Analysis of a wheel-damped reaction boom control system
Hybrid satellite attitude control system deformation model, utilizing pivoted flexible boom with tip mass as actuator and inertia wheels to dampen gravity induced librations
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Hybrid satellite attitude control system deformation model, utilizing pivoted flexible boom with tip mass as actuator and inertia wheels to dampen gravity induced librations
A plan was developed during 1971 to determine gross tectonic plate motions along the San Andreas Fault System in California. Knowledge of the gross motion along the total fault system is an essential component in the construction of realistic deformation models of fault regions. Such mathematical models will be used in the future for studies which will eventually lead to prediction of major earthquakes. The main purpose of the experiment described is the determination of the relative velocity of the North American and the Pacific Plates. This motion being so extremely small, cannot be measured directly but can be deduced from distance measurements between points on opposite sites of the plate boundary taken over a number of years.
Tharsis development apparently involved two stages: (1) an initial rapid topographic rise accompanied by the development of a vast radial fault system and (2) an extremely long-lived volcanic stage apparently continuing to the geological present. A deformation model is proposed in which a first-order mantle convection cell caused early subcrustal erosion and foundering of the low third of the planet. Underplating and deep intrusion by the eroded materials beneath Tharsis caused isostatic doming. Minor radial gravity motions of surficial layers off the dome produced the radial fault system. The hot underplate eventually affected the surface to cause the very long-lived volcanic second stage.
The optical quality of gas in a cryogenic wind tunnel was determined by observing Sayce targets through different pathlengths of the medium. The data were used to determine the square wave response of the test gas. At conditions corresponding to 15 times ambient density, considerable decrease in response to higher spatial frequencies was noted even in the absence of flow. Under flow conditions, vibrations further degraded the response. The results are interpreted in terms of possible photogrammetric approaches to measure model deformation in large cryogenic facilities such as the National Transonic Facility.
Geological observations reveal the style of neotectonic near-surface stresses and deformations in central Europe. Seismic activity, focal depths and fault plane solutions of earthquakes indicate kinematic reactions within the crust. A crustal deformation model which may account for the Rhine graben systems and the associated seismotectonic block movements in Europe is presented. A computer aided tomography to gravity anomalies is used in determining the crustal stresses in central Europe. Tomographical interpretations of gravity data with respect to seismic stresses are discussed. Kinematics and dynamics are integrated to show that the measured regional stresses in central Europe are derivable from the convection generated traction on the boundary of the elastic spherical shell of the crust as inferred from satellite derived gravity data.
In the operation of the National Transonic Facility (NTF) higher Reynolds numbers are obtained on the basis of a utilization of low operational temperatures and high pressures. Liquid nitrogen is used as cryogenic medium, and temperatures in the range from -320 F to 160 F can be employed. A maximum pressure of 130 psi is specified, while the NTF design parameter for the Reynolds number is 120,000,000. In view of the new requirements regarding the measurement systems, major developments had to be undertaken in virtually all wind tunnel measurement areas and, in addition, some new measurement systems were needed. Attention is given to force measurement, pressure measurement, model attitude, model deformation, and the data system.
Observations of fatigue crack nucleation and early growth are presented. The state of stress/strain was shown to play a significant role in this process. Early growth occurs on planes experiencing the largest range of shear strain (Mode 2) or normal strain (Mode 1) depending on the stress state, strain amplitude, and microstructure. These observations were summarized in a fatigue map for each material. These maps provide regions where one fatigue failure mode dominates the behavior. Each failure mechanism results in a different failure mode. Once the expected failure mode is identified, bulk deformation models based on the cyclic stresses and strains can be used to obtain reliable estimates of fatigue lives for complex loading situations.
A shear deformation model was developed to analyze local delaminations growing from transverse cracks in 90 degree plies located around the mid plane of symmetric laminates. The predictions of the model agree reasonably with experimental data from T300/934 graphite epoxy laminates. The predicted behavior is such that, in combination with an edge delamination model, the critical loads can be predicted accurately in the range of n from .5 to 8.
A shear deformation model was developed to analyze local delaminations growing from transverse cracks in 90 degree plies located around the mid plane of symmetric laminates. The predictions of the model agree reasonably with experimental data from T300/934 graphite epoxy laminates. The predicted behavior is such that, in combination with an edge delamination model, the critical loads can be predicted accurately in the range of n from .5 to 8.
Three dimensional, elastic-plastic, finite element results are presented for single-edge crack-tension specimens with several shallow crack-length-to-width ratios (0.05 less than or equal to a/W less than or equal to 0.5). Results showed the need to model the initial yield plateau in the stress-strain behavior to accurately model deformation of the A36 steel specimens. The crack-tip-opening-displacement was found to be linearly proportional to the crack-mouth-opening displacement. A new deformation dependent plastic-eta factor equation is presented for calculating the J-integral from test load-displacement records. This equation was shown to be accurate for all crack lengths considered.
A creep and creep damage theory is presented for metallic composites with strong fibers. Application is to reinforced structures in which the fiber orientation may vary throughout but a distinct fiber direction can be identified locally (local transverse isotropy). The creep deformation model follows earlier work and is based on a flow potential function that depends on invariants reflecting stress and the material symmetry. As the focus is on the interaction of creep and damage, primary creep is ignored. The creep rupture model is an extension of continuum damage mechanics and includes an isochronous damage function that depends on invariants specifying the local maximum transverse tension and the maximum longitudinal shear stress. It is posited that at high temperature and low stress, appropriate to engineering practice, these stress components damage the fiber/matrix interface through diffusion controlled void growth, eventually causing creep rupture. Experiments are outlined for characterizing a composite through creep rupture tests under transverse tension and longitudinal shear. Application is made to a thin-walled pressure vessel with reinforcing fibers at an arbitrary helical angle. The results illustrate the usefulness of the model as a means of achieving optimal designs of composite structures where creep and creep rupture are life limiting.
Dominating the Western Hemisphere of Mars, the Tharsis rise is an elongate area centered on Syria Planum that ascends as much as 8 to 10 km above the datum. It is intensely fractured by long, narrow grabens that extend radially hundreds of kilometers beyond the rise and is ringed by mostly concentric wrinkle ridges that formed over 2,000 km from the center of the rise. Its size, involving a full hemisphere of Mars, gives it a central role in the thermo-tectonic evolution of the planet and has stimulated a number of studies attempting to determine the sequence of events responsible for this feature. The constraints that gravity and topography data place on the current structure of Tharsis, along with insights into its development derived from comparisons of detailed regional mapping of faulting with theoretical deformation models are reviewed. Finally, a self-consistent model for the structure of Tharsis is proposed.
New information is presented on the structural and stratigraphic evolution of the Tharsis region of Mars, along with a lithospheric deformation model that can account for the observations. According to this model, the lithosphere beneath Tharsis consists of a thin elastic crustal cap on the rise, which is mechanically detached from the strong upper mantle by a volcanically thickened, hot, weak lower crust; these layers merge into a single cooler strong lithospheric layer around the edges of the rise. It is suggested that the nonuniform distribution of tectonic features and strain around Tharsis is due to the concentration of regional stresses near weaker volcanotectonic centers.
An experimental study was performed to identify the effects of dynamic strain aging (solute drag) and metallurgical instabilities under thermomechanical loading conditions. The study involved a series of closely controlled thermomechanical deformation tests on the solid-solution-strenghened nickel-base superalloy, Hastelloy X. This alloy exhibits a strong isothermal strain aging peak at approximately 600 C, promoted by the effects of solute drag and precipitation hardening. Macroscopic thermomechanical hardening trends are correlated with microstructural characteristics through the use of transmission electron microscopy. These observations are compared and contrasted with isothermal conditions. Thermomechanical behavior unique to the isothermal database is identified and discussed. The microstructural characteristics were shown to be dominated by effects associated with the highest temperature of the thermomechanical cycle. Results indicate that the deformation behavior of Hastelloy X is thermomechanically path dependent. In addition, guidance is given pertaining to deformation modeling in the context of macroscopic unified theory. An internal state variable is formulated to qualitatively reflect the isotropic hardening trends identified in the TMD experiments.
Three-dimensional, elastic-plastic, finite-element results are presented for single-edge crack-tension specimens with several shallow crack-length-to-width ratios (0.05 less than or equal to a/W less than or equal to 0.5). Results showed the need to model the initial yield plateau in the stress-strain behavior to accurately model deformation of the A36 steel specimens. The crack-tip-opening-displacement was found to be linearly proportional to the crack-mouth-opening displacement. A new deformation dependent plastic-eta factor equation is presented for calculating the J-integral from test load-displacement records. This equation was shown to be accurate for all crack lengths considered.
A summary of optical techniques for the Ames Unitary Plan wind tunnels are discussed. Six optical techniques were studied: Schlieren, light sheet and laser vapor screen, angle of attack, model deformation, infrared imagery, and digital image processing. The study includes surveys and reviews of wind tunnel optical techniques, some conceptual designs, and recommendations for use of optical methods in the Ames Unitary Plan wind tunnels. Particular emphasis was placed on searching for systems developed for wind tunnel use and on commercial systems which could be readily adapted for wind tunnels. This final report is to summarize the major results and recommendations.
Instrumentation systems have always been essential components of world class wind tunnels and laboratories. Langley continues to be on the forefront of the development of advanced systems for aerospace applications. This paper will describe recent advances in selected measurement systems which have had significant impact on aerospace testing. To fully understand the aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics influencing aerospace vehicles, highly accurate and repeatable measurements need to be made of critical phenomena. However, to maintain leadership in a highly competitive world market, productivity enhancement and the development of new capabilities must also be addressed aggressively. The accomplishment of these sometimes conflicting requirements has been the challenge of advanced measurement developers. However, several new technologies have recently matured to the point where they have enabled the achievement of these goals. One of the critical areas where advanced measurement systems are required is flow field velocity measurements. These measurements are required to correctly characterize the flowfield under study, to quantify the aerodynamic performance of test articles and to assess the effect of aerodynamic vehicles on their environment. Advanced measurement systems are also making great strides in obtaining planar measurements of other important thermodynamic quantities, including species concentration, temperature, pressure and the speed of sound. Langley has been on the forefront of applying these technologies to practical wind tunnel environments. New capabilities in Projection Moire Interferometry and Acoustics Array Measurement systems have extended our capabilities into the model deformation, vibration and noise measurement arenas. An overview of the status of these techniques and recent applications in practical environments will be presented in this paper.
A two-stage computational procedure is presented for the accurate determination of transverse normal stresses in sandwich panels subjected to thermomechanical loadings. The procedure involves the use of a first-order shear deformation model in the first stage, and an iterational process for successive improvement of the accuracy of the displacement and stress fields in the second stage. The effectiveness of the procedure is demonstrated by means of numerical studies (if thin and moderately thick flat rectangular sandwich panels. Two sets of boundary conditions are considered; namely, one with all edges simply supported. and the other with two opposite edges simply supported and the remaining two clamped. The displacement components and the transverse shear and normal stresses obtained by the proposed computational procedure are found to be in close agreement with the Solutions of the three-dimensional (3-D) continuum models.