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Joel W Sills

Publications and source records attributed to Joel W Sills.

13 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2022

NASA Engineering and Safety Center Technical Bulletin No. 22-04: Uncertainty Quantification of Reduced Order Structural Dynamic Models

Uncertainty quantification (UQ) provides statistical bounds on prediction accuracy based on finite element model (FEM) uncertainty. An alternate method for UQ, called the Hybrid Parametric Variation (HPV) combines a parametric variation of the Hurty/Craig-Bampton (HCB) fixed-interface (FI) modal frequencies with a nonparametric variation (NPV) method. This provides a UQ method that can be traced to test data, which can be updated as additional data and improved correlated models become available.

Uncertainty Quantification↗
NASA NTRS2022

NESC Peer Review of Exploration Systems Development (ESD) Integrated Vehicle Modal Test, Model Correlation, Development Flight Instrumentation (DFI) and Flight Loads Readiness; Uncertainty Propagation for Model Validation Sub-task

This report details a sub-task (regarding Uncertainty Propagation for Model Validation) from a NASA Engineering and Safety Center assessment that is a multi-year activity spanning the complete development of the Space Launch System integrated vehicle structural dynamic models, and the development of the certification of flight readiness for the Artemis 1 and Artemis 2 vehicles and their variants.

Exploration Systems Development; Development Fligh↗
NASA NTRS2020

A Deformed Geometry Synthesis Technique for Determining Stacking and Cryogenically Induced Preloads for the Space Launch System

The Space Launch System (SLS) stacking and Core Stage (CS) fueling induce significant preloads that contribute to the liftoff pad separation “twang”. To accurately capture this, an approach is required that can replicate the physics of all SLS physical stacking steps, CS cryogenic shrinkage, associated geometric nonlinearities, and the transient behavior and decay of the preloads with changing boundary conditions as the vehicle separates from the pad. The Deformed Geometry Synthesis (DGS) approach presented here satisfies the above requirements. DGS determines induced preloads by modeling components in their deformed geometry states and then enforcing compatibility by closing the resulting “deadbands”. DGS seamlessly integrates into the multibody modal synthesis framework and does not require the use of artificial external loads to enforce preloads or post-processing steps to remove their influence. Since DGS iterates to solve for the deformed state inclusive of geometric nonlinearities, running linearized parametrics to exercise different potential orientations of ball jointed struts that connect the CS to Boosters for cryo-shrinkage analyses is entirely avoided. Relative to the transient behavior and decay of stacking and cryo-induced preloads with SLS liftoff pad separation, this is an area of considerable interest to the SLS program. To capture this in the most accurate way possible, DGS algorithms are designed to work with Henkel-Mar nonlinear pad separation algorithms which operate on the separating longitudinal and lateral degrees of freedom (DoFs) between the vehicle and the pad. As the separating DoFs release, in whatever manner as dictated by the interface geometries, interface loads and interface flexibilities as well as the external loading on the vehicle, the subject preloads generate a complex twang/decay time-trace as dictated by the physics of the problem. This paper presents DGS numerical verification against the closed-form solution for Timoshenko’s 3 ball-jointed strut preload problem. This problem is then extended by the authors to the geometric nonlinear case where DGS is compared to the Newton-Raphson solution of the nonlinear equations. Next, DGS is utilized to solve the SLS stacking and cryogenic shrinkage coupled loads analyses. Finally, Henkel-Mar pad separation simulations are executed that isolate the impact of the induced preloads’ twang and decay characteristics.

Space Launch System↗
NASA NTRS2020

The Artemis Challenge: Another Revolution in Structural Dynamics

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is embarking on an exciting evolution in human exploration and spaceflight. Space Policy Directive (SPD) 1 provides the overarching narrative for returning humans to the Moon and then to Mars. We are challenged to “Lead an innovative and sustainable program with commercial and international partners to enable human expansion across the solar system and to bring back to Earth new knowledge and opportunities. Beginning with missions beyond low Earth orbit, the United States will lead the return of humans to the Moon for long-term exploration and utilization, followed by human missions to Mars and other destinations…” Here we explore some of the key technical challenges that this new era of human exploration brings with a focus on the challenges and opportunities in the structural dynamics discipline.

Structural Dynamics↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Multidisciplinary Dynamic Testing Challenges in Validating the NASA Artemis Architecture

NASA is in the midst of bold and exciting next steps in human exploration and spaceflight. The designs of the new Space Launch System (SLS), the Orion spacecraft and the Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) for vehicle processing and launch are essentially complete and there has been significant progress in manufacturing and assembly of specific hardware for the Artemis I and Artemis II missions. Equally as important, the program level and integrated system level testing and analyses are also well underway to support integrated verification, validation, and certificate of flight readiness (CoFR) for the first Artemis mission. Testing and analysis are key to addressing technical challenges that the Artemis missions offer. Building block approaches are required that provide the right balance between component, system, and/or element level testing that satisfies verification and validation objectives and where, uncertainties are quantified and minimized. Artemis I is a system of systems that requires a fusion of test and analysis that adeptly characterizes critical interfaces between major program elements. NASA is implementing new in-situ testing that fuse traditional aerospace structures with civil structures, such as the Integrated Modal Test for the Artemis I vehicle where the Mobile Launcher and Crawler Transporter serve as a support structure whose dynamics couple with that of the Artemis I vehicle. This new paradigm requires a closer inspection of structural behavior of the Crawler Transporter and the Mobile Launcher as they now serve multiple purposes. This requires a paradigm shift to look beyond experimental modal techniques and incorporates operational modal analysis techniques to validate dynamic models from data collected during rollout to the launch pad. A further complicating factor is the Crawler Transporter generated ground forces have numerous harmonics making extracting dynamic responses of the Artemis I, Mobile Launcher, and Crawler Transporter coupled system challenging. This discussion explores all these challenges with and attempts to understand how we best build confidence in systems and system-of-systems performance capabilities and margins and understand uncertainties.

Joel W Sills↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Flexible Multibody Approach to Space Launch System Liftoff Pad Separation with Umbilical Disconnect

A flexible multibody dynamic framework is applied to the Space Launch System(SLS)liftoff Coupled Loads Analysis(CLA), enabling computational efficiencies and systematic inclusion of component nonlinearities. This work simulates the SLS liftoff transient pad separation event inclusive of umbilical disconnects and preload strain energy release (twang). For this system level nonlinear dynamic simulation, the flexible multibody framework provides a systematic approach for the addition of component specific algorithms to enforce the subject nonlinearities. As such, the complexities associated with the nonlinear CLA are greatly reduced, facilitating simplified bookkeeping as well as accelerating the execution of the nonlinear time-domain simulations.

Joel W Sills↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

An Application of Flexible Multibody Simulations to Space Launch Systems Liftoff Pad Separation and Umbilical Disconnect

A flexible multibody dynamics approach is applied to the Space Launch System (SLS) liftoff Coupled Loads Analysis (CLA), enabling the inclusion of a large array of component nonlinearities with extreme computational efficiency. The nonlinearities include the cryogenic induced preloads due to the large rotations of the aft struts connecting the Core Stage (CS) to the boosters, the contact/separation and potential re-contact at the booster aft skirt to Mobile Launcher(ML) interface, contact/separation and potential re-contact at the ML/extensible columns interfaces, secondary disconnect of the CS umbilicals including the LOX and LH2 Tail Service Mast Umbilicals (TSMUs), and the disconnect of the upper stage umbilical, the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage Umbilical (ICPSU). The ICPSU disconnect involves algorithms simulating the winch motors reeling lanyard ropes, the nonlinear modeling of ropes and hoses, the disconnect and capture of multiple umbilical ground plates by catch-nets (geometrically nonlinear models), and the large rotations of the ML gantry in order to track clearances between the lifting SLS vehicle and umbilicals rotating out of the way. The flexible multibody dynamics framework utilized for these simulations provided a systematic and efficient framework for adding complex nonlinearities at the system level which would have otherwise not been possible in standard CLAs or would have to be treated by separate local analyses thereby not accounting for the coupled system behavior.

Application↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

How to Educate Decision Makers on the Value and Necessity of Modal Testing and Model Correlation: Tips for Young Engineers

Engineers need to effectively communicate the justification and value of their modal testing and model correlation in terminology familiar to decision makers as it relates to the program’s risk tolerance. This communication must relate to the program’s risk tolerance and the metrics used to judge the performance of both the program and individual decision makers. The challenge is the terminologies familiar to engineers and decision makers are quite different and seemingly unrelated. The engineering profession has developed a specific terminology to solve highly technical issues, which are many times themselves unique to very specific engineering problems. It is all too easy for engineers to believe that everyone in their organization, including the decision makers, has an intrinsic understanding of what they do and the value it brings to the program’s success. This is especially true for young engineers who have recently spent the last four plus years in an academic engineering learning environment, which has a highly technical research oriented atmosphere. Effective communication with decision makers is increasingly important as the technical breadth and practical program and project experience level for up and coming decision makers diminishes. It is not unusual for the decision makers to have technical knowledge in a domain different from structural dynamics (e.g., electronics or systems). Competition among satellite manufactures has increased the focus on programmatic cost and ability to deliver on schedule. NASA programs are also seeing more restrictive programmatic cost and schedule constraints, which impact both analysis and testing. It should also be noted that a comprehensive suite of tests are required to verify a satellite’s design capability with some margin. These tests include static strength verification tests, shock, acoustic, and vibration tests (sine and random) of systems, subsystems, and components. Each of these verification tests provide opportunities for model correlation and risk reduction. It is important to recognize dynamic loads/modal test models may not include all of the flight hardware (i.e., harness, coax, waveguides, connectors, etc.) and the previously mentioned tests are still required for qualification/verification of the design. This paper provides tips to young engineers on how to bridge this communications gap, have a better understanding of the environment in which decision makers operate, and assist them to better support successful missions. While this paper primarily focuses on modal testing and model correlation as related to spacecraft missions, the concepts and recommendations presented here are equally applicable to other fields such as aeronautics, automotive, power generation, etc.

Decision Maker↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Challenges and Considerations When Using Hydraulic Modal Shaking in Large-Scale Modal Testing

As test articles become dimensionally larger, more complex, and massive in weight, combined with the need to excite them to higher than traditional levels in order to identify their nonlinear characteristics, modal shakers that can generate significantly higher force levels, have longer stroke lengths, and possess higher velocity limits are required. While large scale modal tests may be performed with electrodynamic modal shakers, hydraulic modal shakers become attractive since they can generate higher force levels at lower unit cost with a smaller spatial footprint. While test engineers familiar with electrodynamic modal shakers are familiar with the challenges of displacement and velocity limits and the relatively mild shaker nonlinear distortion due to amplifier gains and shaker flexure structural geometric nonlinearities, they probably are not as familiar with the unique set of challenges hydraulic modal shakers present. These unique challenges include significant nonlinear distortion in the shaker force, issues with the setup of the hydraulic power supply and the associated hydraulic hosing, velocity limits as they relate to potentially damaging the hydraulic actuator piston, and safety issues with operating high-pressure hydraulic systems. This paper addresses these unique challenges to help the test engineer to better utilize hydraulic modal shakers on large-scale modal tests.

Distortion↗