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At least 253 records · Page 14

Modal identification experiment design for large space structures

This paper describes an on-orbit modal identification experiment design for large space structures. Space Station Freedom (SSF) systems design definition and structural dynamic models were used as representative large space structures for optimizing experiment design. Important structural modes of study models were selected to provide a guide for experiment design and used to assess the design performance. A pulsed random excitation technique using propulsion jets was developed to identify closely-spaced modes. A measuremenat location selection approach was developed to estimate accurate mode shapes as well as frequencies and damping factors. The data acquisition system and operational scenarios were designed to have minimal impacts on the SSF. A comprehensive simulation was conducted to assess the overall performance of the experiment design.

Kim, Hyoung M.↗

User accommodations on Space Station Freedom

The historical background of the SSF is overviewed, and current developments in methodology used to accomodate specific user requirements and physically integrate payloads on the station are discussed. Particular attention is given to the science and technology opportunities provided to commercial and government-sponsored users. Evolution of the SSF design and utilization impacts on design philosophy are also considered.

Moser, Thomas L.↗

Space Station Freedom - Technology R&D and test facility for the 21st century

Development of the SSF is considered in terms of a primary stimulus for technology research and development activities in the early 21st century. The utilization and operations management organization, the ground facilities, and the associated international agreements will form the basis for all future major space projects, including lunar and Mars missions and outposts. Problems discussed include SSF technology R&D accommodations, Pacific Basin cooperative R&D opportunities, Pacific Basin cooperative R&D candidates, and space infrastructure cooperative projects.

Holt, Alan C.↗

Particle-laden weakly swirling free jets: Measurements and predictions

A theoretical and experimental investigation of particle-laden, weakly swirling, turbulent free jets was conducted. Glass particles, having a Sauter mean diameter of 39 microns, with a standard deviation of 15 microns, were used. A single loading ratio (the mass flow rate of particles per unit mass flow rate of air) of 0.2 was used in the experiments. Measurements are reported for three swirl numbers, ranging from 0 to 0.33. The measurements included mean and fluctuating velocities of both phases, and particle mass flux distributions. Measurements were also completed for single-phase non-swirling and swirling jets, as baselines. Measurements were compared with predictions from three types of multiphase flow analysis, as follows: (1) locally homogeneous flow (LHF) where slip between the phases was neglected; (2) deterministic separated flow (DSF), where slip was considered but effects of turbulence/particle interactions were neglected; and (3) stochastic separated flow (SSF), where effects of both interphase slip and turbulence/particle interactions were considered using random sampling for turbulence properties in conjunction with random-walk computations for particle motion. Single-phase weakly swirling jets were considered first. Predictions using a standard k-epsilon turbulence model, as well as two versions modified to account for effects of streamline curvature, were compared with measurements. Predictions using a streamline curvature modification based on the flux Richardson number gave better agreement with measurements for the single-phase swirling jets than the standard k-epsilon model. For the particle-laden jets, the LHF and DSF models did not provide very satisfactory predictions. The LHF model generally overestimated the rate of decay of particle mean axial and angular velocities with streamwise distance, and predicted particle mass fluxes also showed poor agreement with measurements, due to the assumption of no-slip between phases. The DSF model also performed quite poorly for predictions of particle mass flux because turbulent dispersion of the particles was neglected. The SSF model, which accounts for both particle inertia and turbulent dispersion of the particles, yielded reasonably good predictions throughout the flow field for the particle-laden jets.

Bulzan, Daniel L.↗

Space Station Freedom solar dynamic modules structural modelling and analysis

In support of the Space Station Freedom (SSF) Solar Dynamic Power Module effort, structural design studies were performed to investigate issues related to the design of the power module, its pointing capabilities, and the integration of the module into the SSF infrastructure. Of particular concern from a structural viewpoint are the dynamics of the power module, the impact of the power module on the Space Station dynamics and controls, and the required control effort for obtaining the specified Solar Dynamic Power Module pointing accuracy. Structural analyses were performed to determine the structural dynamics attributes of both the existing and the proposed structural dynamics module designs. The objectives of these analyses were to generate validated Solar Dynamic Power Module NASTRAN finite element models, combine Space Station and power module models into integrated system models, perform finite element modal analyses to assess the effect of the relocations of the power module center of mass, and provide modal data to controls designers for control systems design.

Lawrence, Charles↗

Advanced studies program overview

The topics covered are presented in view graph form and include the following: (1) Space Station Engineering; (2) level 1 engineering organization; (3) advanced studies program organization; (4) NASA Center support areas; (5) work breakdown; (6) Space Station Freedom (SSF) Program Phases; (7) distributed systems evolution; (8) Space Shuttle ET mating analogy to on-orbit tank mating; (9) reference growth concept; (10) technology assessment process; (11) SSF technology priorities; (12) accomplishments; and (13) near term direction.

Ahlf, Peter R.↗

Space Station Freedom program. Commercial infrastructure and technology utilization

The following topics are presented in viewgraph form: (1) the participation of the 'commercial infrastructure' in the evolution of Space Station Freedom (SSF); and (2) the commercial utilization of SSF in terms of developed technologies. Additionally, a comparison between the development of Aviation and Space flight is presented in terms of events occurring on a timeline.

Barquinero, Kevin↗

Failure Environment Analysis Tool (FEAT)

Information is given in viewgraph form on the Failure Environment Analysis Tool (FEAT), a tool designed to demonstrate advanced modeling and analysis techniques to better understand and capture the flow of failures within and between elements of the Space Station Freedom (SSF) and other large complex systems. Topics covered include objectives, development background, the technical approach, SSF baseline integration, and FEAT growth and evolution.

Lawler, D. G.↗

EMU evolution

Evolution of Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) technology is necessary to support the Extravehicular Activity (EVA) requirements of the Space Station Freedom Program and those of the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI). Key qualities supporting long-duration missions include technologies that are highly reliable, durable, minimize logistics requirements, and are in-flight maintainable and serviceable. While these qualities are common to SSF and SEI EVA, development paths will differ where specific mission requirements impose different constraints. Development of reusable, regenerative technologies is necessary to minimize the logistics penalties. Increased battery discharge/recharge cycle life and usable wet life, compact high current density fuel cells, reusable CO2 absorbing media, and thermal radiation coupled with venting heat rejection technologies are just some methods of reducing consumables. Development must strive for durable, reliable systems that are in-flight serviceable and maintainable, which are vital for missions where logistics capabilities are extremely constrained. Key areas include suit components (e.g., gloves, boots, and cooling garments), and life support hardware such as fans, pumps, instrumentation, and emergency O2 systems. Higher pressure suits will reduce EVA prebreathe requirements and pre-EVA operations overall. Many challenges of higher pressure suits have been addressed by on-going development. Emphasis on glove development is necessary to provide low fatigue, dexterous glove mobility at higher suit pressures. Minimum impact hooks and scars which support an advanced SSF EMU have been identified. These accommodations permit upgrades that support servicing of low volume, high pressure oxygen systems, and hydrogen technologies such as fuel cell, and venting hydrogen heat rejection systems.

Rouen, M.↗

ECLSS predictive monitoring

On Space Station Freedom (SSF), design iterations have made clear the need to keep the sensor complement small. Along with the unprecendented duration of the mission, it is imperative that decisions regarding placement of sensors be carefully examined and justified during the design phase. In the ECLSS Predictive Monitoring task, we are developing AI-based software to enable design engineers to evaluate alternate sensor configurations. Based on techniques from model-based reasoning and information theory, the software tool makes explicit the quantitative tradeoffs among competing sensor placements, and helps designers explore and justify placement decisions. This work is being applied to the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) testbed at MSFC to assist design personnel in placing sensors for test purposes to evaluate baseline configurations and ultimately to select advanced life support system technologies for evolutionary SSF.

Doyle, Richard J.↗

JPL space station telerobotic engineering prototype development FY 91 status/achievements

The topics covered are presented in view graph form and include: (1) streamlining intravehicular activity (IVA) teleoperation activities on the Space Station Freedom (SSF); (2) enhancing SSF utilization during the man-tended phase; (3) telerobotic ground remote operations (TGRO); and (4) advanced telerobotics system technology (shared control).

Zimmerman, Wayne↗

Space Station Freedom/lunar transfer vehicle propellant operation hazard analysis

Space Station Freedom (SSF), as a transportation node for Space Exploration Initiative missions, would involve the assembly and refurbishing of lunar and Mars transfer vehicles. This includes operations involving cryogenic propellants (LH2 7 LO2) such as storing and handling of loaded propellant tanks, assembly onto the vehicle, and propellant transfer. Cryogenic propellants dictate rigorous safety precautions and impose unique requirements to ensure flight safety to both personnel and SSF elements. The objective of this study is to identify potential hazards and risks associated with cryogenic propellants. This involves identification of pertinent system design features and operational procedures. Criticality of identified risks/hazards shall be assessed and those that fall in the catastrophic and critical categories shall include mitigating solutions.

Dominick, Sam↗

Advanced Crew Personal Support Computer (CPSC) task

The topics are presented in view graph form and include: background; objectives of task; benefits to the Space Station Freedom (SSF) Program; technical approach; baseline integration; and growth and evolution options. The objective is to: (1) introduce new computer technology into the SSF Program; (2) augment core computer capabilities to meet additional mission requirements; (3) minimize risk in upgrading technology; and (4) provide a low cost way to enhance crew and ground operations support.

Muratore, Debra↗

Tandem concentrator photovoltaic array applied to Space Station Freedom evolutionary power requirements

Additional power is required to support Space Station Freedom (SSF) evolution. Boeing Defense and Space Group, LeRC, and Entech Corporation have participated in the development of efficiency gallium arsenide and gallium antimonide solar cells make up the solar array tandem cell stacks. Entech's Mini-Dome Fresnel Lens Concentrators focus solar energy onto the active area of the solar cells at 50 times one solar energy flux. Development testing for a flight array, to be launched in Nov. 1992 is under way with support from LeRC. The tandem cells, interconnect wiring, concentrator lenses, and structure were integrated into arrays subjected to environmental testing. A tandem concentrator array can provide high mass and area specific power and can provide equal power with significantly less array area and weight than the baseline array design. Alternatively, for SSF growth, an array of twice the baseline power can be designed which still has a smaller drag area than the baseline.

Fisher, Edward M., Jr.↗

Thermal Control System Automation Project (TCSAP)

Information is given in viewgraph form on the Space Station Freedom (SSF) Thermal Control System Automation Project (TCSAP). Topics covered include the assembly of the External Thermal Control System (ETCS); the ETCS functional schematic; the baseline Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR), including the development of a knowledge based system (KBS) for application of rule based reasoning to the SSF ETCS; TCSAP software architecture; the High Fidelity Simulator architecture; the TCSAP Runtime Object Database (RODB) data flow; KBS functional architecture and logic flow; TCSAP growth and evolution; and TCSAP relationships.

Boyer, Roger L.↗

Collapse analysis of a waffle plate strongback for Space Station Freedom

The structural integrity was studied of the Integrated Equipment Assembly (IEA) Strongback of the SSF for the launch environment. The strongback structure supports the electrical power system for SSF. To achieve minimum launch mass, it is essential that flight structures are designed as light as possible. A nonlinear structural analysis was conducted to determine the collapse load of the structure and the associated factor of safety against the service loads. A modeling technique is provided for simulating the load conditions and the buckling and post buckling (collapse) load is evaluated of the IEA Strongback structure, using the finite element computer code MARC. Two of four strongback panels were modeled and analyzed. The effects were examined of the following factors on the global behavior of the strongback panels: (1) load simplification and simulation; (2) type of support boundary conditions; and (3) the possibility of weight reduction of the original structure. For this purpose, several models of the two panels of the strongback were considered. The stress level and distribution in the panels for launch condition, the Eigenvalue critical buckling load and/or the collapse load were determined.

Monasa, Frank F.↗

Whipple shield sizing equations

Wipple shield sizing equations are given for use in current Space Station Freedom (SSF) Work Package 2 (WP-2) trade study activities. These equations are modifications of the 1969 Cour-Palais predictor equations which were used by McDonnell Douglas to size WP-2 meteoroid and debris shielding for the SSF preliminary design review. Recent hypervelocity impact (HVI) test results have shown that the original 1969 Cour-Palais predictor improperly scales to the particle sizes that the WP-2 shields must be designed to protect against. The original equations have been redesigned to correct this scaling deficiency. Substantial increases to WP-2 shielding weight estimates are indicated by the modified equations. Several possibilities exist, however, to reduce the weight of WP-2 shielding. These equations will be updated in the future as warranted by the results of ultra-high speed (greater than 19 km/sec) HVI tests and further analysis.

Christiansen, Eric L.↗