2000 NASA STTR Phase-I Proposal Proposal #: 000063
1. Research Topic: 02 - Atmospheric Flight Operations 2. Project Title: Integrated software toolbox for aeroelastic modeling and dynamic
stability analysis of a Generic Hypersonic Vehicle
3. Small Business Concern 4. Principal Investigator
Name: Scientific Systems Company, Inc. Name: Ravi Prasanth
Address: 500 West Cummings Park, Suite 3000
City: Woburn
ST: MA Zip: 01801
5. Research Institution
Name: Sponsored Programs
Address: Virginia Poly. Tech & State Univ
City: Blacksburg
ST: VA Zip: 24061
6. Technical Abstract (Limit 200 words)
Aeroservoelastic (ASE) modeling and vehicle stability analysis
are two major concerns in the accurate prediction of flight characteristics
of
generic hypersonic vehicles (GHVs). We propose to develop an ASE modeling and
vehicle stability analysis toolkit. System Identification (SI)-based black box
models of CFD solvers is the primary focus in Phase I. Bifurcation and Chaos
Theory Methodology (BACTM) is the main tool
for nonlinear stability analysis. The proposed software consists of a library
of ASE model structures, SI routines, and BACTM modules. The software will enhance
the capabilities of STARS code currently in use at NASA Dryden. Phase I work
involves: (1) acquisition of GHV models, STARS training data and code, (2) development
of ASE modeling toolkit for GHV, (3) nonlinear analysis of ASE, (4) trajectory
optimization and GHV flight stability analysis, (5) integration of software
modules into STARS, and (6) final report and software delivery. Specific problems
addressed include nonlinear flutter analysis, effect of modeling uncertainties,
nonlinear flight dynamics in the presence of inertia coupling and unsteady effects.
Prof. Lutze of VPI and Prof. Klein of JIAFS/GWU will serve as subcontractors
in this project.
7. Potential Commercial Application(s)(Limit 200 words)
SI-based modeling software has applications in flight testing, combustion processes, fluid mechanics, and process control. Nonlinear stability analysis software has applications in aircraft, jet engines, civil engineering structures, chemical instabilities, compressor stall, biology and communications.