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At least 1,045 records · Page 58

Parameter Uncertainty for Aircraft Aerodynamic Modeling using Recursive Least Squares

A real-time method was demonstrated for determining accurate uncertainty levels of stability and control derivatives estimated using recursive least squares and time-domain data. The method uses a recursive formulation of the residual autocorrelation to account for colored residuals, which are routinely encountered in aircraft parameter estimation and change the predicted uncertainties. Simulation data and flight test data for a subscale jet transport aircraft were used to demonstrate the approach. Results showed that the corrected uncertainties matched the observed scatter in the parameter estimates, and did so more accurately than conventional uncertainty estimates that assume white residuals. Only small differences were observed between batch estimates and recursive estimates at the end of the maneuver. It was also demonstrated that the autocorrelation could be reduced to a small number of lags to minimize computation and memory storage requirements without significantly degrading the accuracy of predicted uncertainty levels.

Grauer, Jared A.↗

Aeroservoelastic Modeling of Body Freedom Flutter for Control System Design

One of the most severe forms of coupling between aeroelasticity and flight dynamics is an instability called freedom flutter. The existing tools often assume relatively weak coupling, and are therefore unable to accurately model body freedom flutter. Because the existing tools were developed from traditional flutter analysis models, inconsistencies in the final models are not compatible with control system design tools. To resolve these issues, a number of small, but significant changes have been made to the existing approaches. A frequency domain transformation is used with the unsteady aerodynamics to ensure a more physically consistent stability axis rational function approximation of the unsteady aerodynamic model. The aerodynamic model is augmented with additional terms to account for limitations of the baseline unsteady aerodynamic model and to account for the gravity forces. An assumed modes method is used for the structural model to ensure a consistent definition of the aircraft states across the flight envelope. The X-56A stiff wing flight-test data were used to validate the current modeling approach. The flight-test data does not show body-freedom flutter, but does show coupling between the flight dynamics and the aeroelastic dynamics and the effects of the fuel weight.

aeroservoelastic↗

Composite Materials Handbook 17 (CMH-17) Volume 5—Ceramic Matrix Composites

The Composite Materials Handbook‐17 (CMH‐17) Volume 5 for Ceramic Matrix Composites (formerly MIL-HANDBOOK-17) provides the information and guidance necessary to design, fabricate, and implement ceramic matrix composite (CMC) components in aviation applications. This presentation provides an overview of the handbook content, and covers the objectives and activities of the Working Groups that are preparing new content and revising existing text for the next revision. The five Working Groups are: 1) Data Review, 2) Testing, 3) Materials & Processes, 4) Design & Analysis, and 5) Engine Applications. The goal is to release Revision B in 2023. While the handbook is focused on the application of SiC/SiC and Ox/Ox CMCs and EBCs (environmental barrier coatings), the methodologies (testing, data analysis, characterization, etc.) are also applicable to other CMC systems, and the intent is to start incorporating information for Carbon/Carbon (C/C) composites.

Environmental barrier coating (EBC)↗

Overview of the Research Aircraft for eVTOL Enabling techNologies (RAVEN) Activity

The Research Aircraft for eVTOL Enabling techNologies (RAVEN) activity is a collaboration between Georgia Tech and NASA to design and develop a 1,000 lb gross weight class eVTOL research aircraft. The vision for RAVEN is that the aircraft will serve as a “flying laboratory” for enduring research and technology development applications across the realm of eVTOL technologies. A major goal of RAVEN is to disseminate the aircraft design geometry and data from flight tests for the benefit of the broader aeronautics community. Initial research applications will include flight dynamics, controls, acoustics, and automation/autonomy. The aircraft is based on the airframe of a fixed-wing experimental homebuilt airplane that will be modified to incorporate a distributed propulsion system, battery system, fly-by-wire flight control system, and avionics to enable remotely piloted operation. The aircraft is being designed to use commercial off-the-shelf components to the maximum extent practicable to save costs and to accelerate the development schedule without compromising the goal of publishing design geometry and test data. The RAVEN activity is also focused on workforce development by training the next generation of aerospace engineers in eVTOL technologies.

eVTOL↗

Aircraft Parameter Estimation Considering Process and Measurement Noise

A practical formulation is proposed for parameter estimation using the filter-error method, which is a maximum-likelihood estimator for dynamic systems having both process and measurement noise inputs. The novelty of the proposed formulation is that by accurately estimating the measurement noise covariance matrix using a time series analysis method, the remaining unknowns (which include the unknown parameters in the state-space matrices and the process noise covariance matrix) become decorrelated and can be estimated simultaneously in a straightforward manner. The approach is demonstrated using simulation data and flight test data from a subscale airplane. Results indicate that proposed algorithm can obtain accurate modeling results when both measurement noise and process noise are present in the data.

Kalman filter↗

RECENT PROGRESS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF DUCTILE-PHASE TOUGHENED TUNGSTEN FOR PLASMA-FACING MATERIALS

A promising approach to increasing fracture toughness and decreasing the DBTT of a W-alloy is by ductile-phase toughening (DPT) [1-3]. In this method, a ductile phase is included in a brittle matrix to prevent fracture propagation by crack bridging. To examine the prospect of DPT, W-Cu three-point bend samples were deformed at several strain rates and temperatures. Data from these tests is used for the calibration of a dynamic crack-bridging model that can effectively predict elevated temperature crack growth in W-composites. The development and initial testing of a Cu-ligament bridging model based on a micromechanical flow stress model of Cu is discussed. Good agreement with the 3-point bend testing data is demonstrated along with future plans to improve the model.

Henager, Charles H.↗

Diagnostics Upgrades for Investigations of HOM Effects in TESLA-type SCRF Cavities

We describe the upgrades to diagnostic capabilities on the Fermilab Accelerator Science and Technology (FAST) electron linear accelerator that will allow investigations of the effects of high-order modes (HOMs) in SCRF cavities on macropulse-average beam quality. We examine the dipole modes in the first pass-band generally observed in the 1.6-1.9 GHz regime for TESLA-type SCRF cavities due to uniform transverse beam offsets of the electron beam. Such cavities are the basis of the accelerators such as the European XFEL and the proposed MaRIE XFEL facility. Preliminary HOM detector data, prototype BPM test data, and first framing camera OTR data with ~20- micron spatial resolution at 250 pC per bunch will be presented.

Lumpkin, A. H.↗

Loosely Conditioned Emulation of Global Climate Models With Generative Adversarial Networks

Climate models encapsulate our best understanding of the Earth system, allowing research to be conducted on its future under alternative assumptions of how human-driven climate forces are going to evolve. An important application of climate models is to provide metrics of mean and extreme climate changes, particularly under these alternative future scenarios, as these quantities drive the impacts of climate on society and natural systems. Because of the need to explore a wide range of alternative scenarios and other sources of uncertainties in a computationally efficient manner, climate models can only take us so far, as they require significant computational resources, especially when attempting to characterize extreme events, which are rare and thus demand long and numerous simulations in order to accurately represent their changing statistics. Here we use deep learning in a proof of concept that lays the foundation for emulating global climate model output for different scenarios. We train two "loosely conditioned" Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) that emulate daily precipitation output from a fully coupled Earth system model: one GAN modeling Fall-Winter behavior and the other Spring-Summer. Our GANs are trained to produce spatiotemporal samples: 32 days of precipitation over a 64x128 regular grid discretizing the globe. We evaluate the generator with a set of related performance metrics based upon KL divergence, and find the generated samples to be nearly as well matched to the test data as the validation data is to test. We also find the generated samples to accurately estimate the mean number of dry days and mean longest dry spell in the 32 day samples. Our trained GANs can rapidly generate numerous realizations at a vastly reduced computational expense, compared to large ensembles of climate models, which greatly aids in estimating the statistics of extreme events.

climate emulation, extreme climate, impacts, machi↗

DESIGN AND TESTING OF A 275 BAR 700 DEGREE CELSIUS EXPANDER FOR AN INTEGRALLY GEARED SUPERCRITICAL CO2 COMPANDER

An integrally-geared (IG) compressor-expander (compander) for use in a nominal 10 MW-scale concentrated solar power (CSP) supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) plant application was designed, manufactured, and tested. The integrally-geared compander (IGC) developed for this application comprises multiple pinion shafts interacting through a single bull gear to create a compact package and utilize a lowcost, low-speed driver. The present work will detail the design of the high-pressure high-temperature expander casing on an integrally geared frame, and illustrate how the project successfully mitigated the risk of fatigue and creep while allowing for rapid thermal transients in the design. Furthermore, test data from the test campaign will be presented supporting the analysis. Test results also show temperature profiles during operation exceeding 720° Celsius.

wilkes, jason↗

Nuclear Structural Component Relevant Properties of Nickel-Based Alloys Produced via Additive Manufacturing

Idaho National Laboratory initiated examination of nickel-based alloys manufactured via three different additive manufacturing methods for potential applications in nuclear, high temperature structural components. The three methods analyzed included laser powder bed fusion, blown powder laser directed energy deposition, and wire-fed gas metal arc directed energy deposition. With the rapid push towards additive manufacturing, codes do not exist that definitively define what is or is not tolerable for each process and application, such as with conventional, wrought products. This report contains the initial work to understand possible manufacturing methods for high temperature alloys, and specifically, void formation, microstructure evolution, corrosion, and mechanical properties. To generate mechanical test data, specimens were tested irrespective of voids and microstructures were analyzed to better understand how to negate/improve these issues. The preliminary results showed major decreases in mechanical performance for material tested. Test specimens will continue to be produced to further improve each additive manufacturing processes, quantify void acceptance, and better understand the most suitable high temperature alloys receptive to additive manufacturing and high temperature nuclear applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

AMMT 2025 Milestone

Idaho National Laboratory initiated the examination of nickel-based alloys manufactured laser powder directed energy deposition additive manufacturing for potential applications in nuclear, high temperature structural components. With the rapid push towards additive manufacturing, codes do not exist that definitively define what is or is not tolerable for each process and application, such as with conventional, wrought products. This report contains the initial work to understand possible manufacturing methods for high temperature alloys, and specifically, void formation, microstructure evolution, and mechanical properties. To generate mechanical test data, specimens were tested irrespective of voids and microstructures were analyzed to better understand how to negate/improve these issues. The preliminary results showed major decreases in mechanical performance for material tested. Test specimens will continue to be produced to further improve additive manufacturing processes, quantify void acceptance, and better understand the most suitable high temperature alloys receptive to additive manufacturing and high temperature nuclear applications.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Modeling of Failure for Analysis of Triaxial Braided Carbon Fiber Composites

In the development of advanced aircraft-engine fan cases and containment systems, composite materials are beginning to be used due to their low weight and high strength. The design of these structures must include the capability of withstanding impact loads from a released fan blade. Relatively complex triaxially braided fiber architectures have been found to yield the best performance for the fan cases. To properly work with and design these structures, robust analytical tools are required that can be used in the design process. A new analytical approach models triaxially braided carbon fiber composite materials within the environment of a transient dynamic finite-element code, specifically the commercially available transient dynamic finite-element code LS-DYNA. The geometry of the braided composites is approximated by a series of parallel laminated composites. The composite is modeled by using shell finite elements. The material property data are computed by examining test data from static tests on braided composites, where optical strain measurement techniques are used to examine the local strain variations within the material. These local strain data from the braided composite tests are used along with a judicious application of composite micromechanics- based methods to compute the stiffness properties of an equivalent unidirectional laminated composite required for the shell elements. The local strain data from the braided composite tests are also applied to back out strength and failure properties of the equivalent unidirectional composite. The properties utilized are geared towards the application of a continuum damage mechanics-based composite constitutive model available within LS-DYNA. The developed model can be applied to conduct impact simulations of structures composed of triaxially braided composites. The advantage of this technology is that it facilitates the analysis of the deformation and damage response of a triaxially braided polymer matrix composite within the environment of a transient dynamic finite-element code such as LS-DYNA in a manner which accounts for the local physical mechanisms but is still computationally efficient. This methodology is tightly coupled to experimental tests on the braided composite, which ensures that the material properties have physical significance. Aerospace or automotive companies interested in using triaxially braided composites in their structures, particularly for impact or crash applications, would find the technology useful. By the development of improved design tools, the amount of very expensive impact testing that will need to be performed can be significantly reduced.

Goldberg, Robert K.↗

Application of a flight test and data analysis technique to flutter of a drone aircraft

Modal identification results presented were obtained from recent flight flutter tests of a drone vehicle with a research wing (DAST ARW-1 for Drones for Aerodynamic and Structural Testing, Aeroelastic Research Wing-1). This vehicle is equipped with an active flutter suppression system (FSS). Frequency and damping of several modes are determined by a time domain modal analysis of the impulse response function obtained by Fourier transformations of data from fast swept sine wave excitation by the FSS control surface on the wing. Flutter points are determined for two different altitudes with the FSS off. Data are given for near the flutter boundary with the FSS on.

Bennett, R. M.↗

DeCoM Validation

Deepak Condenser Model (DeCoM) was validated in a two-step process. The first step validated DeCoM/TTH/FloCAD against a simplified 1D (1D fluid flow and 1D heat flow) scenario. Through this simplification the fluid calculations were simple enough that the results were comparable to hand calculations. Once a method was compared against 1D case, the next step was the verification against a 2D test case. 2D is only for heat flow, while the fluid flow is still 1D. The test data was obtained from the project Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) which performed a Looped Heat Pipe (LHP) test and contained necessary condenser information; such as a test point and condenser configuration. From the GLAS LHP test report, the construction of the LHP condenser and correlation was roughly possible. The assumptions and limitations are discussed, within this paper, of the 2D correlation. The success of DeCoM is illustrated by the results after correlation to the test data. Results show the differences between the model and the test setup, as well as explaining the probable cause for the differences; another set of results were produced after taking into account these differences, such as parasitic heat leak. Substantial effort has been made in listing the possibilities to further develop DECOM, thus to make it more reliable, user-friendly, and better integrated with generic SINDA models. The comparison of DeCoM to FloCAD and TTH LHP should not be taken as a definite answer to choosing DeCoM as a condenser modeler, rather as an alternate to obtaining preliminary results without the complexity of TTH LHP and license of FloCAD.

Patel, Deepak↗

Modal Analysis and Model Correlation of the Mir Space Station

This paper will discuss on-orbit dynamic tests, modal analysis, and model refinement studies performed as part of the Mir Structural Dynamics Experiment (MiSDE). Mir is the Russian permanently manned Space Station whose construction first started in 1986. The MiSDE was sponsored by the NASA International Space Station (ISS) Phase 1 Office and was part of the Shuttle-Mir Risk Mitigation Experiment (RME). One of the main objectives for MiSDE is to demonstrate the feasibility of performing on-orbit modal testing on large space structures to extract modal parameters that will be used to correlate mathematical models. The experiment was performed over a one-year span on the Mir-alone and Mir with a Shuttle docked. A total of 45 test sessions were performed including: Shuttle and Mir thruster firings, Shuttle-Mir and Progress-Mir dockings, crew exercise and pushoffs, and ambient noise during night-to-day and day-to-night orbital transitions. Test data were recorded with a variety of existing and new instrumentation systems that included: the MiSDE Mir Auxiliary Sensor Unit (MASU), the Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS), the Russian Mir Structural Dynamic Measurement System (SDMS), the Mir and Shuttle Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), and the Shuttle payload bay video cameras. Modal analysis was performed on the collected test data to extract modal parameters, i.e. frequencies, damping factors, and mode shapes. A special time-domain modal identification procedure was used on free-decay structural responses. The results from this study show that modal testing and analysis of large space structures is feasible within operational constraints. Model refinements were performed on both the Mir alone and the Shuttle-Mir mated configurations. The design sensitivity approach was used for refinement, which adjusts structural properties in order to match analytical and test modal parameters. To verify the refinement results, the analytical responses calculated using original and refined math models were compared with the measured responses. The results from this study show that the refined models predict more accurately the dynamics of the actual structure. The MiSDE test and analysis results provided the information and experience on test design, flight testing, and data analysis for the ISS and other future spacecraft, which are critical to the verification of analytical models and structural loads.

Kim, Hyoung M.↗

Experimental and Computational Analysis of Unidirectional Flow Through Stirling Engine Heater Head

A high efficiency Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG) is being developed for possible use in long-duration space science missions. NASA s advanced technology goals for next generation Stirling convertors include increasing the Carnot efficiency and percent of Carnot efficiency. To help achieve these goals, a multi-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code is being developed to numerically model unsteady fluid flow and heat transfer phenomena of the oscillating working gas inside Stirling convertors. In the absence of transient pressure drop data for the zero mean oscillating multi-dimensional flows present in the Technology Demonstration Convertors on test at NASA Glenn Research Center, unidirectional flow pressure drop test data is used to compare against 2D and 3D computational solutions. This study focuses on tracking pressure drop and mass flow rate data for unidirectional flow though a Stirling heater head using a commercial CFD code (CFD-ACE). The commercial CFD code uses a porous-media model which is dependent on permeability and the inertial coefficient present in the linear and nonlinear terms of the Darcy-Forchheimer equation. Permeability and inertial coefficient were calculated from unidirectional flow test data. CFD simulations of the unidirectional flow test were validated using the porous-media model input parameters which increased simulation accuracy by 14 percent on average.

Wilson, Scott D.↗

Data Processing Package for Cyclic Integrated Reversible Bending Fatigue Testing

A data processing software package has been introduced. The package was developed using MATLAB with the aid of the Curve Fitting Toolbox. The package is made up of four modules: pre-processing, data processing for static testing, data processing for monitoring, and data processing for measurements. CIRFT data are structured with multiple levels of architecture involving group, specimen, session, and scan/block. The degree of complexity of the data structure depends on whether a test is static or cyclic.The test results are presented in figures, scatter plots, and tables. For static testing, the output in tables provides bending mechanical properties and characteristic points of moment–curvature relation: flexural rigidities in linear segments of loading and unloading stages, intersection points between characteristic segments of the curve, and equivalent stress and strain quantities. For cyclic testing, the table output lists control and fatigue life and responsive/dependent quantities including moment, curvature, flexural rigidity, flexural hysteresis, rigidity phase angle, and equivalent stresses and strains. In addition, derivatives such as half-gage length and sensor spacing correction are included. The output also provides standard deviations of the reported quantities when they are applicable or available. The data processing package can serve as a fundamental characterization tool in mechanical study of materials. The package is intended primarily for data processing for the CIRFT process and can also be used in applications for which similar testing requirements exist.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Mechanical properties of adhesive systems at cryogenic and other temperatures

This paper presents a summary of the National Transonic Facility (NTF) fan blade adhesive characterization tests. Data was obtained at -300 F, room temperature (RT) and 200 F. The adhesive characterization data was acquired using specimens fabricated from materials orientated to simulate the lay up of the fan blades. Specimen fabrication, characterization tests, test equipment, test data, results and concluding remarks are reported. Adhesive test results are presented for specimens of the following types: lap shear, double lap shear, butt, short beam shear, flexure, and differential strain.

Staton, W. L.↗