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At least 1,549 records · Page 86
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1991

Elasto-plastic coupled temperature-displacement finite element analysis of two-dimensional rolling-sliding contact with a translating heat source

The present paper describes a transient translating elastoplastic thermomechanical finite element model to study two-dimensional frictional rolling contact. Frictional two-dimensional contact is simulated by repeatedly translating a nonuniform thermomechanical distribution across the surface of an elastoplastic half space. The half space is represented by a two-dimensional finite element mesh with appropriate boundaries. Calculations are for an elastic-perfectly plastic material and the selected thermophysical properties are assumed to be temperature independent. The paper presents temperature variations, stress and plastic strain distributions and deformations. Residual tensile stresses are observed. The magnitude and depth of these stresses depends on (1) the temperature gradients and (2) the magnitudes of the normal and tangential tractions.

Rubin, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Monitoring of contact stresses in advanced propulsion systems

This paper discusses a new and innovative numerical procedure for evaluating and monitoring contact stresses in the mating surfaces of propulsion systems. The procedure is intended to extend the range of applicability and the accuracy of contact stress analyses. Originally proposed by Burton Paul, et. al., (1981) the procedure is based upon fundamental solutions from the theory of elasticity. It is an iterative numerical procedure. It is believed that the method has distinct advantages over the classical Hertz method, the finite-element method and over existing approaches with the boundary element method. Several examples are discussed. Favorable comparisons are obtained with classical results. Applications with mating element of propulsion systems are discussed.

Somprakit, Paisan↗
NASA NTRS1990

A contact stress model for multifingered grasps of rough objects

The model developed utilizes a contact-stress analysis of an arbitrarily shaped object in a multifingered grasp. The fingers and the object are all treated as elastic bodies, and the region of contact is modeled as a deformable surface patch. The relationship between the friction and normal forces is nonlocal and nonlinear in nature and departs from the Coulomb approximation. The nature of the constraints arising out of conditions for compatibility and static equilibrium motivated the formulation of the model as a nonlinear constrained minimization problem. The model is able to predict the magnitude of the inwardly directed normal forces and both the magnitude and direction of the tangential (friction) forces at each finger-object interface for grasped objects in static equilibrium.

Sinha, Pramath Raj↗
NASA NTRS1991

Contact stresses in gear teeth - A new method of analysis

A new, innovative procedure called point load superposition for determining the contact stresses in mating gear teeth is presented. It is believed that this procedure will greatly extend both the range of applicability and the accuracy of gear contact stress analysis. Point load superposition is based upon fundamental solutions from the theory of elasticity. It is an iterative numerical procedure which has distinct advantages over the classical Hertz method, the finite element method, and over existing applications with the boundary element method. Specifically, friction and sliding effects, which are either excluded from or difficult to study with the classical methods, are routinely handled with the new procedure. Presented here are the basic theory and the algorithms. Several examples are given. Results are consistent with those of the classical theories. Applications to spur gears are discussed.

Somprakit, Paisan↗
NASA NTRS1990

An analysis of the contact sintering process in III-V solar cells

The possibility of eliminating the gross mechanical changes that take place during sintering while retaining the processes that reduce contact resistivity is investigated. Before considering the electrical aspects, however, it is necessary to understand the relevant metallurgy. As the sintering process proceeds in the InP-Au system, dramatic color changes that enable a precise measurement of the kinetics of each step occur. A detailed insight into the processes that control each stage in the InP-Au interaction has resulted. It is shown that contact sintering in the InP-Au system consists of three consecutive stages, each of which is controlled by a separate mechanism.

Weizer, Victor G.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Ephemeral penalty functions for contact-impact dynamics

The use of penalty functions to treat a class of structural contact-impact problems is investigated, with emphasis on ones in which the impact phenomena are primarily nondestructive in nature and in which only the gross characterization of the response is required. The dynamic equations of motion are integrated by the difference method. The penalty is represented as an ephemeral fictitious nonlinear spring that is inserted on anticipation of contact. The magnitude and variation of the penalty force is determined through energy balancing considerations. The 'bell shape' of the penalty force function for positive gap was found to be satisfactory, as it depends on only two parameters that can be directly assigned the physical meaning of force and distance. The determination of force law parameters by energy balance worked well. The incorporation of restitution coefficients by the area balancing method yielded excellent results, and no substantial modifications are anticipated. Extensional penalty springs are obviously sufficient for the simple examples treated.

De La Fuente, Horacio M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

A Comparison Between Raman Lidar and Conventional Contact Measurements of Atmospheric Temperature

Described here are the results of comparison between lidar and conventional contact measurements of the vertical temperature profile of the atmosphere. The lidar measurements are based on the method of temperature dependence of pure rotational Raman scattering of nitrogen and oxygen molecules. The presented results show that, as a whole, the motion of the lidar and conventional profiles coincide in the confidence intervals. Still there are districts in which the differences lay out of the confidence intervals. In analysis and estimation of the coincidence and the distinction in moving the profiles, we must take into account the differences between the methods for measuring the temperature profiles by lidar and contact methods, i.e. the next additional factors. The tied balloon meter gives the momentary values of the temperature in particular points of the profile, as these momentary values are the results of consequent, but not simultaneous measurements. In the case of free flying balloon, the time of measuring the lower several hundred meters is little because of high vertical velocity (about 300 m/min). This leads to an indefinite increase of the measuring error. The complete space coincidence between the lidar's and conventional profiles isn't possible. The contribution of the factors mentioned above about the error of comparison could increase because of nonstable layers in the planetary boundary layer of the atmosphere as well as by the influence of the mountains and the city situated nearby.

Mitev, V. M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Atmospheric concentrations of submicron contact-freezing nuclei

Atmospheric concentrations of contact-freezing nuclei were measured using a technique primarily sensitive to submicron aerosol particles. Diffusion and phoretic forces were relied on for the capture of nuclei by supercooled drops of distilled water exposed to the sample air. Nucleus concentrations were deduced from the rate at which the drops were observed to freeze, interpreting that rate on the basis of a theoretical prediction of aerosol capture rate for different assumed sizes of the nuclei. Measurements at Laramie, Wyoming, yielded average concentrations of contact-freezing nuclei of 1.7/L at -15 C and 3.1/L at -18 C for an assumed radius of 0.01 micron for the nucleating particles.

Deshler, Terry↗
NASA NTRS1979

A low-cost solar-cell front contact using trapped silver mesh and electrostatic bonding

A new system to provide a contact with a silver mesh trapped between the cell and an encapsulating glass cover is described. Borosilicate glass is joined to the cell by electrostatic bonding during which the glass is deformed around the silver mesh to form a permanent optically coupled integral bond to the cell. The hermetic seal prevents the silver from oxidizing and destroying the electrical contact formed during the bonding process. It is demonstrated that electrostatic glass/silicon bonds have excellent stability under a variety of accelerated environmental tests. Electrostatic bonds to thin films of AL2O3, Ta2O5, and ZrO2 on glass can be used to make antireflective coatings for solar cells manufactured by this process. Test solar cells were manufactured by electrostatic bonding with good curve fill factors and efficiencies of 10 percent.

Landis, Geoffrey A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Measurements of the effects of thermal contact resistance on steady state heat transfer in phosphoric-acid fuel cell stack

The influence of the thermal contact resistance on the heat transfer between the electrode plates, and the cooling system plate in a phosphoric-acid fuel-cell stack was experimentally investigated. The investigation was conducted using a set-up that simulates the operating conditions prevailing in a phosphoric acid fuel-cell stack. The fuel-cell cooling system utilized three types of coolants, water, engine oil, and air, to remove excess heat generated in the cell electrode and to maintain a reasonably uniform temperature distribution in the electrode plate. The thermal contact resistance was measured as a function of pressure at the interface between the electrode plate and the cooling system plate. The interface pressure range was from 0 kPa to 3448 kPa, while the Reynolds number for the cooling limits varied from 15 to 79 for oil, 1165 to 6165 for water, and 700 to 6864 for air. Results showed that increasing the interface pressure resulted in a higher heat transfer coefficient.

Abdul-Aziz, Ali↗
NASA NTRS1993

Oxygen-Free Welding Contact Tips

Contact tips for gas/metal arc welding (GMAW) fabricated from oxygen-free copper. Prototype tips tested in robotic welding, for which application intended. Reduces electrical erosion, increases electrical conductivity, and reduces mechanical wear. Productivity of robotic welding increases while time during welding interrupted for removal and replacement of contact tips minimal. Improves alignment of joints and filler metal, reducing rate of rejection and repair of unacceptable weldments. Utility extends beyond aerospace industry to mass production of various types of hardware, including heavy off-highway construction equipment.

Pike, James F.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Methods for modeling contact dynamics of capture mechanisms

In this paper, an analytical approach for studying the contact dynamics of space-based vehicles during docking/berthing maneuvers is presented. Methods for modeling physical contact between docking/berthing mechanisms, examples of how these models have been used to evaluate the dynamic behavior of automated capture mechanisms, and experimental verification of predicted results are shown.

Williams, Philip J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Analysis of a novel non-contacting waveguide backshort

A new non-contacting waveguide backshort has been developed for millimeter and submillimeter wave frequencies. The design consists of a metal bar with rectangular or circular holes cut into it, which is covered with a dielectric (mylar) layer to form a snug fit with the walls of a waveguide. Hole geometries are adjusted to obtain a periodic variation of the guide impedance on the correct length scale, in order to produce efficient reflection of RF power. It is a mechanically rugged design which can be easily fabricated for frequencies from 1 to 1000 GHz and is thus a sound alternative to the miniaturization of conventional non-contacting shorts. To aid in high-frequency design, a rigorous full-wave analysis has been completed, which will allow variations of the size, number and spacing of the holes to be easily analyzed. This paper will review the backshort design and the method developed for theoretical characterization, followed by a comparison of the experimental and numerical results. Low frequency models operating from 4-6 GHz are shown to demonstrate return loss of greater than -0.2 dB over a 33 percent bandwidth. The theory is in good agreement with measured data.

Weller, T. M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

A comparison of force control algorithms for robots in contact with flexible environments

In order to perform useful tasks, the robot end-effector must come into contact with its environment. For such tasks, force feedback is frequently used to control the interaction forces. Control of these forces is complicated by the fact that the flexibility of the environment affects the stability of the force control algorithm. Because of the wide variety of different materials present in everyday environments, it is necessary to gain an understanding of how environmental flexibility affects the stability of force control algorithms. This report presents the theory and experimental results of two force control algorithms: Position Accommodation Control and Direct Force Servoing. The implementation of each of these algorithms on a two-arm robotic test bed located in the Center for Intelligent Robotic Systems for Space Exploration (CIRSSE) is discussed in detail. The behavior of each algorithm when contacting materials of different flexibility is experimentally determined. In addition, several robustness improvements to the Direct Force Servoing algorithm are suggested and experimentally verified. Finally, a qualitative comparison of the force control algorithms is provided, along with a description of a general tuning process for each control method.

Wilfinger, Lee S.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Low resistance silver contacts to indium phosphide - Electrical and metallurgical considerations

The electrical and metallurgical behavior of the Ag-InP contact system has been investigated. Specific contact resistivity (Rc) values in the low 10 exp -6 Ohm sq cm range are readily achieved on n-InP (Si: 1.7 x 10 exp 18/cu cm) after sintering at 400 C for several minutes. The low Rc values, however, are shown to be accompanied by dissolution of InP into the metallization, resulting in device degradation. An analysis of the sinter-induced metallurgical interactions shows this system to be similar to the well-characterized Au-InP system, albeit with fundamental differences. The similarities include the dissociative diffusion of In, the reaction-suppressing effect of SiO2 capping, and especially, the formation of a phosphide layer at the metal-InP interface. The low post-sinter Rc values in the Ag-InP system may be due to the presence of a AgP2 layer at the metal-InP interface; low values of Rc can be achieved without incurring device degrading metallurgical interactions by introducing a thin AgP2 layer between the InP and the current carrying metallization.

Weizer, Victor G.↗
NASA NTRS1928

The reaction on a float bottom when making contact with water at high speeds

Tests were conducted to investigate the possibility of a serious accident arising from unintentional contact with the water in substantially horizontal flight at high speed. Referring to vector diagrams on Figure 2, it will be seen that a very dangerous condition may arise if the float be allowed to come in contact with the water at high speeds as, for example, when flying at high speed just above the water. The initial diving moment due to suction and drag combined may be great enough to cause the seaplane to nose under before the pilot is able to control the motion. The same test data indicate clearly the existence of forces and moments tending to produce the phenomenon observed by Mr. Carroll (Technical Note No. 287) when the maneuver is carried out at lower speeds, as in a landing.

Richardson, H C↗
NASA NTRS1952

An Impulse-Momentum Method for Calculating Landing-Gear Contact Conditions in Eccentric Landings

An impulse-momentum method for determining impact conditions for landing gears in eccentric landings is presented. The analysis is primarily concerned with the determination of contact velocities for impacts subsequent to initial touchdown in eccentric landings and with the determination of the effective mass acting on each landing gear. These parameters determine the energy-absorption requirements for the landing gear and, in conjunction with the particular characteristics of the landing gear, govern the magnitude of the ground loads. Changes in airplane angular and linear velocities and the magnitude of landing-gear vertical, drag, and side impulses resulting from a landing impact are determined by means of impulse-momentum relationships without the necessity for considering detailed force-time variations. The effective mass acting on each gear is also determined from the calculated landing-gear impulses. General equations applicable to any type of eccentric landing are written and solutions are obtained for the particular cases of an impact on one gear, a simultaneous impact on any two gears, and a symmetrical impact. In addition a solution is presented for a simplified two-degree-of-freedom system which allows rapid qualitative evaluation of the effects of certain principal parameters. The general analysis permits evaluation of the importance of such initial conditions at ground contact as vertical, horizontal, and side drift velocities, wing lift, roll and pitch angles, and rolling and pitching velocities, as well as the effects of such factors as landing gear location, airplane inertia, landing-gear length, energy-absorption efficiency, and wheel angular inertia on the severity of landing impacts. -A brief supplementary study which permits a limited evaluation of variable aerodynamic effects neglected in the analysis is presented in the appendix. Application of the analysis indicates that landing-gear impacts in eccentric landings can be appreciably more severe than impacts in symmetrical landings with the same sinking speed. The results also indicate the effects of landing-gear location, airplane inertia, initial wing lift, side drift velocity, attitude, and initial rolling velocity on the severity of both initial and subsequent landing-gear impacts. A comparison of the severity of impacts on auxiliary gears for tricycle and quadricycle configurations is also presented.

Yntema, Robert T↗
NASA NTRS1955

Statistical Measurements of Contact Conditions of 478 Transport-airplane Landings During Routine Daytime Operations

Statistical measurements of contact conditions have been obtained, by means of a special photographic technique, of 478 landings of present-day transport airplanes made during routine daylight operations in clear air at the Washington National Airport. From the measurements, sinking speeds, rolling velocities, bank angles, and horizontal speeds at the instant before contact have been evaluated and a limited statistical analysis of the results has been made and is reported in this report.

Silsby, Norman S↗