetition domain formulation of learning control by linear feedback, model reference learning control, indirect learning control with parameter estimation, as well as related basic concepts, recursive and non-recursive methods for learning identification.

Phan, M.↗
NASA NTRS2007

The Spatiotemporal Structure of 20th Century Climate Variations in Observations and Reanalyses: Pacific Pan-Decadal Variability - Part 2

The dominant interannual El Nino-Southern Oscillation phenomenon (ENSO) and the short length of climate observation records make it difficult to study long-term climate variations in the spatiotemporal domain. Based on the fact that the ENS0 signal spreads to remote regions and induces delayed climate variation through atmospheric teleconnections, we develop an ENSO-removal method through which the ENS0 signal can be approximately removed at the grid box level from the spatiotemporal field of a climate parameter. After this signal is removed, long-term climate variations, namely, the global warming trend (GW) and the Pacific pan-decadal variability (PDV), are isolated at middle and low latitudes in the climate parameter fields from observed and reanalyses datasets. In this study, we show that one of several PDV interdecadal regime shifts occurred during the 1990s. This significant change in the Pacific basin is comparable but opposite in phase to the 1976 climate regime shift, which results persisting warming in the central-eastern Pacific, and cooling in the North and South Pacific. The 1990s PDV regime shift is consistent with observed changes in ocean biosphere and ocean circulation. A comprehensive picture of PDV as manifested in the troposphere and at the surface is described. In general, the PDV spatial patterns in different parameter fields share some similarities with the patterns associated with ENSO, but important differences exist. First, the PDV atmospheric circulation pattern is shifted westward by about 20deg and its zonal extent is limited to approx.60deg compared to approx.110deg for ENS0 pattern. The westward shift of the PDV wave train produces a different, more west-east oriented, North American teleconnection pattern. The lack of a strong PDV surface temperature (ST) signal in the western equatorial Pacific and the relatively strong ST signal in the subtropical regions are consistent with an atmospheric overturning circulation response that differs from the one associated with ENSO.

Chen, Junye↗
NASA NTRS1988

Mobile transporter path planning using a genetic algorithm approach

The use of an optimization technique known as a genetic algorithm for solving the mobile transporter path planning problem is investigated. The mobile transporter is a traveling robotic vehicle proposed for the Space Station which must be able to reach any point of the structure autonomously. Specific elements of the genetic algorithm are explored in both a theoretical and experimental sense. Recent developments in genetic algorithm theory are shown to be particularly effective in a path planning problem domain, though problem areas can be cited which require more research. However, trajectory planning problems are common in space systems and the genetic algorithm provides an attractive alternative to the classical techniques used to solve these problems.

Baffes, Paul↗
NASA NTRS1990

Identification and control of a flexible beam using modal domain sensor

The use of a distributed-effect, modal domain optical fiber sensor (MD sensor) as a component in an active control system to suppress vibrations in a flexible beam is discussed. The sensor model is integrated into the model for a flexible structure. Based on this system model, a control system with a dynamic compensator is designed to add damping to the low order modes of the flexible structure. To verify the modeling procedure, a cantilevered beam was instrumental with a piezoelectric actuator and an MD sensor. It is shown that experimental responses closely match simulated responses for both open loop and closed loop tests.

Cox, David E.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Newly available technologies present expanding opportunities for scientific and technical information exchange

The potential for expanded communication among researchers, scholars, and students is supported by growth in the capabilities for electronic communication as well as expanding access to various forms of electronic interchange and computing capabilities. Increased possibilities for information exchange, collegial dialogue, collaboration, and access to remote resources exist as high-speed networks, increasingly powerful workstations, and large, multi-user computational facilities are more frequently linked and more commonly available. Numerous writers speak of the telecommunications revolution and its impact on the development and dissemination of knowledge and learning. One author offers the phrase 'Scholarly skywriting' to represent a new form of scientific communication that he envisions using electronic networks. In the United States (U.S.), researchers associated with the National Science Foundation (NSF) are exploring 'nationwide collaboratories' and 'digital collaboration.' Research supported by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) points to a future where workstations with built-in audio, video monitors, and screen sharing protocols are used to support collaborations with colleagues located throughout the world. Instruments and sensors located worldwide will produce data streams that will be brought together, analyzed, and distributed as new findings. Researchers will have access to machines that can supply domain-specific information in addition to locator and directory assistance. New forms of electronic journals will emerge and provide opportunities for researchers and scientists to exchange information electronically and interactively in a range of structures and formats. Ultimately, the wide-scale use of these technologies in the dissemination of research results and the stimulation of collegial dialogue will change the way we represent and express our knowledge of the world. A new paradigm will evolve--perhaps a truly worldwide 'invisible college.'

Tolzman, Jean M.↗
NASA NTRS1994

PalymSys (TM): An extended version of CLIPS for construction and reasoning using blackboards

This paper describes PalymSys(TM) -- an extended version of the CLIPS language that is designed to facilitate the implementation of blackboard systems. The paper first describes the general characteristics of blackboards and shows how a control blackboard architecture can be used by AI systems to examine their own behavior and adapt to real-time problem-solving situations by striking a balance between domain and control reasoning. The paper then describes the use of PalymSys in the development of a situation assessment subsystem for use aboard Army helicopters. This system performs real-time inferencing about the current battlefield situation using multiple domain blackboards as well as a control blackboard. A description of the control and domain blackboards and their implementation is presented. The paper also describes modifications made to the standard CLIPS 6.02 language in PalymSys(TM) 2.0. These include: (1) a dynamic Dempster-Shafer belief network whose structure is completely specifiable at run-time in the consequent of a PalymSys(TM) rule, (2) extension of the run command including a continuous run feature that enables the system to run even when the agenda is empty, and (3) a built-in communications link that uses shared memory to communicate with other independent processes.

Bryson, Travis↗
NASA NTRS1998

Modeling and Simulation of Semiconductor Quantum Well Structures and Lasers

In this talk I will cover two aspects of modeling and simulation efforts at NASA Ames Research Center. In the quantum well structure simulation, we typically start from the quantum mechanical calculation of the quantum well structures for the confined/and unconfined eigen states and functions. A bandstructure calculation of the k*p type is then performed for the confined valence states. This information is then used to computer the optical gain and refractive index of the quantum well structures by solving the linearized multiband semiconductor Bloch equations with the many-body interactions included. In our laser simulation, we typically solve the envelope equations for the laser field in space-time domain, coupled with a reduced set of material equations using the microscopic calculation of the first step. Finally I will show some examples of both aspects of simulation and modeling.

Ning, Cun-Zheng↗
NASA NTRS2003

Development of Numerical Codes for Modeling Electromagnetic Behavior at High Frequencies Near Large Objects

A study into the problem of determining electromagnetic solutions at high frequencies for problems involving complex geometries, large sizes and multiple sources (e.g. antennas) has been initiated. Typical applications include the behavior of antennas (and radiators) installed on complex conducting structures (e.g. ships, aircrafts, etc..) with strong interactions between antennas, the radiation patterns, and electromagnetic signals is of great interest for electromagnetic compatibility control. This includes the overall performance evaluation and control of all on-board radiating systems, electromagnetic interference, and personnel radiation hazards. Electromagnetic computational capability exists at NASA LaRC, and many of the codes developed are based on the Moment Method (MM). However, the MM is computationally intensive, and this places a limit on the size of objects and structures that can be modeled. Here, two approaches are proposed: (i) a current-based hybrid scheme that combines the MM with Physical optics, and (ii) an Alternating Direction Implicit-Finite Difference Time Domain (ADI-FDTD) method. The essence of a hybrid technique is to split the overall scattering surface(s) into two regions: (a) a MM zone (MMZ) which can be used over any part of the given geometry, but is most essential over irregular and "non-smooth" geometries, and (b) a PO sub-region (POSR). Currents induced on the scattering and reflecting surfaces can then be computed in two ways depending on whether the region belonged to the MMZ or was part of the POSR. For the MMZ, the current calculations proceed in terms of basis functions with undetermined coefficients (as in the usual MM method), and the answer obtained by solving a system of linear equations. Over the POSR, conduction is obtained as a superposition of two contributions: (i) currents due to the incident magnetic field, and (ii) currents produced by the mutual induction from conduction within the MMZ. This effectively leads to a reduction in the size of linear equations from N to N - Npo with N being the total number of segments for the entire surface and Npo the number of segments over the POSR. The scheme would be appropriate for relatively large, flat surfaces, and at high frequencies. The ADI-FDTD scheme provides for both transient and steady state analyses. The restrictive Courant-Friedrich-Levy (CFL) condition on the time-step is removed, and so large time steps can be chosen even though the spatial grids are small. This report includes the problem definition, a detailed discussion of both the numerical techniques, and numerical implementations for simple surface geometries. Numerical solutions have been derived for a few simple situations.

Joshi, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Delamination Detection Using Guided Wave Phased Arrays

This paper presents a method for detecting multiple delaminations in composite laminates using non-contact phased arrays. The phased arrays are implemented with a non-contact scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (SLDV). The array imaging algorithm is performed in the frequency domain where both the guided wave dispersion effect and direction dependent wave properties are considered. By using the non-contact SLDV array with a frequency domain imaging algorithm, an intensity image of the composite plate can be generated for delamination detection. For the proof of concept, a laboratory test is performed using a non-contact phased array to detect two delaminations (created through quasi-static impact test) at different locations in a composite plate. Using the non-contact phased array and frequency domain imaging, the two impact-induced delaminations are successfully detected. This study shows that the non-contact phased array method is a potentially effective method for rapid delamination inspection in large composite structures.

Tian, Zhenhua↗