Engineering PapersSearch

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “VIBRATION MEASUREMENT”

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 37 records · Page 2

A low-cost optical data acquisition system for vibration measurement

A low cost optical data acquisition system was designed to measure deflection of vibrating rotor blade tips. The basic principle of the new design is to record raw data, which is a set of blade arrival times, in memory and to perform all processing by software following a run. This approach yields a simple and inexpensive system with the least possible hardware. Functional elements of the system were breadboarded and operated satisfactorily during rotor simulations on the bench, and during a data collection run with a two-bladed rotor in the Lewis Research Center Spin Rig. Software was written to demonstrate the sorting and processing of data stored in the system control computer, after retrieval from the data acquisition system. The demonstration produced an accurate graphical display of deflection versus time.

Posta, S. J.

Low-cost optical data acquisition system for blade vibration measurement

A low cost optical data acquisition system was designed to measure deflection of vibrating rotor blade tips. The basic principle of the new design is to record raw data, which is a set of blade arrival times, in memory and to perform all processing by software following a run. This approach yields a simple and inexpensive system with the least possible hardware. Functional elements of the system were breadboarded and operated satisfactorily during rotor simulations on the bench, and during a data collection run with a two-bladed rotor in the Lewis Research Center Spin Rig. Software was written to demonstrate the sorting and processing of data stored in the system control computer, after retrieval from the data acquisition system. The demonstration produced an accurate graphical display of deflection versus time.

Posta, Stephen J.

Blade Vibration Measurement System for Unducted Fans

With propulsion research programs focused on new levels of efficiency and noise reduction, two avenues for advanced gas turbine technology are emerging: the geared turbofan and ultrahigh bypass ratio fan engines. Both of these candidates are being pursued as collaborative research projects between NASA and the engine manufacturers. The high bypass concept from GE Aviation is an unducted fan that features a bypass ratio of over 30 along with the accompanying benefits in fuel efficiency. This project improved the test and measurement capabilities of the unducted fan blade dynamic response. In the course of this project, Mechanical Solutions, Inc. (MSI) collaborated with GE Aviation to (1) define the requirements for fan blade measurements; (2) leverage MSI's radar-based system for compressor and turbine blade monitoring; and (3) develop, validate, and deliver a noncontacting blade vibration measurement system for unducted fans.

Marscher, William

The role of laser coherence in long-range vibration measurements

In this paper, the temporal coherence effect of a laser oscillator will be critically examined using existing laser frequency stability data in the time domain by first converting them to the frequency domain. We limit our discussion to CO2 lasers. To be more specific, our presentation will include the following items: (1) a review of the definitions and representations of laser oscillator frequency stability; (2) a methodology will be developed for determining the dynamic range of vibration measurements; (3) the methodology will show that the conversion of the laser frequency stability from the time domain to the frequency domain can be performed effectively in the optical region; and (4) because of a finite time delay, the phase noise is reduced for offset frequencies close to the carrier frequency.

Eng, R. S.

Integrating Oil Debris and Vibration Measurements for Intelligent Machine Health Monitoring

A diagnostic tool for detecting damage to gears was developed. Two different measurement technologies, oil debris analysis and vibration were integrated into a health monitoring system for detecting surface fatigue pitting damage on gears. This integrated system showed improved detection and decision-making capabilities as compared to using individual measurement technologies. This diagnostic tool was developed and evaluated experimentally by collecting vibration and oil debris data from fatigue tests performed in the NASA Glenn Spur Gear Fatigue Rig. An oil debris sensor and the two vibration algorithms were adapted as the diagnostic tools. An inductance type oil debris sensor was selected for the oil analysis measurement technology. Gear damage data for this type of sensor was limited to data collected in the NASA Glenn test rigs. For this reason, this analysis included development of a parameter for detecting gear pitting damage using this type of sensor. The vibration data was used to calculate two previously available gear vibration diagnostic algorithms. The two vibration algorithms were selected based on their maturity and published success in detecting damage to gears. Oil debris and vibration features were then developed using fuzzy logic analysis techniques, then input into a multi sensor data fusion process. Results show combining the vibration and oil debris measurement technologies improves the detection of pitting damage on spur gears. As a result of this research, this new diagnostic tool has significantly improved detection of gear damage in the NASA Glenn Spur Gear Fatigue Rigs. This research also resulted in several other findings that will improve the development of future health monitoring systems. Oil debris analysis was found to be more reliable than vibration analysis for detecting pitting fatigue failure of gears and is capable of indicating damage progression. Also, some vibration algorithms are as sensitive to operational effects as they are to damage. Another finding was that clear threshold limits must be established for diagnostic tools. Based on additional experimental data obtained from the NASA Glenn Spiral Bevel Gear Fatigue Rig, the methodology developed in this study can be successfully implemented on other geared systems.

Dempsey, Paula J.

Surface Vibration Measurement and Analysis for UAM/UAS Electric Motor Noise

Urban Air Mobility vehicles are an emerging class of vertical lift vehicles using electric motors to drive multiple rotors for lift. The outrunner electric motors that are commonly used, may be capable of generating noise that could contribute to the vehicle’s overall noise profile and could generate cabin noise. Understanding and predicting the noise requires more knowledge of the rotor vibrations and eventually a model to predict the frequencies of those vibrations. This work presents a measurement of the rotor vibrations of two different small-scale motors. Two techniques to measure the surface vibration were used. The displacement spectra are compared with acoustic measurements. A finite element analysis model is used to predict the rotor resonance frequencies. The predicted frequencies are in fair agreement with the experimentally observed vibration frequencies, but requires further work to understand discrepancies.

Electric Motor Noise

Interior noise and vibration measurements on operational military helicopters and comparisons with various ride quality criteria

The results of physical measurements of the interior noise and vibration obtained within eight operational military helicopters are presented. The data were extensively analyzed and are presented in the following forms: noise and vibration spectra, overall root-mean-square acceleration levels in three linear axes, peak accelerations at dominant blade passage frequencies, acceleration exceedance data, and overall and ""A'' weighted sound pressure levels. Peak acceleration levels were compared to the ISO 1-hr reduced comfort and fatigue decreased proficiency boundaries and the NASA discomfort criteria. The ""A'' weighted noise levels were compared to the NASA annoyance criteria, and the overall noise spectra were compared to MIL-STD-1294 (""Acoustical Noise Limits in Helicopters''). Specific vibration components at blade passage frequencies for several aircraft exceeded both the ISO reduced comfort boundary and the NASA passenger discomfort criteria. The ""A'' weighted noise levels, corrected for SPH-4 helmet attenuation characteristics, exceeded the NASA annoyance threshold for several aircraft.

Clevenson, S. A.

Operational military helicopter interior noise and vibration measurements with comparisons to ride quality criteria

Balka (1981) has identified the attainment of a 'jet-smooth' ride as a primary goal of the helicopter industry for commercial and certain military helicopters. It was noted that criteria accounting for both multiple axis vibration and interior noise are needed. The present investigation has the objective to present a vibration and interior noise data base in a format suitable for direct evaluation of aircraft ride quality. The investigation is also concerned with an assessment of the measured environment against available criteria as an indication of the state-of-the-art for current machines. Interior noise and vibration measurements were obtained on eight military helicopters during routine operational flights. The data are presented in the form of a number of parameters.

Clevenson, S. A.

Micro-Vibration Measurements on Thermally Loaded Multi-Layer Insulation Samples in Vacuum

Some scientific missions require to an extreme extent the absence of any on-board microvibration. Recent projects dedicated to measuring the Earth's gravity field and modeling the geoid with extremely high accuracy are examples. Their missions demand for extremely low micro-vibration environment on orbit for: (1) Not disturbing the measurement of earth gravity effects with the installed gradiometer or (2) Even not damaging the very high sensitive instruments. Based on evidence from ongoing missions multi-layer insulation (MLI) type thermal control blankets have been identified as a structural element of spacecrafts which might deform under temperature variations being caused by varying solar irradiation in orbit. Any such deformation exerts tiny forces which may cause small reactions resulting in micro-vibrations, in particular by exciting the spacecraft eigenmodes. The principle of the test set-up for the micro-vibration test was as follows. A real side wall panel of the spacecraft (size about 0.25 m2) was low-frequency suspended in a thermal vacuum chamber. On the one side of this panel, the MLI samples were fixed by using the standard methods. In front of the MLI, an IR-rig was installed which provided actively controlled IR-radiation power of about 6 kW/m2 in order to heat the MLI surface. The cooling was passive using the shroud temperature at a chamber pressure <1E-5mbar. The resulting micro-vibrations due to MLI motion in the heating and the cooling phase were measured via seismic accelerometers which were rigidly mounted to the panel. Video recording was used to correlate micro-vibration events to any visual MLI motion. Different MLI sample types were subjected to various thermal cycles in a temperature range between -60 C to +80 C. In this paper, the experience on these micro-vibration measurements will be presented and the conclusions for future applications will be discussed

Deutsch, Georg

Plan, execute, and discuss vibration measurements and correlations to evaluate a NASTRAN finite element model of the AH-64 helicopter airframe

A ground vibration test was performed on the AH-64 (Apache) helicopter to determine the frequency response of the airframe. The structure was excited at both the main and tail rotor hubs, separately, and response measurements were taken at 102 locations throughout the fuselage structure. Frequency responses were compared and correlated with results from a NASTRAN finite element model of AH-64. In addition, natural frequencies and mode shapes were estimated from the frequency response data and were correlated with analytical results.

Ferg, D.

Measuring vibration and torque with the oscillograph

The recent development of technical science demands maximum reliability of functioning, together with maximum utilization of construction materials. For this purpose we must know what stresses are produced during functioning. One cause of great stresses are mechanical vibrations and this report describes a method of using an oscilloscope to measure the stresses of rapidly changing phenomena.

INSTRUMENTS - OSCILLOGRAPHS

Calculation of flight vibration levels of the AH-1G helicopter and correlation with existing flight vibration measurements

NASA-Langley is sponsoring a rotorcraft structural dynamics program with the objective to establish in the U.S. a superior capability to utilize finite element analysis models for calculations to support industrial design of helicopter airframe structures. In the initial phase of the program, teams from the major U.S. manufacturers of helicopter airframes will apply extant finite element analysis methods to calculate loads and vibrations of helicopter airframes, and perform correlations between analysis and measurements. The aforementioned rotorcraft structural dynamics program was given the acronym DAMVIBS (Design Analysis Method for Vibrations). Sikorsky's RDYNE Rotorcraft Dynamics Analysis used for the correlation study, the specifics of the application of RDYNE to the AH-1G, and comparisons of the predictions of the method with flight data for loads and vibrations on the AH-1G are described. RDYNE was able to predict trends of variations of loads and vibrations with airspeed, but in some instances magnitudes differed from measured results by factors of two or three to one. Sensitivities were studied of predictions to rotor inflow modeling, effects of torsional modes, number of blade bending modes, fuselage structural damping, and hub modal content.

Sopher, R.

Vibrations measured in the passenger cabins of two jet transport aircraft

Accelerations in the lateral and vertical directions were measured at two locations on the floor of a three-jet-engine aircraft and at two locations on the floor of a two-jet-engine aircraft during a total of 13 flights, each of which included taxiing, takeoff, ascent, cruise, descent, and landing. Accelerations over the frequency range 0 to 25 Hz were recorded continuously on magnetic tape and were synchronized with the VGH recorders in the aircraft so that vibratory accelerations could be correlated with the operating conditions of the aircraft. From the results it was indicated that the methodology used in segmenting the data, which were obtained in a continuous and repetitive manner, contributes to establishing baseline data representative of the flight characteristics of aircraft. Significant differences among flight conductions were found to occur. The lateral accelerations were approximately 15 percent of the vertical accelerations during flight but as much as 50 to 100 percent of the vertical accelerations during ground operations. The variation between the responses of the two aircraft was not statistically significant. The results also showed that more than 90 percent of the vibratory energy measured during flight occurred in the 0- to 3.0-Hz frequency range. Generally, the vibration amplitudes were normally distributed.

Catherines, J. J.

Placement Of Exciters And Sensors To Measure Vibrations

Report discusses use of simulated-annealing algorithm to place exciters and sensors of vibrations at nearly optimal positions in complicated structure. Because there are generally fewer exciters and sensors than degrees of freedom in structure, optimal-placement algorithm needed to maximize value of resulting incomplete set of measurements for verification of amplitudes and frequencies of previously-computed vibrational modes.

Salama, Moktar A.

Calculation of flight vibration levels of the AH-1G helicopter and correlation with existing flight vibration measurements

Boeing Helicopters, together with other U.S. Helicopter manufacturers, participated in a finite element applications program to give the United States a superior capability to utilize finite element analysis models in support of helicopter airframe design. The program was sponsored by the NASA Langley Research Center. Under this program, an activity was sponsored to evaluate existing analysis methods applicable to calculate coupled rotor-airframe vibrations. The helicopter used in this evaluation was the AH-1G helicopter. The results of the Boeing Helicopters efforts are summarized. The planned analytical procedure is reviewed. Changes to the planned procedure are discussed, and results of the correlation study are presented.

Ditaranto, R. A.

Preliminary Calibration Report of an Apparatus to Measure Vibration Characteristics of Low Frequency Disturbance Source Devices

This report presents a description of the test apparatus and the method of testing the low frequency disturbance source characteristics of small pumps, fans, camera motors, and recorders that are typical of those used in microgravity science facilities. The test apparatus will allow both force and acceleration spectra of these disturbance devices to be obtained from acceleration measurements over the frequency range from 2 to 300 Hz. Some preliminary calibration results are presented.

Russell, James W.

Specialized data analysis of SSME and advanced propulsion system vibration measurements

The basic objectives of this contract were to perform detailed analysis and evaluation of dynamic data obtained during Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) test and flight operations, including analytical/statistical assessment of component dynamic performance, and to continue the development and implementation of analytical/statistical models to effectively define nominal component dynamic characteristics, detect anomalous behavior, and assess machinery operational conditions. This study was to provide timely assessment of engine component operational status, identify probable causes of malfunction, and define feasible engineering solutions. The work was performed under three broad tasks: (1) Analysis, Evaluation, and Documentation of SSME Dynamic Test Results; (2) Data Base and Analytical Model Development and Application; and (3) Development and Application of Vibration Signature Analysis Techniques.

Coffin, Thomas

A versatile Mossbauer spectrometer and its applications in vibration measurement

A Fe-57 Mossbauer spectrometer, equally efficient in transmission and reflection geometries, is described. The radiation detector consists of a 1.524- by 5.08 by 5.08-cm rectangular NaI(Tl) crystal with a hole 1.524 cm in diameter. The front and back faces of the crystal are covered with beryllium windows 0.0127 cm thick and 3.81 cm in diameter. The energy of the radiation accepted for counting ranges from 6.3 keV conversion X-rays to the 14.4 keV reemitted gamma rays. The spectrometer was used to measure various types of low frequency (10 Hz) and low amplitude (0.254 mm) periodic motion of steel specimens.

Singh, J. J.