Sub-optimal control of discrete systems with bounded state and control variables
Suboptimal control of discrete input system with bounded state and control variables, developing algorithm for on-line computation
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Suboptimal control of discrete input system with bounded state and control variables, developing algorithm for on-line computation
Digital computer program develops temperature control system which maintains various subsystems within proper temperature limits. Coding is simple and input rules are easy to use and remember. Output format is easy to understand and to analyze for error diagnosis.
Using zinc orthotitanate-pigmented potassium silicate paints for thermal control surface coatings
System and component models for spacecraft thermal control design, considering materials, environmental degradation, measurement errors, manufacturing and quality assurance
Artificial g space station configurations, developing movable control mass attitude stabilization system
Balanced positive and negative voltage output circuit, in which error voltage for control is developed from difference in absolute value of positive and negative voltages referenced to a common point, regulates voltage for use with inertial reference unit. Fast-acting, temperature-compensated, high-gain operational amplifier circuits maintain common point.
The evaluation and environmental testing of zinc orthotitanate pigments for use as space stable thermal control coatings on large space vehicles are discussed. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the pigments and their precursor compounds are examined. A continuing study of the spectral intensity of mercury-argon and mercury-xenon sources in reported. Results of long term environmental testing of commercially available, strippable, protective coatings are discussed.
There are no author-identified significant results in this report.
This paper considers the problem of designing a control system to achieve and maintain the required surface accuracy of the primary mirror of a large space telescope. Control over the mirror surface is obtained through the application of a corrective force distribution by actuators located on the rear surface of the mirror. The design procedure is an extension of a model control technique developed for distributed parameter plants with known eigenfunctions to include plants whose eigenfunctions must be approximated by numerical techniques. Instructions are given for constructing the mathematical model of the system, and a design procedure is developed for use with. typical numerical data in selecting the number and location of the actuators. Examples of actuator patterns and their effect on various errors are given.
There are no author-identified significant results in this report.
The author has identified the following significant results. As the Connecticut River flows into Long Island Sound, large plumes develop during the mixing of ocean and estuarine waters. Plumes were delineated for July 28, October 8, October 27, and December 2, 1972, by analyzing ERTS-1 imagery with the SRI Electronic Satellite Image Analysis Console (ESIAC). Because the chemical and physical composition of the plume and ocean water were not too different, the ESIAC was utilized to expand the scenes and subject the transparencies to varying combinations of viewing techniques to identify and delineate the plumes. Best results were obtained when band 5 transparencies were used. Indications are, when the scene being analyzed is predominantly in the first two steps of the gray scale, it is best to use the negative transparencies. When the analysis is being done above the first two steps of the gray scale, it is best to use the positive transparencies.
There are no author-identified significant results in this report.
This memorandum explores a host of considerations meriting attention from those who are concerned with designing organizational structures for development and control of a large scale educational telecommunications system using satellites. Part of a broader investigation at Washington University into the potential uses of fixed/broadcast satellites in U.S. education, this study lays ground work for a later effort to spell out a small number of hypothetical organizational blueprints for such a system and for assessment of potential short and long term impacts. The memorandum consists of two main parts. Part A deals with subjects of system-wide concern, while Part B deals with matters related to specific system components.
Results of a sensitivity and comparison evaluation performed on six liquid penetrants that were used on the Saturn 5 vehicle and other space hardware to detect surface discontinuities are described. The relationship between penetrant materials and crack definition capabilities, the optimum penetrant materials evaluation method, and the optimum measurement methods for crack dimensions were investigated. A unique method of precise developer thickness control was envolved, utilizing clear radiographic film and a densitometer. The method of evaluation included five aluminum alloy, 2219-T87, specimens that were heated and then quenched in cold water to produce cracks. The six penetrants were then applied, one at a time, and the crack indications were counted and recorded for each penetrant for comparison purposes. Measurements were made by determining the visual crack indications per linear inch and then sectioning the specimens for a metallographic count of the cracks present. This method provided a numerical approach for assigning a sensitivity index number to the penetrants. Of the six penetrants evaluated, two were not satisfactory (one was not sufficiently sensitive and the other was to sensitive, giving false indications). The other four were satisfactory with approximately the same sensitivity in the range of 78 to 80.5 percent of total cracks detected.
Some significant areas of emphasis in the NASA airframes structures program are highlighted. The topics treated include automated analysis and design processes, building confidence in advanced composites, improving the technology base for future supersonic and hypersonic vehicles, validation of concepts for active control systems, development of predictive methods for aircraft loads and aeroelasticity, and generation of methodology to assure structural integrity as a part of the design process. An integrated long-range program for fatigue and fracture is recommended.
Laser beam is intensity modulated in response to incoming video signals. Latent image is recorded on rotating drum which generates raster in conjunction with incrementally-driven lens carriage. Image is fed automatically to thermal processor; actual image is developed by controlled application of heat onto medium containing latent image.
Amorphous tin selenide thin films which possess Ovonic switching properties were fabricated using vacuum deposition techniques. Results obtained indicate that memory type Ovonic switching does occur in these films the energy density required for switching from a high impedance to a low impedance state is dependent on the spacing between the electrodes of the device. The switching is also function of the magnitude of the applied voltage pulse. A completely automated computer controlled testing procedure was developed which allows precise control over the shape of the applied voltage switching pulse. A survey of previous experimental and theoretical work in the area of Ovonic switching is also presented.
Modifications are described which have been introduced to the Centaur high-energy upper stage (which is being integrated with the Titan IIIC booster) to improve mission flexibility and reliability, and to provide three-burn synchronous orbit capability. The addition of a sidewall radiation shield significantly reduces heat transfer to the liquid hydrogen tank. This radiation field, in conjunction with a newly developed computer controlled propellant tank venting and pressurization system, permits the use of improved techniques for propellant management during orbital coast. Some minor changes in the propulsion and propellant systems which were necessary to adapt these systems for synchronous orbit trajectories are described, together with the redundancy incorporated to reduce the number of single failure points.-