Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “damping controller”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 901 records · Page 50

Numerical and experimental evaluation for single-axis control of an LSS laboratory model

One of the major problems of LSS attitude control design stems from the modeling uncertainties due to modal truncation errors and modal parameter estimation errors. This modeling problem is investigated by evaluating poles and zeros of the frequency response functions, described in terms of constrained or unconstrained modes. The frequency domain approach is utilized to evaluated the results of modal analyses and direct output feedback controller experiments using a simple flexible spacecraft model consisting of a rigid primary body and flexible aluminum beam(s) with a control moment gyro as an actuator. The modal data are compared under the conditions that the model is constrained as the canti-lever and it is rotationally free on a single-axis air bearing table. In addition, the open-loop responses are experimentally examined under the impulsive disturbance to the appendage. The results of the control experiments show that the first vibration mode of the appendage and the interacted rotational motion of the primary body are damped in a short time as predicted by the numerical analysis, to produce damping ratio of 10-20%.

Ohkami, Y.↗

A conventional point of view on active magnetic bearings

Active magnetic bearings used in rotating machinery should be designed as locally controlled, independent devices similar to other types of bearings. The functions of control electronics and power amplifiers can be simply and explicitly related to general bearing properties such as load capacity, stiffness, and damping. The dynamics of a rotor and its supporting active magnetic bearings are analyzed in a modified conventional method with an extended state vector containing the bearing state variables.

Chen, H. Ming↗

Qualitative Simulator Study of Longitudinal Stick Forces and Displacements Desirable During Tracking

In this study in which an airplane simulator with one degree of freedom (pitch) was used, results were determined for three conditions of airplane dynamics. For an undamped natural frequency of 1/2 cps with a damping ratio of 0.18 and for an undamped natural frequency of 1 cps with a damping ratio of 0.11, moderate longitudinal stick forces and displacements were desired.

CONTROL, LONGITUDINAL↗

Robustness of Flexible Systems With Component-Level Uncertainties

Robustness of flexible systems in the presence of model uncertainties at the component level is considered. Specifically, an approach for formulating robustness of flexible systems in the presence of frequency and damping uncertainties at the component level is presented. The synthesis of the components is based on a modifications of a controls-based algorithm for component mode synthesis. The formulation deals first with robustness of synthesized flexible systems. It is then extended to deal with global (non-synthesized ) dynamic models with component-level uncertainties by projecting uncertainties from component levels to system level. A numerical example involving a two-dimensional simulated docking problem is worked out to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.

Maghami, Peiman G.↗

Integrated low power digital gyro control electronics

Embodiments of the invention generally encompass a digital, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) has been designed to perform excitation of a selected mode within a vibratory rate gyroscope, damping, or force-rebalance, of other modes within the sensor, and signal demodulation of the in-phase and quadrature components of the signal containing the angular rate information. The ASIC filters dedicated to each channel may be individually programmed to accommodate different rate sensor designs/technology or variations within the same class of sensors. The ASIC architecture employs a low-power design, making the ASIC, particularly suitable for use in power-sensitive applications.

M'Closkey, Robert↗

Physics-Based Methods of Failure Analysis and Diagnostics in Human Space Flight

The Integrated Health Management (IHM) for the future aerospace systems requires to interface models of multiple subsystems in an efficient and accurate information environment at the earlier stages of system design. The complexity of modern aeronautic and aircraft systems (including e.g. the power distribution, flight control, solid and liquid motors) dictates employment of hybrid models and high-level reasoners for analysing mixed continuous and discrete information flow involving multiple modes of operation in uncertain environments, unknown state variables, heterogeneous software and hardware components. To provide the information link between key design/performance parameters and high-level reasoners we rely on development of multi-physics performance models, distributed sensors networks, and fault diagnostic and prognostic (FD&P) technologies in close collaboration with system designers. The main challenges of our research are related to the in-flight assessment of the structural stability, engine performance, and trajectory control. The main goal is to develop an intelligent IHM that not only enhances components and system reliability, but also provides a post-flight feedback helping to optimize design of the next generation of aerospace systems. Our efforts are concentrated on several directions of the research. One of the key components of our strategy is an innovative approach to the diagnostics/prognostics based on the real time dynamical inference (DI) technologies extended to encompass hybrid systems with hidden state trajectories. The major investments are into the multiphysics performance modelling that provides an access of the FD&P technologies to the main performance parameters of e.g. solid and liquid rocket motors and composite materials of the nozzle and case. Some of the recent results of our research are discussed in this chapter. We begin by introducing the problem of dynamical inference of stochastic nonlinear models and reviewing earlier results. Next, we present our analytical approach to the solution of this problem based on the path integral formulation. The resulting algorithm does not require an extensive global search for the model parameters, provides optimal compensation for the effects of dynamical noise, and is robust for a broad range of dynamical models. In the following Section the strengths of the algorithm are illustrated illustrated by inferring the parameters of the stochastic Lorenz system and comparing the results with those of earlier research. Next, we discuss a number of recent results in application to the development of the IHM for aerospace system. Firstly, we apply dynamical inference approach to a solution of classical three tank problems with mixed unknown continuous and binary parameters. The problem is considered in the context of ground support system for filling fuel tanks of liquid rocket motors. It is shown that the DI algorithm is well suited for successful solution of a hybrid version of this benchmark problem even in the presence of additional periodic and stochastic perturbation of unknown strength. Secondly, we illustrate our approach by its application to an analysis of the nozzle fault in a solid rocket motor (SRM). The internal ballistics of the SRM is modelled as a set of one-dimensional partial differential equations coupled to the dynamics of the propellant regression. In this example we are specifically focussed on the inference of discrete and continuous parameters of the nozzle blocking fault and on the possibility of an application of the DI algorithm to reducing the probability of "misses" of an on-board FD&P for SRM. In the next section re-contact problem caused by first stage/upper stage separation failure is discussed. The reaction forces imposed on the nozzle of the upper stage during the re-contact and their connection to the nozzle damage and to the thrust vector control (TVC) signal are obtained. It is shown that transient impact induced torquean be modelled as a response of an effective damped oscillator. A possible application of the DI algorithm to the inference of damage parameters and predicting fault dynamics ahead of time using the actuator signal is discussed. Finally, we formulate Bayesian inferential framework for development of the IHM system for in-flight structural health monitoring (SHM) of composite materials. We consider the signal generated by piezoelectric actuator mounted on composite structure generating elastic waves in it. The signal received by the sensor is than compared with the baseline signal. The possibility of damage inference is discussed in the context of development of the SHM.

Smelyanskiy, Vadim N.↗

Stability-Derivative Determination from Flight Data

A comprehensive discussion of the various factors affecting the determination of stability and control derivatives from flight data is presented based on the experience of the NASA High-Speed Flight Station. Factors relating to test techniques, determination of mass characteristics, instrumentation, and methods of analysis are discussed. For most longitudinal-stability-derivative analyses simple equations utilizing period and damping have been found to be as satisfactory as more comprehensive methods. The graphical time-vector method has been the basis of lateral-derivative analysis, although simple approximate methods can be useful If applied with caution. Control effectiveness has been generally obtained by relating the peak acceleration to the rapid control input, and consideration must be given to aerodynamic contributions if reasonable accuracy is to be realized.. Because of the many factors involved In the determination of stability derivatives, It is believed that the primary stability and control derivatives are probably accurate to within 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the specific derivative. Static-stability derivatives at low angle of attack show the greatest accuracy.

Holowicz, Chester H.↗

Optimal control theory investigation of proprotor/wing response to vertical gust

Optimal control theory is used to design linear state variable feedback to improve the dynamic characteristics of a rotor and cantilever wing representing the tilting proprotor aircraft in cruise flight. The response to a vertical gust and system damping are used as criteria for the open and closed loop performance. The improvement in the dynamic characteristics achievable is examined for a gimballed rotor and for a hingeless rotor design. Several features of the design process are examined, including: (1) using only the wing or only the rotor dynamics in the control system design; (2) the use of a wing flap as well as the rotor controls for inputs; (3) and the performance of the system designed for one velocity at other forward speeds.

Frick, J. K. D.↗

In-orbit evaluation of the control system/structural mode interactions of the OSO-8 spacecraft

The Orbiting Solar Observatory-8 experienced severe structural mode/control loop interaction problems during the spacecraft development. Extensive analytical studies, using the hybrid coordinate modeling approach, and comprehensive ground testing were carried out in order to achieve the system's precision pointing performance requirements. A recent series of flight tests were conducted with the spacecraft in which a wide bandwidth, high resolution telemetry system was utilized to evaluate the on-orbit flexible dynamics characteristics of the vehicle along with the control system performance. The paper describes the results of these tests, reviewing the basic design problem, analytical approach taken, ground test philosophy, and on-orbit testing. Data from the tests was used to determine the primary mode frequency, damping, and servo coupling dynamics for the on-orbit condition. Additionally, the test results have verified analytically predicted differences between the on-orbit and ground test environments, and have led to a validation of both the analytical modeling and servo design techniques used during the development of the control system.

Slafer, L. I.↗

Analysis of dashpot performance for rotating control drums of a lithium cooled fast reactor concept

A dashpot was incorporated in the design of the drive train of the rotating control drum to prevent shock damage to the control drum and drive train at the termination of a scram action. A rotating vane dashpot using reactor coolant lithium as a damping fluid appears to be the best candidate of the various damping devices explored. A performance analysis, results and discussion of vane type dashpots are presented.

Wenzler, C. J.↗

Demonstration of aircraft wing/store flutter suppression systems

A wind tunnel test program was conducted to demonstrate the active wing/store flutter suppression systems on a lightweight fighter aircraft. The program, completed in mid-1978, included the design, analysis, fabrication, and testing of a scale model. The tests were conducted at the NASA Langley 16-ft Transonic Dynamics Tunnel. Three store configurations were selected for testing. Two of these configurations were deliberately designed to exhibit low flutter speeds with rapid reductions in damping at the incipient flutter condition. After initial tunnel entries, which showed the need for certain improvements in the model and the control system design, substantial increases in the flutter speeds were achieved using both leading- and trailing-edge control surfaces, separately. For the most critical configuration, a demonstrated improvement of 18% and a projected improvement of 29% in the dynamic pressure were achieved.

Hwang, C.↗

Evaluation of a high-torque backlash-free roller actuator

The results are presented of a test program that evaluated the stiffness, accuracy, torque ripple, frictional losses, and torque holding capability of a 16:1 ratio, 430 N-m (320 ft-lb) planetary roller drive for a potential space vehicle actuator application. The drive's planet roller supporting structure and bearings were found to be the largest contributors to overall drive compliance, accounting for more than half of the total. In comparison, the traction roller contacts themselves contributed only 9 percent of the drive's compliance based on an experimentally verified stiffness model. The drive exhibited no backlash although 8 arc sec of hysteresis deflection were recorded due to microcreep within the contact under torque load. Because of these load-dependent displacements, some form of feedback control would be required for arc second positioning applications. Torque ripple tests showed the drive to be extremely smooth, actually providing some damping of input torsional oscillations. The drive also demonstrated the ability to hold static torque with drifts of 7 arc sec or less over a 24 hr period at 35 percent of full load.

Steinetz, Bruce M.↗

Evaluation of a High-Torque Backlash-Free Roller Actuator

The results are presented herein of a test program that evaluated the stiffness, accuracy, torque ripple, frictional losses, and torque holding capability of a 16:1 ratio, 430 N-m (320 ft-lb) planetary roller drive for a potential space vehicle actuator application. The drive's planet roller supporting structure and bearings were found to be the largest contributors to overall drive compliance, accounting for more than half of the total. In comparison, the traction roller contacts themselves contributed only nine percent of the drive's compliance based on an experimentally verified stiffness model. The drive exhibited no backlash although 8 arc sec of hysteresis deflection were recorded due to microcreep within the contact under torque load. Because of these load-dependent displacements, some form of feedback control would be required for arc second positioning applications. Torque ripple tests showed the drive to be extremely smooth, actually providing some damping of input torsional oscillations. The drive also demonstrated the ability to hold static torque with drifts of 7 arc sec or less over a 24 hr period at 35 percent of full load.

Steinetz, Bruce M.↗

On a finite-state inflow application to flap-lag-torsion damping in hover

An aerodynamic model with a coupled set of generalized dynamic wake equations and hybrid equations of motion for an elastic blade are applied here to a two-blade untwisted stiff in-plane hingeless small-scale model rotor with torsionally soft blades. Blade root offset, precone, blade droop, pitch control stiffness, and blade pitch angle are included in the model rotor. Numerical results show that 3D tip relief effects within the nonuniform steady-state inflow are significant to predict steady-state aerodynamic loads and blade deflections. Eigenvalue results confirm the importance of unsteady 3D aerodynamics in predicting lead-lag damping and frequency. Eigenvector analysis correlations reinforced qualitative and quantitative shortcomings associated with quasi-steady 2D aerodynamic theory for aeroelastic applications in hover.

De Andrade, Donizeti↗

On-orbit evaluation of the control system/structural mode interactions on OSO-8

The Orbiting Solar Observatory-8 experienced severe structural mode/control loop interaction problems during the spacecraft development. Extensive analytical studies, using the hybrid coordinate modeling approach, and comprehensive ground testing were carried out in order to achieve the system's precision pointing performance requirements. A recent series of flight tests were conducted with the spacecraft in which a wide bandwidth, high resolution telemetry system was utilized to evaluate the on-orbit flexible dynamics characteristics of the vehicle along with the control system performance. This paper describes the results of these tests, reviewing the basic design problem, analytical approach taken, ground test philosophy, and on-orbit testing. Data from the tests was used to determine the primary mode frequency, damping, and servo coupling dynamics for the on-orbit condition. Additionally, the test results have verified analytically predicted differences between the on-orbit and ground test environments. The test results have led to a validation of both the analytical modeling and servo design techniques used during the development of the control system, and also verified the approach taken to vehicle and servo ground testing.

Slafer, L. I.↗

Sensitivity of Space Station Alpha Joint robust controller to structural modal parameter variations

The baseline design of the photovoltaic-array sun-tracking control system is presented with special attention given to the optimization of design variables related to stability and performance. The procedures utilized to attenuate control/structure interaction are described, and controller sensitivity to variations in structural modal parameters is examined. Constrained optimization techniques determine the stability margin and tracking capability, which are then tested for sensitivity to variations in natural frequency, mode-shape amplitudes, and modal-damping ratios. The effect of variations in the modal parameters of the dominant modes on performance indicators is also examined to optimize tracking-performance responsiveness and satisfy the design requirements. It is concluded that accurate on-orbit modal data are necessary to make the reoptimization procedure effective in improving the performance of the control system.

Kumar, Renjith R.↗