Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “adaptive structures”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1979

Electrostatically formed antennas

The electrostatically controlled membrane mirror (ECMM) is a way to achieve large, very light reflectors for radar, radio astronomy, radiometry, and optical devices. The concept is that of using electrostatic forces to tension a thin conducting membrane and to maintain it in a precision antenna shape. The ECMM is an adaptive structure which maintains surface quality despite errors in construction, irregularities of materials, solar heating, and onboard disturbances. The combination of high gain and low mass makes the ECMM ideally suited for space applications.

Mihora, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Collapsible and Deployable Trusses

Cable-controlled mechanisms allow large structures stored in small spaces. Combination of telescoping struts and pivot points allows very large structure collapsed into very small one. Concept used not only for straight but for tapered or curved ones as well. Structure adaptable to terrestrial uses as portable towers, scaffolds, and bridge beams folded compactly for transportation or storage.

Nelson, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

The sensitivity of synthetic aperture radiometers for remote sensing applications from space

Aperture synthesis offers a means of realizing the full potential microwave remote sensing from space by helping to overcome the limitations set by antenna size. The result is a potentially lighter, more adaptable structure for applications in space. However, because the physical collecting area is reduced, the signal-to-noise ratio is also reduced and may adversely affect the radiometric sensitivity. Sensitivity is an especially critical issue for measurements from low earth orbit because the motion of the platform (about 7 km/s) limits the integration time available for forming an image. The purpose of this paper is to develop expressions for the sensitivity of remote sensing systems which use aperture synthesis. The objective is to develop basic equations general enough to be used to obtain the sensitivity of the several variations of aperture synthesis which have been proposed for sensors in space. The conventional microwave imager (a scanning total power radiometer) is treated as a special case, and the paper concludes with a comparison of three synthetic aperture configurations with the conventional imager.

Le Vine, David M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Use of reduced basis technique in the inverse dynamics of large space cranes

The inverse dynamics of adaptive structures used as space cranes can prove computationally expensive in the case of large structures, due to the large number of degrees of freedom involved. Consequently, reduced basis techniques (reduction techniques) are frequently used to reduce the problem size to a time manageable level (for possible use in real time control). A reduced basis technique is proposed which is different from, but related to, the path-derivatives reduction technique. A linearly independent set of deflection n-tuples is used, chosen at the beginning of the time range in which it is wished to reduce the equations, in whose subspace it is assumed that the deflection vectors of the unreduced problem will lie (approximately).

Das, S. K.↗
NASA NTRS1989

The sensitivity of synthetic aperture radiometers for remote sensing applications from space

Aperture synthesis offers a means of realizing the full potential of microwave remote sensing from space by helping to overcome the limitations set by antenna size. The result is a potentially lighter, more adaptable structure for applications in space. However, because the physical collecting area is reduced, the signal-to-noise ratio is reduced and may adversely affect the radiometric sensitivity. Sensitivity is an especially critical issue for measurements to be made from low earth orbit because the motion of the platform limits the integration time available for forming an image. The purpose is to develop expression for the sensitivity of remote sensing systems which use aperture synthesis. The objective is to develop basic equations general enough to be used to obtain the sensitivity of the several variations of aperture synthesis which were proposed for sensors in space. The conventional microwave imager (a scanning total power radiometer) is treated as a special case and a comparison of three synthetic aperture configurations with the conventional imager is presented.

Levine, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Stress reduction in an isotropic plate with a hole by applied induced strains

Recently there has been much interest in adaptive structures that can respond to a varying environment by changing their properties. Shape memory alloys and piezoelectric materials can be used as induced strain actuators to reduce stresses in the regions of stress concentration. The objective of the work was to find the maximum possible reduction in the stress concentration factor in an isotropic plate with a hole by applying induced strains in a small area near the hole. Induced strains were simulated by thermal expansion.

Sensharma, Pradeep K.↗
NASA NTRS1991

A mathematical basis for the design and design optimization of adaptive trusses in precision control

A mathematical basis for the optimal design of adaptive trusses to be used in supporting precision equipment is provided. The general theory of adaptive structures is introduced, and the global optimization problem of placing a limited number, q, of actuators, so as to maximally achieve precision control and provide prestress, is stated. Two serialized optimization problems, namely, optimal actuator placement for prestress and optimal actuator placement for precision control, are addressed. In the case of prestressing, the computation of a 'desired' prestress is discussed, the interaction between actuators and redundants in conveying the prestress is shown in its mathematical form, and a methodology for arriving at the optimal placement of actuators and additional redundants is discussed. With regard to precision control, an optimal placement scheme (for q actuators) for maximum 'authority' over the precision points is suggested. The results of the two serialized optimization problems are combined to give a suboptimal solution to the global optimization problem. A method for improving this suboptimal actuator placement scheme by iteration is presented.

Das, S. K.↗
NASA NTRS1992

AMR on the CM-2

We describe the development of a structured adaptive mesh algorithm (AMR) for the Connection Machine-2 (CM-2). We develop a data layout scheme that preserves locality even for communication between fine and coarse grids. On 8K of a 32K machine we achieve performance slightly less than 1 CPU of the Cray Y-MP. We apply our algorithm to an inviscid compressible flow problem.

Berger, Marsha J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Experiences in the development of the Mighty Worm

A 'Mighty Worm' actuator with the active member capable of carrying large loads during the launch phase was developed for adaptive structures applications. Two types of Mighty Worm performance are characterized, namely, long-stroke motion and incremental positioning at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 lb. Long-stroke motion involves successive translations of all Mighty Worm moving elements, and incremental positioning involves only in-place stack expansion.

Bamford, R.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Design and control of a hand exoskeleton for use in extravehicular activities

To counter problems inherent in extravehicular activities (EVA) and complex space operations, an exoskeleton, a unique adaptive structure, has been designed. The exoskeleton fits on the hand and powers the proximal and middle phalanges of the index finger, the middle finger, and the combined ring and little finger. A kinematic analysis of the exoskeleton joints was performed using the loop-closure method. This analysis determined the angular displacement and velocity relationships of the exoskeleton joints. This information was used to determine the output power of the exoskeleton. Three small DC motors (one for each finger) are used to power the exoskeleton. The motors are mounted on the forearm. Power is transferred to the exoskeleton using lead screws. The control system for the exoskeleton measures the contact force between the operator and the exoskeleton. This information is used as the input to drive the actuation system. The control system allows the motor to rotate in both directions so that the operator may close or open the exoskeleton.

Shields, B.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Aeroservoelasticity

An overview of some research activities being conducted on aeroservoelasticity (ASE) in flight vehicles is given. Modeling procedures involving rational functions for approximating unsteady aerodynamics are briefly examined along with analysis methods using the ISAC and ADAM codes. The use of ASE in integrated structure/control law design methodology, control design using constrained optimization/singular value constraints, and adaptive structures is addressed. Test demonstrations of aeroelastic wind-tunnel models or full-scale flight vehicles with active control concepts are described which have significantly enhanced the state of the art in active control technology. The Active Flexible Wing wind-tunnel test project is discussed in detail to emphasize today's activities and accomplishments. Finally, recent activities illustrating the state of the art of ASE in high-speed aircraft are examined.

Noll, Thomas E.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Software For Managing The Use Of Land

Mapping Analysis and Planning System (MAPS) is menu-driven interactive software system providing information to aid in land-use planning. Assists user in taking account of multiple requirements, including environmental regulations, affecting types and locations of facilities and structures. Adaptable to municipal, commercial, and industrial land-use planning.

Summerfield, Burton R.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Manufacturing and NDE of Large Composite Structures for Space Transportation at MSFC

This paper presents the Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC's) vision to manufacture, increase safety and reduce the cost of launch vehicles. Nondestructive evaluations of large composite structures are tested for space transportation at MSFC. The topics include: 1) 6 1/2 Generations of Airplanes in a Century; 2) Shuttle Safety Upgrades; 3) Generations of Reusable Launch Vehicles; 4) RLV Technology Demonstration Path; 5) Second Generation; 6) Key NASA Requirements; 7) X-33 Elements; 8) Future-X Pathfinder Projects and Experiments; 9) Focus Area Technical Goals; 10) X-34 Expanded View; 11) X-38 Spacecraft with De-Orbit Propulsion Stage (DPS); 12) Deorbit Module (DM) Critical Design Review (CDR) Design; 13) Forward Structural Adapter (FSA) CDR Design; 14) X-38 DPS CDR Design; 15) RLV Focused Propulsion Technologies; and 16) Challenges in Technology. This paper is presented in viewgraph form.

McGill, Preston↗
NASA NTRS2001

Comparison of Angle of Attack Measurements for Wind Tunnel Testing

Two optical systems capable of measuring model attitude and deformation were compared to inertial devices employed to acquire wind tunnel model angle of attack measurements during the sting mounted full span 30% geometric scale flexible configuration of the Northrop Grumman Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) installed in the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT). The overall purpose of the test at TDT was to evaluate smart materials and structures adaptive wing technology. The optical techniques that were compared to inertial devices employed to measure angle of attack for this test were: (1) an Optotrak (registered) system, an optical system consisting of two sensors, each containing a pair of orthogonally oriented linear arrays to compute spatial positions of a set of active markers; and (2) Video Model Deformation (VMD) system, providing a single view of passive targets using a constrained photogrammetric solution whose primary function was to measure wing and control surface deformations. The Optotrak system was installed for this test for the first time at TDT in order to assess the usefulness of the system for future static and dynamic deformation measurements.

Jones, Thomas, W.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Charge control switch responsive to cell casing deflection

A switch structure, adapted for sensing the state-of-charge of a rechargeable cell, includes a contact element which detects cell casing deflection that occurs as a result of an increase in gaseous pressure within the cell when the cell is returned to its fully charged state during a recharging operation.

Fischell, Robert E.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Simulation of RCC Crack Growth Due to Carbon Oxidation in High-Temperature Gas Environments

The carbon wall oxidation technique coupled with a CFD technique was employed to study the flow in the expanding crack channel caused by the oxidation of the channel carbon walls. The recessing 3D surface morphing procedure was developed and tested in comparison with the arcjet experimental results. The multi-block structured adaptive meshing was used to model the computational domain changes due to the wall recession. Wall regression rates for a reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) samples, that were tested in a high enthalpy arcjet environment, were computationally obtained and used to assess the channel expansion. The test geometry and flow conditions render the flow regime as the transitional to continuum, therefore Navier-Stokes gas dynamic approach with the temperature jump and velocity slip correction to the boundary conditions was used. The modeled mechanism for wall material loss was atomic oxygen reaction with bare carbon. The predicted channel growth was found to agree with arcjet observations. Local gas flow field results were found to affect the oxidation rate in a manner that cannot be predicted by previous mass loss correlations. The method holds promise for future modeling of materials gas-dynamic interactions for hypersonic flight.

Titov, E. V.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Active Vibration Reduction of Titanium Alloy Fan Blades (FAN1) Using Piezoelectric Materials

The NASA Glenn Research Center is developing smart adaptive structures to improve fan blade damping at resonances using piezoelectric (PE) transducers. In this paper, a digital resonant control technique emulating passive shunt circuits is used to demonstrate vibration reduction of FAN1 Ti real fan blade at the several target modes. Single-mode control and multi-mode control using one piezoelectric material are demonstrated. Also a conceptual study of how to implement this digital control system into the rotating fan blade is discussed.

Choi, Benjamin↗
NASA NTRS2010

Nanosatellite Launch Adapter System (NLAS)

The utility of small spacecraft based on the University cubesat standard is becoming evident as more and more agencies and organizations are launching or planning to include nanosatellites in their mission portfolios. Cubesats are typically launched as secondary spacecraft in enclosed, containerized deployers such as the CalPoly Poly Picosat Orbital Deployer (P-POD) system. The P-POD allows for ease of integration and significantly reduces the risk exposure to the primary spacecraft and mission. NASA/ARC and the Operationally Responsive Space office are collaborating to develop a Nanosatellite Launch Adapter System (NLAS), which can accommodate multiple cubesat or cubesat-derived spacecraft on a single launch vehicle. NLAS is composed of the adapter structure, P-POD or similar spacecraft dispensers, and a sequencer/deployer system. This paper describes the NLAS system and it s future capabilities, and also provides status on the system s development and potential first use in space.

Yost, Bruce D.↗