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At least 235 records · Page 13

Research on numerical algorithms for large space structures

Numerical algorithms for analysis and design of large space structures are investigated. The sign algorithm and its application to decoupling of differential equations are presented. The generalized sign algorithm is given and its application to several problems discussed. The Laplace transforms of matrix functions and the diagonalization procedure for a finite element equation are discussed. The diagonalization of matrix polynomials is considered. The quadrature method and Laplace transforms is discussed and the identification of linear systems by the quadrature method investigated.

Denman, E. D.↗

Critical requirements for the design of large space structures

The requirements for the design of a large space structure which will be deployed, erected, assembled or fabricated in space are delineated in terms of operational loads, stiffness requirements, structure-control interaction, deformations, precision requirements and member slenderness. Design examples for a truss antenna reflector, interorbit propulsion loads and free-flying solar reflectors are given. It is concluded that the demand for dimensional accuracy and stability form the primary requirements.

Hedgepeth, J. M.↗

Partitioning of large space structures vibration control computations

The vibration control of large space structures is studied. It is found to be computationally demanding. Distribution of the vibration control computations among central and local processors can significantly reduce the throughput required from the central processor and may also result in improved performance due to reduced transport lag.

Kernan, J.↗

Analysis of large space structures assembly: Man/machine assembly analysis

Procedures for analyzing large space structures assembly via three primary modes: manual, remote and automated are outlined. Data bases on each of the assembly modes and a general data base on the shuttle capabilities to support structures assembly are presented. Task element times and structure assembly component costs are given to provide a basis for determining the comparative economics of assembly alternatives. The lessons learned from simulations of space structures assembly are detailed.

Source record↗

Synthesis of control laws for optimally designed large space structures

In this study, the vibration control of large space structures using the linear quadratic regulator technique is investigated. Emphasis is made on the control of both optimally designed structures and also the original (uniform) structures using the cantilever beam as an example. The open loop and closed loop eigenvalues are compared and the transient responses are obtained to determine the effectiveness of the control system design.

Satyanarayana, K.↗

Formulation and verification of frequency response system identification techniques for large space structures

The advantages of designing control systems for large space structures (LSS) using frequency-domain models extracted from empirical time data are discussed. Techniques for performing MIMO system identification from test data are presented as well as techniques for improving the performance of the system identification process in the presence of noise. The utility of the proposed system identification scheme is demonstrated on the basis of experimental data obtained at the LSS Ground Test Facility at Marshall Space Flight Center.

Mitchell, Jerrel R.↗

Coherent large-scale structures in high Reynolds number supersonic jet of Mach number 1.4

Large-scale coherent structures are found to exist in fully expanded shock free supersonic jets with Reynolds number 1.6 million and Mach number 1.4. The jet was excited by a weak upstream tone to extract the large-scale structures from the random turbulence. The most preferential excitation Strouhal number is found to be in the vicinity of 0.4, and the dependence of the large-scale structure phase velocity on the excitation Strouhal number shows a similar trend to that found for subsonic acoustically excited jets.

Lepicovsky, J.↗

Free-decay time-domain modal identification for large space structures

Concept definition studies for the Modal Identification Experiment (MIE), a proposed space flight experiment for the Space Station Freedom (SSF), have demonstrated advantages and compatibility of free-decay time-domain modal identification techniques with the on-orbit operational constraints of large space structures. Since practical experience with modal identification using actual free-decay responses of large space structures is very limited, several numerical and test data reduction studies were conducted. Major issues and solutions were addressed, including closely-spaced modes, wide frequency range of interest, data acquisition errors, sampling delay, excitation limitations, nonlinearities, and unknown disturbances during free-decay data acquisition. The data processing strategies developed in these studies were applied to numerical simulations of the MIE, test data from a deployable truss, and launch vehicle flight data. Results of these studies indicate free-decay time-domain modal identification methods can provide accurate modal parameters necessary to characterize the structural dynamics of large space structures.

Kim, Hyoung M.↗

A distributed finite-element modeling and control approach for large flexible structures

An unconventional framework is described for the design of decentralized controllers for large flexible structures. In contrast to conventional control system design practice which begins with a model of the open loop plant, the controlled plant is assembled from controlled components in which the modeling phase and the control design phase are integrated at the component level. The developed framework is called controlled component synthesis (CCS) to reflect that it is motivated by the well developed Component Mode Synthesis (CMS) methods which were demonstrated to be effective for solving large complex structural analysis problems for almost three decades. The design philosophy behind CCS is also closely related to that of the subsystem decomposition approach in decentralized control.

Young, K. D.↗

A document describing shuttle considerations for the design of large space structures

A Shuttle user guide document to aid designers and analysis associated with large space structures projects is described. The format and contents are a compromise designed to satisfy the needs of several levels of users. Special features include checklists and references to source documents as a convenience to very knowledgeable readers. In addition, general, introductory and explanatory text, and art work are included for the reader less familiar with shuttle systems. Also, there are a subject index, glossary, list of acronyms, and many cross references. Throughout the document, there are suggested implications or references to the importance of the included orbiter interfaces material as it pertains to designing and planning large space structures projects. The content of the document is outlined. Shuttle payload accommodations and constraints, connections for orbiter construction fixtures, packaging, and construction space eometry are addressed.

Roebuck, J. A., Jr.↗

A telerobotic system for automated assembly of large space structures

Future space missions such as polar platforms and antennas are anticipated to require large truss structures as their primary support system. During the past several years considerable research has been conducted to develop hardware and construction techniques suitable for astronaut assembly of truss structures in space. A research program has recently been initiated to develop the technology and to demonstrate the potential for automated in-space assembly of large erectable structures. The initial effort will be focussed on automated assembly of a tetrahedral truss composed of 2-meter members. The facility is designed as a ground based system to permit evaluation of assembly concepts and was not designed for space qualification. The system is intended to be used as a tool from which more sophisticated procedures and operations can be developed. The facility description includes a truss structure, motionbases and a robot arm equipped with an end effector. Other considerations and requirements of the structural assembly describe computer control systems to monitor and control the operations of the assembly facility.

Rhodes, Marvin D.↗

A telerobotic system for automated assembly of large space structures

Future space missions such as polar platforms and antennas are anticipated to require large truss structures as their primary support system. During the past several years considerable research has been conducted to develop hardware and construction techniques suitable for astronaut assembly of truss structures in space. A research program has recently been initiated to develop the technology and to demonstrate the potential for automated in-space assembly of large erectable structures. The initial effort will be focused on automated assembly of a tetrahedral truss composed of 2-meter members. The facility is designed as a ground based system to permit evaluation of assembly concepts and was not designed for space qualification. The system is intended to be used as a tool from which more sophisticated procedures and operations can be developed. The facility description includes a truss structure, motionbases and a robot arm equipped with an end effector. Other considerations and requirements of the structural assembly describe computer control systems to monitor and control the operations of the assembly facility.

Rhodes, Marvin D.↗

Shape control of large space structures

A survey has been conducted to determine the types of control strategies which have been proposed for controlling the vibrations in large space structures. From this survey several representative control strategies were singled out for detailed analyses. The application of these strategies to a simplified model of a large space structure has been simulated. These simulations demonstrate the implementation of the control algorithms and provide a basis for a preliminary comparison of their suitability for large space structure control.

Hagan, M. T.↗

Effects of heat release on the large-scale structure in turbulent mixing layers

The effects of chemical heat release on the large-scale structure in a chemically reacting turbulent mixing layer have been studied using three-dimensional time-dependent simulations. Moderate heat release is found to slow the development of the large-scale structures and to shift their wavelengths to larger scales. The results suggest that previously unexplained anomalies observed in the mean velocity profiles of reacting jets and mixing layers may be the result of vorticity generation by baroclinic torques.

Mcmurtry, P. A.↗

Differential scaling: Implications for central structures in large lunar craters

The change in morphology of central structures with crater size on the terrestrial planets has been studied by many investigators. While the progression of morphological change essentially follows the same basic pattern, the appearance of central peaks, and the transitions from single to multiple peaks and peaks to peak rings occur at crater diameters that appear to be dependent on parameters associated with the target planet. Statistical data, morphological information, and model results exist for central structures in large craters, but the amount of 'ground truth' is comparatively meager. What, for instance, is the amount of stratigraphic uplift in craters? Answers to questions such as this will provide useful constraints on models of origin for central structures and would help in interpretation of remote-sensing data. This contribution uses terrestrial information and model calculations to estimate the amount of stratigraphic uplift for central-peak craters on the Moon--the only planet other than Earth for which sufficient topographic data are available.

Cintala, M. J.↗

Advances in Structures for Large Space Systems

The development of structural systems for scientific remote sensing and space exploration has been underway for four decades. The seminal work from 1960 to 1980 provided the basis for many of the design principles of modern space systems. From 1980- 2000 advances in active materials and structures and the maturing of composites technology led to high precision active systems such those used in the Space Interferometry Mission. Recently, thin-film membrane or gossamer structures are being investigated for use in large area space systems because of their low mass and high packaging efficiency. Various classes of Large Space Systems (LSS) are defined in order to describe the goals and system challenges in structures and materials technologies. With an appreciation of both past and current technology developments, future technology challenges are used to develop a list of technology investments that can have significant impacts on LSS development.

Belvin, W. Keith↗