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At least 937 records · Page 52

Determination of in vivo mechanical properties of long bones from their impedance response curves

A mathematical model consisting of a uniform, linear, visco-elastic, Euler-Bernoulli beam to represent the ulna or tibia of the vibrating forearm or leg system is developed. The skin and tissue compressed between the probe and bone is represented by a spring in series with the beam. The remaining skin and tissue surrounding the bone is represented by a visco-elastic foundation with mass. An extensive parametric study is carried out to determine the effect of each parameter of the mathematical model on its impedance response. A system identification algorithm is developed and programmed on a digital computer to determine the parametric values of the model which best simulate the data obtained from an impedance test.

Borders, S. G.↗

Goldstone radio spectrum signal identification, March 1980 - March 1982

The signal identification process is described. The Goldstone radio spectrum environment contains signals that are a potential source of electromagnetic interference to the Goldstone tracking receivers. The identification of these signals is accomplished by the use of signal parameters and environment parameters. Statistical data on the Goldstone radio spectrum environment from 2285 to 2305 MHz are provided.

Gaudian, B. A.↗

Experiments in on-orbit identification for control of space structures

Two extensions to an earlier work on system identification for large flexible structures are presented. The first extension applies an integrated frequency-domain ID approach to experiments utilizing rib root actuators for full system excitation of both 'boom-dish' and 'dish' modes of the structure; while the second extension employs a time-domain identification, utilizing frequency-domain results obtained for initialization of the parameter estimates. For the first extension, the results show that in the presence of closely packed modes, the curve-fit algorithm employed can distinguish modes with frequency separation as small as 0.04 Hz. The maximum likelihood estimation used in the second extension produce estimates close to the parametric modal values of frequencies and damping.

Yam, Y.↗

Fracture resistance development in ceramic composites with nonlinear fiber pullout relationship

This paper addresses the fracture resistance mechanism in fiber reinforced ceramics, and focuses attention on the specific effects associated with nonlinear nature of the fiber pullout mechanism. The model is based on a consideration of the representative boundary value problem typical for the bridging process. The theoretical solution includes an accurate account of the nonlinear fiber matrix friction. The developed approach allows consideration of several types of nonlinear fiber pullout-force dependence. The distinct features of the nonlinear process demonstrate that, contrary to the linear case, the universal fracture resistance curves cannot be developed in cases with significant nonlinear contribution in the fiber friction law. The resulting resistance curves depend strongly on the absolute values of the matrix fracture toughness. On the other hand, these distinct patterns may be used for identification of the particular friction law and determination of the friction parameters.

Rubinstein, Asher A.↗

Search for fine scale structures in high latitude solar wind

About 25 years ago, E. Parker suggested that, as a consequence of the inhomogeneous structure of the corona, the solar wind might consist of adjacent structures with different physical conditions. Since that suggestion was made, the solar wind plasma characteristics have been measured in situ through many experiments, but little has been done to check whether the solar wind shows any evidence for fine scale structures, and, in the affirmative, how far from the Sun these structures persist. A previous work on this subject, by Thieme, Marsch and Schwenn (1990), based on Helios data, lead these authors to claim that the solar wind, between 0.3 and 1 AU, is inhomogeneous on a scale consistent with the hypothesis that the plume-interplume plasmas, at those distances, still retain their identity. In this work we present preliminary results from an investigation of the solar wind fine structure from Ulysses high latitude observations. To this end, we have analyzed data over several months, during 1994, at times well after Ulysses's last encounter with the Heliospheric Current Sheet, when the spacecraft was at latitudes above 50 degrees. These data refer to high speed wind coming from southern polar coronal holes and are best suited for plume-interplume identification. We have performed a power spectra analysis of typical plasma parameters, to test whether the wind plasma consist of two distinct plasma populations. We also examined data to check whether there is any evidence for an horizontal pressure balance over the hypothesized distinct structures. Our results are discussed and compared with previous findings.

Livi, S.↗

Detection, Tracking and Analysis of Turbulent Spots and Other Coherent Structures in Unsteady Transition

Transition on turbine blades is an important factor in the determination of eventual flow separation and engine performance. The phenomenon is strongly affected by unsteady flow conditions (wake passing). It is likely that some physics of unsteadiness should be included in advanced models, but it is unclear which properties would best embody this information. In this paper, we use a GEAE experimental database in unsteady transition to test some tools of spot identification, tracking and characterization. In this preliminary study, we identify some parameters that appear to be insensitive to wake passing effects, such as convection speed, and others more likely to require unsteady modeling. The main findings are that wavelet duration can be used as a measure of spot size, and that spot energy density is most closely correlated to the wake passing. The energy density is also correlated to spot size, but spot size appears unrelated to the phase angle. Recommendations are made for further study.

Lewalle, Jacques↗

Acquisition and processing of data for isotope-ratio-monitoring mass spectrometry

Methods are described for continuous monitoring of signals required for precise analyses of 13C, 18O, and 15N in gas streams containing varying quantities of CO2 and N2. The quantitative resolution (i.e. maximum performance in the absence of random errors) of these methods is adequate for determination of isotope ratios with an uncertainty of one part in 10(5); the precision actually obtained is often better than one part in 10(4). This report describes data-processing operations including definition of beginning and ending points of chromatographic peaks and quantitation of background levels, allowance for effects of chromatographic separation of isotopically substituted species, integration of signals related to specific masses, correction for effects of mass discrimination, recognition of drifts in mass spectrometer performance, and calculation of isotopic delta values. Characteristics of a system allowing off-line revision of parameters used in data reduction are described and an algorithm for identification of background levels in complex chromatograms is outlined. Effects of imperfect chromatographic resolution are demonstrated and discussed and an approach to deconvolution of signals from coeluting substances described.

NASA Discipline Exobiology↗

Near-Earth Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections During Solar Cycle 23 (1996 - 2009): Catalog and Summary of Properties

In a previous study (Cane and Richardson, J. Geophys. Res. l08(A4), SSH6-1, we investigated the occurrence of interplanetary coronal mass ejections in the near-Earth solar wind during 1996 - 2002, corresponding to the increasing and maximum phases of solar cycle 23, and provided a "comprehensive" catalog of these events. In this paper, we present a revised and updated catalog of the approx. =300 near-Earth ICMEs in 1996-2009, encompassing the complete cycle 23, and summarize their basic properties and geomagnetic effects. In particular, solar wind .. composition and charge state observations are now considered when identifying the ICMEs. In general, these additional data confirm the earlier identifications based predominantly on other solar wind plasma and magnetic field parameters. However, the boundaries of ICME-like plasma based on charge state/composition data may deviate significantly from those based on conventional plasma/magnetic field parameters. Furthermore, the much studied "magnetic clouds", with flux-rope-like magnetic field configurations, may form just a substructure of the total ICME interval.

Richardson, I. G.↗

Validation of Airborne FMCW Radar Measurements of Snow Thickness Over Sea Ice in Antarctica

Antarctic sea ice and its snow cover are integral components of the global climate system, yet many aspects of their vertical dimensions are poorly understood, making their representation in global climate models poor. Remote sensing is the key to monitoring the dynamic nature of sea ice and its snow cover. Reliable and accurate snow thickness data are currently a highly sought after data product. Remotely sensed snow thickness measurements can provide an indication of precipitation levels, predicted to increase with effects of climate change in the polar regions. Airborne techniques provide a means for regional-scale estimation of snow depth and distribution. Accurate regional-scale snow thickness data will also facilitate an increase in the accuracy of sea ice thickness retrieval from satellite altimeter freeboard estimates. The airborne data sets are easier to validate with in situ measurements and are better suited to validating satellite algorithms when compared with in situ techniques. This is primarily due to two factors: better chance of getting coincident in situ and airborne data sets and the tractability of comparison between an in situ data set and the airborne data set averaged over the footprint of the antennas. A 28-GHz frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar loaned by the Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets to the Australian Antarctic Division is used to measure snow thickness over sea ice in East Antarctica. Provided with the radar design parameters, the expected performance parameters of the radar are summarized. The necessary conditions for unambiguous identification of the airsnow and snowice layers for the radar are presented. Roughnesses of the snow and ice surfaces are found to be dominant determinants in the effectiveness of layer identification for this radar. Finally, this paper presents the first in situ validated snow thickness estimates over sea ice in Antarctica derived from an FMCW radar on a helicopterborne platform.

sea ice↗

On-Orbit Cross Calibration Between the Osiris-Rex Orbiting Laser Altimeter and Navigation Camera

Accurate shape models of small bodies provide both science value and resources for precision relative navigation. One instrument commonly used for generating shape models is the laser altimeter. Laser altimeters require accurate intrinsic and extrinsic calibration knowledge to produce accurate shape models. Here, we describe a method used for updating the intrinsic and extrinsic calibration parameters of the laser altimeter onboard the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft, OLA (OSIRISREx Laser Altimeter). We perform the calibration update by comparing the OLA scans with monocular camera images of the asteroid surface captured by the primary navigation camera.

Andrew J. Liounis↗

A line parameter list for the nu2 and nu4 bands of /C-12/H4 and /C-13/H4, extended to J-prime = 25 and its application to planetary atmospheres

Line parameters (transition frequencies, line strengths, line widths, ground state energies and quantum identifications) for the nu2 and nu4 bands of (C-12)H4 and (C-13)H4 have been calculated for J-prime equal to or less than 25 using the simultaneous coupled fitting procedure of Gray and Robiette. Molecular constants for the nu2 band of (C-13)H4 were estimated from isotopic shifts from (C-12)H4 values. Agreement with laboratory spectra, where available, is always well within 1 kayser over the entire spectral range covered by the list. The most serious problem in comparison with laboratory data is the omission of lines belonging to 'hot' bands in this spectral region. This list is valuable in remote sensing problems for sorting out lines of trace species from weak methane lines and for determining the atmospheric opacity in relatively transparent spectral regions. Applications of the parameter list are demonstrated for remote sounding of the Jovian atmosphere.

Orton, G. S.↗

Model estimation and identification of manual controller objectives in complex tracking tasks

A methodology is presented for estimating the parameters in an optimal control structural model of the manual controller from experimental data on complex, multiinput/multioutput tracking tasks. Special attention is devoted to estimating the appropriate objective function for the task, as this is considered key in understanding the objectives and strategy of the manual controller. The technique is applied to data from single input/single output as well as multi input/multi outpuut experiments, and results discussed.

Schmidt, D. K.↗

Maximum likelihood identification using an array processor

Maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) is a method used to calculate the parameters of a dynamic system. It can be applied to a large class of problems and has good statistical properties. The main disadvantage of the MLE method is the amount of computation required. This paper describes how the computation time can be reduced significantly by using an array processor. The estimation of the parameters of a dynamic model of the Space Station is used as an example to evaluate the method.

Sridhar, Banavar↗

Identification of atypical flight patterns

Method and system for analyzing aircraft data, including multiple selected flight parameters for a selected phase of a selected flight, and for determining when the selected phase of the selected flight is atypical, when compared with corresponding data for the same phase for other similar flights. A flight signature is computed using continuous-valued and discrete-valued flight parameters for the selected flight parameters and is optionally compared with a statistical distribution of other observed flight signatures, yielding atypicality scores for the same phase for other similar flights. A cluster analysis is optionally applied to the flight signatures to define an optimal collection of clusters. A level of atypicality for a selected flight is estimated, based upon an index associated with the cluster analysis.

Statler, Irving C.↗

Aircraft System Identification from Multisine Inputs and Frequency Responses

A frequency-domain approach is described for estimating parameters, such as stability and control derivatives, in aircraft flight dynamic models from measured input and output data. The approach uses orthogonal phase-optimized multisines for moving the aircraft control effectors, Fourier analysis for computing multiple-input multiple-output frequency responses, and a maximum likelihood estimator called frequency response error (FRE) for determining values and uncertainties for the model parameters. The approach is demonstrated using flight test data for two subscale airplanes: the T-2 generic transport model and the X-56A aeroelastic demonstrator. Results and comparisons with the output-error method indicated that the approach produced accurate estimates of stability and control derivatives and their uncertainties from flight test data.

Grauer, Jared A.↗

On-orbit parametric identification methodology

On-orbit system identification (ID) of large space systems is essential for various reasons. For example, the complex composite structure of such systems cannot be ground-tested; their structural dynamic characteristics must be known accurately in order to accomplish active control. Furthermore, such capability can be used to characterize/identify various disturbances. The identification process is consisted of four principal elements: (1) modeling, (2) the estimation algorithm, (3) input system, and (4) measurement system. These elements are highly correlated and all togerher determine the success of the identification problem. Accurate modeling of large space systems is the most important element of the identification process. Large flexible structures are non-linear and infinite dimensional systems with highly coupled parameters and low frequency packed modes. In addition, these systems are subject to stochastic and time-varying disturbances, they have structural parameters which can vary due to on-orbit assembly deployment, and operations. These systems are generally; however, represented by constant coefficient, finite order differential equations. The non-linearities, coupling and noise effects are also often neglected. Moreover, identification experiment designs which lead to highly complex optimization problems usually require the simultaneous choice of ID algorithm, sensor, and actuator type and placement. On-orbit bandwidth and power restrictions on excitation, limited data window, and restrictions on sensor/actuator type, placement and number, has led to practical questions of implementations.

Hadaegh, Fred Y.↗

Real-Time Adaptive Drag Minimization Wind Tunnel Investigation of a Flexible Wing with Variable Camber Continuous Trailing Edge Flap System

This paper reports the results of a recently completed real-time adaptive drag minimization wind tunnel investigation of a highly flexible wing wind tunnel model equipped with the Variable Camber Continuous Trailing Flap (VCCTEF) technology at the University of Washington Aeronautical Laboratory (UWAL). The wind tunnel investigation is funded by NASA SBIR Phase II contract with Scientific Systems Company, Inc. (SSCI) and University of Washington (UW) as a subcontractor. The wind tunnel model is a sub-scale Common Research Model (CRM) wing constructed of foam core and fiberglass skin and is aeroelastically scaled to achieve a wing tip deflection of 10% of the wing semi-span which represents a typical wing tip deflection for a modern transport such as Boeing 787. The jig-shape twist of the CRM wing is optimized using a CART3D aero-structural model to achieve the minimum induced drag for the design cruise lift coefficient of 0.5. The wing is equipped with two chord wise cambered segments for each of the six span wise flap sections for a total of 12 individual flap segments that comprise the VCCTEF system. Each of the 12 flap segments is actively controlled by an electric servo-actuator. The real-time adaptive drag optimization strategy includes an on-board aerodynamic model identification, a model excitation, and a real-time drag optimization. The on-board aerodynamic model is constructed parametrically as a function of the angle of attack and flap positions to model the lift and drag coefficients of the wing. The lift coefficient models include a linear model and a second-order model. The drag coefficient models include a quadratic model and a higher-order up to 6th-order model to accurately model the drag coefficient at high angles of attack. The onboard aerodynamic model identification includes a recursive least-squares (RLS) algorithm and a batch least-squares (BLS) algorithm designed to estimate the model parameters. The model excitation method is designed to sample the input set that comprises the angle of attack and the flap positions. Three model excitation methods are developed: random excitation method, sweep method, and iterative angle-of-attack seeking method. The real-time drag optimization includes a generic algorithm developed by SSCI and several optimization methods developed by NASA which include a second-order gradient Newton-Raphson optimization method, an iterative gradient optimization method, a pseudo-inverse optimization method, an analytical optimization method, and an iterative refinement optimization method. The first wind tunnel test entry took place in September 2017. This test revealed major hardware issues and required further redesign of the flap servo mechanisms. The second test entry took place in April 2018. However, the test was not successful due to the issues with the onboard aerodynamic model identification RLS algorithm which incorrectly identified model parameters. This test also provides an experimental comparison study between the VCCTEF and a variable camber discrete trailing edge flap (VCDTEF) without the elastomer transition mechanisms. The experimental result confirms the benefit of the VCCTEF which produces lower drag by 5% than the VCDTEF. The third and final test entry took place in June 2018 after the issues with the RLS algorithm have been identified and corrected. Additional improvements were implemented. These include the BLS algorithm, the iterative angle-of-attack seeking method, the iterative gradient optimization method, and the pseudo-inverse optimization method. The test objectives were successfully demonstrated as the real-time drag optimization identifies several optimal solutions at off-design lift coefficients. The iterative gradient optimization method is found to achieve up to 4.7% drag reduction for the off-design lift coefficient of 0.7. The pseudo-inverse optimization method which does not require the drag coefficient model is found to be quite effective in reducing drag. Up to 9.4% drag reduction for the off-design lift coefficient of 0.7 is achieved with the pseudo-inverse optimization method. The wind tunnel investigation demonstrates the potential of real-time drag optimization technology. Several new capabilities are developed that could enable future adaptive wing technologies for flexible wings equipped with drag control devices such as the VCCTEF.

Drag Optimization↗

Modal Analysis and Model Correlation of the Mir Space Station

This paper will discuss on-orbit dynamic tests, modal analysis, and model refinement studies performed as part of the Mir Structural Dynamics Experiment (MiSDE). Mir is the Russian permanently manned Space Station whose construction first started in 1986. The MiSDE was sponsored by the NASA International Space Station (ISS) Phase 1 Office and was part of the Shuttle-Mir Risk Mitigation Experiment (RME). One of the main objectives for MiSDE is to demonstrate the feasibility of performing on-orbit modal testing on large space structures to extract modal parameters that will be used to correlate mathematical models. The experiment was performed over a one-year span on the Mir-alone and Mir with a Shuttle docked. A total of 45 test sessions were performed including: Shuttle and Mir thruster firings, Shuttle-Mir and Progress-Mir dockings, crew exercise and pushoffs, and ambient noise during night-to-day and day-to-night orbital transitions. Test data were recorded with a variety of existing and new instrumentation systems that included: the MiSDE Mir Auxiliary Sensor Unit (MASU), the Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS), the Russian Mir Structural Dynamic Measurement System (SDMS), the Mir and Shuttle Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), and the Shuttle payload bay video cameras. Modal analysis was performed on the collected test data to extract modal parameters, i.e. frequencies, damping factors, and mode shapes. A special time-domain modal identification procedure was used on free-decay structural responses. The results from this study show that modal testing and analysis of large space structures is feasible within operational constraints. Model refinements were performed on both the Mir alone and the Shuttle-Mir mated configurations. The design sensitivity approach was used for refinement, which adjusts structural properties in order to match analytical and test modal parameters. To verify the refinement results, the analytical responses calculated using original and refined math models were compared with the measured responses. The results from this study show that the refined models predict more accurately the dynamics of the actual structure. The MiSDE test and analysis results provided the information and experience on test design, flight testing, and data analysis for the ISS and other future spacecraft, which are critical to the verification of analytical models and structural loads.

Kim, Hyoung M.↗