Results for “structural dynamics testing” — Page 36

NASA NTRS1998

GIF Animation of Mode Shapes and Other Data on the Internet

The World Wide Web abounds with animated cartoons and advertisements competing for our attention. Most of these figures are animated Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) files. These files contain a series of ordinary GIF images plus control information, and they provide an exceptionally simple, effective way to animate on the Internet. To date, however, this format has rarely been used for technical data, although there is no inherent reason not to do so. This paper describes a procedure for creating high-resolution animated GIFs of mode shapes and other types of structural dynamics data with readily available software. The paper shows three example applications using recent modal test data and video footage of a high-speed sled run. A fairly detailed summary of the GIF file format is provided in the appendix. All of the animations discussed in the paper are posted on the Internet available through the following address: http://sdb-www.larc.nasa.gov/.

Pappa, Richard S.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Design and Testing of Braided Composite Fan Case Materials and Components

Triaxial braid composite materials are beginning to be used in fan cases for commercial gas turbine engines. The primary benefit for the use of composite materials is reduced weight and the associated reduction in fuel consumption. However, there are also cost benefits in some applications. This paper presents a description of the braided composite materials and discusses aspects of the braiding process that can be utilized for efficient fabrication of composite cases. The paper also presents an approach that was developed for evaluating the braided composite materials and composite fan cases in a ballistic impact laboratory. Impact of composite panels with a soft projectile is used for materials evaluation. Impact of composite fan cases with fan blades or blade-like projectiles is used to evaluate containment capability. A post-impact structural load test is used to evaluate the capability of the impacted fan case to survive dynamic loads during engine spool down. Validation of these new test methods is demonstrated by comparison with results of engine blade-out tests.

Roberts, Gary D.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Design and Testing of Braided Composite Fan Case Materials and Components

Triaxial braid composite materials are beginning to be used in fan cases for commercial gas turbine engines. The primary benefit for the use of composite materials is reduced weight and the associated reduction in fuel consumption. However, there are also cost benefits in some applications. This paper presents a description of the braided composite materials and discusses aspects of the braiding process that can be utilized for efficient fabrication of composite cases. The paper also presents an approach that was developed for evaluating the braided composite materials and composite fan cases in a ballistic impact laboratory. Impact of composite panels with a soft projectile is used for materials evaluation. Impact of composite fan cases with fan blades or blade-like projectiles is used to evaluate containment capability. A post-impact structural load test is used to evaluate the capability of the impacted fan case to survive dynamic loads during engine spool down. Validation of these new test methods is demonstrated by comparison with results of engine blade-out tests.

Roberts, Gary D.↗

NASA NTRS2019

Whirl Flutter and the Development of the NASA X-57 Maxwell

The X-57 Maxwell is NASA’s all-electric demonstration vehicle. The primary demonstration objective of this flight test program is to show a factor of five reduction in energy consumption. The vehicle includes two large wing tip propellers designed to provide propul- sion at cruise conditions and twelve leading edge propellers designed to operate at high lift conditions. The first configuration of the vehicle that will be flight tested has the large wing tip propellers relocated to an inboard wing station. A simplified structural dynamic model of the propulsion system has been generated and coupled with a beam model of the vehicle. Whirl flutter analyses have been performed, examining the stability of the isolated propulsion system and coupled to the beam model of the vehicle. Trimmed flight scenarios for the vehicle include straight and level flight and zero power windmilling conditions. The whirl flutter analyses for this configuration indicate that the configuration will be free of whirl flutter within the required flight envelope.

Heeg, Jennifer↗

NASA NTRS2022

NASA Engineering and Safety Center Technical Bulletin No. 22-04: Uncertainty Quantification of Reduced Order Structural Dynamic Models

Uncertainty quantification (UQ) provides statistical bounds on prediction accuracy based on finite element model (FEM) uncertainty. An alternate method for UQ, called the Hybrid Parametric Variation (HPV) combines a parametric variation of the Hurty/Craig-Bampton (HCB) fixed-interface (FI) modal frequencies with a nonparametric variation (NPV) method. This provides a UQ method that can be traced to test data, which can be updated as additional data and improved correlated models become available.

Uncertainty Quantification↗

NASA NTRS1990

Simultaneous expansion and orthogonalization of measured modes for structure identification

Tests of large structures on-orbit will be performed with measurements at a relatively few structure points. Values for the unmeasured degrees of freedom (dofs) can be estimated based on measured dofs and analytical model dynamic information. These 'expanded' mode shapes are useful for optimal-update identification and damage location as well as test/analysis correlation. A new method of expansion for test mode shape vectors is developed from the orthogonal Procrustes problem from computational linear algebra. A subspace defined by the set of measured dofs is compared to a subspace defined by mode shapes from an analytical model of the structure. The method simultaneously expands and orthogonalizes the mode shape vectors. Two demonstration problems are used to compare the new method to current expansion techniques. One demonstration uses test data from a laboratory scale-model truss structure. Performance of the new method is comparable or superior to that of the previous expansion methods which require separate orthogonalization.

Smith, Suzanne Weaver↗

NASA NTRS2006

International Space Station Centrifuge Rotor Models A Comparison of the Euler-Lagrange and the Bond Graph Modeling Approach

The assembly and operation of the International Space Station (ISS) require extensive testing and engineering analysis to verify that the Space Station system of systems would work together without any adverse interactions. Since the dynamic behavior of an entire Space Station cannot be tested on earth, math models of the Space Station structures and mechanical systems have to be built and integrated in computer simulations and analysis tools to analyze and predict what will happen in space. The ISS Centrifuge Rotor (CR) is one of many mechanical systems that need to be modeled and analyzed to verify the ISS integrated system performance on-orbit. This study investigates using Bond Graph modeling techniques as quick and simplified ways to generate models of the ISS Centrifuge Rotor. This paper outlines the steps used to generate simple and more complex models of the CR using Bond Graph Computer Aided Modeling Program with Graphical Input (CAMP-G). Comparisons of the Bond Graph CR models with those derived from Euler-Lagrange equations in MATLAB and those developed using multibody dynamic simulation at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC) are presented to demonstrate the usefulness of the Bond Graph modeling approach for aeronautics and space applications.

Nguyen, Louis H.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Overview of Plume-Surface Interaction Data from Subscale Inert Gas Testing at NASA MSFC Test Stand 300 Vacuum Facilities

Maturation and validation of predictive modeling capabilities for plume-surface interaction, and the effects caused by the impingement of rocket engine exhaust on surface regolith, require relevant, highly characterized ground test data. The multi-phase nature of this problem poses challenges to ground testing across physical scaling, test environments and techniques, and diagnostics. NASA has developed a Physics Focused Ground Test (PFGT) of plume-surface interaction to address this need. The PFGT is a subscale, inert-gas experiment at Mars- and Lunar-relevant ambient pressure conditions that will provide critical data for model validation of cratering, ejecta, and plume physics. In this test, the ambient pressure in a vacuum chamber will be varied, along with the height of a supersonic nozzle above a surface, and the mass flow rate through the nozzle. Testing will be performed on a range of regolith simulants of varying composition and will also include instrumented impingement plate tests in place of regolith simulant to characterize gas-only plume physics. Novel high-speed visual diagnostics will capture temporal data on crater formation and ejecta dynamics, and planar laser-induced fluorescence diagnostics will capture plume structure and behavior. This paper will present an overview of the data collected during this test – for both the cratering and ejecta testing and the gas-only plume physics testing. Emphasis will be placed on trends, effects, and interactions observed in the data across the test parameter space.

Chad J. Eberhart↗

NASA NTRS1994

The role of structural dynamics in the design and operations of space systems: The history, the lessons, the technical challenges of the future

Structural dynamics and its auxiliary fields are the most progressive and challenging areas space system engineering design and operations face. Aerospace systems are dependent on structural dynamicists for their success. Past experiences (history) are colored with many dynamic issues, some producing ground or flight test failures. The innovation and creativity that was brought to these issues and problems are the aura from the past that lights the path to the future. Using this illumination to guide understanding of the dynamic phenomena and designing for its potential occurrence are the keys to successful space systems. Our great paradox, or challenge, is how we remain in depth specialists, yet become generalists to the degree that we make good team members and set the right priorities. This paper will deal with how we performed with acclaim in the past, the basic characteristics of structural dynamics (loads cycle, for example), and the challenges of the future.

Ryan, Robert S.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Kinematics and dynamics of the Uranian rings

The self-gravity model of apse alignment was tested by comparing its predictions about structure within the epsilon ring with an extensive set of observed occultation profiles covering a wide range of ring longitudes. The self-gravity model as presently constructed is inconsistent with the observations. The Lindblad resonance survey and Shepherd satellite ring perturbation are discussed. The kinematic model of the Uranian ring orbit was enhanced to accommodate Voyager observations as well as ground-based occultation observations.

French, Richard G.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Progress in the Phase 0 Model Development of a STAR Concept for Dynamics and Control Testing

The paper describes progress in the development of a lightweight, deployable passive Synthetic Thinned Aperture Radiometer (STAR). The spacecraft concept presented will enable the realization of 10 km resolution global soil moisture and ocean salinity measurements at 1.41 GHz. The focus of this work was on definition of an approximately 1/3-scaled, 5-meter Phase 0 test article for concept demonstration and dynamics and control testing. Design requirements, parameters and a multi-parameter, hybrid scaling approach for the dynamically scaled test model were established. The El Scaling Approach that was established allows designers freedom to define the cross section of scaled, lightweight structural components that is most convenient for manufacturing when the mass of the component is small compared to the overall system mass. Static and dynamic response analysis was conducted on analytical models to evaluate system level performance and to optimize panel geometry for optimal tension load distribution.

Woods-Vedeler, Jessica A.↗

NASA NTRS2018

Investigation of Multi-Input, Multi-Output (MIMO) Random Control Applied to Direct Field Acoustic Testing

Direct Field Acoustic Testing (DFAT) offers potential cost and time savings over reverberant chamber acoustic testing of spacecraft. The NASA Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) Program recently directed a series of acoustic tests on Orion structural test articles comparing DFAT and reverberant testing of the same test article with a view to qualifying DFAT for manned space flight vehicles. The verification process compared four parameters noise level compliance with the one third octave test specification, spatial uniformity of the acoustic field, spatial correlation of the acoustic field and vibration response of vehicle structure, including representative solar array panels. While the results of the verification were encouraging, MPCV Loads and Dynamics engaged Quartus Engineering to investigate whether alternative MIMO random control strategies might improve the spatial uniformity and/or the spatial correlation of the DFAT acoustic field. This paper presents the results of acoustic field simulations of the DFAT test and provides a better understanding of how MIMO random control systems originally developed for vibration and structural durability testing can be expected to perform in DFAT testing.

Direct Field↗

NASA NTRS2011

Comparison of Ares I-X Wind-Tunnel Derived Buffet Environment with Flight Data

The Ares I-X Flight Test Vehicle (FTV), launched in October 2009, carried with it over 243 buffet verification pressure sensors and was one of the most heavily instrumented launch vehicle flight tests. This flight test represented a unique opportunity for NASA and its partners to compare the wind-tunnel derived buffet environment with that measured during the flight of Ares I-X. It is necessary to define the launch vehicle buffet loads to ensure that structural components and vehicle subsystems possess adequate strength, stress, and fatigue margins when the vehicle structural dynamic response to buffet forcing functions are considered. Ares I-X buffet forcing functions were obtained via wind-tunnel testing of a rigid buffet model (RBM) instrumented with hundreds of unsteady pressure transducers designed to measure the buffet environment across the desired frequency range. This paper discusses the comparison of RBM and FTV buffet environments, including fluctuating pressure coefficient and normalized sectional buffet forcing function root-mean-square magnitudes, frequency content of power-spectral density functions, and force magnitudes of an alternating flow phenomena. Comparison of wind-tunnel model and flight test vehicle buffet environments show very good agreement with root-mean-square magnitudes of buffet forcing functions at the majority of vehicle stations. Spectra proved a challenge to compare because of different wind-tunnel and flight test conditions and data acquisition rates. However, meaningful and promising comparisons of buffet spectra are presented. Lastly, the buffet loads resulting from the transition of subsonic separated flow to supersonic attached flow were significantly over-predicted by wind-tunnel results.

Piatak, David J.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Advanced composite turboprops - Modeling, structural, and dynamic analyses

This paper presents a structural and dynamic analysis of a scaled-down wind tunnel model propfan blade made from fiber composites. This blade is one of a series of propfan blades that have been tested at the NASA Lewis Research Center wind tunnel facilities. The blade is highly swept and twisted and of the spar/shell construction. Due to the complexity of the blade geometry and its high performance, it is subjected to much higher loads and tends to be much less stable than conventional blades. The structural and dynamic analyses of the blade were performed using the NASA-Lewis COBSTRAN computer code. COBSTRAN is designed to generate the mesh and calculate the anisotropic material properties for composite blade analysis. Comparison of analytical and experimental mode shapes and frequencies are shown, verifying the model development and analysis techniques used. The methodologies and programs developed for this analysis are directly applicable to other propfan blades.

Aiello, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS2014

Increased Mach Number Capability for the NASA Glenn 10x10 Supersonic Wind Tunnel

Computational simulations and wind tunnel testing were conducted to explore the operation of the Abe Silverstein Supersonic Wind Tunnel at the NASA Glenn Research Center at test section Mach numbers above the current limit of Mach 3.5. An increased Mach number would enhance the capability for testing of supersonic and hypersonic propulsion systems. The focus of the explorations was on understanding the flow within the second throat of the tunnel, which is downstream of the test section and is where the supersonic flow decelerates to subsonic flow. Methods of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were applied to provide details of the shock boundary layer structure and to estimate losses in total pressure. The CFD simulations indicated that the tunnel could be operated up to Mach 4.0 if the minimum width of the second throat was made smaller than that used for previous operation of the tunnel. Wind tunnel testing was able to confirm such operation of the tunnel at Mach 3.6 and 3.7 before a hydraulic failure caused a stop to the testing. CFD simulations performed after the wind tunnel testing showed good agreement with test data consisting of static pressures along the ceiling of the second throat. The CFD analyses showed increased shockwave boundary layer interactions, which was also observed as increased unsteadiness of dynamic pressures collected in the wind tunnel testing.

Wind tunnel↗

NASA NTRS2015

Increased Mach Number Capability for the NASA Glenn 10x10 Supersonic Wind Tunnel

Computational simulations and wind tunnel testing were conducted to explore the operation of the Abe Silverstein Supersonic Wind Tunnel at the NASA Glenn Research Center at test section Mach numbers above the current limit of Mach 3.5. An increased Mach number would enhance the capability for testing of supersonic and hypersonic propulsion systems. The focus of the explorations was on understanding the flow within the second throat of the tunnel, which is downstream of the test section and is where the supersonic flow decelerates to subsonic flow. Methods of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were applied to provide details of the shock boundary layer structure and to estimate losses in total pressure. The CFD simulations indicated that the tunnel could be operated up to Mach 4.0 if the minimum width of the second throat was made smaller than that used for previous operation of the tunnel. Wind tunnel testing was able to confirm such operation of the tunnel at Mach 3.6 and 3.7 before a hydraulic failure caused a stop to the testing. CFD simulations performed after the wind tunnel testing showed good agreement with test data consisting of static pressures along the ceiling of the second throat. The CFD analyses showed increased shockwave boundary layer interactions, which was also observed as increased unsteadiness of dynamic pressures collected in the wind tunnel testing.

Diffuser↗

NASA NTRS2004

Dynamic Response of X-37 Hot Structure Control Surfaces Exposed to Controlled Reverberant Acoustic Excitation

This document represents a compilation of three informal reports from reverberant acoustic tests performed on X-37 hot structure control surfaces in the NASA Langley Research Center Structural Acoustics Loads and Transmission (SALT) facility. The first test was performed on a carbon-silicone carbide flaperon subcomponent on February 24, 2004. The second test was performed on a carbon-carbon ruddervator subcomponent on May 27, 2004. The third test was performed on a carbon-carbon flaperon subcomponent on June 30, 2004.

Grosveld, Ferdinand W.↗

NASA NTRS1987

A computer program for model verification of dynamic systems

Dynamic model verification is the process whereby an analytical model of a dynamic system is compared with experimental data, and then qualified for future use in predicting system response in a different dynamic environment. There are various ways to conduct model verification. The approach adopted in MOVER II employs Bayesian statistical parameter estimation. Unlike curve fitting whose objective is to minimize the difference between some analytical function and a given quantity of test data (or curve), Bayesian estimation attempts also to minimize the difference between the parameter values of that function (the model) and their initial estimates, in a least squares sense. The objectives of dynamic model verification, therefore, are to produce a model which: (1) is in agreement with test data, (2) will assist in the interpretation of test data, (3) can be used to help verify a design, (4) will reliably predict performance, and (5) in the case of space structures, facilitate dynamic control.

Chrostowski, J. D.↗