Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Vibration properties”

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 487 records · Page 27

Enabling Technologies for Entrepreneurial Opportunities in 3D printing of SmallSats

A consortium of innovative experts in additive manufacturing (AM) comprising Northrup Grumman Technical Services, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), Configurable Space Microsystems Innovations & Applications Center (COSMIAC), NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC), and Youngstown State University, have made significant breakthroughs in the goal of creating the first complete 3D printed small satellite. Since AM machines are relatively inexpensive, this should lead to many entrepreneurial opportunities for the small satellite community. Our technology advancements are focused on the challenges of embedding key components within the structure of the article. We have demonstrated, using advanced fused deposition modeling techniques, complex geometric shapes which optimize the spacecraft design. The UTEP Keck Center has developed a method that interrupts the printing process to insert components into specific cavities, resulting in a spacecraft that has minimal internal space allocated for what traditionally were functional purposes. This allows us to increase experiment and instrument capability by provided added volume in a confined small satellite space. Leveraging initial progress made on a NASA contract, the team investigated the potential of new materials that exploit the AM process, producing candidate compositions that exceed the capabilities of traditional materials. These "new materials" being produced and tested include some that have improved radiation shielding, increased permeability, enhanced thermal properties, better conductive properties, and increased structural performance. The team also investigated materials that were previously not possible to be made. Our testing included standard mechanical tests such as vibration, tensile, thermal cycling, and impact resistance as well as radiation and electromagnetic tests. The initial results of these products and their performance will be presented and compared with standard properties. The new materials with the highest probability to disrupt the future of small satellite systems by driving down costs will be highlighted, in conjunction with the electronic embedding process.

Communications↗

Integrating matrix formulations for vibrations of rotating beams including the effects of concentrated masses

By expressing partial differential equations of motion in matrix notation, utilizing the integrating matrix as a spatial operator, and applying the boundary conditions, the resulting ordinary differential equations can be cast into standard eigenvalue form upon assumption of the usual time dependence. As originally developed, the technique was limited to beams having continuous mass and stiffness properties along their lengths. Integrating matrix methods are extended to treat the differential equations governing the flap, lag, or axial vibrations of rotating beams having concentrated masses. Inclusion of concentrated masses is shown to lead to the same kind of standard eigenvalue problem as before, but with slightly modified matrices.

Lakin, W. D.↗

Monodomain Liquid‐Crystal Elastomer Lattices for Broad Strain‐Rate Mechanical Damping

Designing structures that effectively dissipate energy across a broad range of mechanical loading rates, including those from compression, shock, and vibration, poses a significant engineering challenge. In this study, liquid‐crystal elastomers (LCEs), which possess anisotropic properties due to the alignment of their polymer backbone, are explored. As a result, LCEs exhibit a soft elastic response under mechanical loading, making them ideal for energy dissipation. Advances in additive manufacturing (AM) enable simple fabrication of foamlike dissipative structures with complex lattice geometries. Herein, direct ink write 3D printing, an extrusion AM method, is used to fabricate aligned, monodomain LCE lattice structures for broad strain‐rate mechanical damping. In this work, it is shown that these structures can dissipate strain energy in quasi‐static environments, comparable to traditional elastomeric lattices, and provide improved damping under high strain‐rate drop testing due to LCE soft elasticity. Additionally, under dynamic mechanical vibration, monodomain LCE lattices enhance damping at structural natural frequencies and provide high‐frequency attenuation. Finally, in these findings, a promising method is presented for fabricating mechanical damping devices that effectively dissipate energy across a broad range of loading rates.

3D printings↗

Mechanical response tissue analyzer for estimating bone strength

One of the major concerns for extended space flight is weakness of the long bones of the legs, composed primarily of cortical bone, that functions to provide mechanical support. The strength of cortical bone is due to its complex structure, described simplistically as cylinders of parallel osteons composed of layers of mineralized collagen. The reduced mechanical stresses during space flight or immobilization of bone on Earth reduces the mineral content, and changes the components of its matrix and structure so that its strength is reduced. Currently, the established clinical measures of bone strength are indirect. The measures are based on determinations of mineral density by means of radiography, photon absorptiometry, and quantitative computer tomography. While the mineral content of bone is essential to its strength, there is growing awareness of the limitations of the measurement as the sole predictor of fracture risk in metabolic bone diseases, especially limitations of the measurement as the sole predictor of fracture risk in metabolic bone diseases, especially osteoporosis. Other experimental methods in clinical trials that more directly evaluate the physical properties of bone, and do not require exposure to radiation, include ultrasound, acoustic emission, and low-frequency mechanical vibration. The last method can be considered a direct measure of the functional capacity of a long bone since it quantifies the mechanical response to a stimulus delivered directly to the bone. A low frequency vibration induces a response (impedance) curve with a minimum at the resonant frequency, that a few investigators use for the evaluation of the bone. An alternative approach, the method under consideration, is to use the response curve as the basis for determination of the bone bending stiffness EI (E is the intrinsic material property and I is the cross-sectional moment of inertia) and mass, fundamental mechanical properties of bone.

Arnaud, Sara B.↗

Shedding Light on the Vibrational Signatures in Halogen‐Bonded Graphitic Carbon Nitride Building Blocks

Abstract The relative contributions of halogen and hydrogen bonding to the interaction between graphitic carbon nitride monomers and halogen bond (XB) donors containing C−X and C≡C bonds were evaluated using computational vibrational spectroscopy. Conventional probes into select vibrational stretching frequencies can often lead to disconnected results. To elucidate this behavior, local mode analyses were performed on the XB donors and complexes identified previously at the M06‐2X/aVDZ‐PP level of theory. Due to coupling between low and high energy C−X vibrations, the C≡C stretch is deemed a better candidate when analyzing XB complex properties or detecting XB formation. The local force constants support this conclusion, as the C≡C values correlate much better with the σ ‐hole magnitude than their C−X counterparts. The intermolecular local stretching force constants were also assessed, and it was found that attractive forces other than halogen bonding play a supporting role in complex formation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Utilization of coupled eigenmodes in Akiyama atomic force microscopy probes for bimodal multifrequency sensing

Akiyama atomic force microscopy probes represent a unique means of combining several of the desirable properties of tuning fork and cantilever probe designs. As a hybridized mechanical resonator, the vibrational characteristics of Akiyama probes result from a complex coupling between the intrinsic vibrational eigenmodes of its constituent tuning fork and bridging cantilever components. Here, through a combination of finite element analysis modeling and experimental measurements of the thermal vibrations of Akiyama probes, we identify a complex series of vibrational eigenmodes and measure their frequencies, quality factors, and spring constants. We then demonstrate the viability of Akiyama probes to perform bimodal multi-frequency force sensing by performing a multimodal measurement of a surface's nanoscale photothermal response using photo-induced force microscopy imaging techniques. Further performing a parametric search over alternative Akiyama probe geometries, we propose two modified probe designs to enhance the capability of Akiyama probes to perform sensitive bimodal multifrequency force sensing measurements.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Monitor for physical property changes in solid propellants

Specially designed sensor is attached to or imbedded in propellant. When sensor is driven into vibration, it moves with a phase lag directly proportional to internal friction or loss coefficent. Resonance frequency of the system is related to Young's modulus. Modulus or internal friction can be monitored over long period of time.

Black, R. E., Jr.↗

Measurement of interstage fluid-annulus dynamical properties

The work described in this paper is part of an Electric Power Research Institute sponsored effort to improve rotor vibrational performance on power plant feed water pumps. A major objective of this effort is to reduce vibration levels by devising inter-stage sealing configurations with optimized damping capacity, realizing that the typical multi-stage centrifugal pump has several ore inter-stage fluid annuli than it has journal bearings. Also, the fluid annuli are distributed between the journal bearings where vibration levels are highest and can therefore be 'exercised' more as dampers than can the bearings. Described in this paper is a test apparatus which has been built to experimentally determine fluid-annulus dynamical coefficients for various configurations of inter-stage sealing geometry.

Adams, M. L.↗

Vibrational Stabilization of Flexible Structures

It has been demonstrated that a high frequency excitation (HFE) field significantly changes the fundamental properties of mechanical systems. The most important contribution of HFE is the stiffening effect of an elastic continuum in the direction of the wave vector. This effect allows control of stiffness in any selected direction by the corresponding changes in the intensity of HFE. This new approach can be effective for large flexible space structures. Such an approach may prove to be very practical in the sense that large structures need to be made as flimsy as possible for low cost under ordinary situations. However, for certain operations such as development, orbital transfer, docking, and other circumstances, it would be vital to have a means of temporarily stiffening certain structural members. If the structure was designed to meet these occasional loads without temporary stiffening, it would be considerably more massive and more expensive.

Zak, M.↗

Effect of the rotational-vibrational excitation on molecular diameters

The kinetic molecular diameters of rotationally and vibrationally excited diatomic molecules and molecular ions are derived as functions of the rotational and vibrational quantum numbers of the molecules. Typical molecular diameters are studied in two cases: in low-temperature gas, where the molecular diameter is independent of the degree of rotational-vibrational excitation of the molecules, and in high-temperature gas, where the molecular diameter depends on the degree of rotational-vibrational excitation of the molecules. The rotational-vibrational excitation of molecules is shown to have a meaningful effect on the collisional properties of gases. The effect is stronger in gases of weakly-bound molecules.

Kang, S. H.↗

Cost-effective test methods for Shuttle payloads

Techniques are discussed for deriving constrained vibration mode shapes for Space Shuttle payloads using unconstrained or free-boundary dynamic properties. Application of the residual flexibility method requires measurement of a set of free-boundary modes plus the residual flexibility of the payload-to-orbiter interfaces. The mass-additive approach involves the measurement of unconstrained modes and frequencies of a payload with large masses attached to the interfaces. In either case, the orbiter interfaces of the test-verified payload model are analytically constrained to provide the mode shapes for the Shuttle-constrained configuration. Use of these methods or a hybrid combination of them for structures to which they are applicable allows the difficult and expense associated with development and verification of fixed-base test fixtures to be avoided.

Tinker, Michael L.↗

Investigation of the Structural Damping of a Full-scale Airplane Wing

An investigation to determine the structural damping characteristics of a full-scale airplane wing was conducted by the shock-excitation method wherein the wing was loaded to a predetermined deflection and the load suddenly released. The test specimen vibrated at its fundamental bending frequency of 1.69 cycles per second. Only the first 2 or 3 cycles showed any indication of a higher frequency being superimposed upon the fundamental bending frequency. The damping was found to increase from about 0.002 to critical at an amplitude of vibration of plus and minus 0.05 inch to approximately 0.006 of critical at an amplitude of + or - 5 inches.

LOADS AND STRESSES, STRUCTURAL - DYNAMIC↗

Cost-effective test methods for Shuttle payloads

Techniques are discussed for deriving constrained vibration mode shapes for space shuttle payloads using unconstrained or free-boundary dynamic properties. Application of the residual flexibility method requires measurement of a set of free boundary modes plus the residual flexibility of the payload-to-orbiter interfaces. The mass-additive approach involves the measurement of unconstrained modes and frequencies of a payload with large masses attached to the interfaces. In either case, the orbiter interfaces of the test-verified payload model are analytically constrained to provide the mode shapes for the shuttle-constrained configuration. Use of these methods or a hybrid combination of them for structures to which they are applicable allows the difficulty and expense associated with development and verification of fixed-base test fixtures to be avoided.

Tinker, Michael L.↗

Use of the Matching Pursuit Algorithm for Flight Flutter Test Data Analysis

The goal of flight flutter testing is to detect possibly destructive modes of aircraft vibration which may arise during flight from interaction of aerodynamic forces with structural dynamic properties of the airframe. This is typically accomplished by exciting the airframe with a time varying force and monitoring the response of the aircraft throughout its flight envelope. The data generated must be analyzed and presented so that the frequency and time of occurrence of excited modes are clearly and unambiguously displayed. Processing and display in near real time is also desirable. Display of data in the time-frequency plane is a natural choice because it is a familiar and intuitive framework. The Matching Pursuit algorithm provides a time-frequency analysis with good adaptability to signal structure and good signal representation in the time-frequency plane. Improvements in efficiency are needed before the algorithm can be used in real time, however.

Nelson, Ronald E.↗

Carbon Nanotubes Based Quantum Devices

This document represents the final report for the NASA cooperative agreement which studied the application of carbon nanotubes. The accomplishments are reviewed: (1) Wrote a review article on carbon nanotubes and its potentials for applications in nanoscale quantum devices. (2) Extensive studies on the effects of structure deformation on nanotube electronic structure and energy band gaps. (3) Calculated the vibrational spectrum of nanotube rope and the effect of pressure. and (4) Investigate the properties of Li intercalated nanotube ropes and explore their potential for energy storage materials and battery applications. These studies have lead to four publications and seven abstracts in international conferences.

Lu, Jian-Ping↗

Mechanical Design of Carbon Ion Optics

Carbon Ion Optics are expected to provide much longer thruster life due to their resistance to sputter erosion. There are a number of different forms of carbon that have been used for fabricating ion thruster optics. The mechanical behavior of carbon is much different than that of most metals, and poses unique design challenges. In order to minimize mission risk, the behavior of carbon must be well understood, and components designed within material limitations. Thermal expansion of the thruster structure must be compatible with thermal expansion of the carbon ion optics. Specially designed interfaces may be needed so that grid gap and aperture alignment are not adversely affected by dissimilar material properties within the thruster. The assembled thruster must be robust and tolerant of launch vibration. The following paper lists some of the characteristics of various carbon materials. Several past ion optics designs are discussed, identifying strengths and weaknesses. Electrostatics and material science are not emphasized so much as the mechanical behavior and integration of grid electrodes into an ion thruster.

Haag, Thomas↗

Experimental Validation of the Dynamic Inertia Measurement Method to Find the Mass Properties of an Iron Bird Test Article

This presentation describes the DIM method and how it measures the inertia properties of an object by analyzing the frequency response functions measured during a ground vibration test (GVT). The DIM method has been in development at the University of Cincinnati and has shown success on a variety of small scale test articles. The NASA AFRC version was modified for larger applications.

dynamic structural analysis↗