Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Veillette, L. J.

Publications and source records attributed to Veillette, L. J..

Performance and design of the ultraviolet spectrometer and polarimeter on the solar maximum mission

The instrument observes spectral line intensity, Doppler motions, and polarization parameters. First Dopplergrams of the sun showing mass motion of prominences have been obtained. The instrument consists of a telescope, a spectrometer, a polarimeter, and five detectors. Spectral range extends from 1150 to 3600 Angstroms. The telescope is an alphanatic Gregorian capable of scanning a 256 x 256 arcsecond raster. The spectrometer is an Ebert-Fastie mount with exchangeable slits for intensity measurements and spectroscopy. Detectors are photomultipliers operating in the pulse-counting mode.

Sterk, A. A.↗

Step motor damping for high-inertia loads

Brushless tachometer generates signals for moving large and varying loads precisely. Stepper waveform generator sends short sequence of pulses to instruct control logic circuit to perform its function-that is, to select proper windings and directions of excitation to drive and damp motor. Control logic circuit bases decisions on following logic signals, derived from tachometer: rate direction, rate threshold, and position.

Veillette, L. J.↗

Magnetic bearings with combined radial and axial control

Bearings reduce friction by allowing air of vacuum gaps between rotating members through properly-applied magnetic fields. Advantages: There is no physical contact between rotor and support structure; bearings operate directly in vacuum environment without lubrication; and there is unlimited operating lifetime, independent of speed.

Veillette, L. J.↗

Design and development of a momentum wheel with magnetic bearings

An engineering model momentum wheel with radial magnetic bearings has been designed and developed and successfully operated to a speed of approximately 500 rad/sec. This speed corresponds to a maximum angular momentum of 83 Nm-sec which is 83% of the design value. The maximum momentum achieved was limited by the suspension servo bandwidth and this, in turn, was limited by the lowest structural resonance of the rotor.

Veillette, L. J.↗

Momentum wheel with magnetic bearings

An engineering model of a momentum wheel is described that is suspended by magnetic bearings. It consists of a mechanical assembly on the right, and associated electronics on the left. The momentum wheel is mounted at the center of the rotor shaft and the magnetic bearings are on each end. The rotor is magnetically suspended so there is no physical contact between the rotor and the support structure. The system, therefore, can operate directly in the vacuum environment without lubrication; and it has virtually unlimited operating lifetime, independent of speed.

Veillette, L. J.↗

Electronically controlled motor drive system has ultra-high reliability and long lifetime

Direct drive electromechanical system is composed of brushless dc torque motor, offset-tooth magnetic sensor that derives position and rate information directly from output shaft, and rotary power transformer that transfers electrical power from external source to proper load. System has high servo loop stiffness and minimum power consumption.

Veillette, L. J.↗