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Chen, P. C.

Publications and source records attributed to Chen, P. C..

Characteristics of Control Laws Tested on the Semi-Span Super-Sonic Transport (S4T) Wind-Tunnel Model

The Semi-Span Supersonic Transport (S4T) is an aeroelastically scaled wind-tunnel model built to test active controls concepts for large flexible supersonic aircraft in the transonic flight regime. It is one of several models constructed in the 1990's as part of the High Speed Research (HSR) Program. Control laws were developed for the S4T by M4 Engineering, Inc. and by Zona Technologies, Inc. under NASA Research Announcement (NRA) contracts. The model was tested in the NASA-Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT) four times from 2007 to 2010. The first two tests were primarily for plant identification. The third entry was used for testing control laws for Ride Quality Enhancement, Gust Load Alleviation, and Flutter Suppression. Whereas the third entry only tested FS subcritically, the fourth test demonstrated closed-loop operation above the open-loop flutter boundary. The results of the third entry are reported elsewhere. This paper reports on flutter suppression results from the fourth wind-tunnel test. Flutter suppression is seen as a way to provide stability margins while flying at transonic flight conditions without penalizing the primary supersonic cruise design condition. An account is given for how Controller Performance Evaluation (CPE) singular value plots were interpreted with regard to progressing open- or closed-loop to higher dynamic pressures during testing.

Christhilf, David M.

Simulation of Transonic Limit Cycle Oscillations Using a CFD Time-marching Method

CFD-based aeroelastic computations are performed to investigate the effect of nonlinear aerodynamics on transonic LCO (Limit Cycle Oscillations) characteristics of a two-dimensional supercritical wing with the NLR 7301section. It is found that the presentation of the viscous effects, including turbulence modeling, plays an important role on the accurate prediction of shock and LCO; and a small initial perturbation appears to produce large amplitude LCO at small mean pitch angle and plunge while a large amplitude initial perturbation produces small (or negligible) amplitude LCO at larger mean values. Also addressed in the paper is the issues related to multiblock MPI (Message Passing Interface) parallel computation.

Tang, L.

Versatile Controller For CCD's

General-purpose controller for charge-coupled device (CCD) programmed to accommodate variety of CCD designs. In operation of controller, software used to specify CCD-clock waveforms, available in great diversity. Includes timing-signal generator controlled by microcomputer. Flexibility and speed makes it versatile tool for laboratory testing and for variety of applications. Controller operates existing CCD's and able to operate CCD's expected to be developed in foreseeable future.

Novello, J.

Superconductor lunar telescopes --Abstract only

We propose a new type of telescope designed specifically for the lunar environment of high vacuum and low temperature. Large area UV-Visible-IR telescope arrays can be built with ultra-light-weight replica optics. High T(sub c) superconductors provide support, steering, and positioning. Advantages of this approach are light-weight payload compatible with existing launch vehicles, configurable large area optical arrays, no excavation or heavy construction, and frictionless electronically controlled mechanisms. We have built a prototype and will be demonstarting some of its working characteristics.

Chen, P. C.

High-Dynamic Range Fiberoptic Links for Antenna Remoting Applications

In recent years, the performance and cost effectiveness of analog fiberoptic communication systems have improved so that many applications including antenna remoting which requires high dynamic range can now benefit from the many advantages of fiber optics.

high speed microwave fiberoptic systems DFB Fabry-

Coupled structural/thermal/electromagnetic analysis/tailoring of graded composite structures

Accomplishments are described for the first year effort of a 5-year program to develop a methodology for coupled structural/thermal/electromagnetic analysis/tailoring of graded composite structures. These accomplishments include: (1) the results of the selective literature survey; (2) 8-, 16-, and 20-noded isoparametric plate and shell elements; (3) large deformation structural analysis; (4) eigenanalysis; (5) anisotropic heat transfer analysis; and (6) anisotropic electromagnetic analysis.

Mcknight, R. L.

A general purpose CCD controller

A new type of controller for scientific CCDs that has been designed and tested at NASA-Goddard is described. It features the flexibility of software waveform generation as well as the speed and accuracy of clocking by hardware. The basic CCD operation is described as well as the controller architecture; controller operation; experimental verification; and software, hardware, and data acquisition.

Chen, P. C.

Development of a high-speed H-alpha camera system for the observation of rapid fluctuations in solar flares

A solid-state digital camera was developed for obtaining H alpha images of solar flares with 0.1 s time resolution. Beginning in the summer of 1988, this system will be operated in conjunction with SMM's hard X-ray burst spectrometer (HXRBS). Important electron time-of-flight effects that are crucial for determining the flare energy release processes should be detectable with these combined H alpha and hard X-ray observations. Charge-injection device (CID) cameras provide 128 x 128 pixel images simultaneously in the H alpha blue wing, line center, and red wing, or other wavelength of interest. The data recording system employs a microprocessor-controlled, electronic interface between each camera and a digital processor board that encodes the data into a serial bitstream for continuous recording by a standard video cassette recorder. Only a small fraction of the data will be permanently archived through utilization of a direct memory access interface onto a VAX-750 computer. In addition to correlations with hard X-ray data, observations from the high speed H alpha camera will also be correlated and optical and microwave data and data from future MAX 1991 campaigns. Whether the recorded optical flashes are simultaneous with X-ray peaks to within 0.1 s, are delayed by tenths of seconds or are even undetectable, the results will have implications on the validity of both thermal and nonthermal models of hard X-ray production.

Kiplinger, Alan L.

On 3D inelastic analysis methods for hot section components

Accomplishments are described for the 2-year program, to develop advanced 3-D inelastic structural stress analysis methods and solution strategies for more accurate and cost effective analysis of combustors, turbine blades and vanes. The approach was to develop a matrix of formulation elements and constitutive models. Three constitutive models were developed in conjunction with optimized iterating techniques, accelerators, and convergence criteria within a framework of dynamic time incrementing. Three formulations models were developed; an eight-noded mid-surface shell element, a nine-noded mid-surface shell element and a twenty-noded isoparametric solid element. A separate computer program was developed for each combination of constitutive model-formulation model. Each program provides a functional stand alone capability for performing cyclic nonlinear structural analysis. In addition, the analysis capabilities incorporated into each program can be abstracted in subroutine form for incorporation into other codes or to form new combinations.

Mcknight, R. L.

3D inelastic analysis methods for hot section components

The objective is to develop analytical tools capable of economically evaluating the cyclic time dependent plasticity which occurs in hot section engine components in areas of strain concentration resulting from the combination of both mechanical and thermal stresses. Three models were developed. A simple model performs time dependent inelastic analysis using the power law creep equation. The second model is the classical model of Professors Walter Haisler and David Allen of Texas A and M University. The third model is the unified model of Bodner, Partom, et al. All models were customized for linear variation of loads and temperatures with all material properties and constitutive models being temperature dependent.

Dame, L. T.

The 3D inelastic analysis methods for hot section components

Advanced 3-D inelastic structural/stress analysis methods and solution strategies for more accurate and yet more cost-effective analysis of combustors, turbine blades, and vanes are being developed. The approach is to develop four different theories, one linear and three higher order with increasing complexities including embedded singularities. Progress in each area is reported.

Roberts, M. L.