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Davis, P.

Publications and source records attributed to Davis, P..

Testing and application of a viscous passive damper for use in precision truss structures

A passive damping device intended to replace individual struts in precision truss structures for space applications is described. The theory of operation of the D-Strut device is detailed, and simple five- and three-parameter models are derived. Results from tests conducted to characterize the D-Strut at submicron displacement levels are reporeted. The incorporation of a strut in a precision truss testbed is described. Parameters determined from the component-level tests are used in a finite element model of the truss, and damping augmentation is predicted. Using the simple three-parameter model, a damper is selected for multiple placement in a separate optical interferometer truss testbed. The effect of the addition of the damper struts is illustrated analytically in a model of the structure. Finally, an improved Arched Flexure D-Strut that is expected to provide higher loss factors, and is currently under development, is described.

Trubert, M.

Exploratory wind-tunnel investigation of the stability and control characteristics of advanced general aviation configurations

Results of low-speed wind-tunnel investigations are presented for two general aviation configurations: the AVTEK canard configuration and the DeVore conventional configuration. Cooperative research programs were undertaken by industry and NASA to jointly conduct tests in the NASA Langley 12-Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel to explore stability and control characteristics of each configuration. A 1/5-scale AVTEK model and a 1/6-scale DeVore model were tested over an angle-of-attack range of up to 45 deg and an angle-of-sideslip range of up to 20 deg. Results from the AVTEK test are presented with an emphasis on the effects of configuration on the stall and poststall characteristics. Results from the DeVore test are presented with emphasis on the effects of wing leading-edge droop design on spin resistance characteristics.

Yip, L. P.

Testing of Candidate Batteries for Global Positioning System

Three lithium batteries proposed as candidates for use in the Global Positioning System are studied. The batteries are discharged at several rates and temperatures both before and after environmental testing. Batteries are heated inside a closed chamber until they vent. Samples of the vented gases are analyzed for components which might be toxic. The test results raise concerns about each of the proposed batteries.

Barnes, J. A.

Actuator participation in a bending mode identification system

A hydraulic actuator designed for a thrust vector control system used as a shaker for a vehicle to determine the bending mode frequencies is described. The actuator is used as the prime mover and the frequency sensor for the flexible vehicle in a test tower. Advantages in using the actuator piston position with respect to a commanded position to obtain the bending mode frequencies are shown.

Thompson, Z.

Information science

Information processing techniques and systems reliability by coding, digital designed methods, retrieval, and communication

Ash, R. B.