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At least 739 records · Page 41

Impact of Technology and Mission Variations on Aircraft Designed for Advanced Air Mobiity

NASA is conducting investigations in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft and operations, including the development of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) aircraft designs that can be used to focus and guide research activities in support of AAM. This report is an investigation of the impact of technology and mission variations on several of the NASA AAM concept aircraft: quadrotor, quiet single main rotor, side-by-side, and tiltrotor configurations, with turboshaft and electric propulsion variants for each. First, the mission and aircraft models of the baseline designs were reassessed and updated, including rotor geometry optimization, update of the rotor performance models, and disk loading optimization. For these eight designs, technology and mission excursions were performed. Relative to the calibration cases that can be considered examples of good design practice, the impact of the weight technology factors is significant. For the electric aircraft, there is a very large impact of battery specific energy (Wh/kg), and correspondingly a very large impact of mission range. The vision of Advanced Air Mobility is driven by missions that will enable new transportation capabilities. Hence it is appropriate to compare Concept Vehicles of different lift and propulsive architectures, all designed to accomplish the same UAM mission. It is also useful however to consider specific missions that can take advantage of the strengths of individual aircraft configurations. So alternate designs were also developed for the concept vehicles: for turboshaft aircraft, longer unrefueled range, including faster cruise speed for the tiltrotor; for electric aircraft, shorter range and more realistic battery weight.

Technology↗

Nonlinear Buckling Analysis of Tow-Steered Composite Cylinders with Cutouts

The buckling and postbuckling behavior of two composite tow-steered shells with cutouts of different sizes is assessed using nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis and compared to experimental measurements. The cylindrical shells are manufactured using an automated fiber placement system, where the shells’ fiber orientation angles vary continuously around the shell circumference from ±10 degrees on the crown and keel to ±45 degrees on the sides. One shell features thickness variations due to tow overlaps that result from application of all 24 tows during each pass of the fiber placement system. The second shell uses the system’s tow drop/add capability to achieve a more uniform wall thickness without overlaps. Unreinforced cutouts of two different sizes—the first smaller cutout representing a passenger door on a commercial aircraft and the second larger cutout a cargo door—were machined into each of the two cylinders resulting in a total of four test cases. These cylinders were tested in axial compression and buckled elastically in previous work and are now analyzed using nonlinear FE models to compare bifurcation buckling loads as well as the load-displacement response in the prebuckling and postbuckling regimes. For all four shells analyzed, the prebuckling stiffness, buckling load, and deformation mode sequence throughout the loading-unloading cycle is accurately reproduced by the models. In particular, the shells first buckle locally around the cutouts in a stable (super-critical) manner with only a slight decrease in axial stiffness, which occurs due to the favorable load redistribution facilitated by tow steering. The shells then buckle globally in an unstable (sub-critical) manner with diamond-shaped buckles forming to the left and right of the cutouts. The buckling load of all shells with cutouts is at least 82% of the buckling load of the pristine shells without cutouts. Overall, the ability to sustain local buckling phenomena, and the relatively small reductions in global buckling load compared to pristine shells without cutouts, demonstrates the great potential of using tow steering to mitigate the adverse effects of cutouts in axially-compressed shell structures.

composites↗

Nonlinear Buckling Analysis of Tow-Steered Composite Cylinders with Cutouts

The buckling and postbuckling behavior of two composite tow-steered shells with cutouts of different sizes is assessed using nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis and compared to experimental measurements. The cylindrical shells are manufactured using an automated fiber placement system, where the shells’ fiber orientation angles vary continuously around the shell circumference from 10 degrees on the crown and keel to 45 degrees on the sides. One shell features thickness variations due to tow overlaps that result from application of all 24 tows during each pass of the fiber placement system. The second shell uses the system’s tow drop/add capability to achieve a more uniform wall thickness without overlaps. Unreinforced cutouts of two different sizes—the first smaller cutout representing a passenger door on a commercial aircraft and the second larger cutout a cargo door—were machined into each of the two cylinders resulting in a total of four test cases. These cylinders were tested in axial compression and buckled elastically in previous work and are now analyzed using nonlinear FE models to compare bifurcation buckling loads as well as the load-displacement response in the prebuckling and postbuckling regimes. For all four shells analyzed, the prebuckling stiffness, buckling load, and deformation mode sequence throughout the loading-unloading cycle is accurately reproduced by the models. In particular, the shells first buckle locally around the cutouts in a stable (super-critical) manner with only a slight decrease in axial stiffness, which occurs due to the favorable load redistribution facilitated by tow steering. The shells then buckle globally in an unstable (sub-critical) manner with diamond-shaped buckles forming to the left and right of the cutouts. The buckling load of all shells with cutouts is at least 82% of the buckling load of the pristine shells without cutouts. Overall, the ability to sustain local buckling phenomena, and the relatively small reductions in global buckling load compared to pristine shells without cutouts, demonstrates the great potential of using tow steering to mitigate the adverse effects of cutouts in axially-compressed shell structures.

Buckling↗

Verification and Validation of a Conceptual Model of the Auto-Rigging Payload Handling and Off-Loading System Using LEGO Technic System and Three-Dimensional Printed Parts

A conceptual model (CM) can be used to validate a concept in modeling and simulation life cycles. During the 2020-2022 Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, for employee safety NASA implemented center closures and mandatory telework for the entire workforce. During this challenging time, engineers and researchers at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) looked for safe and innovative approaches and methods to continue the development of CMs for various projects. Engineers and researchers at LaRC researched Auto-Rigging Payload Handling and Off-Loading System (ARPHOLS) for payload handing and off-loading a system on an inclined lunar lander deck. In this paper, the development of a CM and the verification and validation of a conceptual idea for ARPHOLS using a LEGO Technic system and three-dimensional printed parts is presented.

Payload offloading↗

A Micromechanics-Based Damage Model for [+/- Theta/90n]s Composite Laminates

A new damage model based on a micromechanical analysis of cracked [+/- Theta/90n]s laminates subjected to multiaxial loads is proposed. The model predicts the onset and accumulation of transverse matrix cracks in uniformly stressed laminates, the effect of matrix cracks on the stiffness of the laminate, as well as the ultimate failure of the laminate. The model also accounts for the effect of the ply thickness on the ply strength. Predictions relating the elastic properties of several laminates and multiaxial loads are presented.

Mayugo, Joan-Andreu↗

A Simplistic Look at Limit Stresses from Random Loading

Utilizing a continuous beam model, this report compares the potential stresses imposed on the beam from a random environment with those resulting from a typical static load analysis or test simulation. The Miles' equation used to develop peak response accelerations is shown to become a force equation in the hands of strength assessment personnel. This may prove to be unrealistic since hardware dynamic stresses are related to deflection rather than load. Correlation of the stress state for any static analysis or test with the actual dynamic response stress is strictly dependent upon how well the static deflections simulate the predominant dynamic mode shape. The report proposes that the general shape of this predominant mode, along with the peak response accelerations of major masses be used in strength assessments. From these data, a tailored enforced displacement loading may prove to be more effective in reproducing random induced stresses on flight hardware.

Lee, H. M.↗

Io's Plasma Environment During the Galileo Flyby: Global Three-Dimensional MHD Modeling with Adaptive Mesh Refinement

The first results for applying a three-dimensional multimedia ideal MHD model for the mass-loaded flow of Jupiter's corotating magnetospheric plasma past Io are presented. The model is able to consider simultaneously physically realistic conditions for ion mass loading, ion-neutral drag, and intrinsic magnetic field in a full global calculation without imposing artificial dissipation. Io is modeled with an extended neutral atmosphere which loads the corotating plasma torus flow with mass, momentum, and energy. The governing equations are solved using adaptive mesh refinement on an unstructured Cartesian grid using an upwind scheme for AHMED. For the work described in this paper we explored a range of models without an intrinsic magnetic field for Io. We compare our results with particle and field measurements made during the December 7, 1995, flyby of to, as published by the Galileo Orbiter experiment teams. For two extreme cases of lower boundary conditions at Io, our model can quantitatively explain the variation of density along the spacecraft trajectory and can reproduce the general appearance of the variations of magnetic field and ion pressure and temperature. The net fresh ion mass-loading rates are in the range of approximately 300-650 kg/s, and equivalent charge exchange mass-loading rates are in the range approximately 540-1150 kg/s in the vicinity of Io.

Combi, M. R.↗

The impact of high altitude aircraft on the ozone layer in the stratosphere

The paper discusses the potential effects on the ozone layer of gases released by the engines of proposed high altitude supersonic aircraft. The major problem arises from the emissions of nitrogen oxides which have the potential to destroy significant quantities of ozone in the stratosphere. The magnitude of the perturbation is highly dependent on the cruise altitude of the aircraft. Furthermore, the depletion of ozone is substantially reduced when heterogeneous conversion of nitrogen oxides into nitric acid on sulfate aerosol particles is taken into account in the calculation. The sensitivity of the aerosol load on stratospheric ozone is investigated. First, the model indicates that the aerosol load induced by the SO2 released by aircraft is increased by about 10-20% above the background aerosols at mid-high latitude of the Northern Hemisphere at 15 km for the NASA emission scenario A (the NASA emission scenarios are explained in Tables I to III). This increase in aerosol has small effects on stratospheric ozone. Second, when the aerosol load is increased following a volcanic eruption similar to the eruption of El Chichon (Mexico, April 1982), the ozone column in spring increases by as much as 9% in response to the injection of NOx from the aircraft with the NASA emission scenario A. Finally, the modeled suggests that significant ozone depletion could result from the formation of additional polar stratospheric clouds produced by the injection of H2O and HNO3 by the aircraft engines.

Tie, Xue XI↗

A New Local Failure Model with Application to the Longitudinal Tensile Behavior of Continuously Reinforced Titanium Composites

A new model for local fiber failures in composite materials loaded longitudinally is presented. In developing the model, the goal was to account for the effects of fiber breakage on the global response of a composite in a relatively simple and efficient manner. Towards this end, the model includes the important feature of local stress unloading, even as global loading of the composite continues. The model has been incorporated into NASA Glenn's Micromechanics Analysis Code with Generalized Method of Cells (MAC/GMC) and was employed to simulate the longitudinal tensile deformation and failure behavior of several silicon carbide fiber/titanium matrix (SiC/Ti) composites. The model is shown to be quite realistic and capable of accurate predictions for various temperatures, fiber volume fractions, and fiber diameters. Further- more, the new model compares favorably to Curtin's (1993) effective fiber breakage model, which has also been incorporated into MAC/GMC.

Bednarcyk, Brett A.↗

TAILSIM Users Guide

The TAILSIM program uses a 4th order Runge-Kutta method to integrate the standard aircraft equations-of-motion (EOM). The EOM determine three translational and three rotational accelerations about the aircraft's body axis reference system. The forces and moments that drive the EOM are determined from aerodynamic coefficients, dynamic derivatives, and control inputs. Values for these terms are determined from linear interpolation of tables that are a function of parameters such as angle-of-attack and surface deflections. Buildup equations combine these terms and dimensionalize them to generate the driving total forces and moments. Features that make TAILSIM applicable to studies of tailplane stall include modeling of the reversible control System, modeling of the pilot performing a load factor and/or airspeed command task, and modeling of vertical gusts. The reversible control system dynamics can be described as two hinged masses connected by a spring. resulting in a fifth order system. The pilot model is a standard form of lead-lag with a time delay applied to an integrated pitch rate and/or airspeed error feedback. The time delay is implemented by a Pade approximation, while the commanded pitch rate is determined by a commanded load factor. Vertical gust inputs include a single 1-cosine gust and a continuous NASA Dryden gust model. These dynamic models. coupled with the use of a nonlinear database, allow the tailplane stall characteristics, elevator response, and resulting aircraft response, to be modeled. A useful output capability of the TAILSIM program is the ability to display multiple post-run plot pages to allow a quick assessment of the time history response. There are 16 plot pages currently available to the user. Each plot page displays 9 parameters. Each parameter can also be displayed individually. on a one plot-per-page format. For a more refined display of the results the program can also create files of tabulated data. which can then be used by other plotting programs. The TAILSIM program was written straightforwardly assuming the user would want to change the database tables, the buildup equations, the output parameters. and the pilot model parameters. A separate database file and input file are automatically read in by the program. The use of an include file to set up all common blocks facilitates easy changing of parameter names and array sizes.

Hiltner, Dale W.↗

Comparison of Two Load Prediction Methods for Strain-Gage Balances

Data from a high-capacity semi-span balance is used to perform a detailed comparison of the load prediction accuracy of two strain-gage balance load prediction methods. Both methods independently obtain their load prediction equations from multivariate least squares fits of balance calibration data. The first method is called Non-Iterative Method. This approach directly uses regression models of the individual load components of a balance for the load prediction. The second method is called Iterative Method. This alternate approach uses a load iteration equation for the load prediction that is constructed from the regression models of the gage outputs of the balance. Basic characteristics of the two methods are reviewed. Afterwards, both methods are applied to calibration and check load data of the chosen balance. Finally, selected analysis results are compared. These comparisons confirmed that the load prediction accuracy of the two methods is the same for all practical purposes.

wind tunnel test↗

Steady internal flow and aerodynamic loads analysis of shuttle thermal protection system

An analytical model for calculation of ascent steady state tile loading was developed and validated with wind tunnel data. The analytical model is described and results are given. Results are given for loading due to shocks and skin friction. The analysis included calculation of internal flow (porous media flow and channel flow) to obtain pressures and integration of the pressures to obtain forces and moments on an insulation tile. A heat transfer program was modified by using analogies between heat transfer and fluid flow so that it could be used for internal flow calculation. The type of insulation tile considered was undensified reusable surface insulation (RSI) without gap fillers, and the location studied was the lower surface of the orbiter. Force and moment results are reported for parameter variations on surface pressure distribution, gap sizes, insulation permeability, and tile thickness.

Petley, D. H.↗

Software for Building Models of 3D Objects via the Internet

The Virtual EDF Builder (where EDF signifies Electronic Development Fixture) is a computer program that facilitates the use of the Internet for building and displaying digital models of three-dimensional (3D) objects that ordinarily comprise assemblies of solid models created previously by use of computer-aided-design (CAD) programs. The Virtual EDF Builder resides on a Unix-based server computer. It is used in conjunction with a commercially available Web-based plug-in viewer program that runs on a client computer. The Virtual EDF Builder acts as a translator between the viewer program and a database stored on the server. The translation function includes the provision of uniform resource locator (URL) links to other Web-based computer systems and databases. The Virtual EDF builder can be used in two ways: (1) If the client computer is Unix-based, then it can assemble a model locally; the computational load is transferred from the server to the client computer. (2) Alternatively, the server can be made to build the model, in which case the server bears the computational load and the results are downloaded to the client computer or workstation upon completion.

Schramer, Tim↗

Wind models for the NSTS ascent trajectory biasing for wind load alleviation

New concepts are presented for aerospace vehicle ascent wind profile biasing. The purpose for wind biasing the ascent trajectory is to provide ascent wind loads relief and thus decrease the probability for launch delays due to wind loads exceeding critical limits. Wind biasing trajectories to the profile of monthly mean winds have been widely used for this purpose. The wind profile models presented give additional alternatives for wind biased trajectories. They are derived from the properties of the bivariate normal probability function using the available wind statistical parameters for the launch site. The analytical expressions are presented to permit generalizations. Specific examples are given to illustrate the procedures. The wind profile models can be used to establish the ascent trajectory steering commands to guide the vehicle through the first stage. For the National Space Transportation System (NSTS) program these steering commands are called I-loads.

Smith, O. E.↗

Effects of jet decay rate on jet induced loads on a flat plate

Experimental modelling of the interaction between a jet and an aircraft wing or fuselage in VTOL aircraft was undertaken using a cold jet exiting perpendicular to a flat plate in a uniform cross-flow. Effects of jet decay rate and jet-to-cross-flow velocity ratio, R, on the induced load distribution were investigated. Jet decay rate was increased by using cylindrical centerbodies submerged in the jet nozzle, which caused nonuniform initial jet velocity profiles. Quicker jet decay rate, corresponding to the presence of a centerbody, resulted in as much as 50% reduction in the induced pressure loads on the plate. This has implications in interpretation of results from earlier VTOL model studies of jet induced loads, where the jets have often had relatively slow decay rates due to uniform initial velocity profiles

Kuhlman, J. M.↗

Applications of higher harmonic control to hingeless rotor systems

A comprehensive analytical formulation was developed to predict the vibratory hub loads of a helicopter rotor system in forward flight. This analysis is used to calculate the optimal higher harmonic control inputs and associated actuator power required to minimize these hub loads. The present formulation is based on a finite element method in space and time. A nonlinear time domain, unsteady aerodynamic model is used to obtain the airloads, and the rotor induced inflow is calculated using a nonuniform inflow model. Predicted vibratory hub loads are correlated with experimental data from a scale model rotor. Results of a parametric study on a hindgeless rotor show that blade flap, lag and torsion vibration characteristics, offset of blade center of mass from elastic axis, offset of elastic axis from quarter-chord axis, and blade thrust greatly affect the higher harmonic control actuator power requirement.

Nguyen, Khanh↗

Wind models for the NSTS ascent trajectory biasing for wind load alleviation

New concepts are presented for aerospace vehicle ascent wind profile biasing. The purpose for wind biasing the ascent trajectory is to provide ascent wind loads relief and thus decrease the probability for launch delays due to wind loads exceeding critical limits. Wind biasing trajectories to the the profile of monthly mean winds have been widely used for this purpose. The wind profile models presented give additional alternatives for wind biased trajectories. They are derived from the properties of the bivariate normal probability function using the available wind statistical parameters for the launch site. The analytical expressions are presented to permit generalizations. Specific examples are given to illustrate the procedures. The wind profile models can be used to establish the ascent trajectory steering commands to guide the vehicle through the first stage. For the National Space Transportation System (NSTS) program these steering commands are called I-loads.

Smith, O. E.↗