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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 73 records · Page 4

A modified VAPEPS method for predicting vibroacoustic response of unreinforced mass loaded honeycomb panels

VAPEPS (vibroAcoustic Payload Environment Prediction System) is a computer program used to predict the vibroacoustic response of a structure. An alternate VAPEPS modeling technique, the Modified NASA Lewis Method, is an improvement for modeling unreinforced mass loaded honeycomb panels. The Modified NASA Lewis Method prediction is compared to the standard ASMS VAPEPS prediction, and the acoustic test data for three spacecraft panels. An analytical method of computing variance is presented and used to compute 95 percent confidence levels. These levels are compared to the standard VAPEPS confidence levels and to the envelope of the test data. As a result of using the new methodology suggested in the paper, both the mean prediction and the 95 percent confidence level prediction agree well with the test data in both spectral shape and magnitude. Therefore, the Modified NASA Lewis Method prediction methodology may be used to define more realistic random vibration test levels.

Mcnelis, Mark E.↗

The estimation of decay coefficient in pulsed transient data

The problem of estimation and interpretation of a decay coefficient in a pulsed transient signal is considered. Two methods are proposed in estimating the decay coefficient of pulsed decay transient data. The methods are derived through a spectral analysis for a parametric model of impulse response function of signal frequency. The several pulsed response data from T burner tests as well as some synthesized data are analyzed and the performance of the estimation procedures are examined. Suggestions for further research in this area are offered. The estimation procedures presented can be extended to the case of multiple frequencies in pulse response function and time dependent decay or growth coefficients.

Park, T. W.↗

Fatigue Life Methodology for Tapered Composite Flexbeam Laminates

The viability of a method for determining the fatigue life of composite rotor hub flexbeam laminates using delamination fatigue characterization data and a geometric non-linear finite element (FE) analysis was studied. Combined tension and bending loading was applied to non-linear tapered flexbeam laminates with internal ply drops. These laminates, consisting of coupon specimens cut from a full-size S2/E7T1 glass-epoxy flexbeam were tested in a hydraulic load frame under combined axial-tension and transverse cyclic bending. The magnitude of the axial load remained constant and the direction of the load rotated with the specimen as the cyclic bending load was applied. The first delamination damage observed in the specimens occurred at the area around the tip of the outermost ply-drop group. Subsequently, unstable delamination occurred by complete delamination along the length of the specimen. Continued cycling resulted in multiple delaminations. A 2D finite element model of the flexbeam was developed and a geometrically non-linear analysis was performed. The global responses of the model and test specimens agreed very well in terms of the transverse displacement. The FE model was used to calculate strain energy release rates (G) for delaminations initiating at the tip of the outer ply-drop area and growing toward the thick or thin regions of the flexbeam, as was observed in the specimens. The delamination growth toward the thick region was primarily mode 2, whereas delamination growth toward the thin region was almost completely mode 1. Material characterization data from cyclic double-cantilevered beam tests was used with the peak calculated G values to generate a curve predicting fatigue failure by unstable delamination as a function of the number of loading cycles. The calculated fatigue lives compared well with the test data.

Murri, Gretchen B.↗

Fatigue Life Methodology for Tapered Composite Flexbeam Laminates

The viability of a method for determining the fatigue life of composite rotor hub flexbeam laminates using delamination fatigue characterization data and a geometric non-linear finite element (FE) analysis was studied. Combined tension and bending loading was applied to nonlinear tapered flexbeam laminates with internal ply drops. These laminates, consisting of coupon specimens cut from a full-size S2/E7T1 glass-epoxy flexbeam were tested in a hydraulic load frame under combined axial-tension and transverse cyclic bending loads. The magnitude of the axial load remained constant and the direction of the load rotated with the specimen as the cyclic bending load was applied. The first delamination damage observed in the specimens occurred at the area around the tip of the outermost ply-drop group. Subsequently, unstable delamination occurred by complete delamination along the length of the specimen. Continued cycling resulted in multiple delaminations. A 2D finite element model of the flexbeam was developed and a geometrically non-linear analysis was performed. The global responses of the model and test specimens agreed very well in terms of the transverse flexbeam tip-displacement and flapping angle. The FE model was used to calculate strain energy release rates (G) for delaminations initiating at the tip of the outer ply-drop area and growing toward the thick or thin regions of the flexbeam, as was observed in the specimens. The delamination growth toward the thick region was primarily mode 2, whereas delamination growth toward the thin region was almost completely mode 1. Material characterization data from cyclic double-cantilevered beam tests was used with the peak calculated G values to generate a curve predicting fatigue failure by unstable delamination as a function of the number of loading cycles. The calculated fatigue lives compared well with the test data.

Murri, Gretchen B.↗

Testing and Life Prediction for Composite Rotor Hub Flexbeams

A summary of several studies of delamination in tapered composite laminates with internal ply-drops is presented. Initial studies used 2D FE models to calculate interlaminar stresses at the ply-ending locations in linear tapered laminates under tension loading. Strain energy release rates for delamination in these laminates indicated that delamination would likely start at the juncture of the tapered and thin regions and grow unstably in both directions. Tests of glass/epoxy and graphite/epoxy linear tapered laminates under axial tension delaminated as predicted. Nonlinear tapered specimens were cut from a full-size helicopter rotor hub and were tested under combined constant axial tension and cyclic transverse bending loading to simulate the loading experienced by a rotorhub flexbeam in flight. For all the tested specimens, delamination began at the tip of the outermost dropped ply group and grew first toward the tapered region. A 2D FE model was created that duplicated the test flexbeam layup, geometry, and loading. Surface strains calculated by the model agreed very closely with the measured surface strains in the specimens. The delamination patterns observed in the tests were simulated in the model by releasing pairs of MPCs along those interfaces. Strain energy release rates associated with the delamination growth were calculated for several configurations and using two different FE analysis codes. Calculations from the codes agreed very closely. The strain energy release rate results were used with material characterization data to predict fatigue delamination onset lives for nonlinear tapered flexbeams with two different ply-dropping schemes. The predicted curves agreed well with the test data for each case studied.

Murri, Gretchen B.↗

Validation of structural analysis methods using burner liner cyclic rig test data

The objectives of the hot section technology (HOST) burner liner cyclic rig test program are basically threefold: (1) to assist in developing predictive tools needed to improve design analyses and procedures for the efficient and accurate prediction of burner liner structural response; (2) to calibrate, evaluate and validate these predictive tools by comparing the predicted results with the experimental data generated in the tests; and (3) to evaluate existing as well as advanced temperature and strain measurement instrumentation, both contact and noncontact, in a simulated engine cycle environment. The data generated will include measurements of the thermal environment (metal surface temperatures) as well as structural (strain) and life (fatigue) responses of simulated burner liners and specimens under controlled boundary and operating conditions. These data will be used to calibrate, compare and validate analytical theories, methodologies and design procedures, as well as improvements in them, for predicting liner temperatures, stress-strain responses and cycles to failure. Comparison of predicted results with experimental data will be used to show where the predictive theories, etc. need improvements. In addition, as the predictive tools, as well as the tests, test methods, and data acquisition and reduction techniques, are developed and validated, a proven, integrated analysis/experiment method will be developed to determine the cyclic life of a simulated burner liner.

Thompson, R.↗

In-house welding studies supporting the prelaunch assessment of the STS-6 main engines

Welding studies were undertaken as a result of problems with the Challenger engines. The process used to perform these welds on heat exchanger coils, and sample test data, are described. Recommendations for process improvement are included. Effort to simulate problem welds, as well as good welds, test data, and conclusions for the high pressure fuel turbopump are also are discussed.

Hawkins, L. L.↗

Location of Center of Pressure of Airplane Wings

Data obtained in the Gottingen Aerodynamic Laboratory give considerable detail on the resulting air force moment exerted on various wing sections at different angles of attack. The Gottingen data can serve well to test the hydrodynamic theory, which (on the assumption of uniform motion and hence of infinitely wide wings) renders it possible to compute this moment as a function of the angle of attack. The Gottigen data can well serve to test the theory and it may be noted that experiment and computation compare favorably.

WINGS↗

Nodal Modeling of Tank Pressurization and Draining using a Multi-Node-Ullage Approach

The purpose of the pressurization system in liquid rocket propulsion is to control the pressure in the gas space of the propellant tank (known as the ullage space) and the propellant mass flowrate to the engine. A mathematical model is required to predict the amount of pressurant necessary to ensure that pressure and temperature levels inside the tank remain within acceptable limits and that the propellant pressure leaving the tank satisfies the net positive suction pressure (NPSP) requirement of the pump feeding the engine. Nodal codes typically model tank pressurization and draining using a single node to represent the ullage and a single node to represent the propellant. As the tank drains, the ullage node grows and the propellant node shrinks. The heat transfer between ullage to wall and ullage to propellant is governed by natural convection. Designers of liquid propulsion systems often use empirical correlations to estimate the “Collapse Factor” which represents the ratio of pressurant required with heat transfer and the amount of pressurant required without heat transfer. A single node ullage model of tank pressurization was developed using GFSSP to compute the collapse factor reasonably well and later was used to model tank pressurization during test firing of the FASTRAC rocket engine. The predicted tank pressure compared well with the test data. In the early 1970’s, pressurization and drain tests with liquid methane were performed at NASA Lewis Research Center in a vacuum chamber. A 5 ft diameter spherical aluminum tank was tested to drain from 95% to 5% full using gaseous helium, hydrogen, nitrogen and methane as pressurant. Tests were conducted with different pressurant inlet temperatures and drain times. Measured data include pressurant requirement, amount of pressurant condensed, and ullage and wall temperatures at various heights in the ullage space at the end of draining. A single node GFSSP model was developed to simulate helium pressurization of the methane tank. Predicted helium consumption was 8-23% less than measured. The average error of the six test cases was 16%. A single ullage node with multiple solid node model was developed using Thermal Desktop. Predicted helium consumption compares with the test data within 2%. This paper describes the development of a GFSSP multi-node ullage model of the test configuration and compares the predicted pressurant consumption for both helium and autogenous pressurization using gaseous methane with experimental as well as TD predictions.

Nodal Model↗

Flight service evaluation of composite components on the Bell helicopter model 206L

This is the final report on the advanced composite components which were placed in service on the 206L LongRanger helicopters in the continental United States, Canada, and Alaska. This report covers all test data which was gathered, as well as maintenance histories of the parts. The previous reports describe the fabrication, service experiences, and test data through 1986. This report contains information from these references, as well as data gathered after 1986. The status of the 40 sets of components is discussed. Each set consisted of a vertical fin, forward fairing, litter door, and baggage door. Almost 500,000 flight hours were accumulated on the 160 parts, with the high-time part accumulating 14,687 flight hours. Over 60 percent of the parts were destructively tested to measure strength and stiffness retention over the course of the program. The vertical fins had the greatest strength retention followed by the litter doors. The baggage doors had the poorest retention of strength. There was very little difference in property retention between the four primary operating regions: Northwest U.S., Southwest U.S., Gulf of Mexico Coastal Region, and the Northeast U.S. and Eastern Canada Region. The field problems have ranged from two lightning-struck fins to significant delaminations in the baggage doors. There was only one environmentally related field incident, in which the glass windows on the litter doors were found to loosen due to high temperatures experienced in the southwest region.

Wilson, Henry↗

Planetary Rover Simulation for Lunar Exploration Missions

When planning planetary rover missions it is useful to develop intuition and skills driving in, quite literally, alien environments before incurring the cost of reaching said locales. Simulators make it possible to operate in environments that have the physical characteristics of target locations without the expense and overhead of extensive physical tests. To that end, NASA Ames and Open Robotics collaborated on a Lunar rover driving simulator based on the open source Gazebo simulation platform and leveraging ROS (Robotic Operating System) components. The simulator was integrated with research and mission software for rover driving, system monitoring, and science instrument simulation to constitute an end-to-end Lunar mission simulation capability. Although we expect our simulator to be applicable to arbitrary Lunar regions, we designed to a reference mission of prospecting in polar regions. The harsh lighting and low illumination angles at the Lunar poles combine with the unique reflectance properties of Lunar regolith to present a challenging visual environment for both human and computer perception. Our simulator placed an emphasis on high fidelity visual simulation in order to produce synthetic imagery suitable for evaluating human rover drivers with navigation tasks, as well as providing test data for computer vision software development.In this paper, we describe the software used to construct the simulated Lunar environment and the components of the driving simulation. Our synthetic terrain generation software artificially increases the resolution of Lunar digital elevation maps by fractal synthesis and inserts craters and rocks based on Lunar size-frequency distribution models. We describe the necessary enhancements to import large scale, high resolution terrains into Gazebo, as well as our approach to modeling the visual environment of the Lunar surface. An overview of the mission software system is provided, along with how ROS was used to emulate flight software components that had not been developed yet. Finally, we discuss the effect of using the high-fidelity synthetic Lunar images for visual odometry. We also characterize the wheel slip model, and find some inconsistencies in the produced wheel slip behaviour.

Allan, Mark↗

Rolling-Element Fatigue Testing and Data Analysis - A Tutorial

In order to rank bearing materials, lubricants and other design variables using rolling-element bench type fatigue testing of bearing components and full-scale rolling-element bearing tests, the investigator needs to be cognizant of the variables that affect rolling-element fatigue life and be able to maintain and control them within an acceptable experimental tolerance. Once these variables are controlled, the number of tests and the test conditions must be specified to assure reasonable statistical certainty of the final results. There is a reasonable correlation between the results from elemental test rigs with those results obtained with full-scale bearings. Using the statistical methods of W. Weibull and L. Johnson, the minimum number of tests required can be determined. This paper brings together and discusses the technical aspects of rolling-element fatigue testing and data analysis as well as making recommendations to assure quality and reliable testing of rolling-element specimens and full-scale rolling-element bearings.

Vlcek, Brian L.↗

Determination of Ballistic Limit for IM7/8552 Using LS-DYNA MAT 261

The goal of the NASA ACC High Energy Dynamic Impact Project is to determine the state of the art of dynamic fracture simulations for high velocity impact for composite fuselage shielding applications. Using a building block approach, several computational models considered under NASA ACC are being validated against test data, starting at unconfigured panels and progressing to configured panels under combined out-of-plane and in-plane loading due to ballistic impact. The computational models being evaluated in this project include MAT 162, MAT 213, MAT 261, SPG, and Peridynamics. In this paper, the simulation results using LS-Dyna Material MAT 261 are presented. In particular, a series of blind predictions for unconfigured panels were performed to determine the ballistic limit or V50 velocity. MAT 261 employs failure approach that is generally physically-based using fracture toughness criteria. The overall material model relies on typical ply-level stiffness properties, similar to MAT 162 and other composite continuum damage material models. The fracture toughness values are based on standard tests, and thus are not subject to extensive calibration. This approach is more efficient than performing extensive optimization studies for calibration of parameters. Also, this approach of relying on physical properties reduces the uncertainty of results, as questions concerning the quality and extent of the calibration studies is no longer relevant. However, it was found that carefully controlled coupon-level tests are needed to accurately obtain the required fracture toughness values. Additionally, it should be noted that there is one significant parameter in MAT 261 that does appear to require calibration, and that is the overall failure strain. This is the strain at which the element is deleted, and is not the same as the strain at which damage begins to accumulate. This failure strain is termed EFS (Effective Failure Strain), and is the maximum effective stain for element failure. Simulations have shown that this value will significantly affect impact response and failure. The paper presents the effect of this element failure strain parameter, along with possible uncertainties in fracture toughness values. With an adjusted appropriate value for EFS, it is seen that simulation results compare well with impact test data for predicted penetration velocity.

Byar, Alan↗

Results of an air data probe investigation utilizing a 0.10 scale orbiter forebody (model 57-0) in the Ames Research Center 14-foot wind tunnel (OA220)

Results are presented of a 0.10 scale orbiter forebody test with left and right mounted air data probes (ADP) as well as a flight test probe (nose boom). Left and right ADP data were obtained at Mach numbers of .3, .4, .5, .6, .7, .8, .85, .9, .95, .98, 1.05 and 1.1 through a Reynolds number range of 1.3 to 4.4 million. Nose boom data were obtained at Mach numbers of .3, .4, .5, .6, .7, .9 and .98.

Esparza, V.↗

A survey of AFFDL parameter estimation efforts and future plans

An overview is presented of the applications of parameter estimation methods to the following areas of interest at the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory (AFFDL): (1) conventional stability and control parameter estimation of rigid aircraft; (2) extension to elastic aircraft; (3) extension to stall/spin aerodynamics of rigid aircraft with a nonlinear model; (4) application to the pilot model identification; and (5) correlation of wind tunnel, drop model and flight test data. Only well-documented algorithms are used with modification to the model as required for the specific application. The genesis of each problem and other background information are discussed which enumerate the algorithms and explain how this information is used to improve existing operational aircraft characteristics as well as specify design criteria for future USAF aerospace vehicles.

Eckholdt, D. C.↗

Drogue parachute deployment dynamics of the space shuttle solid rocket booster

Theoretical analysis and experimental investigations are presented for two deployment concepts of the drogue parachute deployment for the space shuttle solid rocket booster. The analysis represents the motion of three coupled rigid bodies, with one of the bodies having variable mass and moment of inertia. The unfurling process of the parachute from the bag is idealized as the flow of a continuum out of a control surface. The pilot parachute or tethered nose cap is modeled as a flexible pendulum with a nonlinear spring and a moving support. Measured wind tunnel test data compare reasonably well with the theory.

Banerjee, A. K.↗

An interstellar precursor mission

A mission out of the planetary system, with launch about the year 2000, could provide valuable scientific data as well as test some of the technology for a later mission to another star. Primary scientific objectives for the precursor mission concern characteristics of the heliopause, the interstellar medium, stellar distances (by parallax measurements), low energy cosmic rays, interplanetary gas distribution, and mass of the solar system. Secondary objectives include investigation of Pluto. Candidate science instruments are suggested. Individual spacecraft systems for the mission were considered, technology requirements and problem areas noted, and a number of recommendations made for technology study and advanced development. The most critical technology needs include attainment of 50-yr spacecraft lifetime and development of a long-life NEP system.

Jaffe, L. D.↗

An interstellar precursor mission

A mission out of the planetary system, launched about the year 2000, could provide valuable scientific data as well as test some of the technology for a later mission to another star. Primary scientific objectives for the precursor mission concern characteristics of the heliopause, the interstellar medium, stellar distances (by parallax measurements), low-energy cosmic rays, interplanetary gas distribution, and the mass of the solar system. Secondary objectives include investigation of Pluto. The mission should extend to 400-1000 AU from the sun. A heliocentric hyperbolic escape velocity of 50-100 km/sec or more is needed to attain this distance within a reasonable mission duration (20-50 years). The trajectory should be toward the incoming interstellar gas. For a year 2000 launch, a Pluto encounter and orbiter can be included. A second mission targeted parallel to the solar axis would also be worthwhile. The mission duration is 20 years, with an extended mission to a total of 50 years. A system using one or two stages of nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) was selected as a possible baseline. The most promising alternatives are ultralight solar sails or laser sailing, with the lasers in earth orbit, for example. The NEP baseline design allows the option of carrying a Pluto orbiter as a daughter spacecraft.

Jaffe, L. D.↗