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At least 1,189 records · Page 66

Gradient-Based Optimization of the Common Research Model Wing Subject to CFD-Based Gust and Flutter Constraints

The linearized frequency-domain method was recently implemented in the stabilized finite element solver in NASA’s FUN3D code. Previous work by the authors used this method for enforcing flutter constraints during gradient-based optimizations. More recently, the solver was expanded to account for continuous (also known as stochastic) gust responses. This paper expands on recent Common Research Model wing optimization work, which demonstrated gradient-based optimization with flutter and stochastic gust constraints, among others. While that work utilized FUN3D for static aeroelastic solutions but relied on doublet lattice aerodynamics for gust and flutter responses, the present work replaces these unsteady aerodynamic analyses with those of FUN3D’s linearized frequency-domain solver. With analytic derivatives available, gradient-based optimization is performed through the use of the OpenMDAO/MPhys libraries with over 700 shape, structural, and aerodynamic design variables and over 10 nonlinear constraints. Comparisons of analysis results and optimized designs are made between doublet lattice and linearized frequency-domain solutions.

aeroelasticity↗

Waveshaping electronic circuit

Circuit provides output signal with sinusoidal function in response to bipolar transition of input signal. Instantaneous transition shapes into linear rate of change and linear rate of change shapes into sinusoidal rate of change. Circuit contains only active components; therefore, compatibility with integrated circuit techniques is assured.

Harper, T. P.↗

Basic characteristics of high-frequency Stark-effect modulation of CO2 lasers.

The molecular Stark effect and its application to the modulation of infrared laser radiation have been investigated both theoretically and experimentally. Using a density matrix approach, a quantum mechanical description of the effect of a time-varying electric field on the absorption coefficient and refractive index of a molecular gas near an absorption line has been formulated. For modulation applications a quantity known as the ?modulation depth' is of prime importance. Theoretical expressions for the frequency dependence of the modulation depth show that the response to the frequency of a time-varying Stark field is separated into a nondispersive and a dispersive region, depending on whether the modulating frequency is less than or greater than the homogeneous absorption linewidth. Experimental results showing nondispersive modulation at frequencies to 30 MHz are presented. In addition it is shown that the response of modulation depth to Stark field amplitude is separated into linear and nonlinear regions, the field at which nonlinearities begin being determined by the absorption spectrum of the molecule being used.

Claspy, P. C.↗

Nonlinear analysis of the forced response of structural elements

A general procedure is presented for the nonlinear analysis of the forced response of structural elements to harmonic excitations. Internal resonances (i.e., modal interactions) are taken into account. All excitations are considered, with special consideration given to resonant excitations. The general procedure is applied to clamped-hinged beams. The results reveal that exciting a higher mode may lead to a larger response in a lower interacting mode, contrary to the results of linear analyses.

Nayfeh, A. H.↗

Hybrid composites - State-of-the-art review: Analysis, design, application and fabrication

The review covers hybrid composites that consist of two or more different types of fibers (or fiber composites) in a frequently repeated pattern in a laminate. The fibers considered are boron, graphite, glass, and Kevlar; the resins considered include mostly structural epoxies, with some utilization of polyimides and thermoplastics. The review shows that considerable data have been generated for the tensile strength properties, as well as tensile and thermal fatigue, of interply hybrids, and for the impact resistance of interply and intraply hybrids. The rule of mixtures appears to be adequate for predicting longitudinal and transverse mechanical properties of unidirectional interply hybrids, and linear laminate theory appears to be adequate for predicting the elastic response of hybrids.

Chamis, C. C.↗

The low-latitude circulation of Mars

A steady-state two-layer atmospheric model is used in an attempt to simulate the circulation of the equatorial regions of Mars, with consideration of both thermal and mechanical orographic effects. A steady-state solution is sought with the aim of producing mean seasonal circulations upon which tides can be superimposed, and the relative importance of orographic forcing at low latitudes is evaluated. It is assumed that the atmospheres over a topographic feature and over flat terrain possess the same radiative and convective properties, simple dissipation laws are introduced which represent a surface drag effect, and six first-order difference equations are obtained and then reduced to two linear complex second-order coupled difference equations. Analysis of the response of the equinoctial basic wind field to a Gaussian orographic feature situated at the equator and zero deg longitude reveals a number of similarities and differences between the Martian and terrestrial responses. Most of the similarities are explained in terms of the dynamics of a rotating atmosphere, while the major differences are at least partially explained by the different optical properties, lower boundaries, and smaller mass of the Martian atmosphere.

Webster, P. J.↗

Digital control of high performance aircraft using adaptive estimation techniques

In this paper, an adaptive signal processing algorithm is joined with gain-scheduling for controlling the dynamics of high performance aircraft. A technique is presented for a reduced-order model (the longitudinal dynamics) of a high performance STOL aircraft. The actual controller views the nonlinear behavior of the aircraft as equivalent to a randomly switching sequence of linear models taken from a preliminary piecewise-linear fit of the system nonlinearities. The adaptive nature of the estimator is necessary to select the proper sequence of linear models along the flight trajectory. Nonlinear behavior is approximated by effective switching of the linear models at random times, with durations reflecting aircraft motion in response to pilot commands.

Van Landingham, H. F.↗

The effect of minority carrier mobility variations on solar cell spectral response

Analysis of multistep diffused, high voltage 0.1 ohm-cm solar cells suggests that the increased voltage capability of these cells is correlated with localized variations in the base minority carrier mobility. An attempt to calculate the behavior of those cells revealed unexpected results. It is shown, contrary to what was expected, that spatial variations in the mobility effects severe changes in the short-circuit current and the spectral response. Variations in cell output as a result of imposing abrupt, linear, and exponential mobility variations are presented.

Weizer, V. G.↗

Self-tuning regulators for multicyclic control of helicopter vibration

A class of algorithms for the multicyclic control of helicopter vibration and loads is derived and discussed. This class is characterized by a linear, quasi-static, frequency-domain model of the helicopter response to control; identification of the helicopter model by least-squared-error or Kalman filter methods; and a minimum variance or quadratic performance function controller. Previous research on such controllers is reviewed. The derivations and discussions cover the helicopter model; the identification problem, including both off-line and on-line (recursive) algorithms; the control problem, including both open-loop and closed-loop feedback; and the various regulator configurations possible within this class. Conclusions from analysis and numerical simulations of the regulators provide guidance in the design and selection of algorithms for further development, including wind tunnel and flight tests.

Johnson, W.↗

Delineation of soil temperature regimes from HCMM data

Average daily temperatures (ADT) were calculated for five Heat Capacity Mapping Mission scenes by averaging raw daytime temperature and nighttime temperature values using the SUBTRAN program. Mean annual soil temperatures (MAST) were calculated using ADT as input into a linearized one-dimensional heat flow equation describing the theoretical temperature response curve at the Earth's surface. The annual amplitude (AMP) of the response curve was also calculated. Finally, versatec plots of MAST and AMP were generated showing their spatial distribution.

Day, R. L.↗

The effects of atmospheric turbulence on a quadrotor heavy lift airship

The response of a quadrotor heavy lift airship to atmospheric turbulence is evaluated using a four-point input model. Results show interaction between gust inputs and the characteristic modes of the vehicle's response. Example loop closures demonstrate tradeoffs between response regulation and structural loads. Vehicle responses to a tuned discrete wave front compare favorably with the linear results and illustrate characteristic HLA motion.

Tischler, M. B.↗

Microprocessor based implementation of attitude and shape control of large space structures

The feasibility of off the shelf eight bit and 16 bit microprocessors to implement linear state variable feedback control laws and assessing the real time response to spacecraft dynamics is studied. The complexity of the dynamic model is described along with the appropriate software. An experimental setup of a beam, microprocessor system for implementing the control laws and the needed generalized software to implement any state variable feedback control system is included.

Reddy, A. S. S. R.↗

A fast approach to identification using deconvolution

In this paper, we propose a fast approach to impulse response and noise-variance identification for a finite-order, linear, time-invariant, single-input/single-output system, whose input driving noise is white (stationary or nonstationary) and measurement noise is stationary, white and Gaussian. Our algorithm is an iterative block component method that includes two stages, deconvolution and prediction-error identification. Experiences with our method indicate that it works well and saves about an order of magnitude in computation. Analyses and examples are given in this paper to support this claim.

Chi, C.-Y.↗

GAS payload no. G-025: Study of liquid sloshing behaviour in microgravity

The Get Away Special (GAS) G-025, which flew on shuttle Mission 51-G, examined the behavior of a liquid in a tank under microgravity conditions. The experiment is representative of phenomena occurring in satellite tanks with liquid propellants. A reference fluid in a hemispherical model tank will be subjected to linear acceleration inputs of known levels and frequencies, and the dynamic response of the tank liquid system was recorded. Preliminary analysis of the flight data indicates that the experiment functioned perfectly. The results will validate and refine mathematical models describing the dynamic characteristics of tank-fluid systems. This will in turn support the development of future spacecraft tanks, in particular the design of propellant management devices for surface tension tanks.

C. R. Gilbert↗

Linear dynamic coupling in geared rotor systems

The effects of high frequency oscillations caused by the gear mesh, on components of a geared system that can be modeled as rigid discs are analyzed using linear dynamic coupling terms. The coupled, nonlinear equations of motion for a disc attached to a rotating shaft are presented. The results of a trial problem analysis show that the inclusion of the linear dynamic coupling terms can produce significant changes in the predicted response of geared rotor systems, and that the produced sideband responses are greater than the unbalanced response. The method is useful in designing gear drives for heavy-lift helicopters, industrial speed reducers, naval propulsion systems, and heavy off-road equipment.

David, J. W.↗

Estimation of squeeze-film damping and inertial coefficients from experimental free-decay data

The results are given for an experimental program concerned with a parametric identification of the damping and inertial coefficients of a cylindrical squeeze-film bearing, through an analysis of transient response data. The results enable the operating range for which a linear model of the squeeze-film is appropriate to be determined. Comparisons are made between the estimated coefficients and theoretical predictions. Presentation is by courtesy of the Council of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, London.

Roberts, J. B.↗

Dynamic evaluation of a traction-drive joint for space telerobots

Presented is an analysis and evaluation of a prototype traction-drive joint for robotic manipulators, developed under NASA sponsorship. A dynamic model is developed using the Lagrange formulation. Controllability, observability, dynamic stability, and response characteristics of the joint to test inputs are studied. A linear quadratic regulator (LQR) is implemented on the joint model to determine a basis for evaluating the performance of the traction-drive joint under servo control. An evaluation of the results and directions for future investigations are presented.

Desilva, Clarence W.↗

Detailed design of a Ride Quality Augmentation System for commuter aircraft

The design of a Ride Quality Augmentation System (RQAS) for commuter aircraft is documented. The RQAS is designed for a Cessna 402B, an 8 passenger prop twin representative to this class of aircraft. The purpose of the RQAS is the reduction of vertical and lateral accelerations of the aircraft due to atmospheric turbulence by the application of active control. The detailed design of the hardware (the aircraft modifications, the Ride Quality Instrumentation System (RQIS), and the required computer software) is examined. The aircraft modifications, consisting of the dedicated control surfaces and the hydraulic actuation system, were designed at Cessna Aircraft by Kansas University-Flight Research Laboratory. The instrumentation system, which consist of the sensor package, the flight computer, a Data Acquisition System, and the pilot and test engineer control panels, was designed by NASA-Langley. The overall system design and the design of the software, both for flight control algorithms and ground system checkout are detailed. The system performance is predicted from linear simulation results and from power spectral densities of the aircraft response to a Dryden gust. The results indicate that both accelerations are possible.

Suikat, Reiner↗