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At least 1,333 records · Page 74
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

Computer output microfilm (FR80) systems software documentation, volume 2

The system consists of a series of programs which convert digital data from magnetic tapes into alpha-numeric characters, graphic plots, and imagery that is recorded on the face of a cathode ray tube. A special camera photographs the face of the tube on microfilm for subsequent display on a film reader. The applicable documents which apply to this system are delineated. The functional relationship between the system software, the standard insert routines, and the applications programs is described; all the applications programs are described in detail. Instructions for locating those documents are presented along with test preparations sheets for all baseline and/or program modification acceptance tests.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2004

Software for Analyzing Sequences of Flow-Related Images

Spotlight is a computer program for analysis of sequences of images generated in combustion and fluid physics experiments. Spotlight can perform analysis of a single image in an interactive mode or a sequence of images in an automated fashion. The primary type of analysis is tracking of positions of objects over sequences of frames. Features and objects that are typically tracked include flame fronts, particles, droplets, and fluid interfaces. Spotlight automates the analysis of object parameters, such as centroid position, velocity, acceleration, size, shape, intensity, and color. Images can be processed to enhance them before statistical and measurement operations are performed. An unlimited number of objects can be analyzed simultaneously. Spotlight saves results of analyses in a text file that can be exported to other programs for graphing or further analysis. Spotlight is a graphical-user-interface-based program that at present can be executed on Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems. A version that runs on Macintosh computers is being considered.

Klimek, Robert↗
NASA NTRS1985

A three-dimensional Navier-Stokes/Euler code for blunt-body flow computations

The formulation computation method of an improved version of the three-dimensional Navier-Stokes/Euler computation algorithm of Li (1981) for the numerical simulation of blunt-body reentry flows are discussed, and results for five sample problems are presented graphically. The vector notation of the coordinate systems is defined; the governing equations are presented in full; the Jacobian matrices and damping terms of the factorization technique (based on the alternating-direction implicit procedure of Beam and Warming, 1978) are explained; and the capabilities, limitations and proper use of the code are summarized. Examples presented include the equilibrium-flow problem for Shuttle-orbiter reentry at Mach 22 and angle of attack 40.8 deg and the perfect-gas problem of an aerobraking orbital-transfer vehicle with an ellipsoidal/60-deg cone and a toroidal sonic shoulder. The advantages of the improved code in terms of accuracy and computation time are indicated.

Li, C. P.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Graphical Representation of the Effects of Antenna Locations on Path Loss Data

The use of portable wireless technology has increased dramatically over the past few years. This increased use has caused a heightened concern for electromagnetic interference from wireless-enabled technologies, such as laptop computers and cellular phones to aircraft communication and navigation radios. Researchers at NASA Langley Research Center, United Airlines and Eagles Wings Incorporated, have tested and collected interference path loss data on a United Airlines out-of-service B737 aircraft near Victorville, CA. This paper summarizes the results found from the measured data sets as well as includes graphical representations of the interference path loss data on a B737 plane with different system antennas.

Jafri, Madiha↗
NASA NTRS1981

Improving the MLS through enhanced cockpit displays

A simulator investigation of various prediction and quickening algorithms in computer-generated forward-looking displays is presented; the algorithms are used to improve manual aircraft control on curved microwave landing system approaches. The experimental facility consisted of a Link GAT-2 simulator, a PDP 11/40 minicomputer, a high-speed graphic display, a TV camera, and a CRT monitor. Results indicate that second- and third-order predictor displays provide the best lateral performance and that intermediate levels of prediction and quickening provide the best vertical control. Prediction/quickening algorithms of increasing computational order were found to significantly reduce aileron, rudder, and elevator control responses. The conventional crosspointer displays yielded an average 2-sigma lateral error of + or - 200 over all wind conditions at 500 m from touchdown, and was therefore unable to meet FAA requirements (+ or - 22.9 m); the pictorial-preview display yielded much better results: an average 2-sigma lateral error of + or - 27 m. Neither display was able to approach the FAA specified accuracy requirement in the vertical dimension (+ or - 3.7 m).

Jensen, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Rapid Airplane Parametric Input Design (RAPID)

RAPID is a methodology and software system to define a class of airplane configurations and directly evaluate surface grids, volume grids, and grid sensitivity on and about the configurations. A distinguishing characteristic which separates RAPID from other airplane surface modellers is that the output grids and grid sensitivity are directly applicable in CFD analysis. A small set of design parameters and grid control parameters govern the process which is incorporated into interactive software for 'real time' visual analysis and into batch software for the application of optimization technology. The computed surface grids and volume grids are suitable for a wide range of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation. The general airplane configuration has wing, fuselage, horizontal tail, and vertical tail components. The double-delta wing and tail components are manifested by solving a fourth order partial differential equation (PDE) subject to Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions. The design parameters are incorporated into the boundary conditions and therefore govern the shapes of the surfaces. The PDE solution yields a smooth transition between boundaries. Surface grids suitable for CFD calculation are created by establishing an H-type topology about the configuration and incorporating grid spacing functions in the PDE equation for the lifting components and the fuselage definition equations. User specified grid parameters govern the location and degree of grid concentration. A two-block volume grid about a configuration is calculated using the Control Point Form (CPF) technique. The interactive software, which runs on Silicon Graphics IRIS workstations, allows design parameters to be continuously varied and the resulting surface grid to be observed in real time. The batch software computes both the surface and volume grids and also computes the sensitivity of the output grid with respect to the input design parameters by applying the precompiler tool ADIFOR to the grid generation program. The output of ADIFOR is a new source code containing the old code plus expressions for derivatives of specified dependent variables (grid coordinates) with respect to specified independent variables (design parameters). The RAPID methodology and software provide a means of rapidly defining numerical prototypes, grids, and grid sensitivity of a class of airplane configurations. This technology and software is highly useful for CFD research for preliminary design and optimization processes.

Smith, Robert E.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Computational fluid dynamics uses in fluid dynamics/aerodynamics education

The field of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has advanced to the point where it can now be used for the purpose of fluid dynamics physics education. Because of the tremendous wealth of information available from numerical simulation, certain fundamental concepts can be efficiently communicated using an interactive graphical interrogation of the appropriate numerical simulation data base. In other situations, a large amount of aerodynamic information can be communicated to the student by interactive use of simple CFD tools on a workstation or even in a personal computer environment. The emphasis in this presentation is to discuss ideas for how this process might be implemented. Specific examples, taken from previous publications, will be used to highlight the presentation.

Holst, Terry L.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Lunar ephemeris and selenographic coordinates of the earth and sun for 1971 and 1972

Ephemeris data are presented for each month of 1971 and 1972 to provide a time history of lunar coordinates and related geometric information. A NASA Manned Spacecraft Center modification of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory ephemeris tape was used to calculate and plot coordinates of the earth, moon, and sun. The ephemeris is referenced to the mean vernal equinox at the nearest beginning of a Besselian year. Therefore, the reference equinox changes from one year to the next between 30 June and 1 July. The apparent discontinuity in the data is not noticeable in the graphical presentation, but can be observed in the digital output. The mean equator of epoch is used in all cases. The computer program used to compute and plot the ephemeris data is described.

Hartung, A. D.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Lunar ephemeris and selenographic coordinates of the earth and sun for 1973 and 1974

Ephemeris data are presented for each month of 1973 and 1974 to provide a time history of lunar coordinates and related geometric information. A NASA Manned Spacecraft Center modification of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory ephemeris tape was used to calculate and plot coordinates of the earth, moon, and sun. The ephemeris is referenced to the mean vernal equinox at the nearest beginning of a Besselian year. Therefore, the reference equinox changes from one year to the next between 30 June and 1 July. The apparent discontinuity in the data is not noticeable in the graphical presentation, but can be observed in the digital output. The mean equator of epoch is used in all cases. The computer program used to compute and plot the ephemeris data is described.

Hartung, A. D.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Lunar ephemeris and selenographic coordinates of the earth and sun for 1979 and 1980

Ephemeris data are presented in sections for each month for 1979 and 1980 to provide a time history of lunar coordinates and related geometric information. A NASA Manned Spacecraft Center modification of an ephemeris tape was used to calculate and plot coordinates of the earth, moon, and sun. The ephemeris is referenced to the mean vernal equinox at the nearest beginning of a Besselian year. Therefore, the reference equinox changes from one year to the next between 30 June and 1 July. The apparent discontinuity in the data is not noticeable in the graphical presentation, but can be observed in the digital output. The mean equator of epoch is used in all cases. The computer program used to compute and plot the ephemeris data is described in the appendix.

Hartung, A. D.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Lunar ephemeris and selenographic coordinates of the earth and sun for 1977 and 1978

Ephemeris data are presented in sections for each month for 1977 and 1978 to provide a time history of lunar coordinates and related geometric information. A NASA Manned Spacecraft Center modification of an ephmeris tape was used to calculate and plot coordinates of the earth, moon, and sun. The ephemeris is referenced to the mean vernal equinox at the nearest beginning of a Besselian year. Therefore, the reference equinox changes from one year to the next between June 30 and July 1. The apparent discontinuity in the data is not noticeable in the graphical presentation, but can be observed in the digital output. The mean equator of epoch is used in all cases. The computer program used to compute and plot the ephemeris data is described in the appendix.

Hartung, A. D.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Lunar ephemeris and selenographic coordinates of the earth and sun for 1983 and 1984

Ephemeris data are presented in sections for each month for 1983 and 1984 to provide a time history of lunar coordinates and related geometric information. A NASA Manned Spacecraft Center modification of an ephemeris tape was used to calculate and plot coordinates of the earth, moon, and sun. The ephemeris is referenced to the mean vernal equinox at the nearest beginning of a Besselian year. Therefore, the reference equinox changes from one year to the next between 30 June and 1 July. The apparent discontinuity in the data is not noticeable in the graphical presentation, but can be observed in the digital output. The mean equator of epoch is used in all cases. The computer program used to compute and plot the ephemeris data is described in the appendix.

Hartung, A. D.↗
NASA NTRS1970

Design of an interactive accounting tutor

A project to design an interactive program to teach accounting techniques is described. The four major goals of the project are discussed and a review of the literature on teaching machines and computer-assisted-instruction is included. The system is implemented on the CTSS time sharing system at M.I.T. and uses an ARDS graphic display. The software design of the system is described in detail. A typical session with the tutor is also described. Appendices include complete system documentation.

Macko, J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Interactive analysis of a large aperture Earth observations satellite

A system level design and analysis has been conducted on an Earth Observation Satellite (EOS) system using the Interactive Design and Evaluation of Advanced Spacecraft (IDEAS) computer-aided design and analysis program. The IDEAS program consists of about 40 user-friendly technical modules and an interactive graphics display. The reflector support system and feed mast of the EOS spacecraft are constructed with box-truss structural concept, a lattice configuration which can be packaged for delivery in a single Shuttle flight and deployed in orbit. The deployed spacecraft consists of a 120-m by 60-m parabolic focal axis. The spacecraft was modeled for structural, thermal, and control systems analysis and structural elements were designed. On-orbit dynamic and thermal loading analyses were conducted; spacecraft weights and developmental and first unit costs were determined.

Wright, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Interactive analysis of a large aperture Earth Observations Satellite

A system level design and analysis has been conducted on an Earth Observation Satellite (EOS) system using the Interactive Design and Evaluation of Advanced Spacecraft (IDEAS) computer-aided design and analysis program. The IDEAS program consists of about 40 user-friendly technical modules and an interactive graphics display. The reflector support system and feed mast of the EOS spacecraft are constructed with a box-truss structural concept, a lattice configuration which can be packaged for delivery in a single Shuttle flight and deployed in orbit. The deployed spacecraft consists of a 120-m by 60-m parabolic reflector, a 120-m-long support structure, and a 30-m feed arc beam on the focal axis. The spacecraft was modeled for structural, thermal, and control systems analysis and structural elements were designed. On-orbit dynamic and thermal loading analyses were conducted and spacecraft weights were determined.

Wright, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Recent advancements in telepresence technology development

This paper describes recent developments at JPL aimed at enhancing the operator's awareness of the remote task he or she is controlling in space teleoperation. The first development is related to the use of force-reflecting or bilateral manual control in weightless condition. The second development is related to integrated graphics displays of force and torque information originating from a remote robot hand. The third development is related to a distributed computational system in teleoperation organized in two groups: one integrated with a remote robot arm and hand, and another integrated with the control station. This computational system carries out interactive automation functions.

Corker, K.↗
NASA NTRS1988

FASTWO - A 2-D interactive algebraic grid generator

This paper presents a very simple and effective computational procedure, FASTWO, for generating patched composite finite difference grids in 2-D for any geometry. Major components of the interactive graphics based method that is closely akin to and borrows many tools from transfinite interpolation are highlighted. Several grids produced by FASTWO are shown to illustrate its powerful capability. Comments about extending the methodology to 3-D are also given.

Luh, Raymond Ching-Chung↗
NASA NTRS1989

Parallel algorithms for computation of the manipulator inertia matrix

The development of an O(log2N) parallel algorithm for the manipulator inertia matrix is presented. It is based on the most efficient serial algorithm which uses the composite rigid body method. Recursive doubling is used to reformulate the linear recurrence equations which are required to compute the diagonal elements of the matrix. It results in O(log2N) levels of computation. Computation of the off-diagonal elements involves N linear recurrences of varying-size and a new method, which avoids redundant computation of position and orientation transforms for the manipulator, is developed. The O(log2N) algorithm is presented in both equation and graphic forms which clearly show the parallelism inherent in the algorithm.

Amin-Javaheri, Masoud↗