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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 865 records · Page 48
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2005

Improved Cryogenic Optical Test Capability at Marshall Space Flight Center's X-ray Cryogenic Test Facility

Marshall Space Flight Center's X-ray & Cryogenic Test Facility (XRCF) has been performing optical wavefront testing and thermal structural deformation testing at subliquid nitrogen cryogenic temperatures since 1999. Recent modifications have been made to the facility in support of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) program. The test article envelope and the chamber's refrigeration capacity have both been increased. A new larger helium-cooled enclosure has been added to the existing enclosure increasing both the cross-sectional area and the length. This new enclosure is capable of supporting six JWST Primary Mirror Segment Assemblies. A second helium refrigeration system has been installed essentially doubling the cooling capacity available at the facility. Modifications have also been made to the optical instrumentation area. Improved access is now available for both the installation and operation of optical instrumentation outside the vacuum chamber. Chamber configuration, specifications, and performance data will be presented.

Kegley, Jeffrey↗
NASA NTRS2013

Low Density Supersonic Decelerator Parachute Decelerator System

The Low Density Supersonic Decelerator Project has undertaken the task of developing and testing a large supersonic ringsail parachute. The parachute under development is intended to provide mission planners more options for parachutes larger than the Mars Science Laboratory's 21.5m parachute. During its development, this new parachute will be taken through a series of tests in order to bring the parachute to a TRL-6 readiness level and make the technology available for future Mars missions. This effort is primarily focused on two tests, a subsonic structural verification test done at sea level atmospheric conditions and a supersonic flight behind a blunt body in low-density atmospheric conditions. The preferred method of deploying a parachute behind a decelerating blunt body robotic spacecraft in a supersonic flow-field is via mortar deployment. Due to the configuration constraints in the design of the test vehicle used in the supersonic testing it is not possible to perform a mortar deployment. As a result of this limitation an alternative deployment process using a ballute as a pilot is being developed. The intent in this alternate approach is to preserve the requisite features of a mortar deployment during canopy extraction in a supersonic flow. Doing so will allow future Mars missions to either choose to mortar deploy or pilot deploy the parachute that is being developed.

Low Density Supersonic Decelerator (LDSD)↗
NASA NTRS1992

Ground test validation of large precision structure through adaptive structures

Without novel ground validation test (GVT) approaches for such space structures as those contemplated for an orbiting optical interferometer, this and other NASA missions will be stillborn. One such approach may involve the integration of adaptive structures concepts into initial structural designs, in order to accommodate GVT, as well as to allow for redundancy and enhance mission reliability. Adaptive structures are noted to intrinsically relax GVT requirements.

Wada, Ben K.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Edgewise Compression Testing of STIPS-0 (Structurally Integrated Thermal Protection System)

The Structurally Integrated Thermal Protection System (SITPS) task was initiated by the NASA Hypersonics Project under the Fundamental Aeronautics Program to develop a structural load-carrying thermal protection system for use in aerospace applications. The initial NASA concept for SITPS consists of high-temperature composite facesheets (outer and inner mold lines) with a light-weight insulated structural core. An edgewise compression test was performed on the SITPS-0 test article at room temperature using conventional instrumentation and methods in order to obtain panel-level mechanical properties and behavior of the panel. Three compression loadings (10, 20 and 37 kips) were applied to the SITPS-0 panel. The panel behavior was monitored using standard techniques and non-destructive evaluation methods such as photogrammetry and acoustic emission. The elastic modulus of the SITPS-0 panel was determined to be 1.146x106 psi with a proportional limit at 1039 psi. Barrel-shaped bending of the panel and partial delamination of the IML occurred under the final loading.

Brewer, Amy R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Laboratory evaluation of two advanced suspension devices for ground vibration testing of large space structures

In order to provide the advanced suspension technology needed to allow ground test measurement of free-body modal parameters, two advanced suspension devices, one passive, the other active, are evaluated on the basis of laboratory testing of each device type with rigid and flexible payloads. Rigid-body tests show the basic behavior of the devices when they are uncoupled from a test article near their bandwidth. Flexible body tests show how suspension device dynamics couple with the dynamics of a representative large space structure. For the flexible body testing, targets for the free-body modal parameters are developed from test-verified analysis of the representative structure suspended in an orientation which is only mildly sensitive to suspension constraints.

Cooley, Victor M.↗
NASA NTRS2020

Application of Quasi-Static Modal Analysis to an Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle Test

Bolted structural joints often exhibit load-dependent stiffness and energy dissipation that leads to nonlinear, amplitude dependent frequency and damping in the structure. As an alternative to direct integration of the nonlinear equations of motion, quasi-static modal analysis (QSMA) determines the dependence of frequency and damping on response amplitude using loading behavior from nonlinear static analyses. QSMA has previously been demonstrated to substantially reduce computational cost and maintain accuracy relative to full nonlinear dynamic simulation. This work explores the applicability of QSMA to a complex, large-scale aerospace structure. QSMA is employed to analyze a nonlinear model of test hardware developed to support the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle program, which exhibited nonlinear behavior during dynamic testing at flight-like load levels. In addition to the extraction of amplitude-dependent frequency and damping curves, a Bouc-Wen hysteresis model was used in conjunction with the quasi-static results to develop nonlinear, uncoupled, time-domain modal equations of motion for the structure. Excellent agreement was observed between the reduced and full-order nonlinear models, encouraging future employment of QSMA to support accurate and efficient model reduction of structures with bolted joint nonlinearities.

QSMA↗
NASA NTRS1987

Structural response of an advanced combustor liner: Test and analysis

An advanced (segmented) combustor liner supplied by Pratt and Whitney Aircraft was tested in the structural component test rig at Lewis Research Center. It was found that the segmented liner operated at much lower temperatures than the conventional liner (about 400 F lower) for the same heat flux. At the lower temperatures and low thermal gradients, little distortion to the segments was observed. The operating conditions were not severe enough to distort or damage the segmented liner.

Moorhead, Paul E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Simulation of on-orbit modal tests of large space structures

This paper describes a procedure to analytically simulate a modal test of an on-orbit large space structure (LSS), extract the modal properties, and evaluate the success of the modal test. This procedure addresses some of the major challenges to performing an on-orbit modal test of an LSS including high modal density, low frequency modes, and limitations in excitation capabilities. A finite element model of the orbiting structure is used to predict acceleration responses due to thruster excitations, time-domain modal extraction methods are used to estimate the modal properties, and comparison of frequencies and cross-orthogonality values is used to evaluate the success of the modal test. Several alternative excitation patterns and sensor arrangements were evaluated using a space station model as an example. Results of the simulations indicate that the choice of excitation functions is critical to the success of the test.

Blelloch, Paul↗
NASA NTRS1985

Extension of ground-based testing for large space structures

A major concern for future large space structures is the ability to verify their dynamic characteristics by ground test. This article presents the results of the multiple boundary conditions test (MBCT) approach, which provides a complete ground test of a large structure that will provide, in turn, the data necessary to construct a test-verified final mathematical model. Theoretical studies indicate that this approach can provide a better final model than a ground test of the full-scale very flexible structure in a 1-g field. The approach is demonstrated by a mathematical simulation.

Wada, B. K.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Galileo spacecraft modal test and evaluation of testing techniques

The structural configuration, modal test requirements and pre-test activities involved in modeling the expected dynamic environment and responses of the Galileo spacecraft are discussed. The probe will be Shuttle-launched in 1986 and will gather data on the Jupiter system. Loads analysis for the 5300 lb spacecraft were performed with the NASTRAN code, and covered 10,000 static degrees of freedom and 1600 mass degrees of freedom. A modal analysis will be used to verify the predictions for natural frequencies, mode shapes, orthogonality checks, residual mass, modal damping and forces, and generalized forces. Verification of the validity of considering only 70 natural modes in the numerical simulation is being performed by examining the forcing functions of the analysis. The analysis led to requirements that 162 channels of accelerometer data and 118 channels of strain gage data be recorded during shaker tests to reveal areas where design changes will be needed to eliminate vibration peaks.

Chen, J.-C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Technology requirements for large flexible space structures

Research, test, and demonstration experiments necessary for establishing a data base that will permit construction of large, lightweight flexible space structures meeting on-orbit pointing and surface precesion criteria are discussed. Attention is focused on the wrap-rib proof-of-concept antenna structures developed from technology used on the ATS-6 satellite. The target structure will be up to 150 m in diameter or smaller, operate at RF levels, be amenable to packaging for carriage in the Shuttle bay, be capable of being ground-tested, and permit on-orbit deployment and retraction. Graphite/epoxy has been chosen as the antenna ribs material, and the antenna mesh will be gold-plated Mo wire. A 55-m diam reflector was built as proof-of-concept with ground-test capability. Tests will proceed on components, a model, the entire structure, and in-flight. An analytical model has been formulated to characterize the antenna's thermal behavior. The flight test of the 55-m prototype in-orbit offers the chance to validate the analytical model and characterize the control, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of the antenna configuration.

Wada, B. K.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Structural evaluations and dynamic testing of solar electric propulsion components.

Results of an experimental and analytical study of selected Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) thrust subsystem components are presented. A mass and center-of-mass mockup of an experimental power conditioning (PC) panel was used for the PC structure evaluation. Test environment was based on that specified for prooftesting the Viking spacecraft electronics. Modal frequencies were surveyed over the range of 0-2000 Hz using both conventional test equipment and the holographic interferometry technique. Results of the forced vibration tests point to the need for some additional stiffening to make the structure qualifiable.

Womack, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Program for establishing long-time flight service performance of composite materials in the center wing structure of C-130 aircraft. Phase 4: Ground/flight acceptance tests

The advantageous structural uses of advanced filamentary composites are demonstrated by design, fabrication, and test of three boron-epoxy reinforced C-130 center wing boxes. The advanced development work necessary to support detailed design of a composite reinforced C-130 center wing box was conducted. Activities included the development of a basis for structural design, selection and verification of materials and processes, manufacturing and tooling development, and fabrication and test of full-scale portions of the center wing box. Detailed design drawings, and necessary analytical structural substantiation including static strength, fatigue endurance, flutter, and weight analyses are considered. Some additional component testing was conducted to verify the design for panel buckling, and to evaluate specific local design areas. Development of the cool tool restraint concept was completed, and bonding capabilities were evaluated using full-length skin panel and stringer specimens.

Harvill, W. E.↗
NASA NTRS2022

Optimization Approach for Wind Tunnel Fan Blade Strain Gage Correlation with Test Fixture Unknowns

NASA has a significant maintenance challenge with the aging wind tunnel infrastructure across the Agency. Some wind tunnel fan blades, such as those in the National Transonic Facility at NASA Langley Research Center, have been in use for far longer than their planned 10-year lifetime. No detailed analytical models of the fan blades from their initial fabrication were created. To support the fabrication of either new, nominally identical fan blades or newly designed fan blades, accurate analytical models of the existing fan blades are necessary to demonstrate an understanding of the capabilities of the existing fan blades. Additionally, the existing documentation of the testing of the existing fan blades has gaps. In this report, a process for improving test-analysis correlation for these wind tunnel fan blades is discussed. This process involved a detailed study of unknown parameters in test fixture parameters from the old and incomplete test documentation. To improve correlation, these unknown parameters were used as design variables in an optimization study to minimize the error between test data and computed structural responses. Legacy strain gage data from tests conducted in 1981 were compared with results from a finite element model created in 2019. The use of test data from 1981 was necessary because none of the existing fan blades could be spared for use in destructive structural testing. While this process was demonstrated for wind tunnel fan blades, this process could be utilized for evaluating unknowns in test fixtures for other structural test configurations.

wind tunnel↗