Engineering topics

Ryan, Stephen G.

Publications and source records attributed to Ryan, Stephen G..

4 records

NASA NTRS2009

Vibration Challenges in the Design of NASA's Ares Launch Vehicles

This paper focuses on the vibration challenges inherent in the design of NASA s Ares launch vehicles. A brief overview of the launch system architecture is provided to establish the context for the discussion. Following this is a general discussion of the design considerations and analytical disciplines that are affected by vibration. The first challenge discussed is that of coupling between the vehicle flight control system and fundamental vibrational modes of the vehicle. The potential destabilizing influence of the vibrational dynamics is described along with discussion of the typical methods employed to overcome this issue. Next is a general discussion of the process for developing the design loads for the primary structure. This includes quasi-steady loads and dynamic loads induced by the structural dynamic response. The two principal parts of this response are the gust induced responses of the lower frequency modes and the buffet induced responses of the higher frequency modes. Structural dynamic model validation will also be addressed. Following this, discussions of three somewhat unique topics of Pogo Instability, Solid Booster Thrust Oscillation, and Liquid Rocket Engine Turbopump Rotordynamic Stability and Response are presented.

Ryan, Stephen G.↗

NASA NTRS2002

System Simulation by Recursive Feedback: Coupling a Set of Stand-Alone Subsystem Simulations

Recursive feedback is defined and discussed as a framework for development of specific algorithms and procedures that propagate the time-domain solution for a dynamical system simulation consisting of multiple numerically coupled, self-contained, stand-alone subsystem simulations. A satellite motion example containing three subsystems (orbit dynamics, attitude dynamics, and aerodynamics) has been defined and constructed using this approach. Conventional solution methods are used in the subsystem simulations. Centralized and distributed versions of coupling structure have been addressed. Numerical results are evaluated by direct comparison with a standard total-system, simultaneous-solution approach.

Nixon, Douglas D.↗

NASA NTRS2001

The g-LIMIT Microgravity Vibration Isolation System for the Microgravity Science Glovebox

For many microgravity science experiments in the International Space Station, the ambient acceleration environment will be exceed desirable levels. To provide a more quiescent acceleration environment to the microgravity payloads, a vibration isolation system named g-LIMIT (GLovebox Integrated Microgravity Isolation Technology) is being designed. g-LIMIT is a sub-rack level isolation system for the Microgravity Science Glovebox that can be tailored to a variety of applications. Scheduled for launch on the UF-1 mission, the initial implementation of g-LIMIT will be a Characterization Test in the Microgravity Science Glovebox. g-LIMIT will be available to glovebox investigators immediately after characterization testing. Standard MSG structural and umbilical interfaces will be used so that the interface requirements are minimized. g-LIMIT consists of three integrated isolator modules, each of which is comprised of a dual axis actuator, two axes of acceleration sensing, two axes of position sensing, control electronics, and data transmission capabilities in a small-volume package. In addition, this system provides the unique capability for measuring quasi-steady acceleration of the experiment independent of accelerometers as a by-product of the control system and will have the capability of generating user-specified pristine accelerations to enhance experiment operations.

Whorton, Mark S.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Development of a set of equations for incorporating disk flexibility effects in rotordynamical analyses

Rotordynamical equations that account for disk flexibility are developed. These equations employ free-free rotor modes to model the rotor system. Only transverse vibrations of the disks are considered, with the shaft/disk system considered to be torsionally rigid. Second order elastic foreshortening effects that couple with the rotor speed to produce first order terms in the equations of motion are included. The approach developed in this study is readily adaptable for usage in many of the codes that are current used in rotordynamical simulations. The equations are similar to those used in standard rigid disk analyses but with additional terms that include the effects of disk flexibility. An example case is presented to demonstrate the use of the equations and to show the influence of disk flexibility on the rotordynamical behavior of a sample system.

Flowers, George T.↗