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At least 577 records · Page 32

Substructuring techniques

The substructure function generator program is discussed. Input to this program consists of a definition of a finite element model of a substructure, and specification of the type and number of displacement functions to be generated. Primary output is a substructure data file containing the substructure mass and stiffness matrices expressing kinetic and potential energies as quadratic forms in coefficients of the displacement functions, etc. The substructure synthesis program forms complete system mass, stiffness, and damping matrices, computes system modes and frequencies, and executes transient response calculations. Input to this program consists of the array of substructure data files generated by the function generator program for individual substructures, and data cards defining the position and interconnection of the substructures, damping data, forcing function details, and function control parameters.

Whetstone, W. D.↗

A full-scale wind tunnel investigation of a helicopter bearingless main rotor

A helicopter bearingless main rotor was tested. Areas of investigation included aeroelastic stability, aerodynamic performance, and rotor loads as a function of collective pitch setting, RPM, airspeed and shaft angle. The rotor/support system was tested with the wind tunnel balance dampers installed and, subsequently, removed. Modifications to the rotor hub were tested. These included a reduction in the rotor control system stiffness and increased flexbeam structural damping. The primary objective of the test was to determine aeroelastic stability of the fundamental flexbeam/blade chordwise bending mode. The rotor was stable for all conditions. Damping of the rotor chordwise bending mode increases with increased collective pitch angle at constant operating conditions. No significant decrease in rotor damping occured due to frequency coalescence between the blade chordwise fundamental bending mode and the support system.

Warmbrodt, W.↗

Theoretical design of acoustic treatment for cabin noise control of a light aircraft

An analytical procedure has been used to design an acoustic treatment for cabin noise control of a light aircraft. Using this approach acoustic add-on treatments capable of reducing the average noise levels in the cabin by about 17 dB from the untreated condition are developed. The added weight of the noise control package is about 2 percent of the total gross take-off weight of the aircraft. The analytical model uses modal solutions wherein the structural modes of the sidewall and the acoustic modes of the receiving space are accounted for. The additional noise losses due to add-on treatments are calculated by the impedance transfer method. The input noise spectral levels are selected utilizing experimental flight data. The add-on treatments considered for cabin noise control include aluminum honeycomb panels, constrained layer damping tape, porous acoustic materials, noise barriers and limp trim panels. To reduce the noise transmitted through the double wall aircraft windows to acceptable levels, changes in the design of the aircraft window are recommended.

Vaicaitis, R.↗

Flutter prediction for a wing with active aileron control

A method for predicting the vibrational stability of an aircraft with an analog active aileron flutter suppression system (FSS) is expained. Active aileron refers to the use of an active control system connected to the aileron to damp vibrations. Wing vibrations are sensed by accelerometers and the information is used to deflect the aileron. Aerodynamic force caused by the aileron deflection oppose wing vibrations and effectively add additional damping to the system.

Penning, K.↗

Stiffness control of large space structures

A method of using internal force producing dual element/actuators for vibration suppression of large space structures is proposed. The technique is applied to a vibrating string and to a low order system. Response feedback control for the vibrating string and selected modal control are used for achieving the modal damping. The actuators may be electrically powered and are suitable for structures with extremely low rigidity.

Chen, J. C.↗

The investigation of tethered satellite system dynamics

The analysis of the rotational dynamics of the satellite was focused on the rotational amplitude increase of the satellite, with respect to the tether, during retrieval. The dependence of the rotational amplitude upon the tether tension variation to the power 1/4 was thoroughly investigated. The damping of rotational oscillations achievable by reel control was also quantified while an alternative solution that makes use of a lever arm attached with a universal joint to the satellite was proposed. Comparison simulations between the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Martin Marietta (MMA) computer code of reteival maneuvers were also carried out. The agreement between the two, completely independent, codes was extremely close, demonstrating the reliability of the models. The slack tether dynamics during reel jams was analytically investigated in order to identify the limits of applicability of the SLACK3 computer code to this particular case. Test runs with SLACK3 were also carried out.

Lorenzini, E. C.↗

Stiffness control of large space structures

A method of using internal force producing dual element/actuators for vibration suppression of large space structures is proposed. This technique is applied to a vibrating string as well as a low order system. Response feedback control for the vibrating string and selected modal control are used for achieving the modal damping. The actuators used in this method may be electrically powered and are suitable for structures with extremely low rigidity.

Chen, J.-C.↗

Structural dynamic analysis of the Large Deployable Reflector

The dynamic performance of the primary mirror of the Large Deployable Reflector (LDR) is analyzed under conditions of typical external disturbances that would be encountered during normal space operation. The performance assessment is based upon the difference between the figure distortion errors of the incoming image and the mission figure tolerance requirements (rms surface accuracy error and jitter). The need for additional figure control of the incoming image is assessed, and other alternatives for figure control are presented, such as increased structural damping effects due to the uncertainty in the real damping characteristics.

Andersen, G. C.↗

Application of physical parameter identification to finite-element models

The time domain parameter identification method described previously is applied to TRW's Large Space Structure Truss Experiment. Only control sensors and actuators are employed in the test procedure. The fit of the linear structural model to the test data is improved by more than an order of magnitude using a physically reasonable parameter set. The electro-magnetic control actuators are found to contribute significant damping due to a combination of eddy current and back electro-motive force (EMF) effects. Uncertainties in both estimated physical parameters and modal behavior variables are given.

Bronowicki, Allen J.↗

"Smart" Electromechanical Shock Absorber

Shock-absorbing apparatus includes electromechanical actuator and digital feedback control circuitry rather than springs and hydraulic damping as in conventional shock absorbers. Device not subject to leakage and requires little or no maintenance. Attenuator parameters adjusted in response to sensory feedback and predictive algorithms to obtain desired damping characteristic. Device programmed to decelerate slowly approaching vehicle or other large object according to prescribed damping characteristic.

Stokes, Lebarian↗

Applying Thermal Gradients To Control Vibrations

Thermal actuators used to stabilize large structures. New damping concept calls for application of suitably timed and shaped thermal-gradient waveforms to generate expansions and contractions counteracting vibrations. Responding to processed signal from accelerometer, thermoelectric heat pumps apply thermal gradients producing expansions and contractions in upper and lower caps of cantilever beam. These expansions and contractions partly counteract vibrations sensed by accelerometer, thus contributing to damping.

Edberg, Donald L.↗

Adaptive noncolocated velocity feedback for vibration damping

A method is proposed for adaptive noncolocated velocity feedback control of flexible structure vibrations. The approach, denoted as auto-tuning, is to drive the system into a sequence of controlled oscillations to provide accurate knowledge of the plant characteristics in the vicinity of the phase cross-over frequencies. An allpass phase notch filter cascade is used as the control architecture to phase stabilize each destabilizing mode in the plant transfer function. The allpass phase notch filter cascade is tuned precisely by the information extracted from the controlled oscillations.

Bayard, David S.↗

Controlled motion in an elastic world. Research project: Manipulation strategies for massive space payloads

The flexibility of the drives and structures of controlled motion systems are presented as an obstacle to be overcome in the design of high performance motion systems, particularly manipulator arms. The task and the measure of performance to be applied determine the technology appropriate to overcome this obstacle. Included in the technologies proposed are control algorithms (feedback and feed forward), passive damping enhancement, operational strategies, and structural design. Modeling of the distributed, nonlinear system is difficult, and alternative approaches are discussed. The author presents personal perspectives on the history, status, and future directions in this area.

Book, Wayne J.↗

Controlled motion in an elastic world

The flexibility of the drives and structures of controlled motion systems are presented as an obstacle to be overcome in the design of high performance motion systems, particularly manipulator arms. The task and the measure of performance to be applied determine the technology appropriate to overcome this obstacle. Included in the technologies proposed are control algorithms (feedback and feed forward), passive damping enhancement, operational strategies, and structural design. Modeling of the distributed, nonlinear system is difficult, and alternative approaches are discussed. The author presents personal perspectives on the history, status, and future directions in this area.

Book, Wayne J.↗

Damping mechanisms in chemically vapor deposited SiC fibers

Evaluating the damping of reinforcement fibers is important for understanding their microstructures and the vibrational response of their structural composites. In this study the damping capacities of two types of chemically vapor deposited silicon carbide fibers were measured from -200 C to as high as 800 C. Measurements were made at frequencies in the range 50 to 15000 Hz on single cantilevered fibers. At least four sources were identified which contribute to fiber damping, the most significant being thermoelastic damping and grain boundary sliding. The mechanisms controlling all sources and their potential influence on fiber and composite performance are discussed.

Dicarlo, James A.↗

On the dynamics and control of tethered satellite systems

The rigid body dynamics and control of the tether, subsatellite and space platform are analyzed, during deployment, stationkeeping and retrieval phases using the Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) approach, accounting for the mass of the tether as well as a three dimensional offset of its point of attachment. The strategies employ tension in the tether line, thrusters, motion of the offset of the tether attachment point or their hybrid combinations. An assessment of the relative merit suggests the thruster-offset hybrid controller to be the most effective in damping given disturbances.

Modi, Vinod J.↗

Improved Bounds on Violation of the Strong Equivalence Principle

I describe a unique, 20-year-long timing program for the binary pulsar B0655+64, the stalwart control experiment for measurements of gravitational radiation damping in relativistic neutron-star binaries. Observed limits on evolution of the B0655+64 orbit provide new bounds on the existence of dipolar gravitational radiation, and hence on violation of the Strong Equivalence Principle.

Arzoumanian, Z.↗

The B-dot Earth Average Magnetic Field

The average Earth's magnetic field is solved with complex mathematical models based on mean square integral. Depending on the selection of the Earth magnetic model, the average Earth's magnetic field can have different solutions. This paper presents a simple technique that takes advantage of the damping effects of the b-dot controller and is not dependent of the Earth magnetic model; but it is dependent on the magnetic torquers of the satellite which is not taken into consideration in the known mathematical models. Also the solution of this new technique can be implemented so easily that the flight software can be updated during flight, and the control system can have current gains for the magnetic torquers. Finally, this technique is verified and validated using flight data from a satellite that it has been in orbit for three years.

Capo-Lugo, Pedro A.↗