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At least 145 records · Page 8

An assessment of the performance of the Spanwise Iron Magnet rolling moment generating system for magnetic suspension and balance systems using the finite element computer program GFUN

The development of a powerful method of magnetic roll torque generation is essential before construction of a large magnetic suspension and balance system (LMSBS) can be undertaken. Some preliminary computed data concerning a relatively new dc scheme, referred to as the spanwise iron magnet scheme are presented. Computations made using the finite element computer program 'GFUN' indicate that adequate torque is available for at least a first generation LMSBS. Torque capability appears limited principally by current electromagnet technology.

Britcher, C. P.↗

Data acquisition and reduction for the University of Virginia superconducting magnetic suspension and balance facility

The problems associated with data acquisition and reduction in the U.Va. superconducting magnetic suspension and balance facility are similar to those in free-flight ranges (or tunnels). The model undergoes a Quasi-six-degree of freedom motion which must be monitored both in position and angular orientation problem is made more difficult because geometric constraints prevent direct visual access to the model in the Mach 3 wind tunnel. The methods, accuracies and problems associated with the acquisition of data are discussed.

Jacobson, I. D.↗

Design of a Superconducting Magnetic Suspension System for a Liquid Helium Flow Experiment

We discuss a preliminary design for a superconducting magnetic suspension system for measurement of drag on rotationally symmetric bodies in liquid helium. Superconducting materials are a natural choice for liquid helium studies, since temperatures are well below most critical temperatures, so that the resulting heat load is negligible. Also, due to its diamagnetic properties, a superconducting model (for example made or coated with Nb) is inherently stable against disturbances. Issues which we consider include model placement during initial cool-down, maintaining placement during anticipated drag and lift forces, and force measurement. This later can be achieved by a passive technique, where the body is allowed to deflect under the influence of drag from its neutral position. The resulting shift in flux is detected via a superconducting pickup coil. The pickup coil may be connected either to a SQUID, or a secondary loop wound around a Hall probe. Both options are discussed. The objective of this work is to gain a better understanding of the nature of turbulent fields in normal and superfluid helium for potential application to problems in classical high Reynolds number turbulence.

Smith, Michael R.↗

Force Measurements in Magnetic Suspension and Balance System

The description of an infrared telemetry system for measurement of drag forces in Magnetic Suspension and Balance Systems (MSBS) is presented. This system includes a drag force sensor, electronic pack and transmitter placed in the model which is of special construction, and receiver with a microprocessor-based measuring device, placed outside of the test section. Piezosensitive resonators as sensitive elements and non-magnetic steel as the material for the force sensor are used. The main features of the proposed system for load measurements are discussed and the main characteristics are presented.

Kuzin, Alexander↗

The large-angle magnetic suspension test fixture

As part of a NASA effort to develop the technology and techniques required to demonstrate the magnetic suspension of objects over wide ranges of attitudes, a small-scale demonstration project was undertaken. The objectives here are to suspend a cylindrical element containing a permanent magnet core, to demonstrate stability and control in five degrees-of-freedom, and to permit controlled rotation of the model in one degree-of-freedom over the full range of 360 deg. Further constraints are that all suspension and control electromagnets are to be behind a flat plane, located some distance from the model. Since this is a ground-based experiment and in order to maintain generality, the plane is chosen to be horizontal with the model levitated above the plane by repulsive forces.

Britcher, Colin P.↗

Performance measurements of a pilot superconducting solenoid model core for a wind tunnel magnetic suspension and balance system

The results of experimental demonstrations of a superconducting solenoid model core in the Southampton University Magnetic Suspension and Balance System are detailed. Technology and techniques relevant to large-scale wind tunnel MSBSs comprise the long term goals. The magnetic moment of solenoids, difficulties peculiar to superconducting solenoid cores, lift force and pitching moment, dynamic lift calibration, and helium boil-off measurements are discussed.

Goodyer, M. J.↗

Data acquisition and reduction for the University of Virginia superconducting magnetic suspension and balance facility

The problems associated with data acquisition and reduction in the U. Va. superconducting magnetic suspension and balance facility are similar to those in free-flight ranges (or tunnels). The model undergoes a quasi-six-degree-of-freedom motion which must be monitored both in position and angular orientation from which the aerodynamics must be inferred. The data acquisition problem is made more difficult because geometric constraints prevent direct visual access to the model in the Mach 3 wind tunnel. The methods, accuracies, and problems associated with the acquisition of data are discussed.

Jacobson, I. D.↗

Preliminary eddy current modelling for the large angle magnetic suspension test fixture

This report presents some recent developments in the mathematical modeling of the Large Angle Magnetic Suspension Test Fixture (LAMSTF) at NASA Langley Research Center. It is shown that these effects are significant, but may be amenable to analysis, modeling and measurement. A theoretical framework is presented, together with a comparison of computed and experimental data.

Britcher, Colin↗

Open-loop characteristics of magnetic suspension systems using electromagnets mounted in a planar array

The open-loop characteristics of a Large-Gap Magnetic Suspension System (LGMSS) were studied and numerical results are presented. The LGMSS considered provides five-degree-of-freedom control. The suspended element is a cylinder that contains a core composed of permanent magnet material. The magnetic actuators are air core electromagnets mounted in a planar array. Configurations utilizing five, six, seven, and eight electromagnets were investigated and all configurations were found to be controllable from coil currents and observable from suspended element positions. Results indicate that increasing the number of coils has an insignificant effect on mode shapes and frequencies.

Groom, Nelson J.↗

Progress towards large wind tunnel magnetic suspension and balance systems

Recent developments and current research efforts leading towards realization of a large scale production wind tunnel Magnetic Suspension and Balance facility are reviewed. Progress has been made in the areas of model roll control, high angle-of-attack testing, digital system control, high magnetic moment superconducting solenoid model cores, and system failure tolerance. Formal design studies of large scale facilities have commenced and are continuing.

Britcher, C. P.↗

Data acquisition and reduction for the U. Va. superconducting magnetic suspension and balance facility.

The problems associated with data acquisition and reduction in the University of Virginia superconducting magnetic suspension and balance facility are similar to those in free-flight ranges (or tunnels). The model undergoes a 'Quasi-six-degree-of-freedom' motion which must be monitored both in position and angular orientation from which the aerodynamics must be inferred. The data acquisition problem is made more difficult because geometric constraints prevent direct visual access to the model in the Mach 3 wind tunnel. The methods, accuracies and problems associated with the acquisition of data are discussed.-

Jacobson, I. D.↗

Preliminary Measurement of Pitch Damping of Blunt Entry Vehicles in a Subsonic Magnetic Suspension Wind Tunnel

Blunt bodies have been magnetically suspended in a 6-inch octagonal test-section low-subsonic wind tunnel in a free-to oscillate configuration. Capsule oscillations of two entry vehicle geometries were measured from high speed video of repeated test runs. An analytical solution to the 1degree-of-freedom equations of motion was fit to the measured oscillation histories to solve for a pitch damping coefficient. A six degree-of-freedom simulation was used to predict the wind tunnel data and assess the effect of magnetic forces on capsule dynamics. The predicted effect was used in the data reduction methodology to improved the pitch damping measurement. Pitch damping measurements are compared with heritage forced oscillation data and are in good agreement. Preliminary uncertainties are included with recommendations for improved data reduction.

Dynamic Stability↗

The effect of sting interference at low speeds on the drag coefficient of an ellipsoidal body using a magnetic suspension and balance system

A Boltz body of revolution (fineness ratio 7.5:1) was tested in the Southampton University Magnetic Suspension and Balance System. The effects of sting interference on the drag coefficient of the model at zero angle of attack were noted as well as the effects on drag coefficient values at boundary layer trips. The drag coefficient values were compared with other sources and seemed to show agreement. The pressure distribution over the rear of the model with no sting interference was investigated including the use of boundary layer trips.

Newcomb, A. W.↗

Experimental Robust Control Studies on an Unstable Magnetic Suspension System

This study is an experimental investigation of the robustness of various controllers designed for the Large Angle Magnetic Suspension Test Fixture (LAMSTF). Both analytical and identified nominal models are used for designing controllers along with two different types of uncertainty models. Robustness refers to maintain- ing tracking performance under analytical model errors and dynamically induced eddy currents, while external disturbances are not considered. Results show that incorporating robustness into analytical models gives significantly better results. However, incorporating incorrect uncertainty models may lead to poorer performance than not designing for robustness at all. Designing controllers based on accurate identified models gave the best performance. In fact, incorporating a significant level of robustness into an accurate nominal model resulted in reduced performance. This paper discusses an assortment of experimental results in a consistent manner using robust control theory.

Lim, Kyong B.↗

High angle of attack position sensing for the Southampton University magnetic suspension and balance system

An all digital five channel position detection system is to be installed in the Southampton University Magnetic Suspension and Balance System (SUMSBS). The system is intended to monitor a much larger range of model pitch attitudes than has been possible hitherto, up to a maximum of a 90 degree angle of attack. It is based on the use of self-scanning photodiode arrays and illuminating laser light beams, together with purpose built processing electronics. The principles behind the design of the system are discussed, together with the results of testing one channel of the system which was used to control the axial position of a magnetically suspended model in SUMSBS. The removal of optically coupled heave position information from the axial position sensing channel is described.

Parker, David H.↗

A flying superconducting magnet and cryostat for magnetic suspension of wind-tunnel models

The engineering practicality of a persistent high-field superconducting solenoid cryostat as a magnetic suspension and balance system (MSBS) for wind-tunnel testing of aircraft and missile models is examined. The test apparatus is a simple solenoid of filamentary NbTi superconductor with a cupronickel matrix. The apparatus, with a length-to-diameter ratio of 6 to 1 and a radius of 32 mm, used a 0.25 mm wire with a critical current of 27 A in an external field of 6 T. The total heat inleak of 150 mW was achieved. Helium boiloff rates were tested over a range of operating conditions, including pitch attitudes from 10 deg nose down to 90 deg nose up; the rate was estimated as low, but the aerodynamic acceptability of venting gaseous helium has not been determined. It is shown that the effectiveness of the concept increases with increasing scale, and performance in excess of that of conventional ferromagnets is achievable with reduction in size and costs, and with aptness to transonic wind-tunnel testing. Detailed specifications and schematics are included.

Britcher, C.↗