Originally Sponsored by Aerodynamics, Aerothermodynamics, and Acoustics Competency Data Acquisition and Information Management Branch NASA Langley Research

Originally Sponsored by

Aerodynamics, Aerothermodynamics, and Acoustics Competency

Data Acquisition and Information Management BranchNASA Langley Research Center

and The Wind Tunnel Enterprise

wte.larc.nasa.govaeroCOMPASS Development Team: (Civil Servants)

Sherwood Hoadley, AST Anthony Ingraldi, AST Kerry M. Gough, ASTCharles H. Fox, Jr., AST Catherine K. Cronin, ASTAndrew G. Hagemann, APGuy T. Kemmerly, AST

aeroCOMPASSaerocompass.larc.nasa.gov

A Web-Based, Integrated Research Management System

aeroCOMPASSaerocompass.larc.nasa.gov

A Web-Based, Integrated Research Management System

Background

Processes required to support research tests include

• Test management processes– requests– plans– team collaboration and management– agreements, drawings, notes and other records– equipment information and reservation– logs– execution design and simulation

(conditions of facility/model/structure at which data are to be acquired)– customer surveys for continuous improvement

• Test execution processes– test execution setup – Data Acquisition System (DAS) setup– test execution and acquisition of data from instruments– data monitoring, management, and storage– data distribution, delivery, and archive– data search and retrieval– data analyses

Testing in Wind Tunnels and other Test Facilities is Critical to Support LaRC’s Research Efforts

Testing in Wind Tunnels and other Test Facilities is Critical to Support LaRC’s Research Efforts

Data Search & Retrieval

Data Analysis

Data Archive Management

WTTD

MAS

MassStora

geDataArchi

ve

TempStora

ge

DAS

• DAS Setup

• DAS Monitoring

Test Notes

Test Management

TPMS

Test Records

ADAPT

Test Design

& Simulation

Hardware ReservationTest Plan

Test Request

TRS

BackgroundSituation in 1999: Stand-alone processes and activities

Equipment Measurement Information Technology

EMIT

Test Logs

Exit Questionnaire

SURVEYS

Performance Problems: •No Standard Methods•Little or no Organization•No Standard Tools•Isolated Team Members•Multiple Entry of Same Data

Problem to be Solved


Data Analysis


WTTD

MAS

MassStora

geDataArchi

ve

TempStora

ge

DAS

• DAS Setup

• DAS Monitoring

Test Notes

Test Management

TPMS

Test Records

ADAPT

Test Design

& Simulation


Test Request

TRS


EMIT

Test Logs

Exit Questionnaire

SURVEYS

Problem to be Solved


Data Analysis


WTTD

MAS

MassStora

geDataArchi

ve

TempStora

ge

DAS

• DAS Setup

• DAS Monitoring

Test Notes

Test Management

TPMS

Test Records

ADAPT

Test Design

& Simulation


Test Request

TRS


EMIT

Test Logs

Exit Questionnaire

SURVEYS

Create a Managed Environment to Organize Research

History1996 - 1999

• Vendor contracted to develop a IT solution - Few requirements provided

• Vendor came to NASA for about 2 weeks

•performed on-site interviews

•monitored test processes

• Vendor left and developed requirements without complete understanding

• “Over the Wall” development/evaluation process performed

• Creeping Requirements were poorly managed

• Implementation attempts were disappointing

• Java not mature

• extensive installation required on all client machines

• After $4M+ investment, project was terminated

May 1999• MERCATOR team formed to gather all of these existing tools and databases

together in a usable form.

History1999/2000 - 13 months spent on

• Developing Operational Concepts - How does the user want it to work and what does it need to do?

• Defining User and System Requirements• Performing Gap Analyses - GOTS• Performing Trade Studies - COTS/GOTS or In-House Custom• Training Developers• Designing System Architectural Concepts• Planning Project - Critical Chain Project Management

July 2000• aeroCOMPASS Ver 1.0 development started

March 2001

• Initial release of aeroCOMPASS (Ver 1.0) to meet critical requirements - On time, under budget, and no failures

May 2002

• aeroCOMPASS (Ver 2.0) scheduled release met Phase 2 requirements

Aug 2002 • aeroCOMPASS (Ver 2.1) - 1st set of User-requested enhancements.• Started training Contractors as developers• Finalist in NASA SOY Competition

Apr 2003

aeroCOMPASS (Ver 2.2) - 2nd set of User-requested enhancements

Conceptual Design

Facility MaintenanceFacility Maintenance

TestPlanning

TestPlanning

Model Process ManagementModel Process Management

ModelsModels

Test SimulationTest Simulation

Experiment DesignExperiment Design

Automated LogsAutomated Logs

Facility ControlsFacility Controls

Data AcquisitionData Acquisition

OtherProcesses

OtherProcesses

Special Test Technology Management


AnalysisAnalysis

ManagementManagement

ReductionReduction

Test Project PlanningTest Project Planning Test ManagementTest Management

FacilityOps

FacilityOps

TestExecution

TestExecution

Test RequestTest Request

Hardware ManagementHardware Management

Test CloseoutTest Closeout

Facility MonitoringFacility Monitoring

Facility ManagementFacility Management

Model ManagementModel Management

Document ArchiveDocument Archive

Quality AssuranceQuality Assurance

Test Data /Meta Data


Scheduling, Tracking &Overall Resource Management

Scheduling, Tracking &Overall Resource ManagementHelp, Feedback, Action ItemsHelp, Feedback, Action Items Document / Records

Management & Storing

Document / Records Management & Storing

FacilityMain’t

WTTDMAS

TRS

TPMS

NEMS

AC database

STORM Data

DARWIN

EMIT

Personnel Data

Model Request

USERAuthorization

Data

ADAPT

Model DesignModel Design

Model FabModel Fab

Model RequestModel Request

A Portal to Networked Test-Related Functions

an

d D

ata

bas

es





Test ExecutiveTest Executive


Data AcquisitionData AcquisitionSpecial Test Technology

Management


AnalysisAnalysis


ReductionReduction










Scheduling, Tracking & Overall Resource Management

Scheduling, Tracking & Overall Resource ManagementHelp, Feedback, Action ItemsHelp, Feedback, Action Items Document / Records



MAXIMO

WTTDMAS

TRS

TPMS

NEMS

aeroCOMPASS

STORM Data

DARWIN

EMIT

Personnel Data

Model Request

USERAuthorization

Data

ADAPT


Model FabModel Fab




Development Plan


TestPlanning

TestPlanning


ModelsModels




Data AcquisitionData Acquisition

OtherProcesses

OtherProcesses



AnalysisAnalysis


ReductionReduction


FacilityOps

FacilityOps

TestExecution

TestExecution











Help, Feedback, Action ItemsHelp, Feedback, Action Items Document / Records Management & Storing


FacilityMain’t

TRS

NEMS

AC database

STORM Data

DARWIN

EMIT

Personnel Data

Model Request

USERAuthorization

Data

ADAPT

Model FabModel Fab


TPMS



TPMS

WTTDMAS

ADAPT



*Enhanced or Re-Engineered

Test Project Planning#Test Project Planning#



#

Help, Feedback, Action Items#Help, Feedback, Action Items#

**


*Data AcquisitionData Acquisition

*

Test ManagementTest Management

*


*


*

ReductionReduction

*


Test Closeout#Test Closeout#


AnalysisAnalysis

AC #database

USER #

AuthorizationData

Personnel Data

Hardware Management#Hardware Management#

EMIT


*

TRS #


*

#Developed by aeroCOMPASS team

A Portal to Networked Test-Related Functions

an

d D

ata

bas

es

Current

aeroCOMPASSis a unique blend of integrated

web and desktop tools that support

the entire test process from end-to-

end

Interactive Plotting

Team Action ItemsTest Notes

Test Process Simulation

Test Execution Setup

Test Execution Planning

Hardware Reservation

Test Registration & Planning

Test Request





Test ExecutiveTest Executive


Data AcquisitionData AcquisitionSpecial Test Technology

Management


AnalysisAnalysis


ReductionReduction










Scheduling, Tracking & Overall Resource Management

Scheduling, Tracking & Overall Resource ManagementHelp, Feedback, Action ItemsHelp, Feedback, Action Items Document / Records



MAXIMO

WTTDMAS

TRS

TPMS

NEMS

aeroCOMPASS

STORM Data

DARWIN

EMIT

Personnel Data

Model Request

USERAuthorization

Data

ADAPT


Model FabModel Fab


Test Execution Logging

Test Logs

Test Records

Exit QuestionnaireData Archive Search and Retrieval

Scheduling

Web Applications

• user-friendly• supports users in different geographic locations• allows users to seamlessly share / manage information• tightly integrated• data shared via databases• secure data transfer and accessibility


Researcher

CustomerTest

Request

Test RecordsTest Team

Test NotesTest Team

Exit QuestionnaireTest Team


Test Engineer

ResearcherTest Logs

Data Archive Search, Retrieval and Analysis

Researcher

Databases

DARWIN

ModelReque

st

Personnel

Data

NEMS

TPMS

WTTD

MAS

EMIT

TRS

aeroCOMPAS

S

HW Res

Test Exec Setup

Action

Items

Notes

UserData

Test Recor

ds

Desktop Applications

• automated desktop installation• automatic notification of software updates• utilizes MS Excel®• data delivery via HTTPS• can also operate in stand-alone mode

Test MonitoringResearcher


Test Engineer

Test Execution LoggingData

Specialist

Hardware Setup Technician

Researcher

Test Design & Simulation

DAS

DAS Setup Data Specialist

ResearcherTest Execution Management

Databases

DARWIN

ModelReque

st

Personnel

Data

NEMS

TPMS

WTTD

MAS

EMIT

TRS

aeroCOMPAS

S

HW Res

Test Exec Setup

Action

Items

Notes

UserData

Test Recor

ds

Automated Archival

An example of shared information

is

Test Execution Logs

Automated Archival


Researcher




Specialist




DAS

Databases

DARWIN

ModelReque

st

Personnel

Data

NEMS

TPMS

WTTD

MAS

EMIT

TRS

aeroCOMPAS

S

HW Res

Test Exec Setup

Action

Items

Notes

UserData

Test Recor

ds


Test Engineer

Test Logs are firstgenerated via a

DesktopApplication

Web Applications


Researcher



ResearcherTest Logs

Researcher

CustomerTest

Request


Test NotesTest Team


Test Engineer

Databases

DARWIN

ModelReque

st

Personnel

Data

NEMS

TPMS

WTTD

MAS

EMIT

TRS

aeroCOMPAS

S

HW Res

Test Exec Setup

Action

Items

Notes

UserData

Test Recor

ds

… and can later be viewed via a

Web Application

A second example of shared information

is

Automated Data Archival


Researcher




Specialist




DAS

Databases

DARWIN

ModelReque

st

Personnel

Data

NEMS

TPMS

WTTD

MAS

EMIT

TRS

aeroCOMPAS

S

HW Res

Test Exec Setup

Action

Items

Notes

UserData

Test Recor

ds

Automated Archival


Test Engineer

Data is archived viaDesktop

Applications

Web Applications


Researcher



ResearcherTest Logs

Researcher

CustomerTest

Request


Test NotesTest Team


Test Engineer

Databases

DARWIN

ModelReque

st

Personnel

Data

NEMS

TPMS

WTTD

MAS

EMIT

TRS

aeroCOMPAS

S

HW Res

Test Exec Setup

Action

Items

Notes

UserData

Test Recor

ds

… that can later be retrieved and viewed via a

Web Application

Win

d T

unne

l Dat

a M

anag

emen

t an

d A

rchi

ve S

yste

m

(WT

TD

MA

S):

• Provides a secure, long-term, on-line, managed repository of wind tunnel test data used by researchers, data specialists and test engineers

• Uses HTML, Perl cgi, Javascript, Java, C, Entrust encryption, netCDF, ODBC and Embedded SQL/C technologies

• Provides functions to populate the meta-data database (automated and manual) and to search across and retrieve test data within the aeroCOMPASS environment

Web Applications

aeroCOMPASS Query

Data Acquisition System

Program Facility

Meta-data Databases

LaRC Masstor

Raw data files

Reduced data files

Facility

DB Load

Program

DB Load

Researcher

Reduced data Raw data

Data file

Meta-data

Meta-data

netCDF File

Wind Tunnel Data Flow


Researcher




Specialist




DAS

Databases

DARWIN

ModelReque

st

Personnel

Data

NEMS

TPMS

WTTD

MAS

EMIT

TRS

aeroCOMPAS

S

HW Res

Test Exec Setup

Action

Items

Notes

UserData

Test Recor

ds

Automated Archival


Test Engineer

The stand-alone

operational capability

is a

design feature.


Researcher




Specialist




DAS

Databases

DARWIN

ModelReque

st

Personnel

Data

NEMS

TPMS

WTTD

MAS

EMIT

TRS

aeroCOMPAS

S

HW Res

Test Exec Setup

Action

Items

Notes

UserData

Test Recor

ds

Automated Archival


Test Engineer

Critical applications

that support test execution

can run in a stand-alone mode

if the web-server or network fail


Researcher




Specialist




DAS

Automated Archival


Test Engineer

Critical applications

that support test execution

can run in a stand-alone mode

if the web-server or network fail


Researcher




Specialist




DAS

Databases

DARWIN

ModelReque

st

Personnel

Data

NEMS

TPMS

WTTD

MAS

EMIT

TRS

aeroCOMPAS

S

HW Res

Test Exec Setup

Action

Items

Notes

UserData

Test Recor

ds

Automated Archival


Test Engineer

… and automated

recovery options are available to send unstored data to the

database whenweb service is restored

Quality and Security

Reduced technical and operational risk

• Integration of independent databases to support ‘Write Once / Read Many’ functionality, significantly reduces the risk of errors attributed to manual entry of data into multiple data records

Increased security

• High encryption of all data transfers and tight enforcement of accessibility reduces the risk in disseminating mission critical proprietary information

– 168 bit encryption– username/password and controlled access restrictions enforced on all

records– center-level and facility-level firewalls provide added security – only NASA Civil Servants can create sites and determine access– all downloaded desktop applications are automatically export

controlled based on ‘need to use’– Wind-Tunnel data itself stored, encrypted, in Mass Store

Process Improvement

Improvement in processes• Directly improves administrative, technical, and research

processes required in developing advanced aircraft– substantial improvement in the administrative support

processes for wind-tunnel testing

– promotes the ability to efficiently plan, simulate, set up, and conduct a wind tunnel test

• Supports ISO 9001 processes with

– automated information gathering

– standardized repositories for supporting information

• ‘Write Once / Read Many’ produces more reliable information

• Automated meta-data capture extends the life of experimental data for future analyses

Extent of Current Use

Over 100 independent organizations have used various parts of aeroCOMPASS in support of their collaborative efforts

• NASA centers (75%)

• other government agencies (7%)

• commercial (17%)

• universities (1%)

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

Mar

ch

May

July

Sept

Nov Ja

n

Mar

ch

May

July

Sept

Nov Ja

n

Mar

ch

Server requestssince March 2001

aeroCOMPASS Users as of Mar. 2003(% of 560)

LaRC69%

Univ1%

ARC2%

Commercial17%

OtherGov't7%

GRC2%

OtherNASA2%

aeroCOMPASS Users as of March 2003 (%560)

aeroCOMPASS Server Requests/month since March 2001

Extent of Current Use

NASA centers (75%) NASA Ames Research CenterNASA Dryden Flight Research CenterNASA Glenn Research CenterNASA HeadquartersNASA Jet Propulsion LaboratoryNASA Johnson Space CenterNASA Kennedy Space CenterNASA Langley Research CenterNASA Marshall Space Flight CenterNASA White Sands Test Facility

Other government agencies (7%) U. S. Coast GuardU.S. Department of LaborNaval Air Systems CommandNaval Air Warfare CenterNaval Surface Warfare CenterDefense Intelligence Agency

Non-government aerospace (12%) AIAA SETC Lockheed Martin Aeronautical CompanyLockheed Martin Missiles and Fire ControlNorthrop GrummanOrbital Sciences CorporationAerojetAirfoils, IncorporatedArnold Engineering Development CenterAurora Flight SciencesBAI Aerosystems, Inc.Boeing Commercial Airplane GroupBoeing Phantom WorksGulfstream Aerospace Corp.Honeywell Space SystemsInspace SystemsRockwell Collins, Inc.SpaceAge Control, Inc.Stellar SolutionsSverdrup Technology, Inc.The Aerospace Corporation

Universities (1%) Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Illinois at UrbanaWichita State UniversityOld Dominion University

Non-aerospace (5%) Orion Group Software EngineersRaytheon Technical Services CompanyRob Dobson & AssociatesTMA CorporationTenix DefenceNCI Information Systems, Inc.Advanced Systems Research, Inc.Alford Enterprises, LTDCombustion Science & Engineering,

Inc.Computer Sciences Corp.Dimension DataDynetics, Inc.Eidetics CorporationFelix Propellers, Inc.Hamilton MotorsportsMatrixOne, IncViGYAN, Inc. VisionAire CorporationWyle Laboratories

Some Independent Organizations with registered aeroCOMPASS Users:

Usability of the SoftwareSample Views

Maturity of System

Technical support provided• On-line help request and feedback tracking system

• Direct phone help for Langley

User documentation• Extensive user documentation for all tools available on-line in

both web-viewable and printable form

• Screen images used to assist in all explanations

• Hot-linked indexing

• Help functions throughout the system

Availability of training• Animated, on-line training tutorials

• Hands-on classes include live demonstrations at Langley

Maturity of System

Sample on-line User’s Guide:

Quality Factors

Justification for selecting technology• WebObjects ®

– recommended by GSFC based on an extensive trade study – LaRC trade studies supported GSFC findings

• HTTP/HTTPS used to simplify data access for the end user for both server and desk-top applications

• Java ™ widely used and offers extensive platform independence

• Informix ® selected to ease integration with existing applications, but system databases can be ported for use with other database engines. (Conversion planned FY03)

• Microsoft Excel ® , Microsoft Project, and Visual Basic ®

– extension of existing application– familiar user interface - on most users’ desktops– stand-alone desktop operation to provide reliable support

during test execution

Quality Factors

Justification of approach chosen

• Promotes integration of generic and specialized applications

• Facilitates effort needed to incorporate existing applications

• Encourages ‘Buy In’

• Stand-alone operation of test-critical functions (independent of network) necessary during proprietary testing and fail-safe operation during all testing

Advantages of approach chosen

• Uses standard interfaces to databases

• Promotes reuse of existing tools resulting in cost savings, familiarity, usability, and functionality

Quality Factors - Functionality

Test Management :

Customer Surveys :

Quality Factors -Functionality


Test Management :


Document Management :

Quality Factors -Functionality

Test Design Simulation:

Quality Factors-Functionality

Automated Test Logs :

Summary

• Advances the state-of-the-art for test process support in the NASA testing environment

• Reduces the total test-cycle-time up to 25%

• Reduces the test-design-cycle-time by 50 to 90%

• Extends the meaningful life-cycle-time for test archival data by decades

• Minimizes test information dissemination effort

• Facilitates compliance with ISO 9001 processes

• Over 20 major wind-tunnel process tools integrated in one, unique seamless package

Visit us!

http://aerocompass.larc.nasa.gov

Explore animated tutorials and overviews of the system

[email protected]

Documents

Originally Sponsored by Aerodynamics, Aerothermodynamics, and Acoustics Competency Data Acquisition and Information Management Branch NASA Langley Research