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At least 19 records

Practical Considerations using Weighted-Acceleration Compensation Techniques for Dynamic Force Measurements in Wind Tunnels

Most wind tunnel force measurement systems are designed and calibrated for high-accuracy static measurements, but may have limited ability to sense dynamic forces and moments. As a means to improve the measurement bandwidth of dynamic forces, researchers have proposed using a weighted-acceleration technique, which uses accelerometer data to compensate and correct for system dynamics. The sum of weighted-accelerations method is attractive as the acceleration data applies a correction to the traditional static measurements. The focus of this paper is on practical aspects of implementing a weighted-acceleration technique in an experimental arrangement. A formulation of the weighted-acceleration methodology is validated on a reduced-order model and demonstrated on a tabletop experiment that serves as a proxy to a wind tunnel force measurement system. As part of this system, a two component normal force and pitching moment balance was designed and fabricated. A static and dynamic calibration of the system was performed, and the weighted-acceleration technique was used to reconstruct impact forces acting on the system. Practical considerations of the experimental design that improve the success of the methodology are discussed.

Dynamic force measurement

Practical Considerations using Weighted-Acceleration Compensation Techniques for Dynamic Force Measurements in Wind Tunnels

Most wind tunnel force measurement systems are designed and calibrated for high-accuracy static measurements, but may have limited ability to sense dynamic forces and moments. As a means to improve the measurement bandwidth of dynamic forces, researchers have proposed using a weighted-acceleration technique, which uses accelerometer data to compensate and correct for system dynamics. The sum of weighted-accelerations method is attractive as the acceleration data applies a correction to the traditional static measurements. The focus of this paper is on practical aspects of implementing a weighted-acceleration technique in an experimental arrangement. A formulation of the weighted-acceleration methodology is validated on a reduced-order model and demonstrated on a tabletop experiment that serves as a proxy to a wind tunnel force measurement system. As part of this system, a two component normal force and pitching moment balance was designed and fabricated. A static and dynamic calibration of the system was performed, and the weighted-acceleration technique was used to reconstruct impact forces acting on the system. Practical considerations of the experimental design that improve the success of the methodology are discussed.

Dynamic force measurement

Instrumentation and Methods to Measure Dynamic Forces During Exercise Using the Horizontal Exercise Machine

It is hypothesized that bone loss experienced by astronauts in zero gravity conditions may be curtailed by appropriate exercise. According to Wolf's law, bone regenerates when muscles produce stresses by pulling on the bone during daily activity and/or exercise on Earth. To use this theory to prevent or decrease bone loss, one needs to quantify musculoskeletal loads and relate them to bone density changes. In the context of the space program, it is desirable to determine musculoskeletal loads during exercise so that one may make similar measurements on Earth and in space. In this manner, load measurements on Earth may be used as reference to generate similar loads during exercise in space. A research project to investigate the effects of high-resistive exercise to decrease bone density loss underzero-gravity conditions is being carried out in Life Sciences Research Laboratories at NASA JSC. The project consists of a bed-rest study whereby subjects remain in horizontal position for seventeen weeks. During the study, a subset of those subjects executes a regime of resistive exercises in the horizontal exercise machine (HEM). The HEM was designed so that subjects remain horizontal while exercising to minimize gravity loading even during exercise. Bone density of each subject is measured throughout the duration of their participation. The objective of the study is to determine if the resistive exercises are effective in diminishing or eliminating bone loss. My participation in this project relates to instrumentation, measurement, and processing of signals from displacement sensors (optical encoders) and load-cells. Measurement of displacements will be used to determine the motion of the body during exercise, and load measurements will be used (along with displacement data) to determine forces and torques exerted on each section of the body during exercise. Further, I have assisted in specifying new sensors to be added to the HEM and to a new prototype resistive exercise machine called the Interim Resistive Exercise Device (IRED). New load cells and encoders should be mounted in these devices to obtain more complete kineto-dynamic information. This report includes a description of the instrumentation that was built to perform measurements in the HEM and the IRED, along with the software that was developed to collect the measurements. It also includes examples of measurements taken in the HEM. Finally, a plan is laid out that describes how these measurements may be used to determine forces exerted by muscles for each exercise.

Figueroa, Fernando

Reciprocity-based experimental determination of dynamic forces and moments: A feasibility study

BBN Systems and Technologies has been tasked by the Georgia Tech Research Center to carry Task Assignment No. 7 for the NASA Langley Research Center to explore the feasibility of 'In-Situ Experimental Evaluation of the Source Strength of Complex Vibration Sources Utilizing Reciprocity.' The task was carried out under NASA Contract No. NAS1-19061. In flight it is not feasible to connect the vibration sources to their mounting points on the fuselage through force gauges to measure dynamic forces and moments directly. However, it is possible to measure the interior sound field or vibration response caused by these structureborne sound sources at many locations and invoke principle of reciprocity to predict the dynamic forces and moments. The work carried out in the framework of Task 7 was directed to explore the feasibility of reciprocity-based measurements of vibration forces and moments.

Ver, Istvan L.

Catheter tip force transducer for cardiovascular research

A force transducer for measuring dynamic force activity within the heart of a subject essentially consists of a U-shaped beam of low elastic compliance material. Two lines extend from the beams's legs and a long coil spring is attached to the beam. A strain gauge is coupled to one of the beam's legs to sense deflections thereof. The beam with the tines and most of the spring are surrounded by a flexible tube, defining a catheter, which is insertable into a subject's heart through an appropriate artery. The tines are extractable from the catheter for implantation into the myocardium by pushing on the end of the spring which extends beyond the external end of the catheter.

Feldstein, C.

Transducer measures force in vacuum environment

Transducer assembly measures force in a vacuum environment. The assembly consist of a standard capacitance probe and a torque beam. This transducer can be used in high-pressure as well as in low-pressure environments for static and dynamic force measurements.

Glenn, D. C.

A technique to measure rotordynamic coefficients in hydrostatic bearings

An experimental technique is described for measuring the rotordynamic coefficients of fluid film journal bearings. The bearing tester incorporates a double-spool shaft assembly that permits independent control over the journal spin speed and the frequency of an adjustable-magnitude circular orbit. This configuration yields data that enables determination of the full linear anisotropic rotordynamic coefficient matrices. The dynamic force measurements were made simultaneously with two independent systems, one with piezoelectric load cells and the other with strain gage load cells. Some results are presented for a four-recess, oil-fed hydrostatic journal bearing.

Capaldi, Russell J.

Dynamic Force Reconstruction of Transient Flap Control Force Experiments in a Hypersonic Wind Tunnel

This work details the design of a sliced-cone model with a flap embedded within the slice. The flap is controlled by a fast acting servo to simulate a control force of a hypersonic vehicle. Design considerations such as sensor placement, expected loading, servo arm selection, and cavity temperatures are detailed in this work. Such a design imparts a dynamic response of the test article and as such, dynamic force measurement methodologies are required to reconstruct the control forcing. Three methods are of particular interest: the Sum of Weighted Accelerations Technique, Time Domain Deconvolution Method, and Frequency Domain Inverse Method. Novel versions of each method have been applied to this dataset to improve the reconstruction accuracy.

dynamic balance

Force Measurement for Wind Tunnel Facilities - Current Practices and Research Investments

This presentation will provide an introduction to strain gage balances (force transducers) used in NASA’s wind tunnel facilities. It will cover the breadth of wind tunnel applications using balances ranging from cryogenic facilities to facilities with aero heating affects. Specific areas of expertise including six-component balance design and calibration will also be discussed. Moreover, research areas including additive manufacturing of wind tunnel balances, the development of topology optimization tools to produce novel force transducer geometries, and dynamic force measurement will also be highlighted.

Wind tunnel balance

Dynamic Force Reconstruction of Transient Flap Control Force Experiments in a Hypersonic Wind Tunnel

This work details the design of a sliced-cone model with a flap embedded within the slice. The flap is controlled by a fast acting servo to simulate a control force of a hypersonic vehicle. Design considerations such as sensor placement, expected loading, servo arm selection, and cavity temperatures are detailed in this work. Such a design imparts a dynamic response of the test article and as such, dynamic force measurement methodologies are required to reconstruct the control forcing. Three methods are of particular interest: the Sum of Weighted Accelerations Technique, Time Domain Deconvolution Method, and Frequency Domain Inverse Method. Novel versions of each method have been applied to this dataset to improve the reconstruction accuracy.

dynamic balance

Development of a Forced Oscillation System for Measuring Dynamic Derivatives of Fluidic Vehicles

A new Forced Oscillation System (FOS) has been designed and built at NASA Langley Research Center that provides new capabilities for aerodynamic researchers to investigate the dynamic derivatives of vehicle configurations. Test vehicles may include high performance and general aviation aircraft, re-entry spacecraft, submarines and other fluidic vehicles. The measured data from forced oscillation testing is used in damping characteristic studies and in simulation databases for control algorithm development and performance analyses. The newly developed FOS hardware provides new flexibility for conducting dynamic derivative studies. The design is based on a tracking principle where a desired motion profile is achieved via a fast closed-loop positional controller. The motion profile for the tracking system is numerically generated and thus not limited to sinusoidal motion. This approach permits non-traditional profiles such as constant velocity and Schroeder sweeps. Also, the new system permits changes in profile parameters including nominal offset angle, waveform, and associated parameters such as amplitude and frequency. Most importantly, the changes may be made remotely without halting the FOS and the tunnel. System requirements, system analysis, and the resulting design are addressed for a new FOS in the 12-Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel (LSWT). The overall system including mechanical, electrical, and control subsystems is described. The design is complete, and the FOS has been built and installed in the 12-Foot LSWT. System integration and testing have verified design intent and safe operation. Currently it is being validated for wind-tunnel operations and aerodynamic testing. The system is a potential major enhancement to forced oscillation studies. The productivity gain from the motion profile automation will shorten the testing cycles needed for control surface and aircraft control algorithm development. The new motion capabilities also will serve as a test bed for researchers to study and to improve and/or alter future forced oscillation testing techniques.

Trieu, B. C.

Dynamic Forces in Spur Gears - Measurement, Prediction, and Code Validation

Measured and computed values for dynamic loads in spur gears were compared to validate a new version of the NASA gear dynamics code DANST-PC. Strain gage data from six gear sets with different tooth profiles were processed to determine the dynamic forces acting between the gear teeth. Results demonstrate that the analysis code successfully simulates the dynamic behavior of the gears. Differences between analysis and experiment were less than 10 percent under most conditions.

Oswald, Fred B.

Dynamic Characterization of Galfenol

A novel and precise characterization of the constitutive behavior of solid and laminated research-grade, polycrystalline Galfenol (Fe81:6Ga18:4) under under quasi-static (1 Hz) and dynamic (4 to 1000 Hz) stress loadings was recently conducted by the authors. This paper summarizes the characterization by focusing on the experimental design and the dynamic sensing response of the solid Galfenol specimen. Mechanical loads are applied using a high frequency load frame. The dynamic stress amplitude for minor and major loops is 2.88 and 31.4 MPa, respectively. Dynamic minor and major loops are measured for the bias condition resulting in maximum, quasi-static sensitivity. Three key sources of error in the dynamic measurements are accounted for: (1) electromagnetic noise in strain signals due to Galfenol's magnetic response, (2) error in load signals due to the inertial force of fixturing, and (3) time delays imposed by conditioning electronics. For dynamic characterization, strain error is kept below 1.2 % of full scale by wiring two collocated gauges in series (noise cancellation) and through lead wire weaving. Inertial force error is kept below 0.41 % by measuring the dynamic force in the specimen using a nearly collocated piezoelectric load washer. The phase response of all conditioning electronics is explicitly measured and corrected for. In general, as frequency increases, the sensing response becomes more linear due to an increase in eddy currents. The location of positive and negative saturation is the same at all frequencies. As frequency increases above about 100 Hz, the elbow in the strain versus stress response disappears as the active (soft) regime stiffens toward the passive (hard) regime.

Dynamic sensing

Bubble dielectrophoresis

The theoretical principles related to bubble dielectrophoresis are examined, taking into account the polarization force, aspects of bubble deformation, the electrostatic bubble levitation theorem, and the equation of motion. The measurement of the dielectrophoretic force on static and dynamic bubbles represents a convenient experimental method for the study of the general problem of dielectrophoresis. The experiments reported include static-force measurements, static-levitation experiments, and dynamic-force measurements.

Jones, T. B.

Dynamic Characterization of Galfenol (Fe81.6Ga18.4)

Galfenol has the potential to transform the smart materials industry by allowing for the development of multifunctional, load-bearing devices. One of the primary technical challenges faced by this development is the very limited experimental data on Galfenol's frequency-dependent response to dynamic stress, which is critically important for the design of such devices. This report details a novel and precise characterization of the constitutive behavior of polycrystalline Galfenol (Fe81.6Ga18.4) under quasi-static (1 Hz) and dynamic (4 to 1000 Hz) stress loadings. Mechanical loads are applied using a high-frequency load frame. Quasi-static minor and major hysteresis loop measurements of magnetic flux density and strain are presented for constant electromagnet currents (0 to 1.1 A) and constant magnetic fields 0 to 14 kA/m (0 to 180 Oe). The dynamic stress amplitude for minor and major loops is 2.88 and 31.4 MPa (418 and 4550 psi), respectively. Quasi-static material properties closely match published values for similar Galfenol materials. Quasi-static actuation responses are also measured and compared to quasi-static sensing responses; the high degree of reversibility seen in the comparison is consistent with published measurements and modeling results. Dynamic major and minor loops are measured for dynamic stresses up to 31 MPa (4496 psi) and 1 kHz, and the bias condition resulting in maximum, quasi-static sensitivity. Eddy current effects are quantified by considering solid and laminated Galfenol rods. Three key sources of error in the dynamic measurements are accounted for: (1) electromagnetic noise in strain signals due to Galfenol's magnetic response, (2) error in load signals due to the inertial force of fixturing, and (3) phase misalignment between signals due to conditioning electronics. For dynamic characterization, strain error is kept below 1.2 percent of full scale by wiring two collocated gauges in series (noise cancellation) and through leadwire weaving. Inertial force error is kept below 0.41 percent by measuring the dynamic force in the specimen using a nearly collocated piezoelectric load washer. The phase response of all conditioning electronics is explicitly measured and corrected for. In general, as frequency is increased, the sensing response becomes more linear because of an increase in eddy currents. As frequency increases above approximately 100 Hz, the elbow in the strain-versus-stress response disappears as the active (soft) regime stiffens toward the passive (hard) regime. Under constant-field conditions, the loss factors of the solid rod peak between 200 and 600 Hz, rather than exhibiting a monotonic increase. Compared to the solid rod, the laminated rod exhibits much slower increases in hysteresis with frequency, and its quasi-static behavior extends to higher frequencies. The elastic modulus of the laminated rod decreases between 100 and 300 Hz; this trend is currently unexplained.

Dynamic sensing

Measurement and characterization of force dynamics in high T(sub c) superconductors

Magnetic bearing implementations using more exotic superconducting phenomena have been proliferating in recent years because they have important advantages over conventional implementations. For example, the stable suspension of a six degrees-of-freedom object by superconducting means can be achieved without a control system and with the use of only a single superconductor. It follows that the construction becomes much simpler with decreased need for position sensors and stabilizers. However, it is recognized that the design of superconducting systems can be difficult because important characteristics relating to the 6 degree-of-freedom dynamics of an object suspended magnetically are not readily available and the underlying principles of superconducting phenomena are not yet completely understood. To eliminate some of the guesswork in the design process, this paper proposes a system which can resolve the mechanical properties of suspension by superconductivity and provide position and orientation dependent data about the system's damping, stiffness, and frequency response characteristics. This system employs an actively-controlled magnetically-suspended fine-motion device that can also be used as a six degree-of-freedom force sensor. By attaching the force sensor to a permanent magnet that is being levitated above a superconducting magnet, mechanical characteristics of the superconductor levitation can be extracted. Such information would prove useful for checking the validity of theoretical models and may even give insights into superconducting phenomena.

Higuchi, Toshiro