Search NASASearch

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “random vibration response”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 55 records · Page 3

The Effect of Drive Signal Limiting on High Cycle Fatigue Life Analysis

It is common practice to assume a Gaussian distribution of both the input acceleration and the response when modeling random vibration tests. In the laboratory, however, shaker controllers often limit the drive signal to prevent high amplitude peaks. The high amplitudes may either be truncated at a given level (socalled brick wall limiting or abrupt clipping), or compressed (soft limiting), resulting in drive signals which are no longer Gaussian. The paper first introduces several methods for limiting a drive signal, including brick wall limiting and compression. The limited signal is then passed through a linear time-invariant system representing a device under test. High cycle fatigue life predictions are subsequently made using spectral fatigue and rainflow cycle counting schemes. The life predictions are compared with those obtained from unclipped input signals. Some guidelines are provided to help the test engineer decide how clipping should be applied under different test scenarios.

Kihm, Frederic

Validation of a Deterministic Vibroacoustic Response Prediction Model

This report documents the recently completed effort involving validation of a deterministic theory for the random vibration problem of predicting the response of launch pad structures in the low-frequency range (0 to 50 hertz). Use of the Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) methods is not suitable in this range. Measurements of launch-induced acoustic loads and subsequent structural response were made on a cantilever beam structure placed in close proximity (200 feet) to the launch pad. Innovative ways of characterizing random, nonstationary, non-Gaussian acoustics are used for the development of a structure's excitation model. Extremely good correlation was obtained between analytically computed responses and those measured on the cantilever beam. Additional tests are recommended to bound the problem to account for variations in launch trajectory and inclination.

Caimi, Raoul E.

Vibroacoustic Response of Pad Structures to Space Shuttle Launch Acoustic Loads

This paper presents a deterministic theory for the random vibration problem for predicting the response of structures in the low-frequency range (0 to 20 hertz) of launch transients. Also presented are some innovative ways to characterize noise and highlights of ongoing test-analysis correlation efforts titled the Verification Test Article (VETA) project.

Margasahayam, R. N.

Lumped Parameter Modeling for Rapid Vibration Response Prototyping and Test Correlation for Electronic Units

Present preliminary work using lumped parameter models to approximate dynamic response of electronic units to random vibration; Derive a general N-DOF model for application to electronic units; Illustrate parametric influence of model parameters; Implication of coupled dynamics for unit/board design; Demonstrate use of model to infer printed wiring board (PWB) dynamics from external chassis test measurement.

random vibration

Random gust response statistics for coupled torsion-flapping rotor blade vibrations.

An analysis of coupled torsion-flapping rotor blade vibrations in response to atmospheric turbulence revealed that at high rotor advance ratios anticipated for future high speed pure or convertible rotorcraft both flapping and torsional vibrations can be severe. While appropriate feedback systems can alleviate flapping, they have little effect on torsion. Dynamic stability margins have also no substantial influence on dynamic torsion loads. The only effective means found to alleviate turbulence caused torsional vibrations and loads at high advance ratio was a substantial torsional stiffness margin with respect to local static torsional divergence of the retreating blade.

Gaonkar, G. H.

Concepts for a theoretical and experimental study of lifting rotor random loads and vibrations. Phase 6-A: Effects of blade torsion, of blade flap bending flexibility and of rotor support flexibility on rotor stability and random response

The effects of lifting rotor blade torsion, blade flap bending flexibility and rotor support flexibility on rotor stability and random response are described. The subjects discussed are: (1) blade representation and method of analysis, (2) random gust response statistics for coupled torsion-flapping rotor blade vibrations, (3) flap bending corrections to the rigid blade analysis of lifting rotors, and (4) effects of rotor support flexibility. The response of linear periodically time varying systems to random excitation is examined.

Hohenemser, K. H.

Dynamic Loads Generation for Multi-Point Vibration Excitation Problems

A random-force method has been developed to predict dynamic loads produced by rocket-engine random vibrations for new rocket-engine designs. The method develops random forces at multiple excitation points based on random vibration environments scaled from accelerometer data obtained during hot-fire tests of existing rocket engines. This random-force method applies random forces to the model and creates expected dynamic response in a manner that simulates the way the operating engine applies self-generated random vibration forces (random pressure acting on an area) with the resulting responses that we measure with accelerometers. This innovation includes the methodology (implementation sequence), the computer code, two methods to generate the random-force vibration spectra, and two methods to reduce some of the inherent conservatism in the dynamic loads. This methodology would be implemented to generate the random-force spectra at excitation nodes without requiring the use of artificial boundary conditions in a finite element model. More accurate random dynamic loads than those predicted by current industry methods can then be generated using the random force spectra. The scaling method used to develop the initial power spectral density (PSD) environments for deriving the random forces for the rocket engine case is based on the Barrett Criteria developed at Marshall Space Flight Center in 1963. This invention approach can be applied in the aerospace, automotive, and other industries to obtain reliable dynamic loads and responses from a finite element model for any structure subject to multipoint random vibration excitations.

Shen, Lawrence

Concepts for a theoretical and experimental study of lifting rotor random loads and vibrations (identification of lifting rotor system parameters from transient response data), Phase 7-B

System identification methods have been applied to rotorcraft to estimate stability derivatives from transient flight control response data. While these applications assumed a linear constant coefficient representation of the rotorcraft, the computer experiments used transient responses in flap-bending and torsion of a rotor blade at high advance ratio which is a rapidly time varying periodic system. It was found that a simple system identification method applying a linear sequential estimator also called least square estimator or equation of motion estimator, is suitable for this periodic system and can be used directly if only the acceleration data are noise polluted. In the case of noise being present also in the state variable data the direct application of the estimator gave poor results.

Hohenemser, K. H.

Concepts for a theoretical and experimental study of lifting rotor random loads and vibrations. Phase 5A: Effects of torsional blade flexibility on single blade random gust response statistics

Quasi-steady aerodynamics were assumed, as well as a torsion mode where the amplitude is proportional to the distance from the rotor center. Aerodynamic torsional moment inputs are limited to the region of reverse flow where the aerodynamic center and the section center of gravity are separated by half the blade chord. Thus negligible effects of blade torsional flexibility are obtained for rotor conditions with negligible reverse flow effects. Numerical examples refer to conditions with 1.6 rotor advance ratio. It was found that the random flapping response is only moderately affected by torsional flexibility. However large random torsional loads and deflections occur even if flapping is completely suppressed. The coupling of the actual flapping motion into the blade torsional motion produces a substantial increase in the random torsional loads or deflections.

Hohenemser, K. H.

Non-Gaussian approach for parametric random vibration of non-linear structures

The dynamic response of a nonlinear, single degree of freedom structural system subjected to a physically white noise parametric excitation is investigated. The Ito stochastic calculus is employed to derive a general differential equation for the moments of the response coordinates. The differential equations of moments of any order are found to be coupled with higher order moments. A non-Gaussian closure scheme is developed to truncate the moment equations up to fourth order. The statistical of the stationary response are computed numerically and compared with analytical solutions predicted by a Gaussian closure scheme and the stochastic averaging method. It is found that the computed results exhibit the jump phenomenon which is typical of the characteristics of deterministic nonlinear systems. In addition, the numerical algorithm leads to multiple solutions all of which give positive mean squares. However, two of these solutions are found to violate the properties of high order moments. One solution preserves the moments properties and demonstrates that the system achieves a stationary response.

Ibrahim, R. A.

Modal Test of the NASA Mobile Launcher at Kennedy Space Center

The NASA Mobile Launcher (ML), located at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), has recently been modified to support the launch of the new NASA Space Launch System (SLS). The ML is a massive structure—consisting of a 345-foot tall tower attached to a two-story base, weighing approximately 10.5 million pounds—that will secure the SLS vehicle as it rolls to the launch pad on a Crawler Transporter, as well as provide a launch platform at the pad. The ML will also provide the boundary condition for an upcoming SLS Integrated Modal Test (IMT). To help correlate the ML math models prior to this modal test, and allow focus to remain on updating SLS vehicle models during the IMT, a ML-only experimental modal test was performed in June 2019. Excitation of the tower and platform was provided by five uniquely-designed test fixtures, each enclosing a hydraulic shaker, capable of exerting thousands of pounds of force into the structure. For modes not that were not sufficiently excited by the test fixture shakers, a specially-designed mobile drop tower provided impact excitation at additional locations of interest. The response of the ML was measured with a total of 361 accelerometers. Following the random vibration, sine sweep vibration, and modal impact testing, frequency response functions were calculated and modes were extracted for three different configurations of the ML in 0 Hz to 12 Hz frequency range. This paper will provide a case study in performing modal tests on large structures by discussing the Mobile Launcher, the test strategy, an overview of the test results, and recommendations for meeting a tight test schedule for a large-scale modal test.

Hydraulic shakers

A Procedure for Accurately Measuring the Shaker Overturning Moment During Random Vibration Tests

Motivation: For large system level random vibration tests, there may be some concerns about the shaker's capability for the overturning moment. It is the test conductor's responsibility to predict and monitor the overturning moment during random vibration tests. If the predicted moment is close to the shaker's capability, test conductor must measure the instantaneous moment at low levels and extrapolate to higher levels. That data will be used to decide whether it is safe to proceed to the next test level. Challenge: Kistler analog formulation for computing the real-time moment is only applicable to very limited cases in which we have 3 or 4 load cells installed at shaker interface with hardware. Approach: To overcome that limitation, a simple procedure was developed for computing the overturning moment time histories using the measured time histories of the individual load cells.

predict overturning

The use of random decrement technique for identification of structural modes of vibration

An algorithm is developed to obtain the free responses of a structure from its random responses due to some unknown or known random input or inputs, using the random-decrement technique without changing time correlation between signals. The algorithm is tested using random responses from a 'generalized payload' model and from the 'Space Shuttle' model. The resulting free responses are then used to identify the modal characteristics of the two systems.

Ibrahim, S. R.

Computer based analyses of the response of box type structures to random pressures.

Analysis of the vibration of the internal structure of a relatively simple flight vehicle structural model consisting of a multicellular box in which two parallel outer face plates (skins) are connected together by several internal plates (ribs) which are parallel to each other and normal to the face plates. Such a box is representative of a wing or stabilizer structure. Three representations of the structure were considered in the computation. The simplest model which can account for the coupling between the face plates and the ribs is a two-dimensional assembly of beams. A more realistic, yet still simple, three-dimensional model has been developed using the Rayleigh-Ritz method. The third computational method employed was the NASTRAN finite-element displacement method. The computational results are compared with experimental data.

Clarkson, B. L.

Response of launch pad structures to random acoustic excitation

Two solutions (probabilistic and deterministic) for the random vibration problem are presented in this paper from the standpoint of their applicability to predict the response of ground structures subjected to acoustic loading during the launch of a Space Shuttle. Deficiencies of the probabilistic method, especially to predict response in the low-frequency regime, prompted the development of the deterministic analysis, which offers a valid alternative. Challenges associated with the implementation of these response solutions in a commercially available Finite Element Method (FEM) code are briefly addressed.

Margasahayam, Ravi

Random vibrations of laminated plates modeled within the first order shear deformation theory

This paper deals with the dynamic response of anisotropic laminated composite plates to stationary random excitation. The theory of laminated plates used here includes shear deformation and rotary inertia effects in the same manner as Mindlin's theory for isotropic homogeneous plates. Two cases of random pressure fields are considered in this analysis. In the first case, it is modeled as a uniformly distributed load, random in time with an exponential decaying correlation function, while in the second one as a jet noise, fully correlated in one direction and homogeneous in the perpendicular one. The analysis presented herein, as well as the obtained response characteristics, expressed in terms of mean-squares and angle-dependent mean-squares, may be useful in the design of composite plates subjected to random pressure fields and in the evaluation of their reliability.

Cederbaum, G.