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At least 631 records · Page 35

Spacecraft Internal Acoustic Environment Modeling

Acoustic modeling can be used to identify key noise sources, determine/analyze sub-allocated requirements, keep track of the accumulation of minor noise sources, and to predict vehicle noise levels at various stages in vehicle development, first with estimates of noise sources, later with experimental data. This paper describes the implementation of acoustic modeling for design purposes by incrementally increasing model fidelity and validating the accuracy of the model while predicting the noise of sources under various conditions. During FY 07, a simple-geometry Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) model was developed and validated using a physical mockup and acoustic measurements. A process for modeling the effects of absorptive wall treatments and the resulting reverberation environment were developed. During FY 08, a model with more complex and representative geometry of the Orion Crew Module (CM) interior was built, and noise predictions based on input noise sources were made. A corresponding physical mockup was also built. Measurements were made inside this mockup, and comparisons were made with the model and showed excellent agreement. During FY 09, the fidelity of the mockup and corresponding model were increased incrementally by including a simple ventilation system. The airborne noise contribution of the fans was measured using a sound intensity technique, since the sound power levels were not known beforehand. This is opposed to earlier studies where Reference Sound Sources (RSS) with known sound power level were used. Comparisons of the modeling result with the measurements in the mockup showed excellent results. During FY 10, the fidelity of the mockup and the model were further increased by including an ECLSS (Environmental Control and Life Support System) wall, associated closeout panels, and the gap between ECLSS wall and mockup wall. The effect of sealing the gap and adding sound absorptive treatment to ECLSS wall were also modeled and validated.

Chu, Shao-Sheng R.↗

Noise reductions achieved on a 720-023B aircraft using a two-segment approach

A flight investigation to determine the operational feasibility of two-segment approaches as a means for reducing airport community noise has been conducted. The effective perceived noise level (EPNL) associated with these approach profiles, using a 720-023B jet aircraft, has been obtained. The tests were designed to determine an operationally optimum approach profile and to quantify the reduction in noise level at predetermined locations on the ground beneath the flight track. The acoustic aspects of the test program are examined. An analysis of the optimum and reference profiles was made using a group of pilots. Information was also obtained on the types of pilot operational procedures used for the optimum profile.

Glass, R. E.↗

Prediction of light aircraft interior noise

A computerized interior noise prediction method for light aircraft is described. An existing analytical program, development for commercial jets, forms the basis of some modal analysis work which is described. The accuracy of this modal analysis technique for predicting low-frequency coupled acoustic-structural natural frequencies is discussed along with trends indicating the effects of varying parameters such as fuselage length and diameter, structural stiffness, and interior acoustic absorption.

Howlett, J. T.↗

Collected Papers on Wind Turbine Technology

R and D projects on electricity generating wind turbines were conducted at the NASA Lewis Research Center from 1973 to 1988. Most projects were sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), a major element of its Federal Wind Energy Program. Another large wind turbine project was by the Bureau of Reclamation of the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI). From 1988 to 1995, NASA wind energy activities have been directed toward the transfer of technology to commercial and academic organizations. As part of these technology transfer activities, previously unpublished manuscripts have been assembled and presented here to share the wind turbine research results with the wind energy community. A variety of wind turbine technology topics are discussed: Wind and wake models; Airfoil properties; Structural analysis and testing; Control systems; Variable speed generators; and acoustic noise. Experimental and theoretical results are discussed.

Spera, David A.↗

Damage Initiation and Ultimate Tensile Strength of Scaled [0 deg n/90 deg n/0 deg n]sub T Graphite-Epoxy Coupons

Previous research on scaling effects in composite materials has demonstrated that the stress levels at first ply failure and ultimate failure of composite laminates are dependent on the size of the laminate. In particular, the thickness dimension has been shown to be the most influential parameter in strength scaling of composite coupons loaded in tension. Geometrically and constitutively scaled laminates exhibit decreasing strength with increasing specimen size, and the magnitude of the strength-size effect is a function of both material properties and laminate stacking sequence. Some of the commonly used failure criteria for composite materials such as maximum stress, maximum strain, and tensor polynomial (e.g., Tsai-Wu) cannot account for the strength-size effect. In this paper, three concepts are developed and evaluated for incorporating size dependency into failure criteria for composite materials. An experimental program of limited scope was performed to determine the first ply failure stress in scaled cross-ply laminates loaded in tension. Test specimens were fabricated of AS-4/3502 graphite-epoxy composite material with laminate stacking sequences of [0 deg n/90 deg n/o deg n]subT where n=1-6. Two experimental techniques were used to determine first ply failure, defined as a transverse matrix crack in the 90 deg ply: (1) step loading with dye penetrant x-ray of the specimen at each load interval, and (2) acoustic emission. The best correlation between first ply failure analysis and experimental data was obtained using a modified Weibull approach which incorporated the residual thermal stress and the outer ply constraint, as well as the ply thickness effect. Finally, a second set of experiments was performed to determine the tensile response and ultimate failure of the scaled cross-ply laminates. The results of these experiments indicated no influence of specimen size on tensile response or ultimate strength.

Jackson, Karen E.↗

Performance Testing of the Vapor Phase Catalytic Ammonia Removal Engineering Development Unit

This paper describes the results of performance testing of the Vapor Phase Catalytic Ammonia Removal (VPCAR) technology. The VPCAR technology is currently being developed by NASA as a Mars transit vehicle water recycling system. NASA has recently completed-a grant-to develop a next generation VPCAR system. This grant concluded with the shipment of the final deliverable to NASA on 8/31/03. This paper presents the results of mass, power, volume, and acoustic measurements for the delivered system. Product water purity analysis for a Mars transit mission and a simulated planetary base wastewater ersatz are also provided.

Flynn, Michael↗

Dual Rotating Rake Measurements of Higher-Order Duct Modes: Validation Using Experimental and Numerical Data

A rotating rake mode measurement system was designed to measure acoustic duct modes generated by a fan stage. After analysis of the measured data, the mode coefficient amplitudes and phases were quantified. Early studies using this system found that mode power levels computed from rotating rake measured data would agree with the far-field power levels. However, this agreement required that the sound from the noise sources within the duct propagated outward from the duct exit without reflection and previous studies suggested conditions could exist where significant reflections could occur. This paper shows that mounting a second rake to the rotating system, with an offset in both the axial and the azimuthal directions, measures the data necessary to determine the modes propagating in both directions within a duct. The rotating rake data analysis technique was extended to include the data measured by the second rake. The analysis resulted in a set of circumferential mode coefficients at each of the two rake microphone locations. Radial basis functions were then least-squares fit to this data to obtain the radial mode coefficients for the modes propagating in both directions within the duct while accounting for the presence of evanescent modes. The validation of the dual-rotating-rake measurements was conducted using data from a combination of experiments and numerical calculations to compute reflection coefficients and other mode coefficient ratios. Compared to results from analytical and numerical computations, the results from dual-rotating-rake measured data followed the expected trends when frequency, mode number, and duct termination geometry were changed.

Validation↗

A Study of Preliminary Design Methods for Low Noise Fans

Engineers need theory and computer codes to help them design quiet and efficient fans. A fast method to identify low-noise stator vane counts that might minimize tone noise for axial ducted fans has been developed. The analysis begins with a preliminary aerodynamic fan design. Duct acoustic and rotor-stator interaction theories are combined to predict the set of cut-on circumferential modes that are expected to be generated and propagate through the fan duct. By predicting the number of cut-on circumferential modes for each vane count, a set of low-noise vane counts for a given rotor and duct design can be identified. This method was used to design the stator set for NASA’s spacecraft cabin ventilation fan, in order to minimize tone noise generated by rotor-stator interaction at the first three blade passing frequency harmonics. This method was also applied to three other research fans that NASA uses for aeroacoustics research for comparison. This technique can be used to include acoustic design criteria early in the design of an axial fan and provide valuable information to guide the final design of quiet fans.

Fan↗

Ares I-X Launch Abort System, Crew Module, and Upper Stage Simulator Vibroacoustic Flight Data Evaluation, Comparison to Predictions, and Recommendations for Adjustments to Prediction Methodology and Assumptions

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Constellation Program (CxP) has identified a series of tests to provide insight into the design and development of the Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) and Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV). Ares I-X was selected as the first suborbital development flight test to help meet CxP objectives. The Ares I-X flight test vehicle (FTV) is an early operational model of CLV, with specific emphasis on CLV and ground operation characteristics necessary to meet Ares I-X flight test objectives. The in-flight part of the test includes a trajectory to simulate maximum dynamic pressure during flight and perform a stage separation of the Upper Stage Simulator (USS) from the First Stage (FS). The in-flight test also includes recovery of the FS. The random vibration response from the ARES 1-X flight will be reconstructed for a few specific locations that were instrumented with accelerometers. This recorded data will be helpful in validating and refining vibration prediction tools and methodology. Measured vibroacoustic environments associated with lift off and ascent phases of the Ares I-X mission will be compared with pre-flight vibration predictions. The measured flight data was given as time histories which will be converted into power spectral density plots for comparison with the maximum predicted environments. The maximum predicted environments are documented in the Vibroacoustics and Shock Environment Data Book, AI1-SYS-ACOv4.10 Vibration predictions made using statistical energy analysis (SEA) VAOne computer program will also be incorporated in the comparisons. Ascent and lift off measured acoustics will also be compared to predictions to assess whether any discrepancies between the predicted vibration levels and measured vibration levels are attributable to inaccurate acoustic predictions. These comparisons will also be helpful in assessing whether adjustments to prediction methodologies are needed to improve agreement between the predicted and measured flight data. Future assessment will incorporate hybrid methods in VAOne analysis (i.e., boundary element methods, BEM and finite element methods, FEM). These hybrid methods will enable the ability to import NASTRAN models providing much more detailed modeling of the underlying beams and support structure of the ARES 1-X test vehicle. Measured acoustic data will be incorporated into these analyses to improve correlation for additional post flight analysis.

Smith, Andrew↗

A theoretical study of the acoustic impedance of orifices in the presence of a steady grazing flow

An analysis of the oscillatory fluid flow in the vicinity of a circular orifice with a steady grazing flow is presented. The study is similar to that of Hersh and Rogers but with the addition of the grazing flow. Starting from the momentum and continuity equations, a considerably simplified system of partial differential equations is developed with the assumption that the flow can be described by an oscillatory motion superimposed upon the known steady flow. The equations are seen to be linear in the region where the grazing flow effects are dominant, and a solution and the resulting orifice impedance are presented for this region. The nonlinearity appears to be unimportant for the usual conditions found in aircraft noise suppressors. Some preliminary conclusions of the study are that orifice resistance is directly proportional to grazing flow velocity (known previously from experimental data) and that the orifice inductive (mass reactance) end correction is not a function of grazing flow. This latter conclusion is contrary to the widely held notion that grazing flow removes the effect of the orifice inductive end correction. This conclusion also implies that the experimentally observed total inductance reduction with grazing flow might be in the flow within the orifice rather than in the end correction.

Rice, E. J.↗

System Study: Technology Assessment and Prioritizing Update

For the Intelligent Engine System (Propulsion 21) study, each technology was evaluated to determine the impact to fuel burn, acoustics, and NOx emissions. The optimum combination of technologies and their overall benefits to the system were also evaluated, resulting in noise improvement potential of 1.89 EPNdB cumulative margin,-1.34 percent fuel burn, and 50 percent NOx reduction from the 2015 UEET-QAT baseline. All the technology evaluations, except T18-20D, were based on newengines, where the engine was resized to obtain the maximum system benefit while maintaining the same cycle parameters as the 2015 UEET-QAT baseline. The impact of turbine clearance control on deteriorated engines, T18-20D, was also evaluated. Recommendations for future system study work include, but were not limited to, validation of a university-developed engine deterioration model and customer value analysis as figures of merit beside fuel burn, emissions, and acoustics.

Source record↗

Multidisciplinary tailoring of hot composite structures

A computational simulation procedure is described for multidisciplinary analysis and tailoring of multilayered multimaterial hot composite engine structural components subjected to simultaneous multiple discipline-specific thermal, structural, vibration, and acoustic loadings including the effect of aggressive environments. The simulation is based on a 3D finite element analysis technique in conjunction with structural mechanics codes, thermal/acoustic analysis methods, and tailoring procedures. The integrated multidisciplinary simulation procedure is general-purpose including the coupled effects of nonlinearities in structure geometry, material, loading, and environmental complexities. The composite material behavior is assessed at all composite scales, i.e., the laminate/ply/constituents (fiber/matrix), via a nonlinear material characterization hygro-thermomechanical model. Sample tailoring cases exhibiting nonlinear material/loading/environmental behavior of aircraft engine fan blades, are presented. The various multidisciplinary loadings lead to different tailored designs, even those opposite of each other, as in the case of minimum material cost versus minimum structure weight and in the case of minimum vibration frequency versus minimum acoustic noise.

Singhal, Surendra N.↗

Control of Thermo-Acoustics Instabilities: The Multi-Scale Extended Kalman Approach

"Multi-Scale Extended Kalman" (MSEK) is a novel model-based control approach recently found to be effective for suppressing combustion instabilities in gas turbines. A control law formulated in this approach for fuel modulation demonstrated steady suppression of a high-frequency combustion instability (less than 500Hz) in a liquid-fuel combustion test rig under engine-realistic conditions. To make-up for severe transport-delays on control effect, the MSEK controller combines a wavelet -like Multi-Scale analysis and an Extended Kalman Observer to predict the thermo-acoustic states of combustion pressure perturbations. The commanded fuel modulation is composed of a damper action based on the predicted states, and a tones suppression action based on the Multi-Scale estimation of thermal excitations and other transient disturbances. The controller performs automatic adjustments of the gain and phase of these actions to minimize the Time-Scale Averaged Variances of the pressures inside the combustion zone and upstream of the injector. The successful demonstration of Active Combustion Control with this MSEK controller completed an important NASA milestone for the current research in advanced combustion technologies.

Le, Dzu K.↗

Development of a piezopolymer pressure sensor for a portable fetal heart rate monitor

A piezopolymer pressure sensor has been developed for service in a portable fetal heart rate monitor, which will permit an expectant mother to perform the fetal nonstress test, a standard predelivery test, in her home. Several sensors are mounted in an array on a belt worn by the mother. The sensor design conforms to the distinctive features of the fetal heart tone, namely, the acoustic signature, frequency spectrum, signal amplitude, and localization. The components of a sensor serve to fulfill five functions: signal detection, acceleration cancellation, acoustical isolation, electrical shielding, and electrical isolation of the mother. A theoretical analysis of the sensor response yields a numerical value for the sensor sensitivity, which is compared to experiment in an in vitro sensor calibration. Finally, an in vivo test on patients within the last six weeks of term reveals that nonstress test recordings from the acoustic monitor compare well with those obtained from conventional ultrasound.

Heart Rate, Fetal/physiology↗

INVESTIGATING THE FEASIBILITY AND STABILITY FOR MODELING ACOUSTIC WAVE SCATTERING USING A TIME-DOMAIN BOUNDARY INTEGRAL EQUATION WITH IMPEDANCE BOUNDARY CONDITION

Reducing aircraft noise is a major objective in the field of computational aeroacoustics. When designing next generation quiet and environmentally friendly aircraft, it is important to be able to accurately and efficiently predict the acoustic scattering by an aircraft body from a given noise source. Acoustic liners are an effective tool for aircraft noise reduction and are characterized by a frequency-dependent impedance. Converted into the time-domain using Fourier transforms, an impedance boundary condition can be used to simulate the acoustic wave scattering by geometric bodies treated with acoustic liners. This work considers using either an impedance or an admittance (inverse of impedance) boundary condition to allow for acoustic scattering problems to be modeled with geometries consisting of both un-lined and lined surfaces. Three acoustic liner models are discussed: the Extended Helmholtz Resonator Model, the Three-Parameter Impedance Model, and the Broadband Impedance Model. In both the Helmholtz and Three-Parameter models, liner impedance is specified at a given frequency, whereas the Broadband model allows for the investigation of multiple frequencies simultaneously. The impedance and admittance boundary conditions for acoustic liners are derived for each model and coupled with a time-domain boundary integral equation. The scattering solution is obtained iteratively using a boundary element method with constant spatial and third-order temporal basis functions. Time-domain boundary integral equations are unfortunately prone to numerical instabilities due to resonant frequencies resulting from non-trivial solutions in the interior domain. When reformulated with the Burton-Miller method, the instabilities are eliminated. Using a Burton-Miller reformulation, the stability of the boundary element method assuming a liner boundary condition is assessed using eigenvalue analysis. The stability of each liner model is discussed, and it is shown that the Three-Parameter and Broadband models are sufficient for modeling an acoustic liner on the surface of scattering bodies. The Helmholtz model demonstrates strict limitations for stability, whereas the Three-Parameter and Broadband models are stable for most cases. Also included in this work is an assessment of the spatial accuracy of the time-domain boundary element method with respect to the surface element basis functions, as well as a performance study of the numerical algorithm.

computational mathematics↗

Performance Evaluation of a Shaped Sonic Boom Detector and Classifier

NASA will soon fly the X‑59 aircraft over selected communities to evaluate community responses to shaped sonic booms. Community tests will include dozens of deployed acoustic sensors capable of measuring and detecting shaped sonic boom waveforms in situ for rapid onboard analysis. To this end, we present a sonic boom detector and classifier. The sonic boom detector identifies a shaped sonic boom within a measured acoustical waveform by calculating the cross-correlation with a template shaped sonic boom waveform. The sonic boom classifier determines whether the identified event is indeed a shaped sonic boom based on the correlation coefficient and the calculated noise exposure level. We evaluate these algorithms using simulations of on- and off-design X-59 sonic boom waveforms injected into previously measured 30 s ambient noise recordings. Results of this case study indicate that the detector identifies a sonic boom with an accuracy of ±100 ms in 99.98% of the cases. Furthermore, for a given 30 s measurement, the classifier shows true-positive rates of approximately 0.9999 when the false-positive rate is 10e-3. The case study demonstrates that the recommended onboard sonic boom detector and classifier should be highly capable of identifying shaped sonic booms.

sonic boom↗

Implementation of a Trailing-Edge Flap Analysis Model in the NASA Langley CAMRAD.MOD1/Hires Program

Continual advances in rotorcraft performance, vibration and acoustic characteristics are being sought by rotary-wing vehicle manufacturers to improve efficiency, handling qualities and community noise acceptance of their products. The rotor system aerodynamic and dynamic behavior are among the key factors which must be addressed to meet the desired goals. Rotor aerodynamicists study how airload redistribution impacts performance and noise, and seek ways to achieve better airload distribution through changes in local aerodynamic response characteristics. One method currently receiving attention is the use of trailing-edge flaps mounted on the rotor blades to provide direct control of a portion of the spanwise lift characteristics. The following work describes the incorporation of a trailing-edge flap model in the CAMRAD.Mod1/FHUS comprehensive rotorcraft analysis code. The CAM-RAD.Mod1/HIRES analysis consists of three separate executable codes. These include the comprehensive trim analysis, CAMRAD.Mod1, the Indicial Post-Processor, IPP, for high resolution airloads, and AIRFOIL, which produces the rotor airfoil tables from input airfoil section characteristics. The modifications made to these components permitting analysis of flapped rotor configurations are documented herein along with user instructions detailing the new input variables and operational notes.

Charles, Bruce↗

Development of a new method in force limited vibration testing

The force limited vibration test approaches discussed in NASA-HDBK-7004C were developed to reduce overtesting associated with base shake vibration tests of aerospace hardware. This handbook outlines several different methods of specifying force limiting specifications. The basis for deriving force limiting specifications is related to the differences between mechanical impedances of typical aerospace hardware interfacing the mounting structures in flight configurations and the large impedances inherent in shaker vibration testing. Among these approaches, the semi-empirical method is presently the most widely used method to derive the force limiting specifications. This method is developed based on the assumption that the hardware interface responses are coherently excited. The inclusion of the incoherent excitation of the aerospace structures at mounting interfaces provides the basis for developing a more realistic force limiting specification that may be used to qualify flight hardware for launch environments using shaker testing. In this paper the semi-empirical method for defining force limiting specifications discussed in NASA handbook are reviewed using data recently obtained from a series of acoustic and vibration tests. A mathematical formation of a new force limiting approach based on considering the incoherent excitation of the hardware at their mounting interfaces is developed. Results from the analysis, which are correlated to the data obtained from a series of well instrumented acoustic and vibration tests, are discussed. The new approach provides much more realistic force limits that may further remove conservatism inherent in shaker vibration testing not accounted for by methods discussed in the NASA handbook.

Kolaini, Ali R.↗