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At least 379 records · Page 21

An Active Smart Material Control System for F/A-18 Buffet Alleviation

The vertical tail buffet problem of fighter aircraft occurs at high angles of attack when the vortical flow breaks down ahead of the vertical tails resulting in unsteady and unbalanced pressure loads on the vertical tails. The buffet loads imposed upon the vertical tails resulted in a premature fatigue failure of the tails, and consequently limits the performance and super maneuverability of twin-tail fighter aircraft. An active smart material control system using distributed piezoelectric actuators has been developed for buffet alleviation and is presented. The inboard and outboard surfaces of the vertical tail are equipped with piezoelectric actuators to control the buffet responses in the first bending and torsion modes. The electrodynamics of the piezoelectric actuators are expressed with a three-dimensional finite-element model. A single-input-single-output controller is designed to drive the active piezoelectric actuators. High-fidelity multidisciplinary analysis modules for the fluid dynamics, structure dynamics, electrodynamics of the piezoelectric actuators, control law, fluid structure interfacing, and grid motion are integrated into a multidisciplinary computing environment that controls the temporal synchronization of the analysis modules. At 30 degree angle of attack, RMS values of tip acceleration are reduced by as much as 12%. The peak values of the power spectral density of tail-tip acceleration are reduced by as much as 22% in the first bending mode and by as much as 82% in the first torsion mode. The actively controlled piezoelectric actuators were also effective in adding damping at wide range of angles of attack.

Sheta, Essam F.↗

Experiences at Langley Research Center in the application of optimization techniques to helicopter airframes for vibration reduction

A NASA/industry rotorcraft structural dynamics program known as Design Analysis Methods for VIBrationS (DAMVIBS) was initiated at Langley Research Center in 1984 with the objective of establishing the technology base needed by the industry for developing an advanced finite-element-based vibrations design analysis capability for airframe structures. As a part of the in-house activities contributing to that program, a study was undertaken to investigate the use of formal, nonlinear programming-based, numerical optimization techniques for airframe vibrations design work. Considerable progress has been made in connection with that study since its inception in 1985. This paper presents a unified summary of the experiences and results of that study. The formulation and solution of airframe optimization problems are discussed. Particular attention is given to describing the implementation of a new computational procedure based on MSC/NASTRAN and CONstrained function MINimization (CONMIN) in a computer program system called DYNOPT for the optimization of airframes subject to strength, frequency, dynamic response, and fatigue constraints. The results from the application of the DYNOPT program to the Bell AH-1G helicopter are presented and discussed.

Murthy, T. Sreekanta↗

Experiences at Langley Research Center in the application of optimization techniques to helicopter airframes for vibration reduction

A NASA/industry rotorcraft structural dynamics program known as Design Analysis Methods for VIBrationS (DAMVIBS) was initiated at Langley Research Center in 1984 with the objective of establishing the technology base needed by the industry for developing an advanced finite-element-based vibrations design analysis capability for airframe structures. As a part of the in-house activities contributing to that program, a study was undertaken to investigate the use of formal, nonlinear programming-based, numerical optimization techniques for airframe vibrations design work. Considerable progress has been made in connection with that study since its inception in 1985. This paper presents a unified summary of the experiences and results of that study. The formulation and solution of airframe optimization problems are discussed. Particular attention is given to describing the implementation of a new computational procedure based on MSC/NASTRAN and CONstrained function MINimization (CONMIN) in a computer program system called DYNOPT for the optimization of airframes subject to strength, frequency, dynamic response, and fatigue constraints. The results from the application of the DYNOPT program to the Bell AH-1G helicopter are presented and discussed.

Sreekanta Murthy, T.↗

Development of Test-Analysis Models (TAM) for correlation of dynamic test and analysis results

The primary objective of structural analysis of aerospace applications is to obtain a verified finite element model (FEM). The verified FEM can be used for loads analysis, evaluate structural modifications, or design control systems. Verification of the FEM is generally obtained as the result of correlating test and FEM models. A test analysis model (TAM) is very useful in the correlation process. A TAM is essentially a FEM reduced to the size of the test model, which attempts to preserve the dynamic characteristics of the original FEM in the analysis range of interest. Numerous methods for generating TAMs have been developed in the literature. The major emphasis of this paper is a description of the procedures necessary for creation of the TAM and the correlation of the reduced models with the FEM or the test results. Herein, three methods are discussed, namely Guyan, Improved Reduced System (IRS), and Hybrid. Also included are the procedures for performing these analyses using MSC/NASTRAN. Finally, application of the TAM process is demonstrated with an experimental test configuration of a ten bay cantilevered truss structure.

Angelucci, Filippo↗

Constraints on the deep structure and dynamic processes beneath the Alps and adjacent regions from an analysis of gravity anomalies

Gravity anomalies over the Alps and the Molasse Basin are examined, focusing on the relationship between the anomalies and the tectonic processes beneath the region. Bouguer gravity anomalies measured in France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland are analyzed. No large isostatic anomalies are observed over the Alps and an elastic model is unable to account for gravity anomalies over the Molasse Basin. These results suggest that the dynamic processes that flexed the European plate down, forming the Molasse Basin and building the Alpine chain, have waned. It is proposed that the late Cenozoic uplift of the region may be due to a diminution or termination of downwelling of mantle material.

Lyon-Caen, Helene↗

Sensitivity analysis of the non-linear dynamic viscoplastic response of 2-d structures with respect to material parameters

A computational procedure is presented for evaluating the sensitivity coefficients of the viscoplastic response of structures subjected to dynamic loading. A state of plane stress is assumed to exist in the structure, a velocity strain-Cauchy stress formulation is used, and the geometric non-linearities arising from large strains are incorporated. The Jaumann rate is used as a frame indifferent stress rate. The material model is chosen to be isothermal viscoplasticity, and an associated flow rule is used with a von Mises effective stress. The equations of motion emanating from a finite element semi-discretization are integrated using an explicit central difference scheme with an implicit stress update. The sensitivity coefficients are evaluated using a direct differentiation approach. Since the domain of integration is the current configuration, the sensitivity coefficients of the spatial derivatives of the shape functions must be included. Numerical results are presented for a thin plate with a central cutout subjected to an in-plane compressive loading. The sensitivity coefficients are generated by evaluating the derivatives of the response quantities with respect to Young's modulus, and two of the material parameters characterizing the viscoplastic response. Time histories of the response and sensitivity coefficients, and spatial distributions at selected times are presented.

Kulkarni, Makarand↗

Sixteenth NASTRAN (R) Users' Colloquium

These are the proceedings of the Sixteenth NASTRAN Users' Colloquium held in Arlington, Virginia from 25 to 29 April, 1988. Technical papers contributed by participants review general application of finite element methodology and the specific application of the NASA Structural Analysis System (NASTRAN) to a variety of static and dynamic structural problems.

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Seventeenth NASTRAN (R) Users' Colloquium

General application of finite element methodology and the specific application of the NASA Structural Analysis System, NASTRAN, to a variety of static and dynamic structural problems were reviewed.

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Microdynamic issues in large deployable space telescopes

This paper discusses a framework for microdynamic analysis -- analyzing a structure for nonlinear dynamic behavior in the nanometric regime -- and illustrates how microdynamic behaviors such as microlurch, joint snaps, and harmonic distortion fit within the framework.

flowdown↗

Analysis of virtual passive controllers for flexible space structures

The dynamics of flexible spacecraft are not usually well known before launch. This makes it important to develop controllers for such systems that can never be destabilized by perturbations in the structural model. Virtual passive controllers, or active vibration absorbers, possess this guaranteed stability property; they mimic a fictitious flexible structure attached to the true physical one. This report analyzes the properties of such controllers, and shows that disturbance absorption behavior can be naturally described in terms of a set of virtual zeros that they introduce into the closed-loop dynamics of the system. Based on this analysis, techniques are then derived for selecting the active vibration absorber internal parameters, i.e., the gain matrices of such controllers, so as to achieve specified control objectives. Finally, the effects on closed-loop stability of small delays in the feedback loop are investigated. Such delays would typically be introduced by a digital implementation of an active vibration absorber. It is shown that these delays only affect the real parts of the eigenvalues of a lightly-damped structure. Furthermore, it is only the high-frequency modes that are destabilized by delays; low-frequency modes are actually made more heavily damped. Eigenvalue perturbation methods are used to obtain accurate predictions of the critical delay at which a given system will become unstable; these methods also determine which mode is critical.

Williams, Trevor W.↗

Parallel Methods on Large-Scale Structural Analysis and Physics Applications; Symposium, Hampton, VA, Feb. 5, 6, 1991, Selected Papers

Recent advances in parallel methods and algorithms integrated into large-scale codes are presented. Consideration is given to problem decomposition (substructuring), efficient matrix solution algorithms for shared memory architectures, dynamic and transient analysis algorithms for shared memory architectures, and algorithms for distributed and massively parallel architectures. Particular attention is given to partitioning of unstructured problems for parallel processing, parallel-vector computation for linear-structural analysis and nonlinear unconstraint optimization problems, a parallel-vector equation solver for unsymmetric matrices on supercomputers, parallel nonlinear finite element dynamic response, multigrid algorithms for solving structural mechanics problems on supercomputers, structural analysis on massively parallel computers, explicit finite element methods with contact-impact on SIMD computers, and the impact of mapping and sparsity on parallelized finite element method modules.

Storaasli, Olaf O.↗

Expendable Launch Vehicle Studies

Analytical support studies of expendable launch vehicles concentrates on the stability of the dynamics during launch especially during or near the region of maximum dynamic pressure. The in-plane linearized dynamic equations of a generic launch vehicle with multiple flexible bending and fuel sloshing modes are developed. The design of a robust LQR controller based on the reduced order system is accomplished using the parameter perturbation technique. The ELV modeling and analysis team has spent the past three years working on the theoretical development and application of sensitivity analysis to solve eigenvalue problems associated with structural dynamics. Specific application areas include stochastic vibrations, viscously damped vibrations and nonlinear dynamics. In stochastic linear vibrations, sensitivity analysis methods have been developed which determined the expectation and variance of the response for given probability density functions of various stochastic parameters. Examples worked include beam vibrations with up to six stochastic parameters; and the eigensensitivity results differ little from those obtained, with much effect, from Monte Carlo techniques. For viscously damped vibrations, eigensensitivity analysis has given excellent results for homogeneous beams, modeled by either quadratic or quartic eigenvalue equations. Specific applications include Kevin and Maxwell-type viscoelastic beams.

Bainum, P. M.↗

Computed and Experimental Flutter/LCO Onset for the Boeing Truss-Braced Wing Wind-Tunnel Model

This paper presents high fidelity Navier-Stokes simulations of the Boeing Subsonic Ultra Green Aircraft Research truss-braced wing wind-tunnel model and compares the results to linear MSC. Nastran flutter analysis and preliminary data from a recent wind-tunnel test of that model at the NASA Langley Research Center Transonic Dynamics Tunnel. The simulated conditions under consideration are zero angle of attack, so that structural nonlinearity can be neglected. It is found that, for Mach number greater than 0.78, the linear flutter analysis predicts flutter onset dynamic pressure below the wind-tunnel test and that predicted by the Navier-Stokes analysis. Furthermore, the wind-tunnel test revealed that the majority of the high structural dynamics cases were wing limit cycle oscillation (LCO) rather than flutter. Most Navier-Stokes simulated cases were also LCO rather than hard flutter. There is dip in the wind-tunnel test flutter/LCO onset in the Mach 0.76-0.80 range. Conditions tested above that Mach number exhibited no aeroelastic instability at the dynamic pressures reached in the tunnel. The linear flutter analyses do not show a flutter/LCO dip. The Navier-Stokes simulations also do not reveal a dip; however, the flutter/LCO onset is at a significantly higher dynamic pressure at Mach 0.90 than at lower Mach numbers. The Navier-Stokes simulations indicate a mild LCO onset at Mach 0.82, then a more rapidly growing instability at Mach 0.86 and 0.90. Finally, the modeling issues and their solution related to the use of a beam and pod finite element model to generate the Navier-Stokes structure mode shapes are discussed.

Bartels, Robert E.↗

Generalized Predictive Control for Active Stability Augmentation and Vibration Reduction on an Aeroelastic Tiltrotor Model

Tiltrotor aircraft are defining the state-of-the-art in vertical lift technology as they have the potential to greatly expand rotary-wing operational boundaries. However, they are often limited in forward flight speed due to complex coupled rotor and wing dynamic instabilities. The U.S. Army and NASA have been developing a new wind tunnel model, the TiltRotor Aeroelastic Stability Testbed(TRAST), to test proprotors in the NASA Langley Research Center Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT) to investigate aeroelastic stability in cruise. The test is intended to provide high-quality research data for analytical tool development and validation. In addition, the TRAST model will support, develop, and mature new technologies for the design of advanced proprotor aircraft. Stability augmentation and vibration reduction during testing is planned with the use of an active control methodology known as Generalized Predictive Control(GPC). GPC is an autoregressive control law that experimentally acquires a system identification to derive the input-output relation of controls and corresponding sensors. This type of control law is especially useful for complex dynamic interactions that are difficult to explicitly model such as proprotor pylon instability, often referred to as whirl flutter. GPC has been successfully employed on other tiltrotor vehicles to suppress whirl flutter instabilities and vibrations. To aid in the characterization of the wind-tunnel model and in tool development, an analytical representation of the wind-tunnel model was developed using the rotorcraft comprehensive analysis system (RCAS) that simulates structural dynamics and aerodynamics. RCAS was used to derive state-space estimates of the physical plant at various flight conditions to test control law effectiveness. This paper will present an overview of the test article development, a description of RCAS, an explanation of the GPC methodology, and results of GPC being applied to state-space plant estimates of the TRAST model. In these simulations, GPC was effective at stabilizing the aircraft beyond the whirl-flutter boundary while simultaneously reducing vibrations across the flight regime. Additionally, a modern advancement to GPC, termed advanced GPC (AGPC), is introduced that enables a self-adapting system identification. Preliminary results show that AGPC is successful at self-correction as the plant changes from what was used for system identification.

tiltrotor↗

The Apollo Lightcraft Project

The overall goal for this NASA/USRA-sponsored 'Apollo Lightcraft Project' is to develop a revolutionary launch vehicle technology that can reduce payload transport costs by a factor of 1000 below the Space Shuttle Orbiter. The RPI design team proposes to utilize advanced, highly energetic, beamed-energy sources (laser, microwave) and innovative combined-cycle (airbreathing/rocket) engines to accomplish this goal. This second year focused on systems integration and analysis of the 'Apollo Lightcraft'. This beam-powered, single-stage-to-orbit vehicle is envisioned as the globe-trotting family shuttlecraft of the 21st century. Detailed investigations of the Apollo Lightcraft Project during the second year of study helped evolve the propulsion system design, while focusing on the following areas: (1) man/machine interface; (2) flight control systems; (3) power beaming system architecture; (4) reentry aerodynamics; (5) shroud structural dynamics; and (6) optimal trajectory analysis.

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Analysis and design of numerical schemes for gas dynamics. 2: Artificial diffusion and discrete shock structure

The effect of artificial diffusion on discrete shock structures is examined for a family of schemes which includes scalar diffusion, convective upwind and split pressure (CUSP) schemes, and upwind schemes with characteristics splitting. The analysis leads to conditions on the diffusive flux such that stationary discrete shocks can contain a single interior point. The simplest formulation which meets these conditions is a CUSP scheme in which the coefficients of the pressure differences is fully determined by the coefficient of convective diffusion. It is also shown how both the characteristic and CUSP schemes can be modified to preserve constant stagnation enthalpy in steady flow, leading to four variants, the E and H-characteristic schemes, and the E and H-CUSP schemes. Numerical results are presented which confirm the properties of these schemes.

Jameson, Antony↗

U.S. National Congress of Applied Mechanics, 7th, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo., June 3-7, 1974, Proceedings

A series of experimental, theoretical, and review papers dealing with various aspects of applied mechanics, including structural analysis, mathematical methods, and fluid dynamics. Some of the topics covered are: the direct formulation of two-dimensional mechanics problems, the mechanical aspects of athletics, Laplace's tidal equations, cochlear mechanics, dynamic constitutive equations, optical techniques for the determination of displacement and strain fields, chemical and biochemical problems involving nonlinear diffusion processes, thermal stresses, the rotating rod viscometer, finite-element methods in plasticity, ships of minimum resistance, and wide-band random vibration of structures. Individual items are announced in this issue.

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