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At least 1,261 records · Page 70
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NASA NTRS1993

Multi-window spectrum estimation - A linear algebraic approach

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the multi-window method for spectral estimation and sinusoid detection. The multi-window method, devised by D.J. Thomson, has many features that distinguish it from other spectrum estimation techniques. It has an elegant derivation, starting from first principles and using optimality arguments. It lends itself to performance analysis and provides a built-in measure of its reliability. In contrast to Thomson's integral equation derivation, we use linear algebraic methods both to treat the problem and to develop the solution. In addition to the tutorial, we present an overview of published generalizations and analyses of the method.

Onn, Ruth↗
NASA NTRS1994

Evaluating Multi-Input/Multi-Output Digital Control Systems

Controller-performance-evaluation (CPE) methodology for multi-input/multi-output (MIMO) digital control systems developed. Procedures identify potentially destabilizing controllers and confirm satisfactory performance of stabilizing ones. Methodology generic and used in many types of multi-loop digital-controller applications, including digital flight-control systems, digitally controlled spacecraft structures, and actively controlled wind-tunnel models. Also applicable to other complex, highly dynamic digital controllers, such as those in high-performance robot systems.

Pototzky, Anthony S.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Visualization techniques to aid in the analysis of multi-spectral astrophysical data sets

The goal of this project was to support the scientific analysis of multi-spectral astrophysical data by means of scientific visualization. Scientific visualization offers its greatest value if it is not used as a method separate or alternative to other data analysis methods but rather in addition to these methods. Together with quantitative analysis of data, such as offered by statistical analysis, image or signal processing, visualization attempts to explore all information inherent in astrophysical data in the most effective way. Data visualization is one aspect of data analysis. Our taxonomy as developed in Section 2 includes identification and access to existing information, preprocessing and quantitative analysis of data, visual representation and the user interface as major components to the software environment of astrophysical data analysis. In pursuing our goal to provide methods and tools for scientific visualization of multi-spectral astrophysical data, we therefore looked at scientific data analysis as one whole process, adding visualization tools to an already existing environment and integrating the various components that define a scientific data analysis environment. As long as the software development process of each component is separate from all other components, users of data analysis software are constantly interrupted in their scientific work in order to convert from one data format to another, or to move from one storage medium to another, or to switch from one user interface to another. We also took an in-depth look at scientific visualization and its underlying concepts, current visualization systems, their contributions, and their shortcomings. The role of data visualization is to stimulate mental processes different from quantitative data analysis, such as the perception of spatial relationships or the discovery of patterns or anomalies while browsing through large data sets. Visualization often leads to an intuitive understanding of the meaning of data values and their relationships by sacrificing accuracy in interpreting the data values. In order to be accurate in the interpretation, data values need to be measured, computed on, and compared to theoretical or empirical models (quantitative analysis). If visualization software hampers quantitative analysis (which happens with some commercial visualization products), its use is greatly diminished for astrophysical data analysis. The software system STAR (Scientific Toolkit for Astrophysical Research) was developed as a prototype during the course of the project to better understand the pragmatic concerns raised in the project. STAR led to a better understanding on the importance of collaboration between astrophysicists and computer scientists.

Brugel, Edward W.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Efficient simulation of incompressible viscous flow over multi-element airfoils

The incompressible, viscous, turbulent flow over single and multi-element airfoils is numerically simulated in an efficient manner by solving the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. The solution algorithm employs the method of pseudo compressibility and utilizes an upwind differencing scheme for the convective fluxes, and an implicit line-relaxation scheme. The motivation for this work includes interest in studying high-lift take-off and landing configurations of various aircraft. In particular, accurate computation of lift and drag at various angles of attack up to stall is desired. Two different turbulence models are tested in computing the flow over an NACA 4412 airfoil; an accurate prediction of stall is obtained. The approach used for multi-element airfoils involves the use of multiple zones of structured grids fitted to each element. Two different approaches are compared; a patched system of grids, and an overlaid Chimera system of grids. Computational results are presented for two-element, three-element, and four-element airfoil configurations. Excellent agreement with experimental surface pressure coefficients is seen. The code converges in less than 200 iterations, requiring on the order of one minute of CPU time on a CRAY YMP per element in the airfoil configuration.

Rogers, Stuart E.↗
NASA NTRS1993

A multi-level solution algorithm for steady-state Markov chains

A new iterative algorithm, the multi-level algorithm, for the numerical solution of steady state Markov chains is presented. The method utilizes a set of recursively coarsened representations of the original system to achieve accelerated convergence. It is motivated by multigrid methods, which are widely used for fast solution of partial differential equations. Initial results of numerical experiments are reported, showing significant reductions in computation time, often an order of magnitude or more, relative to the Gauss-Seidel and optimal SOR algorithms for a variety of test problems. The multi-level method is compared and contrasted with the iterative aggregation-disaggregation algorithm of Takahashi.

Horton, Graham↗
NASA NTRS1992

Multi-access laser communications terminal

The Optical Multi-Access (OMA) Terminal is capable of establishing up to six simultaneous high-data-rate communication links between low-Earth-orbit satellites and a host satellite at synchronous orbit with only one 16-inch-diameter antenna on the synchronous satellite. The advantage over equivalent RF systems in space weight, power, and swept volume is great when applied to NASA satellite communications networks. A photograph of the 3-channel prototype constructed under the present contract to demonstrate the feasibility of the concept is presented. The telescope has a 10-inch clear aperture and a 22 deg full field of view. It consists of 4 refractive elements to achieve a telecentric focus, i.e., the focused beam is normal to the focal plane at all field angles. This feature permits image pick-up optics in the focal plane to track satellite images without tilting their optic axes to accommodate field angle. The geometry of the imager-pick-up concept and the coordinate system of the swinging arm and disk mechanism for image pick-up are shown. Optics in the arm relay the telescope focus to a communications and tracking receiver and introduce the transmitted beacon beam on a path collinear with the receive path. The electronic circuits for the communications and tracking receivers are contained on the arm and disk assemblies and relay signals to an associated PC-based operator's console for control of the arm and disk motor drive through a flexible cable which permits +/- 240 deg travel for each arm and disk assembly. Power supplies and laser transmitters are mounted in the cradle for the telescope. A single-mode fiber in the cable is used to carry the laser transmitter signal to the arm optics. The promise of the optical multi-access terminal towards which the prototype effort worked is shown. The emphasis in the prototype development was the demonstration of the unique aspect of the concept, and where possible, cost avoidance compromises were implemented in areas already proven on other programs. The design details are described in section 2, the prototype test results in section 3, additional development required in section 4, and conclusions in section 5.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1993

Prediction of leading-edge transition and relaminarization phenomena on a subsonic multi-element high-lift system

Boundary-layer transition and relaminarization may have a critical effect on the flow development about multi-element high-lift systems of subsonic transport jets with swept wings. The purpose of the research is to study these transition phenomena in the leading-edge region of the various elements of a high-lift system. The flow phenomena studied include transition to the attachment-line flow, relaminarization, and crossflow instability, and transition. The calculations are based on pressure distributions measured in flight on the NASA Transport Systems Research Vehicle (Boeing 737-100) at a wing station where the flow approximated infinite swept wing conditions. The results indicate that significant regions of laminar flow can exist on all flap elements in flight. In future flight experiments (planned for January-February, 1994) the extent of these regions, the transition mechanisms and the effect of laminar flow on the high-lift characteristics of the multi-element system will be further explored.

Vandam, C. P.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Icing Test Results on an Advanced Two-Dimensional High-Lift Multi-Element Airfoil

An experimental study has been conducted to investigate ice accretions on a high-lift, multi-element airfoil in the Icing Research Tunnel at the NASA Lewis Research Center. The airfoil is representative of an advanced transport wing design. The experimental work was conducted as part of a cooperative program between McDonnell Douglas Aerospace and the NASA Lewis Research Center to improve current understanding of ice accretion characteristics on the multi-element airfoil. The experimental effort also provided ice shapes for future aerodynamic tests at flight Reynolds numbers to ascertain high-lift performance effects. Ice shapes documented for a landing configuration over a variety of icing conditions are presented along with analyses.

Shin, Jaiwon↗
NASA NTRS1994

Evaluation of a Multi-kw, High Frequency Transformer for Space Applications

Various NASA studies have shown that high power (multi-kW and higher) electrical systems for various aerospace applications favor high frequency distribution systems, due to the improved safety and weight factors associated with those systems. Other favorable characteristics include low EMI, minimal wiring and ease of system parameter sensing and control of a single phase system. In aerospace power systems, as in terrestrial AC distribution systems, transformers are needed to provide voltage changes, isolation and the resetting of ground. Under NASA contract NAS3-21948 a multi-kW high frequency transformer was designed, fabricated and tested by Thermal Technology Lab, Inc. of Buffalo, New York. 'The goals of this program included the determination of the relationships between transformer weight, efficiency and operating frequency; low internal temperatures and reduced specific weight; and the validation of these new design concepts through experimentation and the fabrication and testing of transformers and their insulation systems.' The transformer was delivered to NASA-Lewis, where an evaluation program was conducted in Lewis' High Power High Frequency Component Test Facility. The transformer was tested in both atmosphere and under vacuum conditions. This paper will discuss the design of the transformer, the evaluation program and test results, the failures experienced and conclusions.

Roth, Mary Ellen↗
NASA NTRS1991

Interface behavior of a multi-layer fluid configuration subject to acceleration in a microgravity environment, supplement 1

With the increasing opportunities for research in a microgravity environment, there arises a need for understanding fluid mechanics under such conditions. In particular, a number of material processing configurations involve fluid-fluid interfaces which may experience instabilities in the presence of external forcing. In a microgravity environment, these accelerations may be periodic or impulse-type in nature. This research investigates the behavior of a multi-layer idealized fluid configuration which is infinite in extent. The analysis is linear, and each fluid region is considered inviscid, incompressible, and immiscible. An initial parametric study of confiquration stability in the presence of a constant acceleration field is performed. The zero mean gravity limit case serves as the base state for the subsequent time-dependent forcing cases. A stability analysis of the multi-layer fluid system in the presence of periodic forcing is investigated. Floquet theory is utilized. A parameter study is performed, and regions of stability are identified. For the impulse-type forcing case, asymptotic stability is established for the configuration. Using numerical integration, the time response of the interfaces is determined.

Lyell, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Vista/F-16 Multi-Axis Thrust Vectoring (MATV) control law design and evaluation

For the Multi-Axis Thrust Vectoring (MATV) program, a new control law was developed using multi-axis thrust vectoring to augment the aircraft's aerodynamic control power to provide maneuverability above the normal F-16 angle of attack limit. The control law architecture was developed using Lockheed Fort Worth's offline and piloted simulation capabilities. The final flight control laws were used in flight test to demonstrate tactical benefits gained by using thrust vectoring in air-to-air combat. Differences between the simulator aerodynamics data base and the actual aircraft aerodynamics led to significantly different lateral-directional flying qualities during the flight test program than those identified during piloted simulation. A 'dial-a-gain' flight test control law update was performed in the middle of the flight test program. This approach allowed for inflight optimization of the aircraft's flying qualities. While this approach is not preferred over updating the simulator aerodynamic data base and then updating the control laws, the final selected gain set did provide adequate lateral-directional flying qualities over the MATV flight envelope. The resulting handling qualities and the departure resistance of the aircraft allowed the 422nd_squadron pilots to focus entirely on evaluating the aircraft's tactical utility.

Zwerneman, W. D.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Circuit for high resolution decoding of multi-anode microchannel array detectors

A circuit for high resolution decoding of multi-anode microchannel array detectors consisting of input registers accepting transient inputs from the anode array; anode encoding logic circuits connected to the input registers; midpoint pipeline registers connected to the anode encoding logic circuits; and pixel decoding logic circuits connected to the midpoint pipeline registers is described. A high resolution algorithm circuit operates in parallel with the pixel decoding logic circuit and computes a high resolution least significant bit to enhance the multianode microchannel array detector's spatial resolution by halving the pixel size and doubling the number of pixels in each axis of the anode array. A multiplexer is connected to the pixel decoding logic circuit and allows a user selectable pixel address output according to the actual multi-anode microchannel array detector anode array size. An output register concatenates the high resolution least significant bit onto the standard ten bit pixel address location to provide an eleven bit pixel address, and also stores the full eleven bit pixel address. A timing and control state machine is connected to the input registers, the anode encoding logic circuits, and the output register for managing the overall operation of the circuit.

Kasle, David B.↗
NASA NTRS1995

A grid generation system for multi-disciplinary design optimization

A general multi-block three-dimensional volume grid generator is presented which is suitable for Multi-Disciplinary Design Optimization. The code is timely, robust, highly automated, and written in ANSI 'C' for platform independence. Algebraic techniques are used to generate and/or modify block face and volume grids to reflect geometric changes resulting from design optimization. Volume grids are generated/modified in a batch environment and controlled via an ASCII user input deck. This allows the code to be incorporated directly into the design loop. Generated volume grids are presented for a High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) Wing/Body geometry as well a complex HSCT configuration including horizontal and vertical tails, engine nacelles and pylons, and canard surfaces.

Jones, William T.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Automatic multi-block grid generation for high-lift configuration wings

A new method for automatic multi-block grid generation is described. The method combines the Modified Advancing Front Method as a Predictor with an elliptic scheme as a corrector. It advances a collection of cells by one cell height in the outward direction using Modified Advancing Front Method, and then corrects newly-obtained cell positions by solving elliptic equations. This predictor-corrector type scheme is repeatedly applied until the field of interest is filled with hexahedral grid cells. Given the configuration surface grid, the scheme produces block layouts as well as grid cells with overall smoothness as its output. The present method saves human-time and reduces the burden on the user in generating grids for general 3-D configurations. It was used to generate multi-block grids for wings in their high-lift configuration.

Kim, Byoungsoo↗
NASA NTRS1993

Multi-layer holographic bifurcative neural network system for real-time adaptive EOS data analysis

Optical data processing techniques have the inherent advantage of high data throughout, low weight and low power requirements. These features are particularly desirable for onboard spacecraft in-situ real-time data analysis and data compression applications. the proposed multi-layer optical holographic neural net pattern recognition technique will utilize the nonlinear photorefractive devices for real-time adaptive learning to classify input data content and recognize unexpected features. Information can be stored either in analog or digital form in a nonlinear photofractive device. The recording can be accomplished in time scales ranging from milliseconds to microseconds. When a system consisting of these devices is organized in a multi-layer structure, a feedforward neural net with bifurcating data classification capability is formed. The interdisciplinary research will involve the collaboration with top digital computer architecture experts at the University of Southern California.

Liu, Hua-Kuang↗
NASA NTRS1993

Multi-resolution analysis for ENO schemes

Given a function u(x) which is represented by its cell-averages in cells which are formed by some unstructured grid, we show how to decompose the function into various scales of variation. This is done by considering a set of nested grids in which the given grid is the finest, and identifying in each locality the coarsest grid in the set from which u(x) can be recovered to a prescribed accuracy. We apply this multi-resolution analysis to Essentially Non-oscillatory Schemes (ENO) schemes in order to reduce the number of numerical flux computations which is needed in order to advance the solution by one time-step. This is accomplished by decomposing the numerical solution at the beginning of each time-step into levels of resolution, and performing the computation in each locality at the appropriate coarser grid. We present an efficient algorithm for implementing this program in the one-dimensional case; this algorithm can be extended to the multi-dimensional case with cartesian grids.

Harten, Ami↗
NASA NTRS1995

A structured multi-block solution-adaptive mesh algorithm with mesh quality assessment

The dynamic solution adaptive grid algorithm, DSAGA3D, is extended to automatically adapt 2-D structured multi-block grids, including adaption of the block boundaries. The extension is general, requiring only input data concerning block structure, connectivity, and boundary conditions. Imbedded grid singular points are permitted, but must be prevented from moving in space. Solutions for workshop cases 1 and 2 are obtained on multi-block grids and illustrate both increased resolution of and alignment with the solution. A mesh quality assessment criteria is proposed to determine how well a given mesh resolves and aligns with the solution obtained upon it. The criteria is used to evaluate the grid quality for solutions of workshop case 6 obtained on both static and dynamically adapted grids. The results indicate that this criteria shows promise as a means of evaluating resolution.

Ingram, Clint L.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Multi-dimensional MHD simple waves

In this paper we consider a formalism for multi-dimensional simple MHD waves using ideas developed by Boillat. For simple wave solutions one assumes that all the physical variables (the density rho, gas pressure p, fluid velocity V, gas entropy S, and magnetic induction B in the MHD case) depend on a single phase function phi(r,t). The simple wave solution ansatz and the MHD equations then require that the phase function has the form phi = r x n(phi) - lambda(phi)t, where = n(phi) = Delta phi / (absolute value of Delta phi) is the wave normal and lambda(phi) = omega/k = -phi t / (absolute value of Delta phi) is the normal speed of the wave front. The formalism allows for more general simple waves than that usually dealt with in which n(phi) is a constant unit vector that does not vary along the wave front. The formalism has implications for shock formation for multi-dimensional waves.

Webb, G. M.↗