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At least 1,495 records · Page 83

Preliminary description of the area navigation software for a microcomputer-based Loran-C receiver

The development of new software implementation of this software on a microcomputer (MOS 6502) to provide high quality navigation information is described. This software development provides Area/Route Navigation (RNAV) information from Time Differences (TDs) in raw form using an elliptical Earth model and a spherical model. The software is prepared for the microcomputer based Loran-C receiver. To compute navigation infomation, a (MOS 6502) microcomputer and a mathematical chip (AM 9511A) were combined with the Loran-C receiver. Final data reveals that this software does indeed provide accurate information with reasonable execution times.

Oguri, F.↗

Three-dimensional viscous design methodology for advanced technology aircraft supersonic inlet systems

A broad program to develop advanced, reliable, and user oriented three-dimensional viscous design techniques for supersonic inlet systems, and encourage their transfer into the general user community is discussed. Features of the program include: (1) develop effective methods of computing three-dimensional flows within a zonal modeling methodology; (2) ensure reasonable agreement between said analysis and selective sets of benchmark validation data; (3) develop user orientation into said analysis; and (4) explore and develop advanced numerical methodology.

Anderson, B. H.↗

Transient Response Dynamic Module Modifications to Include Static and Kinetic Friction Effects

A methodology that supports forced transient response dynamic solutions when both static and kinetic friction effects are included in a structural system model is described. Modifications that support this type of nonlinear transient response solution are summarized for the transient response dynamics (TRD) NASTRAN module. An overview of specific modifications for the NASTRAN processing subroutines, INITL, TRD1C, and TRD1D, are described with further details regarding inspection of nonlinear input definitions to define the type of nonlinear solution required, along with additional initialization requirements and specific calculation subroutines to successfully solve the transient response problem. The extension of the basic NASTRAN nonlinear methodology is presented through several stages of development to the point where constraint equations and residual flexibility effects are introduced into the finite difference Newmark-Beta recurrsion formulas. Particular emphasis is placed on cost effective solutions for large finite element models such as the Space Shuttle with friction degrees of freedom between the orbiter and payloads mounted in the cargo bay. An alteration to the dynamic finite difference equations of motion is discussed, which allows one to include friction effects at reasonable cost for large structural systems such as the Space Shuttle. Data are presented to indicate the possible impact of transient friction loads to the payload designer for the Space Shuttle. Transient response solution data are also included, which compare solutions without friction forces and those with friction forces for payloads mounted in the Space Shuttle cargo bay. These data indicate that payload components can be sensitive to friction induced loads.

Misel, J. E.↗

Three-dimensional viscous design methodology for advanced technology aircraft supersonic inlet systems

A broad program to develop advanced, reliable, and user oriented three-dimensional viscous design techniques for supersonic inlet systems, and encourage their transfer into the general user community is discussed. Features of the program include: (1) develop effective methods of computing three-dimensional flows within a zonal modeling methodology; (2) ensure reasonable agreement between said analysis and selective sets of benchmark validation data; (3) develop user orientation into said analysis; and (4) explore and develop advanced numerical methodology. Previously announced in STAR as N84-13190

Anderson, B. H.↗

Cultural and environmental effects on crop spectral development patterns as viewed by Landsat

The typical patterns of spectral development (profiles) for corn and soybeans are presented, based on field-collected reflectance data transformed to correspond to Landsat-MSS Tasseled Cap coordinates. Reasonable variations in field conditions and cultural practices are shown to significantly influence profile features. The separability of the two crops is determined to be primarily related to the maximum value of the reflectance equivalent of Greenness, and to the plateau effect seen in corn Greenness profiles. The impact of changes in conditions on separability is described. In addition, association is made between profile features and stages of development for corn and soybeans. Corn is shown to peak at a stage well before tasseling or maximum LAI, while the characteristics of the soybean profile are shown to be unrelated to any particular stage of development.

Crist, E. P.↗

Solar concentrator degradation in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

The use of parabolically or spherically-shaped mirrors is being considered in order to increase the solar energy intensity on solar cells. Their use will significantly decrease the size and number of the cells needed for a particular application, hence the total array cost. Questions arise, however, regarding the long-term (five to ten years) efficiency of these devices. Performance degradation of the mirror surfaces might result from known hostile elements in the low earth orbit (LEO) environment (150-350 nautical miles). The degradation issue is addressed in light of present knowledge of this environment. The following characteristics of the LEO environment are identified for study: (1) the vacuum of space; (2) sputtering by the residual atoms and particles in space; (3) solar electromagnetic radiation; (4) contamination of the mirror surface; (5) atomic oxygen interactions with the surface; (6) bombardment of the surface by meteoroids; and (7) irradiation of the surface by ionizing particles (protons). Using the best available information for the magnitudes of the necessary quantities, a mathematical analysis was carried out, where possible, to determine the degradation in reflectance or other loss caused by each characteristic. Otherwise, reasonable estimates are made of corresponding losses, based on already published data.

Thomas, R. G.↗

Interplanetary magnetic field effects on high latitude ionospheric convection

Relations between the electric field and the electric current in the ionosphere can be established on the basis of a system of mathematical and physical equations provided by the equations of current continuity and Ohm's law. For this reason, much of the synthesis of electric field and plasma velocity data in the F-region is made with the aid of similar data sets derived from field-aligned current and horizontal current measurements. During the past decade, the development of a self-consistent picture of the distribution and behavior of these measurements has proceeded almost in parallel. The present paper is concerned with the picture as it applies to the electric field and plasma drift velocity and its dependence on the interplanetary magnetic field. Attention is given to the southward interplanetary magnetic field and the northward interplanetary magnetic field.

Heelis, R. A.↗

The equilibrium dayside magnetosphere

A method is presented of computing the dayside global earth magnetic field which is in equilibrium with the plasma pressure, based on satellite observations at a local region of the magnetosphere. The method, which utilizes a perturbation around a dipole magnetic field, involves computation of the global plasma pressure profile based on the equatorial (anisotropic) pressure data, derivation of the current profile which satisfies the equilibrium condition, and computation of the magnetic field using the current profile and the boundary current produced by the solar wind. The method is applied for the Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers data, and the result of the computation is found to compare reasonably well with the observed magnetic field profile near the geomagnetic equator.

Zavriyev, Anton↗

Knowledge representation in space flight operations

In space flight operations rapid understanding of the state of the space vehicle is essential. Representation of knowledge depicting space vehicle status in a dynamic environment presents a difficult challenge. The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory has pursued areas of technology associated with the advancement of spacecraft operations environment. This has led to the development of several advanced mission systems which incorporate enhanced graphics capabilities. These systems include: (1) Spacecraft Health Automated Reasoning Prototype (SHARP); (2) Spacecraft Monitoring Environment (SME); (3) Electrical Power Data Monitor (EPDM); (4) Generic Payload Operations Control Center (GPOCC); and (5) Telemetry System Monitor Prototype (TSM). Knowledge representation in these systems provides a direct representation of the intrinsic images associated with the instrument and satellite telemetry and telecommunications systems. The man-machine interface includes easily interpreted contextual graphic displays. These interactive video displays contain multiple display screens with pop-up windows and intelligent, high resolution graphics linked through context and mouse-sensitive icons and text.

Busse, Carl↗

Some buffet response characteristics of a twin-vertical-tail configuration

A rigid, 1/6 size, full span model of an F-18 airplane was fitted with flexible vertical tails of two different levels of stiffness that were buffet tested in the Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel. Vertical tail buffet response results that were obtained over the range of angles of attack from -10 to 40 degs, and over the range of Mach numbers from 0.30 to 0.95 are presented. These results indicate the following: (1) the response occurs in the first bending mode; (2) the response increases with increasing dynamic pressure, but changes in response are not linearly proportional to the changes in dynamic pressure; (3) the response is larger at M = 0.30 than it is at the higher Mach numbers; (4) the maximum intensity of the buffeting is described as heavy to severe using an assessment criteria proposed by another investigator; and (5) the data at different dynamic pressures and for the different tails correlate reasonably well using the buffet excitation parameter derived from the dynamic analysis of buffeting.

Cole, Stanley R.↗

Applications of AI for automated monitoring - The SHARP system

This paper describes a software system which utilizes artificial intelligence technology to automate several real-time mission operations functions. The paper gives an overview of Voyager spacecraft telecommunications operations at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to highlight requirements for operations automation in the area of real-time monitoring and analysis. A knowledge-based system, called the 'Spacecraft Health Automated Reasoning Prototype' (SHARP), was developed to explore methods for automated ground data system health and status analysis. The prototype system was applied to Voyager spacecraft telecommunications operations, and installed in the Voyager real-time telecommunications operations area during the spacecraft's encounter with the planet Neptune. The paper reviews the design of the fault detection and diagnosis portions of SHARP, and discusses the performance of SHARP during the encounter. Two follow-on systems based on SHARP which are now in development are also discussed.

Atkinson, David J.↗

Simulation of TunneLadder traveling-wave tube cold-test characteristics: Implementation of the three-dimensional, electromagnetic circuit analysis code micro-SOS

The three-dimensional, electromagnetic circuit analysis code, Micro-SOS, can be used to reduce expensive time-consuming experimental 'cold-testing' of traveling-wave tube (TWT) circuits. The frequency-phase dispersion characteristics and beam interaction impedance of a TunneLadder traveling-wave tube slow-wave structure were simulated using the code. When reasonable dimensional adjustments are made, computer results agree closely with experimental data. Modifications to the circuit geometry that would make the TunneLadder TWT easier to fabricate for higher frequency operation are explored.

Kory, Carol L.↗

A comparative study of computational solutions to flow over a backward-facing step

A comparative study was conducted for computational fluid dynamic solutions to flow over a backward-facing step. This flow is a benchmark problem, with a simple geometry, but involves complicated flow physics such as free shear layers, reattaching flow, recirculation, and high turbulence intensities. Three Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes flow solvers with k-epsilon turbulence models were used, each using a different solution algorithm: finite difference, finite element, and hybrid finite element - finite difference. Comparisons were made with existing experimental data. Results showed that velocity profiles and reattachment lengths were predicted reasonably well by all three methods, while the skin friction coefficients were more difficult to predict accurately. It was noted that, in general, selecting an appropriate solver for each problem to be considered is important.

Mizukami, M.↗

Comparative wind tunnel tests of NACA 23024 airfoils with several aileron and spoiler configurations

This paper reviews research efforts at Wichita State University sponsored by NASA Lewis Research Center to design and evaluate aerodynamic braking devices which will be smaller and lighter than full-chord blade pitch control. Devices evaluated include a variety of aileron configurations, and spoilers located at both trailing edge and near the leading edge. The paper discusses analytical modeling, wind tunnel tests, and for some configurations, full-scale rotor tests. Current designs have not provided adequate control power at high angles of attack (low tip-speed-ratios). The reasons for these limitations are discussed. Analysis and wind tunnel test data indicate that several options are available to the designer to provide aerodynamic slowdown without full-chord pitch control. Three options are suggested; adding venting in front of the control surface hingeline, using spoilers located near the leading edge, and using a two-piece control combining downward deflection inboard with upward deflection outboard.

Wentz, W. H., Jr.↗

The homunculus of Eta Carinae: An interacting stellar winds paradigm

We simulate the origin and evolution of the bipolar nebula surrounding Eta Car using numerical two-dimensional gasdynamic models. The generalized interacting stellar winds scenario, wherein a stellar wind interacts with an aspherical circumstellar environment, is adopted. The eruption wind of 1840-1860, which is taken to be spherically symmetric, interacts with a preeruption toroidal density environment. Using reasonable assumptions of initial conditions and eruption parameters based on archival data, we have performed over 30 simulations in an effort to bracket the initial parameters which produce models that best match observations. We find that models with high pole-to-equator density contrasts (greater than 100) and toroidal density configurations nicely account for the observed morphology and kinematics of the homunculus.

Frank, Adam↗

A geometrical result regarding time-of-arrival lightning location

One reason for investigating Lightning Detection And Ranging (LDAR) is to validate data from the Optical Transient Detector (OTD). A Time-Of-Arrival (TOA) procedure may be used with radio wave portions of lighting signatures. An antenna is in place at KSC.

Solakiewicz, Richard↗

Comparison of Calculated and Experimental Total-Pressure Loss and Airflow Distribution in Tubular Turbojet Combustors with Tapered Liners

Incompressible-flow calculations were performed to determine the effects of combustor geometric and operating variables on pressure loss and airflow distribution in a tubular combustor with a tapered liner. The calculations include the effects of momentum transfer between annulus and liner gas streams, annulus wall friction, heat release, and discharge coefficients of liner air-entry holes. Generalized curves are presented which show the effects of liner-wall inclination, liner open hole area, and temperature rise across the combustor on pressure loss and airflow distribution for a representative parabolic liner hole distribution. A comparison of the experimental data from 12 tapered liners with the theoretical calculations indicates that reasonable design estimates can be made from the generalized curves. The calculated pressure losses of the tapered liners are compared with those previously reported for tubular liners.

Grobman, Jack S.↗

Unstructured Grid Viscous Flow Simulation Over High-Speed Research Technology Concept Airplane at High-Lift Conditions

Numerical viscous solutions based on an unstructured grid methodology are presented for a candidate high-speed civil transport configuration, designated as the Technology Concept Airplane (TCA), within the High-Speed Research (HSR) program. The numerical results are obtained on a representative TCA high-lift configuration that consisted of the fuselage and the wing, with deflected full-span leading-edge and trailing-edge flaps. Typical on-and off-surface flow structures, computed at high-lift conditions appropriate for the takeoff and landing, indicated features that are generally plausible. Reasonable surface pressure correlations between the numerical results and the experimental data are obtained at free-stream Mach number M(sub infinity) = 0.25 and Reynolds number based on bar-c R(sub c) = 8 x 10(exp 6) for moderate angles of attack of 9.7 deg. and 13.5 deg. However, above and below this angle-of-attack range, the correlation between computed and measured pressure distributions starts to deteriorate over the examined angle-of-attack range. The predicted longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics are shown to correlate very well with existing experimental data across the examined angle-of-attack range. An excellent agreement is also obtained between the predicted lift-to-drag ratio and the experimental data over the examined range of flow conditions.

Ghaffari, Farhad↗