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At least 937 records · Page 52

The application of TSIM software to act design and analysis on flexible aircraft

The TSIM software is described. This is a package which uses an interactive FORTRAN-like simulation language for the simulation on nonlinear dynamic systems and offers facilities which include: mixed continuous and discrete time systems, time response calculations, numerical optimization, automatic trimming of nonlinear aircraft systems, and linearization of nonlinear equations for eigenvalues, frequency responses and power spectral response evaluation. Details are given of the application of TSIM to the analysis of aeroelastic systems under the RAE Farborough extension FLEX-SIM. The aerodynamic and structural data for the equations of motion of a flexible aircraft are prepared by a preprocessor program for incorporation in TSIM simulations. Within the simulation, the flexible aircraft model may then be selected interactively for different flight conditions and modal reduction techniques applied. The use of FLEX-SIM is demonstrated by an example of the flutter prediction for a simple aeroelastic model. By utilizing the numerical optimization facility of TSIM, it is possible to undertake identification of required parameters in the TSIM model within the simulation.

Kaynes, Ian W.↗

High-order state space simulation models of helicopter flight mechanics

This paper describes the formulation and validation of a high-order linearized mathematical model of helicopter flight mechanics, which includes rotor flap and lag degrees of freedom as well as inflow dynamics. The model is extracted numerically from an existing nonlinear, blade element, time simulation model. Extensive modifications in the formulation and solution process of the nonlinear model, required for a theoretically rigorous linearization, are described in detail. The validation results show that the linearized model successfully captures the coupled rotor-fuselage dynamics in the frequency band most critical for the design of advanced flight control systems. Additional results quantify the extent to which the order of the model can be reduced without loss of fidelity.

Kim, Frederick D.↗

High-order state space simulation models of helicopter flight mechanics

This paper describes the formulation and validation of a high-order linearized mathematical model of helicopter flight mechanics, which includes rotor flap and lag degrees of freedom as well as inflow dynamics. The model is extracted numerically from an existing nonlinear, blade element, real-time simulation model. Extensive modifications in the formulation and solution process of the nonlinear model, required for a theoetically rigorous linearization, are described in detail. The validation results show that the linearized model successfully captures the coupled rotor-fuselage dynamics in the frequency band most critical for the design of advanced flight control systems. Additional results quantify the extent to which the order of the model can be reduced without loss of fidelity.

Kim, Frederick D.↗

An approximate Kalman filter for ocean data assimilation: An example with an idealized Gulf Stream model

A practical method of data assimilation for use with large, nonlinear, ocean general circulation models is explored. A Kalman filter based on approximation of the state error covariance matrix is presented, employing a reduction of the effective model dimension, the error's asymptotic steady state limit, and a time-invariant linearization of the dynamic model for the error integration. The approximations lead to dramatic computational savings in applying estimation theory to large complex systems. We examine the utility of the approximate filter in assimilating different measurement types using a twin experiment of an idealized Gulf Stream. A nonlinear primitive equation model of an unstable east-west jet is studied with a state dimension exceeding 170,000 elements. Assimilation of various pseudomeasurements are examined, including velocity, density, and volume transport at localized arrays and realistic distributions of satellite altimetry and acoustic tomography observations. Results are compared in terms of their effects on the accuracies of the estimation. The approximate filter is shown to outperform an empirical nudging scheme used in a previous study. The examples demonstrate that useful approximate estimation errors can be computed in a practical manner for general circulation models.

Fukumori, Ichiro↗

Comparison of the Tangent Linear Properties of Tracer Transport Schemes Applied to Geophysical Problems.

A number of geophysical applications require the use of the linearized version of the full model. One such example is in numerical weather prediction, where the tangent linear and adjoint versions of the atmospheric model are required for the 4DVAR inverse problem. The part of the model that represents the resolved scale processes of the atmosphere is known as the dynamical core. Advection, or transport, is performed by the dynamical core. It is a central process in many geophysical applications and is a process that often has a quasi-linear underlying behavior. However, over the decades since the advent of numerical modelling, significant effort has gone into developing many flavors of high-order, shape preserving, nonoscillatory, positive definite advection schemes. These schemes are excellent in terms of transporting the quantities of interest in the dynamical core, but they introduce nonlinearity through the use of nonlinear limiters. The linearity of the transport schemes used in Goddard Earth Observing System version 5 (GEOS-5), as well as a number of other schemes, is analyzed using a simple 1D setup. The linearized version of GEOS-5 is then tested using a linear third order scheme in the tangent linear version.

4DVAR↗

An Approximate Kalman Filter for Ocean Data Assimilation; An Example with an Idealized Gulf Stream Model

A practical method of data assimilation for use with large, nonlinear, ocean general circulation models is explored. A Kalman filter based on approximations of the state error covariance matrix is presented, employing a reduction of the effective model dimension, the error's asymptotic steady-state limit, and a time-invariant linearization of the dynamic model for the error integration. The approximations lead to dramatic computational savings in applying estimation theory to large complex systems. We examine the utility of the approximate filter in assimilating different measurement types using a twin experiment of an idealized Gulf Stream. A nonlinear primitive equation model of an unstable east-west jet is studied with a state dimension exceeding 170,000 elements. Assimilation of various pseudo measurements is examined, including velocity, density, and volume transport at localized arrays, and realistic distributions of satellite altimetry and acoustic tomography observations. Results are compared in terms of their effects on the accuracies of the estimation. The approximate filter is shown to outperform a previous study that used an empirical nudging scheme. The examples demonstrate that useful approximate estimation errors can be computed in a practical manner for general circulation models.

['Kalman↗

Identification of linearized equations of motion for the fixed wing configuration of the rotor systems research aircraft

The purpose of this report is to establish linear, decoupled models of rigid body motion for the fixed wing configuration of the Rotor Systems Research Aircraft (RSRA). Longitudinal and lateral control surface fixed linear models were created from aircraft time histories using current system identification techniques. Models were obtained from computer simulation at 160 KCAS and 200 KCAS, and from flight data at 160 KCAS. Comparisons were performed to examine modeling accuracy, variation of dynamics with airspeed and correlation of simulation and flight data results. The results showed that the longitudinal and lateral linear models accurately predicted RSRA dynamics. The flight data results showed that no significant handling qualities problems were present in the RSRA fixed wing aircraft at the flight speed tested.

Balough, D. L.↗

Distributed State Estimation Over Time-Varying Graphs: Exploiting the Age-of-Information

Here, we study the problem of designing a distributed observer for an LTI system over a time-varying communication graph. The limited existing work on this topic imposes various restrictions either on the observation model or on the sequence of communication graphs. In contrast, we propose a single-time-scale distributed observer that works under mild assumptions. Specifically, our communication model only requires strong-connectivity to be preserved over non-overlapping, contiguous intervals that are even allowed to grow unbounded over time. We show that under suitable conditions that bound the growth of such intervals, joint observability is sufficient to track the state of any discrete-time LTI system exponentially fast, at any desired rate. We also develop a variant of our algorithm that is provably robust to worst-case adversarial attacks, provided the sequence of graphs is sufficiently connected over time. The key to our approach is the notion of a "freshness-index" that keeps track of the age-of-information being diffused across the network. Such indices enable nodes to reject stale estimates of the state, and, in turn, contribute to stability of the error dynamics.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Real-time spin systems from lattice field theory

We construct a lattice field theory method for computing the real-time dynamics of spin systems in a thermal bath. This is done by building on previous work of Takano with Schwinger-Keldysh and functional differentiation techniques. We derive a Schwinger-Keldysh path integral for generic spin Hamiltonians, then demonstrate the method on a simple system. Our path integral has a sign problem, which generally requires exponential run time in the system size, but requires only linear storage. The latter may place this method at an advantage over exact diagonalization, which is exponential in both. Our path integral is amenable to contour deformations, a technique for reducing sign problems.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Dynamic Stability And Adaptive Control of Networked Evolving Formations with Weak Nonlinearities

The dynamic stability of formation geometry is vital to the design of large scale multiagent systems. In this paper, we probe into the structure of the formation system matrix using the Laplacian of a digraph to develop several fundamental theoretical results on the stability of formation geometry. Our key-results include the integration of the graph Laplacian into linear and weak-nonlinear relative dynamics, the development of several new coordinate transformations that expose the influence of the graph Laplacian matrix on the control laws of the agents, and the use of direct adaptive control as stability restoring devices. We also develop two fundamental results that provide upper bounds for stable formation evolution under nonlinear perturbations of agent dynamics. Finally, we use an illustrative example to demonstrate our theoretical findings.

Gehlot, Vinod P.↗

Design of feedback control systems for stable plants with saturating actuators

A systematic control design methodology is introduced for multi-input/multi-output stable open-loop plants with multiple saturations. This new methodology is a substantial improvement over previous heuristic single-input/single-output approaches. The idea is to introduce a supervisor loop so that when the references and/or disturbances are sufficiently small, the control system operates linearly as designed. For signals large enough to cause saturations, the control law is modified in such a way as to ensure stability and to preserve, to the extent possible, the behavior of the linear control design. Key benefits of this methodology are: the modified compensator never produces saturating control signals, integrators and/or slow dynamics in the compensator never windup, the directional properties of the controls are maintained, and the closed-loop system has certain guaranteed stability properties. The advantages of the new design methodology are illustrated in the simulation of an academic example and the simulation of the multivariable longitudinal control of a modified model of the F-8 aircraft.

Kapasouris, Petros↗

Space time neural networks for tether operations in space

A space shuttle flight scheduled for 1992 will attempt to prove the feasibility of operating tethered payloads in earth orbit. due to the interaction between the Earth's magnetic field and current pulsing through the tether, the tethered system may exhibit a circular transverse oscillation referred to as the 'skiprope' phenomenon. Effective damping of skiprope motion depends on rapid and accurate detection of skiprope magnitude and phase. Because of non-linear dynamic coupling, the satellite attitude behavior has characteristic oscillations during the skiprope motion. Since the satellite attitude motion has many other perturbations, the relationship between the skiprope parameters and attitude time history is very involved and non-linear. We propose a Space-Time Neural Network implementation for filtering satellite rate gyro data to rapidly detect and predict skiprope magnitude and phase. Training and testing of the skiprope detection system will be performed using a validated Orbital Operations Simulator and Space-Time Neural Network software developed in the Software Technology Branch at NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.

Lea, Robert N.↗

Global System Reduction Order Modeling for Localized Feature Inclusion

The development of reduced-order models remains an active research area, despite advances in computational resources. Here we develop a novel order-reduction approach that is designed to incorporate isolated regions that contain, for example, nonlinearitites or accumulating damage. The approach is designed to use global modes of the overall system response, which are then naturally coupled to the response in the isolated region of interest. Two examples are provided to demonstrate both the accuracy and the computational efficiency of the proposed approach. The performance of this approach is compared to the exact response corresponding to a finite element simulation for the chosen problems. In addition, the accuracy and computational efficiency are shown relative to a standard Galerkin reduction based on the linear normal modes. It is found that the proposed reduction offer computational efficiency comparable to a Galerkin reduction, but more accurately represents the response of the system when both are compared to the finite element simulation.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Motion Cueing Algorithm Development: Human-Centered Linear and Nonlinear Approaches

While the performance of flight simulator motion system hardware has advanced substantially, the development of the motion cueing algorithm, the software that transforms simulated aircraft dynamics into realizable motion commands, has not kept pace. Prior research identified viable features from two algorithms: the nonlinear "adaptive algorithm", and the "optimal algorithm" that incorporates human vestibular models. A novel approach to motion cueing, the "nonlinear algorithm" is introduced that combines features from both approaches. This algorithm is formulated by optimal control, and incorporates a new integrated perception model that includes both visual and vestibular sensation and the interaction between the stimuli. Using a time-varying control law, the matrix Riccati equation is updated in real time by a neurocomputing approach. Preliminary pilot testing resulted in the optimal algorithm incorporating a new otolith model, producing improved motion cues. The nonlinear algorithm vertical mode produced a motion cue with a time-varying washout, sustaining small cues for longer durations and washing out large cues more quickly compared to the optimal algorithm. The inclusion of the integrated perception model improved the responses to longitudinal and lateral cues. False cues observed with the NASA adaptive algorithm were absent. The neurocomputing approach was crucial in that the number of presentations of an input vector could be reduced to meet the real time requirement without degrading the quality of the motion cues.

Houck, Jacob A.↗

Stability Limits of a PD Controller for a Flywheel Supported on Rigid Rotor and Magnetic Bearings

Active magnetic bearings are used to provide a long-life, low-loss suspension of a high-speed flywheel rotor. This paper describes a modeling effort used to understand the stability boundaries of the PD controller used to control the active magnetic bearings on a high speed test rig. Limits of stability are described in terms of allowable stiffness and damping values which result in stable levitation of the nonrotating rig. Small signal stability limits for the system is defined as a nongrowth in vibration amplitude of a small disturbance. A simple mass-force model was analyzed. The force resulting from the magnetic bearing was linearized to include negative displacement stiffness and a current stiffness. The current stiffness was then used in a PD controller. The phase lag of the control loop was modeled by a simple time delay. The stability limits and the associated vibration frequencies were measured and compared to the theoretical values. The results show a region on stiffness versus damping plot that have the same qualitative tendencies as experimental measurements. The resulting stability model was then extended to a flywheel system. The rotor dynamics of the flywheel was modeled using a rigid rotor supported on magnetic bearings. The equations of motion were written for the center of mass and a small angle linearization of the rotations about the center of mass. The stability limits and the associated vibration frequencies were found as a function of nondimensional magnetic bearing stiffness and damping and nondimensional parameters of flywheel speed and time delay.

Kascak, Albert F.↗

Modeling and Control for a Flexible Inverted Pendulum Robot

This report describes the tasks accomplished during Fall 2020 at the Kennedy Space Center under the scope of the Robotic Control System Design internship project. These tasks primarily supported development of an augmented adaptive control system for an inverted pendulum (IP) robotic system on a 4-wheel mobile base (Penny). This system serves as an analogue to the control problems in the flight of rockets in the initial and latter stages of launch, and methods developed as part of this research can later be applied to more complex IP systems, such as launch vehicles. To more accurately model launch vehicles, a flexible aluminum pendulum is used both on the hardware and in the simulated models. In order to capture the flexible dynamics of the system, hardware modifications were made to Penny (including installation of a rate gyro at the tip of the pendulum). Simulink models were created to control and model the hardware system, and Simscape models were created/updated to model the system in simulation. MATLAB programs were created throughout the internship to analyze data generated from hardware and simulation runs. Linear fixed-gain controllers have been applied to the simulated and hardware system, and work continues with augmenting these controllers using sensor blending and direct output adaptive control methods to improve stabilization of system states and cancel flex dynamics. In addition to describing the work done to support these modeling efforts, an Independent Research and Technology Development (IR&TD) proposal for a lunar simulation with soil deformation modeling developed during the internship is briefly described.

Nashir A Janmohamed↗

A simplified dynamic model of the T700 turboshaft engine

A simplified open-loop dynamic model of the T700 turboshaft engine, valid within the normal operating range of the engine, is developed. This model is obtained by linking linear state space models obtained at different engine operating points. Each linear model is developed from a detailed nonlinear engine simulation using a multivariable system identification and realization method. The simplified model may be used with a model-based real time diagnostic scheme for fault detection and diagnostics, as well as for open loop engine dynamics studies and closed loop control analysis utilizing a user generated control law.

Duyar, Ahmet↗

Analysis of the elliptic integrable non-linear system in IOTA using tracking of a single electron

Integrable nonlinear lattices that can be realized in practical accelerators are of great interest, as they offer the potential to support high-intensity beams via Landau damping of collective instabilities. One such system, based on an elliptic potential, has been extensively studied at the IOTA storage ring at Fermilab. The analysis of strongly nonlinear dynamics with multi-particle bunches is challenging due to the rapid decoherence of kicked beams. IOTA has the capability to track single electrons using linear multi-anode photomultiplier tubes for simultaneously measuring transverse coordinates and arrival times of synchrotron-radiation pulses. This technology enables the full reconstruction of turn-by-turn positions and momenta in all three planes for a single particle. Using this apparatus, we measured the dependence of small-amplitude tunes on the strength of the nonlinear magnet, as well as tunes dependence on oscillations amplitudes.

Romanov, A. [Fermilab]↗