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At least 361 records · Page 20

Modal analysis and control of flexible manipulator arms

The possibility of modeling and controlling flexible manipulator arms was examined. A modal approach was used for obtaining the mathematical model and control techniques. The arm model was represented mathematically by a state space description defined in terms of joint angles and mode amplitudes obtained from truncation on the distributed systems, and included the motion of a two link two joint arm. Three basic techniques were used for controlling the system: pole allocation with gains obtained from the rigid system with interjoint feedbacks, Simon-Mitter algorithm for pole allocation, and sensitivity analysis with respect to parameter variations. An improvement in arm bandwidth was obtained. Optimization of some geometric parameters was undertaken to maximize bandwidth for various payload sizes and programmed tasks. The controlled system is examined under constant gains and using the nonlinear model for simulations following a time varying state trajectory.

Neto, O. M.↗

Modal confidence factor in vibration testing

The theory and applications of a time domain modal test technique are presented. The method uses free decay of random responses from a structure under test to identify its modal characteristics namely, natural frequencies, damping factors, and mode shapes. The method can identify multimodal (highly coupled) systems and modes that have very small contribution in the responses. A method is presented to decrease the effects of high levels of noise in the data and thus improve the accuracy of identified parameters. This is accomplished using an oversized mathematical model. The concept of modal confidence factor (MCF) is developed. The MCF is a number calculated for every identified mode for a structure under test. The MCF varies from 0.000 for a distorted, nonlinear, or noise mode to 100.0 for a pure structural mode. The theory of the MCF is based on the correlation that exits between the modal deflection at a certain station and the modal deflection at the same station delayed in time. The theory and application of the MCF is illustrated by two experiments. The first experiment deals with simulated responses from a two degree of freedom system with 20 percent, 40 percent, and 100 percent noise added. The second experiment was run on a generalized payload model. The free decay response from the payload model contained about 22 percent noise.

Ibrahim, S. R.↗

Air freight demand models: An overview

A survey is presented of some of the approaches which have been considered in freight demand estimation. The few existing continuous time computer simulations of aviation systems are reviewed, with a view toward the assessment of this approach as a tool for structuring air freight studies and for relating the different components of the air freight system. The variety of available data types and sources, without which the calibration, validation and the testing of both modal split and simulation models would be impossible are also reviewed.

Dajani, J. S.↗

Modal structure inferred from static far-field noise directivity

Turbofan noise directivity calculated for two directivity models was compared with experimental, blade passing frequency data from two fans at 60 and 90 percent speeds. Experimental data indicated similar directivity patterns which were well represented by a single average data curve. Calculated points using the equal amplitude model showed over-prediction near the fan axis and near the 90 degree position. Calculated points using the equal power model showed a very good match with the average data lending support to theory of equipartition of modal power from a random source such as the interaction of the rotor with inlet flow distortion. The equal modal power model also gave good agreement with individual data points.

Saule, A. V.↗

An inverse problem approach for structural damage detection - Finite element model refinement

In this work, a methodology for incorporating measured modal data into an existing refined finite element model is examined with the objective of detecting and locating structural damage. This same algorithm is also useful in terms of finite element model refinement. The algorithm is based on the partial inverse problem, in that only partial spectral information is required. The technique utilizes a symmetric eigenstructure assignment algorithm to perform the partial spectral assignment. Algorithms to enhance mode shape assignability and to preserve sparsity in the updated model are developed. The sparsity preservation is of particular importance when considering damage detection in truss-like structures. Several examples are presented which highlight the key points made within the paper.

Zimmerman, D. C.↗

Robust Output Feedback Control Design for Inertia Emulation by Wind Turbine Generators

Wind generation has gained widespread use as a renewable energy source. Most wind turbines and other renewables connected to the grid through converters result in a reduction in the natural inertial response to grid frequency changes. The doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) can be controlled to compensate for this reduction and, in fact, provide faster response than traditional synchronous machines. This paper proposes to design observer based output feedback linear quadratic regulator (LQR) and H control laws to realize the inertia emulation function and deliver fast frequency support. Furthermore, the aim is to track the reference speed by a diesel synchronous generator (DSG) in order to reach the desired inertia. The control signal is computed based on a reduced order model using the balanced truncation technique. A comparison with selective modal analysis (SMA) and balanced truncation model reduction techniques is presented. Comprehensive results show the effective emulation of synthetic inertia by implementing the control laws on a nonlinear three- phase diesel-wind system. The proposed technique is analyzed for different short circuit ratio (SCR) scenarios.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Rotary Motors Actuated by Traveling Ultrasonic Flexural Waves

Efficient miniature actuators that are compact and consume low power are needed to drive space and planetary mechanisms in future NASA missions. Ultrasonic rotary motors have the potential to meet this NASA need and they are developed as actuators for miniature telerobotic applications. These motors have emerged in commercial products but they need to be adapted for operation at the harsh space environments that include cryogenic temperatures and vacuum and also require effective analytical tools for the design of efficient motors. A finite element analytical model was developed to examine the excitation of flexural plate wave traveling in a piezoelectrically actuated rotary motor. The model uses 3D finite element and equivalent circuit models that are applied to predict the excitation frequency and modal response of the stator. This model incorporates the details of the stator including the teeth, piezoelectric ceramic, geometry, bonding layer, etc. The theoretical predictions were corroborated experimentally for the stator. In parallel, efforts have been made to determine the thermal and vacuum performance of these motors. Experiments have shown that the motor can sustain at least 230 temperature cycles from 0 C to -90 C at 7 Torr pressure significant performance change. Also, in an earlier study the motor lasted over 334 hours at -150 C and vacuum. To explore telerobotic applications for USMs a robotic arm was constructed with such motors.

Bar-Cohen, Yoseph↗

A Dynamic Calibration Method for Experimental and Analytical Hub Load Comparison

This paper presents the results from an ongoing effort to produce improved correlation between analytical hub force and moment prediction and those measured during wind-tunnel testing on the Aeroelastic Rotor Experimental System (ARES), a conventional rotor testbed commonly used at the Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT). A frequency-dependent transformation between loads at the rotor hub and outputs of the testbed balance is produced from frequency response functions measured during vibration testing of the system. The resulting transformation is used as a dynamic calibration of the balance to transform hub loads predicted by comprehensive analysis into predicted balance outputs. In addition to detailing the transformation process, this paper also presents a set of wind-tunnel test cases, with comparisons between the measured balance outputs and transformed predictions from the comprehensive analysis code CAMRAD II. The modal response of the testbed is discussed and compared to a detailed finite-element model. Results reveal that the modal response of the testbed exhibits a number of characteristics that make accurate dynamic balance predictions challenging, even with the use of the balance transformation.

Kreshock, Andrew R.↗

Error Localization Examples: Looking for a Needle in a Hay-stack

Finite element models (FEM) are routinely developed and used during fabrication of high dollar-value hardware. NASA as part of the pre-flight certification of launch vehicles routinely conducts vibration and static tests to calibrate models used for flight-risk assessments. As part of the calibration process, certain areas in the model are modified, using engineering judgment and sensitivity analysis, to match the test results. Unfortunately, tools to identify problem areas in the FEM using test data directly are scarce. Over the years, Error Localization Algorithms (ELA) have been proposed with very limited success. Recently, the Analytical Dynamics Model Improvement (ADMI) algorithm, which computes closed-form mass and stiffness corrections to match the test data exactly, have been shown to be effective for error localization. The paper will present several FEM example problems where ELA is used with simulated test data to determine FEM problem areas. For each example, the correct answer is shown along with ELA results. It is shown that the ELA process is able to identify general problem areas in the FEM, which are consistent with known model perturbations. However, in most cases the ELA identified area of improvement is larger than the true answer. Nonetheless, with proper optimization tools, calibration results using the ELA identified areas provide excellent results.

error localization↗

Experimental verification of damping mechanisms in a composite beam

A method of estimating the distributed damping parameters based on the measured modal parameters (frequency and damping ratios) was derived. Three different mathematical models were used to model the damping mechanism of a quasi-isotropic pultruded cantilevered beam. These three models were (1) viscous (air) damping, (2) strain rate damping, and (3) both viscous and strain rate damping. The eigenvalues of the partial differential equation model were found to be uninfluenced by any of the three assumed damping models. Values were obtained for each of the damping models as well as the modulus of elasticity of the beam. It was found that the two-parameter damping model provided the best fit to measured modal data. However, the two-parameter damping model could only reproduce the measured damping ratios to within 85 percent.

Cudney, Harley H.↗

Determining damping mechanisms in a composite beam by experimental modal analysis

A method of estimating the distributed damping parameters of a beam based on measured modal parameters (frequency and damping ratios) is derived. Three different mathematical models were used to model the damping mechanism of a quasi-isotropic pultruded cantilevered beam. These three models were (1) viscous (air) damping, (2) strain-rate damping, and (3) both viscous and strain-rate damping. Values were obtained for each of the damping models as well as the modulus of elasticity of the beam. It is found that the two-parameter damping model provides the best fit to measure modal data. However, the two-parameter damping model can only reproduce the measured damping ratios to within 85 percent.

Cudney, H. H.↗

Using Dispersed Modes During Model Correlation

The model correlation process for the modal characteristics of a launch vehicle is well established. After a test, parameters within the nominal model are adjusted to reflect structural dynamics revealed during testing. However, a full model correlation process for a complex structure can take months of man-hours and many computational resources. If the analyst only has weeks, or even days, of time in which to correlate the nominal model to the experimental results, then the traditional correlation process is not suitable. This paper describes using model dispersions to assist the model correlation process and decrease the overall cost of the process. The process creates thousands of model dispersions from the nominal model prior to the test and then compares each of them to the test data. Using mode shape and frequency error metrics, one dispersion is selected as the best match to the test data. This dispersion is further improved by using a commercial model correlation software. In the three examples shown in this paper, this dispersion based model correlation process performs well when compared to models correlated using traditional techniques and saves time in the post-test analysis.

Stewart, Eric C.↗

A NASTRAN DMAP alter for the coupling of modal and physical coordinate substructures

A method is described to derive a generalized coordinate model consisting of flexible cantilever modes and rigid body modes from a physical coordinate model using a direct matrix abstraction procedure alter to rigid format 3. This model can readily be coupled to other substructures using modal synthesis techniques. It allows the use of a reduced size model for structural analyses while maintaining the capability of recovering the accelerations, forces, stresses, etc., from the original, large, complex model. This output recovery is accomplished with the use of a loads transformation matrix which relates the output parameters to the modal coordinate accelerations. In addition, a method is described to synthesize structural models consisting of hybrid coordinates for use in dynamic response analyses where one structure is described using physical coordinates and the other using generalized modal coordinates.

Wilson, T. L.↗

Deep Learning Classification of Cheatgrass Invasion in the Western United States Using Biophysical and Remote Sensing Data

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) invasion is driving an emerging cycle of increased fire frequency and irreversible loss of wildlife habitat in the western US. Yet, detailed spatial information about its occurrence is still lacking for much of its presumably invaded range. Deep learning (DL) has demonstrated success for remote sensing applications but is less tested on more challenging tasks like identifying biological invasions using sub-pixel phenomena. We compare two DL architectures and the more conventional Random Forest and Logistic Regression methods to improve upon a previous effort to map cheatgrass occurrence at >2% canopy cover. High-dimensional sets of biophysical, MODIS, and Landsat-7 ETM+ predictor variables are also compared to evaluate different multi-modal data strategies. All model configurations improved results relative to the case study and accuracy generally improved by combining data from both sensors with biophysical data. Cheatgrass occurrence is mapped at 30 m ground sample distance (GSD) with an estimated 78.1% accuracy, compared to 250-m GSD and 71% map accuracy in the case study. Furthermore, DL is shown to be competitive with well-established machine learning methods in a limited data regime, suggesting it can be an effective tool for mapping biological invasions and more broadly for multi-modal remote sensing applications.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Uncertainty Modeling for Structural Control Analysis and Synthesis

The development of an accurate model of uncertainties for the control of structures that undergo a change in operational environment, based solely on modeling and experimentation in the original environment is studied. The application used throughout this work is the development of an on-orbit uncertainty model based on ground modeling and experimentation. A ground based uncertainty model consisting of mean errors and bounds on critical structural parameters is developed. The uncertainty model is created using multiple data sets to observe all relevant uncertainties in the system. The Discrete Extended Kalman Filter is used as an identification/parameter estimation method for each data set, in addition to providing a covariance matrix which aids in the development of the uncertainty model. Once ground based modal uncertainties have been developed, they are localized to specific degrees of freedom in the form of mass and stiffness uncertainties. Two techniques are presented: a matrix method which develops the mass and stiffness uncertainties in a mathematical manner; and a sensitivity method which assumes a form for the mass and stiffness uncertainties in macroelements and scaling factors. This form allows the derivation of mass and stiffness uncertainties in a more physical manner. The mass and stiffness uncertainties of the ground based system are then mapped onto the on-orbit system, and projected to create an analogous on-orbit uncertainty model in the form of mean errors and bounds on critical parameters. The Middeck Active Control Experiment is introduced as experimental verification for the localization and projection methods developed. In addition, closed loop results from on-orbit operations of the experiment verify the use of the uncertainty model for control analysis and synthesis in space.

Campbell, Mark E.↗

Structural dynamics system model reduction

Loads analysis for structural dynamic systems is usually performed by finite element models. Because of the complexity of the structural system, the model contains large number of degree-of-freedom. The large model is necessary since details of the stress, loads and responses due to mission environments are computed. However, a simplified model is needed for other tasks such as pre-test analysis for modal testing, and control-structural interaction studies. A systematic method of model reduction for modal test analysis is presented. Perhaps it will be of some help in developing a simplified model for the control studies.

Chen, J. C.↗

Quantification of modeling uncertainty in the Rayleigh damping model

Understanding and accurately characterizing energy dissipation mechanisms in civil structures during earthquakes is an important element of seismic assessment and design. The most commonly used model is attributed to Rayleigh. This paper proposes a systematic approach to quantify the uncertainty associated with Rayleigh's damping model. Bayesian calibration with embedded model error is employed to treat the coefficients of the Rayleigh model as random variables using modal damping ratios. Through a numerical example, we illustrate how this approach works and how the calibrated model can address modeling uncertainty associated with the Rayleigh damping model.

42 ENGINEERING↗

An evaluation of excitation techniques for time domain based flutter data processing

Numerically simulated, wind tunnel and flight test experimental data were used to evaluate various types of system excitation sources for subcritical flutter testing. Emphasis was placed upon the determination of modal frequencies and damping from relatively short time series records. Parameter identification based upon digital time series models was used to predict modal characteristics from subcritical test data. Various types of excitation were considered. These were: 1) impulsive loading and the resulting transient free vibration response, 2) random forced response, in which the 'mechanical' forcing function could be directly measured, 3) sine sweep forced response, in which the 'mechanical' forcing function could be directly measured, and 4) forced response from unsteady aerodynamic excitation or turbulence, in which the excitation could only be indirectly inferred from other measurements.

Pinkelman, J. K.↗