14 research outputs found
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Application of Neural Networks to Flight Test Diagnostics
A system has been designed which can provide summary information about specific noisy electric pulses that are generated during flight testing. This is important from a telemetry viewpoint, since limited bandwidth often rules out transmitting all of the pulse data. The system is based on a neural network processing paradigm. The neural network serves as a mapping between pulse data inputs and pulse category outputs. Output categories correspond to presence or type of component failure. Extensive computer simulations have shown that the system can recognize qualitative pulse features which are useful for diagnostic purposes. A second version of the system, also using a neural network, was designed to perform data compression. In this case, an entire pulse is efficiently coded for transmission and the original signal is reconstructed upon receiving the coded transmission. Successful simulations for both systems have demonstrated feasibility and have led to a hardware development effort aimed at prototyping a fieldable system. Based on these results, it appears that the neural network approach may be applicable to other diagnostic and data analysis problems arising in component or system testing. 3 refs., 16 figs., 2 tabs
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Process control of large-scale finite element simulation software
We have developed a methodology for coupling large-scale numerical codes with process control algorithms. Closed-loop simulations were demonstrated using the Sandia-developed finite element thermal code TACO and the commercially available finite element thermal-mechanical code ABAQUS. This new capability enables us to use computational simulations for designing and prototyping advanced process-control systems. By testing control algorithms on simulators before building and testing hardware, enormous time and cost savings can be realized. The need for a closed-loop simulation capability was demonstrated in a detailed design study of a rapid-thermal-processing reactor under development by CVC Products Inc. Using a thermal model of the RTP system as a surrogate for the actual hardware, we were able to generate response data needed for controller design. We then evaluated the performance of both the controller design and the hardware design by using the controller to drive the finite element model. The controlled simulations provided data on wafer temperature uniformity as a function of ramp rate, temperature sensor locations, and controller gain. This information, which is critical to reactor design, cannot be obtained from typical open-loop simulations
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Alfalfa variety development. Minnesota Agripower Project, Task II research report
This report briefly summarizes preliminary results from crossbreeding alfalfa to develop desirable characteristics for a dedicated biomass feed stock. The varieties development is part of a larger project which includes preparation and gasification of the alfalfa stems for energy production, and use of the co-product alfalfa leaves in livestock feed. The desired alfalfa traits include winter hardiness, resistance to major pathogens, resistance to foliar disease complexes, many thick, tall, solid, non-lodging stems with high lignin content, delayed flowering, and high quality leaves retained through harvest. Currently no alfalfa varieties meet these criteria. Three crosses were made using old European varieties, with thick stems, and modern resistant varieties. The crossbreeds showed some resistance to diseases, but increased resistance is needed to maximize leaf and steam yield. 1 tab