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At least 415 records · Page 23

Spacecraft mass property identification with torque-generating control

Previous studies indicated that an applied force was necessary to perform in-flight identification of the mass and center of mass of a spacecraft. This paper shows that the mass and center of mass of a rigid spacecraft can be determined using only torque-producing actuators such as control-moment gyros or reaction wheels, and commonly available sensors, e.g., rate gyros and accelerometers. A space-station application is presented.

Bergmann, E.↗

Predicted torque equilibrium attitude utilization for Space Station attitude control

An approximate knowledge of the torque equilibrium attitude (TEA) is shown to improve the performance of a control moment gyroscope (CMG) momentum management/attitude control law for Space Station Freedom. The linearized equations of motion are used in conjunction with a state transformation to obtain a control law which uses full state feedback and the predicted TEA to minimize both attitude excursions and CMG peak and secular momentum. The TEA can be computationally determined either by observing the steady state attitude of a 'controlled' spacecraft using arbitrary initial attitude, or by simulating a fixed attitude spacecraft flying in desired orbit subject to realistic environmental disturbance models.

Kumar, Renjith R.↗

Attitude control/momentum management of the Space Station Freedom for large angle torque-equilibrium-attitude configurations

An attitude-control and momentum-management (ACMM) system for the Space Station in a large-angle torque-equilibrium-attitude (TEA) configuration is developed analytically and demonstrated by means of numerical simulations. The equations of motion for a rigid-body Space Station model are outlined; linearized equations for an arbitrary TEA (resulting from misalignment of control and body axes) are derived; the general requirements for an ACMM are summarized; and a pole-placement linear-quadratic regulator solution based on scheduled gains is proposed. Results are presented in graphs for (1) simulations based on configuration MB3 (showing the importance of accounting for the cross-inertia terms in the TEA estimate) and (2) simulations of a stepwise change from configuration MB3 to the 'assembly complete' stage over 130 orbits (indicating that the present ACCM scheme maintains sufficient control over slowly varying Space Station dynamics).

Parlos, Alexander G.↗

Noncontact Measurements Of Torques In Shafts

Additional information extracted from eddy-current proximeter. Positioned over rotating shaft, measures both displacement of and torsion in shaft. Torque applied to shaft calculable from output of proximeter. Possible to extract torsion information from existing tape-recorded proximeter data.

Schwartzbart, Aaron↗

Relationship Between Rainfall in the Northern Hemisphere and Impulses of the Torque in the Sun's Motion

The analysis of major change in the angular momentum of the sun's irregular motion about the barycenter of the solar system, represented by extrema in the running variance of impulses of the torque (IOT), discloses a connection with both extrema in the Gleissberg cycle of secular sunspot activity and maxima in the thickness of varves from Lake Saki, Crimea. This significant relationship can be traced back to the 7th century. Further inquiries link the running variance in IOT to rainfall over central Europe, England, Wales, eastern United States, and India, as well as to temperature in Europe. This significant correlation covers more than 130 years.

Landscheidt, T.↗

Resolved rate and torque control schemes for large scale space based kinematically redundant manipulators

Resolved rate control of kinematically redundant ground based manipulators is a challenging problem. The structural, actuator, and control loop frequency characteristics of industrial grade robots generally allow operation with resolved rate control; a rate command is achievable with good accuracy. However, space based manipulators are different, typically have less structural stiffness, more motor and joint friction, and lower control loop cycle frequencies. These undesirable characteristics present a considerable Point of Resolution (POR) control problem for space based, kinematically redundant manipulators for the following reason: a kinematically redundant manipulator requires an arbitrary constraint to solve for the joint rate commands. A space manipulator will not respond to joint rate commands because of these characteristics. A space based manipulator simulation, including free end rigid body dynamics, motor dynamics, motor striction/friction, gearbox backlash, joint striction/friction, and Space Station Remote Manipulator System type configuration parameters, is used to evaluate the performance of a documented resolved rate control law. Alternate schemes which include torque control are also evaluated.

Robert W Bailey↗

Design of a telerobotic controller with joint torque sensors

The purpose was to analytically show how to design a joint controller for a telerobotic system when joint torque sensors are available. Other sensors such as actuator position, actuator velocity, joint position, and joint velocity are assumed to be accessible; however, the results will also be useful when only partial measurements are available. The controller presented can be applied to either mode of operation of a manipulator (i.e., teleoperation or robotic). Mechanical manipulators with high levels of friction are assumed. The results are applied to a telerobotic system built for NASA. Very high levels of friction have been reduced using high-gain feedback while avoiding limit cycles.

Jansen, J. F.↗

Torque Tube Stiffens Trailer Frame

Trailer frame incorporates longitudinal torque tube absorbing torsional loads and stiffening trailer. Used to transport large cylindrical objects like pressure vessels, tanks, and rocket engines without subjecting them to damage or excessive loads.

Macmartin, Malcolm J.↗

Torque, Tension, And Friction In Bolts

Improved equations predict relationships among tension in bolt, torque applied to bolt during installation, effective coefficient of friction, and number of times bolt has been installed. Bolted joints designed with new equations, use fewer and/or smaller bolts to carry same loads, reducing weights.

Morawski, Julian↗

Aerodynamic design of a Coanda induced force and thruster anti-torque system

A general method of analysis of the external and internal aerodynamics of a generic Coanda induced circulation anti-torque system is presented. The technique gives moment about the yaw axis and download induced on the boom as well as the force developed by an aft jet. The external flows including downwash, wake swirl and the boom circulation are considered. The internal flow and losses through the duct, fan, blown slots, cascades and nozzle are considered on a step-by-step basis. Limited comparison is made with open data where available.

Velkoff, Henry R.↗

Manufacturing techniques - Split torque path helicopter transmission

A description of the manufacturing techniques, capital equipment, tooling plan, and assembly methods necessary to manufacture the split torque path gearbox is presented. This transmission was designed and built for the advanced rotorcraft transmission program of the U.S. Army and NASA. Consideration is given to the engineering technology advancements along with a description of the integrated product development team process.

Mitchell, George D., Jr.↗

Experiments with simplified computed-torque controllers for free-flying robots

The effect of neglecting base accelerations in an inertial space endpoint computed-torque (CT) controller is examined. Numerical simulations predict a rather wide set of conditions under which CT controllers can neglect base accelerations in their dynamic model with insignificant performance degradation. Two predictions are experimentally verified with a laboratory robot. These two experiments show that negligible additional endpoint controller error results with a simplified CT controller for the given robot mass parameters and manipulator articulation.

Koningstein, R.↗

Noncontact Measurement Of Shaft Speed, Torque, And Power

Noncontact fiber-optic sensor and associated electronic equipment measure twist and speed of rotation of shaft. Measurements determine torque and power. Response of sensor remains linear even at cryogenic temperatures. Reflective strips on rotating shaft reflect two series of light pulses back into optical system. Bidirectional coupler in each of two optical fiber paths separates reflected light from incident light, sending it to photodiode for output to analog-to-digital converter and computer. Sensor requires no slip rings or telemetry to transfer signals from shaft. Well suited for providing data on performances of turbopumps for such cryogenic fluids as liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen.

Madzsar, George C.↗

Compliant Gearing For Redundant Torque Drive

Elastomeric bearings make torque loads more nearly equal. Bearings couple drive shaft with ring spur gear. Inner elastomeric bearing radially stiff and circumferentially compliant, while outer elastomeric bearings circumferentially stiff and radially compliant. Combination accommodates minor variations in dimensions and placements of gears, shafts, and other components.

Isabelle, C.↗

Adjustable-Torque Truss-Joint Mechanism

Threaded pin tightened or loosened; tedious trial-and-error procedure shortened. Mechanism joining strut and node in truss structure preloaded to desired stress to ensure tight, compressive fit preventing motion of strut during loading or vibration. Preload stress on stack of Belleville spring washers adjusted by tightening or loosening threaded Belleville-washer-alignment pin. Pin turned, by use of allen wrench, to adjust compression preload on Belleville washers and adjusts joint-operating torque.

Bush, Harold G.↗

Numerical simulation of satellite-ring interactions - Resonances and satellite-ring torques

The Krook kinetic equation for planetary rings is numerically solved in two spatial dimensions and in time, with (1) interparticle collisions and (2) satellite-forcing, but (3) without self-gravity, for the case of a flattened planetary ring that undergoes gravitational perturbation by a nearby satellite. It is noted that the amplitude of wakes is limited by purely kinematic effects, even in the absence of collisions. Attention is given to the results of a simulation of an inner Lindblad-resonance location, as the distribution approaches steady state; these simulations do not show an increase in velocity dispersion in the resonance zone, obviating a net torque.

Brophy, Thomas G.↗