Engineering topics

Freeland, Robert E.

Publications and source records attributed to Freeland, Robert E..

5 records

NASA NTRS2004

Strip antenna figure errors due to support truss member length imperfections

The dependence of strip antenna steadyy state geometric errors on member length uncertainties in the supporting truss beam is studied with the Monte carlo analysis of a representative truss design. The results, presented in a format streamlined for practical use, can guide the specification for hardware fabrication of required error tolerances (for structural properties as well as member lengths), or they can aid the prediction of antenna performance if component statistics are available.

truss↗

NASA NTRS1993

Unique Concept for a Low Cost, Light Weight Space Deployable Antenna Structure

Large space deployable antennas are needed for a variety of applications that include Mobile Communications, Radiometry, Active Microwave Sensing, Very Long Baseline Interferometry and DoD Space Based Radar. These user requirements identify the need for structures up to tens of meters in size for operation from 1 to 90 GHz, based on different aperture configurations. However, the one thing the users have in common is a concept selection criteria for low cost, light weight and highly reliable deployable structures. Fortunately, a unique class of space structures has recently emerged that have tremendous potential for satisfying these criteria. They are referred to as inflatable deployable structures.

Freeland, Robert E.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Development Of Composite Panels For Telescope Mirrors

Report describes continuing program for development of lightweight hexagonal graphite/epoxy composite panels intended to support precisely curved mirror surfaces assembled into large telescope mirror. Discusses development requirements, technical decisions, fabrication methods, measurements of properties of materials, analytical simulation, and thermal vacuum testing. Telescope flown in orbit around Earth to observe at wavelengths down to 30 micrometers.

Freeland, Robert E.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Technical approach for the development of structural composite mirrors

Composite panel development requirements derived from the Large Deployable Reflector system configuration definition are outlined and a technical approach for the development of the composite panels is described. Panel fabrication, materials experimental characterization, analytical simulation, and panel thermal vacuum testing are considered along with panel post fabrication surface refinishing and alternate materials. The development of graphite/epoxy mirrors up to 1.0 meter in size with surface precision of a few microns rms while weighing only 6 kg/sq m. Panel development results are presented.

Freeland, Robert E.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Mobile communications satellite antenna flight experiment definition

Results of a NASA-sponsored study to determine the technical feasibility and cost of a Shuttle-based flight experiment specifically intended for the MSAT commercial user community are presented. The experiment will include demonstrations of technology in the areas of radio frequency, sensing and control, and structures. The results of the structural subsystem study summarized here include experiment objective and technical approach, experiment structural description, structure/environment interactions, structural characterization, thermal characterization, structural measurement system, and experiment functional description.

Freeland, Robert E.↗