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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 595 records · Page 33
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

On the design of large flexible space structures (LFSS)

For a general finite-element model of an LFSS, a strictly passive compensator results in an exponentially stable feedback system when actuators and sensors are calculated. In the general case (no colocation), necessary and sufficient conditions are stated on the parameter Q for stabilizing a certain number of modes. Conditions for robust stability are given, and it is shown that feedback does not destabilize the unmodeled modes under certain conditions.

Bhaya, A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Experimental verification of distributed piezoelectric actuators for use in precision space structures

An analytic model for structures with distributed piezoelectric actuators is experimentally verified for the cases of both surface-bonded and embedded actuators. A technique for the selection of such piezoelectric actuators' location has been developed, and is noted to indicate that segmented actuators are always more effective than continuous ones, since the output of each can be individually controlled. Manufacturing techniques for the bonding or embedding of segmented piezoelectric actuators are also developed which allow independent electrical contact to be made with each actuator. Static tests have been conducted to determine how the elastic properties of the composite are affected by the presence of an embedded actuator, for the case of glass/epoxy laminates.

Crawley, E. F.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Characteristic wave approach in controlled large space structures

The modal approach in structural dynamics usually implies a truncation technique in the course of which the contribution of high frequencies is lost. This can lead to significant error in the case of impulsive loads. As an alternative to modal (or spectral) methods, the characteristic wave approach is developed. It appears that the application of this approach is most beneficial in the domains where spectral methods fail. That is why it can be used as a supplement to modal methods when the loads contain impulsive components.

Zak, M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Control of large flexible space structures

Progress in robust design of generalized parity relations, design of failure sensitive observers using the geometric system theory of Wonham, computational techniques for evaluation of the performance of control systems with fault tolerance and redundancy management features, and the design and evaluation od control systems for structures having nonlinear joints are described.

Vandervelde, W. E.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Passive damping concepts for slender columns in space structures

Research into the identification of potential passive damping concepts for use in very slender structural members was continued. The following damping concepts are under investigation: mass-string dampers; bright zinc chain; polyethylene tubing; external viscoelastic tape; brushes for electrostatic and frictional damping; suspended chambers with oil and discs; and hybrid concepts. Each of these concepts are briefly discussed.

Razzaq, Z.↗
NASA NTRS1987

System identification for large space structure damage assessment

The need for monitoring the dynamic characteristics of large structural systems for purposes of assessing the potential degradation of structural properties was established. A theory for assessing the occurrence, location, and extent of potential damage was developed utilizing on-orbit response measurements. Feasibility of the method is demonstrated using a simple structural system as an example.

Chen, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Response of joint dominated space structures

An approximate method is developed for estimating the transient response of nonlinear systems in terms of linearized modes of response. Its advantages are that it is computationally more efficient than the time integration method and that it is possible to view the design problem in the more traditional physical terms of modal response. The major drawback of the approximate method is loss of accuracy. It seems that both approximate methods and time integration have their roles in design. Approximate methods provide efficient tools for performing parametric studies and they supply physical insights into how to optimize system performance that are not easily inferred from strictly numerical methods. Time integration provides a method for assessing the accuracy of the approximate solution for key simulations and for fine tuning the final design. In the procedure presented the nonlinear system is approximated by an equivalent linear system in which the system parameters are constant over the range of transient response.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1985

Digital control system for space structure dampers

A digital controller was developed using an SKD-51 System Design Kit, which incorporates an 8031 microcontroller. The necessary interfaces were installed in the wire wrap area of the SKD-51 and a pulse width modulator was developed to drive the coil of the actuator. Also, control equations were developed, using floating-point arithmetic. The design of the digital control system is emphasized, and it is shown that, provided certain rules are followed, an adequate design can be achieved. It is recommended that the so-called w-plane design method be used, and that the time elapsed before output of the up-dated coil-force signal be kept as small as possible. However, the cycle time for the controller should be watched carefully, because very small values for this time can lead to digital noise.

Haviland, J. K.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The dynamics and control of large flexible space structures X, part 1

The effect of delay in the control system input on the stability of a continuously acting controller which is designed without considering the delay is studied. The stability analysis of a second order plant is studied analytically and verified numerically. For this example it is found that the system becomes unstable for a delay which is equivalent to only 16 percent of its natural period of motion. It is also observed that even a small amount of natural damping in the system can increase the amount of delay that can be tolerated before the onset of instability. The delay problem is formulated in the discrete time domain and an analysis procedure suggested. The maximum principle from optimal control theory is applied to minimize the time required for the slewing of a general rigid spacecraft. The slewing motion need not be restricted to a single axis maneuver. The minimum slewing time is calculated based on a quasi-linearization algorithm for the resulting two point boundary value problem. Numerical examples based on the rigidized in-orbit model of the SCOLE also include the more general reflector line-of-sight slewing maneuvers.

Bainum, Peter M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Preloaded space structural coupling joints

A coupling device for tubular members of large truss structures with a locking collar being the only moving part is described. Each tubular member is constructed with an end bell section that has a belled flange with a mating face, and a necked area which is smaller in diameter than the tubular members to be joined. A split ring is affixed to each tubular member and is constructed so that when two tubular members are laterally moved into axial alignment and the collar is rotated over it, the split ring loads the joint with axial forces by pressing the belled flange mating surfaces together, and a preloading force is provided by the collar mating with a taper on the outside of the split rings. All free play is thereby removed by preloaded force. A major object is to provide an ability to remove and replace individual tubular members without disturbing other structural parts of a truss structure. An additional anticipated use of this joint is to couple high pressure fluid lines.

Rhodes, Marvin D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Shear deformation plate continua of large double layered space structures

A simple method is presented to model large rigid-jointed lattice structures as continuous elastic media with couple stresses using energy equivalence. In the analysis, the transition from the discrete system to the continuous media is achieved by expanding the displacements and the rotations of the nodal points in a Taylor series about a suitable chosen origin. The strain energy of the continuous media with couple stresses is then specialized to obtain shear deformation plate continua. Equivalent continua for single layered grids, double layered grids, and three-dimensional lattices are then obtained.

Hefzy, Mohamed Samir↗
NASA NTRS1986

Validation of large space structures by ground tests

The paper presents concepts designed to validate, through the use of ground tests, mathematical models of continuous type structures and structures comprised of interconnecting subsystems. For continuous-type structures, a multiple boundary condition test approach is considered in which the basic idea is to perform a large number of tests using artificial boundary conditions from which good ground test data can be obtained. The test ensures an arbitrarily large number of test data for use in the validation and updating of the mathematical model. Another approach, applicable to structures comprised of subsystems, involves the identification of significant structural elements for the system dynamic model which are not validated by standard modal tests of the subsystems.

Wada, B. K.↗
NASA NTRS1987

On orbit damage assessment for large space structures

The need for monitoring the dynamic characteristics of large structural systems, for the purpose of assessing the potential degradation of structural properties, has been established. This paper develops a theory for assessing the occurrence, location, and extent of potential damage utilizing on-orbit response measurements. The feasibility of the method is demonstrated using a simple structural system as an example.

Chen, Jay-Chung↗
NASA NTRS1987

Actuators for actively controlled space structures

A free-flying platform of about 4 x 17 m overall dimensions, carrying a variety of imaging and sounding payloads, calls for an intelligent structure with active dynamic control of structural resonances. The actuators for such a structure must be lightweight, require low power, and allow integration into the structure without degradation of its integrity; the dc-to-100 Hz dynamic range required may entail several types of actuators, as is presently emphasized. Broadband damping of higher-order modes requires modeling of the structure with a distributed array of sensors and actuators.

Studer, P.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Radiation heat transfer calculations for space structures

A method is presented for the computation of radiant heat flux between arbitrary surfaces which permits a user defined level of accuracy. The method can be applied to directionally dependent surface properties, specular radiation, or solar illumination, and ensures conservation of energy. The method is compared with others to demonstrate its value.

Emery, A. F.↗