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At least 217 records · Page 12

Integrating Matrix Method for Determining the Natural Vibrations of a Rotating, Unsymmetrical Beam with Application to Twisted Propeller Blades

A numerical method is Presented for determining the natural vibration frequencies, and the corresponding mode shapes, of a rotating cantilever beam which has a nonuniform, unsymmetrical cross section. Two coupled fourth-order differential equations of motion with variable coefficients are derived which govern the motion of such a beam having deformations in two directions. Through the development and utilization of the integrating matrix, the solution of the differential equations is obtained in the form of an eigenvalue problem. The solutions to the eigenvalue problem are determined by an iteration method based upon a special orthogonality relationship which is derived. Numerical examples, including an application to a twisted propeller blade, are presented with the results of the integrating matrix solutions being compared to exact solutions and experimental data.

Hunter, William F.↗

Lift, Drag, and Pitching Moment of Low-Aspect-Ratio Wings at Subsonic and Supersonic Speeds: Triangular Wing of Aspect Ratio 2 with NACA 0005-63 Thickness Distribution, Cambered and Twisted for a Trapezoidal Span Load Distribution

A wing-body combination having a plane triangular wing of aspect ratio 2 with NACA 0005-63 thickness distribution in streamwise planes, and twisted and cambered for a trapezoidal span load distribution has been investigated at both subsonic and supersonic Mach numbers. The lift, drag, and pitching moment of the model are presented for Mach numbers from 0.60 to 0.90 and 1.30 to 1.70 at a Reynolds number of 3.0 million. The variations of the characteristics with Reynolds number are also shown for several Mach numbers.

Smith, Willard G.↗

Automated Wing Twist And Bending Measurements Under Aerodynamic Load

An automated system to measure the change in wing twist and bending under aerodynamic load in a wind tunnel is described. The basic instrumentation consists of a single CCD video camera and a frame grabber interfaced to a computer. The technique is based upon a single view photogrammetric determination of two dimensional coordinates of wing targets with a fixed (and known) third dimensional coordinate, namely the spanwise location. The measurement technique has been used successfully at the National Transonic Facility, the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel, and the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel at NASA Langley Research Center. The advantages and limitations (including targeting) of the technique are discussed. A major consideration in the development was that use of the technique must not appreciably reduce wind tunnel productivity.

Burner, A. W.↗

Magnetic Causes of Solar Coronal Mass Ejections: Dominance of the Free Magnetic Energy over Either the Magnetic Twist or Size Alone

We report further results from our ongoing assessment of magnetogram-based measures of active-region nonpotentiality and size as predictors of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). We have devised improved generalized measures of active-region nonpotentiality that apply to active regions of any degree of magnetic complexity, rather than being limited to bipolar active regions as our initial measures were. From a set of approx.50 active-regions, we have found that measures of total nonpotentiality have a 75-80% success rate n predicting whether an active region will produce a CME in 2 days after the magnetogram. This makes measures of total nonpotentiality a better predictor than either active-region size, or active region twist (size-normalized nonpotentiality), which have a approx.65% success rates. We have also found that we can measure from the line-of-sight magnetograms an active region's total nonpotentiality and the size, which allows use to use MDI to evaluate these quantities for 4-5 consecutive days for each active region, and to investigate if there is some combination of size and total nonpotentiality that have a stronger predictive power than does total nonpotentiality. This work was funded by NASA through its LWS TR&T Program and its Solar and Heliospheric Physics SR&T Program, and by NSF through its Solar Terrestrial Research and SHINE programs.

Falconer, D. A.↗

Smectic A Filled Birefringent Elements and Fast Switching Twisted Dual Frequency Nematic Cells Used for Digital Light Deflection

We describe the application of smectic A (SmA) liquid crystals for beam deflection. SmA materials can be used in digital beam deflectors (DBDs) as fillers for passive birefringent prisms. SmA prisms have high birefringence and can be constructed in a variety of shapes, including single prisms and prismatic blazed gratings of different angles and profiles. We address the challenges of uniform alignment of SmA, such as elimination of focal conic domains. Fast rotation of the incident light polarization in DBDs is achieved by an electrically switched 90 twisted nematic (TN) cell.

Pishnyak, Oleg↗

Elastic Response and Failure Studies of Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotube Twisted Yarns

Experimental data on the stress-strain behavior of a polymer multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) yarn composite are used to motivate an initial study in multi-scale modeling of strength and stiffness. Atomistic and continuum length scale modeling methods are outlined to illustrate the range of parameters required to accurately model behavior. The carbon nanotubes yarns are four-ply, twisted, and combined with an elastomer to form a single-layer, unidirectional composite. Due to this textile structure, the yarn is a complicated system of unique geometric relationships subjected to combined loads. Experimental data illustrate the local failure modes induced by static, tensile tests. Key structure-property relationships are highlighted at each length scale indicating opportunities for parametric studies to assist the selection of advantageous material development and manufacturing methods.

Gates, Thomas S.↗

Shielded-Twisted-Pair Cable Model for Chafe Fault Detection via Time-Domain Reflectometry

This report details the development, verification, and validation of an innovative physics-based model of electrical signal propagation through shielded-twisted-pair cable, which is commonly found on aircraft and offers an ideal proving ground for detection of small holes in a shield well before catastrophic damage occurs. The accuracy of this model is verified through numerical electromagnetic simulations using a commercially available software tool. The model is shown to be representative of more realistic (analytically intractable) cable configurations as well. A probabilistic framework is developed for validating the model accuracy with reflectometry data obtained from real aircraft-grade cables chafed in the laboratory.

Schuet, Stefan R.↗

Evaluate Techniques for Penetrating a Shielded Enclosure Using Twisted Pair Wire

The aim of this project is to demonstrate techniques for effectively penetrating a radio shielded enclosure using Ethernet cable (CAT-6). This process requires that we measure the shielding performance by means of testing and data orchestration to collect and analyze our data to present observations with different test cases. Each test case would represent a different penetration strategy that utilizes distinctive wire coupling and characteristics (i.e. the type of bulkhead link, the twist of each CAT-6 cable, the shielding type of each CAT-6 cable, and the length of the cable). As the different cable setups are fabricated a prototype evaluation of setup is conducted to measure the signal integrity of our testing configuration. Our signal integrity is measured through the analysis of different parameters found in the prototype evaluation such as RF leakage, impedance mismatch, and decay rate. As each of these data values are effectively collected and analyzed the most effective cable setup is selected based upon its ability to penetrate the shielded enclosure. The testing data is compared in conjunction with the cost of the manufacturing of the prototype wire penetration.

St. Julian, Christopher↗

Coupled CFD/CSD Analysis of an Active-Twist Rotor in a Wind Tunnel with Experimental Validation

An unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes analysis loosely coupled with a comprehensive rotorcraft code is presented for a second-generation active-twist rotor. High fidelity Navier-Stokes results for three configurations: an isolated rotor, a rotor with fuselage, and a rotor with fuselage mounted in a wind tunnel, are compared to lifting-line theory based comprehensive rotorcraft code calculations and wind tunnel data. Results indicate that CFD/CSD predictions of flapwise bending moments are in good agreement with wind tunnel measurements for configurations with a fuselage, and that modeling the wind tunnel environment does not significantly enhance computed results. Actuated rotor results for the rotor with fuselage configuration are also validated for predictions of vibratory blade loads and fixed-system vibratory loads. Varying levels of agreement with wind tunnel measurements are observed for blade vibratory loads, depending on the load component (flap, lag, or torsion) and the harmonic being examined. Predicted trends in fixed-system vibratory loads are in good agreement with wind tunnel measurements.

Massey, Steven J.↗

Cumulative Distribution of Ballistic Impact Failures of Common Twisted-Pair Data Cables at Orbital Speeds

Data wire cable runs are a significant presence on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS), and continued ISS mission support requires detailed assessment of cables due to micrometeoroid and orbit debris (MMOD) impact. These data wire cables are twisted-pair cables consisting of two 22AWG stranded conductors and fillers inside a tight fitting braided copper shield. The copper shield and its contents are covered with a jacket that has a nominal outer diameter of 3.76 mm and beta-cloth tape. The ISS engineering community has identified two loss-of-function mechanisms for these cables: open circuits due to severed conductors within the cable, and short circuits due to contact between conductors or grounded components. As these data cables are low power systems, short circuits are not expected to burn away the contact, so both open and short circuits are considered permanent loss-of-function for the cable. A total of ninety-seven impact experiments have been performed into these cables to develop a statistical model for the failure of these cables to be used in reliability studies. The experimental work has yielded cumulative distribution functions for these cables for steel and aluminum components of the orbital debris environment at representative speeds and impact obliquities.

Miller, Joshua E.↗

Impedance Controlled Twisted String Actuators for Tensegrity Robots

We are developing impedance controlled twisted string actuators (TSA) for use in tensegrity robots, as an alternative to traditional spooled cable actuation. Tensegrity robots are composed of continuous tension and discontinuous compression elements, with no rigid joints between elements, which give them unique force distribution properties. The use of tensegrity robots is strongly motivated by biological examples, and they are capable of locomotion and manipulation by changing lengths of their continuous network of tensional elements, which is also the primary pathways for load transfer through the structure. TSA show the potential to address some of the unique engineering challenges faced by tensegrity structures, and provide unique qualities well suited to an actively controlled tension system, such as compact, light-weight mechanical structures, inherent compliance, variable gearing'', and the ability to transmit high forces with a very low input torque. The inherent variable compliance of impedance control is essential for tensegrity robots to move through and manipulate the environment, and is a natural match to the unique qualities of TSA. This paper briefly introduces the tensegrity robots in the NASA Ames Intelligent Robotics Group and an overview of their future application to space planetary exploration. Then the effectiveness and robustness of TSA are verified through the performance of impedance control modes.

Park, In-Won↗

Physics Informed Broadband Noise Source Identification and Prediction of an Ideally Twisted Rotor

This work aims at a physics based approach for the prediction and isolation of broadband noise emanating from different regions of an ideally twisted rotor. A preliminary prediction was conducted using a lattice-Boltzmann method–very-large-eddy simulation (LBM-VLES) implemented within the software suite, PowerFLOW. Regions of particular interest to broadband noise were investigated by calculating one-third octave sound pressure levels of the unsteady pressure fluctuations acting on the rotor. These regions were then isolated and treated as individual Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings (FW-H) surfaces for three run conditions at a much finer spatial resolution to delineate the broadband noise from these separate regions from the total acoustic spectra. These predictions were then compared to experimentally acquired data as well as to semi-empirical prediction methods to highlight the acoustic contributions of various broadband noise generation mechanisms as well as to exemplify and explain shortcomings in the semi-empirical methodology.

Christopher S Thurman↗

Physics-Informed Broadband Noise Source Identification and Prediction of an Ideally Twisted Rotor

This work aims to provide a physics-based approach for the prediction and isolation of broadband noise emanating from different regions of an ideally twisted rotor. A preliminary prediction was conducted using a lattice-Boltzmann method–very-large-eddy simulation (LBM-VLES) implemented within the software suite, PowerFLOW. Regions of particular interest to broadband noise were investigated by calculating one-third octave sound pressure levels of the unsteady pressure fluctuations acting on the rotor. These regions were then treated as individual Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW-H) surfaces and simulated for three run conditions at a finer spatial resolution to identify the broadband noise from these separate regions and isolate it from the total acoustic spectra. These predictions were then compared to experimentally acquired data and to semiempirical prediction methods to highlight the acoustic contributions of various broadband noise generation mechanisms as well as to exemplify and explain shortcomings in the semiempirical methodology.

Christopher S Thurman↗

The Fast Radio Burst Luminosity Function and Death Line in the Low-Twist Magnetar Model

We explore the burst energy distribution of fast radio bursts(FRBs)in the low-twist magnetar model ofWadiasingh & Timokhin(WT19). Motivated by the power-lawfluence distributions of FRB121102, we proposean elementary model for the FRB luminosity function of individual repeaters with an inversion protocol thatdirectly relates the power-law distribution index of magnetar short burstfluences to that for FRBs. The protocolindicates that the FRB energy scales virtually linearly with crust/field dislocation amplitude, if magnetar shortbursts prevail in the magnetoelastic regime. Charge starvation in the magnetosphere during bursts(required inWT19)for individual repeaters implies the predicted burstfluence distribution is narrow,3 decades for yieldingstrains and oscillation frequencies feasible in magnetar crusts. Requiring magnetic confinement and chargestarvation, we obtain a death line for FRBs, which segregates magnetars from the normal pulsar population,suggesting only the former will host recurrent FRBs. We convolve the burst energy distribution for individualmagnetars to define the distribution of luminosities in evolved magnetar populations. The broken power-lawluminosity function’s low-energy character depends on the population model, while the high-energy index tracesthat of individual repeaters. Independent of the evolved population, the broken power-law isotropic-equivalentenergy/luminosity function peaks at∼1037–1040erg with a low-energy cutoff at∼1037erg. Lastly, we considerthe localfluence distribution of FRBs andfind that it can constrain the subset of FRB-producing magnetarprogenitors. Our model suggests that improvements in sensitivity may reveal aflattening of the global FRBfluencedistribution and saturation in FRB rates.

Cosmology↗

Prediction of Broadband Blade-Wake Back-Scatter Noise from a Hovering Ideally Twisted Rotor using OVERFLOW2-ANOPP2

This work illustrates the use of a hybrid RANS/LES framework for the prediction of broadband noise via integral formulations from an ideally twisted hovering rotor. Four simulations were conducted, which investigated the effect of different turbulence modeling and spatiotemporal resolutions. The aerodynamic performance and aeroacoustics predicted by these four computational cases were compared against data acquired in the Small Hover Anechoic Chamber at the NASA Langley Research Center and against previous simulations conducted using the lattice-Boltzmann solver, PowerFLOW. The simulation case with the finest spatial resolution had the most favorable aerodynamic performance and broadband noise comparison with measured data; however, the simulation case utilizing the SST-DDES turbulence model predicted the most accurate tonal noise signature. Aerodynamic flowfield visualizations identified near-wake trailing edge vortex shedding, perpendicular blade-vortex interactions, and tip vortex formation, which are known to cause broadband noise. The fluid dynamics associated with a new broadband noise source, blade-wake back-scatter, were also identified. Lastly, a broadband noise source visualization technique was utilized to confirm the presence of blade-wake back-scatter as a dominant broadband noise source.

blade-wake back-scatter↗