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At least 1,675 records · Page 93

Multi-Axis Resonant Plate Shock Testing Evaluation and Test Specification Development

Resonant plate testing is a shock test method that is frequently used to simulate pyroshock events in the laboratory. Recently, it was discovered that if the unit under test is installed at an off-center location, a tri-axial accelerometer would record a shock response in three directions and the resulting shock response spectra implied that the test may have qualified the component in three directions simultaneously. The purpose of this research project was to evaluate this idea of multi-axis shock testing to determine if it was truly a multi-axis shock environment and if such a test could be used as an equivalent component qualification test. A study was conducted using generic, additively manufactured components tested on a resonant plate, along with an investigation of plate motion to evaluate the component response to off- center plate excitation. The data obtained here along with the analytical simulations performed indicate that off-center resonant plate tests are actually not three-axis shock tests, but rather single axis shocks at an arbitrary angle dictated by the location of the unit under test on the plate. This conclusion is supported by the fact that only one vectored shock input is provided to the component in a resonant plate test. Thus, the output response is a coupled response of the transverse plate vibration and the rotational motion of the component on the plate. Additionally, a multi-axis shock test defined by three single axis test environments always results in a significant component over-test in one direction.

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Experimental Comparison of Piezoelectric and Magnetostrictive Shunt Dampers

A novel mechanism called the vibration ring is being developed to enable energy conversion elements to be incorporated into the driveline of a helicopter or other rotating machines. Unwanted vibration is transduced into electrical energy, which provides a damping effect on the driveline. The generated electrical energy may also be used to power other devices (e.g., health monitoring sensors). PZT (piezoceramic) and PMN-30PT (single crystal) stacks, as well as a Tb_0.3 Dy_0.7 Fe_1.92 (Terfenol-D) rod with a bias magnet array and a pickup coil, were tested as alternative energy conversion elements to use within the vibration ring. They were tuned for broadband damping using shunt resistors, and dynamic compression testing was conducted in a high-speed load frame. Energy conversion was experimentally optimized at 750Hz by tuning the applied bias stress and resistance values. Dynamic testing was conducted up to 1000Hz to determine the effective compressive modulus, shunt loss factor, internal loss factor, and total loss factor. Some of the trends of modulus and internal loss factor versus frequency were unexplained. The single crystal device exhibited the greatest shunt loss factor whereas the Terfenol-D device had the highest internal and total loss factors. Simulations revealed that internal losses in the Terfenol-D device were elevated by eddy current effects, and an improved magnetic circuit could enhance its shunt damping capabilities. Alternatively, the Terfenol-D device may be simplified to utilize only the eddy current dissipation mechanism (no pickup coil or shunt) to create broadband damping.

energy conversion↗

Experimental Comparison of Piezoelectric and Magnetostrictive Shunt Dampers

A novel mechanism called the vibration ring is being developed to enable energy conversion elements to be incorporated into the driveline of a helicopter or other rotating machines. Unwanted vibration is transduced into electrical energy, which provides a damping effect on the driveline. The generated electrical energy may also be used to power other devices (e.g., health monitoring sensors). PZT (piezoceramic) and PMN-30%PT (single crystal) stacks, as well as a Tb_0.3 Dy_0.7 Fe_1.92 (Terfenol-D) rod with a bias magnet array and a pickup coil, were tested as alternative energy conversion elements to use within the vibration ring. They were tuned for broadband damping using shunt resistors, and dynamic compression testing was conducted in a high-speed load frame. Energy conversion was experimentally optimized at 750Hz by tuning the applied bias stress and resistance values. Dynamic testing was conducted up to 1000Hz to determine the effective compressive modulus, shunt loss factor, internal loss factor, and total loss factor. Some of the trends of modulus and internal loss factor versus frequency were unexplained. The single crystal device exhibited the greatest shunt loss factor whereas the Terfenol-D device had the highest internal and total loss factors. Simulations revealed that internal losses in the Terfenol-D device were elevated by eddy current effects, and an improved magnetic circuit could enhance its shunt damping capabilities. Alternatively, the Terfenol-D device may be simplified to utilize only the eddy current dissipation mechanism (no pickup coil or shunt) to create broadband damping.

piezoelectric↗

Control-structures Interaction Test of the LACE Satellite

It is clear that additional experience and validation of Control Structures Interaction (CSI) techniques are needed in controlling the structural dynamics of flexible spacecraft. It is also clear that the effects of the space environment such as weightlessness dictate that this be done in space. Unfortunately, orbital tests are difficult to achieve because of the high cost of the test article, the launch into orbit, the instrumentation, and communication systems. The Low-power Atmospheric Compensation Experiment (LACE) Satellite has provided an opportunity to achieve a CSI test in space for very little cost. First, the CSI test rode piggy-back and did not interfere with the primary objective of LACE. Second, the novel technique of using ground based measurements of vibration of the orbiting satellite was employed. The LACE has a heavy central body to which is attached booms with lengths as long as 150 feet. The ground measurements were obtained using laser Doppler radar at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory Firepond Facility. The initial tests demonstrated the accuracy of the vibration measurements and obtained structural responses for enhancing the accuracy of the mathematical model of the structural dynamics. Germanium corner-cube retroreflectors attached to the central body and a boom deployed to 18 feet ensured a high strength return signal. Subsequent tests demonstrated the ability of an open-loop damper to attenuate the vibrations of the orbiting satellite. The LACE test results are important in contributing to the validation of a CSI technique, and demonstrating a novel ground measurement technique for orbital tests that is accurate but which has very low cost.

Taylor, Lawrence W., Jr.↗

Aircraft noise-induced building vibrations

The outdoor/indoor noise levels and associated vibration levels resulting from aircraft and nonaircraft events are recorded at 11 homesites, a historic building, and a school. In addition, limited subjective tests are conducted to examine the human detection/annoyance thresholds for building vibration and rattle caused by aircraft noise. Results include relationships between aircraft noise and building vibration and between vibration and human response. Comparisons of building vibration data with existing criteria for building damage and human response are also considered.

Stephens, D. G.↗

Development and testing of cabin sidewall acoustic resonators for the reduction of cabin tone levels in propfan-powered aircraft

The use of Helmholtz resonators to increase the sidewall transmission loss (TL) in aircraft cabin sidewalls is evaluated. Development, construction, and test of an aircraft cabin acoustic enclosure, built in support of the Propfan Test Assessment (PTA) program, is described. Laboratory and flight test results are discussed. Resonators (448) were located between the enclosure trim panels and the fuselage shell. In addition, 152 resonators were placed between the enclosure and aircraft floors. The 600 resonators were each tuned to a propfan fundamental blade passage frequency (235 Hz). After flight testing on the PTA aircraft, noise reduction (NR) tests were performed with the enclosure in the Kelly Johnson Research and Development Center Acoustics Laboratory. Broadband and tonal excitations were used in the laboratory. Tonal excitation simulated the propfan flight test excitation. The resonators increase the NR of the cabin walls around the resonance frequency of the resonator array. Increases in NR of up to 11 dB were measured. The effects of flanking, sidewall absorption, cabin absorption, resonator loading of trim panels, and panel vibrations are presented. Resonator and sidewall panel design and test are discussed.

Kuntz, H. L.↗

Evaluating Manufacturing and Assembly Errors in Rotating Machinery to Enhance Component Performance

Manufacturing and assembly phases play a crucial role in providing products that meet the strict functional specifications associated with rotating machinery components. The errors resulting during the manufacturing and assembly of such components are correlated with the vibration and noise emanating from the final system during its operational lifetime. Vibration and noise are especially unacceptable elements in high-risk systems such as helicopters, resulting in premature component degradation and an unsafe flying environment. In such applications, individual components often are subject to 100% inspection prior to assembly, as well as during operation through rigorous maintenance, resulting in increased product development cycles and high production and operation costs. In this work, we focus on providing designers and manufacturing engineers with a technique to evaluate vibration modes and levels for each component or subsystem prior to putting them into operation. This paper presents a preliminary investigation of the correlation between vibrations and manufacturing and assembly errors using an experimental test rig, which simulates a simple bearing and shaft arrangement. A factorial design is used to study the effects of: 1) different manufacturing instances; 2) different assembly instances; and, 3) varying shaft speeds. The results indicate a correlation between manufacturing or assembly errors and vibrations measured from accelerometers. Challenges in developing a tool for DFM are identified, followed by a discussion of future work, including a real-world application to helicopter transmission vibrations.

Tumer, Irem Y.↗

Spacecraft Micro-Vibration: A Survey of Problems, Experiences, Potential Solutions, and Some Lessons Learned

Predicting, managing, controlling, and testing spacecraft microvibrations due to on-board internal disturbance sources is a formidable multi-disciplinary systems engineering challenge, especially for those observatories hosting extremely sensitive optical sensor payloads with stringent requirements on allowable line-of-sight jitter. In this paper some specific spacecraft micro-vibration engineering challenges will be introduced and described. Technical background context is provided with the inclusion of several illustrative examples of NASA and European Space Agency missions (both past and present) where dynamic interactions have to be addressed and which have demanding payload instrument line-of-sight jitter requirements. A general modeling, analysis, simulation, and test approach to address and solve the overall problem of spacecraft micro-vibrations is outlined. Recommended rules of thumb are presented to provide guidance for analysts on where to initiate and how to approach a new spacecraft micro-vibration design problem. A set of experience-based spacecraft micro-vibration lessons learned are also presented in the hope they can be leveraged on new system development projects to help overcome unfamiliarity with previously identified microvibration technical pitfalls and challenges.

Dennehy, Cornelius↗

Effectiveness of Versalink 143 on Improving Shock Survival of Encapsulated Electronics

In the past, test-vehicle-mounted instrumentation modules that record sensor data during shock and vibration events have been coated with a polymer isolation layer to enhance survivability. This study uses finite element modeling to evaluate the effectiveness of the isolation material Versalink 143 on reducing stress in an instrumentation module. The modeling shows that while the isolation layer does attenuate stress due to high frequency shock and vibration, it also amplifies stress due to lower frequency shock and vibration. Thicker layers tend to attenuate high frequency stress more and amplify low frequency stress less. In addition, at higher test temperatures thermal expansion of the isolation layer can cause static stress in the module far greater than the stress due to shock, depending on how the module is constrained within the test vehicle. When designing and implementing vehicle- mounted instrumentation modules, the expected input shock spectrum, mounting constraints, and static effects of temperature must be carefully considered.

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Life testing of Mallory cells

Tests were performed to assess the effects of storage time, storage temperature, vibration, discharge rate and temperature, and capacity of high-rate, D size, lithium sulfur dioxide cells. Data from these tests are discussed.

Dugan, D.↗

Occurrence of sub-synchronous vibration in a multistage turbine pump and its prevention

It is because of the critical importance the prevention of vibration for high-load rotary machinery assumes in ensuring reliability of a plant as a whole that so many investigations and studies have been performed. A peculiar vibration encountered in a multistage turbine pump is presented and discussed. The pump was serving an active power plant in a part that was a veritable 'heart' of the entire plant, and the major vibration component was about 80 percent frequency of revolution. At first, the propagating stall was thought to be responsible, but the absence of higher harmonics made this presumption untenable. Or else, even though previous reports dealt with seemingly similar mechanical vibration troubles, they offer no clear diagnosis nor suggest simple remedial measures. It is for these reasons that the problem was investigated. Through fundamental tests and experiments, several insights into the nature of this anomalous vibration were gained, the fluid force that caused such a vibration was determined, and effective countermeasures were devised.

Kanai, Yanosuke↗

Icing research tunnel test of a model helicopter rotor

An experimental program has been conducted in the NASA Lewis Research Center Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) in which an OH-58 tail rotor assembly was operated in a horizontal plane to simulate the action of a typical main rotor. Ice was accreted on the blades in a variety of rotor and tunnel operating conditions and documentation of the resulting shapes was performed. Rotor torque and vibration are presented as functions of time for several representative test runs, and the effects of various parametric variations on the blade ice shapes are shown. This OH-58 test was the first of its kind in the United States and will encourage additional model rotor icing tunnel testing. Although not a scaled representative of any actual full-scale main rotor system, this rig has produced torque and vibration data which will be useful in assessing the quality of existing rotor icing analyses.

Miller, Thomas L.↗

Icing Research Tunnel test of a model helicopter rotor

An experimental program has been conducted in the NASA Lewis Research Center Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) in which an OH-58 tail rotor assembly was operated in a horizontal plane to simulate the action of a typical main rotor. Ice was accreted on the blades in a variety of rotor and tunnel operating conditions and documentation of the resulting shapes was performed. Rotor torque and vibration are presented as functions of time for several representative test runs, and the effects of various parametric variations on the blade ice shapes are shown. This OH-58 test was the first of its kind in the United States and will encourage additional model rotor icing tunnel testing. Although not a scaled representative of any actual full-scale main rotor system, this rig has produced torque and vibration data which will be useful in assessing the quality of existing rotor icing analyses.

Miller, Thomas L.↗

Hotfire testing of a SSME HPOTP with an annular hydrostatic bearing

A new fluid film bearing package has been tested in the SSME High Pressure Oxygen Turbopump (HPOTP). This fluid film element functions as both the pump end bearing and the preburner pump rear wear ring seal. Most important, it replaces a duplex ball bearing package which has been the primary life limiting component in the turbopump. The design and predicted performance of the turbopump are reviewed. Results are presented for measured pump and bearing performance. The most significant results were obtained from proximity probes located in the bearing bore which revealed large subsynchronous precession at 10 percent of shaft speed during engine start which subsided prior to mainstage power levels and reappeared during engine shutdown at equivalent power levels below 65 percent of nominal. This phenomenon has been attributed to rotating stall in the diffuser. The proximity probes also revealed the location of the bearing in the bore for different operating speeds. Pump vibration characteristics were improved as compared to pumps tested with ball bearings. After seven starts and more than 700 seconds of testing, the pump showed no signs of performance degradation.

Nolan, Steven A.↗

Seismic monitoring of underground vibration: database of seismic data and ground truth

Seismic waves provide valuable insights into underground activities, serving as an essential tool for monitoring anomalies that could signal containment breaches in geological repositories. We aim to test and refine underground detection and geolocation techniques to identify anomalous vibration signals indicative of potential breaches, thereby strengthening georepository safeguards. We evaluate the effectiveness of two distinct, low-maintenance sensing technologies (surface geophones and underground distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) fiber optic cable) leveraging existing datasets. This report details the experimental designs, instrumentation, and data characteristics for both seismic and DAS arrays. Additionally, we provide a ground truth database documenting relevant operational activities for each experiment.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Stress Analysis and Permeability Testing of Cryogenic Composite Feed Line

For the next generation Single-Stage-To-Orbit (SSTO) Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), the use of advanced composite materials is highly desirable and critical to the success of the mission. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has been working with the aerospace industry for many years to develop and demonstrate the cryogenic composite propellant tanks and feed lines technologies. A 50.8-mm diameter composite feed line for the Clipper Graham (DCY.A) was developed and tested. The purpose of the program is to demonstrate the LH2 permeability, composite to composite and metal joints, as well as composite flange interface of the composite feed line. Stress analysis and permeability testing have been performed on this article. Recently, a larger composite feed line design is being investigated and developed at MSFC for potential use in future RLV. The diameter of the feed line is 203 mm and the overall length is approximately 2.2 meters. This one piece unlined feed line consists of three straight tubular sections joined by two 90 degree elbows. The material chosen is IM7/977-3 prepreg fabric. The lay-up pattern is [0/90, plus or minus 45]s and is built up to 18 plies to the flanges at both ends. A preliminary stress analysis has been conducted to identify potential critical stresses and to develop the finite element analysis (FEA) capability of composite feed lines. As expected, the critical stresses occurred at the rims of some flange holes and the onset of the tapered tubular sections. Further analysis is required to determine the loads, flange deflection, vibration, and combined maximum loads. Two permeability-testing apparatuses were also designed for both flat panel specimens and curved feed line sections after impact damage. A larger permeant gas exposed area is required to accurately determine the effect of impact damage on the permeability of the feed line materials. The flat panel tester was fabricated and assembled. Three test coupons were made of graphite/epoxy plain weave prepreg and unidirectional prepreg. The flow rate was calculated by measuring the change of manometer fluid height per unit time. The permeability of the coupons is then calculated according to Darcy's Law. The pressure increase due to the head rise in the manometer was not considered for the initial estimation. The result of the unidirectional composite coupon agreed with that obtained from the DC-XA feed line testing of a similar material. Further improvement on the design may be required to improve the accuracy and efficiency of permeability testing.

Chu, Tsuchin Philip↗

HOT SPIN-AND-BURST TEST METHODS FOR AIRCRAFT TURBINE WHEELS

Methods are described for suspension-system vibration damping, automatically controlled induction heating through radiation pyrometers, rotating-disk temperature measurement, and unattended operation with a safety-interlock system.

BURST↗

Feasibility of the LAMMPS SPH Package for Simulating Bubble Motion in Vibrating Containers

The Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) package within LAMMPS is explored as a possible tool for simulating the motion of bubbles in a vibrating liquid-filled container. As an initial test case, the unphysical but computationally less intense situation of a two-dimensional single bubble rising in a quiescent liquid under the influence of gravity is considered herein. Although physically plausible behavior was obtained under certain conditions, this behavior depends strongly on the system parameters. Moreover, the large density ratio between the liquid and bubble requires extremely small timesteps, which make the simulations undesirably computationally expensive. Ultimately, it was determined that this method is not feasible for providing quantitatively accurate results for the desired application.

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