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At least 523 records · Page 29

Efficient fault diagnosis of helicopter gearboxes

Application of a diagnostic system to a helicopter gearbox is presented. The diagnostic system is a nonparametric pattern classifier that uses a multi-valued influence matrix (MVIM) as its diagnostic model and benefits from a fast learning algorithm that enables it to estimate its diagnostic model from a small number of measurement-fault data. To test this diagnostic system, vibration measurements were collected from a helicopter gearbox test stand during accelerated fatigue tests and at various fault instances. The diagnostic results indicate that the MVIM system can accurately detect and diagnose various gearbox faults so long as they are included in training.

Chin, H.↗

Engine exhaust characteristics evaluation in support of aircraft acoustic testing

NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility and NASA Langley Research Center completed a joint acoustic flight test program. Test objectives were (1) to quantify and evaluate subsonic climb-to-cruise noise and (2) to obtain a quality noise database for use in validating the Aircraft Noise Prediction Program. These tests were conducted using aircraft with engines that represent the high nozzle pressure ratio of future transport designs. Test flights were completed at subsonic speeds that exceeded Mach 0.3 using F-18 and F-16XL aircraft. This paper describes the efforts of NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility in this flight test program. Topics discussed include the test aircraft, setup, and matrix. In addition, the engine modeling codes and nozzle exhaust characteristics are described.

Ennix, Kimberly A.↗

Coagulation of grains in static and collapsing protostellar clouds

The wavelength dependence of extinction in the diffuse interstellar medium implies that it is produced by particles of dominant size of approximately 10(exp -5) cm. There is some indication that in the cores of dense molecular clouds, sub-micron grains can coagulate to form larger particles; this process is probably driven by turbulence. The most primitive meteorites (carbonaceous chondrites) are composed of particles with a bimodal size distribution with peaks near 1 micron (matrix) and 1 mm (chondrules). Models for chondrule formation that involve processing of presolar material by chemical reactions or through an accretion shock during infall assume that aggregates of the requisite mass could form before or during collapse. The effectiveness of coagulation during collapse has been disputed; it appears to depend on specific assumptions. The first results of detailed numerical modeling of spatial and temporal variations of particle sizes in presolar clouds, both static and collapsing, is reported in this article.

Weidenschilling, S. J.↗

Engine exhaust characteristics evaluation in support of aircraft acoustic testing

NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility and NASA Langley Research Center completed a joint acoustic flight test program. Test objectives were (1) to quantify and evaluate subsonic climb-to-cruise noise and (2) to obtain a quality noise database for use in validating the Aircraft Noise Prediction Program. These tests were conducted using aircraft with engines that represent the high nozzle pressure ratio of future transport designs. Test flights were completed at subsonic speeds that exceeded Mach 0.3 using F-18 and F-16XL aircraft. This paper describes the efforts of NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility in this flight test program. Topics discussed include the test aircraft, setup, and matrix. In addition, the engine modeling codes and nozzle exhaust characteristics are described.

Ennix, Kimberly A.↗

A Feasibility Study on a Parallel Mechanism for Examining the Space Shuttle Orbiter Payload Bay Radiators

The goal of the project was to develop the necessary analysis tools for a feasibility study of a cable suspended robot system for examining the space shuttle orbiter payload bay radiators These tools were developed to address design issues such as workspace size, tension requirements on the cable, the necessary accuracy and resolution requirements and the stiffness and movement requirements of the system. This report describes the mathematical models for studying the inverse kinematics, statics, and stiffness of the robot. Each model is described by a matrix. The manipulator Jacobian was also related to the stiffness matrix, which characterized the stiffness of the system. Analysis tools were then developed based on the singular value decomposition (SVD) of the corresponding matrices. It was demonstrated how the SVD can be used to quantify the robot's performance and to provide insight into different design issues.

Roberts, Rodney G.↗

Adhesion of Mineral and Soot Aerosols can Strongly Affect their Scattering and Absorption Properties

We use the numerically exact superposition T-matrix method to compute the optical cross sections and the Stokes scattering matrix for polydisperse mineral aerosols (modeled as homogeneous spheres) covered with a large number of much smaller soot particles. These results are compared with the Lorenz-Mie results for a uniform external mixture of mineral and soot aerosols. We show that the effect of soot particles adhering to large mineral particles can be to change the extinction and scattering cross sections and the asymmetry parameter quite substantially. The effect on the phase function and degree of linear polarization can be equally significant.

Mishchenko, Michael I.↗

Deriving Polarization Properties of Desert-Reflected Solar Spectra with PARASOL Data

Reflected solar radiation from desert is strongly polarized by sand particles. To date, there is no reliable desert surface reflection model to calculate desert reflection matrix. In this study, the PARASOL data are used to retrieve physical properties of desert. These physical properties are then used in the ADRTM to calculate polarization of desert-reflected light for the whole solar spectra.

Sun, Wenbo↗

Model Design and Pre-Test CFD Analysis for a Supersonic Retropropulsion Wind Tunnel Test

Future Mars human lander missions will require using powered descent beginning at supersonic conditions, something which has never been done before at Mars. Significant aerosciences challenges exist due to interactions between the retrorocket exhaust plumes and the freestream flow that alter the aerodynamic behavior of the powered descent vehicle. Historically, wind tunnel tests have been used to study supersonic retropropulsion with inert gas exhaust simulants. Also, SpaceX has successfully decelerated the Falcon 9 first stage numerous times by using powered flight at supersonic conditions. On the computational side, Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes flowfield simulations are regularly completed at full-scale conditions. However, the available ground and flight data do not provide a basis for calibrating the computational uncertainties for aerodynamic interference forces and moments on proposed Mars descent vehicles, either because of insufficient data or dissimilar vehicles geometries and/or conditions. Thus, additional ground testing is needed to continue addressing the aerosciences risks for large-scale human Mars landers. To that end, a retropropulsion wind tunnel test will be conducted in the NASA Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel in 2020. The test is designed to improve upon similar past tests, both in terms of model design and measured data. The test campaign will use subscale model geometries derived from the two current NASA powered descent reference vehicles: a blunt low lift-to-drag vehicle and a more slender geometry. This paper covers the reference vehicles, test objectives, model design, scaling parameters, test matrix, and computational analysis to date.

Karl T Edquist↗

A case for bone canaliculi as the anatomical site of strain generated potentials

We address the question of determining the anatomical site that is the source of the experimentally observed strain generated potentials (SGPs) in bone tissue. There are two candidates for the anatomical site that is the SGP source, the collagen-hydroxyapatite porosity and the larger size lacunar-canalicular porosity. In the past it has been argued, on the basis of experimental data and a reasonable model, that the site of the SGPs in bone is the collagen-hydroxyapatite porosity. The theoretically predicted pore radius necessary for the SGPs to reside in this porosity is 16 nm, which is somewhat larger than the pore radii estimated from gas adsorption data where the preponderance of the pores were estimated to be in the range 5-12.5 nm. However, this pore size is significantly larger than the 2 nm size of the small tracer, microperoxidase, which appears to be excluded from the mineralized matrix. In this work a similar model, but one in which the effects of fluid dynamic drag of the cell surface matrix in the bone canaliculi are included, is used to show that it is possible for the generation of SGPs to be associated with the larger size lacunar-canalicular porosity when the hydraulic drag and electrokinetic contribution of the bone fluid passage through the cell coat (glycocalyx) is considered. The consistency of the SGP data with this model is demonstrated. A general boundary condition is introduced to allow for current leakage at the bone surface. The results suggest that the current leakage is small for the in vitro studies in which the strain generated potentials have been measured.

Non-NASA Center↗

Controller design via structural reduced modeling by FETM

The Finite Element-Transfer Matrix (FETM) method has been developed to reduce the computations involved in analysis of structures. This widely accepted method, however, has certain limitations, and does not address the issues of control design. To overcome these, a modification of the FETM method has been developed. The new method easily produces reduced models tailored toward subsequent control design. Other features of this method are its ability to: (1) extract open loop frequencies and mode shapes with less computations, (2) overcome limitations of the original FETM method, and (3) simplify the design procedures for output feedback, constrained compensation, and decentralized control. This report presents the development of the new method, generation of reduced models by this method, their properties, and the role of these reduced models in control design. Examples are included to illustrate the methodology.

Yousuff, Ajmal↗

Shock Sensitivity of energetic materials

Viscoplastic deformation is examined as the principal source of hot energy. Some shock sensitivity data on a proposed model is explained. A hollow sphere model is used to approximate complex porous matrix of energetic materials. Two pieces of shock sensitivity data are qualitatively compared with results of the proposed model. The first is the p2 tau law. The second is the desensitization of energetic materials by a ramp wave applied stress. An approach to improve the model based on experimental observations is outlined.

Kim, K.↗

Uncertainty Modeling for Robustness Analysis of Control Upset Prevention and Recovery Systems

Formal robustness analysis of aircraft control upset prevention and recovery systems could play an important role in their validation and ultimate certification. Such systems (developed for failure detection, identification, and reconfiguration, as well as upset recovery) need to be evaluated over broad regions of the flight envelope and under extreme flight conditions, and should include various sources of uncertainty. However, formulation of linear fractional transformation (LFT) models for representing system uncertainty can be very difficult for complex parameter-dependent systems. This paper describes a preliminary LFT modeling software tool which uses a matrix-based computational approach that can be directly applied to parametric uncertainty problems involving multivariate matrix polynomial dependencies. Several examples are presented (including an F-16 at an extreme flight condition, a missile model, and a generic example with numerous crossproduct terms), and comparisons are given with other LFT modeling tools that are currently available. The LFT modeling method and preliminary software tool presented in this paper are shown to compare favorably with these methods.

Belcastro, Christine M.↗

Robust stability of second-order systems

A feedback linearization technique is used in conjunction with passivity concepts to design robust controllers for space robots. It is assumed that bounded modeling uncertainties exist in the inertia matrix and the vector representing the coriolis, centripetal, and friction forces. Under these assumptions, the controller guarantees asymptotic tracking of the joint variables. A Lagrangian approach is used to develop a dynamic model for space robots. Closed-loop simulation results are illustrated for a simple case of a single link planar manipulator with freely floating base.

Chuang, C.-H.↗

A passivity based controller for free base manipulators

A feedback linearization technique is used in conjunction with passivity concepts to design robust controllers for free base robots. It is assumed that bounded modeling uncertainties exist in the inertia matrix and the vector representing the coriolis, centripetal, and friction forces. Under these assumptions, the controller guarantees asymptotic tracking of the joint variables. A Lagrangian approach is used to develop a dynamic model for space robots. Closed-loop simulation results are illustrated for a simple case of a single link planar space manipulator with freely floating base.

Chuang, C.-H.↗

Creep-rupture of polymer-matrix composites

An accelerated characterization method for resin matrix composites is reviewed. Methods for determining modulus and strength master curves are given. Creep rupture analytical models are discussed as applied to polymers and polymer matrix composites. Comparisons between creep rupture experiments and analytical models are presented. The time dependent creep rupture process in graphite epoxy laminates is examined as a function of temperature and stress level.

Brinson, H. F.↗

Kalman filter modeling

The formulation of appropriate state-space models for Kalman filtering applications is studied. The so-called model is completely specified by four matrix parameters and the initial conditions of the recursive equations. Once these are determined, the die is cast, and the way in which the measurements are weighted is determined foreverafter. Thus, finding a model that fits the physical situation at hand is all important. Also, it is often the most difficult aspect of designing a Kalman filter. Formulation of discrete state models from the spectral density and ARMA random process descriptions is discussed. Finally, it is pointed out that many common processes encountered in applied work (such as band-limited white noise) simply do not lend themselves very well to Kalman filter modeling.

Brown, R. G.↗

Modes of interconnected lattice trusses using continuum models, part 1

This represents a continuing systematic attempt to explore the use of continuum models--in contrast to the Finite Element Models currently universally in use--to develop feedback control laws for stability enhancement of structures, particularly large structures, for deployment in space. We shall show that for the control objective, continuum models do offer unique advantages. It must be admitted of course that developing continuum models for arbitrary structures is no easy task. In this paper we take advantage of the special nature of current Large Space Structures--typified by the NASA-LaRC Evolutionary Model which will be our main concern--which consists of interconnected orthogonal lattice trusses each with identical bays. Using an equivalent one-dimensional Timoshenko beam model, we develop an almost complete continuum model for the evolutionary structure. We do this in stages, beginning only with the main bus as flexible and then going on to make all the appendages also flexible-except for the antenna structure. Based on these models we proceed to develop formulas for mode frequencies and shapes. These are shown to be the roots of the determinant of a matrix of small dimension compared with mode calculations using Finite Element Models, even though the matrix involves transcendental functions. The formulas allow us to study asymptotic properties of the modes and how they evolve as we increase the number of bodies which are treated as flexible. The asymptotics, in fact, become simpler.

Balakrishnan, A. V.↗

Micromechanical analysis of filamentary metal matrix composites under longitudinal loading

A two-material composite cylinder model (CCM) was considered for the study of the mechanical behavior at different temperatures of a fiber-reinforced silicon carbide/aluminum (SiC/Al) composite. An elastoplastic analysis of the model was performed in which the fiber was assumed to be linear elastic and the matrix elastoplastic with work-hardening. The analysis was based on the deformation theory of plasticity in conjunction with the von-Mises yield criterion. Experimental stress-strain curves of an SiC/Al composite were obtained at 24 and 288 C (75 and 550 F). The complete three-dimensional stress distribution in the composite using the CCM was determined. It was found that, in addition to longitudinal stresses, transverse stresses in both the fiber and the matrix were developed as a result of the different Poisson's ratios of the two materials. The transverse stresses, although much smaller than the longitudinal stresses, contributed to the plastic deformation of the matrix. The experimental stress-strain curves were favorably compared with the theoretical predictions.

Gdoutos, Emmanuel E.↗