Engineering topics

Mcgowan, Paul E.

Publications and source records attributed to Mcgowan, Paul E..

14 records

NASA NTRS1993

Correlation of ground tests and analyses of a dynamically scaled Space Station model configuration

Verification of analytical models through correlation with ground test results of a complex space truss structure is demonstrated. A multi-component, dynamically scaled space station model configuration is the focus structure for this work. Previously established test/analysis correlation procedures are used to develop improved component analytical models. Integrated system analytical models, consisting of updated component analytical models, are compared with modal test results to establish the accuracy of system-level dynamic predictions. Design sensitivity model updating methods are shown to be effective for providing improved component analytical models. Also, the effects of component model accuracy and interface modeling fidelity on the accuracy of integrated model predictions is examined.

Javeed, Mehzad↗

NASA NTRS1993

Correlation of ground tests and analyses of a dynamically scaled space station model configuration

Javeed, Mehzad↗

NASA NTRS1992

Dynamic test/analysis correlation using reduced analytical models

Test/analysis correlation is an important aspect of the verification of analysis models which are used to predict on-orbit response characteristics of large space structures. This paper presents results of a study using reduced analysis models for performing dynamic test/analysis correlation. The reduced test-analysis model (TAM) has the same number and orientation of DOF as the test measurements. Two reduction methods, static (Guyan) reduction and the Improved Reduced System (IRS) reduction, are applied to the test/analysis correlation of a laboratory truss structure. Simulated test results and modal test data are used to examine the performance of each method. It is shown that selection of DOF to be retained in the TAM is critical when large structural masses are involved. In addition, the use of modal test results may provide difficulties in TAM accuracy even if a large number of DOF are retained in the TAM.

Mcgowan, Paul E.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Dynamic test/analysis correlation using reduced analytical models

Test/analysis correlation is an important aspect of the verification of analysis models which are used to predict on-orbit response characteristics of large space structures. This paper presents results of a study using reduced analysis models for performing dynamic test/analysis correlation. The reduced test-analysis model (TAM) has the same number and orientation of DOF as the test measurements. Two reduction methods, static (Guyan) reduction and the Improved Reduced System reduction, are applied to the test/analysis correlation of a laboratory truss structure. Simulated test results and modal test data are used to examine the performance of each method. It is shown that selection of DOF to be retained in the TAM is critical when large structural masses are involved. In addition, the use of modal test results may provide difficulties in TAM accuracy even if a large number of DOF are retained in the TAM.

Mcgowan, Paul E.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Experiments for locating damaged truss members in a truss structure

Locating damaged truss members in large space structures will involve a combination of sensing and diagnostic techniques. Methods developed for damage location require experimental verification prior to on-orbit applications. To this end, a series of experiments for locating damaged members using a generic, ten bay truss structure were conducted. A 'damaged' member is a member which has been removed entirely. Previously developed identification methods are used in conjunction with the experimental data to locate damage. Preliminary results to date are included, and indicate that mode selection and sensor location are important issues for location performance. A number of experimental data sets representing various damage configurations were compiled using the ten bay truss. The experimental data and the corresponding finite element analysis models are available to researchers for verification of various methods of structure identification and damage location.

Mcgowan, Paul E.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Status of DSMT research program

The status of the Dynamic Scale Model Technology (DSMT) research program is presented. DSMT is developing scale model technology for large space structures as part of the Control Structure Interaction (CSI) program at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). Under DSMT a hybrid-scale structural dynamics model of Space Station Freedom was developed. Space Station Freedom was selected as the focus structure for DSMT since the station represents the first opportunity to obtain flight data on a complex, three-dimensional space structure. Included is an overview of DSMT including the development of the space station scale model and the resulting hardware. Scaling technology was developed for this model to achieve a ground test article which existing test facilities can accommodate while employing realistically scaled hardware. The model was designed and fabricated by the Lockheed Missile and Space Co., and is assembled at LaRc for dynamic testing. Also, results from ground tests and analyses of the various model components are presented along with plans for future subassembly and matted model tests. Finally, utilization of the scale model for enhancing analysis verification of the full-scale space station is also considered.

Mcgowan, Paul E.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Development of an experimental space station model for structural dynamics research

Design, analysis, and testing of an experimental space station scale model is presented. The model contains hardware components with dynamic characteristics similar to those expected for other large space structures. Validation of analysis models is achieved through correlation with dynamic tests of hardware components and representative assembly configurations. A component mode synthesis analysis method is examined through comparisons with results from fully mated system models. Selection of input requirements for accurate component synthesis analysis predictions are assessed.

Mcgowan, Paul E.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Locating Damaged Members in a Truss Structure Using Modal Test Data: a Demonstration Experiment

On-orbit assessment of large flexible space truss structures can be accomplished, in principle, with dynamic response information, structural identification methods, and model correlation techniques which produce an adjusted mathematical model. In a previously developed approach for damage location, an optimal update of the structure model is formed using the response data, then examined to locate damaged members. An experiment designed to demonstrate and verify the performance of the on-orbit assessment approach uses a laboratory scale model truss structure which exhibits characteristics expected for large space truss structures. Vibration experiments were performed to generate response data for the damaged truss. The damage location approach, analytical work performed in support of the vibration tests, the measured response of the test article, and some preliminary results are described.

Smith, Suzanne Weaver↗

NASA NTRS1989

Locating damaged members in a truss structure using modal test data - A demonstration experiment

An experiment is designed to demonstrate and verify the performance of the on-orbit assessment approach for large flexible space truss structures. The on-orbit assessment approach can be accomplished, in principle, with dynamic response information, structural identification methods, and model correlation techniques which produce an adjusted mathematical model. An optimal update of the structure model is formed using the response data, then examined to locate damaged members. The experiment uses a laboratory scale model truss structure which exhibits characteristics expected for large space truss structures. Vibration experiments are performed to generate response data for the damaged truss. The damage location approach is described, as well as analytical work performed in support of the vibration tests, the measured response of the test article, and some preliminary results.

Smith, Suzanne Weaver↗

NASA NTRS1988

Space Station - A focus for the development of structural dynamics scale model technology for large flexible space structures

The paper discusses the scale model technology being developed at the NASA Langley Research Center in support of the development of structural dynamic prediction methods for large flexible space structures. Space Station is used as a focus. The Dynamic Scale Model Technology (DSMT) Program is described; results of the effect of scaling Space Station components are presented; and supporting scale model technology development activities are described and results presented. The conceptual design of a hybrid-scale Pathfinder model for developing test techniques and suspension methods is also discussed, and a summary of the broad application of the scale model technology being developed is presented.

Letchworth, Robert↗

NASA NTRS1987

COFS 3 multibody dynamics and control technology

One of the results from the model definition study showed that the maximum scale factor for a replica model is .25. This is dictated by the fixed dimensions of the Large Spacecraft Lab. Replica scaling laws were applied to simplified theoretical models of joints and the joint/tube/joint system. The practical interpretation of the results for the specific Space Station configuration under study yielded a number of conclusions which are briefly discussed. Detailed suspension analyses were conducted to evaluate the ability of the suspended scale model to emulate the dynamic behavior of the free-free Space Station. The results indicated only a slight preference for smaller scales. A candidate erectable Space Station joint was fabricated at full scale, 1/4 scale and 1/3 scale in order to assess the comparability of the scaled joints to the full scale behavior. Another important question discussed is how well the inherent damping characteristics of the scaled joints compare to those of the full scale joint. The preliminary definition study yielded three separate scale factor recommendations for the scale model.

Letchworth, Robert↗

NASA NTRS1987

Considerations in the design and development of a space station scale model

Preliminary work at Langley Research Center (LaRC) related to the design, analysis and testing of a space station scale model is reviewed. Included are some rationale for focusing the scale model program on space station and the utilization of the model to achieve the program objectives. In addition, some considerations involved in designing a dynamics scale model, such as ground test facilities, sub-scale component fabrication and model replication vs. simulation are presented. Finally, some related research areas currently ongoing at LaRC in support of scale model development are discussed.

Mcgowan, Paul E.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Effects of local vibrations on the dynamics of space truss structures

The paper discusses the influence of local member vibrations on the dynamics of repetitive space truss structures. Several focus problems wherein local member vibration modes are in the frequency range of the global truss modes are discussed. Special attention is given to defining methods that can be used to identify the global modes of a truss structure amidst many local modes. Significant interactions between the motions of local member vibrations and the global behavior are shown to occur in truss structures when: (1) the natural frequencies of the individual members for clamped-clamped boundary conditions are in the vicinity of the global truss frequency; and (2) the total mass of the individual members represents a large portion of the mass of the whole structure. The analysis is carried out with a structural analysis code which uses exact member theory. The modeling detail required using conventional finite element codes to adequately represent such a class of problems is examined. The paper concludes with some practical considerations for the design and dynamic testing of structures which might exhibit such behavior.

Warnaar, Dirk B.↗

NASA NTRS1986

COFS 3: Multibody dynamics and control technology

COFS 3 is the third project within the Control of Flexible Structures (COFS) program. It deals with developing multibody dynamics and control technology for large space structures. It differs from COFS 1 and 2 in two respects. First, it addresses a more complex class of structure, and second it is basically a scale model ground test and analysis program while COFS 1 and 2 feature Shuttle flight experiments. The specific technology thrusts within COFS 3 are model sensitivities, test methods, analysis validation, systems identification, and vibration suppression. The COFS 3 project will develop the methods for using dynamically scaled models and analysis to predict the structural dynamics of large space structures. The project uses the space station as a focus because it is typical of the structures of interest and provides the first opportunity to obtain full-scale on-orbit dynamics data.

Letchworth, Robert↗