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At least 775 records · Page 43

Comparisons of Artemis I and Wind Tunnel Buffet Environments and Induced Structural Responses

This paper presents comparisons of buffet forcing functions (BFFs) and associated structural responses for the Space Launch System from two data sources: 1) Artemis I (AR01) Developmental Flight Instrumentation (DFI) and 2) transonic wind-tunnel (WT) tests. Failures of DFI sensors prevented the development of a complete set of flight-based BFFs, where each BFF is based on azimuthal integration over 360-degrees of unsteady pressures acquired by sensor rings placed at many longitudinal stations along the vehicle. Instead, a set of equivalent flight- and WT-based BFFs was developed based on functional DFI and WT sensors that share the same locations. Root-mean-square (rms) levels of equivalent BFFs from flight and WT data are in-family for most of the cardinal Mach numbers. However, at stations downstream of the booster forward attachment (FA) protuberance, the rms of flight-based BFFs exceed their WT counterparts. Strikingly, vortex-shedding off the FA protuberance occurs at lower frequencies during flight than in WT experiments. This frequency shift propagates onto the spectrum of flight-measured vs. WT-based structural responses. Aside from vortex-shedding frequency mismatch, a generally good agreement between AR01 and WT-based responses is an indirect indication that WT buffet environments are fairly well representative of their AR01 counterpart.

transonic buffet↗

Correlation of finite element free vibration predictions using random vibration test data

Finite element analysis is regularly used during the engineering cycle of mechanical systems to predict the response to static, thermal, and dynamic loads. The finite element model (FEM) used to represent the system is often correlated with physical test results to determine the validity of analytical results provided. Results from dynamic testing provide one means for performing this correlation. One of the most common methods of measuring accuracy is by classical modal testing, whereby vibratory mode shapes are compared to mode shapes provided by finite element analysis. The degree of correlation between the test and analytical mode shapes can be shown mathematically using the cross orthogonality check. A great deal of time and effort can be exhausted in generating the set of test acquired mode shapes needed for the cross orthogonality check. In most situations response data from vibration tests are digitally processed to generate the mode shapes from a combination of modal parameters, forcing functions, and recorded response data. An alternate method is proposed in which the same correlation of analytical and test acquired mode shapes can be achieved without conducting the modal survey. Instead a procedure is detailed in which a minimum of test information, specifically the acceleration response data from a random vibration test, is used to generate a set of equivalent local accelerations to be applied to the reduced analytical model at discrete points corresponding to the test measurement locations. The static solution of the analytical model then produces a set of deformations that once normalized can be used to represent the test acquired mode shapes in the cross orthogonality relation. The method proposed has been shown to provide accurate results for both a simple analytical model as well as a complex space flight structure.

Chambers, Jeffrey A.↗

Turbine blade structural dynamic analysis

The paper presents structural dynamic analysis and test results for the Space Shuttle Main Engine turbine blades. Athough these blades are designed to avoid coincidence of natural frequencies with harmonic excitation forces, the complexity of the turbine hardware, its nonlinearities and lack of information regarding the forcing function have led to fatigue failures. A comparison of single-blade analysis and test modal frequencies, shapes, and stresses is given; analysis techniques to describe the forcing function, compute dynamic responses, and incorporate the nonlinearities of Coulomb-friction dampers are presented. Recommendations are made for new research to improve forcing function computations and structural damping estimates used in the analysis.

Dickerson, E. O.↗

Load compensating reactions to perturbations at wrist joint in normal man

The electromyographic responses to step torque loads were studied in flexors and extensors at the human wrist. Based on temporal bursting patterns and functional behavior, the response was divided into four temporal components. Two early components, the myotatic (30-60 ms) late myotatic (60-120 ms) appears to be reflex response. The third postmyotatic component (120-200 ms) appear to be a triggered reaction, preceeding the fourth, stabilizing component (200-400 ms). A comparison of response at the wrist with similar data at the ankle provides the basis for a generalized classification of the response in various muscles to torque step perturbations.

Jaeger, R. J.↗

New correction procedures for the fast field program which extend its range

A fast field program (FFP) algorithm was developed based on the method of Lee et al., for the prediction of sound pressure level from low frequency, high intensity sources. In order to permit accurate predictions at distances greater than 2 km, new correction procedures have had to be included in the algorithm. Certain functions, whose Hankel transforms can be determined analytically, are subtracted from the depth dependent Green's function. The distance response is then obtained as the sum of these transforms and the Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) of the residual k dependent function. One procedure, which permits the elimination of most complex exponentials, has allowed significant changes in the structure of the FFP algorithm, which has resulted in a substantial reduction in computation time.

West, M.↗

Layerwise Analysis of Thermal Shape Control in Graded Piezoelectric Beams

A layerwise finite element formulation developed for piezoelectric materials is used to investigate the displacement and stress response of a functionally graded piezoelectric bimorph actuator. The formulation is based on the principles of linear thermopiezoelectricity and accounts for the coupled mechanical, electrical, and thermal response of piezoelectric materials. The layerwise laminate theory is implemented into a linear beam element in order to provide a more accurate representation of the transverse and shear effects that are induced by increased inhomogeneities introduced through-the-thickness by using functionally graded materials. The accuracy of the formulation is verified with previously published experimental results for a piezoelectric bimorph actuator. Additional studies are conducted to analyze the impact of electric and thermal loads on the deflections and stresses in a bimorph actuator. Results of the study help demonstrate the capability of the layerwise theory to provide a more complete representation of shear effects that are no longer negligible even in thin piezoelectric beams. In addition, the effects of varying piezoelectric properties through-the-thickness of the beam are shown to provide additional benefits in minimizing the induced deformations and stresses.

Lee, Ho-Jun↗

Validation of Vehicle Panel/Equipment Response from Diffuse Acoustic Field Excitation Using Spatially Correlated Transfer Function Approach

An approach for predicting the vibration, strain, and force responses of a flight-like vehicle panel assembly to acoustic pressures is presented. Important validation for the approach is provided by comparison to ground test measurements in a reverberant chamber. The test article and the corresponding analytical model were assembled in several configurations to demonstrate the suitability of the approach for response predictions when the vehicle panel is integrated with equipment. Critical choices in the analysis necessary for convergence of the predicted and measured responses are illustrated through sensitivity studies. The methodology includes representation of spatial correlation of the pressure field over the panel surface. Therefore, it is possible to demonstrate the effects of hydrodynamic coincidence in the response. The sensitivity to pressure patch density clearly illustrates the onset of coincidence effects on the panel response predictions.

Smith, Andrew↗

Unique cell culture systems for ground based research

The horizontally rotating fluid-filled, membrane oxygenated bioreactors developed at NASA Johnson for spacecraft applications provide a powerful tool for ground-based research. Three-dimensional aggregates formed by cells cultured on microcarrier beads are useful for study of cell-cell interactions and tissue development. By comparing electron micrographs of plant seedlings germinated during Shuttle flight 61-C and in an earth-based rotating bioreactor it is shown that some effects of microgravity are mimicked. Bioreactors used in the UAH Bioreactor Laboratory will make it possible to determine some of the effects of altered gravity at the cellular level. Bioreactors can be valuable for performing critical, preliminary-to-spaceflight experiments as well as medical investigations such as in vitro tumor cell growth and chemotherapeutic drug response; the enrichment of stem cells from bone marrow; and the effect of altered gravity on bone and muscle cell growth and function and immune response depression.

Lewis, Marian L.↗

Point Response Characteristics for the CERES/EOS-PM, FM3 & FM4 instruments.

This paper describes the point source functions (PSF s) of the Clouds and the Earth s Radiant Energy System (CERES,) Earth Observing System (EOS,) afternoon platform (PM,) Flight Model 3 (FM3,) and Flight Model 4 (FM4) scanning instruments. The PSF (also known as the Point Response Function, or PRF) is vital to the accurate geo-location of the remotely sensed radiance measurements acquired by the instrument. This paper compares the characteristics of the FM3 and FM4 instruments with the earlier Proto Flight Model (PFM) on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) platform, and the FM1 and FM2 Models on the EOS morning orbiting (AM) platform, which has recently been renamed "Terra". All of the PSF s were found to be quite comparable, and the previously noted "spreading" characteristic of the window (water vapor) channel PSF is analyzed Keywords: PSF, PRF, CERES, TRMM, EOS, Earth Radiation Budget

Paden, Jack↗

Cardiovascular function in space flight

Postflight orthostatic intolerance and cardiac hemodynamics associated with manned space flight have been investigated on seven STS missions. Orthostatic heart rates appear to be influenced by the mission duration. The rates increase during the first 7-10 days of flight and recover partially after that. Fluid loading is used as a countermeasure to the postflight orthostatic intolerance. The carotid baroreceptor function shows only slight responsiveness to orthostatic stimulation. Plots of the baroreceptor function are presented. It is concluded that an early adaptation to the space flight conditions involves a fluid shift and that the subsequent alterations in the neutral controlling mechanisms contribute to the orthoststic intolerance.

Nicogossian, A. E.↗

Microgravity and Immunity: Changes in Lymphocyte Gene Expression

Earlier studies had shown that modeled and true microgravity (MG) cause multiple direct effects on human lymphocytes. MG inhibits lymphocyte locomotion, suppresses polyclonal and antigen-specific activation, affects signal transduction mechanisms, as well as activation-induced apoptosis. In this study we assessed changes in gene expression associated with lymphocyte exposure to microgravity in an attempt to identify microgravity-sensitive genes (MGSG) in general and specifically those genes that might be responsible for the functional and structural changes observed earlier. Two sets of experiments targeting different goals were conducted. In the first set, T-lymphocytes from normal donors were activated with antiCD3 and IL2 and then cultured in 1g (static) and modeled MG (MMG) conditions (Rotating Wall Vessel bioreactor) for 24 hours. This setting allowed searching for MGSG by comparison of gene expression patterns in zero and 1 g gravity. In the second set - activated T-cells after culturing for 24 hours in 1g and MMG were exposed three hours before harvesting to a secondary activation stimulus (PHA) thus triggering the apoptotic pathway. Total RNA was extracted using the RNeasy isolation kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA). Affymetrix Gene Chips (U133A), allowing testing for 18,400 human genes, were used for microarray analysis. In the first set of experiments MMG exposure resulted in altered expression of 89 genes, 10 of them were up-regulated and 79 down-regulated. In the second set, changes in expression were revealed in 85 genes, 20 were up-regulated and 65 were down-regulated. The analysis revealed that significant numbers of MGS genes are associated with signal transduction and apoptotic pathways. Interestingly, the majority of genes that responded by up- or down-regulation in the alternative sets of experiments were not the same, possibly reflecting different functional states of the examined T-lymphocyte populations. The responder genes (MGSG) might play an essential role in adaptation to MG and/or be responsible for pathologic changes encountered in Space and thus represent potential targets for molecular-based countermeasures

Risin, D.↗

A method for determining the response of space shuttle to atmospheric turbulence. Volume 2: Computer program description and usage instructions

A description is given of a computer program which calculates the response of an elastic aerospace vehicle to random and discrete turbulence. The program uses vibration modes as generalized coordinates. Inputs to the program include modal information, generalized aerodynamic forces, flight data, stability augmentation system description, and description of the disturbing function. Program outputs include tabulations of the ratio of root-mean-square response to root-mean-square turbulence and response upward zero crossings per second, and SC4020 plots of transfer functions, response power spectral densities, and Nyquist stability traces.

Huntington, R.↗

Seismic analysis of the large 70-meter antenna. Part 2: General dynamic response and a seismic safety check

An extensive dynamic analysis for the new JPL 70-meter antenna structure is presented. Analytical procedures are based on the normal mode decomposition which include dumping and special forcing functions. The dynamic response can be obtained for any arbitrarily selected point on the structure. A new computer program for computing the time-dependent, resultant structural displacement, summing the effects of all participating modes, was developed also. Program compatibility with natural frequency analysis output was verified. The program was applied to the JPL 70-meter antenna structure and the dynamic response for several specially selected points was computed. Seismic analysis of structures, a special application of the general dynamic analysis, is based also on the normal modal decomposition. Strength specification of the antenna, with respect to the earthquake excitation, is done by using the common response spectra. The results indicated basically a safe design under an assumed 5% or more damping coefficient. However, for the antenna located at Goldstone, with more active seismic environment, this study strongly recommends and experimental program that determines the true damping coefficient for a more reliable safety check.

Kiedron, K.↗

Differential memory in the earth's magnetotail

The process of 'differential memory' in the earth's magnetotail is studied in the framework of the modified Harris magnetotail geometry. It is verified that differential memory can generate non-Maxwellian features in the modified Harris field model. The time scales and the potentially observable distribution functions associated with the process of differential memory are investigated, and it is shown that non-Maxwelllian distributions can evolve as a test particle response to distribution function boundary conditions in a Harris field magnetotail model. The non-Maxwellian features which arise from distribution function mapping have definite time scales associated with them, which are generally shorter than the earthward convection time scale but longer than the typical Alfven crossing time.

Burkhart, G. R.↗

Electrical and infrared properties of thin niobium microbolometers near T(sub c)

Niobium microbolometers approximately 1 micron wide x 2 micron long x 10 nm thick have been integrated at the feeds of equiangular spiral antennas made of 200 nm thick Nb. The device's current-voltage characteristics and infrared responsivity as a function of DC bias voltage were measured over a range of temperature spanning approximately plus or minus 2 percent around T(sub c). The greatest voltage responsivity occurs well below T(sub c), in a regime where the I-V curve is significantly hysteretic due to self-heating and resembles the I-V curve of a superconducting microbridge.

Grossman, E. N.↗