Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “GUST”

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 955 records · Page 53

Investigation of the Arc Cloud Complex

Thunderstorm gust fronts, frequently identifiable as arc clouds, are recognized as triggering mechanisms for new convective activity at points of intersections. Arc clouds are recognizable as such only by high resolution meteorological satellite observations and may take on several configurations, depending upon the circumstances. A situation in which an arc cloud is associated with a large convective area is called an arc cloud complex. Several arc cloud complex cases are analyzed based upon a combination of satellite, radar and conventional meteorological observations. The circumstances which led to the development of the arc clouds and their subsequent impact upon their environment are discussed.

Brundidge, K. C.↗

Statistical modeling of space shuttle environmental data

Statistical models which use a class of bivariate gamma distribution are examined. Topics discussed include: (1) the ratio of positively correlated gamma varieties; (2) a method to determine if unequal shape parameters are necessary in bivariate gamma distribution; (3) differential equations for modal location of a family of bivariate gamma distribution; and (4) analysis of some wind gust data using the analytical results developed for modeling application.

Tubbs, J. D.↗

Experimental investigation of elastic mode control on a model of a transport aircraft

A 4.5 percent DC-10 derivative flexible model with active controls is fabricated, developed, and tested to investigate the ability to suppress flutter and reduce gust loads with active controlled surfaces. The model is analyzed and tested in both semispan and complete model configuration. Analytical methods are refined and control laws are developed and successfully tested on both versions of the model. A 15 to 25 percent increase in flutter speed due to the active system is demonstrated. The capability of an active control system to significantly reduce wing bending moments due to turbulence is demonstrated. Good correlation is obtained between test and analytical prediction.

Abramovitz, M.↗

Integrated Application of Active Controls (IAAC) technology to an advanced subsonic transport project: Current and advanced act control system definition study

The Current and Advanced Technology ACT control system definition tasks of the Integrated Application of Active Controls (IAAC) Technology project within the Energy Efficient Transport Program are summarized. The systems mechanize six active control functions: (1) pitch augmented stability; (2) angle of attack limiting; (3) lateral/directional augmented stability; (4) gust load alleviation; (5) maneuver load control; and (6) flutter mode control. The redundant digital control systems meet all function requirements with required reliability and declining weight and cost as advanced technology is introduced.

Source record↗

Integrated Application of Active Controls (IAAC) technology to an advanced subsonic transport project: Current and advanced act control system definition study, volume 1

An active controls technology (ACT) system architecture was selected based on current technology system elements and optimal control theory was evaluated for use in analyzing and synthesizing ACT multiple control laws. The system selected employs three redundant computers to implement all of the ACT functions, four redundant smaller computers to implement the crucial pitch-augmented stability function, and a separate maintenance and display computer. The reliability objective of probability of crucial function failure of less than 1 x 10 to the -9th power per flight of 1 hr can be met with current technology system components, if the software is assumed fault free and coverage approaching 1.0 can be provided. The optimal control theory approach to ACT control law synthesis yielded comparable control law performance much more systematically and directly than the classical s-domain approach. The ACT control law performance, although somewhat degraded by the inclusion of representative nonlinearities, remained quite effective. Certain high-frequency gust-load alleviation functions may require increased surface rate capability.

Hanks, G. W.↗

Integrated Application of Active Controls (IAAC) technology to an advanced subsonic transport project: Current and advanced act control system definition study. Volume 2: Appendices

The current status of the Active Controls Technology (ACT) for the advanced subsonic transport project is investigated through analysis of the systems technical data. Control systems technologies under examination include computerized reliability analysis, pitch axis fly by wire actuator, flaperon actuation system design trade study, control law synthesis and analysis, flutter mode control and gust load alleviation analysis, and implementation of alternative ACT systems. Extensive analysis of the computer techniques involved in each system is included.

Hanks, G. W.↗

UH-60A Black Hawk engineering simulation program. Volume 1: Mathematical model

A nonlinear mathematical model of the UR-60A Black Hawk helicopter was developed. This mathematical model, which was based on the Sikorsky General Helicopter (Gen Hel) Flight Dynamics Simulation, provides NASA with an engineering simulation for performance and handling qualities evaluations. This mathematical model is total systems definition of the Black Hawk helicopter represented at a uniform level of sophistication considered necessary for handling qualities evaluations. The model is a total force, large angle representation in six rigid body degrees of freedom. Rotor blade flapping, lagging, and hub rotational degrees of freedom are also represented. In addition to the basic helicopter modules, supportive modules were defined for the landing interface, power unit, ground effects, and gust penetration. Information defining the cockpit environment relevant to pilot in the loop simulation is presented.

Howlett, J. J.↗

Design of wind shear filters

A number of aircraft accidents are caused by the effects of wind shear. In connection with efforts to eliminate or reduce hazards leading to such accidents, the possibility was considered to improve aircraft control systems. However, the effective implementation of the considered approaches will only be possible if suitable filters can be designed for a separation of gusts, which involve higher frequencies from low-frequency wind shear components. Filters of appropriate design should be suited for an employment in connection with all flight conditions. Feasible approaches for obtaining such filters are discussed. A survey is provided regarding the order of magnitude of the improvements which can be achieved, taking into account the performance characteristics of the A300 controller.

Joerck, H.↗

Comparison of frequency-domain and time-domain rotorcraft vibration control methods

Active control of rotor-induced vibration in rotorcraft has received significant attention recently. Two classes of techniques have been proposed. The more developed approach works with harmonic analysis of measured time histories and is called the frequency-domain approach. The more recent approach computes the control input directly using the measured time history data and is called the time-domain approach. The report summarizes the results of a theoretical investigation to compare the two approaches. Five specific areas were addressed: (1) techniques to derive models needed for control design (system identification methods), (2) robustness with respect to errors, (3) transient response, (4) susceptibility to noise, and (5) implementation difficulties. The system identification methods are more difficult for the time-domain models. The time-domain approach is more robust (e.g., has higher gain and phase margins) than the frequency-domain approach. It might thus be possible to avoid doing real-time system identification in the time-domain approach by storing models at a number of flight conditions. The most significant error source is the variation in open-loop vibrations caused by pilot inputs, maneuvers or gusts. The implementation requirements are similar except that the time-domain approach can be much simpler to implement if real-time system identification were not necessary.

Gupta, N. K.↗

Galileo probe relay receiver

For the Jovian mission, the data link from the Galileo probe to the orbiter uses suppressed-carrier Manchester encoded BPSK modulation and is protected with R = 1/2, K = 7 convolutional coding. The receiver closes the link by acquiring, tracking, and demodulating the data. It has to operate in a highly stressed environment with severe frequency offset, frequency rate, wind gust, and antenna spin conditions. Salient features are described and breadboard test data presented.

Prouty, D. A.↗

Airborne infrared low level wind shear predictor

The operating principles and test performance of an airborne IR (13-16 micron) temperature-sensing detection and warning system for low-level wind shear (LLWS) are presented. The physics of LLWS phenomena and of the IR radiometer are introduced. The cold density-current outflow or gust front related to LLWS is observed in the IR spectrum of CO2 by a radiometer with + or - 0.5-C accuracy at 0.5-Hz sampling rate; LLWS alerts are given on the basis of specific criteria. Test results from the JAWS experiments conducted at Denver in July 1982, are presented graphically and discussed. The feasibility of the passive IR system is demonstrated, with an average warning time of 51 sec, corresponding to a distance from touchdown of about 2 miles.

Kuhn, P. M.↗

Evaluation of the aerodynamic control of the Space Shuttle orbiter and tip-fin controllers

A feasibility study to assess the benefits/penalties of installing tip-fin controllers on the Space Shuttle orbiter has been conducted. The results from the aerodynamic and stability and control assessment of this study are presented. These results show that using tip-fin controllers with the centerline vertical tail removed provides adequate control for entry. The orbiter basic maneuvering capability is maintained, and symmetrical deflection of the controllers provides adequate speedbrake authority for energy management. Gust analyses of the orbiter with the tip-fin controller configuration have demonstrated no compromise of existing cross-wind landing capability. Six-degree-of-freedom simulations have shown the tip-fin controllers can provide adequate control for entry with no degradation in vehicle capability.

Powell, R. W.↗

Eigenspace design of an active flutter suppression system

An active control system is designed for the suppression of wing flutter in a flight test vehicle. Eigenvalue placement is used to synthesize a full state controller which satisfies performance specifications on control surface activity and which exhibits excellent gain and phase margins. The use of limited state feedback is examined; however, it is found that a simple frequency response matching technique can be used to design a realizable compensator which reproduces the feedback properties of the full state controller. The performance of the control system using this compensator is evaluated at various flight conditions and found to be satisfactory. In addition eigenvector shaping is used to enhance the gust load alleviation capabilities of the flutter control system.

Liebst, B. S.↗

Design of a digital ride quality augmentation system for a commuter aircraft

Commuter aircraft with low wing loading that operate at low altitudes are particularly susceptible to unwanted accelerations caused by atmospheric gusts. This paper describes the design and analysis of a longitudinal digital Ride Quality Augmentation System (RQAS). The RQAS designs were conducted for a Cessna 402B aircraft using the flaps and the elevator as the control surfaces. The designs are generated using linear quadratic Gaussian theory and analyzed in both the time and frequency domains. Nominal designs are presented at five flight conditions that cover a total mission. Trade-off studies are conducted to investigate the effect of sample time, computational delay time, servo bandwidth and control power.

Hammond, T. A.↗

Integrated Application of Active Controls (IAAC) technology to an advanced subsonic transport project. ACT/Control/Guidance System study, volume 1

The active control technology (ACT) control/guidance system task of the integrated application of active controls (IAAC) technology project within the NASA energy efficient transport program was documented. The air traffic environment of navigation and air traffic control systems and procedures were extrapolated. An approach to listing flight functions which will be performed by systems and crew of an ACT configured airplane of the 1990s, and a determination of function criticalities to safety of flight, are the basis of candidate integrated ACT/Control/Guidance System architecture. The system mechanizes five active control functions: pitch augmented stability, angle of attack limiting, lateral/directional augmented stability, gust load alleviation, and maneuver load control. The scope and requirements of a program for simulating the integrated ACT avionics and flight deck system, with pilot in the loop, are defined, system and crew interface elements are simulated, and mechanization is recommended. Relationships between system design and crew roles and procedures are evaluated.

Source record↗

Aileron effectiveness for a subsonic transport model with a high-aspect-ratio supercritical wing

Aileron effectiveness for a subsonc energy efficient transport (EET) model with a high aspect ratio supercritical wing was determined in the 8-foot transonic pressure tunnel. Data are presented for ailerons located at three positions along the wing span. The ailerons were designed as a preliminary active control concept with gust load alleviation, maneuver load alleviation, and flutter suppression systems. A linear variation of rolling moment coefficient with angle of attack for individual and multiple aileron deflections at Mach numbers up to 0.81 is indicated. For Mach numbers greater than 0.81, the rolling moment coefficient data become nonlinear with increasing angle of attack. At Mach numbers near the design value increased aileron effectiveness resulted from aft transition locations, which produced relatively thin boundary layers and greater effective aileron deflections. Individual aileron deflections on the right wing panel produced only small effects on yawing moment and side force coefficients.

Jacobs, P. F.↗

Qualification of the T2 wind tunnel in cryogenic operation. A: Thermal field, preliminary study of a schematic model

The T2 wind tunnel is described. The process of generating a cyrogenic gust using the example of a test made at very low temperature is presented. Detailed results of tests on temperatures for flow in the settling chamber, the interior walls of the system, and the metal casing are given. The transverse temperature distribution in the settling chamber and working section, and of the thermal gradients in the walls, are given as a function of the temperature level of the test.

Dor, J. B.↗

Development of a rotor wake-vortex model, volume 1

Certain empirical rotor wake and turbulence relationships were developed using existing low speed rotor wave data. A tip vortex model was developed by replacing the annulus wall with a row of image vortices. An axisymmetric turbulence spectrum model, developed in the context of rotor inflow turbulence, was adapted to predicting the turbulence spectrum of the stator gust upwash.

Majjigi, R. K.↗