Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “system frequency response”

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 1,171 records · Page 65

Modal parameters of space structures in 1 G and 0 G

Analytic and experimental results are presented from a study of the changes in the modal parameters of space structural test articles from one- to zero-gravity. Deployable, erectable, and rotary modules was assembled to form three one- and two-dimensional structures, in which variations in bracing wire and rotary joint preload could be introduced. The structures were modeled as if hanging from a suspension system in one gravity, and unconstrained, as if free floating in zero-gravity. The analysis is compared with ground experimental measurements, which were made on a spring-wire suspension system with a nominal plunge frequency of one Hertz, and with measurements made on the Shuttle middeck. The degree of change in linear modal parameters as well as the change in nonlinear nature of the response is examined. Trends in modal parameters are presented as a function of force amplitude, joint preload, reassembly, shipset, suspension, and ambient gravity level.

Bicos, Andrew S.↗

Seat Design for Crash Worthiness

A study of many crash deceleration records suggested a simplified model of a crash deceleration pulse, which incorporates the essential properties of the pulse. The model pulse is considered to be composed of a base pulse on which are superimposed one or more secondary pulses of shorter duration. The results of a mathematical analysis of the seat-passenger deceleration in response to the airplane deceleration pulse are provided. On the basis of this information, presented as working charts, the maximum deceleration loads experienced by the seat and passenger in response to the airplane deceleration pulse can be computed. This maximum seat-passenger deceleration is found to depend on the natural frequency of the seat containing the passenger, considered as a mass-spring system. A method is presented that shows how to arrive at a combination of seat strength, natural frequency, and ability to absorb energy in deformation beyond the elastic limit that will allow the seat to serve without failure during an airplane deceleration pulse taken as the design requirement.

Pinkel, I Irving↗

Identification of Low Order Equivalent System Models From Flight Test Data

Identification of low order equivalent system dynamic models from flight test data was studied. Inputs were pilot control deflections, and outputs were aircraft responses, so the models characterized the total aircraft response including bare airframe and flight control system. Theoretical investigations were conducted and related to results found in the literature. Low order equivalent system modeling techniques using output error and equation error parameter estimation in the frequency domain were developed and validated on simulation data. It was found that some common difficulties encountered in identifying closed loop low order equivalent system models from flight test data could be overcome using the developed techniques. Implications for data requirements and experiment design were discussed. The developed methods were demonstrated using realistic simulation cases, then applied to closed loop flight test data from the NASA F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle.

Morelli, Eugene A.↗

Interaction Metrics for Feedback Control of Sound Radiation from Stiffened Panels

Interaction metrics developed for the process control industry are used to evaluate decentralized control of sound radiation from bays on an aircraft fuselage. The metrics are applied to experimentally measured frequency response data from a model of an aircraft fuselage. The purpose is to understand how coupling between multiple bays of the fuselage can destabilize or limit the performance of a decentralized active noise control system. The metrics quantitatively verify observations from a previous experiment, in which decentralized controllers performed worse than centralized controllers. The metrics do not appear to be useful for explaining control spillover which was observed in a previous experiment.

Cabell, Randolph H.↗

Aircraft Fault Detection Using Real-Time Frequency Response Estimation

A real-time method for estimating time-varying aircraft frequency responses from input and output measurements was demonstrated. The Bat-4 subscale airplane was used with NASA Langley Research Center's AirSTAR unmanned aerial flight test facility to conduct flight tests and collect data for dynamic modeling. Orthogonal phase-optimized multisine inputs, summed with pilot stick and pedal inputs, were used to excite the responses. The aircraft was tested in its normal configuration and with emulated failures, which included a stuck left ruddervator and an increased command path latency. No prior knowledge of a dynamic model was used or available for the estimation. The longitudinal short period dynamics were investigated in this work. Time-varying frequency responses and stability margins were tracked well using a 20 second sliding window of data, as compared to a post-flight analysis using output error parameter estimation and a low-order equivalent system model. This method could be used in a real-time fault detection system, or for other applications of dynamic modeling such as real-time verification of stability margins during envelope expansion tests.

Grauer, Jared A.↗

The Adaptive Optics and Transmit System for NASA's Laser Communications Relay Demonstration Project

The Laser Communication Relay Demonstration is NASA’s multi-year demonstration of laser communication to a geosynchronous satellite. We are currently assembling the optical system for the first of the two baseline ground stations. The optical system consists of an adaptive optics system, the transmit system and a camera for target acquisition. The adaptive optics system is responsible for compensating the downlink beam for atmospheric turbulence and coupling it into the modem’s single mode fiber. The adaptive optics system is a woofer/tweeter design, with one deformable mirror correcting for low spatial frequencies with large amplitude and a second deformable mirror correcting for high spatial frequencies with small amplitude. The system uses a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor. The transmit system relays four beacon beams and one communication laser to the telescope for propagation to the space terminal. Both the uplink and downlink beams are centered at 1.55 microns. We present an overview of the design of the system as well as performance predictions including time series of coupling efficiency and expected uplink beam quality.

Laser Communication↗

Transitions, Dynamics, and Driven States in Quantum Magnets (Final Report Revised)

Transitions into unusual electronic, optical, and magnetic states at the absolute zero of temperature display special properties that teach us about fundamental quantum mechanics and also underlie important technologies. These so-called quantum phase transitions intertwine the static and dynamical responses of the materials changing state. They are extremely sensitive to the effects of disorder and etch in high relief the role of quantum fluctuations. There are ample questions remaining about the character of such transitions and the nature of the competing quantum states. There are also opportunities to drive quantum materials out of equilibrium, with the possibility of new types of correlated and coherent order, and new ways to access the dynamical evolution of ground and excited states. We have investigated how the order develops in time and space, and the nature of the final configurations. We are able to compare and contrast classical and quantum excitations in our experimental system of choice, and thereby can trace the relative speed by which the system settles into its lowest-energy ground state. This comparison of quantum and classical annealing protocols lies at the heart of strategies for harnessing the power of quantum computers dedicated to optimization problems. A combination of magnetic susceptibility measurements at finite frequency where the magnetic spins are queried by an external ac field, dc magnetometry measurements that characterize the macroscopic strength of magnetic order and its resistance to change, noise measurements that reveal the microscopic fluctuations of the spins as they prepare to change state, and microwave spectroscopy to look at the response of both the electronic and nuclear degrees of freedom, have been performed as functions of temperature, magnetic field, frequency, excitation amplitude, magnetic spin concentration, and disorder. This combination of probes addresses issues of stability over time, overlap between spin states, the ability of the spins to respond independently or coherently, and the promise of control on the nanometer length scale. The research reported here provides insights into fundamental quantum physics. It also addresses the question of how best to use complex systems, such as magnetic solids, to stably process quantum information.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

A broadband interferometer.

Power response of two-element interference frequency correlation interferometer to point source of broadband random noise

RANDOM SIGNAL↗

Flicker: A review of temporal light modulation stimulus, responses, and measures

Flicker has been an important lighting system consideration for over a century. More precise terms are temporal light modulation (TLM) as the stimulus, and responses to TLM as the unwanted visual, cognitive, or physiological consequences. As lighting technology evolved, different forms of TLM emerged, and so did responses to them. Today, some LED systems – encompassing the LED, driver, and control – can result in TLM causing severe unwanted effects, while other LED systems produce no unwanted effects at all. LED systems can deliver a much wider range of luminous waveforms than conventional lighting systems, some exhibiting very high modulation depths. More than any light source before, they can elicit perceptions of the phantom array. Direct flicker effects at modulation frequencies less than about 80 Hz and the stroboscopic effect at frequencies greater than 80 Hz are fairly well understood, but the phantom array effect needs more exploration and characterisation. This review focuses on the technology and research history that led to current metrics for quantifying TLM and human responses to TLM. Notably, visually impaired individuals may exhibit alterations in their response to TLM, but such a discussion is beyond the intent of this review. Thus, the focus is on individuals with normal visual function.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Synthetically non-Hermitian nonlinear wave-like behavior in a topological mechanical metamaterial

Topological mechanical metamaterials have enabled new ways to control stress and deformation propagation. Exemplified by Maxwell lattices, they have been studied extensively using a linearized formalism. Herein, we study a two-dimensional topological Maxwell lattice by exploring its large deformation quasi-static response using geometric numerical simulations and experiments. We observe spatial nonlinear wave-like phenomena such as harmonic generation, localized domain switching, amplification-enhanced frequency conversion, and solitary waves. We further map our linearized, homogenized system to a non-Hermitian, nonreciprocal, one-dimensional wave equation, revealing an equivalence between the deformation fields of two-dimensional topological Maxwell lattices and nonlinear dynamical phenomena in one-dimensional active systems. Our study opens a regime for topological mechanical metamaterials and expands their application potential in areas including adaptive and smart materials and mechanical logic, wherein concepts from nonlinear dynamics may be used to create intricate, tailored spatial deformation and stress fields greatly transcending conventional elasticity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Results of an A109 simulation validation and handling qualities study

The results for the validation of a mathematical model of the Agusta A109 helicopter, and subsequent use of the model as the baseline for a handling qualities study of cockpit centerstick requirements, are described. The technical approach included flight test, non-realtime analysis, and realtime piloted simulation. Results of the validation illustrate a time- and frequency-domain approach to the model and simulator issues. The final A109 model correlates well with the actual aircraft with the Stability Augmentation System (SAS) engaged, but is unacceptable without the SAS because of instability and response coupling at low speeds. Results of the centerstick study support the current U.S. Army handling qualities requirements for centerstick characteristics.

Eshow, Michelle M.↗

Temperature regulation in rats exposed to a 2 G field

The regulation of body temperature involves both homeostatic and circadian control systems. Both systems are influenced by exposure to hyperdynamic fields and demonstrate acute responses that eventually recover to an adapted level. This experiment examined both the homeostatic and circadian responses of body temperature to a separate environmental challenge (high frequency light/dark cycles) during exposure to a 2 G hyperdynamic field.

Ishihama, Linda M.↗

Results of an A109 simulation validation and handling qualities study

The results for the validation of a mathematical model of the Agusta A109 helicopter, and subsequent use of the model as the baseline for a handling qualities study of cockpit centerstick requirements, are described. The technical approach included flight test, non-realtime analysis, and realtime piloted simulation. Results of the validation illustrate a time- and frequency-domain approach to the model and simulator issues. The final A109 model correlates well with the actual aircraft with the Stability Augmentation System (SAS) engaged, but is unacceptable without the SAS because of instability and response coupling at low speeds. Results of the centerstick study support the current U.S. Army handling qualities requirements for centerstick characteristics.

Eshow, Michelle M.↗

Optimal spectral windows for microwave diversity imaging

Tomographic microwave diversity imaging is analyzed using linear system theory concepts, and optimal spectral windows for data acquisition are obtained either by considering window position in the spectral domain or by using simulated annealing to find an optimal phase weighting of the object frequency response samples collected over the specified spectral window. This study provides a means of microwave image formation that is applicable under general assumptions. Results of numerical simulations and representative images reconstructed from realistic experimental microwave scattering data are given, demonstrating that the proposed approach is superior to previous image reconstruction methods.

Farhat, Nabil H.↗

Aerodynamics of loaded cascades in subsonic flows subject to unsteady three-dimensional vortical disturbances

A highly efficient numerical method is developed for three-dimensional, periodic, vortical flows around a cascade of loaded airfoils. The method linearizes Euler's equations about the mean flow of the cascade and thus fully accounts for the effects of distortion of the vortical disturbances as they propogate and interact with the cascade mean flow. The numerical scheme is based on splitting the unsteady velocity into vortical and potential parts. The latter is governed by a non-constant coefficient inhomogeneous convective wave equation. A new and computationally suitable out-flow conditions are derived and avoid the difficulties associated with the singular velocity downstream. Solutions were obtained in the frequency domain by using a body-fitted coordinate system. Results are presented to demonstrate the effects of the out-flow boundary conditions, cascade spacing, mean blade loading and gust upstream conditions on the aerodynamics response and unsteady pressure field of a cascade.

Fang, J.↗

Improved estimation of random vibration loads in launch vehicles

Random vibration induced load is an important component of the total design load environment for payload and launch vehicle components and their support structures. The current approach to random vibration load estimation is based, particularly at the preliminary design stage, on the use of Miles' equation which assumes a single degree-of-freedom (DOF) system and white noise excitation. This paper examines the implications of the use of multi-DOF system models and response calculation based on numerical integration using the actual excitation spectra for random vibration load estimation. The analytical study presented considers a two-DOF system and brings out the effects of modal mass, damping and frequency ratios on the random vibration load factor. The results indicate that load estimates based on the Miles' equation can be significantly different from the more accurate estimates based on multi-DOF models.

Mehta, R.↗

Image Processing In Laser-Beam-Steering Subsystem

Conceptual design of image-processing circuitry developed for proposed tracking apparatus described in "Beam-Steering Subsystem For Laser Communication" (NPO-19069). In proposed system, desired frame rate achieved by "windowed" readout scheme in which only pixels containing and surrounding two spots read out and others skipped without being read. Image data processed rapidly and efficiently to achieve high frequency response.

Lesh, James R.↗

A Wireless Fluid-Level Measurement Technique

This paper presents the application of a recently developed wireless measurement acquisition system to fluid-level measurement. This type of fluid-level measurement system alleviates many shortcomings of fluid-level measurement methods currently being used, including limited applicability of any one fluid-level sensor design. Measurement acquisition shortcomings include the necessity for power to be supplied to each sensor and for the measurement to be extracted from each sensor via a physical connection to the sensor. Another shortcoming is existing measurement systems require that a data channel and signal conditioning electronics be dedicated to each sensor. Use of wires results in other shortcomings such as logistics needed to add or replace sensors, weight, potential for electrical arcing and wire degradations. The fluid level sensor design is a simple passive inductor-capacitor circuit that is not subject to mechanical failure that is possible when float and lever-arm systems are used. Methods are presented for using the sensor in caustic, acidic or cryogenic fluids. Oscillating magnetic fields are used to power the sensor. Once electrically excited, the sensor produces a magnetic field response. The response frequency corresponds to the amount to fluid within the capacitor s electric field. The sensor design can be modified for measuring the level of any fluid or fluent substance that can be stored in a non-conductive reservoir. The interrogation method for discerning changes in the sensor response frequency is also presented.

Woodard, Stanley E.↗