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At least 379 records · Page 21

Advances and trends in structures and dynamics; Proceedings of the Symposium, Washington, DC, October 22-25, 1984

Among the topics discussed are developments in structural engineering hardware and software, computation for fracture mechanics, trends in numerical analysis and parallel algorithms, mechanics of materials, advances in finite element methods, composite materials and structures, determinations of random motion and dynamic response, optimization theory, automotive tire modeling methods and contact problems, the damping and control of aircraft structures, and advanced structural applications. Specific topics covered include structural design expert systems, the evaluation of finite element system architectures, systolic arrays for finite element analyses, nonlinear finite element computations, hierarchical boundary elements, adaptive substructuring techniques in elastoplastic finite element analyses, automatic tracking of crack propagation, a theory of rate-dependent plasticity, the torsional stability of nonlinear eccentric structures, a computation method for fluid-structure interaction, the seismic analysis of three-dimensional soil-structure interaction, a stress analysis for a composite sandwich panel, toughness criterion identification for unidirectional composite laminates, the modeling of submerged cable dynamics, and damping synthesis for flexible spacecraft structures.

Noor, A. K.↗

Fracture of Charring Avcoat With Meshfree Material Response-Coupled Fracture Approach

Fracture of thermal protection systems (TPS) is typically unfavorable, but often unavoidable. TPS can fracture during entry, manufacturing or from impact. Many NASA missions use ablative materials for TPS, including the fore-body for Dragonfly (PICA) and Orion for Artemis-I (Avcoat). The material response to thermal and mechanical loads during entry is integral to TPS sizing, design and analysis. The fracture of TPS also depends, and can be caused by, the change of material properties during entry. Simulations that resolve fracture of TPS due to thermo-mechanical forces can identify TPS failure mechanisms and be applied to conditions inaccessible to ground testing. We present simulation work using a mesh-free/Lagrangian approach to solving continuum mechanics, coupled to material response. Two different materials are simulated under different model entry-like boundary conditions. The dynamic crack structure is analyzed and compared across simulations. Crack analyses inform the role of design features, such as entry trajectories and manufacturing-influenced material properties, play in TPS fracture.

Andrew P Santos↗

Controls design with crossfeeds for hovering rotorcraft using quantitative feedback theory

A multi-input, multi-output controls design with dynamic crossfeed pre-compensation is presented for rotorcraft in near-hovering flight using Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT). The resulting closed-loop control system bandwidth allows the rotorcraft to be considered for use as an inflight simulator. The use of dynamic, robust crossfeeds prior to the QFT design reduces the magnitude of required feedback gain and results in performance that meets most handling qualities specifications relative to the decoupling of off-axis responses. Handling qualities are Level 1 for both low-gain tasks and high-gain tasks in the roll, pitch, and yaw axes except for the 10 deg/sec moderate-amplitude yaw command where the rotorcraft exhibits Level 2 handling qualities in the yaw axis caused by phase lag. The combined effect of the QFT feedback design following the implementation of low-order, dynamic crossfeed compensators successfully decouples ten of twelve off-axis channels. For the other two channels it was not possible to find a single, low-order crossfeed that was effective. This is an area to be investigated in future research.

Tischler, Mark B.↗

The Integration of a Load Limiter to an Orbiter Over-Center Mechanism

This paper summarizes the design process used to relieve the predicted high loads on a Space Shuttle Orbiter mechanism prior to the STS-112 flight. The overloading of the mechanism was due to a dynamic response between the orbiter and payload that was specific to this payload s mass and attachment scheme. A solution was devised by adding a component that prevented overload of the mechanism. In addition, the introduction of the new component neither interfered with the normal operation nor required extra-vehicular activity from a crewmember. By utilizing rapid prototyping technology, engineers were able to verify clearances and feasibility while preparing to build the flight hardware. This design solution was successfully flown on STS-112 and STS-113.

Gilmore, Adam↗

Development of a Thrust Stand to Meet LISA Mission Requirements

A thrust stand has been built to measure the force-noise produced by electrostatic micro-Newton (muN) thrusters. The LISA mission's Disturbance Reduction System (DRS) requires thrusters that are capable of producing continuous thrust levels between 1-100 muN with a resolution of 0.1 muN. The stationary force-noise produced by these thrusters must not exceed 0.1 muN/dHz in the measurement bandwidth 10(exp -4) to 1 Hz. The LISA Thrust Stand (LTS) is a torsion-balance type thrust stand designed to meet the following requirements: stationary force-noise measurements from l0( -4) to 1 Hz with 0.1 muN/dHz sensitivity, absolute thrust measurements from 1-100 muN with better than 0.1 muN resolution, and dynamic thruster response from to 10 Hz. The LTS employs a unique vertical configuration, autocollimator for angular position measurements, and electrostatic actuators that are used for dynamic pendulum control and null-mode measurements. Force-noise levels are measured indirectly by characterizing the thrust stand as a spring-mass system. The LTS was initially designed to test the indium FEEP thruster developed by the Austrian Research Center in Seibersdorf (ARCS), but can be modified for testing other thrusters of this type.

Willis, William D., III↗

Implementation of Speed Variation in the Structural Dynamic Assessment of Turbomachinery Flow-Path Components

During the design of turbomachinery flow path components, the assessment of possible structural resonant conditions is critical. Higher frequency modes of these structures are frequently found to be subject to resonance, and in these cases, design criteria require a forced response analysis of the structure with the assumption that the excitation speed exactly equals the resonant frequency. The design becomes problematic if the response analysis shows a violation of the HCF criteria. One possible solution is to perform "finite-life" analysis, where Miner's rule is used to calculate the actual life in seconds in comparison to the required life. In this situation, it is beneficial to incorporate the fact that, for a variety of turbomachinery control reasons, the speed of the rotor does not actually dwell at a single value but instead dithers about a nominal mean speed and during the time that the excitation frequency is not equal to the resonant frequency, the damage accumulated by the structure is diminished significantly. Building on previous investigations into this process, we show that a steady-state assumption of the response is extremely accurate for this typical case, resulting in the ability to quickly account for speed variation in the finite-life analysis of a component which has previously had its peak dynamic stress at resonance calculated. A technique using Monte Carlo simulation is also presented which can be used when specific speed time histories are not available. The implementation of these techniques can prove critical for successful turbopump design, as the improvement in life when speed variation is considered is shown to be greater than a factor of two.

Brown, Andrew M.↗

Implementation of Speed Variation in the Structural Dynamic Assessment of Turbomachinery Flow-Path Components

During the design of turbomachinery flow path components, the assessment of possible structural resonant conditions is critical. Higher frequency modes of these structures are frequently found to be subject to resonance, and in these cases, design criteria require a forced response analysis of the structure with the assumption that the excitation speed exactly equals the resonant frequency. The design becomes problematic if the response analysis shows a violation of the HCF criteria. One possible solution is to perform "finite-life" analysis, where Miner's rule is used to calculate the actual life in seconds in comparison to the required life. In this situation, it is beneficial to incorporate the fact that, for a variety of turbomachinery control reasons, the speed of the rotor does not actually dwell at a single value but instead dithers about a nominal mean speed and during the time that the excitation frequency is not equal to the resonant frequency, the damage accumulated by the structure is diminished significantly. Building on previous investigations into this process, we show that a steady-state assumption of the response is extremely accurate for this typical case, resulting in the ability to quickly account for speed variation in the finite-life analysis of a component which has previously had its peak dynamic stress at resonance calculated. A technique using Monte Carlo simulation is also presented which can be used when specific speed time histories are not available. The implementation of these techniques can prove critical for successful turbopump design, as the improvement in life when speed variation is considered is shown to be greater than a factor of two

Brown, Andrew M.↗

Non-Causal Controller Approximation Methodology Augmented with Model Reference Control – Robust Design

This paper describes the development of a new control design methodology based on a non-causal controller structure and its approximation. The non-causal controller design is based on a loop shaping approach. Partial fraction decomposition is used, along with derivative approximations, to derive a proper transfer function design for a causal control structure. The premise for this non-causal control methodology is that the phase delay as a function of frequency ideally remains within approximately -90o, which tends to make the system robustly stable to uncertainties in the plant dynamics. To have a predictable control system response in lieu of the tolerance of this methodology to relatively large uncertainty in the plant dynamics, the approach is augmented with model reference control. The addition of model reference control can potentially further enhance the robustness of the design. A control system design example is presented in this paper, along with simulation results, to demonstrate the high degree of robustness of this non-causal methodology and its augmentation.

Control Systems↗

Estimation of particle size based on LDV measurements in a de-accelerating flow field

The accuracy of velocity measurements made with a laser velocimeter is strongly dependent upon the response of the seeding particles to the dynamics of the flow field. The smaller the particle the better the response to flow fluctuations and gradients and therefore the more accurate velocity measurement. In direct conflict is the requirement of light scattering efficiency to obtain signals with the laser velocimeter which, in general, is better as the particle size is increased. In low speed flow fields these two requirements on particle size overlap and accurate measurements may be obtained. However in high speed flows, where the velocity gradients may be severe, very small particles are required to maintain sufficient dynamic response characteristics to follow the flow. Therefore if velocity measurements are to be made in these flows, the laser velocimeter must be designed with sufficient sensitivity to obtain signals from these small particles. An insitu determination of the size distribution of kaolin particles (Al2O3, .2 + or - SiO2 . 2H2O) in the 16-foot Transonic Tunnel and the sensitivity characteristics of the laser velocimeter system is described.

Meyers, J. F.↗

First- and Second-Order Sensitivity Analysis of a P-Version Finite Element Equation Via Automatic Differentiation

Sensitivity analysis is a technique for determining derivatives of system responses with respect to design parameters. Among many methods available for sensitivity analysis, automatic differentiation has been proven through many applications in fluid dynamics and structural mechanics to be an accurate and easy method for obtaining derivatives. Nevertheless, the method can be computational expensive and can require a high memory space. This project will apply an automatic differentiation tool, ADIFOR, to a p-version finite element code to obtain first- and second- order then-nal derivatives, respectively. The focus of the study is on the implementation process and the performance of the ADIFOR-enhanced codes for sensitivity analysis in terms of memory requirement, computational efficiency, and accuracy.

Hou, Gene↗

Control of systems with tiered actuators with application to interferometer optical delay line control

High accuracy feedback control systems might employ tiers of actuators with different properties. Such systems performance can be estimated in advance using Bode integrals. The systems can be made globally stable with good transient responses and close to the best possible disturbance rejection when controllers include high-order linear links and multiple nonlinear dynamic links. The design approach is exemplified by designing conb-ol system for an interferometer optical delay line.

delay line control↗

A review of the analytical simulation of aircraft crash dynamics

A large number of full scale tests of general aviation aircraft, helicopters, and one unique air-to-ground controlled impact of a transport aircraft were performed. Additionally, research was also conducted on seat dynamic performance, load-limiting seats, load limiting subfloor designs, and emergency-locator-transmitters (ELTs). Computer programs were developed to provide designers with methods for predicting accelerations, velocities, and displacements of collapsing structure and for estimating the human response to crash loads. The results of full scale aircraft and component tests were used to verify and guide the development of analytical simulation tools and to demonstrate impact load attenuating concepts. Analytical simulation of metal and composite aircraft crash dynamics are addressed. Finite element models are examined to determine their degree of corroboration by experimental data and to reveal deficiencies requiring further development.

Fasanella, Edwin L.↗

Flight Deck Design of a Hybrid Turbine/Electric Aircraft

The SUbsonic Single Aft eNgine (SUSAN) program is being developed as a sustainable subsonic regional aircraft. NASA is conducting trade studies for this future hybrid single aisle passenger aircraft. The goal of reducing emission levels by 50% will be enabled through an advanced design. An aft mounted single turbine engine provides thrust and electric power to drive 16 wing mounted electric engines. Using the 16 counter-rotating electric fans will create an efficient, very high bypass ratio, engine. Electric engines allow for distributed thrust, reducing control surfaces and provide a greater dynamic response. Batteries provide boost for takeoff and climb, allowing a smaller, more efficient, turbine engine. As part of the SUSAN effort, two pilot-in-the-loop studies were conducted at NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia to explore flight deck design issues. In particular: how many throttles are required/desired for a 17-engine aircraft, does the hybrid electric design change the answer, what are the requirements for electric engine displays, what system pages are required, and what information is required to monitor the batteries. Objective and subjective data were collected after each scenario and at the end of the day with a guided set of questionnaires from sixteen crews paired by airline. Data along with pilot comments were used to improve the throttle and engine displays between the studies and used to make the final recommendations on flight deck configurations. This paper provides final design recommendations for the SUSAN flight deck and justification for each recommendation.

PAI↗

Design, analysis, and testing of high frequency passively damped struts

Objectives of the research are: (1) to develop design requirements for damped struts to stabilize control system in the high frequency cross-over and spill-over range; (2) to design, fabricate and test viscously damped strut and viscoelastically damped strut; (3) to verify accuracy of design and analysis methodology of damped struts; and (4) to design and build test apparatus, and develop data reduction algorithm to measure strut complex stiffness. In order to meet the stringent performance requirements of the SPICE experiment, the active control system is used to suppress the dynamic responses of the low order structural modes. However, the control system also inadvertently drives some of the higher order modes unstable in the cross-over and spill-over frequency range. Passive damping is a reliable and effective way to provide damping to stabilize the control system. It also improves the robustness of the control system. Damping is designed into the SPICE testbed as an integral part of the control-structure technology.

Yiu, Y. C.↗

Matching Vehicle Responses Using the Model-Following Control Method

The Variable Dynamic Testbed Vehicle (VDTV) is presently being developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It is being designed to have a steer-by-wire front steering system and an independent rear steering system. These steering systems enable the VDTV to emulate the directional control characteristics of a broad range of passenger vehicles.

Four-wheel-steering model-following control method↗

Structural Dynamic Analysis of a Spacecraft Multi-DOF Shaker Table

Finite element enforced response analysis was performed on a three axis expander head shaker table to aid in the design of the table structure and vibration control system. The payload for this shaker system is a generic spacecraft with a multitude of flexible modes across a broad frequency band. A Craig-Bampton representation of the spacecraft was used to expedite analysis of multiple shaker table designs. The analysis examines the required forces in the actuators for a constant amplitude base acceleration sine sweep test, the resulting forces in the spacecraft and table attachment restraints, and the resulting accelerations on the spacecraft structure. The results show the spacecraft response is very high at the spacecraft center of gravity (CG) due to the high CG offset and cantilever effect of the low frequency spacecraft bending modes. The high response can be addressed by "notching" the input vibration levels to avoid over-testing the spacecraft. At frequencies above 25 Hz, the spacecraft modal effective masses are very small, and the response of the shaker table dominates the response. Anti-resonances of the shaker table in the frequency range of interest reduce the acceleration output and require much higher actuator forces to achieve the acceleration specification. These effects may require stiffening the shaker structure to move the modes out of the test frequency range or increasing the shaker table damping.

Pray, Carl↗

Generation of a Reduced-Order Model of an Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle Using Indicial Response Functions

Within the NATO STO AVT-251 Task Group, a generic Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) planform was redesigned based on requirements derived from parts of the flight envelope of the defined mission. Because of the lambda-shape planform and associated flow phenomena including shocks and vortices, the aerodynamic design process relies heavily on high-fidelity predictions from computational fluid dynamics (CFD). These simulations enable accurate flight dynamics predictions, allowing for the identification of any potential performance issues early in the design process. Potentially, a complete flight dynamics model can be derived from CFD calculations provided that the underlying reduced order model (ROM) captures the underlying physics contained within the CFD results. This work investigates the creation of a nonlinear ROM using indicial response functions. The response functions are obtained using a grid motion approach that separates the effects of angle of attack and pitch rate. This approach is demonstrated using three different CFD codes from various organizations: ENSOLV at Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre, USM3D at NASA Langley Research Center, and Kestrel at the United States Air Force Academy. ROM predictions were generated for a manoeuver resembling a low-speed pull-up. The predictions are found to be sensitive to the quality of the steady-state solutions from which step-response calculations were started, as well as the convergence of the step responses themselves. Nevertheless, the indicial response method is shown to provide aerodynamic predictions with acceptable accuracy including transient effects, and as such is a promising method for computationally efficient flight dynamics predictions.

Michel P.C. van Rooij↗

Design and Fabrication of a Tank-Applied Broad Area Cooling Shield Coupon

The small-scale broad area cooling (BAC) shield test panel represents a section of the cryogenic propellant storage and transfer ground test article, a flight-like cryogenic propellant storage tank. The test panel design includes an aluminum tank shell, primer, spray-on foam insulation, multilayer insulation (MLI), and BAC shield hardware. This assembly was sized to accurately represent the character of the MLI/BAC shield system, be quickly and inexpensively assembled, and be tested in the Marshall Space Flight Center Acoustic Test Facility. Investigating the BAC shield response to a worst-case launch dynamic load was the key purpose for developing the test article and performing the test. A preliminary method for structurally supporting the BAC shield using low-conductivity standoffs was designed, manufactured, and evaluated as part of the test. The BAC tube-standoff interface and unsupported BAC tube lengths were key parameters for evaluation. No noticeable damage to any system hardware element was observed after acoustic testing.

Wood, J. J.↗