Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “vibrational analysis”

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 1,135 records · Page 63

TURBO-AE: An Aeroelastic Code for Propulsion Applications

NASA's Advanced Subsonic Technology (AST) program is developing new technologies to increase the fuel efficiency of commercial aircraft engines, improve the safety of engine operation, and reduce engine emissions and noise. With the development of new designs for ducted fans, compressors, and turbines to achieve these goals, a basic aeroelastic requirement is that there should be no flutter or high resonant blade stresses in the operating regime. To verify the aeroelastic soundness of these designs, we need an accurate prediction and analysis code. Such a two-dimensional viscous propulsion aeroelastic code, named TURBO-AE, is being developed at the NASA Lewis Research Center. The TURBO-AE aeroelastic code is based on a three-dimensional unsteady aerodynamic Euler/Navier-Stokes turbomachinery code TURBO, developed under a grant from NASA Lewis. TURBO-AE can model viscous flow effects that play an important role in certain aeroelastic problems, such as flutter with flow separation (or stall flutter) and flutter in the presence of shock and boundary-layer interaction. The structural dynamics representation of the blade in the TURBO-AE code is based on a normal mode representation. A finite element analysis code, such as NASTRAN, is used to calculate in-vacuum vibration modes and the associated natural frequency. A work-per-cycle approach is used to determine aeroelastic (flutter) stability. With this approach, the motion of the blade is prescribed to be a harmonic vibration in a specified in vacuum normal mode. The aerodynamic forces acting on the vibrating blade and the work done by these forces on the vibrating blade during a cycle of vibration are calculated. If positive work is being done on the blade by the aerodynamic forces, the blade is dynamically unstable, since it will extract energy from the flow, leading to an increase in the amplitude of the blade's oscillation. Initial calculations have been done for a configuration representative of the Energy Efficient Engine fan rotor. The accompanying figure shows the work-per-cycle after each cycle of vibration. It can be seen that the work-per-cycle does not vary much after the fourth cycle. The negative sign of the converged work-per-cycle shows that the fan blade is dynamically stable and will not flutter. TURBO-AE will provide a useful aeroelastic prediction/analysis capability for engine manufacturers. It will reduce design cycle times by allowing new blade designs to be verified for aeroelastic soundness before blades are built and tested. With this prediction capability, it will be possible to build thinner, lighter, and faster rotating blades without encountering aeroelastic problems like stall flutter and high-cycle fatigue due to forced vibrations.

Bakhle, Milind A.↗

Coupled Facility-Payload Vibration Modeling Improvements

A major phase of aerospace hardware verification is vibration testing. The standard approach for such testing is to use a shaker to induce loads into the payload. In preparation for vibration testing at National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Goddard Space Flight Center an analysis is performed to assess the responses of the payload. A new method of modeling the test is presented that takes into account dynamic interactions between the facility and the payload. This dynamic interaction has affected testing in the past, but been ignored or adjusted for during testing. By modeling the combined dynamics of the facility and test article (payload) it is possible to improve the prediction of hardware responses. Many aerospace test facilities work in similar way to those at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center. Lessons learned here should be applicable to other test facilities with similar setups.

Finite Element Analysis↗

Dynamic Analyses of the Proposed Habitable Exoplanet Astrophysics Facility

The proposed Habitable Exoplanet (HabEx) astrophysics facility is one of four large such facilities being proposed to the 2020 decadal. It is a large telescope that is sensitive to ultraviolet, optical, and near-infrared photons. The proposed design’s overall length is on the order of 17.2 m and its maximum cross section is on the order of 5.25 X 5.25 m. The primary mirror is 4 m in diameter. A transient dynamic analysis was performed to estimate the order of magnitude of ring down time after moving the telescope and pointing at a new target for science planning purposes. Without uncertainty factors, results from a simple re-pointing maneuver indicate that primary to secondary mirror LOS errors are on the order of 10-4 pico-m after 5 minutes. Also, a frequency response analysis was performed to predict the impact of planned micro-thruster vibrations on required stability. Based on provided noise level associated with the micro-thrusters and loading assumptions and without uncertainty factors, the assessed vibrations do not impact predicted performance requirements.

Knight, J. Brent↗

Spacecraft Micro-Vibration: A Survey of Problems, Experiences, Potential Solutions, and Some Lessons Learned

Predicting, managing, controlling, and testing spacecraft micro-vibrations due to on-board internal disturbance sources is a formidable multi-disciplinary systems engineering challenge, especially for those observatories hosting extremely sensitive optical sensor payloads with stringent requirements on allowable Line-of-Sight (LOS) jitter. In this paper some specific spacecraft micro-vibration engineering challenges will be introduced and described. Technical background context is provided with the inclusion of several illustrative examples of NASA and ESA missions (both past and present) where dynamic interactions have to be addressed and which have demanding payload instrument LOS jitter requirements. A general modeling, analysis, simulation, and test approach to address and solve the overall problem of spacecraft micro-vibrations is outlined. Recommended rules of thumb are presented to provide guidance for analysts on where to initiate and how to approach a new spacecraft micro-vibration design problem. A set of experience based spacecraft micro-vibration lessons learned are also presented in the hope they can be leveraged on new system development projects to help overcome unfamiliarity with previously identified micro-vibration technical pitfalls and challenges.

Alvarez-Salazar, Oscar S.↗

Application of the Semi-Empirical Force-Limiting Approach for the CoNNeCT SCAN Testbed

The semi-empirical force-limiting vibration method was developed and implemented for payload testing to limit the structural impedance mismatch (high force) that occurs during shaker vibration testing. The method has since been extended for use in analytical models. The Space Communications and Navigation Testbed (SCAN Testbed), known at NASA as, the Communications, Navigation, and Networking re-Configurable Testbed (CoNNeCT), project utilized force-limiting testing and analysis following the semi-empirical approach. This paper presents the steps in performing a force-limiting analysis and then compares the results to test data recovered during the CoNNeCT force-limiting random vibration qualification test that took place at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in the Structural Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) December 19, 2010 to January 7, 2011. A compilation of lessons learned and considerations for future force-limiting tests is also included.

Staab, Lucas D.↗

Current research on shear buckling and thermal loads with PASCO: Panel Analysis and Sizing Code

The PASCO computer program to obtain the detailed dimensions of optimum stiffened composite structural panels is described. Design requirements in terms of inequality constraints can be placed on buckling loads or vibration frequencies, lamina stresses and strains, and overall panel stiffness for each of many load conditions. General panel cross sections can be treated. An analysis procedure involving a smeared orthotropic solution was investigated. The conservatism in the VIPASA solution and the danger in a smeared orthotropic solution is explored. PASCO's capability to design for thermal loadings is also described. It is emphasized that design studies illustrate the importance of the multiple load condition capability when thermal loads are present.

Stroud, W. J.↗

Generated spiral bevel gears: Optimal machine-tool settings and tooth contact analysis

Geometry and kinematic errors were studied for Gleason generated spiral bevel gears. A new method was devised for choosing optimal machine settings. These settings provide zero kinematic errors and an improved bearing contact. The kinematic errors are a major source of noise and vibration in spiral bevel gears. The improved bearing contact gives improved conditions for lubrication. A computer program for tooth contact analysis was developed, and thereby the new generation process was confirmed. The new process is governed by the requirement that during the generation process there is directional constancy of the common normal of the contacting surfaces for generator and generated surfaces of pinion and gear.

Litvin, F. L.↗

Generated spiral bevel gears - Optimal machine-tool settings and tooth contact analysis

Geometry and kinematic errors were studied for Gleason generated spiral bevel gears. A new method was devised for choosing optimal machine settings. These settings provide zero kinematic errors and an improved bearing contact. The kinematic errors are a major source of noise and vibration in spiral bevel gears. The improved bearing contact gives improved conditions for lubrication. A computer program for tooth contact analysis was developed, and thereby the new generation process was confirmed. The new process is governed by the requirement that during the generation process there is directional constancy of the common normal of the contacting surfaces for generator and generated surfaces of pinion and gear.

Litvin, F. L.↗

Absolute intensities of spectral lines in carbon dioxide bands near 2050/cm

The absolute intensities of individual lines of eleven relatively weak bands of (C-12)(O-16)2, (C-13)(O-16)2, (O-16)(C-12)(O-18), and (O-16)(C-12)(O-17) near 2050/cm were measured and recorded at room temperature and 0.01/cm resolution with the Fourier transform spectrometer located in the McMath solar telescope complex located at the National Solar Observatory on Kitt Peak. Each spectrum was obtained with an integration time of one hour, the temperature and pressure were monitored during this time, and the signal-to-rms noise in the 5 micron region was approximately 4000 for all scans. The intensities were determined from analysis of 1-2/cm segments of spectra using nonlinear least-squares spectral curve fitting, and analyzed to determine the vibrational band intensity and F-factor coefficients for each of the bands. The results are pertinent to a wide variety of problems in atmospheric physics and for the analysis of remote-sensing data.

Rinsland, C. P.↗

Pulsed differential holographic measurements of vibration modes of high temperature panels

Holography is a lensless imaging technique which can be applied to measure static or dynamic displacements of structures. Conventional holography cannot be readily applied to measure vibration modes of high-temperature structures, due to difficulties caused by thermal convection currents. The present report discusses the use of pulsed differential holography, which is a technique for recording structural motions in the presence of random fluctuations such as turbulence. An analysis of the differential method is presented, and demonstration experiments were conducted using heated stainless steel plates. Vibration modes were successfully recorded for the heated plates at temperatures of 1000, 1600, and 2000 F. The technique appears promising for such future measurments as vibrations of the space shuttle TPS panels or recording flutter of aeroelastic models in a wind-tunnel.

Evensen, D. A.↗

Spacecraft Micro-Vibration: A Survey of Problems, Experiences, Potential Solutions, and Some Lessons Learned

Predicting, managing, controlling, and testing spacecraft microvibrations due to on-board internal disturbance sources is a formidable multi-disciplinary systems engineering challenge, especially for those observatories hosting extremely sensitive optical sensor payloads with stringent requirements on allowable line-of-sight jitter. In this paper some specific spacecraft micro-vibration engineering challenges will be introduced and described. Technical background context is provided with the inclusion of several illustrative examples of NASA and European Space Agency missions (both past and present) where dynamic interactions have to be addressed and which have demanding payload instrument line-of-sight jitter requirements. A general modeling, analysis, simulation, and test approach to address and solve the overall problem of spacecraft micro-vibrations is outlined. Recommended rules of thumb are presented to provide guidance for analysts on where to initiate and how to approach a new spacecraft micro-vibration design problem. A set of experience-based spacecraft micro-vibration lessons learned are also presented in the hope they can be leveraged on new system development projects to help overcome unfamiliarity with previously identified microvibration technical pitfalls and challenges.

Dennehy, Cornelius↗

Characterization of Side Load Phenomena Using Measurement of Fluid/Structure Interaction

During ground-tests of most production rocket engines over the last 30 years, large asymmetric transient side loads coming from the nozzle and related steady-state vibrational loads within the nozzle have been measured. The widely varying magnitude of these loads has been large enough to fail interfacing components as well as nozzles in these engines. This paper will discuss a comprehensive test and analysis program that has been undertaken to develop a methodology to accurately predict the character and magnitude of this loading. The project to-date has incorporated analytical modeling of both the fluid flow and the nozzle structure and testing of both full-scale and sub-scale rocket nodes. Examination of the test data indicates that one of the two-nodal diameter structural modes may be interacting with flow separation from the nozzle inside-wall in a self-excited or aeroelastic vibration phenomenon. If verified, this observation will be used to develop a methodology for design and analysis. A fuller understanding of the characteristics of this vibration will provide an increase in the accuracy and confidence of side load predictions, which will be critical for the successful construction of the next generation of low-cost, reliable rocket engines.

Brown, Andrew M.↗

Aerothermoelastic analysis of a NASP demonstrator model

The proposed National AeroSpace Plane (NASP) is designed to travel at speeds up to Mach 25. Because aerodynamic heating during high-speed flight through the atmosphere could destiffen a structure, significant couplings between the elastic and rigid body modes could result in lower flutter speeds and more pronounced aeroelastic response characteristics. These speeds will also generate thermal loads on the structure. The purpose of this research is develop methodologies applicable to the NASP and to apply them to a representative model to determine its aerothermoelastic characteristics when subjected to these thermal loads. This paper describes an aerothermoelastic analysis of the generic hypersonic vehicle configuration. The steps involved in this analysis were: (1) generating vehicle surface temperatures at the appropriate flight conditions; (2) applying these temperatures to the vehicle's structure to predict changes in the stiffness resulting from material property degradation; (3) predicting the vibration characteristics of the heated structure at the various temperature conditions; (4) performing aerodynamic analyses; and (5) conducting flutter analysis of the heated vehicle. Results of these analyses and conclusions representative of a NASP vehicle are provided in this paper.

Heeg, Jennifer↗

Excitation of the low lying vibrational levels of H2O by O(3P) as measured on Spacelab 2

The data from the infrared telescope (IRT), which was flown on space shuttle Challenger Spacelab 2 mission (July 1985), were originally reported by Koch et al. (1987) as originating from near orbital emissions, primarily H2O. In this study, analysis of this data was extended to determine the collisional cross sections for the excitation of the low lying vibrational levels of H2O, present in the orbiter cloud, by atmospheric O(3P). The evaluation of the contribution to the measured signal from solar excitation and ram O excitation of outgassing H2O permits the determination of the H2O column density and the excitation cross section of the (101) level at an O(3P) velocity of approximately 7.75 km/s. Contributions to the radiation in the 1.7-3.0 micron band by transitions from the (100), (001), and multiquantum excited levels are discussed. The findings of the study are (1) the IRT data for the 4.5-9.5 micron and the nighttime data for the 1.7-3.0 micron sensors are consistent with being explained by collision excitation of H2O by O(3P), (2) diurnal variations of 4.5-9.5 micron intensities follow the model predicted O density for a full orbit, (3) daytime increases in the H2O cloud density were not evident, (4) the cross sections for the collisional excitation process are derived and compared to values computated by Johnson (1986) and Redmon et al. (1986), (5) theoretical investigation suggests greater than 60% of the radiation from H2O is a result of multiphoton emission resulting from collisional multiquanta excitation, and (6) the large daytime increase in the 1.7-3.0 micron intensity data suggests that O(+) may likely be instrumental in producing excited H2O(+) through charge exchange.

Meyerott, R. E.↗

Application of the Semi-Empirical Force-Limiting Approach for the CoNNeCT SCAN Testbed

The semi-empirical force-limited vibration method was developed and implemented for payload testing to limit the structural impedance mismatch (high force) that occurs during shaker vibration testing. The method has since been extended for use in analytical models. The Space Communications and Navigation Testbed (SCAN Testbed), known at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) as, the Communications, Navigation, and Networking re-Configurable Testbed (CoNNeCT) project utilized force-limited testing and analysis following the semi-empirical approach. This presentation presents the steps in performing a force-limited analysis and then compares the results to test data recovered during the CoNNeCT force-limited random vibration qualification test that took place at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in the Structural Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) December 19, 2010 - January 7, 2011. A compilation of lessons learned and considerations for future force-limited tests is also included.

Staab, Lucas↗

Static strain and vibration characteristics of a metal semimonocoque helicopter tail cone of moderate size

The results are presented of an analytic and experimental research program involving a Sikorsky S-55 helicopter tail cone directed ultimately to the improved structural analysis of airframe substructures typical of moderate sized helicopters of metal semimonocoque construction. Experimental static strain and dynamic shake-testing measurements are presented. Correlation studies of each of these tests with a PC-based finite element analysis (COSMOS/M) are described. The tests included static loadings at the end of the tail cone supported in the cantilever configuration as well as vibrational shake-testing in both the cantilever and free-free configurations.

Bielawa, Richard L.↗

Millimeter and Submillimeter Spectroscopy of Molecules of Atmospheric Importance

In our proposal we laid out work in three areas of relevance to atmospheric science: millimeter and submillimeter spectroscopy, variable temperature pressure broadening, and band and intensity measurements in the FIR. Below we will briefly discuss our progress during the second year of this project. In our millimeter and submillimeter (mm/submm) spectroscopic work, one of our goals has been to work towards the unification of the rotational (primarily obtained by mm/submm techniques) and rotational-vibrational (primarily obtained by infrared techniques) data sets in the context of theoretically well founded models which take advantage of the strengths of the data from each experimental technique. From the point of view of the development of the optimal data base for atmospheric observations, this is clearly a desirable goal. During the first year of this project we did an analysis of a weighted, mixed infrared and mm/submm data set of the n = 0, 1, and 2 torsional states of the ground vibrational state of HOOH. The purpose of this work is to provide a unified understanding of the spectrum, which is applicable in both the rotational and rotational - vibrational regimes. We have succeed in doing this in the context of a single weighted fit which accounts for both data sets to their respective experimental uncertainty (-0.1 and 10 MHz, respectively). Additionally, we have now done a similar analysis on the n = 0 torsional state of v(sub 3) and begun a similar analysis on v(sub 6). For several years we have been working on the mm/submm rotational spectra of the many excited vibrational states of HNO3, again with particular emphasis on the relationships between the mm/submm and infrared spectra. During the first year of this project we were able to use mm/submm spectroscopy to fully resolve the torsional splittings in 2 v(sub 9) and v(sub 5), establish a theoretically well founded quantitative relation between them, and show that both have their physical origin in the torsional motion of the v(sub 9) mode.This result has now been incorporated in a recent reanalysis of the infrared spectrum and has resulted in improved fits - eliminating what was in retrospect a systematic error associated with this previously unknown effect.

DeLucia, Frank C.↗

Generation of gear tooth surfaces by application of CNC machines

This study will demonstrate the importance of application of computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines in generation of gear tooth surfaces with new topology. This topology decreases gear vibration and will extend the gear capacity and service life. A preliminary investigation by a tooth contact analysis (TCA) program has shown that gear tooth surfaces in line contact (for instance, involute helical gears with parallel axes, worm gear drives with cylindrical worms, etc.) are very sensitive to angular errors of misalignment that cause edge contact and an unfavorable shape of transmission errors and vibration. The new topology of gear tooth surfaces is based on the localization of bearing contact, and the synthesis of a predesigned parabolic function of transmission errors that is able to absorb a piecewise linear function of transmission errors caused by gear misalignment. The report will describe the following topics: description of kinematics of CNC machines with six degrees of freedom that can be applied for generation of gear tooth surfaces with new topology. A new method for grinding of gear tooth surfaces by a cone surface or surface of revolution based on application of CNC machines is described. This method provides an optimal approximation of the ground surface to the given one. This method is especially beneficial when undeveloped ruled surfaces are to be ground. Execution of motions of the CNC machine is also described. The solution to this problem can be applied as well for the transfer of machine tool settings from a conventional generator to the CNC machine. The developed theory required the derivation of a modified equation of meshing based on application of the concept of space curves, space curves represented on surfaces, geodesic curvature, surface torsion, etc. Condensed information on these topics of differential geometry is provided as well.

Litvin, F. L.↗