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At least 37 records · Page 2

NTF model concept for the X-29A. Part 1: Requirements, guidelines, and design loads

A few Charpy samples containing a transverse EB weld at the V-notch location were produced. Three tensile specimens containing a transverse weld were also produced. These samples were tested at cryogenic temperatures. The welded Charpy samples resulted in average impact values of 20 ft-lb. This average value is as good as the NASA test samples with the base metal. The tensile specimens broke at slightly higher loads than had been calculated. The Charpy specimens did not come up to the prescribed level of 25 ft-lb. The results of the specimen tests are presented.

Daforno, G.↗

Reducing Undue Conservatism in "Higher Frequency" Structural Design Loads in Aerospace Components

This study is intended to investigate the frequency dependency of significant strain due to vibratory loads in aerospace vehicle components. The notion that "higher frequency" dynamic loads applied as static loads is inherently conservative is perceived as widely accepted. This effort is focused on demonstrating that principle and attempting to evolve methods to capitalize on it to mitigate undue conservatism. It has been suggested that observations of higher frequency modes that resulted in very low corresponding strain did so due to those modes not being significant. Two avionics boxes, one with its first significant mode at 341 Hz and the other at 857 Hz, were attached to a flat panel installed on a curved orthogrid panel which was driven acoustically in tests performed at NASA/MSFC. Strain and acceleration were measured at select locations on each of the boxes. When possible, strain gage rosettes and accelerometers were installed on either side of a given structural member so that measured strain and acceleration data would directly correspond to one another. Ultimately, a frequency above which vibratory loads can be disregarded for purposes of static structural analyses and sizing of typical robust aerospace components is sought.

Knight, J. Brent↗

Force limit specifications vs. design limit loads in vibration testing

The purpose of the work presented herein is to discuss the results of force limit notching during vibration testing with respect to the traditional limit load design criteria. By using a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system approach, this work shows that with an appropriate force specification the notched response due to force limiting will result in loads comparable with the structural design limit criteria.

force limiting vibration testing flight limit load↗

Aerolastic tailoring and integrated wing design

Much has been learned from the TSO optimization code over the years in determining aeroelastic tailoring's place in the integrated design process. Indeed, it has become apparent that aeroelastic tailoring is and should be deeply embedded in design. Aeroelastic tailoring can have tremendous effects on the design loads, and design loads affect every aspect of the design process. While optimization enables the evaluation of design sensitivities, valid computational simulations are required to make these sensitivities valid. Aircraft maneuvers simulated must adequately cover the plane's intended flight envelope, realistic design criteria must be included, and models among the various disciplines must be calibrated among themselves and with any hard-core (e.g., wind tunnel) data available. The information gained and benefits derived from aeroelastic tailoring provide a focal point for the various disciplines to become involved and communicate with one another to reach the best design possible.

Love, Mike H.↗

Rotationally Adaptive Flight Test Surface

Research on a new design of flutter exciter vane using adaptive materials was conducted. This novel design is based on all-moving aerodynamic surface technology and consists of a structurally stiff main spar, a series of piezoelectric actuator elements and an aerodynamic shell which is pivoted around the main spar. The work was built upon the current missile-type all-moving surface designs and change them so they are better suited for flutter excitation through the transonic flight regime. The first portion of research will be centered on aerodynamic and structural modeling of the system. USAF DatCom and vortex lattice codes was used to capture the fundamental aerodynamics of the vane. Finite element codes and laminated plate theory and virtual work analyses will be used to structurally model the aerodynamic vane and wing tip. Following the basic modeling, a flutter test vane was designed. Each component within the structure was designed to meet the design loads. After the design loads are met, then the deflections will be maximized and the internal structure will be laid out. In addition to the structure, a basic electrical control network will be designed which will be capable of driving a scaled exciter vane. The third and final stage of main investigation involved the fabrication of a 1/4 scale vane. This scaled vane was used to verify kinematics and structural mechanics theories on all-moving actuation. Following assembly, a series of bench tests was conducted to determine frequency response, electrical characteristics, mechanical and kinematic properties. Test results indicate peak-to-peak deflections of 1.1 deg with a corner frequency of just over 130 Hz.

Barrett, Ron↗

Load Schedule Design Improvements for the Calibration of NASA's Semi-span Balances

Improvements of the load schedule design for the calibration of NASA's semi-span balances are discussed. These improvements became possible after a minor hardware change was made to Calspan's Large Load Rig. This change moves normal and axial force load points 12 inches closer to the balance moment center. Resulting data quality improvements are significant because Calspan's Large Load Rig cannot currently apply forces at the balance moment center of a semi-span balance. Now, the supported set of rolling and yawing moment arms is 28, 38, and 48 inches. Consequently, the new load schedule design better supports expected normal and axial force locations on semi-span models that are tested in the NASA Ames 11-ft Transonic Wind Tunnel. In addition, estimates of the primary sensitivities of the normal force, axial force, rolling moment, and yawing moment have become more accurate as the applied normal and axial forces have moved closer to the balance moment center. Fundamental moment arm range requirements and Calspan's hardware updates are discussed. In addition, calibration and check load analysis results of NASA's ARC30K semi-span balance are presented to illustrate benefits of the hardware changes.

wind tunnel test↗

Load Schedule Design Improvements for the Calibration of NASA's Semi-span Balances

Improvements of the load schedule design for the calibration of NASA's semi-span balances are discussed. These improvements became possible after a minor hardware change was made to Calspan's Large Load Rig. This change moves normal and axial force load points 12 inches closer to the balance moment center. Resulting data quality improvements are significant because Calspan's Large Load Rig cannot currently apply forces at the balance moment center of a semi-span balance. Now, the supported set of rolling and yawing moment arms is 28 inches, 38 inches, and 48 inches. Consequently, the new load schedule design better supports expected normal and axial force locations on semi-span models that are tested in the NASA Ames 11-ft Transonic Wind Tunnel. In addition, estimates of the primary sensitivities of the normal force, axial force, rolling moment, and yawing moment have become more accurate as the applied normal and axial forces have moved closer to the balance moment center. Fundamental moment arm range requirements and Calspan's hardware updates are discussed in detail. In addition, calibration analysis results of NASA's ARC30K semi-span balance are presented to illustrate benefits of the hardware changes.

wind tunnel test↗

Design maneuver loads for an airplane with an active control system

This paper discusses the results of utilizing a maneuver load control (MLC) system to provide relief from the loads induced by an increase in wing span on a long range version of the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar. The MLC system deflects the outboard aileron symmetrically, in response to accelerometer signals, to redistribute wing airloads during maneuvers. The process of establishing the MLC system requirements, which involves determining the effects on wing loads of the extended wing span and extended aileron, is discussed. Effects of the MLC system and the extended span on the wing loads for symmetric and asymmetric design maneuvers are reviewed. Flight test results are compared with analytical load predictions. Some potential impacts on design requirements due to finite in-flight availability of the MLC system are illustrated.

Ramsey, H. D.↗

Advanced composite structures

A monograph is presented which establishes structural design criteria and recommends practices to ensure the design of sound composite structures, including composite-reinforced metal structures. (It does not discuss design criteria for fiber-glass composites and such advanced composite materials as beryllium wire or sapphire whiskers in a matrix material.) Although the criteria were developed for aircraft applications, they are general enough to be applicable to space vehicles and missiles as well. The monograph covers four broad areas: (1) materials, (2) design, (3) fracture control, and (4) design verification. The materials portion deals with such subjects as material system design, material design levels, and material characterization. The design portion includes panel, shell, and joint design, applied loads, internal loads, design factors, reliability, and maintainability. Fracture control includes such items as stress concentrations, service-life philosophy, and the management plan for control of fracture-related aspects of structural design using composite materials. Design verification discusses ways to prove flightworthiness.

Source record↗

Aerodynamic Characterization of a Modern Launch Vehicle

A modern launch vehicle is by necessity an extremely integrated design. The accurate characterization of its aerodynamic characteristics is essential to determine design loads, to design flight control laws, and to establish performance. The NASA Ares Aerodynamics Panel has been responsible for technical planning, execution, and vetting of the aerodynamic characterization of the Ares I vehicle. An aerodynamics team supporting the Panel consists of wind tunnel engineers, computational engineers, database engineers, and other analysts that address topics such as uncertainty quantification. The team resides at three NASA centers: Langley Research Center, Marshall Space Flight Center, and Ames Research Center. The Panel has developed strategies to synergistically combine both the wind tunnel efforts and the computational efforts with the goal of validating the computations. Selected examples highlight key flow physics and, where possible, the fidelity of the comparisons between wind tunnel results and the computations. Lessons learned summarize what has been gleaned during the project and can be useful for other vehicle development projects.

Hall, Robert M.↗

Design Limit Loads and Verification Approach for the TESS Observatory

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is a NASA Explorer mission. The TESS Observatory is scheduled to launch on Falcon 9 in April 2018. This presentation covers the process used to define and update design limit loads for the observatory, instrument, and components throughout the life of the program. The limit loads that drove the need for a SoftRide isolation system are highlighted. The testing performed to qualify the observatory for launch loads at the instrument and observatory level is also detailed. In addition, exchanges with the launch vehicle provider in terms of loads predictions and hardware for test are discussed along with the associated issues encountered and lessons learned. The loads development and verification success on TESS was a team effort. Orbital ATK is the spacecraft provider, NASA GSFC provides project management and technical oversight, the instrument is managed by MIT Kavli Institute and the instrument cameras are built and tested by MIT Lincoln Laboratory. Since the instrument was designed in parallel with the spacecraft, the instrument design limit loads were developed in partnership with NASA and the instrument team. The three teams collaborated on a regular basis starting in the early design phase and continuing through observatory level testing.

Limit Loads↗

Effects of geometric nonlinearities on the response of optimized box beam structures

The present minimum-mass designs for a two-spar rectangular box beam were derived on the basis of linear-buckling FEM analysis constraints. In order to ascertain the effects of any geometric nonlinearities on these designs, each was subjected to a geometrically nonlinear FEM analysis. In all cases, the structure collapses below the design load, and does so in a mode which differs from that of linear theory. This discrepancy is attributable to such nonlinear panel-interaction mechanisms as rib-crusing loads. The optimized design is highly sensitive to crushing loads, relative to the nonoptimal design.

Ragon, S.↗

Adventures in Low Disc Loading VTOL Design

This memoir covers the first eight years of my 37 year career in VTOL aircraft design. It starts with family and how I came to be an engineer with a passion for aviation and a desire to make a difference. At MIT I acquired a solid understanding of basic physics, learned the basics of the various engineering disciplines and gained design experience. After over a decade on the East Coast I was homesick for Northern California. I decided to take a chance on working for the government instead of industry in order to return home. I was hired by Dr. Richard M. Carlson in March 1975 and joined a wonderful Army/NASA technical environment. The Interservice Helicopter Commonality Study was an important introduction to Joint Service aircraft design. The Advanced Attack Helicopter Source Selection Evaluation Board was an opportunity to learn acquisition system fundamentals and to lead a small team in a major technical evaluation. The Advanced Scout Helicopter Concept Formulation was an opportunity to learn how an aircraft development program is created and it formed a partnership between Dr. Carlson's Labs and Charlie Crawford's Development and Qualification directorate. The Army was Executive Service for the first year (1982) of the Joint Services Advanced Vertical Lift Aircraft (JVX) program. The JVX Joint Technology Assessment concluded that there was at least one design configuration, the tilt rotor, which could satisfy all JVX mission requirements with a high degree of inter-service commonality. The Navy became Executive Service at the end of the year and promptly released a JVX RFP to industry. This RFP resulted in the V-22 Osprey tilt rotor as the third type of VTOL aircraft to enter production and service. I was very lucky to have a useful role early in this program.

VTOL Design↗

MSAT boom joint testing and load absorber design

Through a series of component and system-level tests, the torque margin for the MSAT booms is being determined. The verification process has yielded a number of results and lessons that can be applied to many other types of deployable spacecraft mechanisms. The MSAT load absorber has proven to be an effective way to provide high energy dissipation using crushable honeycomb. Using two stages of crushable honeycomb and a fusible link, a complex crush load profile has been designed and implemented. The design features of the load absorber lend themselves to use in other spacecraft applications.

Klinker, D. H.↗