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At least 1,153 records · Page 64
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1988

Multimission modular spacecraft (MMS)

This paper discusses the design requirements for the low-cost standard spacecraft development which has come to be known as the Multimission Modular Spacecraft (MMS). The paper presents the wide range of launch configurations of the MMS users, the population of programs using the MMS, and the cost effectiveness of the MMS concept. The paper addresses the in-orbit serviceability of the design as demonstrated by the successful SMM repair, and the recent selection of MMS for the Explorer Platform, which features in-orbit payload exchanges.

Falkenhayn, Edward, Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Use of the generalized transmission error in the equations of motion of gear systems

The vibratory excitation arising from a gear pair is widely recognized to be a consequence of the nonuniform transmission of motion by the gear pair. In the preceding paper in this issue, it is shown that a three-component transmission error is required to describe the nonuniform transmission of motion by bevel gears for vibration excitation characterization purposes. The expression for the three-component transmission error derived in that paper is combined in the present paper with an analysis of the mesh forces and mesh elasticity to yield an equation of constraint involving the six degree-of-freedom unknown vibratory displacements of the gear shaft centerliners, the three unknown components of the generalized force transmitted by the mesh, and the geometric deviations of the tooth running surfaces from perfect involute surfaces which are assumed known. This matrix equation can be combined with the equations of motion of a gear system to predict the vibratory response of the system to the generalized transmission error excitation arising from meshing gear pairs within the system.

Mark, W. D.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Temperature Dependence Of Elastic Constants Of Polymers

Two papers extend theory of elastic constants of disordered solids to finite temperatures below glass-transition temperatures. First paper, entitled "Elastic Constants of Disordered Solids II: Temperature Dependence," applies to cryogenic temperatures. Second paper, entitled "Theory of Thermoelastic Properties for Polymer Glasses," develops unified treatment for static compressional and elongational properties at temperatures up to glass-transition temperatures.

Simha, Robert↗
NASA NTRS1988

A summary of major activities of the UNH and NRL groups

The major activities of the SMM GRS team members at the University of New Hampshire and the Naval Research Laboratory since the last semi-annual report are summarized. An updated list of published papers and invited papers or contributed papers presented at scientific meetings is provided.

Chupp, E. L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The design of PC/MISI, a PC-based common user interface to remote information storage and retrieval systems. Presentation visuals

This Working Paper Series entry represents a collection of presentation visuals associated with the companion report entitled, The Design of PC/MISI, a PC-Based Common User Interface to Remote Information Storage and Retrieval Systems, USL/DBMS NASA/RECON Working Paper Series report number DBMS.NASA/RECON-15. The paper discusses the following: problem definition; the PC solution; the goals of system design; the design description; future considerations, the research environment; conclusions.

Dominick, Wayne D.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Integration of task level planning and diagnosis for an intelligent robot

The use of robots in the future must go beyond present applications and will depend on the ability of a robot to adapt to a changing environment and to deal with unexpected scenarios (i.e., picking up parts that are not exactly where they were expected to be). The objective of this research is to demonstrate the feasibility of incorporating high level planning into a robot enabling it to deal with anomalous situations in order to minimize the need for constant human instruction. The heuristics can be used by a robot to apply information about previous actions towards accomplishing future objectives more efficiently. The system uses a decision network that represents the plan for accomplishing a task. This enables the robot to modify its plan based on results of previous actions. The system serves as a method for minimizing the need for constant human instruction in telerobotics. This paper describes the integration of expert systems and simulation as a valuable tool that goes far beyond this project. Simulation can be expected to be used increasingly as both hardware and software improve. Similarly, the ability to merge an expert system with simulation means that we can add intelligence to the system. A malfunctioning space satellite is described. The expert system uses a series of heuristics in order to guide the robot to the proper location. This is part of task level planning. The final part of the paper suggests directions for future research. Having shown the feasibility of an expert system embedded in a simulation, the paper then discusses how the system can be integrated with the MSFC graphics system.

Gerstenfeld, Arthur↗
NASA NTRS1988

Flight Mechanics/Estimation Theory Symposium 1988

This conference publication includes 28 papers and abstracts presented at the Flight Mechanics/Estimation Theory Symposium on May 10 to 11, 1988. Sponsored by the Flight Dynamics Division of Goddard Space Flight Center, this symposium features technical papers on a wide range of issue related to orbit-attitude prediction, determination and control; attitude sensor calibration; attitude determination error analysis; attitude dynamics; and orbit decay and maneuver strategy. Government, industry, and the academic community participated in the preparation and presentation of these papers.

Stengle, Thomas↗
NASA NTRS1989

Discussion of turbulence modelling: Past and future

The full text of a paper presented at the Whither Turbulence Workshop (Cornell University, March 22-24, 1989) on past and future trends in turbulence modeling is provided. It is argued that Reynolds stress models are likely to remain the preferred approach for technological applications for at least the next few decades. In general agreement with the Launder position paper, it is further argued that among the variety of Reynolds stress models in use, second-order closures constitute by far the most promising approach. However, some needed improvements in the specification of the turbulent length scale are emphasized. The central points of the paper are illustrated by examples from homogeneous turbulence.

Speziale, Charles G.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Design principles of a cooperative robot controller

The paper describes the design of a controller for cooperative robots being designed at McGill University in a collaborative effort with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The first part of the paper discusses the background and motivation for multiple arm control. Then, a set of programming primitives, which are based on the RCCL system and which permit a programmer to specify cooperative tasks are described. The first group of primitives are motion primitives which specify asynchronous motions, master/slave motions, and cooperative motions. In the context of cooperative robots, trajectory generation issues will be discussed and the implementation described. A second set of primitives provides for the specification of spatial relationships. The relations between programming and control in the case of multiple robot are examined. Finally, the paper describes the allocation of various tasks among a set of microprocessors sharing a common bus.

Hayward, Vincent↗
NASA NTRS1988

Launch site payload ground support factors in Space Shuttle launch operations

This paper addresses several of the major factors in support of the Space Shuttle payload ground processing operations at the launch site. In particular, the factors of payload facility and transportation capabilities are addressed. The paper begins with an overview of payload ground processing. It discusses the specific facilities which support payload operations and outlines their roles in the activity. The transportation elements which are utilized at the launch site are then discussed. The paper concludes with a number of issues and concerns which impact the support of Shuttle payload ground processing.

Schuiling, Roelof L.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Novel tether-connected two-dimensional structures for low earth orbits

This paper proposes novel tether-connected two-dimensional structures with a size of several hundred square kilometers for low earth orbits. The attitude of these structures is gravitationally stabilized with respect to an earth-oriented reference frame. A stable shape is obtained by utilizing environmental forces such as differential air drag or electrodynamic forces which stiffen the system. Configurations which differ in geometry and in the number of connecting tethers are presented in the paper. The static stability of each configuration is analyzed as a function of design and orbital parameters. A brief discussion of the applications of such tethered systems is provided at the end of the paper.

Lorenzini, Enrico C.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Realizable feed-element patterns and optimum aperture efficiency in multibeam antenna systems

The results of an earlier paper by Rahmat-Samii et al. (1981), regarding realizable patterns from feed elements that are part of an array that feeds a reflector antenna, are extended. The earlier paper used a cos exp q theta model for the element radiation pattern, whereas here a parametric study is performed, using a model that assumes a central beam of cos exp q theta shape, with a constant sidelobe level outside the central beam. Realizable q-values are constrained by the maximum directivity based on feed element area. The optimum aperture efficiency (excluding array feed network losses) in an array-reflector system is evaluated as a function of element spacing using this model as well as the model of the earlier paper. Experimental data for tapered slot antenna (TSA) arrays are in agreement with the conclusions based on the model.

Yngvesson, K. S.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Hierarchical Poly Tree computer architectures defined by computational multidisciplinary mechanics

This paper will develop an alternative computer architecture called the Poly Tree. Based on the requirements of computational mechanics and the concept of hierarchical substructuring, the paper will explore the development of problem-dependent parallel networks of processors which will enable significant, often superlinear, speed enhancements; provide a logical/efficient framework for linear/nonlinear and transient structural mechanics problems; and provide a logical framework from which to apply model reduction procedures. In addition, the paper will explore optimal processor arrangements which define the overall system granularity. Consideration will also be given to system I/O requirements.

Padovan, Joe↗
NASA NTRS1990

First International Conference on Laboratory Research for Planetary Atmospheres

Proceedings of the First International Conference on Laboratory Research for Planetary Atmospheres are presented. The covered areas of research include: photon spectroscopy, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and charged particle interactions. This report contains the 12 invited papers, 27 contributed poster papers, and 5 plenary review papers presented at the conference. A list of attendees and a reprint of the Report of the Subgroup on Strategies for Planetary Atmospheres Exploration (SPASE) are provided in two appendices.

Fox, Kenneth↗
NASA NTRS1989

A computational system for a Mars rover

This paper presents an overview of an onboard computing system that can be used for meeting the computational needs of a Mars rover. The paper begins by presenting an overview of some of the requirements which are key factors affecting the architecture. The rest of the paper describes the architecture. Particular emphasis is placed on the criteria used in defining the system and how the system qualitatively meets the criteria.

Lambert, Kenneth E.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Artificial gravity for long duration spaceflight

This paper reviews the fundamental physical properties of gravitational and centrifugal forces, describes the physiological changes that result from long-term exposure to the nearly gravity-free environment of space, and explores the nature of these changes. The paper then cites currently employed and advanced techniques that can be used to prevent some of these changes. Following this review, the paper examines the potential use of artificial gravity as the ultimate technique to maintain terrestrial levels of physiological functioning in space, and indicates some of the critical studies that must be conducted and some of the trade-offs that must be made before artificial gravity can intelligently be used for long duration spaceflight.

Cohen, Malcolm M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Elimination of Gibbs' phenomena from error analysis of finite element results

This paper is one of a series on error analysis and correction of finite element solutions for plates and shells. The error analysis in the earlier papers used half-range double Fourier sine series for numerical harmonic analysis. The half-range formulas are simple to apply, but they can be inaccurate near the ends of the ranges of the independent variables. The Gibbs' phenomenon exhibited by half-range sine series in one independent variable has a two-dimensional analog; a classic example is the Navier solution in a double half-range sine series for the simply supported plate under a uniform load. A simple change of variables is introduced in the paper to improve the accuracy of the double Fourier sine series without adding complexity to the numerical analysis. The change of variables is applied to the problem of approximating a transverse load that is tabulated on a rectangular grid. A solution based on the change of variables is compared with results from the Navier solution for the simply supported plate problem and finite element results for the same problem.

Thurston, Gaylen A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

A flight-test methodology for identification of an aerodynamic model for a V/STOL aircraft

This paper describes a flight-test methodology for developing a data base to be used to identify an aerodynamic model of a V/STOL fighter aircraft. The aircraft serves as a test bed at NASA Ames for ongoing research in advanced V/STOL control and display concepts. The flight envelope to be modeled includes hover, transition to conventional flight and back to hover, STOL operation, and normal cruise. Although the aerodynamic model is highly nonlinear, it has been formulated to be linear in the parameters to be identified. Motivation for the flight-test methodology advocated in this paper is based on the choice of a linear least-squares method for model identification. The paper covers elements of the methodology from maneuver design to the completed data base. Major emphasis is placed on the use of state estimation with tracking data to ensure consistency among maneuver variables prior to their entry into the data base. The design and processing of a typical maneuver are illustrated.

Bach, R. E., Jr.↗