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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.

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At least 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2002

Linear Parameter Varying Control Synthesis for Actuator Failure, Based on Estimated Parameter

The design of a linear parameter varying (LPV) controller for an aircraft at actuator failure cases is presented. The controller synthesis for actuator failure cases is formulated into linear matrix inequality (LMI) optimizations based on an estimated failure parameter with pre-defined estimation error bounds. The inherent conservatism of an LPV control synthesis methodology is reduced using a scaling factor on the uncertainty block which represents estimated parameter uncertainties. The fault parameter is estimated using the two-stage Kalman filter. The simulation results of the designed LPV controller for a HiMXT (Highly Maneuverable Aircraft Technology) vehicle with the on-line estimator show that the desired performance and robustness objectives are achieved for actuator failure cases.

Shin, Jong-Yeob↗
NASA NTRS1990

Improved Voice-Coil Actuators Have Lower Copper Losses

Improved design concept for electromagnetic linear-motion actuators of loudspeaker-voice-coil type reduces both copper losses (dissipation of power in electrical resistances of windings) and magnetic interference with other equipment. Includes closed magnetic circuit, which suppresses fringing flux. Pr/Fe/B permanent magnets yield better performance at lower temperatures. Intended for use where power supplies limited, heating must be minimized, and/or adequate performance at temperatures far below ambient required.

Simizu, Satoru↗
NASA NTRS1966

Compact actuator converts rotary to linear motion

Compact motor mounted on a stationary base converts rotary to linear motion. The motor rotates a gear train assembly so that the end of an arm attached to the assembly moves in a linear path.

Ford, A. G.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Dynamic profile of a prototype pivoted proof-mass actuator

A prototype of a linear inertial reaction actuation (damper) device employing a flexure-pivoted reaction (proof) mass is discussed. The mass is driven by an electromechanic motor using a dc electromagnetic field and an ac electromagnetic drive. During the damping process, the actuator dissipates structural kinetic energy as heat through electromagnetic damping. A model of the inertial, stiffness and damping properties is presented along with the characteristic differential equations describing the coupled response of the actuator and structure. The equations, employing the dynamic coefficients, are oriented in the form of a feedback control network in which distributed sensors are used to dictate actuator response leading to a specified amount of structural excitation or damping.

Miller, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Alignment Mirror Mechanisms for Space Use

The paper describes an optical Alignment Mirror Mechanism (AMM), and discusses its control scheme. The mirror's angular positioning accuracy requirement is +/- 0.2 arc-sec. This requires the mirror's linear positioning actuators to have a positioning accuracy of +/- 109 nm to enable the mirror to meet the angular tip/tilt accuracy requirement. Demonstrated capabilities are +/- 35 nm linear positioning capability at the actuator, which translates into +/- 0.07 arc-sec angular mirror positioning accuracy.

optical mounts↗
NASA NTRS1988

Linear force device

The object of the invention is to provide a mechanical force actuator which is lightweight and manipulatable and utilizes linear motion for push or pull forces while maintaining a constant overall length. The mechanical force producing mechanism comprises a linear actuator mechanism and a linear motion shaft mounted parallel to one another. The linear motion shaft is connected to a stationary or fixed housing and to a movable housing where the movable housing is mechanically actuated through actuator mechanism by either manual means or motor means. The housings are adapted to releasably receive a variety of jaw or pulling elements adapted for clamping or prying action. The stationary housing is adapted to be pivotally mounted to permit an angular position of the housing to allow the tool to adapt to skewed interfaces. The actuator mechanisms is operated by a gear train to obtain linear motion of the actuator mechanism.

Clancy, John P.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Resettable binary latch mechanism for use with paraffin linear motors

A new resettable Binary Latch Mechanism was developed utilizing a paraffin actuator as the motor. This linear actuator alternately latches between extended and retracted positions, maintaining either position with zero power consumption. The design evolution and kinematics of the latch mechanism are presented, as well as the development problems and lessons that were learned.

Maus, Daryl↗
NASA NTRS1994

Strategic avionics technology definition studies. Subtask 3-1A3: Electrical Actuation (ELA) Systems Test Facility

Future aerospace vehicles will require use of the Electrical Actuator systems for flight control elements. This report presents a proposed ELA Test Facility for dynamic evaluation of high power linear Electrical Actuators with primary emphasis on Thrust Vector Control actuators. Details of the mechanical design, power and control systems, and data acquisition capability of the test facility are presented. A test procedure for evaluating the performance of the ELA Test Facility is also included.

Rogers, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Magnetostrictive Actuators For Cryogenic Applications

Linear-translation motors containing magnetostrictive actuator elements proposed for use in making fine position adjustments on scientific instruments at temperatures from near absolute zero to room temperature. Actuators produce small increments of linear motion and operate in "set-and-forget" mode in sense they automatically lock themselves against motion when power not applied. Do not consume or dissipate power when stationary. Proposed linear-translation motors also made to produce large maximum displacements.

Dolgin, Benjamin P.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Time-delay control of a magnetic levitated linear positioning system

In this paper, a high accuracy linear positioning system with a linear force actuator and magnetic levitation is proposed. By locating a permanently magnetized rod inside a current-carrying solenoid, the axial force is achieved by the boundary effect of magnet poles and utilized to power the linear motion, while the force for levitation is governed by Ampere's Law supplied with the same solenoid. With the levitation in a radial direction, there is hardly any friction between the rod and the solenoid. The high speed motion can hence be achieved. Besides, the axial force acting on the rod is a smooth function of rod position, so the system can provide nanometer resolution linear positioning to the molecule size. Since the force-position relation is highly nonlinear, and the mathematical model is derived according to some assumptions, such as the equivalent solenoid of the permanently magnetized rod, so there exists unknown dynamics in practical application. Thus 'robustness' is an important issue in controller design. Meanwhile the load effect reacts directly on the servo system without transmission elements, so the capability of 'disturbance rejection; is also required. With the above consideration, a time-delay control scheme is chosen and applied. By comparing the input-output relation and the mathematical model, the time-delay controller calculates an estimation of unmodeled dynamics and disturbances and then composes the desired compensation into the system. Effectiveness of the linear positioning system and control scheme are illustrated with simulation results.

Tarn, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Control of flexible structures with distributed sensing and processing

Technology is being developed to process signals from distributed sensors using distributed computations. These distributed sensors provide a new feedback capability for vibration control that has not been exploited. Additionally, the sensors proposed are of an optical and distributed nature and could be employed with known techniques of distributed optical computation (Fourier optics, etc.) to accomplish the control system functions of filtering and regulation in a distributed computer. This paper extends the traditional digital, optimal estimation and control theory to include distributed sensing and processing for this application. The design model assumes a finite number of modes which make it amenable to empirical determination of the design model via familiar modal-test techniques. The sensors are assumed to be distributed, but a finite number of point actuators are used. The design process is illustrated by application to a Euler beam. A simulation of the beam is used to design an optimal vibration control system that uses a distributed deflection sensor and nine linear force actuators. Simulations are also used to study the influence of design and processing errors on the performance.

Ghosh, Dave↗
NASA NTRS1992

Structural analysis of three space crane articulated-truss joint concepts

Three space crane articulated truss joint concepts are studied to evaluate their static structural performance over a range of geometric design parameters. Emphasis is placed on maintaining the four longeron reference truss performance across the joint while allowing large angle articulation. A maximum positive articulation angle and the actuator length ratio required to reach the angle are computed for each concept as the design parameters are varied. Configurations with a maximum articulation angle less than 120 degrees or actuators requiring a length ratio over two are not considered. Tip rotation and lateral deflection of a truss beam with an articulated truss joint at the midspan are used to select a point design for each concept. Deflections for one point design are up to 40 percent higher than for the other two designs. Dynamic performance of the three point design is computed as a function of joint articulation angle. The two lowest frequencies of each point design are relatively insensitive to large variations in joint articulation angle. One point design has a higher maximum tip velocity for the emergency stop than the other designs.

In-space construction↗
NASA NTRS1987

Robustness of extended-Kalman-type observers

Robustness properties of extended-Kalman-type observers are investigated for linear plants when actuators and sensors have non-linearities or linear dynamics. Sufficient conditions for the stability of the estimation error are obtained for time-varying extended Kalman filters (EKF) for time-varying plants, and for constant-gain, exponentially weighted EKF for time-invariant plants. When the non-linearities are known only within bands of uncertainty, it is proved that the observer is non-divergent.

Joshi, S. M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Magnetostrictive direct drive motor

Highly magnetostrictive materials such as Tb.3Dy.7Fe2, commercially known as TERFENOL-D, have been used to date in a variety of devices such as high power actuators and linear motors. The larger magnetostriction available in twinned single crystal TERFENOL-D, approx. 2000 ppm at moderate magnetic field strengths, makes possible a new generation of magnetomechanical devices. NASA researchers are studying the potential of this material as the basis for a direct microstepping rotary motor with torque densities on the order of industrial hydraulics and five times greater than that of the most efficient, high power electric motors. Such a motor would be a micro-radian stepper, capable of precision movements and self-braking in the power-off state. Innovative mechanical engineering techniques are juxtaposed on proper magnetic circuit design to reduce losses in structural flexures, inertias, thermal expansions, eddy currents, and magneto-mechanical coupling, thus optimizing motor performance and efficiency. Mathematical models are presented, including magnetic, structural, and both linear and nonlinear dynamic calculations and simulations. In addition, test results on prototypes are presented.

Naik, Dipak↗
NASA NTRS1990

A continuous proportional low-thrust propulsion system

Helium gas flows continuously from a low-temperature dewar supplying propellant for satellite thrusters. Thrust is obtained by movement of a spool located between two opposing nozzles, thus differentially restricting the helium flow. The design procedure and test results of a high bandwidth, low power, linear electromagnetic actuator for the pool movement are presented. Two mathematical models are used to describe the helium flow through the thruster under different flow conditions. The experimental data measured in the vacuum chamber and the computational results from the mathematical models are compared. The models agree with the experiment to 3 percent except near a Knudsen number of 1.

Chen, J.-H.↗