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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 505 records · Page 28

An assessment of repeated loads on general aviation and transport aircraft.

An assessment is made of recent repeated loads data from short-haul jet transports and several general aviation airplanes. The jet transport data indicate that except for check flight maneuvers the load histories are essentially independent of operator and airplane type. General aviation data show a large amount of scatter in the repeated load history. The use and geographical location of operations may be the primary means of specifying the repeated loads environment.

Donely, P.↗

Evaluation of Composite Honeycomb Sandwich Panels Under Compressive Loads at Elevated Temperatures

Fourteen composite honeycomb sandwich panels were tested to failure under compressive loading. The test specimens included panels with both 8 and 24-ply graphite-bismaleimide composite facesheets and both titanium and graphite-polyimide core materials. The panels were designed to have the load introduced through fasteners attached to pairs of steel angles on the ends of the panels to simulate double shear splice joints. The unloaded edges were unconstrained. Test temperatures included room temperature, 250F, and 300F. For the room and 250F temperature tests, the 24-ply specimen failure strains were close to the unnotched allowable strain values and failure loads were well above the design loads. However, failure strains much lower than the unnotched allowable strain values, and failure loads below the design loads were observed with several of the 8-ply specimens. For each individual test temperature, large variations in the failure strains and loads were observed for the 8-ply specimens. Dramatic decreases in the failure strains and loads were observed for the 24-ply specimens as the test temperature was increased from 250F to 300F. All 8-ply specimens appeared to have failed in a facesheet strength failure mode for all test temperatures. The 24-ply specimens displayed appreciably greater amounts of bending prior to failure than the 8-ply specimens, and panel buckling occurred prior to facesheet strength failure for the 24-ply room and 250F temperature tests.

Walker, Sandra P.↗

Uneven Inflation Load Share Trends in Clusters

The use of parachute clusters for payload recovery is still seeing widespread use ever since the early days of WWII. By involving the (near) simultaneous deployment of several smaller and identical canopies connected to the payload, cluster systems offer flexibility in tailoring to needed descent rates and load management, as well as providing robustness against individual canopy deployment or opening failure. Their downside, of course, resides in the possibility of differing inflation rates by each cluster member as caused by deployment variability, canopy-to-canopy interference, etc. Such variability leads to the lead-lag phenomenon, which causes uneven loading among the parachutes, often times leaving a single canopy to take up a significant portion of the system’s inflation loads. Herein we investigate how serious such an effect can be in terms of the number N of cluster members, underinflation drag of the lagging canopies, inflation swiftness of the leader in comparison to the laggards’, disreefing cutter activation staggering and pre-disreefing drag area. Two new metrics are used to highlight load share unevenness, namely, the peak and average leader canopy riser load in comparison to the leader’s drag during no-lead-lag; and leader peak load, as compared to total peak load. Results are calculated from data collected in NASA’s Orion/CPAS test program, as well as from simple algebraic expressions informing leader drag as sustained in different cluster systems (i.e., of different N) and varying leader inflation time relative to the laggards. Generally, using large-N cluster systems confers better load sharing among canopies. However, and in deployments where significant lead-lag occur, large-N systems may feature greater leader overload excursions, oftentimes in excess of 50% the no-lead-lag levels. These excursions are particularly made worse when cutter activation among the members are far from simultaneous and the laggards’ pre-disreefing drag area is small in comparison to the leader’s.

parachutes↗

An extended model for determining dynamic loads in spur gearing

In this study a large scale digitized approach is used for an uninterrupted static and dynamic analysis of spur gearing. An interactive method was developed to calculate directly the variable gear mesh stiffness as a function of transmitted load, gear profile errors, gear tooth deflections and gear hub torsional deformation, and position of contacting profile points. The developed methods are applicable to both the normal and high contact ratio gearing. Certain types of simulated sinusoidal profile errors and pitting can cause interruptions of the normal gear mesh stiffness function and, thus, increase the dynamic loads in gearing.

Kasuba, R.↗

Scaling effects in the static and dynamic response of graphite-epoxy beam-columns

Scale model technology represents one method of investigating the behavior of advanced, weight-efficient composite structures under a variety of loading conditions. It is necessary, however, to understand the limitations involved in testing scale model structures before the technique can be fully utilized. These limitations, or scaling effects, are characterized. in the large deflection response and failure of composite beams. Scale model beams were loaded with an eccentric axial compressive load designed to produce large bending deflections and global failure. A dimensional analysis was performed on the composite beam-column loading configuration to determine a model law governing the system response. An experimental program was developed to validate the model law under both static and dynamic loading conditions. Laminate stacking sequences including unidirectional, angle ply, cross ply, and quasi-isotropic were tested to examine a diversity of composite response and failure modes. The model beams were loaded under scaled test conditions until catastrophic failure. A large deflection beam solution was developed to compare with the static experimental results and to analyze beam failure. Also, the finite element code DYCAST (DYnamic Crash Analysis of STructure) was used to model both the static and impulsive beam response. Static test results indicate that the unidirectional and cross ply beam responses scale as predicted by the model law, even under severe deformations. In general, failure modes were consistent between scale models within a laminate family; however, a significant scale effect was observed in strength. The scale effect in strength which was evident in the static tests was also observed in the dynamic tests. Scaling of load and strain time histories between the scale model beams and the prototypes was excellent for the unidirectional beams, but inconsistent results were obtained for the angle ply, cross ply, and quasi-isotropic beams. Results show that valuable information can be obtained from testing on scale model composite structures, especially in the linear elastic response region. However, due to scaling effects in the strength behavior of composite laminates, caution must be used in extrapolating data taken from a scale model test when that test involves failure of the structure.

Jackson, Karen E.↗

Low Earth Orbiter: Terminal

In response to the current government budgetary environment that requires the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to do more with less, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center's Wallops Flight Facility has developed and implemented a class of ground stations known as a Low Earth Orbiter-Terminal (LEO-T). This development thus provides a low-cost autonomous ground tracking service for NASA's customers. More importantly, this accomplishment provides a commercial source to spacecraft customers around the world to purchase directly from the company awarded the NASA contract to build these systems. A few years ago, NASA was driven to provide more ground station capacity for spacecraft telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) services with a decreasing budget. NASA also made a decision to develop many smaller, cheaper satellites rather than a few large spacecraft as done in the past. In addition, university class missions were being driven to provide their own TT&C services due to the increasing load on the NASA ground-tracking network. NASA's solution for this ever increasing load was to use the existing large aperture systems to support those missions requiring that level of performance and to support the remainder of the missions with the autonomous LEO-T systems. The LEO-T antenna system is a smaller, cheaper, and fully autonomous unstaffed system that can operate without the existing NASA support infrastructure. The LEO-T provides a low-cost, reliable space communications service to the expanding number of low-earth orbiting missions around the world. The system is also fostering developments that improve cost-effectiveness of autonomous-class capabilities for NASA and commercial space use. NASA has installed three LEO-T systems. One station is at the University of Puerto Rico, the second system is installed at the Poker Flat Research Range near Fairbanks, Alaska, and the third system is installed at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. This paper will describe the current NASA implementation of the LEO-T network of antenna systems, the customers now being supported, and the services NASA can now offer with this new breed of autonomous ground stations. In addition, the paper will define the technical capabilities of the system and the cost effectiveness of using the systems including the capital costs of installation.

Kremer, Steven E.↗

The Evaluation of a Test Device for Human Occupant Restraint (THOR) Under Vertical Loading Conditions: Part 1 - Experimental Setup and Results

A series of 16 vertical tests were conducted on a Test Device for Human Occupant Restraint (THOR) - NT 50th percentile Anthropomorphic Test Device (ATD) at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). The purpose of the tests conducted at NASA LaRC was threefold. The first was to add vertical response data to the growing test database for THOR-NT development and validation. Second, the THOR-NT analytical computational models currently in development must be validated for the vertical loading environment. The computational models have been calibrated for frontal crash environments with concentration on accurately replicating head/neck, thoracic, and lower extremity responses. Finally, familiarity with the THOR ATD is necessary because NASA is interested in evaluating advanced ATDs for use in future flight and research projects. The THOR was subjected to vertical loading conditions ranging between 5 and 16 g in magnitude and 40 to 120 milliseconds (msec) in duration. It was also tested under conditions identical to previous tests conducted on the Hybrid II and III ATDs to allow comparisons to be made. Variations in the test setup were also introduced, such as the addition of a footrest in an attempt to offload some of the impact load into the legs. A full data set of the THOR-NT ATD will be presented and discussed. Results from the tests show that the THOR was largely insensitive to differences in the loading conditions, perhaps due in part to their small magnitudes. THOR responses, when compared to the Hybrid II and III in the lumbar region, demonstrated that the THOR more closely resembled the straight spine Hybrid setup. In the neck region, the THOR behaved more like the Hybrid III. However in both cases, the responses were not identical, indicating that the THOR would show differences in response than the Hybrid II and III ATDs when subjected to identical impact conditions. The addition of a footrest did not significantly affect the THOR response due to the nature of how the loading conditions were applied.

Littell, Justin D.↗

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.↗

Structural qualification of large spacecraft

Over the past twenty-five (25) years of the space program, the major challenge in the structural qualification of the primary structure has shifted from conducting a test that simulated the environment to accurately predicting the structural member loads in flight. Once the flight loads are avaliable, a number of different test methods are used to qualify the structure by subjecting it to the proper loads. The qualification challenge for future large spacecraft will be to adequately predict its dynamic characteristic in space to assure that it can be controlled to meet the mission objectives. A new test concept that may allow acquisition of modal data by ground tests for verification of mathematical models of large flexible space structures which can't be ground tested by conventional methods is discussed.

Wada, Ben K.↗

Rugged switch responds to minute pressure differentials

Pressure responsive switching device exhibits high sensitivity but is extremely rugged and resistant to large amplitude shock and velocity loading. This snap-action, single pole-double throw switch operates over a wide temperature range.

Friend, L. C.↗

Load cell for thermionic converter tests

Stable, low duty cycle transistorized emitter follower load cell controls and absorbs large currents at low voltages. The use of energy storage in capacitors reduces auxiliary power source requirements. Low duty cycle pulse mode of operation reduces the average power handling requirement of all components.

Breitwieser, R.↗

On optimal arches

Optimal inextensional buckling of uniformly loaded simply supported arches with large opening angle

Budiansky, B.↗

Flight loads and control

The prediction of flight loads and their potential reduction, using various control logics for the space shuttle vehicles, is very complex. Some factors, not found on previous launch vehicles, that increase the complexity are large lifting surfaces, unsymmetrical structure, unsymmetrical aerodynamics, trajectory control system coupling, and large aeroelastic effects. Discussed are these load producing factors and load reducing techniques. Identification of potential technology areas is included.

Mowery, D. K.↗

Elastic plate spallation

The dynamic finite element method was used to investigate elastic stress waves in a plate. Strain displacement and stress strain relations are discussed along with the stiffness and mass matrix. The results of studying point load, and distributed load over small, intermediate, and large radii are reported. The derivation of finite element matrices, and the derivation of lumped and consistent matrices for one dimensional problems with Laplace transfer solutions are included. The computer program JMMSPALL is also included.

Oline, L.↗

Condition of cardiovascular systems of astronauts during flight of Soyuz orbital station

Extensive studies of blood circulation functions during manned space flight demonstrated a pronounced tendency toward an increase in minute volume of the blood and a decrease in pulse wave propagation rate. Individual blood circulation indices had large amplitude fluctuations. Physical work loads caused slow recovery of heart rate, arterial pressure and minute blood volume.

Degtyarev, V. A.↗

Theoretical and experimental pressure distributions for a 71.2 degree swept arrow-wing configuration at subsonic, transonic, and supersonic speeds

A wind-tunnel test of an arrow-wing body configuration consisting of flat and twisted wings, as well as a variety of leading- and trailing-edge control-surface deflections, was conducted at Mach numbers from 0.40 to 2.50 to provide an experimental data base for comparison with theoretical methods. Theory-to-experiment comparisons of detailed pressure distributions were made using current state-of-the-art and newly developed attached- and separated-flow methods. Conditions were delineated under which these theories provide accurate basic and incremental aeroelastic loads predictions. Current state-of-the-art linear and nonlinear attached-flow methods were adequate only at small-angle-of-attack cruise conditions. Of the several separated-vortex methods evaluated, only the one utilizing a combination of linear source and quadratically varying doublet panels showed promise of yielding accurate loads distributions at moderate to large angles of attack.

Bobbitt, P. J.↗

Fastener for thin fragile materials

Two-piece fastener is ideal for securing thin delicate parts that might be damaged by conventional fasteners, such as rivets or upset collars. Strength of new fastener approaches that of riveted connection. Easily fabricated, fastener consists of plastic button and spring-steel collar. Parts have large contact area to distribute loads on delicate assemblies and low profile so that they fit into narrow spaces. Fastener is suitable for materials ranging in density from sheet metal to fabric sandwiches.

Sokol, S.↗

NASA/FAA general aviation crash dynamics program

The program involves controlled full scale crash testing, nonlinear structural analyses to predict large deflection elastoplastic response, and load attenuating concepts for use in improved seat and subfloor structure. Both analytical and experimental methods are used to develop expertise in these areas. Analyses include simplified procedures for estimating energy dissipating capabilities and comprehensive computerized procedures for predicting airframe response. These analyses are developed to provide designers with methods for predicting accelerations, loads, and displacements on collapsing structure. Tests on typical full scale aircraft and on full and subscale structural components are performed to verify the analyses and to demonstrate load attenuating concepts. A special apparatus was built to test emergency locator transmitters when attached to representative aircraft structure. The apparatus is shown to provide a good simulation of the longitudinal crash pulse observed in full scale aircraft crash tests.

Thomson, R. G.↗