Analysis Guru
I have developed a few computer programs.
I witnessed testimony from experts before the Columbia Accident Investigation Board ( CAIB )concerning analytical tools to help find debris from the Columbia re-entry. Gehman, Chairman of the CAIB, was surprised that nobody had good analytical tools available for finding debris based on trajectory data. This testimony also seemed strange to me so I took the initiative and prepared a C++ computer program within a couple of weeks to challenge that notion. The program was slightly crude, but I believed it could benefit the CAIB since it integrated intensive iterative logic with complex theories of aerodynamics, physics and fluid dynamics. Nevertheless, this program was a number crunching mama that might put some expensive NASA computer systems to shame. I called this C++ program "Trajectory", and I submitted it to the CAIB. The CAIB forwarded it to a special NASA department tasked with finding certain high interest debris items through radar tracking. I'm not sure what high interest debris items NASA considered for my program application, but possible items could have included tiles and other rectangular, prism-shaped objects like the OEX Recorder. The OEX Recorder became very important to the accident investigation. Incidentally, the OEX Recorder was recovered a few days after I submitted my program.
Click on the following to link to the C++ version of Trajectory Program:
Later that year I prepared a Java version of the same program with enhancements. The Java version of Trajectory included a real-time, two-dimensional trajectory simulation feature. The Java Applet version is available at my website. However, the Java Applet version on my CD runs better. Note that you will need a plugin or Java Runtime Environment (JRE) from Sun MicroSystems to run the Java Applet which can be downloaded from the following location:
Click on the following to link to the Java Applet version of Trajectory Program:
These programs have expanded utility although the Columbia Accident was my motivation. Another purpose could be to predict consequences of other types of rectangular, prism-shaped debris falling from high altitudes. Components of satellites, rockets, or meteors re-entering the atmosphere could be evaluated. Aircraft components involved in accidents could also be studied.