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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 721 records · Page 40
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1984

Control methodologies for large space structures

The objectives of this research were to develop techniques of controlling a dc-motor driven flywheel which would apply torque to the structure to which it was mounted. The motor control system was to be implemented using a microprocessor based controller. The purpose of the torque applied by this system was to dampen oscillations of the structure to which it was mounted. Before the work was terminated due to the unavailability of equipment, a system was developed and partially tested which would provide tight control of the flywheel velocity when it received a velocity command in the form of a voltage. The procedure followed in this development was to first model the motor and flywheel system on an analog computer. Prior to the time the microprocessor development system was available, an analog control loop was replaced by the microprocessor and the system was partially tested.

Mcree, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Radiation-conduction interaction in large space structures

The effects of a penumbra due to the long wave radiation emitted by the earth or to solar energy reflected from the earth on temperature distributions, deflections and stresses in plates are studied to determine their importance in the design of space structures. An examination of the state of stress in a thin plate exposed to the sun suggests that deflections are only slightly modified by the penumbra, but that stresses in the vicinity of the shadow line are more affected. Even with the smoothing due to the penumbra, these stresses should be considered in the design of space structures. A simple relationship is given by which albedo viewfactors can be easily derived from the direct viewfactor, thus simplifying the radiation analysis.

Emery, A. F.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Sound generated aerodynamically revisited - Large-scale structures in a turbulent jet as a source of sound

The theoretical capability of identifying the source of turbulent jet noise is assessed in comparison with experimental data. Account is taken of axisymmetric and spiral turbulence modes in Lighthill's (1952) formulation of turbulent noise. Coherent structures interacting with the mean flow and the fine-grained turbulence are the primary noise sources, modeled as an oscillating streamwise distribution. Low-frequencies arise farther downstream while high-frequencies congregate close to the nozzle lip. Previous measurements at various exit velocities, angles with respect to the nozzle axis, the Strouhal number and downstream distance are discussed. The model successfully predicted the angular distribution of noise frequency due to coherent structures. Further work is indicated on compressibility effects.

Mankbadi, R.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Superclustering and the large-scale structure of the Universe

A complete redshift survey of nearby rich galactic clusters is analyzed in terms of a spatial correlation function, the growth of supercluster, the presence of superclusters around the Bootes void and the discovery of a 300 Mpc void. Abell's (1958) statistical sampling of rich clusters is used for the study. Attention is given to the dependence of the correlation function on the richness of the system, with finding that chances are greater of finding rich neighbors closer together than poor neighbors. Samples of redshifts of 4 or less correlate well with clusters of redshift 5 or more. The size of intergalactic voids is proportional to the surrounding galactic excesses. Finally, the superclusters exist on scales of about 100 Mpc/h, which is larger than expected.

Bahcall, N. A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Large-scale structure of molecular gas in Heiles Cloud 2 - A remarkable rotating ring

The J = 1 - 0 transition of (C-13)O over a 3 sq deg region in Heiles Cloud 2 has been mapped using the Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory 14 m telescope. The complete map contains 3600 individual spectra of which 2400 were sampled with 1 arcmin spacing. The map suggests that the structure of Heiles Cloud 2 is dominated by a quasi-equilibrium rotating ring similar to those found in numerical calculations of the gravitational collapse of a rotating cloud. Within this ring, several dense condensations have been identified and partially mapped in C(O-18). These subcondensations, among which is the dense filament TMC-1, probably result from the instability of the ring to fragmentation and have masses on the order of the jeans mass. Thus, they are marginally unstable to further collapse and may be the precursors of fragments that will eventually form stars.

Schloerb, F. P.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Verification for large space structures

The primary concern for verification is the dynamic characteristics of the space structure related to the control and sensor/actuator location. Properties such as modal density, range of natural frequencies, and modal displacements at the sensor/actuator location are considered and are simulated for the verification of the structure/control closed loop system. A space beam is studied in zero gravity environment and in a 1 G gravity environment, along with their governing equations.

Chen, J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Definition of ground test for verification of large space structure control

Directions regarding the analytical models were received. A counter balance arm with weights was added at the top of the ASTROMAST to offset the arm with the gimbals. In addition to this model, three more models were requested from MSFC: structure as in the revised model with the addition of lumped masses at bays 46 and 91 of the ASTROMAST; cantilevered cruciform structure with lumped masses at bays 46 and 91, and an all up cruciform structure with lumped masses at bays 46 and 91. Figures for each model and their corresponding natural frequencies and general mode shapes associated with these frequencies are included. The drawbar in use in the cruciform models must be incorporated into the antenna and ASTROMAST models. The total tensile load carrying capability of the ASTROMAST is approximately 840 pounds.

Seltzer, S. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The effect of sensor and actuator errors on static shape control for large space structures

An analytical study was performed to predict and assess the effect of actuator and sensor errors on the performance of a shape control procedure for flexible space structures using applied temperatures. Approximate formulas were derived for the expected value and variance of the rms distortion ratio (ratio of rms distortions with and without corrections) based on the assumption of zero-mean normally distributed random errors in measured distortions and actuator output temperatures. Studies were carried out for a 55-meter radiometer antenna reflector distorted from its ideal parabolic shape by nonuniform orbital heating. The first study consisted of varying the sensor and actuator errors for the case of 12 actuators and computing the distortion ratio. In the second study, sensor and actuator errors were prescribed and the effect of increasing the number of actuators was evaluated.

Haftka, R. T.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Approximation Techniques for Parameter Estimation and Feedback Control for Distributed Models of Large Flexible Structures

Approximation ideas that can be used in parameter estimation and feedback control for Euler-Bernoulli models of elastic systems are discussed. Focusing on parameter estimation problems, the authors outline how one can obtain convergence results for cubic spline-based schemes for hybrid models involving an elastic cantilevered beam with tip mass and base acceleration. Sample numerical findings are also presented.

Banks, H. T.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Turbulence characteristics of the noise producing region of an excited round jet. II - Large scale structure characteristics

A conditional sampling of digital hot wire records obtained at several radial positions of an axisymmetric jet indicates the existence of regions within the mixing layer which are more orderly than a fully chaotic turbulent flow. A Fourier decomposition of the flow has shown that most of the turbulent energy is contained in the fundamental frequency of the excitation and the first harmonic.

Baltas, C.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Ground test experience with large composite structures for commercial transports

The initial ground test of each component resulted in structural failure at less than ultimate design loads. While such failures represent major program delays, the investigation and analysis of each failure revealed significant lessons for effective utilization of composites in primary structure. Foremost among these are secondary loads that produce through-the-thickness forces which may lead to serious weaknesses in an otherwise sound structural design. The sources, magnitude, and effects of secondary loads need to be thoroughly understood and accounted for by the designers of composite primary aircraft structures.

Bohon, H. L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The large-scale structure of the asteroid belt

The distributions of 2888 numbered minor planets over orbital inclination, eccentricity, and semimajor axis are examined, and 19 zones believed to adequately isolate the selection biases in survey programs of the physical properties of minor planets are defined. Six numbered asteroids have exceptional orbits and fall into no zone. Attention is called to rather sharp upper limits, which become increasingly stringent at larger heliocentric distances, on orbital inclinations and eccentricity.

Zellner, B.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Shape Determination for Large Static Structures

Parameter and shape estimates updated from new measurements. Involves statistical structural analysis, statistical electromagneticfield analysis, filtering, measurement modeling, and iterative prediction/correction procedures. Estimating algorithms result from generalizations of Kalman statistical-filter theory.

Rodriguez, G.↗