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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 1,279 records · Page 71
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1987

Expert systems tools for Hubble Space Telescope observation scheduling

This paper discusses the utility of expert systems techniques for Hubble Space Telescope (HST) planning and scheduling and describes a plan for development of expert system tools which will augment the existing ground system. Additional capabilities provided by these tools will include graphics-oriented plan evaluation, long-range analysis of the observation pool, analysis of optimal scheduling time intervals, constructing sequences of spacecraft activities which minimize operational overhead, and optimization of linkages between observations. Initial prototyping of a scheduler used the Automated Reasoning Tool running on a LISP workstation.

Miller, Glenn↗
NASA NTRS1989

Commercial Expert-System-Building Software Tools

Report evaluates commercially-available expert-system-building tools in terms of structures, representations of knowledge, inference mechanisms, interfaces with developers and end users, and capabilities of performing such functions as diagnosis and design. Software tools commercialized derivatives of artificial-intelligence systems developed by researchers at universities and research organizations. Reducing time to develop expert system by order of magnitude compared to that required with such traditional artificial development languages as LISP. Table lists 20 such tools, rating attributes as strong, fair, programmable by user, or having no capability in various criteria.

Gevarter, William B.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Expert systems tools for Hubble Space Telescope observation scheduling

The utility of expert systems techniques for the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) planning and scheduling is discussed and a plan for development of expert system tools which will augment the existing ground system is described. Additional capabilities provided by these tools will include graphics-oriented plan evaluation, long-range analysis of the observation pool, analysis of optimal scheduling time intervals, constructing sequences of spacecraft activities which minimize operational overhead, and optimization of linkages between observations. Initial prototyping of a scheduler used the Automated Reasoning Tool running on a LISP workstation.

Miller, Glenn↗
NASA NTRS1988

OEXP Analysis Tools Workshop

This publication summarizes the software needs and available analysis tools presented at the OEXP Analysis Tools Workshop held at the NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia on June 21 to 22, 1988. The objective of the workshop was to identify available spacecraft system (and subsystem) analysis and engineering design tools, and mission planning and analysis software that could be used for various NASA Office of Exploration (code Z) studies, specifically lunar and Mars missions.

Garrett, L. Bernard↗
NASA NTRS1989

A knowledge-based tool for multilevel decomposition of a complex design problem

Although much work has been done in applying artificial intelligence (AI) tools and techniques to problems in different engineering disciplines, only recently has the application of these tools begun to spread to the decomposition of complex design problems. A new tool based on AI techniques has been developed to implement a decomposition scheme suitable for multilevel optimization and display of data in an N x N matrix format.

Rogers, James L.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Automatic Calibration Of Manual Machine Tools

Modified scheme uses data from multiple positions and eliminates tedious positioning. Modification of computer program adapts calibration system for convenient use with manually-controlled machine tools. Developed for use on computer-controlled tools. Option added to calibration program allows data on random tool-axis positions to be entered manually into computer for reduction. Instead of setting axis to predetermined positions, operator merely sets it at variety of arbitrary positions.

Gurney, Rex D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Mechanized Fluid Connector And Assembly Tool

In new tool-and-connector system, necessary to have access to only one side of pipe, access offset from centerline. Connections made or broken in confined spaces and with small external forces. Tool turns spur gear on externally threaded retainer on left member of connector. Retainer engages nut on right member of connector. Intended for assembly of pipes in proposed Space Station, tool and fitting used on Earth to make or break plumbing connections in crowded utility runs or other confined spaces where wrenches cannot be turned, where forces exerted by wrenches might cause damage, or where lack of good grip prevents technician from exerting sufficient torque on connector.

Zentner, Ronald C.↗
NASA NTRS1990

ATS displays: A reasoning visualization tool for expert systems

Reasoning visualization is a useful tool that can help users better understand the inherently non-sequential logic of an expert system. While this is desirable in most all expert system applications, it is especially so for such critical systems as those destined for space-based operations. A hierarchical view of the expert system reasoning process and some characteristics of these various levels is presented. Also presented are Abstract Time Slice (ATS) displays, a tool to visualize the plethora of interrelated information available at the host inferencing language level of reasoning. The usefulness of this tool is illustrated with some examples from a prototype potable water expert system for possible use aboard Space Station Freedom.

Selig, William John↗
NASA NTRS1990

SPARSKIT: A basic tool kit for sparse matrix computations

Presented here are the main features of a tool package for manipulating and working with sparse matrices. One of the goals of the package is to provide basic tools to facilitate the exchange of software and data between researchers in sparse matrix computations. The starting point is the Harwell/Boeing collection of matrices for which the authors provide a number of tools. Among other things, the package provides programs for converting data structures, printing simple statistics on a matrix, plotting a matrix profile, and performing linear algebra operations with sparse matrices.

Saad, Youcef↗
NASA NTRS1992

Precise Countersinking Tool

Tool countersinks holes precisely with only portable drill; does not require costly machine tool. Replaceable pilot stub aligns axis of tool with centerline of hole. Ensures precise cut even with imprecise drill. Designed for relatively low cutting speeds.

Jenkins, Eric S.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Alignment Tool For Welding Sensor

Alignment tool enables accurate positioning of optoelectronic sensor measuring weld penetration. Designed for use on tungsten/inert-gas welding apparatus, used to adjust position of sensor so photodiode puts out maximum signal. Tangs of slotted cap bent slightly inward to provide spring force holding cap snugly on sensor mount. Tool installed and removed without aid of other tools. Length of pointer adjusted with set-screws. Used with variety of gas cup and electrode lengths.

Gilbert, Jeffrey L.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Mechanized fluid connector and assembly tool system with ball detents

A fluid connector system is disclosed which includes a modified plumbing union having a rotatable member for drawing said union into a fluid tight condition. A drive tool is electric motor actuated and includes a reduction gear train providing an output gear engaging an integral peripheral spur gear on the rotatable member. Coaxial alignment means are attached to both the connector assembly and the drive tool. A hand lever actuated latching system includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced latching balls selectively wedged against the alignment means attached to the connector assembly or to secure the drive tool with its output gear in mesh with the integral peripheral spur gear. The drive motor is torque, speed, and direction controllable.

Zentner, Ronald C.↗
NASA NTRS1991

User's manual for tooth contact analysis of face-milled spiral bevel gears with given machine-tool settings

Research was performed to develop a computer program that will: (1) simulate the meshing and bearing contact for face milled spiral beval gears with given machine tool settings; and (2) to obtain the output, some of the data is required for hydrodynamic analysis. It is assumed that the machine tool settings and the blank data will be taken from the Gleason summaries. The theoretical aspects of the program are based on 'Local Synthesis and Tooth Contact Analysis of Face Mill Milled Spiral Bevel Gears'. The difference between the computer programs developed herein and the other one is as follows: (1) the mean contact point of tooth surfaces for gears with given machine tool settings must be determined iteratively, while parameters (H and V) are changed (H represents displacement along the pinion axis, V represents the gear displacement that is perpendicular to the plane drawn through the axes of the pinion and the gear of their initial positions), this means that when V differs from zero, the axis of the pionion and the gear are crossed but not intersected; (2) in addition to the regular output data (transmission errors and bearing contact), the new computer program provides information about the contacting force for each contact point and the sliding and the so-called rolling velocity. The following topics are covered: (1) instructions for the users as to how to insert the input data; (2) explanations regarding the output data; (3) numerical example; and (4) listing of the program.

Litvin, Faydor L.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Testing validation tools on CLIPS-based expert systems

The Expert Systems Validation Associate (EVA) is a validation system which was developed at the Lockheed Software Technology Center and Artificial Intelligence Center between 1986 and 1990. EVA is an integrated set of generic tools to validate any knowledge-based system written in any expert system shell such as C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS), ART, OPS5, KEE, and others. Many validation tools have been built in the EVA system. In this paper, we describe the testing results of applying the EVA validation tools to the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) Fault Diagnosis, Isolation, and Reconfiguration (FDIR) expert system, written in CLIPS, obtained from the NASA Johnson Space Center.

Chang, C. L.↗
NASA NTRS1991

CLIPS: An expert system building tool

The C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) is an expert system building tool, which provides a complete environment for the development and delivery of rule and/or object based expert systems. CLIPS was specifically designed to provide a low cost option for developing and deploying expert system applications across a wide range of hardware platforms. The commercial potential of CLIPS is vast. Currently, CLIPS is being used by over 3,300 individuals throughout the public and private sector. Because the CLIPS source code is readily available, numerous groups have used CLIPS as a basis for their own expert system tools. To date, three commercially available tools have been derived from CLIPS. In general, the development of CLIPS has helped to improve the ability to deliver expert system technology throughout the public and private sectors for a wide range of applications and diverse computing environments.

Riley, Gary↗
NASA NTRS1991

Instrumentation, performance visualization, and debugging tools for multiprocessors

The need for computing power has forced a migration from serial computation on a single processor to parallel processing on multiprocessor architectures. However, without effective means to monitor (and visualize) program execution, debugging, and tuning parallel programs becomes intractably difficult as program complexity increases with the number of processors. Research on performance evaluation tools for multiprocessors is being carried out at ARC. Besides investigating new techniques for instrumenting, monitoring, and presenting the state of parallel program execution in a coherent and user-friendly manner, prototypes of software tools are being incorporated into the run-time environments of various hardware testbeds to evaluate their impact on user productivity. Our current tool set, the Ames Instrumentation Systems (AIMS), incorporates features from various software systems developed in academia and industry. The execution of FORTRAN programs on the Intel iPSC/860 can be automatically instrumented and monitored. Performance data collected in this manner can be displayed graphically on workstations supporting X-Windows. We have successfully compared various parallel algorithms for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applications in collaboration with scientists from the Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation Systems Division. By performing these comparisons, we show that performance monitors and debuggers such as AIMS are practical and can illuminate the complex dynamics that occur within parallel programs.

Yan, Jerry C.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Design, development, and fabrication of extravehicular activity tools for the transfer orbit stage

Seven extravehicular activity (EVA) tools and a tool carrier have been designed and developed by MSFC in order to provide a two fault tolerant system for the transfer orbit stage (TOS) shuttle mission. The TOS is an upper stage booster for delivering payloads to orbits higher than the shuttle can achieve. Payloads are required not to endanger the shuttle even after two failures have occurred. The Airborne Support Equipment (ASE), used in restraining and deploying TOS, does not meet this criteria. The seven EVA tools designed will provide the required redundancy with no impact to the TOS hardware.

Albritton, L. M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Automatic differentiation as a tool in engineering design

Automatic Differentiation (AD) is a tool that systematically implements the chain rule of differentiation to obtain the derivatives of functions calculated by computer programs. AD is assessed as a tool for engineering design. The forward and reverse modes of AD, their computing requirements, as well as approaches to implementing AD are discussed. The application of two different tools to two medium-size structural analysis problems to generate sensitivity information typically necessary in an optimization or design situation is also discussed. The observation is made that AD is to be preferred to finite differencing in most cases, as long as sufficient computer storage is available; in some instances, AD may be the alternative to consider in lieu of analytical sensitivity analysis.

Barthelemy, Jean-Francois↗