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At least 1,297 records · Page 72

Piecewise linear approximation for hereditary control problems

Finite dimensional approximations are presented for linear retarded functional differential equations by use of discontinuous piecewise linear functions. The approximation scheme is applied to optimal control problems when a quadratic cost integral has to be minimized subject to the controlled retarded system. It is shown that the approximate optimal feedback operators converge to the true ones both in case the cost integral ranges over a finite time interval as well as in the case it ranges over an infinite time interval. The arguments in the latter case rely on the fact that the piecewise linear approximations to stable systems are stable in a uniform sense. This feature is established using a vector-component stability criterion in the state space R(n) x L(2) and the favorable eigenvalue behavior of the piecewise linear approximations.

Propst, Georg↗

The response of a laminar boundary layer in supersonic flow to small amplitude progressive waves

The effect of a small amplitude progressive wave on the laminar boundary layer on a semi-infinite flat plate, due to a uniform supersonic freestream flow, is considered. The perturbation to the flow divides into two streamwise zones. In the first, relatively close to the leading edge of the plate, on a transverse scale comparable to the boundary layer thickness, the perturbation flow is described by a form of the unsteady linearized compressible boundary layer equations. In the freestream, this component of flow is governed by the wave equation, the solution of which provides the outer velocity conditions for the boundary layer. This system is solved numerically, and also the asymptotic structure in the far downstream limit is studied. This reveals a breakdown and a subsequent second streamwise zone, where the flow disturbance is predominantly inviscid. The two zones are shown to match in a proper asymptotic sense.

Duck, Peter W.↗

Computing Linear Mathematical Models Of Aircraft

Derivation and Definition of Linear Aircraft Model (LINEAR) computer program provides user with powerful, and flexible, standard, documented, and verified software tool for linearization of mathematical models of aerodynamics of aircraft. Intended for use in software tool to drive linear analysis of stability and design of control laws for aircraft. Capable of both extracting such linearized engine effects as net thrust, torque, and gyroscopic effects, and including these effects in linear model of system. Designed to provide easy selection of state, control, and observation variables used in particular model. Also provides flexibility of allowing alternate formulations of both state and observation equations. Written in FORTRAN.

Duke, Eugene L.↗

Theory of finite disturbances in a centrifugal compression system with a vaneless radial diffuser

A previous small perturbation analysis of circumferential waves in circumferential compression systems, assuming inviscid flow, is shown to be consistent with observations that narrow diffusers are more stable than wide ones, when boundary layer displacement effect is included. The Moore-Greitzer analysis for finite strength transients containing both surge and rotating stall in axial machines is adapted for a centrifugal compression system. Under certain assumptions, and except for a new second order swirl, the diffuser velocity field, including resonant singularities, can be carried over from the previous inviscid linear analysis. Nonlinear transient equations are derived and applied in a simple example to show that throttling through a resonant value of flow coefficient must occur in a sudden surge-like drop, accompanied by a transient rotating wave. This inner solution is superseded by an outer surge response on a longer time scale. Surge may occur purely as result of circumferential wave resonance. Numerical results are shown for various parametric choices relating to throttle schedule and the characteristic slope. A number of circumferential modes considered simultaneously is briefly discussed.

Moore, F. K.↗

Attitude Determination Error Analysis System (ADEAS) mathematical specifications document

The mathematical specifications of Release 4.0 of the Attitude Determination Error Analysis System (ADEAS), which provides a general-purpose linear error analysis capability for various spacecraft attitude geometries and determination processes, are presented. The analytical basis of the system is presented. The analytical basis of the system is presented, and detailed equations are provided for both three-axis-stabilized and spin-stabilized attitude sensor models.

Nicholson, Mark↗

A homotopy algorithm for digital optimal projection control GASD-HADOC

The linear-quadratic-gaussian (LQG) compensator was developed to facilitate the design of control laws for multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) systems. The compensator is computed by solving two algebraic equations for which standard closed-loop solutions exist. Unfortunately, the minimal dimension of an LQG compensator is almost always equal to the dimension of the plant and can thus often violate practical implementation constraints on controller order. This deficiency is especially highlighted when considering control-design for high-order systems such as flexible space structures. This deficiency motivated the development of techniques that enable the design of optimal controllers whose dimension is less than that of the design plant. A homotopy approach based on the optimal projection equations that characterize the necessary conditions for optimal reduced-order control. Homotopy algorithms have global convergence properties and hence do not require that the initializing reduced-order controller be close to the optimal reduced-order controller to guarantee convergence. However, the homotopy algorithm previously developed for solving the optimal projection equations has sublinear convergence properties and the convergence slows at higher authority levels and may fail. A new homotopy algorithm for synthesizing optimal reduced-order controllers for discrete-time systems is described. Unlike the previous homotopy approach, the new algorithm is a gradient-based, parameter optimization formulation and was implemented in MATLAB. The results reported may offer the foundation for a reliable approach to optimal, reduced-order controller design.

Collins, Emmanuel G., Jr.↗

Projection techniques for iterative solution of A(bar x) equals (bar b) with successive right-hand sides

Two projection techniques for computing approximate solutions to linear systems of the form A(bar x)(sup n) = (bar b)(sup n), for a sequence n = 1, 2, ..., e.g., such as arises from time discretization of a partial differential equation, are presented. The inexpensive approximate solutions can be used as initial guesses for iterative solution of the system, resulting in significantly reduced computational expense. Examples of two- and three-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes calculations are presented in which x represents the pressure, and A is a discrete Poisson operator. In flows containing significant dynamic activity, these projection techniques lead to as much as a two-fold reduction in solution time.

Fischer, Paul F.↗

CGRO Guest Investigator Program

The following are highlights from the research supported by this grant: (1) Theory of gamma-ray blazars: We studied the theory of gamma-ray blazars, being among the first investigators to propose that the GeV emission arises from Comptonization of diffuse radiation surrounding the jet, rather than from the synchrotron-self-Compton mechanism. In related work, we uncovered possible connections between the mechanisms of gamma-ray blazars and those of intraday radio variability, and have conducted a general study of the role of Compton radiation drag on the dynamics of relativistic jets. (2) A Nonlinear Monte Carlo code for gamma-ray spectrum formation: We developed, tested, and applied the first Nonlinear Monte Carlo (NLMC) code for simulating gamma-ray production and transfer under much more general (and realistic) conditions than are accessible with other techniques. The present version of the code is designed to simulate conditions thought to be present in active galactic nuclei and certain types of X-ray binaries, and includes the physics needed to model thermal and nonthermal electron-positron pair cascades. Unlike traditional Monte-Carlo techniques, our method can accurately handle highly non-linear systems in which the radiation and particle backgrounds must be determined self-consistently and in which the particle energies span many orders of magnitude. Unlike models based on kinetic equations, our code can handle arbitrary source geometries and relativistic kinematic effects In its first important application following testing, we showed that popular semi-analytic accretion disk corona models for Seyfert spectra are seriously in error, and demonstrated how the spectra can be simulated if the disk is sparsely covered by localized 'flares'.

Begelman, Mitchell C.↗

Active Vibration Control of Elastic Beam by Means of Shape Memory Alloy Layers

The mathematical model of a flexible beam covered with shape memory alloy (SMA) layers is presented. The SMA layers are used as actuators, which are capable of changing their elastic modulus and recovery stress, thus changing the natural frequency of, and adjusting the excitation to, the vibrating beam. The frequency factor variation as a function of SMA Young's modulus, SMA layer thickness and beam thickness is discussed. Also control of the beam employing an optimal linear control law is evaluated. The control results indicate how the system reacts to various levels of excitation input through the non-homogeneous recovery shear term of the governing differential equation.

Chen, Q.↗

System IDentification Programs for AirCraft (SIDPAC)

A collection of computer programs for aircraft system identification is described and demonstrated. The programs, collectively called System IDentification Programs for AirCraft, or SIDPAC, were developed in MATLAB as m-file functions. SIDPAC has been used successfully at NASA Langley Research Center with data from many different flight test programs and wind tunnel experiments. SIDPAC includes routines for experiment design, data conditioning, data compatibility analysis, model structure determination, equation-error and output-error parameter estimation in both the time and frequency domains, real-time and recursive parameter estimation, low order equivalent system identification, estimated parameter error calculation, linear and nonlinear simulation, plotting, and 3-D visualization. An overview of SIDPAC capabilities is provided, along with a demonstration of the use of SIDPAC with real flight test data from the NASA Glenn Twin Otter aircraft. The SIDPAC software is available without charge to U.S. citizens by request to the author, contingent on the requestor completing a NASA software usage agreement.

Morelli, Eugene A.↗

Analysis Method for Inelastic, Adhesively Bonded Joints with Anisotropic Adherends

A one-dimensional analysis method for evaluating adhesively bonded joints composed of anisotropic adherends and adhesives with nonlinear material behavior is presented in the proposed paper. The strain and resulting stress field in a general, bonded joint overlap are determined by using a variable-step, finite-difference solution algorithm to iteratively solve a system of first-order differential equations. Applied loading is given by a system of combined extensional, bending, and shear forces that are applied to the edge of the joint overlap. Adherends are assumed to behave as linear, cylindrically bent plates using classical laminated plate theory that includes the effects of first-order transverse shear deformation. Using the deformation theory of plasticity and a modified von-Mises yield criterion, inelastic material behavior is modeled in the adhesive layer. Results for the proposed method are verified against previous results from the literature and shown to be in excellent agreement. An additional case that highlights the effects of transverse shear deformation between similar adherends is also presented.

Smeltzer, Stanley S., III↗

Reduced Order Methods for Prediction of Thermal-Acoustic Fatigue

The goal of this investigation is to assess the quality of high-cycle-fatigue life estimation via a reduced order method, for structures undergoing random nonlinear vibrations in a presence of thermal loading. Modal reduction is performed with several different suites of basis functions. After numerically solving the reduced order system equations of motion, the physical displacement time history is obtained by an inverse transformation and stresses are recovered. Stress ranges obtained through the rainflow counting procedure are used in a linear damage accumulation method to yield fatigue estimates. Fatigue life estimates obtained using various basis functions in the reduced order method are compared with those obtained from numerical simulation in physical degrees-of-freedom.

Przekop, A.↗

A Nonlinear Reduced Order Method for Prediction of Acoustic Fatigue

The goal of this investigation is to assess the quality of high-cycle-fatigue life estimation via a reduced order method, for structures undergoing geometrically nonlinear random vibrations. Modal reduction is performed with several different suites of basis functions. After numerically solving the reduced order system equations of motion, the physical displacement time history is obtained by an inverse transformation and stresses are recovered. Stress ranges obtained through the rainflow counting procedure are used in a linear damage accumulation method to yield fatigue estimates. Fatigue life estimates obtained using various basis functions in the reduced order method are compared with those obtained from numerical simulation in physical degrees-of-freedom.

Przekop, Adam↗

MSFC-TVC | TB-03: Derivation of Thrust Vector Control (TVC) Actuator-Force / Gimbal-Torque Transformation Matrix

Thrust vector control (TVC) systems for rocket engine propulsion traditionally use a simple linear relationship to convert between actuator forces and torques about the engine gimbal’s center-of-rotation (COR). As shown in Equation (1), the torque about the gimbal COR is proportional to the applied actuator force and the TVC moment arm (MA)—the perpendicular distance between the TVC actuator’s line-of-action (LOA) and the engine gimbal’s COR. While this fundamental relationship remains valid and accurate in a two-dimensional (2D), one-degree-of-freedom (1-DOF) context—particularly in its non-linear formulation as described in the ER63 Technical Bulletin TB-02 (Derivation of Thrust Vector Control (TVC) Engine-Gimbal / Actuator Moment-Arm Geometry)—it becomes limited when extended to three-dimensional (3D), two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) analyses. In 3D, out-of-plane angular displacements can arise, causing the gimbaled engine plane-of-motion to become non-coplanar with the respective actuator plane-of-motion. Such misalignments occur due to the rod-end (RE) and/or tail-stock (TE) mounting geometry of individual TVC actuators. These geometric complexities lead to inaccuracies in calculating engine torques and corresponding actuator forces if only the traditional TVC MA relationship is employed. For higher gimbal angular displacements (e.g., greater than 5 degrees), these inaccuracies become more pronounced, necessitating a more robust mathematical framework. This document presents a comprehensive 3D (2-DOF) derivation of a transformation matrix that accurately converts between gimbaled engine torques and TVC actuator forces. By incorporating the necessary geometric and rotational considerations, this new approach corrects the limitations of the traditional TVC MA method. Subsequent sections compare the newly formulated approach to the traditional method, demonstrating its enhanced accuracy and reliability for a broad range of gimbaled engine conditions.

Thrust Vector Control↗

A Galerkin method for linear PDE systems in circular geometries with structural acoustic applications

A Galerkin method for systems of PDE's in circular geometries is presented with motivating problems being drawn from structural, acoustic, and structural acoustic applications. Depending upon the application under consideration, piecewise splines or Legendre polynomials are used when approximating the system dynamics with modifications included to incorporate the analytic solution decay near the coordinate singularity. This provides an efficient method which retains its accuracy throughout the circular domain without degradation at singularity. Because the problems under consideration are linear or weakly nonlinear with constant or piecewise constant coefficients, transform methods for the problems are not investigated. While the specific method is developed for the two dimensional wave equations on a circular domain and the equation of transverse motion for a thin circular plate, examples demonstrating the extension of the techniques to a fully coupled structural acoustic system are used to illustrate the flexibility of the method when approximating the dynamics of more complex systems.

Smith, Ralph C.↗

ExaWind: Predictive Wind Energy Simulations

This presentation describes the ExaWind project and the team's progress in creating a suite of performance-portable codes designed for predictive simulations of wind farms on next-generation exascale-class supercomputers. Such simulations will require the resolution of scales spanning many orders of magnitude, from blade boundary layers to wind farm flow structures. In the U.S., the first exascale systems will be GPU accelerated, and different GPU manufacturers have been chosen for the different systems. At the heart of the ExaWind software is a hybrid-solver approach based on the codes Nalu-Wind and AMR-Wind, which are computational fluid dynamics solvers for the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. Nalu-Wind is an unstructured-grid code used to resolve wind turbine geometry and blade boundary layers, whereas AMR-Wind is a structured-grid background solver for atmospheric turbulent flow and turbine wake propagation. The models are coupled with overset meshes and global linear systems are approximated through a loose-coupling algorithm. Results will include validation-quality high-fidelity simulations and strong/weak scaling results from the Summit supercomputer.

49 EE - Wind and Water Power Program - Wind (EE-4W↗

The dynamics and control of large-flexible space structures, part 10

A mathematical model is developed to predict the dynamics of the proposed orbiting Spacecraft Control Laboratory Experiment (SCOLE) during the station keeping phase. The equations of motion are derived using a Newton-Euler formulation. The model includes the effects of gravity, flexibility, and orbital dynamics. The control is assumed to be provided to the system through the Shuttle's three torquers, and through six actuators located by pairs at two points on the mast and at the mass center of the reflector. The modal shape functions are derived using the fourth order beam equation. The generic mode equations are derived to account for the effects of the control forces on the modal shape and frequencies. The equations are linearized about a nominal equilibrium position. The linear regulator theory is used to derive control laws for both the linear model of the rigidized SCOLE as well as that of the actual SCOLE including the first four flexible modes. The control strategy previously derived for the linear model of the rigidized SCOLE is applied to the nonlinear model of the same configuration of the system and preliminary single axis slewing maneuvers conducted. The results obtained confirm the applicability of the intuitive and appealing two-stage control strategy which would slew the SCOLE system, as if rigid to its desired position and then concentrate on damping out the residual flexible motions.

Bainum, Peter M.↗