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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 577 records · Page 32

An adaptive-control switching buck regulator - Implementation, analysis, and design

Describing-function techniques and averaging methods have been employed to characterize a multiloop switching buck regulator by three functional blocks: power stage, analog signal processor, and pulse modulator. The model is employed to explore possible forms of pole-zero cancellation and the adaptive nature of the control to filter parameter changes. Analysis-based design guidelines are provided including a suggested additional RC-compensation loop to optimize regulator performances such as stability, audiosusceptibility, output impedance, and load transient response.

Lee, F. C.↗

Digital Single-Phase Power-Factor Controller

Digital circuit has faster response to load changes. Digital power-factor controller senses changing motor-load torques by sampling open-circuit voltage across gate-controlled silicon switch. Circuit responds more rapidly to hanging loads than analog power-factor controllers because no low-pass filter is in feedback loop.

Dabney, R. W.↗

Investigation of articulated panel dynamics

An articulated panel dynamics experiment to evaluate present analysis and ground test methods as well as damping effectiveness is proposed. The experiment uses an existing panel design which was extensively analyzed and tested. These data provide a firm basis for evaluating the adequacy of panel analysis and ground test methodology. The key issues for future large space structure panel designs are addressed: the critical launch transient and vibroacoustic loading; the deployment analysis adequacy including air and gravitational effects; and the orbital resonant frequencies and mode shapes of deployed panel assemblies. By using an existing mature design that was thoroughly tested, the effort can focus on correlation of actual flight results with existing predictions. A second panel assembly incorporating passive damping is proposed to provide a direct measure of damped panel benefits that can be obtained. These benefits include: reduced launch loads and responses; and highly damped deployed modes. Existing space-qualified viscoelastic epoxy, in combination with composite materials or an alternate more effective damping material, will be used.

Stahle, C. V., Jr.↗

An elastic potential for the nonlinear response of unidirectional graphite composites

An elastic potential is proposed that is capable of modeling the reversible portion of the observed nonlinear response of unidirectional graphite fiber composites. The model includes both the stiffening stress-strain behavior as well as the softening Poisson's response for loading in the fiber direction. The model is compared with experimental results for Celion 6000/PMR-15 graphite-polyimide.

Pindera, M.-J.↗

A research program in active control/aeroelasticity in the JIAFS at NASA Langley Research Center

A control law synthesis methodology for multifunctional active control system to satisfy root-mean-square load and response constraints as well as to meet stability robustness requirements at plant input and output was developed. Modern control theory, singular value analysis and optimization techniques were utilized. All stability and response derivative expressions were derived analytically for sensitivity study. The software is incorporated as an update to the AB/LAD general control design software package PADLOCS.

Whitesides, J. L.↗

Finite element analysis of notch behavior using a state variable constitutive equation

The state variable constitutive equation of Bodner and Partom was used to calculate the load-strain response of Inconel 718 at 649 C in the root of a notch. The constitutive equation was used with the Bodner-Partom evolution equation and with a second evolution equation that was derived from a potential function of the stress and state variable. Data used in determining constants for the constitutive models was from one-dimensional smooth bar tests. The response was calculated for a plane stress condition at the root of the notch with a finite element code using constant strain triangular elements. Results from both evolution equations compared favorably with the observed experimental response. The accuracy and efficiency of the finite element calculations also compared favorably to existing methods.

Dame, L. T.↗

Joint for Rapid Structural Assembly

Quickly attaching joint used in variety of truss structures. Split ring made in one piece and split radially after final machining. Mating tapers on split ring and endbells small: approximately 7 degrees. Tapers of this range permit high internal preloads to be obtained, yet parts easily separated when collar released. Results from tests on developmental model indicate load-displacement response linear and substantial preloading accomplished. Quickly-erecting truss structures have variety of applications, from Earth to space-station keel beams, antenna masts, and large platforms.

Rhodes, M. D.↗

Effect of accuracy of wind power prediction on power system operator

This research project proposed a modified unit commitment that schedules connection and disconnection of generating units in response to load. A modified generation control is also proposed that controls steam units under automatic generation control, fast responding diesels, gas turbines and hydro units under a feedforward control, and wind turbine array output under a closed loop array control. This modified generation control and unit commitment require prediction of trend wind power variation one hour ahead and the prediction of error in this trend wind power prediction one half hour ahead. An improved meter for predicting trend wind speed variation is developed. Methods for accurately simulating the wind array power from a limited number of wind speed prediction records was developed. Finally, two methods for predicting the error in the trend wind power prediction were developed. This research provides a foundation for testing and evaluating the modified unit commitment and generation control that was developed to maintain operating reliability at a greatly reduced overall production cost for utilities with wind generation capacity.

Schlueter, R. A.↗

Effect of stress concentrations in composite structures

Composite structures have found wide use in many engineering fields and a sound understanding of their response under load is important to their utilization. An experimental program is being carried out to gain a fundamental understanding of the failure mechanics of multilayered composite structures at GALCIT. As a part of this continuing study, the performance of laminated composite plates in the presence of a stress gradient and the failure of composite structures at points of thickness discontinuity is assessed. In particular, the questions of initiation of failure and its subsequent growth to complete failure of the structure are addressed.

Babcock, C. D.↗

Delamination growth in composite materials

The Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) and the End Notched Flexure (ENF) specimens are employed to characterize MODE I and MODE II interlaminar fracture resistance of graphite/epoxy (CYCOM 982) and graphite/PEEK (APC2) composites. Sizing of test specimen geometries to achieve crack growth in the linear elastic regime is presented. Data reduction schemes based upon beam theory are derived for the ENF specimen and include the effects of shear deformation and friction between crack surfaces on compliance, C, and strain energy release rate, G sub II. Finite element (FE) analyses of the ENF geometry including the contact problem with friction are presented to assess the accuracy of beam theory expressions for C and G sub II. Virtual crack closure techniques verify that the ENF specimen is a pure Mode II test. Beam theory expressions are shown to be conservative by 20 to 40 percent for typical unidirectional test specimen geometries. A FE parametric study investigating the influence of delamination length and depth, span, thickness and material properties on G sub II is presented. Mode I and II interlaminar fracture test results are presented. Important experimental parameters are isolated, such as precracking techniques, rate effects, and nonlinear load-deflection response. It is found that subcritical crack growth and inelastic materials behavior, responsible for the observed nonlinearities, are highly rate-dependent phenomena with high rates generally leading to linear elastic response.

Gillespie, J. W., Jr.↗

Investigation of potential driver modules and transmission lines for a high frequency power system on the space station

The objective was to assess the feasibility of using the Series Resonant inverter as the driver module for the high frequency power system on the Space Station. This study evaluates the performance of the Series Resonant driver when it was operated with a dc input voltage and run through a series of tests to determine its start-up performance, response to load changes, load regulation, and efficiency. Also, this study compares the Series Resonant driver to another kind of driver that uses a Power Transistor snubber. An investigation of the various types of transmission lines is initiated. In particular, a simplified approach is utilized to describe the optimal transmission line.

Brush, H. T.↗

A research program in active control/aeroelasticity

In this research period a synthesis methodology for multifunctional robust aeroservoelastic systems was developed. The development consisted of the following stages: (1) development of an universal diagram to determine phase and gain margins of a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) system using singular value based stability margin criteria; (2) determination of singular value gradients with respect to design parameters and their application to improve stability margins of multiloop system; and (3) application of constrained optimization techniques to synthesize a low order robust controller for a high order MIMO aeroservoelastic system while satisfying several design constraints on the dynamic loads and responses and stability margins at the plant input and output. Overall research activities are summarized.

Source record↗

Structural integrity and durability for Space Shuttle main engine and future reusable space propulsion systems

NASA is conducting a program which will establish a technology base for the orderly evolution of reusable space propulsion systems. As part of that program, NASA initiated a Structural Integrity and Durability effort for advanced high-pressure oxygen-hydrogen rocket engine technology. That effort focuses on the development of: (1) accurate analytical models to describe flow fields; aerothermodynamic loads; structural responses; and fatigue/fracture, from which life prediction codes can be evolved; and (2) advanced instrumentation with capabilities to verify the codes in an SSME-like environment as well as the potential for future use as diagnostic sensors for real-time condition monitoring of critical engine components.

Marsik, S. J.↗

Structural integrity and durability for Space Shuttle main engine and future reusable space propulsion systems

NASA is conducting a program which will establish a technology base for the orderly evolution of reusable space propulsion systems. As part of that program, NASA initiated a Structural Integrity and Durability effort for advanced high-pressure oxygen-hydrogen rocket engine technology. That effort focuses on the development of: (1) accurate analytical models to describe flow fields; aerothermodynamic loads; structural responses; and fatigue/fracture, from which life prediction codes can be evolved; and (2) advanced instrumentation with capabilities to verify the codes in an SSME-like environment as well as the potential for future use as diagnostic sensors for real-time condition monitoring of critical engine components.

Marsik, S. J.↗

Mode II interlaminar fracture of graphite/epoxy and graphite/PEEK

The end notched flexure (ENF) specimen is employed in an investigation of the interlaminar fracture toughness in Mode II (skew symmetric shear) loading of unidirectional graphite/epoxy and graphite/PEEK composites. Important experimental parameters such as the influence of precracking and the data reduction scheme for the Mode II toughness are discussed. Nonlinear load-deflection response is significant for the tough thermoplastic resin composite but is also present for the brittle thermoset composite. The observed nonlinearities, which are highly rate dependent, are attributed to a combination of slow stable crack growth preceding unstable crack growth and material inelastic behavior in the process zone around the crack tip.

Carlsson, L. A.↗

Toward improved durability in advanced combustors and turbines - Progress in prediction of thermomechanical loads

NASA is sponsoring the Turbine Engine Hot Section Technology (HOST) Project to address the need for improved durability in advanced combustors and turbines. Analytical and experimental activities aimed at more accurate prediction of the aerothermal environment, the thermomechanical loads, the material behavior and structural responses to such loading, and life predictions for high temperature cyclic operation have been underway for several years and are showing promising results. Progress is reported in the development of advanced instrumentation and in the improvement of combustor aerothermal and turbine heat transfer models that will lead to more accurate prediction of themomechanical loads.

Sokolowski, D. E.↗

Structural dynamics system model reduction

Loads analysis for structural dynamic systems is usually performed by finite element models. Because of the complexity of the structural system, the model contains large number of degree-of-freedom. The large model is necessary since details of the stress, loads and responses due to mission environments are computed. However, a simplified model is needed for other tasks such as pre-test analysis for modal testing, and control-structural interaction studies. A systematic method of model reduction for modal test analysis is presented. Perhaps it will be of some help in developing a simplified model for the control studies.

Chen, J. C.↗

Toward improved durability in advanced combustors and turbines: Progress in the prediction of thermomechanical loads

NASA is sponsoring the Turbine Engine Hot Section Technology (HOST) Project to address the need for improved durability in advanced combustors and turbines. Analytical and experimental activities aimed at more accurate prediction of the aerothermal environment, the thermomechanical loads, the material behavior and structural responses to such loading, and life predictions for high temperature cyclic operation have been underway for several years and are showing promising results. Progress is reported in the development of advanced instrumentation and in the improvement of combustor aerothermal and turbine heat transfer models that will lead to more accurate prediction of thermomechanical loads.

Sokolowski, Daniel E.↗