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At least 73 records · Page 4

Control Surface Interaction Effects of the Active Aeroelastic Wing Wind Tunnel Model

This paper presents results from testing the Active Aeroelastic Wing wind tunnel model in NASA Langley s Transonic Dynamics Tunnel. The wind tunnel test provided an opportunity to study aeroelastic system behavior under combined control surface deflections, testing for control surface interaction effects. Control surface interactions were observed in both static control surface actuation testing and dynamic control surface oscillation testing. The primary method of evaluating interactions was examination of the goodness of the linear superposition assumptions. Responses produced by independently actuating single control surfaces were combined and compared with those produced by simultaneously actuating and oscillating multiple control surfaces. Adjustments to the data were required to isolate the control surface influences. Using dynamic data, the task increases, as both the amplitude and phase have to be considered in the data corrections. The goodness of static linear superposition was examined and analysis of variance was used to evaluate significant factors influencing that goodness. The dynamic data showed interaction effects in both the aerodynamic measurements and the structural measurements.

Heeg, Jennifer↗

Investigating Additively Manufactured 17-4 PH for Structural Applications

17-4 is used regularly to manufacture force transducers particularly for wind tunnel testing. Such applications place demanding structural requirements on the transducers with static safety factors of 1.5 common and the potential for additional dynamic loads. Additive manufacturing (AM) of transducers is very appealing because of significant potential cost and time savings as well as increased design flexibility. This study looks at the processing of 17-4 powder using selective laser melting by two different facilities using their own best practices. Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) is used by both facilities as part of the thermomechanical processing following printing to explore whether it can improve the consistency of mechanical properties. Results revealed that HIP reduced average porosity of 17-4 parts and that the yield strength of parts following solutionization and aging met wrought material property targets. Strain to failure of one of the facilities parts was less than 5% compared to greater than 9% for the other facility. Inspection of failure surfaces revealed this discrepancy could be attributed to pores (2-4% area fraction) on the failure surface of the low ductility parts. Phase content varied between the facilities with one facility producing fully martensitic parts and the other containing some retained austenite. The phase content of the starting powder and a slower than air cooling rate following the final heat treatment above the austenite eutectoid temperature are likely sources of the retained austenite. Taken together these results suggest that the current state of the art in AM 17-4 processing is sufficient for many NASA force measurement applications, but that attention is required at each stage of processing to assure desired mechanical properties.

Burns, Devin E.↗

Seasonal albedo of an urban/rural landscape from satellite observations

Using data from 27 calibrated Landsat observations of the Hartford, Connecticut area, the spatial distribution and seasonal variation of surface reflectance and albedo were examined. Mean values of visible reflectance, near-IR reflectance, and albedo are presented (for both snow-free and snow-cover observations) according to 14 land use/land cover categories. A diversity of albedo values was found to exist in this type of environment, associated with land cover. Many land-cover categories display a seasonal dependence, with intracategory seasonal differences being of comparable magnitude to intercategory differences. Key factors in determining albedo (and its seasonal dynamics) are the presence or absence of vegetation and the canopy structure. Snow-cover/snow-free differences range from a few percent (for urban land covers) to over 40 percent (for low-canopy vegetation).

Brest, Christopher L.↗

Effects of Piezoelectric (PZT) Sensor Bonding and the Characteristics of the Host Structure on Impedance Based Structural Health Monitoring

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of certain factors on the impedance signal in structural health monitoring. These factors were: the quality of the bond between the sensor and the host structure, and the characteristics of the host structure, such as geometry, mass, and material properties. This work was carried out to answer a set of questions, related to these factors, that were developed by the project team. The project team was comprised of Dr. Doug Ramers and Dr. Abdul Jalloh of the Summer Faculty Fellowship Program, Mr. Arnaldo Colon- Perez, a student intern from the University of Puerto Rico of Turabo, and Mr. John Lassiter and Mr. Bob Engberg of the Structural and Dynamics Test Group at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). This study was based on a review of the literature on structural health monitoring to investigate the factors referred to above because there was not enough time to plan and conduct the appropriate tests at MSFC during the tenure of the Summer Faculty Fellowship Program project members. The surveyed literature documents works on structural health monitoring that were based on laboratory tests that were conducted using bolted trusses and other civil engineering type structures for the most part. These are not the typical types of structures used in designing and building NASA s space vehicles and systems. It was therefore recommended that tests be conducted using NASA type structures, such as pressure vessels, to validate the observations made in this report.

Jalloh, Abdul↗

An investigation into the probabilistic combination of quasi-static and random accelerations

The development of design load factors are investigated for aerospace and aircraft components and experiment support structures, which are subject to a simultaneous vehicle dynamic vibration and acoustically generated random vibration. The characteristics of the combined acceleration probability density function is determined, and an appropriate percentile level for the combined acceleration is selected. This mechanism is developed and graphical data is provided to select combined accelerations for most popular percentile levels.

Schock, R. W.↗

Vortex motion in wall-bounded viscous flow

A factor of general interest in a broad class of wall-bounded flows is the dynamic evolution of vortical structures through the flow. The structures are three-dimensional, and an overall mathematical description of such entities has not yet been formulated. One of the objectives of the present investigation is concerned with the establishment of a framework, based on first principles, which may form a basis for more detailed analytical studies. Another aim is related to the establishment of boundary and initial conditions in numerical experiments. The mathematical framework employed involves the method of matched asymptotic expansions, and an inner solution field is constructed which consists of a two-dimensional vortical structure. The outer solution field is taken to be an otherwise undisturbed laminar two-dimensional parallel or self-similar viscous flowfield.

Gatski, T. B.↗

Calculation of structural dynamic forces and stresses using mode acceleration

While the standard mode acceleration formulation in structural dynamics has often been interpreted to suggest that the reason for improved convergence obtainable is that the dynamic correction factor is divided by the modal frequencies-squared, an alternative formulation is presented which clearly indicates that the only difference between mode acceleration and mode displacement data recovery is the addition of a static correction term. Attention is given to the advantages in numerical implementation associated with this alternative, as well as to an illustrative example.

Blelloch, Paul↗

Some Interesting Applications of Probabilistic Techiques in Structural Dynamic Analysis of Rocket Engines

Numerical and Analytical methods developed to determine damage accumulation in specific engine components when speed variation included. Dither Life Ratio shown to be well over factor of 2 for specific example. Steady‐State assumption shown to be accurate for most turbopump cases, allowing rapid calculation of DLR. If hot‐fire speed data unknown, Monte Carlo method developed that uses speed statistics for similar engines. Application of techniques allow analyst to reduce both uncertainty and excess conservatism. High values of DLR could allow previously unacceptable part to pass HCF criteria without redesign. Given benefit and ease of implementation, recommend that any finite life turbomachine component analysis adopt these techniques. Probability Values calculated, compared, and evaluated for several industry‐proposed methods for combining random and harmonic loads. Two new excel macros written to calculate combined load for any specific probability level. Closed form Curve fits generated for widely used 3(sigma) and 2(sigma) probability levels. For design of lightweight aerospace components, obtaining accurate, reproducible, statistically meaningful answer critical.

Brown, Andrew M.↗

Crystallization of proteins by dynamic control of supersaturation

The growth of protein crystals is known to be the limiting factor in the determination of the three-dimensional structures of most proteins. It is expected that the kinetics of supersaturation, which is directly related to solvent evaporation, will affect protein crystal growth and nucleation and accordingly determine the quality, number, size, and morphology of the crystals. With a technique that controls the evaporation of solvent from a protein solution with N2(g) it is possible to determine the effect of different evaporation profiles on hen egg white lysozyme crystals. Hen egg white lysozyme was chosen as the model protein because it crystallizes easily and has solubility data available for most salt, pH, and temperature ranges. Commercially available lysozyme was further purified by a number of methods. Crystals grown with the purified lysozyme and with the unpurified lysozyme in citrate buffer were different shapes but were found to be of the same symmetry space group by precession photos. Differences were seen in the lysozyme crystals grown using different evaporation rates. At three of the four initial conditions for lysozyme crystal growth, longer evaporation times yielded better crystals. The evaporation times required to see a change in the appearance of the crystals was much longer than expected. The number of rates studied so far represent only a small fraction of the ones now available with the gas evaporation device. The technique also provides for control of both solution pH and temperature which are related to the solubilities of proteins.

Wilson, Lori June↗

Aircraft Safety and Operating Problems

Results of NASA research in the field of aircraft safety and operating problems are discussed. Topics include: (1) terminal area operations, (2) flight dynamics and control; (3) ground operations; (4) atmospheric environment; (5) structures and materials; (6) powerplants; (7) noise; and (8) human factors engineering.

Source record↗

1981 LTA technology assessment - Past and present

A four-part presentation is made of (1) lessons learned from the design and operation of the 'classic' airships of the 1920s and 30s, with respect to such issues as construction, propulsion, control, instrumentation, ground handling, habitability, aerodynamics, and structure and construction; (2) lessons learned from the development of such specialized lighter-than-air (LTA) concepts as metal-clad airships, semi-buoyant lifting bodies, experimental, sport and commercial free balloons, high-altitude platforms, and tethered aerostats; (3) the current status of LTA technology in various countries, with emphasis on significant developments in configuration, dynamics, control, structures, materials, and propulsion; and (4) a projection of future trends. It is concluded that socio-economic factors will strongly influence and encourage LTA development in the 1990s.

Ashford, R. L.↗

Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) on Cassini

The Cassini spacecraft orbiting Saturn carries the composite infrared spectrometer (CIRS) designed to study thermal emission from Saturn and its rings and moons. CIRS, a Fourier transform spectrometer, is an indispensable part of the payload providing unique measurements and important synergies with the other instruments. It takes full advantage of Cassini's 13-year-long mission and surpasses the capabilities of previous spectrometers on Voyager 1 and 2. The instrument, consisting of two interferometers sharing a telescope and a scan mechanism, covers over a factor of 100 in wavelength in the mid and far infrared. It is used to study temperature, composition, structure, and dynamics of the atmospheres of Jupiter, Saturn, and Titan, the rings of Saturn, and surfaces of the icy moons. CIRS has returned a large volume of scientific results, the culmination of over 30 years of instrument development, operation, data calibration, and analysis. As Cassini and CIRS reach the end of their mission in 2017, we expect that archived spectra will be used by scientists for many years to come.

Jennings, Donald E.↗

Dielectric Properties of Poly(ethylene oxide) from Molecular Dynamics Simulations

The order, conformations and dynamics of poly(oxyethylene) (POE) melts have been investigated through molecular dynamics simulations. The potential energy functions were determined from detailed ab initio electronic structure calculations of the conformational energies of the model molecules 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) and diethylether. The x-ray structure factor for POE from simulation will be compared to experiment. In terms of conformation, simulations reveal that chains are extended in the melt relative to isolated chains due to the presence of strong intermolecular O...H interactions, which occur at the expense of intramolecular O...H interactions. Conformational dynamics about the C-C bond were found to be significantly faster than in polymethylene, while conformational dynamics about the C-O bond even faster than the C-C dynamics. The faster local dynamics in POE relative to polymethylene is consistent with C-13 NMR spin-lattice relaxation experiments. Conformational transitions showed significant second-neighbor correlation, as was found for polymethylene. This correlation of transitions with C-C neighbors was found to be reduced relative to C-O neighbors. Dielectric relaxation from simulation will also be compared with experiment.

Smith, Grant D.↗

Range optimization for a supersonic aircraft

Range optimal trajectories for an aircraft flying in the vertical plane are obtained from Pontryagin's Minimum Principle. Control variables are load factor n which appears nonlinearly in the equations of motion and throttle setting eta, which appears only linearly. Both controls are subject to fixed bounds, namely eta between values of 0 and 1 and absolute value of n not greater than n(max). Additionally, a dynamic pressure limit is imposed, which represents a first-order state-inequality constraint. For fixed flight time, fixed initial coordinates, and partially fixed final coordinates, the effect of the load factor limit absolute value of n not greater than n(max) is studied. Upon varying n(max), six different switching structures are obtained. All trajectories involve singular control along arcs with active dynamic pressure limit.

Seywald, Hans↗

Unified formulation of dynamics for serial rigid multibody systems

There has been a growing interest in the development of new and efficient algorithms for multibody dynamics in recent years. Serial rigid multibody systems form the basic subcomponents of general multibody systems, and a variety of algorithms to solve the serial chain forward dynamics problem have been proposed. In this paper, the economy of representation and analysis tools provided by the spatial operator algebra are used to clarify the inherent structure of these algorithms, to identify those that are similar, and to study the relationships among the ones that are distinct. For the purposes of this study, the algorithms are categorized into three classes: algorithms that require the explicit computation of the mass matrix, algorithms that are completely recursive in nature, and algorithms of intermediate complexity. In addition, alternative factorizations for the mass matrix and closed form expressions for its inverse are derived. These results provide a unifying perspective, within which these diverse dynamics algorithms arise naturally as a consequence of a progressive exploitation of the structure of the mass matrix.

Jain, Abhinandan↗

Reduction of structural loads using maneuver load control on the Advanced Fighter Technology Integration (AFTI)/F-111 mission adaptive wing

A transonic fighter-bomber aircraft, having a swept supercritical wing with smooth variable-camber flaps was fitted with a maneuver load control (MLC) system that implements a technique to reduce the inboard bending moments in the wing by shifting the spanwise load distribution inboard as load factor increases. The technique modifies the spanwise camber distribution by automatically commanding flap position as a function of flap position, true airspeed, Mach number, dynamic pressure, normal acceleration, and wing sweep position. Flight test structural loads data were obtained for loads in both the wing box and the wing root. Data from uniformly deflected flaps were compared with data from flaps in the MLC configuration where the outboard segment of three flap segments was deflected downward less than the two inboard segments. The changes in the shear loads in the forward wing spar and at the roots of the stabilators also are presented. The camber control system automatically reconfigures the flaps through varied flight conditions. Configurations having both moderate and full trailing-edge flap deflection were tested. Flight test data were collected at Mach numbers of 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9 and dynamic pressures of 300, 450, 600, and 800 lb/sq ft. The Reynolds numbers for these flight conditions ranged from 26 x 10(exp 6) to 54 x 10(exp 6) at the mean aerodynamic chord. Load factor increases of up to 1.0 g achieved with no increase in wing root bending moment with the MLC flap configuration.

Thornton, Stephen V.↗

Thin film strain gage development program

Sputtered thin-film dynamic strain gages of 2 millimeter (0.08 in) gage length and 10 micrometer (0.0004 in) thickness were fabricated on turbojet engine blades and tested in a simulated compressor environment. Four designs were developed, two for service to 600 K (600 F) and two for service to 900 K (1200 F). The program included a detailed study of guidelines for formulating strain-gage alloys to achieve superior dynamic and static gage performance. The tests included gage factor, fatigue, temperature cycling, spin to 100,000 G, and erosion. Since the installations are 30 times thinner than conventional wire strain gage installations, and any alteration of the aerodynamic, thermal, or structural performance of the blade is correspondingly reduced, dynamic strain measurement accuracy higher than that attained with conventional gages is expected. The low profile and good adherence of the thin film elements is expected to result in improved durability over conventional gage elements in engine tests.

Grant, H. P.↗

Static aeroelastic analysis and tailoring of missile control fins

A concept for enhancing the design of control fins for supersonic tactical missiles is described. The concept makes use of aeroelastic tailoring to create fin designs (for given planforms) that limit the variations in hinge moments that can occur during maneuvers involving high load factors and high angles of attack. It combines supersonic nonlinear aerodynamic load calculations with finite-element structural modeling, static and dynamic structural analysis, and optimization. The problem definition is illustrated. The fin is at least partly made up of a composite material. The layup is fixed, and the orientations of the material principal axes are allowed to vary; these are the design variables. The objective is the magnitude of the difference between the chordwise location of the center of pressure and its desired location, calculated for a given flight condition. Three types of constraints can be imposed: upper bounds on static displacements for a given set of load conditions, lower bounds on specified natural frequencies, and upper bounds on the critical flutter damping parameter at a given set of flight speeds and altitudes. The idea is to seek designs that reduce variations in hinge moments that would otherwise occur. The block diagram describes the operation of the computer program that accomplishes these tasks. There is an option for a single analysis in addition to the optimization.

Mcintosh, S. C., Jr.↗