Engineering topics

Koenig, John

Publications and source records attributed to Koenig, John.

6 records

NASA NTRS2008

Precision linear actuator for Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) Siderostat pointing

“SIM PlanetQuest will exploit the classical measuring tool of astrometry (interferometry) with unprecedented precision to make dramatic advances in many areas of astronomy and astrophysics.” (1) In order to obtain interferometric data two large steerable mirrors, or Siderostats, are used to direct starlight into the interferometer. A gimbaled mechanism actuated by linear actuators is chosen to meet the unprecedented pointing and angle tracking requirements of SIM.

Moore, Don↗

NASA NTRS2008

Precision Linear Actuator for Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) Siderostat Pointing

'SIM PlanetQuest will exploit the classical measuring tool of astrometry (interferometry) with unprecedented precision to make dramatic advances in many areas of astronomy and astrophysics'(1). In order to obtain interferometric data two large steerable mirrors, or Siderostats, are used to direct starlight into the interferometer. A gimbaled mechanism actuated by linear actuators is chosen to meet the unprecedented pointing and angle tracking requirements of SIM. A group of JPL engineers designed, built, and tested a linear ballscrew actuator capable of performing submicron incremental steps for 10 years of continuous operation. Precise, zero backlash, closed loop pointing control requirements, lead the team to implement a ballscrew actuator with a direct drive DC motor and a precision piezo brake. Motor control commutation using feedback from a precision linear encoder on the ballscrew output produced an unexpected incremental step size of 20 nm over a range of 120 mm, yielding a dynamic range of 6,000,000:1. The results prove linear nanometer positioning requires no gears, levers, or hydraulic converters. Along the way many lessons have been learned and will subsequently be shared.

Cook, Brant↗

NASA NTRS2004

Mechanical Properties of Heat-treated Carbon Fibers

Carbon fibers are selected for ceramic matrix composites (CMC) are based on their as-fabricated properties or on "that is what we have always done" technical culture while citing cost and availability when there are others with similar cost and availability. However, the information is not available for proper selection of carbon fibers since heat-treated properties are not known for the fibers on the market currently. Heat-treating changes the fiber's properties. Therefore, an effort was undertaken to establish fiber properties on 19 different types of fibers from six different manufactures for both PAN and pitch fibers. Heat-treating has been done at three different temperatures.

Effinger, Michael R.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Acoustic Emission and Damage Monitoring During Fatigue of C-SiC Composites at Room Temperature

Fatigue experiments were performed at room temperature for C-fiber reinforced chemical vapor infiltrated (CVI Sic) matrix and melt-infiltrated (MI) matrix composites. The goal was to associate some nondestructive parameter or acoustic emission characteristic with the processes that lead to fatigue failure. Failure only occurred at loads very close to the ultimate. However, correlations between the acoustic data and the eventual failure of the composites could be made. These will be presented with respect to health monitoring of these types of composites.

Morscher, Gregory N.↗

NASA NTRS2000

Concept for Determining the Life of Ceramic Matrix Composites Using Nondestructive Characterization Techniques

Damping measurements have been taken on ceramic matrix composite (CMC) turbopump blisks in the as fabricated, post proof testing, and post turbopump testing conditions. These results indicate that damping is able to quantify fatigue of the CMC blisk. This gives hope for the potential of determining the actual and residual life of CMC materials using a combination of nondestructive techniques. If successful, then this new paradigm for life prediction of CMCs could revolutionize the approach for designing and servicing CMC components, thereby significantly reducing costs for design, development, health monitoring, and maintenance of CMC components and systems. The Nondestructive Characterization (NDC) life prediction approach would complement life prediction using micromechanics and continuum finite element models. This paper reports on the initial concept of NDC life prediction and how changes in damping and ultrasonic elastic modulus data have established the concept as a possibility.

Effinger, Michael↗

NASA NTRS2000

Nondestructive Characterization Techniques Used for Ceramic Matrix Composite Life Determination

Recent results indicate that the specific damping capacity and resonant frequency measurements taken periodically during a component's lifetime is able to quantify the mechanical fatigue of CMCS. This gives hope for the potential of determining the actual and residual life of CMC materials using a combination of nondestructive techniques. If successful, then this new paradigm for life prediction of CMCs could revolutionize the approach for designing and servicing CMC components, thereby significantly reducing costs for design, development, health monitoring, and maintenance of CMC components and systems. The Nondestructive Characterization (NDC) life prediction approach would complement life prediction using micromechanics and continuum finite element models. This paper reports on the initial concept of NDC life prediction, a review of the C/SiC blisk damping data, and how changes in the specific damping capacity & ultrasonic elastic modulus data have established the concept as a possibility.

Effinger, Michael↗