Towards computer-automated mechatronic design and optimization using linear graphs and evolutionary computing

A comparison of literature between the linear graph (LG) and bond graph (BG) approaches shows that the surpassing of BGs to LGs in applications related to the modeling of mechatronic systems is driven primarily by a lack of available LG-based software. As a result, a robust software toolbox called LGtheory has been developed for automating the evaluation of LG models in the MATLAB programming environment. This thesis details the development of LGtheory, and the algorithms and procedures employed for the evaluation of LG models. In addition, demonstrations of this toolbox to a process for automating the design of electronic filter circuits, as well as, the modeling and simulation of the dynamics of a mobile robotic system are presented. The results of these demonstrations validate the accuracy of the LGtheory toolbox for modeling complex multi-domain systems, and provides the methodological basis for the automated design of mechatronic systems using LGs

NASA SBIR abstracts of 1991 phase 1 projects

The objectives of 301 projects placed under contract by the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are described. These projects were selected competitively from among proposals submitted to NASA in response to the 1991 SBIR Program Solicitation. The basic document consists of edited, non-proprietary abstracts of the winning proposals submitted by small businesses. The abstracts are presented under the 15 technical topics within which Phase 1 proposals were solicited. Each project was assigned a sequential identifying number from 001 to 301, in order of its appearance in the body of the report. Appendixes to provide additional information about the SBIR program and permit cross-reference of the 1991 Phase 1 projects by company name, location by state, principal investigator, NASA Field Center responsible for management of each project, and NASA contract number are included

Small business innovation research. Abstracts of 1988 phase 1 awards

Non-proprietary proposal abstracts of Phase 1 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) projects supported by NASA are presented. Projects in the fields of aeronautical propulsion, aerodynamics, acoustics, aircraft systems, materials and structures, teleoperators and robots, computer sciences, information systems, data processing, spacecraft propulsion, bioastronautics, satellite communication, and space processing are covered

Large space structures and systems in the space station era: A bibliography with indexes (supplement 05)

Bibliographies and abstracts are listed for 1363 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system between January 1, 1991 and July 31, 1992. Topics covered include technology development and mission design according to system, interactive analysis and design, structural and thermal analysis and design, structural concepts and control systems, electronics, advanced materials, assembly concepts, propulsion and solar power satellite systems

NASA SBIR abstracts of 1990 phase 1 projects

The research objectives of the 280 projects placed under contract in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 1990 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 program are described. The basic document consists of edited, non-proprietary abstracts of the winning proposals submitted by small businesses in response to NASA's 1990 SBIR Phase 1 Program Solicitation. The abstracts are presented under the 15 technical topics within which Phase 1 proposals were solicited. Each project was assigned a sequential identifying number from 001 to 280, in order of its appearance in the body of the report. The document also includes Appendixes to provide additional information about the SBIR program and permit cross-reference in the 1990 Phase 1 projects by company name, location by state, principal investigator, NASA field center responsible for management of each project, and NASA contract number

NASA Tech Briefs, June 1994

Topics covered include: Microelectronics; Electronic Components and Circuits; Electronic Systems; Physical Sciences; Materials; Computer Programs; Mechanics; Machinery/Automation; Manufacturing/Fabrication; Mathematics and Information Sciences; Life Sciences; Books and Report

Space station systems: A bibliography with indexes (supplement 9)

This bibliography lists 1,313 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system between January 1, 1989 and June 30, 1989. Its purpose is to provide helpful information to researchers, designers and managers engaged in Space Station technology development and mission design. Coverage includes documents that define major systems and subsystems related to structures and dynamic control, electronics and power supplies, propulsion, and payload integration. In addition, orbital construction methods, servicing and support requirements, procedures and operations, and missions for the current and future Space Station are included

Electronic CVT - Controls

The following document outlines the design process, manufacturing, and testing of the control system for an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). This control system was integrated into the custom designed and manufactured mechanical transmission system created in parallel by another senior project group. The transmission was designed for use in the Cal Poly Baja SAE vehicle. Through researching customer needs, competition requirements, previous and alternate CVT designs, and vehicle characteristics, we were able to determine the requirements and specifications for our unique system. Input, output, speed, and durability requirements guided our hardware selection. The primary components which comprised our system include an alternator and regulator, a custom circuit board, rotary encoders and hall effect sensors, brushed DC motors, lead screws, and a custom system enclosure; further details are included in the Final Design section of this report. With the knowledge of our vehicle characteristics, actuation mode, and inputs, a system model determined that a standard proportional + integral action (PI) controller would be sufficient to obtain the speed and accuracy demanded by our customer needs. Electrical components were assembled, tested, and programmed on a prototyping breadboard, and a custom printed circuit board (PCB) was outsourced for manufacture following qualification of our prototype. The final production board was bench tested with the mechanical CVT system to ensure it met all customer and design requirements. Furthermore, the enclosure was tested to ensure the safety and durability of the electrical systems. Planning and timing mismanagement between our team, the mechanical design team, and Cal Poly SAE Baja team, in conjunction with controls specific setbacks, resulted in the final combined system remaining untested on the Baja vehicle. This project is being continued by a new senior project group which will continue to test and improve upon the current system during the 2019-2020 academic year