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At least 1,369 records · Page 76

Effects of selected trajectory parameters on weight trends in the shuttle thermal protection system

An empirical heating model, thermal protection system unit weight correlation, and trajectory analysis were used to develop a computation procedure for studying the sensitivity of thermal protection system weights to variations in pertinent trajectory parameters. The analytical techniques used in developing this computer program are described. Application of the analysis to a Space Shuttle Orbiter configuration was performed to demonstrate gross thermal protection system weight trends with selected entry trajectory parameters.

Curry, D. M.↗

Values of the photometric parameters of Mars and their interpretation

Photometric data for the Martian disk obtained by Thorpe from television-camera pictures taken by Mariner 9 were used to derive values for the parameters in the photometric function. The photometric function can be applied to Mars and to the design of cameras for photography of Mars. Values of the parameters are for one wavelength only, 0.56 micros and are average or effective values for the Martian disk. The values derived were interpreted to provide semi-quantitative information on the soil. The results do not disagree with other indications that the effective mean diameter of the surface particles is about 400 micros. Another result is that the mean intercenter spacing of adjacent particles may be about 4/3 of the mean diameter.

Weaver, W. R.↗

An overview of parameter estimation techniques and applications in aircraft flight testing

Parameter estimation is discussed as it applies to aircraft flight testing, and an overview of the symposium is presented. The evolution of techniques used in flight testing is reviewed briefly, and it is pointed out how the changing character of the aircraft tested and the availability of advanced data systems have promoted this evolution. Recent advances in optimal estimation theory have stimulated widespread interest and activity in parameter estimation. The framework of these advanced techniques is outlined to set the stage for subsequent papers. The session topics are introduced and related to the requirements of flight-test research.

Rediess, H. A.↗

A survey of AFFDL parameter estimation efforts and future plans

An overview is presented of the applications of parameter estimation methods to the following areas of interest at the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory (AFFDL): (1) conventional stability and control parameter estimation of rigid aircraft; (2) extension to elastic aircraft; (3) extension to stall/spin aerodynamics of rigid aircraft with a nonlinear model; (4) application to the pilot model identification; and (5) correlation of wind tunnel, drop model and flight test data. Only well-documented algorithms are used with modification to the model as required for the specific application. The genesis of each problem and other background information are discussed which enumerate the algorithms and explain how this information is used to improve existing operational aircraft characteristics as well as specify design criteria for future USAF aerospace vehicles.

Eckholdt, D. C.↗

Nonlinear parameter identification: Ballistic range experience applicable to flight testing

The parameter identification scheme being used is a differential correction least squares procedure (Gauss-Newton method). The position, orientation, and derivatives of these quantities with respect to the parameters of interest (i.e., sensitivity coefficients) are determined by digital integration of the equations of motion and the parametric differential equations. The application of this technique to three vastly different sets of data is used to illustrate the versatility of the method and to indicate some of the problems that still remain.

Chapman, G.↗

Parameter estimation using an a posteriori criterion

A procedure for estimating noise statistics as well as system model parameters, based on a maximum likelihood criterion, has been successfully applied to a number of aircraft parameter-identification problems. In the present investigation, an a posteriori criterion is examined for use in such an application, when it is desired to model process noise. The criteria lead to identical results when there is no process noise.

Bach, R. E., Jr.↗

A unified approach to aircraft parameter identification

The most accurate identification results are obtained when all three elements of the identification process - the identification algorithm, the control input, and the instrumentation system - are considered in a unified approach. This type of approach for the design of optimal control inputs and for determining the effect of the instrumentation system, in each case with respect to the identification process is discussed. Design of control inputs which optimize the sensitivity of the system output to the unknown parameters is given. Results using these inputs in an extensive simulation of the identification process indicate they perform measurably better than doublet type inputs. A technique is then presented for specifying an optimal instrumentation system or for determining the effect, the instrumentation system has on the accuracy of the parameter estimates.

Stepner, D. E.↗

Parameter identifiability of linear dynamical systems

It is assumed that the system matrices of a stationary linear dynamical system were parametrized by a set of unknown parameters. The question considered here is, when can such a set of unknown parameters be identified from the observed data? Conditions for the local identifiability of a parametrization are derived in three situations: (1) when input/output observations are made, (2) when there exists an unknown feedback matrix in the system and (3) when the system is assumed to be driven by white noise and only output observations are made. Also a sufficient condition for global identifiability is derived.

Glover, K.↗

Estimation of structural parameters from dynamic test data

Parameters for a lumped linear model approximating a distributed elastic structure are determined from dynamic test data comprised of several mode shapes and frequencies. Measurement errors, nonlinear response, and nonmeasurable quantities such as mode slope components are accommodated. Some mass and stiffness parameters may be known accurately, whereas the remainder are to be estimated. The method entails minimizing a quadratic function of the difference between corresponding modes and frequencies of the theoretical model and the test specimen. This technique was applied to some actual vibration test data, and the special techniques that are required to overcome convergence problems are described.

Hall, B. M.↗

Design parameters for toroidal and bobbin magnetics

The adoption by NASA of the metric system for dimensioning to replace long-used English units imposes a requirement on the U.S. transformer designer to convert from the familiar units to the less familiar metric equivalents. Material is presented to assist in that transition in the field of transformer design and fabrication. The conversion data makes it possible for the designer to obtain a fast and close approximation of significant parameters such as size, weight, and temperature rise. Nomographs are included to provide a close approximation for breadboarding purposes. For greater convenience, derivations of some of the parameters are also presented.

Mclyman, W. T.↗

Investigation of water quality parameters at selected points on the Tennessee River

Physical, chemical, and biological water quality parameters have been investigated at the Widow's Creek steam plant. The water quality parameters and field site locations have been selected so as to be compatible with the interests and needs of the Environmental Application Office at Marshall Space Flight Center. All sampling and testing was conducted as directed in the 13th Edition of Standard Methods of Analysis for Water and Waste Water or as suggested by NASA'S Technical Officer. Data is presented in a form compatible with that presently being collected by other agencies.

Manger, M. C.↗

Synthesis of parameters of a machine set, according to amplitudes of vibration, in the case of coaxial misalignment of shafts

Dynamic synthesis of the coupling parameters permits the building of coaxially aligned connected machines with very small disturbing forces. Considered is the case of two machines connected by a flexible coupling; one machine is installed on shock absorbers with four degrees of freedom. A movement leveling synthesis considers the coaxial nonalignment parameters for the shaft arrangement and determines the optimum coupling rigidity at which the vibration amplitude is at a minimum.

Rondomanskas, M. S.↗

The problem of carrying out a diagnosis of an internal combustion engine by vibroacoustical parameters

The physics of noise formation in an internal combustion engine is discussed. A dependence of the acoustical radiation on the engine operating process, its construction, and operational parameters, as well as on the degree of wear on its parts, has been established. An example of tests conducted on an internal combustion engine is provided. A system for cybernetic diagnostics for internal combustion engines by vibroacoustical parameters is diagrammed.

Lukanin, V. N.↗

Vortex age as a wake turbulence scaling parameter

Tests were conducted in the Virginia Tech Stability Wind Tunnel to determine the significance of vortex age as a scaling parameter in wake turbulence development and dissipation. Vortex structure was measured over a range of three angles of attack, three free-stream speeds, and seven downstream positions from 2 to 30 chordlengths using an NACA 0012 wing and a five hole yawhead probe. The resulting data indicates that vortex age is not a self-sufficient scaling parameter but a free-stream velocity influence also exists at higher angles of attack which cannot be explained in terms of Re or M.

Marchman, J. F., III↗

Sequential parameter estimation using pseudoinverse

This correspondence presents a method for solution of the parameter estimation problem in an entirely sequential fashion. In this procedure each measurement is processed as it is received, without regard to whether it and the prior measurements have established a minimal observable data set, or without the assumption a priori of a covariance matrix in the manner of the Kalman filter. During the period prior to the establishment of the minimal data set the estimate maintains the character of the pseudoinverse constraint, that of minimum norm. In addition at each measurement, a parameter is available for deciding whether this measurement has increased the observability of the system.

Nayak, R. P.↗

Some physical parameters of micrometeoroids

Detailed morphological parameters (depth/diameter ratio, circularity index) of microcraters in the 0.2 to 100 micron diameter range were obtained via SEM techniques for three lunar glass surfaces. The depth/diameter ratios are typically 0.5 to 0.8 with a range of 0.3 to 1.3. The circularity index varies from 0.4 to 1.0 with a pronounced maximum at 0.7 to 0.9. These parameters are compared with microcraters produced in the laboratory via electrostatic particle accelerators. The following conclusions are drawn: The great majority of observed crater depths are compatible with micrometeoroid densities of 2 to 4 g/cu cm; crater depths are incompatible for projectile densities less than 1 g/cu cm and greater than 7 g/cu cm. The circularity index of microcrater pits indicates rather equidimensional, if not spherical, projectiles. Needles, platelets and other highly irregular shapes can be excluded. Less than 5% of all craters observed may offer different conclusions.

Brownlee, D. E.↗

A method for estimating both the solubility parameters and molar volumes of liquids

Development of an indirect method of estimating the solubility parameter of high molecular weight polymers. The proposed method of estimating the solubility parameter, like Small's method, is based on group additive constants, but is believed to be superior to Small's method for two reasons: (1) the contribution of a much larger number of functional groups have been evaluated, and (2) the method requires only a knowledge of structural formula of the compound.

Fedors, R. F.↗

Case studies in Aircraft Parameter Identification

Three case studies in Aircraft Parameter Identification using simulated data for X-22 VTOL aircraft and flight test data for HL-10 and M2/F3 lifting bodies. After a brief discussion of the previous techniques and their limitations, a technique based on the Maximum Likelihood criterion is described. The problems of identifiability and uniqueness in determining the Stability and Control derivatives from flight test data are discussed and several methods for alleviating these problems are presented. The flight test data is analyzed in several different ways for obtaining physically meaningful estimates for the aircraft parameters.

Mehra, R. K.↗