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At least 415 records · Page 23

Formulation and solution of rotary-wing aeroelastic stability and response problems

The state of the art in the formulation and solution of rotary-wing aeroelastic stability and response problems is reviewed in detail. The approximations used in the structural, inertia and aerodynamic operators are discussed. The important role of geometric nonlinearities, due to moderate deflections, and aerodynamic stall in the aeroelastic stability and response problem are identified. It is also shown that geometric nonlinearities are of primary importance in aeroelastic stability calculations, and have a more limited, though important, role in response calculations. Next, formulation of coupled rotor/fuselage problems is described, for both air and ground resonance type problems. Both topics, the isolated blade problem and the coupled rotor/fuselage problem, are treated for both hover and forward flight. Solution of aeroelastic stability and response problems proceeds in two stages. First, the spatial dependence is eliminated by using Galerkin's method, or by using the finite element method. Next the nonlinear, or linear, ordinary differential equation with periodic coefficients have to be solved for stability or response. Efficient numerical methods for accomplishing these objectives are presented in a comprehensive manner. The paper contains a number of illustrative numerical results which are intended to clarify various aspects of the modeling process and serve as representative results for both aeroelastic stability and response calculations for a variety of blade and rotor configurations.

Friedmann, P. P.↗

Optimization of cascade blade mistuning under flutter and forced response constraints

In the development of modern turbomachinery, problems of flutter instabilities and excessive forced response of a cascade of blades that were encountered have often turned out to be extremely difficult to eliminate. The study of these instabilities and the forced response is complicated by the presence of mistuning; that is, small differences among the individual blades. The theory of mistuned cascade behavior shows that mistuning can have a beneficial effect on the stability of the rotor. This beneficial effect is produced by the coupling between the more stable and less stable flutter modes introduced by mistuning. The effect of mistuning on the forced response can be either beneficial or adverse. Kaza and Kielb have studied the effects of two types of mistuning on the flutter and forced response: alternate mistuning where alternte blades are identical and random mistuning. The objective is to investigate other patterns of mistuning which maximize the beneficial effects on the flutter and forced response of the cascade. Numerical optimization techniques are employed to obtain optimal mistuning patterns. The optimization program seeks to minimize the amount of mistuning required to satisfy constraints on flutter speed and forced response.

Murthy, D. V.↗

Dynamic response and stability of a composite prop-fan model

Results are presented for blade response and stability during wind tunnel tests of a 62.2 cm diameter model of a prop-fan, advanced turboprop, with swept graphite/epoxy composite blades. Measurements of dynamic response were made with the rotor mounted on an isolated nacelle, with varying tilt for nonuniform inflow, at flow speeds from 0.36 to 0.9 Mach number. The blade displayed no instabilities over the operating range tested, up to 0.9 Mach number and 10,000 RPM. Measurements are compared with those for other prop-fan models of both solid metal and graphite composite construction. The swept composite blade had less response than an unswept composite blade. Composite blades had more response than metal blades. Measurements are compared with theoretically based predictions. The 1-P blade response was significantly overpredicted using unimproved methods and somewhat overpredicted using improved methods. Unexpectedly high 2-P strain levels were measured and suggest the presence of nonlinear effects on blade response.

Smith, A. F.↗

Analysis and test evaluation of the dynamic response and stability of three advanced turboprop models

Results of dynamic response and stability wind tunnel tests of three 62.2 cm (24.5 in) diameter models of the Prop-Fan, advanced turboprop, are presented. Measurements of dynamic response were made with the rotors mounted on an isolated nacelle, with varying tilt for nonuniform inflow. One model was also tested using a semi-span wing and fuselage configuration for response to realistic aircraft inflow. Stability tests were performed using tunnel turbulence or a nitrogen jet for excitation. Measurements are compared with predictions made using beam analysis methods for the model with straight blades, and finite element analysis methods for the models with swept blades. Correlations between measured and predicted rotating blade natural frequencies for all the models are very good. The IP dynamic response of the straight blade model is reasonably well predicted. The IP response of the swept blades is underpredicted and the wing induced response of the straight blade is overpredicted. Two models did not flutter, as predicted. One swept blade model encountered an instability at a higher RPM than predicted, showing predictions to be conservative.

Bansal, P. N.↗

Response of middle atmosphere to short-term solar ultraviolet variations. I - Observations. II - Theory

The effects of solar UV variability on ozone and temperature are studied using Nimbus 7 stratospheric and mesospheric ozone, temperature, and 205-nm solar UV data, and Solar Mesosphere Explorer 1.27-micron ozone and 121.6-nm solar UV data. Consideration is given to the temperature/UV relation, the O3/UV relation with and without temperature feedback, and the responses of HNO3 and NO2 to solar UV variability. It is observed that the response times of temperature to solar UV variability are 6 days at 2 mbar and 1 day at 0.01 mbar. The stratospheric ozone response (with no correction for temperature effects) increases, while in the mesosphere a decrease is detected. The responses of ozone and temperature to solar variability are examined and calculated using a one-dimensional chemical-radiative time-dependent model. The comparison of the model results with the satellite-observed responses reveals generally good correlation between the data; however, the model predicts a larger time lag of the temperature response and a larger stratospheric HNO3 mixing ratio than the satellite data. It is noted that the relation between short-term variations in the solar UV radiation and stratospheric ozone is affected by the coupling between ozone and temperature.

Keating, G. M.↗

Dynamic response for thermal control and measurement and fast radiation thermometry

A preliminary evaluation was made by ORNL of a two-color ratio pyrometer (TCRP) for temperature control in the Modular Electromagnetic Levitation (MEL) experiment. A discussion was presented by Eric Spjut at the 1987 NASA Non-Contact Temperature Measurement Workshop (NASA Conf. Publ. 2503, pp. 182-213) in which he described the non-linear characteristics of the time response of TCPs. Researchers replicated his model and results and note that the non-linear response behavior is minimized for small temperature steps at high temperatures. They then used the predicted response in a model for a proportional or integral feedback controller and predicted the control characteristics for heating and cooling a 5-mm diameter sphere of niobium at high (1500 to 2750 K) temperatures. The analysis shows that for a slow (25-ms) time response for a commercial RCRP, overshoots of several hundred kelvins will result from a 100-K decrease in the setpoint, and temperature tracking errors of 14 to 45 K will occur for control temperature ramps of 1000K/s. For a fast (greater than 0.1 ms) time response, the overshoot and ramp response errors are largely eliminated.

Shepard, R. L.↗

Scaling effects in the static and dynamic response of graphite-epoxy beam-columns

Scale model technology represents one method of investigating the behavior of advanced, weight-efficient composite structures under a variety of loading conditions. It is necessary, however, to understand the limitations involved in testing scale model structures before the technique can be fully utilized. These limitations, or scaling effects, are characterized. in the large deflection response and failure of composite beams. Scale model beams were loaded with an eccentric axial compressive load designed to produce large bending deflections and global failure. A dimensional analysis was performed on the composite beam-column loading configuration to determine a model law governing the system response. An experimental program was developed to validate the model law under both static and dynamic loading conditions. Laminate stacking sequences including unidirectional, angle ply, cross ply, and quasi-isotropic were tested to examine a diversity of composite response and failure modes. The model beams were loaded under scaled test conditions until catastrophic failure. A large deflection beam solution was developed to compare with the static experimental results and to analyze beam failure. Also, the finite element code DYCAST (DYnamic Crash Analysis of STructure) was used to model both the static and impulsive beam response. Static test results indicate that the unidirectional and cross ply beam responses scale as predicted by the model law, even under severe deformations. In general, failure modes were consistent between scale models within a laminate family; however, a significant scale effect was observed in strength. The scale effect in strength which was evident in the static tests was also observed in the dynamic tests. Scaling of load and strain time histories between the scale model beams and the prototypes was excellent for the unidirectional beams, but inconsistent results were obtained for the angle ply, cross ply, and quasi-isotropic beams. Results show that valuable information can be obtained from testing on scale model composite structures, especially in the linear elastic response region. However, due to scaling effects in the strength behavior of composite laminates, caution must be used in extrapolating data taken from a scale model test when that test involves failure of the structure.

Jackson, Karen E.↗

Dynamic response of a hammerhead launch vehicle wind-tunnel model

A wind-tunnel test of a 1/10th-scale Atlas-Centaur I large payload fairing launch vehicle model was conducted in the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel. The wind tunnel model was an aeroelastically-scaled version of the flight vehicle and was capable of simulating either of the first two bending vibration modes of the full-scale vehicle by a partial mode technique. The primary purpose of the test was to gather data concerning buffet response which could be used to clear the vehicle for flight. Additionally, angle-of-attack studies were conducted and several payload fairing configurations were tested to assess the buffet response and dynamic stability of off-design flight conditions and geometric parameters. No dynamic instabilities were found for any of the configurations tested. The buffet response data for the nominal flight configuration indicate that the unsteady buffet loads represent 5 to 10 percent of the total design load; therefore, the buffet loads are not a large factor affecting the overall vehicle design. Payload fairing length-to-diameter ratio variations were found to have small effects on the buffet response of the model, except in the case of the smallest length-to-diameter models for the second bending mode simulation. The effects of angle of attack on buffet response were found to be small. The model was more sensitive to Mach number changes than to angle of attack. The buffet response results from this wind tunnel test were influenced by the tunnel facility vibration levels. An attempt was made to experimentally reduce the effect of the facility mechanical vibration for the nominal flight configuration by testing with vertical rods used to stiffen the sting support. The first flight of the Atlas-Centaur I vehicle successfully occurred on July 25, 1990, and a comparison of flight measurements with wind tunnel data is presented. The flight data was found to be well within the 3 sigma level of the wind tunnel data.

Cole, Stanley R.↗

Rise time and response measurements on a LiSOCl2 cell

Dynamic impedance tests were performed on a 180 Ah LiSOCl2 cell in the frame of a short term work contract awarded by Aerospatiale as part of the Hermes Space Plane development work. These tests consisted of rise time and response measurements. The rise time test was performed to show the ability to deliver 4 KW, in the nominal voltage range (75-115 V), within less than 100 microseconds, and after a period at rest of 13 days. The response measurements test consisted of step response and frequency response tests. The frequency response test was performed to characterize the response of the LiSOCl2 cell to a positive or negative load step of 10 A starting from various currents. The test was performed for various depths of discharge and various temperatures. The test results were used to build a mathematical, electrical model of the LiSOCl2 cell which are also presented. The test description, test results, electrical modelization description, and conclusions are presented.

Bastien, Caroline↗

Changes in monkey horizontal semicircular canal afferent responses after spaceflight

Extracellular responses from single horizontal semicircular canal afferents in two rhesus monkeys were studied after recovery from a 14-day biosatellite (Cosmos 2044) orbital spaceflight. On the 1st postflight day, the mean gain for 9 different horizontal canal afferents, tested using one or several different passive yaw rotation waveforms, was nearly twice that for 20 horizontal canal afferents similarly tested during preflight and postflight control studies. Adaptation of the afferent response to passive yaw rotation on the 1st postflight day was also greater. These results suggest that at least one component of the vestibular end organ (the semicircular canals) is transiently modified after exposure to 14 days of microgravity. It is unclear whether the changes are secondary to other effects of microgravity, such as calcium loss, or an adaptive response. If the response is adaptive, then this report is the first evidence that the response of the vestibular end organ may be modified (presumably by the central nervous system via efferent connections) after prolonged unusual vestibular stimulation. If this is the case, the sites of plasticity of vestibular responses may not be exclusively within central nervous system vestibular structures, as previously believed.

Correia, M. J.↗

Physical retrieval of precipitation water contents from Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) data. Part 1: A cloud ensemble/radiative parameterization for sensor response (report version)

The physical retrieval of geophysical parameters based upon remotely sensed data requires a sensor response model which relates the upwelling radiances that the sensor observes to the parameters to be retrieved. In the retrieval of precipitation water contents from satellite passive microwave observations, the sensor response model has two basic components. First, a description of the radiative transfer of microwaves through a precipitating atmosphere must be considered, because it is necessary to establish the physical relationship between precipitation water content and upwelling microwave brightness temperature. Also the spatial response of the satellite microwave sensor (or antenna pattern) must be included in the description of sensor response, since precipitation and the associated brightness temperature field can vary over a typical microwave sensor resolution footprint. A 'population' of convective cells, as well as stratiform clouds, are simulated using a computationally-efficient multi-cylinder cloud model. Ensembles of clouds selected at random from the population, distributed over a 25 km x 25 km model domain, serve as the basis for radiative transfer calculations of upwelling brightness temperatures at the SSM/I frequencies. Sensor spatial response is treated explicitly by convolving the upwelling brightness temperature by the domain-integrated SSM/I antenna patterns. The sensor response model is utilized in precipitation water content retrievals.

Olson, William S.↗

The response of middle atmospheric ozone to solar UV irradiance variations with a period of 27 days

A one-dimensional photochemical-dynamical-radiative time-dependent model was used to study the response of middle atmospheric temperature and ozone to solar UV irradiance variations with the period of 27 days. The model solar UV O(x), HO(x), NO(x), and CIO(x)families and modeled solar UV variations. The amplitude of the primary temperature response to the solar UV variation is plus 0.4 K at 85-90 km with a phase lag of about 6 days. A secondary maximum response of plus 0.3 K at 45-50 km appears with a phase lag of 1 day. There is a maximum positive ozone response to the 27-day solar UV oscillation of 2.5 percent at 80-90 km with a phase lag of about 10 days after the solar irradiance maximum. At 70 km the ozone response is about 1.2 percent and is out of phase with the solar variation. In the upper stratosphere (40-50 km) the relative ozone variation is small, about 0.2 percent to 0.3 percent, and there is a negative phase of about 4 days between the ozone and solar oscillations. These oscillations are in phase in the middle stratosphere (35-40 km) where there is again a maximum relative response of about 0.6 percent. The reasons for these ozone amplitude and phase variations are discussed.

Chen, LI↗

Mechanisms of optical response in superconducting YBa2Cu3O7-delta thin films and grain-boundary weak links

The optical response of single grain-boundary weak links in superconducting YBCO thin films has been investigated. At temperatures well below the transition temperature, the grain boundary exhibits an optical response which is qualitatively different from transition edge response. Using a resistively shunted-junction model for the grain-boundary weak link, we find that the optical response below the transition temperature can be described by radiation induced thermal modulation of the critical currents of the weak links. The dependence on the bias current and the temperature distinguishes the weak-link optical response from the transition edge optical response. We discuss novel aspects of a potential radiation detector based on grain-boundary weak-link junctions.

Bhattacharya, S.↗

Sensitivity of two-dimensional model predictions of ozone response to stratospheric aircraft: An update

The Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) two-dimensional model of stratospheric photochemistry and dynamics has been used to calculate the O3 response to stratospheric aircraft (high-speed civil transport (HSCT)) emissions. The sensitivity of the model O3 response was examined for systematic variations of five parameters and two reaction rates over a wide range, expanding on calculations by various modeling groups for the NASA High Speed Research Program and the World Meteorological Organization. In all, 448 model runs were required to test the effects of variations in the latitude, altitude, and magnetitude of the aircraft emissions perturbation, the background chlorine levels, the background sulfate aerosol surface area densities, and the rates of two key reactions. No deviation from previous conclusions concerning the response of O3 to HSCTs was found in this more exhaustive exploration of parameter space. Maximum O3 depletions occur for high-altitude, low altitude HSCT perturbations. Small increases in global total O3 can occur for low-altitude, high-altitude injections. Decreasing aerosol surface area densities and background chlorine levels increases the sensitivity of model O3 to the HSCT perturbations. The location of the aircraft emissions is the most important determinant of the model response. Response to the location of the HSCT emissions is not changed qualitatively by changes in background chlorine and aerosol loading. The response is also not very sensitive to changes in the rates of the reactions NO + HO2 yields NO2 + OH and HO2 + O3 yields OH + 2O2 over the limits of their respective uncertainties. Finally, levels of lower stratospheric HO(sub x) generally decrease when the HSCT perturbation is included, even though there are large increases in H2O due to the perturbation.

Considine, David B.↗

Baroreflex Responses to Acute Changes in Blood Volume in Humans

To test the hypothesis that acute changes in plasma volume affect the stimulus-response relations of high- and low- pressure baroreflexes, eight men (27-44 yr old) underwent measurements for carotid-cardiac and cardiopulmonary baro- reflex responses under the following three volemic conditions: hypovolemic, normovolemic, and hypervolemic. The stimulus- response relation of the carotid-cardiac response curve was generated using a neck cuff device, which delivered pressure changes between +40 and -65 mmHg in continuous steps of 15 mmHg. The stimulus-response relationships of the cardiopulmonary baroreflex were studied by measurements of Forearm Vascular Resistance (FVR) and Peripheral Venotis Pressure (PVP) during low levels of lower body negative pressure (O to -20 mmHg). Altered vascular volume had no effect on response relations of the carotid-cardiac baroreflex but did alter the gain of the cardiopulmonary baroreflex (-7.93 q 1.71, -4.36 q 1.38, and -2.56 q 1.59 peripheral resistance units/mmHg for hypovolemic, normovolemic, and hypervolemic, respectively) independent of shifts in baseline FVR and PVP. These results indicate greater demand for vasoconstriction for equal reductions in venous pressure during progressive hypovolemia; this condition may compromise the capacity to provide adequate peripheral resistance during severe orthostatic stress. Fluid loading before reentry after spaceflight may act to restore vasoconstrictive capacity of the cardiopulnionary baroreflex but may not be an effective countermeasure against potential post- flight impairment of the carotid-cardiac baroreflex.

Thompson, Cynthia A.↗

Identification of Linear and Nonlinear Aerodynamic Impulse Responses Using Digital Filter Techniques

This paper discusses the mathematical existence and the numerically-correct identification of linear and nonlinear aerodynamic impulse response functions. Differences between continuous-time and discrete-time system theories, which permit the identification and efficient use of these functions, will be detailed. Important input/output definitions and the concept of linear and nonlinear systems with memory will also be discussed. It will be shown that indicial (step or steady) responses (such as Wagner's function), forced harmonic responses (such as Tbeodorsen's function or those from doublet lattice theory), and responses to random inputs (such as gusts) can all be obtained from an aerodynamic impulse response function. This paper establishes the aerodynamic impulse response function as the most fundamental, and, therefore, the most computationally efficient, aerodynamic function that can be extracted from any given discrete-time, aerodynamic system. The results presented in this paper help to unify the understanding of classical two-dimensional continuous-time theories with modem three-dimensional, discrete-time theories. First, the method is applied to the nonlinear viscous Burger's equation as an example. Next the method is applied to a three-dimensional aeroelastic model using the CAP-TSD (Computational Aeroelasticity Program - Transonic Small Disturbance) code and then to a two-dimensional model using the CFL3D Navier-Stokes code. Comparisons of accuracy and computational cost savings are presented. Because of its mathematical generality, an important attribute of this methodology is that it is applicable to a wide range of nonlinear, discrete-time problems.

Silva, Walter A.↗

Identification of Linear and Nonlinear Aerodynamic Impulse Responses Using Digital Filter Techniques

This paper discusses the mathematical existence and the numerically-correct identification of linear and nonlinear aerodynamic impulse response functions. Differences between continuous-time and discrete-time system theories, which permit the identification and efficient use of these functions, will be detailed. Important input/output definitions and the concept of linear and nonlinear systems with memory will also be discussed. It will be shown that indicial (step or steady) responses (such as Wagner's function), forced harmonic responses (such as Theodorsen's function or those from doublet lattice theory), and responses to random inputs (such as gusts) can all be obtained from an aerodynamic impulse response function. This paper establishes the aerodynamic impulse response function as the most fundamental, and, therefore, the most computationally efficient, aerodynamic function that can be extracted from any given discrete-time, aerodynamic system. The results presented in this paper help to unify the understanding of classical two-dimensional continuous-time theories with modern three-dimensional, discrete-time theories. First, the method is applied to the nonlinear viscous Burger's equation as an example. Next the method is applied to a three-dimensional aeroelastic model using the CAP-TSD (Computational Aeroelasticity Program - Transonic Small Disturbance) code and then to a two-dimensional model using the CFL3D Navier-Stokes code. Comparisons of accuracy and computational cost savings are presented. Because of its mathematical generality, an important attribute of this methodology is that it is applicable to a wide range of nonlinear, discrete-time problems.

Silva, Walter A.↗

Nonlinear Response of Thin Cylindrical Shells with Longitudinal Cracks and Subjected to Internal Pressure and Axial compression Loads

The results of an analytical study of the nonlinear response of a thin unstiffened aluminum cylindrical shell with a longitudinal crack are presented. The shell is analyzed with a nonlinear shell analysis code that maintains the shell in a nonlinear equilibrium state while the crack is grown. The analysis accurately accounts for global and local structural response phenomena. Results are presented for internal pressure, axial compression, and combined internal pressure and axial compression loads. The effects of varying crack length on the nonlinear response of the shell subjected to internal pressure are described. The effects of varying crack length on the prebuckling, buckling and postbuckling responses of the shell subjected to axial compression, and subjected to combined internal pressure and axial compression are also described. The results indicate that the nonlinear interaction between the in-plane stress resultants and the out-of-plane displacements near a crack can significantly affect the structural response of the shell. The results also indicate that crack growth instabilities and shell buckling instabilities can both affect the response of the shell as the crack length is increased.

Starnes, James H.↗