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At least 577 records · Page 32
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1989

Sensitivity of actively damped structures to imperfections and modeling errors

The sensitivity of actively damped response of structures with respect to errors in the structural modeling is studied. Two ways of representing errors are considered. The first approach assumes errors in the form of spatial variations (or imperfections) in the assumed mass and stiffness properties of the structures. The second approach assumes errors due to such factors as unknown joint stiffnesses, discretization errors, and nonlinearities. These errors are represented here as discrepancies between experimental and analytical mode shapes and frequencies. The actively damped system considered here is a direct-rate feedback regulator based on a number of colocated velocity sensors and force actuators. The response of the controlled structure is characterized by the eigenvalues of the closed-loop system. The effects of the modeling errors are thus presented as the sensitivity of the eigenvalues of the closed-loop system. Results are presented for two examples: (1) a three-span simply supported beam controlled by three sensors and actuators, and (2) a laboratory structure consisting of a cruciform beam supported by cables.

Haftka, Raphael T.↗
NASA NTRS1973

SAFE - Six axis frequency evaluation of a motion simulator.

SAFE is a digital computer program used to check the response of an aircraft motion simulator. SAFE drives each axis of the simulator near its acceleration, velocity and position limits, recording the simulator motions for comparison with nominal responses. SAFE also drives up to six axes at once to measure the frequency response and noise levels of each axis. Together these two measurements provide a sensitive check of the entire motion system, yet they can be completed in less than ten minutes.

Shirley, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Short range miniaturized biotelemetry system

A biotelemetry system for measuring and transmitting EKG, EMG, and EEG data by an RF link to a receiver was designed, developed, and delivered. The system is battery operated with the batteries and transmitting electronics an integral part of the electrode sensors. The low frequency response of 0.05 Hz assures faithful reproduction of detailed EKG and all measurements are made by the utilization of two electrode sensors.

Lorenz, R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Development of a transfer function method for dynamic stability measurement

Flutter testing method based on transfer function measurements is developed. The error statistics of several dynamic stability measurement methods are reviewed. It is shown that the transfer function measurement controls the error level by averaging the data and correlating the input and output. The method also gives a direct estimate of the error in the response measurement. An algorithm is developed for obtaining the natural frequency and damping ratio of low damped modes of the system, using integrals of the transfer function in the vicinity of a resonant peak. Guidelines are given for selecting the parameters in the transfer function measurement. Finally, the dynamic stability measurement technique is applied to data from a wind tunnel test of a proprotor and wing model.

Johnson, W.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A cost-effective component modes analysis for Shuttle payloads using a combination of frequency domain and time domain approaches

A combination of the time and frequency domains which employs the latter only where the former is inefficient or uncertain is used in Space Shuttle payloads' component mode analyses. Attention is given to the time histories at the launch vehicle/spacecraft interface. The frequency domain allows interface acceleration to be determined without recourse to a new, merged system eigenvalue solution and subsequent 'system modal' responses. The approach has been employed in Galileo spacecraft loads analyses.

Trubert, M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Non-linear dynamic analysis of geared systems, part 2

A good understanding of the steady state dynamic behavior of a geared system is required in order to design reliable and quiet transmissions. This study focuses on a system containing a spur gear pair with backlash and periodically time-varying mesh stiffness, and rolling element bearings with clearance type non-linearities. A dynamic finite element model of the linear time-invariant (LTI) system is developed. Effects of several system parameters, such as torsional and transverse flexibilities of the shafts and prime mover/load inertias, on free and force vibration characteristics are investigated. Several reduced order LTI models are developed and validated by comparing their eigen solution with the finite element model results. Several key system parameters such as mean load and damping ratio are identified and their effects on the non-linear frequency response are evaluated quantitatively. Other fundamental issues such as the dynamic coupling between non-linear modes, dynamic interactions between component non-linearities and time-varying mesh stiffness, and the existence of subharmonic and chaotic solutions including routes to chaos have also been examined in depth.

Singh, Rajendra↗
NASA NTRS1991

Establishing an evoked-potential vision-tracking system

This paper presents experimental evidence to support the feasibility of an evoked-potential vision-tracking system. The topics discussed are stimulator construction, verification of the photic driving response in the electroencephalogram, a method for performing frequency separation, and a transient-analysis example. The final issue considered is that of object multiplicity (concurrent visual stimuli with different flashing rates). The paper concludes by discussing several applications currently under investigation.

Skidmore, Trent A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Characterization of spatial statistics of distributed targets in SAR data

A statistical approach to the analysis of spatial statistics in polarimetric multifrequency SAR data, which is aimed at extracting the intrinsic variability of the target by removing variability from other sources, is presented. An image model, which takes into account three sources of spatial variability, namely, image speckle, system noise, and the intrinsic spatial variability of the target or texture, is described. It is shown that the presence of texture increases the image variance-to-mean square ratio and introduces deviations of the image autocovariance function from the expected SAR system response. The approach is exemplified by sea-ice SAR imagery acquired by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory three-frequency polarimetric airborne SAR. Data obtained indicate that, for different sea-ice types, the spatial statistics seem to vary more across frequency than across polarization and the observed differences increase in magnitude with decreasing frequency.

Rignot, E.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Scanning Ultrasonic Spectroscopy System Developed for the Inspection of Composite Flywheels

Composite flywheels are being considered as replacements for chemical batteries aboard the International Space Station. A flywheel stores energy in a spinning mass that can turn a generator to meet power demands. Because of the high rotational speeds of the spinning mass, extensive testing of the flywheel system must be performed prior to flight certification. With this goal in mind, a new scanning system has been developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center for the nondestructive inspection of composite flywheels and flywheel subcomponents. The system uses ultrasonic waves to excite a material and examines the response to detect and locate flaws and material variations. The ultrasonic spectroscopy system uses a transducer to send swept-frequency ultrasonic waves into a test material and then receives the returning signal with a second transducer. The received signal is then analyzed in the frequency domain using a fast Fourier transform. A second fast Fourier transform is performed to examine the spacing of the peaks in the frequency domain. The spacing of the peaks is related to the standing wave resonances that are present in the material because of the constructive and destructive interferences of the waves in the full material thickness as well as in individual layers within the material. Material variations and flaws are then identified by changes in the amplitudes and positions of the peaks in both the frequency and resonance spacing domains. This work, conducted under a grant through the Cleveland State University, extends the capabilities of an existing point-by-point ultrasonic spectroscopy system, thus allowing full-field automated inspection. Results of an ultrasonic spectroscopy scan of a plastic cylinder with intentionally seeded flaws. The result of an ultrasonic spectroscopy scan of a plastic cylinder used as a proof-of-concept specimen is shown. The cylinder contains a number of flat bottomed holes of various sizes and shapes. The scanning system was able to successfully detect all the defects in the material. Ultrasonic spectroscopy results for a second specimen are shown along with a conventional ultrasonic C-scan. The second specimen is a section of a flywheel subcomponent that has a series of drilled holes and notches. This specimen is employed as a defect detection standard to evaluate the various nondestructive evaluation methods under consideration. Scanning results demonstrate the ability of the system to detect flaws on the order of 10 mils in the radial direction and 5 mils in the circumferential direction. Work conducted to date has shown that scanning ultrasonic spectroscopy is a viable tool for the inspection of composite flywheel systems. Ongoing development work is focused on refining the system and scanning parameters for improved resolution and defect detection.

Martin, Richard E.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Attitude control compensator for flexible spacecraft

An attitude control loop for a spacecraft uses a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller for control about an axis. The spacecraft body has at least a primary mechanical resonance. The attitude sensors are collocated, or both on the rigid portion of the spacecraft. The flexure attributable to the resonance may result in instability of the system. A compensator for the control loop has an amplitude response which includes a component which rolls off beginning at frequencies below the resonance, and which also includes a component having a notch at a notch frequency somewhat below the resonant frequency. The phase response of the compensator tends toward zero at low frequencies, and tends toward -180.degree. as frequency increases toward the notch frequency. At frequencies above the notch frequency, the phase decreases from +180.degree., becoming more negative, and tending toward -90.degree. at frequencies far above the resonance frequency. Near the resonance frequency, the compensator phase is near zero.

Goodzeit, Neil E.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Chaos and Beyond in a Water Filled Ultrasonic Resonance System

Finite amplitude ultrasonic wave resonances in a one-dimensional liquid-filled cavity, formed by a narrow band transducer and a plane reflector, are reported. The resonances are observed to include not only the expected harmonic and subharmonic signals (1,2) but chaotic signals as well. The generation mechanism requires attaining a threshold value of the driving amplitude that the liquid-filled cavity system becomes sufficiently nonlinear in response. The nonlinear features of the system were recently investigated via the construction of an ultrasonic interferometer having optical precision. The transducers were compressional, undamped quartz and lithium niobate crystals having the frequency range 1-10 MHz, driven by a high power amplifier. Both an optical diffraction system to characterize the diffraction pattern of laser light normally incident to the cavity and a receiving transducer attached to an aligned reflector with lapped flat and parallel surfaces were used to assess the generated resonance response in the cavity. At least 5 regions of excitation are identified.

Lazlo, Adler↗
NASA NTRS2010

Solving Component Structural Dynamic Failures Due to Extremely High Frequency Structural Response on the Space Shuttle Program

For many years, the capabilities to determine the root-cause failure of component failures have been limited to the analytical tools and the state of the art data acquisition systems. With this limited capability, many anomalies have been resolved by adding material to the design to increase robustness without the ability to determine if the design solution was satisfactory until after a series of expensive test programs were complete. The risk of failure and multiple design, test, and redesign cycles were high. During the Space Shuttle Program, many crack investigations in high energy density turbomachines, like the SSME turbopumps and high energy flows in the main propulsion system, have led to the discovery of numerous root-cause failures and anomalies due to the coexistences of acoustic forcing functions, structural natural modes, and a high energy excitation, such as an edge tone or shedding flow, leading the technical community to understand many of the primary contributors to extremely high frequency high cycle fatique fluid-structure interaction anomalies. These contributors have been identified using advanced analysis tools and verified using component and system tests during component ground tests, systems tests, and flight. The structural dynamics and fluid dynamics communities have developed a special sensitivity to the fluid-structure interaction problems and have been able to adjust and solve these problems in a time effective manner to meet budget and schedule deadlines of operational vehicle programs, such as the Space Shuttle Program over the years.

Frady, Greg↗
NASA NTRS2009

Acoustic-Structure Interaction in Rocket Engines: Validation Testing

While analyzing a rocket engine component, it is often necessary to account for any effects that adjacent fluids (e.g., liquid fuels or oxidizers) might have on the structural dynamics of the component. To better characterize the fully coupled fluid-structure system responses, an analytical approach that models the system as a coupled expansion of rigid wall acoustic modes and in vacuo structural modes has been proposed. The present work seeks to experimentally validate this approach. To experimentally observe well-coupled system modes, the test article and fluid cavities are designed such that the uncoupled structural frequencies are comparable to the uncoupled acoustic frequencies. The test measures the natural frequencies, mode shapes, and forced response of cylindrical test articles in contact with fluid-filled cylindrical and/or annular cavities. The test article is excited with a stinger and the fluid-loaded response is acquired using a laser-doppler vibrometer. The experimentally determined fluid-loaded natural frequencies are compared directly to the results of the analytical model. Due to the geometric configuration of the test article, the analytical model is found to be valid for natural modes with circumferential wave numbers greater than four. In the case of these modes, the natural frequencies predicted by the analytical model demonstrate excellent agreement with the experimentally determined natural frequencies.

Davis, R. Benjamin↗
NASA NTRS1981

Doppler-cancelled response to VLF gravitational waves

The interaction of long periodic gravitational waves with a three link microwave system known as the Doppler Cancelling System is discussed. This system, which was developed for a gravitational redshift experiment, uses one-way and two-way Doppler informatin to construct the beat signal of two reference oscillators moving with respect to each other. The geometric optics approximation is used to derive the frequency shift produced on a light signal propagating in a gravitational wave space-time. The signature left on the Doppler-cancelled beat by burst and continuous gravitational waves is analyzed. A comparison is made between the response to gravitational waves of the Doppler Cancelling System and that of a Doppler tracking system which employs two-way, round-trip radio waves. A three-fold repetition of the gravitational wave form is found to be a common feature of the response functions of both systems. These two functions otherwise exhibit interesting differences.

Caporali, A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Optical fiber sensors for the non-destructive evaluation of materials

The operation of the modal domain vibration sensor was demonstrated in several simple vibrational systems. Two apparent advantages are the sensors bandwidth and sensitivity. An inherent drawback of standard vibration detection devices is their rapid cost increase with high frequency bandwidth. This sensor showed consistent response in the freqency range of 1.5 to 400 Hz. By imparting very small but measurable excitations in the structures, the sensors ability to respond to very low order vibration induced strain was established. Dynamic ranges on the order of 18 to 22 dB for the CF beam and string systems respectively were observed. The sensor itself represents a very simple system: a coherent source, a single fiber and a low bandwidth detector. The inherent advantages of ruggedness and immunity to external radiation can also be added. Finally, the sensor minimally impairs structural motion through loading, an advantage in monitoring small vibrations or lightweight structures. Some drawbacks of the sensor are also noted.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1992

A methodology for computing uncertainty bounds of multivariable systems based on sector stability theory concepts

The application of a sector-based stability theory approach to the formulation of useful uncertainty descriptions for linear, time-invariant, multivariable systems is explored. A review of basic sector properties and sector-based approach are presented first. The sector-based approach is then applied to several general forms of parameter uncertainty to investigate its advantages and limitations. The results indicate that the sector uncertainty bound can be used effectively to evaluate the impact of parameter uncertainties on the frequency response of the design model. Inherent conservatism is a potential limitation of the sector-based approach, especially for highly dependent uncertain parameters. In addition, the representation of the system dynamics can affect the amount of conservatism reflected in the sector bound. Careful application of the model can help to reduce this conservatism, however, and the solution approach has some degrees of freedom that may be further exploited to reduce the conservatism.

Waszak, Martin R.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Lifetimes and eigenstates in atmospheric chemistry

The time scales and mode of the atmosphere's response to chemical perturbations are defined by the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the system. The eigenstates of a simplified one-box CH4-CO-OH system are analyzed. The longest time constant (smallest eigenvalue) always exceeds the lifetime defined by the steady-state loss frequency for CH4, the longest lived gas. Thus, the extent of a CH4 perturbation -- the methane response time -- is always longer than predicted by the steady-state lifetime and is independent of size of the perturbation in the linear limit. This lengthening of the atmospheric recovery time can be diagnosed by how close we are to a chemically unstable troposphere, i.e., how much OH production exceeds that minimum needed to oxidize just the global emissions of CH4, CO, and other hydrocarbons and species.

Prather, Michael J.↗