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At least 973 records · Page 54

A far-field non-reflecting boundary condition for two-dimensional wake flows

Far-field boundary conditions for external flow problems have been developed based upon long-wave perturbations of linearized flow equations about a steady state far field solution. The boundary improves convergence to steady state in single-grid temporal integration schemes using both regular-time-stepping and local-time-stepping. The far-field boundary may be near the trailing edge of the body which significantly reduces the number of grid points, and therefore the computational time, in the numerical calculation. In addition the solution produced is smoother in the far-field than when using extrapolation conditions. The boundary condition maintains the convergence rate to steady state in schemes utilizing multigrid acceleration.

Danowitz, Jeffrey S.↗

Expansion of solar-terrestrial low-beta plasmoid

A magnetized plasma system confined inside a finite volume may expand (or contract) when its surrounding pressure changes. In this paper, two possible expanding processes of a low-beta plasmoid are discussed: (1) linear expansion and (2) expansion with fixed footpoints of field lines. The constant-zeta expansion, discussed in this paper, may maintain a low-beta plasmoid in a nearly force-free state during the expanding process. This simple model is applied to the magnetic clouds observed in the interplanetary space. The estimated scale size and expanding speed of the magnetic cloud are found to be in reasonable agreement with the observation. The energy conversion process is investigated: the free 'magnetic potential energy' stored in a magnetized system, which is pressed by external pressure, may be released to accelerate the plasma. The concept of a 'magnetic burst' is briefly discussed.

Yang, Wei-Hong↗

An Optimization Approach to Support Science Decision Making for Lunar Surface Exploration

Introduction: Scientific exploration is one of the three pillars of NASA’s Moon2Mars architecture, with crew surface extra vehicular activities (EVA) serving a critical enabling function. Development of surface EVA operational planning and execution, specifically integrating science and flight control teams (FCT), is currently being explored through analog scenarios. This integration, exercised, for example, through the Joint EVA and Hu-man Surface Mobility Test Team (JETT), allows for science input on EVA activities in near real-time through a Science Evaluation Room (SER), or Arte-mis science backroom, which integrates with the broader FCT through the Science Officer. The SER works within the FCT to support dynamic EVA planning in response to changes in operational constraints as well as science opportunities and re-prioritization, increasing the mission science return and accelerating the accomplishment of the Moon2Mars science objectives. The SER works within the FCT to provide recommendations to traverse execution in near real-time. One challenge is the requirement to deliver SER inputs to the FCT on operationally relevant timelines. Failure to do so may result in suboptimal execution of science exploration EVAs or even loss of key science objectives. To close this gap, we present a network optimization tool to allow the SER to provide rapid input to the FCT in response to changes in operational constraints or science opportunities. Inputs are predicated on approved science objectives, and clear rationale must be provided to the FCT for any requested change. Accordingly, this tool incorporates the Science Traceability Matrix (STM), SER prioritization scheme, and station characterization and action planning with operational constraints such as duration, traverse speed, and distance to maximize science objectives based on SER priorities, consistent with FCT operational requirements. Method: As a proof of concept, we used an existing linear programing software package used to simulate optimal routes through cellular metabolism. We built a Demonstrative Model with three STM objectives and four stations on a region of the Moon. The objectives were given an arbitrary prioritization and mapped to the stations through four possible crew actions. (Figs. 1 and 2). This station to STM mapping is consistent with the method used by the JETT5 Science Team to develop analog surface EVA science planning. We used a grid system with the landing site at the origin and the four stations placed across the positive x,y quadrant. Actions were assigned to each station and the accomplishment of those actions resulted in a numerical “reward” based on the ability of that action to achieve science objectives. The aggregate reward from each individual STM objective contributes to a global score (Science Yield), weighted by its priority. Operational constraints included a requirement to start and end at the landing site, 5 minutes each for initial station characterization and “clean up,” and variable total EVA time, traverse rate (fixed to 0.5 meters per second in our example), and time to perform each action (10, 5, 7, and 15 min for actions 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively). Additional constraints and variables will be added in the future (e.g., sample mass, number of stations, traverse route constraints, illumination). Optimization. We converted the connections (arcs) between these stations (nodes) into a mixed integer linear programming optimization problem (arcs = constraints, nodes = variables) with the objective to maximize Science Yield. For any action, the Science Yield is equal to the relevance of that action to an STM objective [3, 2, and 1 point(s) for High, Med., and Low relevance, respectively], multiplied by the STM Objective Priority [3, 2, and 1 point(s) for High, Med., and Low priority, respectively]. This resulted in a model that computes the optimal station and action combination to maximize the Science Yield. These weightings can be adjusted by the SER as desired. Results: We explored three test cases for the Demonstrative Model. First, we set the maximum EVA duration to 120 minutes and computed the optimal route (Fig. 3A). The model suggested per-forming Actions 1 and 2 at Station P01, followed by Actions 1 and 2 at Station P02, and finally Actions 1 and 3 at Station P04 before returning to the Landing Site. Second, we adjusted the STM Objective Priori-ty order and computed the new optimal route (Fig. 3B). Under this situation, the model suggested per-forming all Actions at Station P02 followed by all Actions at Station P03. The previous test cases were relevant to SER planning activities. Next, we explored providing mid-EVA replanning input to the FCT. Scenario: While executing the Route in Fig. 3A the crew finishes at Station P01 and FCT decides that the EVA needs to finish in 45 minutes back at the Landing Site. FCT asks SER to recommend changes to the plan to accommodate this operation-al change. Using the model and incorporating these new constraints (start at Station P01, max. time of 45 min), the model suggested performing Actions 2 and 4 at Station P03 (Fig. 4), requiring 41 minutes to complete and return to the Landing Site. Interestingly, Station 3 was not part of the original route. Using the model, we determined the EVA would need 66 minutes, instead of 45, in order for the original Station P04 to yield a larger Science Yield than Station P03. The parametrization and simulation was per-formed in less than a minute, demonstrating the operational relevance of the approach. Future Efforts: The results from the Demonstrative Model suggest this tool can accelerate SER decision making on operationally relevant timelines. Use in analog activities, such as JETT5 or follow-ons, which have over a dozen stations for a crew to explore and over a dozen actions per station, will provide needed validation of the utility of this tool for planning EVAs, replanning mid-EVA, or planning follow-on EVAs based on previous results. Further integration with FCT execution monitoring tools may provide additional efficiency gains, al-lowing rapid and iterative exploration of operation-al and science decision space by the FCT and SER.

Science Operations↗

Neighboring suboptimal control for vehicle guidance

The neighboring optimal feedback control law is developed for systems with a piecewise linear control for the case where the optimal control is obtained by nonlinear programming techniques. To develop the control perturbation for a given deviation from the nominal path, the second variation is minimized subject to the constraint that the final conditions be satisfied (neighboring suboptimal control). This process leads to a feedback relationship between the control perturbation and the measured deviation from the nominal state. Neighboring suboptimal control is applied to the lunar launch problem. Two approaches, single optimization and multiple optimization for calculating the gains are used, and the gains are tested in a guidance simulation with a mismatch in the acceleration of gravity. Both approaches give acceptable results, but multiple optimization keeps the perturbed path closer to the nominal path.

Hull, David G.↗

Neighboring suboptimal control for vehicle guidance

The neighboring optimal feedback control law is developed for systems with a piecewise linear control for the case where the optimal control is obtained by nonlinear programming techniques. To develop the control perturbation for a given deviation from the nominal path, the second variation is minimized subject to the constraint that the final conditions be satisfied (neighboring suboptimal control). This process leads to a feedback relationship between the control perturbation and the measured deviation from the nominal state. Neighboring suboptimal control is applied to the lunar launch problem. Two approaches, single optimization and multiple optimization, for calculating the gains are used, and the gains are tested in a guidance simulation with a mismatch in the acceleration of gravity. Both approaches give acceptable results, but multiple optimization keeps the perturbed path closer to the nominal path.

Hull, David G.↗

Relativity Parameters Determined from Lunar Laser Ranging

Analysis of 24 years of lunar laser ranging data is used to test the principle of equivalence, geodetic precession, the PPN parameters beta and gamma, and G/G. Recent data can be fitted with a rms scatter of 3 cm. (a) Using the Nordtvedt effect to test the principle of equivalence, it is found that the Moon and Earth accelerate alike in the Sun's field. The relative accelerations match to within 5 x 10(exp -13) . This limit, combined with an independent determination of y from planetary time delay, gives beta. Including the uncertainty due to compositional differences, the parameter beta differs from unity by no more than 0.0014; and, if the weak equivalence principle is satisfied, the difference is no more than 0.0006. (b) Geodetic precession matches its expected 19.2 marc sec/yr rate within 0.7%. This corresponds to a 1% test of gamma. (c) Apart from the Nordtvedt effect, beta and gamma can be tested from their influence on the lunar orbit. It is argued theoretically that the linear combination 0.8(beta) + 1.4(gamma) can be tested at the 1% level of accuracy. For solutions using numerically derived partial derivatives, higher sensitivity is found. Both 6 and y match the values of general relativity to within 0.005, and the linear combination beta+ gamma matches to within 0,003, but caution is advised due to the lack of theoretical understanding of these sensitivities. (d) No evidence for a changing gravitational constant is found, with absolute value of G/G less than or equal to 8 x lO(exp -12)/yr. There is significant sensitivity to G/G through solar perturbations on the lunar orbit.

Williams, J. G.↗

A new method for using Cf-252 in SEU testing

A system using Cf-252 and associated nuclear instrumentation has determined the single-event upset (SEU) cross section versus linear energy transfer (LET) curve for several 2K x 8 static random access memories (SRAMs). The Cf-252 fission fragments pass through a thin-film organic scintillator detector (TFD) on the way to the device under test (DUT). The TFD provides energy information for each transiting fragment. Data analysis provides the energy of the individual ion responsible for each SEU; thus, separate upset cross sections can be developed for different energy and mass regions of the californium spectrum. This californium-based device is quite small and fits onto a bench top. It provides a convenient and inexpensive supplement or alternative to accelerator and high-altitude/space SEU testing.

Costantine, A.↗

A combined Eulerian-Lagrangian analysis for computation of two-phase flows

A combined Eulerian-Lagrangian analysis, which combines a linearized block implicit Navier-Stokes analysis for the continuous phase with a Lagrangian analysis for the motion of the droplet phase to simulate evaporating two-phase flows, has been developed. A unique aspect of this analysis is that the Lagrangian equations for the droplet motion have been transformed into the Eulerian computational space using coordinate transformation resulting in better computational efficiency. Use of the present implicit procedure for the continuous phase makes it possible to efficiently use a locally highly refined mesh. The coupling of the continuous phase and the droplet phase analyses is such that it allows the use of convergence acceleration techniques for steady-state problems, as well as making it possible to simulate transient flows. A rapidly evaporating two-phase flow caused by spray of liquid nitrogen in gaseous nitrogen has been used as a test problem to demonstrate the computer code using this analysis.

Sabnis, J. S.↗

Human Factors Assessment of Vibration Effects on Visual Performance During Launch

The Human Factors Assessment of Vibration Effects on Visual Performance During Launch (Visual Performance) investigation will determine visual performance limits during operational vibration and g-loads on the Space Shuttle, specifically through the determination of minimum readable font size during ascent using planned Orion display formats. Research Summary: The aim of the Human Factors Assessment of Vibration Effects on Visual Performance during Launch (Visual Performance) investigation is to provide supplementary data to that collected by the Thrust Oscillation Seat Detailed Technical Objective (DTO) 695 (Crew Seat DTO) which will measure seat acceleration and vibration from one flight deck and two middeck seats during ascent. While the Crew Seat DTO data alone are important in terms of providing a measure of vibration and g-loading, human performance data are required to fully interpret the operational consequences of the vibration values collected during Space Shuttle ascent. During launch, crewmembers will be requested to view placards with varying font sizes and indicate the minimum readable size. In combination with the Crew Seat DTO, the Visual Performance investigation will: Provide flight-validated evidence that will be used to establish vibration limits for visual performance during combined vibration and linear g-loading. o Provide flight data as inputs to ongoing ground-based simulations, which will further validate crew visual performance under vibration loading in a controlled environment. o Provide vibration and performance metrics to help validate procedures for ground tests and analyses of seats, suits, displays and controls, and human-in-the-loop performance.

Kritina Holden↗

Active Sonic Boom Control

A theory and simulation code are developed to study nonsteady sources as means to control sonic booms of supersonic aircraft. A key result is that the source of sonic boom pressure is not confined to the length of the aircraft but occupies an extensive segment of flight path. An aircraft in nonsteady flight functions as a synthetic aperture antenna, generating complex acoustic waves with no simple relation to instantaneous volume or lift distributions. The theory applies linear acoustics to slender nonsteady sources but requires no far field approximation. The solution for pressure contains a term not seen in Whitham's theory for sonic booms of distant supersonic aircraft. The term describes a pressure field that decays algebraically behind the Mach cone and, in the case of steady flight, integrates to a ground load equal to the weight of the aircraft. The algebraic term is separate from those that describe the sonic boom. Two nonsteady source phenomena are evaluated: periodic velocity changes (surge), and periodic longitudinal lift redistribution (slosh). Surge can attenuate a sonic boom and convert it into prolonged weak reverberation, but accelerations needed to produce the phenomenon seem too large for practical use. Slosh may be practical and can alter sonic booms but does not, on the average, result in boom attenuation. The conclusion is that active sonic boom abatement is possible in theory but maybe not practical

Crow, Steven C.↗

Evaluation of Automotive Grade Resistors for Space Flight

Over the past decade, electronic, electrical, and electromechanical (EEE) parts for space applications have undergone significant changes, largely driven by CubeSat and commercial space developers pushing the boundaries on the utilization of commercial parts in space. Global product shortages and shipping delays are still impacting space flight project deadlines. Many projects have turned to automotive grade resistors as an alternate to their MILSPEC counterparts to fulfill requirements. In addition, automotive grade resistors may offer designers a wider range of parts to consider. A recent NASA study recommended the use of high-volume manufactured commercial components for space applications provided these components show evidence of stringent fabrication controls and thorough reliability monitoring practices. Automotive grade components have stringent qualification requirements per the Automotive Electronic Council (AEC). However, the end user usually does not have insight into the practices the manufacturer may use to reduce/eliminate infant mortality nor for compliance to all datasheet specifications. Screening, Life and Accelerated Life testing on a set of standard automotive-grade chip resistors is proposed to evaluate the reliability of these components. Requirements from both the AEC-Q (Automotive Electronic Council Qualification) and EEE-INST-002 (Instructions for EEE Parts Selection, Screening, Qualification, and Derating) for resistors is compared and discussed. The resistors have been tested by using a modified methodology from EEEINST-002 to evaluate their reliability for space flight projects. The findings of this study indicate that the underlying degradation mechanisms at rated temperature and power are best represented by power law models with a fitted exponent between 0 and 1. A linear model is more conservative which compensates for potential model uncertainty given the wide range of design and materials used in automotive resistors, while still providing useful long-term resistance drift estimates. No electrical anomalies or failures were observed throughout the 1000-hour Life Tests other than small in tolerance resistance drift aging. Degradation models were utilized to quantify and extrapolate the long-term resistance drift under operating conditions for the components. The models demonstrated that some automotive-grade resistors are likely to operate 10 years at nominal usage conditions while others might fail earlier.

Zainab Abdullahi↗

Type II Radio Bursts and Their Association With Coronal Mass Ejections in Solar Cycles 23 and 24

Context. Meter-wavelength type II solar radio bursts are thought to be the signatures of shock-accelerated electrons in the corona. Studying these bursts can give information about the initial kinematics, dynamics, and energetics of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in the absence of white-light observations. Aims. We investigate the occurrence of type II bursts in solar cycles 23 and 24 and their association with CMEs. We also explore whether type II bursts might occur in the absence of a CME. Methods. We performed a statistical analysis of type II bursts that occurred between 200 and 25 MHz in solar cycles 23 and 24 and determined the temporal association of these radio bursts with CMEs. We categorized the CMEs based on their linear speed and angular width and studied the distribution of type II bursts with fast (≥500 km s−1 ), slow (<500 km s−1), wide (≥60◦), and narrow (<60◦) CMEs. We explored the dependence of type II bursts occurrence on the phases of the solar cycle. Results. Our analysis shows that during solar cycles 23 and 24, 768 and 435 type II bursts occurred, respectively. Of these, 79% were associated with CMEs in solar cycle 23, and 95% were associated with CMEs in solar cycle 24. However, only 4% and 3% of the total number of CMEs were accompanied by type II bursts in solar cycle 23 and 24, respectively. Most of the type II bursts in both cycles were related to fast and wide CMEs (48%). We also determined the typical drift rate and duration for type II bursts, which is 0.06 MHz s−1 and 9 min. Our results suggest that type II bursts dominate at heights ≈1.7−2.3±0.3 R . A clear majority have an onset height around 1.7 ± 0.3 R assuming the four-fold Newkirk model. Conclusions. The results indicate that most of the type II bursts had a white-light CME counterpart, but a few type II bursts lacked a clear CME association. There were more CMEs in cycle 24 than in cycle 23. However, cycle 24 contained fewer type II radio bursts than cycle 23. The onset heights of type II bursts and their association with wide CMEs reported in this study indicate that the early lateral expansion of CMEs may play a key role in the generation of these radio bursts.

Sun: activity↗

Tests and analyses applicable to passenger ride quality of large transport aircraft

A test program was undertaken to determine airline passenger reaction to vibration environments that might be encountered in a supersonic transport or other large commercial jet aircraft. The principal problem addressed was to determine accelerations of vertical and lateral vibration that people find objectionable. Further questions experimentally posed were: (1) what is the relationship between human reactions to vertical and lateral vibration, (2) to single- and combined-frequency vibration, and (3) to single- and combined-axis vibration? Interest was confined to reactions to vibration in the frequency range of 0.20 to 7.0 Hz, a range typical of the vibration environment of a large airplane. Results indicated an increasing sensitivity to vertical vibration as frequency was increased from 1.0 to 7.0 Hz. Subjects were found most sensitive to lateral vibration in the 1.0 to 3.0 Hz range. There was a nearly linear decrease in sensitivity as frequency of lateral vibration was increased from 3.0 to 7.0 Hz.

Holloway, R. B.↗

Nature and the nonlinear evolution of electrostatic waves associated with the AMPTE solar wind releases

The nonlinear evolution of the electrostatic waves observed during the AMPTE (Active Magnetosphere Particle Tracer Explorers) solar wind releases is investigated. Previous linear studies indicate two distinct sets of instabilities may be responsible for the generation. One set consists of ion-acoustic type instabilities which are insensitive to the presence of a background magnetic field, while the other group corresponds to the modified two stream instabilities and requires the solar wind flow to be across the ambient magnetic field. To establish which set of instabilities is more viable a detailed linear Vlasov theory has been conducted by numerically solving the full electromagnetic dispersion relation. In addition both the plasma wave as well as the magnetic field measurements by the IRM (Ion Release Module) spacecraft were used to correlate the frequency and the power of the observed waves with the magnitude and the direction of the solar wind magnetic field. The results of these analyses indicate that the ion-acoustic type instabilities have growth rates that are an order of magnitude or more larger than those of the modified two stream instabilities. Results show that both the solar wind protons and the released ions may be heated and accelerated in the directions oblique to the solar wind flow velocity.

Omidi, N.↗

Evaluation of Automotive Grade Resistors for Space Flight

Over the past decade, electronic, electrical, and electromechanical (EEE) parts for space applications have undergone significant changes, largely driven by CubeSat and commercial space developers pushing the boundaries on the utilization of commercial parts in space. Global product shortages and shipping delays are still impacting space flight project deadlines. Many projects have turned to automotive grade resistors as an alternate to their MIL-SPEC counterparts to fulfill requirements. In addition, automotive grade resistors may offer designers a wider range of parts to consider. A recent NASA study recommended the use of high-volume manufactured commercial components for space applications provided these components show evidence of stringent fabrication controls and thorough reliability monitoring practices [1]. Automotive grade components have stringent qualification requirements per the Automotive Electronic Council (AEC). However, the end user usually does not have insight into the practices the manufacturer may use to reduce/eliminate infant mortality nor for compliance to all datasheet specifications. Screening, Life and Accelerated Life testing on a set of standard automotive-grade chip resistors is proposed to evaluate the reliability of these components. Requirements from both the AEC-Q (Automotive Electronic Council Qualification) and EEE-INST-002 (Instructions for EEE Parts Selection, Screening, Qualification, and Derating) for resistors is compared and discussed. The resistors have been tested by using a modified methodology from EEE-INST-002 to evaluate their reliability for space flight projects. The findings of this study indicate that the underlying degradation mechanisms at rated temperature and power are best represented by power law models with a fitted exponent between 0 and 1. A linear model is more conservative which compensates for potential model uncertainty given the wide range of design and materials used in automotive resistors, while still providing useful long-term resistance drift estimates. No electrical anomalies or failures were observed throughout the 1,000-hour Life Tests other than small in tolerance resistance drift aging. Degradation models were utilized to quantify and extrapolate the long-term resistance drift under operating conditions for the components. The models demonstrated that some automotive-grade resistors are likely to operate 10 years at nominal usage conditions while others might fail earlier.

Zainab Abdullahi↗

Polymers in solar energy utilization

A laser photoacoustic technique (LPAT) has been verified for performing accelerated life testing of outdoor photooxidation of polymeric materials used in solar energy applications. Samples of the material under test are placed in a chamber with a sensitive microphone, then exposed to chopped laser radiation. The sample absorbs the light and converts it to heat by a nonradiative deexcitation process, thereby reducing pressure fluctuations within the cell. The acoustic signal detected by the microphone is directly proportional to the amount of light absorbed by the specimen. Tests were performed with samples of ethylene/methylacrylate copolymer (EMA) reprecipitated from hot cyclohexane, compressed, and molded into thin (25-50 microns) films. The films were exposed outdoors and sampled by LPAT weekly. The linearity of the light absorbed with respect to the acoustic signal was verified.Correlations were established between the photoacoustic behavior of the materials aged outdoors and the same kinds of samples cooled and heated in a controlled environment reactor. The reactor tests were validated for predicting outdoor exosures up to 55 days.

Liang, R. H.↗

A highly parallel multigrid-like method for the solution of the Euler equations

We consider a highly parallel multigrid-like method for the solution of the two dimensional steady Euler equations. The new method, introduced as filtering multigrid, is similar to a standard multigrid scheme in that convergence on the finest grid is accelerated by iterations on coarser grids. In the filtering method, however, additional fine grid subproblems are processed concurrently with coarse grid computations to further accelerate convergence. These additional problems are obtained by splitting the residual into a smooth and an oscillatory component. The smooth component is then used to form a coarse grid problem (similar to standard multigrid) while the oscillatory component is used for a fine grid subproblem. The primary advantage in the filtering approach is that fewer iterations are required and that most of the additional work per iteration can be performed in parallel with the standard coarse grid computations. We generalize the filtering algorithm to a version suitable for nonlinear problems. We emphasize that this generalization is conceptually straight-forward and relatively easy to implement. In particular, no explicit linearization (e.g., formation of Jacobians) needs to be performed (similar to the FAS multigrid approach). We illustrate the nonlinear version by applying it to the Euler equations, and presenting numerical results. Finally, a performance evaluation is made based on execution time models and convergence information obtained from numerical experiments.

Tuminaro, Ray S.↗

High Performance Parallel Methods for Space Weather Simulations

This is the final report of our NASA AISRP grant entitled 'High Performance Parallel Methods for Space Weather Simulations'. The main thrust of the proposal was to achieve significant progress towards new high-performance methods which would greatly accelerate global MHD simulations and eventually make it possible to develop first-principles based space weather simulations which run much faster than real time. We are pleased to report that with the help of this award we made major progress in this direction and developed the first parallel implicit global MHD code with adaptive mesh refinement. The main limitation of all earlier global space physics MHD codes was the explicit time stepping algorithm. Explicit time steps are limited by the Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy (CFL) condition, which essentially ensures that no information travels more than a cell size during a time step. This condition represents a non-linear penalty for highly resolved calculations, since finer grid resolution (and consequently smaller computational cells) not only results in more computational cells, but also in smaller time steps.

Hunter, Paul↗