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At least 613 records · Page 34

High-order state space simulation models of helicopter flight mechanics

This paper describes the formulation and validation of a high-order linearized mathematical model of helicopter flight mechanics, which includes rotor flap and lag degrees of freedom as well as inflow dynamics. The model is extracted numerically from an existing nonlinear, blade element, real-time simulation model. Extensive modifications in the formulation and solution process of the nonlinear model, required for a theoetically rigorous linearization, are described in detail. The validation results show that the linearized model successfully captures the coupled rotor-fuselage dynamics in the frequency band most critical for the design of advanced flight control systems. Additional results quantify the extent to which the order of the model can be reduced without loss of fidelity.

Kim, Frederick D.↗

Nonlinear Large Deflection Theory with Modified Aeroelastic Lifting Line Aerodynamics for a High Aspect Ratio Flexible Wing

This paper investigates the effect of nonlinear large deflection bending on the aerodynamic performance of a high aspect ratio flexible wing. A set of nonlinear static aeroelastic equations are derived for the large bending deflection of a high aspect ratio wing structure. An analysis is conducted to compare the nonlinear bending theory with the linear bending theory. The results show that the nonlinear bending theory is length-preserving whereas the linear bending theory causes a non-physical effect of lengthening the wing structure under the no axial load condition. A modified lifting line theory is developed to compute the lift and drag coefficients of a wing structure undergoing a large bending deflection. The lift and drag coefficients are more accurately estimated by the nonlinear bending theory due to its length-preserving property. The nonlinear bending theory yields lower lift and span efficiency than the linear bending theory. A coupled aerodynamic-nonlinear finite element model is developed to implement the nonlinear bending theory for a Common Research Model (CRM) flexible wing wind tunnel model to be tested in the University of Washington Aeronautical Laboratory (UWAL). The structural stiffness of the model is designed to give about 10% wing tip deflection which is large enough that could cause the nonlinear deflection effect to become significant. The computational results show that the nonlinear bending theory yields slightly less lift than the linear bending theory for this wind tunnel model. As a result, the linear bending theory is deemed adequate for the CRM wind tunnel model.

Aeroelasticity↗

Nonlinear response of composite tubes under combined thermomechanical loading

An analytical investigation was conducted to study the effect of material nonlinearities on the response of graphite/epoxy composite tubes subjected to combined axial and torsional loading. The endochronic theory of Valanis (1971) was employed to model the nonlinear response of the individual graphite/epoxy layers. Thermal loading was included in the analysis in order to incorporate the effect of residual stresses on subsequent mechanical response. The predictions of the analytical model are compared with the response of P75/934 graphite/epoxy tubes with a stacking sequence of (15/0/+/- 10/0/-15)s. Good qualitative correlation between analysis and experiment is obtained when microstructural details of the tube's cross-section, residual stresses and nonlinear effects are taken into account.

Derstine, M. S.↗

Research and development program for the development of advanced time-temperature dependent constitutive relationships. Volume 2: Programming manual

The results of a 10-month research and development program for nonlinear structural modeling with advanced time-temperature constitutive relationships are presented. The implementation of the theory in the MARC nonlinear finite element code is discussed, and instructions for the computational application of the theory are provided.

Cassenti, B. N.↗

Loop Shaping Control Design for a Supersonic Propulsion System Model Using Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT) Specifications and Bounds

This paper covers the propulsion system component modeling and controls development of an integrated mixed compression inlet and turbojet engine that will be used for an overall vehicle Aero-Propulso-Servo-Elastic (APSE) model. Using previously created nonlinear component-level propulsion system models, a linear integrated propulsion system model and loop shaping control design have been developed. The design includes both inlet normal shock position control and jet engine rotor speed control for a potential supersonic commercial transport. A preliminary investigation of the impacts of the aero-elastic effects on the incoming flow field to the propulsion system are discussed, however, the focus here is on developing a methodology for the propulsion controls design that prevents unstart in the inlet and minimizes the thrust oscillation experienced by the vehicle. Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT) specifications and bounds, and aspects of classical loop shaping are used in the control design process. Model uncertainty is incorporated in the design to address possible error in the system identification mapping of the nonlinear component models into the integrated linear model.

Connolly, Joseph W.↗

Dependence of Dynamic Modeling Accuracy on Sensor Measurements, Mass Properties, and Aircraft Geometry

The NASA Generic Transport Model (GTM) nonlinear simulation was used to investigate the effects of errors in sensor measurements, mass properties, and aircraft geometry on the accuracy of identified parameters in mathematical models describing the flight dynamics and determined from flight data. Measurements from a typical flight condition and system identification maneuver were systematically and progressively deteriorated by introducing noise, resolution errors, and bias errors. The data were then used to estimate nondimensional stability and control derivatives within a Monte Carlo simulation. Based on these results, recommendations are provided for maximum allowable errors in sensor measurements, mass properties, and aircraft geometry to achieve desired levels of dynamic modeling accuracy. Results using additional flight conditions and parameter estimation methods, as well as a nonlinear flight simulation of the General Dynamics F-16 aircraft, were compared with these recommendations

Grauer, Jared A.↗

Simulation of liquid propellant rocket engine combustion instabilities

A simulation technique for studying the high frequency combustion instabilities of liquid propellant rocket engines has been developed and used to investigate various aspects of instability phenomena. Of importance was investigation of the significance of the method of coupling the combustion and the gas dynamics of the system. Two coupling processes were studied: linear response of the combustion process to pressure fluctuations, and the nature of the resulting instabilities; and nonlinear response of the combustion process to velocity fluctuations, and the nature of the resulting instabilities. For the combustion model studied, nonlinear (velocity) coupling was found to more closely characterize liquid propellant instabilities.

Ventrice, M. B.↗

The Transient X-Ray Burster Gro J1744-28: An Unstable Accretion System?

The newly discovered burst/pulsar source GRO J1744-28 may be considered as a quasi-periodic oscillator (QPO) with a frequency in the 1-10 milli-Hz range, plus an X-ray pulsar with a period of .47 sec (IAU Circulars 6272, 6275, 6276, 6284, 6285, 6286). Since some of the observed properties of this system do not fit with the relaxation oscillators used to interpret rapid bursters, we are investigating the applicability of models that have been used for QPO in X-ray binary systems. Noting that some features of the nonlinear dynamical model called the dripping handrail are seen in the reported observations, we compare this model with the beat-frequency modulation picture of QPO.

Wood, Kent↗

Stability of localized plasma model in two and three dimensions

Stability against catastrophic radial collapse is demonstrated for initially well-behaved, localized solutions in a class of two- and three-dimensional wave equations characterized by saturating nonlinearities, which model various electrostatic and electromagnetic 'caviton' structures in an asymptotically uniform plasma. This result contrasts sharply with mathematical predictions of equations with low-order nonlinearities. Discrete classes of possible quasistationary modes exhibit features comparable to atomic wave functions and differ qualitatively from one-dimensional structures.

Wilcox, J. Z.↗

A computational model-based validation of Guyton's analysis of cardiac output and venous return curves

Guyton developed a popular approach for understanding the factors responsible for cardiac output (CO) regulation in which 1) the heart-lung unit and systemic circulation are independently characterized via CO and venous return (VR) curves, and 2) average CO and right atrial pressure (RAP) of the intact circulation are predicted by graphically intersecting the curves. However, this approach is virtually impossible to verify experimentally. We theoretically evaluated the approach with respect to a nonlinear, computational model of the pulsatile heart and circulation. We developed two sets of open circulation models to generate CO and VR curves, differing by the manner in which average RAP was varied. One set applied constant RAPs, while the other set applied pulsatile RAPs. Accurate prediction of intact, average CO and RAP was achieved only by intersecting the CO and VR curves generated with pulsatile RAPs because of the pulsatility and nonlinearity (e.g., systemic venous collapse) of the intact model. The CO and VR curves generated with pulsatile RAPs were also practically independent. This theoretical study therefore supports the validity of Guyton's graphical analysis.

NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary↗

An investigation of adaptive controllers for helicopter vibration and the development of a new dual controller

An investigation of the properties important for the design of stochastic adaptive controllers for the higher harmonic control of helicopter vibration is presented. Three different model types are considered for the transfer relationship between the helicopter higher harmonic control input and the vibration output: (1) nonlinear; (2) linear with slow time varying coefficients; and (3) linear with constant coefficients. The stochastic controller formulations and solutions are presented for a dual, cautious, and deterministic controller for both linear and nonlinear transfer models. Extensive simulations are performed with the various models and controllers. It is shown that the cautious adaptive controller can sometimes result in unacceptable vibration control. A new second order dual controller is developed which is shown to modify the cautious adaptive controller by adding numerator and denominator correction terms to the cautious control algorithm. The new dual controller is simulated on a simple single-control vibration example and is found to achieve excellent vibration reduction and significantly improves upon the cautious controller.

Mookerjee, P.↗

Application of Interface Technology in Nonlinear Analysis of a Stitched/RFI Composite Wing Stub Box

A recently developed interface technology was successfully employed in the geometrically nonlinear analysis of a full-scale stitched/RFI composite wing box loaded in bending. The technology allows mismatched finite element models to be joined in a variationally consistent manner and reduces the modeling complexity by eliminating transition meshing. In the analysis, local finite element models of nonlinearly deformed wide bays of the wing box are refined without the need for transition meshing to the surrounding coarse mesh. The COMET-AR finite element code, which has the interface technology capability, was used to perform the analyses. The COMET-AR analysis is compared to both a NASTRAN analysis and to experimental data. The interface technology solution is shown to be in good agreement with both. The viability of interface technology for coupled global/local analysis of large scale aircraft structures is demonstrated.

Wang, John T.↗

A nonlinear filtering process diagnostic system for the Space Station

A nonlinear filtering process diagnostic system, terrestrial simulation and real time implementation studies is presented. Possible applications to Space Station subsystem elements are discussed. A process diagnostic system using model based nonlinear filtering for systems with random structure was shown to provide improvements in stability, robustness, and overall performance in comparison to linear filter based systems. A suboptimal version of the nonlinear filter (zero order approximation filter, or ZOA filter) was used in simulation studies, initially, with a pressurized water reactor model and then with water/steam heat exchanger models. Finally, a real time implementation for leak detection in a water/steam heat exchanger was conducted using the ZOA filter and heat exchanger models.

Yoel, Raymond R.↗

Sheared wing-tip aerodynamics - Wind-tunnel and computational investigation

Computational and experimental performance benefits are presented for a high-aspect-ratio unswept wing configuration with sheared tips. The sheared tip is a highly swept and highly tapered surface located in the same plane as the inboard wing panel to which it is attached. The compuational results were obtained with an inviscid surface panel method that models the nonlinear influence of the trailing wake. Both wind-tunnel and calculated results were obtained for a 12-ft span wing model with various wing-tip configurations. The computational and experimental data are in fair agreement and demonstrate that sheared wing tips can reduce induced drag at cruise and climb lift coefficients. The drag reduction is the result of wake deformation effects and changes in spanwise load distribution. Wind-tunnel measured longitudinal and lateral directional stability characteristics are also presented for the various wing-tip layouts.

Vijgen, P. M. H. W.↗

Analysis of limit cycles in control systems for joint dominated structures

An approach to the modeling of limit cycles due to joint nonlinearities in large joint dominated space structures is presented which makes it possible to predict limit cycles and determine their stability. An actively controlled truss structure with nonlinear joints is modeled as a linear system with nonlinear feedback by separating the joint load-displacement characteristics into a linear part, which prevails at large displacements, and a nonlinear part. By replacing the joints by their linear parts, it is possible to perform a standard model decomposition which yields a reduced order linear model. Linear control laws can be easily included into the linear part of the system; nonlinear control laws can be implemented but they must be fed back to the linear model. The modeling approach described here allows straightforward limit cycle analysis.

Mercadal, M.↗

Singular asymptotic expansions in nonlinear rotordynamics

During hot firing ground testing of the Space Shuttle's Main Engine, vibrations of the liquid oxygen pump occur at frequencies which cannot be explained by the linear Jeffcott model of the rotor. The model becomes nonlinear after accounting for deadband, side forces, and rubbing. Two phenomena present in the numerical solutions of the differential equations are unexpected periodic orbits of the rotor and tracking of the nonlinear frequency. A multiple scale asymptotic expansion of the differential equations is used to give an analytic explanation of these characteristics.

Day, W. B.↗

Singular asymptotic expansions in nonlinear rotordynamics

During hot firing ground testing of the Space shuttle's Main Engine, vibrations of the liquid oxygen pump occur at frequencies which cannot be explained by the linear Jeffcott model of the rotor. The model becomes nonlinear after accounting for deadband, side forces, and rubbing. Two phenomena present in the numerical solutions of the differential equations are unexpected periodic orbits of the rotor and tracking of the nonlinear frequency. A multiple scale asymptotic expansion of the differential equations is used to give an analytic explanation of these characteristics.

Day, W. B.↗

An Aeroelastic Analysis of a Thin Flexible Membrane

Studies have shown that significant vehicle mass and cost savings are possible with the use of ballutes for aero-capture. Through NASA's In-Space Propulsion program, a preliminary examination of ballute sensitivity to geometry and Reynolds number was conducted, and a single-pass coupling between an aero code and a finite element solver was used to assess the static aeroelastic effects. There remain, however, a variety of open questions regarding the dynamic aeroelastic stability of membrane structures for aero-capture, with the primary challenge being the prediction of the membrane flutter onset. The purpose of this paper is to describe and begin addressing these issues. The paper includes a review of the literature associated with the structural analysis of membranes and membrane utter. Flow/structure analysis coupling and hypersonic flow solver options are also discussed. An approach is proposed for tackling this problem that starts with a relatively simple geometry and develops and evaluates analysis methods and procedures. This preliminary study considers a computationally manageable 2-dimensional problem. The membrane structural models used in the paper include a nonlinear finite-difference model for static and dynamic analysis and a NASTRAN finite element membrane model for nonlinear static and linear normal modes analysis. Both structural models are coupled with a structured compressible flow solver for static aeroelastic analysis. For dynamic aeroelastic analyses, the NASTRAN normal modes are used in the structured compressible flow solver and 3rd order piston theories were used with the finite difference membrane model to simulate utter onset. Results from the various static and dynamic aeroelastic analyses are compared.

Scott, Robert C.↗