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At least 1,711 records · Page 95

Neural networks for structural design - An integrated system implementation

The development of powerful automated procedures to aid the creative designer is becoming increasingly critical for complex design tasks. In the work described here Artificial Neural Nets are applied to acquire structural analysis and optimization domain expertise. Based on initial instructions from the user an automated procedure generates random instances of structural analysis and/or optimization 'experiences' that cover a desired domain. It extracts training patterns from the created instances, constructs and trains an appropriate network architecture and checks the accuracy of net predictions. The final product is a trained neural net that can estimate analysis and/or optimization results instantaneously.

Berke, Laszlo↗

Parallel implementation of a particle simulation for modeling rarefied gas dynamic flow

When the conditions of flow are rarefied and hypersonic, a more suitable alternative to the use of the Navier-Stokes equations for developing a numerical solution is the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo method (DSMC), a method of simulation which employs a large number of particles in modeling a rarefied gas. The performance of a parallel DSMC code developed for the Intel iPSC/860 Touchstone Gamma prototype computer is studied and the scaleup is found to be very nearly over the range of 16-128 processors.

Fallavollita, M. A.↗

Optical implementation of a feature-based neural network with application to automatic target recognition

An optical neural network based on the neocognitron paradigm is introduced. A novel aspect of the architecture design is shift-invariant multichannel Fourier optical correlation within each processing layer. Multilayer processing is achieved by feeding back the ouput of the feature correlator interatively to the input spatial light modulator and by updating the Fourier filters. By training the neural net with characteristic features extracted from the target images, successful pattern recognition with intraclass fault tolerance and interclass discrimination is achieved. A detailed system description is provided. Experimental demonstrations of a two-layer neural network for space-object discrimination is also presented.

Chao, Tien-Hsin↗

Implementation of a mesh adaptive scheme based on an element-level error indicator

We investigate the formulation and application of element-level error indicators based on parametrized variational principles. The qualifier 'element-level' means that no information from adjacent elements is used for error estimation. This property is ideally suited to drive adaptive mesh refinement on parallel computers where access to neighboring elements resident on different processors may incur significant computational overhead. Furthermore, such indicators are not affected by physical jumps at junctures or interfaces. An element-level indicator has been derived from the higher-order element energy and applied to r and h mesh adaptation of meshes in plates and shell structures. We report on our initial experiments with a cylindrical shell that intersects with fist plates forming a simplified 'wing-body intersection' benchmark problem.

Keating, Scott↗

Design and implementation of a prototype data system for earth radiation budget, cloud, aerosol, and chemistry data

Activities at the NASA Langley Research Center's distributed active archive centers (DAACs) intended to capitalize on existing centers of scientific expertise and to prevent a single point of failure are described. A Version 0 Langley DAAC, a prototype of an Earth Observing System Data and Information System, started archiving and distributing existing datasets on the earth's radiation budget, clouds, aerosols, and tropospheric chemistry in late 1992. The major goals of the LaRC Version 0 effort include to enhance scientific use of existing data; to develop institutional expertise in maintaining and distributing data; to encourage cooperative interagency and international involvement with datasets and research; and to use institutional capability for processing data from previous missions to prepare for processing the future EOS satellite data.

Baum, Bryan A.↗

An all digital implementation of a modified Hamming net for video compression with prediction and quantization circuits

The hardware and algorithms used to vector quantize (VQ) predicted pixel intensity differences for real-time video compression are described. The hardware is designed for rapid vector quantization performance, which entails the development of application-specific associative memory circuits. A modified DPCM algorithm is originally examined to determine how neural circuitry could enhance its operation. It was determined that quantization and encoding could be improved by consolidating these two functions into one, and by increasing the amount of information (i.e. number of pixels) quantized at a time. The result is a predictive scheme that vector quantizes differential values. Some of the disadvantages of VQ algorithms are solved using associative memories. The video compression algorithm and the associative memory design are described.

Kaul, Richard↗

Recent experiences with implementing a video based six degree of freedom measurement system for airplane models in a 20 foot diameter vertical spin tunnel

A model space positioning system (MSPS), a state-of-the-art, real-time tracking system to provide the test engineer with on line model pitch and spin rate information, is described. It is noted that the six-degree-of-freedom post processor program will require additional programming effort both in the automated tracking mode for high spin rates and in accuracy to meet the measurement objectives. An independent multicamera system intended to augment the MSPS is studied using laboratory calibration methods based on photogrammetry to characterize the losses in various recording options. Data acquired to Super VHS tape encoded with Vertical Interval Time Code and transcribed to video disk are considered to be a reasonable priced choice for post editing and processing video data.

Snow, Walter L.↗

Alaska SAR processor implementation of E-ERS-1

The synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data processing algorithm used by the Alaska SAR Facility (ASF) for the European Space Agency's first Remote-Sensing Satellite (E-ERS-1) SAR data are examined. Preprocessing highlights two features: signal measurement, which includes signal-to-noise ratio, replica measurement, and noise measurement; and Doppler measurement, which includes clutter lock and autofocus. The custom pipeline architecture performs the main processing with controls at the input interface, range correlator, corner-turn memory, azimuth correlator, and multi-look memory. The control software employs a flexible control scheme. The Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) format encapsulates the ASF products. System performance for SAR image processing of E-ERS-1 data is reviewed.

Cuddy, David↗

Fluid dynamics and convective heat transfer in impinging jets through implementation of a high resolution liquid crystal technique

A combined convective heat transfer and fluid dynamics investigation in a turbulent round jet impinging on a flat surface is presented. The experimental study uses a high resolution liquid crystal technique for the determination of the convective heat transfer coefficients on the impingement plate. The heat transfer experiments are performed using a transient heat transfer method. The mean flow and the character of turbulent flow in the free jet is presented through five hole probe and hot wire measurements, respectively. The flow field character of the region near the impingement plate plays an important role in the amount of convective heat transfer. Detailed surveys obtained from five hole probe and hot wire measurements are provided. An extensive validation of the liquid crystal based heat transfer method against a conventional technique is also presented. After a complete documentation of the mean and turbulent flow field, the convective heat transfer coefficient distributions on the impingement plate are presented. The near wall of the impingement plate and the free jet region is treated separately. The current heat transfer distributions are compared to other studies available from the literature. The present paper contains complete sets of information on the three dimensional mean flow, turbulent velocity fluctuations, and convective heat transfer to the plate. The experiments also prove that the present nonintrusive heat transfer method is highly effective in obtaining high resolution heat transfer maps with a heat transfer coefficient uncertainty of 5.7 percent.

Kim, K.↗

Experimental implementation of adaptive control for flexible space structures

On-going research at The Aerospace Corporation studying the feasibility of applying adaptive control methodologies to the control of flexible space structures is described. A laboratory testbed was established to test system identification and control approaches. The laboratory set-up and controller design approach are discussed. The ARX least squares parameter estimation technique is analyzed in terms of frequency domain transfer function bias error. This analysis approach enables the determination of the effects of sampling rate, sensor type, and data prefiltering on the estimation performance. The ability to identify space structure dynamics over a range of frequencies is shown to be heavily dependent on these factors.

Mcgraw, Gary A.↗

Design and implementation of components for a bioregenerative system for growing higher order plants in space

This report summarizes the efforts of the NASA/USRA Advanced Design Program during the 1988-89 scholastic year. The primary goal was to address specific needs in the design of an integrated system to grow higher order plants in space. The initial phase of the design effort concentrated on studying such a system and identifying its needs. Once these needs were defined, emphasis was placed on the design and fabrication of devices to meet them. Specific attention was placed on a hand-held harvester, a nutrient concentration sensor, an air-water separator, and a closed-loop biological system simulation.

Brakman, B.↗

Global considerations for implementation of telemedicine

In Dec. 1989, the United Nations proclaimed the Decade 1990-1999 as the International Decade for Natural Disasters Reduction (IDNDR). The Decade identified a number of research programs. IDNDR, provides a unique opportunity to explore the potential offered by the emerging technologies, and to promote, develop, and support those technologies deemed adequate to make the next century a safer one, especially in the poorest countries of the world. But all this improvement cannot be accomplished in a vacuum. We must begin now to eliminate pitfalls and illusions. A new attitude must emerge. In the scope of reducing human damages resulting from disasters, we must reconsider the cross-cultural understanding, and reach a real awareness which combines humility with a sense of relativeness. Promoting the right context is essential to the mandate of the Decade.

Lechat, M. F.↗

A VLSI implementation of DCT using pass transistor technology

A VLSI design for performing the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) operation on image blocks of size 16 x 16 in a real time fashion operating at 34 MHz (worst case) is presented. The process used was Hewlett-Packard's CMOS26--A 3 metal CMOS process with a minimum feature size of 0.75 micron. The design is based on Multiply-Accumulate (MAC) cells which make use of a modified Booth recoding algorithm for performing multiplication. The design of these cells is straight forward, and the layouts are regular with no complex routing. Two versions of these MAC cells were designed and their layouts completed. Both versions were simulated using SPICE to estimate their performance. One version is slightly faster at the cost of larger silicon area and higher power consumption. An improvement in speed of almost 20 percent is achieved after several iterations of simulation and re-sizing.

Kamath, S.↗

ROSAT implementation of a proposed multi-mission x ray data format

Until recently little effort has been made to ensure that data from X-ray telescopes are delivered in a format that reflects the common characteristics that most X-ray datasets share. Instrument-specific data-product design hampers the comparison of X-ray measurements made by different detectors and should be avoided whenever possible. The ROSAT project and the High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center (HEASARC) have defined a set of X-ray data products ('rationalized files') for ROSAT data that can be used for distribution and archiving of data from other X-ray missions. This set of 'rationalized files' has been defined to isolate instrument-independent and instrument-specific quantities using standards FITS constructs to ensure portability. We discuss the usage of the 'rationalized files' by ROSAT for data distribution and archiving, with particular emphasis on discrimination between instrument-independent and instrument-specific quantities, and discuss application of this format to data from other X-ray missions.

Corcoran, M.↗

Design and implementation considerations of a MSAT packet data network

The Mobile Data System, which is intended to provide for packet switched data services is currently under development. The system is based on a star network topology consisting of a centralized Data Hub (DH) serving a large number of mobile terminals. Through the Data Hub, end-to-end connections can be established between terrestrial users on public or private data networks and mobile users. The MDS network will be capable of offering a variety of services some of which are based on the standard X.25 network interface protocol, and others optimized for short messages and broadcast messages. A description of these services and the trade-offs in the DH design are presented.

Karam, Fouad G.↗

Implementation of a state of the art automated system for the production of cloud/water vapor motion winds from geostationary satellites

The thrust of the proposed effort under this contract is aimed at improving techniques to track water vapor data in sequences of imagery from geostationary satellites. In regards to this task, significant testing, evaluation, and progress was accomplished during this period. Sets of winds derived from Meteosat data were routinely produced during Atlantic hurricane events in the 1993 season. These wind sets were delivered via Internet in real time to the Hurricane Research Division in Miami for their evaluation in a track forecast model. For eighteen cases in which 72-hour forecasts were produced, thirteen resulted in track forecast improvements (some quite significant). In addition, quality-controlled Meteosat water vapor winds produced by NESDIS were validated against rawinsondes, yielding an 8 m/s RMS. This figure is comparable to upper-level cloud drift wind accuracies. Given the complementary horizontal coverage in cloud-free areas, we believe that water vapor vectors can supplement cloud-drift wind information to provide good full-disk coverage of the upper tropospheric flow. The impact of these winds on numerical analysis and forecasts will be tested in the next reporting period.

Velden, Christopher S.↗