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At least 127 records · Page 7

Dynamic Model Investigation of a 1/20 Scale Gemini Spacecraft in the Langley Spin Tunnel

The investigation was conducted in the Langley spin tunnel. The tunnel is an atmospheric wind tunnel with a vertically rising airstream in the test section and a maximum airspeed of approximately 90 feet per second. For this investigation, the model was hand launched into the vertically rising airstream. At times the model, both with and without a drogue parachute, was launched gently with as little disturbance as possible to determine what motions of the spacecraft were self-excited. At other times, the spacecraft with pre-deployed drogue parachute was launched into various spinning motions to determine the effectiveness of the drogue parachute in terminating these spinning motions. During drogue-parachute deployment tests, the spacecraft was launched into various spinning and tumbling motions and the drogue parachute was deployed. The motions of the model were photographed with a motion-picture camera, and some of the film records were read to obtain typical time histories of the model motion. The angles of attack indicated in the time histories presented are believed to be accurate within +/-1 degree. The mass and dimensional characteristics of the dynamic model are believed to be measured to an accuracy of: +/-1 percent for the weight, +/-1 percent for z(sub cg)/d, +/-15 percent for x (sub cg), and +/-5 percent for the moments of inertia. The towline and bridle-line lengths were simulated to an accuracy of +/-1 foot full scale.

Lee, Henry A.↗

A Tool for Low Noise Procedures Design and Community Noise Impact Assessment: The Rotorcraft Noise Model (RNM)

To improve aircraft noise impact modeling capabilities and to provide a tool to aid in the development of low noise terminal area operations for rotorcraft and tiltrotors, the Rotorcraft Noise Model (RNM) was developed by the NASA Langley Research Center and Wyle Laboratories. RNM is a simulation program that predicts how sound will propagate through the atmosphere and accumulate at receiver locations located on flat ground or varying terrain, for single and multiple vehicle flight operations. At the core of RNM are the vehicle noise sources, input as sound hemispheres. As the vehicle "flies" along its prescribed flight trajectory, the source sound propagation is simulated and accumulated at the receiver locations (single points of interest or multiple grid points) in a systematic time-based manner. These sound signals at the receiver locations may then be analyzed to obtain single event footprints, integrated noise contours, time histories, or numerous other features. RNM may also be used to generate spectral time history data over a ground mesh for the creation of single event sound animation videos. Acoustic properties of the noise source(s) are defined in terms of sound hemispheres that may be obtained from theoretical predictions, wind tunnel experimental results, flight test measurements, or a combination of the three. The sound hemispheres may contain broadband data (source levels as a function of one-third octave band) and pure-tone data (in the form of specific frequency sound pressure levels and phase). A PC executable version of RNM is publicly available and has been adopted by a number of organizations for Environmental Impact Assessment studies of rotorcraft noise. This paper provides a review of the required input data, the theoretical framework of RNM's propagation model and the output results. Code validation results are provided from a NATO helicopter noise flight test as well as a tiltrotor flight test program that used the RNM as a tool to aid in the development of low noise approach profiles.

Conner, David A.↗

Modeling the Launch Abort Vehicle's Subsonic Aerodynamics from Free Flight Testing

An investigation into the aerodynamics of the Launch Abort Vehicle for NASA's Constellation Crew Launch Vehicle in the subsonic, incompressible flow regime was conducted in the NASA Langley 20-ft Vertical Spin Tunnel. Time histories of center of mass position and Euler Angles are captured using photogrammetry. Time histories of the wind tunnel's airspeed and dynamic pressure are recorded as well. The primary objective of the investigation is to determine models for the aerodynamic yaw and pitch moments that provide insight into the static and dynamic stability of the vehicle. System IDentification Programs for AirCraft (SIDPAC) is used to determine the aerodynamic model structure and estimate model parameters. Aerodynamic models for the aerodynamic body Y and Z force coefficients, and the pitching and yawing moment coefficients were identified.

Hartman, Christopher L.↗

Expanded sun-look angle program

Computer program provides time history of sun aspect angles as seen from spacecraft and generates binary tape containing time history of position, velocity, and body attitude angles of vehicle in local horizontal, local vertical system. Program is written in FORTRAN 5 and SLEUTH 2 for Univac 1108 computer.

Boyd, C. C.↗

SCI model structure determination program (OSR) user's guide

The computer program, OSR (Optimal Subset Regression) which estimates models for rotorcraft body and rotor force and moment coefficients is described. The technique used is based on the subset regression algorithm. Given time histories of aerodynamic coefficients, aerodynamic variables, and control inputs, the program computes correlation between various time histories. The model structure determination is based on these correlations. Inputs and outputs of the program are given.

Source record↗

A study of high alpha dynamics and flow visualization for a 2.5-percent model of the F-18 HARV undergoing wing rock

Free-to-roll experiments and flow visualization studies have been conducted for a 2.5-percent model of the F-18 undergoing unsteady wing rock oscillations. Data have been acquired in the form of roll angle time histories as well as video recordings and 35 mm photography of the forebody and leading edge extension vortices. The time histories were differentiated to produce angular velocity and angular acceleration. From this the roll moment as a function of time and/or roll angle could be estimated. A thorough analysis of the data has revealed a genuine wing-rock phenomenon. Off-surface flow visualization was used to identiify the forebody and LEX vortex core positions and their interaction in both static and dynamic configurations. A direct correlation between the dynamic data and visualized vortex activity during the wing-rock motion has been made.

Quast, Thomas↗

New Space Domain Processing Technique for Pulsed Laser Velocimetry

A new and fast data processing technique for pulsed-laser-velocimetry data is described. A simplified cross correlation algorithm was developed which uses the time history information of the recorded particle images. It is shown that, the use of the particle time history information (which can be obtained using an electronic camera to record the particle exposures) facilitates high speed processing and unambiguous velocity vector information. It was found that a complex convection vortex flow can be recorded and completely processed in less than 2 min on a personal computer, producing a two-dimensional map of the flow field containing over 300 velocity vectors.

Wernet, Mark P.↗

Identification of system, observer, and controller from closed-loop experimental data

This paper considers the identification problem of a system operating in closed-loop with an existing feedback controller. The closed-loop system is excited by a known excitation signal, and the resulting time histories of the closed-loop system response and the feedback signal are measured. From the time history data, the algorithm computes the Markov parameters of a closed-loop observer, from which the Markov parameters of the individual open-loop plant, observer, and controller are recovered. A state space model of the open-loop plant and the gain matrices for the controller and the observer are then realized. The results of the paper are demonstrated by an example using actual aircraft flutter test data.

Juang, Jer-Nan↗

Analysis of Gamma-Ray Data from Solar Flares in Cycles 21 and 22

One of our primary accomplishments under grant NAGW-35381 was the systematic derivation and compilation, for the first time, of physical parameters for all gamma-ray flares detected by the SMM GRS during its ten year lifetime. The flare parameters derived from the gamma-ray spectra include: bremsstrahlung fluence and best-fit power-law parameters, narrow nuclear line fluence, positron annihilation line fluence, neutron capture line fluence, and an indication of whether or not greater than 10 MeV emissions were present. We combined this compilation of flare parameters with our plots of counting rate time histories and flare spectra to construct an atlas of gamma-ray flare characteristics. The atlas time histories display four energy bands: 56-199 kev, 298526 keV, 4-8 MeV, and 10-25 MeV. These energy bands respectively measure nonrelativistic bremsstrahlung, trans-relativistic bremsstrahlung, nuclear de-excitation, and ultra-relativistic bremsstrahlung. The atlas spectra show the integrated high-energy spectra measured for all GRS flares and dissects them into electron bremsstrahlung, positron annihilation and nuclear emission components. The atlas has been accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal Supplements and is currently in press. The atlas materials were also supplied to the Solar Data Analysis Center at Goddard Space Flight Center and were made available through a web site at the University of New Hampshire. Since a uniform methodology was adopted for deriving the flare parameters, this atlas will be very useful for future statistical and correlative studies of solar flares-three independent groups are presently using it to correlate interplanetary energetic particle measurements with our gamma-ray measurements. A better model for the response of the GRS instrument to high energy radiation was also developed. A refined response model was needed because the old model was not adequate for predicting the first and second escape peaks associated with strong nuclear lines nor could it accurately describe the Compton continuum shape. The new response was developed using a GEANT based simulation code and tested against preflight calibration data. The refinement of the response model and the removal of systematic errors now allow more detailed spectral studies of the GRS gamma-ray measurements. This refined response function was supplied to the Solar DAC at Goddard and was also made available via a web site at the University of New Hampshire.

Vestrand, W. Thomas↗

The Need for High-Resolution Crustal Magnetic Field Data on Mars

Magnetometer observations from the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft (MAG/ER on MGS) have confirmed that Mars does not presently have an internally-generated dipole magnetic field, and have also revealed intense remanent magnetism in the Martian crust. The remanent magnetic anomalies, most prevalent in the southern highlands region, are a record of the past history of the internal Mars dipole field. The MAG/ER data constitute a valuable data set for constraining the early thermal evolution of Mars and the history of the planetary magnetic field. However, the data lack the resolution needed to draw definite conclusions regarding the time history of the field. High-resolution magnetometer observations, obtained at low-altitude, are needed to complement and extend the MGS/ER data set and allow a definitive time history of the internal Mars dynamo to be constructed.

Raymond, C. A.↗

Unsteady Aerodynamic Testing Using the Dynamic Plunge Pitch and Roll Model Mount

A final report on the DyPPiR tests that were run are presented. Essentially it consists of two parts, a description of the data reduction techniques and the results. The data reduction techniques include three methods that were considered: 1) signal processing of wind on - wind off data; 2) using wind on data in conjunction with accelerometer measurements; and 3) using a dynamic model of the sting to predict the sting oscillations and determining the aerodynamic inputs using an optimization process. After trying all three, we ended up using method 1, mainly because of its simplicity and our confidence in its accuracy. The results section consists of time history plots of the input variables (angle of attack, roll angle, and/or plunge position) and the corresponding time histories of the output variables, C(sub L), C(sub D), C(sub m), C(sub l), C(sub m), C(sub n). Also included are some phase plots of one or more of the output variable vs. an input variable. Typically of interest are pitch moment coefficient vs. angle of attack for an oscillatory motion where the hysteresis loops can be observed. These plots are useful to determine the "more interesting" cases. Samples of the data as it appears on the disk are presented at the end of the report. The last maneuver, a rolling pull up, is indicative of the unique capabilities of the DyPPiR, allowing combinations of motions to be exercised at the same time.

Lutze, Frederick H.↗

1979 January 13 - An intense gamma-ray burst with a possible associated optical transient

The time history, energy spectra, and precise localization of the intense January 13, 1979 gamma-ray burst, observed by five spacecraft in the interplanetary network, are presented. The time history displays a pulse-afterpulse structure suggestive of periodicity. Fine time resolution spectral analysis shows that a wide variety of models can be used to fit individual spectra, while spectra integrated over longer periods are well fitted by a thermal synchrotron law, making it difficult to identify any specific emission mechanism. The precise localization may be consistent with an archival optical transient having no quiescent counterpart down to 22d mag on recent plates.

Barat, C.↗

GTOSS: Generalized Tethered Object Simulation System

GTOSS represents a tether analysis complex which is described by addressing its family of modules. TOSS is a portable software subsystem specifically designed to be introduced into the environment of any existing vehicle dynamics simulation to add the capability of simulating multiple interacting objects (via multiple tethers). These objects may interact with each other as well as with the vehicle into whose environment TOSS is introduced. GTOSS is a stand alone tethered system analysis program, representing an example of TOSS having been married to a host simulation. RTOSS is the Results Data Base (RDB) subsystem designed to archive TOSS simulation results for future display processing. DTOSS is a display post processors designed to utilize the RDB. DTOSS extracts data from the RDB for multi-page printed time history displays. CTOSS is similar to DTOSS, but is designed to create ASCII plot files. The same time history data formats provided for DTOSS (for printing) are available via CTOSS for plotting. How these and other modules interact with each other is discussed.

Lang, David D.↗

Description of a Normal-Force In-Situ Turbulence Algorithm for Airplanes

A normal-force in-situ turbulence algorithm for potential use on commercial airliners is described. The algorithm can produce information that can be used to predict hazardous accelerations of airplanes or to aid meteorologists in forecasting weather patterns. The algorithm uses normal acceleration and other measures of the airplane state to approximate the vertical gust velocity. That is, the fundamental, yet simple, relationship between normal acceleration and the change in normal force coefficient is exploited to produce an estimate of the vertical gust velocity. This simple approach is robust and produces a time history of the vertical gust velocity that would be intuitively useful to pilots. With proper processing, the time history can be transformed into the eddy dissipation rate that would be useful to meteorologists. Flight data for a simplified research implementation of the algorithm are presented for a severe turbulence encounter of the NASA ARIES Boeing 757 research airplane. The results indicate that the algorithm has potential for producing accurate in-situ turbulence measurements. However, more extensive tests and analysis are needed with an operational implementation of the algorithm to make comparisons with other algorithms or methods.

Stewart, Eric C.↗

Aeroelastic modeling for the FIT team F/A-18 simulation

Some details of the aeroelastic modeling of the F/A-18 aircraft done for the Functional Integration Technology (FIT) team's research in integrated dynamics modeling and how these are combined with the FIT team's integrated dynamics model are described. Also described are mean axis corrections to elastic modes, the addition of nonlinear inertial coupling terms into the equations of motion, and the calculation of internal loads time histories using the integrated dynamics model in a batch simulation program. A video tape made of a loads time history animation was included as a part of the oral presentation. Also discussed is work done in one of the areas of unsteady aerodynamic modeling identified as needing improvement, specifically, in correction factor methodologies for improving the accuracy of stability derivatives calculated with a doublet lattice code.

Zeiler, Thomas A.↗

Ditching Tests of a 1/20-Scale Model of the Northrop B-35 Airplane

Tests of a 1/20-scale dynamically similar model of the Northrop B-35 airplane were made to study its ditching characteristics. The model was ditched in calm water at the Langley tank no. 2 monorail. Various landing attitudes, speeds,and conditions of damage were simulated during the investigation. The ditching characteristics were determined by visual observation and from motion-picture records and time-history acceleration records. Both longitudinal and lateral accelerations were measured. Results are given in tabular form and time-history acceleration curves and sequence photographs are presented. Conclusions based on the model investigation are as follows: 1. The best ditching of the B-35 airplane probably can be made by contacting the water in a near normal landing attitude of about 9 deg with the landing flaps full down so as to have a low horizontal speed. 2. The airplane usually will turn or yaw but the motion will not be violent. The maximum lateral acceleration will be about 2g. 3. If the airplane does not turn or yaw immediately after landing, it probably will trim up and then make a smooth run or porpoise slightly. The maximum longitudinal decelerations that will be encountered are about 6g or 7g. 4. Although the decelerations are not indicated to be especially large, the construction of the airplane is such that extensive damage is to be expected, and it probably will be difficult to find ditching stations where crew members can adequately brace themselves and be reasonably sure of avoiding a large inrush of water.

Fisher, Lloyd J.↗

Probability distribution of vertical longitudinal shear fluctuations.

This paper discusses some recent measurements of third and fourth moments of vertical differences (shears) of longitudinal velocity fluctuations obtained in unstable air at the NASA 150 m meteorological tower site at Cape Kennedy, Fla. Each set of measurements consisted of longitudinal velocity fluctuation time histories obtained at the 18, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 m levels, so that 15 wind-shear time histories were obtained from each set of measurements. It appears that the distribution function of the longitudinal wind fluctuations at two levels is not bivariate Gaussian. The implications of the results relative to the design and operation of aerospace vehicles are discussed.-

Fichtl, G. H.↗

On the actual loads on airplane landing gears

This investigation was intended to throw light on a number of problems: 1) obtain a time history of the force acting on the gear wheels during take-off and landing runs; 2) obtain the time history of the direction of this force (magnitude of its three components along the coordinate axes); 3) derive conclusions as to the design load factors. In connection with the latter, of special interest was the solution of such problems as: a) the dynamic loads in the three main landing attitudes; b) the problem of the true direction of the forces for each of the three "pure" types of landing; c) combination of the above types; d) the comparison for each of the chassis members of the computed force (according to the design standards) with the actual force measured in the tests so as to determine the actual factors of safety.

Shiskin, S↗