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At least 55 records · Page 3

The prediction of loads on the Boeing Helicopters Model 360 rotor

Results are presented from a test/theory correlation investigation involving three rotor-analysis codes, two full potential rotor flow CFD solvers, and data obtained from tests on the Model 360 helicopter's rotor. Attention is given to the problem of reliable higher harmonic loading prediction. It is found that the rotor hover performance and loading experimental data are in excellent agreement with a novel, full potential free-wake computational technology; the need for a multiple tip-vortex wake model's use in predicting vibratory airloads is confirmed.

Dadone, Leo↗

Proposed Framework for Determining Added Mass of Orion Drogue Parachutes

The Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) Parachute Assembly System (CPAS) project is executing a program to qualify a parachute system for a next generation human spacecraft. Part of the qualification process involves predicting parachute riser tension during system descent with flight simulations. Human rating the CPAS hardware requires a high degree of confidence in the simulation models used to predict parachute loads. However, uncertainty exists in the heritage added mass models used for loads predictions due to a lack of supporting documentation and data. Even though CPAS anchors flight simulation loads predictions to flight tests, extrapolation of these models outside the test regime carries the risk of producing non-bounding loads. A set of equations based on empirically derived functions of skirt radius is recommended as the simplest and most viable method to test and derive an enhanced added mass model for an inflating parachute. This will increase confidence in the capability to predict parachute loads. The selected equations are based on those published in A Simplified Dynamic Model of Parachute Inflation by Dean Wolf. An Ames 80x120 wind tunnel test campaign is recommended to acquire the reefing line tension and canopy photogrammetric data needed to quantify the terms in the Wolf equations and reduce uncertainties in parachute loads predictions. Once the campaign is completed, the Wolf equations can be used to predict loads in a typical CPAS Drogue Flight test. Comprehensive descriptions of added mass test techniques from the Apollo Era to the current CPAS project are included for reference.

Fraire, Usbaldo, Jr.↗

Comparison of Methods to Predict Lower Bound Buckling Loads of Cylinders Under Axial Compression

Results from a numerical study of the buckling response of two different orthogrid stiffened circular cylindrical shells with initial imperfections and subjected to axial compression are used to compare three different lower bound buckling load prediction techniques. These lower bound prediction techniques assume different imperfection types and include an imperfection based on a mode shape from an eigenvalue analysis, an imperfection caused by a lateral perturbation load, and an imperfection in the shape of a single stress-free dimple. The STAGS finite element code is used for the analyses. Responses of the cylinders for ranges of imperfection amplitudes are considered, and the effect of each imperfection is compared to the response of a geometrically perfect cylinder. Similar behavior was observed for shells that include a lateral perturbation load and a single dimple imperfection, and the results indicate that the predicted lower bounds are much less conservative than the corresponding results for the cylinders with the mode shape imperfection considered herein. In addition, the lateral perturbation technique and the single dimple imperfection produce response characteristics that are physically meaningful and can be validated via testing.

Haynie, Waddy T.↗

A review of research in rotor loads

The research accomplished in the area of rotor loads over the last 13 to 14 years is reviewed. The start of the period examined is defined by the 1973 AGARD Milan conference and the 1974 hypothetical rotor comparison. The major emphasis of the review is research performed by the U.S. Army and NASA at their laboratories and/or by the industry under government contract. For the purpose of this review, two main topics are addressed: rotor loads prediction and means of rotor loads reduction. A limited discussion of research in gust loads and maneuver loads is included. In the area of rotor loads predictions, the major problem areas are reviewed including dynamic stall, wake induced flows, blade tip effects, fuselage induced effects, blade structural modeling, hub impedance, and solution methods. It is concluded that the capability to predict rotor loads has not significantly improved in this time frame. Future progress will require more extensive correlation of measurements and predictions to better understand the causes of the problems, and a recognition that differences between theory and measurement have multiple sources, yet must be treated as a whole. There is a need for high-quality data to support future research in rotor loads, but the resulting data base must not be seen as an end in itself. It will be useful only if it is integrated into firm long-range plans for the use of the data.

Bousman, William G.↗

A model of rotationally-sampled wind turbulence for predicting fatigue loads in wind turbines

Empirical equations are presented with which to model rotationally-sampled (R-S) turbulence for input to structural-dynamic computer codes and the calculation of wind turbine fatigue loads. These equations are derived from R-S turbulence data which were measured at the vertical-plane array in Clayton, New Mexico. For validation, the equations are applied to the calculation of cyclic flapwise blade loads for the NASA/DOE Mod-2 2.5-MW experimental HAWT's (horizontal-axis wind turbines), and the results compared to measured cyclic loads. Good correlation is achieved, indicating that the R-S turbulence model developed in this study contains the characteristics of the wind which produce many of the fatigue loads sustained by wind turbines. Empirical factors are included which permit the prediction of load levels at specified percentiles of occurrence, which is required for the generation of fatigue load spectra and the prediction of the fatigue lifetime of structures.

Spera, David A.↗

Some recent developments in predicting unsteady loadings caused by control surface motions

Solution instabilities are identified within the procedures used to predict unsteady loadings due to motions of swept hingeline control surfaces. A preferred solution process that demonstrates the need of calculating smooth residual downwash distributions is described. Numerical results displaying erratic solution behavior when use is made of various forms of pressure expressions currently employed in control surface analyses are presented. A new expression of the asymptotic pressure function is derived, which exactly satisfies the change in boundary conditions around the boundary of the control surface. Results of applying the new pressure function are presented and indicate that stable converged solutions may be achieved for predicting the unsteady loadings caused by motions of swept hingeline control surfaces.

Rowe, W. S.↗

Application of the Concepts of Load State, Load Space, and Output Space to Strain-Gage Balances

The concepts of load state, load space, and output space are used to describe elements of the development of a load prediction process for a six–component strain–gage balance. The use of these terms adds clarity during the selection of the independent and dependent variables for the development of the load prediction process. First, the control volume model of a strain–gage balance is reviewed as it helps better understand the role of loads, outputs, and state variables during the load prediction. Then, the description of the absolute load datum in both the load space and the output space is discussed. It is concluded that the use of the difference between a raw output and the natural zero of a balance gage has a key advantage for the definition of the output space. In that case, the origin of the output space will also describe the absolute load datum of the balance. Finally, details of the application of the concepts of load state, load space, and output space to two commonly used balance load prediction methods are discussed.

strain-gage balance↗

Computational Assessment of the Opening Mode Facesheet-to-Core Fracture Toughness of a Thin-Gage Facesheet Sandwich Structure

The single-cantilevered beam test (SCB) is currently being considered for standardization for measuring the opening mode fracture toughness of sandwich structures subjected to facesheet-to-core separation. At present, the Area method is considered the benchmark method for determining energy required to propagate the crack. This method is problematic since it requires periodic unloading and cannot be evaluated instantaneously. Therefore, a method is needed to accurately and instantaneously calculate opening mode fracture toughness. In previous work, SCB tests with thin-gauge facesheets were performed to compare the J-integral approach to data reduction methods including the Modified Beam Theory (MBT) and the Area method. Large deviations (over 10%) in the calculated fracture toughness were observed between the J-integral and MBT for large displacements. In this study, a simulated SCB experiment using a virtual crackclosure technique was performed to assess the previously observed discrepancies. The predicted load displacement response, the predicted angle at the load application point, and the predicted crack growth results are in good agreement (within 5%) with the corresponding experimental data. Using the predicted load and angles, the predicted J-integral is in good agreement (within 10%) with the experimentally obtained solution. Using the MBT approach, the previously observed deviations in the fracture toughness were determined to be associated with the empirical extrapolation procedure to estimate the crack-root rotation correction from nonlinear compliance curves. The nonlinear compliance is determined to be associated with large displacement effects observed within the predicted and experimental results.

Sandwich Composite↗

Impact of active controls technology on structural integrity

This paper summarizes the findings of The Technical Cooperation Program to assess the impact of active controls technology on the structural integrity of aeronautical vehicles and to evaluate the present state-of-the-art for predicting the loads caused by a flight-control system modification and the resulting change in the fatigue life of the flight vehicle. The potential for active controls to adversely affect structural integrity is described, and load predictions obtained using two state-of-the-art analytical methods are given.

Noll, Thomas↗

Outbrief - Long Life Rocket Engine Panel

This white paper is an overview of the JANNAF Long Life Rocket Engine (LLRE) Panel results from the last several years of activity. The LLRE Panel has met over the last several years in order to develop an approach for the development of long life rocket engines. Membership for this panel was drawn from a diverse set of the groups currently working on rocket engines (Le. government labs, both large and small companies and university members). The LLRE Panel was formed in order to determine the best way to enable the design of rocket engine systems that have life capability greater than 500 cycles while meeting or exceeding current performance levels (Specific Impulse and Thrust/Weight) with a 1/1,OOO,OOO likelihood of vehicle loss due to rocket system failure. After several meetings and much independent work the panel reached a consensus opinion that the primary issues preventing LLRE are a lack of: physics based life prediction, combined loads prediction, understanding of material microphysics, cost effective system level testing. and the inclusion of fabrication process effects into physics based models. With the expected level of funding devoted to LLRE development, the panel recommended that fundamental research efforts focused on these five areas be emphasized.

Quinn, Jason Eugene↗

Application of Temperature Sensitivities During Iterative Strain-Gage Balance Calibration Analysis

A new method is discussed that may be used to correct wind tunnel strain-gage balance load predictions for the influence of residual temperature effects at the location of the strain-gages. The method was designed for the iterative analysis technique that is used in the aerospace testing community to predict balance loads from strain-gage outputs during a wind tunnel test. The new method implicitly applies temperature corrections to the gage outputs during the load iteration process. Therefore, it can use uncorrected gage outputs directly as input for the load calculations. The new method is applied in several steps. First, balance calibration data is analyzed in the usual manner assuming that the balance temperature was kept constant during the calibration. Then, the temperature difference relative to the calibration temperature is introduced as a new independent variable for each strain--gage output. Therefore, sensors must exist near the strain--gages so that the required temperature differences can be measured during the wind tunnel test. In addition, the format of the regression coefficient matrix needs to be extended so that it can support the new independent variables. In the next step, the extended regression coefficient matrix of the original calibration data is modified by using the manufacturer specified temperature sensitivity of each strain--gage as the regression coefficient of the corresponding temperature difference variable. Finally, the modified regression coefficient matrix is converted to a data reduction matrix that the iterative analysis technique needs for the calculation of balance loads. Original calibration data and modified check load data of NASA's MC60D balance are used to illustrate the new method.

Ulbrich, N.↗

Evaluation, Analysis, and Application of Internal Strain-Gage Balance Data

Experimental processes, analytical methods, and numerical algorithms are described that may be used to predict the forces and moments of an internal strain–gage balance during a wind tunnel test. First, the control volume model of a strain–gage balance and the concepts of load state, load space, and output space are introduced. These important abstractions provide a better understanding of fundamental characteristics of different balance load prediction approaches. Then, the description of strain–gage balance data and the definition of the primary bridge sensitivity are discussed. Afterwards, basic elements of the calibration of a typical six–component balance are reviewed. Two fundamentally different balance load prediction methods, the processing of check loads, and related topics are also discussed. Three real–world balance data examples are reviewed in great detail to illustrate typical analysis results for a variety of strain–gage balance designs. Finally, important observations are summarized and recommendations are provided. – Additional information and detailed mathematical derivations can be found in the appendices of the document. They include the following topics: balance terminology, definitions of important statistical metrics, balance axis system conventions, balance load transformations, the combined load diagram, electrical output format options, bi–directional output characteristics, determination of the natural zeros, derivation of two balance load prediction methods, description of two tare load iteration algorithms, modeling of balance temperature effects, basics of three–component moment balances, definition of the percent contribution, detection of linear and near–linear dependencies in balance calibration data, a regression model search algorithm, balance interactions, and other related information.

strain-gage balance↗

Features for a Modern Strain-Gage Balance Data Analysis Software Tool

Required, recommended, and optional features are discussed that benefit preparation and evaluation of the load prediction equations in a strain-gage balance data analysis tool. First, milestones in the evolution of load prediction methods are reviewed so that suggested features can be put into a historical context. Afterwards, independent and dependent variable choices for the balance data analysis are discussed. Then, it is illustrated how three different metrics may be used for the identification of the root cause of an unwanted divergence of the load iterations that may be observed during an iterative load prediction. Finally, a list of features is provided to guide software development efforts.

wind tunnel test↗