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At least 523 records · Page 29

Measurement of forces due to liquid motion in a propellant tank

This paper presents the results of a study to develop an analytical model capable of predicting the forces acting on a tank caused by large-amplitude propellant motion. This effort contributed to an analysis of the influence of propellant dynamics on separation of the External Tank from the space shuttle orbiter. This paper is concerned with an experimental investigation that aided in development and verification of the analytical model. A scaling approach was developed that allowed the liquid motion to be simulated in subscale tanks. Liquid reorientation forces were measured using two test systems. One operated in the low-gravity environment produced in a drop tower and the second operated aboard the KC-135 'zero-g' test aircraft. The manner of liquid motion, influence of various factors, and the measured forces are discussed.

Tegart, J. R.↗

Reliability validation of systems for life-critical applications

A framework is proposed which addresses traditional reliability validation approaches consisting of life testing techniques which are inapplicable for digital flight control systems. A specific validation methodology is identified based on logical proofs, analytical modeling, and experimental testing. Research activities required to support continued development of validation technology are identified, and the validation procedure is driven by the reliability model obtained from the system description. The analytical reliability model is shown to be a proper abstraction of the system under consideration, and a proof of correctness of system design and system scheduler performance is proposed.

Trivedi, K. S.↗

Interfaces for high-speed fiber-optic links - Analysis and experiment

An analysis of directly and externally modulated fiberoptic links is presented. The theoretical analysis is based on the signal flow diagram of the interface circuits to the laser diode, Mach-Zehnder electro-optic modulator, and p-i-n photodiode. System parameters such as gain, noise figure, two-tone intermodulation distortion, and spurious free and compression dynamic range are expressed as a function of frequency and operating point of the laser and external modulator. Two directly and externally modulated fiber-optic links were designed and fabricated to verify the analytical models. The direct modulation FO link was developed at the Ku-band (11.6-12.4 GHz), whereas the external modulation link was at L-band (875-925 MHz). Spurious-free dynamic ranges of 95.8 dB-Hz exp 2/3 and 113 dB-Hz exp 2/3, respectively, were achieved. The predictions based on the analytical models match the measured results.

Daryoush, Afshin S.↗

Analysis of Advanced Rotorcraft Configurations

Advanced rotorcraft configurations are being investigated with the objectives of identifying vehicles that are larger, quieter, and faster than current-generation rotorcraft. A large rotorcraft, carrying perhaps 150 passengers, could do much to alleviate airport capacity limitations, and a quiet rotorcraft is essential for community acceptance of the benefits of VTOL operations. A fast, long-range, long-endurance rotorcraft, notably the tilt-rotor configuration, will improve rotorcraft economics through productivity increases. A major part of the investigation of advanced rotorcraft configurations consists of conducting comprehensive analyses of vehicle behavior for the purpose of assessing vehicle potential and feasibility, as well as to establish the analytical models required to support the vehicle development. The analytical work of FY99 included applications to tilt-rotor aircraft. Tilt Rotor Aeroacoustic Model (TRAM) wind tunnel measurements are being compared with calculations performed by using the comprehensive analysis tool (Comprehensive Analytical Model of Rotorcraft Aerodynamics and Dynamics (CAMRAD 11)). The objective is to establish the wing and wake aerodynamic models that are required for tilt-rotor analysis and design. The TRAM test in the German-Dutch Wind Tunnel (DNW) produced extensive measurements. This is the first test to encompass air loads, performance, and structural load measurements on tilt rotors, as well as acoustic and flow visualization data. The correlation of measurements and calculations includes helicopter-mode operation (performance, air loads, and blade structural loads), hover (performance and air loads), and airplane-mode operation (performance).

Johnson, Wayne↗

Mathematical Modeling of Loop Heat Pipes with Multiple Capillary Pumps and Multiple Condensers: Stead State Stimulations - Part 1

Loop Heat Pipes (LHPs) have proven themselves as reliable and robust heat transport devices for spacecraft thermal control systems. So far, the LHPs in earth-orbit satellites perform very well as expected. Conventional LHPs usually consist of a single capillary pump for heat acquisition and a single condenser for heat rejection. Multiple pump/multiple condenser LHPs have shown to function very well in ground testing. Nevertheless, the test results of a dual pump/condenser LHP also revealed that the dual LHP behaved in a complicated manner due to the interaction between the pumps and condensers. Thus it is redundant to say that more research is needed before they are ready for 0-g deployment. One research area that perhaps compels immediate attention is the analytical modeling of LHPs, particularly the transient phenomena. Modeling a single pump/single condenser LHP is difficult enough. Only a handful of computer codes are available for both steady state and transient simulations of conventional LHPs. No previous effort was made to develop an analytical model (or even a complete theory) to predict the operational behavior of the multiple pump/multiple condenser LHP systems. The current research project offered a basic theory of the multiple pump/multiple condenser LHP operation. From it, a computer code was developed to predict the LHP saturation temperature in accordance with the system operating and environmental conditions.

Hoang, Triem T.↗

New trends in combustion research for gas turbine engines

Research on combustion is being conducted to provide improved analytical models of the complex flow and chemical reaction processes which occur in the combustor of gas turbine engines, in order to enable engine manufacturers to reduce the development time of these concepts. The elements of the combustion fundamentals program is briefly discussed with examples of research projects described more fully. Combustion research will continue to emphasize the development of analytical models and the support of these models with fundamental flow experiments to assess the models accuracy and shortcomings.

Mularz, E. J.↗

New trends in combustion research for gas turbine engines

Research on combustion is being conducted to provide improved analytical models of the complex flow and chemical reaction processes which occur in the combustor of gas turbine engines, in order to enable engine manufacturers to reduce the development time of these concepts. The elements of the combustion fundamentals program is briefly discussed with examples of research projects described more fully. Combustion research will continue to emphasize the development of analytical models and the support of these models with fundamental flow experiments to assess the models accuracy and shortcomings. Previously announced in STAR as N83-20947

Mularz, E. J.↗

Optical phase distortion due to compressible flow over laser turrets

Analytical models for optical phase distortion due to compressible flow over a laser turret are developed. Phase distortion is calculated for both blunt and small perturbation turrets. For the blunt turret, the Janzen-Rayleigh technique is used to determine the flow field. Phase distortions of 2.2 wavelengths at 3.8 microns are calculated for the blunt turret. For small perturbation turrets, a versatile analytical model is developed for a turret on a fuselage with circular cross section. With a two dimensional Fourier series representation of the turret, any shape can be considered. Both subsonic and supersonic flows can be calculated. Phase distortions of 1.2 wavelengths at 3.8 microns are calculated for one turret at high subsonic Mach number. In addition to being of value for laser turrets, the methods are applicable to reconnaissance aircraft using photographic equipment and cruise missiles using celestial navigation.

Fuhs, A. E.↗

Precession and circularization of elliptical space-tether motion

In this paper, we present a simplified analytic model for predicting motion of long space tethers. The perturbation model developed here addresses skip rope motion, where each end of the tether is held in place and the middle of the tether swings with a motion similar to that of a child's skip rope. If the motion of the tether midpoint is elliptical rather than circular, precession of the ellipse complicates the procedures required to damp this motion. The simplified analytic model developed in this paper parametrically predicts the precession of elliptical skip rope motion. Furthermore, the model shows that elliptic skip rope motion will circularize when damping is present in the longitudinal direction. Compared with high-fidelity simulation results, this simplified model provides excellent predictions of these phenomena.

Chapel, Jim D.↗

Consideration of some factors affecting low-frequency fuselage noise transmission for propeller aircraft

Possible reasons for disagreement between measured and predicted trends of sidewall noise transmission at low frequency are investigated using simplified analysis methods. An analytical model combining incident plane acoustic waves with an infinite flat panel is used to study the effects of sound incidence angle, plate structural properties, frequency, absorption, and the difference between noise reduction and transmission loss. Analysis shows that these factors have significant effects on noise transmission but they do not account for the differences between measured and predicted trends at low frequencies. An analytical model combining an infinite flat plate with a normally incident acoustic wave having exponentially decaying magnitude along one coordinate is used to study the effect of a localized source distribution such as is associated with propeller noise. Results show that the localization brings the predicted low-frequency trend of noise transmission into better agreement with measured propeller results. This effect is independent of low-frequency stiffness effects that have been previously reported to be associated with boundary conditions.

Mixson, J. S.↗

Simultaneous expansion and orthogonalization of measured modes for structure identification

Tests of large structures on-orbit will be performed with measurements at a relatively few structure points. Values for the unmeasured degrees of freedom (dofs) can be estimated based on measured dofs and analytical model dynamic information. These 'expanded' mode shapes are useful for optimal-update identification and damage location as well as test/analysis correlation. A new method of expansion for test mode shape vectors is developed from the orthogonal Procrustes problem from computational linear algebra. A subspace defined by the set of measured dofs is compared to a subspace defined by mode shapes from an analytical model of the structure. The method simultaneously expands and orthogonalizes the mode shape vectors. Two demonstration problems are used to compare the new method to current expansion techniques. One demonstration uses test data from a laboratory scale-model truss structure. Performance of the new method is comparable or superior to that of the previous expansion methods which require separate orthogonalization.

Smith, Suzanne Weaver↗

Methods studies toward simplified rotor-body dynamics, part 1

This report is directed to the problem of developing an adequate but not overly complex linear flight dynamics analytical model of a rotorcraft to study stability, control, gust and random turbulence responses. Since the conventional flight dynamics analysis using quasisteady rotor derivatives is adequate for the long period modes like the phugoid mode, only short time responses are considered here, where rotor-body coupling is of importance. Thus the body motion consists of pitch, roll and vertical motion, omitting linear longitudinal and lateral and yaw perturbations. Five analytical models of varying degree of sophistication are applied to a hypothetical hingeless compound helicopter operating up to .8 rotor advance ratio. Stability and response data are obtained for the basic helicopter and for the vehicle with two simple control feedback systems.

Hohenemser, K. H.↗

Ice Growth Model and Lunar Tanker for Polar Water Extraction

In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) is a major component of sustainable and cost-effective missions to the Moon and beyond. Ever since it has been identified in the Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs) of the Moon, water has become a resource of interest for it’s wide range of uses such as life support and hydrogen and oxygen rocket propellant. It is ice-bound in the regolith, so separation typically involves heating to sublimation temperatures and capturing at very low pressure. One option is to then store it in ice form and transport it out of the PSR and into a sunlit ridge. From here, processes such as electrolysis can be performed. An understanding of frost growth dynamics under rarefied conditions is necessary for successful water production, though. An analytical model was developed using a Diffusion-Limited Aggregation (DLA) approach to evaluate bulk thermal conductivity changes of frost under varying conditions. This model will be evaluated using a one-dimensional frost growth experiment on a horizontal, flat plate under vacuum and cryogenic conditions. The tests will measure frost growth rate and bulk density, and the thermal conductivity of the ice layer as a function of thickness for different plate temperatures. The test data will then be used to validate and improve the analytical model.

Lunar water↗

Viscoseal performance with rarefied-gas sealant

A fundamental study of viscoseals having a rarefied gas as the sealant was conducted. Both experimental and analytical investigations are reported. Three different analytical models were formulated and are described in detail. An experimental investigation was conducted on multiple grooved two-inch diameter viscoseals over a wide range of gas densities and shaft speeds up to 30,000 rpm. Comparisons are presented between actual viscoseal performance and the theoretical predictions for both sealing coefficient and net leakage parameters as functions of the degree of gas rarefication. Recommendations are presented for the use of the analytical models.

Milligan, M. W.↗

Viscoseal performance with rarefied-gas sealant

A fundamental study of viscoseals having a rarefied gas as the sealant has been conducted. Both experimental and analytical investigations are reported. Three different analytical models have been formulated and are described in detail. An experimental investigation has been conducted on multiple grooved two-inch diameter viscoseals over a wide range of gas densities and shaft speeds up to 30,000 rpm. Comparisons are presented between actual viscoseal performance and the theoretical predictions for both sealing coefficient and net leakage parameters as functions of the degree of gas rarefication. Recommendations are presented for the use of the analytical models.

Milligan, M. W.↗

Estimates of effects of residual acceleration on USML-1 experiments

The purpose of this study effort was to develop analytical models to describe the effects of residual accelerations on the experiments to be carried on the first U.S. Microgravity Lab mission (USML-1) and to test the accuracy of these models by comparing the pre-flight predicted effects with the post-flight measured effects. After surveying the experiments to be performed on USML-1, it became evident that the anticipated residual accelerations during the USML-1 mission were well below the threshold for most of the primary experiments and all of the secondary (Glovebox) experiments and that the only set of experiments that could provide quantifiable effects, and thus provide a definitive test of the analytical models, were the three melt growth experiments using the Bridgman-Stockbarger type Crystal Growth Furnace (CGF). This class of experiments is by far the most sensitive to low level quasi-steady accelerations that are unavoidable on space craft operating in low earth orbit. Because of this, they have been the drivers for the acceleration requirements imposed on the Space Station. Therefore, it is appropriate that the models on which these requirements are based are tested experimentally. Also, since solidification proceeds directionally over a long period of time, the solidified ingot provides a more or less continuous record of the effects from acceleration disturbances.

Naumann, Robert J.↗

Viscoseal performance for rarefied gas sealant.

Viscoseal performance as predicted by three different analytical models is compared with experimental data for a rarefied gas sealant. An experimental investigation has been conducted on two multiple grooved two-inch diameter viscoseals over a wide range of gas densities and shaft speeds up to 30,000 rpm. The two seal geometries considered differ significantly insofar as groove aspect ratio is concerned. Two types of seal performances are presented in the form of net leakage operation and sealing coefficient performance as functions of the degree of gas rarefication. Although the analytical models correctly predict sealing trends, all of the models are shown to have some deficiencies which prevent their indiscriminate application.

Milligan, M. W.↗

Inducing Bistability in Collapsible Tubular Masts Booms with Thin-Ply Composite Shells

Bistable rollable booms are favorable when a low strain energy requirement for the coiled state is imposed and have more controllable deployment when compared to monostable booms. An inextensional analytical model describing the bending deformation mechanics of Collapsible Tubular Mast (CTM) booms was used to determine how design variables induce bistability, or the existence of two strain energy wells in the rolled-up and unrolled states. The effects of varying lamina material, laminate layup, and shell arc geometries between different inner and outer shell segments on the second strain energy well and stiffness properties were determined for boom cross-sections formed by circular segments. The full design space for two-walled composite CTM booms was explored to evaluate the validity of the developed analytical model. Optimized CTM boom designs were experimentally characterized for comparisons against model results. The model under-predicted the stable coiled diameter of the co-cured two-walled booms by up to 8.9% and 23.4% for the individual thin shells wrapped alone.

Andrew J Lee↗