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At least 955 records · Page 53

Composite Load Spectra for Select Space Propulsion Structural Components

Generic load models are described with multiple levels of progressive sophistication to simulate the composite (combined) load spectra (CLS) that are induced in space propulsion system components, representative of Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSME), such as transfer ducts, turbine blades and liquid oxygen (LOX) posts. These generic (coupled) models combine the deterministic models for composite load dynamic, acoustic, high-pressure and high rotational speed, etc., load simulation using statistically varying coefficients. These coefficients are then determined using advanced probabilistic simulation methods with and without strategically selected experimental data. The entire simulation process is included in a CLS computer code. Applications of the computer code to various components in conjunction with the PSAM (Probabilistic Structural Analysis Method) to perform probabilistic load evaluation and life prediction evaluations are also described to illustrate the effectiveness of the coupled model approach.

Ho, Hing W.↗

Composite load spectra for select space propulsion structural components

The objective of this program is to develop generic load models to simulate the composite load spectra (CLS) that are induced in space propulsion system components representative of the space shuttle main engines (SSME). These models are being developed through describing individual component loads with an appropriate mix of deterministic and state-of-the-art probabilistic models that are related to key generic variables. Combinations of the individual loads are used to synthesize the composite loads spectra. A second approach for developing the composite loads spectra load model simulation, the option portion of the contract will develop coupled models which combine the individual load models. Statistically varying coefficients of the physical models will be used to obtain the composite load spectra.

Newell, J. F.↗

Composite load spectra for select space propulsion structural components

The objective of the Composite Load Spectra (CLS) project is to build a knowledge based system to synthesize probabilistic loads for selected space propulsion engine components. The knowledge based system has a load expert system module and a load calculation module. The load expert system provides load information and the load calculation module generates the probabilistic load distributions. The engine loads are divided into 4 broad classes: the engine independent loads, the engine system dependent load, the component local independent loads and the component loads. These classes are defined and illustrated.

Ho, H.↗

Methods for evaluating the predictive accuracy of structural dynamic models

Modeling uncertainty is defined in terms of the difference between predicted and measured eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Data compiled from 22 sets of analysis/test results was used to create statistical databases for large truss-type space structures and both pretest and posttest models of conventional satellite-type space structures. Modeling uncertainty is propagated through the model to produce intervals of uncertainty on frequency response functions, both amplitude and phase. This methodology was used successfully to evaluate the predictive accuracy of several structures, including the NASA CSI Evolutionary Structure tested at Langley Research Center. Test measurements for this structure were within + one-sigma intervals of predicted accuracy for the most part, demonstrating the validity of the methodology and computer code.

Hasselman, Timothy K.↗

Ternary rare-earth ruthenium and iridium germanides RE{sub 3}M{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} (RE=Y, Gd–Tm, Lu; M=Ru, Ir)

Through arc-melting reactions of the elements and annealing at 800 °C, the ternary rare-earth germanides RE{sub 3}Ru{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} and RE{sub 3}Ir{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} have been prepared for most of the smaller RE components (RE=Y, Gd–Tm, Lu). In the iridium-containing reactions, the new phases RE{sub 2}IrGe{sub 2} were also generally formed as by-products. Powder X-ray diffraction revealed orthorhombic Hf{sub 3}Ni{sub 2}Si{sub 3}-type structures (space group Cmcm, Z=4) for RE{sub 3}M{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} (M=Ru, Ir) and monoclinic Sc{sub 2}CoSi{sub 2}-type structures (space group C2/m, Z=4) for RE{sub 2}IrGe{sub 2}. Full crystal structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction for all members of RE{sub 3}Ru{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} (a=4.2477(6) Å, b=10.7672(16) Å, c=13.894(2) Å for RE=Y; a=4.2610(3)–4.2045(8) Å, b=10.9103(8)–10.561(2) Å, c=14.0263(10)–13.639(3) Å in the progression of RE from Gd to Lu) and for Tb{sub 3}Ir{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} (a=4.2937(3) Å, b=10.4868(7) Å, c=14.2373(10) Å). Both structures can be described in terms of CrB- and ThCr{sub 2}Si{sub 2}-type slabs built from Ge-centred trigonal prisms. However, band structure calculations on Y{sub 3}Ru{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} support an alternative description for RE{sub 3}M{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} based on [M{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}] layers built from linked MGe{sub 4} tetrahedra, which emphasizes the strong M–Ge covalent bonds present. The temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity of RE{sub 3}Ru{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} generally indicates metallic behaviour but with low-temperature transitions visible for some members (RE=Gd, Tb, Dy) that are probably associated with magnetic ordering of the RE atoms. Anomalously, Y{sub 3}Ru{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} exhibits semiconductor-like behaviour of uncertain origin. Magnetic measurements on Dy{sub 3}Ru{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} reveal antiferromagnetic ordering at 3 K and several unusual field-dependent transitions suggestive of complex spin reorientation processes. - Graphical abstract: RE{sub 3}M{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} (M=Ru, Ir) adopts the Hf{sub 3}Ni{sub 2}Si{sub 3}-type structure containing slabs built up from Ge-centred trigonal prisms. - Highlights: • Crystal structures of RE{sub 3}Ru{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} (RE=Y, Gd–Tm, Lu) and Tb{sub 3}Ir{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} were determined. • Strong M–Ge covalent bonds were confirmed by band structure calculations. • Most RE{sub 3}Ru{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} members except Y{sub 3}Ru{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} exhibit metallic behaviour. • Dy{sub 3}Ru{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} displays unusual field-dependent magnetic transitions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Spacecraft dynamics characterization and control system failure detection

Two important aspects of the control of large space structures are studied: the modeling of deployed or erected structures including nonlinear joint characteristics; and the detection and isolation of failures of the components of control systems for large space structures. The emphasis in the first task is on efficient representation of the dynamics of large and complex structures having a great many joints. The initial emphasis in the second task is on experimental evaluation of FDI methodologies using ground-based facilities in place at NASA Langley Research Center and Marshall Space Flight Center. The progress to date on both research tasks is summarized.

Vandervelde, Wallace E.↗

Identification and control of structures in space

The derivation of the equations of motion for the Spacecraft Control Laboratory Experiment (SCOLE) is reported and the equations of motion of a similar structure orbiting the earth are also derived. The structure is assumed to undergo large rigid-body maneuvers and small elastic deformations. A perturbation approach is proposed whereby the quantities defining the rigid-body maneuver are assumed to be relatively large, with the elastic deformations and deviations from the rigid-body maneuver being relatively small. The perturbation equations have the form of linear equations with time-dependent coefficients. An active control technique can then be formulated to permit maneuvering of the spacecraft and simultaneously suppressing the elastic vibration.

Meirovitch, L.↗

Modeling Effort of TriTruss Modular Structure for In-Space Assembled Telescope Foundational Structure

The TriTruss is a novel and innovative structural module developed by researchers at the NASA Langley Research Center to construct modular structures which can be assembled on-orbit for future persistent missions, including in-space assembled telescopes and platforms for science and communications. The TriTruss offers unique modular structural features including compact packaging for launch, the possibility of staged packaging, simple robotic deployment and assembly, and design versatility for specific space mission applications. This paper presents the modeling and analysis procedure for the TriTruss modular structure and the predicted frequency response of an In-Space Assembled Telescope’s (iSAT) primary reflector.

Structural Modeling↗

Antiferromagnetism in EuCu 2 As 2 and EuCu 1.82 Sb 2 single crystals

Single crystals of EuCu 2 As 2 and EuCu 2 Sb 2 were grown from CuAs and CuSb self-flux, respectively. The crystallographic, magnetic, thermal, and electronic transport properties of the single crystals were investigated by room-temperature x-ray diffraction (XRD), magnetic susceptibility χ versus temperature T, isothermal magnetization M versus magnetic field H, specific heat C p (T), and electrical resistivity ρ(T) measurements. EuCu 2 As 2 crystallizes in the body-centered tetragonal ThCr 2 Si 2 -type structure (space group I4/mmm), whereas EuCu 2 Sb 2 crystallizes in the related primitive tetragonal CaBe 2 Ge 2 -type structure (space group P4/nmm). The energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and XRD data for the EuCu 2 Sb 2 crystals showed the presence of vacancies on the Cu sites, yielding the actual composition EuCu 1.82 Sb 2 . The ρ(T) and C p (T) data reveal metallic character for both EuCu 2 As 2 and EuCu 1.82 Sb 2 . Antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering is indicated from the χ(T),C p (T), and ρ(T) data for both EuCu 2 As 2 (T N = 17.5 K) and EuCu 1.82 Sb 2 (T N = 5.1 K). In EuCu 1.82 Sb 2 , the ordered-state χ(T) and M(H) data suggest either a collinear A-type AFM ordering of Eu +2 spins S = 7/2 or a planar noncollinear AFM structure, with the ordered moments oriented in the tetragonal ab plane in either case. This ordered-moment orientation for the A-type AFM is consistent with calculations with magnetic dipole interactions. As a result, the anisotropic χ(T) and isothermal M(H) data for EuCu 2 As 2 , also containing Eu +2 spins S = 7/2, strongly deviate from the predictions of molecular field theory for collinear AFM ordering and the AFM structure appears to be both noncollinear and noncoplanar.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Photogrammetry Methodology Development for Gossamer Spacecraft Structures

Photogrammetry--the science of calculating 3D object coordinates from images-is a flexible and robust approach for measuring the static and dynamic characteristics of future ultralightweight and inflatable space structures (a.k.a., Gossamer structures), such as large membrane reflectors, solar sails, and thin-film solar arrays. Shape and dynamic measurements are required to validate new structural modeling techniques and corresponding analytical models for these unconventional systems. This paper summarizes experiences at NASA Langley Research Center over the past three years to develop or adapt photogrammetry methods for the specific problem of measuring Gossamer space structures. Turnkey industrial photogrammetry systems were not considered a cost-effective choice for this basic research effort because of their high purchase and maintenance costs. Instead, this research uses mainly off-the-shelf digital-camera and software technologies that are affordable to most organizations and provide acceptable accuracy.

Pappa, Richard S.↗

Space station rotational equations of motion

Dynamic equations of motion are developed which describe the rotational motion for a large space structure having rotating appendages. The presence of the appendages produce torque coupling terms which are dependent on the inertia properties of the appendages and the rotational rates for both the space structure and the appendages. These equations were formulated to incorporate into the Space Station Attitude Control and Stabilization Test Bed to accurately describe the influence rotating solar arrays and thermal radiators have on the dynamic behavior of the Space Station.

Rheinfurth, M. H.↗

Dynamic Stability Finite Element Analysis of Multiple Potential Large Space Telescope Structural Designs

One of the driving structural requirements of the Habitable Exo-Planet telescope is to maintain line of sight stability between the primary and secondary mirror of ≤ 5 milli-arc seconds. Dynamic analyses of two configurations of a proposed Habitable Exo-Planet 4 meter off-axis telescope structure were performed to predict effects of a vibration input on primary/secondary mirror alignment. The dynamic disturbance used as the forcing function was the James Webb Space Telescope reaction wheel assembly vibration emission specification level. The objective of these analyses was to predict order-of-magnitude performance for various structural configurations which contribute to efforts in defining the Habitable Exo-Planet structural design’s global architecture. Two variations of the basic architectural design were analyzed. Relative motion between the PM and the SM for each design configuration are reported.

jitter↗

Photogrammetry Methodology Development for Gossamer Spacecraft Structures

Photogrammetry--the science of calculating 3D object coordinates from images--is a flexible and robust approach for measuring the static and dynamic characteristics of future ultra-lightweight and inflatable space structures (a.k.a., Gossamer structures), such as large membrane reflectors, solar sails, and thin-film solar arrays. Shape and dynamic measurements are required to validate new structural modeling techniques and corresponding analytical models for these unconventional systems. This paper summarizes experiences at NASA Langley Research Center over the past three years to develop or adapt photogrammetry methods for the specific problem of measuring Gossamer space structures. Turnkey industrial photogrammetry systems were not considered a cost-effective choice for this basic research effort because of their high purchase and maintenance costs. Instead, this research uses mainly off-the-shelf digital-camera and software technologies that are affordable to most organizations and provide acceptable accuracy.

Pappa, Richard S.↗

Modal Test/Analysis Correlation of Space Station Structures Using Nonlinear Sensitivity

The modal correlation problem is formulated as a constrained optimization problem for validation of finite element models (FEM's). For large-scale structural applications, a pragmatic procedure for substructuring, model verification, and system integration is described to achieve effective modal correlation. The space station substructure FEM's are reduced using Lanczos vectors and integrated into a system FEM using Craig-Bampton component modal synthesis. The optimization code is interfaced with MSC/NASTRAN to solve the problem of modal test/analysis correlation; that is, the problem of validating FEM's for launch and on-orbit coupled loads analysis against experimentally observed frequencies and mode shapes. An iterative perturbation algorithm is derived and implemented to update nonlinear sensitivity (derivatives of eigenvalues and eigenvectors) during optimizer iterations, which reduced the number of finite element analyses.

Gupta, Viney K.↗

Modal test/analysis correlation of Space Station structures using nonlinear sensitivity

The modal correlation problem is formulated as a constrained optimization problem for validation of finite element models (FEM's). For large-scale structural applications, a pragmatic procedure for substructuring, model verification, and system integration is described to achieve effective modal correlations. The space station substructure FEM's are reduced using Lanczos vectors and integrated into a system FEM using Craig-Bampton component modal synthesis. The optimization code is interfaced with MSC/NASTRAN to solve the problem of modal test/analysis correlation; that is, the problem of validating FEM's for launch and on-orbit coupled loads analysis against experimentally observed frequencies and mode shapes. An iterative perturbation algorithm is derived and implemented to update nonlinear sensitivity (derivatives of eigenvalues and eigenvectors) during optimizer iterations, which reduced the number of finite element analyses.

Gupta, Viney K.↗

The 15th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium

The purpose of the symposium was to provide a forum for the interchange of information among those active in the field of mechanism technology. To that end, 27 papers were presented on aeronautics and space flight, with special emphasis on actuators and aerospace applications for pointing systems, latches, connectors, and other mechanisms for large space structures. The papers were authored by engineers from a broad aerospace spectrum including the U. S. aerospace industry, NASA, and several European participants. Technological areas covered include: aerospace propulsion; aerodynamic devices; crew safety; space vehicle control; spacecraft deployment, positioning, and pointing; deployable antennas/reflectors; and large space structures. Devices for payload deployment, payload retention, and crew extravehicular activities on the space shuttle orbiter are also described.

Actuators↗

Composite load spectra for select space propulsion structural components

The objective of this program is to develop generic load models with multiple levels of progressive sophistication to simulate the composite load spectra that are induced in space propulsion system components, representative of Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSME), such as transfer ducts, turbine blades, and liquid oxygen (LOX) posts and system ducting. These models will be developed using two independent approaches. The first approach consists of using state-of-the-art probabilistic methods to describe the individual loading conditions and combinations of these loading conditions to synthesize the composite load spectra simulation. The methodology required to combine the various individual load simulation models (hot-gas dynamic, vibrations, instantaneous position, centrifugal field, etc.) into composite load spectra simulation models will be developed under this program. A computer code incorporating the various individual and composite load spectra models will be developed to construct the specific load model desired. The second approach, which is covered under the options portion of the contract, will consist of developing coupled models for composite load spectra simulation which combine the (deterministic) models for composite load dynamic, acoustic, high-pressure and high rotational speed, etc., load simulation using statistically varying coefficients. These coefficients will then be determined using advanced probabilistic simulation methods with and without strategically selected experimental data. This report covers the efforts of the third year of the contract. The overall program status is that the turbine blade loads have been completed and implemented. The transfer duct loads are defined and are being implemented. The thermal loads for all components are defined and coding is being developed. A dynamic pressure load model is under development. The parallel work on the probabilistic methodology is essentially completed. The overall effort is being integrated in an expert system code specifically developed for this project.

Newell, J. F.↗