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At least 1,477 records · Page 82

Nonlinear and Digital Man-machine Control Systems Modeling

An adaptive modeling technique is examined by which controllers can be synthesized to provide corrective dynamics to a human operator's mathematical model in closed loop control systems. The technique utilizes a class of Liapunov functions formulated for this purpose, Liapunov's stability criterion and a model-reference system configuration. The Liapunov function is formulated to posses variable characteristics to take into consideration the identification dynamics. The time derivative of the Liapunov function generate the identification and control laws for the mathematical model system. These laws permit the realization of a controller which updates the human operator's mathematical model parameters so that model and human operator produce the same response when subjected to the same stimulus. A very useful feature is the development of a digital computer program which is easily implemented and modified concurrent with experimentation. The program permits the modeling process to interact with the experimentation process in a mutually beneficial way.

Mekel, R.↗

Autonomous navigation preparations for future unmanned space missions

In order to prepare for the era of autonomous navigation, this paper first examines existing techniques for spacecraft navigation by describing the basic elements of the Mark-I and II navigation technologies. The remainder of the paper deals with identification of criteria which necessitate onboard navigation, and with promising solutions now under consideration. An attractive solution possibility is proposed which utilizes narrow-angle optics, a charge-coupled device area-array image sensor, a small advanced onboard flight computer, and a simplified set of software algorithms. Onboard commands would be derived and sent to the appropriate spacecraft attitude control, propulsion, and science platform pointing subsystems. The proposed autonomous navigation system does not address all mission options, but focuses primarily on precision approach trajectory control and adaptive science instrument pointing for asteroid, cometary, and outer planet satellite missions.

Kohlhase, C. E.↗

Atmospheric, Magnetospheric and plasmas in Space (AMPS) spacelab payload definition study; Volume 4: Part 3, Labcraft instrument systems general specification

Guidelines and general requirements applicable to the development of instrument flight hardware intended for use on the GSFC Shuttle Scientific Payloads Program are given. Criteria, guidelines, and an organized approach to specifying the appropriate level of requirements for each instrument in order to permit its development at minimum cost while still assuring crew safety, are included. It is recognized that the instruments for these payloads will encompass wide ranges of complexity, cost, development risk, and safety hazards. The flexibility required to adapt the controls, documentation, and verification requirements in accord with the specific instrument is provided.

Keeley, J. T.↗

Dynamic-pressure regulator

Computerized pressure regulator controls gas pressure in fixed volume container, increasing, maintaining, and decreasing pressure according to programmed instructions. Controller is adaptable to any volume size or shape, and pressure variation may be synchronized.

Walker, R. R.↗

Automated Plasma Spray (APS) process feasibility study: Plasma spray process development and evaluation

An automated plasma spray (APS) process was developed to apply two layer (NiCrAlY and ZrO2-12Y2O3) thermal-barrier coatings to aircraft gas turbine engine blade airfoils. The APS process hardware consists of four subsystems: a mechanical blade positioner incorporating two interlaced six-degree-of-freedom assemblies; a noncoherent optical metrology subsystem; a microprocessor-based adaptive system controller; and commercial plasma spray equipment. Over fifty JT9D first stage turbine blades specimens were coated with the APS process in preliminary checkout and evaluation studies. The best of the preliminary specimens achieved an overall coating thickness uniformity of + or - 53 micrometers, much better than is achievable manually. Factors limiting this performance were identified and process modifications were initiated accordingly. Comparative evaluations of coating thickness uniformity for manually sprayed and APS coated specimens were initiated. One of the preliminary evaluation specimens was subjected to a torch test and metallographic evaluation.

Fetheroff, C. W.↗

System parameters for erythropoiesis control model: Comparison of normal values in human and mouse model

The computer model for erythropoietic control was adapted to the mouse system by altering system parameters originally given for the human to those which more realistically represent the mouse. Parameter values were obtained from a variety of literature sources. Using the mouse model, the mouse was studied as a potential experimental model for spaceflight. Simulation studies of dehydration and hypoxia were performed. A comparison of system parameters for the mouse and human models is presented. Aside from the obvious differences expected in fluid volumes, blood flows and metabolic rates, larger differences were observed in the following: erythrocyte life span, erythropoietin half-life, and normal arterial pO2.

Source record↗

Automated Plasma Spray (APS) process feasibility study

An automated plasma spray (APS) process was developed to apply two layer (NiCrAlY and ZrO2-12Y2O3) thermal barrier coatings to aircraft and stationary gas turbine engine blade airfoils. The APS process hardware consists of four subsystems: a mechanical positioning subsystem incorporating two interlaced six degree of freedom assemblies (one for coating deposition and one for coating thickness monitoring); a noncoherent optical metrology subsystem (for in process gaging of the coating thickness buildup at specified points on the specimen); a microprocessor based adaptive system controller (to achieve the desired overall thickness profile on the specimen); and commerical plasma spray equipment. Over fifty JT9D first stage aircraft turbine blade specimens, ten W501B utility turbine blade specimens and dozens of cylindrical specimens were coated with the APS process in preliminary checkout and evaluation studies. The best of the preliminary turbine blade specimens achieved an overall coating thickness uniformity of 53 micrometers (2.1 mils), much better than is achievable manually. Comparative evaluations of coating thickness uniformity for manually sprayed and APS coated specimens were performed. One of the preliminary turbine blade evaluation specimens was subjected to a torch test and metallographic evaluation. Some cylindrical specimens coated with the APS process survived up to 2000 cycles in subsequent burner rig testing.

Fetheroff, C. W.↗

NEEDS - Information Adaptive System

The Information Adaptive System (IAS) is an element of the NASA End-to-End Data System (NEEDS) Phase II and is focused toward onboard image processing. The IAS is a data preprocessing system which is closely coupled to the sensor system. Some of the functions planned for the IAS include sensor response nonuniformity correction, geometric correction, data set selection, data formatting, packetization, and adaptive system control. The inclusion of these sensor data preprocessing functions onboard the spacecraft will significantly improve the extraction of information from the sensor data in a timely and cost effective manner, and provide the opportunity to design sensor systems which can be reconfigured in near real-time for optimum performance. The purpose of this paper is to present the preliminary design of the IAS and the plans for its development.

Kelly, W. L.↗