Engineering topics

Ibanez, P.

Publications and source records attributed to Ibanez, P..

3 records

NASA NTRS1989

Development of a tether deployment monitoring system

The feasibility of monitoring the position of a tether during orbital deployment is discussed. Attention is given to the techniques for attaching reflectors to the tether at periodic intervals during the deployment process, which could then be tracked visually or with a radar unit that is pointed towards the targets by the control system. Consideration is also given to a method for tether attitude and tension detection, and a launching device to attach small instrumentation platforms onto the tether during deployment. The configuration of a tether deployment monitoring system (TEDEMS) and the equipment developed to perform the above tasks are described, along with an analysis of requirements for the construction of a family of space-borne TEDEMS suitable for use on the Space Shuttle, Expendable Launch Vehicles, or the Space Station. The potential uses of the TEDEMS for launching small tether-borne experimental packages are discussed. Design and block diagrams are included.

Ibanez, P.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Providing structural modules with self-integrity monitoring

With the advent of complex space structures (i.e., U.S. Space Station), the need for methods for remotely detecting structural damage will become greater. Some of these structures will have hundreds of individual structural elements (i.e., strut members). Should some of them become damaged, it could be virtually impossible to detect it using visual or similar inspection techniques. The damage of only a few individual members may or may not be a serious problem. However, should a significant number of the members be damaged, a significant problem could be created. The implementation of an appropriate remote damage detection scheme would greatly reduce the likelihood of a serious problem related to structural damage ever occurring. This report presents the results of the research conducted on remote structural damage detection approaches and the related mathematical algorithms. The research was conducted for the Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) Phase 2 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Contract NAS7-961.

Walton, W. B.↗

NASA NTRS1988

An overview of a tether deployment monitoring system

A study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of monitoring the position of a tether during tether deployment. Several major configurations were investigated, including considerations of passive or active optical detection, radar, lidar, and active instrumentation packages. Cost, weight, the impact on tether operational dynamics, and the orbiter integration considerations were studied for each of these methods. Results indicated that implementation of such a monitoring system can be accomplished with little or no impact on tether deployment operations. Design diagrams are presented for two launchers and a tether attitude/tension detector.

Ibanez, P.↗