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At least 73 records · Page 4

Deflection and Stress Analysis of Thin Solid Wings of Arbitrary Plan Form with Particular Reference to Delta Wings

The structural analysis of arbitrary solid cantilever wings by small-deflection thin-plate theory is reduced to the solution of linear ordinary differential equations by the assumption that the chordwise deflections at any spanwise station may be expressed in the form of a power series in which the coefficients are functions of the spanwise coordinate. If the series is limited to the first two and three terms (that is, if linear and parabolic chordwise deflections, respectively, are assumed), the differential equations for the coefficients are solved exactly for uniformly loaded solid delta wings of constant thickness ratio. For cases for which exact solutions to the differential equations cannot be obtained, a numerical procedure is derived. Experimental deflection and stress data for constant-thickness delta-plate specimens of 45 degree and 60 degree sweep are presented and are found to compare favorably with the present theory.

Stein, Manuel↗

Some Solutions for the Large Deflections of Uniformly Loaded Circular Membranes

Inconsistent citations in the literature and questions about convergence prompt reexamination of Hencky's classic solution for the large deflections of a clamped, circular isotropic membrane under uniform pressure. This classic solution is observed actually to be for uniform lateral loading because the radial component of the pressure acting on the deformed membrane is neglected. An algebraic error in Hencky's solution is corrected, additional terms are retained in the power series to assess convergence, and results are obtained for two additional values of Poisson's ratio. To evaluate the importance of the neglected radial component of the applied pressure, the problem is reformulated with this component included and is solved, with escalating algebraic complexity, by a similar power-series approach. The two solutions agree quite closely for lightly loaded membranes and diverge slowly as the load intensifies. Differences in maximum stresses and deflections are substantial only when stresses are very high. The more nearly spherical deflection shape of the membrane under true pressure loading suggests that a near-parabolic membrane reflector designed on the basis of the more convenient Hencky theory would not perform as well as expected. In addition, both theories are found to yield closed-form, nonuniform membrane-thickness distributions that produce parabolic middle-surface deflections under loading. Both distributions require that the circular boundary expand radially in amounts that depend on material and loading parameters.

Fichter, W. B.↗

Investigation of Interference of a Deflected Jet with Free Stream and Ground on Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Semispan Delta-Wing VTOL Model

An investigation of the mutual interference effects of the ground, wing, deflected jet stream, and free stream of a semispan delta-wing VTOL model at zero and low forward speeds has been conducted in the 17-foot test section of the Langley 300-MPH 7-by 10-foot tunnel. The model consisted of two interchangeable semispan clipped delta wings, a simplified fuselage, and a high-pressure jet for simulation of a jet exhaust. Attached to the wing behind the jet were various sets of vanes for deflecting the jet stream to different turning angles. The effect of ground proximity gave the normally expected losses in lift at zero and very low forward speeds (up to about 60 or 80 knots for the assumed wing loading of 100 lb/sq ft); at higher forward speeds ground effects were favorable. At low forward speeds, out of ground effect, the model encountered large losses in lift and large nose-up pitching moments with the model at low angles of attack and the jet deflected 90 deg or 75 deg (the angles required for VTOL performance and very low forward speeds). Rotating the model to higher angles of attack and deflecting the jet back to lower angles eliminated these losses in lift. Moving the jet rearward with respect to the wing reduced the losses in lift and the nose-up moments at all speeds within the range of this investigation.

Spreemann, Kenneth P.↗

Effects of Forebody Deflection on the Stability and Control Characteristics of a Canard Airplane Configuration with a High Trapezoidal Wing at a Mach Number of 2.01

An investigation has been conducted in the Langley 4- by 4-foot supersonic pressure tunnel at a Mach number of 2.01 to determine the effects of forebody deflection on the stability and control characteristics of a canard airplane configuration. The configuration had a high trapezoidal aspect-ratio-3 wing, a trapezoidal canard surface, and a single swept vertical tail. Forebody deflection angles of 0 deg, 2 deg and deg were investigated. The results indicated that nose-up deflections of the forebody provided positive increments of pitching moment with little increase in drag and hence would be useful in reducing the pitch-control requirements and the attendant losses in lift-drag ratio due to trimming. Deflection of the forebody, however, aggravated the decrease in directional stability with increasing angle of attack by causing a loss in tail contribution and by increasing the instability of the wing-body combination.

Spearman, M. Leroy↗

Mission Design and Optimal Asteroid Deflection for Planetary Defense

Planetary defense is a topic of increasing interest for many reasons, which has been mentioned in "Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022''. However, perhaps one of the most significant rationales for asteroid studies is the number of close approaches that have been documented recently. A space mission with a planetary defense objective aims to deflect the threatening body as far as possible from Earth. The design of a mission that optimally deflects an asteroid has different challenges: speed, precision, and system trade-off. This work addresses such issues and develops a fast transcription of the problem that can be implemented into an optimization tool, which allows for a broader trade study of different mission concepts with a medium fidelity. Such work is suitable for a mission?s preliminary study. It is shown, using the fictitious asteroid impact scenario 2017 PDC, that the complete tool is able to account for the orbit sensitivity to small perturbations and quickly optimize a deflection trajectory. The speed in which the tool operates allows for a trade study between the available hardware. As a result, key deflection dates and mission strategies are identified for the 2017 PDC.

Planetary defense↗

Mission Design and Optimal Asteroid Deflection for Planetary Defense

Planetary defense is a topic of increasing interest for many reasons, which has been mentioned in "Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022". However, perhaps one of the most significant rationales for asteroid studies is the number of close approaches that have been documented recently. A space mission with a planetary defense objective aims to deflect the threatening body as far as possible from Earth. The design of a mission that optimally deflects an asteroid has different challenges: speed, precision, and system trade-off. This work addresses such issues and develops a fast transcription of the problem that can be implemented into an optimization tool, which allows for a broader trade study of different mission concepts with a medium fidelity. Such work is suitable for a mission's preliminary study. It is shown, using the fictitious asteroid impact scenario 2017 PDC, that the complete tool is able to account for the orbit sensitivity to small perturbations and quickly optimize a deflection trajectory. The speed in which the tool operates allows for a trade study between the available hardware. As a result, key deflection dates and mission strategies are identified for the 2017 PDC.

Trajectory optimization↗

Flyover-Noise Reduction of Commercial Aircraft via Reduced Slat Deflections and Modified Flight Procedures

Current regulation and operation of commercial aircraft result in flyover noise that generates public protest from residents well outside the recognized noise footprint of modern airports. This noise issue was recently exacerbated by the implementation of NextGen air-traffic control which uses GPS-navigation for predictable flight paths and improved efficiency. A side-effect of the narrow flight corridors is a perceived increase in noise level and annoyance experienced by the residents directly under the flight paths. As a possible solution to the community noise issue, the feasibility of a lower slat deflections and modified flight procedures were explored. To document the maximum potential noise reduction, field measurements were conducted on the ground at locations before and after slat deployment. For safety considerations, the stall margin of a lower slat deflection was computed for a realistic geometry based on a modern commercial aircraft. The logistics of setting lower slat angles on current aircraft were also investigated through discussions with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and aircraft manufacturers. The results suggest that community flyover noise could be reduced via lower slat deflections during early approach, but that modifying current aircraft would be difficult due to existing control systems and hurdles in certification. Alternatively, modifications to existing flight procedures could reduce the perceived noise of the NextGen flight patterns. For next generation commercial aircraft, reduced slat deflections could be considered if mandated by FAA noise requirements during early approach.

Storms, Bruce L.↗

AIDA: Measuring Asteroid Binary System Parameters and DART-Imparted Deflection Using the AIM Spacecraft

The Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment (AIDA) mission concept would demonstrate an asteroid deflection through a high velocity spacecraft impact on the moon of the binary asteroid system Didymos. The NASA DART spacecraft would be launched on an impacting trajectory, while the ESA AIM spacecraft would be orbiting and observing the system before and after the impact. Radio science measurements with AIM provides information on the complex dynamics of the binary system. Combined with the DART experiment, the ability to measure the imparted delta-v has significant implications for how well the proposed AIDA mission would serve as a deflection demonstration. In addition, the impact-induced deflection, cratering, and mass transfer can be interpreted as indicators of surface properties. We provided preliminary analyses of the measurability of the DART impact as function of generic AIM spacecraft proximity operations and knowledge of the Didymos system from radio science techniques.

Bellerose, Julie↗

Post-Flight Quantification of LOFTID Aeroshell Deflection Using Feature Tracking

The Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) was a flight demonstration of the Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) technology, which has the potential to enable delivery of heavy payloads to Mars, Venus, and Titan, as well as return to Earth. Unlike rigid aeroshells that are constrained by the diameter of the launch vehicle shroud, inflatable aeroshells can be deployed to a much larger drag area, thus allowing a more massive spacecraft to begin its deceleration at higher altitudes and experience less heating. On November 10, 2022, the LOFTID reentry vehicle launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket to low-Earth orbit. The aeroshell was inflated to its full 6-meter diameter, and the vehicle then successfully re-entered the atmosphere, landing in the Pacific Ocean. The aeroshell was composed of seven tori bound together by high strength straps to create a 70-degree half-angle sphere-cone, and the forebody was covered with a flexible thermal protection system (FTPS) (Fig. 1). The centerbody of the vehicle housed six visual cameras. Each camera was made up of 1920 x 1080 pixels and had a field-of-view (FOV) of 85.4° x 55.6°, resulting in a resolution of less than 0.1" at all locations on the aftbody side of the aeroshell. The approximate locations of the cameras and their associated FOVs is shown in Fig. 2. The high loads experienced during flight resulted in the cone of the aeroshell deflecting. This behavior was seen during the static load testing of the aeroshell in May 2021, in which loads ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 lbf were applied, and deflections of up to ~1.7° were observed. The LOFTID team was interested in estimating the deflection of the aeroshell during the its entry into Earth's atmosphere. Before launch, 1"-diameter black circles were drawn on select structural straps for tracking with the visual cameras; the change in position of these features could then be used to calculate aeroshell deflection angle.

Hannah S. Alpert↗

Computational Analysis of the X-57 Maxwell Airplane, the Landing Configuration with High-Lift Blowing and Aileron Deflections (Preliminary Fuselage)

The X-57 Maxwell is an all-electric airplane with a distributed electric propulsion system used for a high-lift system at takeoff and landing conditions. The Kestrel and USM3D flow solvers were used at NASA Langley to investigate the performance of the X-57 Maxwell in the development of an aerodynamic database. The configuration investigated in this paper had a 30° flap deflection, and in addition the pilot’s right aileron were deflected and undeflected in different cases. The solutions were computed at an airspeed of 58 KEAS, for an altitude of 6000 feet, and a flight Reynolds number of 0.588e+06 per foot. To evaluate the high-lift distributed electric propulsion system without aileron deflections, the solutions were computed for an angle-of-attack sweep from −2° to 20°, with the high-lift propellers blowing and the cruise propellers excluded from the simulation. To investigate the aileron effectiveness, the solutions were computed at angles of attack of −2° and 14°, for aileron deflections from −25° to 18° with the high-lift propellers blowing and the cruise propellers windmilling at idle-power. The high-lift propellers and the idle-power cruise propellers were modeled with an actuator disk. Results show negligible differences in lift, drag and pitching moment whether the idle-powered cruise propellers were included or excluded from the simulation. In general, the Kestrel and USM3D codes compared well for lift, drag and pitching moment for the landing configuration with no aileron control. The Kestrel code, using the Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model with the rotation corrections terms, predicted an increasing lift coefficient up to maximum lift coefficient of 4.65 at a 15° angle of attack. The USM3D code, using the Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model turbulence model with the Quadratic Constitutive Relation predicted an increasing lift coefficient up to maximum lift coefficient of 4.5 at a 12° angle of attack, with the lift remaining constant through a 14◦ angle of attack. A possible difference in lift coefficient between the codes for high angles of attack may result from the different available options used with the standard Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model. The Kestrel code predicted more drag across the range of angle of attack than the USM3D code. The codes compared well for pitching moment coefficient across the range of angle of attack. The Kestrel and USM3D codes compared well for aileron effectiveness at a 2° angle of attack. The Kestrel code predicts better aileron effectiveness than USM3D at a 14° angle of attack. There is more flow separation in the region outboard of the last high-lift nacelle for the USM3D solutions at a 14° angle of attack, which diminishes the ability of the aileron to be effective.

X-57 Maxwell Airplane↗

Post-Flight Quantification of LOFTID Aeroshell Deflection Using Feature Tracking

The Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) was a flight demonstration of the Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) technology, which has the potential to enable delivery of heavy payloads to Mars, Venus, and Titan, as well as return to Earth. Unlike rigid aeroshells that are constrained by the diameter of the launch vehicle shroud, inflatable aeroshells can be deployed to a much larger drag area, thus allowing a more massive spacecraft to begin its deceleration at higher altitudes and experience less heating. On November 10, 2022, the LOFTID reentry vehicle launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket to low-Earth orbit. The aeroshell was inflated to its full 6-meter diameter, and the vehicle then successfully re-entered the atmosphere, landing in the Pacific Ocean. The aeroshell was composed of seven tori bound together by high strength straps to create a 70-degree half-angle sphere-cone, and the forebody was covered with a flexible thermal protection system (FTPS) (Fig. 1). The centerbody of the vehicle housed six visual cameras. Each camera was made up of 1920 x 1080 pixels and had a field-of-view (FOV) of 85.4° x 55.6°, resulting in a resolution of less than 0.1" at all locations on the aftbody side of the aeroshell. The approximate locations of the cameras and their associated FOVs is shown in Fig. 2. The high loads experienced during flight resulted in the cone of the aeroshell deflecting. This behavior was seen during the static load testing of the aeroshell in May 2021, in which loads ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 lbf were applied, and deflections of up to ~1.7° were observed. The LOFTID team was interested in estimating the deflection of the aeroshell during the its entry into Earth's atmosphere. Before launch, 1"-diameter black circles were drawn on select structural straps for tracking with the visual cameras; the change in position of these features could then be used to calculate aeroshell deflection angle.

Hannah S. Alpert↗

Determination of Propeller Deflection by Means of Static Load Tests on Models

This note describes a simple and inexpensive method for determining the deflection of propeller blades under operating loads. Both the centrifugal force and air force loads are applied statically as a number of concentrated loads by means of weights and wires. Two methods of attaching the wires to the propeller blades have been tested, both giving approximately the same deflections. The method is considered useful for studying the deflections of propellers of different shapes under various operating conditions.

PROPELLERS - LOADING, ETC↗

Deflection predictions of involute-shaped fuel plates using a fully-coupled numerical approach

This paper describes the modeling and simulation of fluid structure interactions (FSI) of involute-shaped fuel plates used in nuclear research reactors. We believe this to be the first time that this type of application is described in the literature using a fully-coupled, and monolithic, finite element approach. The simulations are validated against plate deflection data for the conceptual design of the Advanced Neutron Source Reactor (ANSR), which was envisioned to be the world’s most powerful nuclear research reactor for neutron scattering and other applications, but was ultimately never completed. The high performance of the ANSR creates a bounding envelope for involute-shaped research reactors such as that used in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) which is undergoing research for the conversion from highly-enriched uranium (HEU) to low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel. As such, the findings from the present FSI analyses carried out herein for the ANSR plates provide good guidelines and inform designers what should be expected for the next generation of plates in the HFIR. Furthermore it is shown herein that the current approach can accurately capture the leading-edge deflections of the involute-shaped plates and simulations can predict the ‘S-shaped’ deflection of the first mode instilling confidence in the methodology.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Thermal deflection in neutron scattering sample environments at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

The neutron sources at Oak Ridge National Laboratory use a wide suite of sample environment equipment to deliver extreme conditions for a number of experiments. Much of this instrumentation focuses on extremes of temperature, such as cryostats, closed-cycle refrigerators in both low and high temperature configurations, and radiant heating furnaces. When the temperature is controlled across a large range, thermal deflection effects can notably move the sample and affect its alignment in the beam. Here, we combine these sample environments with neutron imaging and machine vision to determine the motion of a representative sample with respect to the neutron beam. We find vertical sample displacement on the order of 1–2 mm and horizontal displacement that varies from near-negligible to 1.2 mm. While these deflections are not relevant for some of the beamlines at the first target station at the spallation neutron source and the high flux isotope reactor, they will become critical for upcoming instrumentation at the second target station, as well as any instruments targeting sub-mm samples, as neutron sources and optics evolve to smaller and more focused beams. We discuss mitigation protocols and potential modifications to the environment to minimize the effect of misalignment due to thermal deflection.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Predicting Large Deflections of Multiplate Fuel Elements Using a Monolithic FSI Approach

As part of the Global Threat Reduction Initiative, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory is evaluating conversion of fuel for the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) from high-enriched uranium to low-enriched uranium. Currently, multiphysics simulations that model fluid-structure interaction phenomena are being performed to ensure the safety of the reactor with the new fuel type. A monolithic solver that fully couples fluid and structural dynamics is used to model deflections in the new design. A classical experiment is chosen to validate the capabilities of the current solver and the method. Here, a single-plate simulation with various boundary conditions as well as a five-plate simulation are presented. Finally, use of the monolithic solver provides stable solutions for the large deflections and the tight coupling of the fluid and structure and the maximum deflections are captured accurately.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Laser and electron deflection from transverse asymmetries in laser-plasma accelerators

Here, we report on the deflection of laser pulses and accelerated electrons in a laser-plasma accelerator (LPA) by the effects of laser pulse front tilt and transverse density gradients. Asymmetry in the plasma index of refraction leads to laser steering, which can be due to a density gradient or spatiotemporal coupling of the laser pulse. The transverse forces from the skewed plasma wave can also lead to electron deflection relative to the laser. Quantitative models are proposed for both the laser and electron steering, which are confirmed by particle-in-cell simulations. Experiments with the BELLA Petawatt Laser are presented which show controllable 0.1-1 mrad laser and electron beam deflection from laser pulse front tilt. This has potential applications for electron beam pointing control, which is of paramount importance for LPA applications.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

A White Paper on Design and Fabrication of SRF Deflecting Cavities for Elletra-2

Synchrotron Trieste (ST) operates an X-ray light source Elettra and plans to upgrade it to a low-emittance high-brightness X-ray source Elettra-2.0 based on a multi-bend achromat lattice. There is also a significant interest among Elettra users to pursue time-resolved studies of matter choosing the appropriate X-ray pulse duration in the range from 20 picoseconds to a few picoseconds FWHM. Recently, X. Huang (SLAC) and A. Zholents (ANL) performed a study sponsored by ST and proposed modifications to the Elettra-2.0 design that will allow production of picosecond x-ray pulses on many beamlines. They showed that two radio frequency deflecting cavities with slightly different frequencies can be installed in the ring’s sector 8 and produce time-dependent orbit deflection to a few dedicated electron bunches without affecting other regular bunches. These special bunches produce X-ray pulses in which transverse position or angle, or both, are correlated with time. The short X-ray pulse is then obtained by using a narrow slit positioned downstream in the beamline. Many technical details of the proposed modification to Elettra-2.0 are discussed in the supplemental report. We present here the design of a multicell superconducting deflecting cavity for the purpose of the ST Short Pulse X-ray (SPX) project.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Orbital Deflection of Comets by Directed Energy

Cometary impacts pose a long-term hazard to life on Earth. Impact mitigation techniques have been studied extensively, but they tend to focus on asteroid diversion. Typical asteroid interdiction schemes involve spacecraft physically intercepting the target, a task feasible only for targets identified decades in advance and in a narrow range of orbits—criteria unlikely to be satisfied by a threatening comet. Comets, however, are naturally perturbed from purely gravitational trajectories via solar heating of their surfaces, which activates sublimation-driven jets. Artificial heating of a comet, such as by a laser, may supplement natural heating by the Sun to purposefully manipulate its path and thereby avoid an impact. Deflection effectiveness depends on the comet’s heating response, which varies dramatically depending on factors including nucleus size, orbit, and dynamical history. These factors are incorporated into a numerical orbital model to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of using high-powered laser arrays in Earth orbit and on the ground for comet deflection. Simulation results suggest that a diffraction-limited 500 m orbital or terrestrial laser array operating at 10 GW for 1% of each day over 1 yr is sufficient to fully avert the impact of a typical 500 m diameter comet with primary nongravitational parameter A {sub 1} = 2 × 10{sup −8} au day{sup −2}. Strategies to avoid comet fragmentation during deflection are also discussed.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗