Challenges in Random Vibration Qualification Testing of Structures Behaving Nonlinearly
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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center (GRC) has been supporting development of the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) since 2006. A key element of the ASRG Project is providing life, reliability, and performance testing of the Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC). For this purpose, four pairs of ASCs capable of operating to 850 C and designated with the model number ASC-E2, were delivered by Sunpower of Athens, OH, to GRC in 2010. The ASC-E2s underwent a series of tests that included workmanship vibration testing, performance mapping, and extended operation. Workmanship vibration testing was performed following fabrication of each convertor to verify proper hardware build. Performance mapping consisted of operating each convertor at various conditions representing the range expected during a mission. Included were conditions representing beginning-of-mission (BOM), end-of-mission (EOM), and fueling. This same series of tests was performed by Sunpower prior to ASC-E2 delivery. The data generated during the GRC test were compared to performance before delivery. Extended operation consisted of a 500-hour period of operation with conditions maintained at the BOM point. This was performed to demonstrate steady convertor performance following performance mapping. Following this initial 500-hour period, the ASC-E2s will continue extended operation, controller development and special durability testing, during which the goal is to accumulate tens of thousands of hours of operation. Data collected during extended operation will support reliability analysis. Performance data from these tests is summarized in this paper.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center (GRC) has been supporting development of the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) since 2006. A key element of the ASRG Project is providing life, reliability, and performance testing of the Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC). For this purpose, four pairs of ASCs capable of operating to 850 C and designated with the model number ASC-E2, were delivered by Sunpower of Athens, Ohio, to GRC in 2010. The ASC-E2s underwent a series of tests that included workmanship vibration testing, performance mapping, and extended operation. Workmanship vibration testing was performed following fabrication of each convertor to verify proper hardware build. Performance mapping consisted of operating each convertor at various conditions representing the range expected during a mission. Included were conditions representing beginning-of-mission (BOM), end-of-mission (EOM), and fueling. This same series of tests was performed by Sunpower prior to ASC-E2 delivery. The data generated during the GRC test were compared to performance before delivery. Extended operation consisted of a 500-hr period of operation with conditions maintained at the BOM point. This was performed to demonstrate steady convertor performance following performance mapping. Following this initial 500-hr period, the ASC-E2s will continue extended operation, controller development and special durability testing, during which the goal is to accumulate tens of thousands of hours of operation. Data collected during extended operation will support reliability analysis. Performance data from these tests is summarized in this paper.
Structural dynamicists avoid aircraft structural flutter through the use of flutter analyses, wind tunnel tests, ground-vibration tests, and flight flutter testing. FEM and unsteady aerodynamics models are often employed in analyses whose results' accuracies are verified by wind tunnel test results. Ground-vibratiuon testing is used to ascertain an airframe's resonant modes of vibration and their associated frequencies and damping rates; these data are then compared to the FEM analysis results. Flutter wind tunnel testing serves the same purpose for unsteady aerodynamic analysis as ground vibration testing does for the vibration analysis. Finally, flight flutter testing ensures that no flutter is present at any point in the envelope.
Vidicon electron beam modulation is used for checking the performance of vidicons in mechanical vibration tests. The vidicon electron beam is modulated with an external signal during the write period thereby storing the image on the vidicon face.
The unveiling of the first reusable space shuttle vehicle by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration is discussed. The role of orbiter 101 as a test vehicle is stressed. Approach and landing tests, ground vibration tests, crew are among the topics included.
The Space Shuttle verification program is detailed, with verification network flowcharts. Performance qualification tests, life endurance tests, structural verification tests, and vibration/dynamic tests of components, subsystems, and major systems at various test levels are dealt with. Ground tests, static firings of the Shuttle main engine, external-tank separation tests, ground vibration tests of vehicle mated to external tank, and main propulsion tests and test scheduling are described. Functions of the Shuttle avionics integration laboratory and electronic systems test laboratory are discussed. Test preparations and procedures for orbital flight testing, launch pad tests, and Shuttle approach- and landing-tests are described.
The Space Shuttle test program is described. Consideration is given to thermal vacuum testing, static testing, ground vibration testing, high temperature testing, propulsion system testing, etc. Emphasis is placed on the Shuttle test philosophy and how it differs from that of past programs.
Development and construction of three 50 m rotor blades for a 3 MW wind turbine are described. A hybrid concept was chosen, i.e., a load carrying inflexible steel spar and a glass fiber reinforced plastic skin. A test blade was constructed and static loading tests, dynamic vibration tests and fatigue tests on critical welds as well as at the connection between spar and blade skin were performed. All test results show good accordance with calculated values, and were taken into consideration during the construction of two rotor blades.
The full scale ground test, ground vibration test, and flight tests conducted to demonstrate a composite structure stabilizer for the Boeing 737 aircraft and obtain FAA certification are described. Detail tools, assembly tools, and overall production are discussed. Cost analyses aspects covered include production costs, composite material usage factors, and cost comparisons.
Two Flight Model AMSU-A Phase Locked Oscillators (P/N 1348360-1, S/Ns F03 and F04) have been tested per AES Test Procedure AE-26758. The tests included vibration testing, thermal cycle testing, AM/FM Noise testing, and full functional testing. EMI/REO 2 Testing was not performed. (See test data for S/N F01). Both AMSU-A Phase Locked Oscillators satisfactorily passed all performance requirements of the AE-26633 Product specification. During thermal cycling of PLO serial number F03, the oven and data logger momentarily lost power, including a loss of data. The unit did not experience any thermal stress. TAR 003134 describes the corrective action. Prior to testing PLO serial number FO4, power was applied to the unit. (+15v,-15v) the unit did not display the proper phase lock. Upon test equipment check out a connector was found to be defective. TAR 003133 describes the corrective action. After completion of testing of PLO serial number F04 was installed into Receiver Assembly F02. Upon testing F02 Receiver Assembly the unit was found not to phase lock at ambient temperature. Removal of PLO Assembly F04 was required. R2 was the real issue. Solithane was secondary. Troubleshooting revealed excessive solithane on inner PLL Assembly cover inhibiting optimum grounding. Also, R2 was reselected which increased the lock range from -30 C to +60 C. TAR 002737 describes the corrective action.
Under the direction of the NASA In-Space Propulsion Technology Office, the team of L Garde, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Ball Aerospace, and NASA Langley Research Center has been developing a scalable solar sail configuration to address NASA's future space propulsion needs. Prior to a flight experiment of a full-scale solar sail, a comprehensive phased test plan is currently being implemented to advance the technology readiness level of the solar sail design. These tests consist of solar sail component, subsystem, and sub-scale system ground tests that simulate the vacuum and thermal conditions of the space environment. Recently, two solar sail test articles, a 7.4-m beam assembly subsystem test article and a 10-m four-quadrant solar sail system test article, were tested in vacuum conditions with a gravity-offload system to mitigate the effects of gravity. This paper presents the structural analyses simulating the ground tests and the correlation of the analyses with the test results. For programmatic risk reduction, a two-prong analysis approach was undertaken in which two separate teams independently developed computational models of the solar sail test articles using the finite element analysis software packages: NEiNastran and ABAQUS. This paper compares the pre-test and post-test analysis predictions from both software packages with the test data including load-deflection curves from static load tests, and vibration frequencies and mode shapes from vibration tests. The analysis predictions were in reasonable agreement with the test data. Factors that precluded better correlation of the analyses and the tests were uncertainties in the material properties, test conditions, and modeling assumptions used in the analyses.
The video shows various aspects of the International Low Impact Docking System, including team members, some production, configuration, mated androgynous iLIDS, SCS Lockdown system, thermal analysis, electrical engineering aspects, the iLIDS control box and emulator, radiation testing at BNL, component environmental testing, component vibration testing, 3G processor board delivery system, GTA vibe test, EMA testbed, hook and hook disassembly, flex shaftdrive assembly, GSE cradle MISSE-6 Columbus, MISSE 6 and 7 seal experiments, actuated full scale seal test rig, LIDS on Hubble, dynamics test prep, EDU 54 mass emulation and SCS, load ring characterization, 6DOF proof test, SCS at 6DOF, machining EEMS and inner ring assembly, APAS assembly, inner ring fitting, rotation stand assembly, EEMS mating, and EEMS proof of concept demonstration.
The Tiltrotor Test Rig (TTR) is a NASA project, joint with the U.S. Army and Air Force, to develop a new, large scale proprotor test system for the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC). The first wind-tunnel entry was completed in November 2018 with a modern, 26-ft diameter proprotor. The primary purpose was to complete the development of the TTR, including systems integration with the NFAC. The TTR and rotor were tested up to 273 knots in axial flow. This is the highest airspeed ever achieved by a full-scale proprotor in any wind tunnel. Extensive conversion-mode data were also acquired, and hover/climb conditions were explored. Additional testing included aerodynamic tares, motor tests, thermal tests, modal vibration tests, and other checkout activities. This paper summarizes the results of the test, including examples of the most significant data.
The Tiltrotor Test Rig (TTR) is a new, large-scale proprotor test system for the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC). The TTR was jointly developed by NASA, the U. S. Army and the U. S. Air Force. The first wind-tunnel entry was completed in November 2018 with a modern, 26-ft diameter proprotor. The primary purpose was to complete the development of the TTR, including systems integration with the NFAC. The TTR and rotor were tested up to 273 knots in axial flow, which is the highest airspeed ever achieved by a full-scale proprotor in any wind tunnel. The entry constitutes the first full-scale wind-tunnel test of a gimballed, coning-flexure rotor. Extensive conversion-mode data were also acquired, and hover/climb conditions were explored. Additional testing included aerodynamic tares, motor tests, thermal tests, modal vibration tests, and other checkout activities. This report summarizes the results of the test, including examples of the most significant data.
The Tiltrotor Test Rig (TTR) is a large-scale proprotor test system for the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC). The first wind-tunnel entry was completed in November 2018 with a modern, 26-ft diameter proprotor. The rotor tested was the Bell Model 699, an AW609 rotor modified specifically for wind-tunnel testing. The primary purpose was to complete the development of the TTR, including systems integration with the NFAC. Testing included axial flow up to 273 knots, conversion mode from 30 to 100 deg nacelle angle, and hover/vertical climb conditions. Additional testing included aerodynamic tares, motor tests, thermal tests, modal vibration tests, and other checkout activities. This report lists the test conditions achieved and the types of data acquired and saved in the database.
NASA has conducted a study to assess alternatives to refurbishing existing launch vehicle modal test facilities as opposed to developing new test facilities to meet the demands of a very fiscally constrained test and evaluation environment. The results of this study showed that Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Test Stand (TS) 4550 could be made compliant, within reasonable cost and schedule impacts, if safety processes and operational limitations were put in place to meet the safety codes and concerns of the Fire Marshall. Trades were performed with key selection criteria to ensure that appropriate levels of occupant safety are incorporated into test facility design modifications. In preparation for the ground vibration tests that were to be performed on the Ares I launch vehicle, the Ares Flight and Integrated Test Office (FITO) organization evaluated the available test facility options, which included the existing mothballed structural dynamic TS4550 used by Apollo and Shuttle, alternative ground vibration test facilities at other locations, and construction of a new dynamic test stand. After an exhaustive assessment of the alternatives, the results favored modifying the TS4550 because it was the lowest cost option and presented the least schedule risk to the NASA Constellation Program for Ares Integrated Vehicle Ground Vibration Test (IVGVT). As the renovation design plans and drawings were being developed for TS4550, a safety concern was discovered the original design for the construction of the test stand, originally built for the Apollo Program and renovated for the Shuttle Program, was completed before NASA s adoption of the currently imposed safety and building codes per National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code [NFPA 101] and International Building Codes. The initial FITO assessment of the design changes, required to make TS4550 compliant with current safety and building standards, identified a significant cost increase and schedule impact. An effort was launched to thoroughly evaluate the applicable life safety requirements, examine the context in which they were derived, and determine a means by which the TS4550 modifications could be made within budget and on schedule, while still providing the occupants with appropriate levels of safety.
Ground vibration tests are routinely conducted for supporting flutter analysis for subsonic and supersonic vehicles; however, for hypersonic vehicles, thermoelastic vibration testing techniques are neither well established nor routinely performed. New high-temperature material systems, fabrication technologies and high-temperature sensors expand the opportunities to develop advanced techniques for performing ground vibration tests at elevated temperatures. When high-temperature materials, which increase in stiffness when heated, are incorporated into a hot-structure that contains metallic components that decrease in stiffness when heated, the interaction between those materials can affect the hypersonic flutter analysis. A high-temperature modal survey will expand the research database for hypersonics and improve the understanding of this dual-material interaction. This report discusses the vibration testing of the carbon-silicon carbide Ruddervator Subcomponent Test Article, which is a truncated version of a full-scale hot-structure control surface. Two series of room-temperature modal test configurations were performed in order to define the modal characteristics of the test article during the elevated-temperature modal survey: one with the test article suspended from a bungee cord (free-free) and the second with it mounted on the strongback (fixed boundary). Testing was performed in the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory Large Nitrogen Test Chamber.