Computer simulation of IGBT losses in PFC circuits

An analysis is presented that forms the basis for an algorithm for calculating the IGBT losses in a power factor correction (PFC) circuit. The method employs experimental data from an off-line test circuit that closely resembles the switching conditions in the actual PFC. This technique provides calculated values of both the conduction and switching losses of the main transistor in a boost-type PFC circuit. Results for a 6 kW PFC are included     

Neural controllers for systems with unknown dynamics

This study presents a methodology for specifying a neural controller for a system about which no a priori model information is available. The neural design presumes that a finite duration input/output (I/O) histogram on the system is available. The design procedure extracts from the histogram sufficient information to specify the neural feedback controller. The resultant controller will drive the system along a general output reference profile (unknown during the design). The resultant controller also exhibits the capability of disturbance rejection and the capacity to stabilize unstable plants     

Multistage integration model for human egomotion perception

Human computational vision models that attempt to account for the dynamic perception of egomotion and relative depth typically assume a common three-stage process: first, compute the optical flow field based on the dynamically changing image; second, estimate the egomotion states based on the flow; and third, estimate the relative depth/shape based on the egomotion states and possibly on a model of the viewed surface. We propose a model more in line with recent work in human vision, employing multistage integration. Here the dynamic image is first processed to generate spatial and temporal image gradients that drive a mutually interconnected state estimator and depth/shape estimator. The state estimator uses the image gradient information in combination with a depth/shape estimate of the viewed surface and an assumed model of the viewer's dynamics to generate current state estimates; in tandem, the depth/shape estimator uses the image gradient information in combination with the viewer's state estimate and assumed shape model to generate current depth/shape estimates. In this paper, we describe the model and compare model predictions with empirical data.     

Calibration of Precision Gimbaled Pointing Systems

Corrections of pointing data provided by gimbal readout transducers can be used to compensate for the errors that arise because of gimbal misalignments and inaccuracies in transducer readout. This paper reviews the sources of pointing error in precision gimbaled pointing systems and describes the techniques for determining them. In particular, a method of calibration that is suitable for systems in which constraints on gimbal travel preclude the use of conventional calibration procedures is presented, and the pointing readout accuracy that can be achieved by this method is evaluated.     

Displacement simulation for spacecraft structure

The paper presents a technique of forming and evaluating the allowable clearance between a launch vehicle fairing and spacecraft.     

Nonlinear deforming of laminated composite shells of revolution under finite deflections and normal’s rotation angles

The discretization of the boundary value problem for laminated composite shells is based on the finite difference approach using the regular mesh with the constant grid step and the difference operators of the second order of accuracy. The dynamic relaxation method is proposed for the solution of the nonlinear problem. The evolutionary equations of the dynamic relaxation are constructed, and the optimum parameters of the converging linear iterative process are estimated.     

To selection of the model fluid for hydrogen simulation in testing of seals

The paper discusses the applicability of cold gaseous nitrogen as a model working fluid in testing the hydrogen pump seals for power plants by three-dimensional modeling.     

Analysis of the spacecraft vertical landing dynamics on the platform with crash legs

This paper proposes a novel landing gear for spacecraft that allows a weight reduction due to using deformable crash legs. Numerical simulation of the landing process was performed.     

Determination of Gas-Generator Fuel Capacity for Hybrid Aerial Underwater Vehicles with Airfoil Cavity-Forming System

We determine the behavior of onboard gas-generator flowrate for generating the cavitation flow around a hybrid aerial underwater vehicle by using an annular wing on the underwater trajectory section.     

OSIRIS-REx: Sample Return from Asteroid (101955) Bennu

In May of 2011, NASA selected the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) asteroid sample return mission as the third mission in the New Frontiers program. The other two New Frontiers missions are New Horizons, which explored Pluto during a flyby in July 2015 and is on its way for a flyby of Kuiper Belt object 2014 MU69 on January 1, 2019, and Juno, an orbiting mission that is studying the origin, evolution, and internal structure of Jupiter. The spacecraft departed for near-Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu aboard an United Launch Alliance Atlas V 411 evolved expendable launch vehicle at 7:05 p.m. EDT on September 8, 2016, on a seven-year journey to return samples from Bennu. The spacecraft is on an outbound-cruise trajectory that will result in a rendezvous with Bennu in November 2018. The science instruments on the spacecraft will survey Bennu to measure its physical, geological, and chemical properties, and the team will use these data to select a site on the surface to collect at least 60 g of asteroid regolith. The team will also analyze the remote-sensing data to perform a detailed study of the sample site for context, assess Bennu’s resource potential, refine estimates of its impact probability with Earth, and provide ground-truth data for the extensive astronomical data set collected on this asteroid. The spacecraft will leave Bennu in 2021 and return the sample to the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR) on September 24, 2023.