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At least 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2004

Software for Checking Statecharts

HiVy is a software tool set that enables verification through model checking of designs represented as finite-state machines or statecharts. HiVy provides automated translation of (1) statecharts created by use of the MathWorks Stateflow program to (2) Promela, the input language of the Spin model checker, which can then be used to verify, or trace logical errors in, distributed software systems. HiVy can operate directly on Stateflow models, or its abstract syntax of hierarchical sequential automata (HSA) can be used independently as an intermediate format for translation to Promela. In a typical design application, HiVy parses and reformats Stateflow model file data using the programs SfParse and sf2hsa, respectively. If the parsing effort is successful, an abstract syntax tree is delivered into a file named with the extension .hsa. If the design comprises several model files, they may be merged into one .hsa file before translation into Promela. Stateflow scope is preserved, and name clashes are avoided in the merge process. The HiVy program hsa2pr translates the model from the intermediate HSA format into Promela. Additionally, HiVy provides through translation a list of all statechart model propositions that are the means for formalizing linear temporal logic (LTL) properties about the model for Spin verification.

Pingree, Paula↗
NASA NTRS2001

Vorticity Transport and Wave Emission in the Protoplanetary Nebula

Higher order numerical algorithms (4th order in time, 3rd order in space) are applied to the Euler/Energy equations and are used to examine vorticity transport and wave motion in a non-self gravitating, initially isentropic Keplerian disk. In this talk we will examine the response of the nebula to an isolated vortex with a circulation about equal to the rotation rate of Jupiter. The vortex is located on the 4 AU circle and the nebula is simulated from 1 to 24 AU. We show that the vortex emits pressure-supported density and Rossby-type wave packets before it decays within a few orbits. The acoustic density waves evolve into weak (non entropy preserving) shock waves that propagate over the entire disk. The Rossby waves remain in the vicinity of the initial vortex disturbance, but are rapidly damped. Temporal frequencies and spatial wavenumbers are derived using the simulation data and compared with analytical dispersion relations from the linearized Euler/Energy equations.

Davis, S. S.↗
NASA NTRS1995

The tonotopic map in the embryonic chicken cochlea

The purpose of the present study was to determine the tonotopic map in the chicken cochlea at 19 days of incubation (E19) by obtaining characteristic frequencies (CFs) for primary afferents, labeling the characterized neurons, and documenting their projections to the papilla. The lowest and highest CFs recorded were 188 and 1623 Hz respectively. The embryonic tonotopic map coincided with maps reported for post-hatch chicks. There were no evidence that neurons selective to low frequencies project inappropriately to more basal locations of the embryonic papilla. Linear regression was used to estimate the frequency gradient (b = 0.037 +/- 0.012 In Hz/% [b +/- SEb]) and intercept (In C, where C = 111 Hz) of the semilog plot of frequency versus cochlear position (in % distance from apex). From these estimates the octave distribution was calculated to be 18.7%/octave or 0.58 mm/octave. These quantities were not significantly different from those found in post hatch chickens. We conclude that the tonotopic map of the avian cochlea for CFs between 100 and 1700 Hz is stable and relatively mature from age E19 to post-hatch day 21 (P21). The most striking sign of immaturity in the E19 embryo is the limited range of high CFs. We offer the hypothesis that, between the ages of E19 and P21, improvements in middle ear admittance alone or in combination with functional maturation of the cochlear base may be the principal factors responsible for the appearance of adult-like high CF limits and not an apically shifting tonotopic map.

NASA Discipline Neuroscience↗
NASA NTRS2002

Vorticity Transport and Wave Emission In A Protoplanetary Disk

Higher order numerical algorithms (4th order in time, 3rd order in space) are applied to the Euler equations and are used to examine vorticity transport and wave motion in a non-self gravitating, initially isentropic Keplerian disk. In this talk we will examine the response of the disk to an isolated vortex with a circulation about equal to the rotation rate of Jupiter. The vortex is located on the 4 AU circle and the nebula is simulated from 1 to 24 AU. We show that the vortex emits pressure-supported density and Rossby-type wave packets before it decays within a few orbits. The acoustic density waves evolve into weak (non entropy preserving) shock waves that propagate over the entire disk. The Rossby waves remain in the vicinity of the initial vortex disturbance, but are rapidly damped. Temporal frequencies and spatial wavenumbers are derived from the nonlinear simulation data and correlated with analytical dispersion relations from the linearized Euler and energy equations.

Davis, S. S.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Flow analysis of nozzle installations with strong airplane flow interactions

A numerical procedure has been developed to calculate the flow fields resulting from the viscous-inviscid interactions that occur when a strong jet exhaust and aircraft flow field coupling exists. The approach used in the current procedure is to divide the interaction region into zones which are either predominantly viscous or inviscid. The flow in the inviscid zone, which surrounds most of the aircraft, is calculated using an existing linearized potential flow code. The viscous flow zone, which encompasses the jet plume, is modeled using a parabolized Navier-Stokes code. The key feature of the present procedure is the coupling of the zonal solutions such that sufficient information is transferred between the zones to preserve the effects of the interactions. The zonal boundaries overlap with the boundary conditions being the information link between zones. An iteraction scheme iterates the coupled analysis until convergence has been obtained. The procedure has been successfully used for several test cases for which the computed results are presented.

Roberts, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Variable structure control of nonlinear systems through simplified uncertain models

A variable structure control approach is presented for the robust stabilization of feedback equivalent nonlinear systems whose proposed model lies in the same structural orbit of a linear system in Brunovsky's canonical form. An attempt to linearize exactly the nonlinear plant on the basis of the feedback control law derived for the available model results in a nonlinearly perturbed canonical system for the expanded class of possible equivalent control functions. Conservatism tends to grow as modeling errors become larger. In order to preserve the internal controllability structure of the plant, it is proposed that model simplification be carried out on the open-loop-transformed system. As an example, a controller is developed for a single link manipulator with an elastic joint.

Sira-Ramirez, Hebertt↗
NASA NTRS1994

Control strategies for systems with limited actuators

This work investigates the effects of actuator saturation in multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) control systems. The adverse system behavior introduced by the saturation nonlinearity is viewed here as resulting from two mechanisms: controller windup - a problem caused by the discrepancy between the limited actuator commands and the corresponding control signals, and directionality - the problem of how to use nonlimited actuators when a limited condition exists. The tracking mode and Hanus methods are two common strategies for dealing with the windup problem. It is seen that while these methods alleviate windup, performance problems remain due to plant directionality. Though high gain conventional antiwindup as well as more general linear methods have the potential to address both windup and directionality, no systematic design method for these schemes has emerged; most approaches used in practice are application driven. An alternative method of addressing the directionality problem is presented which involves the introduction of a control direction preserving nonlinearity to the Hanus antiwindup system. A nonlinearity is subsequently proposed which reduces the conservation inherent in the former direction-preserving approach, improving performance. The concept of multivariable sensitivity is seen to play a key role in the success of the new method.

Marcopoli, Vincent R.↗
NASA NTRS1994

A Fully Associative, Non-Linear Kinematic, Unified Viscoplastic Model for Titanium Based Matrices

Specific forms for both the Gibb's and complementary dissipation potentials are chosen such that a complete (i.e., fully associative) potential based multiaxial unified viscoplastic model is obtained. This model possesses one tensorial internal state variable that is associated with dislocation substructure, with an evolutionary law that has nonlinear kinematic hardening and both thermal and strain induced recovery mechanisms. A unique aspect of the present model is the inclusion of non-linear hardening through the use of a compliance operator, derived from the Gibb's potential, in the evolution law for the back stress. This non-linear tensorial operator is significant in that it allows both the flow and evolutionary laws to be fully associative (and therefore easily integrated) and greatly influences the multiaxial response under non-proportional loading paths. In addition to this nonlinear compliance operator, a new consistent, potential preserving, internal strain unloading criterion has been introduced to prevent abnormalities in the predicted stress-strain curves, which are present with nonlinear hardening formulations, during unloading and reversed loading of the external variables. Specification of an experimental program for the complete determination of the material functions and parameters for characterizing a metallic matrix, e.g., TIMETAL 21S, is given. The experiments utilized are tensile, creep, and step creep tests. Finally, a comparison of this model and a commonly used Bodner-Partom model is made on the basis of predictive accuracy and numerical efficiency.

Arnold, S. M.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Cryogenic Cooling for Myriad Applications-A STAR Is Born

Cryogenics, the science of generating extremely low temperatures, has wide applicability throughout NASA. The Agency employs cryogenics for rocket propulsion, high-pressure gas supply, breathable air in space, life support equipment, electricity, water, food preservation and packaging, medicine, imaging devices, and electronics. Cryogenic liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen systems are also replacing solid rocket motor propulsion systems in most of the proposed launch systems, a reversion to old-style liquid propellants. In the late 1980s, NASA wanted a compact linear alternator/motor with reduced size and mass, as well as high efficiency, that had unlimited service life for use in a thermally driven power generator for space power applications. Prior development work with free-piston Stirling converters (a Stirling engine integrated with a linear actuator that produces electrical power output) had shown the promise of that technology for high-power space applications. A dual use for terrestrial applications exists for compact Stirling converters for onsite combined heat and power units. The Stirling cycle is also usable in reverse as a refrigeration cycle suitable for cryogenic cooling, so this Stirling converter work promised double benefits as well as dual uses. The uses for cryogenic coolers within NASA abound; commercial applications are similarly wide-ranging, from cooling liquid oxygen and nitrogen, to cryobiology and bio-storage, cryosurgery, instrument and detector cooling, semiconductor manufacturing, and support service for cooled superconducting power systems.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1979

Serenitatis multi-ringed basin - Regional geology and basin ring interpretation

New topographic data allow a reassessment of the ring structure and distribution of facies of the Serenitatis basin (SB) and correlation with the younger and essentially same-size Orientale basin. Three major rings of the main (southern) SB are mapped: the Linne ring, outlined by mare ridges, average diameter 420 km; the Haemus ring, outlined by basin-facing scarps and massifs with crenulated borders, 610 km; and the Vitruvius ring, outlined by basin-facing linear scarps and massifs, 880 km. The second ring is interpreted as the rim of the transient cavity, while Serenitatis ejecta should be present in significant amounts at the junction of the Serenitatis and Imbrium third rings. The new reconstruction indicates that portions of the SB are better preserved than previously thought, consistent with recent stratigraphic and sample studies that suggest an age (as young as 3.87 plus or minus 0.04 b.y.) for SB which is older than, but close to, the time of formation of the Imbrium basin.

Head, J. W., III↗
NASA NTRS1981

Theory, computation, and application of exponential splines

A generalization of the semiclassical cubic spline known in the literature as the exponential spline is discussed. In actuality, the exponential spline represents a continuum of interpolants ranging from the cubic spline to the linear spline. A particular member of this family is uniquely specified by the choice of certain tension parameters. The theoretical underpinnings of the exponential spline are outlined. This development roughly parallels the existing theory for cubic splines. The primary extension lies in the ability of the exponential spline to preserve convexity and monotonicity present in the data. Next, the numerical computation of the exponential spline is discussed. A variety of numerical devices are employed to produce a stable and robust algorithm. An algorithm for the selection of tension parameters that will produce a shape preserving approximant is developed. A sequence of selected curve-fitting examples are presented which clearly demonstrate the advantages of exponential splines over cubic splines.

Mccartin, B. J.↗
NASA NTRS2002

A Two-Dimensional Linear Bicharacteristic FDTD Method

The linear bicharacteristic scheme (LBS) was originally developed to improve unsteady solutions in computational acoustics and aeroacoustics. The LBS has previously been extended to treat lossy materials for one-dimensional problems. It is a classical leapfrog algorithm, but is combined with upwind bias in the spatial derivatives. This approach preserves the time-reversibility of the leapfrog algorithm, which results in no dissipation, and it permits more flexibility by the ability to adopt a characteristic based method. The use of characteristic variables allows the LBS to include the Perfectly Matched Layer boundary condition with no added storage or complexity. The LBS offers a central storage approach with lower dispersion than the Yee algorithm, plus it generalizes much easier to nonuniform grids. It has previously been applied to two and three-dimensional free-space electromagnetic propagation and scattering problems. This paper extends the LBS to the two-dimensional case. Results are presented for point source radiation problems, and the FDTD algorithm is chosen as a convenient reference for comparison.

Beggs, John H.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Development of a Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (LITMS) Investigation for Future Planetary Surface Missions

Future surface missions to Mars and other planetary bodies will benefit from continued advances in miniature sensor and sample handling technologies that enable high-performance chemical analyses of natural samples. Fine-scale (approx.1 mm and below) analyses of rock surfaces and interiors, such as exposed on a drill core, will permit (1) the detection of habitability markers including complex organics in association with their original depositional environment, and (2) the characterization of successive layers and gradients that can reveal the time-evolution of those environments. In particular, if broad-based and highly-sensitive mass spectrometry techniques could be brought to such scales, the resulting planetary science capability would be truly powerful. The Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (LITMS) investigation is designed to conduct fine-scale organic and inorganic analyses of short (approx.5-10 cm) rock cores such as could be acquired by a planetary lander or rover arm-based drill. LITMS combines both pyrolysis/gas chromatograph mass spectrometry (GCMS) of sub-sampled core fines, and laser desorption mass spectrometry (LDMS) of the intact core surface, using a common mass analyzer, enhanced from the design used in the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) instrument on the 2018 ExoMars rover. LITMS additionally features developments based on the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) investigation on MSL and recent NASA-funded prototype efforts in laser mass spectrometry, pyrolysis, and precision subsampling. LITMS brings these combined capabilities to achieve its four measurement objectives: (1) Organics: Broad Survey Detect organic molecules over a wide range of molecular weight, volatility, electronegativity, concentration, and host mineralogy. (2) Organic: Molecular Structure Characterize internal molecular structure to identify individual compounds, and reveal functionalization and processing. (3) Inorganic Host Environment Assess the local chemical/mineralogical makeup of organic host phases to help determine deposition and preservation factors. (4) Chemical Stratigraphy Analyze the fine spatial distribution and variation of key species with depth.

Mars↗
NASA NTRS1982

Vortices in turbulence

Theoretical and experimental results of studies to determine the flow parameters and structures of plane mixing layers are reported. Smoke visualization, combined with hot-wire anemometry, sheets of laser light, and photography were used to gather data from the wall flow. The behavior of vortex rods was examined, noting that the rods persisted only if new vortex energy was supplied from the sublayer. A power spectral density was defined for the velocity fluctuations, as was a hierarchy of velocity scales for geometrically similar vortices. The length scale grows linearly with downstream distance, where the flow structures are fed by longitudinal vortices. A model is developed for vortex pairing in sequential order from the bottom of the mixing layer outward in a repetitive process involving vortex stretching. The model is actually a migration strategy that satisfies the flow self-preservation constraints.

Perry, A. E.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Geologic periodicities and the Galaxy

New geologic and astronomical developments are reviewed that have recently led to the proposal of various Galactic theories to explain the temporal pattern of impact craters on earth. Linear and harmonic time series analyses have revealed that two dominant periodicities about equal to 33 + or - 3 Myr and 260 + or - 25 Myr underlie the geologic record of terrestrial impact cratering and global tectonic phenomena. It is argued that purely terrestrial mechanisms cannot account for the cratering cycles as being preservational artifacts; cratering rather appears to influence tectonism, possibly through perturbations of mantle convection. Galactic models proposed to explain the two long-term periodicities are reviewed critically. The most likely explanation for the 33 Myr cycle involves the comparatively stable half period of vertical oscillation of the solar system about the Galactic plane. The 260 Myr cycle may be related to rare encounters with Galactic spiral arms during the revolution of the solar system around the Galactic center.

Rampino, Michael R.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Periodic Time-Domain Nonlocal Nonreflecting Boundary Conditions for Duct Acoustics

Periodic time-domain boundary conditions are formulated for direct numerical simulation of acoustic waves in ducts without flow. Well-developed frequency-domain boundary conditions are transformed into the time domain. The formulation is presented here in one space dimension and time; however, this formulation has an advantage in that its extension to variable-area, higher dimensional, and acoustically treated ducts is rigorous and straightforward. The boundary condition simulates a nonreflecting wave field in an infinite uniform duct and is implemented by impulse-response operators that are applied at the boundary of the computational domain. These operators are generated by convolution integrals of the corresponding frequency-domain operators. The acoustic solution is obtained by advancing the Euler equations to a periodic state with the MacCormack scheme. The MacCormack scheme utilizes the boundary condition to limit the computational space and preserve the radiation boundary condition. The success of the boundary condition is attributed to the fact that it is nonreflecting to periodic acoustic waves. In addition, transient waves can pass rapidly out of the solution domain. The boundary condition is tested for a pure tone and a multitone source in a linear setting. The effects of various initial conditions are assessed. Computational solutions with the boundary condition are consistent with the known solutions for nonreflecting wave fields in an infinite uniform duct.

Watson, Willie R.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Termination Proofs for String Rewriting Systems via Inverse Match-Bounds

Annotating a letter by a number, one can record information about its history during a reduction. A string rewriting system is called match-bounded if there is a global upper bound to these numbers. In earlier papers we established match-boundedness as a strong sufficient criterion for both termination and preservation of regular languages. We show now that the string rewriting system whose inverse (left and right hand sides exchanged) is match-bounded, also have exceptional properties, but slightly different ones. Inverse match-bounded systems effectively preserve context-free languages; their sets of normalized strings and their sets of immortal strings are effectively regular. These sets of strings can be used to decide the normalization, the termination and the uniform termination problems of inverse match-bounded systems. We also show that the termination problem is decidable in linear time, and that a certain strong reachability problem is deciable, thus solving two open problems of McNaughton's.

Butler, Ricky↗
NASA NTRS2019

Efficient and Robust Weighted Least-Squares Cell-Average Gradient Construction Methods for the Simulation of Scramjet Flows

The ability to solve the equations governing the hypersonic turbulent flow of a real gas on unstructured grids using a spatially-elliptic, 2nd-order accurate, cell-centered, finite-volume method has been recently implemented in the VULCAN-CFD code. The construction of cell-average gradients using a weighted linear least-squares method and the use of these gradients in the construction of the inviscid fluxes is the focus of this paper. A comparison of least-squares stencil construction methodologies is presented and approaches designed to minimize the number of cells used to augment/stabilize the least-squares stencil while preserving accuracy are explored. Due to our interest in hypersonic flow, a robust multidimensional cell-average gradient limiter procedure that is consistent with the stencil used to construct the cellaverage gradients is described. Canonical problems are computed to illustrate the challenges and investigate the accuracy, robustness and convergence behavior of the cell-average gradient methods on unstructured cell-centered finite-volume grids. Finally, thermally perfect, chemically frozen, Mach 7.8 turbulent flow of air through a scramjet engine flowpath is computed and compared with experimental data to demonstrate the robustness, accuracy and convergence behavior of the preferred gradient method for a realistic 3-D geometry on a non-hex-dominant grid.

White, Jeffery A.↗