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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 1,225 records · Page 68
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2008

Effect of Space Vehicle Structure Vibration on Control Moment Gyroscope Dynamics

Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs) are used for non-propulsive attitude control of satellites and space stations, including the International Space Station (ISS). CMGs could be essential for future long duration space missions due to the fact that they help to save propellant. CMGs were successfully tested on the ground for many years, and have been successfully used on satellites. However, operations have shown that the CMG service life on the ISS is significantly shorter than predicted. Since the dynamic environment of the ISS differs greatly from the nominal environment of satellites, it was important to analyze how operations specific to the station (dockings and undockings, huge solar array motion, crew exercising, robotic operations, etc) can affect the CMG performance. This task became even more important since the first CMG failure onboard the ISS. The CMG failure resulted in the limitation of the attitude control capabilities, more propellant consumption, and additional operational issues. Therefore, the goal of this work was to find out how the vibrations of a space vehicle structure, caused by a variety of onboard operations, can affect the CMG dynamics and performance. The equations of CMG motion were derived and analyzed for the case when the gyro foundation can vibrate in any direction. The analysis was performed for unbalanced CMG gimbals to match the CMG configuration on ISS. The analysis showed that vehicle structure vibrations can amplify and significantly change the CMG motion if the gyro gimbals are unbalanced in flight. The resonance frequencies were found. It was shown that the resonance effect depends on the magnitude of gimbal imbalance, on the direction of a structure vibration, and on gimbal bearing friction. Computer modeling results of CMG dynamics affected by the external vibration are presented. The results can explain some of the CMG vibration telemetry observed on ISS. This work shows that balancing the CMG gimbals decreases the effect of vehicle structure vibration on CMGs. Additionally, the effect of external vibrations may also be decreased by increasing the gimbal bearing friction. With the suggested modifications there may be no need to lower the gimbal rates below the nominal design requirements as it is currently done on ISS. The conclusions of this work

Dobrinskaya, Tatiana↗
DOE OSTI2026

First CLAS12 Double-Pion (Npp) Electroproduction Analysis

The N* program aims to explore strong interaction dynamics of the three-valence quark distance-dependent structure. The electroproduction and photoproduction studies provide insight into the nucleon resonance structure. One of the primary objectives of N* is to extract the electroexcitation amplitudes, which are crucial in determining the inner structure of various nucleon excitation states and their underlying degrees of freedom. Studying them on the nucleon length scale reveals also parts of the complex nature of the universe and its origin at their most fundamental level. The extraction of these amplitudes is mostly based on the single-pion, and particularly at higher invariant masses W, on the double-pion electroproduction channels, because nucleon resonance dominantly couple to them. CLAS has produced mostly all of the world data on charged double-pion electroproduction in the nucleon resonance region for photon virtualities Q2 up to 5 GeV2. The kinematic range can be extended with CLAS12, which can explore these amplitudes in the still almost unexplored range of Q2 > 5.0 GeV2. This will offer opportunities to understand the resonance structure at distances where the three-bound quark degree of freedom dominates and pave the way towards perturbative Quantum Chromodynamics (pQCD). This dissertation presents new double-pion electroproduction cross sections in the W range [1.4, 2.10] GeV and the Q2 range [2.0, 8.0] GeV2, using the Run Group A Fall-2018 dataset. This data was taken with the CLAS12 detector in Hall B at Thomas Jefferson National Laboratory (JLab) at an electron beam energy of 10.6 GeV. These cross sections are the basis for the extraction of resonance electroexcitation amplitudes using the phenomenological JLab- Moscow State University (JM) model.

Neupane, Krishna↗
DOE OSTI2021

Correlated conformational dynamics of the human GluN1-GluN2A type N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor

N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are glutamate-gated ion channels found in the nerve cell membranes. As a result of overexcitation of NMDARs, neuronal death occurs and may lead to diseases such as epilepsy, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. In this study, human GluN1- GluN2A type NMDAR structure is modeled based on the X-ray structure of the Xenopus laevis template and missing loops are added by ab-initio loop modeling. The final structure is chosen according to two different model assessment scores. To be able to observe the structural changes upon ligand binding, glycine and glutamate molecules are docked into the corresponding binding sites of the receptor. Subsequently, molecular dynamics simulations of 1.3 μs are performed for both apo and ligand-bound structures. Structural parameters, which have been considered to show functionally important changes in previous NMDAR studies, are monitored as conformational rulers to understand the dynamics of the conformational changes. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) is performed for the equilibrated part of the simulations. Additionally, from these analyses, the differences in between apo and ligand-bound simulations can be summarized as the following: The girdle right at the beginning of the pore loop, which connects M2 and M3 helices of the ion channel, partially opens. Ligands act like an adhesive for the ligand-binding domain (LBD) by keeping the bi-lobed structure together and consequently this is reflected to the overall dynamics of the protein as an increased correlation of the LBD with especially the amino-terminal domain (ATD) of the protein.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2018

Determination of Ballistic Limit for IM7/8552 Using Peridynamics

Significant testing is required to design and certify primary aircraft structure subject to High Energy Dynamic Impact (HEDI) events; current work under the NASA Advanced Composites Consortium (ACC) HEDI Project seeks to determine the state-of-the-art of dynamic fracture simulations for composite structures in these events. This paper discusses one of four Progressive Damage Analysis (PDA) methods selected for this project: peridynamics, through EMU implementation. A brief discussion of peridynamic theory is provided, followed by an outline of ballistic impact testing performed for model development and assessment. Detailed modeling approach and test-analysis correlation for a single open test case are presented, followed by the results of a series of blind predictions made prior to testing and test-analysis correlation performed with measured NASA test results. Specifically, we present simulation results for the ballistic limit (V50) of IM7/8552 composite panels ballistically tested with an impactor representative of a high-velocity fan-blade-out condition. In particular, force and displacement history and the damage state determined analytically are compared to measured results. Ultimately, peridynamics has the ability to predict damage patterns, impact force and deflections during a high energy dynamic impact event on composite panels of different layups using two different types of impactors. Blind predictions were promising and increased confidence in the model for impact simulation. There are open questions regarding the fidelity of the test fixture idealization in regards to stiffness and damping which will need to be addressed in future work.

Cuenca, Fernando↗
NASA NTRS2005

Formation Flying of Tethered and Nontethered Spacecraft

A paper discusses the effect of the dynamic interaction taking place within a formation composed of a rigid and a deformable vehicle, and presents the concept of two or more tethered spacecraft flying in formation with one or more separated free-flying spacecraft. Although progress toward formation flight of nontethered spacecraft has already been achieved, the document cites potential advantages of tethering, including less consumption of fuel to maintain formation, very high dynamic stability of a rotating tethered formation, and intrinsically passive gravity-gradient stabilization. The document presents a theoretical analysis of the dynamics of a system comprising one free-flying spacecraft and two tethered spacecraft in orbit, as a prototype of more complex systems. The spacecraft are modeled as rigid bodies and the tether as a mass-less spring with structural viscous damping. Included in the analysis is a study of the feasibility of a centralized control system for maintaining a required formation in low Earth orbit. A numerical simulation of a retargeting maneuver is reported to show that even if the additional internal dynamics of the system caused by flexibility is considered, high pointing precision can be achieved if a fictitious rigid frame is used to track the tethered system, and it should be possible to position the spacecraft with centimeter accuracy and to orient the formation within arc seconds of the desired direction also in the presence of low Earth orbit environmental perturbations. The results of the study demonstrate that the concept is feasible in Earth orbit and point the way to further study of these hybrid tethered and free-flying systems for related applications in orbit around other Solar System bodies.

Quadrelli, Marco B.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Dynamic analysis of the large deployable reflector

The Large Deployable Reflector (LDR) is to be an astronomical observatory orbiting above Earth's obscuring atmosphere and operating in the spectral range between 30 microns and 1000 microns wavelength. The LDR will be used to study such astronomical phenomena as stellar and galactic formation, cosmology, and planetary atmospheres. The LDR will be the first observatory to be erected and assembled in space. This distinction brings with it several major technological challenges such as the development of ultra-lightweight deployable mirrors, advanced mirror fabrication techniques, advanced structures, and control of vibrations due to various sources of excitation. The purpose of this analysis is to provide an assessment of the vibrational response due to secondary mirror chopping and LDR slewing. The dynamic response of two 20-m LDR configurations was studied. Two mirror support configurations were investigated for the Ames concept, the first employs a six-strut secondary mirror support structure, while the second uses a triple-bipod support design. All three configurations were modeled using a tetrahedral truss design for the primary mirror support structure. Response resulting from secondary mirror chopping was obtained for the two Ames configurations, and the response of the primary mirror from slewing was obtained for all three configurations.

Calleson, Robert E.↗
DOE OSTI2017

IR spectral assignments for the hydrated excess proton in liquid water

The local environmental sensitivity of infrared (IR) spectroscopy to a hydrogen-bonding structure makes it a powerful tool for investigating the structure and dynamics of excess protons in water. Although of significant interest, the line broadening that results from the ultrafast evolution of different solvated proton-water structures makes the assignment of liquid-phase IR spectra a challenging task. In this paper, we apply a normal mode analysis using density functional theory of thousands of proton-water clusters taken from reactive molecular dynamics trajectories of the latest generation multistate empirical valence bond proton model (MS-EVB 3.2). These calculations are used to obtain a vibrational density of states and IR spectral density, which are decomposed on the basis of solvated proton structure and the frequency dependent mode character. Decompositions are presented on the basis of the proton sharing parameter δ, often used to distinguish Eigen and Zundel species, the stretch and bend character of the modes, the mode delocalization, and the vibrational mode symmetry. We find there is a wide distribution of vibrational frequencies spanning 1200-3000 cm -1 for every local proton configuration, with the region 2000-2600 cm -1 being mostly governed by the distorted Eigen-like configuration. Finally, we find a continuous red shift of the special-pair O∙∙∙H + ∙∙∙O stretching frequency, and an increase in the flanking water bending intensity with decreasing δ. Also, we find that the flanking water stretch mode of the Zundel-like species is strongly mixed with the flanking water bend, and the special pair proton oscillation band is strongly coupled with the bend modes of the central H 5 O 2 + moiety.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1975

Computer analysis of railcar vibrations

Computer models and techniques for calculating railcar vibrations are discussed along with criteria for vehicle ride optimization. The effect on vibration of car body structural dynamics, suspension system parameters, vehicle geometry, and wheel and rail excitation are presented. Ride quality vibration data collected on the state-of-the-art car and standard light rail vehicle is compared to computer predictions. The results show that computer analysis of the vehicle can be performed for relatively low cost in short periods of time. The analysis permits optimization of the design as it progresses and minimizes the possibility of excessive vibration on production vehicles.

Vlaminck, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1985

SSME structural dynamic model development, phase 2

A set of test correlated mathematical models of the SSME High Pressure Oxygen Turbopump (HPOTP) housing and rotor assembly was produced. New analysis methods within the EISI/EAL and SPAR systems were investigated and runstreams for future use were developed. The LOX pump models have undergone extensive modification since the first phase of this effort was completed. The rotor assembly from the original model was abandoned and a new, more detailed model constructed. A description of the new rotor math model is presented. Also, the pump housing model was continually modified as additional test data have become available. This model is documented along with measured test results. Many of the more advanced features of the EAL/SPAR finite element analysis system were exercised. These included the cyclic symmetry option, the macro-element procedures, and the fluid analysis capability. In addition, a new tool was developed that allows an automated analysis of a disjoint structure in terms of its component modes. A complete description of the implementation of the Craig-Bampton method is given along with two worked examples.

Foley, M. J.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Direct prediction of inelastic neutron scattering spectra from the crystal structure*

Abstract Inelastic neutron scattering (INS) is a powerful technique to study vibrational dynamics of materials with several unique advantages. However, analysis and interpretation of INS spectra often require advanced modeling that needs specialized computing resources and relevant expertise. This difficulty is compounded by the limited experimental resources available to perform INS measurements. In this work, we develop a machine-learning based predictive framework which is capable of directly predicting both one-dimensional INS spectra and two-dimensional INS spectra with additional momentum resolution. By integrating symmetry-aware neural networks with autoencoders, and using a large scale synthetic INS database, high-dimensional spectral data are compressed into a latent-space representation, and a high-quality spectra prediction is achieved by using only atomic coordinates as input. Our work offers an efficient approach to predict complex multi-dimensional neutron spectra directly from simple input; it allows for improved efficiency in using the limited INS measurement resources, and sheds light on building structure-property relationships in a variety of on-the-fly experimental data analysis scenarios.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Quantification of hydraulic trait control on plant hydrodynamics and risk of hydraulic failure within a demographic structured vegetation model in a tropical forest (FATES–HYDRO V1.0)

Abstract. Vegetation plays a key role in the global carbon cycle and thus is an important component within Earth system models (ESMs) that project future climate. Many ESMs are adopting methods to resolve plant size and ecosystem disturbance history, using vegetation demographic models. These models make it feasible to conduct more realistic simulation of processes that control vegetation dynamics. Meanwhile, increasing understanding of the processes governing plant water use, and ecosystem responses to drought in particular, has led to the adoption of dynamic plant water transport (i.e., hydrodynamic) schemes within ESMs. However, the extent to which variations in plant hydraulic traits affect both plant water stress and the risk of mortality in trait-diverse tropical forests is understudied. In this study, we report on a sensitivity analysis of an existing hydrodynamic scheme (HYDRO) model that is updated and incorporated into the Functionally Assembled Terrestrial Ecosystem Simulator (FATES) (FATES–HYDRO V1.0). The size- and canopy-structured representation within FATES is able to simulate how plant size and hydraulic traits affect vegetation dynamics and carbon–water fluxes. To better understand this new model system, and its functionality in tropical forest systems in particular, we conducted a global parameter sensitivity analysis at Barro Colorado Island, Panama. We assembled 942 observations of plant hydraulic traits on 306 tropical plant species for stomata, leaves, stems, and roots and determined the best-fit statistical distribution for each trait, which was used in model parameter sampling to assess the parametric sensitivity. We showed that, for simulated leaf water potential and loss of hydraulic conductivity across different plant organs, the four most important traits were associated with xylem conduit taper (buffers increasing hydraulic resistance with tree height), stomatal sensitivity to leaf water potential, maximum stem hydraulic conductivity, and the partitioning of total hydraulic resistance above vs. belowground. Our analysis of individual ensemble members revealed that trees at a high risk of hydraulic failure and potential tree mortality generally have a lower conduit taper, lower maximum xylem conductivity, lower stomatal sensitivity to leaf water potential, and lower resistance to xylem embolism for stem and transporting roots. We expect that our results will provide guidance on future modeling studies using plant hydrodynamic models to predict the forest responses to droughts and future field campaigns that aim to better parameterize plant hydrodynamic models.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Iron Vacancies Accommodate Uranyl Incorporation into Hematite

Radiotoxic uranium contamination in natural systems and nuclear waste containment can be sequestered by incorporation into naturally abundant iron (oxyhydr)oxides such as hematite (-Fe2O3) during mineral growth. The stability and properties of the resulting uranium-doped material depend on the local coordination environment of incorporated uranium. While measurements of uranium coordination have been attempted using extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis, traditional shell-by-shell EXAFS fitting yields ambiguous results. We used hybrid functional ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations for various defect configurations to generate EXAFS spectra which were fitted to experimental U L3-edge EXAFS for U6+-doped hematite. We discovered that the hematite lattice accommodates a trans-dioxo uranyl-like configuration for U6+ that substitutes for structural Fe3+, which requires two partially protonated Fe vacancies situated at opposing corner-sharing lattice sites. Surprisingly, the best match to experiment included significant proportions of vacancy configurations other than the minimum-energy configuration, pointing to the importance of incorporation mechanisms and kinetics over thermodynamics in determining the state of an impurity incorporated in a host phase under hydrothermal conditions.

McBriarty, Martin E.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Influence of Initial fabric and water-wetting on particle fracture and force chain evolution in natural silica sand

Particle fracture has a significant influence on the engineering behavior of granular materials. However, the combined influence of the initial fabric and wetting on particle fracture and force chain evolution in granular materials, particularly in sands, remains insufficiently explored in the current literature. Here, in this paper, one-dimensional (1D) confined compression experiments were conducted on dry and wet specimens, and particle-level fracture was captured using three-dimensional (3D) in-situ Synchrotron Micro-Computed Tomography (SMT). A quantitative assessment of particle fracture revealed that wet specimens, which have disturbed fabric, exhibited a higher fracture percentage in comparison to dry specimens. Complementary 3D finite element (FE) simulations were performed using dry and wet (only solid fabric was considered and the influence of pore water is not considered) sand assemblies to assess interparticle contact forces and particle-scale stress distributions within the specimens. Force chain analysis was subsequently conducted, encompassing quantification of interparticle forces, characterization of force network structures, and monitoring the dynamic evolution of force chains under different strain levels. The results show that the specimens with disturbed fabric led to a more dynamic and less persistent force network, more fabric instability, and thus more reorganization of force chain structures. In addition, the frequent rearrangement of the force network in the presence of water (with reduced inter-particle contact friction) likely exacerbates localized stress concentrations, promoting failure in previously unengaged or weakly connected particles. The results reported in this paper offer a new insight into how the initial fabric and wetting cause different fracture behavior. The findings can also pave the way for more in-depth future investigations into the mechanics governing particle fracture in granular assemblies.

Finite element analysis↗
NASA NTRS1993

Robust, nonlinear, high angle-of-attack control design for a supermaneuverable vehicle

High angle-of-attack flight control laws are developed for a supermaneuverable fighter aircraft. The methods of dynamic inversion and structured singular value synthesis are combined into an approach which addresses both the nonlinearity and robustness problems of flight at extreme operating conditions. The primary purpose of the dynamic inversion control elements is to linearize the vehicle response across the flight envelope. Structured singular value synthesis is used to design a dynamic controller which provides robust tracking to pilot commands. The resulting control system achieves desired flying qualities and guarantees a large margin of robustness to uncertainties for high angle-of-attack flight conditions. The results of linear simulation and structured singular value stability analysis are presented to demonstrate satisfaction of the design criteria. High fidelity nonlinear simulation results show that the combined dynamics inversion/structured singular value synthesis control law achieves a high level of performance in a realistic environment.

Adams, Richard J.↗
DOE OSTI2017

Addressing the characterisation challenge to understand catalysis in MOFs: the case of nanoscale Cu supported in NU-1000

Here, we explore the dynamic structure and reactivity of Cu species supported on NU-1000. By combining pair distribution function (PDF) analysis and difference envelope density (DED) analysis of in situ synchrotron-based X-ray scattering data, we simultaneously probe the local structure of supported Cu-species, their distribution within NU-1000 and distortions of the NU-1000 lattice under conditions relevant to catalysis and catalyst activation. Our analyses show that atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Cu in NU-1000 (Cu-AIM) leads to the formation of Cu-oxo clusters within the small pores that connect the triangular and hexagonal channels. Exposure of Cu-AIM to a reducing atmosphere at 200 °C produces metallic Cu 0 of two distinct particle sizes: ~4 nm nanoparticles and small sub-nanometer clusters. The size of these nanoparticles appears to be constrained by NU-1000 pore dimensions, with evidence of the sub-nanometer clusters being bound within the triangular channels flanked by pyrene rings. This supported Cu 0 –NU-1000 system is catalytically active for gas-phase ethylene hydrogenation. Exposure of the catalyst to oxidative atmosphere re-oxidises the Cu species to a Cu 2 O cuprite phase. The dynamic restructuring of the system in different chemical environments underscores the importance of probing these systems in situ .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
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.↗
DOE OSTI2017

ESTABLISHING ROCK OUTCROP TIME SERIES AT VARIOUS DEPTHS IN A NONLINEAR SOIL COLUMN

Nonlinear soil-structure interaction (NLSSI) analysis methods are currently being developed at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Appendix B in ASCE 4 (2016) includes a framework for performing NLSSI analysis. For NLSSI analysis to be widely implemented in industry, it is important to demonstrate that accurate response in a dynamically loaded, nonlinear soil column can be produced. In performing NLSSI analysis, one approach is to consider vertically propagating shear and compressive waves that pass through a nonlinear soil column and into a structure. Using finite element techniques, the structure can be placed in a finite volume of nonlinear soil with a rock outcrop seismic time series applied to the bottom of the nonlinear soil. The necessary depth of the nonlinear soil mesh is dependent on the vertical soil stiffness when the model is in static and dynamic equilibrium. Run time, and therefore size of the meshed soil domain, is an important consideration when developing the NLSSI model. An approach is presented in this paper that establishes compatible rock outcrop seismic time series for reduced nonlinear soil mesh depths. To apply the approach, an example is developed using a reasonable soil column with a reasonable top-of-soil response spectrum. The approach is an iterative method which is applied in two steps. The first step is used to establish a reasonable rock outcrop time series at the highest depth considered. The second step is used to establish compatible rock outcrop time series at shallower depths.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Modal Test and Model Correlation of NASA Plum Brook Station Mechanical Vibration Facility Head Expander –Lessons Learned from the Perspective of an Early-Career Engineer

In preparation for the Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Dream Chaser spacecraft vibration test campaign at the Mechanical Vibration Facility (MVF) at NASA Plum Brook Station (PBS) in Sandusky, Ohio, a test-verified model of MVF is needed in order to be able to perform accurate pretest analysis used for determining response limits and abort levels. MVF was designed to vibration test MPCV Orion and was used to perform the system level vibration test of the European Service Module Structural Test Article (E-STA) in 2016. MVF is comprised of an 18 ft diameter annulus table that is driven with sixteen hydraulic vertical actuator assemblies and four hydraulic horizontal actuator assemblies, which allow it to perform single axis vibration testing in the vertical axis and in each of the two orthogonal horizontal axes without the need for reconfiguring the test article. A head expander for the MVF Table has been designed and built that fills in the center opening providing a continuous flat mounting surface with a maximum diameter of 16.25feet that expands the vibration testing capabilities of MVF. The MVF Table with this head expander will be used during the SNC Dream Chaser spacecraft vibration test campaign. Therefore, a critical element in a test-verified model of the MVF will be a test correlated finite element model (FEM) of the head expander. To obtain this, engineers from the Structural Dynamics Lab (SDL) at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in Cleveland, Ohio performed a modal pretest analysis, conducted a modal test in July 2019, and most recently correlated the head expander finite element model to the modal test data up to 300 Hz. From the initial test preparations to the final delivery of a correlated finite element model, all efforts mentioned were led by the same early-career engineers at NASA GRC. From the viewpoint of an early-career engineer, lessons learned about modal pretest analysis, modal testing, and finite element model correlation of the MVF Table expander head will be presented and discussed. This will include the importance of understanding the limitations of using uncorrelated finite element models in the modal pretest analysis and planning, the importance of orthogonality metrics in judging adequacy and accuracy of test mode shapes, and the importance of having the FEM match the as built hardware in the model correlation effort.

Emma L Pierson↗