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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 253 records · Page 14

Thermal Stability Analysis for a Heliocentric Gravitational Radiation Detection Mission

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission is designed for detailed studies of low-frequency gravitational radiation. The mission is currently a candidate for ESA's post-Horizon 2000 program. Thermal noise affects the measurement in at least two ways. Thermal variation of the length of the optical cavity to which the lasers are stabilized introduces phase variations in the interferometer signal, which have to be corrected for by using data from the two arms separately.

Laser Interferometer Space Antenna LISA gravitatio↗

Vertical Spin Tunnel Testing and Stability Analysis of Multi-Mission Earth Entry Vehicles

Multi-Mission Earth Entry Vehicles (MMEEVs) are blunt-body vehicles designed with the purpose of transporting payloads from space to the surface of the Earth. To achieve high reliability and minimum weight, MMEEVs avoid using limited-reliability systems, such as parachutes, retro-rockets, and reaction control systems and rely on the natural aerodynamic stability of the vehicle throughout the Entry, Descent, and Landing phases of flight. Testing in NASA Langley's 20-FT Vertical Spin Tunnel (20-FT VST), dynamically-scaled MMEEV models was conducted to improve subsonic aerodynamic models and validate stability criteria for this class of vehicle. This report documents the resulting data from VST testing for an array of 60-deg sphere-cone MMEEVs. Model configurations included were 1.2 meter, and 1.8 meter designs. The addition of a backshell extender, which provided a 150% increase in backshell diameter for the 1.2 meter design, provided a third test configuration. Center of Gravity limits were established for all MMEEV configurations. An application of System Identification (SID) techniques was performed to determine the aerodynamic coefficients in order to provide databases for subsequent 6-degree-of-freedom simulations.

Glaab, Louis J.↗

Stability Analysis for Constrained Principal Axis Slew Maneuvers

This paper addresses the problem of reorienting a rigid spacecraft from arbitrary initial conditions to prescribed final conditions with zero angular velocity. The control law analyzed is based on quaternion feedback and leaves the user to choose two gains as functions of position, angular rate, and time. For arbitrary initial states, conditions on the controller gains are identified that guarantee global asymptotic stability. For the special case of rest-to-rest reorientations, the control law reduces to earlier results involving a principal axis rotation. The paper also addresses slew rate constraints, both, in terms of the two and infinity norms.

Seywald, Hans↗

Stability analysis of spectral methods for hyperbolic initial-boundary value systems

A constant coefficient hyperbolic system in one space variable, with zero initial data is discussed. Dissipative boundary conditions are imposed at the two points x = + or - 1. This problem is discretized by a spectral approximation in space. Sufficient conditions under which the spectral numerical solution is stable are demonstrated - moreover, these conditions have to be checked only for scalar equations. The stability theorems take the form of explicit bounds for the norm of the solution in terms of the boundary data. The dependence of these bounds on N, the number of points in the domain (or equivalently the degree of the polynomials involved), is investigated for a class of standard spectral methods, including Chebyshev and Legendre collocations.

Gottlieb, D.↗

Fuzzy Current-Mode Control and Stability Analysis

In this paper a current-mode control (CMC) methodology is developed for a buck converter by using a fuzzy logic controller. Conventional CMC methodologies are based on lead-lag compensation with voltage and inductor current feedback. In this paper the converter lead-lag compensation will be substituted with a fuzzy controller. A small-signal model of the fuzzy controller will also be developed in order to examine the stability properties of this buck converter control system. The paper develops an analytical approach, introducing fuzzy control into the area of CMC.

Kopasakis, George↗

Aeromechanical stability analysis of a multirotor vehicle with application to hybrid heavy lift helicopter dynamics

The Hybrid Heavy Lift Helicopter (HHLH) is a potential candidate vehicle aimed at providing heavy lift capability at low cost. This vehicle consists of a buoyant envelope attached to a supporting structure. Four rotor systems are also attached to the supporting structure. Nonlinear equations of motion capable of modeling the dynamics of this multi-rotor/support frame/vehicle system have been developed and used to study the fundamental aeromechanical stability characteristics of this class of vehicles. The mechanism of coupling between the blades, supporting structure and rigid body modes is identified and the effect of buoyancy ratio (buoyant lift/total weight) on the vehicle dynamics is studied. It is shown that dynamics effects have a major role in the design of such vehicles. The analytical model developed is also useful for studying the aeromechanical stability of single rotor and tandem rotor coupled rotor/fuselage systems.

Venkatesan, C.↗

An improved CAMRAD model for aeroelastic stability analysis of the XV-15 with advanced technology blades

In pursuit of higher performance, the XV-15 Tiltrotor Research Aircraft was modified by the installation of new composite rotor blades. Initial flights with the Advanced Technology Blades (ATB's) revealed excessive rotor control loads that were traced to a dynamic mismatch between the blades and the aircraft control system. The analytical models of both the blades and the mechanical controls were extensively revised for use by the CAMRAD computer program to better predict aeroelastic stability and loads. This report documents the most important revisions and discusses their effects on aeroelastic stability predictions for airplane-mode flight. The ATB's may be flown in several different configurations for research, including changes in blade sweep and tip twist. The effects on stability of 1 deg and 0 deg sweep are illustrated, as are those of twisted and zero-twist tips. This report also discusses the effects of stiffening the rotor control system, which was done by locking out lateral cyclic swashplate motion with shims.

Acree, C. W., Jr.↗

Structure of the Compressible Reacting Mixing Layer: A Linear Stability Analysis

Previous investigations have demonstrated that a mixing layer in compressible reacting conditions can develop two instability modes in addition to the more common central mode, which exists unaccompanied in incompressible non-reacting flows. These 'outer' modes were shown in the investigations of Planche and Reynolds to have a detrimental effect on mixing and combustion efficiency and therefore their presence has important consequences for applications of supersonic combustion. Results from a parametric study of the compressible reacting mixing layer's regime space using a linear stability technique will be discussed. The purpose is to develop a more complete understanding behind the effects of compressibility, heat release and the density, equivalence and velocity ratios on the amplification rate and structure of each instability mode.

Day, M. J.↗

Dynamic Stability Analysis Using Free-Flight CFD

Blunt body probes are the primary design for atmospheric entry. The blunted capsule shape, while desirable for the decreased forebody heating, typically experiences dynamic instability at low supersonic and transonic flight. At moderate to low supersonic conditions, the unsteady wake begins to adversely interact with the vehicle in free-flight resulting in attitude oscillations which can grow in time and result in tumbling. Understanding vehicle dynamics is thus important when considering vehicle entry design and guidance navigation and control (GN&C) considerations. Historically, dynamic stability has been carried out exclusively using experimental techniques. The wide range of experimental approaches provide reasonable coverage in Mach and dynamic pressure space for a given trajectory, however achieving flight similitude is often difficult or impossible. Advancements in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques allow for dynamic motion of the vehicle surface during the simulation with either forced/prescribed motion or free motion in response to fluid forces. Several examples of CFD software with the ability to simulate fluid dynamics and vehicle motion are available in literature. The Free-Flight CFD (FF-CFD) capability developed by NASA Ames within the US3D flow solver has shown extensive validation and verification (V&V) efforts from moderate to low supersonic flow across a range of vehicle architectures. The solver is able to simulate full rotational and translation motion resulting in full 6 degrees-of-freedom (DoF) motion. The validation and verification efforts the solver's ability to predict the motion of a ballistic range model as compared to experimental results. Similar to other computational capabilities in literature, FF-CFD relied on heritage data reduction methodologies and processes for reducing dynamic data into aerodynamic coefficients intended for use in design and trajectory codes. These heritage approaches, initially developed with the assumptions (and restrictions) of ground test facilities, resulted in the significant culling of the full 6-DoF dynamic data set to discrete values which are then fit using an aerodynamic model. Recent development of simulation and data reduction methodologies has resulted in an improved approach to FF-CFD simulations of vehicle dynamics which leverage the control of dynamic constraints within a simulation set-up. The presentation of this work will cover the constrained dynamic simulation approach for deriving dynamic coefficients for a Genesis capsule. The methodology will be outlined and a discussion of implications in motion restriction will be discussed. Finally, reconstructed vehicle trajectories using FF-CFD derived aerodynamic coefficients will be presented.

Joseph M Brock↗

Computer program system for dynamic simulation and stability analysis of passive and actively controlled spacecraft. Volume 1. Theory

A theoretical development and associated digital computer program system is presented. The dynamic system (spacecraft) is modeled as an assembly of rigid and/or flexible bodies not necessarily in a topological tree configuration. The computer program system may be used to investigate total system dynamic characteristics including interaction effects between rigid and/or flexible bodies, control systems, and a wide range of environmental loadings. Additionally, the program system may be used for design of attitude control systems and for evaluation of total dynamic system performance including time domain response and frequency domain stability analyses. Volume 1 presents the theoretical developments including a description of the physical system, the equations of dynamic equilibrium, discussion of kinematics and system topology, a complete treatment of momentum wheel coupling, and a discussion of gravity gradient and environmental effects. Volume 2, is a program users' guide and includes a description of the overall digital program code, individual subroutines and a description of required program input and generated program output. Volume 3 presents the results of selected demonstration problems that illustrate all program system capabilities.

Bodley, C. S.↗

Correlation of boundary layer stability analysis with flight transition data

Recently, NASA completed a boundary-layer transition flight test on an F-14 aircraft which has variable-sweep capability. Transition data were acquired for a wide variety of sweep angles, pressure distributions, Mach numbers, and Reynolds numbers. In this paper, the F-14 flight test is briefly described and N-factor correlations with measured transition locations are presented for one of two gloves flown on the F-14 wing in the flight program; a thin foam and fiberglass glove which provided a smooth sailplane finish on the basic F-14, modified NACA 6-series airfoil. For these correlations, an improved linear boundary-layer stability theory was utilized that accounts for compressibility and surface and streamline curvature effects for the flow past swept wings.

Collier, F. S., Jr.↗

Co-Simulation of PSS/E, OpenDSS, and PSCAD for Power Systems Stability Analysis With Inverter-Based Resources: Preprint

The increasing penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs) is reshaping the dynamic behavior of power systems. IEEE standard 1547-2018 suggests that distributed energy resources (DERs) should provide grid services such as voltage and frequency supports. On the other hand, dynamic events caused by IBRs such as sub-synchronous oscillation have been reported. These developments necessitate improvement in the current modeling capabilities to better understand the interdependencies within power systems. These include interactions between transmission and distribution systems, among IBRs themselves, and between IBRs and conventional resources. In this paper, we present a co-simulation model integrating PSS/E, OpenDSS, and PSCAD to analyze IBR impacts on the stability of transmission and distribution systems. A key challenge in developing a co-simulation model is ensuring interoperability among different simulators (interfacing and data flow) while maintaining accurate results. Using the developed model, we simulate the impact of IBRs on power systems in two test cases: 1) fault ride through (FRT) capability during a generation trip contingency; 2) IBR-induced sub-synchronous oscillation. The results show the effectiveness of the co-simulation model.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

A Stability Analysis for a Hydrodynamic Three-Wave Journal Bearing

The influence of the wave amplitude and oil supply pressure on the dynamic behavior of a hydrodynamic three-wave journal bearing is presented. Both, a transient and a small perturbation technique, were used to predict the threshold to fractional frequency whirl (FFW). In addition, the behavior of the rotor after FFW appeared was determined from the transient analysis. The turbulent effects were also included in the computations. Bearings having a diameter of 30 mm, a length of 27.5 mm, and a clearance of 35 microns were analyzed. Numerical results were compared to experimental results obtained at the NASA GRC. Numerical and experimental results showed that the above-mentioned wave bearing with a wave amplitude ratio of 0.305 operates stably at rotational speeds up to 60,000 rpm, regardless of the oil supply pressure. For smaller wave amplitude ratios, a threshold of stability was found. It was observed that the threshold of stability for lower wave amplitude strongly depends on the oil supply pressure and on the wave amplitude. When the FFW occurs, the journal center maintains its trajectory inside the bearing clearance and therefore the rotor can be run safely without damaging the bearing surfaces.

Ene, Nicoleta M.↗

Stability Analysis for HIFiRE Experiments

The HIFiRE-1 flight experiment provided a valuable database pertaining to boundary layer transition over a 7-degree half-angle, circular cone model from supersonic to hypersonic Mach numbers, and a range of Reynolds numbers and angles of attack. This paper reports selected findings from the ongoing computational analysis of the measured in-flight transition behavior. Transition during the ascent phase at nearly zero degree angle of attack is dominated by second mode instabilities except in the vicinity of the cone meridian where a roughness element was placed midway along the length of the cone. The growth of first mode instabilities is found to be weak at all trajectory points analyzed from the ascent phase. For times less than approximately 18.5 seconds into the flight, the peak amplification ratio for second mode disturbances is sufficiently small because of the lower Mach numbers at earlier times, so that the transition behavior inferred from the measurements is attributed to an unknown physical mechanism, potentially related to step discontinuities in surface height near the locations of a change in the surface material. Based on the time histories of temperature and/or heat flux at transducer locations within the aft portion of the cone, the onset of transition correlated with a linear N-factor, based on parabolized stability equations, of approximately 13.5. Due to the large angles of attack during the re-entry phase, crossflow instability may play a significant role in transition. Computations also indicate the presence of pronounced crossflow separation over a significant portion of the trajectory segment that is relevant to transition analysis. The transition behavior during this re-entry segment of HIFiRE-1 flight shares some common features with the predicted transition front along the elliptic cone shaped HIFiRE-5 flight article, which was designed to provide hypersonic transition data for a fully 3D geometric configuration. To compare and contrast the crossflow dominated transition over the HIFiRE-1 and HIFiRE-5 configurations, this paper also analyzes boundary layer instabilities over a subscale model of the HIFiRE-5 flight configuration that was tested in the Mach 6 quiet tunnel facility at Purdue University.

Li, Fei↗

Unstructured Grid Euler Method Assessment for Longitudinal and Lateral/Directional Stability Analysis of the HSR Reference H Configuration at Transonic Speeds

Transonic Euler computations, based on unstructured grid methodology, are performed for a proposed High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) configuration, designated as the Reference H configuration within the High Speed Research (HSR) Program. The predicted results are correlated with appropriate experimental wind-tunnel data for the baseline configuration with and without control surface deflections for a range of angle of attack at M(sub infinity) = 0.95. Good correlations between the predictions and measured data have been obtained for the longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of the baseline configuration. The incremental effects in the longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics due to horizontal rail deflections as well as wing leading-edge and trailing-edge flap deflections have also been predicted reasonably well. Computational results and correlations with data are also presented for the lateral and directional stability characteristics for a range of angle of attack at a constant sideslip angle as well as a range of sideslip angles at a constant angle of attack. In addition, the results are presented to assess the computational method performance and convergence characteristics.

Ghaffari, Farhad↗

Fully Coupled Aeroelastic Stability Analysis of Adaptive Shape Memory Alloy Structural Technologies for Airframe Noise Reduction

The objective of this work is the development of computational models and analysis of the coupled fluid-structure response of a slat gap filler (SGF) noise treatment applied to the leading-edge-slat component of a high-lift system typical of modern transport aircraft. The representative airframe chosen for this work is NASA’s High-lift Common Research Model (CRM-HL) in a baseline high-lift configuration. Superelastic shape memory alloys (SMAs) have been identified as enabling materials for these structural treatments. Since the technology elements rely upon having a highly reconfigurable structure, designs must be assessed for static aeroelastic deflection as well as dynamic aeroelastic stability using coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and nonlinear computational structural dynamics (NL CSD) tools. The technical approach consists of solving for the flow field around the entire vehicle using a global CFD model, followed by extraction of relevant local subdomain data for CFD and NL-CSD co-simulations. The SGF design is assessed using both 2D and 3D co-simulations to predict quasi-static aeroelastic deformations and to assess dynamic aeroelastic stability.

Fluid structure interaction↗

Stability analysis of multiple-robot control systems

In a space telerobotic service scenario, cooperative motion and force control of multiple robot arms are of fundamental importance. Three paradigms to study this problem are proposed. They are distinguished by the set of variables used for control design. They are joint torques, arm tip force vectors, and an accelerated generalized coordinate set. Control issues related to each case are discussed. The latter two choices require complete model information, which presents practical modeling, computational, and robustness problems. Therefore, focus is on the joint torque control case to develop relatively model independent motion and internal force control laws. The rigid body assumption allows the motion and force control problems to be independently addressed. By using an energy motivated Lyapunov function, a simple proportional derivative plus gravity compensation type of motion control law is always shown to be stabilizing. The asymptotic convergence of the tracing error to zero requires the use of a generalized coordinate with the contact constraints taken into account. If a non-generalized coordinate is used, only convergence to a steady state manifold can be concluded. For the force control, both feedforward and feedback schemes are analyzed. The feedback control, if proper care has been taken, exhibits better robustness and transient performance.

Wen, John T.↗

The Radiometric Scaling of the MODIS and VIIRS Imagers to a Common Reference and Stability Analysis for the Next Edition of CERES Products

The NASA CERES project has provided the climate quality observed TOA and computed surface fluxes to the scientific community. CERES uses MODIS and VIIRS imagers to retrieve cloud properties needed to convert Terra, Aqua, NPP, and NOAA-20 CERES footprint radiance observations into fluxes. The imagers are also used to radiometrically scale the geostationary sensors (GEO) radiances to the imager calibration reference to ensure that the GEO derived cloud properties and broadband TOA fluxes are consistent in both space and time. Both the imager and GEO retrieved cloud properties are used to compute the surface fluxes. The CERES imager and GEO calibration team uses ray-matched radiance pairs to radiometrically scale the SNPP and NOAA-20 VIIRS sensors to the Aqua-MODIS calibration reference. The radiometric scaling is further validated using geostationary imagers as transfer radiometers. The team will rely primarily on deep convective clouds to monitor the imager channel calibration stability and to correct for short term calibration drifts. The DSCOVR satellite was launched on February 25, 2015 and orbits around the L1 Lagrange point directly between the Earth and the sun. The EPIC sensor contains no onboard calibration systems. However, multiple inter-calibration studies have shown that the EPIC imager is very stable in time. The excellent radiometric stability of EPIC allows the use of EPIC observations as a stable reference to validate both the short term drift corrections of the imagers, as well as to validate the radiometric scaling factors between them. Examples of the imager relative calibration using EPIC before and after radiometric scaling will be shown along with the results from the use of invariant targets to remove imager calibration drifts.

DSCOVR-EPIC↗