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.