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At least 433 records · Page 24

Piezoelectric Actuator Modeling Using MSC/NASTRAN and MATLAB

This paper presents a procedure for modeling structures containing piezoelectric actuators using MSCMASTRAN and MATLAB. The paper describes the utility and functionality of one set of validated modeling tools. The tools described herein use MSCMASTRAN to model the structure with piezoelectric actuators and a thermally induced strain to model straining of the actuators due to an applied voltage field. MATLAB scripts are used to assemble the dynamic equations and to generate frequency response functions. The application of these tools is discussed using a cantilever aluminum beam with a surface mounted piezoelectric actuator as a sample problem. Software in the form of MSCINASTRAN DMAP input commands, MATLAB scripts, and a step-by-step procedure to solve the example problem are provided. Analysis results are generated in terms of frequency response functions from deflection and strain data as a function of input voltage to the actuator.

Reaves, Mercedes C.↗

Optimum structural sizing of conventional cantilever and joined wing configurations using equivalent beam models

The present paper describes an approach for the optimum sizing of single and joined wing structures that is based on representing the built-up finite element model of the structure by an equivalent beam model. The low order beam model is computationally more efficient in an environment that requires repetitive analysis of several trial designs. The design procedure is implemented in a computer program that requires geometry and loading data typically available from an aerodynamic synthesis program, to create the finite element model of the lifting surface and an equivalent beam model. A fully stressed design procedure is used to obtain rapid estimates of the optimum structural weight for the beam model for a given geometry, and a qualitative description of the material distribution over the wing structure. The synthesis procedure is demonstrated for representative single wing and joined wing structures.

Hajela, P.↗

Characterization of graphite/epoxy laminates for aeroelastic tailoring

A study of interaction between wing bending and twist by graphite/epoxy anisotropic laminates used in aircraft wing skins is presented. The laminates were used as covers for subscale box beams supported as a cantilever and tested in tip shear and tip torque, measuring beam response with a reflected light technique. The results indicated that the in-plane stiffness properties of anisotropic laminates can be predicted if the layer properties of the composite materials are known; thus, the coupled bending/twist response of wing type structures made from these laminates can be determined provided the limits of the laminate linear behavior are not significantly exceeded.

Shyprykevich, P.↗

A comparison of two trusses for the space station structure

The structural performance of two truss configurations, the orthogonal tetrahedral and a Warren-type, are compared using finite element models representing the November Reference Phase 1 Space Station. The truss torsional stiffness properties and fundamental torsion frequency are determined using cantilever truss-beam models. Frequencies, mode shapes, transient response, and truss strut compressive loads are compared for the two space station models. The performance benefit resulting from using a high modulus truss strut is also presented. Finally, assembly and logistics characteristics of the two truss configurations are evaluated.

Sutter, Thomas R.↗

Truncated nonlinear interferometer-based atomic force microscopes

A truncated non-linear interferometer-based atomic force microscope (AFM) includes an input port and a non-linear amplifier that renders a probe beam and a conjugate beam. The AFM includes local oscillators having a relationship with the probe beam and the conjugate beam. The displacement of the AFM's cantilever is transduced by the probe beam, and/or the conjugate beam or their respective local oscillators. The AFM's phase-sensitive detectors detect a phase modulation between the respective local oscillators and the probe beam and the conjugate beam. The detected phase modulation corresponds to the change in phase. The AFM's circuitry measures phase signals that are indicative of the cantilever displacement. The resulting measurement signals exhibit a quantum noise reduction in either the intensity difference or phase sum quadrature.

Pooser, Raphael C.↗

Simulating and Synthesizing Substructures Using Neural Network and Genetic Algorithms

The feasibility of simulating and synthesizing substructures by computational neural network models is illustrated by investigating a statically indeterminate beam, using both a 1-D and a 2-D plane stress modelling. The beam can be decomposed into two cantilevers with free-end loads. By training neural networks to simulate the cantilever responses to different loads, the original beam problem can be solved as a match-up between two subsystems under compatible interface conditions. The genetic algorithms are successfully used to solve the match-up problem. Simulated results are found in good agreement with the analytical or FEM solutions.

Liu, Youhua↗

Precise control of flexible manipulators

The design and experimental testing of end point position controllers for a very flexible one link lightweight manipulator are summarized. The latest upgraded version of the experimental set up, and the basic differences between conventional joint angle feedback and end point position feedback are described. A general procedure for application of modern control methods to the problem is outlined. The relationship between weighting parameters and the bandwidth and control stiffness of the resulting end point position closed loop system is shown. It is found that joint rate angle feedback in addition to the primary end point position sensor is essential for adequate disturbance rejection capability of the closed loop system. The use of a low order multivariable compensator design computer code; called Sandy is documented. A solution to the problem of control mode switching between position sensor sets is outlined. The proof of concept for endpoint position feedback for a one link flexible manipulator was demonstrated. The bandwidth obtained with the experimental end point position controller is about twice as fast as the beam's first natural cantilevered frequency, and comes within a factor of four of the absolute physical speed limit imposed by the wave propagation time of the beam.

Cannon, R. H., Jr.↗

Buckling of composite beams (CDDF)

Presented are the results of an investigation of the twisting/warping deformation occurring in open-section composite beams. A series of C and L channels were manufactured using both hand layup and the innovative 'hot-drape forming' techniques. A transverse tip load was applied at the free end of the cantilevered open-section beams. The test setup allowed the tip load to be applied at various locations along the plane of and at the beam's shear center. Charts are included in this report depicting various angles of ply layups, loads applied, and load application points. A major verification resulting from this study is that the shear center of an open section composite beam can be altered, if not completely controlled, through laminate layup. Also, it was observed that the choice of the material system does not have an effect on the amount of deformation, as expected, and the material affects the location of an unsymmetric open section composite beam's true shear center. The results from this study have provided a foundation for further investigation into the apparent shifting of the shear center location in open-section composite beams.

Thompson, P.↗

Methods for In-Flight Wing Shape Predictions of Highly Flexible Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Formulation of Ko Displacement Theory

The Ko displacement theory is formulated for a cantilever tubular wing spar under bending, torsion, and combined bending and torsion loading. The Ko displacement equations are expressed in terms of strains measured at multiple sensing stations equally spaced on the surface of the wing spar. The bending and distortion strain data can then be input to the displacement equations to calculate slopes, deflections, and cross-sectional twist angles of the wing spar at the strain-sensing stations for generating the deformed shapes of flexible aircraft wing spars. The displacement equations have been successfully validated for accuracy by finite-element analysis. The Ko displacement theory that has been formulated could also be applied to calculate the deformed shape of simple and tapered beams, plates, and tapered cantilever wing boxes. The Ko displacement theory and associated strain-sensing system (such as fiber optic sensors) form a powerful tool for in-flight deformation monitoring of flexible wings and tails, such as those often employed on unmanned aerial vehicles. Ultimately, the calculated displacement data can be visually displayed in real time to the ground-based pilot for monitoring the deformed shape of unmanned aerial vehicles during flight.

Ko, William L.↗

Advanced Modeling of Micromirror Devices

The flexure-beam micromirror device (FBMD) is a phase only piston style spatial light modulator demonstrating properties which can be used for phase adaptive corrective optics. This paper presents a complete study of a square FBMD, from advanced model development through final device testing and model verification. The model relates the electrical and mechanical properties of the device by equating the electrostatic force of a parallel-plate capacitor with the counter-acting spring force of the device's support flexures. The capacitor solution is derived via the Schwartz-Christoffel transformation such that the final solution accounts for non-ideal electric fields. The complete model describes the behavior of any piston-style device, given its design geometry and material properties. It includes operational parameters such as drive frequency and temperature, as well as fringing effects, mirror surface deformations, and cross-talk from neighboring devices. The steps taken to develop this model can be applied to other micromirrors, such as the cantilever and torsion-beam designs, to produce an advanced model for any given device. The micromirror devices studied in this paper were commercially fabricated in a surface micromachining process. A microscope-based laser interferometer is used to test the device in which a beam reflected from the device modulates a fixed reference beam. The mirror displacement is determined from the relative phase which generates a continuous set of data for each selected position on the mirror surface. Plots of this data describe the localized deflection as a function of drive voltage.

Michalicek, M. Adrian↗

Exploratory flutter test in a cryogenic wind tunnel

A model consisting of a rigid wing with an integral, flexible beam support that was cantilever mounted from the wall in the NASA LaRC 0.3-m transonic cryogenic tunnel was used in a flutter analysis study. The wing had a rectangular planform of aspect ratio 1.5 and a 64A010 airfoil. Various considerations and procedures for conducting flutter tests in a cryogenic wind tunnel were evaluated. Flutter onset conditions were established from extrapolated subcritical response measurements. A flutter boundary was determined at cryogenic temperatures over a Mach number M range from 0.5 to 0.9. Flutter was obtained at two different Reynolds numbers R at M = 0.5 (R = 4.4 and 18.4 x 10 to the 6th power) and at M = 0.8 (R = 5.0 and 10.4 x 10 to the 6th power). Flutter analyses using subsonic lifting surface (kernel function) aerodynamics were made over the range of test conditions. To evaluate the Reynolds number effects at M = 0.5 and 0.8, the experimental results were adjusted using analytical trends to account for differences in the model test temperatures and mass ratios. The adjusted experimental results indicate that increasing Reynolds number from 5.0 to 20.0 x 10 to the 6th power decreased the dynamic pressure by 4.0 to 6.5 percent at M = 0.5 and 0.8.

Cole, S. R.↗

Damage induced constitutive response of a thermoplastic related to composites and adhesive bonding

The volume-averaged constitutive behavior of a polymer sustaining void growth under dilational deformation is addressed. Polyvinylacetate is deformed between two aluminum beams in a double cantilever geometry and the deformations, recorded with the aid of optical interferometry, are used to deduce the stress-strain behavior of the material as it passes from small strain behavior, through the voiding process, to near-failure under exclusion of rate-sensitivity considerations.

Parvin, M.↗

Method and apparatus for measuring the strain developed in a coated surface

A method and apparatus are provided for determining the strain developed in a coated surface. A beam with a coating on a surface thereof is mounted as a cantilever and a force is applied to the free end of the beam to cause deflection of the beam until the coating on the beam fails. The strain in the beam, and hence in the coating at the point of failure, is determined based on the dimensions of the beam, the point along the beam where failure of the coating occurs and the amount of deflection of the beam, and this determination is made independently of the temperature of the beam and the material from which the beam is made. The determination is made based on the equation E= 1.5hdx/l(exp 3), where E is strain, h is the beam thickness, d is the beam deflection, x is the distance from the free end of the beam to the point where failure of the coating occurred, and l is the length of the beam.

Smith, Sheldon M.↗

Rotorcraft aeroelastic stability

Theoretical and experimental developments in the aeroelastic and aeromechanical stability of helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft are addressed. Included are the underlying nonlinear structural mechanics of slender rotating beams, necessary for accurate modeling of elastic cantilever rotor blades, and the development of dynamic inflow, an unsteady aerodynamic theory for low-frequency aeroelastic stability applications. Analytical treatment of isolated rotor stability in hover and forward flight, coupled rotor-fuselage stability in hover and forward flight, and analysis of tilt-rotor dynamic stability are considered. Results of parametric investigations of system behavior are presented, and correlation between theoretical results and experimental data from small and large scale wind tunnel and flight testing are discussed.

Ormiston, Robert A.↗

Survey of Army/NASA rotorcraft aeroelastic stability research

Theoretical and experimental developments in the aeroelastic and aeromechanical stability of helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft are addressed. Included are the underlying nonlinear structural mechanics of slender rotating beams, necessary for accurate modeling of elastic cantilever rotor blades, and the development of dynamic inflow, an unsteady aerodynamic theory for low frequency aeroelastic stability applications. Analytical treatment of isolated rotor stability in hover and forward flight, coupled rotor-fuselage stability are considered. Results of parametric investigations of system behavior are presented, and correlations between theoretical results and experimental data from small- and large-scale wind tunnel and flight testing are discussed.

Ormiston, Robert A.↗

Enlargement of Step-Free SiC Surfaces by Homoepitaxial Web-Growth of Thin SiC Cantilevers

Lateral homoepitaxial growth of thin cantilevers emanating from mesa patterns that were reactive ion etched into on-axis commercial SiC substrates prior to growth is reported. The thin cantilevers form after pure stepflow growth removes almost all atomic steps from the top surface of a mesa, after which additional adatoms collected by the large step-free surface migrate to the mesa sidewall where they rapidly incorporate into the crystal near the top of the mesa sidewall. The lateral propagation of the step-free cantilevered surface is significantly affected by pregrowth mesa shape and orientation, with the highest lateral expansion rates observed at the inside concave comers of V-shaped pregrowth mesas with arms lengthwise oriented along the {1100} direction. Complete spanning of the interiors of V's and other mesa shapes with concave comers by webbed cantilevers was accomplished. Optical microscopy, synchrotron white beam x-ray topography and atomic force microscopy analysis of webbed regions formed over a micropipe and closed-core screw dislocations show that c-axis propagation of these defects is terminated by the webbing. Despite the nonoptimized process employed in this initial study, webbed surfaces as large as 1.4 x 10(exp -3) square centimeters, more than four times the pregrowth mesa area, were grown. However, the largest webbed surfaces were not completely free of bilayer steps, due to unintentional growth of 3C-SiC that occurred in the nonoptimized process. Further process optimization should enable larger step-free webs to be realized.

Neudeck, Philip G.↗