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At least 577 records · Page 32

Adaptive servo control for umbilical mating

Robotic applications at Kennedy Space Center are unique and in many cases require the fime positioning of heavy loads in dynamic environments. Performing such operations is beyond the capabilities of an off-the-shelf industrial robot. Therefore Robotics Applications Development Laboratory at Kennedy Space Center has put together an integrated system that coordinates state of the art robotic system providing an excellent easy to use testbed for NASA sensor integration experiments. This paper reviews the ways of improving the dynamic response of the robot operating under force feedback with varying dynamic internal perturbations in order to provide continuous stable operations under variable load conditions. The goal is to improve the stability of the system with force feedback using the adaptive control feature of existing system over a wide range of random motions. The effect of load variations on the dynamics and the transfer function (order or values of the parameters) of the system has been investigated, more accurate models of the system have been determined and analyzed.

Zia, Omar↗

Nonlinear effects in a plain journal bearing. I - Analytical study. II - Results

In the first part of this work, a numerical model is presented which couples the variable-property Reynolds equation with a rotor-dynamics model for the calculation of a plain journal bearing's nonlinear characteristics when working with a cryogenic fluid, LOX. The effects of load on the linear/nonlinear plain journal bearing characteristics are analyzed and presented in a parametric form. The second part of this work presents numerical results obtained for specific parametric-study input variables (lubricant inlet temperature, external load, angular rotational speed, and axial misalignment). Attention is given to the interrelations between pressure profiles and bearing linear and nonlinear characteristics.

Choy, F. K.↗

An Advanced Buffet Load Alleviation System

This paper describes the development of an advanced buffet load alleviation (BLA) system that utilizes distributed piezoelectric actuators in conjunction with an active rudder to reduce the structural dynamic response of the F/A-18 aircraft vertical tails to buffet loads. The BLA system was defined analytically with a detailed finite-element-model of the tail structure and piezoelectric actuators. Oscillatory aerodynamics were included along with a buffet forcing function to complete the aeroservoelastic model of the tail with rudder control surface. Two single-input-single-output (SISO) controllers were designed, one for the active rudder and one for the active piezoelectric actuators. The results from the analytical open and closed loop simulations were used to predict the system performance. The objective of this BLA system is to extend the life of vertical tail structures and decrease their life-cycle costs. This system can be applied to other aircraft designs to address suppression of structural vibrations on military and commercial aircraft.

Burnham, Jay K.↗

Simulations of Arctic Mixed-Phase Boundary Layer Clouds: Advances in Understanding and Outstanding Questions

An overview of mixed-phase boundary layer cloud simulations emphasizes what detailed studies reveal about the level of understanding of microphysical processes, using analogous liquid-phase boundary layer clouds as a reference for the dynamical conditions. We focus primarily on modeling results from three major field campaign case studies, spanning a range of liquid water path, aerosol loading, cloud temperatures, and active processes (including drizzle, aggregation, and riming). Simulations with detailed microphysics are able to reproduce basic aspects of all three case studies, including continuous ice formation within the context of a well-mixed liquid-cloud-topped layer. However, simulations constrained with measurements of ice nuclei generally underpredict the observed amount of ice present, indicating a possible role for ice multiplication that is poorly established. Assumed ice properties may also bear a significant influence on the water vapor budget and reflectivity properties, but remain imprecisely quantified on a case study basis.

Arctic clouds; Mixed-phase clouds; Mixed-phase mic↗

Historical Perspective on Fast Coupled Loads Analysis Methods

Spacecraft structural designs are typically verified through a coupled loads analysis (CLA) process, which couples the spacecraft model with the launch vehicle (LV) model to predict low-frequency quasi-static and dynamic responses. The CLA calculations are typically the responsibility of the LV organization, but the spacecraft organization has a vested interest in being able to calculate approximate CLA results during the design of the spacecraft. Because of this, there has long been interest in a method that would allow a spacecraft organization to perform a CLA without access to the full set of LV models and forcing functions. One such method is the Norton-Thevenin Receptance Coupling (NTRC) approach, which is specifically designed to accurately transform LV free accelerations (no payload) into coupled system accelerations (LV plus payload). The purpose of this report is to provide historical context for the NTRC method and compare it with methods that have been used in the past. In particular, it is compared to a frequency-domain substitution method that had been used for a long period of time at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and a component-mode-based equivalent to that method.

Blelloch, Paul A.↗

How Well Does the Latest Anthropomorphic Test Device Mimic Human Impact Responses?

One of the goals of the NASA Occupant Protection Group is to understand the human tolerance to dynamic loading. This knowledge has to come through indirect approaches such as existing human response databases, anthropometric test devices (ATD), animal testing, post‐mortem human subjects, and models. This study investigated the biofidelity of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's ATD named the THOR (test device for human occupant restraint). If THOR responds comparably to humans, then it could potentially be used as a human surrogate to help validate space vehicle requirements for occupant protection. The THOR responses to frontal and spinal impacts (ranging from 8 to 12 G with rise times of 40, 70, and 100 ms) were measured and compared to human volunteer responses (95 trials in frontal and 58 in spinal) previously collected by the U. S. Air Force on the same horizontal impact accelerator. The impact acceleration profiles tested are within the expected range of multi‐purpose crew vehicle (MPCV) landing dynamics. A correlation score was calculated for each THOR to human comparison using CORA (CORrelation and Analysis) software. A two‐parameter beta distribution model fit was obtained for each dependent variable using maximum likelihood estimation. For frontal impacts, the THOR head x‐acceleration peak response correlated with the human response at 8 and 10‐G 100 ms but not 10‐G 70 ms. The phase lagged the human response. Head z‐acceleration was not correlated. Chest x‐acceleration was in phase, had a higher peak response, and was well correlated with lighter subjects (Cora = 0.8 for 46 kg vs. Cora = 0.4 for 126 kg). Head x‐displacement had a leading phase. Several subjects responded with the same peak displacement but the mean of the group was lower. The shoulder x‐displacement was in phase but had higher peaks than the human response. For spinal impacts, the THOR head x‐acceleration was not well correlated. Head and chest z‐acceleration was in phase but had a higher peak response. Chest z‐acceleration was highly correlated with heavier subjects at lower G pulses (Cora = 0.86 for 125 kg at 8 G). The human response was variable in shoulder z‐displacement but the THOR was in phase and was comparable to the mean peak response. Head xand z‐displacement was in phase but had higher peaks. Seat pan forces were well correlated, were in phase, but had a larger peak response than most subjects. The THOR does not respond to frontal and spinal impacts exactly the same way that a human does. Some responses are well matched and others are not. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of this ATD is an important first step in determining its usefulness in occupant protection at NASA

Newby, N.↗

How Well Does the Latest Anthropomorphic Test Device Mimic Human Impact Responses?

One of the goals of the NASA Occupant Protection Group is to understand the human tolerance to dynamic loading. This knowledge has to come through indirect approaches such as existing human response databases, anthropometric test devices (ATD), animal testing, post-­‐mortem human subjects, and models. This study investigated the biofidelity of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's ATD named the THOR (test device for human occupant restraint). If THOR responds comparably to humans, then it could potentially be used as a human surrogate to help validate space vehicle requirements for occupant protection. The THOR responses to frontal and spinal impacts (ranging from 8 to 12 G with rise times of 40, 70, and 100 ms) were measured and compared to human volunteer responses (95 trials in frontal and 58 in spinal) previously collected by the U. S. Air Force on the same horizontal impact accelerator. The impact acceleration profiles tested are within the expected range of multi-­‐purpose crew vehicle (MPCV) landing dynamics. A correlation score was calculated for each THOR to human comparison using CORA (CORrelation and Analysis) software. A two-­‐parameter beta distribution model fit was obtained for each dependent variable using maximum likelihood estimation. For frontal impacts, the THOR head x-­‐acceleration peak response correlated with the human response at 8 and 10-­‐G 100 ms but not 10-­‐G 70 ms. The phase lagged the human response. Head z-­‐acceleration was not correlated. Chest x-­‐acceleration was in phase, had a higher peak response, and was well correlated with lighter subjects (Cora = 0.8 for 46 kg vs. Cora = 0.4 for 126 kg). Head x-­‐displacement had a leading phase. Several subjects responded with the same peak displacement but the mean of the group was lower. The shoulder x-­‐displacement was in phase but had higher peaks than the human response. For spinal impacts, the THOR head x-­‐acceleration was not well correlated. Head and chest z-­‐acceleration was in phase but had a higher peak response. Chest z-­‐acceleration was highly correlated with heavier subjects at lower G pulses (Cora = 0.86 for 125 kg at 8 G). The human response was variable in shoulder z-­‐displacement but the THOR was in phase and was comparable to the mean peak response. Head x-­‐ and z-­‐displacement was in phase but had higher peaks. Seat pan forces were well correlated, were in phase, but had a larger peak response than most subjects. The THOR does not respond to frontal and spinal impacts exactly the same way that a human does. Some responses are well matched and others are not. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of this ATD is an important first step in determining its usefulness in occupant protection at NASA

Newby, Nate↗

Electromagnetic damper system for ground wind load studies

The design, fabrication, and adaptation of a model damper system to the 5.5% aeroelastic model of the Saturn 1B/Skylab launch vehicle are reported. The damper is dynamically calibrated over the desired range of additive damping for model conditions prior to wind tunnel testing.

Scott, L. P.↗

Repeatability Modeling for Wind-Tunnel Measurements: Results for Three Langley Facilities

Data from extensive check standard tests of seven measurement processes in three NASA Langley Research Center wind tunnels are statistically analyzed to test a simple model previously presented in 2000 for characterizing short-term, within-test and across-test repeatability. The analysis is intended to support process improvement and development of uncertainty models for the measurements. The analysis suggests that the repeatability can be estimated adequately as a function of only the test section dynamic pressure over a two-orders- of-magnitude dynamic pressure range. As expected for low instrument loading, short-term coefficient repeatability is determined by the resolution of the instrument alone (air off). However, as previously pointed out, for the highest dynamic pressure range the coefficient repeatability appears to be independent of dynamic pressure, thus presenting a lower floor for the standard deviation for all three time frames. The simple repeatability model is shown to be adequate for all of the cases presented and for all three time frames.

Hemsch, Michael J.↗

Coupled Aerosol-Chemistry-Climate Twentieth-Century Transient Model Investigation: Trends in Short-Lived Species and Climate Responses

The authors simulate transient twentieth-century climate in the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) GCM, with aerosol and ozone chemistry fully coupled to one another and to climate including a full dynamic ocean. Aerosols include sulfate, black carbon (BC), organic carbon, nitrate, sea salt, and dust. Direct and BC snow-albedo radiative effects are included. Model BC and sulfur trends agree fairly well with records from Greenland and European ice cores and with sulfur deposition in North America; however, the model underestimates the sulfur decline at the end of the century in Greenland. Global BC effects peak early in the century (1940s); afterward the BC effects decrease at high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere but continue to increase at lower latitudes. The largest increase in aerosol optical depth occurs in the middle of the century (1940s-80s) when sulfate forcing peaks and causes global dimming. After this, aerosols decrease in eastern North America and northern Eurasia leading to regional positive forcing changes and brightening. These surface forcing changes have the correct trend but are too weak. Over the century, the net aerosol direct effect is -0.41 Watts per square meter, the BC-albedo effect is -0.02 Watts per square meter, and the net ozone forcing is +0.24 Watts per square meter. The model polar stratospheric ozone depletion develops, beginning in the 1970s. Concurrently, the sea salt load and negative radiative flux increase over the oceans around Antarctica. Net warming over the century is modeled fairly well; however, the model fails to capture the dynamics of the observedmidcentury cooling followed by the late century warming.Over the century, 20% of Arctic warming and snow ice cover loss is attributed to the BC albedo effect. However, the decrease in this effect at the end of the century contributes to Arctic cooling. To test the climate responses to sulfate and BC pollution, two experiments were branched from 1970 that removed all pollution sulfate or BC. Averaged over 1970-2000, the respective radiative forcings relative to the full experiment were +0.3 and -0.3 Watts per square meter; the average surface air temperature changes were +0.2 degrees and -0.03 C. The small impact of BC reduction on surface temperature resulted from reduced stability and loss of low-level clouds.

Koch, Dorothy↗

Concepts for a theoretical and experimental study of lifting rotor random loads and vibrations. Phase 5B: Analysis of gust alleviation methods and rotor dynamic stability

The effects of various gust alleviation methods on the random blade response in flapping were studied analytically, assuming a rigid rotor support. The analytical model assumes rigid flapping blades with elastic root restraints. Linearized equations which are approximately valid at low lift conditions were used. Because of the interblade coupling from the feedback devices, the method of multiblade generalized coordinates was most convenient and was extended to include coning, differential coning, and warping of the rotor. The numerical examples cover the dynamic stability characteristics as affected by feedback gains of three- to six-bladed rotors. The number of blades had large effects on stability limits and modal time functions at these limits. The random flapping response of the blades to atmospheric turbulence was determined at 1.6 rotor advance ratio using feedback gains below the stability limit. The most effective reduction of the flapping response per unit gain was achieved with a rotor coning angle feedback.

Hohenemser, K. H.↗

Dynamics and control of the Space Station Freedom docking/array feathering maneuver

Analysis performed at Lewis Research Center has indicated that it is possible to fail a photovoltaic array of the Space Station Freedom during a Shuttle approach, due to impingements by Shuttle attitude jet firing plumes. A solution to this potential problem is the feathering of the arrays. This study deals with fine adjustments in feathered position for extra plume load relief. A mathematical model for fine feathering is described. The Shuttle is treated as a single rigid body, with prescribed jet firings. Freedom is treated as a system of rigid bodies, with high-fidelity gimbal dynamics. Uncertainty is found in disturbances, plume dynamic pressure, gimbal friction and misalignments. Assumptions, model structure and analysis test plan are presented.

Graham, Ronald E.↗

Correlation of SA349/2 Helicopter Flight Test Data with a Comprehensive Rotorcraft Model

A comprehensive rotorcraft analysis model, CAMRAD, was used to predict blade aerodynamic and structural loads and performance for comparison with flight test data. The data were obtained from an SA349/2 helicopter with an advanced geometry rotor. Sensitivity of the correlation to wake geometry, blade dynamics, and blade aerodynamic effects was investigated. Blade chordwise pressure coefficients were predicted for the transonic regimes near the blade tip using the model coupled with two finite-difference codes.

Yamauchi, Gloria K.↗

Integrated Vehicle Ground Vibration Testing in Support of Launch Vehicle Loads and Controls Analysis

NASA has conducted dynamic tests on each major launch vehicle during the past 45 years. Each test provided invaluable data to correlate and correct analytical models. GVTs result in hardware changes to Saturn and Space Shuttle, ensuring crew and vehicle safety. Ares I IVGT will provide test data such as natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping to support successful Ares I flights. Testing will support controls analysis by providing data to reduce model uncertainty. Value of testing proven by past launch vehicle successes and failures. Performing dynamic testing on Ares vehicles will provide confidence that the launch vehicles will be safe and successful in their missions.

Tuma, Margaret L.↗

Ranges of applicability for the continuum beam model in the mechanics of carbon nanotubes and nanorods

Limitations in the validity of the continuum beam model for carbon nanotubes (NTs) and nanorods are examined. Applicability of all assumptions used in the model is restricted by the two criteria for geometric parameters that characterize the structure of NTs. The key non-dimensional parameters that control the NT buckling behavior are derived via dimensional analysis of the nanomechanical problem. A mechanical law of geometric similitude for NT buckling is extended from continuum mechanics for different molecular structures. A model applicability map, where two classes of beam-like NTs are identified, is constructed for distinct ranges of non-dimensional parameters. Expressions for the critical buckling loads and strains are tailored for two classes of NTs and compared with the data provided by the molecular dynamics simulations. copyright 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Continuum beam model↗

System Dynamic Analysis of a Wind Tunnel Model with Applications to Improve Aerodynamic Data Quality

The research investigates the effect of wind tunnel model system dynamics on measured aerodynamic data. During wind tunnel tests designed to obtain lift and drag data, the required aerodynamic measurements are the steady-state balance forces and moments, pressures, and model attitude. However, the wind tunnel model system can be subjected to unsteady aerodynamic and inertial loads which result in oscillatory translations and angular rotations. The steady-state force balance and inertial model attitude measurements are obtained by filtering and averaging data taken during conditions of high model vibrations. The main goals of this research are to characterize the effects of model system dynamics on the measured steady-state aerodynamic data and develop a correction technique to compensate for dynamically induced errors. Equations of motion are formulated for the dynamic response of the model system subjected to arbitrary aerodynamic and inertial inputs. The resulting modal model is examined to study the effects of the model system dynamic response on the aerodynamic data. In particular, the equations of motion are used to describe the effect of dynamics on the inertial model attitude, or angle of attack, measurement system that is used routinely at the NASA Langley Research Center and other wind tunnel facilities throughout the world. This activity was prompted by the inertial model attitude sensor response observed during high levels of model vibration while testing in the National Transonic Facility at the NASA Langley Research Center. The inertial attitude sensor cannot distinguish between the gravitational acceleration and centrifugal accelerations associated with wind tunnel model system vibration, which results in a model attitude measurement bias error. Bias errors over an order of magnitude greater than the required device accuracy were found in the inertial model attitude measurements during dynamic testing of two model systems. Based on a theoretical modal approach, a method using measured vibration amplitudes and measured or calculated modal characteristics of the model system is developed to correct for dynamic bias errors in the model attitude measurements. The correction method is verified through dynamic response tests on two model systems and actual wind tunnel test data.

Buehrle, Ralph David↗

Rotor Airloads Prediction Using Unstructured Meshes and Loose CFD/CSD Coupling

The FUN3D unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes solver for unstructured grids has been modified to allow prediction of trimmed rotorcraft airloads. The trim of the rotorcraft and the aeroelastic deformation of the rotor blades are accounted for via loose coupling with the CAMRAD II rotorcraft computational structural dynamics code. The set of codes is used to analyze the HART-II Baseline, Minimum Noise and Minimum Vibration test conditions. The loose coupling approach is found to be stable and convergent for the cases considered. Comparison of the resulting airloads and structural deformations with experimentally measured data is presented. The effect of grid resolution and temporal accuracy is examined. Rotorcraft airloads prediction presents a very substantial challenge for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Not only must the unsteady nature of the flow be accurately modeled, but since most rotorcraft blades are not structurally stiff, an accurate simulation must account for the blade structural dynamics. In addition, trim of the rotorcraft to desired thrust and moment targets depends on both aerodynamic loads and structural deformation, and vice versa. Further, interaction of the fuselage with the rotor flow field can be important, so that relative motion between the blades and the fuselage must be accommodated. Thus a complete simulation requires coupled aerodynamics, structures and trim, with the ability to model geometrically complex configurations. NASA has recently initiated a Subsonic Rotary Wing (SRW) Project under the overall Fundamental Aeronautics Program. Within the context of SRW are efforts aimed at furthering the state of the art of high-fidelity rotorcraft flow simulations, using both structured and unstructured meshes. Structured-mesh solvers have an advantage in computation speed, but even though remarkably complex configurations may be accommodated using the overset grid approach, generation of complex structured-mesh systems can require months to set up. As a result, many rotorcraft simulations using structured-grid CFD neglect the fuselage. On the other hand, unstructured-mesh solvers are easily able to handle complex geometries, but suffer from slower execution speed. However, advances in both computer hardware and CFD algorithms have made previously state-of-the-art computations routine for unstructured-mesh solvers, so that rotorcraft simulations using unstructured grids are now viable. The aim of the present work is to develop a first principles rotorcraft simulation tool based on an unstructured CFD solver.

Biedron, Robert T.↗