Flight-Time Identification of a UH-60A Helicopter and Slung Load

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cicolani, Luigi S.; McCoy, Allen H.; Tischler, Mark B.; Tucker, George E.; Gatenio, Pinhas; Marmar, Dani

1998-01-01

This paper describes a flight test demonstration of a system for identification of the stability and handling qualities parameters of a helicopter-slung load configuration simultaneously with flight testing, and the results obtained.Tests were conducted with a UH-60A Black Hawk at speeds from hover to 80 kts. The principal test load was an instrumented 8 x 6 x 6 ft cargo container. The identification used frequency domain analysis in the frequency range to 2 Hz, and focussed on the longitudinal and lateral control axes since these are the axes most affected by the load pendulum modes in the frequency range of interest for handling qualities. Results were computed for stability margins, handling qualities parameters and load pendulum stability. The computations took an average of 4 minutes before clearing the aircraft to the next test point. Important reductions in handling qualities were computed in some cases, depending, on control axis and load-slung combination. A database, including load dynamics measurements, was accumulated for subsequent simulation development and validation.

Improving electrical power systems reliability through locally controlled distributed curtailable load

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dehbozorgi, Mohammad Reza

2000-10-01

Improvements in power system reliability have always been of interest to both power companies and customers. Since there are no sizable electrical energy storage elements in electrical power systems, the generated power should match the load demand at any given time. Failure to meet this balance may cause severe system problems, including loss of generation and system blackouts. This thesis proposes a methodology which can respond to either loss of generation or loss of load. It is based on switching of electric water heaters using power system frequency as the controlling signal. The proposed methodology encounters, and the thesis has addressed, the following associated problems. The controller must be interfaced with the existing thermostat control. When necessary to switch on loads, the water in the tank should not be overheated. Rapid switching of blocks of load, or chattering, has been considered. The contributions of the thesis are: (A) A system has been proposed which makes a significant portion of the distributed loads connected to a power system to behave in a predetermined manner to improve the power system response during disturbances. (B) The action of the proposed system is transparent to the customers. (C) The thesis proposes a simple analysis for determining the amount of such loads which might be switched and relates this amount to the size of the disturbances which can occur in the utility. (D) The proposed system acts without any formal communication links, solely using the embedded information present system-wide. (E) The methodology of the thesis proposes switching of water heater loads based on a simple, localized frequency set-point controller. The thesis has identified the consequent problem of rapid switching of distributed loads, which is referred to as chattering. (F) Two approaches have been proposed to reduce chattering to tolerable levels. (G) A frequency controller has been designed and built according to the specifications required to switch electric water heater loads in response to power system disturbances. (H) A cost analysis for building and installing the distributed frequency controller has been carried out. (I) The proposed equipment and methodology has been implemented and tested successfully. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Optimization of hybrid power system composed of SMES and flywheel MG for large pulsed load

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niiyama, K.; Yagai, T.; Tsuda, M.; Hamajima, T.

2008-09-01

A superconducting magnetic storage system (SMES) has some advantages such as rapid large power response and high storage efficiency which are superior to other energy storage systems. A flywheel motor generator (FWMG) has large scaled capacity and high reliability, and hence is broadly utilized for a large pulsed load, while it has comparatively low storage efficiency due to high mechanical loss compared with SMES. A fusion power plant such as International Thermo-Nuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) requires a large and long pulsed load which causes a frequency deviation in a utility power system. In order to keep the frequency within an allowable deviation, we propose a hybrid power system for the pulsed load, which equips the SMES and the FWMG with the utility power system. We evaluate installation cost and frequency control performance of three power systems combined with energy storage devices; (i) SMES with the utility power, (ii) FWMG with the utility power, (iii) both SMES and FWMG with the utility power. The first power system has excellent frequency power control performance but its installation cost is high. The second system has inferior frequency control performance but its installation cost is the lowest. The third system has good frequency control performance and its installation cost is attained lower than the first power system by adjusting the ratio between SMES and FWMG.

Variable frequency inverter for ac induction motors with torque, speed and braking control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nola, F. J. (Inventor)

1975-01-01

A variable frequency inverter was designed for driving an ac induction motor which varies the frequency and voltage to the motor windings in response to varying torque requirements for the motor so that the applied voltage amplitude and frequency are of optimal value for any motor load and speed requirement. The slip frequency of the motor is caused to vary proportionally to the torque and feedback is provided so that the most efficient operating voltage is applied to the motor. Winding current surge is limited and a controlled negative slip causes motor braking and return of load energy to a dc power source.

High-efficiency water-loaded microwave antenna in ultra-high-frequency band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Zilun; Bartone, Chris; Yang, Fuyi; Yao, Jie

2018-03-01

High-index dielectrics are widely used in microwave antennas to control the radiation characteristics. Liquid water, with a high dielectric index at microwave frequency, is an interesting material to achieving tunable functionalities. Here, we demonstrate a water-loaded microwave antenna system that has high loss-tolerance and wideband tunability enabled by fluidity. Our simulation and experimental results show that the resonance frequency can be effectively tuned by the size of loading water. Furthermore, the antenna systems with water loading can achieve high radiation efficiency (>90%) in the ultra-high-frequency (0.3-3 GHz) band. This work brings about opportunities in realistic tunable microwave antenna designs enabled by liquid.

Changes in Predictive Task Switching with Age and with Cognitive Load.

PubMed

Levy-Tzedek, Shelly

2017-01-01

Predictive control of movement is more efficient than feedback-based control, and is an important skill in everyday life. We tested whether the ability to predictively control movements of the upper arm is affected by age and by cognitive load. A total of 63 participants were tested in two experiments. In both experiments participants were seated, and controlled a cursor on a computer screen by flexing and extending their dominant arm. In Experiment 1, 20 young adults and 20 older adults were asked to continuously change the frequency of their horizontal arm movements, with the goal of inducing an abrupt switch between discrete movements (at low frequencies) and rhythmic movements (at high frequencies). We tested whether that change was performed based on a feed-forward (predictive) or on a feedback (reactive) control. In Experiment 2, 23 young adults performed the same task, while being exposed to a cognitive load half of the time via a serial subtraction task. We found that both aging and cognitive load diminished, on average, the ability of participants to predictively control their movements. Five older adults and one young adult under a cognitive load were not able to perform the switch between rhythmic and discrete movement (or vice versa). In Experiment 1, 40% of the older participants were able to predictively control their movements, compared with 70% in the young group. In Experiment 2, 48% of the participants were able to predictively control their movements with a cognitively loading task, compared with 70% in the no-load condition. The ability to predictively change a motor plan in anticipation of upcoming changes may be an important component in performing everyday functions, such as safe driving and avoiding falls.

A Hierarchical Framework for Demand-Side Frequency Control

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moya, Christian; Zhang, Wei; Lian, Jianming

2014-06-02

With large-scale plans to integrate renewable generation, more resources will be needed to compensate for the uncertainty associated with intermittent generation resources. Under such conditions, performing frequency control using only supply-side resources become not only prohibitively expensive but also technically difficult. It is therefore important to explore how a sufficient proportion of the loads could assume a routine role in frequency control to maintain the stability of the system at an acceptable cost. In this paper, a novel hierarchical decentralized framework for frequency based load control is proposed. The framework involves two decision layers. The top decision layer determines themore » optimal droop gain required from the aggregated load response on each bus using a robust decentralized control approach. The second layer consists of a large number of devices, which switch probabilistically during contingencies so that the aggregated power change matches the desired droop amount according to the updated gains. The proposed framework is based on the classical nonlinear multi-machine power system model, and can deal with timevarying system operating conditions while respecting the physical constraints of individual devices. Realistic simulation results based on a 68-bus system are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.« less

Revisiting control establishments for emerging energy hubs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasirian, Vahidreza

Emerging small-scale energy systems, i.e., microgrids and smartgrids, rely on centralized controllers for voltage regulation, load sharing, and economic dispatch. However, the central controller is a single-point-of-failure in such a design as either the controller or attached communication links failure can render the entire system inoperable. This work seeks for alternative distributed control structures to improve system reliability and help to the scalability of the system. A cooperative distributed controller is proposed that uses a noise-resilient voltage estimator and handles global voltage regulation and load sharing across a DC microgrid. Distributed adaptive droop control is also investigated as an alternative solution. A droop-free distributed control is offered to handle voltage/frequency regulation and load sharing in AC systems. This solution does not require frequency measurement and, thus, features a fast frequency regulation. Distributed economic dispatch is also studied, where a distributed protocol is designed that controls generation units to merge their incremental costs into a consensus and, thus, push the entire system to generate with the minimum cost. Experimental verifications and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulations are used to study efficacy of the proposed control protocols.

Design and develop speed/pressure regulator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hasanul Basher, A.M.

1993-09-01

The Physics Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has several recirculating water cooling systems. One of them supplies deionized water at 150 psi, which is mainly used for cooling magnet windings at the Oak Ridge Isochronous Cyclotron (ORIC). The system has three 125-hp water pumps, each of which is capable of supplying water at the rate of 1000 gpm. One of the major requirements of this water supply system is that the supply pressure must be kept constant. An adjustable-frequency speed controller was recently installed to control the speed of one of the pump motors. A servo-system was provided withmore » the adjustable-frequency controller for regulating motor speed and, subsequently, the water pressure. After unsuccessful attempts to operate the servo, it was concluded that the regulator may not work for the existing system. Prior to installation of the variable-frequency controller, pressure regulation was accomplished with a pneumatically controlled load by-pass valve. To maintain constant pressure in the system, it is necessary to run always at full load, even if full load is not on the system. Hence, there is a waste of energy when full load is not connected to the system. So, designing and implementing one regulator that works at any load condition has become necessary. This report discusses the design of such a pressure regulator.« less

Parameter Estimation of Actuators for Benchmark Active Control Technology (BACT) Wind Tunnel Model with Analysis of Wear and Aerodynamic Loading Effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waszak, Martin R.; Fung, Jimmy

1998-01-01

This report describes the development of transfer function models for the trailing-edge and upper and lower spoiler actuators of the Benchmark Active Control Technology (BACT) wind tunnel model for application to control system analysis and design. A simple nonlinear least-squares parameter estimation approach is applied to determine transfer function parameters from frequency response data. Unconstrained quasi-Newton minimization of weighted frequency response error was employed to estimate the transfer function parameters. An analysis of the behavior of the actuators over time to assess the effects of wear and aerodynamic load by using the transfer function models is also presented. The frequency responses indicate consistent actuator behavior throughout the wind tunnel test and only slight degradation in effectiveness due to aerodynamic hinge loading. The resulting actuator models have been used in design, analysis, and simulation of controllers for the BACT to successfully suppress flutter over a wide range of conditions.

Constant strain rate and peri-implant bone modeling: an in vivo longitudinal micro-CT analysis.

PubMed

De Smet, Els; Jaecques, Siegfried V N; Wevers, Martine; Sloten, Jos Vander; Naert, Ignace E

2013-06-01

Strain, frequency, loading time, and strain rate, among others, determine mechanical parameters in osteogenic loading. We showed a significant osteogenic effect on bone mass (BM) by daily peri-implant loading at 1.600µε.s(-1) after 4 weeks. To study the peri-implant osteogenic effect of frequency and strain in the guinea pig tibia by in vivo longitudinal micro-computed tomography (CT) analysis. One week after implant installation in both hind limb tibiae, one implant was loaded daily for 10' during 4 weeks, while the other served as control. Frequencies (3, 10, and 30Hz) and strains varied alike in the three series to keep the strain rate constant at 1.600µε.s(-1) . In vivo micro-CT scans were taken of both tibiae: 1 week after implantation but before loading (v1) and after 2 (v2) and 4 weeks (v3) of loading as well as postmortem (pm). BM (BM (%) bone-occupied area fraction) was calculated as well as the difference between test and control sides (delta BM) RESULTS: All implants (n=78) were clinically stable at 4 weeks. Significant increase in BM was measured between v1 and v2 (p<.0001) and between v1 and v3 (p<.0001). A significant positive effect of loading on delta BM was observed in the distal peri-implant marrow 500 Region of Interest already 2 weeks after loading (p=.01) and was significantly larger (11%) in series 1 compared with series 2 (p=.006) and 3 (p=.016). Within the constraints of constant loading time and strain rate, the effect of early implant loading on the peri-implant bone is strongly dependent on strain and frequency. This cortical bone model has shown to be most sensitive for high force loading at low frequency. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

TRIAC/SCR proportional control circuit

DOEpatents

Hughes, Wallace J.

1999-01-01

A power controller device which uses a voltage-to-frequency converter in conjunction with a zero crossing detector to linearly and proportionally control AC power being supplied to a load. The output of the voltage-to frequency converter controls the "reset" input of a R-S flip flop, while an "0" crossing detector controls the "set" input. The output of the flip flop triggers a monostable multivibrator controlling the SCR or TRIAC firing circuit connected to the load. Logic gates prevent the direct triggering of the multivibrator in the rare instance where the "reset" and "set" inputs of the flip flop are in coincidence. The control circuit can be supplemented with a control loop, providing compensation for line voltage variations.

Neuro-Fuzzy Computational Technique to Control Load Frequency in Hydro-Thermal Interconnected Power System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prakash, S.; Sinha, S. K.

2015-09-01

In this research work, two areas hydro-thermal power system connected through tie-lines is considered. The perturbation of frequencies at the areas and resulting tie line power flows arise due to unpredictable load variations that cause mismatch between the generated and demanded powers. Due to rising and falling power demand, the real and reactive power balance is harmed; hence frequency and voltage get deviated from nominal value. This necessitates designing of an accurate and fast controller to maintain the system parameters at nominal value. The main purpose of system generation control is to balance the system generation against the load and losses so that the desired frequency and power interchange between neighboring systems are maintained. The intelligent controllers like fuzzy logic, artificial neural network (ANN) and hybrid fuzzy neural network approaches are used for automatic generation control for the two area interconnected power systems. Area 1 consists of thermal reheat power plant whereas area 2 consists of hydro power plant with electric governor. Performance evaluation is carried out by using intelligent (ANFIS, ANN and fuzzy) control and conventional PI and PID control approaches. To enhance the performance of controller sliding surface i.e. variable structure control is included. The model of interconnected power system has been developed with all five types of said controllers and simulated using MATLAB/SIMULINK package. The performance of the intelligent controllers has been compared with the conventional PI and PID controllers for the interconnected power system. A comparison of ANFIS, ANN, Fuzzy and PI, PID based approaches shows the superiority of proposed ANFIS over ANN, fuzzy and PI, PID. Thus the hybrid fuzzy neural network controller has better dynamic response i.e., quick in operation, reduced error magnitude and minimized frequency transients.

A robust control strategy for mitigating renewable energy fluctuations in a real hybrid power system combined with SMES

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magdy, G.; Shabib, G.; Elbaset, Adel A.; Qudaih, Yaser; Mitani, Yasunori

2018-05-01

Utilizing Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) is attracting great attention as a solution to future energy shortages. However, the irregular nature of RESs and random load deviations cause a large frequency and voltage fluctuations. Therefore, in order to benefit from a maximum capacity of the RESs, a robust mitigation strategy of power fluctuations from RESs must be applied. Hence, this paper proposes a design of Load Frequency Control (LFC) coordinated with Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) technology (i.e., an auxiliary LFC), using an optimal PID controller-based Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) in the Egyptian Power System (EPS) considering high penetration of Photovoltaics (PV) power generation. Thus, from the perspective of LFC, the robust control strategy is proposed to maintain the nominal system frequency and mitigating the power fluctuations from RESs against all disturbances sources for the EPS with the multi-source environment. The EPS is decomposed into three dynamics subsystems, which are non-reheat, reheat and hydro power plants taking into consideration the system nonlinearity. The results by nonlinear simulation Matlab/Simulink for the EPS combined with SMES system considering PV solar power approves that, the proposed control strategy achieves a robust stability by reducing transient time, minimizing the frequency deviations, maintaining the system frequency, preventing conventional generators from exceeding their power ratings during load disturbances, and mitigating the power fluctuations from the RESs.

Load Frequency Control of AC Microgrid Interconnected Thermal Power System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lal, Deepak Kumar; Barisal, Ajit Kumar

2017-08-01

In this paper, a microgrid (MG) power generation system is interconnected with a single area reheat thermal power system for load frequency control study. A new meta-heuristic optimization algorithm i.e. Moth-Flame Optimization (MFO) algorithm is applied to evaluate optimal gains of the fuzzy based proportional, integral and derivative (PID) controllers. The system dynamic performance is studied by comparing the results with MFO optimized classical PI/PID controllers. Also the system performance is investigated with fuzzy PID controller optimized by recently developed grey wolf optimizer (GWO) algorithm, which has proven its superiority over other previously developed algorithm in many interconnected power systems.

Active noise control using noise source having adaptive resonant frequency tuning through variable ring loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rajiyah, Harindra (Inventor); Pla, Frederic G. (Inventor); Hedeen, Robert A. (Inventor); Renshaw, Anthony A. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

A noise source for an aircraft engine active noise cancellation system in which the resonant frequency of noise radiating structure is tuned to permit noise cancellation over a wide range of frequencies. The resonant frequency of the noise radiating structure is tuned by a plurality of drivers arranged to contact the noise radiating structure. Excitation of the drivers causes expansion or contraction of the drivers, thereby varying the edge loading applied to the noise radiating structure. The drivers are actuated by a controller which receives input of a feedback signal proportional to displacement of the noise radiating element and a signal corresponding to the blade passage frequency of the engine's fan. In response, the controller determines a control signal which is sent to the drivers, causing them to expand or contract. The noise radiating structure may be either the outer shroud of the engine or a ring mounted flush with an inner wall of the shroud or disposed in the interior of the shroud.

Satellite control of electric power distribution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bergen, L.

1981-01-01

An L-band frequencies satellite link providing the medium for direct control of electrical loads at individual customer sites from remote central locations is described. All loads supplied under interruptible-service contracts are likely condidates for such control, and they can be cycled or switched off to reduce system loads. For every kW of load eliminated or deferred to off-peak hours, the power company reduces its need for additional generating capacity. In addition, the satellite could switch meter registers so that their readings automatically reflected the time of consumption. The system would perform load-shedding operations during emergencies, disconnecting large blocks of load according to predetermined priorities. Among the distribution operations conducted by the satellite in real time would be: load reconfiguration, voltage regulation, fault isolation, and capacitor and feeder load control.

A microwave exciter for Cs frequency standards based on a sapphire-loaded cavity oscillator.

PubMed

Koga, Y; McNeilage, C; Searls, J H; Ohshima, S

2001-01-01

A low noise and highly stable microwave exciter system has been built for Cs atomic frequency standards using a tunable sapphire-loaded cavity oscillator (SLCO), which works at room temperature. This paper discusses the successful implementation of a control system for locking the SLCO to a long-term reference signal and reports an upper limit of the achieved frequency tracking error 6 x 10(-15) at tau = 1 s.

Power Quality Control and Design of Power Converter for Variable-Speed Wind Energy Conversion System with Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Generator

PubMed Central

Oğuz, Yüksel; Güney, İrfan; Çalık, Hüseyin

2013-01-01

The control strategy and design of an AC/DC/AC IGBT-PMW power converter for PMSG-based variable-speed wind energy conversion systems (VSWECS) operation in grid/load-connected mode are presented. VSWECS consists of a PMSG connected to a AC-DC IGBT-based PWM rectifier and a DC/AC IGBT-based PWM inverter with LCL filter. In VSWECS, AC/DC/AC power converter is employed to convert the variable frequency variable speed generator output to the fixed frequency fixed voltage grid. The DC/AC power conversion has been managed out using adaptive neurofuzzy controlled inverter located at the output of controlled AC/DC IGBT-based PWM rectifier. In this study, the dynamic performance and power quality of the proposed power converter connected to the grid/load by output LCL filter is focused on. Dynamic modeling and control of the VSWECS with the proposed power converter is performed by using MATLAB/Simulink. Simulation results show that the output voltage, power, and frequency of VSWECS reach to desirable operation values in a very short time. In addition, when PMSG based VSWECS works continuously with the 4.5 kHz switching frequency, the THD rate of voltage in the load terminal is 0.00672%. PMID:24453905

Power quality control and design of power converter for variable-speed wind energy conversion system with permanent-magnet synchronous generator.

PubMed

Oğuz, Yüksel; Güney, İrfan; Çalık, Hüseyin

2013-01-01

The control strategy and design of an AC/DC/AC IGBT-PMW power converter for PMSG-based variable-speed wind energy conversion systems (VSWECS) operation in grid/load-connected mode are presented. VSWECS consists of a PMSG connected to a AC-DC IGBT-based PWM rectifier and a DC/AC IGBT-based PWM inverter with LCL filter. In VSWECS, AC/DC/AC power converter is employed to convert the variable frequency variable speed generator output to the fixed frequency fixed voltage grid. The DC/AC power conversion has been managed out using adaptive neurofuzzy controlled inverter located at the output of controlled AC/DC IGBT-based PWM rectifier. In this study, the dynamic performance and power quality of the proposed power converter connected to the grid/load by output LCL filter is focused on. Dynamic modeling and control of the VSWECS with the proposed power converter is performed by using MATLAB/Simulink. Simulation results show that the output voltage, power, and frequency of VSWECS reach to desirable operation values in a very short time. In addition, when PMSG based VSWECS works continuously with the 4.5 kHz switching frequency, the THD rate of voltage in the load terminal is 0.00672%.

Design and analysis of tilt integral derivative controller with filter for load frequency control of multi-area interconnected power systems.

PubMed

Kumar Sahu, Rabindra; Panda, Sidhartha; Biswal, Ashutosh; Chandra Sekhar, G T

2016-03-01

In this paper, a novel Tilt Integral Derivative controller with Filter (TIDF) is proposed for Load Frequency Control (LFC) of multi-area power systems. Initially, a two-area power system is considered and the parameters of the TIDF controller are optimized using Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm employing an Integral of Time multiplied Absolute Error (ITAE) criterion. The superiority of the proposed approach is demonstrated by comparing the results with some recently published heuristic approaches such as Firefly Algorithm (FA), Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) optimized PID controllers for the same interconnected power system. Investigations reveal that proposed TIDF controllers provide better dynamic response compared to PID controller in terms of minimum undershoots and settling times of frequency as well as tie-line power deviations following a disturbance. The proposed approach is also extended to two widely used three area test systems considering nonlinearities such as Generation Rate Constraint (GRC) and Governor Dead Band (GDB). To improve the performance of the system, a Thyristor Controlled Series Compensator (TCSC) is also considered and the performance of TIDF controller in presence of TCSC is investigated. It is observed that system performance improves with the inclusion of TCSC. Finally, sensitivity analysis is carried out to test the robustness of the proposed controller by varying the system parameters, operating condition and load pattern. It is observed that the proposed controllers are robust and perform satisfactorily with variations in operating condition, system parameters and load pattern. Copyright © 2015 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Wireless power charging using point of load controlled high frequency power converters

DOEpatents

Miller, John M.; Campbell, Steven L.; Chambon, Paul H.; Seiber, Larry E.; White, Clifford P.

2015-10-13

An apparatus for wirelessly charging a battery of an electric vehicle is provided with a point of load control. The apparatus includes a base unit for generating a direct current (DC) voltage. The base unit is regulated by a power level controller. One or more point of load converters can be connected to the base unit by a conductor, with each point of load converter comprising a control signal generator that transmits a signal to the power level controller. The output power level of the DC voltage provided by the base unit is controlled by power level controller such that the power level is sufficient to power all active load converters when commanded to do so by any of the active controllers, without generating excessive power that may be otherwise wasted.

TRIAC/SCR proportional control circuit

DOEpatents

Hughes, W.J.

1999-04-06

A power controller device is disclosed which uses a voltage-to-frequency converter in conjunction with a zero crossing detector to linearly and proportionally control AC power being supplied to a load. The output of the voltage-to frequency converter controls the ``reset`` input of a R-S flip flop, while an ``0`` crossing detector controls the ``set`` input. The output of the flip flop triggers a monostable multivibrator controlling the SCR or TRIAC firing circuit connected to the load. Logic gates prevent the direct triggering of the multivibrator in the rare instance where the ``reset`` and ``set`` inputs of the flip flop are in coincidence. The control circuit can be supplemented with a control loop, providing compensation for line voltage variations. 9 figs.

Frequency response of pig intervertebral disc cells subjected to dynamic hydrostatic pressure.

PubMed

Kasra, Mehran; Merryman, W David; Loveless, Kristen N; Goel, Vijay K; Martin, James D; Buckwalter, Joseph A

2006-10-01

The pathogenesis of vibration-induced disorders of intervertebral disc at the cellular level is largely unknown. Dynamic loads with frequencies close to that of the in vivo human spine resonant frequency (4-6 Hz) have a destructive effect, which may induce extracellular disc matrix (ECM) degradation. To investigate this issue, three-dimensional (3D) alginate cultures of normal pig intervertebral disc nucleus and inner annulus cells were tested under dynamic hydrostatic loading. Alginate cultures of each region were divided into six groups; five groups were exposed to cyclic hydrostatic pressures of frequencies 1, 3, 5, 8, and 10 Hz with the same amplitude (1 MPa), and group 6 was the control group (no loading). Cultures of different groups were loaded for 3 days (30 min daily) in a hydraulic chamber. Effects of loading frequency on disc collagen and protein metabolism were investigated by measuring 3H-proline-labeled proteins associated with the cells in the extracellular matrix and release of 3H-proline-labeled molecules into culture medium. The results indicated a poor synthesis rate and more degradation near the 5 Hz frequency. The repeatability of experiments was verified by performing two experiments with the same protocol. Both experiments indicated that a threshold frequency of around 5 Hz disrupted protein metabolism. Copyright (c) 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society.

Spinning Reserve From Hotel Load Response: Initial Progress

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kueck, John D; Kirby, Brendan J

2008-11-01

This project was motivated by the fundamental match between hotel space conditioning load response capability and power system contingency response needs. As power system costs rise and capacity is strained demand response can provide a significant system reliability benefit at a potentially attractive cost. At ORNL s suggestion, Digital Solutions Inc. adapted its hotel air conditioning control technology to supply power system spinning reserve. This energy saving technology is primarily designed to provide the hotel operator with the ability to control individual room temperature set-points based upon occupancy (25% to 50% energy savings based on an earlier study [Kirby andmore » Ally, 2002]). DSI added instantaneous local load shedding capability in response to power system frequency and centrally dispatched load shedding capability in response to power system operator command. The 162 room Music Road Hotel in Pigeon Forge Tennessee agreed to host the spinning reserve test. The Tennessee Valley Authority supplied real-time metering equipment in the form of an internet connected Dranetz-BMI power quality meter and monitoring expertise to record total hotel load during both normal operations and test results. The Sevier County Electric System installed the metering. Preliminary testing showed that hotel load can be curtailed by 22% to 37% depending on the outdoor temperature and the time of day. These results are prior to implementing control over the common area air conditioning loads. Testing was also not at times of highest system or hotel loading. Full response occurred in 12 to 60 seconds from when the system operator s command to shed load was issued. The load drop was very rapid, essentially as fast as the 2 second metering could detect, with all units responding essentially simultaneously. Load restoration was ramped back in over several minutes. The restoration ramp can be adjusted to the power system needs. Frequency response testing was not completed. Initial testing showed that the units respond very quickly. Problems with local power quality generated false low frequency signals which required testing to be stopped. This should not be a problem in actual operation since the frequency trip points will be staggered to generate a droop curve which mimics generator governor response. The actual trip frequencies will also be low enough to avoid power quality problems. The actual trip frequencies are too low to generate test events with sufficient regularity to complete testing in a reasonable amount of time. Frequency response testing will resume once the local power quality problem is fully understood and reasonable test frequency settings can be determined. Overall the preliminary testing was extremely successful. The hotel response capability matches the power system reliability need, being faster than generation response and inherently available when the power system is under the most stress (times of high system and hotel load). Periodic testing is scheduled throughout the winter and spring to characterize hotel response capability under a full range of conditions. More extensive testing will resume when summer outdoor temperatures are again high enough to fully test hotel response.« less

VOLTTRON-Based System for Providing Ancillary Services with Residential Building Loads

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jin, Xin

2016-07-01

Ancillary services entail controlled modulation of building equipment to maintain a stable balance of generation and load in the power system. Ancillary services include frequency regulation and contingency reserves, whose acting time ranges from several seconds to several minutes. Many pilot studies have been implemented to use industrial loads to provide ancillary services, and some have explored services from commercial building loads or electric vehicle charging loads. Residential loads, such as space conditioning and water heating, represent a largely untapped resource for providing ancillary services. The residential building sector accounts for a significant fraction of the total electricity use inmore » the United States. Many loads in residential buildings are flexible and could potentially be curtailed or shifted at the request of the grid. However, there are many barriers that prevent residential loads being widely used for ancillary services. One of the major technical barriers is the lack of communication capabilities between end-use devices and the grid. End-use devices need to be able to receive the automatic generation control (AGC) signal from the grid operator and supply certain types of telemetry to verify response. With the advance of consumer electronics, communication-enabled, or 'connected,' residential equipment has emerged to overcome the communication barrier. However, these end-use devices have introduced a new interoperability challenge due to the existence of numerous standards and communication protocols among different end devices. In this paper, we present a VOLTTRON-based system that overcomes these technical challenges and provides ancillary services with residential loads. VOLTTRON is an open-source control and sensing platform for building energy management, facilitating interoperability solutions for end devices. We have developed drivers to communicate and control different types of end devices through standard-based interfaces, manufacturer-provided application programming interfaces, and proprietary communication interfaces. We document the ability to manage nine appliances, using four different standards or proprietary communication methods. A hardware-in-the-loop test was performed in a laboratory environment where the loads of a laboratory home and a large number of simulated homes are controlled by an aggregator. Upon receipt of an AGC signal, the VOLTTRON home energy management system (HEMS) of the laboratory home adjusts the end-device controls based on the comfort criteria set by the end users and sends telemetry to the aggregator to verify response. The aggregator then sends the AGC signal to other simulated homes in attempts to match the utility request as closely as possible. Frequency regulation is generally considered a higher value service than other ancillary services but it is also more challenging due to the constraint of short response time. A frequency regulation use case has been implemented with the regulation signals sent every 10 seconds. Experimental results indicate that the VOLTTRON-controlled residential loads are able to be controlled with sufficient fidelity to enable an aggregator to meet frequency regulation requirements. Future work is warranted, such as understanding the impact of this type of control on equipment life, and market requirements needed to open up residential loads to ancillary service aggregators.« less

Statistical Analysis of Solar PV Power Frequency Spectrum for Optimal Employment of Building Loads

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Olama, Mohammed M; Sharma, Isha; Kuruganti, Teja

In this paper, a statistical analysis of the frequency spectrum of solar photovoltaic (PV) power output is conducted. This analysis quantifies the frequency content that can be used for purposes such as developing optimal employment of building loads and distributed energy resources. One year of solar PV power output data was collected and analyzed using one-second resolution to find ideal bounds and levels for the different frequency components. The annual, seasonal, and monthly statistics of the PV frequency content are computed and illustrated in boxplot format. To examine the compatibility of building loads for PV consumption, a spectral analysis ofmore » building loads such as Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) units and water heaters was performed. This defined the bandwidth over which these devices can operate. Results show that nearly all of the PV output (about 98%) is contained within frequencies lower than 1 mHz (equivalent to ~15 min), which is compatible for consumption with local building loads such as HVAC units and water heaters. Medium frequencies in the range of ~15 min to ~1 min are likely to be suitable for consumption by fan equipment of variable air volume HVAC systems that have time constants in the range of few seconds to few minutes. This study indicates that most of the PV generation can be consumed by building loads with the help of proper control strategies, thereby reducing impact on the grid and the size of storage systems.« less

A Comprehensive Robust Adaptive Controller for Gust Load Alleviation

PubMed Central

Quagliotti, Fulvia

2014-01-01

The objective of this paper is the implementation and validation of an adaptive controller for aircraft gust load alleviation. The contribution of this paper is the design of a robust controller that guarantees the reduction of the gust loads, even when the nominal conditions change. Some preliminary results are presented, considering the symmetric aileron deflection as control device. The proposed approach is validated on subsonic transport aircraft for different mass and flight conditions. Moreover, if the controller parameters are tuned for a specific gust model, even if the gust frequency changes, no parameter retuning is required. PMID:24688411

Virtual trajectories, joint stiffness, and changes in the limb natural frequency during single-joint oscillatory movements.

PubMed

Latash, M L

1992-07-01

In the framework of the equilibrium-point hypothesis, virtual trajectories and patterns of joint stiffness were reconstructed during voluntary single-joint oscillatory movements in the elbow joint at a variety of frequencies and against two inertial loads. At low frequencies, virtual trajectories were in-phase with the actual joint trajectories. Joint stiffness changed at a doubled frequency. An increase in movement frequency and/or inertial load led to an increase in the difference between the peaks of the actual and virtual trajectories and in both peak and averaged values of joint stiffness. At a certain, critical frequency, virtual trajectory was nearly flat. Further increase in movement frequency led to a 180 degree phase shift between the actual and virtual trajectories. The assessed values of the natural frequency of the system "limb + manipulandum" were close to the critical frequencies for both low and high inertial loads. Peak levels and integrals of the electromyograms of two flexor and two extensor muscles changed monotonically with movement frequency without any special behavior at the critical frequencies. Nearly flat virtual trajectories at the natural frequency make physical sense as hypothetical control signals, unlike the electromyographic recordings, since a system at its natural frequency requires minimal central interference. Modulation of joint stiffness is assumed to be an important adaptive mechanism attenuating difference between the system's natural frequency and desired movement frequency. Virtual trajectory is considered a behavioral observable. Phase transitions between the virtual and actual trajectories are illustrations of behavioral discontinuities introduced by slow changes in a higher level control parameter, movement frequency. Relative phase shift between these two trajectories may be considered an order parameter.

Hyperhomocysteinemia following a methionine load in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and macrovascular disease.

PubMed

Munshi, M N; Stone, A; Fink, L; Fonseca, V

1996-01-01

In the setting of an outpatient diabetic clinic, we determined whether macrovascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus is associated with hyperhomocysteinemia (elevated plasma homocysteine [H(e)] concentrations) following a methionine load. Methionine-load tests were performed in 18 healthy controls, 11 diabetics without vascular disease (five insulin-dependent [IDDM] and six non-insulin-dependent [NIDDM]); and 17 diabetics with vascular disease (five IDDM and 12 NIDDM). All subjects were male, and there was no significant difference in mean age among the three groups. We measured plasma H(e) concentrations before and 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours after an oral methionine load. Hyperhomocysteinemia (peak plasma H(e) concentration > control mean +/- 2 SD) occurred with significantly greater frequency (seven of 18, 39%) in patients with NIDDM as compared with age-matched controls (7%), being more common in those with macrovascular disease (five of 12, 41%). The area under the curve (AUC) over 24 hours, reflecting the total period of exposure to H(e), was also elevated with greater frequency in patients with NIDDM and macrovascular disease (33%) as compared with controls (0%). We conclude that hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with macrovascular disease in a significant proportion of patients with NIDDM. Further investigation of this association may determine whether hyperhomocysteinemia contributes to the increased frequency and accelerated clinical course of vascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Dynamically variable negative stiffness structures.

PubMed

Churchill, Christopher B; Shahan, David W; Smith, Sloan P; Keefe, Andrew C; McKnight, Geoffrey P

2016-02-01

Variable stiffness structures that enable a wide range of efficient load-bearing and dexterous activity are ubiquitous in mammalian musculoskeletal systems but are rare in engineered systems because of their complexity, power, and cost. We present a new negative stiffness-based load-bearing structure with dynamically tunable stiffness. Negative stiffness, traditionally used to achieve novel response from passive structures, is a powerful tool to achieve dynamic stiffness changes when configured with an active component. Using relatively simple hardware and low-power, low-frequency actuation, we show an assembly capable of fast (<10 ms) and useful (>100×) dynamic stiffness control. This approach mitigates limitations of conventional tunable stiffness structures that exhibit either small (<30%) stiffness change, high friction, poor load/torque transmission at low stiffness, or high power active control at the frequencies of interest. We experimentally demonstrate actively tunable vibration isolation and stiffness tuning independent of supported loads, enhancing applications such as humanoid robotic limbs and lightweight adaptive vibration isolators.

Low-to-Medium Power Single Chip Digital Controlled DC-DC Regulator for Point-of-Load Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adell, Philippe C. (Inventor); Bakkaloglu, Bertan (Inventor); Vermeire, Bert (Inventor); Liu, Tao (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A DC-DC converter for generating a DC output voltage includes: a digitally controlled pulse width modulator (DPWM) for controlling a switching power stage to supply a varying voltage to an inductor; and a digital voltage feedback circuit for controlling the DPWM in accordance with a feedback voltage corresponding to the DC output voltage, the digital voltage feedback circuit including: a first voltage controlled oscillator for converting the feedback voltage into a first frequency signal and to supply the first frequency signal to a first frequency discriminator; a second voltage controlled oscillator for converting a reference voltage into a second frequency signal and to supply the second frequency signal to a second frequency discriminator; a digital comparator for comparing digital outputs of the first and second frequency discriminators and for outputting a digital feedback signal; and a controller for controlling the DPWM in accordance with the digital feedback signal.

Application of long-term simulation programs for analysis of system islanding

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sancha, J.L.; Llorens, M.L.; Moreno, J.M.

1997-02-01

This paper describes the main results and conclusions from the application of two different long-term stability programs to the analysis of a system islanding scenario for a study case developed by Red Electrica de Espana (REE), based on the Spanish system. Two main goals were to evaluate the performance of both the influence of some important control and protection elements (tie-line loss-of-synchronism relays, underfrequency load-shedding, load-frequency control, and power plant dynamics). Conclusions about modeling and computational requirements for system islanding (frequency) scenarios and use of long-term stability programs are presented.

Perceived parental food controlling practices are related to obesogenic or leptogenic child life style behaviors.

PubMed

Van Strien, Tatjana; van Niekerk, Rianne; Ouwens, Machteld A

2009-08-01

To better understand whether the parental food controlling practices pressure and restriction to eat are obesity preventing or obesity promoting, this study examined whether these parenting practices are related to other (food or non-food) areas that are generally regarded as obesogenic or leptogenic. Are these foods controlling practices more indicative of obesogenic or leptogenic child life style behaviors? In a sample of 7-12-year-old boys and girls (n = 943) the perceived parental food controlling practices were related to various measures for unhealthy life style. Using factor analysis we assessed whether there is a constellation of lifestyle behaviors that is potentially obesogenic or leptogenic. Remarkably, perceived parental restriction and pressure loaded on two different factors. Perceived parental restriction to eat had a negative loading on a factor that further comprised potential obesogenic child life style behaviors, such as snacking (positive loading), time spend with screen media (television or computer) (positive loadings) and frequency of fruit consumption (negative loading). Perceived parental pressure to eat had a positive loading on a factor that further comprised potential leptogenic life style behaviors such as frequency of eating a breakfast meal and sporting (positive loadings). It is concluded that low perceived parental restriction in regard to food may perhaps be a sign of more uninvolved 'neglecting' or indulgent parenting/obesogenic home environment, whereas high perceived parental pressure to eat may be sign of a more 'concerned' leptogenic parenting/home environment, though more research into style of parenting is needed.

Evaluation Of Rotation Frequency Gas-Diesel Engines When Using Automatic Control System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhilenkov, A.; Efremov, A.

2017-01-01

A possibility of quality improvement of stabilization of rotation frequency of the gas-diesels used as prime mover of generator set in the multigenerator units working for abruptly variable load of large power is considered. An evaluation is made on condition of fuzzy controller use developed and described by the authors in a number of articles. An evaluation has shown that theoretically, the revolution range of gas-diesel engine may be reduced at 25-30 times at optimal settings of the controller in all the power range. The results of modeling showing a considerable quality improvement of transient processes in the investigated system at a sharp change of loading are presented in this article.

Impacts of P-f & Q-V Droop Control on MicroGrids Transient Stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao-xia, Xiao; Hong-wei, Fang

Impacts of P-f & Q-V droop control on MicroGrid transient stability was investigated with a wind unit of asynchronous generator in the MicroGrid. The system frequency stability was explored when the motor load starts and its load power changes, and faults of different types and different locations occurs. The simulations were done by PSCAD/EMTDC.

Detection frequency of human herpesviruses-6A, -6B, and -7 genomic sequences in central nervous system DNA samples from post-mortem individuals with unspecified encephalopathy.

PubMed

Chapenko, Svetlana; Roga, Silvija; Skuja, Sandra; Rasa, Santa; Cistjakovs, Maksims; Svirskis, Simons; Zaserska, Zane; Groma, Valerija; Murovska, Modra

2016-08-01

In this autopsy-based study, human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) and -7 (HHV-7) genomic sequence frequency, HHV-6 variants, HHV-6 load and the expression of HHV-6 antigens in brain samples from the individuals, with and without unspecified encephalopathy (controls), using nested and real-time polymerase chain reactions, restriction endonuclease, and immunohistochemical analysis were examined. GraphPad Prism 6.0 Mann-Whitney nonparametric and chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. The encephalopathy diagnoses were shown by magnetic resonance imaging made during their lifetime and macro- and microscopically studied autopsy tissue materials. Widespread HHV-6 and/or HHV-7 positivity was detected in the brain tissue of various individuals with encephalopathy, as well as in controls (51/57, 89.4 % and 35/51, 68.6 %, respectively; p = 0.009). Significantly higher detection frequency of single HHV-6 and concurrent HHV-6 + HHV-7 DNA was found in pia mater meninges, frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and olfactory tract DNAs in individuals with encephalopathy compared to the control group. HHV-6 load and higher frequency of the viral load >10 copies/10(6) cells significantly differed in samples from individuals with and without encephalopathy. The expression of HHV-6 antigens was revealed in different neural cell types with strong predominance in the encephalopathy group. In all HHV-6-positive autopsy samples of individuals with and without encephalopathy, HHV-6B was revealed. Significantly higher detection frequency of beta-herpesvirus DNA, more often detected HHV-6 load >10 copies/10(6) cells, as well as the expression of HHV-6 antigens in different brain tissue samples from individuals with encephalopathy in comparison with control group indicate on potential involvement of these viruses in encephalopathy development.

Antenna-load interactions at optical frequencies: impedance matching to quantum systems.

PubMed

Olmon, R L; Raschke, M B

2012-11-09

The goal of antenna design at optical frequencies is to deliver optical electromagnetic energy to loads in the form of, e.g., atoms, molecules or nanostructures, or to enhance the radiative emission from such structures, or both. A true optical antenna would, on a qualitatively new level, control the light-matter interaction on the nanoscale for controlled optical signal transduction, radiative decay engineering, quantum coherent control, and super-resolution microscopy, and provide unprecedented sensitivity in spectroscopy. Resonant metallic structures have successfully been designed to approach these goals. They are called optical antennas in analogy to radiofrequency (RF) antennas due to their capability to collect and control electromagnetic fields at optical frequencies. However, in contrast to the RF, where exact design rules for antennas, waveguides, and antenna-load matching in terms of their impedances are well established, substantial physical differences limit the simple extension of the RF concepts into the optical regime. Key distinctions include, for one, intrinsic material resonances including quantum state excitations (metals, metal oxides, semiconductor homo- and heterostructures) and extrinsic resonances (surface plasmon/phonon polaritons) at optical frequencies. Second, in the absence of discrete inductors, capacitors, and resistors, new design strategies must be developed to impedance match the antenna to the load, ultimately in the form of a vibrational, electronic, or spin excitation on the quantum level. Third, there is as yet a lack of standard performance metrics for characterizing, comparing and quantifying optical antenna performance. Therefore, optical antenna development is currently challenged at all the levels of design, fabrication, and characterization. Here we generalize the ideal antenna-load interaction at optical frequencies, characterized by three main steps: (i) far-field reception of a propagating mode exciting an antenna resonance, (ii) subsequent transformation of that mode into a nanoscale spatial localization, and (iii) near-field coupling via an enhanced local density of states to a quantum load. These three steps define the goal of efficient transformation of incident radiation into a quantum excitation in an impedance-matched fashion. We review the physical basis of the light-matter interaction at the transition from the RF to optical regime, discuss the extension of antenna theory as needed for the design of impedance-matched optical antenna-load coupled systems, and provide several examples of the state of the art in design strategies and suggest future extensions. We furthermore suggest new performance metrics based on the combination of electric vector field, field enhancement and capture cross section measurement to aid in comparison between different antenna designs and optimization of optical antenna performance within the physical parameter space.

Dynamics of fluidic devices with applications to rotor pitch links

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scarborough, Lloyd H., III

Coupling a Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite (F2MC) to an air-pressurized fluid port produces a fundamentally new class of tunable vibration isolator. This fluidlastic device provides significant vibration reduction at an isolation frequency that can be tuned over a broad frequency range. The material properties and geometry of the F2MC element, as well as the port inertance, determine the isolation frequency. A unique feature of this device is that the port inertance depends on pressure so the isolation frequency can be adjusted by changing the air pressure. For constant port inertance, the isolation frequency is largely independent of the isolated mass so the device is robust to changes in load. A nonlinear model is developed to predict isolator length and port inertance. The model is linearized and the frequency response calculated. Experiments agree with theory, demonstrating a tunable isolation range from 9 Hz to 36 Hz and transmitted force reductions of up to 60 dB at the isolation frequency. Replacing rigid pitch links on rotorcraft with coupled fluidic devices has the potential to reduce the aerodynamic blade loads transmitted through the pitch links to the swashplate. Analytical models of two fluidic devices coupled with three different fluidic circuits are derived. These passive fluidlastic systems are tuned, by varying the fluid inertances and capacitances of each fluidic circuit, to reduce the transmitted pitch-link loads. The different circuit designs result in transmitted pitch link loads reduction at up to three main rotor harmonics. The simulation results show loads reduction at the targeted out-of-phase and in-phase harmonics of up to 88% and 93%, respectively. Experimental validation of two of the fluidic circuits demonstrates loads reduction of up to 89% at the out-of-phase isolation frequencies and up to 81% at the in-phase isolation frequencies. Replacing rigid pitch links on rotorcraft with fluidic pitch links changes the blade torsional impedance. At low frequency, the pitch link must have high impedance to pass through the pilot's collective and cyclic commands to control the aircraft. At higher frequencies, however, the pitch-link impedance can be tuned to change the blade pitching response to higher harmonic loads. Active blade control to produce higher harmonic pitch motions has been shown to reduce hub loads and increase rotor efficiency. This work investigates whether fluidic pitch links can passively provide these benefits. An analytical model of a fluidic pitch link is derived and incorporated into a rotor aeroelastic simulation for a rotor similar to that of the UH-60. Eighty-one simulations with varied fluidic pitch link parameters demonstrate that their impedance can be tailored to reduce rotor power and all six hub forces and moments. While no impedance was found that simultaneously reduced all components, the results include cases with reductions in the lateral 4/rev hub force of up to 91% and 4/rev hub pitching moment of up to 67%, and main rotor power of up to 5%.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tan, Jin; Zhang, Yingchen; Krad, Ibrahim

Power system frequency needs to be maintained close to its nominal value at all times to avoid machine damage, under-frequency load-shedding and even blackouts. Adequate primary frequency response and secondary frequency response are the primary forces to correct an energy imbalance at the second to minute level. As wind energy becomes a larger portion of the world's energy portfolio, there are greater oppotunities for wind to provide frequency response services. This paper addresses one area of frequency control that has been missing in previous work - the reliabilty impacts and interactions between primary and secondary frequency control. The lack ofmore » a commercially available tools to simulate the interaction of these two responses has limited the energy industry's understanding of when the depletion of primary control reserve will impact the performance of secondary conrol response or vice versa. To investigate this issue, in this paper we develop a multi-area frequency response integration model with combined primary and secondary frequency control capabilities.« less

Load Frequency Control by use of a Number of Both Heat Pump Water Heaters and Electric Vehicles in Power System with a Large Integration of Renewable Energy Sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masuta, Taisuke; Shimizu, Koichiro; Yokoyama, Akihiko

In Japan, from the viewpoints of global warming countermeasures and energy security, it is expected to establish a smart grid as a power system into which a large amount of generation from renewable energy sources such as wind power generation and photovoltaic generation can be installed. Measures for the power system stability and reliability are necessary because a large integration of these renewable energy sources causes some problems in power systems, e.g. frequency fluctuation and distribution voltage rise, and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is one of effective solutions to these problems. Due to a high cost of the BESS, our research group has studied an application of controllable loads such as Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) and Electric Vehicle (EV) to the power system control for reduction of the required capacity of BESS. This paper proposes a new coordinated Load Frequency Control (LFC) method for the conventional power plants, the BESS, the HPWHs, and the EVs. The performance of the proposed LFC method is evaluated by the numerical simulations conducted on a power system model with a large integration of wind power generation and photovoltaic generation.

Combined wind turbine fatigue and ultimate load reduction by individual blade control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Y.; Leithead, W. E.

2014-06-01

If each blade of the wind turbine has individual pitch actuator, there is possibility of employing the pitch system to mitigate structural loads through advanced control methods. Previously, considerable reduction of blade lifetime equivalent fatigue loads has been achieved by Individual Blade Control (IBC) and in addition, it has also been shown the potential in blade ultimate loads reduction. However, both fatigue and ultimate loads impact on the design and life of wind turbine blades. In this paper, the design and application of IBC that concurrently reduce both blade fatigue and ultimate loads is investigated. The contributions of blade load spectral components, which are 1P, 2P and edgewise mode from blade in-plane and/or out-of-plane bending moments, are firstly explored. Four different control options for reducing various combinations of these load components are compared. In response to the different spectral peaks of both fatigue and ultimate loads, the controller has been designed so that it can act on different frequency components which vary with wind speed. The performance of the IBC controller on fatigue and ultimate load reduction is assessed by simulating a 5MW exemplar wind turbine. Simulation results show that with a proper selection of controlling inputs at different wind speed, the use of a single combined IBC can achieve satisfactory reduction on both fatigue and ultimate loads.

Dynamically variable negative stiffness structures

PubMed Central

Churchill, Christopher B.; Shahan, David W.; Smith, Sloan P.; Keefe, Andrew C.; McKnight, Geoffrey P.

2016-01-01

Variable stiffness structures that enable a wide range of efficient load-bearing and dexterous activity are ubiquitous in mammalian musculoskeletal systems but are rare in engineered systems because of their complexity, power, and cost. We present a new negative stiffness–based load-bearing structure with dynamically tunable stiffness. Negative stiffness, traditionally used to achieve novel response from passive structures, is a powerful tool to achieve dynamic stiffness changes when configured with an active component. Using relatively simple hardware and low-power, low-frequency actuation, we show an assembly capable of fast (<10 ms) and useful (>100×) dynamic stiffness control. This approach mitigates limitations of conventional tunable stiffness structures that exhibit either small (<30%) stiffness change, high friction, poor load/torque transmission at low stiffness, or high power active control at the frequencies of interest. We experimentally demonstrate actively tunable vibration isolation and stiffness tuning independent of supported loads, enhancing applications such as humanoid robotic limbs and lightweight adaptive vibration isolators. PMID:26989771

Motor control goes beyond physics: differential effects of gravity and inertia on finger forces during manipulation of hand-held objects.

PubMed

Zatsiorsky, Vladimir M; Gao, Fan; Latash, Mark L

2005-04-01

According to basic physics, the local effects induced by gravity and acceleration are identical and cannot be separated by any physical experiment. In contrast-as this study shows-people adjust the grip forces associated with gravitational and inertial forces differently. In the experiment, subjects oscillated a vertically-oriented handle loaded with five different weights (from 3.8 N to 13.8 N) at three different frequencies in the vertical plane: 1 Hz, 1.5 Hz and 2.0 Hz. Three contributions to the grip force-static, dynamic, and stato-dynamic fractions-were quantified. The static fraction reflects grip force related to holding a load statically. The stato-dynamic fraction reflects a steady change in the grip force when the same load is moved cyclically. The dynamic fraction is due to acceleration-related adjustments of the grip force during oscillation cycles. The slope of the relation between the grip force and the load force was steeper for the static fraction than for the dynamic fraction. The stato-dynamic fraction increased with the frequency and load. The slope of the dynamic grip force-load force relation decreased with frequency, and as a rule, increased with the load. Hence, when adjusting grip force to task requirements, the central controller takes into account not only the expected magnitude of the load force but also such factors as whether the force is gravitational or inertial and the contributions of the object mass and acceleration to the inertial force. As an auxiliary finding, a complex finger coordination pattern aimed at preserving the rotational equilibrium of the object during shaking movements was reported.

Design and Flight Test of a Cable Angle Feedback Control System for Improving Helicopter Slung Load Operations at Low Speed

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-01

improve the damping of the load pendulum motions, but the load feedback generally had the effect of making the load feel heavier to the pilot [28...0.25 2 1000lbs 16,000lbs 0.06 Another important parameter is the slung load pendulum frequency. Using a simple pendulum model, this natural...the expected yaw and heave modes. The presence of the load adds oscillatory pendulum modes in the pitch and roll axes, as expected. Table 2-3

Analysis of rotor vibratory loads using higher harmonic pitch control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quackenbush, Todd R.; Bliss, Donald B.; Boschitsch, Alexander H.; Wachspress, Daniel A.

1992-01-01

Experimental studies of isolated rotors in forward flight have indicated that higher harmonic pitch control can reduce rotor noise. These tests also show that such pitch inputs can generate substantial vibratory loads. The modification is summarized of the RotorCRAFT (Computation of Rotor Aerodynamics in Forward flighT) analysis of isolated rotors to study the vibratory loading generated by high frequency pitch inputs. The original RotorCRAFT code was developed for use in the computation of such loading, and uses a highly refined rotor wake model to facilitate this task. The extended version of RotorCRAFT incorporates a variety of new features including: arbitrary periodic root pitch control; computation of blade stresses and hub loads; improved modeling of near wake unsteady effects; and preliminary implementation of a coupled prediction of rotor airloads and noise. Correlation studies are carried out with existing blade stress and vibratory hub load data to assess the performance of the extended code.

Evaluation of a stall-flutter spring-damper pushrod in the rotating control system of a CH-54B helicopter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nettles, W. E.; Paul, W. F.; Adams, D. O.

1974-01-01

Results of a design and flight test program conducted to define the effect of rotating pushrod damping on stall-flutter induced control loads are presented. The CH-54B helicopter was chosen as the test aircraft because it exhibited stall induced control loads. Damping was introduced into the CH-54B control system by replacing the standard pushrod with spring-damper assemblies. Design features of the spring-damper are described and the results of a dynamic analysis are shown which define the pushrod stiffness and damping requirements. Flight test measurements taken at 47,000 lb gross weight with and without the damper are presented. The results indicate that the spring-damper pushrods reduced high frequency, stall-induced rotating control loads by almost 50%. Fixed system control loads were reduced by 40%. Handling qualities in stall were unchanged, as expected.

Cascaded resonant bridge converters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stuart, Thomas A. (Inventor)

1989-01-01

A converter for converting a low voltage direct current power source to a higher voltage, high frequency alternating current output for use in an electrical system where it is desired to use low weight cables and other circuit elements. The converter has a first stage series resonant (Schwarz) converter which converts the direct current power source to an alternating current by means of switching elements that are operated by a variable frequency voltage regulator, a transformer to step up the voltage of the alternating current, and a rectifier bridge to convert the alternating current to a direct current first stage output. The converter further has a second stage series resonant (Schwarz) converter which is connected in series to the first stage converter to receive its direct current output and convert it to a second stage high frequency alternating current output by means of switching elements that are operated by a fixed frequency oscillator. The voltage of the second stage output is controlled at a relatively constant value by controlling the first stage output voltage, which is accomplished by controlling the frequency of the first stage variable frequency voltage controller in response to second stage voltage. Fault tolerance in the event of a load short circuit is provided by making the operation of the first stage variable frequency voltage controller responsive to first and second stage current limiting devices. The second stage output is connected to a rectifier bridge whose output is connected to the input of the second stage to provide good regulation of output voltage wave form at low system loads.

Application of voltage oriented control technique in a fully renewable, wind powered, autonomous system with storage capabilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kondylis, Georgios P.; Vokas, Georgios A.; Anastasiadis, Anestis G.; Konstantinopoulos, Stavros A.

2017-02-01

The main purpose of this paper is to examine the technological feasibility of a small autonomous network, with electricity storage capability, which is completely electrified by wind energy. The excess energy produced, with respect to the load requirements, is sent to the batteries for storage. When the energy produced by the wind generator is not sufficient, load's energy requirement is covered by the battery system, ensuring, however, that voltage, frequency and other system characteristics are within the proper boundaries. For the purpose of this study, a Voltage Oriented Control system has been developed in order to monitor the autonomous operation and perform the energy management of the network. This system manages the power flows between the load and the storage system by properly controlling the Pulse Width Modulation pulses in the converter, thus ensuring power flows are adequate and frequency remains under control. The experimental results clearly indicate that a stand-alone wind energy system based on battery energy storage system is feasible and reliable. This paves the way for fully renewable and zero emission energy schemes.

Energy harvesting from localized dynamic transitions in post-buckled elastic beams under quasi-static loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borchani, Wassim

The deployability of structural health monitoring self-powered sensors relies on their capability to harvest energy from signals being monitored. Many of the signals required to assess the structure condition are quasi-static events which limits the levels of power that can be extracted. Several vibration-based techniques have been proposed to increase the transferred level of power and broaden the harvester operating bandwidth. However, these techniques require vibration input excitations at frequencies higher than dominant structural response frequencies which makes them inefficient and not suitable for ambient quasi-static excitations. This research proposes a novel sensing and energy harvesting technique at low frequencies using mechanical energy concentrators and triggers. These mechanisms consist of axially-loaded bilaterally-constrained beams with attached piezoelectric energy harvesters. When the quasi-static axial load reaches a certain mechanical threshold, a sudden snap-through mode-switching occurs. These transitions excite the attached piezoelectric scavengers with high-rate input accelerations, generating then electric power. The main objectives are to understand and model the post-buckling behavior of bilaterally-constrained beams, control it by tailoring geometry and material properties of the buckled elements or stacking them into system assemblies, and finally characterize the energy harvesting and sensing capability of the system under quasi-static excitations. The fundamental principle relies on the following concept. Under axial load, a straight slender beam buckles in the first buckling mode. The increased transverse deformations from a buckled shape lead to contact interaction with the lateral boundaries. The contact interaction generates transverse forces that induce the development of higher order buckling configurations. Transitions between the buckled configurations occur not only during loading, but also unloading. In this work, the post-buckling response of the bilaterally constrained beam subjected to axial loading is investigated experimentally, numerically, and theoretically. The capability of the system to generate electric energy under quasi-static excitation is also assessed experimentally. The post-buckling behavior is reproducible under cyclic loadings and independent of the input loading frequency. The static and dynamic response of the beam is theoretically studied using an energy method. The model adequately predicts the beam geometry at every loading stage, including the flattening behavior just before the snap buckling transitions, the mode transition events and the released kinetic energy as well as accelerations of the beam during transitions. The buckling transitions generate high kinetic energy and acceleration spikes. However, the location of the maximum acceleration differs from one transition to another. Tuning the parameters of the system affects dramatically the accelerations generated during snap-through transitions. However, it does not affect the number and spacing between these events. To achieve better control of the system, multiple slender beams with different geometric and material properties are stacked in parallel configurations. The system allows then to control the spacing between energy bursts and reduce the energy leakage in electronic circuits. As an application example, the mechanical energy concentrators and triggers were integrated with a piezo-floating gate events sensor. This allowed for harvesting and recording of bursts and impulses of released energy at very low frequencies. The system can be calibrated to determine the number of times the magnitude of the input signal exceeded a mechanical threshold. The mechanism allows for frequency up-conversion from the low input frequency (in the order of mHz) to the natural frequency of the piezoelectric scavenger.

A quality evaluation of stabilization of rotation frequency of gas-diesel engines when using an adaptive automatic control system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhilenkov, A. A.; Efremov, A. A.

2017-02-01

A possibility of quality improvement of stabilization of rotation frequency of the gas-diesels used as prime mover of generator set in the multigenerator units working for abruptly variable load of large power is considered. An evaluation is made on the condition of fuzzy controller use developed and described by the authors in a number of articles. An evaluation has shown that theoretically, the revolution range of a gas-diesel engine may be reduced 25-30 times in case of optimal settings of the controller in the whole power range. The results of modelling showing a considerable quality improvement of transient processes in the investigated system during a sharp change of loading are presented in this article.

Review of specimen heating in mechanical tests at cryogenic temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogata, T.; Yuri, T.; Ono, Y.

2014-01-01

At cryogenic temperatures near 4 K, a discontinuous deformation produces a large amount of specimen temperature rise that might bring significant changes in mechanical properties. The authors measured the specimen heating in tensile tests, fatigue test, and other tests in liquid helium for stainless steels and other materials. In this paper, we have measured the specimen temperature in high-cycle and low-cycle fatigue tests for stainless steels at various frequencies and stress levels and evaluated the testing conditions to keep the specimen at a specified temperature. We proposed maximum frequency in load-controlled fatigue tests for specified loading variables and a maximum strain rate in strain-controlled fatigue tests.

Unusual ISS Rate Signature

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Laible, Michael R.

2011-01-01

On November 23, 2011 International Space Station Guidance, Navigation, and Control reported unusual pitch rate disturbance. These disturbances were an order of magnitude greater than nominal rates. The Loads and Dynamics team was asked to review and analyze current accelerometer data to investigate this disturbance. This paper will cover the investigation process under taken by the Loads and Dynamics group. It will detail the accelerometers used and analysis performed. The analysis included performing Frequency Fourier Transform of the data to identify the mode of interest. This frequency data is then reviewed with modal analysis of the ISS system model. Once this analysis is complete and the disturbance quantified, a forcing function was produced to replicate the disturbance. This allows the Loads and Dynamics team to report the load limit values for the 100's of interfaces on the ISS.

Accelerated development and flight evaluation of active controls concepts for subsonic transport aircraft. Volume 1: Load alleviation/extended span development and flight tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, J. F.

1979-01-01

Active wing load alleviation to extend the wing span by 5.8 percent, giving a 3 percent reduction in cruise drag is covered. The active wing load alleviation used symmetric motions of the outboard ailerons for maneuver load control (MLC) and elastic mode suppression (EMS), and stabilizer motions for gust load alleviation (GLA). Slow maneuvers verified the MLC, and open and closed-loop flight frequency response tests verified the aircraft dynamic response to symmetric aileron and stabilizer drives as well as the active system performance. Flight tests in turbulence verified the effectiveness of the active controls in reducing gust-induced wing loads. It is concluded that active wing load alleviation/extended span is proven in the L-1011 and is ready for application to airline service; it is a very practical way to obtain the increased efficiency of a higher aspect ratio wing with minimum structural impact.

Changes in spine loading patterns throughout the workday as a function of experience, lift frequency, and personality.

PubMed

Chany, Anne-Marie; Parakkat, Julia; Yang, Gang; Burr, Deborah L; Marras, William S

2006-01-01

Psychosocial stressors have been associated with low back pain reporting. However, response to psychosocial risk factors may be dependent on the individual's personality type that, in turn, can affect muscle recruitment and spine loading. This study explores how personality might be associated with spine loading during repetitive lifting performed throughout an entire work shift. Assess spine loading as a function of an individual's personality type during repetitive, long-term exposure to a materials handling tasks. Laboratory experiment where experienced and inexperienced participants performed repetitive, asymmetric lifts at various load and lift frequency levels throughout a series of 8-hour exposure periods. Spine loads were monitored throughout the work period. Twelve novice and 12 experienced materials handlers who were asymptomatic for back pain. Spine compression, anterior-posterior (A/P) shear, and lateral shear at the L5-S1 level. Participants were categorized into personality types based upon the Myers-Briggs personality type indicator. An electromyography-assisted biomechanical model was used to assess spine compression, A/P shear, and lateral shear throughout the exposure period. The results indicate that intuitors had higher shear spinal loading regardless of moment exposure, lift frequency, and time through the work period, compared with the sensor personality type. In addition, higher spine compressive and shear forces occurred in the perceiver personality compared with the judgers' personality trait, regardless of moment and, often, lift frequency. Novice lifters typically experienced greater spine loading. The results suggest that when there exists a personality-job environment mismatch, spinal loading increases via an increase in antagonistic co-contraction. The trends suggest that inherent personality characteristics may play a role in one's motor control strategies when performing a repetitive lifting task.

Design and testing of 45 kV, 50 kHz pulse power supply for dielectric barrier discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Surender Kumar; Shyam, Anurag

2016-10-01

The design, construction, and testing of high frequency, high voltage pulse power supply are reported. The purpose of the power supply is to generate dielectric barrier discharges for industrial applications. The power supply is compact and has the advantage of low cost, over current protection, and convenient control for voltage and frequency selection. The power supply can generate high voltage pulses of up to 45 kV at the repetitive frequency range of 1 kHz-50 kHz with 1.2 kW input power. The output current of the power supply is limited to 500 mA. The pulse rise time and fall time are less than 2 μs and the pulse width is 2 μs. The power supply is short circuit proof and can withstand variable plasma load conditions. The power supply mainly consists of a half bridge series resonant converter to charge an intermediate capacitor, which discharges through a step-up transformer at high frequency to generate high voltage pulses. Semiconductor switches and amorphous cores are used for power modulation at higher frequencies. The power supply is tested with quartz tube dielectric barrier discharge load and worked stably. The design details and the performance of the power supply on no load and dielectric barrier discharge load are presented.

Design and testing of 45 kV, 50 kHz pulse power supply for dielectric barrier discharges.

PubMed

Sharma, Surender Kumar; Shyam, Anurag

2016-10-01

The design, construction, and testing of high frequency, high voltage pulse power supply are reported. The purpose of the power supply is to generate dielectric barrier discharges for industrial applications. The power supply is compact and has the advantage of low cost, over current protection, and convenient control for voltage and frequency selection. The power supply can generate high voltage pulses of up to 45 kV at the repetitive frequency range of 1 kHz-50 kHz with 1.2 kW input power. The output current of the power supply is limited to 500 mA. The pulse rise time and fall time are less than 2 μs and the pulse width is 2 μs. The power supply is short circuit proof and can withstand variable plasma load conditions. The power supply mainly consists of a half bridge series resonant converter to charge an intermediate capacitor, which discharges through a step-up transformer at high frequency to generate high voltage pulses. Semiconductor switches and amorphous cores are used for power modulation at higher frequencies. The power supply is tested with quartz tube dielectric barrier discharge load and worked stably. The design details and the performance of the power supply on no load and dielectric barrier discharge load are presented.

Electronically controlled spoof localized surface plasmons on the corrugated ring with a shorting pin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chao; Zhou, Yong Jin

2018-07-01

We have demonstrated that spoof localized surface plasmons (LSPs) can be controlled by loading a shorting pin into the corrugated ring resonator in the microwave and terahertz (THz) frequencies. Electronical switchability and tunability of spoof LSPs have been achieved by mounting Schottky barrier diodes and varactor diodes across the slit around the shorting pin in the ground plane. An electronically tunable band-pass filter has been demostrated in the microwave frequencies. Such electronically controlled spoof LSPs devices can find more applications for highly integrated plasmonic circuits in microwave and THz frequencies.

A Mechatronic Loading Device to Stimulate Bone Growth via a Human Knee.

PubMed

Prabhala, Sai Krishna; Chien, Stanley; Yokota, Hiroki; Anwar, Sohel

2016-09-29

This paper presents the design of an innovative device that applies dynamic mechanical load to human knee joints. Dynamic loading is employed by applying cyclic and periodic force on a target area. The repeated force loading was considered to be an effective modality for repair and rehabilitation of long bones that are subject to ailments like fractures, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, etc. The proposed device design builds on the knowledge gained in previous animal and mechanical studies. It employs a modified slider-crank linkage mechanism actuated by a brushless Direct Current (DC) motor and provides uniform and cyclic force. The functionality of the device was simulated in a software environment and the structural integrity was analyzed using a finite element method for the prototype construction. The device is controlled by a microcontroller that is programmed to provide the desired loading force at a predetermined frequency and for a specific duration. The device was successfully tested in various experiments for its usability and full functionality. The results reveal that the device works according to the requirements of force magnitude and operational frequency. This device is considered ready to be used for a clinical study to examine whether controlled knee-loading could be an effective regimen for treating the stated bone-related ailments.

A Mechatronic Loading Device to Stimulate Bone Growth via a Human Knee

PubMed Central

Prabhala, Sai Krishna; Chien, Stanley; Yokota, Hiroki; Anwar, Sohel

2016-01-01

This paper presents the design of an innovative device that applies dynamic mechanical load to human knee joints. Dynamic loading is employed by applying cyclic and periodic force on a target area. The repeated force loading was considered to be an effective modality for repair and rehabilitation of long bones that are subject to ailments like fractures, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, etc. The proposed device design builds on the knowledge gained in previous animal and mechanical studies. It employs a modified slider-crank linkage mechanism actuated by a brushless Direct Current (DC) motor and provides uniform and cyclic force. The functionality of the device was simulated in a software environment and the structural integrity was analyzed using a finite element method for the prototype construction. The device is controlled by a microcontroller that is programmed to provide the desired loading force at a predetermined frequency and for a specific duration. The device was successfully tested in various experiments for its usability and full functionality. The results reveal that the device works according to the requirements of force magnitude and operational frequency. This device is considered ready to be used for a clinical study to examine whether controlled knee-loading could be an effective regimen for treating the stated bone-related ailments. PMID:27690057

Active Response Gravity Offload and Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dungan, Larry K. (Inventor); Lieberman, Asher P. (Inventor); Shy, Cecil (Inventor); Bankieris, Derek R. (Inventor); Valle, Paul S. (Inventor); Redden, Lee (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A variable gravity field simulator can be utilized to provide three dimensional simulations for simulated gravity fields selectively ranging from Moon, Mars, and micro-gravity environments and/or other selectable gravity fields. The gravity field simulator utilizes a horizontally moveable carriage with a cable extending from a hoist. The cable can be attached to a load which experiences the effects of the simulated gravity environment. The load can be a human being or robot that makes movements that induce swinging of the cable whereby a horizontal control system reduces swinging energy. A vertical control system uses a non-linear feedback filter to remove noise from a load sensor that is in the same frequency range as signals from the load sensor.

Controlling Wind Turbines for Secondary Frequency Regulation: An Analysis of AGC Capabilities Under New Performance Based Compensation Policy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aho, Jacob; Pao, Lucy Y.; Fleming, Paul

2014-11-13

As wind energy becomes a larger portion of the world's energy portfolio there has been an increased interest for wind turbines to control their active power output to provide ancillary services which support grid reliability. One of these ancillary services is the provision of frequency regulation, also referred to as secondary frequency control or automatic generation control (AGC), which is often procured through markets which recently adopted performance-based compensation. A wind turbine with a control system developed to provide active power ancillary services can be used to provide frequency regulation services. Simulations have been performed to determine the AGC trackingmore » performance at various power schedule set-points, participation levels, and wind conditions. The performance metrics used in this study are based on those used by several system operators in the US. Another metric that is analyzed is the damage equivalent loads (DELs) on turbine structural components, though the impacts on the turbine electrical components are not considered. The results of these single-turbine simulations show that high performance scores can be achieved when there are insufficient wind resources available. The capability of a wind turbine to rapidly and accurately follow power commands allows for high performance even when tracking rapidly changing AGC signals. As the turbine de-rates to meet decreased power schedule set-points there is a reduction in the DELs, and the participation in frequency regulation has a negligible impact on these loads.« less

Study on Control Scheme for the Inverters in Low Voltage Microgrid with Nonlinear Loads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jiqiang; Lu, Wenzhou; Wu, Lei

2017-05-01

There are a lot of nonlinear loads in real low voltage microgrid system. It will cause serious output voltage and grid current harmonic distortions problems in island and grid-connected modes, respectively. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a droop control scheme with quasi-proportion and resonant (quasi-PR) controller based on αβ stationary reference frame to make microgrid smoothly switch between grid-connected and island modes without changing control method. Moreover, in island mode, not only stable output voltage and frequency, but also reduced output voltage harmonics with added nonlinear loads can be achieved; In grid-connected mode, not only constant power, but also reduced grid current harmonics can be achieved. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.

Analysis and compensation of an aircraft simulator control loading system with compliant linkage. [using hydraulic equipment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, P. R.; Bardusch, R. E.

1974-01-01

A hydraulic control loading system for aircraft simulation was analyzed to find the causes of undesirable low frequency oscillations and loading effects in the output. The hypothesis of mechanical compliance in the control linkage was substantiated by comparing the behavior of a mathematical model of the system with previously obtained experimental data. A compensation scheme based on the minimum integral of the squared difference between desired and actual output was shown to be effective in reducing the undesirable output effects. The structure of the proposed compensation was computed by use of a dynamic programing algorithm and a linear state space model of the fixed elements in the system.

During computing tasks symptomatic female office workers demonstrate a trend towards higher cervical postural muscle load than asymptomatic office workers: an experimental study.

PubMed

Szeto, Grace P Y; Straker, Leon M; O'Sullivan, Peter B

2009-01-01

Do symptomatic female office workers perform computing tasks with higher cervical postural muscle loads (in terms of higher amplitudes and less muscular rest) and more discomfort compared with asymptomatic individuals? Are these differences in postural muscle loads consistent across bilateral (typing) and unilateral (mousing) conditions? an experimental case-control study. 18 symptomatic female office workers and 21 asymptomatic female office workers. Three conditions (typing, mousing, and type-and-mouse) were performed in random order. Muscle load was measured as median amplitude and gap frequency using surface EMG of bilateral cervical erector spinae and upper trapezius. Discomfort was measured using a numerical rating scale. The case group demonstrated 4.3% (95% CI 0.1 to 8.4) higher amplitude during typing and 3.5% (95% CI 0.1 to 6.9) higher amplitude during type-and-mouse in the right cervical erector spinae compared with the control group. There was a similar difference between groups in the left cervical erector spinae which also demonstrated a 1.2 gaps/min (95% CI -2.3 to 0.0) lower frequency during typing. The case group had significantly higher discomfort during all conditions compared with the control group. The case group demonstrated higher median amplitudes and lower gap frequencies than the control group during bilateral conditions (typing and type-and-mouse) compared with unilateral conditions (mousing) for both muscle groups. There was increased amplitude and decreased muscular rest in the cervical erector spinae of office workers performing typing and mousing tasks. These findings may represent a mechanism underlying computer-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Apparent negative mass in QCM sensors due to punctual rigid loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castro, P.; Resa, P.; Elvira, L.

2012-12-01

Quartz Crystal Microbalances (QCM) are highly sensitive piezoelectric sensors able to detect very small loads attached to them. These devices are widely employed in many applications including process control and industrial and environmental monitoring. Mass loading is usually related to frequency shift by the well-known Sauerbrey's equation, valid for thin rigid homogeneous films. However, a significant deviation from this equation can occur when the mass is not uniformly distributed over the surface. Whereas the effects of a thin film on a QCM have been thoroughly studied, there are relatively few results on punctual loads, even though particles are usually deposited randomly and non-uniformly on the resonator surface. In this work, we have studied the effect of punctual rigid loading on the resonant frequency shift of a QCM sensor, both experimentally and using finite element method (FEM). The FEM numerical analysis was done using COMSOL software, 3D modeling a linear elastic piezoelectric solid and introducing the properties of an AT-cut quartz crystal. It is shown that a punctual rigid mass deposition on the surface of a QCM sensor can lead to positive shifts of resonance frequency, contrary to Sauerbrey's equation.

Load Dependency of Postural Control--Kinematic and Neuromuscular Changes in Response to over and under Load Conditions.

PubMed

Ritzmann, Ramona; Freyler, Kathrin; Weltin, Elmar; Krause, Anne; Gollhofer, Albert

2015-01-01

Load variation is associated with changes in joint torque and compensatory reflex activation and thus, has a considerable impact on balance control. Previous studies dealing with over (OL) and under loading (UL) used water buoyancy or additional weight with the side effects of increased friction and inertia, resulting in substantially modified test paradigms. The purpose of this study was to identify gravity-induced load dependency of postural control in comparable experimental conditions and to determine the underlying neuromuscular mechanisms. Balance performance was recorded under normal loading (NL, 1 g), UL (0.16 g 0.38 g) and OL (1.8 g) in monopedal stance. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and frequency distribution (low 0.15-0.5 Hz (LF), medium 0.5-2 Hz (MF), high 2-6 Hz (HF)) as well as ankle, knee and hip joint kinematics were assessed. Soleus spinal excitability was determined by H/M-recruitment curves (H/M-ratios). Compared to NL, OL caused an increase in ankle joint excursion, COP HF domain and H/M-ratio. Concomitantly, hip joint excursion and COP LF decreased. Compared to NL, UL caused modulations in the opposite direction: UL decreased ankle joint excursions, COP HF and H/M-ratio. Collaterally, hip joint excursion and COP LF increased. COP was augmented both in UL and in OL compared to NL. Subjects achieved postural stability in OL and UL with greater difficulty compared to NL. Reduced postural control was accompanied by modified balance strategies and compensatory reflex activation. With increasing load, a shift from hip to ankle strategy was observed. Accompanying, COP frequency distribution shifted from LF to HF and spinal excitability was enhanced. It is suggested that in OL, augmented ankle joint torques are compensated by quick reflex-induced postural reactions in distal muscles. Contrarily, UL is associated with diminished joint torques and thus, postural equilibrium may be controlled by the proximal segments to adjust the center of gravity above the base of support.

Design and Implementation of Improved Electronic Load Controller for Self-Excited Induction Generator for Rural Electrification

PubMed Central

Kathirvel, C.; Porkumaran, K.; Jaganathan, S.

2015-01-01

This paper offers an alternative technique, namely, Improved Electronic Load Controller (IELC), which is proposal to improve power quality, maintaining voltage at frequency desired level for rural electrification. The design and development of IELC are considered as microhydroenergy system. The proposed work aims to concentrate on the new schemes for rural electrification with the help of different kinds of hybrid energy systems. The objective of the proposed scheme is to maintain the speed of generation against fluctuating rural demand. The Electronic Load Controller (ELC) is used to connect and disconnect the dump load during the operation of the system, and which absorbs the load when consumer are not in active will enhance the lifestyle of the rural population and improve the living standards. Hydroelectricity is a promising option for electrification of remote villages in India. The conventional methods are not suitable to act as standalone system. Hence, the designing of a proper ELC is essential. The improved electronic load control performance tested with simulation at validated through hardware setup. PMID:26783553

Design and Implementation of Improved Electronic Load Controller for Self-Excited Induction Generator for Rural Electrification.

PubMed

Kathirvel, C; Porkumaran, K; Jaganathan, S

2015-01-01

This paper offers an alternative technique, namely, Improved Electronic Load Controller (IELC), which is proposal to improve power quality, maintaining voltage at frequency desired level for rural electrification. The design and development of IELC are considered as microhydroenergy system. The proposed work aims to concentrate on the new schemes for rural electrification with the help of different kinds of hybrid energy systems. The objective of the proposed scheme is to maintain the speed of generation against fluctuating rural demand. The Electronic Load Controller (ELC) is used to connect and disconnect the dump load during the operation of the system, and which absorbs the load when consumer are not in active will enhance the lifestyle of the rural population and improve the living standards. Hydroelectricity is a promising option for electrification of remote villages in India. The conventional methods are not suitable to act as standalone system. Hence, the designing of a proper ELC is essential. The improved electronic load control performance tested with simulation at validated through hardware setup.

Modeling and distributed gain scheduling strategy for load frequency control in smart grids with communication topology changes.

PubMed

Liu, Shichao; Liu, Xiaoping P; El Saddik, Abdulmotaleb

2014-03-01

In this paper, we investigate the modeling and distributed control problems for the load frequency control (LFC) in a smart grid. In contrast with existing works, we consider more practical and real scenarios, where the communication topology of the smart grid changes because of either link failures or packet losses. These topology changes are modeled as a time-varying communication topology matrix. By using this matrix, a new closed-loop power system model is proposed to integrate the communication topology changes into the dynamics of a physical power system. The globally asymptotical stability of this closed-loop power system is analyzed. A distributed gain scheduling LFC strategy is proposed to compensate for the potential degradation of dynamic performance (mean square errors of state vectors) of the power system under communication topology changes. In comparison to conventional centralized control approaches, the proposed method can improve the robustness of the smart grid to the variation of the communication network as well as to reduce computation load. Simulation results show that the proposed distributed gain scheduling approach is capable to improve the robustness of the smart grid to communication topology changes. © 2013 ISA. Published by ISA. All rights reserved.

Regulation control and energy management scheme for wireless power transfer

DOEpatents

Miller, John M.

2015-12-29

Power transfer rate at a charging facility can be maximized by employing a feedback scheme. The state of charge (SOC) and temperature of the regenerative energy storage system (RESS) pack of a vehicle is monitored to determine the load due to the RESS pack. An optimal frequency that cancels the imaginary component of the input impedance for the output signal from a grid converter is calculated from the load of the RESS pack, and a frequency offset f* is made to the nominal frequency f.sub.0 of the grid converter output based on the resonance frequency of a magnetically coupled circuit. The optimal frequency can maximize the efficiency of the power transfer. Further, an optimal grid converter duty ratio d* can be derived from the charge rate of the RESS pack. The grid converter duty ratio d* regulates wireless power transfer (WPT) power level.

Modelling and control system of multi motor conveyor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovalchuk, M. S.; Baburin, S. V.

2018-03-01

The paper deals with the actual problem of developing the mathematical model of electromechanical system: conveyor – multimotor electric drive with a frequency converter, with the implementation in Simulink/MatLab, which allows one to perform studies of conveyor operation modes, taking into account the specifics of the mechanism with different electric drives control algorithms. The authors designed the mathematical models of the conveyor and its control system that provides increased uniformity of load distribution between drive motors and restriction of dynamic loads on the belt (over-regulation until 15%).

Storage Free Smart Energy Management for Frequency Control in a Diesel-PV-Fuel Cell-Based Hybrid AC Microgrid.

PubMed

Sekhar, P C; Mishra, S

2016-08-01

This paper proposes a novel, smart energy management scheme for a microgrid, consisting of a diesel generator and power electronic converter interfaced renewable energy-based generators, such as photovoltaic (PV) and fuel cell, for frequency regulation without any storage. In the proposed strategy, output of the PV is controlled in coordination with other generators using neurofuzzy controller, either only for transient frequency regulation or for both transient and steady-state frequency regulation, depending on the load demand, thereby eliminating the huge storage requirements. The option of demand response control is also explored along with the generation control. For accurate and quick tracking of maximum power point and its associated reserve power from the PV generator, this paper also proposes a novel adaptive-predictor-corrector-based tracking mechanism.

Accceleration of Fatigue Tests of Polymer Composite Materials by Using High-Frequency Loadings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Apinis, R.

2004-03-01

The possibility of using high-frequency loading in fatigue tests of polymer composite materials is discussed. A review of studies on the use of high-frequency loading of organic-, carbon-, and glass-fiber-reinforced plastics is presented. The results obtained are compared with those found in conventional low-frequency loadings. A rig for fatigue tests of rigid materials at loading frequencies to 500 Hz is described, and results for an LM-L1 unidirectional glass-fiber plastic in loadings with frequencies of 17 and 400 Hz are given. These results confirm that it is possible to accelerate the fatigue testing of polymer composite materials by considerably increasing the loading frequency. The necessary condition for using this method is an intense cooling of specimens to prevent them from vibration heating.

The HLA-C*04: 01/KIR2DS4 gene combination and human leukocyte antigen alleles with high population frequency drive rate of HIV disease progression.

PubMed

Olvera, Alex; Pérez-Álvarez, Susana; Ibarrondo, Javier; Ganoza, Carmela; Lama, Javier R; Lucchetti, Aldo; Cate, Steven; Hildebrand, William; Bernard, Nicole; Gomez, Lupe; Sanchez, Jorge; Brander, Christian

2015-03-13

The objective of this study is to identify human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genotypes associated with different risks for HIV acquisition and HIV disease progression. A cross-sectional study of a cohort of 468 high-risk individuals (246 HIV-positive and 222 HIV-negative) from outpatient clinics in Lima (Perú). The cohort was high-resolution HLA and KIR-typed and analysed for potential differences in single-allele frequencies and allele combinations between HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals and for associations with HIV viral load and CD4 cell counts in infected individuals. HLA class I alleles associated with a lack of viral control had a significantly higher population frequency than relatively protective alleles (P = 0.0093), in line with a rare allele advantage. HLA-A02 : 01 and HLA-C04 : 01 were both associated with high viral loads (P = 0.0313 and 0.0001, respectively) and low CD4 cell counts (P = 0.0008 and 0.0087, respectively). Importantly, the association between HLA-C04 : 01 and poor viral control was not due to its linkage disequilibrium with other HLA alleles. Rather, the coexpression of its putative KIR ligand KIR2DS4f was critically linked to elevated viral loads. These results highlight the impact of population allele frequency on viral control and identify a novel association between HLA-C04 : 01 in combination with KIR2DS4f and uncontrolled HIV infection. Our data further support the importance of the interplay of markers of the adaptive and innate immune system in viral control.

Rare coding variants in the phospholipase D3 gene confer risk for Alzheimer's disease

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2014-01-01

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several risk variants for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). These common variants have replicable but small effects on LOAD risk and generally do not have obvious functional effects. Low-frequency coding variants, not detected by GWAS, are predicted to include functional variants with larger effects on risk. To identify low-frequency coding variants with large effects on LOAD risk, we carried out whole-exome sequencing (WES) in 14 large LOAD families and follow-up analyses of the candidate variants in several large LOAD case-control data sets. A rare variant in PLD3 (phospholipase D3; Val232Met) segregated with disease status in two independent families and doubled risk for Alzheimer's disease in seven independent case-control series with a total of more than 11,000 cases and controls of European descent. Gene-based burden analyses in 4,387 cases and controls of European descent and 302 African American cases and controls, with complete sequence data for PLD3, reveal that several variants in this gene increase risk for Alzheimer's disease in both populations. PLD3 is highly expressed in brain regions that are vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease pathology, including hippocampus and cortex, and is expressed at significantly lower levels in neurons from Alzheimer's disease brains compared to control brains. Overexpression of PLD3 leads to a significant decrease in intracellular amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) and extracellular Aβ42 and Aβ40 (the 42- and 40-residue isoforms of the amyloid-β peptide), and knockdown of PLD3 leads to a significant increase in extracellular Aβ42 and Aβ40. Together, our genetic and functional data indicate that carriers of PLD3 coding variants have a twofold increased risk for LOAD and that PLD3 influences APP processing. This study provides an example of how densely affected families may help to identify rare variants with large effects on risk for disease or other complex traits.

Rare coding variants in the phospholipase D3 gene confer risk for Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Cruchaga, Carlos; Karch, Celeste M; Jin, Sheng Chih; Benitez, Bruno A; Cai, Yefei; Guerreiro, Rita; Harari, Oscar; Norton, Joanne; Budde, John; Bertelsen, Sarah; Jeng, Amanda T; Cooper, Breanna; Skorupa, Tara; Carrell, David; Levitch, Denise; Hsu, Simon; Choi, Jiyoon; Ryten, Mina; Sassi, Celeste; Bras, Jose; Gibbs, Raphael J; Hernandez, Dena G; Lupton, Michelle K; Powell, John; Forabosco, Paola; Ridge, Perry G; Corcoran, Christopher D; Tschanz, JoAnn T; Norton, Maria C; Munger, Ronald G; Schmutz, Cameron; Leary, Maegan; Demirci, F Yesim; Bamne, Mikhil N; Wang, Xingbin; Lopez, Oscar L; Ganguli, Mary; Medway, Christopher; Turton, James; Lord, Jenny; Braae, Anne; Barber, Imelda; Brown, Kristelle; Pastor, Pau; Lorenzo-Betancor, Oswaldo; Brkanac, Zoran; Scott, Erick; Topol, Eric; Morgan, Kevin; Rogaeva, Ekaterina; Singleton, Andy; Hardy, John; Kamboh, M Ilyas; George-Hyslop, Peter St; Cairns, Nigel; Morris, John C; Kauwe, John S K; Goate, Alison M

2014-01-23

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several risk variants for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). These common variants have replicable but small effects on LOAD risk and generally do not have obvious functional effects. Low-frequency coding variants, not detected by GWAS, are predicted to include functional variants with larger effects on risk. To identify low-frequency coding variants with large effects on LOAD risk, we carried out whole-exome sequencing (WES) in 14 large LOAD families and follow-up analyses of the candidate variants in several large LOAD case-control data sets. A rare variant in PLD3 (phospholipase D3; Val232Met) segregated with disease status in two independent families and doubled risk for Alzheimer's disease in seven independent case-control series with a total of more than 11,000 cases and controls of European descent. Gene-based burden analyses in 4,387 cases and controls of European descent and 302 African American cases and controls, with complete sequence data for PLD3, reveal that several variants in this gene increase risk for Alzheimer's disease in both populations. PLD3 is highly expressed in brain regions that are vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease pathology, including hippocampus and cortex, and is expressed at significantly lower levels in neurons from Alzheimer's disease brains compared to control brains. Overexpression of PLD3 leads to a significant decrease in intracellular amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) and extracellular Aβ42 and Aβ40 (the 42- and 40-residue isoforms of the amyloid-β peptide), and knockdown of PLD3 leads to a significant increase in extracellular Aβ42 and Aβ40. Together, our genetic and functional data indicate that carriers of PLD3 coding variants have a twofold increased risk for LOAD and that PLD3 influences APP processing. This study provides an example of how densely affected families may help to identify rare variants with large effects on risk for disease or other complex traits.

High static gain single-phase PFC based on a hybrid boost converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flores Cortez, Daniel; Maccarini, Marcello C.; Mussa, Samir A.; Barbi, Ivo

2017-05-01

In this paper, a single-phase unity power factor rectifier, based on a hybrid boost converter, resulting from the integration of a conventional dc-dc boost converter and a switched-capacitor voltage doubler is proposed, analysed, designed and tested. The high-power rectifier is controlled by two feedback loops with the same control strategy employed in the conventional boost-based rectifier. The main feature of the proposed rectifier is its ability to output a dc voltage larger than the double of the peak value of the input line voltage, while subjecting the power switches to half of the dc-link voltage, which contributes to reducing the cost and increasing the efficiency. Experimental data were obtained from a laboratory prototype with an input voltage of 220 Vrms, line frequency of 60 Hz, output voltage of 800 Vdc, load power of 1000 W and switching frequency of 50 kHz. The efficiency of the prototype, measured in the laboratory, was 96.5% for full load and 97% for half load.

Unbalanced voltage control of virtual synchronous generator in isolated micro-grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Y. Z.; Wang, H. N.; Chen, B.

2017-06-01

Virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control is recommended to stabilize the voltage and frequency in isolated micro-grid. However, common VSG control is challenged by widely used unbalance loads, and the linked unbalance voltage problem worsens the power quality of the micro-grid. In this paper, the mathematical model of VSG was presented. Based on the analysis of positive- and negative-sequence equivalent circuit of VSG, an approach was proposed to eliminate the negative-sequence voltage of VSG with unbalance loads. Delay cancellation method and PI controller were utilized to identify and suppress the negative-sequence voltages. Simulation results verify the feasibility of proposed control strategy.

Vestibular control of standing balance is enhanced with increased cognitive load.

PubMed

McGeehan, Michael A; Woollacott, Marjorie H; Dalton, Brian H

2017-04-01

When cognitive load is elevated during a motor task, cortical inhibition and reaction time are increased; yet, standing balance control is often unchanged. This disconnect is likely explained by compensatory mechanisms within the balance system such as increased sensitivity of the vestibulomotor pathway. This study aimed to determine the effects of increased cognitive load on the vestibular control of standing balance. Participants stood blindfolded on a force plate with their head facing left and arms relaxed at their sides for two trials while exposed to continuous electrical vestibular stimulation (EVS). Participants either stood quietly or executed a cognitive task (double-digit arithmetic). Surface electromyography (EMG) and anterior-posterior ground-body forces (APF) were measured in order to evaluate vestibular-evoked balance responses in the frequency (coherence and gain) and time (cumulant density) domains. Total distance traveled for anterior-posterior center of pressure (COP) was assessed as a metric of balance variability. Despite similar distances traveled for COP, EVS-medial gastrocnemius (MG) EMG and EVS-APF coherence and EVS-TA EMG and EVS-MG EMG gain were elevated for multiple frequencies when standing with increased cognitive load. For the time domain, medium-latency peak amplitudes increased by 13-54% for EVS-APF and EVS-EMG relationships with the cognitive task compared to without. Peak short-latency amplitudes were unchanged. These results indicate that reliance on vestibular control of balance is enhanced when cognitive load is elevated. This augmented neural strategy may act to supplement divided cortical processing resources within the balance system and compensate for the acute neuromuscular modifications associated with increased cognitive demand.

An active homopolar magnetic bearing with high temperature superconductor (HTS) coils and ferromagnetic cores

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, G. V.; Dirusso, E.; Provenza, A. J.

1995-01-01

A proof-of-feasibility demonstration showed that high temperature superconductor (HTS) coils can be used in a high-load, active magnetic bearing in liquid nitrogen. A homopolar radial bearing with commercially wound HTS (Bi 2223) bias and control coils produced over 200 lb (890 N) radial load capacity (measured non-rotating) and supported a shaft to 14000 rpm. The goal was to show that HTS coils can operate stably with ferromagnetic cores in a feedback controlled system at a current density similar to that in Cu in liquid nitrogen. Design compromises permitted use of circular coils with rectangular cross section. Conductor improvements will eventually permit coil shape optimization, higher current density and higher bearing load capacity. The bias coil, wound with non-twisted, multifilament HTS conductor, required negligible power to carry its direct current. The control coils were wound with monofilament HTS sheathed in Ag. These dissipated negligible power for direct current (i.e. for steady radial load components). When an alternating current (AC) was added, the AC component dissipated power which increased rapidly with frequency and quadratically with AC amplitude. In fact at frequencies above about 2 hz, the effective resistance of the control coil conductor actually exceeds that of the silver which is in electrical parallel with the oxide superconductor. This is at least qualitatively understandable in the context of a Bean-type model of flux and current penetration into a Type II superconductor. Fortunately the dynamic currents required for bearing stability are of small amplitude. These results show that while twisted multifilament conductor is not needed for stable levitation, twisted multifilaments will be required to reduce control power for sizable dynamic loads, such as those due to unbalance.

Analysis of cracked RC beams under vibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capozucca, R.; Magagnini, E.

2017-05-01

Among the methods of monitoring of integrity, vibration analysis is more convenient as non-destructive testing (NDT) method. Many aspects regarding the vibration monitoring of the structural integrity of damaged RC elements have not been completely analysed in literature. The correlation between the development of the crack pattern on concrete surface under bending loadings, as well as the width and depth of cracks, and the variation of dynamic parameters on a structural element is an important aspects that has to be more investigated. This paper deals with cracked RC beams controlled by NDT based on natural vibration, which may be correlated to damage degree due to cracking of concrete under severe state of loading. An experimental investigation on the assessment of RC beams in different scale under loading has been done through dynamic tests in different constraint conditions of edges measuring frequency values and frequency variation. Envelope of Frequency Response Functions (FRFs) are shown and the changes of natural frequency values are related to the damage degree of RC beams subjected to static tests. Finally, a comparison between data obtained by finite element analysis and experimental results is shown.

The 77 K operation of a multi-resonant power converter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Biswajit; Gerber, Scott S.; Patterson, Richard L.; Myers, Ira T.

1995-01-01

The liquid-nitrogen temperature (77 K) operation of a 55 W, 200 kHz, 48/28 V zero-voltage switching multi-resonant dc/dc converter designed with commercially available components is reported. Upon dipping the complete converter (power and control circuits) into liquid-nitrogen, the converter performance improved as compared to the room-temperature operation. The switching frequency, resonant frequency, and the characteristic impedance did not change significantly. Accordingly, the zero-voltage switching was maintained from no-load to full-load for the specified line variations. Cryoelectronics can provide high density power converters, especially for high power applications.

Research on H2 speed governor for diesel engine of marine power station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Man-Lei

2007-09-01

The frequency stability of a marine power system is determined by the dynamic characteristic of the diesel engine speed regulation system in a marine power station. In order to reduce the effect of load disturbances and improve the dynamic precision of a diesel engine speed governor, a controller was designed for a diesel engine speed regulation system using H2 control theory. This transforms the specifications of the system into a standard H2 control problem. Firstly, the mathematical model of a diesel engine speed regulation system using an H2 speed governor is presented. To counter external disturbances and model uncertainty, the design of an H2 speed governor rests on the problem of mixed sensitivity. Computer simulation verified that the H2 speed governor improves the dynamic precision of a system and the ability to adapt to load disturbances, thus enhancing the frequency stability of marine power systems.

Prediction of Frequency for Simulation of Asphalt Mix Fatigue Tests Using MARS and ANN

PubMed Central

Fakhri, Mansour

2014-01-01

Fatigue life of asphalt mixes in laboratory tests is commonly determined by applying a sinusoidal or haversine waveform with specific frequency. The pavement structure and loading conditions affect the shape and the frequency of tensile response pulses at the bottom of asphalt layer. This paper introduces two methods for predicting the loading frequency in laboratory asphalt fatigue tests for better simulation of field conditions. Five thousand (5000) four-layered pavement sections were analyzed and stress and strain response pulses in both longitudinal and transverse directions was determined. After fitting the haversine function to the response pulses by the concept of equal-energy pulse, the effective length of the response pulses were determined. Two methods including Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) methods were then employed to predict the effective length (i.e., frequency) of tensile stress and strain pulses in longitudinal and transverse directions based on haversine waveform. It is indicated that, under controlled stress and strain modes, both methods (MARS and ANN) are capable of predicting the frequency of loading in HMA fatigue tests with very good accuracy. The accuracy of ANN method is, however, more than MARS method. It is furthermore shown that the results of the present study can be generalized to sinusoidal waveform by a simple equation. PMID:24688400

Prediction of frequency for simulation of asphalt mix fatigue tests using MARS and ANN.

PubMed

Ghanizadeh, Ali Reza; Fakhri, Mansour

2014-01-01

Fatigue life of asphalt mixes in laboratory tests is commonly determined by applying a sinusoidal or haversine waveform with specific frequency. The pavement structure and loading conditions affect the shape and the frequency of tensile response pulses at the bottom of asphalt layer. This paper introduces two methods for predicting the loading frequency in laboratory asphalt fatigue tests for better simulation of field conditions. Five thousand (5000) four-layered pavement sections were analyzed and stress and strain response pulses in both longitudinal and transverse directions was determined. After fitting the haversine function to the response pulses by the concept of equal-energy pulse, the effective length of the response pulses were determined. Two methods including Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) methods were then employed to predict the effective length (i.e., frequency) of tensile stress and strain pulses in longitudinal and transverse directions based on haversine waveform. It is indicated that, under controlled stress and strain modes, both methods (MARS and ANN) are capable of predicting the frequency of loading in HMA fatigue tests with very good accuracy. The accuracy of ANN method is, however, more than MARS method. It is furthermore shown that the results of the present study can be generalized to sinusoidal waveform by a simple equation.

A Power Regulation and Droop Mode Control Method for a Stand-Alone Load Fed from a PV-Current Source Inverter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khayamy, Mehdy; Ojo, Olorunfemi

2015-04-01

A current source inverter fed from photovoltaic cells is proposed to power an autonomous load when operating under either power regulation or voltage and frequency drooping modes. Input-output linearization technique is applied to the overall nonlinear system to achieve a globally stable system under feasible operating conditions. After obtaining the steady-state model that demarcates the modes of operation, computer Simulation results for variations in irradiance and the load power of the controlled system are generated in which an acceptable dynamic response of the power generator system under the two modes of operation is observed.

A novel optimized hybrid fuzzy logic intelligent PID controller for an interconnected multi-area power system with physical constraints and boiler dynamics.

PubMed

Gomaa Haroun, A H; Li, Yin-Ya

2017-11-01

In the fast developing world nowadays, load frequency control (LFC) is considered to be a most significant role for providing the power supply with good quality in the power system. To deliver a reliable power, LFC system requires highly competent and intelligent control technique. Hence, in this article, a novel hybrid fuzzy logic intelligent proportional-integral-derivative (FLiPID) controller has been proposed for LFC of interconnected multi-area power systems. A four-area interconnected thermal power system incorporated with physical constraints and boiler dynamics is considered and the adjustable parameters of the FLiPID controller are optimized using particle swarm optimization (PSO) scheme employing an integral square error (ISE) criterion. The proposed method has been established to enhance the power system performances as well as to reduce the oscillations of uncertainties due to variations in the system parameters and load perturbations. The supremacy of the suggested method is demonstrated by comparing the simulation results with some recently reported heuristic methods such as fuzzy logic proportional-integral (FLPI) and intelligent proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers for the same electrical power system. the investigations showed that the FLiPID controller provides a better dynamic performance and outperform compared to the other approaches in terms of the settling time, and minimum undershoots of the frequency as well as tie-line power flow deviations following a perturbation, in addition to perform appropriate settlement of integral absolute error (IAE). Finally, the sensitivity analysis of the plant is inspected by varying the system parameters and operating load conditions from their nominal values. It is observed that the suggested controller based optimization algorithm is robust and perform satisfactorily with the variations in operating load condition, system parameters and load pattern. Copyright © 2017 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Involuntary autobiographical memories are relatively more often reported during high cognitive load tasks.

PubMed

Barzykowski, Krystian; Niedźwieńska, Agnieszka

2018-01-01

Recent studies on involuntary autobiographical memories (IAMs) in daily life have shown that they are most frequently reported during daily routines (e.g. while ironing). Such studies have suggested that reporting IAMs may be influenced by the level of the ongoing task demands and availability of cognitive resources. In two studies, we investigated the effects of cognitive load on reporting IAMs. To examine the presumed cognitive load dependency of IAMs, we utilised an often-employed experimental paradigm (Schlagman & Kvavilashvili, 2008) to elicit IAMs under conditions that differed in cognitive load. When performing a vigilance task, participants had to interrupt the task each time they experienced any spontaneous mental contents and write them down. We manipulated the level of cognitive load by either instructing (cognitive load group) or not instructing (control group) participants to perform an additional demanding task. We compared the groups on the number of IAMs and other mental contents (non-IAM contents) recorded, as well as on the frequency of IAMs that was calculated as a proportion of IAMs in all mental contents reported by the participant. We expected that if reporting IAMs depends on the level of cognitive demands, then we should observe lower frequency of IAMs in the cognitive load group compared to the control group. Consistently across studies, we observed a lower number of IAMs and non-IAM contents in the cognitive load group. However, IAMs unexpectedly constituted a higher percentage of all mental contents when participants were cognitively loaded. Further implications of the cognitive load effects for IAMs research and experimental methodology are discussed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

No association of SORL1 SNPs with Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Minster, Ryan L; DeKosky, Steven T; Kamboh, M Ilyas

2008-08-01

SORL1 is an element of the amyloid precursor protein processing pathway and is therefore a good candidate for affecting Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. Indeed, there have been reports of associations between variation in SORL1 and AD risk. We examined six statistically significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms from the initial observation in a large Caucasian American case-controls cohort (1000 late-onset AD [LOAD] cases and 1000 older controls). Analysis of allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies revealed no association with LOAD risk in our cohort.

Data processing of high-rate low-voltage distribution grid recordings for smart grid monitoring and analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maaß, Heiko; Cakmak, Hüseyin Kemal; Bach, Felix; Mikut, Ralf; Harrabi, Aymen; Süß, Wolfgang; Jakob, Wilfried; Stucky, Karl-Uwe; Kühnapfel, Uwe G.; Hagenmeyer, Veit

2015-12-01

Power networks will change from a rigid hierarchic architecture to dynamic interconnected smart grids. In traditional power grids, the frequency is the controlled quantity to maintain supply and load power balance. Thereby, high rotating mass inertia ensures for stability. In the future, system stability will have to rely more on real-time measurements and sophisticated control, especially when integrating fluctuating renewable power sources or high-load consumers like electrical vehicles to the low-voltage distribution grid.

Frequency regulator for synchronous generators

DOEpatents

Karlicek, Robert F.

1982-01-01

The present invention is directed to a novel frequency regulator which controls a generator output frequency for variations in both the input power to the generator and the power supplied to an uncontrolled external load. The present invention further includes over current and current balance protection devices which are relatively inexpensive to manufacture, which may be encapsulated to provide protection from the operating environment and which respond more quickly than previously known electromechanical devices.

Comparisons of several aerodynamic methods for application to dynamic loads analyses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kroll, R. I.; Miller, R. D.

1976-01-01

The results of a study are presented in which the applicability at subsonic speeds of several aerodynamic methods for predicting dynamic gust loads on aircraft, including active control systems, was examined and compared. These aerodynamic methods varied from steady state to an advanced unsteady aerodynamic formulation. Brief descriptions of the structural and aerodynamic representations and of the motion and load equations are presented. Comparisons of numerical results achieved using the various aerodynamic methods are shown in detail. From these results, aerodynamic representations for dynamic gust analyses are identified. It was concluded that several aerodynamic methods are satisfactory for dynamic gust analyses of configurations having either controls fixed or active control systems that primarily affect the low frequency rigid body aircraft response.

Flight Investigation on a Fighter-type Airplane of Factors which Affect the Loads and Load Distributions on the Vertical Tail Surfaces During Rudder Kicks and Fishtails

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boshar, John

1947-01-01

Results are presented of a flight investigation conducted on a fighter-type airplane to determine the factors which affect the loads and load distributions on the vertical tail surfaces in maneuvers. An analysis is made of the data obtained in steady flight, rudder kicks, and fishtail maneuvers. For the rudder kicks, the significant loads were the "deflection load" resulting from an abrupt control deflection and the "dynamic load" consisting of a load corresponding to the new static equilibrium condition for the rudder deflected plus a load due to a transient overshoot. The minimum time to reach the maximum control deflection attainable by the pilot in any flight condition was found to be a constant. In the fishtail maneuvers, it was found that the pilot tends to deflect the rudder in phase with the natural frequency of the airplane. The maximum loads measured in fishtails were of the same order of magnitude as those from a rudder kick in which the rudder is returned to zero at the time of maximum sideslip.

Implementation of a Biaxial Resonant Fatigue Test Method on a Large Wind Turbine Blade

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Snowberg, D.; Dana, S.; Hughes, S.

2014-09-01

A biaxial resonant test method was utilized to simultaneously fatigue test a wind turbine blade in the flap and edge (lead-lag) direction. Biaxial resonant blade fatigue testing is an accelerated life test method utilizing oscillating masses on the blade; each mass is independently oscillated at the respective flap and edge blade resonant frequency. The flap and edge resonant frequency were not controlled, nor were they constant for this demonstrated test method. This biaxial resonant test method presented surmountable challenges in test setup simulation, control and data processing. Biaxial resonant testing has the potential to complete test projects faster than single-axismore » testing. The load modulation during a biaxial resonant test may necessitate periodic load application above targets or higher applied test cycles.« less

Radio frequency power load and associated method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sims, III, William Herbert (Inventor); Chavers, Donald Gregory (Inventor); Richeson, James J. (Inventor)

2010-01-01

A radio frequency power load and associated method. A radio frequency power load apparatus includes a container and a fluid having an ion source therein, the fluid being contained in the container. Two conductors are immersed in the fluid. A radio frequency transmission system includes a radio frequency transmitter, a radio frequency amplifier connected to the transmitter and a radio frequency power load apparatus connected to the amplifier. The apparatus includes a fluid having an ion source therein, and two conductors immersed in the fluid. A method of dissipating power generated by a radio frequency transmission system includes the steps of: immersing two conductors of a radio frequency power load apparatus in a fluid having an ion source therein; and connecting the apparatus to an amplifier of the transmission system.

Evaluation of different inertial control methods for variable-speed wind turbines simulated by fatigue, aerodynamic, structures and turbulence (FAST)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Xiao; Gao, Wenzhong; Scholbrock, Andrew

To mitigate the degraded power system inertia and undesirable primary frequency response caused by large-scale wind power integration, the frequency support capabilities of variable-speed wind turbines is studied in this work. This is made possible by controlled inertial response, which is demonstrated on a research turbine - controls advanced research turbine, 3-bladed (CART3). Two distinct inertial control (IC) methods are analysed in terms of their impacts on the grids and the response of the turbine itself. The released kinetic energy in the IC methods are determined by the frequency measurement or shaped active power reference in the turbine speed-power plane.more » The wind turbine model is based on the high-fidelity turbine simulator fatigue, aerodynamic, structures and turbulence, which constitutes the aggregated wind power plant model with the simplified power converter model. The IC methods are implemented over the baseline CART3 controller, evaluated in the modified 9-bus and 14-bus testing power grids considering different wind speeds and different wind power penetration levels. The simulation results provide various insights on designing such kinds of ICs. The authors calculate the short-term dynamic equivalent loads and give a discussion about the turbine structural loadings related to the inertial response.« less

System ID modern control algorithms for active aerodynamic load control and impact on gearbox loading.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Berg, Jonathan Charles; Halse, Chris; Crowther, Ashley

2010-06-01

Prior work on active aerodynamic load control (AALC) of wind turbine blades has demonstrated that appropriate use of this technology has the potential to yield significant reductions in blade loads, leading to a decrease in wind cost of energy. While the general concept of AALC is usually discussed in the context of multiple sensors and active control devices (such as flaps) distributed over the length of the blade, most work to date has been limited to consideration of a single control device per blade with very basic Proportional Derivative controllers, due to limitations in the aeroservoelastic codes used to performmore » turbine simulations. This work utilizes a new aeroservoelastic code developed at Delft University of Technology to model the NREL/Upwind 5 MW wind turbine to investigate the relative advantage of utilizing multiple-device AALC. System identification techniques are used to identify the frequencies and shapes of turbine vibration modes, and these are used with modern control techniques to develop both Single-Input Single-Output (SISO) and Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) LQR flap controllers. Comparison of simulation results with these controllers shows that the MIMO controller does yield some improvement over the SISO controller in fatigue load reduction, but additional improvement is possible with further refinement. In addition, a preliminary investigation shows that AALC has the potential to reduce off-axis gearbox loads, leading to reduced gearbox bearing fatigue damage and improved lifetimes.« less

A High Frequency Active Voltage Doubler in Standard CMOS Using Offset-Controlled Comparators for Inductive Power Transmission

PubMed Central

Lee, Hyung-Min; Ghovanloo, Maysam

2014-01-01

In this paper, we present a fully integrated active voltage doubler in CMOS technology using offset-controlled high speed comparators for extending the range of inductive power transmission to implantable microelectronic devices (IMD) and radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags. This active voltage doubler provides considerably higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) and lower dropout voltage compared to its passive counterpart and requires lower input voltage than active rectifiers, leading to reliable and efficient operation with weakly coupled inductive links. The offset-controlled functions in the comparators compensate for turn-on and turn-off delays to not only maximize the forward charging current to the load but also minimize the back current, optimizing PCE in the high frequency (HF) band. We fabricated the active voltage doubler in a 0.5-μm 3M2P std. CMOS process, occupying 0.144 mm2 of chip area. With 1.46 V peak AC input at 13.56 MHz, the active voltage doubler provides 2.4 V DC output across a 1 kΩ load, achieving the highest PCE = 79% ever reported at this frequency. In addition, the built-in start-up circuit ensures a reliable operation at lower voltages. PMID:23853321

Field testing of linear individual pitch control on the two-bladed controls advanced research turbine

DOE PAGES

van Solingen, Edwin; Fleming, Paul A.; Scholbrock, Andrew; ...

2015-04-17

This paper presents the results of field tests using linear individual pitch control (LIPC) on the two-bladed Controls Advanced Research Turbine 2 (CART2) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). LIPC has recently been introduced as an alternative to the conventional individual pitch control (IPC) strategy for two-bladed wind turbines. The main advantage of LIPC over conventional IPC is that it requires, at most, only two feedback loops to potentially reduce the periodic blade loads. In previous work, LIPC was designed to implement blade pitch angles at a fixed frequency (e.g., the once-per-revolution (1P) frequency), which made it only applicablemore » in above-rated wind turbine operating conditions. In this study, LIPC is extended to below-rated operating conditions by gain scheduling the controller on the rotor speed. With this extension, LIPC and conventional IPC are successfully applied to the NREL CART2 wind turbine. Lastly, the field-test results obtained during the measurement campaign indicate that LIPC significantly reduces the wind turbine loads for both below-rated and above-rated operation.« less

CFAVC scheme for high frequency series resonant inverter-fed domestic induction heating system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagarajan, Booma; Reddy Sathi, Rama

2016-01-01

This article presents the investigations on the constant frequency asymmetric voltage cancellation control in the AC-AC resonant converter-fed domestic induction heating system. Conventional fixed frequency control techniques used in the high frequency converters lead to non-zero voltage switching operation and reduced output power. The proposed control technique produces higher output power than the conventional fixed-frequency control strategies. In this control technique, zero-voltage-switching operation is maintained during different duty cycle operation for reduction in the switching losses. Complete analysis of the induction heating power supply system with asymmetric voltage cancellation control is discussed in this article. Simulation and experimental study on constant frequency asymmetric voltage cancellation (CFAVC)-controlled full bridge series resonant inverter is performed. Time domain simulation results for the open and closed loop of the system are obtained using MATLAB simulation tool. The simulation results prove the control of voltage and power in a wide range. PID controller-based closed loop control system achieves the voltage regulation of the proposed system for the step change in load. Hardware implementation of the system under CFAVC control is done using the embedded controller. The simulation and experimental results validate the performance of the CFAVC control technique for series resonant-based induction cooking system.

Frequency regulator for synchronous generators

DOEpatents

Karlicek, R.F.

1982-08-10

The present invention is directed to a novel frequency regulator which controls a generator output frequency for variations in both the input power to the generator and the power supplied to an uncontrolled external load. The present invention further includes over current and current balance protection devices which are relatively inexpensive to manufacture, which may be encapsulated to provide protection from the operating environment and which respond more quickly than previously known electromechanical devices. 11 figs.

A pulsed load model and its impact on a synchronous-rectifier system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Pengfei; Xu, Ye; Li, Jianke; Wang, Jinquan; Zhang, Haitao; Yan, Jun; Wang, Chunming; Chen, Jingjing

2017-02-01

The pulsed load has become a developing trend of power loading. Unlike traditional loads, pulsed loads with current abrupt and repeated charges will result in unstable Microgrid operations because of their small capacity and inertia. In this paper, an Average Magnitude Sum Function (AMSF) is proposed to calculate the frequency of the grid, and based on AMSF, the Relative Deviation Rate (RDR) that characterises the impact of pulsed load on the AC side of the grid is defined and its calculation process is described in detail. In addition, the system dynamic characteristics under a pulsed load are analysed using an Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) to control the on/off state of the resistive load for simulating a pulsed load. Finally, the transient characteristics of a synchronous-rectifier system with a pulsed load are studied and validated experimentally.

A higher harmonic control test in the DNW to reduce impulsive BVI noise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Splettstoesser, Wolf R.; Schultz, KLAUS-J.; Kube, Roland; Brooks, Thomas F.; Booth, Earl R., Jr.; Niesl, Georg; Streby, Olivier

1994-01-01

A model rotor acoustic test was performed to examine the benefit of higher control (HHC) of blade pitch to reduce blade-vortex interaction (BVI) impulse noise. A 40-percent dynamically scaled, four-bladed model of a BO-105 main rotor was tested in the German-Dutch Wind Tunnel (DNW). Acoustic measurements were made in a large plane underneath the rotor employing a traversing in-flow microphone array in the anechoic environment of the open test section. Noise characteristics and noise directivity patterns as well as vibratory loads were measured and used to demonstrate the changes when different HHC schedules (different modes, amplitudes, phases) were applied. Dramatic changes of the acoustic signatures and the noise radiation directivity with HHC phase variations are found. Compared to the baseline conditions (without HHD), significant mid-frequency noise reductions of as much as 6 dB are obtained for low speed descent conditions where BVI is most intensive. For other rotor operating conditions with less intense BVI there is less or no benefit from the use of HHC. Low frequency loading noise and vibratory loads, especially at optimum noise reduction control settings, are found to increase.

An Integrated Power-Efficient Active Rectifier With Offset-Controlled High Speed Comparators for Inductively Powered Applications

PubMed Central

Lee, Hyung-Min; Ghovanloo, Maysam

2011-01-01

We present an active full-wave rectifier with offset-controlled high speed comparators in standard CMOS that provides high power conversion efficiency (PCE) in high frequency (HF) range for inductively powered devices. This rectifier provides much lower dropout voltage and far better PCE compared to the passive on-chip or off-chip rectifiers. The built-in offset-control functions in the comparators compensate for both turn-on and turn-off delays in the main rectifying switches, thus maximizing the forward current delivered to the load and minimizing the back current to improve the PCE. We have fabricated this active rectifier in a 0.5-μm 3M2P standard CMOS process, occupying 0.18 mm2 of chip area. With 3.8 V peak ac input at 13.56 MHz, the rectifier provides 3.12 V dc output to a 500 Ω load, resulting in the PCE of 80.2%, which is the highest measured at this frequency. In addition, overvoltage protection (OVP) as safety measure and built-in back telemetry capabilities have been incorporated in our design using detuning and load shift keying (LSK) techniques, respectively, and tested. PMID:22174666

Cardiovagal Autonomic Function in HIV-Infected Patients with Unsuppressed HIV Viremia

PubMed Central

Chow, Dominic C.; Wood, Robert; Choi, Julia; Grandinetti, Andrew; Gerschenson, Mariana; Sriratanaviriyakul, Narin; Nakamoto, Beau; Shikuma, Cecilia; Low, Phillip

2011-01-01

Purpose HIV infection has been implicated in dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system. Method Cross-sectional study examining the relationship between the presence of persistent detectable HIV viral load with autonomic function, measured by heart rate variability (HRV). Non-virologic suppression (NVS) was defined as having a detectable viral load for at least 3 months prior to autonomic function testing. HRV was measured during the following 4 maneuvers: resting and paced respirations and sustained handgrip and tilt. Inferences on parasympathetic and sympathetic modulations were determined by analyzing time and frequency domains of HRV. Results 57 participants were enrolled in 3 groups: 22 were HIV-infected participants with HIV virologic suppression (VS; undetectable HIV viral load), 9 were HIV-infected participants who had NVS, and 26 were HIV seronegative controls. There were lower time domain parameters in the HIV-infected group as a whole compared to controls. There were no significant differences in time domain parameters among HIV-infected participants. There were no differences in frequency domain parameters during any of the maneuvers between controls and all HIV-infected participants, nor between the NVS and VS groups. Conclusion There were differences in autonomic function between HIV-infected individuals and HIV seronegative controls, but not between the NVS and VS groups. PMID:21684854

AC motor and generator requirements for isolated WECS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, G. L.; Mccleer, P. J.; Hanson, B.; Weinberg, B.; Krauss, O.

1985-01-01

After surveying electrically driven loads used on productive farms, the investigators chose three pumps for testing at voltages and frequencies far outside the normal operating range. These loads extract and circulate water and move heat via air, and all are critical to farm productivity. The object was to determine the envelope of supply voltage and frequency over which these loads would operate stably for time intervals under 1 hour. This information is among that needed to determine the feasibility of supplying critical loads, in case of a utility outage, from a wind driven alternator whose output voltage and frequency will vary dramatically in most continental wind regimes. Other related work is surveyed. The salient features and limitations of the test configurations used and the data reduction are described. The development of simulation models suitable for a small computer are outlined. The results are primarily displayed on the voltage frequency plane with the general conclusion that the particular pump models considered will operate over the range of 50 to 90 Hz and a voltage band which starts below rated, decreases as frequency decreases, and is limited on the high side by excessive motor heating. For example, centrifugal pump operating voltage ranges as extensive .4 to 1.4 appear possible. Particular problems with starting, stalling due to lack of motor torque, high speed cavitation, and likely overheating are addressed in a listing of required properties for wind driven alternators and their controllers needed for use in the isolated or stand alone configuration considered.

Steady-state temperature determination on the base of hysteresis loop energy for CuZn37 brass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lipski, Adam; Skibicki, Dariusz; Pejkowski, Łukasz

2017-03-01

This paper presents the verification of the relationship between the temperature and the hysteresis loop energy for the CuZn37 brass under multiaxial fatigue loading. Fatigue tests were performed on the hollow specimens subjected to fully reversed tension-compression, torsion, proportional loading, 90° out-of-phase non-proportional loading and two another non-proportional loadings with frequency differences. All test were strain-controlled. Calculations of a plastic strain energy were based on midlife strain hysteresis loops data. The calculated specimen temperatures were compared with temperatures observed by thermographic camera.

Portable vibration exciter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beecher, L. C.; Williams, F. T.

1970-01-01

Gas-driven vibration exciter produces a sinusoidal excitation function controllable in frequency and in amplitude. It allows direct vibration testing of components under normal loads, removing the possibility of component damage due to high static pressure.

PSO Algorithm for an Optimal Power Controller in a Microgrid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Saedi, W.; Lachowicz, S.; Habibi, D.; Bass, O.

2017-07-01

This paper presents the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm to improve the quality of the power supply in a microgrid. This algorithm is proposed for a real-time selftuning method that used in a power controller for an inverter based Distributed Generation (DG) unit. In such system, the voltage and frequency are the main control objectives, particularly when the microgrid is islanded or during load change. In this work, the PSO algorithm is implemented to find the optimal controller parameters to satisfy the control objectives. The results show high performance of the applied PSO algorithm of regulating the microgrid voltage and frequency.

Bio-implantable passive on-chip RF-MEMS strain sensing resonators for orthopaedic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melik, Rohat; Kosku Perkgoz, Nihan; Unal, Emre; Puttlitz, Christian; Demir, Hilmi Volkan

2008-11-01

One out of ten bone fractures does not heal properly due to improper load distribution and strain profiles during the healing process. To provide implantable tools for the assessment of bone fractures, we have designed novel, bio-implantable, passive, on-chip, RF-MEMS strain sensors that rely on the resonance frequency shift with mechanical deformation. For this purpose, we modeled, fabricated and experimentally characterized two on-chip sensors with high quality factors for in vivo implantation. One of the sensors has an area of ~0.12 mm2 with a quality factor of ~60 and the other has an area of ~0.07 mm2 with a quality factor of ~70. To monitor the mechanical deformation by measuring the change in the resonance frequencies with the applied load, we employed a controllable, point load applying experimental setup designed and constructed for in vitro characterization. In the case of the sensor with the larger area, when we apply a load of 3920 N, we obtain a frequency shift of ~330 MHz and a quality factor of ~76. For the smaller sensor, the frequency shift and the quality factor are increased to 360 MHz and 95, respectively. These data demonstrate that our sensor chips have the capacity to withstand relatively high physiologic loads, and that the concomitant and very large resonant frequency shift with the applied load is achieved while maintaining a high signal quality factor. These experiments demonstrate that these novel sensors have the capacity for producing high sensitivity strain readout, even when the total device area is considerably small. Also, we have demonstrated that our bio-implantable, passive sensors deliver a telemetric, real-time readout of the strain on a chip. Placing two more resonators on the sides of the sensor to serve as transmitter and receiver antennas, we achieved to transfer contactless power and read out loads in the absence of direct wiring to the sensor. With this model, where telemetric measurements become simpler due to the fact that all sensor system is built on the same chip, we obtain a frequency shift of ~190 MHz with an increase in the quality factor from ~38 to ~46 when a load of 3920 N is applied. Therefore, as a first proof of concept, we have demonstrated the feasibility of our on-chip strain sensors for monitoring the mechanical deformation using telemetry-based systems.

Load Dependency of Postural Control - Kinematic and Neuromuscular Changes in Response to over and under Load Conditions

PubMed Central

Ritzmann, Ramona; Freyler, Kathrin; Weltin, Elmar; Krause, Anne; Gollhofer, Albert

2015-01-01

Introduction Load variation is associated with changes in joint torque and compensatory reflex activation and thus, has a considerable impact on balance control. Previous studies dealing with over (OL) and under loading (UL) used water buoyancy or additional weight with the side effects of increased friction and inertia, resulting in substantially modified test paradigms. The purpose of this study was to identify gravity-induced load dependency of postural control in comparable experimental conditions and to determine the underlying neuromuscular mechanisms. Methods Balance performance was recorded under normal loading (NL, 1g), UL (0.16g; 0.38g) and OL (1.8g) in monopedal stance. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and frequency distribution (low 0.15-0.5Hz (LF), medium 0.5-2Hz (MF), high 2-6Hz (HF)) as well as ankle, knee and hip joint kinematics were assessed. Soleus spinal excitability was determined by H/M-recruitment curves (H/M-ratios). Results Compared to NL, OL caused an increase in ankle joint excursion, COP HF domain and H/M-ratio. Concomitantly, hip joint excursion and COP LF decreased. Compared to NL, UL caused modulations in the opposite direction: UL decreased ankle joint excursions, COP HF and H/M-ratio. Collaterally, hip joint excursion and COP LF increased. COP was augmented both in UL and in OL compared to NL. Conclusion Subjects achieved postural stability in OL and UL with greater difficulty compared to NL. Reduced postural control was accompanied by modified balance strategies and compensatory reflex activation. With increasing load, a shift from hip to ankle strategy was observed. Accompanying, COP frequency distribution shifted from LF to HF and spinal excitability was enhanced. It is suggested that in OL, augmented ankle joint torques are compensated by quick reflex-induced postural reactions in distal muscles. Contrarily, UL is associated with diminished joint torques and thus, postural equilibrium may be controlled by the proximal segments to adjust the center of gravity above the base of support. PMID:26053055

Pulsatile Fluid Shear in Bone Remodeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frangos, John A.

1997-01-01

The objective of this investigation was to elucidate the sensitivity to transients in fluid shear stress in bone remodeling. Bone remodeling is clearly a function of the local mechanical environment which includes interstitial fluid flow. Traditionally, load-induced remodeling has been associated with low frequency (1-2 Hz) signals attributed to normal locomotion. McLeod and Rubin, however, demonstrated in vivo remodeling events associated with high frequency (15-30 Hz) loading. Likewise, other in vivo studies demonstrated that slowly applied strains did not trigger remodeling events. We therefore hypothesized that the mechanosensitive pathways which control bone maintenance and remodeling are differentially sensitive to varying rates of applied fluid shear stress.

Disturbance observer based Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy control for an active seat suspension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ning, Donghong; Sun, Shuaishuai; Zhang, Fei; Du, Haiping; Li, Weihua; Zhang, Bangji

2017-09-01

In this paper, a disturbance observer based Takagi-Sugeno (TS) fuzzy controller is proposed for an active seat suspension; both simulations and experiments have been performed verifying the performance enhancement and stability of the proposed controller. The controller incorporates closed-loop feedback control using the measured acceleration of the seat and deflection of the suspension; these two variables can be easily measured in practical applications, thus allowing the proposed controller to be robust and adaptable. A disturbance observer that can estimate the disturbance caused by friction, model simplification, and controller output error has also been used to compensate a H∞ state feedback controller. The TS fuzzy control method is applied to enhance the controller's performance by considering the variation of driver's weight during operation. The vibration of a heavy duty vehicle seat is largest in the frequency range between 2 Hz and 4 Hz, in the vertical direction; therefore, it is reasonable to focus on controlling low frequency vibration amplitudes and maintain the seat suspensions passivity at high frequency. Moreover, both the simulation and experimental results show that the active seat suspension with the proposed controller can effectively isolate unwanted vibration amplitudes below 4.5 Hz, when compared with a well-tuned passive seat suspension. The active controller has been further validated under bump and random road tests with both a 55 kg and a 70 kg loads. The bump road test demonstrated the controller has good transient response capabilities. The random road test result has been presented both in the time domain and the frequency domain. When with the above two loads, the controlled seat suspensions root-mean-square (RMS) accelerations were reduced by 45.5% and 49.5%, respectively, compared with a well-tuned passive seat suspension. The proposed active seat suspension controller has great potential and is very practical for application as it can significantly improve heavy duty driver's ride comfort.

Children with Heavy Prenatal Alcohol Exposure have Different Frequency Domain Signal Characteristics when Producing Isometric Force

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Tanya T.; Ashrafi, Ashkan; Thomas, Jennifer D.; Riley, Edward P.; Simmons, Roger W.

2013-01-01

To extend our current understanding of the teratogenic effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the control of isometric force, the present study investigated the signal characteristics of power spectral density functions resulting from sustained control of isometric force by children with and without heavy prenatal exposure to alcohol. It was predicted that the functions associated with the force signals would be fundamentally different for the two groups. Twenty-five children aged between 7 and 17 years with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure and 21 non-alcohol exposed control children attempted to duplicate a visually represented target force by pressing on a load cell. The level of target force (5 and 20% of maximum voluntary contraction) and the time interval between visual feedback (20ms, 320ms and 740ms) were manipulated. A multivariate spectral estimation method with sinusoidal windows was applied to individual isometric force-time signals. Analysis of the resulting power spectral density functions revealed that the alcohol-exposed children had a lower mean frequency, less spectral variability, greater peak power and a lower frequency at which peak power occurred. Furthermore, mean frequency and spectral variability produced by the alcohol-exposed group remained constant across target load and visual feedback interval, suggesting that these children were limited to making long-time scale corrections to the force signal. In contrast, the control group produced decreased mean frequency and spectral variability as target force and the interval between visual feedback increased, indicating that when feedback was frequently presented these children used the information to make short-time scale adjustments to the ongoing force signal. Knowledge of these differences could facilitate the design of motor rehabilitation exercises that specifically target isometric force control deficits in alcohol-exposed children. PMID:23238099

High output lamp with high brightness

DOEpatents

Kirkpatrick, Douglas A.; Bass, Gary K.; Copsey, Jesse F.; Garber, Jr., William E.; Kwong, Vincent H.; Levin, Izrail; MacLennan, Donald A.; Roy, Robert J.; Steiner, Paul E.; Tsai, Peter; Turner, Brian P.

2002-01-01

An ultra bright, low wattage inductively coupled electrodeless aperture lamp is powered by a solid state RF source in the range of several tens to several hundreds of watts at various frequencies in the range of 400 to 900 MHz. Numerous novel lamp circuits and components are disclosed including a wedding ring shaped coil having one axial and one radial lead, a high accuracy capacitor stack, a high thermal conductivity aperture cup and various other aperture bulb configurations, a coaxial capacitor arrangement, and an integrated coil and capacitor assembly. Numerous novel RF circuits are also disclosed including a high power oscillator circuit with reduced complexity resonant pole configuration, parallel RF power FET transistors with soft gate switching, a continuously variable frequency tuning circuit, a six port directional coupler, an impedance switching RF source, and an RF source with controlled frequency-load characteristics. Numerous novel RF control methods are disclosed including controlled adjustment of the operating frequency to find a resonant frequency and reduce reflected RF power, controlled switching of an impedance switched lamp system, active power control and active gate bias control.

No association of SORL1 SNPs with Alzheimer’s disease

PubMed Central

Minster, Ryan L.; DeKosky, Steven T.; Kamboh, M. Ilyas

2008-01-01

SORL1 is an element of the amyloid precursor protein processing pathway and is therefore a good candidate for affecting Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk. Indeed, there have been reports of associations between variation in SORL1 and AD risk. We examined six statistically significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms from the initial observation in a large Caucasian American case–controls cohort (1000 late-onset AD [LOAD] cases and 1000 older controls). Analysis of allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies revealed no association with LOAD risk in our cohort. PMID:18562096

The Concurrent Implementation of Radio Frequency Identification and Unique Item Identification at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, IN as a Model for a Navy Supply Chain Application

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-12-01

electromagnetic theory related to RFID in his works “ Field measurements using active scatterers” and “Theory of loaded scatterers”. At the same time...Business Case Analysis BRE: Bangor Radio Frequency Evaluation C4ISR: Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance...Surveillance EEDSKs: Early Entry Deployment Support Kits EHF: Extremely High Frequency xvi EUCOM: European Command FCC : Federal Communications

A Little Goes a Long Way: Low Working Memory Load Is Associated with Optimal Distractor Inhibition and Increased Vagal Control under Anxiety.

PubMed

Spangler, Derek P; Friedman, Bruce H

2017-01-01

Anxiety impairs both inhibition of distraction and attentional focus. It is unclear whether these impairments are reduced or exacerbated when loading working memory with non-affective information. Cardiac vagal control has been related to top-down regulation of anxiety; therefore, vagal control may reflect load-related inhibition of distraction under anxiety. The present study examined whether: (1) the enhancing and impairing effects of load on inhibition exist together in a non-linear function, (2) there is a similar association between inhibition and concurrent vagal control under anxiety. During anxiogenic threat-of-noise, 116 subjects maintained a digit series of varying lengths (0, 2, 4, and 6 digits) while completing a visual flanker task. The task was broken into four blocks, with a baseline period preceding each. Electrocardiography was acquired throughout to quantify vagal control as high-frequency heart rate variability (HRV). There were significant quadratic relations of working memory load to flanker performance and to HRV, but no associations between HRV and performance. Results indicate that low load was associated with relatively better inhibition and increased HRV. These findings suggest that attentional performance under anxiety depends on the availability of working memory resources, which might be reflected by vagal control. These results have implications for treating anxiety disorders, in which regulation of anxiety can be optimized for attentional focus.

A Little Goes a Long Way: Low Working Memory Load Is Associated with Optimal Distractor Inhibition and Increased Vagal Control under Anxiety

PubMed Central

Spangler, Derek P.; Friedman, Bruce H.

2017-01-01

Anxiety impairs both inhibition of distraction and attentional focus. It is unclear whether these impairments are reduced or exacerbated when loading working memory with non-affective information. Cardiac vagal control has been related to top–down regulation of anxiety; therefore, vagal control may reflect load-related inhibition of distraction under anxiety. The present study examined whether: (1) the enhancing and impairing effects of load on inhibition exist together in a non-linear function, (2) there is a similar association between inhibition and concurrent vagal control under anxiety. During anxiogenic threat-of-noise, 116 subjects maintained a digit series of varying lengths (0, 2, 4, and 6 digits) while completing a visual flanker task. The task was broken into four blocks, with a baseline period preceding each. Electrocardiography was acquired throughout to quantify vagal control as high-frequency heart rate variability (HRV). There were significant quadratic relations of working memory load to flanker performance and to HRV, but no associations between HRV and performance. Results indicate that low load was associated with relatively better inhibition and increased HRV. These findings suggest that attentional performance under anxiety depends on the availability of working memory resources, which might be reflected by vagal control. These results have implications for treating anxiety disorders, in which regulation of anxiety can be optimized for attentional focus. PMID:28217091

LPV control for the full region operation of a wind turbine integrated with synchronous generator.

PubMed

Cao, Guoyan; Grigoriadis, Karolos M; Nyanteh, Yaw D

2015-01-01

Wind turbine conversion systems require feedback control to achieve reliable wind turbine operation and stable current supply. A robust linear parameter varying (LPV) controller is proposed to reduce the structural loads and improve the power extraction of a horizontal axis wind turbine operating in both the partial load and the full load regions. The LPV model is derived from the wind turbine state space models extracted by FAST (fatigue, aerodynamics, structural, and turbulence) code linearization at different operating points. In order to assure a smooth transition between the two regions, appropriate frequency-dependent varying scaling parametric weighting functions are designed in the LPV control structure. The solution of a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) leads to the LPV controller. A synchronous generator model is connected with the closed LPV control loop for examining the electrical subsystem performance obtained by an inner speed control loop. Simulation results of a 1.5 MW horizontal axis wind turbine model on the FAST platform illustrates the benefit of the LPV control and demonstrates the advantages of this proposed LPV controller, when compared with a traditional gain scheduling PI control and prior LPV control configurations. Enhanced structural load mitigation, improved power extraction, and good current performance were obtained from the proposed LPV control.

LPV Control for the Full Region Operation of a Wind Turbine Integrated with Synchronous Generator

PubMed Central

Grigoriadis, Karolos M.; Nyanteh, Yaw D.

2015-01-01

Wind turbine conversion systems require feedback control to achieve reliable wind turbine operation and stable current supply. A robust linear parameter varying (LPV) controller is proposed to reduce the structural loads and improve the power extraction of a horizontal axis wind turbine operating in both the partial load and the full load regions. The LPV model is derived from the wind turbine state space models extracted by FAST (fatigue, aerodynamics, structural, and turbulence) code linearization at different operating points. In order to assure a smooth transition between the two regions, appropriate frequency-dependent varying scaling parametric weighting functions are designed in the LPV control structure. The solution of a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) leads to the LPV controller. A synchronous generator model is connected with the closed LPV control loop for examining the electrical subsystem performance obtained by an inner speed control loop. Simulation results of a 1.5 MW horizontal axis wind turbine model on the FAST platform illustrates the benefit of the LPV control and demonstrates the advantages of this proposed LPV controller, when compared with a traditional gain scheduling PI control and prior LPV control configurations. Enhanced structural load mitigation, improved power extraction, and good current performance were obtained from the proposed LPV control. PMID:25884036

Enhanced Modeling of First-Order Plant Equations of Motion for Aeroelastic and Aeroservoelastic Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pototzky, Anthony S.

2010-01-01

A methodology is described for generating first-order plant equations of motion for aeroelastic and aeroservoelastic applications. The description begins with the process of generating data files representing specialized mode-shapes, such as rigid-body and control surface modes, using both PATRAN and NASTRAN analysis. NASTRAN executes the 146 solution sequence using numerous Direct Matrix Abstraction Program (DMAP) calls to import the mode-shape files and to perform the aeroelastic response analysis. The aeroelastic response analysis calculates and extracts structural frequencies, generalized masses, frequency-dependent generalized aerodynamic force (GAF) coefficients, sensor deflections and load coefficients data as text-formatted data files. The data files are then re-sequenced and re-formatted using a custom written FORTRAN program. The text-formatted data files are stored and coefficients for s-plane equations are fitted to the frequency-dependent GAF coefficients using two Interactions of Structures, Aerodynamics and Controls (ISAC) programs. With tabular files from stored data created by ISAC, MATLAB generates the first-order aeroservoelastic plant equations of motion. These equations include control-surface actuator, turbulence, sensor and load modeling. Altitude varying root-locus plot and PSD plot results for a model of the F-18 aircraft are presented to demonstrate the capability.

Structural load control during construction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mikulas, Martin M., Jr.

1991-01-01

In the absence of gravitational pull, the major design considerations for large space structures are stiffness for controllability, and transient dynamic loadings (as opposed to the traditional static load associated with earth-based structures). Because of the absence of gravitational loading, space structures can be designed to be significantly lighter than their counterparts on Earth. For example, the Space Shuttle manipulator arm is capable of moving and positioning a 60,000 lb payload, yet weighs less than 1,000 lbs. A recent design for the Space Station which had a total weight of about 500,000 lbs. used a primary loadcarrying keel beam which weighed less than 10,000 lbs. For many large space structures designs it is quite common for the load-carrying structure to have a mass fraction on the order of one or two percent of the total spacecraft mass. This significant weight reduction for large space structures is commonly accompanied by very low natural frequencies. These low frequencies cause an unprecedented level of operational complexity for mission applications which require a high level of positioning and control accuracy. This control problem is currently the subject of considerable research directed towards reducing the flexibility problem. In addition, however, the small mass fraction typically results in structures which are quite unforgiving to inadvertent high loadings. In other words, the structures are 'fragile.' In order to deal with the fragility issue CSC developed a load-limiting concept for space truss structures. This concept is aimed at limiting the levels of load which can occur in a large space structure during the construction process as well as during subsequent operations. Currently, the approach for dealing with large loadings is to make the structure larger. The impact this has on construction is significant. The larger structures are more difficult to package in the launch vehicle, and in fact in some instances the concept must be changed from a deployable truss to an erectable truss to permit packaging. The new load-limiting concept is aimed at permitting the use in large space structures of smaller trusses with a high level of strength robustness, in order to simplify the construction process. To date several analyses conducted on the concept have demonstrated its feasibility, and an experiment is currently being designed to demonstrate its operation.

Research and application of thermal power unit’s load dynamic adjustment based on extraction steam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jun; Li, Huicong; Li, Weiwei

2018-02-01

The rapid development of heat and power generation in large power plant has caused tremendous constraints on the load adjustment of power grids and power plants. By introducing the thermodynamic system of thermal power unit, the relationship between thermal power extraction steam and unit’s load has analyzed and calculated. The practical application results show that power capability of the unit affected by extraction and it is not conducive to adjust the grid frequency. By monitoring the load adjustment capacity of thermal power units, especially the combined heat and power generating units, the upper and lower limits of the unit load can be dynamically adjusted by the operator on the grid side. The grid regulation and control departments can effectively control the load adjustable intervals of the operating units and provide reliable for the cooperative action of the power grid and power plants, to ensure the safety and stability of the power grid.

Quadratic partial eigenvalue assignment in large-scale stochastic dynamic systems for resilient and economic design

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Das, Sonjoy; Goswami, Kundan; Datta, Biswa N.

2014-12-10

Failure of structural systems under dynamic loading can be prevented via active vibration control which shifts the damped natural frequencies of the systems away from the dominant range of loading spectrum. The damped natural frequencies and the dynamic load typically show significant variations in practice. A computationally efficient methodology based on quadratic partial eigenvalue assignment technique and optimization under uncertainty has been formulated in the present work that will rigorously account for these variations and result in an economic and resilient design of structures. A novel scheme based on hierarchical clustering and importance sampling is also developed in this workmore » for accurate and efficient estimation of probability of failure to guarantee the desired resilience level of the designed system. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the proposed methodology.« less

A flight investigation of performance and loads for a helicopter with NLR-1T main-rotor blade sections

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, C. E. K., Jr.; Tomaine, R. L.; Stevens, D. D.

1979-01-01

Data on performance and rotor loads for a teetering-rotor, AH-1G helicopter flown with a main rotor that had the NLR-1T airfoil as the blade-section contour are presented. The test envelope included hover, forward-flight speed sweeps from 35 to 85 m/sec, and collective-fixed maneuvers at about 0.25 tip-speed ratio. The data set for each test point described vehicle flight state, control positions, rotor loads, power requirements, and blade motions. Rotor loads are reviewed primarily in terms of peak-to-peak and harmonic content. Lower frequency components predominated for most loads and generally increased with increased airspeed, but not necessarily with increased maneuver load factor.

The influence of loading frequency on the high-temperature fatigue behavior of a Nicalon-fabric-reinforced polymer-derived ceramic-matrix composite

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vanswijgenhoven, E.; Holmes, J.; Wevers, M.

Fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites are under development for high-temperature structural applications. These applications involve fatigue loading under a wide range of frequencies. To date, high-temperature fatigue experiments have typically been performed at loading frequencies of 10 Hz or lower. At higher frequencies, a strong effect of loading frequency on fatigue life has been demonstrated for certain CMC`s tested at room temperature. The fatigue life of CMC`s with weak fiber-matrix interfaces typically decreases as the loading frequency increases. This decrease is attributed to frictional heating and frequency dependent interface and fiber damage. More recently, it has been shown that the room temperaturemore » fatigue life of a Nicalon-fabric-reinforced composite with a strong interface (SYLRAMIC{trademark}) appears to be independent of loading frequency. The high-temperature low-frequency fatigue behavior of the SYLRAMIC composite has also been investigated. For a fatigue peak stress {sigma}{sub peak} above a proportional limit stress of 70 MPa, the number of cycles to failure N{sub f} decreased with an increase in {sigma}{sub peak}. The material endured more than 10{sup 6} cycles for {sigma}{sub peak} below 70 MPa. In this paper, the influence of loading frequency on the high-temperature fatigue behavior of the SYLRAMIC composite is reported. It will be shown that the fatigue limit is unaffected by the loading frequency, that the number of fatigue cycles to failure N{sub f} increases with an increase in frequency, and that the time to failure t{sub f} decreases with an increase in frequency.« less

A frequency control method for regulating wireless power to implantable devices.

PubMed

Ping Si; Hu, A P; Malpas, S; Budgett, D

2008-03-01

This paper presents a method to regulate the power transferred over a wireless link by adjusting the resonant operating frequency of the primary converter. A significant advantage of this method is that effective power regulation is maintained under variations in load, coupling and circuit parameters. This is particularly important when the wireless supply is used to power implanted medical devices where substantial coupling variations between internal and external systems is expected. The operating frequency is changed dynamically by altering the effective tuning capacitance through soft switched phase control. A thorough analysis of the proposed system has been undertaken, and experimental results verify its functionality.

High voltage dc--dc converter with dynamic voltage regulation and decoupling during load-generated arcs

DOEpatents

Shimer, D.W.; Lange, A.C.

1995-05-23

A high-power power supply produces a controllable, constant high voltage output under varying and arcing loads. The power supply includes a voltage regulator, an inductor, an inverter for producing a high frequency square wave current of alternating polarity, an improved inverter voltage clamping circuit, a step up transformer, an output rectifier for producing a dc voltage at the output of each module, and a current sensor for sensing output current. The power supply also provides dynamic response to varying loads by controlling the voltage regulator duty cycle and circuitry is provided for sensing incipient arc currents at the output of the power supply to simultaneously decouple the power supply circuitry from the arcing load. The power supply includes a plurality of discrete switching type dc--dc converter modules. 5 Figs.

High voltage dc-dc converter with dynamic voltage regulation and decoupling during load-generated arcs

DOEpatents

Shimer, Daniel W.; Lange, Arnold C.

1995-01-01

A high-power power supply produces a controllable, constant high voltage output under varying and arcing loads. The power supply includes a voltage regulator, an inductor, an inverter for producing a high frequency square wave current of alternating polarity, an improved inverter voltage clamping circuit, a step up transformer, an output rectifier for producing a dc voltage at the output of each module, and a current sensor for sensing output current. The power supply also provides dynamic response to varying loads by controlling the voltage regulator duty cycle and circuitry is provided for sensing incipient arc currents at the output of the power supply to simultaneously decouple the power supply circuitry from the arcing load. The power supply includes a plurality of discrete switching type dc--dc converter modules.

Response of the Water Level in a Well to Earth Tides and Atmospheric Loading Under Unconfined Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rojstaczer, Stuart; Riley, Francis S.

1990-08-01

The response of the water level in a well to Earth tides and atmospheric loading under unconfined conditions can be explained if the water level is controlled by the aquifer response averaged over the saturated depth of the well. Because vertical averaging tends to diminish the influence of the water table, the response is qualitatively similar to the response of a well under partially confined conditions. When the influence of well bore storage can be ignored, the response to Earth tides is strongly governed by a dimensionless aquifer frequency Q'u. The response to atmospheric loading is strongly governed by two dimensionless vertical fluid flow parameters: a dimensionless unsaturated zone frequency, R, and a dimensionless aquifer frequency Qu. The differences between Q'u and Qu are generally small for aquifers which are highly sensitive to Earth tides. When Q'u and Qu are large, the response of the well to Earth tides and atmospheric loading approaches the static response of the aquifer under confined conditions. At small values of Q'u and Qu, well response to Earth tides and atmospheric loading is strongly influenced by water table drainage. When R is large relative to Qu, the response to atmospheric loading is strongly influenced by attenuation and phase shift of the pneumatic pressure signal in the unsaturated zone. The presence of partial penetration retards phase advance in well response to Earth tides and atmospheric loading. When the theoretical response of a phreatic well to Earth tides and atmospheric loading is fit to the well response inferred from cross-spectral estimation, it is possible to obtain estimates of the pneumatic diffusivity of the unsaturated zone and the vertical hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer.

Multiphase power supply when inverting currents for group of Peltier elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osintsev, A. V.; Sobko, A. A.; Komnatnov, M. E.

2018-05-01

The use of multiphase power supply of a group of Peltier elements (PE) is considered to reduce the load on the power source. Schemes and a control layout with the use of the H-bridge, allowing the invert of the current through the PE, are given. The analysis of the operation of the used H-bridges and PE in the frequency range of the control PWM signal from 30 Hz to 32 kHz is performed. The algorithm for monitoring the current sensors is presented and the time diagrams of the currents are represented through the PE and H-bridges using a two-phase and four-phase control PWM signal for one, two and four phases of the supply. The results showed stable heating and cooling of the PE at frequencies from 30 Hz to 1 kHz. The use of multiphase power supply of PE made it possible to significantly reduce the load on the power source.

A miniature high-efficiency fully digital adaptive voltage scaling buck converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hangbiao; Zhang, Bo; Luo, Ping; Zhen, Shaowei; Liao, Pengfei; He, Yajuan; Li, Zhaoji

2015-09-01

A miniature high-efficiency fully digital adaptive voltage scaling (AVS) buck converter is proposed in this paper. The pulse skip modulation with flexible duty cycle (FD-PSM) is used in the AVS controller, which simplifies the circuit architecture (<170 gates) and greatly saves the die area and the power consumption. The converter is implemented in a 0.13-μm one-poly-eight-metal (1P8 M) complementary metal oxide semiconductor process and the active on-chip area of the controller is only 0.003 mm2, which is much smaller. The measurement results show that when the operating frequency of the digital load scales dynamically from 25.6 MHz to 112.6 MHz, the supply voltage of which can be scaled adaptively from 0.84 V to 1.95 V. The controller dissipates only 17.2 μW, while the supply voltage of the load is 1 V and the operating frequency is 40 MHz.

A coordinated MIMO control design for a power plant using improved sliding mode controller.

PubMed

Ataei, Mohammad; Hooshmand, Rahmat-Allah; Samani, Siavash Golmohammadi

2014-03-01

For the participation of the steam power plants in regulating the network frequency, boilers and turbines should be co-ordinately controlled in addition to the base load productions. Lack of coordinated control over boiler-turbine may lead to instability; oscillation in producing power and boiler parameters; reduction in the reliability of the unit; and inflicting thermodynamic tension on devices. This paper proposes a boiler-turbine coordinated multivariable control system based on improved sliding mode controller (ISMC). The system controls two main boiler-turbine parameters i.e., the turbine revolution and superheated steam pressure of the boiler output. For this purpose, a comprehensive model of the system including complete and exact description of the subsystems is extracted. The parameters of this model are determined according to our case study that is the 320MW unit of Islam-Abad power plant in Isfahan/Iran. The ISMC method is simulated on the power plant and its performance is compared with the related real PI (proportional-integral) controllers which have been used in this unit. The simulation results show the capability of the proposed controller system in controlling local network frequency and superheated steam pressure in the presence of load variations and disturbances of boiler. © 2013 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stress-induced brain activity, brain atrophy, and clinical disability in multiple sclerosis

PubMed Central

Weygandt, Martin; Meyer-Arndt, Lil; Behrens, Janina Ruth; Wakonig, Katharina; Bellmann-Strobl, Judith; Ritter, Kerstin; Scheel, Michael; Brandt, Alexander U.; Labadie, Christian; Hetzer, Stefan; Gold, Stefan M.; Paul, Friedemann; Haynes, John-Dylan

2016-01-01

Prospective clinical studies support a link between psychological stress and multiple sclerosis (MS) disease severity, and peripheral stress systems are frequently dysregulated in MS patients. However, the exact link between neurobiological stress systems and MS symptoms is unknown. To evaluate the link between neural stress responses and disease parameters, we used an arterial-spin–labeling functional MRI stress paradigm in 36 MS patients and 21 healthy controls. Specifically, we measured brain activity during a mental arithmetic paradigm with performance-adaptive task frequency and performance feedback and related this activity to disease parameters. Across all participants, stress increased heart rate, perceived stress, and neural activity in the visual, cerebellar and insular cortex areas compared with a resting condition. None of these responses was related to cognitive load (task frequency). Consistently, although performance and cognitive load were lower in patients than in controls, stress responses did not differ between groups. Insula activity elevated during stress compared with rest was negatively linked to impairment of pyramidal and cerebral functions in patients. Cerebellar activation was related negatively to gray matter (GM) atrophy (i.e., positively to GM volume) in patients. Interestingly, this link was also observed in overlapping areas in controls. Cognitive load did not contribute to these associations. The results show that our task induced psychological stress independent of cognitive load. Moreover, stress-induced brain activity reflects clinical disability in MS. Finally, the link between stress-induced activity and GM volume in patients and controls in overlapping areas suggests that this link cannot be caused by the disease alone. PMID:27821732

Realization of station for testing asynchronous three-phase motors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wróbel, A.; Surma, W.

2016-08-01

Nowadays, you cannot imagine the construction and operation of machines without the use of electric motors [13-15]. The proposed position is designed to allow testing of asynchronous three-phase motors. The position consists of a tested engine and the engine running as a load, both engines combined with a mechanical clutch [2]. The value of the load is recorded by measuring shaft created with Strain Gauge Bridge. This concept will allow to study the basic parameters of the engines, visualization motor parameters both vector and scalar controlled, during varying load drive system. In addition, registration during the variable physical parameters of the working electric motor, controlled by a frequency converter or controlled by a contactor will be possible. Position is designed as a teaching and research position to characterize the engines. It will be also possible selection of inverter parameters.

Analysis of the change in peak corneal temperature during excimer laser ablation in porcine eyes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mosquera, Samuel Arba; Verma, Shwetabh

2015-07-01

The objective is to characterize the impact of different ablation parameters on the thermal load during corneal refractive surgery by means of excimer laser ablation on porcine eyes. One hundred eleven ablations were performed in 105 porcine eyes. Each ablation was recorded using infrared thermography and analyzed mainly based on the two tested local frequencies (40 Hz, clinical local frequency; 1000 Hz, no local frequency). The change in peak corneal temperature was analyzed with respect to varying ablation parameters [local frequency, system repetition rate, pulse energy, optical zone (OZ) size, and refractive correction]. Transepithelial ablations were also compared to intrastromal ablations. The average of the baseline temperature across all eyes was 20.5°C±1.1 (17.7°C to 22.2°C). Average of the change in peak corneal temperature for all clinical local frequency ablations was 5.8°C±0.8 (p=3.3E-53 to baseline), whereas the average was 9.0°C±1.5 for all no local frequency ablations (p=1.8E-35 to baseline, 1.6E-16 to clinical local frequency ablations). A logarithmic relationship was observed between the changes in peak corneal temperature with increasing local frequency. For clinical local frequency, change in peak corneal temperature was comparatively flat (r2=0.68 with a range of 1.5°C) with increasing system repetition rate and increased linearly with increasing OZ size (r2=0.95 with a range of 2.4°C). Local frequency controls help maintain safe corneal temperature increase during excimer laser ablations. Transepithelial ablations induce higher thermal load compared to intrastromal ablations, indicating a need for stronger thermal controls in transepithelial refractive procedures.

Blended Buffet-Load-Alleviation System for Fighter Airplane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moses, Robert W.

2005-01-01

The capability of modern fighter airplanes to sustain flight at high angles of attack and/or moderate angles of sideslip often results in immersion of part of such an airplane in unsteady, separated, vortical flow emanating from its forebody or wings. The flows from these surfaces become turbulent and separated during flight under these conditions. These flows contain significant levels of energy over a frequency band coincident with that of low-order structural vibration modes of wings, fins, and control surfaces. The unsteady pressures applied to these lifting surfaces as a result of the turbulent flows are commonly denoted buffet loads, and the resulting vibrations of the affected structures are known as buffeting. Prolonged exposure to buffet loads has resulted in fatigue of structures on several airplanes. Damage to airplanes caused by buffeting has led to redesigns of airplane structures and increased support costs for the United States Air Force and Navy as well as the armed forces of other countries. Time spent inspecting, repairing, and replacing structures adversely affects availability of aircraft for missions. A blend of rudder-control and piezoelectric- actuator engineering concepts was selected as a basis for the design of a vertical-tail buffet-load-alleviation system for the F/A-18 airplane. In this system, the rudder actuator is used to control the response of the first tail vibrational mode (bending at a frequency near 15 Hz), while directional patch piezoelectric actuators are used to control the second tail vibrational mode (tip torsion at a frequency near 45 Hz). This blend of two types of actuator utilizes the most effective features of each. An analytical model of the aeroservoelastic behavior of the airplane equipped with this system was validated by good agreement with measured results from a full-scale ground test, flight-test measurement of buffet response, and an in-flight commanded rudder frequency sweep. The overall performance of the system was found to be characterized by reductions, ranging from 70 to 30 percent, in vertical-tail buffeting under buffet loads ranging from moderate to severe. These reductions were accomplished with a maximum commanded rudder angle of +/-2deg at 15 Hz and about 10 lb (.4.5 kg) of piezoelectric actuators attached to the vertical tail skin and operating at a peak power level of 2 kW. By meeting the design objective, this system would extend the vertical-tail fatigue life beyond two aircraft lifetimes. This system is also adaptable to other aircraft surfaces and other aircraft

Controlled release from bilayer-decorated magnetoliposomes via electromagnetic heating.

PubMed

Chen, Yanjing; Bose, Arijit; Bothun, Geoffrey D

2010-06-22

Nanoscale assemblies that can be activated and controlled through external stimuli represent a next stage in multifunctional therapeutics. We report the formation, characterization, and release properties of bilayer-decorated magnetoliposomes (dMLs) that were prepared by embedding small hydrophobic SPIO nanoparticles at different lipid molecule to nanoparticle ratios within dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayers. The dML structure was examined by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry, and release was examined by carboxyfluorescein leakage. Nanoparticle heating using alternating current electromagnetic fields (EMFs) operating at radio frequencies provided selective release of the encapsulated molecule at low nanoparticle concentrations and under physiologically acceptable EMF conditions. Without radio frequency heating, spontaneous leakage from the dMLs decreased with increasing nanoparticle loading, consistent with greater bilayer stability and a decrease in the effective dML surface area due to aggregation. With radio frequency heating, the initial rate and extent of leakage increased significantly as a function of nanoparticle loading and electromagnetic field strength. The mechanism of release is attributed to a combination of bilayer permeabilization and partial dML rupture.

Static and Dynamic Characteristics of DC-DC Converter Using a Digital Filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurokawa, Fujio; Okamatsu, Masashi

This paper presents the regulation and dynamic characteristics of the dc-dc converter with digital PID control, the minimum phase FIR filter or the IIR filter, and then the design criterion to improve the dynamic characteristics is discussed. As a result, it is clarified that the DC-DC converter using the IIR filter method has superior performance characteristics. The regulation range is within 1.3%, the undershoot against the step change of the load is less than 2% and the transient time is less than 0.4ms with the IIR filter method. In this case, the switching frequency is 100kHz and the step change of the load R is from 50 Ω to 10 Ω. Further, the superior characteristics are obtained when the first gain, the second gain and the second cut-off frequency are relatively large, and the first cut-off frequency and the passing frequency are relatively low. Moreover, it is important that the gain strongly decreases at the second cut-off frequency because the upper band pass frequency range must be always less than half of the sampling frequency based on the sampling theory.

Numerical Investigation of Synthetic-jet based Flow Control on Vertical-axis Wind Turbine Blades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menon, Ashwin; Tran, Steven; Sahni, Onkar

2013-11-01

Vertical-axis wind turbines encounter large unsteady aerodynamic loads in a sustained fashion due to the continuously varying angle of attack that is experienced by turbine blades during each revolution. Moreover, the detachment of the leading edge vortex at high angles of attack leads to sudden change in aerodynamic loads that result in structural vibrations and fatigue, and possibly failure. This numerical study focuses on using synthetic-jet based fluidic actuation to reduce the unsteady loading on VAWT blades. In the simulations, the jets are placed at the dominant separation location that is observed in the baseline case. We consider different tip-speed ratios, O(2-5), and we also study the effect of blowing ratio (to be in O(0.5-1.5)) and reduced frequency, i.e., ratio of jet frequency to flow frequency (to be in O(5-15)). For all cases, unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations are carried out by using the Spallart-Allamaras turbulence model, where stabilized finite element method is employed for spatial discretization along with an implicit time-integration scheme.

Effects of Mechanical Loading on the Dynamics of Hair-Cell Stereociliary Bundles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fredrickson, Lea

Hearing is remarkably sensitive and still not entirely understood. Hair cells of the inner ear are the mechano-electrical transducers of sound and understanding how they function is essential to the understanding of hearing in general. Spontaneous oscillations exhibited by stereociliary bundles of the bullfrog sacculus provide a useful probe for the study of the hair cells' internal dynamic state. In this work we study the effects of mechanical loading on these hair-cell bundles in order to study their dynamics. When applying stiffness loads, we find that the spontaneous oscillation profile changes from multimode to single mode with light loading, and decreases in amplitude and increases in frequency with stiffer loads. We also find that tuning decreases with increasing load such that at loads comparable to in vivo conditions the tuning is flat. We further explore loading via deflections to hair cell bundles, both in the form of steady-state offsets and slow ramps. We find that steady state offsets lead to significant modulation of the characteristic frequency of response, decreasing the frequency in the channels closed direction (negative) and increasing it in the channels open direction (positive). Attachment to the overlying membrane was found, in vitro, to affect bundle offset position in hair cells of the bullfrog sacculus. Application of similar offsets on free-standing, spontaneously oscillating hair bundles shows modulation of their dynamic state, i.e. oscillation profile, characteristic frequency, and response to stimulus. Large offsets are found to arrest spontaneous oscillations, which recover upon reversal of the stimulus. The dynamical state of the hair bundle is dependent on both the history and direction of the offset stimulus. Oscillation suppression occurs much more readily in the negative direction and the bundle behavior approaching quiescence is distinct from that in the positive direction. With the change in spontaneous oscillation frequency and profile comes a change in the phase-locked response amplitude, dependent on bundle offset, winch extends the range of detection frequencies of the hair cell. We explore the broadband phase-locked response of spontaneously oscillating saccular hair cell bundles subject to time-dependent mechanical deflections. The experimental phase-locked amplitude shows an Arnold Tongue, consistent with theoretically predicted dynamical behavior. An offset that steadily increases in time, imposed on the position of the bundle to explore its dynamics at the zero frequency limit, is observed to progressively suppress spontaneous oscillations in a transition that displays strong frequency modulation, with the frequency vanishing at the critical point. When deflected at a faster rate and when allowed to recover to the oscillatory regime, the bundles also displayed a modulation in the amplitude of oscillation. We propose the dynamics of this transition to be dominated by a multi-critical region such that slight variations of a control parameter can produce either an infinite-period, supercritical Hopf, or Bogdanov-Takens bifurcation.

Functional testing of space flight induced changes in tonic motor control by using limb-attached excitation and load devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallasch, Eugen; Kozlovskaya, Inessa

2007-02-01

Long term space flights induce atrophy and contractile changes on postural muscles such effecting tonic motor control. Functional testing of tonic motor control structures is a challenge because of the difficulties to deliver appropriate test forces on crew members. In this paper we propose two approaches for functional testing by using limb attached loading devices. The first approach is based on a frequency and amplitude controllable moving magnet exciter to deliver sinusoidal test forces during limb postures. The responding limb deflection is recorded by an embedded accelerometer to obtain limb impedance. The second approach is based on elastic limb loading to evoke self-excited oscillations during arm extensions. Here the contraction force at the oscillation onset provides information about limb stiffness. The rationale for both testing approaches is based on Feldman's λ-model. An arm expander based on the second approach was probed in a 6-month MIR space flight. The results obtained from the load oscillations, confirmed that this device is well suited to capture space flight induced neuromuscular changes.

High glycemic load diet, milk and ice cream consumption are related to acne vulgaris in Malaysian young adults: a case control study.

PubMed

Ismail, Noor Hasnani; Manaf, Zahara Abdul; Azizan, Noor Zalmy

2012-08-16

The role of dietary factors in the pathophysiology of acne vulgaris is highly controversial. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the association between dietary factors and acne vulgaris among Malaysian young adults. A case-control study was conducted among 44 acne vulgaris patients and 44 controls aged 18 to 30 years from October 2010 to January 2011. Comprehensive acne severity scale (CASS) was used to determine acne severity. A questionnaire comprising items enquiring into the respondent's family history and dietary patterns was distributed. Subjects were asked to record their food intake on two weekdays and one day on a weekend in a three day food diary. Anthropometric measurements including body weight, height and body fat percentage were taken. Acne severity was assessed by a dermatologist. Cases had a significantly higher dietary glycemic load (175 ± 35) compared to controls (122 ± 28) (p < 0.001). The frequency of milk (p < 0.01) and ice-cream (p < 0.01) consumptions was significantly higher in cases compared to controls. Females in the case group had a higher daily energy intake compared to their counterparts in the control group, 1812 ± 331 and 1590 ± 148 kcal respectively (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in other nutrient intakes, Body Mass Index, and body fat percentage between case and control groups (p > 0.05). Glycemic load diet and frequencies of milk and ice cream intake were positively associated with acne vulgaris.

Processing Complex Sounds Passing through the Rostral Brainstem: The New Early Filter Model

PubMed Central

Marsh, John E.; Campbell, Tom A.

2016-01-01

The rostral brainstem receives both “bottom-up” input from the ascending auditory system and “top-down” descending corticofugal connections. Speech information passing through the inferior colliculus of elderly listeners reflects the periodicity envelope of a speech syllable. This information arguably also reflects a composite of temporal-fine-structure (TFS) information from the higher frequency vowel harmonics of that repeated syllable. The amplitude of those higher frequency harmonics, bearing even higher frequency TFS information, correlates positively with the word recognition ability of elderly listeners under reverberatory conditions. Also relevant is that working memory capacity (WMC), which is subject to age-related decline, constrains the processing of sounds at the level of the brainstem. Turning to the effects of a visually presented sensory or memory load on auditory processes, there is a load-dependent reduction of that processing, as manifest in the auditory brainstem responses (ABR) evoked by to-be-ignored clicks. Wave V decreases in amplitude with increases in the visually presented memory load. A visually presented sensory load also produces a load-dependent reduction of a slightly different sort: The sensory load of visually presented information limits the disruptive effects of background sound upon working memory performance. A new early filter model is thus advanced whereby systems within the frontal lobe (affected by sensory or memory load) cholinergically influence top-down corticofugal connections. Those corticofugal connections constrain the processing of complex sounds such as speech at the level of the brainstem. Selective attention thereby limits the distracting effects of background sound entering the higher auditory system via the inferior colliculus. Processing TFS in the brainstem relates to perception of speech under adverse conditions. Attentional selectivity is crucial when the signal heard is degraded or masked: e.g., speech in noise, speech in reverberatory environments. The assumptions of a new early filter model are consistent with these findings: A subcortical early filter, with a predictive selectivity based on acoustical (linguistic) context and foreknowledge, is under cholinergic top-down control. A prefrontal capacity limitation constrains this top-down control as is guided by the cholinergic processing of contextual information in working memory. PMID:27242396

Processing Complex Sounds Passing through the Rostral Brainstem: The New Early Filter Model.

PubMed

Marsh, John E; Campbell, Tom A

2016-01-01

The rostral brainstem receives both "bottom-up" input from the ascending auditory system and "top-down" descending corticofugal connections. Speech information passing through the inferior colliculus of elderly listeners reflects the periodicity envelope of a speech syllable. This information arguably also reflects a composite of temporal-fine-structure (TFS) information from the higher frequency vowel harmonics of that repeated syllable. The amplitude of those higher frequency harmonics, bearing even higher frequency TFS information, correlates positively with the word recognition ability of elderly listeners under reverberatory conditions. Also relevant is that working memory capacity (WMC), which is subject to age-related decline, constrains the processing of sounds at the level of the brainstem. Turning to the effects of a visually presented sensory or memory load on auditory processes, there is a load-dependent reduction of that processing, as manifest in the auditory brainstem responses (ABR) evoked by to-be-ignored clicks. Wave V decreases in amplitude with increases in the visually presented memory load. A visually presented sensory load also produces a load-dependent reduction of a slightly different sort: The sensory load of visually presented information limits the disruptive effects of background sound upon working memory performance. A new early filter model is thus advanced whereby systems within the frontal lobe (affected by sensory or memory load) cholinergically influence top-down corticofugal connections. Those corticofugal connections constrain the processing of complex sounds such as speech at the level of the brainstem. Selective attention thereby limits the distracting effects of background sound entering the higher auditory system via the inferior colliculus. Processing TFS in the brainstem relates to perception of speech under adverse conditions. Attentional selectivity is crucial when the signal heard is degraded or masked: e.g., speech in noise, speech in reverberatory environments. The assumptions of a new early filter model are consistent with these findings: A subcortical early filter, with a predictive selectivity based on acoustical (linguistic) context and foreknowledge, is under cholinergic top-down control. A prefrontal capacity limitation constrains this top-down control as is guided by the cholinergic processing of contextual information in working memory.

Comparison of the Working Memory Load in N-Back and Working Memory Span Tasks by Means of EEG Frequency Band Power and P300 Amplitude

PubMed Central

Scharinger, Christian; Soutschek, Alexander; Schubert, Torsten; Gerjets, Peter

2017-01-01

According to theoretical accounts, both, N-back and complex span tasks mainly require working memory (WM) processing. In contrast, simple span tasks conceptually mainly require WM storage. Thus, conceptually, an N-back task and a complex span task share more commonalities as compared to a simple span task. In the current study, we compared an N-back task, a complex operation span task (Ospan), and a simple digit span task (Dspan) by means of typical WM load-related measures of the Electroencephalogram (EEG) like the parietal alpha and beta frequency band power, the frontal theta frequency band power, and the P300 amplitude, to examine whether these tasks would show commonalities or differences in WM processing-load. We expected that increasing WM-load would generally lead to a decreased alpha and beta frequency band power, an increased theta frequency band power, and a decreased P300 amplitude. Yet, based on the conceptual considerations, we hypothesized that the outcomes of these measures would be more comparable between the N-back and the Ospan as compared to the Dspan. Our hypotheses were partly confirmed. The N-back and the Ospan showed timely more prolonged alpha frequency band power effects as compared to the Dspan. This might indicate higher demands on WM processing in the former two tasks. The theta frequency band power and the P300 amplitude were most pronounced in the N-back task as compared to both span tasks. This might indicate specific demands on cognitive control in the N-back task. Additionally, we observed that behavioral performance measures correlated with changes in EEG alpha power of the N-back and the Ospan, yet not of the Dspan. Taken together, the hypothesized conceptual commonalities between the N-back task and the Ospan (and, for the Dspan, differences) were only partly confirmed by the electrophysiological WM load-related measures, indicating a potential need for reconsidering the theoretical accounts on WM tasks and the value of a closer link to electrophysiological research herein. PMID:28179880

Comparison of the Working Memory Load in N-Back and Working Memory Span Tasks by Means of EEG Frequency Band Power and P300 Amplitude.

PubMed

Scharinger, Christian; Soutschek, Alexander; Schubert, Torsten; Gerjets, Peter

2017-01-01

According to theoretical accounts, both, N -back and complex span tasks mainly require working memory (WM) processing. In contrast, simple span tasks conceptually mainly require WM storage. Thus, conceptually, an N -back task and a complex span task share more commonalities as compared to a simple span task. In the current study, we compared an N -back task, a complex operation span task (Ospan), and a simple digit span task (Dspan) by means of typical WM load-related measures of the Electroencephalogram (EEG) like the parietal alpha and beta frequency band power, the frontal theta frequency band power, and the P300 amplitude, to examine whether these tasks would show commonalities or differences in WM processing-load. We expected that increasing WM-load would generally lead to a decreased alpha and beta frequency band power, an increased theta frequency band power, and a decreased P300 amplitude. Yet, based on the conceptual considerations, we hypothesized that the outcomes of these measures would be more comparable between the N -back and the Ospan as compared to the Dspan. Our hypotheses were partly confirmed. The N -back and the Ospan showed timely more prolonged alpha frequency band power effects as compared to the Dspan. This might indicate higher demands on WM processing in the former two tasks. The theta frequency band power and the P300 amplitude were most pronounced in the N -back task as compared to both span tasks. This might indicate specific demands on cognitive control in the N -back task. Additionally, we observed that behavioral performance measures correlated with changes in EEG alpha power of the N -back and the Ospan, yet not of the Dspan. Taken together, the hypothesized conceptual commonalities between the N -back task and the Ospan (and, for the Dspan, differences) were only partly confirmed by the electrophysiological WM load-related measures, indicating a potential need for reconsidering the theoretical accounts on WM tasks and the value of a closer link to electrophysiological research herein.

Radio Frequency Power Load and Associated Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Srinivasan, V. Karthik (Inventor); Freestone, Todd M. (Inventor); Sims, William Herbert, III (Inventor)

2014-01-01

A radio frequency power load and associated method. A radio frequency power load apparatus may include a container with an ionized fluid therein. The apparatus may include one conductor immersed in a fluid and another conductor electrically connected to the container. A radio frequency transmission system may include a radio frequency transmitter, a radio frequency amplifier connected to the transmitter and a radio frequency power load apparatus connected to the amplifier. The apparatus may include a fluid having an ion source therein, one conductor immersed in a fluid, and another conductor electrically connected to the container. A method of dissipating power generated by a radio frequency transmission system may include constructing a waveguide with ionized fluid in a container and connecting the waveguide to an amplifier of the transmission system.

A PWM Buck Converter With Load-Adaptive Power Transistor Scaling Scheme Using Analog-Digital Hybrid Control for High Energy Efficiency in Implantable Biomedical Systems.

PubMed

Park, Sung-Yun; Cho, Jihyun; Lee, Kyuseok; Yoon, Euisik

2015-12-01

We report a pulse width modulation (PWM) buck converter that is able to achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of > 80% in light loads 100 μA) for implantable biomedical systems. In order to achieve a high PCE for the given light loads, the buck converter adaptively reconfigures the size of power PMOS and NMOS transistors and their gate drivers in accordance with load currents, while operating at a fixed frequency of 1 MHz. The buck converter employs the analog-digital hybrid control scheme for coarse/fine adjustment of power transistors. The coarse digital control generates an approximate duty cycle necessary for driving a given load and selects an appropriate width of power transistors to minimize redundant power dissipation. The fine analog control provides the final tuning of the duty cycle to compensate for the error from the coarse digital control. The mode switching between the analog and digital controls is accomplished by a mode arbiter which estimates the average of duty cycles for the given load condition from limit cycle oscillations (LCO) induced by coarse adjustment. The fabricated buck converter achieved a peak efficiency of 86.3% at 1.4 mA and > 80% efficiency for a wide range of load conditions from 45 μA to 4.1 mA, while generating 1 V output from 2.5-3.3 V supply. The converter occupies 0.375 mm(2) in 0.18 μm CMOS processes and requires two external components: 1.2 μF capacitor and 6.8 μH inductor.

Frequency effects on the stability of a journal bearing for periodic loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vijayaraghavan, D.; Brewe, D. E.

1992-01-01

The stability of a journal bearing is numerically predicted when an unidirectional periodic external load is applied. The analysis is performed using a cavitation algorithm, which mimics the JFO theory by accounting for the mass balance through the complete bearing. Hence, the history of the film is taken into consideration. The loading pattern is taken to be sinusoidal and the frequency of the load cycle is varied. The results are compared with the predictions using Reynolds boundary conditions for both film rupture and reformation. With such comparisons, the need for accurately predicting the cavitation regions for complex loading patterns is clearly demonstrated. For a particular frequency of loading, the effects of mass, amplitude of load vibration and frequency of journal speed are also investigated.

Development of PZT-excited stroboscopic shearography for full-field nondestructive evaluation.

PubMed

Asemani, Hamidreza; Park, Jinwoo; Lee, Jung-Ryul; Soltani, Nasser

2017-05-01

Nondestructive evaluation using shearography requires a way to stress the inspection target. This technique is able to directly measure the displacement gradient distribution on the object surface. Shearography visualizes the internal structural damages as the anomalous pattern in the shearograpic fringe pattern. A piezoelectric (PZT) excitation system is able to generate loadings in the vibrational, acoustic, and ultrasonic regimes. In this paper, we propose a PZT-excited stroboscopic shearography. The PZT excitation could generate vibrational loading, a stationary wavefield, and a nonstationary propagation wave to fulfill the external loading requirement of shearography. The sweeping of the PZT excitation frequency, the formation of a standing wave, and a small shearing to suppress the incident wave were powerful controllable tools to detect the defects. The sweeping of the PZT excitation frequency enabled us to determine one of the defect-sensitive frequencies almost in real time. In addition, because the defect sensitive frequencies always existed in wide and plural ranges, the risk of the defect being overlooked by the inspector could be alleviated. The results of evaluation using stroboscopic shearography showed that an artificial 20 mm-diameter defect could be visualized at the excitation frequencies of 5-8 kHz range and 12.5-15.5 kHz range. This technique provided full field reliable and repeatable inspection results. Additionally, the proposed method overcame the important drawback of the time-averaged shearography, being required to identify the resonance vibration frequency sensitive to the defect.

Laser frequency-offset locking based on the frequency modulation spectroscopy with higher harmonic detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Anqi; Meng, Zhixin; Feng, Yanying

2017-10-01

We design a fiber electro-optic modulator (FEOM)-based laser frequency-offset locking system using frequency modulation spectroscopy (FMS) with the 3F modulation. The modulation signal and the frequency-offset control signal are simultaneously loaded on the FEOM by a mixer in order to suppress the frequency and power jitter caused by internal modulation on the current or piezoelectric ceramic transducer (PZT). It is expected to accomplish a fast locking, a widely tunable frequency-offset, a sensitive and rapid detection of narrow spectral features with the 3F modulation. The laser frequency fluctuation is limited to +/-1MHz and its overlapping Allan deviation is around 10-12 in twenty minutes, which successfully meets the requirements of the cold atom interferometer.

Static inverter with synchronous output waveform synthesized by time-optimal-response feedback

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kernick, A.; Stechschulte, D. L.; Shireman, D. W.

1976-01-01

Time-optimal-response 'bang-bang' or 'bang-hang' technique, using four feedback control loops, synthesizes static-inverter sinusoidal output waveform by self-oscillatory but yet synchronous pulse-frequency-modulation (SPFM). A single modular power stage per phase of ac output entails the minimum of circuit complexity while providing by feedback synthesis individual phase voltage regulation, phase position control and inherent compensation simultaneously for line and load disturbances. Clipped sinewave performance is described under off-limit load or input voltage conditions. Also, approaches to high power levels, 3-phase arraying and parallel modular connection are given.

Constant-current control method of multi-function electromagnetic transmitter.

PubMed

Xue, Kaichang; Zhou, Fengdao; Wang, Shuang; Lin, Jun

2015-02-01

Based on the requirements of controlled source audio-frequency magnetotelluric, DC resistivity, and induced polarization, a constant-current control method is proposed. Using the required current waveforms in prospecting as a standard, the causes of current waveform distortion and current waveform distortion's effects on prospecting are analyzed. A cascaded topology is adopted to achieve 40 kW constant-current transmitter. The responsive speed and precision are analyzed. According to the power circuit of the transmitting system, the circuit structure of the pulse width modulation (PWM) constant-current controller is designed. After establishing the power circuit model of the transmitting system and the PWM constant-current controller model, analyzing the influence of ripple current, and designing an open-loop transfer function according to the amplitude-frequency characteristic curves, the parameters of the PWM constant-current controller are determined. The open-loop transfer function indicates that the loop gain is no less than 28 dB below 160 Hz, which assures the responsive speed of the transmitting system; the phase margin is 45°, which assures the stabilization of the transmitting system. Experimental results verify that the proposed constant-current control method can keep the control error below 4% and can effectively suppress load change caused by the capacitance of earth load.

Constant-current control method of multi-function electromagnetic transmitter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Kaichang; Zhou, Fengdao; Wang, Shuang; Lin, Jun

2015-02-01

Based on the requirements of controlled source audio-frequency magnetotelluric, DC resistivity, and induced polarization, a constant-current control method is proposed. Using the required current waveforms in prospecting as a standard, the causes of current waveform distortion and current waveform distortion's effects on prospecting are analyzed. A cascaded topology is adopted to achieve 40 kW constant-current transmitter. The responsive speed and precision are analyzed. According to the power circuit of the transmitting system, the circuit structure of the pulse width modulation (PWM) constant-current controller is designed. After establishing the power circuit model of the transmitting system and the PWM constant-current controller model, analyzing the influence of ripple current, and designing an open-loop transfer function according to the amplitude-frequency characteristic curves, the parameters of the PWM constant-current controller are determined. The open-loop transfer function indicates that the loop gain is no less than 28 dB below 160 Hz, which assures the responsive speed of the transmitting system; the phase margin is 45°, which assures the stabilization of the transmitting system. Experimental results verify that the proposed constant-current control method can keep the control error below 4% and can effectively suppress load change caused by the capacitance of earth load.

Study on frequency characteristics of wireless power transmission system based on magnetic coupling resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, L. H.; Liu, Z. Z.; Hou, Y. J.; Zeng, H.; Yue, Z. K.; Cui, S.

2017-11-01

In order to study the frequency characteristics of the wireless energy transmission system based on the magnetic coupling resonance, a circuit model based on the magnetic coupling resonant wireless energy transmission system is established. The influence of the load on the frequency characteristics of the wireless power transmission system is analysed. The circuit coupling theory is used to derive the minimum load required to suppress frequency splitting. Simulation and experimental results verify that when the load size is lower than a certain value, the system will appear frequency splitting, increasing the load size can effectively suppress the frequency splitting phenomenon. The power regulation scheme of the wireless charging system based on magnetic coupling resonance is given. This study provides a theoretical basis for load selection and power regulation of wireless power transmission systems.

Gust alleviation - Criteria and control laws

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rynaski, E. G.

1979-01-01

The relationships between criteria specified for aircraft gust alleviation and the form of the control laws that result from the criteria are considered. Open-loop gust alleviation based on the linearized, small perturbation equations of aircraft motion is discussed, and an approximate solution of the open-loop control law is presented for the case in which the number of degrees of freedom of the aircraft exceeds the rank of the control effectiveness matrix. Excessive actuator lag is compensated for by taking into account actuator dynamics in the equations of motion, resulting in the specification of a general load network. Criteria for gust alleviation when output motions are gust alleviated and the closed-loop control law derived from them are examined and linear optimal control law is derived. Comparisons of the control laws reveal that the effectiveness of an open-loop control law is greatest at low aircraft frequencies but deteriorates as the natural frequency of the actuators is approached, while closed-loop methods are found to be more effective at higher frequencies.

A design procedure for the phase-controlled parallel-loaded resonant inverter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

King, Roger J.

1989-01-01

High-frequency-link power conversion and distribution based on a resonant inverter (RI) has been recently proposed. The design of several topologies is reviewed, and a simple approximate design procedure is developed for the phase-controlled parallel-loaded RI. This design procedure seeks to ensure the benefits of resonant conversion and is verified by data from a laboratory 2.5 kVA, 20-kHz converter. A simple phasor analysis is introduced as a useful approximation for design purposes. The load is considered to be a linear impedance (or an ac current sink). The design procedure is verified using a 2.5-kVA 20-kHz RI. Also obtained are predictable worst-case ratings for each component of the resonant tank circuit and the inverter switches. For a given load VA requirement, below-resonance operation is found to result in a significantly lower tank VA requirement. Under transient conditions such as load short-circuit, a reversal of the expected commutation sequence is possible.

Modal space three-state feedback control for electro-hydraulic servo plane redundant driving mechanism with eccentric load decoupling.

PubMed

Zhao, Jinsong; Wang, Zhipeng; Zhang, Chuanbi; Yang, Chifu; Bai, Wenjie; Zhao, Zining

2018-06-01

The shaking table based on electro-hydraulic servo parallel mechanism has the advantage of strong carrying capacity. However, the strong coupling caused by the eccentric load not only affects the degree of freedom space control precision, but also brings trouble to the system control. A novel decoupling control strategy is proposed, which is based on modal space to solve the coupling problem for parallel mechanism with eccentric load. The phenomenon of strong dynamic coupling among degree of freedom space is described by experiments, and its influence on control design is discussed. Considering the particularity of plane motion, the dynamic model is built by Lagrangian method to avoid complex calculations. The dynamic equations of the coupling physical space are transformed into the dynamic equations of the decoupling modal space by using the weighted orthogonality of the modal main mode with respect to mass matrix and stiffness matrix. In the modal space, the adjustments of the modal channels are independent of each other. Moreover, the paper discusses identical closed-loop dynamic characteristics of modal channels, which will realize decoupling for degree of freedom space, thus a modal space three-state feedback control is proposed to expand the frequency bandwidth of each modal channel for ensuring their near-identical responses in a larger frequency range. Experimental results show that the concept of modal space three-state feedback control proposed in this paper can effectively reduce the strong coupling problem of degree of freedom space channels, which verify the effectiveness of the proposed model space state feedback control strategy for improving the control performance of the electro-hydraulic servo plane redundant driving mechanism. Copyright © 2018 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modeling and stability analysis for the upper atmosphere research satellite auxiliary array switch component

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolfgang, R.; Natarajan, T.; Day, J.

1987-01-01

A feedback control system, called an auxiliary array switch, was designed to connect or disconnect auxiliary solar panel segments from a spacecraft electrical bus to meet fluctuating demand for power. A simulation of the control system was used to carry out a number of design and analysis tasks that could not economically be performed with a breadboard of the hardware. These tasks included: (1) the diagnosis of a stability problem, (2) identification of parameters to which the performance of the control system was particularly sensitive, (3) verification that the response of the control system to anticipated fluctuations in the electrical load of the spacecraft was satisfactory, and (4) specification of limitations on the frequency and amplitude of the load fluctuations.

Evaluation of Pneumococcal Load in Blood by Polymerase Chain Reaction for the Diagnosis of Pneumococcal Pneumonia in Young Children in the PERCH Study.

PubMed

Deloria Knoll, Maria; Morpeth, Susan C; Scott, J Anthony G; Watson, Nora L; Park, Daniel E; Baggett, Henry C; Brooks, W Abdullah; Feikin, Daniel R; Hammitt, Laura L; Howie, Stephen R C; Kotloff, Karen L; Levine, Orin S; O'Brien, Katherine L; Thea, Donald M; Ahmed, Dilruba; Antonio, Martin; Awori, Juliet O; Baillie, Vicky L; Chipeta, James; Deluca, Andrea N; Dione, Michel; Driscoll, Amanda J; Higdon, Melissa M; Jatapai, Anchalee; Karron, Ruth A; Mazumder, Razib; Moore, David P; Mwansa, James; Nyongesa, Sammy; Prosperi, Christine; Seidenberg, Phil; Siludjai, Duangkamon; Sow, Samba O; Tamboura, Boubou; Zeger, Scott L; Murdoch, David R; Madhi, Shabir A

2017-06-15

Detection of pneumococcus by lytA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in blood had poor diagnostic accuracy for diagnosing pneumococcal pneumonia in children in 9 African and Asian sites. We assessed the value of blood lytA quantification in diagnosing pneumococcal pneumonia. The Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health (PERCH) case-control study tested whole blood by PCR for pneumococcus in children aged 1-59 months hospitalized with signs of pneumonia and in age-frequency matched community controls. The distribution of load among PCR-positive participants was compared between microbiologically confirmed pneumococcal pneumonia (MCPP) cases, cases confirmed for nonpneumococcal pathogens, nonconfirmed cases, and controls. Receiver operating characteristic analyses determined the "optimal threshold" that distinguished MCPP cases from controls. Load was available for 290 of 291 cases with pneumococcal PCR detected in blood and 273 of 273 controls. Load was higher in MCPP cases than controls (median, 4.0 × 103 vs 0.19 × 103 copies/mL), but overlapped substantially (range, 0.16-989.9 × 103 copies/mL and 0.01-551.9 × 103 copies/mL, respectively). The proportion with high load (≥2.2 log10 copies/mL) was 62.5% among MCPP cases, 4.3% among nonconfirmed cases, 9.3% among cases confirmed for a nonpneumococcal pathogen, and 3.1% among controls. Pneumococcal load in blood was not associated with respiratory tract illness in controls (P = .32). High blood pneumococcal load was associated with alveolar consolidation on chest radiograph in nonconfirmed cases, and with high (>6.9 log10 copies/mL) nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal load and C-reactive protein ≥40 mg/L (both P < .01) in nonconfirmed cases but not controls. Quantitative pneumococcal PCR in blood has limited diagnostic utility for identifying pneumococcal pneumonia in individual children, but may be informative in epidemiological studies. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Control method of Three-phase Four-leg converter based on repetitive control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hui, Wang

2018-03-01

The research chose the magnetic levitation force of wind power generation system as the object. In order to improve the power quality problem caused by unbalanced load in power supply system, we combined the characteristics and repetitive control principle of magnetic levitation wind power generation system, and then an independent control strategy for three-phase four-leg converter was proposed. In this paper, based on the symmetric component method, the second order generalized integrator was used to generate the positive and negative sequence of signals, and the decoupling control was carried out under the synchronous rotating reference frame, in which the positive and negative sequence voltage is PI double closed loop, and a PI regulator with repetitive control was introduced to eliminate the static error regarding the fundamental frequency fluctuation characteristic of zero sequence component. The simulation results based on Matlab/Simulink show that the proposed control project can effectively suppress the disturbance caused by unbalanced loads and maintain the load voltage balance. The project is easy to be achieved and remarkably improves the quality of the independent power supply system.

The protective effect of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium as the gut microbiota members against chronic urticaria.

PubMed

Rezazadeh, Akram; Shahabi, Shahram; Bagheri, Morteza; Nabizadeh, Edris; Jazani, Nima Hosseini

2018-06-01

Chronic Urticaria is a common disorder which is defined by recurrent occurrence of wheals and sometimes angioedema. It has a notable influence on the patients' quality of life. Regulation of the immune system is one of the important roles of the gut microbiota. The effect of dysbiosis considering some members of gut microbiota in patients with chronic urticaria has been demonstrated in our previous study. Comparing the frequency and bacterial load of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides between patients with chronic urticaria and healthy controls. 20 patients with chronic urticaria and 20 age and sex matched healthy individuals were included in the present study. Stool samples were analyzed for determining the frequency and bacterial load of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides genera. There were no significant differences among the frequencies of detectable Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, or Bacteroides in stool samples of patients with chronic urticaria and healthy controls. The relative amounts of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were significantly higher in fecal samples from controls compared to patients with chronic urticaria (P = 0.038 and 0.039, respectively). It is the first study on the implication of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides genera as gut microbiota members in patients with chronic urticaria. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bone as an ion exchange system: evidence for a link between mechanotransduction and metabolic needs.

PubMed

Rubinacci, A; Covini, M; Bisogni, C; Villa, I; Galli, M; Palumbo, C; Ferretti, M; Muglia, M A; Marotti, G

2002-04-01

To detect whether the mutual interaction occurring between the osteocytes-bone lining cells system (OBLCS) and the bone extracellular fluid (BECF) is affected by load through a modification of the BECF-extracellular fluid (ECF; systemic extracellular fluid) gradient, mice metatarsal bones immersed in ECF were subjected ex vivo to a 2-min cyclic axial load of different amplitudes and frequencies. The electric (ionic) currents at the bone surface were measured by a vibrating probe after having exposed BECF to ECF through a transcortical hole. The application of different loads and different frequencies increased the ionic current in a dose-dependent manner. The postload current density subsequently decayed following an exponential pattern. Postload increment's amplitude and decay were dependent on bone viability. Dummy and static loads did not induce current density modifications. Because BECF is perturbed by loading, it is conceivable that OBLCS tends to restore BECF preload conditions by controlling ion fluxes at the bone-plasma interface to fulfill metabolic needs. Because the electric current reflects the integrated activity of OBLCS, its evaluation in transgenic mice engineered to possess genetic lesions in channels or matrix constituents could be helpful in the characterization of the mechanical and metabolic functions of bone.

Comparative histomorphometry and resonance frequency analysis of implants with moderately rough surfaces in a loaded animal model.

PubMed

Al-Nawas, B; Groetz, K A; Goetz, H; Duschner, H; Wagner, W

2008-01-01

Test of favourable conditions for osseointegration with respect to optimum bone-implant contact (BIC) in a loaded animal model. The varied parameters were surface roughness and surface topography of commercially available dental implants. Thirty-two implants of six types of macro and microstructure were included in the study (total 196). The different types were: minimally rough control: Branemark machined Mk III; oxidized surface: TiUnite MkIII and MkIV; ZL Ticer; blasted and etched surface: Straumann SLA; rough control: titanium plasma sprayed (TPS). Sixteen beagle dogs were implanted with the whole set of the above implants. After a healing period of 8 weeks, implants were loaded for 3 months. For the evaluation of the BIC areas, adequately sectioned biopsies were visualized by subsurface scans with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The primary statistical analysis testing BIC of the moderately rough implants (mean 56.1+/-13.0%) vs. the minimally rough and the rough controls (mean 53.9+/-11.2%) does not reveal a significant difference (P=0.57). Mean values of 50-70% BIC were found for all implant types. Moderately rough oxidized implants show a median BIC, which is 8% higher than their minimally rough turned counterpart. The intraindividual difference between the TPS and the blasted and etched counterparts revealed no significant difference. The turned and the oxidized implants show median values of the resonance frequency [implant stability quotients (ISQ)] over 60; the nonself-tapping blasted and etched and TPS implants show median values below 60. In conclusion, the benefit of rough surfaces relative to minimally rough ones in this loaded animal model was confirmed histologically. The comparison of different surface treatment modalities revealed no significant differences between the modern moderately rough surfaces. Resonance frequency analysis seems to be influenced in a major part by the transducer used, thus prohibiting the comparison of different implant systems.

Development of a magneto-rheological fluid based hybrid actuation system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

John, Shaju

A hybrid hydraulic actuation system is proposed as an active pitch link for rotorcraft applications. Such an active pitch link can be used to implement Individual Blade Control (IBC) techniques for vibration and noise reduction, in addition to providing primary control for the helicopter. Conventional technologies like electric motors and hydraulic actuators have major disadvantages when it come to applications on a rotating environment. Centralized hydraulic system require the use of mechanically complex hydraulic slip rings and electric motors have high precision mechanical moving parts that make them unattractive in application with high centrifugal load. The high energy density of smart materials can be used to design hydraulic actuators in a compact package. MagnetoRheological (MR) fluids can be used as the working fluid in such a hybrid hydraulic actuation system to implement a valving system with no moving parts. Thus, such an actuation system can be theoretically well-suited for application in a rotating environment. To develop an actuation system based on an active material stack and MR fluidic valves, a fundamental understanding of the hydraulic circuit is essential. In order to address this issue, a theoretical model was developed to understand the effect of pumping chamber geometry on the pressure losses in the pumping chamber. Three dimensional analytical models were developed for steady and unsteady flow and the results were correlated to results obtained from Computation Fluid Dynamic simulation of fluid flow inside the pumping chamber. Fundamental understanding regarding the pressure losses in a pumping chamber are obtained from the modeling process. Vortices that form in the pumping chamber (during intake) and the discharge tube (during discharge) are identified as a major cause of pressure loss in the chamber. The role of vortices during dynamic operation is also captured through a frequency domain model. Extensive experimental studies were conducted on a hybrid hydraulic system driven by a pump (actuated by a 2" long and 1/4" diameter Terfenol-D rod) and a Wheatstone bridge network of MR fluidic valves. The Wheatstone bridge network is used to provide bi-directionality to the load. Through a variety of experimental studies, the main performance metrics of the actuation system, like output power, blocked force, maximum no-load velocity and efficiency, are obtained. The actuation system exhibits a blocked force of 30 N and a maximum no-load velocity of 50 mm/s. Extensive bi-directional tests were also done for cases of no-load, inertial load and spring load to establish the frequency bandwidth of the actuator. The actuation system can output a stroke of 9 mm at an output actuator frequency of 4 Hz. An analytical model was developed to predict the performance of the hybrid hydraulic actuation system. A state space representation of the system was derived using equations derived from the control volume considerations. The results of the analytical model show that the model predicts the frequency peak of the system to within 20 Hz of the actual resonance frequency. In the third part of this dissertation, the effectiveness of the hybrid hydraulic actuation system is evaluated in a rotating environment. A piezoelectric stack that is driven by three PI-804.10 stacks was attached at the end of a spin bar. After balancing the spin bar using a counterweight, the spin bar is spun to an RPM of 300. This simulates a centrifugal loading of 400 g, which is slightly higher than the full-scale centrifugal loads experienced by a pitch link on a UH-60. The performance of the actuator was measured in terms of velocity of an output cylinder shaft. Since some deterioration of performance was expected at 300 RPM, the output cylinder was redesigned to include roller bearings to support the excess force. Through no load and load tests, the effectiveness of the current hybrid actuation system design was shown as the performance of the system did not deteriorate in performance with greater centrifugal acceleration.

The effects of vibration loading on adipose stem cell number, viability and differentiation towards bone-forming cells

PubMed Central

Tirkkonen, Laura; Halonen, Heidi; Hyttinen, Jari; Kuokkanen, Hannu; Sievänen, Harri; Koivisto, Anna-Maija; Mannerström, Bettina; Sándor, George K. B.; Suuronen, Riitta; Miettinen, Susanna; Haimi, Suvi

2011-01-01

Mechanical stimulation is an essential factor affecting the metabolism of bone cells and their precursors. We hypothesized that vibration loading would stimulate differentiation of human adipose stem cells (hASCs) towards bone-forming cells and simultaneously inhibit differentiation towards fat tissue. We developed a vibration-loading device that produces 3g peak acceleration at frequencies of 50 and 100 Hz to cells cultured on well plates. hASCs were cultured using either basal medium (BM), osteogenic medium (OM) or adipogenic medium (AM), and subjected to vibration loading for 3 h d–1 for 1, 7 and 14 day. Osteogenesis, i.e. differentiation of hASCs towards bone-forming cells, was analysed using markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, collagen production and mineralization. Both 50 and 100 Hz vibration frequencies induced significantly increased ALP activity and collagen production of hASCs compared with the static control at 14 day in OM. A similar trend was detected for mineralization, but the increase was not statistically significant. Furthermore, vibration loading inhibited adipocyte differentiation of hASCs. Vibration did not affect cell number or viability. These findings suggest that osteogenic culture conditions amplify the stimulatory effect of vibration loading on differentiation of hASCs towards bone-forming cells. PMID:21613288

Therapeutic Exercise Training to Reduce Chronic Headache in Working Women: Design of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Rinne, Marjo; Garam, Sanna; Häkkinen, Arja; Ylinen, Jari; Kukkonen-Harjula, Katriina; Nikander, Riku

2016-05-01

Cervicogenic headache and migraine are common causes of visits to physicians and physical therapists. Few randomized trials utilizing active physical therapy and progressive therapeutic exercise have been previously published. The existing evidence on active treatment methods supports a moderate effect on cervicogenic headache. The aim of this study is to investigate whether a progressive, group-based therapeutic exercise program decreases the intensity and frequency of chronic headache among women compared with a control group receiving a sham dose of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and stretching exercises. A randomized controlled trial with 6-month intervention and follow-up was developed. The participants were randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a control group. The study is being conducted at 2 study centers. The participants are women aged 18 to 60 years with chronic cervicogenic headache or migraine. The treatment group's exercise program consisted of 6 progressive therapeutic exercise modules, including proprioceptive low-load progressive craniocervical and cervical exercises and high-load exercises for the neck muscles. The participants in the control group received 6 individually performed sham TENS treatment sessions. The primary outcome is the intensity of headache. The secondary outcomes are changes in frequency and duration of headache, neck muscle strength, neck and shoulder flexibility, impact of headache on daily life, neck disability, fear-avoidance beliefs, work ability, and quality of life. Between-group differences will be analyzed separately at 6, 12, and 24 months with generalized linear mixed models. In the case of count data (eg, frequency of headache), Poisson or negative binomial regression will be used. The therapists are not blinded. The effects of specific therapeutic exercises on frequency, intensity, and duration of chronic headache and migraine will be reported. © 2016 American Physical Therapy Association.

Effect of axial load on mode shapes and frequencies of beams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaker, F. J.

1975-01-01

An investigation of the effect of axial load on the natural frequencies and mode shapes of uniform beams and of a cantilevered beam with a concentrated mass at the tip is presented. Characteristic equations which yield the frequencies and mode shape functions for the various cases are given. The solutions to these equations are presented by a series of graphs so that frequency as a function of axial load can readily be determined. The effect of axial load on the mode shapes are also depicted by another series of graphs.

E-beam high voltage switching power supply

DOEpatents

Shimer, D.W.; Lange, A.C.

1996-10-15

A high-power power supply produces a controllable, constant high voltage output under varying and arcing loads. The power supply includes a voltage regulator, an inductor, an inverter for producing a high frequency square wave current of alternating polarity, an improved inverter voltage clamping circuit, a step up transformer, an output rectifier for producing a dc voltage at the output of each module, and a current sensor for sensing output current. The power supply also provides dynamic response to varying loads by controlling the voltage regulator duty cycle and circuitry is provided for sensing incipient arc currents at the output of the power supply to simultaneously decouple the power supply circuitry from the arcing load. The power supply includes a plurality of discrete switching type dc--dc converter modules. 5 figs.

E-beam high voltage switching power supply

DOEpatents

Shimer, Daniel W.; Lange, Arnold C.

1996-01-01

A high-power power supply produces a controllable, constant high voltage put under varying and arcing loads. The power supply includes a voltage regulator, an inductor, an inverter for producing a high frequency square wave current of alternating polarity, an improved inverter voltage clamping circuit, a step up transformer, an output rectifier for producing a dc voltage at the output of each module, and a current sensor for sensing output current. The power supply also provides dynamic response to varying loads by controlling the voltage regulator duty cycle and circuitry is provided for sensing incipient arc currents at the output of the power supply to simultaneously decouple the power supply circuitry from the arcing load. The power supply includes a plurality of discrete switching type dc--dc converter modules.

Effect of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor antagonist on psychologically suppressed masculine sexual behavior in rats.

PubMed

Miwa, Yoshiji; Nagase, Keiko; Oyama, Nobuyuki; Akino, Hironobu; Yokoyama, Osamu

2011-03-01

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) coordinates various responses of the body to stress, and CRF receptors are important targets of treatment for stress-related disorders. To investigate the effect of a nonselective CRF receptor antagonist, astressin, on suppression of masculine sexual behavior by psychological stress in rats. First, we investigated the influence of psychological stress, induced 2 hours per day for three consecutive days, on sexual behavior. Then, rats were divided into 4 groups: a control group, an astressin administration group (A), a psychological stress loading group (PS), and a psychological stress loading and astressin administration group (PS + A). The rats were exposed to sham or psychological stress for three consecutive days. After the last stress loading, the rats were injected with vehicle or astressin, and their sexual behavior was observed. We also measured serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The effects of astressin on sexual behavior and serum levels of ACTH in rats affected by psychological stress were determined. Sexual behavior was reduced after psychological stress loading. The PS rats had significantly longer mount, intromission, and ejaculation latencies and lower ejaculation frequency than did the control, A, and PS + A rats. The intromission latency and ejaculation frequency in the PS + A rats did not achieve the level observed in the controls. There was no significant difference in these parameters between the control and A rats. Serum ACTH levels were significantly lower in PS + A rats than in PS rats. Psychologically suppressed masculine sexual behavior could be partially recovered with astressin administration in rats. These data provide a rationale for the further study of CRF receptor antagonists as novel agents for treating psychological sexual disorders. © 2010 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

Rare coding variants in Phospholipase D3 (PLD3) confer risk for Alzheimer's disease

PubMed Central

Cruchaga, Carlos; Benitez, Bruno A.; Cai, Yefei; Guerreiro, Rita; Harari, Oscar; Norton, Joanne; Budde, John; Bertelsen, Sarah; Jeng, Amanda T.; Cooper, Breanna; Skorupa, Tara; Carrell, David; Levitch, Denise; Hsu, Simon; Choi, Jiyoon; Ryten, Mina; Sassi, Celeste; Bras, Jose; Gibbs, Raphael J.; Hernandez, Dena G.; Lupton, Michelle K.; Powell, John; Forabosco, Paola; Ridge, Perry G.; Corcoran, Christopher D.; Tschanz, JoAnn T.; Norton, Maria C.; Munger, Ronald G.; Schmutz, Cameron; Leary, Maegan; Demirci, F. Yesim; Bamne, Mikhil N.; Wang, Xingbin; Lopez, Oscar L.; Ganguli, Mary; Medway, Christopher; Turton, James; Lord, Jenny; Braae, Anne; Barber, Imelda; Brown, Kristelle; Pastor, Pau; Lorenzo-Betancor, Oswaldo; Brkanac, Zoran; Scott, Erick; Topol, Eric; Morgan, Kevin; Rogaeva, Ekaterina; Singleton, Andy; Hardy, John; Kamboh, M. Ilyas; George-Hyslop, Peter St; Cairns, Nigel; Morris, John C.; Kauwe, John S.K.; Goate, Alison M.

2014-01-01

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several risk variants for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD)1,2. These common variants have replicable but small effects on LOAD risk and generally do not have obvious functional effects. Low-frequency coding variants, not detected by GWAS, are predicted to include functional variants with larger effects on risk. To identify low frequency coding variants with large effects on LOAD risk, we performed whole exome-sequencing (WES) in 14 large LOAD families and follow-up analyses of the candidate variants in several large case-control datasets. A rare variant in PLD3 (phospholipase-D family, member 3, rs145999145; V232M) segregated with disease status in two independent families and doubled risk for AD in seven independent case-control series (V232M meta-analysis; OR= 2.10, CI=1.47-2.99; p= 2.93×10-5, 11,354 cases and controls of European-descent). Gene-based burden analyses in 4,387 cases and controls of European-descent and 302 African American cases and controls, with complete sequence data for PLD3, indicate that several variants in this gene increase risk for AD in both populations (EA: OR= 2.75, CI=2.05-3.68; p=1.44×10-11, AA: OR= 5.48, CI=1.77-16.92; p=1.40×10-3). PLD3 is highly expressed in brain regions vulnerable to AD pathology, including hippocampus and cortex, and is expressed at lower levels in neurons from AD brains compared to control brains (p=8.10×10-10). Over-expression of PLD3 leads to a significant decrease in intracellular APP and extracellular Aβ42 and Aβ40, while knock-down of PLD3 leads to a significant increase in extracellular Aβ42 and Aβ40. Together, our genetic and functional data indicate that carriers of PLD3 coding variants have a two-fold increased risk for LOAD and that PLD3 influences APP processing. This study provides an example of how densely affected families may be used to identify rare variants with large effects on risk for disease or other complex traits. PMID:24336208

A correlate of HIV-1 control consisting of both innate and adaptive immune parameters best predicts viral load by multivariable analysis in HIV-1 infected viremic controllers and chronically-infected non-controllers.

PubMed

Tomescu, Costin; Liu, Qin; Ross, Brian N; Yin, Xiangfan; Lynn, Kenneth; Mounzer, Karam C; Kostman, Jay R; Montaner, Luis J

2014-01-01

HIV-1 infected viremic controllers maintain durable viral suppression below 2000 copies viral RNA/ml without anti-retroviral therapy (ART), and the immunological factor(s) associated with host control in presence of low but detectable viral replication are of considerable interest. Here, we utilized a multivariable analysis to identify which innate and adaptive immune parameters best correlated with viral control utilizing a cohort of viremic controllers (median 704 viral RNA/ml) and non-controllers (median 21,932 viral RNA/ml) that were matched for similar CD4+ T cell counts in the absence of ART. We observed that HIV-1 Gag-specific CD8+ T cell responses were preferentially targeted over Pol-specific responses in viremic controllers (p = 0.0137), while Pol-specific responses were positively associated with viral load (rho = 0.7753, p = 0.0001, n = 23). Viremic controllers exhibited significantly higher NK and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) frequency as well as retained expression of the NK CD16 receptor and strong target cell-induced NK cell IFN-gamma production compared to non-controllers (p<0.05). Despite differences in innate and adaptive immune function however, both viremic controllers (p<0.05) and non-controller subjects (p<0.001) exhibited significantly increased CD8+ T cell activation and spontaneous NK cell degranulation compared to uninfected donors. Overall, we identified that a combination of innate (pDC frequency) and adaptive (Pol-specific CD8+ T cell responses) immune parameters best predicted viral load (R2 = 0.5864, p = 0.0021, n = 17) by a multivariable analysis. Together, this data indicates that preferential Gag-specific over Pol-specific CD8+ T cell responses along with a retention of functional innate subsets best predict host control over viral replication in HIV-1 infected viremic controllers compared to chronically-infected non-controllers.

A flight investigation of performance and loads for a helicopter with 10-64C main rotor blade sections

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, C. E. K.; Tomaine, R. L.; Stevens, D. D.

1980-01-01

A flight investigation produced data on performance and rotor loads for a teetering rotor, AH-1G helicopter flown with a main rotor that had the NLR-1T airfoil as the blade section contour. The test envelope included hover, forward flight speeds from 34 to 83 m/sec (65 to 162 knots), and collective fixed maneuvers at about 0.25 tip speed ratio. The data set for each test point describes vehicle flight state, control positions, rotor loads, power requirements, and blade motions. Rotor loads are reviewed primarily in terms of peak to peak and harmonic content. Lower frequency components predominated for most loads and generally increased with increased airspeed, but not necessarily with increased maneuver load factor. Detailed data for an advanced airfoil on an AH-1G are presented.

Association between the APOE ε4 Allele and Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease in an Ecuadorian Mestizo Population

PubMed Central

Calero, Cristian; Vinueza, Rodrigo; Correa, Patricio; Carrera-Gonzalez, Andrea; Villegas, Franklin; Moreta, Germania; Paredes, Rosario

2017-01-01

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease. It has two main pathological hallmarks: amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The APOE ε4 allele has been recognized as the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) in several populations worldwide, yet the risk varies by region and ethnicity. The aims of this study were to describe APOE allele and genotype frequencies and examine the relationship between the APOE ε4 allele and LOAD risk in an Ecuadorian Mestizo population. We carried out a case-control study comprising 56 individuals clinically diagnosed with probable AD (≥65 years of age) and 58 unrelated healthy control subjects (≥65 years of age). Genotyping was performed using the real-time PCR method. Our data showed that allelic and genotypic frequencies follow the trends observed in most worldwide populations. We also found a high-risk association between APOE ε4 allele carriers and LOAD (OR = 7.286; 95% CI = 2.824–18.799; p < 0.001). Therefore, we concluded that APOE ε4 must be considered an important genetic risk factor for LOAD in the Ecuadorian Mestizo population. Additionally, we suggest that in mixed populations the effects of admixture and ethnic identity should be differentiated when evaluating genetic contributions to Alzheimer's disease risk. PMID:29348964

A novel phenomenological model for dynamic behavior of magnetorheological elastomers in tension-compression mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vatandoost, Hossein; Norouzi, Mahmood; Masoud Sajjadi Alehashem, Seyed; Smoukov, Stoyan K.

2017-06-01

Tension-compression operation in MR elastomers (MREs) offers both the most compact design and superior stiffness in many vertical load-bearing applications, such as MRE bearing isolators in bridges and buildings, suspension systems and engine mounts in cars, and vibration control equipment. It suffers, however, from lack of good computational models to predict device performance, and as a result shear-mode MREs are widely used in the industry, despite their low stiffness and load-bearing capacity. We start with a comprehensive review of modeling of MREs and their dynamic characteristics, showing previous studies have mostly focused on dynamic behavior of MREs in shear mode, though the MRE strength and MR effect are greatly decreased at high strain amplitudes, due to increasing distance between the magnetic particles. Moreover, the characteristic parameters of the current models assume either frequency, or strain, or magnetic field are constant; hence, new model parameters must be recalculated for new loading conditions. This is an experimentally time consuming and computationally expensive task, and no models capture the full dynamic behavior of the MREs at all loading conditions. In this study, we present an experimental setup to test MREs in a coupled tension-compression mode, as well as a novel phenomenological model which fully predicts the stress-strain material behavior as a function of magnetic flux density, loading frequency and strain. We use a training set of experiments to find the experimentally derived model parameters, from which can predict by interpolation the MRE behavior in a relatively large continuous range of frequency, strain and magnetic field. We also challenge the model to make extrapolating predictions and compare to additional experiments outside the training experimental data set with good agreement. Further development of this model would allow design and control of engineering structures equipped with tension-compression MREs and all the advantages they offer.

Two degree of freedom internal model control-PID design for LFC of power systems via logarithmic approximations.

PubMed

Singh, Jay; Chattterjee, Kalyan; Vishwakarma, C B

2018-01-01

Load frequency controller has been designed for reduced order model of single area and two-area reheat hydro-thermal power system through internal model control - proportional integral derivative (IMC-PID) control techniques. The controller design method is based on two degree of freedom (2DOF) internal model control which combines with model order reduction technique. Here, in spite of taking full order system model a reduced order model has been considered for 2DOF-IMC-PID design and the designed controller is directly applied to full order system model. The Logarithmic based model order reduction technique is proposed to reduce the single and two-area high order power systems for the application of controller design.The proposed IMC-PID design of reduced order model achieves good dynamic response and robustness against load disturbance with the original high order system. Copyright © 2018 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of dynamic hydrostatic pressure on rabbit intervertebral disc cells.

PubMed

Kasra, Mehran; Goel, Vijay; Martin, James; Wang, Shea-Tien; Choi, Woosung; Buckwalter, Joseph

2003-07-01

The pathogenesis of vibration-induced disorders of intervertebral disc at the cellular level is largely unknown. The objective of this study was to establish a method to investigate the ranges of constructive and destructive hydrostatic loading frequencies and amplitudes in preventing or inducing extracellular disc matrix degradation. Using a hydraulic chamber, normal rabbit intervertebral disc cells were tested under dynamic hydrostatic loading. Monolayer cultures of disc outer annulus cells and 3-dimensional (3-D) alginate cultures of disc nucleus pulposus cells were tested. Effects of different loading amplitudes (3-D culture, 0-3 MPa; monolayer, 0-1.7 MPa) and frequencies (1-20 Hz) on disc collagen and protein metabolism were investigated by measuring 3H-proline-labeled proteins associated with the cells in the extracellular matrix and release of 3H-proline-labeled molecules into culture medium. High frequency and high amplitude hydrostatic stress stimulated collagen synthesis in cultures of outer annulus cells whereas the lower amplitude and frequency hydrostatic stress had little effect. For the same loading duration and repetition, neither treatment significantly affected the relative amount of protein released from the cell layers, indicating that protein degradation and stability were unaffected. In the 3-D nucleus culture, higher amplitude and frequency increased synthesis rate and lowered degradation. In this case, loading amplitude had a stronger influence on cell response than that of loading frequency. Considering the ranges of loading amplitude and frequency used in this study, short-term application of high loading amplitudes and frequencies was beneficial in stimulation of protein synthesis and reduction of protein degradation.

Frequency effects on the stability of a journal bearing for periodic loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vijayaraghavan, D.; Brewe, D. E.

1991-01-01

The stability of a journal bearing is numerically predicted when a unidirectional periodic external load is applied. The analysis is performed using a cavitation algorithm, which mimics the Jakobsson-Floberg and Olsson (JFO) theory by accounting for the mass balance through the complete bearing. Hence, the history of the film is taken into consideration. The loading pattern is taken to be sinusoidal and the frequency of the load cycle is varied. The results are compared with the predictions using Reynolds boundary conditions for both film rupture and reformation. With such comparisons, the need for accurately predicting the cavitation regions for complex loading patterns is clearly demonstrated. For a particular frequency of loading, the effects of mass, amplitude of load variation and frequency of journal speed are also investigated. The journal trajectories, transient variations in fluid film forces, net surface velocity and minimum film thickness, and pressure profiles are also presented.

Method for determining how to operate and control wind turbine arrays in utility systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Javid, S.H.; Hauth, R.L.; Younkins, T.D.

1984-01-01

A method for determining how utility wind turbine arrays should be controlled and operated on the load frequency control time-scale is presented. Initial considerations for setting wind turbine control requirements are followed by a description of open loop operation and of closed loop and feed forward wind turbine array control concepts. The impact of variations in array output on meeting minimum criteria are developed. The method for determining the required control functions is then presented and results are tabulated. (LEW)

Impairment in the control of coupled cyclic movements of ipsilateral hand and foot after total callosotomy.

PubMed

Baldissera, F; Cavallari, P

2002-06-01

Integrity of both cerebral hemispheres is required to control in-phase or anti-phase coupling of ipsilateral hand and foot oscillations, as shown by the impairment of these tasks when performed on the healthy side of hemiplegic patients. On this basis, coupling of hand-foot movements was analysed in a right-handed subject (ME) who underwent a total resection of the corpus callosum. Oscillations of the prone hand and foot, paced by a metronome at different frequencies, as well as EMG activity in extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles were analysed by measuring the average phase difference between the hand and foot movements and EMG cycles. ME performed in-phase movements (right-hand extension coupled to right-foot dorsal flexion) at frequencies up to 3 Hz, though the hand cycle progressively lagged the foot cycle as the frequency increased. At 3 Hz the hand lag reached -142 degrees (as compared to about 25 degrees in healthy subjects). The lag increased even further after application of an inertial load to the hand, reaching 180 degrees at 1.8 Hz (about 50 degrees in healthy subjects). ME's hand lag is caused by the lack of any anticipatory reaction in hand movers. In contrast to healthy subjects, which activate the ECR earlier than the TA when the frequency increases, ME activated the ECR later than TA at all frequencies higher than 0.9 Hz. Anti-phase movements (hand extension coupled to foot plantar flexion) were performed only upto 1 Hz in unloaded conditions. At 0.6 Hz, movements were in tight phase-opposition (3 degrees), but at 1 Hz, the hand lag reached -34 degrees because of a delayed ECR activation. After hand loading ME was unable to couple movements in anti-phase. In contrast, normal subjects maintain a tight anti-phase coupling up to 2.0 Hz, both with an unloaded or loaded hand. Similar deficits were observed by ME when performing in-phase and anti-phase coupling on the left side, as well as when he was blindfolded. In normal subjects, an anticipated muscular activation of hand movers compensates for hand loading. Since this compensation must depend on monitoring the hand delay induced by loading, the absence in ME of such compensatory reaction suggests that callosal division had apparently compromised the mechanisms sustaining feedback compensation for differences in the biomechanical limb properties. They also confirm and reinforce the idea that elaboration of the afferent message, aiming at controlling the phase of the movement association, needs the co-operation of both cerebral hemispheres.

The influence of operational and environmental loads on the process of assessing damages in beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furdui, H.; Muntean, F.; Minda, A. A.; Praisach, Z. I.; Gillich, N.

2015-07-01

Damage detection methods based on vibration analysis make use of the modal parameter changes. Natural frequencies are the features that can be acquired most simply and inexpensively. But this parameter is influenced by environmental conditions, e.g. temperature and operational loads as additional masses or axial loads induced by restraint displacements. The effect of these factors is not completely known, but in the numerous actual research it is considered that they affect negatively the damage assessment process. This is justified by the small frequency changes occurring due to damage, which can be masked by the frequency shifts due to external loads. The paper intends to clarify the effect of external loads on the natural frequencies of beams and truss elements, and to show in which manner the damage detection process is affected by these loads. The finite element analysis, performed on diverse structures for a large range of temperature values, has shown that the temperature itself has a very limited effect on the frequency changes. Thus, axial forces resulted due to obstructed displacements can influence more substantially the frequency changes. These facts are demonstrated by experimental and theoretical studies. Finally, we succeed to adapt a prior contrived relation providing the frequency changes due to damage in order to fit the case of known external loads. Whereas a new baseline for damage detection was found, considering the effect of temperature and external loads, this process can be performed without other complication.

Fluids and Combustion Facility: Combustion Integrated Rack Modal Model Correlation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McNelis, Mark E.; Suarez, Vicente J.; Sullivan, Timothy L.; Otten, Kim D.; Akers, James C.

2005-01-01

The Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF) is a modular, multi-user, two-rack facility dedicated to combustion and fluids science in the US Laboratory Destiny on the International Space Station. FCF is a permanent facility that is capable of accommodating up to ten combustion and fluid science investigations per year. FCF research in combustion and fluid science supports NASA's Exploration of Space Initiative for on-orbit fire suppression, fire safety, and space system fluids management. The Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) is one of two racks in the FCF. The CIR major structural elements include the International Standard Payload Rack (ISPR), Experiment Assembly (optics bench and combustion chamber), Air Thermal Control Unit (ATCU), Rack Door, and Lower Structure Assembly (Input/Output Processor and Electrical Power Control Unit). The load path through the rack structure is outlined. The CIR modal survey was conducted to validate the load path predicted by the CIR finite element model (FEM). The modal survey is done by experimentally measuring the CIR frequencies and mode shapes. The CIR model was test correlated by updating the model to represent the test mode shapes. The correlated CIR model delivery is required by NASA JSC at Launch-10.5 months. The test correlated CIR flight FEM is analytically integrated into the Shuttle for a coupled loads analysis of the launch configuration. The analysis frequency range of interest is 0-50 Hz. A coupled loads analysis is the analytical integration of the Shuttle with its cargo element, the Mini Payload Logistics Module (MPLM), in the Shuttle cargo bay. For each Shuttle launch configuration, a verification coupled loads analysis is performed to determine the loads in the cargo bay as part of the structural certification process.

High glycemic load diet, milk and ice cream consumption are related to acne vulgaris in Malaysian young adults: a case control study

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background The role of dietary factors in the pathophysiology of acne vulgaris is highly controversial. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the association between dietary factors and acne vulgaris among Malaysian young adults. Methods A case–control study was conducted among 44 acne vulgaris patients and 44 controls aged 18 to 30 years from October 2010 to January 2011. Comprehensive acne severity scale (CASS) was used to determine acne severity. A questionnaire comprising items enquiring into the respondent’s family history and dietary patterns was distributed. Subjects were asked to record their food intake on two weekdays and one day on a weekend in a three day food diary. Anthropometric measurements including body weight, height and body fat percentage were taken. Acne severity was assessed by a dermatologist. Results Cases had a significantly higher dietary glycemic load (175 ± 35) compared to controls (122 ± 28) (p < 0.001). The frequency of milk (p < 0.01) and ice-cream (p < 0.01) consumptions was significantly higher in cases compared to controls. Females in the case group had a higher daily energy intake compared to their counterparts in the control group, 1812 ± 331 and 1590 ± 148 kcal respectively (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in other nutrient intakes, Body Mass Index, and body fat percentage between case and control groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions Glycemic load diet and frequencies of milk and ice cream intake were positively associated with acne vulgaris. PMID:22898209

The relation of cognitive load and pupillary unrest.

PubMed

Müller, Andreas; Petru, Raluca; Seitz, Lucia; Englmann, Ines; Angerer, Peter

2011-06-01

This study examines the relationship between pupillary unrest (PU) and cognitive load. PU represents a measure of reduced central nervous tonic arousal (sleepiness). A loss of tonic arousal can be associated with difficulties in maintaining the required level of performance. Thus, the measurement of tonic arousal in occupational contexts can help to prevent overload or errors. We compared a group with high cognitive load (30 apron controllers of an international airport) with a control group with low cognitive load (63 healthy people during their free time) in a non-randomized experimental design with pre- and post-test assessment of PU. PU was scanned by an infrared sensor with a frequency of 25 Hz and a resolution of .05 mm. To control for circadian effects, measurements for both groups were taken at the same time of the day. High PU at the start of the shift correlated with high perceived load during the shift. There were no indications of reverse effects. Analyses of group x time effects with generalized linear models (repeated measures) revealed that cognitive load did in no way affected PU. Initially low tonic arousal (indicated by high PU) may predict subsequent workload, but being exposed to high cognitive load does not influence tonic arousal after the end of the shift. With that, the study contributes to valid interpretations of pupillary unrest measurements in occupational contexts.

Delayed diaphragm injury and diaphragm force production.

PubMed

Jiang, T X; Reid, W D; Road, J D

1998-03-01

The present study was designed to examine the effect of delayed diaphragm injury produced by inspiratory resistive loading (IRL) on diaphragm force production. On Day 1, three groups of anesthetized and intubated NZW rabbits (n = 7 in each group) were subjected to moderate IRL (Pao approximately 30 cm H2O), high IRL (Pao approximately 45 cm H2O), or no load for 1.5 h. On Day 3, the baseline twitch transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) and Pdi at 10 to 80 Hz were measured during bilateral phrenic stimulation and these measurements were repeated after another IRL (high level) in all three groups. Diaphragm injury was assessed by the point-counting technique. Marked diaphragm injury was observed in the high-IRL group (p < 0.01), but no significant diaphragm injury was observed in the moderate-IRL or control groups. The baseline twitch Pdi was maintained in both IRL groups, whereas the baseline Pdi-frequency values in the high-IRL group were significantly reduced at most frequencies (p < 0.05). The decreases in twitch and Pdi at different frequencies were more pronounced after the IRL on Day 3 in the high-IRL group compared with controls. Moderate IRL did not decrease diaphragm force either before or after the high IRL on Day 3. We conclude that the diaphragm injury induced by high IRL has a significant impact on diaphragm force production and the attendant force loss produced by IRL is dependent on the intensity of inspiratory loading.

Digitally synthesized high purity, high-voltage radio frequency drive electronics for mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Schaefer, R T; MacAskill, J A; Mojarradi, M; Chutjian, A; Darrach, M R; Madzunkov, S M; Shortt, B J

2008-09-01

Reported herein is development of a quadrupole mass spectrometer controller (MSC) with integrated radio frequency (rf) power supply and mass spectrometer drive electronics. Advances have been made in terms of the physical size and power consumption of the MSC, while simultaneously making improvements in frequency stability, total harmonic distortion, and spectral purity. The rf power supply portion of the MSC is based on a series-resonant LC tank, where the capacitive load is the mass spectrometer itself, and the inductor is a solenoid or toroid, with various core materials. The MSC drive electronics is based on a field programmable gate array (FPGA), with serial peripheral interface for analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converter support, and RS232/RS422 communications interfaces. The MSC offers spectral quality comparable to, or exceeding, that of conventional rf power supplies used in commercially available mass spectrometers; and as well an inherent flexibility, via the FPGA implementation, for a variety of tasks that includes proportional-integral derivative closed-loop feedback and control of rf, rf amplitude, and mass spectrometer sensitivity. Also provided are dc offsets and resonant dipole excitation for mass selective accumulation in applications involving quadrupole ion traps; rf phase locking and phase shifting for external loading of a quadrupole ion trap; and multichannel scaling of acquired mass spectra. The functionality of the MSC is task specific, and is easily modified by simply loading FPGA registers or reprogramming FPGA firmware.

Development of the Second-Generation Oscillating Surge Wave Energy Converter with Variable Geometry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tom, Nathan M; Yu, Yi-Hsiang; Thresher, Robert W

This study investigates the effect of design changes on the hydrodynamics of a novel oscillating surge wave energy converter being developed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The design utilizes controllable geometry features to shed structural loads while maintaining a rated power over a greater number of sea states. The second-generation design will seek to provide a more refined control of performance because the first-generation design demonstrated performance reductions considered too large for smooth power output. Performance is evaluated using frequency domain analysis with consideration of a nonideal power-take-off system, with respect to power absorption, foundation loads, and power-take-off torque.

Centralized and Decentralized Control for Demand Response

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu, Shuai; Samaan, Nader A.; Diao, Ruisheng

2011-04-29

Demand response has been recognized as an essential element of the smart grid. Frequency response, regulation and contingency reserve functions performed traditionally by generation resources are now starting to involve demand side resources. Additional benefits from demand response include peak reduction and load shifting, which will defer new infrastructure investment and improve generator operation efficiency. Technical approaches designed to realize these functionalities can be categorized into centralized control and decentralized control, depending on where the response decision is made. This paper discusses these two control philosophies and compares their relative advantages and disadvantages in terms of delay time, predictability, complexity,more » and reliability. A distribution system model with detailed household loads and controls is built to demonstrate the characteristics of the two approaches. The conclusion is that the promptness and reliability of decentralized control should be combined with the predictability and simplicity of centralized control to achieve the best performance of the smart grid.« less

A Combined High and Low Cycle Fatigue Model for Life Prediction of Turbine Blades

PubMed Central

Yue, Peng; Yu, Zheng-Yong; Wang, Qingyuan

2017-01-01

Combined high and low cycle fatigue (CCF) generally induces the failure of aircraft gas turbine attachments. Based on the aero-engine load spectrum, accurate assessment of fatigue damage due to the interaction of high cycle fatigue (HCF) resulting from high frequency vibrations and low cycle fatigue (LCF) from ground-air-ground engine cycles is of critical importance for ensuring structural integrity of engine components, like turbine blades. In this paper, the influence of combined damage accumulation on the expected CCF life are investigated for turbine blades. The CCF behavior of a turbine blade is usually studied by testing with four load-controlled parameters, including high cycle stress amplitude and frequency, and low cycle stress amplitude and frequency. According to this, a new damage accumulation model is proposed based on Miner’s rule to consider the coupled damage due to HCF-LCF interaction by introducing the four load parameters. Five experimental datasets of turbine blade alloys and turbine blades were introduced for model validation and comparison between the proposed Miner, Manson-Halford, and Trufyakov-Kovalchuk models. Results show that the proposed model provides more accurate predictions than others with lower mean and standard deviation values of model prediction errors. PMID:28773064

An inventory of suspended sediment stations and type of data analysis for Pennsylvania streams, 1947-1970

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ott, Arthur N.; Commings, Allen B.

1972-01-01

Data concerning suspended sediment concentrations and loads, frequency of occurrence of suspended sediment concentrations, and long-term trends of annual suspended sediment loads are important tools for today's environmental manager. These data are required background for those concerned with establishing and enforcing erosion and sedimentation control regulations and sediment concentration or turbidity standards for water-quality criteria, or those concerned with designing for adequate long-term water storage in reservoirs (sediment load), for efficient municipal and industrial plant operation (sediment concentration frequency), etc.This is a compilation of the location, period of record, sampling frequency and type of data synthesis for suspended sediment carried by Pennsylvania streams. Figures 1 and 2 show the approximate locations of sediment sampling stations in Pennsylvania. All of the sediment data listed were collected by the U. S. Geological Survey mainly in cooperation with the following Federal, State, and local agencies.Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources     Bureau of Engineering and Construction     Soil and Water Conservation CommissionPennsylvania Department of TransportationCity of PhiladelphiaBrandywine Valley AssociationDelaware Geological SurveyConestoga Valley AssociationLehigh County Soil and Water Conservation DistrictCorps of Engineers, U. S. Army

Experimental investigation of the dynamic installation of a slip joint connection between the monopile and tower of an offshore wind turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Segeren, M. L. A.; Hermans, K. W.

2014-06-01

The failure of the traditional grouted connections of offshore wind turbines has led to the investigation of alternatives that provide a connection between the foundation pile and the turbine tower. An alternative to the traditional joint is a steel-to-steel connection also called a slip joint. To ensure a proper fit of the slip joint a dynamic installation of the joint is proposed. In this contribution, the effectiveness of harmonic excitation as an installation procedure is experimentally investigated using a 1:10 scaled model of the joint. During the dynamic installation test the applied static load, settlements and dynamic response of the joint are monitored using respectively load cells, taut wires and strain gauges placed both inside and outside the conical surfaces. The results show that settlement occurs only when applying a harmonic load at specific forcing frequencies. The settlement stabilizes to a certain level for each of the specific frequencies, indicating that a controlled way of installation is possible. The results show that it is essential to vibrate at specific frequencies and that a larger amplitude of the harmonic force does not automatically lead to additional settlement.

A Combined High and Low Cycle Fatigue Model for Life Prediction of Turbine Blades.

PubMed

Zhu, Shun-Peng; Yue, Peng; Yu, Zheng-Yong; Wang, Qingyuan

2017-06-26

Combined high and low cycle fatigue (CCF) generally induces the failure of aircraft gas turbine attachments. Based on the aero-engine load spectrum, accurate assessment of fatigue damage due to the interaction of high cycle fatigue (HCF) resulting from high frequency vibrations and low cycle fatigue (LCF) from ground-air-ground engine cycles is of critical importance for ensuring structural integrity of engine components, like turbine blades. In this paper, the influence of combined damage accumulation on the expected CCF life are investigated for turbine blades. The CCF behavior of a turbine blade is usually studied by testing with four load-controlled parameters, including high cycle stress amplitude and frequency, and low cycle stress amplitude and frequency. According to this, a new damage accumulation model is proposed based on Miner's rule to consider the coupled damage due to HCF-LCF interaction by introducing the four load parameters. Five experimental datasets of turbine blade alloys and turbine blades were introduced for model validation and comparison between the proposed Miner, Manson-Halford, and Trufyakov-Kovalchuk models. Results show that the proposed model provides more accurate predictions than others with lower mean and standard deviation values of model prediction errors.

Melnikov's criteria, parametric control of chaos, and stationary chaos occurrence in systems with asymmetric potential subjected to multiscale type excitation.

PubMed

Kwuimy, C A Kitio; Nataraj, C; Litak, G

2011-12-01

We consider the problems of chaos and parametric control in nonlinear systems under an asymmetric potential subjected to a multiscale type excitation. The lower bound line for horseshoes chaos is analyzed using the Melnikov's criterion for a transition to permanent or transient nonperiodic motions, complement by the fractal or regular shape of the basin of attraction. Numerical simulations based on the basins of attraction, bifurcation diagrams, Poincaré sections, Lyapunov exponents, and phase portraits are used to show how stationary dissipative chaos occurs in the system. Our attention is focussed on the effects of the asymmetric potential term and the driven frequency. It is shown that the threshold amplitude ∣γ(c)∣ of the excitation decreases for small values of the driven frequency ω and increases for large values of ω. This threshold value decreases with the asymmetric parameter α and becomes constant for sufficiently large values of α. γ(c) has its maximum value for asymmetric load in comparison with the symmetric load. Finally, we apply the Melnikov theorem to the controlled system to explore the gain control parameter dependencies.

Mixed H2/H∞ pitch control of wind turbine with a Markovian jump model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Zhongwei; Liu, Jizhen; Wu, Qiuwei; Niu, Yuguang

2018-01-01

This paper proposes a Markovian jump model and the corresponding H2/H∞ control strategy for the wind turbine driven by the stochastic switching wind speed, which can be used to regulate the generator speed in order to harvest the rated power while reducing the fatigue loads on the mechanical side of wind turbine. Through sampling the low-frequency wind speed data into separate intervals, the stochastic characteristic of the steady wind speed can be represented as a Markov process, while the high-frequency wind speed in the each interval is regarded as the disturbance input. Then, the traditional operating points of wind turbine can be divided into separate subregions correspondingly, where the model parameters and the control mode can be fixed in each mode. Then, the mixed H2/H∞ control problem is discussed for such a class of Markovian jump wind turbine working above the rated wind speed to guarantee both the disturbance rejection and the mechanical loads objectives, which can reduce the power volatility and the generator torque fluctuation of the whole transmission mechanism efficiently. Simulation results for a 2 MW wind turbine show the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Servo-controlled pneumatic pressure oscillator for respiratory impedance measurements and high-frequency ventilation.

PubMed

Kaczka, David W; Lutchen, Kenneth R

2004-04-01

The ability to provide forced oscillatory excitation of the respiratory system can be useful in mechanical impedance measurements as well as high frequency ventilation (HFV). Experimental systems currently used for generating forced oscillations are limited in their ability to provide high amplitude flows or maintain the respiratory system at a constant mean pressure during excitation. This paper presents the design and implementation of a pneumatic pressure oscillator based on a proportional solenoid valve. The device is capable of providing forced oscillatory excitations to the respiratory system over a bandwidth suitable for mechanical impedance measurements and HVF. It delivers high amplitude flows (> 1.4 l/s) and utilizes a servo-control mechanism to maintain a load at a fixed mean pressure during simultaneous oscillation. Under open-loop conditions, the device exhibited a static hysteresis of approximately 7%, while its dynamic magnitude and phase responses were flat out to 10 Hz. Broad-band measurement of total harmonic distortion was approximately 19%. Under closed-loop conditions, the oscillator was able to maintain a mechanical test load at both positive and negative mean pressures during oscillatory excitations from 0.1 to 10.0 Hz. Impedance of the test load agreed closely with theoretical predictions. We conclude that this servo-controlled oscillator can be a useful tool for respiratory impedance measurements as well as HFV.

Response of the water level in a well to Earth tides and atmospheric loading under unconfined conditions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rojstaczer, Stuart; Riley, Francis S.

1990-01-01

The response of the water level in a well to Earth tides and atmospheric loading under unconfined conditions can be explained if the water level is controlled by the aquifer response averaged over the saturated depth of the well. Because vertical averaging tends to diminish the influence of the water table, the response is qualitatively similar to the response of a well under partially confined conditions. When the influence of well bore storage can be ignored, the response to Earth tides is strongly governed by a dimensionless aquifer frequency Q′u. The response to atmospheric loading is strongly governed by two dimensionless vertical fluid flow parameters: a dimensionless unsaturated zone frequency, R, and a dimensionless aquifer frequency Qu. The differences between Q′u and Qu are generally small for aquifers which are highly sensitive to Earth tides. When Q′u and Qu are large, the response of the well to Earth tides and atmospheric loading approaches the static response of the aquifer under confined conditions. At small values of Q′u and Qu, well response to Earth tides and atmospheric loading is strongly influenced by water table drainage. When R is large relative to Qu, the response to atmospheric loading is strongly influenced by attenuation and phase shift of the pneumatic pressure signal in the unsaturated zone. The presence of partial penetration retards phase advance in well response to Earth tides and atmospheric loading. When the theoretical response of a phreatic well to Earth tides and atmospheric loading is fit to the well response inferred from cross-spectral estimation, it is possible to obtain estimates of the pneumatic diffusivity of the unsaturated zone and the vertical hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer.

Rhythmic crowd bobbing on a grandstand simulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Comer, A. J.; Blakeborough, A.; Williams, M. S.

2013-01-01

It is widely accepted that concerted human activity such as bouncing or bobbing can excite cantilever grandstands. Crowd coordination can be unwitting and may be exacerbated by structural motion caused by resonant structural response. This is an area of uncertainty in the design and analysis of modern grandstands. This paper presents experimental measurement and analysis of rhythmic crowd bobbing loads obtained from tests on a grandstand simulator with two distinct support conditions; (a) rigid, and; (b) flexible. It was found that significant structural vibration at the bobbing frequency did not increase the effective bobbing load. Structural motion at the bobbing frequency caused a reduction in the dynamic load factor (DLF) at the frequency of the second harmonic while those at the first and third harmonics were unaffected. Two plausible reasons for this are: (a) the bobbing group were unable to supply significant energy to the system at the frequency of the second harmonic; (b) the bobbing group altered their bobbing style to reduce the response of the grandstand simulator. It was deduced that the bobbing group did not absorb energy from the dynamic system. Furthermore, dynamic load factors for groups of test subjects bobbing on a rigid structure were typically greater than those of synthesised groups derived from individuals bobbing alone, possibly due to group effects such as audio and visual stimuli from neighbouring test subjects. Last, the vibration levels experienced by the test subjects appear to be below levels likely to cause discomfort. This is to be expected as the test subjects were themselves controlling the magnitude and duration of vibration for the bobbing tests considered.

Substructure coupling in the frequency domain

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

Frequency domain analysis was found to be a suitable method for determining the transient response of systems subjected to a wide variety of loads. However, since a large number of calculations are performed within the discrete frequency loop, the method loses it computational efficiency if the loads must be represented by a large number of discrete frequencies. It was also discovered that substructure coupling in the frequency domain work particularly well for analyzing structural system with a small number of interface and loaded degrees of freedom. It was discovered that substructure coupling in the frequency domain can lead to an efficient method of obtaining natural frequencies of undamped structures. It was also found that the damped natural frequencies of a system may be determined using frequency domain techniques.

Control Design Strategies to Enhance Long-Term Aircraft Structural Integrity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newman, Brett A.

1999-01-01

Over the operational lifetime of both military and civil aircraft, structural components are exposed to hundreds of thousands of low-stress repetitive load cycles and less frequent but higher-stress transient loads originating from maneuvering flight and atmospheric gusts. Micro-material imperfections in the structure, such as cracks and debonded laminates, expand and grow in this environment, reducing the structural integrity and shortening the life of the airframe. Extreme costs associated with refurbishment of critical load-bearing structural components in a large fleet, or altogether reinventoring the fleet with newer models, indicate alternative solutions for life extension of the airframe structure are highly desirable. Increased levels of operational safety and reliability are also important factors influencing the desirability of such solutions. One area having significant potential for impacting crack growth/fatigue damage reduction and structural life extension is flight control. To modify the airframe response dynamics arising from command inputs and gust disturbances, feedback loops are routinely applied to vehicles. A dexterous flight control system architecture senses key vehicle motions and generates critical forces/moments at multiple points distributed throughout the airframe to elicit the desired motion characteristics. In principle, these same control loops can be utilized to influence the level of exposure to harmful loads during flight on structural components. Project objectives are to investigate and/or assess the leverage control has on reducing fatigue damage and enhancing long-term structural integrity, without degrading attitude control and trajectory guidance performance levels. In particular, efforts have focused on the effects inner loop control parameters and architectures have on fatigue damage rate. To complete this research, an actively controlled flexible aircraft model and a new state space modeling procedure for crack growth have been utilized. Analysis of the analytical state space model for crack growth revealed the critical mathematical factors, and hence the physical mechanism they represent, that influenced high rates of airframe crack growth. The crack model was then exercised with simple load inputs to uncover and expose key crack growth behavior. To characterize crack growth behavior, both "short-term" laboratory specimen test type inputs and "long-term" operational flight type inputs were considered. Harmonic loading with a single overload revealed typical exponential crack growth behavior until the overload application, after which time the crack growth was retarded for a period of time depending on the overload strength. An optimum overload strength was identified which leads to maximum retardation of crack growth. Harmonic loading with a repeated overload of varying strength and frequency again revealed an optimum overload trait for maximizing growth retardation. The optimum overload strength ratio lies near the range of 2 to 3 with dependency on frequency. Experimental data was found to correlate well with the analytical predictions.

Design and implementation of a new modified sliding mode controller for grid-connected inverter to controlling the voltage and frequency.

PubMed

Ghanbarian, Mohammad Mehdi; Nayeripour, Majid; Rajaei, Amirhossein; Mansouri, Mohammad Mahdi

2016-03-01

As the output power of a microgrid with renewable energy sources should be regulated based on the grid conditions, using robust controllers to share and balance the power in order to regulate the voltage and frequency of microgrid is critical. Therefore a proper control system is necessary for updating the reference signals and determining the proportion of each inverter in the microgrid control. This paper proposes a new adaptive method which is robust while the conditions are changing. This controller is based on a modified sliding mode controller which provides adapting conditions in linear and nonlinear loads. The performance of the proposed method is validated by representing the simulation results and experimental lab results. Copyright © 2015 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Unity power factor converter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wester, Gene W. (Inventor)

1980-01-01

A unity power factor converter capable of effecting either inversion (dc-to-dc) or rectification (ac-to-dc), and capable of providing bilateral power control from a DC source (or load) through an AC transmission line to a DC load (or source) for power flow in either direction, is comprised of comparators for comparing the AC current i with an AC signal i.sub.ref (or its phase inversion) derived from the AC ports to generate control signals to operate a switch control circuit for high speed switching to shape the AC current waveform to a sine waveform, and synchronize it in phase and frequency with the AC voltage at the AC ports, by selectively switching the connections to a series inductor as required to increase or decrease the current i.

Heat loading of hoist brakes by example of drum brakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vöth, S.; Vasilyeva, M. A.

2017-10-01

Due to the technological development in drive technology, drives controlled by frequency inverters in hoists of cranes are almost standard. Since these drives offer the possibility of electric braking, the operation of the mechanical brakes changes as a result. As a result, the mechanical brakes are used more rarely and, if so, more likely in critical operating conditions. In this paper, an analysis of the changes that occur in the structure under the influence of thermal load is presented.

Intelligent Load Manager (LOADMAN): Application of Expert System Technology to Load Management Problems in Power Generation and Distribution Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-08-10

addrsesed to it, the wall-receptacle module energizes a relay. Modules can be built to use a triac instead and have the capacity to increase or decrease... modulated by other constraints for a safe, functional ana effective power distribution system. 2.2.3 BackuR Equipment Alternate power sources are...environments have limited sensor capability and no remote control capability. However, future enhancements to current equipment, such as frequency- modulated

SMES application for frequency control during islanded microgrid operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, A.-Rong; Kim, Gyeong-Hun; Heo, Serim; Park, Minwon; Yu, In-Keun; Kim, Hak-Man

2013-01-01

This paper analyzes the operating characteristics of a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) for the frequency control of an islanded microgrid operation. In the grid-connected mode of a microgrid, an imbalance between power supply and demand is solved by a power trade with the upstream power grid. The difference in the islanded mode is a critical problem because the microgrid is isolated from any power grid. For this reason, the frequency control during islanded microgrid operation is a challenging issue. A test microgrid in this paper consisted of a wind power generator, a PV generation system, a diesel generator and a load to test the feasibility of the SMES for controlling frequency during islanded operation as well as the transient state varying from the grid-connected mode to the islanded mode. The results show that the SMES contributes well for frequency control in the islanded operation. In addition, a dual and a single magnet type of SMES have been compared to demonstrate the control performance. The dual magnet has the same energy capacity as the single magnet, but there are two superconducting coils and each coil has half inductance of the single magnet. The effectiveness of the SMES application with the simulation results is discussed in detail.

Active control of spectral detail radiated by an air-loaded impacted membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rollow, J. Douglas, IV

An active control system is developed to independently operate on the vibration of individual modes of an air-loaded drum head, resulting in changes in the acoustic field radiated from the structure. The timbre of the system is investigated, and techniques for changing the characteristic frequencies by means of the control system are proposed. A feedforward control system is constructed for empirical investigation of this approach, creating a musical instrument which can produce a variety of sounds not available with strictly mechanical systems. The work is motivated by applications for actively controlled structures, active control of sound quality, and musical acoustics. The instrument consists of a Mylar timpano head stretched over an enclosure which has been outfitted with electroacoustic drivers. Sensors are arranged on the surface of the drum head and combined to measure modal vibration, and the array of drivers allows independent control of these modes. A signal processor is used to form modal control filters which can modify the loading of each mode, changing the time-dependent and spectral characteristics, and therefore the timbre, of the radiated sound. A theoretical formulation of active control of structural vibration by means of fluid-coupled actuators is expressed, and computational solutions show the effects of fluid loading and the radiated field. Experimental results with the new instrument are shown, with implementations of the control system providing a demonstrated degree of control, and illustrating several limitations of such systems.

Automatic Frequency Controller for Power Amplifiers Used in Bio-Implanted Applications: Issues and Challenges

PubMed Central

Hannan, Mahammad A.; Hussein, Hussein A.; Mutashar, Saad; Samad, Salina A.; Hussain, Aini

2014-01-01

With the development of communication technologies, the use of wireless systems in biomedical implanted devices has become very useful. Bio-implantable devices are electronic devices which are used for treatment and monitoring brain implants, pacemakers, cochlear implants, retinal implants and so on. The inductive coupling link is used to transmit power and data between the primary and secondary sides of the biomedical implanted system, in which efficient power amplifier is very much needed to ensure the best data transmission rates and low power losses. However, the efficiency of the implanted devices depends on the circuit design, controller, load variation, changes of radio frequency coil's mutual displacement and coupling coefficients. This paper provides a comprehensive survey on various power amplifier classes and their characteristics, efficiency and controller techniques that have been used in bio-implants. The automatic frequency controller used in biomedical implants such as gate drive switching control, closed loop power control, voltage controlled oscillator, capacitor control and microcontroller frequency control have been explained. Most of these techniques keep the resonance frequency stable in transcutaneous power transfer between the external coil and the coil implanted inside the body. Detailed information including carrier frequency, power efficiency, coils displacement, power consumption, supplied voltage and CMOS chip for the controllers techniques are investigated and summarized in the provided tables. From the rigorous review, it is observed that the existing automatic frequency controller technologies are more or less can capable of performing well in the implant devices; however, the systems are still not up to the mark. Accordingly, current challenges and problems of the typical automatic frequency controller techniques for power amplifiers are illustrated, with a brief suggestions and discussion section concerning the progress of implanted device research in the future. This review will hopefully lead to increasing efforts towards the development of low powered, highly efficient, high data rate and reliable automatic frequency controllers for implanted devices. PMID:25615728

Radio Frequency Sensing of Particulate Matter Accumulation on a Gasoline Particulate Filter

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Parks, James; Prikhodko, Vitaly Y.; Sappok, Alex

Filter Sensing Technology’s radio frequency (RF) sensor for particulate filter on-board diagnostics (OBD) was studied on a lean gasoline engine at the National Transportation Research Center (NTRC) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The response of the RF sensor to particulate matter (PM) or “soot” accumulation on the gasoline particulate filter (GPF) installed in the engine exhaust was evaluated. In addition, end plugs of the GPF were purposely removed, and subsequent changes to the RF sensor measured soot loading on the GPF were characterized. Results from the study showed that the RF sensor can accurately measure soot accumulation on amore » GPF; furthermore, the predicted decreased soot accumulation due to plug removal was detected by the RF sensor. Overall, the studies were short and preliminary in nature; however, clearly, the RF sensor demonstrated the capability of measuring GPF soot loading at a level suitable for use in lean gasoline engine emission control OBD and control.« less

Evaluation of Street Sweeping as a Stormwater-Quality-Management Tool in Three Residential Basins in Madison, Wisconsin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Selbig, William R.; Bannerman, Roger T.

2007-01-01

Recent technological improvements have increased the ability of street sweepers to remove sediment and other debris from street surfaces; the effect of these technological advancements on stormwater quality is largely unknown. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the City of Madison and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, evaluated three street-sweeper technologies from 2002 through 2006. Regenerative-air, vacuum-assist, and mechanical-broom street sweepers were operated on a frequency of once per week (high frequency) in separate residential basins in Madison, Wis., to measure each sweeper's ability to not only reduce street-dirt yield but also improve the quality of stormwater runoff. A second mechanical-broom sweeper operating on a frequency of once per month (low frequency) was also evaluated to measure reductions in street-dirt yield only. A paired-basin study design was used to compare street-dirt and stormwater-quality samples during a calibration (no sweeping) and a treatment period (weekly sweeping). The basis of this paired-basin approach is that the relation between paired street-dirt and stormwater-quality loads for the control and tests basins is constant until a major change is made at one of the basins. At that time, a new relation will develop. Changes in either street-dirt and/or stormwater quality as a result of street sweeping could then be quantified by use of statistical tests. Street-dirt samples collected weekly during the calibration period and twice per week during the treatment period, once before and once after sweeping, were dried and separated into seven particle-size fractions ranging from less than 63 micrometers to greater than 2 millimeters. Street-dirt yield evaluation was based on a computed mass per unit length of pounds per curb-mile. An analysis of covariance was used to measure the significance of the effect of street sweeping at the end of the treatment period and to quantify any reduction in street-dirt yield. Both the regenerative-air and vacuum-assist sweepers produced reductions in street-dirt yield at the 5-percent significance level. Street-dirt yield was reduced by an average of 76, 63, and 20 percent in the regenerative-air, vacuum-assist, and high-frequency broom basins, respectively. The low-frequency broom basin showed no significant reductions in street-dirt yield. Sand-size particles (greater than 63 micrometers) recorded the greatest overall reduction. Street-sweeper pickup efficiency was determined by computing the difference between weekly street-dirt yields before and after sweeping cleaning. The regenerative-air and vacuum-assist sweepers had similar pickup efficiencies of 25 and 30 percent, respectively. The mechanical broom sweeper operating at high frequency was considerably less efficient, removing an average of 5 percent of street-dirt yield. The effects of street sweeping on stormwater quality were evaluated by use of statistical tests to compare event mean concentrations and loads computed for individual storms at the control and test basins. Loads were computed by multiplying the event mean concentrations by storm-runoff volumes. Only ammonia-nitrogen for the test basin with the vacuum-assist sweeper showed significant load increases over the control basin, at the 10-percent significance level, of 63 percent. Difficulty in detecting significant changes in constituent stormwater-quality loads could be due, in part, to the large amount of variability in the data. Coefficients of variation for the majority of constituent loads were greater than 1, indicating substantial variability. The ability to detect changes in constituent stormwater-quality loads was likely hampered by an inadequate number of samples in the data set. However, sediment transport in the storm-sewer pipe, sediment washing onto the street from other source areas, winter sand application, and sampling challenges were additional sources of variability within each study ba

Stimulus Load and Oscillatory Activity in Higher Cortex

PubMed Central

Kornblith, Simon; Buschman, Timothy J.; Miller, Earl K.

2016-01-01

Exploring and exploiting a rich visual environment requires perceiving, attending, and remembering multiple objects simultaneously. Recent studies have suggested that this mental “juggling” of multiple objects may depend on oscillatory neural dynamics. We recorded local field potentials from the lateral intraparietal area, frontal eye fields, and lateral prefrontal cortex while monkeys maintained variable numbers of visual stimuli in working memory. Behavior suggested independent processing of stimuli in each hemifield. During stimulus presentation, higher-frequency power (50–100 Hz) increased with the number of stimuli (load) in the contralateral hemifield, whereas lower-frequency power (8–50 Hz) decreased with the total number of stimuli in both hemifields. During the memory delay, lower-frequency power increased with contralateral load. Load effects on higher frequencies during stimulus encoding and lower frequencies during the memory delay were stronger when neural activity also signaled the location of the stimuli. Like power, higher-frequency synchrony increased with load, but beta synchrony (16–30 Hz) showed the opposite effect, increasing when power decreased (stimulus presentation) and decreasing when power increased (memory delay). Our results suggest roles for lower-frequency oscillations in top-down processing and higher-frequency oscillations in bottom-up processing. PMID:26286916

Transient Control of Synchronous Machine Active and Reactive Power in Micro-grid Power Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weber, Luke G.

There are two main topics associated with this dissertation. The first is to investigate phase-to-neutral fault current magnitude occurring in generators with multiple zero-sequence current sources. The second is to design, model, and tune a linear control system for operating a micro-grid in the event of a separation from the electric power system. In the former case, detailed generator, AC8B excitation system, and four-wire electric power system models are constructed. Where available, manufacturers data is used to validate the generator and exciter models. A gain-delay with frequency droop control is used to model an internal combustion engine and governor. The four wire system is connected through a transformer impedance to an infinite bus. Phase-to-neutral faults are imposed on the system, and fault magnitudes analyzed against three-phase faults to gauge their severity. In the latter case, a balanced three-phase system is assumed. The model structure from the former case - but using data for a different generator - is incorporated with a model for an energy storage device and a net load model to form a micro-grid. The primary control model for the energy storage device has a high level of detail, as does the energy storage device plant model in describing the LC filter and transformer. A gain-delay battery and inverter model is used at the front end. The net load model is intended to be the difference between renewable energy sources and load within a micro-grid system that has separated from the grid. Given the variability of both renewable generation and load, frequency and voltage stability are not guaranteed. This work is an attempt to model components of a proposed micro-grid system at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, and design, model, and tune a linear control system for operation in the event of a separation from the electric power system. The control module is responsible for management of frequency and active power, and voltage and reactive power. The scope of this work is to • develop a mathematical model for a salient pole, 2 damper winding synchronous generator with d axis saturation suitable for transient analysis, • develop a mathematical model for a voltage regulator and excitation system using the IEEE AC8B voltage regulator and excitation system template, • develop mathematical models for an energy storage primary control system, LC filter and transformer suitable for transient analysis, • combine the generator and energy storage models in a micro-grid context, • develop mathematical models for electric system components in the stationary abc frame and rotating dq reference frame, • develop a secondary control network for dispatch of micro-grid assets, • establish micro-grid limits of stable operation for step changes in load and power commands based on simulations of model data assuming net load on the micro-grid, and • use generator and electric system models to assess the generator current magnitude during phase-to-ground faults.

Sleepless night, restless mind: Effects of sleep deprivation on mind wandering.

PubMed

Poh, Jia-Hou; Chong, Pearlynne L H; Chee, Michael W L

2016-10-01

Sleep deprivation can result in degradation of sustained attention through increased distraction by task-irrelevant exogenous stimuli. However, attentional failures in the sleep-deprived state could also be a result of task-unrelated thoughts (TUTs, or mind wandering). Here, well-rested and sleep-deprived participants performed a visual search task under high and low perceptual load conditions. Thought probes were administered at irregular intervals to gauge the frequency of TUTs and level of meta-awareness of mind wandering. Despite sleep-deprived participants reporting more TUTs, they also reported less awareness of TUTs. Although the frequency of TUTs decreased in the high load condition in well-rested participants, they were equally frequent across low and high perceptual load conditions in sleep-deprived participants. Together, these findings suggest that sleep deprivation can result in a loss of ability to allocate attentional resources according to task demands consistent with diminished executive control. This may have been exacerbated by reduced meta-awareness. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Controllability of Free-piston Stirling Engine/linear Alternator Driving a Dynamic Load

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kankam, M. David; Rauch, Jeffrey S.

1994-01-01

This paper presents the dynamic behavior of a Free-Piston Stirling Engine/linear alternator (FPSE/LA) driving a single-phase fractional horse-power induction motor. The controllability and dynamic stability of the system are discussed by means of sensitivity effects of variations in system parameters, engine controller, operating conditions, and mechanical loading on the induction motor. The approach used expands on a combined mechanical and thermodynamic formulation employed in a previous paper. The application of state-space technique and frequency domain analysis enhances understanding of the dynamic interactions. Engine-alternator parametric sensitivity studies, similar to those of the previous paper, are summarized. Detailed discussions are provided for parametric variations which relate to the engine controller and system operating conditions. The results suggest that the controllability of a FPSE-based power system is enhanced by proper operating conditions and built-in controls.

Predictive control strategy of a gas turbine for improvement of combined cycle power plant dynamic performance and efficiency.

PubMed

Mohamed, Omar; Wang, Jihong; Khalil, Ashraf; Limhabrash, Marwan

2016-01-01

This paper presents a novel strategy for implementing model predictive control (MPC) to a large gas turbine power plant as a part of our research progress in order to improve plant thermal efficiency and load-frequency control performance. A generalized state space model for a large gas turbine covering the whole steady operational range is designed according to subspace identification method with closed loop data as input to the identification algorithm. Then the model is used in developing a MPC and integrated into the plant existing control strategy. The strategy principle is based on feeding the reference signals of the pilot valve, natural gas valve, and the compressor pressure ratio controller with the optimized decisions given by the MPC instead of direct application of the control signals. If the set points for the compressor controller and turbine valves are sent in a timely manner, there will be more kinetic energy in the plant to release faster responses on the output and the overall system efficiency is improved. Simulation results have illustrated the feasibility of the proposed application that has achieved significant improvement in the frequency variations and load following capability which are also translated to be improvements in the overall combined cycle thermal efficiency of around 1.1 % compared to the existing one.

Test of the Equivalence Principle in an Einstein Elevator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shapiro, Irwin I.; Lorenzini, E. C.; Glashow, S.; Cosmo, M. L.; Cheimets, P.; Finkelstein, N.; Schneps, M.; Iafolla, V.; Nozzoli, S.

2003-01-01

The laboratory activity consisted in the construction of a laboratory prototype of a differential accelerometer. The laboratory prototype has been used to conduct key tests on the differential instrument. We demonstrated the ability to damp quickly transient oscillations by utilizing a resistive load in the feedback loops and then removing that load to reestablish a high quality factor of the detector. A rotating divide with tilt control was also built. This device was utilized to impart (through the Earth's gravity) common-mode perturbations to the differential accelerometer. These calibration disturbances have been used to trim the acceleration outputs of the individual proof masses in order to obtain a common-mode rejection factor better than 10(exp -4) in a sufficiently large frequency band centered at the spin frequency.

Load-bearing capacity of all-ceramic posterior inlay-retained fixed dental prostheses.

PubMed

Puschmann, Djamila; Wolfart, Stefan; Ludwig, Klaus; Kern, Matthias

2009-06-01

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the quasi-static load-bearing capacity of all-ceramic resin-bonded three-unit inlay-retained fixed dental prostheses (IRFDPs) made from computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)-manufactured yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) frameworks with two different connector dimensions, with and without fatigue loading. Twelve IRFDPs each were made with connector dimensions 3 x 3 mm(2) (width x height) (control group) and 3 x 2 mm(2) (test group). Inlay-retained fixed dental prostheses were adhesively cemented on identical metal-models using composite resin cement. Subgroups of six specimens each were fatigued with maximal 1,200,000 loading cycles in a chewing simulator with a weight load of 25 kg and a load frequency of 1.5 Hz. The load-bearing capacity was tested in a universal testing machine for IRFDPs without fatigue loading and for IRFDPs that had not already fractured during fatigue loading. During fatigue testing one IRFDP (17%) of the test group failed. Under both loading conditions, IRFDPs of the control group exhibited statistically significantly higher load-bearing capacities than the test group. Fatigue loading reduced the load-bearing capacity in both groups. Considering the maximum chewing forces in the molar region, it seems possible to use zirconia ceramic as a core material for IRFDPs with a minimum connector dimension of 9 mm(2). A further reduction of the connector dimensions to 6 mm(2) results in a significant reduction of the load-bearing capacity.

Influence of sampling frequency and load calculation methods on quantification of annual river nutrient and suspended solids loads.

PubMed

Elwan, Ahmed; Singh, Ranvir; Patterson, Maree; Roygard, Jon; Horne, Dave; Clothier, Brent; Jones, Geoffrey

2018-01-11

Better management of water quality in streams, rivers and lakes requires precise and accurate estimates of different contaminant loads. We assessed four sampling frequencies (2 days, weekly, fortnightly and monthly) and five load calculation methods (global mean (GM), rating curve (RC), ratio estimator (RE), flow-stratified (FS) and flow-weighted (FW)) to quantify loads of nitrate-nitrogen (NO 3 - -N), soluble inorganic nitrogen (SIN), total nitrogen (TN), dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP), total phosphorus (TP) and total suspended solids (TSS), in the Manawatu River, New Zealand. The estimated annual river loads were compared to the reference 'true' loads, calculated using daily measurements of flow and water quality from May 2010 to April 2011, to quantify bias (i.e. accuracy) and root mean square error 'RMSE' (i.e. accuracy and precision). The GM method resulted into relatively higher RMSE values and a consistent negative bias (i.e. underestimation) in estimates of annual river loads across all sampling frequencies. The RC method resulted in the lowest RMSE for TN, TP and TSS at monthly sampling frequency. Yet, RC highly overestimated the loads for parameters that showed dilution effect such as NO 3 - -N and SIN. The FW and RE methods gave similar results, and there was no essential improvement in using RE over FW. In general, FW and RE performed better than FS in terms of bias, but FS performed slightly better than FW and RE in terms of RMSE for most of the water quality parameters (DRP, TP, TN and TSS) using a monthly sampling frequency. We found no significant decrease in RMSE values for estimates of NO 3 - N, SIN, TN and DRP loads when the sampling frequency was increased from monthly to fortnightly. The bias and RMSE values in estimates of TP and TSS loads (estimated by FW, RE and FS), however, showed a significant decrease in the case of weekly or 2-day sampling. This suggests potential for a higher sampling frequency during flow peaks for more precise and accurate estimates of annual river loads for TP and TSS, in the study river and other similar conditions.

Resonance test system

DOEpatents

Musial, Walter [Boulder, CO; White, Darris [Superior, CO

2011-05-31

An apparatus (10) for applying at least one load to a specimen (12) according to one embodiment of the invention may comprise a mass (18). An actuator (20) mounted to the specimen (12) and operatively associated with the mass (18) moves the mass (18) along a linear displacement path (22) that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the specimen (12). A control system (26) operatively associated with the actuator (20) operates the actuator (20) to reciprocate the mass (18) along the linear displacement path (22) at a reciprocating frequency, the reciprocating frequency being about equal to a resonance frequency of the specimen (12) in a test configuration.

High-frequency AC/DC converter with unity power factor and minimum harmonic distortion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wernekinch, E.R.

1987-01-01

The power factor is controlled by adjusting the relative position of the fundamental component of an optimized PWM-type voltage with respect to the supply voltage. Current harmonic distortion is minimized by the use of optimized firing angles for the converter at a frequency where GTO's can be used. This feature makes this approach very attractive at power levels of 100 to 600 kW. To obtain the optimized PWM pattern, a steepest descent digital computer algorithm is used. Digital-computer simulations are performed and a low-power model is constructed and tested to verify the concepts and the behavior of the model. Experimentalmore » results show that unity power factor is achieved and that the distortion in the phase currents is 10.4% at 90% of full load. This is less than achievable with sinusoidal PWM, harmonic elimination, hysteresis control, and deadbeat control for the same switching frequency.« less

Coordinated control strategy for improving the two drops of the wind storage combined system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Zhou; Chenggen, Wang; Jing, Bu

2018-05-01

In the power system with high permeability wind power, due to wind power fluctuation, the operation of large-scale wind power grid connected to the system brings challenges to the frequency stability of the system. When the doubly fed wind power generation unit does not reserve spare capacity to participate in the system frequency regulation, the system frequency will produce two drops in different degrees when the wind power exits frequency modulation and enters the speed recovery stage. To solve this problem, based on the complementary advantages of wind turbines and energy storage systems in power transmission and frequency modulation, a wind storage combined frequency modulation strategy based on sectional control is proposed in this paper. Based on the TOP wind power frequency modulation strategy, the wind power output reference value is determined according to the linear relationship between the output and the speed of the wind turbine, and the auxiliary wind power load reduction is controlled when the wind power exits frequency modulation into the speed recovery stage, so that the wind turbine is recovered to run at the optimal speed. Then, according to the system frequency and the wind turbine operation state, set the energy storage system frequency modulation output. Energy storage output active support is triggered during wind speed recovery. And then when the system frequency to return to the normal operating frequency range, reduce energy storage output or to exit frequency modulation. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

4. Main Control Switchboard (south end rear), view to the ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

4. Main Control Switchboard (south end rear), view to the north, with item 2 (the load frequency control panel) visible in right foreground, through item 7 (generator Unit 4 control panel) obliquely visible on left side of the photograph. Part of item 1 (the synchronization monitor) is visible behind the phone on right side of photograph. - Washington Water Power Clark Fork River Noxon Rapids Hydroelectric Development, Powerhouse, South bank of Clark Fork River at Noxon Rapids, Noxon, Sanders County, MT

Frequency Support of PMSG-WTG Based on Improved Inertial Control: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wu, Z.; Wang, X.; Gao, W.

2016-03-15

With increasing integrations of large-scale systems based on permanent magnet synchronous generator wind turbine generators (PMSG-WTGs), the overall inertial response of a power system will tend to deteriorate as a result of the decoupling of rotor speed and grid frequency through the power converter as well as the scheduled retirement of conventional synchronous generators. Thus, PMSG-WTGs can provide value to an electric grid by contributing to the system's inertial response by utilizing the inherent kinetic energy stored in their rotating masses and fast power control. In this work, an improved inertial control method based on the maximum power point trackingmore » operation curve is introduced to enhance the overall frequency support capability of PMSG-WTGs in the case of large supply-demand imbalances. Moreover, this method is implemented in the CART2-PMSG integrated model in MATLAB/Simulink to investigate its impact on the wind turbine's structural loads during the inertial response process. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method can effectively reduce the frequency nadir, arrest the rate of change of frequency, and mitigate the secondary frequency drop while imposing no negative impact on the major mechanical components of the wind turbine.« less

Frequency Support of PMSG-WTG Based on Improved Inertial Control

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wu, Z.; Wang, X.; Gao, W.

2016-11-14

With increasing integrations of large-scale systems based on permanent magnet synchronous generator wind turbine generators (PMSG-WTGs), the overall inertial response of a power system will tend to deteriorate as a result of the decoupling of rotor speed and grid frequency through the power converter as well as the scheduled retirement of conventional synchronous generators. Thus, PMSG-WTGs can provide value to an electric grid by contributing to the system's inertial response by utilizing the inherent kinetic energy stored in their rotating masses and fast power control. In this work, an improved inertial control method based on the maximum power point trackingmore » operation curve is introduced to enhance the overall frequency support capability of PMSG-WTGs in the case of large supply-demand imbalances. Moreover, this method is implemented in the CART2-PMSG integrated model in MATLAB/Simulink to investigate its impact on the wind turbine's structural loads during the inertial response process. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method can effectively reduce the frequency nadir, arrest the rate of change of frequency, and mitigate the secondary frequency drop while imposing no negative impact on the major mechanical components of the wind turbine.« less

Space Station on-orbit solar array loads during assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghofranian, S.; Fujii, E.; Larson, C. R.

This paper is concerned with the closed-loop dynamic analysis of on-orbit maneuvers when the Space Shuttle is fully mated to the Space Station Freedom. A flexible model of the Space Station in the form of component modes is attached to a rigid orbiter and on-orbit maneuvers are performed using the Shuttle Primary Reaction Control System jets. The traditional approach for this type of problems is to perform an open-loop analysis to determine the attitude control system jet profiles based on rigid vehicles and apply the resulting profile to a flexible Space Station. In this study a closed-loop Structure/Control model was developed in the Dynamic Analysis and Design System (DADS) program and the solar array loads were determined for single axis maneuvers with various delay times between jet firings. It is shown that the Digital Auto Pilot jet selection is affected by Space Station flexibility. It is also shown that for obtaining solar array loads the effect of high frequency modes cannot be ignored.

Research on parallel load sharing principle of piezoelectric six-dimensional heavy force/torque sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Wei; Li, Ying-jun; Jia, Zhen-yuan; Zhang, Jun; Qian, Min

2011-01-01

In working process of huge heavy-load manipulators, such as the free forging machine, hydraulic die-forging press, forging manipulator, heavy grasping manipulator, large displacement manipulator, measurement of six-dimensional heavy force/torque and real-time force feedback of the operation interface are basis to realize coordinate operation control and force compliance control. It is also an effective way to raise the control accuracy and achieve highly efficient manufacturing. Facing to solve dynamic measurement problem on six-dimensional time-varying heavy load in extremely manufacturing process, the novel principle of parallel load sharing on six-dimensional heavy force/torque is put forward. The measuring principle of six-dimensional force sensor is analyzed, and the spatial model is built and decoupled. The load sharing ratios are analyzed and calculated in vertical and horizontal directions. The mapping relationship between six-dimensional heavy force/torque value to be measured and output force value is built. The finite element model of parallel piezoelectric six-dimensional heavy force/torque sensor is set up, and its static characteristics are analyzed by ANSYS software. The main parameters, which affect load sharing ratio, are analyzed. The experiments for load sharing with different diameters of parallel axis are designed. The results show that the six-dimensional heavy force/torque sensor has good linearity. Non-linearity errors are less than 1%. The parallel axis makes good effect of load sharing. The larger the diameter is, the better the load sharing effect is. The results of experiments are in accordance with the FEM analysis. The sensor has advantages of large measuring range, good linearity, high inherent frequency, and high rigidity. It can be widely used in extreme environments for real-time accurate measurement of six-dimensional time-varying huge loads on manipulators.

Method and apparatus for controlling current in inductive loads such as large diameter coils

DOEpatents

Riveros, Carlos A.

1981-01-01

A method and apparatus for controlling electric current in loads that are essentially inductive, such that sparking and "ringing" current problems are reduced or eliminated. The circuit apparatus employs a pair of solid state switches (each of which switch may be an array of connected or parallel solid state switching devices such as transistors) and means for controlling those switches such that a power supply supplying two d.c. voltages (e.g. positive 150 volts d.c. and negative 150 volts d.c.) at low resistance may be connected across an essentially inductive load (e.g. a 6 gauge wire loop one hundred meters in diameter) alternatively and such that the first solid state switch is turned off and the second is turned on such that both are not on at the same time but the first turned on and the other on in less time than the inductive time constant (L/R) so that the load is essentially always presented with a low resistance path across its input. In this manner a steady AC current may be delivered to the load at a frequency desired. Shut-off problems are avoided by gradually shortening the period of switching to less than the time constant so that the maximum energy contained in the inductive load is reduced to approximately zero and dissipated in the inherent resistance. The invention circuit may be employed by adjusting the timing of switching to deliver a desired waveform (such as sinusoidal) to the load.

AC Resonant charger with charge rate unrelated to primary power frequency

DOEpatents

Watson, Harold

1982-01-01

An AC resonant charger for a capacitive load, such as a PFN, is provided with a variable repetition rate unrelated to the frequency of a multi-phase AC power source by using a control unit to select and couple the phase of the power source to the resonant charger in order to charge the capacitive load with a phase that is the next to begin a half cycle. For optimum range in repetition rate and increased charging voltage, the resonant charger includes a step-up transformer and full-wave rectifier. The next phase selected may then be of either polarity, but is always selected to be of a polarity opposite the polarity of the last phase selected so that the transformer core does not saturate. Thyristors are used to select and couple the correct phase just after its zero crossover in response to a sharp pulse generated by a zero-crossover detector. The thyristor that is turned on then automatically turns off after a full half cycle of its associated phase input. A full-wave rectifier couples the secondary winding of the transformer to the load so that the load capacitance is always charged with the same polarity.

Development of the Second-Generation Oscillating Surge Wave Energy Converter with Variable Geometry: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tom, Nathan M; Yu, Yi-Hsiang; Thresher, Robert W

This study investigates the effect of design changes on the hydrodynamics of a novel oscillating surge wave energy converter being developed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The design utilizes controllable geometry features to shed structural loads while maintaining a rated power over a greater number of sea states. The second-generation design will seek to provide a more refined control of performance because the first-generation design demonstrated performance reductions considered too large for smooth power output. Performance is evaluated using frequency domain analysis with consideration of a nonideal power-take-off system, with respect to power absorption, foundation loads, and power-take-off torque.

Active member vibration control for a 4 meter primary reflector support structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Umland, J. W.; Chen, G.-S.

1992-01-01

The design and testing of a new low voltage piezoelectric active member with integrated load cell and displacement sensor is described. This active member is intended for micron level vibration and structural shape control of the Precision Segmented Reflector test-bed. The test-bed is an erectable 4 meter diameter backup support truss for a 2.4 meter focal length parabolic reflector. Active damping of the test-bed is then demonstrated using the newly developed active members. The control technique used is referred to as bridge feedback. With this technique the internal sensors are used in a local feedback loop to match the active member's input impedance to the structure's load impedance, which then maximizes vibrational energy dissipation. The active damping effectiveness is then evaluated from closed loop frequency responses.

Multi-band Monopole Antennas Loaded with Metamaterial TL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Zhi-jie; Liang, Jian-gang

2015-05-01

A novel metamaterial transmission line (TL) by loading complementary single Archimedean spiral resonator pair (CSASRP) is investigated and used to design a set of multi-frequency monopole antennas. The particularity is that the CSASRP which features dual-shunt branches in the equivalent circuit model is directly etched in the signal strip. By smartly controlling the element parameters, three antennas are designed and one of them covering UMTS and Bluetooth bands is fabricated and measured. The antenna exhibits impedance matching better than -10 dB and normal monopolar radiation patterns at working bands of 1.9-2.22 and 2.38-2.5 GHz. Moreover, the loaded element also contributes to the radiation, which is the major advantage of this prescription over previous lumped-element loadings. The proposed antenna is also more compact over previous designs.

Vibration Analysis of Composite Laminate Plate Excited by Piezoelectric Actuators

PubMed Central

Her, Shiuh-Chuan; Lin, Chi-Sheng

2013-01-01

Piezoelectric materials can be used as actuators for the active vibration control of smart structural systems. In this work, piezoelectric patches are surface bonded to a composite laminate plate and used as vibration actuators. A static analysis based on the piezoelectricity and elasticity is conducted to evaluate the loads induced by the piezoelectric actuators to the host structure. The loads are then employed to develop the vibration response of a simply supported laminate rectangular plate excited by piezoelectric patches subjected to time harmonic voltages. An analytical solution of the vibration response of a simply supported laminate rectangular plate under time harmonic electrical loading is obtained and compared with finite element results to validate the present approach. The effects of location and exciting frequency of piezoelectric actuators on the vibration response of the laminate plate are investigated through a parametric study. Numerical results show that modes can be selectively excited, leading to structural vibration control. PMID:23529121

Frequency dependence of fatigue life and internal heating of a fiber-reinforced/ceramic-matrix composite

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Holmes, J.W.; Wu, X.; Sorensen, B.F.

The influence of loading frequency on the fatigue life and internal (frictional) heating of unidirectional SiC-fiber/calcium aluminosilicate-matrix composites was investigated at room temperature. Specimens were subjected to tension-tension fatigue at sinusoidal loading frequencies from 25 to 350 Hz and maximum fatigue stresses of 180 to 240 MPa. The key findings of the study were that (1) fatigue life decreased sharply as the loading frequency was increased, (2) for all loading frequencies, fatigue failures occurred at stress levels that were significantly below the monotonic proportional limit stress if [approximately]285 MPa, and (3) pronounced internal heating occurred during fatigue, with the surfacemore » temperature of the fatigue specimens increasing by 160 K during 350-Hz fatigue at a peak stress of 240 MPa.« less

Oculomotor capture during real-world scene viewing depends on cognitive load.

PubMed

Matsukura, Michi; Brockmole, James R; Boot, Walter R; Henderson, John M

2011-03-25

It has been claimed that gaze control during scene viewing is largely governed by stimulus-driven, bottom-up selection mechanisms. Recent research, however, has strongly suggested that observers' top-down control plays a dominant role in attentional prioritization in scenes. A notable exception to this strong top-down control is oculomotor capture, where visual transients in a scene draw the eyes. One way to test whether oculomotor capture during scene viewing is independent of an observer's top-down goal setting is to reduce observers' cognitive resource availability. In the present study, we examined whether increasing observers' cognitive load influences the frequency and speed of oculomotor capture during scene viewing. In Experiment 1, we tested whether increasing observers' cognitive load modulates the degree of oculomotor capture by a new object suddenly appeared in a scene. Similarly, in Experiment 2, we tested whether increasing observers' cognitive load modulates the degree of oculomotor capture by an object's color change. In both experiments, the degree of oculomotor capture decreased as observers' cognitive resources were reduced. These results suggest that oculomotor capture during scene viewing is dependent on observers' top-down selection mechanisms. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

TIMING CIRCUIT

DOEpatents

Heyd, J.W.

1959-07-14

An electronic circuit is described for precisely controlling the power delivered to a load from an a-c source, and is particularly useful as a welder timer. The power is delivered in uniform pulses, produced by a thyratron, the number of pulses being controlled by a one-shot multivibrator. The starting pulse is synchronized with the a-c line frequency so that each multivlbrator cycle begins at about the same point in the a-c cycle.

A technique to measure rotordynamic coefficients in hydrostatic bearings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Capaldi, Russell J.

1993-01-01

An experimental technique is described for measuring the rotordynamic coefficients of fluid film journal bearings. The bearing tester incorporates a double-spool shaft assembly that permits independent control over the journal spin speed and the frequency of an adjustable-magnitude circular orbit. This configuration yields data that enables determination of the full linear anisotropic rotordynamic coefficient matrices. The dynamic force measurements were made simultaneously with two independent systems, one with piezoelectric load cells and the other with strain gage load cells. Some results are presented for a four-recess, oil-fed hydrostatic journal bearing.

Distributed Control of Inverter-Based Lossy Microgrids for Power Sharing and Frequency Regulation Under Voltage Constraints

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chang, Chin-Yao; Zhang, Wei

This paper presents a new distributed control framework to coordinate inverter-interfaced distributed energy resources (DERs) in island microgrids. We show that under bounded load uncertainties, the proposed control method can steer the microgrid to a desired steady state with synchronized inverter frequency across the network and proportional sharing of both active and reactive powers among the inverters. We also show that such convergence can be achieved while respecting constraints on voltage magnitude and branch angle differences. The controller is robust under various contingency scenarios, including loss of communication links and failures of DERs. The proposed controller is applicable to lossymore » mesh microgrids with heterogeneous R/X distribution lines and reasonable parameter variations. Simulations based on various microgrid operation scenarios are also provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed control method.« less

Frequency Distribution in Domestic Microwave Ovens and Its Influence on Heating Pattern.

PubMed

Luan, Donglei; Wang, Yifen; Tang, Juming; Jain, Deepali

2017-02-01

In this study, snapshots of operating frequency profiles of domestic microwave ovens were collected to reveal the extent of microwave frequency variations under different operation conditions. A computer simulation model was developed based on the finite difference time domain method to analyze the influence of the shifting frequency on heating patterns of foods in a microwave oven. The results showed that the operating frequencies of empty and loaded domestic microwave ovens varied widely even among ovens of the same model purchased on the same date. Each microwave oven had its unique characteristic operating frequencies, which were also affected by the location and shape of the load. The simulated heating patterns of a gellan gel model food when heated on a rotary plate agreed well with the experimental results, which supported the reliability of the developed simulation model. Simulation indicated that the heating patterns of a stationary model food load changed with the varying operating frequency. However, the heating pattern of a rotary model food load was not sensitive to microwave frequencies due to the severe edge heating overshadowing the effects of the frequency variations. © 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Does adding antibiotics to cement reduce the need for early revision in total knee arthroplasty?

PubMed

Bohm, Eric; Zhu, Naisu; Gu, Jing; de Guia, Nicole; Linton, Cassandra; Anderson, Tammy; Paton, David; Dunbar, Michael

2014-01-01

There is considerable debate about whether antibiotic-loaded bone cement should be used for fixation of TKAs. While antibiotics offer the theoretical benefit of lowering early revision due to infection, they may weaken the cement and thus increase the likelihood of aseptic loosening, perhaps resulting in a higher revision rate. We (1) compared the frequency of early knee revision arthroplasty in patients treated with antibiotic-loaded or non-antibiotic-loaded cement for initial fixation, (2) determined effects of age, sex, comorbidities, and surgeons' antibiotic-loaded cement usage patterns on revision rate, and (3) compared causes of revision (aseptic or septic) between groups. Our study sample was taken from the Canadian Joint Replacement Registry and Canada's Hospital Morbidity Database and included cemented TKAs performed between April 1, 2003, and March 31, 2008, including 20,016 TKAs inserted with non-antibiotic-loaded cement and 16,665 inserted with antibiotic-loaded cement. Chi-square test was used to compare the frequency of early revisions between groups. Cox regression modeling was used to determine whether revision rate would change by age, sex, comorbidities, or use of antibiotic-loaded cement. Similar Cox regression modeling was used to compare cause of revision between groups. Two-year revision rates were similar between the groups treated with non-antibiotic-loaded cement and antibiotic-loaded cement (1.40% versus 1.51%, p = 0.41). When controlling for age, sex, comorbidities, diabetes, and surgeons' antibiotic-loaded cement usage patterns, the revision risk likewise was similar between groups. Revision rates for infection were similar between groups; however, there were more revisions for aseptic loosening in the group treated with non-antibiotic-loaded cement (p = 0.02). The use of antibiotic-loaded cement in TKAs performed for osteoarthritis has no clinically significant effect on reducing revision within 2 years in patients who received perioperative antibiotics. Longer followup and confirmation of these findings with other national registries are warranted.

Geographic Visualization of Power-Grid Dynamics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sukumar, Sreenivas R.

2015-06-18

The visualization enables the simulation analyst to see changes in the frequency through time and space. With this technology, the analyst has a bird's eye view of the frequency at loads and generators as the simulated power system responds to the loss of a generator, spikes in load, and other contingencies. The significance of a contingency to the operation of an electrical power system depends critically on how the resulting tansients evolve in time and space. Consequently, these dynamic events can only be understood when seen in their proper geographic context. this understanding is indispensable to engineers working on themore » next generation of distributed sensing and control systems for the smart grid. By making possible a natural and intuitive presentation of dynamic behavior, our new visualization technology is a situational-awareness tool for power-system engineers.« less

Flight Control System Development for the BURRO Autonomous UAV

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colbourne, Jason D.; Frost, Chad R.; Tischler, Mark B.; Ciolani, Luigi; Sahai, Ranjana; Tomoshofski, Chris; LaMontagne, Troy; Rutkowski, Michael (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

Developing autonomous flying vehicles has been a growing field in aeronautical research within the last decade and will continue into the next century. With concerns about safety, size, and cost of manned aircraft, several autonomous vehicle projects are currently being developed; uninhabited rotorcraft offer solutions to requirements for hover, vertical take-off and landing, as well as slung load transportation capabilities. The newness of the technology requires flight control engineers to question what design approaches, control law architectures, and performance criteria apply to control law development and handling quality evaluation. To help answer these questions, this paper documents the control law design process for Kaman Aerospace BURRO project. This paper will describe the approach taken to design control laws and develop math models which will be used to convert the manned K-MAX into the BURRO autonomous rotorcraft. With the ability of the K-MAX to lift its own weight (6000 lb) the load significantly affects the dynamics of the system; the paper addresses the additional design requirements for slung load autonomous flight. The approach taken in this design was to: 1) generate accurate math models of the K-MAX helicopter with and without slung loads, 2) select design specifications that would deliver good performance as well as satisfy mission criteria, and 3) develop and tune the control system architecture to meet the design specs and mission criteria. An accurate math model was desired for control system development. The Comprehensive Identification from Frequency Responses (CIFER(R)) software package was used to identify a linear math model for unloaded and loaded flight at hover, 50 kts, and 100 kts. The results of an eight degree-of-freedom CIFER(R)-identified linear model for the unloaded hover flight condition are presented herein, and the identification of the two-body slung-load configuration is in progress.

Properties of train load frequencies and their applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milne, D. R. M.; Le Pen, L. M.; Thompson, D. J.; Powrie, W.

2017-06-01

A train in motion applies moving steady loads to the railway track as well as dynamic excitation; this causes track deflections, vibration and noise. At low frequency, the spectrum of measured track vibration has been found to have a distinct pattern; with spectral peaks occurring at multiples of the vehicle passing frequency. This pattern can be analysed to quantify aspects of train and track performance as well as to design sensors and systems for trackside condition monitoring. To this end, analytical methods are developed to determine frequency spectra based on known vehicle geometry and track properties. It is shown that the quasi-static wheel loads from a moving train, which are the most significant cause of the track deflections at low frequency, can be understood by considering a loading function representing the train geometry in combination with the response of the track to a single unit load. The Fourier transform of the loading function describes how the passage of repeating vehicles within a train leads to spectral peaks at various multiples of the vehicle passing frequency. When a train consists of a single type of repeating vehicle, these peaks depend on the geometry of that vehicle type as the separation of axles on a bogie and spacing of those bogies on a vehicle cause certain frequencies to be suppressed. Introduction of different vehicle types within a train or coupling of trainsets with a different inter-car length changes the spectrum, although local peaks still occur at multiples of the passing frequency of the primary vehicle. Using data from track-mounted geophones, it is shown that the properties of the train load spectrum, together with a model for track behaviour, allows calculation of the track system support modulus without knowledge of the axle loads, and enables rapid determination of the train speed. For continuous remote condition monitoring, track-mounted transducers are ideally powered using energy harvesting devices. These need to be tuned to optimise energy abstraction; the appropriate energy harvesting frequencies for given vehicle types and line speeds can also be predicted using the models developed.

Enhancement of the efficiency of the automatic control system to control the thermal load of steam boilers fired with fuels of several types

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ismatkhodzhaev, S. K.; Kuzishchin, V. F.

2017-05-01

An automatic control system to control the thermal load (ACS) in a drum-type boiler under random fluctuations in the blast-furnace and coke-oven gas consumption rates and to control action on the natural gas consumption is considered. The system provides for use of a compensator by the basic disturbance, the blast-furnace gas consumption rate. To enhance the performance of the system, it is proposed to use more accurate mathematical second-order delay models of the channels of the object under control in combination with calculation by frequency methods of the controller parameters as well as determination of the structure and parameters of the compensator considering the statistical characteristics of the disturbances and using simulation. The statistical characteristics of the random blast-furnace gas consumption signal based on experimental data are provided. The random signal is presented in the form of the low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) components. The models of the correlation functions and spectral densities are developed. The article presents the results of calculating the optimal settings of the control loop with the controlled variable in the form of the "heat" signal with the restricted frequency variation index using three variants of the control performance criteria, viz., the linear and quadratic integral indices under step disturbance and the control error variance under random disturbance by the blastfurnace gas consumption rate. It is recommended to select a compensator designed in the form of series connection of two parts, one of which corresponds to the operator inverse to the transfer function of the PI controller, i.e., in the form of a really differentiating element. This facilitates the realization of the second part of the compensator by the invariance condition similar to transmitting the compensating signal to the object input. The results of simulation under random disturbance by the blast-furnace gas consumption are reported. Recommendations are made on the structure and parameters of the shaping filters for modeling the LF and HF components of the random signal. The results of the research may find applications in the systems to control the thermal processes with compensation of basic disturbances, in particular, in boilers for combustion of accompanying gases.

Team performance in networked supervisory control of unmanned air vehicles: effects of automation, working memory, and communication content.

PubMed

McKendrick, Ryan; Shaw, Tyler; de Visser, Ewart; Saqer, Haneen; Kidwell, Brian; Parasuraman, Raja

2014-05-01

Assess team performance within a net-worked supervisory control setting while manipulating automated decision aids and monitoring team communication and working memory ability. Networked systems such as multi-unmanned air vehicle (UAV) supervision have complex properties that make prediction of human-system performance difficult. Automated decision aid can provide valuable information to operators, individual abilities can limit or facilitate team performance, and team communication patterns can alter how effectively individuals work together. We hypothesized that reliable automation, higher working memory capacity, and increased communication rates of task-relevant information would offset performance decrements attributed to high task load. Two-person teams performed a simulated air defense task with two levels of task load and three levels of automated aid reliability. Teams communicated and received decision aid messages via chat window text messages. Task Load x Automation effects were significant across all performance measures. Reliable automation limited the decline in team performance with increasing task load. Average team spatial working memory was a stronger predictor than other measures of team working memory. Frequency of team rapport and enemy location communications positively related to team performance, and word count was negatively related to team performance. Reliable decision aiding mitigated team performance decline during increased task load during multi-UAV supervisory control. Team spatial working memory, communication of spatial information, and team rapport predicted team success. An automated decision aid can improve team performance under high task load. Assessment of spatial working memory and the communication of task-relevant information can help in operator and team selection in supervisory control systems.

Adaptive-passive vibration control systems for industrial applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayer, D.; Pfeiffer, T.; Vrbata, J.; Melz, T.

2015-04-01

Tuned vibration absorbers have become common for passive vibration reduction in many industrial applications. Lightly damped absorbers (also called neutralizers) can be used to suppress narrowband disturbances by tuning them to the excitation frequency. If the resonance is adapted in-operation, the performance of those devices can be significantly enhanced, or inertial mass can be decreased. However, the integration of actuators, sensors and control electronics into the system raises new design challenges. In this work, the development of adaptive-passive systems for vibration reduction at an industrial scale is presented. As an example, vibration reduction of a ship engine was studied in a full scale test. Simulations were used to study the feasibility and evaluate the system concept at an early stage. Several ways to adjust the resonance of the neutralizer were evaluated, including piezoelectric actuation and common mechatronic drives. Prototypes were implemented and tested. Since vibration absorbers suffer from high dynamic loads, reliability tests were used to assess the long-term behavior under operational conditions and to improve the components. It was proved that the adaptive systems are capable to withstand the mechanical loads in an industrial application. Also a control strategy had to be implemented in order to track the excitation frequency. The most mature concepts were integrated into the full scale test. An imbalance exciter was used to simulate the engine vibrations at a realistic level experimentally. The neutralizers were tested at varying excitation frequencies to evaluate the tracking capabilities of the control system. It was proved that a significant vibration reduction is possible.

An active magnetic bearing with high T(sub c) superconducting coils and ferromagnetic cores

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, G. V.; Dirusso, E.; Provenza, A. J.

1995-01-01

A proof-of-feasibility demonstration showed that high-T(sub c) superconductor (HTS) coils can be used in a high-load, active magnetic bearing in LN2. A homopolar radial bearing with commercially wound HTS (Bi 2223) bias and control coils produced over 890 N (200 lb) radial load capacity (measured non-rotatings) and supported a shaft to 14,000 rpm. The goal was to show that HTS coils can operate stably with ferromagnetic cores in a feedback controlled system at a current density similar to that for Cu in LN2. The bias coil, wound with non-twisted, multifilament HTS conductor, dissipated negligible power for its direct current. The control coils, wound with monofilament HTS sheathed in Ag, dissipated negligible power for direct current. AC losses increased rapidly with frequency and quadratically with AC amplitude. Above about 2 Hz, the effective resistance of the control coils exceeds that of the silver which is in electrical parallel with the oxide superconductor. These results show that twisted multifilament conductor is not needed for stable levitation but may be desired to reduce control power for sizable dynamic loads.

Analysis of field-oriented controlled induction motor drives under sensor faults and an overview of sensorless schemes.

PubMed

Arun Dominic, D; Chelliah, Thanga Raj

2014-09-01

To obtain high dynamic performance on induction motor drives (IMD), variable voltage and variable frequency operation has to be performed by measuring speed of rotation and stator currents through sensors and fed back them to the controllers. When the sensors are undergone a fault, the stability of control system, may be designed for an industrial process, is disturbed. This paper studies the negative effects on a 12.5 hp induction motor drives when the field oriented control system is subjected to sensor faults. To illustrate the importance of this study mine hoist load diagram is considered as shaft load of the tested machine. The methods to recover the system from sensor faults are discussed. In addition, the various speed sensorless schemes are reviewed comprehensively. Copyright © 2014 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Performance-based maintenance of gas turbines for reliable control of degraded power systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mo, Huadong; Sansavini, Giovanni; Xie, Min

2018-03-01

Maintenance actions are necessary for ensuring proper operations of control systems under component degradation. However, current condition-based maintenance (CBM) models based on component health indices are not suitable for degraded control systems. Indeed, failures of control systems are only determined by the controller outputs, and the feedback mechanism compensates the control performance loss caused by the component deterioration. Thus, control systems may still operate normally even if the component health indices exceed failure thresholds. This work investigates the CBM model of control systems and employs the reduced control performance as a direct degradation measure for deciding maintenance activities. The reduced control performance depends on the underlying component degradation modelled as a Wiener process and the feedback mechanism. To this aim, the controller features are quantified by developing a dynamic and stochastic control block diagram-based simulation model, consisting of the degraded components and the control mechanism. At each inspection, the system receives a maintenance action if the control performance deterioration exceeds its preventive-maintenance or failure thresholds. Inspired by realistic cases, the component degradation model considers random start time and unit-to-unit variability. The cost analysis of maintenance model is conducted via Monte Carlo simulation. Optimal maintenance strategies are investigated to minimize the expected maintenance costs, which is a direct consequence of the control performance. The proposed framework is able to design preventive maintenance actions on a gas power plant, to ensuring required load frequency control performance against a sudden load increase. The optimization results identify the trade-off between system downtime and maintenance costs as a function of preventive maintenance thresholds and inspection frequency. Finally, the control performance-based maintenance model can reduce maintenance costs as compared to CBM and pre-scheduled maintenance.

Scaling analysis of the effects of load on hand tremor movements in essential tremor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blesić, S.; Stratimirović, Dj.; Milošević, S.; Marić, J.; Kostić, V.; Ljubisavljević, M.

2011-05-01

In this paper we have used the Wavelet Transform (WT) and the Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA) methods to analyze hand tremor movements in essential tremor (ET), in two different recording conditions (before and after the addition of wrist-cuff load). We have analyzed the time series comprised of peak-to-peak (PtP) intervals, extracted from regions around the first three main frequency components of the power spectra (PwS) of the recorded tremors, in order to substantiate results related to the effects of load on ET, to distinguish between multiple sources of ET, and to separate the influence of peripheral factors on ET. Our results show that, in ET, the dynamical characteristics, that is, values of respective scaling exponents, of the main frequency component of recorded tremors change after the addition of load. Our results also show that in all the observed cases the scaling behavior of the calculated functions changes as well-the calculated WT scalegrams and DFA functions display a shift in the position of the crossover when the load is added. We conclude that the difference in behavior of the WT and DFA functions between different conditions in ET could be associated with the expected pathology in ET, or with some additional mechanism that controls movements in ET patients, and causes the observed changes in scaling behavior.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dall-Anese, Emiliano; Zhao, Changhong; Guggilam, Swaroop

Power networks have to withstand a variety of disturbances that affect system frequency, and the problem is compounded with the increasing integration of intermittent renewable generation. Following a large-signal generation or load disturbance, system frequency is arrested leveraging primary frequency control provided by governor action in synchronous generators. In this work, we propose a framework for distributed energy resources (DERs) deployed in distribution networks to provide (supplemental) primary frequency response. Particularly, we demonstrate how power-frequency droop slopes for individual DERs can be designed so that the distribution feeder presents a guaranteed frequency-regulation characteristic at the feeder head. Furthermore, the droopmore » slopes are engineered such that injections of individual DERs conform to a well-defined fairness objective that does not penalize them for their location on the distribution feeder. Time-domain simulations for an illustrative network composed of a combined transmission network and distribution network with frequency-responsive DERs are provided to validate the approach.« less

Improved inertial control for permanent magnet synchronous generator wind turbine generators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wu, Ziping; Gao, Wenzhong; Wang, Xiao

With increasing integrations of large-scale systems based on permanent magnet synchronous generator wind turbine generators (PMSG-WTGs), the overall inertial response of a power system will tend to deteriorate as a result of the decoupling of rotor speed and grid frequency through the power converter as well as the scheduled retirement of conventional synchronous generators. Thus, PMSG-WTGs can provide value to an electric grid by contributing to the system's inertial response through the inherent kinetic energy stored in their rotating masses and fast power converter control. In this study, an improved inertial control method based on the maximum power point trackingmore » operation curve is introduced to enhance the overall frequency support capability of PMSG-WTGs in the case of large supply-demand imbalances. Moreover, this method is implemented in the CART2-PMSG integrated model in MATLAB/Simulink to investigate its impact on the wind turbine's structural loads during the inertial response process. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method can effectively reduce the frequency nadir, arrest the rate of change of frequency, and alleviate the secondary frequency dip while imposing no negative impact on the major mechanical components of the wind turbine.« less

Validation of a robotic balance system for investigations in the control of human standing balance.

PubMed

Luu, Billy L; Huryn, Thomas P; Van der Loos, H F Machiel; Croft, Elizabeth A; Blouin, Jean-Sébastien

2011-08-01

Previous studies have shown that human body sway during standing approximates the mechanics of an inverted pendulum pivoted at the ankle joints. In this study, a robotic balance system incorporating a Stewart platform base was developed to provide a new technique to investigate the neural mechanisms involved in standing balance. The robotic system, programmed with the mechanics of an inverted pendulum, controlled the motion of the body in response to a change in applied ankle torque. The ability of the robotic system to replicate the load properties of standing was validated by comparing the load stiffness generated when subjects balanced their own body to the robot's mechanical load programmed with a low (concentrated-mass model) or high (distributed-mass model) inertia. The results show that static load stiffness was not significantly (p > 0.05) different for standing and the robotic system. Dynamic load stiffness for the robotic system increased with the frequency of sway, as predicted by the mechanics of an inverted pendulum, with the higher inertia being accurately matched to the load properties of the human body. This robotic balance system accurately replicated the physical model of standing and represents a useful tool to simulate the dynamics of a standing person. © 2011 IEEE

47 CFR 90.631 - Trunked systems loading, construction and authorization requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

..., the total number of mobile units and control stations operating in the wide-area system shall be counted with respect to the total number of base station frequencies assigned to the system. (h) Regional... fractionally over the number of base station facilities with which it communicates regularly. [47 FR 41032...

Analysis, Simulation, and Fabrication of Current Mode Controlled DC-DC Power Converters

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-12-01

susceptibility), vou/ vin . 3 . The output impedance including the load. 22 The crossover frequency, coc, appears in all poles and is defined as: oo... VIN - 3 0 VIN - 3 V Delay to Outputs (TJ=25*C, (Note 2) 200 500 200 500 ns ( Current Limit Adjust Section Current Limit Offset

Centaur engine gimbal friction characteristics under simulated thrust load

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Askew, J. W.

1986-01-01

An investigation was performed to determine the friction characteristics of the engine gimbal system of the Centaur upper stage rocket. Because the Centaur requires low-gain autopilots in order to meet all stability requirements for some configurations, control performance (response to transients and limit-cycle amplitudes) depends highly on these friction characteristics. Forces required to rotate the Centaur engine gimbal system were measured under a simulated thrust load of 66,723 N (15,000 lb) and in an altitude/thermal environment. A series of tests was performed at three test conditions; ambient temperature and pressure, ambient temperature and vacuum, and cryogenic temperature and vacuum. Gimbal rotation was controlled, and tests were performed in which rotation amplitude and frequency were varied by using triangular and sinusoidal waveforms. Test data revealed an elastic characteristic of the gimbal, independent of the input signal, which was evident prior to true gimbal sliding. The torque required to initiate gimbal sliding was found to decrease when both pressure and temperature decreased. Results from the low amplitude and low frequency data are currently being used in mathematically modeling the gimbal friction characteristics for Centaur autopilot performance studies.

Soft switching resonant converter with duty-cycle control in DC micro-grid system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Bor-Ren

2018-01-01

Resonant converter has been widely used for the benefits of low switching losses and high circuit efficiency. However, the wide frequency variation is the main drawback of resonant converter. This paper studies a new modular resonant converter with duty-cycle control to overcome this problem and realise the advantages of low switching losses, no reverse recovery current loss, balance input split voltages and constant frequency operation for medium voltage direct currentgrid or system network. Series full-bridge (FB) converters are used in the studied circuit in order to reduce the voltage stresses and power rating on power semiconductors. Flying capacitor is used between two FB converters to balance input split voltages. Two circuit modules are paralleled on the secondary side to lessen the current rating of rectifier diodes and the size of magnetic components. The resonant tank is operated at inductive load circuit to help power switches to be turned on at zero voltage with wide load range. The pulse-width modulation scheme is used to regulate output voltage. Experimental verifications are provided to show the performance of the proposed circuit.

Centaur engine gimbal friction characteristics under simulated thrust load

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Askew, J. W.

1986-09-01

An investigation was performed to determine the friction characteristics of the engine gimbal system of the Centaur upper stage rocket. Because the Centaur requires low-gain autopilots in order to meet all stability requirements for some configurations, control performance (response to transients and limit-cycle amplitudes) depends highly on these friction characteristics. Forces required to rotate the Centaur engine gimbal system were measured under a simulated thrust load of 66,723 N (15,000 lb) and in an altitude/thermal environment. A series of tests was performed at three test conditions; ambient temperature and pressure, ambient temperature and vacuum, and cryogenic temperature and vacuum. Gimbal rotation was controlled, and tests were performed in which rotation amplitude and frequency were varied by using triangular and sinusoidal waveforms. Test data revealed an elastic characteristic of the gimbal, independent of the input signal, which was evident prior to true gimbal sliding. The torque required to initiate gimbal sliding was found to decrease when both pressure and temperature decreased. Results from the low amplitude and low frequency data are currently being used in mathematically modeling the gimbal friction characteristics for Centaur autopilot performance studies.

Design and analysis of a novel mechanical loading machine for dynamic in vivo axial loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macione, James; Nesbitt, Sterling; Pandit, Vaibhav; Kotha, Shiva

2012-02-01

This paper describes the construction of a loading machine for performing in vivo, dynamic mechanical loading of the rodent forearm. The loading machine utilizes a unique type of electromagnetic actuator with no mechanically resistive components (servotube), allowing highly accurate loads to be created. A regression analysis of the force created by the actuator with respect to the input voltage demonstrates high linear correlation (R2 = 1). When the linear correlation is used to create dynamic loading waveforms in the frequency (0.5-10 Hz) and load (1-50 N) range used for in vivo loading, less than 1% normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) is computed. Larger NRMSE is found at increased frequencies, with 5%-8% occurring at 40 Hz, and reasons are discussed. Amplifiers (strain gauge, linear voltage displacement transducer (LVDT), and load cell) are constructed, calibrated, and integrated, to allow well-resolved dynamic measurements to be recorded at each program cycle. Each of the amplifiers uses an active filter with cutoff frequency at the maximum in vivo loading frequencies (50 Hz) so that electronic noise generated by the servo drive and actuator are reduced. The LVDT and load cell amplifiers allow evaluation of stress-strain relationships to determine if in vivo bone damage is occurring. The strain gauge amplifier allows dynamic force to strain calibrations to occur for animals of different sex, age, and strain. Unique features are integrated into the loading system, including a weightless mode, which allows the limbs of anesthetized animals to be quickly positioned and removed. Although the device is constructed for in vivo axial bone loading, it can be used within constraints, as a general measurement instrument in a laboratory setting.

Design and analysis of a novel mechanical loading machine for dynamic in vivo axial loading.

PubMed

Macione, James; Nesbitt, Sterling; Pandit, Vaibhav; Kotha, Shiva

2012-02-01

This paper describes the construction of a loading machine for performing in vivo, dynamic mechanical loading of the rodent forearm. The loading machine utilizes a unique type of electromagnetic actuator with no mechanically resistive components (servotube), allowing highly accurate loads to be created. A regression analysis of the force created by the actuator with respect to the input voltage demonstrates high linear correlation (R(2) = 1). When the linear correlation is used to create dynamic loading waveforms in the frequency (0.5-10 Hz) and load (1-50 N) range used for in vivo loading, less than 1% normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) is computed. Larger NRMSE is found at increased frequencies, with 5%-8% occurring at 40 Hz, and reasons are discussed. Amplifiers (strain gauge, linear voltage displacement transducer (LVDT), and load cell) are constructed, calibrated, and integrated, to allow well-resolved dynamic measurements to be recorded at each program cycle. Each of the amplifiers uses an active filter with cutoff frequency at the maximum in vivo loading frequencies (50 Hz) so that electronic noise generated by the servo drive and actuator are reduced. The LVDT and load cell amplifiers allow evaluation of stress-strain relationships to determine if in vivo bone damage is occurring. The strain gauge amplifier allows dynamic force to strain calibrations to occur for animals of different sex, age, and strain. Unique features are integrated into the loading system, including a weightless mode, which allows the limbs of anesthetized animals to be quickly positioned and removed. Although the device is constructed for in vivo axial bone loading, it can be used within constraints, as a general measurement instrument in a laboratory setting.

Fire frequency effects on fuel loadings in pine-oak forests of the Madrean Province

Treesearch

Francisco J. Escobedo; Peter F. Ffolliott; Gerald J. Gottfried; Florentino Garza

2001-01-01

Loadings of downed woody fuels in pine-oak forests of the Madrean Province are heavier on sites in southeastern Arizona with low fire frequencies and lower on sites in northeastern Sonora, Mexico, with high fire frequencies. Low fire frequencies in southeastern Arizona are attributed largely to past land uses and the fire suppression policies of land management...

Control and protection system for paralleled modular static inverter-converter systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Birchenough, A. G.; Gourash, F.

1973-01-01

A control and protection system was developed for use with a paralleled 2.5-kWe-per-module static inverter-converter system. The control and protection system senses internal and external fault parameters such as voltage, frequency, current, and paralleling current unbalance. A logic system controls contactors to isolate defective power conditioners or loads. The system sequences contactor operation to automatically control parallel operation, startup, and fault isolation. Transient overload protection and fault checking sequences are included. The operation and performance of a control and protection system, with detailed circuit descriptions, are presented.

Effect of Uniaxial Tensile Cyclic Loading Regimes on Matrix Organization and Tenogenic Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Encapsulated within 3D Collagen Scaffolds

PubMed Central

Stasuk, Alexander

2017-01-01

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells have become a popular cell choice for tendon repair strategies due to their relative abundance, ease of isolation, and ability to differentiate into tenocytes. In this study, we investigated the solo effect of different uniaxial tensile strains and loading frequencies on the matrix directionality and tenogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells encapsulated within three-dimensional collagen scaffolds. Samples loaded at 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% strains and 0.1 Hz and 1 Hz frequencies for 2 hours/day over a 7-day period using a custom-built uniaxial tensile strain bioreactor were characterized in terms of matrix organization, cell viability, and musculoskeletal gene expression profiles. The results displayed that the collagen fibers of the loaded samples exhibited increased matrix directionality with an increase in strain values. Gene expression analyses demonstrated that ASC-encapsulated collagen scaffolds loaded at 2% strain and 0.1 Hz frequency showed significant increases in extracellular matrix genes and tenogenic differentiation markers. Importantly, no cross-differentiation potential to osteogenic, chondrogenic, and myogenic lineages was observed at 2% strain and 0.1 Hz frequency loading condition. Thus, 2% strain and 0.1 Hz frequency were identified as the appropriate mechanical loading regime to induce tenogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells cultured in a three-dimensional environment. PMID:29375625

Optimality study of a gust alleviation system for light wing-loading STOL aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Komoda, M.

1976-01-01

An analytical study was made of an optimal gust alleviation system that employs a vertical gust sensor mounted forward of an aircraft's center of gravity. Frequency domain optimization techniques were employed to synthesize the optimal filters that process the corrective signals to the flaps and elevator actuators. Special attention was given to evaluating the effectiveness of lead time, that is, the time by which relative wind sensor information should lead the actual encounter of the gust. The resulting filter is expressed as an implicit function of the prescribed control cost. A numerical example for a light wing loading STOL aircraft is included in which the optimal trade-off between performance and control cost is systematically studied.

Dynamic analysis of elastic rubber tired car wheel breaking under variable normal load

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedotov, A. I.; Zedgenizov, V. G.; Ovchinnikova, N. I.

2017-10-01

The purpose of the paper is to analyze the dynamics of the braking of the wheel under normal load variations. The paper uses a mathematical simulation method according to which the calculation model of an object as a mechanical system is associated with a dynamically equivalent schematic structure of the automatic control. Transfer function tool analyzing structural and technical characteristics of an object as well as force disturbances were used. It was proved that the analysis of dynamic characteristics of the wheel subjected to external force disturbances has to take into account amplitude and phase-frequency characteristics. Normal load variations impact car wheel braking subjected to disturbances. The closer slip to the critical point is, the higher the impact is. In the super-critical area, load variations cause fast wheel blocking.

Dynamical simulation of E-ELT segmented primary mirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sedghi, B.; Muller, M.; Bauvir, B.

2011-09-01

The dynamical behavior of the primary mirror (M1) has an important impact on the control of the segments and the performance of the telescope. Control of large segmented mirrors with a large number of actuators and sensors and multiple control loops in real life is a challenging problem. In virtual life, modeling, simulation and analysis of the M1 bears similar difficulties and challenges. In order to capture the dynamics of the segment subunits (high frequency modes) and the telescope back structure (low frequency modes), high order dynamical models with a very large number of inputs and outputs need to be simulated. In this paper, different approaches for dynamical modeling and simulation of the M1 segmented mirror subject to various perturbations, e.g. sensor noise, wind load, vibrations, earthquake are presented.

Scalable digital hardware for a trapped ion quantum computer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mount, Emily; Gaultney, Daniel; Vrijsen, Geert; Adams, Michael; Baek, So-Young; Hudek, Kai; Isabella, Louis; Crain, Stephen; van Rynbach, Andre; Maunz, Peter; Kim, Jungsang

2016-12-01

Many of the challenges of scaling quantum computer hardware lie at the interface between the qubits and the classical control signals used to manipulate them. Modular ion trap quantum computer architectures address scalability by constructing individual quantum processors interconnected via a network of quantum communication channels. Successful operation of such quantum hardware requires a fully programmable classical control system capable of frequency stabilizing the continuous wave lasers necessary for loading, cooling, initialization, and detection of the ion qubits, stabilizing the optical frequency combs used to drive logic gate operations on the ion qubits, providing a large number of analog voltage sources to drive the trap electrodes, and a scheme for maintaining phase coherence among all the controllers that manipulate the qubits. In this work, we describe scalable solutions to these hardware development challenges.

Seismic response of rock slopes: Numerical investigations on the role of internal structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arnold, L.; Applegate, K.; Gibson, M.; Wartman, J.; Adams, S.; Maclaughlin, M.; Smith, S.; Keefer, D. K.

2013-12-01

The stability of rock slopes is significantly influenced and often controlled by the internal structure of the slope created by such discontinuities as joints, shear zones, and faults. Under seismic conditions, these discontinuities influence both the resistance of a slope to failure and its response to dynamic loading. The dynamic response, which can be characterized by the slope's natural frequency and amplification of ground motion, governs the loading experienced by the slope in a seismic event and, therefore, influences the slope's stability. In support of the Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES) project Seismically-Induced Rock Slope Failure: Mechanisms and Prediction (NEESROCK), we conducted a 2D numerical investigation using the discrete element method (DEM) coupled with simple discrete fracture networks (DFNs). The intact rock mass is simulated with a bonded assembly of discrete particles, commonly referred to as the bonded-particle model (BPM) for rock. Discontinuities in the BPM are formed by the insertion of smooth, unbonded contacts along specified planes. The influence of discontinuity spacing, orientation, and stiffness on slope natural frequency and amplification was investigated with the commercially available Particle Flow Code (PFC2D). Numerical results indicate that increased discontinuity spacing has a non-linear effect in decreasing the amplification and increasing the natural frequency of the slope. As discontinuity dip changes from sub-horizontal to sub-vertical, the slope's level of amplification increases while the natural frequency of the slope decreases. Increased joint stiffness decreases amplification and increases natural frequency. The results reveal that internal structure has a strong influence on rock slope dynamics that can significantly change the system's dynamic response and stability during seismic loading. Financial support for this research was provided by the United States National Science Foundation (NSF) under grant CMMI-1156413.

Active Power Control of Wind Turbines for Ancillary Services: A Comparison of Pitch and Torque Control Methodologies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aho, Jacob; Fleming, Paul; Pao, Lucy Y.

As wind energy generation becomes more prevalent in some regions, there is increased demand for wind power plants to provide ancillary services, which are essential for grid reliability. This paper compares two different wind turbine control methodologies to provide active power control (APC) ancillary services, which include derating or curtailing power generation, providing automatic generation control (AGC), and providing primary frequency control (PFC). The torque APC controller provides all power control through the power electronics whereas the pitch APC controller uses the blade pitch actuators as the primary means of power control. These controllers are simulated under various wind conditionsmore » with different derating set points and AGC participation levels. The metrics used to compare their performance are the damage equivalent loads (DELs) induced on the structural components and AGC performance metrics, which are used to determine the payments for AGC services by system operators in the United States. The simulation results show that derating the turbine reduces structural loads for both control methods, with the APC pitch control providing larger reductions in DELs, lower AGC performance scores, and higher root-mean-square pitch rates. Providing AGC increases the structural loads when compared to only derating the turbine, but even the AGC DELs are generally lower than those of the baseline control system. The torque APC control methodology also allows for more sustained PFC responses under certain derating conditions.« less

About the Power Generation Confirmation of the Induction Motor and the Influence on the Islanding Detection Device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Igarashi, Hironobu; Sato, Takashi; Miyamoto, Kazunori; Kurokawa, Kousuke

The photovoltaic generation system must have protection device and islanding detection devices to connect with utility line of the electric power company. It is regulated in the technological requirement guideline and the electric equipment technology standard that the country provides. The islanding detection device detected purpose install for blackout due to the accident occurrence of the earth fault and the short-circuit in the utility line. When the islanding detection device detects the power blackout, it is necessary to stop the photovoltaic generation system immediately. If the photovoltaic generation system is not stopped immediately, electricity comes to charge the utility power line very at risk. We had already known that the islanding detection device can't detect the islanding phenomenon, if is there the induction motor in the loads. Authors decided to investigate the influence that the induction motors gave to the islanding detection device. The result was the load condition that the induction motors changed generator the voltage is restraining. Moreover, it was clarified that the time of the islanding was long compared with the load condition of not changing into the state of the generator. The value changes into the reactance of the induction motors according to the frequency change after the supply of electric power line stops. The frequency after the supply of electric power line stops changes for the unbalance the reactive power by the effect of the power rate constancy control with PLL of the power conditioner. However, the induction motors is also to the changing frequency, makes amends for the amount of reactive power, and the change in the frequency after the supply of electric power line stops as a result is controlled. When the frequency changed after the supply of electric power line stopped, it was clarified of the action on the direction where it made amends from the change of the constant for the amount of an invalid electric power, and the possession of the characteristic in which the continuance of the individual operation was promoted.

Nanoscopic Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Intertubular and Peritubular Dentin

PubMed Central

Ryou, Heon; Romberg, Elaine; Pashley, David H.; Tay, Franklin R.; Arola, Dwayne

2011-01-01

An experimental evaluation of intertubular and peritubular dentin was performed using nanoindentation and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). The objective of the investigation was to evaluate the differences in dynamic mechanical behavior of these two constituents and to assess if their response is frequency dependent. Specimens of hydrated coronal dentin were evaluated by DMA using single indents over a range in parametric conditions and using scanning probe microscopy. The complex (E*), storage (E’) and loss moduli (E”) of the intertubular and peritubular dentin were evaluated as a function of the dynamic loading frequency and static load in the fully hydrated condition. The mean complex E* (19.6 GPa) and storage E’ (19.2 GPa) moduli of the intertubular dentin were significantly lower than those quantities of peritubular dentin (E* = 31.1 GPa, p< 0.05; E’ = 30.3 GPa, p< 0.05). There was no significant influence of dynamic loading frequency on these measures. Though there was no significant difference in the loss modulus (E”) between the two materials (p> 0.05), both constituents exhibited a significant increase in E” with dynamic load frequency and reduction in the quasi-static component of indentation load. The largest difference in dynamic behavior of the two tissues was noted at small quasi-static indentation loads and the highest frequency. PMID:22340680

Self isolating high frequency saturable reactor

DOEpatents

Moore, James A.

1998-06-23

The present invention discloses a saturable reactor and a method for decoupling the interwinding capacitance from the frequency limitations of the reactor so that the equivalent electrical circuit of the saturable reactor comprises a variable inductor. The saturable reactor comprises a plurality of physically symmetrical magnetic cores with closed loop magnetic paths and a novel method of wiring a control winding and a RF winding. The present invention additionally discloses a matching network and method for matching the impedances of a RF generator to a load. The matching network comprises a matching transformer and a saturable reactor.

A Bankruptcy Problem Approach to Load-shedding in Multiagent-based Microgrid Operation

PubMed Central

Kim, Hak-Man; Kinoshita, Tetsuo; Lim, Yujin; Kim, Tai-Hoon

2010-01-01

A microgrid is composed of distributed power generation systems (DGs), distributed energy storage devices (DSs), and loads. To maintain a specific frequency in the islanded mode as an important requirement, the control of DGs’ output and charge action of DSs are used in supply surplus conditions and load-shedding and discharge action of DSs are used in supply shortage conditions. Recently, multiagent systems for autonomous microgrid operation have been studied. Especially, load-shedding, which is intentional reduction of electricity use, is a critical problem in islanded microgrid operation based on the multiagent system. Therefore, effective schemes for load-shedding are required. Meanwhile, the bankruptcy problem deals with dividing short resources among multiple agents. In order to solve the bankruptcy problem, division rules, such as the constrained equal awards rule (CEA), the constrained equal losses rule (CEL), and the random arrival rule (RA), have been used. In this paper, we approach load-shedding as a bankruptcy problem. We compare load-shedding results by above-mentioned rules in islanded microgrid operation based on wireless sensor network (WSN) as the communication link for an agent’s interactions. PMID:22163386

A bankruptcy problem approach to load-shedding in multiagent-based microgrid operation.

PubMed

Kim, Hak-Man; Kinoshita, Tetsuo; Lim, Yujin; Kim, Tai-Hoon

2010-01-01

A microgrid is composed of distributed power generation systems (DGs), distributed energy storage devices (DSs), and loads. To maintain a specific frequency in the islanded mode as an important requirement, the control of DGs' output and charge action of DSs are used in supply surplus conditions and load-shedding and discharge action of DSs are used in supply shortage conditions. Recently, multiagent systems for autonomous microgrid operation have been studied. Especially, load-shedding, which is intentional reduction of electricity use, is a critical problem in islanded microgrid operation based on the multiagent system. Therefore, effective schemes for load-shedding are required. Meanwhile, the bankruptcy problem deals with dividing short resources among multiple agents. In order to solve the bankruptcy problem, division rules, such as the constrained equal awards rule (CEA), the constrained equal losses rule (CEL), and the random arrival rule (RA), have been used. In this paper, we approach load-shedding as a bankruptcy problem. We compare load-shedding results by above-mentioned rules in islanded microgrid operation based on wireless sensor network (WSN) as the communication link for an agent's interactions.

Optically controlled dielectric properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes for terahertz wave applications.

PubMed

Smirnov, Serguei; Anoshkin, Ilya V; Demchenko, Petr; Gomon, Daniel; Lioubtchenko, Dmitri V; Khodzitsky, Mikhail; Oberhammer, Joachim

2018-06-21

Materials with tunable dielectric properties are valuable for a wide range of electronic devices, but are often lossy at terahertz frequencies. Here we experimentally report the tuning of the dielectric properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes under light illumination. The effect is demonstrated by measurements of impedance variations at low frequency as well as complex dielectric constant variations in the wide frequency range of 0.1-1 THz by time domain spectroscopy. We show that the dielectric constant is significantly modified for varying light intensities. The effect is also practically applied to phase shifters based on dielectric rod waveguides, loaded with carbon nanotube layers. The carbon nanotubes are used as tunable impedance surface controlled by light illumination, in the frequency range of 75-500 GHz. These results suggest that the effect of dielectric constant tuning with light, accompanied by low transmission losses of the carbon nanotube layer in such an ultra-wide band, may open up new directions for the design and fabrication of novel Terahertz and optoelectronic devices.

Hydro turbine governor’s power control of hydroelectric unit with sloping ceiling tailrace tunnel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Liang; Wu, Changli; Tang, Weiping

2018-02-01

The primary frequency regulation and load regulation transient process when the hydro turbine governor is under the power mode of hydropower unit with sloping ceiling tailrace are analysed by field test and numerical simulation in this paper. A simulation method based on “three-zone model” to simulate small fluctuation transient process of the sloping ceiling tailrace is proposed. The simulation model of hydraulic turbine governor power mode is established by governor’s PLC program identification and parameter measurement, and the simulation model is verified by the test. The slow-fast-slow “three-stage regulation” method which can improve the dynamic quality of hydro turbine governor power mode is proposed. The power regulation strategy and parameters are optimized by numerical simulation, the performance of primary frequency regulation and load regulation transient process when the hydro turbine governor is under power mode are improved significantly.

Study on transient beam loading compensation for China ADS proton linac injector II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Zheng; He, Yuan; Wang, Xian-Wu; Chang, Wei; Zhang, Rui-Feng; Zhu, Zheng-Long; Zhang, Sheng-Hu; Chen, Qi; Powers, Tom

2016-05-01

Significant transient beam loading effects were observed during beam commissioning tests of prototype II of the injector for the accelerator driven sub-critical (ADS) system, which took place at the Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, between October and December 2014. During these tests experiments were performed with continuous wave (CW) operation of the cavities with pulsed beam current, and the system was configured to make use of a prototype digital low level radio frequency (LLRF) controller. The system was originally operated in pulsed mode with a simple proportional plus integral and deviation (PID) feedback control algorithm, which was not able to maintain the desired gradient regulation during pulsed 10 mA beam operations. A unique simple transient beam loading compensation method which made use of a combination of proportional and integral (PI) feedback and feedforward control algorithm was implemented in order to significantly reduce the beam induced transient effect in the cavity gradients. The superconducting cavity field variation was reduced to less than 1.7% after turning on this control algorithm. The design and experimental results of this system are presented in this paper. Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (91426303, 11525523)

Effects of dendritic load on the firing frequency of oscillating neurons.

PubMed

Schwemmer, Michael A; Lewis, Timothy J

2011-03-01

We study the effects of passive dendritic properties on the dynamics of neuronal oscillators. We find that the addition of a passive dendrite can sometimes have counterintuitive effects on firing frequency. Specifically, the addition of a hyperpolarized passive dendritic load can either increase, decrease, or have negligible effects on firing frequency. We use the theory of weak coupling to derive phase equations for "ball-and-stick" model neurons and two-compartment model neurons. We then develop a framework for understanding how the addition of passive dendrites modulates the frequency of neuronal oscillators. We show that the average value of the neuronal oscillator's phase response curves measures the sensitivity of the neuron's firing rate to the dendritic load, including whether the addition of the dendrite causes an increase or decrease in firing frequency. We interpret this finding in terms of to the slope of the neuronal oscillator's frequency-applied current curve. We also show that equivalent results exist for constant and noisy point-source input to the dendrite. We note that the results are not specific to neurons but are applicable to any oscillator subject to a passive load.

75 FR 14103 - Version One Regional Reliability Standard for Resource and Demand Balancing

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-24

... meant to maintain scheduled frequency and avoid loss of firm load following transmission or generation... capacity is available at all times to maintain scheduled frequency, and avoid loss of firm load following... the possibility that firm load could be shed due to the loss of a single element on the system.\\40...

The Shock and Vibration Bulletin: Proceedings on the Symposium on ShocK and Vibration (52nd) Held in New Orleans, Louisiana on 26-28 October 1981. Part 4. Fatigue and Random Loading Control, Isolation and Damping

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-05-01

functions for every ergodic ensemble or process, but this frequency for each time-acceleration involves in principle a different kind data input, but...geometries Journal Phys. E: Sci. Instrum. 14, (solid and hollow) are different . 202-207. 5. CONCLUSION It has been shown in principle that tests with a...Center, Huntsville, AL SPACE SIIUI’LE SOLID ROCKE FIOOSTEIt WATER ENTRY CAVITY COLLAPSE LOADS I. T. Keefe and E. A. Rawls , Chrysler Corporation, Slidell

A Methodology for Flight-Time Identification of Helicopter-Slung Load Frequency Response Characteristics Using CIFER

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sahai, Ranjana; Pierce, Larry; Cicolani, Luigi; Tischler, Mark

1998-01-01

Helicopter slung load operations are common in both military and civil contexts. The slung load adds load rigid body modes, sling stretching, and load aerodynamics to the system dynamics, which can degrade system stability and handling qualities, and reduce the operating envelope of the combined system below that of the helicopter alone. Further, the effects of the load on system dynamics vary significantly among the large range of loads, slings, and flight conditions that a utility helicopter will encounter in its operating life. In this context, military helicopters and loads are often qualified for slung load operations via flight tests which can be time consuming and expensive. One way to reduce the cost and time required to carry out these tests and generate quantitative data more readily is to provide an efficient method for analysis during the flight, so that numerous test points can be evaluated in a single flight test, with evaluations performed in near real time following each test point and prior to clearing the aircraft to the next point. Methodology for this was implemented at Ames and demonstrated in slung load flight tests in 1997 and was improved for additional flight tests in 1999. The parameters of interest for the slung load tests are aircraft handling qualities parameters (bandwidth and phase delay), stability margins (gain and phase margin), and load pendulum roots (damping and natural frequency). A procedure for the identification of these parameters from frequency sweep data was defined using the CIFER software package. CIFER is a comprehensive interactive package of utilities for frequency domain analysis previously developed at Ames for aeronautical flight test applications. It has been widely used in the US on a variety of aircraft, including some primitive flight time analysis applications.

Control Augmented Structural Synthesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lust, Robert V.; Schmit, Lucien A.

1988-01-01

A methodology for control augmented structural synthesis is proposed for a class of structures which can be modeled as an assemblage of frame and/or truss elements. It is assumed that both the plant (structure) and the active control system dynamics can be adequately represented with a linear model. The structural sizing variables, active control system feedback gains and nonstructural lumped masses are treated simultaneously as independent design variables. Design constraints are imposed on static and dynamic displacements, static stresses, actuator forces and natural frequencies to ensure acceptable system behavior. Multiple static and dynamic loading conditions are considered. Side constraints imposed on the design variables protect against the generation of unrealizable designs. While the proposed approach is fundamentally more general, here the methodology is developed and demonstrated for the case where: (1) the dynamic loading is harmonic and thus the steady state response is of primary interest; (2) direct output feedback is used for the control system model; and (3) the actuators and sensors are collocated.

Simulation and Experimental Studies of a 2.45GHz Magnetron Source for an SRF Cavity with Field Amplitude and Phase Controls

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Haipeng; Plawski, Tomasz E.; Rimmer, Robert A.

2016-06-01

Phase lock to an SRF cavity by using injection signal through output waveguide of a magnetron has been demonstrated [1, 3]. Amplitude control using magnetic field trimming and anode voltage modulation has been studied using MATLAB/Simulink simulations [2]. Based on these, we are planning to use an FPGA based digital LLRF system, which allows applying various types of control algorithms in order to achieve the required accelerating field stability. Since the 1497 MHz magnetron is still in the design stage, the proof of principle measurements of a commercial 2450 MHz magnetron are carried out to characterize the anode I-V curve,more » output power (the tube electronic efficiency), frequency dependence on the anode current (frequency pushing) and the Rieke diagram (frequency pulling by the reactive load). Based on early Simulink simulation, experimental data and extension of the Adler equation governing injection phase stability by Chen’s model, the specification of the new LLRF control chassis for both 2450 and 1497MHz systems are presented in this paper.« less

Deep Learning-Based Data Forgery Detection in Automatic Generation Control

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Fengli; Li, Qinghua

Automatic Generation Control (AGC) is a key control system in the power grid. It is used to calculate the Area Control Error (ACE) based on frequency and tie-line power flow between balancing areas, and then adjust power generation to maintain the power system frequency in an acceptable range. However, attackers might inject malicious frequency or tie-line power flow measurements to mislead AGC to do false generation correction which will harm the power grid operation. Such attacks are hard to be detected since they do not violate physical power system models. In this work, we propose algorithms based on Neural Networkmore » and Fourier Transform to detect data forgery attacks in AGC. Different from the few previous work that rely on accurate load prediction to detect data forgery, our solution only uses the ACE data already available in existing AGC systems. In particular, our solution learns the normal patterns of ACE time series and detects abnormal patterns caused by artificial attacks. Evaluations on the real ACE dataset show that our methods have high detection accuracy.« less

Development of a nearshore oscillating surge wave energy converter with variable geometry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tom, N. M.; Lawson, M. J.; Yu, Y. H.

This paper presents an analysis of a novel wave energy converter concept that combines an oscillating surge wave energy converter (OSWEC) with control surfaces. The control surfaces allow for a variable device geometry that enables the hydrodynamic properties to be adapted with respect to structural loading, absorption range and power-take-off capability. The device geometry is adjusted on a sea state-to-sea state time scale and combined with wave-to-wave manipulation of the power take-off (PTO) to provide greater control over the capture efficiency, capacity factor, and design loads. This work begins with a sensitivity study of the hydrodynamic coefficients with respect tomore » device width, support structure thickness, and geometry. A linear frequency domain analysis is used to evaluate device performance in terms of absorbed power, foundation loads, and PTO torque. Previous OSWEC studies included nonlinear hydrodynamics, in response a nonlinear model that includes a quadratic viscous damping torque that was linearized via the Lorentz linearization. Inclusion of the quadratic viscous torque led to construction of an optimization problem that incorporated motion and PTO constraints. Results from this study found that, when transitioning from moderate-to-large sea states the novel OSWEC was capable of reducing structural loads while providing a near constant power output.« less

Reducing Undue Conservatism in "Higher Frequency" Structural Design Loads in Aerospace Components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knight, J. Brent

2012-01-01

This study is intended to investigate the frequency dependency of significant strain due to vibratory loads in aerospace vehicle components. The notion that "higher frequency" dynamic loads applied as static loads is inherently conservative is perceived as widely accepted. This effort is focused on demonstrating that principle and attempting to evolve methods to capitalize on it to mitigate undue conservatism. It has been suggested that observations of higher frequency modes that resulted in very low corresponding strain did so due to those modes not being significant. Two avionics boxes, one with its first significant mode at 341 Hz and the other at 857 Hz, were attached to a flat panel installed on a curved orthogrid panel which was driven acoustically in tests performed at NASA/MSFC. Strain and acceleration were measured at select locations on each of the boxes. When possible, strain gage rosettes and accelerometers were installed on either side of a given structural member so that measured strain and acceleration data would directly correspond to one another. Ultimately, a frequency above which vibratory loads can be disregarded for purposes of static structural analyses and sizing of typical robust aerospace components is sought.

A1AT polymorphisms may be associated with clinical characteristics of retrovirus infections in a mixed ethnic population from the Brazilian Amazon region.

PubMed

Ferreira, Thalita Camêlo da Silva; Queiroz, Maria Alice Freitas; Argañaraz, Gustavo Adolfo; Ishak, Ricardo; Vallinoto, Antonio Carlos Rosário; Argañaraz, Enrique Roberto

2017-12-01

This study investigated the association of alpha-1-antrypsin deficiency (A1AT; S and Z polymorphisms) with HIV-1 and HTLV-1 infection. Blood samples from 201 HIV-1-infected and 115 HTLV-1-infected individuals were examined and compared with those from 300 healthy controls. Genotyping of A1AT (S and Z) and quantification of plasma viral load were performed using RT-PCR, and the CD4+/CD8+ T-cell count was determined by flow cytometry. The wild-type MM genotype showed the highest frequency in each of the three groups investigated. SS and ZZ homozygous genotypes (variants) were observed only among HTLV-1 patients and controls, respectively. Genotype MS was significantly less frequent in HTLV-1-positive persons than in controls. Statistically significant differences were observed when comparing genotype frequencies between symptomatic and asymptomatic HTLV-1-infected persons. The distribution of plasma HIV-1 viral load among individuals with different genotypes of A1AT polymorphism also differed significantly. The results suggest that A1AT polymorphisms may be associated with human retrovirus infections when dealing with an ethnically mixed population from the Amazon region of Brazil. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Energy-efficient orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-based passive optical network based on adaptive sleep-mode control and dynamic bandwidth allocation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chongfu; Xiao, Nengwu; Chen, Chen; Yuan, Weicheng; Qiu, Kun

2016-02-01

We propose an energy-efficient orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-based passive optical network (OFDM-PON) using adaptive sleep-mode control and dynamic bandwidth allocation. In this scheme, a bidirectional-centralized algorithm named the receiver and transmitter accurate sleep control and dynamic bandwidth allocation (RTASC-DBA), which has an overall bandwidth scheduling policy, is employed to enhance the energy efficiency of the OFDM-PON. The RTASC-DBA algorithm is used in an optical line terminal (OLT) to control the sleep mode of an optical network unit (ONU) sleep and guarantee the quality of service of different services of the OFDM-PON. The obtained results show that, by using the proposed scheme, the average power consumption of the ONU is reduced by ˜40% when the normalized ONU load is less than 80%, compared with the average power consumption without using the proposed scheme.

Electric power processing, distribution and control for advanced aerospace vehicles.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krausz, A.; Felch, J. L.

1972-01-01

The results of a current study program to develop a rational basis for selection of power processing, distribution, and control configurations for future aerospace vehicles including the Space Station, Space Shuttle, and high-performance aircraft are presented. Within the constraints imposed by the characteristics of power generation subsystems and the load utilization equipment requirements, the power processing, distribution and control subsystem can be optimized by selection of the proper distribution voltage, frequency, and overload/fault protection method. It is shown that, for large space vehicles which rely on static energy conversion to provide electric power, high-voltage dc distribution (above 100 V dc) is preferable to conventional 28 V dc and 115 V ac distribution per MIL-STD-704A. High-voltage dc also has advantages over conventional constant frequency ac systems in many aircraft applications due to the elimination of speed control, wave shaping, and synchronization equipment.

Primary Frequency Response with Aggregated DERs: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guggilam, Swaroop S.; Dhople, Sairaj V.; Zhao, Changhong

2017-03-03

Power networks have to withstand a variety of disturbances that affect system frequency, and the problem is compounded with the increasing integration of intermittent renewable generation. Following a large-signal generation or load disturbance, system frequency is arrested leveraging primary frequency control provided by governor action in synchronous generators. In this work, we propose a framework for distributed energy resources (DERs) deployed in distribution networks to provide (supplemental) primary frequency response. Particularly, we demonstrate how power-frequency droop slopes for individual DERs can be designed so that the distribution feeder presents a guaranteed frequency-regulation characteristic at the feeder head. Furthermore, the droopmore » slopes are engineered such that injections of individual DERs conform to a well-defined fairness objective that does not penalize them for their location on the distribution feeder. Time-domain simulations for an illustrative network composed of a combined transmission network and distribution network with frequency-responsive DERs are provided to validate the approach.« less

Osteocyte calcium signals encode strain magnitude and loading frequency in vivo.

PubMed

Lewis, Karl J; Frikha-Benayed, Dorra; Louie, Joyce; Stephen, Samuel; Spray, David C; Thi, Mia M; Seref-Ferlengez, Zeynep; Majeska, Robert J; Weinbaum, Sheldon; Schaffler, Mitchell B

2017-10-31

Osteocytes are considered to be the major mechanosensory cells of bone, but how osteocytes in vivo process, perceive, and respond to mechanical loading remains poorly understood. Intracellular calcium (Ca 2+ ) signaling resulting from mechanical stimulation has been widely studied in osteocytes in vitro and in bone explants, but has yet to be examined in vivo. This is achieved herein by using a three-point bending device which is capable of delivering well-defined mechanical loads to metatarsal bones of living mice while simultaneously monitoring the intracellular Ca 2+ responses of individual osteocytes by using a genetically encoded fluorescent Ca 2+ indicator. Osteocyte responses are imaged by using multiphoton fluorescence microscopy. We investigated the in vivo responses of osteocytes to strains ranging from 250 to 3,000 [Formula: see text] and frequencies from 0.5 to 2 Hz, which are characteristic of physiological conditions reported for bone. At all loading frequencies examined, the number of responding osteocytes increased strongly with applied strain magnitude. However, Ca 2+ intensity within responding osteocytes did not change significantly with physiological loading magnitudes. Our studies offer a glimpse into how these critical bone cells respond to mechanical load in vivo, as well as provide a technique to determine how the cells encode magnitude and frequency of loading. Published under the PNAS license.

Doxorubicin loaded magnetic polymersomes: theranostic nanocarriers for MR imaging and magneto-chemotherapy.

PubMed

Sanson, Charles; Diou, Odile; Thévenot, Julie; Ibarboure, Emmanuel; Soum, Alain; Brûlet, Annie; Miraux, Sylvain; Thiaudière, Eric; Tan, Sisareuth; Brisson, Alain; Dupuis, Vincent; Sandre, Olivier; Lecommandoux, Sébastien

2011-02-22

Hydrophobically modified maghemite (γ-Fe(2)O(3)) nanoparticles were encapsulated within the membrane of poly(trimethylene carbonate)-b-poly(l-glutamic acid) (PTMC-b-PGA) block copolymer vesicles using a nanoprecipitation process. This formation method gives simple access to highly magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) (loaded up to 70 wt %) together with good control over the vesicles size (100-400 nm). The simultaneous loading of maghemite nanoparticles and doxorubicin was also achieved by nanoprecipitation. The deformation of the vesicle membrane under an applied magnetic field has been evidenced by small angle neutron scattering. These superparamagnetic hybrid self-assemblies display enhanced contrast properties that open potential applications for magnetic resonance imaging. They can also be guided in a magnetic field gradient. The feasibility of controlled drug release by radio frequency magnetic hyperthermia was demonstrated in the case of encapsulated doxorubicin molecules, showing the viability of the concept of magneto-chemotherapy. These magnetic polymersomes can be used as efficient multifunctional nanocarriers for combined therapy and imaging.

Attentional capture under high perceptual load.

PubMed

Cosman, Joshua D; Vecera, Shaun P

2010-12-01

Attentional capture by abrupt onsets can be modulated by several factors, including the complexity, or perceptual load, of a scene. We have recently demonstrated that observers are less likely to be captured by abruptly appearing, task-irrelevant stimuli when they perform a search that is high, as opposed to low, in perceptual load (Cosman & Vecera, 2009), consistent with perceptual load theory. However, recent results indicate that onset frequency can influence stimulus-driven capture, with infrequent onsets capturing attention more often than did frequent onsets. Importantly, in our previous task, an abrupt onset was present on every trial, and consequently, attentional capture might have been affected by both onset frequency and perceptual load. In the present experiment, we examined whether onset frequency influences attentional capture under conditions of high perceptual load. When onsets were presented frequently, we replicated our earlier results; attentional capture by onsets was modulated under conditions of high perceptual load. Importantly, however, when onsets were presented infrequently, we observed robust capture effects. These results conflict with a strong form of load theory and, instead, suggest that exposure to the elements of a task (e.g., abrupt onsets) combines with high perceptual load to modulate attentional capture by task-irrelevant information.

Phase stable RF transport system

DOEpatents

Curtin, Michael T.; Natter, Eckard F.; Denney, Peter M.

1992-01-01

An RF transport system delivers a phase-stable RF signal to a load, such as an RF cavity of a charged particle accelerator. A circuit generates a calibration signal at an odd multiple frequency of the RF signal where the calibration signal is superimposed with the RF signal on a common cable that connects the RF signal with the load. Signal isolating diplexers are located at both the RF signal source end and load end of the common cable to enable the calibration to be inserted and extracted from the cable signals without any affect on the RF signal. Any phase shift in the calibration signal during traverse of the common cable is then functionally related to the phase shift in the RF signal. The calibration phase shift is used to control a phase shifter for the RF signal to maintain a stable RF signal at the load.

Improved Transient and Steady-State Performances of Series Resonant ZCS High-Frequency Inverter-Coupled Voltage Multiplier Converter with Dual Mode PFM Control Scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Enhui; Gamage, Laknath; Ishitobi, Manabu; Hiraki, Eiji; Nakaoka, Mutsuo

The A variety of switched-mode high voltage DC power supplies using voltage-fed type or current-fed type high-frequency transformer resonant inverters using MOS gate bipolar power transistors; IGBTs have been recently developed so far for a medical-use X-ray high power generator. In general, the high voltage high power X-ray generator using voltage-fed high frequency inverter with a high voltage transformer link has to meet some performances such as (i) short rising period in start transient of X-ray tube voltage (ii) no overshoot transient response in tube voltage, (iii) minimized voltage ripple in periodic steady-state under extremely wide load variations and filament heater current fluctuation conditions of the X-ray tube. This paper presents two lossless inductor snubber-assisted series resonant zero current soft switching high-frequency inverter using a diode-capacitor ladder type voltage multiplier called Cockcroft-Walton circuit, which is effectively implemented for a high DC voltage X-ray power generator. This DC high voltage generator which incorporates pulse frequency modulated series resonant inverter using IGBT power module packages is based on the operation principle of zero current soft switching commutation scheme under discontinuous resonant current and continuous resonant current transition modes. This series capacitor compensated for transformer resonant power converter with a high frequency transformer linked voltage boost multiplier can efficiently work a novel selectively-changed dual mode PFM control scheme in order to improve the start transient and steady-state response characteristics and can completely achieve stable zero current soft switching commutation tube filament current dependent for wide load parameter setting values with the aid of two lossless inductor snubbers. It is proved on the basis of simulation and experimental results in which a simple and low cost control implementation based on selectively-changed dual-mode PFM for high-voltage X-ray DC-DC power converter with a voltage multiplier strategy has some specified voltage pattern tracking voltage response performances under rapid rising time and no overshoot in start transient tube voltage as well as the minimized steady-state voltage ripple in tube voltage.

Modelling Wireless Power Transfer Using an Array of Tesla Coils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pierson, Casey Thomas

Wireless power transmission, or WPT, is a well-demonstrated property in electrical science and physics. Coil-and-wave transmission (CWT) consists of two Tesla coils, one powered by a controlled voltage source v src and one connected across a generic load Z 0 , at a mid- to long range distance apart with spherical capacitors at each of their top loads. The literature on the different methods of WPT varies widely, but research of CWT is sparse, lacking especially in the area of computer simulation. Recently, a physical experiment was conducted by Marzolf et al. in [1], and yielded surprising resonant frequencies in the high frequency range. The goal of this research is to answer the question of whether these reosnant frequencies originate in unexplained field effects or in non-ideal circuit behavior, and establish a formal model to indicate at what frequencies the resonant peaks occur as a first approximation. By carefully constructing a simulation of the most geometrically simple, power efficient design in the work of Marzolf et al. using the scientific software Octave, we investigate these frequencies computationally: first, an ideal scenario that has no flux leakage or exterior losses is modelled mathematically and simulated, and then, a non-ideal scenario that accounts for losses in the coils and surroundings is modelled mathematically and simulated. Both models utilize a simple formula for spherical capacitance for the top loads. After running these simulations through detailed sampling up to 4 MHz, the ideal model could not account for the resonant peaks, while the non-ideal model indicated the resonant peaks near the exact frequency ranges that were observed. An unexpected characteristic of these results was that coupling coefficients between the coils of the transmitter and receiver played a noticeable part in the indication of resonant peaks. This demonstrates that unknown field effects are not the primary driver of resonance in the ideal or non-ideal construction, and raises inriguing questions about the circuit design's relationship with resonance in the locality about the coils.

Electronically controllable spoof localized surface plasmons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yong Jin; Zhang, Chao; Yang, Liu; Xun Xiao, Qian

2017-10-01

Electronically controllable multipolar spoof localized surface plasmons (LSPs) are experimentally demonstrated in the microwave frequencies. It has been shown that half integer order LSPs modes exist on the corrugated ring loaded with a slit, which actually arise from the Fabry-Perot-like resonances. By mounting active components across the slit in the corrugated rings, electronic switchability and tunability of spoof LSPs modes have been accomplished. Both simulated and measured results demonstrate efficient dynamic control of the spoof LSPs. These elements may form the basis of highly integrated programmable plasmonic circuits in microwave and terahertz regimes.

Nonpolluting automobiles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hoolboom, G.J.; Szabados, B.

The advantages/disadvantages of energy storage devices, which can provide nonpolluting automobile systems are discussed. Four types of storage devices are identified: electrochemical (batteries); hydrogen; electromechanical (flywheels); and molten salt heat storage. A high-speed flywheel with a small permanent magnet motor/generator has more advantages than any of the other systems and might become a real competitor to the internal combustion engine. A flywheel/motor/generator system for automobiles now becomes practical, because of the technological advances in materials, bearings and solid state control circuits. The motor of choice is the squirrel cage induction motor, specially designed for automobile applications. The preferred controller formore » the induction motor is a forced commutated cycloconverter, which transforms a variable voltage/variable frequency source into a controlled variable-voltage/variable-frequency supply. A modulation strategy of the cycloconverter elements is selected to maintain a unity input displacement factor (power factor) under all conditions of loads voltages and frequencies. The system is similar to that of the existing automobile, if only one motor is used: master controller-controller-motor-gears (fixed)-differential-wheels. In the case of two motors, the mechanical differential is replaced by an electric one: master controller-controller-motor-gears (fixed)-wheel. A four-wheel drive vehicle is obtained when four motors with their own controllers are used. 24 refs.« less

Cardiac data increase association between self-report and both expert ratings of task load and task performance in flight simulator tasks: An exploratory study.

PubMed

Lehrer, Paul; Karavidas, Maria; Lu, Shou-En; Vaschillo, Evgeny; Vaschillo, Bronya; Cheng, Andrew

2010-05-01

Seven professional airplane pilots participated in a one-session test in a Boeing 737-800 simulator. Mental workload for 18 flight tasks was rated by experienced test pilots (hereinafter called "expert ratings") and by study participants' self-report on NASA's Task Load Index (TLX) scale. Pilot performance was rated by a check pilot. The standard deviation of R-R intervals (SDNN) significantly added 3.7% improvement over the TLX in distinguishing high from moderate-load tasks and 2.3% improvement in distinguishing high from combined moderate and low-load tasks. Minimum RRI in the task significantly discriminated high- from medium- and low-load tasks, but did not add significant predictive variance to the TLX. The low-frequency/high-frequency (LF:HF) RRI ratio based on spectral analysis of R-R intervals, and ventricular relaxation time were each negatively related to pilot performance ratings independently of TLX values, while minimum and average RRI were positively related, showing added contribution of these cardiac measures for predicting performance. Cardiac results were not affected by controlling either for respiration rate or motor activity assessed by accelerometry. The results suggest that cardiac assessment can be a useful addition to self-report measures for determining flight task mental workload and risk for performance decrements. Replication on a larger sample is needed to confirm and extend the results. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Adaptive control for accelerators

DOEpatents

Eaton, Lawrie E.; Jachim, Stephen P.; Natter, Eckard F.

1991-01-01

An adaptive feedforward control loop is provided to stabilize accelerator beam loading of the radio frequency field in an accelerator cavity during successive pulses of the beam into the cavity. A digital signal processor enables an adaptive algorithm to generate a feedforward error correcting signal functionally determined by the feedback error obtained by a beam pulse loading the cavity after the previous correcting signal was applied to the cavity. Each cavity feedforward correcting signal is successively stored in the digital processor and modified by the feedback error resulting from its application to generate the next feedforward error correcting signal. A feedforward error correcting signal is generated by the digital processor in advance of the beam pulse to enable a composite correcting signal and the beam pulse to arrive concurrently at the cavity.

Prognostic health monitoring in switch-mode power supplies with voltage regulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hofmeister, James P (Inventor); Judkins, Justin B (Inventor)

2009-01-01

The system includes a current injection device in electrical communication with the switch mode power supply. The current injection device is positioned to alter the initial, non-zero load current when activated. A prognostic control is in communication with the current injection device, controlling activation of the current injection device. A frequency detector is positioned to receive an output signal from the switch mode power supply and is able to count cycles in a sinusoidal wave within the output signal. An output device is in communication with the frequency detector. The output device outputs a result of the counted cycles, which are indicative of damage to an a remaining useful life of the switch mode power supply.

Novel method to control antenna currents based on theory of characteristic modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elghannai, Ezdeen Ahmed

Characteristic Mode Theory is one of the very few numerical methods that provide a great deal of physical insight because it allows us to determine the natural modes of the radiating structure. The key feature of these modes is that the total induced antenna current, input impedance/admittance and radiation pattern can be expressed as a linear weighted combination of individual modes. Using this decomposition method, it is possible to study the behavior of the individual modes, understand them and therefore control the antennas behavior; in other words, control the currents induced on the antenna structure. This dissertation advances the topic of antenna design by carefully controlling the antenna currents over the desired frequency band to achieve the desired performance specifications for a set of constraints. Here, a systematic method based on the Theory of Characteristic Modes (CM) and lumped reactive loading to achieve the goal of current control is developed. The lumped reactive loads are determined based on the desired behavior of the antenna currents. This technique can also be used to impedance match the antenna to the source/generator connected to it. The technique is much more general than the traditional impedance matching. Generally, the reactive loads that properly control the currents exhibit a combination of Foster and non-Foster behavior. The former can be implemented with lumped passive reactive components, while the latter can be implemented with lumped non-Foster circuits (NFC). The concept of current control is applied to design antennas with a wide band (impedance/pattern) behavior using reactive loads. We successfully applied this novel technique to design multi band and wide band antennas for wireless applications. The technique was developed to match the antenna to resistive and/or complex source impedance and control the radiation pattern at these frequency bands, considering size and volume constraints. A wide band patch antenna was achieved using the developed technique. In addition, the technique was applied to multi band wire less Universal Serial Bus (USB) dongle antenna that serves for WLAN IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n band applications and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag antenna for 915MHz band applications with superior performance compared to previous published results. This dissertation also discusses the total Q of an antenna from the CM standpoint. A new expression as well as additional physical information about each mode's individual contribution to the total antenna Q are provided. Finally, the theory is used to an analyze the antenna in both radiation and/or scattering modes. In the antenna scattering mode, the field scattered by an antenna contains a component that is the short circuit scattered field, and a second component that is proportional to the radiation field. In this dissertation, an analytical study of this phenomena from the CM standpoint is performed aiming to shed some light on antenna scattering phenomenon where additional physical insight is obtained and thus used to reach desire results.

Synergistic Effects of Frequency and Temperature on Damage Evolution and Life Prediction of Cross-Ply Ceramic Matrix Composites under Tension-Tension Fatigue Loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Longbiao, Li

2017-10-01

In this paper, the synergistic effects of loading frequency and testing temperature on the fatigue damage evolution and life prediction of cross-ply SiC/MAS ceramic-matrix composite have been investigated. The damage parameters of the fatigue hysteresis modulus, fatigue hysteresis dissipated energy and the interface shear stress were used to monitor the damage evolution inside of SiC/MAS composite. The evolution of fatigue hysteresis dissipated energy, the interface shear stress and broken fibers fraction versus cycle number, and the fatigue life S-N curves of SiC/MAS composite under the loading frequency of 1 and 10 Hz at 566 °C and 1093 °C in air condition have been predicted. The synergistic effects of the loading frequency and testing temperature on the degradation rate of fatigue hysteresis dissipated energy and the interface shear stress have been analyzed.

QUANTIFYING LOAD-INDUCED SOLUTE TRANSPORT AND SOLUTE-MATRIX INTERACTIONS WITHIN THE OSTEOCYTE LACUNAR-CANALICULAR SYSTEM

PubMed Central

Wang, Bin; Zhou, Xiaozhou; Price, Christopher; Li, Wen; Pan, Jun; Wang, Liyun

2012-01-01

Osteocytes, the most abundant cells in bone, are critical in maintaining tissue homeostasis and orchestrating bone’s mechanical adaptation. Osteocytes depend upon load-induced convection within the lacunar-canalicular system (LCS) to maintain viability and to sense their mechanical environment. Using the fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) imaging approach, we previously quantified the convection of a small tracer (sodium fluorescein, 376Da) in the murine tibial LCS for an intermittent cyclic loading (Price et al., 2011. JBMR 26:277-85). In the present study we first expanded the investigation of solute transport using a larger tracer (parvalbumin, 12.3kDa), which is comparable in size to some signaling proteins secreted by osteocytes. Murine tibiae were subjected to sequential FRAP tests under rest-inserted cyclic loading while the loading magnitude (0, 2.8, or 4.8N) and frequency (0.5, 1, or 2 Hz) were varied. The characteristic transport rate k and the transport enhancement relative to diffusion (k/k0) were measured under each loading condition, from which the peak solute velocity in the LCS was derived using our LCS transport model. Both the transport enhancement and solute velocity increased with loading magnitude and decreased with loading frequency. Furthermore, the solute-matrix interactions, quantified in terms of the reflection coefficient through the osteocytic pericellular matrix (PCM), were measured and theoretically modeled. The reflection coefficient of parvalbumin (σ=0.084) was derived from the differential fluid and solute velocities within loaded bone. Using a newly developed PCM sieving model, the PCM’s fiber configurations accounting for the measured interactions were obtained for the first time. The present study provided not only new data on the micro-fluidic environment experienced by osteocytes in situ, but also a powerful quantitative tool for future study of the PCM, the critical interface that controls both outside-in and inside-out signaling in osteocytes during normal bone adaptation and in pathological conditions. PMID:23109140

Numerical Investigation of the Dynamic Properties of Intermittent Jointed Rock Models Subjected to Cyclic Uniaxial Compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yi; Dai, Feng; Zhao, Tao; Xu, Nu-wen

2017-01-01

Intermittent jointed rocks, which exist in a myriad of engineering projects, are extraordinarily susceptible to cyclic loadings. Understanding the dynamic fatigue properties of jointed rocks is necessary for evaluating the stability of rock engineering structures. This study numerically investigated the influences of cyclic loading conditions (i.e., frequency, maximum stress and amplitude) and joint geometric configurations (i.e., dip angle, persistency and interspace) on the dynamic fatigue mechanisms of jointed rock models. A reduction model of stiffness and strength was first proposed, and then, sixteen cyclic uniaxial loading tests with distinct loading parameters and joint geometries were simulated. Our results indicate that the reduction model can effectively reproduce the hysteresis loops and the accumulative plastic deformation of jointed rocks in the cyclic process. Both the loading parameters and the joint geometries significantly affect the dynamic properties, including the irreversible strain, damage evolution, dynamic residual strength and fatigue life. Three failure modes of jointed rocks, which are principally controlled by joint geometries, occur in the simulations: splitting failure through the entire rock sample, sliding failure along joint planes and mixed failure, which are principally controlled by joint geometries. Furthermore, the progressive failure processes of the jointed rock samples are numerically observed, and the different loading stages can be distinguished by the relationship between the number of broken bonds and the axial stress.

Automatic Generation Control Study in Two Area Reheat Thermal Power System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pritam, Anita; Sahu, Sibakanta; Rout, Sushil Dev; Ganthia, Sibani; Prasad Ganthia, Bibhu

2017-08-01

Due to industrial pollution our living environment destroyed. An electric grid system has may vital equipment like generator, motor, transformers and loads. There is always be an imbalance between sending end and receiving end system which cause system unstable. So this error and fault causing problem should be solved and corrected as soon as possible else it creates faults and system error and fall of efficiency of the whole power system. The main problem developed from this fault is deviation of frequency cause instability to the power system and may cause permanent damage to the system. Therefore this mechanism studied in this paper make the system stable and balance by regulating frequency at both sending and receiving end power system using automatic generation control using various controllers taking a two area reheat thermal power system into account.

A numerical and experimental study on optimal design of multi-DOF viscoelastic supports for passive vibration control in rotating machinery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ribeiro, Eduardo Afonso; Lopes, Eduardo Márcio de Oliveira; Bavastri, Carlos Alberto

2017-12-01

Viscoelastic materials have played an important role in passive vibration control. Nevertheless, the use of such materials in supports of rotating machines, aiming at controlling vibration, is more recent, mainly when these supports present additional complexities like multiple degrees of freedom and require accurate models to predict the dynamic behavior of viscoelastic materials working in a broad band of frequencies and temperatures. Previously, the authors propose a methodology for an optimal design of viscoelastic supports (VES) for vibration suppression in rotordynamics, which improves the dynamic prediction accuracy, the speed calculation, and the modeling of VES as complex structures. However, a comprehensive numerical study of the dynamics of rotor-VES systems, regarding the types and combinations of translational and rotational degrees of freedom (DOFs), accompanied by the corresponding experimental validation, is still lacking. This paper presents such a study considering different types and combinations of DOFs in addition to the simulation of their number of additional masses/inertias, as well as the kind and association of the applied viscoelastic materials (VEMs). The results - regarding unbalance frequency response, transmissibility and displacement due to static loads - lead to: 1) considering VES as complex structures which allow improving the efficacy in passive vibration control; 2) acknowledging the best configuration concerning DOFs and VEM choice and association for a practical application concerning passive vibration control and load resistance. The specific outcomes of the conducted experimental validation attest the accuracy of the proposed methodology.

Loads and low frequency dynamics - An ENVIRONET data base

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garba, John A.

1988-01-01

The loads and low frequency dynamics data base, part of Environet, is described with particular attention given to its development and contents. The objective of the data base is to provide the payload designer with design approaches and design data to meet STS safety requirements. Currently the data base consists of the following sections: abstract, scope, glossary, requirements, interaction with other environments, summary of the loads analysis process, design considerations, guidelines for payload design loads, information data base, and references.

Off-road motorbike performance analysis using a rear semi-active suspension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lozoya-Santos, Jorge de J.; Cervantes-Muñoz, Damián.; Ramírez Mendoza, Ricardo

2015-04-01

The topic of this paper is the analysis of a control system for a semi active rear suspension in an off-road 2-wheel vehicle. Several control methods are studied, as well as the recently proposed Frequency Estimation Based (FEB) algorithm. The test motorcycle dynamics, as well as the passive, semi active, and the algorithm controlled shock absorber models are loaded into BikeSim, a professional two-wheeled vehicle simulation software, and tested in several road conditions. The results show a detailed comparison of the theoretical performance of the different control approaches in a novel environment for semi active dampers.

Development of a Portable Knee Rehabilitation Device That Uses Mechanical Loading.

PubMed

Fitzwater, Daric; Dodge, Todd; Chien, Stanley; Yokota, Hiroki; Anwar, Sohel

2013-12-01

Joint loading is a recently developed mechanical modality, which potentially provides a therapeutic regimen to activate bone formation and prevent degradation of joint tissues. To our knowledge, however, few joint loading devices are available for clinical or point-of-care applications. Using a voice-coil actuator, we developed an electromechanical loading system appropriate for human studies and preclinical trials that should prove both safe and effective. Two specific tasks for this loading system were development of loading conditions (magnitude and frequency) suitable for humans, and provision of a convenient and portable joint loading apparatus. Desktop devices have been previously designed to evaluate the effects of various loading conditions using small and large animals. However, a portable knee loading device is more desirable from a usability point of view. In this paper, we present such a device that is designed to be portable, providing a compact, user-friendly loader. The portable device was employed to evaluate its capabilities using a human knee model. The portable device was characterized for force-pulse width modulation duty cycle and loading frequency properties. The results demonstrate that the device is capable of producing the necessary magnitude of forces at appropriate frequencies to promote the stimulation of bone growth and which can be used in clinical studies for further evaluations.

Potential effects of structural controls and street sweeping on stormwater loads to the lower Charles River, Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zarriello, Phillip J.; Breault, Robert F.; Weiskel, Peter K.

2002-01-01

The water quality of the lower Charles River is periodically impaired by combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and non-CSO stormwater runoff. This study examined the potential non-CSO load reductions of suspended solids, fecal coliform bacteria, total phosphorus, and total lead that could reasonably be achieved by implementation of stormwater best management practices, including both structural controls and systematic street sweeping. Structural controls were grouped by major physical or chemical process; these included infiltration-filtration (physical separation), biofiltration-bioretention (biological mechanisms), or detention-retention (physical settling). For each of these categories, upper and lower quartiles, median, and average removal efficiencies were compiled from three national databases of structural control performance. Removal efficiencies obtained indicated a wide range of performance. Removal was generally greatest for infiltration-filtration controls and suspended solids, and least for biofiltration-bioretention controls and fecal coliform bacteria. Street sweeping has received renewed interest as a water-quality control practice because of reported improvements in sweeper technology and the recognition that opportunities for implementing structural controls are limited in highly urbanized areas. The Stormwater Management Model that was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey for the lower Charles River Watershed was modified to simulate the effects of street sweeping in a single-family land-use basin. Constituent buildup and washoff variable values were calibrated to observed annual and storm-event loads. Once calibrated, the street sweeping model was applied to various permutations of four sweeper efficiencies and six sweeping frequencies that ranged from every day to once every 30 days. Reduction of constituent loads to the lower Charles River by the combined hypothetical practices of structural controls and street sweeping was estimated for a range of removal efficiencies because of their inherent variability and uncertainty. This range of efficiencies, with upper and lower estimates, provides reasonable bounds on the load that could be removed by the practices examined. The upper estimated load reduction from combined street sweeping and structural controls, as a percentage of the total non-CSO load entering the lower Charles River downstream of Watertown Dam, was 44 percent for suspended solids, 34 percent for total lead, 14 percent for total phosphorus, and 17 percent for fecal coliform bacteria. The lower estimated load reduction from combined street sweeping and structural controls from non-CSO sources downstream of Watertown Dam, was 14 percent for suspended solids, 11 percent for total lead, 4.9 percent for total phosphorus, and 7.5 percent for fecal coliform bacteria. Load reductions by these combined management practices can be a small as 1.4 percent for total phosphorus to about 4 percent for the other constituents if the total load above Watertown Dam is added to the load from below the dam. Although the reductions in stormwater loads to the lower Charles River from the control practices examined appear to be minor, these practices would likely provide water-quality benefits to portions of the river during those times that they are most impaired-during and immediately after storms. It should also be recognized that only direct measurements of changes in stormwater loads before and after implementation of control practices can provide definitive evidence of the beneficial effects of these practices on water-quality conditions in the lower Charles River.

A new on-chip all-digital three-phase full-bridge dc/ac power inverter with feedforward and frequency control techniques.

PubMed

Chen, Jiann-Jong; Kung, Che-Min

2010-09-01

The communication speed between components is far from satisfactory. To achieve high speed, simple control system configuration, and low cost, a new on-chip all-digital three-phase dc/ac power inverter using feedforward and frequency control techniques is proposed. The controller of the proposed power inverter, called the shift register, consists of six-stage D-latch flip-flops with a goal of achieving low-power consumption and area efficiency. Variable frequency is achieved by controlling the clocks of the shift register. One advantage regarding the data signal (D) and the common clock (CK) is that, regardless of the phase difference between the two, all of the D-latch flip-flops are capable of delaying data by one CK period. To ensure stability, the frequency of CK must be six times higher than that of D. The operation frequency of the proposed power inverter ranges from 10 Hz to 2 MHz, and the maximum output loading current is 0.8 A. The prototype of the proposed circuit has been fabricated with TSMC 0.35 μm 2P4M CMOS processes. The total chip area is 2.333 x 1.698 mm2. The three-phase dc/ac power inverter is applicable in uninterrupted power supplies, cold cathode fluorescent lamps, and motors, because of its ability to convert the dc supply voltage into the three-phase ac power sources.

A novel miniature in-line load-cell to measure in-situ tensile forces in the tibialis anterior tendon of rats

PubMed Central

Unger, Ewald; Bijak, Manfred; Stoiber, Martin; Lanmüller, Hermann; Jarvis, Jonathan Charles

2017-01-01

Direct measurements of muscular forces usually require a substantial rearrangement of the biomechanical system. To circumvent this problem, various indirect techniques have been used in the past. We introduce a novel direct method, using a lightweight (~0.5 g) miniature (3 x 3 x 7 mm) in-line load-cell to measure tension in the tibialis anterior tendon of rats. A linear motor was used to produce force-profiles to assess linearity, step-response, hysteresis and frequency behavior under controlled conditions. Sensor responses to a series of rectangular force-pulses correlated linearly (R2 = 0.999) within the range of 0–20 N. The maximal relative error at full scale (20 N) was 0.07% of the average measured signal. The standard deviation of the mean response to repeated 20 N force pulses was ± 0.04% of the mean response. The step-response of the load-cell showed the behavior of a PD2T2-element in control-engineering terminology. The maximal hysteretic error was 5.4% of the full-scale signal. Sinusoidal signals were attenuated maximally (-4 dB) at 200 Hz, within a measured range of 0.01–200 Hz. When measuring muscular forces this should be of minor concern as the fusion-frequency of muscles is generally much lower. The newly developed load-cell measured tensile forces of up to 20 N, without inelastic deformation of the sensor. It qualifies for various applications in which it is of interest directly to measure forces within a particular tendon causing only minimal disturbance to the biomechanical system. PMID:28934327

A novel miniature in-line load-cell to measure in-situ tensile forces in the tibialis anterior tendon of rats.

PubMed

Schmoll, Martin; Unger, Ewald; Bijak, Manfred; Stoiber, Martin; Lanmüller, Hermann; Jarvis, Jonathan Charles

2017-01-01

Direct measurements of muscular forces usually require a substantial rearrangement of the biomechanical system. To circumvent this problem, various indirect techniques have been used in the past. We introduce a novel direct method, using a lightweight (~0.5 g) miniature (3 x 3 x 7 mm) in-line load-cell to measure tension in the tibialis anterior tendon of rats. A linear motor was used to produce force-profiles to assess linearity, step-response, hysteresis and frequency behavior under controlled conditions. Sensor responses to a series of rectangular force-pulses correlated linearly (R2 = 0.999) within the range of 0-20 N. The maximal relative error at full scale (20 N) was 0.07% of the average measured signal. The standard deviation of the mean response to repeated 20 N force pulses was ± 0.04% of the mean response. The step-response of the load-cell showed the behavior of a PD2T2-element in control-engineering terminology. The maximal hysteretic error was 5.4% of the full-scale signal. Sinusoidal signals were attenuated maximally (-4 dB) at 200 Hz, within a measured range of 0.01-200 Hz. When measuring muscular forces this should be of minor concern as the fusion-frequency of muscles is generally much lower. The newly developed load-cell measured tensile forces of up to 20 N, without inelastic deformation of the sensor. It qualifies for various applications in which it is of interest directly to measure forces within a particular tendon causing only minimal disturbance to the biomechanical system.

Power Electronic Transformer based Three-Phase PWM AC Drives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, Kaushik

A Transformer is used to provide galvanic isolation and to connect systems at different voltage levels. It is one of the largest and most expensive component in most of the high voltage and high power systems. Its size is inversely proportional to the operating frequency. The central idea behind a power electronic transformer (PET) also known as solid state transformer is to reduce the size of the transformer by increasing the frequency. Power electronic converters are used to change the frequency of operation. Steady reduction in the cost of the semiconductor switches and the advent of advanced magnetic materials with very low loss density and high saturation flux density implies economic viability and feasibility of a design with high power density. Application of PET is in generation of power from renewable energy sources, especially wind and solar. Other important application include grid tied inverters, UPS e.t.c. In this thesis non-resonant, single stage, bi-directional PET is considered. The main objective of this converter is to generate adjustable speed and magnitude pulse width modulated (PWM) ac waveforms from an ac or dc grid with a high frequency ac link. The windings of a high frequency transformer contains leakage inductance. Any switching transition of the power electronic converter connecting the inductive load and the transformer requires commutation of leakage energy. Commutation by passive means results in power loss, decrease in the frequency of operation, distortion in the output voltage waveform, reduction in reliability and power density. In this work a source based partially loss-less commutation of leakage energy has been proposed. This technique also results in partial soft-switching. A series of converters with novel PWM strategies have been proposed to minimize the frequency of leakage inductance commutation. These PETs achieve most of the important features of modern PWM ac drives including 1) Input power factor correction, 2) Common-mode voltage suppression at the load end, 3) High quality output voltage waveform (comparable to conventional space vector PWM modulated two level inverter) and 4) Minimization of output voltage loss, common-mode voltage switching and distortion of the load current waveform due to leakage inductance commutation. All of the proposed topologies along with the proposed control schemes have been analyzed and simulated in MATLABSimulink. A hardware prototype has been fabricated and tested. The simulation and experimental results verify the operation and advantages of the proposed topologies and their control.

Load Frequency Control of a Two-Area Thermal-Hybrid Power System Using a Novel Quasi-Opposition Harmony Search Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahto, Tarkeshwar; Mukherjee, V.

2016-09-01

In the present work, a two-area thermal-hybrid interconnected power system, consisting of a thermal unit in one area and a hybrid wind-diesel unit in other area is considered. Capacitive energy storage (CES) and CES with static synchronous series compensator (SSSC) are connected to the studied two-area model to compensate for varying load demand, intermittent output power and area frequency oscillation. A novel quasi-opposition harmony search (QOHS) algorithm is proposed and applied to tune the various tunable parameters of the studied power system model. Simulation study reveals that inclusion of CES unit in both the areas yields superb damping performance for frequency and tie-line power deviation. From the simulation results it is further revealed that inclusion of SSSC is not viable from both technical as well as economical point of view as no considerable improvement in transient performance is noted with its inclusion in the tie-line of the studied power system model. The results presented in this paper demonstrate the potential of the proposed QOHS algorithm and show its effectiveness and robustness for solving frequency and power drift problems of the studied power systems. Binary coded genetic algorithm is taken for sake of comparison.

Preserved and impaired aspects of feed-forward grip force control after chronic somatosensory deafferentation.

PubMed

Hermsdörfer, J; Elias, Z; Cole, J D; Quaney, B M; Nowak, D A

2008-01-01

Although feed-forward mechanisms of grip force control are a prerequisite for skilled object manipulation, somatosensory feedback is essential to acquire, maintain, and adapt these mechanisms. Individuals with complete peripheral deafferentation provide the unique opportunity to study the function of the motor system deprived of somatosensory feedback. Two individuals (GL and IW) with complete chronic deafferentation of the trunk and limbs were tested during cyclic vertical movements of a hand-held object. Such movements induce oscillating loads that are typically anticipated by parallel modulations of the grip force. Load magnitude was altered by varying either the movement frequency or object weight. GL and IW employed excessive grip forces probably reflecting a compensatory mechanism. Despite this overall force increase, both deafferented participants adjusted their grip force level according to the load magnitude, indicating preserved scaling of the background grip force to physical demands. The dynamic modulation of the grip force with the load force was largely absent in GL, whereas in IW only slower movements were clearly affected. The authors hypothesize that the deafferented patients may have utilized visual and vestibular cues and/or an efferent copy of the motor command of the arm movement to scale the grip force level. Severely impaired grip force-load coupling in GL suggests that sensory information is important for maintaining a precise internal model of dynamic grip force control. However, comparably better performance in IW argues for the possibility that alternative cues can be used to trigger a residual internal model.

Hydrophobic Drug-Loaded PEGylated Magnetic Liposomes for Drug-Controlled Release

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardiansyah, Andri; Yang, Ming-Chien; Liu, Ting-Yu; Kuo, Chih-Yu; Huang, Li-Ying; Chan, Tzu-Yi

2017-05-01

Less targeted and limited solubility of hydrophobic-based drug are one of the serious obstacles in drug delivery system. Thus, new strategies to enhance the solubility of hydrophobic drug and controlled release behaviors would be developed. Herein, curcumin, a model of hydrophobic drug, has been loaded into PEGylated magnetic liposomes as a drug carrier platform for drug controlled release system. Inductive magnetic heating (hyperthermia)-stimulated drug release, in vitro cellular cytotoxicity assay of curcumin-loaded PEGylated magnetic liposomes and cellular internalization-induced by magnetic guidance would be investigated. The resultant of drug carriers could disperse homogeneously in aqueous solution, showing a superparamagnetic characteristic and could inductive magnetic heating with external high-frequency magnetic field (HFMF). In vitro curcumin release studies confirmed that the drug carriers exhibited no significant release at 37 °C, whereas exhibited rapid releasing at 45 °C. However, it would display enormous (three times higher) curcumin releasing under the HFMF exposure, compared with that without HFMF exposure at 45 °C. In vitro cytotoxicity test shows that curcumin-loaded PEGylated magnetic liposomes could efficiently kill MCF-7 cells in parallel with increasing curcumin concentration. Fluorescence microscopy observed that these drug carriers could internalize efficiently into the cellular compartment of MCF-7 cells. Thus, it would be anticipated that the novel hydrophobic drug-loaded PEGylated magnetic liposomes in combination with inductive magnetic heating are promising to apply in the combination of chemotherapy and thermotherapy for cancer therapy.

Mississippi River nitrate loads from high frequency sensor measurements and regression-based load estimation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pellerin, Brian A.; Bergamaschi, Brian A.; Gilliom, Robert J.; Crawford, Charles G.; Saraceno, John F.; Frederick, C. Paul; Downing, Bryan D.; Murphy, Jennifer C.

2014-01-01

Accurately quantifying nitrate (NO3–) loading from the Mississippi River is important for predicting summer hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico and targeting nutrient reduction within the basin. Loads have historically been modeled with regression-based techniques, but recent advances with high frequency NO3– sensors allowed us to evaluate model performance relative to measured loads in the lower Mississippi River. Patterns in NO3– concentrations and loads were observed at daily to annual time steps, with considerable variability in concentration-discharge relationships over the two year study. Differences were particularly accentuated during the 2012 drought and 2013 flood, which resulted in anomalously high NO3– concentrations consistent with a large flush of stored NO3– from soil. The comparison between measured loads and modeled loads (LOADEST, Composite Method, WRTDS) showed underestimates of only 3.5% across the entire study period, but much larger differences at shorter time steps. Absolute differences in loads were typically greatest in the spring and early summer critical to Gulf hypoxia formation, with the largest differences (underestimates) for all models during the flood period of 2013. In additional to improving the accuracy and precision of monthly loads, high frequency NO3– measurements offer additional benefits not available with regression-based or other load estimation techniques.

Comparative Assessment of Tactics to Improve Primary Frequency Response Without Curtailing Solar Output in High Photovoltaic Interconnection Grids

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tan, Jin; Zhang, Yingchen; You, Shutang

Power grid primary frequency response will be significantly impaired by Photovoltaic (PV) penetration increase because of the decrease in inertia and governor response. PV inertia and governor emulation requires reserving PV output and leads to solar energy waste. This paper exploits current grid resources and explores energy storage for primary frequency response under high PV penetration at the interconnection level. Based on the actual models of the U.S. Eastern Interconnection grid and the Texas grid, effects of multiple factors associated with primary frequency response, including the governor ratio, governor deadband, droop rate, fast load response. are assessed under high PVmore » penetration scenarios. In addition, performance of batteries and supercapacitors using different control strategies is studied in the two interconnections. The paper quantifies the potential of various resources to improve interconnection-level primary frequency response under high PV penetration without curtailing solar output.« less

Effect of shaft frequency on cavitation in a journal bearing for noncentered circular whirl

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brewe, David E.; Khonsari, M. M.

1987-01-01

The effect of shaft frequency on the performance of a submerged journal undergoing noncentered circular whirl is examined. The main emphasis of the paper is on the behavior of the vapor cavitation bubble and its effect on the bearing performance as a function of frequency. A cavitation algorithm due to Elrod was implemented in a computer program which solves a time-dependent Reynolds equation. This algorithm automatically handles the boundary conditions by using a switch function and a control volume approach which conserves mass throughout the entire flow. The shaft frequencies in this investigation ranged from 0 rad/s (squeeze-film damper) to -104 rad/s (a case in which oil-whip condition was produced momentarily). For the particular vibration amplitude chosen in this investigation it was observed that vapor cavitation had an effect on the load components for the full range of shaft frequencies investigated.

Study of guided wave propagation on a plate between two solid bodies with imperfect contact conditions.

PubMed

Balvantín, A J; Diosdado-De-la-Peña, J A; Limon-Leyva, P A; Hernández-Rodríguez, E

2018-02-01

In this work, fundamental symmetric Lamb wave S0 mode is characterized in terms of its velocity variation as function of the interfacial conditions between solid bodies in contact. Imperfect contact conditions are numerically and experimentally determined by using ultrasonic Lamb wave propagation parameters. For the study, an experimental system was used, formed by two solid aluminum rods (25.4mm in diameter) axially loading a thin aluminum plate to control contact interfacial stiffness. The axially applied load on the aluminum plate was varied from 0MPa to 10MPa. Experimental Lamb wave signals were excited on the plate through two longitudinal contact transducers (1MHz of central frequency) using a pitch-catch configuration. Numerical simulations of contact conditions and Lamb wave propagation were performed through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in commercial software, ANSYS 15®. Simulated Lamb wave signals were generated by means of a 5 cycles tone burst signals with different frequency values. Results indicate a velocity change in both, experimental and simulated Lamb wave signals as function of the applied load. Finally, a comparison between numerical results and experimental measurements was performed obtaining a good agreement. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Contribution of Missed Clinic Visits to Disparities in HIV Viral Load Outcomes

PubMed Central

Westfall, Andrew O.; Gardner, Lytt I.; Giordano, Thomas P.; Wilson, Tracey E.; Drainoni, Mari-Lynn; Keruly, Jeanne C.; Rodriguez, Allan E.; Malitz, Faye; Batey, D. Scott; Mugavero, Michael J.

2015-01-01

Objectives. We explored the contribution of missed primary HIV care visits (“no-show”) to observed disparities in virological failure (VF) among Black persons and persons with injection drug use (IDU) history. Methods. We used patient-level data from 6 academic clinics, before the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Health Resources and Services Administration Retention in Care intervention. We employed staged multivariable logistic regression and multivariable models stratified by no-show visit frequency to evaluate the association of sociodemographic factors with VF. We used multiple imputations to assign missing viral load values. Results. Among 10 053 patients (mean age = 46 years; 35% female; 64% Black; 15% with IDU history), 31% experienced VF. Although Black patients and patients with IDU history were significantly more likely to experience VF in initial analyses, race and IDU parameter estimates were attenuated after sequential addition of no-show frequency. In stratified models, race and IDU were not statistically significantly associated with VF at any no-show level. Conclusions. Because missed clinic visits contributed to observed differences in viral load outcomes among Black and IDU patients, achieving an improved understanding of differential visit attendance is imperative to reducing disparities in HIV. PMID:26270301

Dynamic Stall Control Using Plasma Actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Webb, Nathan; Singhal, Achal; Castaneda, David; Samimy, Mo

2017-11-01

Dynamic stall occurs in many applications, including sharp maneuvers of fixed wing aircraft, wind turbines, and rotorcraft and produces large unsteady aerodynamic loads that can lead to flutter and mechanical failure. This work uses flow control to reduce the unsteady loads by excitation of instabilities in the shear layer over the separated region using nanosecond pulse driven dielectric barrier discharge (NS-DBD) plasma actuators. These actuators have been shown to effectively delay or mitigate static stall. A wide range of flow parameters were explored in the current work: Reynolds number (Re = 167,000 to 500,000), reduced frequency (k = 0.025 to 0.075), and excitation Strouhal number (Ste = 0 to 10). Based on the results, three major conclusions were drawn: (a) Low Strouhal number excitation (Ste <0.5) results in oscillatory aerodynamic loads in the stalled stage of dynamic stall; (b) All excitation resulted in earlier flow reattachment; and (c) Excitation at progressively higher Ste weakened and eventually eliminated the dynamic stall vortex (DSV), thereby dramatically reducing the unsteady loading. The decrease in the strength of the DSV is achieved by the formation of shear layer coherent structures that bleed the leading-edge vorticity prior to the ejection of the DSV.

The organised chaos of English adolescent rugby union: Influence of weekly match frequency on the variability of match and training loads.

PubMed

Phibbs, Padraic J; Jones, Ben; Roe, Gregory; Read, Dale; Darrall-Jones, Joshua; Weakley, Jonathon; Rock, Andrew; Till, Kevin

2018-04-01

The aims of this study were to determine the variability of weekly match and training loads in adolescent rugby union players across a competitive season, and to investigate the effect of match frequency on load distribution across different activities. Internal match and training load data (i.e. session-rating of perceived exertion (sRPE)) were collected daily from 20 players from a regional academy across a 14-week season. Data were analysed using a mixed-effects linear model, and variability was reported as a coefficient of variation (CV). Differences between 0-, 1-, 2-, and 3-match weeks were assessed using Cohen's d effect sizes and magnitude-based inferences. Mean weekly total match and training sRPE load was 1425 ± 545 arbitrary units (AU), with a between-player CV of 10 ± 6% and within-player CV of 37 ± 3%. Mean week-to-week change in total sRPE load was 497 ± 423 AU (35%), and 40% of weekly observations were outside the suggested acute:chronic workload ratio 'safe zone'. Total weekly sRPE loads increased substantially with match frequency (1210 ± 571, 1511 ± 489, and 1692 ± 517 AU, for 0-, 1-, and 2-match weeks, respectively), except for 3-match weeks (1520 ± 442 AU). Weekly match and training loads were highly variable for adolescent rugby players during the competitive season, and match frequency has a substantial effect on the distribution of loads. Therefore, match and training loads should be coordinated, monitored, and managed on an individual basis to protect players from negative training consequences, and to promote long-term athlete development.

A PWM Controller of a Full Bridge Single-Phase Synchronous Inverter for Micro-Grid System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman, Tawfikur; Motakabber, S. M. A.; Ibrahimy, M. I.; Raghib, Aliza ‘Aini Binti Md Ralib@ Md

2017-12-01

Nowadays, microgrid system technology is becoming popular for small area power management systems. It is essential to be less harmonic-distortion and high efficiency of the inverter for microgrid applications. Pulse width modulation (PWM) controller is a conventional switching control technique which is suitable to use in the microgrid connected power inverter system. The control method and algorithm of this technique are challenging, and different approaches are required to avoid the complexity for a customized solution of the microgrid application. This paper proposes a comparative analysis of different controller and their operational methods. A PWM controller is used to reduce the ripple voltage noise while a continuous current mode provides a small output ripple which gives steady-state error as zero on fundamental and cutoff frequency. To reduce the ripple current, higher frequency harmonic distortion, switching loss and phase noise, LC low pass filter is used on either side of input and output terminals. The proposed inverter is designed by MATLAB 2016a simulation software. A balanced load resistance (RL = 20.5 Ω) of star configuration and a dual input DC voltage of ± 35V are considered. In this design, the circuit parameters, the fundamental frequency of 50 Hz, the PWM duty cycle of 95%, the cutoff frequency of the switching controller of 33 kHz are considered. The inverter in this paper exhibits THD of 0.44% and overall efficiency approximately of 98%. The proposed inverter is expected to be suitable for microgrid applications.

Contribution of hydroxylated atrazine degradation products to the total atrazine load in midwestern streams

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lerch, R.N.; Blanchard, P.E.; Thurman, E.M.

1998-01-01

The contribution of hydroxylated atrazine degradation products (HADPs) to the total atrazine load (i.e., atrazine plus stable metabolites)in streams needs to be determined in order to fully assess the impact of atrazine contamination on stream ecosystems and human health. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the contribution of HADPs to the total atrazine load in streams of nine midwestern states and (2) to discuss the mechanisms controlling the concentrations of HADPs in streams. Stream samples were collected from 95 streams in northern Missouri at preplant and postplant of 1994 and 1995, and an additional 46 streams were sampled in eight midwestern states at postplant of 1995. Samples were analyzed for atrazine, deethylatrazine (DEA), deisopropylatrazine (DIA), and three HADPs. Overall, HADP prevalence (i.e., frequency of detection) ranged from 87 to 100% for hydroxyatrazine (HA), 0 to 58% for deethylhydroxyatrazine (DEHA), and 0% for deisopropylhydroxyatrazine (DIHA) with method detection limits of 0.04-0.10 ??g L-1. Atrazine metabolites accounted for nearly 60% of the atrazine load in northern Missouri streams at preplant, with HA the predominant metabolite present. Data presented in this study and a continuous monitoring study are used to support the hypothesis that a combination of desorption from stream sediments and dissolved-phase transport control HADP concentrations in streams.The contribution of hydroxylated atrazine degradation products (HADPs) to the total atrazine load (i.e., atrazine plus stable metabolites) in streams needs to be determined in order to fully assess the impact of atrazine contamination on stream ecosystems and human health. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the contribution of HADPs to the total atrazine load in streams of nine midwestern states and (2) to discuss the mechanisms controlling the concentrations of HADPs in streams. Stream samples were collected from 95 streams in northern Missouri at preplant and postplant of 1994 and 1995, and an additional 46 streams were sampled in eight midwestern states at postplant of 1995. Samples were analyzed for atrazine, deethylatrazine (DEA), deisopropylatrazine (DIA), and three HADPs. Overall, HADP prevalence (i.e., frequency of detection) ranged from 87 to 100% for hydroxyatrazine (HA), 0 to 58% for deethylhydroxyatrazine (DEHA), and 0% for deisopropylhydroxyatrazine (DIHA) with method detection limits of 0.04-0.10 ??g L-1. Atrazine metabolites accounted for nearly 60% of the atrazine load in northern Missouri streams at preplant, with HA the predominant metabolite present. Data presented in this study and a continuous monitoring study are used to support the hypothesis that a combination of desorption from stream sediments and dissolved-phase transport control HADP concentrations in streams.

Chapter 18: Variable Frequency Drive Evaluation Protocol. The Uniform Methods Project: Methods for Determining Energy Efficiency Savings for Specific Measures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Romberger, Jeff

An adjustable-speed drive (ASD) includes all devices that vary the speed of a rotating load, including those that vary the motor speed and linkage devices that allow constant motor speed while varying the load speed. The Variable Frequency Drive Evaluation Protocol presented here addresses evaluation issues for variable-frequency drives (VFDs) installed on commercial and industrial motor-driven centrifugal fans and pumps for which torque varies with speed. Constant torque load applications, such as those for positive displacement pumps, are not covered by this protocol.

Changes in tendon spatial frequency parameters with loading.

PubMed

Pearson, Stephen J; Engel, Aaron J; Bashford, Gregory R

2017-05-24

To examine and compare the loading related changes in micro-morphology of the patellar tendon. Fifteen healthy young males (age 19±3yrs, body mass 83±5kg) were utilised in a within subjects matched pairs design. B mode ultrasound images were taken in the sagittal plane of the patellar tendon at rest with the knee at 90° flexion. Repeat images were taken whilst the subjects were carrying out maximal voluntary isometric contractions. Spatial frequency parameters related to the tendon morphology were determined within regions of interest (ROI) from the B mode images at rest and during isometric contractions. A number of spatial parameters were observed to be significantly different between resting and contracted images (Peak spatial frequency radius (PSFR), axis ratio, spatial Q-factor, PSFR amplitude ratio, and the sum). These spatial frequency parameters were indicative of acute alterations in the tendon micro-morphology with loading. Acute loading modifies the micro-morphology of the tendon, as observed via spatial frequency analysis. Further research is warranted to explore its utility with regard to different loading induced micro-morphological alterations, as these could give valuable insight not only to aid strengthening of this tissue but also optimization of recovery from injury and treatment of conditions such as tendinopathies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Haemodynamic changes in ipsilateral and contralateral fingers caused by acute exposures to hand transmitted vibration.

PubMed Central

Bovenzi, M; Griffin, M J

1997-01-01

OBJECTIVES: To investigate changes in digital circulation during and after exposure to hand transmitted vibration. By studying two frequencies and two magnitudes of vibration, to investigate the extent to which haemodynamic changes depend on the vibration frequency, the vibration acceleration, and the vibration velocity. METHODS: Finger skin temperature (FST), finger blood flow (FBF), and finger systolic pressure were measured in the fingers of both hands in eight healthy men. Indices of digital vasomotor tone-such as critical closing pressure and vascular resistance-were estimated by pressure-flow curves obtained with different hand heights. With a static load of 10 N, the right hand was exposed for 30 minutes to each of the following root mean squared (rms) acceleration magnitudes and frequencies of vertical vibration: 22 m.s-2 at 31.5 Hz, 22 m.s-2 at 125 Hz, and 87 m.s-2 at 125 Hz. A control condition consisted of exposure to the static load only. The measures of digital circulation and vasomotor tone were taken before exposure to the vibration and the static load, and at 0, 20, 40, and 60 minutes after the end of each exposure. RESULTS: Exposure to static load caused no significant changes in FST, FBF, or indices of vasomotor tone in either the vibrated right middle finger or the non-vibrated left middle finger. In both fingers, exposure to vibration of 125 Hz and 22 m.s-2 produced a greater reduction in FBF and a greater increase in vasomotor tone than did vibration of 31.5 Hz and 22 m.s-2. In the vibrated right finger, exposure to vibration of 125 Hz and 87 m.s-2 provoked an immediate vasodilation which was followed by vasoconstriction during recovery. The non-vibrated left finger showed a significant increase in vasomotor tone throughout the 60 minute period after the end of vibration exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The digital circulatory response to acute vibration depends upon the magnitude and frequency of the vibration stimulus. Vasomotor mechanisms, mediated both centrally and locally, are involved in the reaction of digital vessels to acute vibration. The pattern of the haemodynamic changes in the fingers exposed to the vibration frequencies used in this study do not seem to support the frequency weighting assumed in the current international standard ISO 5349. PMID:9326160

A viscoplastic study of crack-tip deformation and crack growth in a nickel-based superalloy at elevated temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, L. G.; Tong, J.

Viscoplastic crack-tip deformation behaviour in a nickel-based superalloy at elevated temperature has been studied for both stationary and growing cracks in a compact tension (CT) specimen using the finite element method. The material behaviour was described by a unified viscoplastic constitutive model with non-linear kinematic and isotropic hardening rules, and implemented in the finite element software ABAQUS via a user-defined material subroutine (UMAT). Finite element analyses for stationary cracks showed distinctive strain ratchetting behaviour near the crack tip at selected load ratios, leading to progressive accumulation of tensile strain normal to the crack-growth plane. Results also showed that low frequencies and superimposed hold periods at peak loads significantly enhanced strain accumulation at crack tip. Finite element simulation of crack growth was carried out under a constant Δ K-controlled loading condition, again ratchetting was observed ahead of the crack tip, similar to that for stationary cracks. A crack-growth criterion based on strain accumulation is proposed where a crack is assumed to grow when the accumulated strain ahead of the crack tip reaches a critical value over a characteristic distance. The criterion has been utilized in the prediction of crack-growth rates in a CT specimen at selected loading ranges, frequencies and dwell periods, and the predictions were compared with the experimental results.

Biomechanical analysis of INFINITY rehabilitation method for treatment of low back pain

PubMed Central

Daniel, Matej; Tomanová, Michaela; Hornová, Jana; Novotná, Iva; Lhotská, Lenka

2017-01-01

[Purpose] Low back pain is a pervasive problem in modern societies. Physical rehabilitation in treatment of low back pain should reduce pain, muscle tension and restore spine stability and balance. The INFINITY® rehabilitation method that is based on a figure of eight movement pattern was proved to be effective in low back pain treatment. The aim of the paper is to estimate the effect of a figure of eight motion on the L5/S1 load and lumbar spine muscle activation in comparison to other motion patterns. [Subjects and Methods] Three-dimensional model of lumbar spine musculoskeletal system is used to simulate effect of various load motion pattern induced by displacement of the center of gravity of the upper body. Four motion patterns were examined: lateral and oblique pendulum-like motion, elliptical motion and figure of eight motion. [Results] The simple pendulum-like and elliptical-like patterns induce harmonic muscle activation and harmonic spinal load. The figure of eight motion pattern creates high-frequency spinal loading that activates remodeling of bones and tendons. The figure of eight pattern also requires muscle activity that differs from harmonic frequency and is more demanding on muscle control and could also improve muscle coordination. [Conclusion] The results of the study indicate that complex motion pattern during INFINITY® rehabilitation might enhance the spine stability by influencing its passive, active and neural components. PMID:28603355

A robust adaptive load frequency control for micro-grids.

PubMed

Khooban, Mohammad-Hassan; Niknam, Taher; Blaabjerg, Frede; Davari, Pooya; Dragicevic, Tomislav

2016-11-01

The goal of this study is to introduce a novel robust load frequency control (LFC) strategy for micro-grid(s) (MG(s)) in islanded mode operation. Admittedly, power generators in MG(s) cannot supply steady electric power output and sometimes cause unbalance between supply and demand. Battery energy storage system (BESS) is one of the effective solutions to these problems. Due to the high cost of the BESS, a new idea of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) is that a battery of Electric-Vehicle (EV) can be applied as a tantamount large-scale BESS in MG(s). As a result, a new robust control strategy for an islanded micro-grid (MG) is introduced that can consider electric vehicles׳ (EV(s)) effect. Moreover, in this paper, a new combination of the General Type II Fuzzy Logic Sets (GT2FLS) and the Modified Harmony Search Algorithm (MHSA) technique is applied for adaptive tuning of proportional-integral (PI) controller. Implementing General Type II Fuzzy Systems is computationally expensive. However, using a recently introduced α-plane representation, GT2FLS can be seen as a composition of several Interval Type II Fuzzy Logic Systems (IT2FLS) with a corresponding level of α for each. Real-data from an offshore wind farm in Sweden and solar radiation data in Aberdeen (United Kingdom) was used in order to examine the performance of the proposed novel controller. A comparison is made between the achieved results of Optimal Fuzzy-PI (OFPI) controller and those of Optimal Interval Type II Fuzzy-PI (IT2FPI) controller, which are of most recent advances in the area at hand. The Simulation results prove the successfulness and effectiveness of the proposed controller. Copyright © 2016 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Descriptive Linear modeling of steady-state visual evoked response

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levison, W. H.; Junker, A. M.; Kenner, K.

1986-01-01

A study is being conducted to explore use of the steady state visual-evoke electrocortical response as an indicator of cognitive task loading. Application of linear descriptive modeling to steady state Visual Evoked Response (VER) data is summarized. Two aspects of linear modeling are reviewed: (1) unwrapping the phase-shift portion of the frequency response, and (2) parsimonious characterization of task-loading effects in terms of changes in model parameters. Model-based phase unwrapping appears to be most reliable in applications, such as manual control, where theoretical models are available. Linear descriptive modeling of the VER has not yet been shown to provide consistent and readily interpretable results.

Launch vehicle payload adapter design with vibration isolation features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Gareth R.; Fadick, Cynthia M.; Fram, Bryan J.

2005-05-01

Payloads, such as satellites or spacecraft, which are mounted on launch vehicles, are subject to severe vibrations during flight. These vibrations are induced by multiple sources that occur between liftoff and the instant of final separation from the launch vehicle. A direct result of the severe vibrations is that fatigue damage and failure can be incurred by sensitive payload components. For this reason a payload adapter has been designed with special emphasis on its vibration isolation characteristics. The design consists of an annular plate that has top and bottom face sheets separated by radial ribs and close-out rings. These components are manufactured from graphite epoxy composites to ensure a high stiffness to weight ratio. The design is tuned to keep the frequency of the axial mode of vibration of the payload on the flexibility of the adapter to a low value. This is the main strategy adopted for isolating the payload from damaging vibrations in the intermediate to higher frequency range (45Hz-200Hz). A design challenge for this type of adapter is to keep the pitch frequency of the payload above a critical value in order to avoid dynamic interactions with the launch vehicle control system. This high frequency requirement conflicts with the low axial mode frequency requirement and this problem is overcome by innovative tuning of the directional stiffnesses of the composite parts. A second design strategy that is utilized to achieve good isolation characteristics is the use of constrained layer damping. This feature is particularly effective at keeping the responses to a minimum for one of the most important dynamic loading mechanisms. This mechanism consists of the almost-tonal vibratory load associated with the resonant burn condition present in any stage powered by a solid rocket motor. The frequency of such a load typically falls in the 45-75Hz range and this phenomenon drives the low frequency design of the adapter. Detailed finite element analysis is used throughout to qualify the design for vibration isolation performance as well as confirm its static and dynamic strength.

High Torque-to-Inertia Servo System for Stabilizing Sensor Systems. Candidate Systems Include Missile Guidance, Surveillance, and Tracking

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-04-01

specifications ... 3-10 25. Typical isolation curve ... 3-12 26. Servo amp/motor/load frequency response (inner gimbal) ... 4-3 27. Slave loop ( open loop...slave loop ( open loop) frequency response (inner gimbal) . . . 4-4 30. Slave loop (closed loop) frequency response (inner gimbal) ... 4-5 3 . Slave...loop inner gimbal time response ... 4-5 32. Servo amp/motor/load frequency response (outer gimbal) ... 4-6 33. Slave loop ( open loop) uncompensated

Dynamics of column stability with partial end restraints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gregory, Peyton B.

1990-01-01

The dynamic behavior of columns with partial end restraints and loads consisting of a dead load and a pulsating load are investigated. The differential equation is solved using a lumped impulse recurrence formula relative to time coupled with a finite difference discretization along the member length. A computer program is written from which the first critical frequencies are found as a function of end stiffness. The case of a pinned ended column compares very well with the exact solution. Also, the natural frequency and buckling load formulas are derived for equal and unequal end restraints.

Associations of physical activity duration, frequency, and load with volumetric BMD, geometry, and bone strength in young girls

PubMed Central

Farr, Joshua N.; Blew, Robert M.; Lee, Vinson R.; Lohman, Timothy G.; Going, Scott B.

2011-01-01

Purpose This study evaluated the associations of physical activity (PA) duration, frequency, load, and their interaction (total PA score = duration × frequency × load) with volumetric bone mineral density, geometry, and indices of bone strength in young girls. Methods 465 girls (aged 8–13 years) completed a past year physical activity questionnaire (PYPAQ) which inquires about the frequency (days/week) and duration (average minutes/session) of leisure-time PA and sports. Load (peak strain score) values were assigned to each activity based on ground reaction forces. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography was used to assess bone parameters at metaphyseal and diaphyseal sites of the femur and tibia of the non-dominant leg. Results Correlations across all skeletal sites between PA duration, frequency, load and periosteal circumference (PC), bone strength index (BSI), and strength-strain index (SSI) were significant (p ≤ 0.05), although low (0.10–0.17). A 2.7–3.7% greater PC across all skeletal sites was associated with a high compared to a low PYPAQ score. Also, a high PYPAQ score was associated with greater BSI (6.5–8.7%) at metaphyseal sites and SSI (7.5–8.1%) at diaphyseal sites of the femur and tibia. The effect of a low PYPAQ score on bone geometric parameters and strength was greater than a high PYPAQ score. Conclusions PA duration, frequency, and load were all associated with bone geometry and strength, although their independent influences were modest and site specific. Low levels of PA may compromise bone development whereas high levels have only a small benefit over more average levels. PMID:20694457

The high frequency light load fatigue testing machine based on giant magnetostrictive material and stroke multiplier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, M. D.; Li, D. S.; Huang, Y.; Zhang, C.; Zhong, K. M.; Sun, L. N.

2013-08-01

In the notebook and clamshell mobile phone, data communication wire often requires repeated bending. Generally, communication wire with the actual application conditions, the test data cannot assess bending resistance performance of data communication wire is tested conventionally using wires with weights of 90 degree to test bending number, this test method and device is not fully reflect the fatigue performance in high frequency and light load application condition, at the same time it has a large difference between the test data of the long-term reliability of high frequency and low load conditions. In this paper, high frequency light load fatigue testing machine based on the giant magnetostrictive material and stroke multiplier is put forward, in which internal reflux stroke multiplier is driven by giant magnetostrictive material to realize the rapid movement of light load. This fatigue testing device has the following advantages: (1) When the load is far less than the friction, reducing friction is very effective to improve the device performance. Because the body is symmetrical, the friction loss of radial does not exist in theory, so the stress situation of mechanism is good with high transmission efficiency and long service life. (2) The installation position of the output hydraulic cylinder, can be arranged conveniently as ordinary cylinder. (3) Reciprocating frequency, displacement and speed of high frequency movement can be programmed easily to change with higher position precision. (4)Hydraulic oil in this device is closed to transmit, which does not produce any environment pollution. The device has no hydraulic pump and tank, and less energy conversion processes, so it is with the trend of green manufacturing.

A Randomized Case-Series Study Comparing the Stability of Implant with Two Different Surfaces Placed in Fresh Extraction Sockets and Immediately Loaded

PubMed Central

Vanden Bogaerde, Leonardo; Sennerby, Lars

2016-01-01

Background. Hydrophilic and moderately rough implant surfaces have been proposed to enhance the osseointegration response. Aim. The aim of this study was to compare early changes of stability for two implants with identical macrodesign but with different surface topographies. Materials and Methods. In 11 patients, a total of 22 implants (11 bimodal (minimally rough, control) and 11 proactive (moderately rough and hydrophilic, test), Neoss Ltd., Harrogate, UK) were immediately placed into fresh extraction sockets and immediately loaded. The peak insertion torque (IT) was measured in Ncm at placement. Resonance Frequency Analysis (RFA) measurements were made at baseline and 2, 4, 6, and 12 weeks after surgery. Results. The two implant types showed similar IT and RFA values at placement (NS). A dip of RFA values after 2 weeks followed by an increase was observed, where the test implant showed a less pronounced decrease and a more rapid recovery than the control implant. The test implants were significantly more stable than the control ones after 12 weeks. Conclusions. The results from the present study indicated that the hydrophilic and rougher test implant was more resistant to immediate loading and showed a significantly higher stability than the smoother control implant after 12 weeks. PMID:27042180

Modeling, control, and simulation of battery storage photovoltaic-wave energy hybrid renewable power generation systems for island electrification in Malaysia.

PubMed

Samrat, Nahidul Hoque; Bin Ahmad, Norhafizan; Choudhury, Imtiaz Ahmed; Bin Taha, Zahari

2014-01-01

Today, the whole world faces a great challenge to overcome the environmental problems related to global energy production. Most of the islands throughout the world depend on fossil fuel importation with respect to energy production. Recent development and research on green energy sources can assure sustainable power supply for the islands. But unpredictable nature and high dependency on weather conditions are the main limitations of renewable energy sources. To overcome this drawback, different renewable sources and converters need to be integrated with each other. This paper proposes a standalone hybrid photovoltaic- (PV-) wave energy conversion system with energy storage. In the proposed hybrid system, control of the bidirectional buck-boost DC-DC converter (BBDC) is used to maintain the constant dc-link voltage. It also accumulates the excess hybrid power in the battery bank and supplies this power to the system load during the shortage of hybrid power. A three-phase complex vector control scheme voltage source inverter (VSI) is used to control the load side voltage in terms of the frequency and voltage amplitude. Based on the simulation results obtained from Matlab/Simulink, it has been found that the overall hybrid framework is capable of working under the variable weather and load conditions.

Modeling, Control, and Simulation of Battery Storage Photovoltaic-Wave Energy Hybrid Renewable Power Generation Systems for Island Electrification in Malaysia

PubMed Central

Samrat, Nahidul Hoque; Ahmad, Norhafizan Bin; Choudhury, Imtiaz Ahmed; Taha, Zahari Bin

2014-01-01

Today, the whole world faces a great challenge to overcome the environmental problems related to global energy production. Most of the islands throughout the world depend on fossil fuel importation with respect to energy production. Recent development and research on green energy sources can assure sustainable power supply for the islands. But unpredictable nature and high dependency on weather conditions are the main limitations of renewable energy sources. To overcome this drawback, different renewable sources and converters need to be integrated with each other. This paper proposes a standalone hybrid photovoltaic- (PV-) wave energy conversion system with energy storage. In the proposed hybrid system, control of the bidirectional buck-boost DC-DC converter (BBDC) is used to maintain the constant dc-link voltage. It also accumulates the excess hybrid power in the battery bank and supplies this power to the system load during the shortage of hybrid power. A three-phase complex vector control scheme voltage source inverter (VSI) is used to control the load side voltage in terms of the frequency and voltage amplitude. Based on the simulation results obtained from Matlab/Simulink, it has been found that the overall hybrid framework is capable of working under the variable weather and load conditions. PMID:24892049

Variable frequency microwave furnace system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bible, D.W.; Lauf, R.J.

1994-06-14

A variable frequency microwave furnace system designed to allow modulation of the frequency of the microwaves introduced into a furnace cavity for testing or other selected applications. The variable frequency microwave furnace system includes a microwave signal generator or microwave voltage-controlled oscillator for generating a low-power microwave signal for input to the microwave furnace. A first amplifier may be provided to amplify the magnitude of the signal output from the microwave signal generator or the microwave voltage-controlled oscillator. A second amplifier is provided for processing the signal output by the first amplifier. The second amplifier outputs the microwave signal inputmore » to the furnace cavity. In the preferred embodiment, the second amplifier is a traveling-wave tube (TWT). A power supply is provided for operation of the second amplifier. A directional coupler is provided for detecting the direction of a signal and further directing the signal depending on the detected direction. A first power meter is provided for measuring the power delivered to the microwave furnace. A second power meter detects the magnitude of reflected power. Reflected power is dissipated in the reflected power load. 5 figs.« less

Variable frequency microwave furnace system

DOEpatents

Bible, D.W.; Lauf, R.J.

1994-06-14

A variable frequency microwave furnace system designed to allow modulation of the frequency of the microwaves introduced into a furnace cavity for testing or other selected applications. The variable frequency microwave furnace system includes a microwave signal generator or microwave voltage-controlled oscillator for generating a low-power microwave signal for input to the microwave furnace. A first amplifier may be provided to amplify the magnitude of the signal output from the microwave signal generator or the microwave voltage-controlled oscillator. A second amplifier is provided for processing the signal output by the first amplifier. The second amplifier outputs the microwave signal input to the furnace cavity. In the preferred embodiment, the second amplifier is a traveling-wave tube (TWT). A power supply is provided for operation of the second amplifier. A directional coupler is provided for detecting the direction of a signal and further directing the signal depending on the detected direction. A first power meter is provided for measuring the power delivered to the microwave furnace. A second power meter detects the magnitude of reflected power. Reflected power is dissipated in the reflected power load. 5 figs.

Recent Developments in Ground-Borne Noise and Vibration Control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nelson, J. T.

1996-05-01

Vibration control provisions available to the transit designer include (among others) precision straightened rail, ballast mats, floating slabs and very soft direct fixation fasteners, in addition to rail grinding, wheel truing, and continuous welded rail. Recently, the Los Angeles Metro has developed specifications for a soft resilient direct fixation fastener to fit the same base dimensions as the standard direct fixation fastener. In San Francisco, low resonance frequency (8 Hz) floating slabs have been constructed to mitigate predicted ground vibration impacts at nearby residential structures. In Atlanta, low resonance frequency loading slabs have been constructed to maintain a low vibration environment in a medical building planned to be built over the subway structure. In Portland and Pasadena, ballast mats have been recommended to control light rail transit ground vibration impacts on housing located at typically 35 feet from the alignment. Each of these provisions are briefly described in view of recent applications at U.S. transit systems.

Wireless power transfer electric vehicle supply equipment installation and validation tool

DOEpatents

Jones, Perry T.; Miller, John M.

2015-05-19

A transmit pad inspection device includes a magnetic coupling device, which includes an inductive circuit that is configured to magnetically couple to a primary circuit of a charging device in a transmit pad through an alternating current (AC) magnetic field. The inductive circuit functions as a secondary circuit for a set of magnetically coupled coils. The magnetic coupling device further includes a rectification circuit, and includes a controllable load bank or is configured to be connected to an external controllable load back. The transmit pad inspection device is configured to determine the efficiency of power transfer under various coupling conditions. In addition, the transmit pad inspection device can be configured to measure residual magnetic field and the frequency of the input current, and to determine whether the charging device has been installed properly.

Detecting Tooth Damage in Geared Drive Trains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nachtsheim, Philip R.

1997-01-01

This paper describes a method that was developed to detect gear tooth damage that does not require a priori knowledge of the frequency characteristic of the fault. The basic idea of the method is that a few damaged teeth will cause transient load fluctuations unlike the normal tooth load fluctuations. The method attempts to measure the energy in the lower side bands of the modulated signal caused by the transient load fluctuations. The method monitors the energy in the frequency interval which excludes the frequency of the lowest dominant normal tooth load fluctuation and all frequencies above it. The method reacted significantly to the tooth fracture damage results documented in the Lewis data sets which were obtained from tests of the OH-58A transmission and tests of high contact ratio spiral bevel gears. The method detected gear tooth fractures in all four of the high contact ratio spiral bevel gear runs. Published results indicate other detection methods were only able to detect faults for three out of four runs.

Long-term control of HIV-1 in hemophiliacs carrying slow-progressing allele HLA-B*5101.

PubMed

Kawashima, Yuka; Kuse, Nozomi; Gatanaga, Hiroyuki; Naruto, Takuya; Fujiwara, Mamoru; Dohki, Sachi; Akahoshi, Tomohiro; Maenaka, Katsumi; Goulder, Philip; Oka, Shinichi; Takiguchi, Masafumi

2010-07-01

HLA-B*51 alleles are reported to be associated with slow disease progression to AIDS, but the mechanism underlying this association is still unclear. In the present study, we analyzed the effect of HLA-B*5101 on clinical outcome for Japanese hemophiliacs who had been infected with HIV-1 before 1985 and had been recruited in 1998 for this study. HLA-B*5101(+) hemophiliacs exhibited significantly slow progression. The analysis of HLA-B*5101-restricted HIV-1-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses to 4 HLA-B*-restricted epitopes in 10 antiretroviral-therapy (ART)-free HLA-B*5101(+) hemophiliacs showed that the frequency of Pol283-8-specific CD8(+) T cells was inversely correlated with the viral load, whereas the frequencies of CD8(+) T cells specific for 3 other epitopes were positively correlated with the viral load. The HLA-B*5101(+) hemophiliacs whose HIV-1 replication had been controlled for approximately 25 years had HIV-1 possessing the wild-type Pol283-8 sequence or the Pol283-8V mutant, which does not critically affect T-cell recognition, whereas other HLA-B*5101(+) hemophiliacs had HIV-1 with escape mutations in this epitope. The results suggest that the control of HIV-1 over approximately 25 years in HLA-B*5101-positive hemophiliacs is associated with a Pol283-8-specific CD8(+) T-cell response and that lack of control of HIV-1 is associated with the appearance of Pol283-8-specific escape mutants.

Internally resonating lattices for bandgap generation and low-frequency vibration control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baravelli, Emanuele; Ruzzene, Massimo

2013-12-01

The paper reports on a structural concept for high stiffness and high damping performance. A stiff external frame and an internal resonating lattice are combined in a beam-like assembly which is characterized by high frequency bandgaps and tuned vibration attenuation at low frequencies. The resonating lattice consists of an elastomeric material arranged according to a chiral topology which is designed to resonate at selected frequencies. The concept achieves high damping performance by combining the frequency-selective properties of internally resonating structures, with the energy dissipation characteristics of their constituent material. The flexible ligaments, the circular nodes and the non-central interactions of the chiral topology lead to dynamic deformation patterns which are beneficial to energy dissipation. Furthermore, tuning and grading of the elements of the lattice allows for tailoring of the resonating properties so that vibration attenuation is obtained over desired frequency ranges. Numerical and experimental results demonstrate the tuning flexibility of this concept and suggest its potential application for load-carrying structural members parts of vibration and shock prone systems.

Trabecular bone adaptation to low-magnitude high-frequency loading in microgravity.

PubMed

Torcasio, Antonia; Jähn, Katharina; Van Guyse, Maarten; Spaepen, Pieter; Tami, Andrea E; Vander Sloten, Jos; Stoddart, Martin J; van Lenthe, G Harry

2014-01-01

Exposure to microgravity causes loss of lower body bone mass in some astronauts. Low-magnitude high-frequency loading can stimulate bone formation on earth. Here we hypothesized that low-magnitude high-frequency loading will also stimulate bone formation under microgravity conditions. Two groups of six bovine cancellous bone explants were cultured at microgravity on a Russian Foton-M3 spacecraft and were either loaded dynamically using a sinusoidal curve or experienced only a static load. Comparable reference groups were investigated at normal gravity. Bone structure was assessed by histology, and mechanical competence was quantified using μCT and FE modelling; bone remodelling was assessed by fluorescent labelling and secreted bone turnover markers. Statistical analyses on morphometric parameters and apparent stiffness did not reveal significant differences between the treatment groups. The release of bone formation marker from the groups cultured at normal gravity increased significantly from the first to the second week of the experiment by 90.4% and 82.5% in response to static and dynamic loading, respectively. Bone resorption markers decreased significantly for the groups cultured at microgravity by 7.5% and 8.0% in response to static and dynamic loading, respectively. We found low strain magnitudes to drive bone turnover when applied at high frequency, and this to be valid at normal as well as at microgravity. In conclusion, we found the effect of mechanical loading on trabecular bone to be regulated mainly by an increase of bone formation at normal gravity and by a decrease in bone resorption at microgravity. Additional studies with extended experimental time and increased samples number appear necessary for a further understanding of the anabolic potential of dynamic loading on bone quality and mechanical competence.

Adaptive controller for a strength testbed for aircraft structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laperdin, A. I.; Yurkevich, V. D.

2017-07-01

The problem of control system design for a strength testbed of aircraft structures is considered. A method for calculating the parameters of a proportional-integral controller (control algorithm) using the time-scale separation method for the testbed taking into account the dead time effect in the control loop is presented. An adaptive control algorithm structure is proposed which limits the amplitude of high-frequency oscillations in the control system with a change in the direction of motion of the rod of the hydraulic cylinders and provides the desired accuracy and quality of transients at all stages of structural loading history. The results of tests of the developed control system with the adaptive control algorithm on an experimental strength testbed for aircraft structures are given.

Relationship between airway colonization, inflammation and exacerbation frequency in COPD.

PubMed

Tumkaya, Munir; Atis, Sibel; Ozge, Cengiz; Delialioglu, Nuran; Polat, Gurbuz; Kanik, Arzu

2007-04-01

To evaluate bacterial colonization and the airway inflammatory response, and its relationship to the frequency of exacerbation in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Quantitative bacteriologic cultures, neutrophil elastase, myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin (IL)-8 were measured in bronchoalveoler lavage (BAL) in 39 patients with stable COPD [19 with frequent exacerbation (> or = 3/year), and 20 with infrequent] and in 18 healthy controls (10 smokers and 8 non-smokers). BAL revealed the microorganisms with potential pathogenicity above the established threshold (> or = 10(3)cfu/ml) in 68.4% of patients with frequent exacerbation, 55% of infrequent exacerbation, 40% of smokers and 12.5% of non-smokers controls (P=0.05). BAL MPO, IL-8 and TNF-alpha levels were found to be significantly higher in COPD as compared to controls (P=0.001). However, only IL-8 level was significantly higher in COPD patients with frequent exacerbation as compared to infrequent (P=0.001). Airway bacterial load correlated with levels of airway inflammation markers in COPD (P<0.05). The bacterial load and airway inflammation contributes to each other in stable COPD. However, there is a link only between interleukine (IL)-8 and frequent exacerbations. Clearly, the relationship between bacterial colonization, airway inflammation and frequent exacerbations is of major importance in understanding of the COPD pathogenesis.

Novel high-frequency energy-efficient pulsed-dc generator for capacitively coupled plasma discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mamun, Md Abdullah Al; Furuta, Hiroshi; Hatta, Akimitsu

2018-03-01

The circuit design, assembly, and operating tests of a high-frequency and high-voltage (HV) pulsed dc generator (PDG) for capacitively coupled plasma (CCP) discharge inside a vacuum chamber are reported. For capacitive loads, it is challenging to obtain sharp rectangular pulses with fast rising and falling edges, requiring intense current for quick charging and discharging. The requirement of intense current generally limits the pulse operation frequency. In this study, we present a new type of PDG consisting of a pair of half-resonant converters and a constant current-controller circuit connected with HV solid-state power switches that can deliver almost rectangular high voltage pulses with fast rising and falling edges for CCP discharge. A prototype of the PDG is assembled to modulate from a high-voltage direct current (HVdc) input into a pulsed HVdc output, while following an input pulse signal and a set current level. The pulse rise time and fall time are less than 500 ns and 800 ns, respectively, and the minimum pulse width is 1 µs. The maximum voltage for a negative pulse is 1000 V, and the maximum repetition frequency is 500 kHz. During the pulse on time, the plasma discharge current is controlled steadily at the set value. The half-resonant converters in the PDG perform recovery of the remaining energy from the capacitive load at every termination of pulse discharge. The PDG performed with a high energy efficiency of 85% from the HVdc input to the pulsed dc output at a repetition rate of 1 kHz and with stable plasma operation in various discharge conditions. The results suggest that the developed PDG can be considered to be more efficient for plasma processing by CCP.

Novel high-frequency energy-efficient pulsed-dc generator for capacitively coupled plasma discharge.

PubMed

Mamun, Md Abdullah Al; Furuta, Hiroshi; Hatta, Akimitsu

2018-03-01

The circuit design, assembly, and operating tests of a high-frequency and high-voltage (HV) pulsed dc generator (PDG) for capacitively coupled plasma (CCP) discharge inside a vacuum chamber are reported. For capacitive loads, it is challenging to obtain sharp rectangular pulses with fast rising and falling edges, requiring intense current for quick charging and discharging. The requirement of intense current generally limits the pulse operation frequency. In this study, we present a new type of PDG consisting of a pair of half-resonant converters and a constant current-controller circuit connected with HV solid-state power switches that can deliver almost rectangular high voltage pulses with fast rising and falling edges for CCP discharge. A prototype of the PDG is assembled to modulate from a high-voltage direct current (HVdc) input into a pulsed HVdc output, while following an input pulse signal and a set current level. The pulse rise time and fall time are less than 500 ns and 800 ns, respectively, and the minimum pulse width is 1 µs. The maximum voltage for a negative pulse is 1000 V, and the maximum repetition frequency is 500 kHz. During the pulse on time, the plasma discharge current is controlled steadily at the set value. The half-resonant converters in the PDG perform recovery of the remaining energy from the capacitive load at every termination of pulse discharge. The PDG performed with a high energy efficiency of 85% from the HVdc input to the pulsed dc output at a repetition rate of 1 kHz and with stable plasma operation in various discharge conditions. The results suggest that the developed PDG can be considered to be more efficient for plasma processing by CCP.

Biogeochemical control of marine productivity in the Mediterranean Sea during the last 50 years

PubMed Central

Macias, Diego; Garcia-Gorriz, Elisa; Piroddi, Chiara; Stips, Adolf

2014-01-01

The temporal dynamics of biogeochemical variables derived from a coupled 3-D model of the Mediterranean Sea are evaluated for the last 50 years (1960–2010) against independent data on fisheries catch per unit effort (CPUE) for the same time period. Concordant patterns are found in the time series of all of the biological variables (from the model and from fisheries statistics), with low values at the beginning of the series, a later increase, with maximum levels reached at the end of the 1990s, and a posterior stabilization. Spectral analysis of the annual biological time series reveals coincident low-frequency signals in all of them. The first, more energetic signal peaks around the year 2000, while the second, less energetic signal peaks near 1982. Almost identical low-frequency signals are found in the nutrient loads of the rivers and in the integrated nutrient levels in the surface marine ecosystem. Nitrate concentration shows a maximum level in 1998, with a later stabilization to present-day values, coincident with the first low-frequency signal found in the biological series. Phosphate shows maximum concentrations around 1982 and a posterior sharp decline, in concordance with the second low-frequency signal observed in the biological series. That result seems to indicate that the control of marine productivity (plankton to fish) in the Mediterranean is principally mediated through bottom-up processes that could be traced back to the characteristics of riverine discharges. The high sensitivity of CPUE time series to environmental conditions might be another indicator of the overexploitation of this marine ecosystem. Key Points Biogeochemical evolution of the Mediterranean over the past 50 years River nutrient loads drive primary and secondary productions Strong link between low trophic levels and fisheries PMID:26180286

Development of Radio Frequency Diesel Particulate Filter Sensor and Controls for Advanced Low Pressure Drop Systems to Reduce Engine Fuel Consumption (06B)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sappok, Alexander; Ragaller, Paul; Bromberg, Leslie

This project developed a radio frequencybased sensor for accurate measurement of diesel particulate filter (DPF) loading with advanced low pressuredrop aftertreatment systems. The resulting technology demonstrated engine efficiency improvements through optimization of the combined engineaftertreatment system while reducing emissions, system cost, and complexity to meet the DOE program objectives.

Exploratory Studies in Generalized Predictive Control for Active Gust Load Alleviation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kvaternik, Raymond G.; Eure, Kenneth W.; Juang, Jer-Nan

2006-01-01

The results of numerical simulations aimed at assessing the efficacy of Generalized Predictive Control (GPC) for active gust load alleviation using trailing- and leading-edge control surfaces are presented. The equations underlying the method are presented and discussed, including system identification, calculation of control law matrices, and calculation of commands applied to the control effectors. Both embedded and explicit feedforward paths for inclusion of disturbance effects are addressed. Results from two types of simulations are shown. The first used a 3-DOF math model of a mass-spring-dashpot system subject to user-defined external disturbances. The second used open-loop data from a wind-tunnel test in which a wing model was excited by sinusoidal vertical gusts; closed-loop behavior was simulated in post-test calculations. Results obtained from these simulations have been decidedly positive. In particular, results of closed-loop simulations for the wing model showed reductions in root moments by factors as high as 1000, depending on whether the excitation is from a constant- or variable-frequency gust and on the direction of the response.

Model-based framework for multi-axial real-time hybrid simulation testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fermandois, Gaston A.; Spencer, Billie F.

2017-10-01

Real-time hybrid simulation is an efficient and cost-effective dynamic testing technique for performance evaluation of structural systems subjected to earthquake loading with rate-dependent behavior. A loading assembly with multiple actuators is required to impose realistic boundary conditions on physical specimens. However, such a testing system is expected to exhibit significant dynamic coupling of the actuators and suffer from time lags that are associated with the dynamics of the servo-hydraulic system, as well as control-structure interaction (CSI). One approach to reducing experimental errors considers a multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) controller design, yielding accurate reference tracking and noise rejection. In this paper, a framework for multi-axial real-time hybrid simulation (maRTHS) testing is presented. The methodology employs a real-time feedback-feedforward controller for multiple actuators commanded in Cartesian coordinates. Kinematic transformations between actuator space and Cartesian space are derived for all six-degrees-offreedom of the moving platform. Then, a frequency domain identification technique is used to develop an accurate MIMO transfer function of the system. Further, a Cartesian-domain model-based feedforward-feedback controller is implemented for time lag compensation and to increase the robustness of the reference tracking for given model uncertainty. The framework is implemented using the 1/5th-scale Load and Boundary Condition Box (LBCB) located at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. To demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed methodology, a single-story frame subjected to earthquake loading is tested. One of the columns in the frame is represented physically in the laboratory as a cantilevered steel column. For realtime execution, the numerical substructure, kinematic transformations, and controllers are implemented on a digital signal processor. Results show excellent performance of the maRTHS framework when six-degrees-of-freedom are controlled at the interface between substructures.

Effect of surface roughness on liquid property measurements using mechanically oscillating sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jain, Mahaveer K.; Grimes, Craig A.

2002-01-01

The resonant frequency and quality factor Q of a liquid immersed magnetoelastic sensor are shown to shift linearly with the liquid viscosity and density product. Measurements using different grade oils, organic chemicals, and glycerol-water mixtures show that the surface roughness of the sensor in combination with the molecular size of the liquid play important roles in determining measurement sensitivity, which can be controlled through adjusting the surface roughness of the sensor surface. A theoretical model describing the sensor resonant frequency and quality factor Q as a function of liquid properties is developed using a novel equivalent circuit approach. Experimental results are in agreement with theory when the liquid molecule size is larger than the average surface roughness. However, when the molecular size of the liquid is small relative to the surface roughness features molecules are trapped, and the trapped molecules act both as a mass load and viscous load; the result is higher viscous damping of the sensor than expected. c2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of static axial loads on the lateral vibration attenuation of a beam with piezo-elastic supports

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Götz, Benedict; Platz, Roland; Melz, Tobias

2018-03-01

In this paper, vibration attenuation of a beam with circular cross-section by resonantly shunted piezo-elastic supports is experimentally investigated for varying axial tensile and compressive beam loads. The beam's first mode resonance frequency, the general electromechanical coupling coefficient and static transducer capacitance are analyzed for varying axial loads. All three parameter values are obtained from transducer impedance measurements on an experimental test setup. Varying axial beam loads manipulate the beam's lateral bending stiffness and, thus, lead to a detuning of the resonance frequencies. Furthermore, they affect the general electromechanical coupling coefficient of transducer and beam, an important modal quantity for shunt-damping, whereas the static transducer capacitance is nearly unaffected. Frequency transfer functions of the beam with one piezoe-elastic support either shunted to an RL-shunt or to an RL-shunt with negative capacitance, the RLC-shunt, are compared for varying axial loads. It is shown that the beam vibration attenuation with the RLC-shunt is less influenced by varying axial beam loads and, therefore, is more robust against detuning.

Using high-frequency sensors to identify hydroclimatological controls on storm-event variability in catchment nutrient fluxes and source zone activation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blaen, Phillip; Khamis, Kieran; Lloyd, Charlotte; Krause, Stefan

2017-04-01

At the river catchment scale, storm events can drive highly variable behaviour in nutrient and water fluxes, yet short-term dynamics are frequently missed by low resolution sampling regimes. In addition, nutrient source contributions can vary significantly within and between storm events. Our inability to identify and characterise time dynamic source zone contributions severely hampers the adequate design of land use management practices in order to control nutrient exports from agricultural landscapes. Here, we utilise an 8-month high-frequency (hourly) time series of streamflow, nitrate concentration (NO3) and fluorescent dissolved organic matter concentration (FDOM) derived from optical in-situ sensors located in a headwater agricultural catchment. We characterised variability in flow and nutrient dynamics across 29 storm events. Storm events represented 31% of the time series and contributed disproportionately to nutrient loads (43% of NO3 and 36% of CDOM) relative to their duration. Principal components analysis of potential hydroclimatological controls on nutrient fluxes demonstrated that a small number of components, representing >90% of variance in the dataset, were highly significant model predictors of inter-event variability in catchment nutrient export. Hysteresis analysis of nutrient concentration-discharge relationships suggested spatially discrete source zones existed for NO3 and FDOM, and that activation of these zones varied on an event-specific basis. Our results highlight the benefits of high-frequency in-situ monitoring for characterising complex short-term nutrient dynamics and unravelling connections between hydroclimatological variability and river nutrient export and source zone activation under extreme flow conditions. These new process-based insights are fundamental to underpinning the development of targeted management measures to reduce nutrient loading of surface waters.

Evaluation of pollutant loads from stormwater BMPs to receiving water using load frequency curves with uncertainty analysis.

PubMed

Park, Daeryong; Roesner, Larry A

2012-12-15

This study examined pollutant loads released to receiving water from a typical urban watershed in the Los Angeles (LA) Basin of California by applying a best management practice (BMP) performance model that includes uncertainty. This BMP performance model uses the k-C model and incorporates uncertainty analysis and the first-order second-moment (FOSM) method to assess the effectiveness of BMPs for removing stormwater pollutants. Uncertainties were considered for the influent event mean concentration (EMC) and the aerial removal rate constant of the k-C model. The storage treatment overflow and runoff model (STORM) was used to simulate the flow volume from watershed, the bypass flow volume and the flow volume that passes through the BMP. Detention basins and total suspended solids (TSS) were chosen as representatives of stormwater BMP and pollutant, respectively. This paper applies load frequency curves (LFCs), which replace the exceedance percentage with an exceedance frequency as an alternative to load duration curves (LDCs), to evaluate the effectiveness of BMPs. An evaluation method based on uncertainty analysis is suggested because it applies a water quality standard exceedance based on frequency and magnitude. As a result, the incorporation of uncertainty in the estimates of pollutant loads can assist stormwater managers in determining the degree of total daily maximum load (TMDL) compliance that could be expected from a given BMP in a watershed. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The frequency of human, manual adjustments in balancing an inverted pendulum is constrained by intrinsic physiological factors

PubMed Central

Loram, Ian D; Gawthrop, Peter J; Lakie, Martin

2006-01-01

While standing naturally and when manually or pedally balancing an equivalent inverted pendulum, the load sways slowly (characteristic unidirectional duration ∼1 s) and the controller, calf muscles or hand, makes more frequent adjustments (characteristic unidirectional duration 400 ms). Here we test the hypothesis that these durations reflect load properties rather than some intrinsic property of the human neuromuscular system. Using a specialized set-up mechanically analogous to real standing, subjects manually balanced inverted pendulums with different moments of inertia through a compliant spring representing the Achilles tendon. The spring bias was controlled by a sensitive joystick via a servo motor and accurate visual feedback was provided on an oscilloscope. As moment of inertia decreased, inverted pendulum sway size increased and it became difficult to sustain successful balance. The mean duration of unidirectional balance adjustments did not change. Moreover, the mean duration of unidirectional inverted pendulum sway reduced only slightly, remaining around 1 s. The simplest explanation is that balance was maintained by a process of manual adjustments intrinsically limited to a mean frequency of two to three unidirectional adjustments per second corresponding to intermittent control observed in manual tracking experiments. Consequently the inverted pendulum sway duration, mechanically related to the bias duration, reflects an intrinsic constraint of the neuromuscular control system. Given the similar durations of sway and muscle adjustments observed in real standing, we postulate that the characteristic duration of unidirectional standing sway reflects intrinsic intermittent control rather than the inertial properties of the body. PMID:16973712

Recent advances in ultrasonic treatment: Challenges and field applications for controlling harmful algal blooms (HABs).

PubMed

Park, Jungsu; Church, Jared; Son, Younggyu; Kim, Keug-Tae; Lee, Woo Hyoung

2017-09-01

Algal blooms are a naturally occurring phenomenon which can occur in both freshwater and saltwater. However, due to excess nutrient loading in water bodies (e.g. agricultural runoff and industrial activities), harmful algal blooms (HABs) have become an increasing issue globally, and can even cause health effects in humans due to the release of cyanotoxins. Among currently available treatment methods, sonication has received increasing attention for algal control because of its low impact on ecosystems and the environment. The effects of ultrasound on algal cells are well understood and operating parameter such as frequency, intensity, and duration of exposure has been well studied. However, most studies have been limited to laboratory data interpretation due to complicated environmental conditions in the field. Only a few field and pilot tests in small reservoirs were reported and the applicability of ultrasound for HABs prevention and control is still under question. There is a lack of information on the upscaling of ultrasonication devices for HAB control on larger water bodies, considering field influencing factors such as rainfall, light intensity/duration, temperature, water flow, nutrients loading, and turbidity. In this review article, we address the challenges and field considerations of ultrasonic applications for controlling algal blooms. An extensive literature survey, from the fundamentals of ultrasound techniques to recent ultrasound laboratory and field studies, has been thoroughly conducted and summarized to identify future technical expectations for field applications. Case studies investigating spatial distribution of frequency and pressure during sonication are highlighted with future implications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fundamental Understanding of Rotor Aeromechanics at High Advance Ratio Through Wind Tunnel Testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berry, Benjamin

The purpose of this research is to further the understanding of rotor aeromechanics at advance ratios (mu) beyond the maximum of 0.5 (ratio of forward airspeed to rotor tip speed) for conventional helicopters. High advance ratio rotors have applications in high speed compound helicopters. In addition to one or more conventional main rotors, these aircraft employ either thrust compounding (propellers), lift compounding (fixed-wings), or both. An articulated 4-bladed model rotor was constructed, instrumented, and tested up to a maximum advance ratio of mu=1.6 in the Glenn L. Martin Wind Tunnel at the University of Maryland. The data set includes steady and unsteady rotor hub forces and moments, blade structural loads, blade flapping angles, swashplate control angles, and unsteady blade pressures. A collective-thrust control reversal--where increasing collective pitch results in lower rotor thrust--was observed and is a unique phenomenon to the high advance ratio flight regime. The thrust reversal is explained in a physical manner as well as through an analytical formulation. The requirements for the occurrence of the thrust reversal are enumerated. The effects of rotor geometry design on the thrust reversal onset are explored through the formulation and compared to the measured data. Reverse-flow dynamic stall was observed to extend the the lifting capability of the edgewise rotor well beyond the expected static stall behavior of the airfoil sections. Through embedded unsteady blade surface pressure transducers, the normal force, pitching moment, and shed dynamic stall vortex time histories at a blade section in strong reverse flow were analyzed. Favorable comparisons with published 2-D pitching airfoil reverse flow dynamic stall data indicate that the 3-D stall environment can likely be predicted using models developed from such 2-D experiments. Vibratory hub loads were observed to increase with advance ratio. Maximum amplitude was observed near mu=1, with a reduction in vibratory loads at higher advance ratios. Blade load 4/rev harmonics dominated due to operation near a 4/rev fanplot crossing of the 2nd flap bending mode natural frequency. Oscillatory loads sharply increase in the presence of retreating blade reverse flow dynamic stall, and are evident in blade torsion, pitch link, and hub load measurements. The blades exhibited torsion moment vibrations at the frequency of the 1st torsion mode in response to the reverse flow pitching moment loading.

Quantitative fault tolerant control design for a hydraulic actuator with a leaking piston seal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karpenko, Mark

Hydraulic actuators are complex fluid power devices whose performance can be degraded in the presence of system faults. In this thesis a linear, fixed-gain, fault tolerant controller is designed that can maintain the positioning performance of an electrohydraulic actuator operating under load with a leaking piston seal and in the presence of parametric uncertainties. Developing a control system tolerant to this class of internal leakage fault is important since a leaking piston seal can be difficult to detect, unless the actuator is disassembled. The designed fault tolerant control law is of low-order, uses only the actuator position as feedback, and can: (i) accommodate nonlinearities in the hydraulic functions, (ii) maintain robustness against typical uncertainties in the hydraulic system parameters, and (iii) keep the positioning performance of the actuator within prescribed tolerances despite an internal leakage fault that can bypass up to 40% of the rated servovalve flow across the actuator piston. Experimental tests verify the functionality of the fault tolerant control under normal and faulty operating conditions. The fault tolerant controller is synthesized based on linear time-invariant equivalent (LTIE) models of the hydraulic actuator using the quantitative feedback theory (QFT) design technique. A numerical approach for identifying LTIE frequency response functions of hydraulic actuators from acceptable input-output responses is developed so that linearizing the hydraulic functions can be avoided. The proposed approach can properly identify the features of the hydraulic actuator frequency response that are important for control system design and requires no prior knowledge about the asymptotic behavior or structure of the LTIE transfer functions. A distributed hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation architecture is constructed that enables the performance of the proposed fault tolerant control law to be further substantiated, under realistic operating conditions. Using the HIL framework, the fault tolerant hydraulic actuator is operated as a flight control actuator against the real-time numerical simulation of a high-performance jet aircraft. A robust electrohydraulic loading system is also designed using QFT so that the in-flight aerodynamic load can be experimentally replicated. The results of the HIL experiments show that using the fault tolerant controller to compensate the internal leakage fault at the actuator level can benefit the flight performance of the airplane.

Tackling optimization challenges in industrial load control and full-duplex radios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gholian, Armen

In price-based demand response programs in smart grid, utilities set the price in accordance with the grid operating conditions and consumers respond to price signals by conducting optimal load control to minimize their energy expenditure while satisfying their energy needs. Industrial sector consumes a large portion of world electricity and addressing optimal load control of energy-intensive industrial complexes, such as steel industry and oil-refinery, is of practical importance. Formulating a general industrial complex and addressing issues in optimal industrial load control in smart grid is the focus of the second part of this dissertation. Several industrial load details are considered in the proposed formulation, including those that do not appear in residential or commercial load control problems. Operation under different smart pricing scenarios, namely, day-ahead pricing, time-of-use pricing, peak pricing, inclining block rates, and critical peak pricing are considered. The use of behind-the-meter renewable generation and energy storage is also considered. The formulated optimization problem is originally nonlinear and nonconvex and thus hard to solve. However, it is then reformulated into a tractable linear mixed-integer program. The performance of the design is assessed through various simulations for an oil refinery and a steel mini-mill. In the third part of this dissertation, a novel all-analog RF interference canceler is proposed. Radio self-interference cancellation (SIC) is the fundamental enabler for full-duplex radios. While SIC methods based on baseband digital signal processing and/or beamforming are inadequate, an all-analog method is useful to drastically reduce the self-interference as the first stage of SIC. It is shown that a uniform architecture with uniformly distributed RF attenuators has a performance highly dependent on the carrier frequency. It is also shown that a new architecture with the attenuators distributed in a clustered fashion has important advantages over the uniform architecture. These advantages are shown numerically through random multipath interference channels, number of control bits in step attenuators, attenuation-dependent phases, single and multi-level structures, etc.

The use of 5-fluorouracil-loaded nanobubbles combined with low-frequency ultrasound to treat hepatocellular carcinoma in nude mice.

PubMed

Li, Qiaoya; Li, Hongyang; He, Chengjun; Jing, Zhouhong; Liu, Changan; Xie, Juan; Ma, Wenwen; Deng, Huisheng

2017-11-21

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-loaded nanobubbles irradiated with low-intensity, low-frequency ultrasound in nude mice with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A transplanted tumor model of HCC in nude mice was established in 40 mice, which were then randomly divided equally into four groups: group A (saline), group B (5-FU-loaded nanobubbles), group C (5-FU-loaded nanobubbles with non-low-frequency ultrasound), and group D (5-FU-loaded nanobubbles with low-frequency ultrasound). The tumor size in each mouse was observed via ultrasound before and after the treatments. Inhibition of the tumor growth in each group was compared, and survival curves were generated. Tumor tissues were removed to determine the apoptotic index using the TUNEL method and quantitative analysis. Tumor tissues with CD34-positive microvessels were observed by immunohistochemistry, and the tumor microvessel densities were calculated. The growth rate of the tumor volumes in group D was significantly slower than that in the other groups, while the tumor inhibition rates and apoptotic index in group D were significantly higher than those of the other groups. The number of microvessels staining positive for CD34 was decreased in group D. Therefore, group D presented the most significant inhibitory effects. Therefore, 5-FU-loaded nanobubbles subjected to irradiation with low-frequency ultrasound could further improve drug targeting and effectively inhibit the growth of transplanted tumors, which is expected to become an ideal drug carrier and targeted drug delivery system for the treatment of HCC in the future.

The viscoelastic standard nonlinear solid model: predicting the response of the lumbar intervertebral disk to low-frequency vibrations.

PubMed

Groth, Kevin M; Granata, Kevin P

2008-06-01

Due to the mathematical complexity of current musculoskeletal spine models, there is a need for computationally efficient models of the intervertebral disk (IVD). The aim of this study is to develop a mathematical model that will adequately describe the motion of the IVD under axial cyclic loading as well as maintain computational efficiency for use in future musculoskeletal spine models. Several studies have successfully modeled the creep characteristics of the IVD using the three-parameter viscoelastic standard linear solid (SLS) model. However, when the SLS model is subjected to cyclic loading, it underestimates the load relaxation, the cyclic modulus, and the hysteresis of the human lumbar IVD. A viscoelastic standard nonlinear solid (SNS) model was used to predict the response of the human lumbar IVD subjected to low-frequency vibration. Nonlinear behavior of the SNS model was simulated by a strain-dependent elastic modulus on the SLS model. Parameters of the SNS model were estimated from experimental load deformation and stress-relaxation curves obtained from the literature. The SNS model was able to predict the cyclic modulus of the IVD at frequencies of 0.01 Hz, 0.1 Hz, and 1 Hz. Furthermore, the SNS model was able to quantitatively predict the load relaxation at a frequency of 0.01 Hz. However, model performance was unsatisfactory when predicting load relaxation and hysteresis at higher frequencies (0.1 Hz and 1 Hz). The SLS model of the lumbar IVD may require strain-dependent elastic and viscous behavior to represent the dynamic response to compressive strain.

Simulation of a current source with a Cole-Cole load for multi-frequency electrical impedance tomography.

PubMed

Aguiar Santos, Susana; Schlebusch, Thomas; Leonhardt, Steffen

2013-01-01

An accurate current source is one of the keys in the hardware of Electrical impedance Tomography systems. Limitations appear mainly at higher frequencies and for non-simple resistive loads. In this paper, we simulate an improved Howland current source with a Cole-Cole load. Simulations comparing two different op-amps (THS4021 and OPA843) were performed at 1 kHz to 1 MHz. Results show that the THS4021 performed better than the OPA843. The current source with THS4021 reaches an output impedance of 20 MΩ at 1 kHz and above 320 kΩ at 1 MHz, it provides a constant and stable output current up to 4 mA, in the complete range of frequencies, and for Cole-Cole (resistive and capacitive) load.

225-255-GHz InP DHBT Frequency Tripler MMIC Using Complementary Split-Ring Resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiao; Zhang, Yong; Li, Oupeng; Sun, Yan; Lu, Haiyan; Cheng, Wei; Xu, Ruimin

2017-02-01

In this paper, a novel design of frequency tripler monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) using complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR) is proposed based on 0.5-μm InP DHBT process. The CSRR-loaded microstrip structure is integrated in the tripler as a part of impedance matching network to suppress the fundamental harmonic, and another frequency tripler based on conventional band-pass filter is presented for comparison. The frequency tripler based on CSRR-loaded microstrip generates an output power between -8 and -4 dBm from 228 to 255 GHz when the input power is 6 dBm. The suppression of fundamental harmonic is better than 20 dBc at 77-82 GHz input frequency within only 0.15 × 0.15 mm2 chip area of the CSRR structure on the ground layer. Compared with the frequency tripler based on band-pass filter, the tripler using CSRR-loaded microstrip obtains a similar suppression level of unwanted harmonics and higher conversion gain within a much smaller chip area. To our best knowledge, it is the first time that CSRR is used for harmonic suppression of frequency multiplier at such high frequency band.

Improving prediction accuracy of cooling load using EMD, PSR and RBFNN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Limin; Wen, Yuanmei; Li, Xiaohong

2017-08-01

To increase the accuracy for the prediction of cooling load demand, this work presents an EMD (empirical mode decomposition)-PSR (phase space reconstruction) based RBFNN (radial basis function neural networks) method. Firstly, analyzed the chaotic nature of the real cooling load demand, transformed the non-stationary cooling load historical data into several stationary intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) by using EMD. Secondly, compared the RBFNN prediction accuracies of each IMFs and proposed an IMF combining scheme that is combine the lower-frequency components (called IMF4-IMF6 combined) while keep the higher frequency component (IMF1, IMF2, IMF3) and the residual unchanged. Thirdly, reconstruct phase space for each combined components separately, process the highest frequency component (IMF1) by differential method and predict with RBFNN in the reconstructed phase spaces. Real cooling load data of a centralized ice storage cooling systems in Guangzhou are used for simulation. The results show that the proposed hybrid method outperforms the traditional methods.

[Establishment and application of mechanical strain loading system of multi-channel cells].

PubMed

Li, Yongming; Wang, Hua; Zhang, Xiaodong; Tang, Lin

2012-02-01

Based on single-chip microcomputer, we have established a mechanical strain loading system with multi-channel to study the biological behavior of cultured cells in vitro under mechanical strain. We developed a multi-channel cell strain loading device controlled by single-chip microcomputer. We controlled the vacuum pump with vacuum chamber to make negative pressure changing periodically in the vacuum chamber. The tested cells were seeded on the surface of an elastic membrane mounted on the vacuum chamber, and could be strained or relaxed by cyclic pressure. Since the cells are attached to the surface of the membrane, they presumably experience the same deformation as that was applied to the membrane. The system was easy to carry and to operate, with deformation rate (1%-21%) and frequency (0-0. 5Hz) which could be adjusted correctly according to experimental requirement, and could compare different deformation rate of three channels at the same time. The system ran stably and completely achieved design aims, and provided a method to study the biological behavior of cultured cells attached to the surface of the elastic membrane under mechanical strain in vitro.

Power Management Based Current Control Technique for Photovoltaic-Battery Assisted Wind-Hydro Hybrid System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ram Prabhakar, J.; Ragavan, K.

2013-07-01

This article proposes new power management based current control strategy for integrated wind-solar-hydro system equipped with battery storage mechanism. In this control technique, an indirect estimation of load current is done, through energy balance model, DC-link voltage control and droop control. This system features simpler energy management strategy and necessitates few power electronic converters, thereby minimizing the cost of the system. The generation-demand (G-D) management diagram is formulated based on the stochastic weather conditions and demand, which would likely moderate the gap between both. The features of management strategy deploying energy balance model include (1) regulating DC-link voltage within specified tolerances, (2) isolated operation without relying on external electric power transmission network, (3) indirect current control of hydro turbine driven induction generator and (4) seamless transition between grid-connected and off-grid operation modes. Furthermore, structuring of the hybrid system with appropriate selection of control variables enables power sharing among each energy conversion systems and battery storage mechanism. By addressing these intricacies, it is viable to regulate the frequency and voltage of the remote network at load end. The performance of the proposed composite scheme is demonstrated through time-domain simulation in MATLAB/Simulink environment.

Analysis of the load selection on the error of source characteristics identification for an engine exhaust system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Sifa; Liu, Haitao; Dan, Jiabi; Lian, Xiaomin

2015-05-01

Linear time-invariant assumption for the determination of acoustic source characteristics, the source strength and the source impedance in the frequency domain has been proved reasonable in the design of an exhaust system. Different methods have been proposed to its identification and the multi-load method is widely used for its convenience by varying the load number and impedance. Theoretical error analysis has rarely been referred to and previous results have shown an overdetermined set of open pipes can reduce the identification error. This paper contributes a theoretical error analysis for the load selection. The relationships between the error in the identification of source characteristics and the load selection were analysed. A general linear time-invariant model was built based on the four-load method. To analyse the error of the source impedance, an error estimation function was proposed. The dispersion of the source pressure was obtained by an inverse calculation as an indicator to detect the accuracy of the results. It was found that for a certain load length, the load resistance at the frequency points of one-quarter wavelength of odd multiples results in peaks and in the maximum error for source impedance identification. Therefore, the load impedance of frequency range within the one-quarter wavelength of odd multiples should not be used for source impedance identification. If the selected loads have more similar resistance values (i.e., the same order of magnitude), the identification error of the source impedance could be effectively reduced.

Frequency analysis of urban runoff quality in an urbanizing catchment of Shenzhen, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Huapeng; Tan, Xiaolong; Fu, Guangtao; Zhang, Yingying; Huang, Yuefei

2013-07-01

This paper investigates the frequency distribution of urban runoff quality indicators using a long-term continuous simulation approach and evaluates the impacts of proposed runoff control schemes on runoff quality in an urbanizing catchment in Shenzhen, China. Four different indicators are considered to provide a comprehensive assessment of the potential impacts: total runoff depth, event pollutant load, Event Mean Concentration, and peak concentration during a rainfall event. The results obtained indicate that urban runoff quantity and quality in the catchment have significant variations in rainfall events and a very high rate of non-compliance with surface water quality regulations. Three runoff control schemes with the capacity to intercept an initial runoff depth of 5 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm are evaluated, respectively, and diminishing marginal benefits are found with increasing interception levels in terms of water quality improvement. The effects of seasonal variation in rainfall events are investigated to provide a better understanding of the performance of the runoff control schemes. The pre-flood season has higher risk of poor water quality than other seasons after runoff control. This study demonstrates that frequency analysis of urban runoff quantity and quality provides a probabilistic evaluation of pollution control measures, and thus helps frame a risk-based decision making for urban runoff quality management in an urbanizing catchment.

An efficient magnetron transmitter for superconducting accelerators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kazakevich, G.; Lebedev, V.; Yakovlev, V.

A concept of a highly-efficient high-power magnetron transmitter allowing wide-band phase and the mid-frequency power control at the frequency of the locking signal is proposed. The proposal is aimed for powering Superconducting RF (SRF) cavities of intensity-frontier accelerators. The transmitter is intended to operate with phase and amplitude control feedback loops allowing suppression of microphonics and beam loading in the SRF cavities. The concept utilizes injectionlocked magnetrons controlled in phase by the locking signal supplied by a feedback system. The injection-locking signal pre-excites the magnetron and allows its operation below the critical voltage. This realizes control of the magnetron powermore » in a wide range by control of the magnetron current. Pre-excitation of the magnetron by the locking signal provides an output power range up to 10 dB. Experimental studies were carried out with 2.45 GHz, 1 kW, CW magnetrons. They demonstrated stable operation of the magnetrons and power control at a low noise level. In conclusion, an analysis of the kinetics of the drifting charge in the drift approximation substantiates the concept and the experimental results.« less

Start-up and control method and apparatus for resonant free piston Stirling engine

DOEpatents

Walsh, Michael M.

1984-01-01

A resonant free-piston Stirling engine having a new and improved start-up and control method and system. A displacer linear electrodynamic machine is provided having an armature secured to and movable with the displacer and having a stator supported by the Stirling engine housing in juxtaposition to the armature. A control excitation circuit is provided for electrically exciting the displacer linear electrodynamic machine with electrical excitation signals having substantially the same frequency as the desired frequency of operation of the Stirling engine. The excitation control circuit is designed so that it selectively and controllably causes the displacer electrodynamic machine to function either as a generator load to extract power from the displacer or the control circuit selectively can be operated to cause the displacer electrodynamic machine to operate as an electric drive motor to apply additional input power to the displacer in addition to the thermodynamic power feedback to the displacer whereby the displacer linear electrodynamic machine also is used in the electric drive motor mode as a means for initially starting the resonant free-piston Stirling engine.

An efficient magnetron transmitter for superconducting accelerators

DOE PAGES

Kazakevich, G.; Lebedev, V.; Yakovlev, V.; ...

2016-09-22

A concept of a highly-efficient high-power magnetron transmitter allowing wide-band phase and the mid-frequency power control at the frequency of the locking signal is proposed. The proposal is aimed for powering Superconducting RF (SRF) cavities of intensity-frontier accelerators. The transmitter is intended to operate with phase and amplitude control feedback loops allowing suppression of microphonics and beam loading in the SRF cavities. The concept utilizes injectionlocked magnetrons controlled in phase by the locking signal supplied by a feedback system. The injection-locking signal pre-excites the magnetron and allows its operation below the critical voltage. This realizes control of the magnetron powermore » in a wide range by control of the magnetron current. Pre-excitation of the magnetron by the locking signal provides an output power range up to 10 dB. Experimental studies were carried out with 2.45 GHz, 1 kW, CW magnetrons. They demonstrated stable operation of the magnetrons and power control at a low noise level. In conclusion, an analysis of the kinetics of the drifting charge in the drift approximation substantiates the concept and the experimental results.« less

Method of recertifying a loaded bearing member

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allison, Sidney G. (Inventor)

1992-01-01

A method is described of recertifying a loaded bearing member using ultrasound testing to compensate for different equipment configurations and temperature conditions. The standard frequency F1 of a reference block is determined via an ultrasonic tone burst generated by a first pulsed phased locked loop (P2L2) equipment configuration. Once a lock point number S is determined for F1, the reference frequency F1a of the reference block is determined at this lock point number via a second P2L2 equipment configuration to permit an equipment offset compensation factor Fo1=((F1-F1a)/F1)(1000000) to be determined. Next, a reference frequency F2 of the unloaded bearing member is determined using a second P2L2 equipment configuration and is then compensated for equipment offset errors via the relationship F2+F2(Fo1)/1000000. A lock point number b is also determined for F2. A resonant frequency F3 is determined for the reference block using a third P2L2 equipment configuration to determine a second offset compensation factor F02=((F1-F3)/F1) 1000000. Next the resonant frequency F4 of the loaded bearing member is measured at lock point number b via the third P2L2 equipment configuration and the bolt load determined by the relationship (-1000000)CI(((F2-F4)/F2)-Fo2), wherein CI is a factor correlating measured frequency shift to the applied load. Temperature compensation is also performed at each point in the process.

Optimal Recursive Digital Filters for Active Bending Stabilization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Orr, Jeb S.

2013-01-01

In the design of flight control systems for large flexible boosters, it is common practice to utilize active feedback control of the first lateral structural bending mode so as to suppress transients and reduce gust loading. Typically, active stabilization or phase stabilization is achieved by carefully shaping the loop transfer function in the frequency domain via the use of compensating filters combined with the frequency response characteristics of the nozzle/actuator system. In this paper we present a new approach for parameterizing and determining optimal low-order recursive linear digital filters so as to satisfy phase shaping constraints for bending and sloshing dynamics while simultaneously maximizing attenuation in other frequency bands of interest, e.g. near higher frequency parasitic structural modes. By parameterizing the filter directly in the z-plane with certain restrictions, the search space of candidate filter designs that satisfy the constraints is restricted to stable, minimum phase recursive low-pass filters with well-conditioned coefficients. Combined with optimal output feedback blending from multiple rate gyros, the present approach enables rapid and robust parametrization of autopilot bending filters to attain flight control performance objectives. Numerical results are presented that illustrate the application of the present technique to the development of rate gyro filters for an exploration-class multi-engined space launch vehicle.

Cyclic stress effect on stress corrosion cracking of duplex stainless steel in chloride and caustic solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Di

Duplex stainless steel (DSS) is a dual-phase material with approximately equal volume amount of austenite and ferrite. It has both great mechanical properties (good ductility and high tensile/fatigue strength) and excellent corrosion resistance due to the mixture of the two phases. Cyclic loadings with high stress level and low frequency are experienced by many structures. However, the existing study on corrosion fatigue (CF) study of various metallic materials has mainly concentrated on relatively high frequency range. No systematic study has been done to understand the ultra-low frequency (˜10-5 Hz) cyclic loading effect on stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of DSSs. In this study, the ultra-low frequency cyclic loading effect on SCC of DSS 2205 was studied in acidified sodium chloride and caustic white liquor (WL) solutions. The research work focused on the environmental effect on SCC of DSS 2205, the cyclic stress effect on strain accumulation behavior of DSS 2205, and the combined environmental and cyclic stress effect on the stress corrosion crack initiation of DSS 2205 in the above environments. Potentiodynamic polarization tests were performed to investigate the electrochemical behavior of DSS 2205 in acidic NaCl solution. Series of slow strain rate tests (SSRTs) at different applied potential values were conducted to reveal the optimum applied potential value for SCC to happen. Room temperature static and cyclic creep tests were performed in air to illustrate the strain accumulation effect of cyclic stresses. Test results showed that cyclic loading could enhance strain accumulation in DSS 2205 compared to static loading. Moreover, the strain accumulation behavior of DSS 2205 was found to be controlled by the two phases of DSS 2205 with different crystal structures. The B.C.C. ferrite phase enhanced strain accumulation due to extensive cross-slips of the dislocations, whereas the F.C.C. austenite phase resisted strain accumulation due to cyclic strain hardening. Cyclic SSRTs were performed under the conditions that SCC occurs in sodium chloride and WL solutions. Test results show that cyclic stress facilitated crack initiations in DSS 2205. Stress corrosion cracks initiated from the intermetallic precipitates in acidic chloride environment, and the cracks initiated from austenite phase in WL environment. Cold-working has been found to retard the crack initiations induced by cyclic stresses.

Power quality improvement of a stand-alone power system subjected to various disturbances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lone, Shameem Ahmad; Mufti, Mairaj Ud-Din

In wind-diesel stand-alone power systems, the disturbances like random nature of wind power, turbulent wind, sudden changes in load demand and the wind park disconnection effect continuously the system voltage and frequency. The satisfactory operation of such a system is not an easy task and the control design has to take in to account all these subtleties. For maintaining the power quality, generally, a short-term energy storage device is used. In this paper, the performance of a wind-diesel system associated with a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system is studied. The effect of installing SMES at wind park bus/load bus, on the system performance is investigated. To control the exchange of real and reactive powers between the SMES unit and the wind-diesel system, a control strategy based on fuzzy logic is proposed. The dynamic models of the hybrid power system for most common scenarios are developed and the results presented.

A microprocessor application to a strapdown laser gyro navigator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giardina, C.; Luxford, E.

1980-01-01

The replacement of analog circuit control loops for laser gyros (path length control, cross axis temperature compensation loops, dither servo and current regulators) with digital filters residing in microcomputers is addressed. In addition to the control loops, a discussion is given on applying the microprocessor hardware to compensation for coning and skulling motion where simple algorithms are processed at high speeds to compensate component output data (digital pulses) for linear and angular vibration motions. Highlights are given on the methodology and system approaches used in replacing differential equations describing the analog system in terms of the mechanized difference equations of the microprocessor. Standard one for one frequency domain techniques are employed in replacing analog transfer functions by their transform counterparts. Direct digital design techniques are also discussed along with their associated benefits. Time and memory loading analyses are also summarized, as well as signal and microprocessor architecture. Trade offs in algorithm, mechanization, time/memory loading, accuracy, and microprocessor architecture are also given.

Chopper-controlled discharge life cycling studies on lead-acid batteries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kraml, J. J.; Ames, E. P.

1982-01-01

State-of-the-art 6 volt lead-acid golf car batteries were tested. A daily charge/discharge cycling to failure points under various chopper controlled pulsed dc and continuous current load conditions was undertaken. The cycle life and failure modes were investigated for depth of discharge, average current chopper frequency, and chopper duty cycle. It is shown that battery life is primarily and inversely related to depth of discharge and discharge current. Failure mode is characterized by a gradual capacity loss with consistent evidence of cell element aging.

Fatigue Crack Growth Behavior and Microstructural Mechanisms in Ti-6Al-4V Manufactured by Laser Engineered Net Shaping

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-01

hardening heat treatment were the controlling factors of the fatigue resistance, while testing directions have the least impact. Leuders et al. [16...radius. The microstructurally-small fatigue crack growth test was run under load control at constant stress ratio R=0.1 and a cyclic frequency of 20 Hz...not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, long fatigue crack growth tests were conducted at two stress ratios (R=0.1 and 0.8), using Ti-6Al

ZnO thin film piezoelectric MEMS vibration energy harvesters with two piezoelectric elements for higher output performance.

PubMed

Wang, Peihong; Du, Hejun

2015-07-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based vibration energy harvesters with two different designs are presented. These harvesters consist of a silicon cantilever, a silicon proof mass, and a ZnO piezoelectric layer. Design I has a large ZnO piezoelectric element and Design II has two smaller and equally sized ZnO piezoelectric elements; however, the total area of ZnO thin film in two designs is equal. The ZnO thin film is deposited by means of radio-frequency magnetron sputtering method and is characterized by means of XRD and SEM techniques. These ZnO energy harvesters are fabricated by using MEMS micromachining. The natural frequencies of the fabricated ZnO energy harvesters are simulated and tested. The test results show that these two energy harvesters with different designs have almost the same natural frequency. Then, the output performance of different ZnO energy harvesters is tested in detail. The effects of series connection and parallel connection of two ZnO elements on the load voltage and power are also analyzed. The experimental results show that the energy harvester with two ZnO piezoelectric elements in parallel connection in Design II has higher load voltage and higher load power than the fabricated energy harvesters with other designs. Its load voltage is 2.06 V under load resistance of 1 MΩ and its maximal load power is 1.25 μW under load resistance of 0.6 MΩ, when it is excited by an external vibration with frequency of 1300.1 Hz and acceleration of 10 m/s(2). By contrast, the load voltage of the energy harvester of Design I is 1.77 V under 1 MΩ resistance and its maximal load power is 0.98 μW under 0.38 MΩ load resistance when it is excited by the same vibration.

Implantable radio frequency identification sensors: wireless power and communication.

PubMed

Hutchens, Chriswell; Rennaker, Robert L; Venkataraman, Srinivasan; Ahmed, Rehan; Liao, Ran; Ibrahim, Tamer

2011-01-01

There are significant technical challenges in the development of a fully implantable wirelessly powered neural interface. Challenges include wireless transmission of sufficient power to the implanted device to ensure reliable operation for decades without replacement, minimizing tissue heating, and adequate reliable communications bandwidth. Overcoming these challenges is essential for the development of implantable closed loop system for the treatment of disorders ranging from epilepsy, incontinence, stroke and spinal cord injury. We discuss the development of the wireless power, communication and control for a Radio-Frequency Identification Sensor (RFIDS) system with targeted power range for a 700 mV, 30 to 40 uA load attained at -2 dBm.

Analysis of Nonlinear Dynamics in Linear Compressors Driven by Linear Motors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Liangyuan

2018-03-01

The analysis of dynamic characteristics of the mechatronics system is of great significance for the linear motor design and control. Steady-state nonlinear response characteristics of a linear compressor are investigated theoretically based on the linearized and nonlinear models. First, the influence factors considering the nonlinear gas force load were analyzed. Then, a simple linearized model was set up to analyze the influence on the stroke and resonance frequency. Finally, the nonlinear model was set up to analyze the effects of piston mass, spring stiffness, driving force as an example of design parameter variation. The simulating results show that the stroke can be obtained by adjusting the excitation amplitude, frequency and other adjustments, the equilibrium position can be adjusted by adjusting the DC input, and to make the more efficient operation, the operating frequency must always equal to the resonance frequency.

Broadband linear high-voltage amplifier for radio frequency ion traps.

PubMed

Kuhlicke, Alexander; Palis, Klaus; Benson, Oliver

2014-11-01

We developed a linear high-voltage amplifier for small capacitive loads consisting of a high-voltage power supply and a transistor amplifier. With this cost-effective circuit including only standard parts sinusoidal signals with a few volts can be amplified to 1.7 kVpp over a usable frequency range at large-signal response spanning four orders of magnitude from 20 Hz to 100 kHz under a load of 10 pF. For smaller output voltages the maximum frequency shifts up to megahertz. We test different capacitive loads to probe the influence on the performance. The presented amplifier is sustained short-circuit proof on the output side, which is a significant advantage over other amplifier concepts. The amplifier can be used to drive radio frequency ion traps for single charged nano- and microparticles, which will be presented in brief.

Steady-state signatures of visual perceptual load, multimodal distractor filtering, and neural competition.

PubMed

Parks, Nathan A; Hilimire, Matthew R; Corballis, Paul M

2011-05-01

The perceptual load theory of attention posits that attentional selection occurs early in processing when a task is perceptually demanding but occurs late in processing otherwise. We used a frequency-tagged steady-state evoked potential paradigm to investigate the modality specificity of perceptual load-induced distractor filtering and the nature of neural-competitive interactions between task and distractor stimuli. EEG data were recorded while participants monitored a stream of stimuli occurring in rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) for the appearance of previously assigned targets. Perceptual load was manipulated by assigning targets that were identifiable by color alone (low load) or by the conjunction of color and orientation (high load). The RSVP task was performed alone and in the presence of task-irrelevant visual and auditory distractors. The RSVP stimuli, visual distractors, and auditory distractors were "tagged" by modulating each at a unique frequency (2.5, 8.5, and 40.0 Hz, respectively), which allowed each to be analyzed separately in the frequency domain. We report three important findings regarding the neural mechanisms of perceptual load. First, we replicated previous findings of within-modality distractor filtering and demonstrated a reduction in visual distractor signals with high perceptual load. Second, auditory steady-state distractor signals were unaffected by manipulations of visual perceptual load, consistent with the idea that perceptual load-induced distractor filtering is modality specific. Third, analysis of task-related signals revealed that visual distractors competed with task stimuli for representation and that increased perceptual load appeared to resolve this competition in favor of the task stimulus.

Autoresonant control of nonlinear mode in ultrasonic transducer for machining applications.

PubMed

Babitsky, V I; Astashev, V K; Kalashnikov, A N

2004-04-01

Experiments conducted in several countries have shown that the improvement of machining quality can be promoted through conversion of the cutting process into one involving controllable high-frequency vibration at the cutting zone. This is achieved through the generation and maintenance of ultrasonic vibration of the cutting tool to alter the fracture process of work-piece material cutting to one in which loading of the materials at the tool tip is incremental, repetitive and controlled. It was shown that excitation of the high-frequency vibro-impact mode of the tool-workpiece interaction is the most effective way of ultrasonic influence on the dynamic characteristics of machining. The exploitation of this nonlinear mode needs a new method of adaptive control for excitation and stabilisation of ultrasonic vibration known as autoresonance. An approach has been developed to design an autoresonant ultrasonic cutting unit as an oscillating system with an intelligent electronic feedback controlling self-excitation in the entire mechatronic system. The feedback produces the exciting force by means of transformation and amplification of the motion signal. This allows realisation for robust control of fine resonant tuning to bring the nonlinear high Q-factor systems into technological application. The autoresonant control provides the possibility of self-tuning and self-adaptation mechanisms for the system to keep the nonlinear resonant mode of oscillation under unpredictable variation of load, structure and parameters. This allows simple regulation of intensity of the process whilst keeping maximum efficiency at all times. An autoresonant system with supervisory computer control was developed, tested and used for the control of the piezoelectric transducer during ultrasonically assisted cutting. The system has been developed as combined analog-digital, where analog devices process the control signal, and parameters of the devices are controlled digitally by computer. The system was applied for advanced machining of aviation materials.

High-Frequency ac Power-Distribution System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hansen, Irving G.; Mildice, James

1987-01-01

Loads managed automatically under cycle-by-cycle control. 440-V rms, 20-kHz ac power system developed. System flexible, versatile, and "transparent" to user equipment, while maintaining high efficiency and low weight. Electrical source, from dc to 2,200-Hz ac converted to 440-V rms, 20-kHz, single-phase ac. Power distributed through low-inductance cables. Output power either dc or variable ac. Energy transferred per cycle reduced by factor of 50. Number of parts reduced by factor of about 5 and power loss reduced by two-thirds. Factors result in increased reliability and reduced costs. Used in any power-distribution system requiring high efficiency, high reliability, low weight, and flexibility to handle variety of sources and loads.

A real time neural net estimator of fatigue life

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Troudet, T.; Merrill, W.

1990-01-01

A neural net architecture is proposed to estimate, in real-time, the fatigue life of mechanical components, as part of the Intelligent Control System for Reusable Rocket Engines. Arbitrary component loading values were used as input to train a two hidden-layer feedforward neural net to estimate component fatigue damage. The ability of the net to learn, based on a local strain approach, the mapping between load sequence and fatigue damage has been demonstrated for a uniaxial specimen. Because of its demonstrated performance, the neural computation may be extended to complex cases where the loads are biaxial or triaxial, and the geometry of the component is complex (e.g., turbopump blades). The generality of the approach is such that load/damage mappings can be directly extracted from experimental data without requiring any knowledge of the stress/strain profile of the component. In addition, the parallel network architecture allows real-time life calculations even for high frequency vibrations. Owing to its distributed nature, the neural implementation will be robust and reliable, enabling its use in hostile environments such as rocket engines. This neural net estimator of fatigue life is seen as the enabling technology to achieve component life prognosis, and therefore would be an important part of life extending control for reusable rocket engines.

Controlled impact demonstration airframe bending bridges

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soltis, S. J.

1986-01-01

The calibration of the KRASH and DYCAST models for transport aircraft is discussed. The FAA uses computer analysis techniques to predict the response of controlled impact demonstration (CID) during impact. The moment bridges can provide a direct correlation between the predictive loads or moments that the models will predict and what was experienced during the actual impact. Another goal is to examine structural failure mechanisms and correlate with analytical predictions. The bending bridges did achieve their goals and objectives. The data traces do provide some insight with respect to airframe loads and structural response. They demonstrate quite clearly what's happening to the airframe. A direct quantification of metal airframe loads was measured by the moment bridges. The measured moments can be correlated with the KRASH and DYCAST computer models. The bending bridge data support airframe failure mechanisms analysis and provide residual airframe strength estimation. It did not appear as if any of the bending bridges on the airframe exceeded limit loads. (The observed airframe fracture was due to the fuselage encounter with the tomahawk which tore out the keel beam.) The airframe bridges can be used to estimate the impact conditions and those estimates are correlating with some of the other data measurements. Structural response, frequency and structural damping are readily measured by the moment bridges.

Reconfigurable dual-band metamaterial antenna based on liquid crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Che, Bang-Jun; Meng, Fan-Yi; Lyu, Yue-Long; Wu, Qun

2018-05-01

In this paper, a novel reconfigurable dual-band metamaterial antenna with a continuous beam that is electrically steered in backward to forward directions is first proposed by employing a liquid crystal (LC)-loaded tunable extended composite right-/left-handed (E-CRLH) transmission line (TL). The frequency-dependent property of the E-CRLH TL is analyzed and a compact unit cell based on the nematic LC is proposed to realize the tunable dual band characteristics. The phase constant of the proposed unit cell can be dynamically continuously tuned from negative to positive values in two operating bands by changing the bias voltage of the loaded LC material. A resulting dual band fixed-frequency beam steering property has been predicted by numerical simulations and experimentally verified. The measured results show that the fabricated reconfigurable antenna features an electrically controlled continuous beam steering from backward  ‑16° to forward  +13° at 7.2 GHz and backward  ‑9° to forward  +17° at 9.4 GHz, respectively. This electrically controlled beam steering range turns out to be competitive with the previously reported single band reconfigurable antennas. Besides, the measured and simulated results of the proposed reconfigurable dual-band metamaterial antenna are in good agreement.

TRANSIENT BEAM LOADING EFFECTS IN RF SYSTEMS IN JLEIC

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Haipeng; Guo, Jiquan; Rimmer, Robert A.

2016-05-01

The pulsed electron bunch trains generated from the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) linac to inject into the proposed Jefferson Lab Electron Ion Collider (JLEIC) e-ring will produce transient beam loading effects in the Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) systems that, if not mitigated, could cause unacceptably large beam energy deviation in the injection capture, or exceed the energy acceptance of CEBAF’s recirculating arcs. In the electron storage ring, the beam abort or ion clearing gaps or uneven bucket filling can cause large beam phase transients in the (S)RF cavity control systems and even beam loss due to Robinson instability.more » We have first analysed the beam stability criteria in steady state and estimated the transient effect in Feedforward and Feedback RF controls. Initial analytical models for these effects are shown for the design of the JLEIC e-ring from 3GeV to 12GeV.« less

Analysis of fatigue on surface course using dissipated energy approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michael; Setyawan, A.; Pramesti, F. P.

2018-03-01

As an important transportation infrastructure, pavement is subjected to repeated vehicle loads that may cause fatigue, which often leads to cracking. The point when this cracking initiates can be determined from the energy dissipated during the loading. This research investigates fatigue in Adi Soemarmo Airport mix-design using bitumen Pen 60/70 + EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) polymer. An Indirect Tensile Fatigue Test (ITFT) was conducted using stress-controlled loading mode to determine its fatigue life. The stress levels were 500, 600, and 700 kPa, while the loading frequency and the temperature were 10 Hz and 20°C, respectively. The test exhibits strain levels for each loading cycle, which were used to determine the dissipated energy (DE). The result indicates that the DE increases when the number of loading cycles increases, due to progress of the strain levels. The values of DE are 7122.8, 8614.3, and 2654.9 J/m3 for loading levels of 500, 600, and 700 kPa, respectively, whereas the failure points for stress levels of 500, 600, and 700 kPa are 8171, 5161, and 841 cycles, respectively. Thus, the longer the time until the pavement failure point is reached (fatigue life), the greater the amount of energy that is dissipated.

Guided waves by axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric surface loading on hollow cylinders

PubMed

Shin; Rose

1999-06-01

Guided waves generated by axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric surface loading on a hollow cylinder are studied. For the theoretical analysis of the superposed guided waves, a normal mode concept is employed. The amplitude factors of individual guided wave modes are studied with respect to varying surface pressure loading profiles. Both theoretical and experimental focus is given to the guided waves generated by both axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric excitation. For the experiments, a comb transducer and high power tone burst function generator system are used on a sample Inconel tube. Surface loading conditions, such as circumferential loading angles and axial loading lengths, are used with the frequency and phase velocity to control the axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric mode excitations. The experimental study demonstrates the use of a practical non-axisymmetric partial loading technique in generating axisymmetric modes, particularly useful in the inspection of tubing and piping with limited circumferential access. From both theoretical and experimental studies, it also could be said that the amount of flexural modes reflected from a defect contains information on the reflector's circumferential angle, as well as potentially other classification and sizing feature information. The axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric guided wave modes should both be carefully considered for improvement of the overall analysis of guided waves generated in hollow cylinders.

Frequency-Switchable Microfluidic CSRR-Loaded QMSIW Band-Pass Filter Using a Liquid Metal Alloy

PubMed Central

Eom, Seunghyun; Memon, Muhammad Usman; Lim, Sungjoon

2017-01-01

In this paper, we have proposed a frequency-switchable complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR)-loaded quarter-mode substrate-integrated-waveguide (QMSIW) band-pass filter. For frequency switching, a microfluidic channel and liquid metal are used. The liquid metal used is eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn), consisting of 24.5% indium and 75.5% gallium. The microfluidic channels are built using the elastomer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and three-dimensional-printed microfluidic channel frames. The CSRR-loaded QMSIW band-pass filter is designed to have two states. Before the injection of the liquid metal, the measured center frequency and fractional bandwidths are 2.205 GHz and 6.80%, respectively. After injection, the center frequency shifts from 2.205 GHz to 2.56 GHz. Although the coupling coefficient is practically unchanged, the fractional bandwidth changes from 6.8% to 9.38%, as the CSRR shape changes and the external quality factor decreases. After the removal of the liquid metal, the measured values are similar to the values recorded before the liquid metal was injected. The repeatability of the frequency-switchable mechanism is, therefore, verified. PMID:28350355

Behavior of an adaptive bio-inspired spider web

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Lingyue; Behrooz, Majid; Huie, Andrew; Hartman, Alex; Gordaninejad, Faramarz

2015-03-01

The goal of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of an artificial adaptive spider web with comparable behavior to a real spider web. First, the natural frequency and energy absorption ability of a passive web is studied. Next, a control system that consists of stepper motors, load cells and an Arduino, is constructed to mimic a spider's ability to control the tension of radial strings in the web. The energy related characteristics in the artificial spider web is examined while the pre-tension of the radial strings are varied. Various mechanical properties of a damaged spider web are adjusted to study their effect on the behavior of the web. It is demonstrated that the pre-tension and stiffness of the web's radial strings can significantly affect the natural frequency and the total energy of the full and damaged webs.

Effects of Loading Frequency and Film Thickness on the Mechanical Behavior of Nanoscale TiN Film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jin-na; Xu, Bin-shi; Wang, Hai-dou; Cui, Xiu-fang; Jin, Guo; Xing, Zhi-guo

2017-09-01

The mechanical properties of a nanoscale-thickness film material determine its reliability and service life. To achieve quantitative detection of film material mechanical performance based on nanoscale mechanical testing methods and to explore the influence of loading frequency of the cycle load on the fatigue test, a TiN film was prepared on monocrystalline silicon by magnetron sputtering. The microstructure of the nanoscale-thickness film material was characterized by using scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The residual stress distribution of the thin film was obtained by using an electronic film stress tester. The hardness values and the fatigue behavior were measured by using a nanomechanical tester. Combined with finite element simulation, the paper analyzed the influence of the film thickness and loading frequency on the deformation, as well as the equivalent stress and strain. The results showed that the TiN film was a typical face-centered cubic structure with a large amount of amorphous. The residual compressive stress decreased gradually with increasing thin film thickness, and the influence of the substrate on the elastic modulus and hardness was also reduced. A greater load frequency would accelerate the dynamic fatigue damage that occurs in TiN films.

Extended linear ion trap frequency standard apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prestage, John D. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

A linear ion trap for frequency standard applications is provided with a plurality of trapping rods equally spaced and applied quadruple rf voltages for radial confinement of atomic ions and biased level pins at each end for axial confinement of the ions. The trapping rods are divided into two linear ion trap regions by a gap in each rod in a common radial plane to provide dc discontinuity, thus dc isolating one region from the other. A first region for ion-loading and preparation fluorescence is biased with a dc voltage to transport ions into a second region for resonance frequency comparison with a local oscillator derived frequency while the second region is held at zero voltage. The dc bias voltage of the regions is reversed for transporting the ions back into the first region for fluorescence measurement. The dual mode cycle is repeated continuously for comparison and feedback control of the local oscillator derived frequency. Only the second region requires magnetic shielding for the resonance function which is sensitive to any ambient magnetic fields.

Apparatus and method for microwave processing of materials

DOEpatents

Johnson, A.C.; Lauf, R.J.; Bible, D.W.; Markunas, R.J.

1996-05-28

Disclosed is a variable frequency microwave heating apparatus designed to allow modulation of the frequency of the microwaves introduced into a furnace cavity for testing or other selected applications. The variable frequency heating apparatus is used in the method of the present invention to monitor the resonant processing frequency within the furnace cavity depending upon the material, including the state thereof, from which the workpiece is fabricated. The variable frequency microwave heating apparatus includes a microwave signal generator and a high-power microwave amplifier or a microwave voltage-controlled oscillator. A power supply is provided for operation of the high-power microwave oscillator or microwave amplifier. A directional coupler is provided for detecting the direction and amplitude of signals incident upon and reflected from the microwave cavity. A first power meter is provided for measuring the power delivered to the microwave furnace. A second power meter detects the magnitude of reflected power. Reflected power is dissipated in the reflected power load. 10 figs.

Cross-frequency synchronization connects networks of fast and slow oscillations during visual working memory maintenance.

PubMed

Siebenhühner, Felix; Wang, Sheng H; Palva, J Matias; Palva, Satu

2016-09-26

Neuronal activity in sensory and fronto-parietal (FP) areas underlies the representation and attentional control, respectively, of sensory information maintained in visual working memory (VWM). Within these regions, beta/gamma phase-synchronization supports the integration of sensory functions, while synchronization in theta/alpha bands supports the regulation of attentional functions. A key challenge is to understand which mechanisms integrate neuronal processing across these distinct frequencies and thereby the sensory and attentional functions. We investigated whether such integration could be achieved by cross-frequency phase synchrony (CFS). Using concurrent magneto- and electroencephalography, we found that CFS was load-dependently enhanced between theta and alpha-gamma and between alpha and beta-gamma oscillations during VWM maintenance among visual, FP, and dorsal attention (DA) systems. CFS also connected the hubs of within-frequency-synchronized networks and its strength predicted individual VWM capacity. We propose that CFS integrates processing among synchronized neuronal networks from theta to gamma frequencies to link sensory and attentional functions.

Waveform distortion by 2-step modeling ground vibration from trains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, F.; Chen, W.; Zhang, J.; Li, F.; Liu, H.; Chen, X.; Pan, Y.; Li, G.; Xiao, F.

2017-10-01

The 2-step procedure is widely used in numerical research on ground vibrations from trains. The ground is inconsistently represented by a simplified model in the first step and by a refined model in the second step, which may lead to distortions in the simulation results. In order to reveal this modeling error, time histories of ground-borne vibrations were computed based on the 2-step procedure and then compared with the results from a benchmark procedure of the whole system. All parameters involved were intentionally set as equal for the 2 methods, which ensures that differences in the results originated from the inconsistencies of the ground model. Excited by wheel loads of low speeds such as 60 km/h and low frequencies less than 8 Hz, the computed responses of the subgrade were quite close to the benchmarks. However, notable distortions were found in all loading cases at higher frequencies. Moreover, significant underestimation of intensity occurred when load frequencies equaled 16 Hz. This occurred not only at the subgrade but also at the points 10 m and 20 m away from the track. When the load speed was increased to 350 km/h, all computed waveforms were distorted, including the responses to the loads at very low frequencies. The modeling error found herein suggests that the ground models in the 2 steps should be calibrated in terms of frequency bands to be investigated, and the speed of train should be taken into account at the same time.

Three-Level 48-Pulse STATCOM with Pulse Width Modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Bhim; Srinivas, Kadagala Venkata

2016-03-01

In this paper, a new control strategy of a three-level 48-pulse static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) is proposed with a constant dc link voltage and pulse width modulation at fundamental frequency switching. The proposed STATCOM is realized using eight units of three-level voltage source converters (VSCs) to form a three-level 48-pulse STATCOM. The conduction angle of each three-level VSC is modulated to control the ac converter output voltage, which controls the reactive power of the STATCOM. A fuzzy logic controller is used to control the STATCOM. The dynamic performance of the STATCOM is studied for the control of the reference reactive power, the reference terminal voltage and under the switching of inductive and capacitive loads.

On the shape and orientation control of an orbiting shallow spherical shell structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bainum, P. M.; Reddy, A. S. S. R.

1982-01-01

The dynamics of orbiting shallow flexible spherical shell structures under the influence of control actuators was studied. Control laws are developed to provide both attitude and shape control of the structure. The elastic modal frequencies for the fundamental and lower modes are closely grouped due to the effect of the shell curvature. The shell is gravity stabilized by a spring loaded dumbbell type damper attached at its apex. Control laws are developed based on the pole clustering techniques. Savings in fuel consumption can be realized by using the hybrid shell dumbbell system together with point actuators. It is indicated that instability may result by not including the orbital and first order gravity gradient effects in the plant prior to control law design.

Helicon wave coupling in KSTAR plasmas for off-axis current drive in high electron pressure plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, S. J.; Wi, H. H.; Kim, H. J.; Kim, J.; Jeong, J. H.; Kwak, J. G.

2017-04-01

A helicon wave current drive is proposed as an efficient off-axis current drive in the high electron β plasmas that are expected in fusion reactors. A high frequency helicon wave coupling was analyzed using the surface impedance at a plasma boundary. A slow wave coupling, which may compete with the helicon wave coupling at a frequency of 500 MHz, is estimated to be lower than the fast wave coupling by an order of magnitude in the KSTAR edge plasma density and in practical Faraday shield misalignment with the magnetic pitch. A traveling wave antenna, which is a two port combline antenna, was analyzed using a simplified lumped element model. The results show that the traveling wave antenna provides load resiliency because of its insensitivity to loading resistance, provided that the loading resistance at a radiating element is limited within a practical range. The combline antenna is attractive because it does not require a matching system and exhibits a high selectivity of parallel refractive index. Based on the analysis, a seven element combline antenna was fabricated and installed at an off-mid-plane offset of 30 cm from the mid-plane in KSTAR. The low power RF characteristics measured during several plasma discharges showed no evidence of slow wave coupling. This is consistent with the expectation made through the surface impedance analysis which predicted low slow wave coupling. The wave coupling to the plasma is easily controlled by a radial outer-gap control and gas puffing. No plasma confinement degradation was observed during the radial outer-gap control of up to 3 cm in H-mode discharges. In a ELMy plasmas, only a small reflection peak was observed during a very short portion of the ELM bursting period. If the number of radiating elements is increased for high power operation, then complete load resiliency can be expected. A very large coupling can be problematic for maintaining a parallel refractive index, although this issue can be mitigated by increasing the number of elements.

RF-MEMS Load Sensors with Enhanced Q-factor and Sensitivity in a Suspended Architecture.

PubMed

Melik, Rohat; Unal, Emre; Perkgoz, Nihan Kosku; Puttlitz, Christian; Demir, Hilmi Volkan

2011-03-01

In this paper, we present and demonstrate RF-MEMS load sensors designed and fabricated in a suspended architecture that increases their quality-factor (Q-factor), accompanied with an increased resonance frequency shift under load. The suspended architecture is obtained by removing silicon under the sensor. We compare two sensors that consist of 195 μm × 195 μm resonators, where all of the resonator features are of equal dimensions, but one's substrate is partially removed (suspended architecture) and the other's is not (planar architecture). The single suspended device has a resonance of 15.18 GHz with 102.06 Q-factor whereas the single planar device has the resonance at 15.01 GHz and an associated Q-factor of 93.81. For the single planar device, we measured a resonance frequency shift of 430 MHz with 3920 N of applied load, while we achieved a 780 MHz frequency shift in the single suspended device. In the planar triplet configuration (with three devices placed side by side on the same chip, with the two outmost ones serving as the receiver and the transmitter), we observed a 220 MHz frequency shift with 3920 N of applied load while we obtained a 340 MHz frequency shift in the suspended triplet device with 3920 N load applied. Thus, the single planar device exhibited a sensitivity level of 0.1097 MHz/N while the single suspended device led to an improved sensitivity of 0.1990 MHz/N. Similarly, with the planar triplet device having a sensitivity of 0.0561 MHz/N, the suspended triplet device yielded an enhanced sensitivity of 0.0867 MHz/N.

Evaluating transient performance of servo mechanisms by analysing stator current of PMSM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qing; Tan, Luyao; Xu, Guanghua

2018-02-01

Smooth running and rapid response are the desired performance goals for the transient motions of servo mechanisms. Because of the uncertain and unobservable transient behaviour of servo mechanisms, it is difficult to evaluate their transient performance. Under the effects of electromechanical coupling, the stator current signals of a permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) potentially contain the performance information regarding servo mechanisms in use. In this paper, a novel method based on analysing the stator current of the PMSM is proposed for quantifying the transient performance. First, a vector control model is constructed to simulate the stator current behaviour in the transient processes of consecutive speed changes, consecutive load changes, and intermittent start-stops. It is discovered that the amplitude and frequency of the stator current are modulated by the transient load torque and motor speed, respectively. The stator currents under different performance conditions are also simulated and compared. Then, the stator current is processed using a local means decomposition (LMD) algorithm to extract the instantaneous amplitude and instantaneous frequency. The sample entropy of the instantaneous amplitude, which reflects the complexity of the load torque variation, is calculated as a performance indicator of smooth running. The peak-to-peak value of the instantaneous frequency, which defines the range of the motor speed variation, is set as a performance indicator of rapid response. The proposed method is applied to both simulated data in an intermittent start-stops process and experimental data measured for a batch of servo turrets for turning lathes. The results show that the performance evaluations agree with the actual performance.

Cyclic crack growth behavior of reactor pressure vessel steels in light water reactor environments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Van Der Sluys, W.A.; Emanuelson, R.H.

1986-01-01

During normal operation light water reactor (LWR) pressure vessels are subjected to a variety of transients resulting in time varying stresses. Consequently, fatigue and environmentally assisted fatigue are growth mechanisms relevant to flaws in these pressure vessels. In order to provide a better understanding of the resistance of nuclear pressure vessel steels to flaw growth process, a series of fracture mechanics experiments were conducted to generate data on the rate of cyclic crack growth in SA508-2 and SA533b-1 steels in simulated 550/sup 0/F boiling water reactor (BWR) and 550/sup 0/F pressurized water reactor (PWR) environments. Areas investigated over the coursemore » of the test program included the effects of loading frequency and r ratio (Kmin-Kmax) on crack growth rate as a function of the stress intensity factor (deltaK) range. In addition, the effect of sulfur content of the test material on the cyclic crack growth rate was studied. Cyclic crack growth rates were found to be controlled by deltaK, R ratio, and loading frequency. The sulfur impurity content of the reactor pressure vessel steels studied had a significant effect on the cyclic crack growth rates. The higher growth rates were always associated with materials of higher sulfur content. For a given level of sulfur, growth rates were in a 550/sup 0/F simulated BWR environment than in a 550/sup 0/F simulated PWR environment. In both environments cyclic crack growth rates were a strong function of the loading frequency.« less

Cyclic compression maintains viability and induces chondrogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells in fibrin gel scaffolds.

PubMed

Pelaez, Daniel; Huang, Chun-Yuh Charles; Cheung, Herman S

2009-01-01

Mechanical loading has long been shown to modulate cartilage-specific extracellular matrix synthesis. With joint motion, cartilage can experience mechanical loading in the form of compressive, tensile or shearing load, and hydrostatic pressure. Recent studies have demonstrated the capacity of unconfined cyclic compression to induce chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) in agarose culture. However, the use of a nonbiodegradable material such as agarose limits the applicability of these constructs. Of the possible biocompatible materials available for tissue engineering, fibrin is a natural regenerative scaffold, which possesses several desired characteristics including a controllable degradation rate and low immunogenicity. The objective of the present study was to determine the capability of fibrin gels for supporting chondrogenesis of hMSCs under cyclic compression. To optimize the system, three concentrations of fibrin gel (40, 60, and 80 mg/mL) and three different stimulus frequencies (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 Hz) were used to examine the effects of cyclic compression on viability, proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of hMSCs. Our results show that cyclic compression (10% strain) at frequencies >0.5 Hz and gel concentration of 40 mg/mL fibrinogen appears to maintain cellular viability within scaffolds. Similarly, variations in gel component concentration and stimulus frequency can be modified such that a significant chondrogenic response can be achieved by hMSC in fibrin constructs after 8 h of compression spread out over 2 days. This study demonstrates the suitability of fibrin gel for supporting the cyclic compression-induced chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells.

Coal/rock interface detection by sensitized pick, part A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, P. T. K.; Erkes, J. W.

1981-01-01

In order to increase the operating margins of the detector for safe, reliable operation under difficult in-mine conditions the transmitted signal strength was increased to provide additional signal margin for in-mine conditions and the transmitter section was redesigned to reduce frequency pulling of the transmitter frequency with variations in antenna load. The linearity of the pick load SCO signal with true pick load was increased, and hysteresis effects were minimized. The sensitized pick hardware was ruggedized for rough inmine use. The sensitized pick and telemetry system provided excellent, high quality signals proportional to cutting load under all conditions experienced during testing.

Water Flow Testing and Unsteady Pressure Analysis of a Two-Bladed Liquid Oxidizer Pump Inducer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwarz, Jordan B.; Mulder, Andrew; Zoladz, Thomas

2011-01-01

The unsteady fluid dynamic performance of a cavitating two-bladed oxidizer turbopump inducer was characterized through sub-scale water flow testing. While testing a novel inlet duct design that included a cavitation suppression groove, unusual high-frequency pressure oscillations were observed. With potential implications for inducer blade loads, these high-frequency components were analyzed extensively in order to understand their origins and impacts to blade loading. Water flow testing provides a technique to determine pump performance without the costs and hazards associated with handling cryogenic propellants. Water has a similar density and Reynolds number to liquid oxygen. In a 70%-scale water flow test, the inducer-only pump performance was evaluated. Over a range of flow rates, the pump inlet pressure was gradually reduced, causing the flow to cavitate near the pump inducer. A nominal, smooth inducer inlet was tested, followed by an inlet duct with a circumferential groove designed to suppress cavitation. A subsequent 52%-scale water flow test in another facility evaluated the combined inducer-impeller pump performance. With the nominal inlet design, the inducer showed traditional cavitation and surge characteristics. Significant bearing loads were created by large side loads on the inducer during synchronous cavitation. The grooved inlet successfully mitigated these loads by greatly reducing synchronous cavitation, however high-frequency pressure oscillations were observed over a range of frequencies. Analytical signal processing techniques showed these oscillations to be created by a rotating, multi-celled train of pressure pulses, and subsequent CFD analysis suggested that such pulses could be created by the interaction of rotating inducer blades with fluid trapped in a cavitation suppression groove. Despite their relatively low amplitude, these high-frequency pressure oscillations posed a design concern due to their sensitivity to flow conditions and test scale. The amplitude and frequency of oscillations varied considerably over the pump s operating space, making it difficult to predict blade loads.

Assessment of dynamic properties and stiffness of composite bridges with pavement defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kartopol'tsev, Vladimir; Kartopol'tsev, Andrei; Kolmakov, Boris

2017-01-01

This paper is aimed at assessing the dynamic properties and stiffness of the reinforced concrete roadway slab under live loads that impact composite bridge girders considering pavement defects. A special attention is paid to the reinforced concrete roadway slab as a transfer member of forced oscillations. The test results obtained for bridges with different spans ranging from 24 to 110 m are presented to assess the behavior of the reinforced concrete roadway slab and the dynamic stiffness of bridge span allowed for the pavement defects. Dynamic tests are carried out under controlled and random loads that simulate live load interaction with the span and the pavement with defects. The differential equations are presented for vertical oscillations of spans, pavement defect parameter, Eigen frequency and others. As a result of the experimental research the equation is derived to ascertain the dynamic stiffness of the vehicle-span system.

Evidence for apolipoprotein E {epsilon}4 association in early-onset Alzheimer`s patients with late-onset relatives

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Perez-Tur, J.; Delacourte, A.; Chartier-Harlin, M.C.

1995-12-18

Recently several reports have extended the apolipoprotein E (APOE) {epsilon}4 association found in late-onset Alzheimer`s disease (LOAD) patients to early-onset (EO) AD patients. We have studied this question in a large population of 119 EOAD patients (onset {<=}60 years) in which family history was carefully assessed and in 109 controls. We show that the APOE {epsilon}A allele frequency is increased only in the subset of patients who belong to families where LOAD secondary cases are present. Our sampling scheme permits us to demonstrate that, for an individual, bearing at least one {epsilon}4 allele increases both the risk of AD beforemore » age 60 and the probability of belonging to a family with late-onset affected subjects. Our results suggest that a subset of EOAD cases shares a common determinism with LOAD cases. 19 refs., 3 tabs.« less

Enhanced robust fractional order proportional-plus-integral controller based on neural network for velocity control of permanent magnet synchronous motor.

PubMed

Zhang, Bitao; Pi, YouGuo

2013-07-01

The traditional integer order proportional-integral-differential (IO-PID) controller is sensitive to the parameter variation or/and external load disturbance of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). And the fractional order proportional-integral-differential (FO-PID) control scheme based on robustness tuning method is proposed to enhance the robustness. But the robustness focuses on the open-loop gain variation of controlled plant. In this paper, an enhanced robust fractional order proportional-plus-integral (ERFOPI) controller based on neural network is proposed. The control law of the ERFOPI controller is acted on a fractional order implement function (FOIF) of tracking error but not tracking error directly, which, according to theory analysis, can enhance the robust performance of system. Tuning rules and approaches, based on phase margin, crossover frequency specification and robustness rejecting gain variation, are introduced to obtain the parameters of ERFOPI controller. And the neural network algorithm is used to adjust the parameter of FOIF. Simulation and experimental results show that the method proposed in this paper not only achieve favorable tracking performance, but also is robust with regard to external load disturbance and parameter variation. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparing State-Space Multivariable Controls to Multi-SISO Controls for Load Reduction of Drivetrain-Coupled Modes on Wind Turbines Through Field-Testing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fleming, P. A.; Van Wingerden, J. W.; Wright, A. D.

2012-01-01

In this paper we present results from an ongoing controller comparison study at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL's) National Wind Technology Center (NWTC). The intention of the study is to demonstrate the advantage of using modern multivariable methods for designing control systems for wind turbines versus conventional approaches. We will demonstrate the advantages through field-test results from experimental turbines located at the NWTC. At least two controllers are being developed side-by-side to meet an incrementally increasing number of turbine load-reduction objectives. The first, a multiple single-input, single-output (m-SISO) approach, uses separately developed decoupled and classicially tuned controllers, which is,more » to the best of our knowledge, common practice in the wind industry. The remaining controllers are developed using state-space multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) techniques to explicity account for coupling between loops and to optimize given known frequency structures of the turbine and disturbance. In this first publication from the study, we present the structure of the ongoing controller comparison experiment, the design process for the two controllers compared in this phase, and initial comparison results obtained in field-testing.« less

Quasi-static and dynamic motions of the columellar footplate in ostrich (Struthio camelus) measured ex vivo.

PubMed

Muyshondt, Pieter G G; Claes, Raf; Aerts, Peter; Dirckx, Joris J J

2018-01-01

The nature of the movement of the columellar footplate (CFP) in birds is still a matter of ongoing debate. Some sources claim that rocking motion is dominant, while others propose a largely piston-like motion. In this study, motions of the CFP are experimentally investigated in the ostrich using a post-mortem approach. For quasi-static loads, micro-CT scans of ostrich heads were made under positive and negative middle-ear pressures of 1 kPa. For dynamic loads, laser Doppler vibrometry was used to measure the velocity on multiple locations of the CFP as a function of excitation frequency from 0.125 to 4 kHz, and digital stroboscopic holography was used to assess the 1D full-field out-of-plane displacement of the CFP at different excitation frequencies. To expose the CFP in the experiments, measurements were made from the medial side of the CFP after opening and draining the inner ear. To determine the influence of the inner-ear load on CFP motions, a finite element model was created of the intact ostrich middle ear with inner-ear load included. For quasi-static loads, the CFP performed largely piston-like motions under positive ME pressure, while under negative ME pressure the difference between piston and rocking motion was smaller. For dynamic loads, the CFP motion was almost completely piston-like for frequencies below 1 kHz. For higher frequencies, the motions became more complicated with an increase of the rocking components, although they never exceeded the piston component. When including the inner-ear load to the model, the rocking components started to increase relative to the piston component when compared to the result of the model with unloaded CFP, but only at high frequencies above 1 kHz. In this frequency range, the motion could no longer be identified as purely piston-like or rocking. As a conclusion, the current results suggest that CFP motion is predominantly piston-like below 1 kHz, while at higher frequencies the motion becomes too complicated to be described as purely piston-like or rocking. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preliminary Analysis of an Oscillating Surge Wave Energy Converter with Controlled Geometry: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tom, Nathan; Lawson, Michael; Yu, Yi-Hsiang

The aim of this paper is to present a novel wave energy converter device concept that is being developed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The proposed concept combines an oscillating surge wave energy converter with active control surfaces. These active control surfaces allow for the device geometry to be altered, which leads to changes in the hydrodynamic properties. The device geometry will be controlled on a sea state time scale and combined with wave-to-wave power-take-off control to maximize power capture, increase capacity factor, and reduce design loads. The paper begins with a traditional linear frequency domain analysis of themore » device performance. Performance sensitivity to foil pitch angle, the number of activated foils, and foil cross section geometry is presented to illustrate the current design decisions; however, it is understood from previous studies that modeling of current oscillating wave energy converter designs requires the consideration of nonlinear hydrodynamics and viscous drag forces. In response, a nonlinear model is presented that highlights the shortcomings of the linear frequency domain analysis and increases the precision in predicted performance.« less

Prediction and modeling of the two-dimensional separation characteristic of a steam generator at a nuclear power station with VVER-1000 reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parchevsky, V. M.; Guryanova, V. V.

2017-01-01

A computational and experimental procedure for construction of the two-dimensional separation curve (TDSC) for a horizontal steam generator (SG) at a nuclear power station (NPS) with VVER-reactors. In contrast to the conventional one-dimensional curve describing the wetness of saturated steam generated in SG as a function of the boiler water level at one, usually rated, load, TDSC is a function of two variables, which are the level and the load of SGB that enables TDSC to be used for wetness control in a wide load range. The procedure is based on two types of experimental data obtained during rated load operation: the nonuniformity factor of the steam load at the outlet from the submerged perforated sheet (SPS) and the dependence of the mass water level in the vicinity of the "hot" header on the water level the "cold" end of SG. The TDSC prediction procedure is presented in the form of an algorithm using SG characteristics, such as steam load and water level as the input and giving the calculated steam wetness at the output. The zoneby-zone calculation method is used. The result is presented in an analytical form (as an empirical correlation) suitable for uploading into controllers or other controls. The predicted TDSC can be used during real-time operation for implementation of different wetness control scenarios (for example, if the effectiveness is a priority, then the minimum water level, minimum wetness, and maximum turbine efficiency should be maintained; if safety is a priority, then the maximum level at the allowable wetness and the maximum water inventory should be kept), for operation of NPS in controlling the frequency and power in a power system, at the design phase (as a part of the simulation complex for verification of design solutions), during construction and erection (in developing software for personnel training simulators), during commissioning tests (to reduce the duration and labor-intensity of experimental activities), and for training.

What quantitative mechanical loading stimulates in vitro cultivation best?

PubMed

Natenstedt, Jerry; Kok, Aimee C; Dankelman, Jenny; Tuijthof, Gabrielle Jm

2015-12-01

Articular cartilage has limited regeneration capacities. One of the factors that appear to affect the in vitro cultivation of articular cartilage is mechanical stimulation. So far, no combination of parameters has been identified that offers the best results. The goal is to review the literature in search of the best available set of quantitative mechanical stimuli that lead to optimal in vitro cultivation.The databases Scopus and PubMed were used to survey the literature, and strict in- and exclusion criteria were applied regarding the presence of quantitative data. The review was performed by studying the type of loading (hydrostatic compression or direct compression), the loading magnitude, the frequency and the loading regime (duration of the loading) in comparison to quantitative evidence of cartilage quality response (cellular, signaling and mechanical).Thirty-three studies met all criteria of which 8 studied human, 20 bovine, 2 equine, 1 ovine, 1 porcine and 1 canine cells using four different types of cultivated constructs. Six studies investigated loading magnitude within the same setup, three studies the frequency, and seven the loading regime. Nine studies presented mechanical tissue response. The studies suggest that a certain threshold exits for enhanced cartilage in vitro cultivation of explants (>20 % strain and 0.5 Hz), and that chondrocyte-seeded cultivated constructs show best results when loaded with physiological mechanical stimuli. That is a loading pressure between 5-10 MPa and a loading frequency of 1 Hz exerted at intermittent intervals for a period of a week or longer. Critical aspects remain to be answered for translation into in vivo therapies.

Technical Study of a Standalone Photovoltaic–Wind Energy Based Hybrid Power Supply Systems for Island Electrification in Malaysia

PubMed Central

Samrat, Nahidul Hoque; Ahmad, Norhafizan; Choudhury, Imtiaz Ahmed; Taha, Zahari

2015-01-01

Energy is one of the most important factors in the socioeconomic development of a country. In a developing country like Malaysia, the development of islands is mostly related to the availability of electric power. Power generated by renewable energy sources has recently become one of the most promising solutions for the electrification of islands and remote rural areas. But high dependency on weather conditions and the unpredictable nature of these renewable energy sources are the main drawbacks. To overcome this weakness, different green energy sources and power electronic converters need to be integrated with each other. This study presents a battery storage hybrid standalone photovoltaic-wind energy power supply system. In the proposed standalone hybrid system, a DC-DC buck-boost bidirectional converter controller is used to accumulates the surplus hybrid power in the battery bank and supplies this power to the load during the hybrid power shortage by maintaining the constant dc-link voltage. A three-phase voltage source inverter complex vector control scheme is used to control the load side voltage in terms of the voltage amplitude and frequency. Based on the simulation results obtained from MATLAB/Simulink, it has been found that the overall hybrid framework is capable of working under variable weather and load conditions. PMID:26121032

Technical Study of a Standalone Photovoltaic-Wind Energy Based Hybrid Power Supply Systems for Island Electrification in Malaysia.

PubMed

Samrat, Nahidul Hoque; Ahmad, Norhafizan; Choudhury, Imtiaz Ahmed; Taha, Zahari

2015-01-01

Energy is one of the most important factors in the socioeconomic development of a country. In a developing country like Malaysia, the development of islands is mostly related to the availability of electric power. Power generated by renewable energy sources has recently become one of the most promising solutions for the electrification of islands and remote rural areas. But high dependency on weather conditions and the unpredictable nature of these renewable energy sources are the main drawbacks. To overcome this weakness, different green energy sources and power electronic converters need to be integrated with each other. This study presents a battery storage hybrid standalone photovoltaic-wind energy power supply system. In the proposed standalone hybrid system, a DC-DC buck-boost bidirectional converter controller is used to accumulates the surplus hybrid power in the battery bank and supplies this power to the load during the hybrid power shortage by maintaining the constant dc-link voltage. A three-phase voltage source inverter complex vector control scheme is used to control the load side voltage in terms of the voltage amplitude and frequency. Based on the simulation results obtained from MATLAB/Simulink, it has been found that the overall hybrid framework is capable of working under variable weather and load conditions.

Frequency Splitting Analysis and Compensation Method for Inductive Wireless Powering of Implantable Biosensors.

PubMed

Schormans, Matthew; Valente, Virgilio; Demosthenous, Andreas

2016-08-04

Inductive powering for implanted medical devices, such as implantable biosensors, is a safe and effective technique that allows power to be delivered to implants wirelessly, avoiding the use of transcutaneous wires or implanted batteries. Wireless powering is very sensitive to a number of link parameters, including coil distance, alignment, shape, and load conditions. The optimum drive frequency of an inductive link varies depending on the coil spacing and load. This paper presents an optimum frequency tracking (OFT) method, in which an inductive power link is driven at a frequency that is maintained at an optimum value to ensure that the link is working at resonance, and the output voltage is maximised. The method is shown to provide significant improvements in maintained secondary voltage and system efficiency for a range of loads when the link is overcoupled. The OFT method does not require the use of variable capacitors or inductors. When tested at frequencies around a nominal frequency of 5 MHz, the OFT method provides up to a twofold efficiency improvement compared to a fixed frequency drive. The system can be readily interfaced with passive implants or implantable biosensors, and lends itself to interfacing with designs such as distributed implanted sensor networks, where each implant is operating at a different frequency.

Numerical Simulation and Validation of a High Head Model Francis Turbine at Part Load Operating Condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goyal, Rahul; Trivedi, Chirag; Kumar Gandhi, Bhupendra; Cervantes, Michel J.

2017-07-01

Hydraulic turbines are operated over an extended operating range to meet the real time electricity demand. Turbines operated at part load have flow parameters not matching the designed ones. This results in unstable flow conditions in the runner and draft tube developing low frequency and high amplitude pressure pulsations. The unsteady pressure pulsations affect the dynamic stability of the turbine and cause additional fatigue. The work presented in this paper discusses the flow field investigation of a high head model Francis turbine at part load: 50% of the rated load. Numerical simulation of the complete turbine has been performed. Unsteady pressure pulsations in the vaneless space, runner, and draft tube are investigated and validated with available experimental data. Detailed analysis of the rotor stator interaction and draft tube flow field are performed and discussed. The analysis shows the presence of a rotating vortex rope in the draft tube at the frequency of 0.3 times of the runner rotational frequency. The frequency of the vortex rope precession, which causes severe fluctuations and vibrations in the draft tube, is predicted within 3.9% of the experimental measured value. The vortex rope results pressure pulsations propagating in the system whose frequency is also perceive in the runner and upstream the runner.

Everybody was Kung-Fu fighting-The beneficial effects of Tai Chi Qigong and self-defense Kung-Fu training on psychological and endocrine health in middle aged and older men.

PubMed

Walther, A; Lacker, T J; Ehlert, U

2018-02-01

Higher age is associated to a variety of physical and mental disorders. Age-related changes in steroid secretion have been suggested to be an underlying mechanism leading to frailty, depression, and sexual dysfunction. However, Tai chi qigong and similar forms of exercise have been shown to improve a great variety of health-related parameters in older individuals. We examined 56 self-reporting healthy men actively practicing Tai chi qigong and/or self-defense Kung-fu and 55 age-matched self-reporting healthy controls. Saliva samples were obtained in a standardized procedure for subsequent quantification of circulating testosterone and cortisol levels. In addition, depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, and sexual health were assessesd via self-report questionnaires. Age was negatively associated with testosterone, while no association emerged for cortisol. Tai chi qigong and/or self-defense Kung-fu training was neither associated with testosterone nor cortisol. More weekly Tai chi qigong and/or self-defense Kung-fu training (4 or more times per week) was instead associated with a lower CT-ratio, less depressive symptoms, and higher life satisfaction compared to individuals, who trained only one to three times per week. More years of Tai chi qigong and/or self-defense Kung-fu training were associated with less depressive symptoms and higher life satisfaction but not with the CT-ratio. No significant associations emerged for Tai chi qigong and/or self-defense Kung-fu training and sexual health. When compared to the age-matched controls, there is a significant effect of Tai chi, qigong and/or self-defense Kung-fu on the CT-ratio. Contrast analyses revealed a significantly lower CT-ratio for the high training load group in contrast to the low training load group. Further, in contrast to the control group, the low training load group exhibits a significantly higher CT-ratio. For depression, contrast analyses revealed a significantly lower level of depression in the high training load group compared to the control group. The results indicate that Tai chi qigong and/or self-defense Kung-fu training is beneficially associated with steroid secretion patterns and mental health in aging men, when training is performed with a frequency of 4 or more trainings per week. However, the high frequency training and control group show similar steroid secretion patterns suggesting an inverted U-shaped association between Tai chi qigong and/or self-defense Kung-fu training frequency and the CT-ratio in aging men. More research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism of this association. Still, Tai chi qigong and/or self-defense Kung-fu training provides a promising prevention strategy against age-related physical and mental deterioration in aging men. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A digital computer program for the dynamic interaction simulation of controls and structure (DISCOS), volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bodley, C. S.; Devers, A. D.; Park, A. C.; Frisch, H. P.

1978-01-01

A theoretical development and associated digital computer program system for the dynamic simulation and stability analysis of passive and actively controlled spacecraft are presented. The dynamic system (spacecraft) is modeled as an assembly of rigid and/or flexible bodies not necessarily in a topological tree configuration. The computer program system is used to investigate total system dynamic characteristics, including interaction effects between rigid and/or flexible bodies, control systems, and a wide range of environmental loadings. In addition, the program system is used for designing attitude control systems and for evaluating total dynamic system performance, including time domain response and frequency domain stability analyses.

Long-Term Control of HIV-1 in Hemophiliacs Carrying Slow-Progressing Allele HLA-B*5101▿ †

PubMed Central

Kawashima, Yuka; Kuse, Nozomi; Gatanaga, Hiroyuki; Naruto, Takuya; Fujiwara, Mamoru; Dohki, Sachi; Akahoshi, Tomohiro; Maenaka, Katsumi; Goulder, Philip; Oka, Shinichi; Takiguchi, Masafumi

2010-01-01

HLA-B*51 alleles are reported to be associated with slow disease progression to AIDS, but the mechanism underlying this association is still unclear. In the present study, we analyzed the effect of HLA-B*5101 on clinical outcome for Japanese hemophiliacs who had been infected with HIV-1 before 1985 and had been recruited in 1998 for this study. HLA-B*5101+ hemophiliacs exhibited significantly slow progression. The analysis of HLA-B*5101-restricted HIV-1-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses to 4 HLA-B*-restricted epitopes in 10 antiretroviral-therapy (ART)-free HLA-B*5101+ hemophiliacs showed that the frequency of Pol283-8-specific CD8+ T cells was inversely correlated with the viral load, whereas the frequencies of CD8+ T cells specific for 3 other epitopes were positively correlated with the viral load. The HLA-B*5101+ hemophiliacs whose HIV-1 replication had been controlled for approximately 25 years had HIV-1 possessing the wild-type Pol283-8 sequence or the Pol283-8V mutant, which does not critically affect T-cell recognition, whereas other HLA-B*5101+ hemophiliacs had HIV-1 with escape mutations in this epitope. The results suggest that the control of HIV-1 over approximately 25 years in HLA-B*5101-positive hemophiliacs is associated with a Pol283-8-specific CD8+ T-cell response and that lack of control of HIV-1 is associated with the appearance of Pol283-8-specific escape mutants. PMID:20410273

Spectral negentropy based sidebands and demodulation analysis for planet bearing fault diagnosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Zhipeng; Ma, Haoqun; Zuo, Ming J.

2017-12-01

Planet bearing vibration signals are highly complex due to intricate kinematics (involving both revolution and spinning) and strong multiple modulations (including not only the fault induced amplitude modulation and frequency modulation, but also additional amplitude modulations due to load zone passing, time-varying vibration transfer path, and time-varying angle between the gear pair mesh lines of action and fault impact force vector), leading to difficulty in fault feature extraction. Rolling element bearing fault diagnosis essentially relies on detection of fault induced repetitive impulses carried by resonance vibration, but they are usually contaminated by noise and therefor are hard to be detected. This further adds complexity to planet bearing diagnostics. Spectral negentropy is able to reveal the frequency distribution of repetitive transients, thus providing an approach to identify the optimal frequency band of a filter for separating repetitive impulses. In this paper, we find the informative frequency band (including the center frequency and bandwidth) of bearing fault induced repetitive impulses using the spectral negentropy based infogram. In Fourier spectrum, we identify planet bearing faults according to sideband characteristics around the center frequency. For demodulation analysis, we filter out the sensitive component based on the informative frequency band revealed by the infogram. In amplitude demodulated spectrum (squared envelope spectrum) of the sensitive component, we diagnose planet bearing faults by matching the present peaks with the theoretical fault characteristic frequencies. We further decompose the sensitive component into mono-component intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) to estimate their instantaneous frequencies, and select a sensitive IMF with an instantaneous frequency fluctuating around the center frequency for frequency demodulation analysis. In the frequency demodulated spectrum (Fourier spectrum of instantaneous frequency) of selected IMF, we discern planet bearing fault reasons according to the present peaks. The proposed spectral negentropy infogram based spectrum and demodulation analysis method is illustrated via a numerical simulated signal analysis. Considering the unique load bearing feature of planet bearings, experimental validations under both no-load and loading conditions are done to verify the derived fault symptoms and the proposed method. The localized faults on outer race, rolling element and inner race are successfully diagnosed.

In situ fatigue loading stage inside scanning electron microscope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Telesman, Jack; Kantzos, Peter; Brewer, David

1988-01-01

A fatigue loading stage inside a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was developed. The stage allows dynamic and static high-magnification and high-resolution viewing of the fatigue crack initiation and crack propagation processes. The loading stage is controlled by a closed-loop servohydraulic system. Maximum load is 1000 lb (4450 N) with test frequencies ranging up to 30 Hz. The stage accommodates specimens up to 2 inches (50 mm) in length and tolerates substantial specimen translation to view the propagating crack. At room temperature, acceptable working resolution is obtainable for magnifications ranging up to 10,000X. The system is equipped with a high-temperature setup designed for temperatures up to 2000 F (1100 C). The signal can be videotaped for further analysis of the pertinent fatigue damage mechanisms. The design allows for quick and easy interchange and conversion of the SEM from a loading stage configuration to its normal operational configuration and vice versa. Tests are performed entirely in the in-situ mode. In contrast to other designs, the NASA design has greatly extended the life of the loading stage by not exposing the bellows to cyclic loading. The loading stage was used to investigate the fatigue crack growth mechanisms in the (100)-oriented PWA 1480 single-crystal, nickel-based supperalloy. The high-magnification observations revealed the details of the crack growth processes.

Method for exciting inductive-resistive loads with high and controllable direct current

DOEpatents

Hill, Jr., Homer M.

1976-01-01

Apparatus and method for transmitting dc power to a load circuit by applying a dc voltage from a standard waveform synthesizer to duration modulate a bipolar rectangular wave generator. As the amplitude of the dc voltage increases, the widths of the rectangular wave generator output pulses increase, and as the amplitude of the dc voltage decreases, the widths of the rectangular wave generator output pulses decrease. Thus, the waveform synthesizer selectively changes the durations of the rectangular wave generator bipolar output pulses so as to produce a rectangular wave ac carrier that is duration modulated in accordance with and in direct proportion to the voltage amplitude from the synthesizer. Thereupon, by transferring the carrier to the load circuit through an amplifier and a rectifier, the load current also corresponds directly to the voltage amplitude from the synthesizer. To this end, the rectified wave at less than 100% duty factor, amounts to a doubled frequency direct voltage pulse train for applying a direct current to the load, while the current ripple is minimized by a high L/R in the load circuit. In one embodiment, a power transmitting power amplifier means having a dc power supply is matched to the load circuit through a transformer for current magnification without sacrificing load current duration capability, while negative voltage and current feedback are provided in order to insure good output fidelity.

A multi-mode operation control strategy for flexible microgrid based on sliding-mode direct voltage and hierarchical controls.

PubMed

Zhang, Qinjin; Liu, Yancheng; Zhao, Youtao; Wang, Ning

2016-03-01

Multi-mode operation and transient stability are two problems that significantly affect flexible microgrid (MG). This paper proposes a multi-mode operation control strategy for flexible MG based on a three-layer hierarchical structure. The proposed structure is composed of autonomous, cooperative, and scheduling controllers. Autonomous controller is utilized to control the performance of the single micro-source inverter. An adaptive sliding-mode direct voltage loop and an improved droop power loop based on virtual negative impedance are presented respectively to enhance the system disturbance-rejection performance and the power sharing accuracy. Cooperative controller, which is composed of secondary voltage/frequency control and phase synchronization control, is designed to eliminate the voltage/frequency deviations produced by the autonomous controller and prepare for grid connection. Scheduling controller manages the power flow between the MG and the grid. The MG with the improved hierarchical control scheme can achieve seamless transitions from islanded to grid-connected mode and have a good transient performance. In addition the presented work can also optimize the power quality issues and improve the load power sharing accuracy between parallel VSIs. Finally, the transient performance and effectiveness of the proposed control scheme are evaluated by theoretical analysis and simulation results. Copyright © 2015 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

E-beam high voltage switching power supply

DOEpatents

Shimer, Daniel W.; Lange, Arnold C.

1997-01-01

A high power, solid state power supply is described for producing a controllable, constant high voltage output under varying and arcing loads suitable for powering an electron beam gun or other ion source. The present power supply is most useful for outputs in a range of about 100-400 kW or more. The power supply is comprised of a plurality of discrete switching type dc-dc converter modules, each comprising a voltage regulator, an inductor, an inverter for producing a high frequency square wave current of alternating polarity, an improved inverter voltage clamping circuit, a step up transformer, and an output rectifier for producing a dc voltage at the output of each module. The inputs to the converter modules are fed from a common dc rectifier/filter and are linked together in parallel through decoupling networks to suppress high frequency input interactions. The outputs of the converter modules are linked together in series and connected to the input of the transmission line to the load through a decoupling and line matching network. The dc-dc converter modules are phase activated such that for n modules, each module is activated equally 360.degree./n out of phase with respect to a successive module. The phased activation of the converter modules, combined with the square current waveforms out of the step up transformers, allows the power supply to operate with greatly reduced output capacitance values which minimizes the stored energy available for discharge into an electron beam gun or the like during arcing. The present power supply also provides dynamic response to varying loads by controlling the voltage regulator duty cycle using simulated voltage feedback signals and voltage feedback loops. Circuitry is also provided for sensing incipient arc currents reflected at the output of the power supply and for simultaneously decoupling the power supply circuitry from the arcing load.

E-beam high voltage switching power supply

DOEpatents

Shimer, D.W.; Lange, A.C.

1997-03-11

A high power, solid state power supply is described for producing a controllable, constant high voltage output under varying and arcing loads suitable for powering an electron beam gun or other ion source. The present power supply is most useful for outputs in a range of about 100-400 kW or more. The power supply is comprised of a plurality of discrete switching type dc-dc converter modules, each comprising a voltage regulator, an inductor, an inverter for producing a high frequency square wave current of alternating polarity, an improved inverter voltage clamping circuit, a step up transformer, and an output rectifier for producing a dc voltage at the output of each module. The inputs to the converter modules are fed from a common dc rectifier/filter and are linked together in parallel through decoupling networks to suppress high frequency input interactions. The outputs of the converter modules are linked together in series and connected to the input of the transmission line to the load through a decoupling and line matching network. The dc-dc converter modules are phase activated such that for n modules, each module is activated equally 360{degree}/n out of phase with respect to a successive module. The phased activation of the converter modules, combined with the square current waveforms out of the step up transformers, allows the power supply to operate with greatly reduced output capacitance values which minimizes the stored energy available for discharge into an electron beam gun or the like during arcing. The present power supply also provides dynamic response to varying loads by controlling the voltage regulator duty cycle using simulated voltage feedback signals and voltage feedback loops. Circuitry is also provided for sensing incipient arc currents reflected at the output of the power supply and for simultaneously decoupling the power supply circuitry from the arcing load. 7 figs.

In vivo dynamic stiffness of the porcine lumbar spine exposed to cyclic loading: influence of load and degeneration.

PubMed

Kaigle, A; Ekström, L; Holm, S; Rostedt, M; Hansson, T

1998-02-01

The dynamic axial stiffness of the L2-3 motion segment subjected to vibratory loading under intact and injured states of the intervertebral disc was studied using an in vivo porcine model. Three groups of animals with the following states of the intervertebral discs were studied: intact disc, acutely injured disc, and degenerated disc. A miniaturized servo-hydraulic exciter was used to sinusoidally vibrate the motion segment from 0.05 to 25 Hz under a compressive load with a peak value of either 100 or 200 N. The dynamic axial stiffness of the intervertebral disc was calculated at 1-Hz intervals over the frequency range. The results showed that the dynamic axial stiffness was frequency dependent. A positive relationship was found between an increase in mean dynamic stiffness and load magnitude. An increase in mean stiffness with successive exposures at the same load magnitude was observed, despite the allowance of a recovery period between loading. The greatest difference was noted between the first and second load sets. No significant change in stiffness was found due to an acute disc injury, whereas a significant increase in mean stiffness was found for the degenerated disc group as compared with the intact group. The form of the frequency response curve, however, remained relatively unaltered regardless of the degenerated state of the disc. With heavier loads, repeated loading, and/or disc degeneration, the stiffness of the intervertebral disc increases. An increase in stiffness can mean a reduction in the amount of allowable motion within the motion segment or a potentially harmful increase in force to obtain the desired motion. This may locally result in greater stresses due to an altered ability of the disc to distribute loads.

Insulation Debond Detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, G. D.; Coleman, A. D.; Portwood, J. N.; Saunders, J. M.; Porter, A. J.

1985-01-01

Load-cell and acoustic responses indicate bonding condition nondestructively. Signal recorded by load cell direct and instantaneous measure of local stiffness of material at point of impact. Separate and distinctly different measurement that sensed by microphone. Spectrum analysis of pulse obtained from debonded point will only show frequencies below 425 Hz because insulation alone does not have stiffness to support energy at higher frequencies.

Efficient RF energy harvesting by using a fractal structured rectenna system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Sechang; Ramasamy, Mouli; Varadan, Vijay K.

2014-04-01

A rectenna system delivers, collects, and converts RF energy into direct current to power the electronic devices or recharge batteries. It consists of an antenna for receiving RF power, an input filter for processing energy and impedance matching, a rectifier, an output filter, and a load resistor. However, the conventional rectenna systems have drawback in terms of power generation, as the single resonant frequency of an antenna can generate only low power compared to multiple resonant frequencies. A multi band rectenna system is an optimal solution to generate more power. This paper proposes the design of a novel rectenna system, which involves developing a multi band rectenna with a fractal structured antenna to facilitate an increase in energy harvesting from various sources like Wi-Fi, TV signals, mobile networks and other ambient sources, eliminating the limitation of a single band technique. The usage of fractal antennas effects certain prominent advantages in terms of size and multiple resonances. Even though, a fractal antenna incorporates multiple resonances, controlling the resonant frequencies is an important aspect to generate power from the various desired RF sources. Hence, this paper also describes the design parameters of the fractal antenna and the methods to control the multi band frequency.

Study of the generator/motor operation of induction machines in a high frequency link space power system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lipo, Thomas A.; Sood, Pradeep K.

1987-01-01

Static power conversion systems have traditionally utilized dc current or voltage source links for converting power from one ac or dc form to another since it readily achieves the temporary energy storage required to decouple the input from the output. Such links, however, result in bulky dc capacitors and/or inductors and lead to relatively high losses in the converters due to stresses on the semiconductor switches. The feasibility of utilizing a high frequency sinusoidal voltage link to accomplish the energy storage and decoupling function is examined. In particular, a type of resonant six pulse bridge interface converter is proposed which utilizes zero voltage switching principles to minimize switching losses and uses an easy to implement technique for pulse density modulation to control the amplitude, frequency, and the waveshape of the synthesized low frequency voltage or current. Adaptation of the proposed topology for power conversion to single-phase ac and dc voltage or current outputs is shown to be straight forward. The feasibility of the proposed power circuit and control technique for both active and passive loads are verified by means of simulation and experiment.

Variable frequency microwave furnace system

DOEpatents

Bible, Don W.; Lauf, Robert J.

1994-01-01

A variable frequency microwave furnace system (10) designed to allow modulation of the frequency of the microwaves introduced into a furnace cavity (34) for testing or other selected applications. The variable frequency microwave furnace system (10) includes a microwave signal generator (12) or microwave voltage-controlled oscillator (14) for generating a low-power microwave signal for input to the microwave furnace. A first amplifier (18) may be provided to amplify the magnitude of the signal output from the microwave signal generator (12) or the microwave voltage-controlled oscillator (14). A second amplifier (20) is provided for processing the signal output by the first amplifier (18). The second amplifier (20) outputs the microwave signal input to the furnace cavity (34). In the preferred embodiment, the second amplifier (20) is a traveling-wave tube (TWT). A power supply (22) is provided for operation of the second amplifier (20). A directional coupler (24) is provided for detecting the direction of a signal and further directing the signal depending on the detected direction. A first power meter (30) is provided for measuring the power delivered to the microwave furnace (32). A second power meter (26) detects the magnitude of reflected power. Reflected power is dissipated in the reflected power load (28).

Analysis and design of negative resistance oscillators using surface transverse wave-based single port resonators.

PubMed

Avramov, Ivan D

2003-03-01

This practically oriented paper presents the fundamentals for analysis, optimization, and design of negative resistance oscillators (NRO) stabilized with surface transverse wave (STW)-based single-port resonators (SPR). Data on a variety of high-Q, low-loss SPR devices in the 900- to 2000-MHz range, suitable for NRO applications, are presented, and a simple method for SPR parameter extraction through Pi-circuit measurements is outlined. Negative resistance analysis, based on S-parameter data of the active device, is performed on a tuned-base, grounded collector transistor NRO, known for its good stability and tuning at microwave frequencies. By adding a SPR in the emitter network, the static transducer capacitance is absorbed by the circuit and is used to generate negative resistance only over the narrow bandwidth of the acoustic device, eliminating the risk of spurious oscillations. The analysis allows exact prediction of the oscillation frequency, tuning range, loaded Q, and excess gain. Simulation and experimental data on a 915-MHz fixed-frequency NRO and a wide tuning range, voltage-controlled STW oscillator, built and tested experimentally, are presented. Practical design aspects including the choice of transistor, negative feedback circuits, load coupling, and operation at the highest phase slope for minimum phase noise are discussed.

System frequency support of permanent magnet synchronous generator-based wind power plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Ziping

With ever-increasing penetration of wind power into modern electric grids all over the world, a trending replacement of conventional synchronous generators by large wind power plants will likely result in the poor overall frequency regulation performance. On the other hand, permanent magnet synchronous generator wind Turbine System (PMSG-WTG) with full power back to back converters tends to become one of the most promising wind turbine technologies thanks to various advantages. It possesses a significant amount of kinetic energy stored in the rotating mass of turbine blades, which can be utilized to enhance the total inertia of power system. Additionally, the deloaded operation and decoupled control of active and reactive power make it possible for PMSG-WTG to provide a fast frequency regulation through full-power converter. First of all, a comprehensive and in-depth survey is conducted to analyze the motivations for incorporating the inertial response and frequency regulation of VSWT into the system frequency regulation. Besides, control classifications, fundamental control concepts and advanced control schemes implemented for auxiliary frequency support of individual WT or wind power plant are elaborated along with a comparison of the potential frequency regulation capabilities of four major types of WTs. Secondly, a Controls Advanced Research Turbine2-Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator wind turbine (CART2-PMSG) integrated model representing the typical configuration and operation characteristics of PMSG-WT is established in Matlab/Simulink,. Meanwhile, two different rotor-side converter control schemes, including rotor speed-based control and active power-based control, are integrated into this CART2-PMSG integrated model to perform Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) operation over a wide range of wind speeds, respectively. Thirdly, a novel comprehensive frequency regulation (CFR) control scheme is developed and implemented into the CART2-PMSG model based on rotor speed control. The proposed control scheme is achieved through the coordinated control between rotor speed and modified pitch angle in accordance with different specified wind speed modes. Fourth, an improved inertial control method based on the maximum power point tracking operation curve is introduced to boost the overall frequency support capability of PMSG-WTGs based on rotor speed control. Fifth, a novel control method based on the torque limit (TLC) is proposed for the purpose of maximizing the wind turbine (WT)'s inertial response. To avoid the SFD caused by the deloaded operation of WT, a small-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) model is established and implemented to eliminate this impact and meanwhile assist the restoration of wind turbine to MPPT mode by means of coordinated control strategy between BESS and PMSG-WTG. Last but not the least, all three types of control strategies are implemented in the CART2-PMSG integrated model based on rotor speed control or active power control respectively to evaluate their impacts on the wind turbine's structural loads during the frequency regulation process. Simulation results demonstrate that all the proposed methods can enhance the overall frequency regulation performance while imposing very slight negative impact on the major mechanical components of the wind turbine.

Ferroresonant flux coupled battery charger

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McLyman, Colonel W. T. (Inventor)

1987-01-01

A battery charger for incorporation into an electric-powered vehicle is disclosed. The charger includes a ferroresonant voltage-regulating circuit for providing an output voltage proportional to the frequency of an input AC voltage. A high frequency converter converts a DC voltage supplied, for example, from a rectifier connected to a standard AC outlet, to a controlled frequency AC voltage which is supplied to the input of the ferroresonant circuit. The ferroresonant circuit includes an output, a saturable core transformer connected across the output, and a first linear inductor and a capacitor connected in series across the saturable core transformer and tuned to resonate at the third harmonic of the AC voltage from the high frequency converter. The ferroresonant circuit further includes a second linear inductor connected between the input of the ferroresonant circuit and the saturable core transformer. The output voltage from the ferroresonant circuit is rectified and applied across a pair of output terminals adapted to be connected to the battery to be charged. A feedback circuit compares the voltage across the output terminals with a reference voltage and controls the frequency of the AC voltage produced by the high frequency converter to maintain the voltage across the output terminals at a predetermined value. The second linear inductor provides a highly reactive load in the event of a fault across the output terminals to render the charger short-circuit proof.

Transient Performance Improvement Circuit (TPIC)s for DC-DC converter applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Sungkeun

Gordon Moore famously predicted the exponential increase in transistor integration and computing power that has been witnessed in recent decades [1]. In the near future, it is expected that more than one billion transistors will be integrated per chip, and advanced microprocessors will require clock speeds in excess of several GHz. The increasing number of transistors and high clock speeds will necessitate the consumption of more power. By 2014, it is expected that the maximum power consumption of the microprocessor will reach approximately 150W, and the maximum load current will be around 150A. Today's trend in power and thermal management is to reduce supply voltage as low as possible to reduce delivered power. It is anticipated that the Intel cores will operate on 0.8V of supply voltage by 2014 [2]. A significant challenge in Voltage Regulator Module (VRM) development for next generation microprocessors is to regulate the supply voltage within a certain tolerance band during high slew rate load transitions, since the required supply voltage tolerance band will be much narrower than the current requirement. If VR output impedance is maintained at a constant value from DC to high frequency, large output voltage spikes can be avoided during load cur- rent transients. Based on this, the Adaptive Voltage Position (AVP) concept was developed to achieve constant VR output impedance to improve transient response performance [3]. However, the VR output impedance can not be made constant over the entire frequency range with AVP design, because the AVP design makes the VR output impedance constant only at low frequencies. To make the output impedance constant at high frequencies, many bulk capacitors and ceramic capacitors are required. The tight supply voltage tolerance for the next generation of microprocessors during high slew rate load transitions requires fast transient response power supplies. A VRM can not follow the high slew rate load current transients, because of the slow inductor current slew rate which is determined by the input voltage, output voltage, and the inductance. The remaining inductor current in the power delivery path will charge the output capacitors and develop a voltage across the ESR. As a result, large output voltage spikes occur during load current transients. Due to their limited control bandwidth, traditional VRs can not sufficiently respond rapidly to certain load transients. As a result, a large output voltage spike can occur during load transients, hence requiring a large amount of bulk capacitance to decouple the VR from the load [2]. If the remaining inductor current is removed from the power stage or the inductor current slew rate is changed, the output voltage spikes can be clamped, allowing the output capacitance to be reduced. A new design methodology for a Transient Performance Improvement Circuit(TPIC) based on controlling the output impedance of a regulator is presented. The TPIC works in parallel with a voltage regulator (VR)'s ceramic capacitors to achieve faster voltage regulation without the need for a large bulk capacitance, and can serve as a replacement for bulk capacitors. The specific function of the TPIC is to mimic the behavior of the bulk capacitance in a traditional VRM by sinking and sourcing large currents during transients, allowing the VR to respond quickly to current transients without the need for a large bulk capacitance. This will allow fast transient response without the need for a large bulk capacitor. The main challenge in applying the TPIC is creating a design which will not interfere with VR operation. A TPIC for a 4 Switch Buck-Boost (4SBB) converter is presented which functions by con- trolling the inductor current slew rate during load current transients. By increasing the inductor current slew rate, the remaining inductor current can be removed from the 4SBB power delivery path and the output voltage spike can be clamped. A second TPIC is presented which is designed to improve the performance of an LDO regulator during output current transients. A TPIC for a LDO regulator is proposed to reduce the over voltage spike settling time. During a load current step down transient, the only current discharging path is a light load current. However, it takes a long time to discharge the current charged in the output capacitors with the light load current. The proposed TPIC will make an additional current discharging path to reduce the long settling time. By reducing the settling time, the load current transient frequency of the LDO regulator can be increased. A Ripple Cancellation Circuit (RCC) is proposed to reduce the output voltage ripple. The RCC has a very similar concept with the TPIC which is sinking or injecting additional current to the power stage to compensate the inductor ripple current. The proposed TPICs and RCC have been implemented with a 0.6m CMOS process. A single-phase VR, a 4SBB converter, and a LDO regulator have been utilized with the proposed TPIC to evaluate its performance. The theoretical analysis will be confirmed by Cadence simulation results and experimental results.

Interim Report on Fatigue Characteristics of a Typical Metal Wing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kepert, J L; Payne, A O

1956-01-01

Constant amplitude fatigue tests of seventy-two P-51D "Mustang" wings are reported. The tests were performed by a vibrational loading system and by an hydraulic loading device for conditions with and without varying amounts of pre-load. The results indicate that: (a) the frequency of occurrence of fatigue at any one location is related to the range of the loads applied, (b) the rate of propagation of visible cracks is more or less constant for a large portion of the life of the specimen, (c) the fatigue strength of the structure is similar to that of notched material having a theoretical stress concentration factor of more than 3.0, (d) the frequency distribution of fatigue life is approximately logarithmic normal, (e) the relative increase in fatigue life for a given pre-load depends on the maximum load of the loading cycle only, while the optimum pre-load value is approximately 85 percent of the ultimate failing load, and (f) that normal design procedure will not permit the determination of local stress levels with sufficient accuracy to determine the fatigue strength of an element of a redundant structure.

Dynamic hydraulic fluid stimulation regulated intramedullary pressure.

PubMed

Hu, Minyi; Serra-Hsu, Frederick; Bethel, Neville; Lin, Liangjun; Ferreri, Suzanne; Cheng, Jiqi; Qin, Yi-Xian

2013-11-01

Physical signals within the bone, i.e. generated from mechanical loading, have the potential to initiate skeletal adaptation. Strong evidence has pointed to bone fluid flow (BFF) as a media between an external load and the bone cells, in which altered velocity and pressure can ultimately initiate the mechanotransduction and the remodeling process within the bone. Load-induced BFF can be altered by factors such as intramedullary pressure (ImP) and/or bone matrix strain, mediating bone adaptation. Previous studies have shown that BFF induced by ImP alone, with minimum bone strain, can initiate bone remodeling. However, identifying induced ImP dynamics and bone strain factor in vivo using a non-invasive method still remains challenging. To apply ImP as a means for alteration of BFF, it was hypothesized that non-invasive dynamic hydraulic stimulation (DHS) can induce local ImP with minimal bone strain to potentially elicit osteogenic adaptive responses via bone-muscle coupling. The goal of this study was to evaluate the immediate effects on local and distant ImP and strain in response to a range of loading frequencies using DHS. Simultaneous femoral and tibial ImP and bone strain values were measured in three 15-month-old female Sprague Dawley rats during DHS loading on the tibia with frequencies of 1Hz to 10Hz. DHS showed noticeable effects on ImP induction in the stimulated tibia in a nonlinear fashion in response to DHS over the range of loading frequencies, where they peaked at 2Hz. DHS at various loading frequencies generated minimal bone strain in the tibiae. Maximal bone strain measured at all loading frequencies was less than 8με. No detectable induction of ImP or bone strain was observed in the femur. This study suggested that oscillatory DHS may regulate the local fluid dynamics with minimal mechanical strain in the bone, which serves critically in bone adaptation. These results clearly implied DHS's potential as an effective, non-invasive intervention for osteopenia and osteoporosis treatments. © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Low Probability Tail Event Analysis and Mitigation in BPA Control Area: Task One Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu, Shuai; Makarov, Yuri V.

This is a report for task one of the tail event analysis project for BPA. Tail event refers to the situation in a power system when unfavorable forecast errors of load and wind are superposed onto fast load and wind ramps, or non-wind generators falling short of scheduled output, the imbalance between generation and load becomes very significant. This type of events occurs infrequently and appears on the tails of the distribution of system power imbalance; therefore, is referred to as tail events. This report analyzes what happened during the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) reliability event on Februarymore » 26, 2008, which was widely reported because of the involvement of wind generation. The objective is to identify sources of the problem, solutions to it and potential improvements that can be made to the system. Lessons learned from the analysis include the following: (1) Large mismatch between generation and load can be caused by load forecast error, wind forecast error and generation scheduling control error on traditional generators, or a combination of all of the above; (2) The capability of system balancing resources should be evaluated both in capacity (MW) and in ramp rate (MW/min), and be procured accordingly to meet both requirements. The resources need to be able to cover a range corresponding to the variability of load and wind in the system, additional to other uncertainties; (3) Unexpected ramps caused by load and wind can both become the cause leading to serious issues; (4) A look-ahead tool evaluating system balancing requirement during real-time operations and comparing that with available system resources should be very helpful to system operators in predicting the forthcoming of similar events and planning ahead; and (5) Demand response (only load reduction in ERCOT event) can effectively reduce load-generation mismatch and terminate frequency deviation in an emergency situation.« less

The application of the statistical theory of extreme values to gust-load problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Press, Harry

1950-01-01

An analysis is presented which indicates that the statistical theory of extreme values is applicable to the problems of predicting the frequency of encountering the larger gust loads and gust velocities for both specific test conditions as well as commercial transport operations. The extreme-value theory provides an analytic form for the distributions of maximum values of gust load and velocity. Methods of fitting the distribution are given along with a method of estimating the reliability of the predictions. The theory of extreme values is applied to available load data from commercial transport operations. The results indicate that the estimates of the frequency of encountering the larger loads are more consistent with the data and more reliable than those obtained in previous analyses. (author)

Resilient control of cyber-physical systems against intelligent attacker: a hierarchal stackelberg game approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Yuan; Sun, Fuchun; Liu, Huaping

2016-07-01

This paper is concerned with the resilient control under denial-of-service attack launched by the intelligent attacker. The resilient control system is modelled as a multi-stage hierarchical game with a corresponding hierarchy of decisions made at cyber and physical layer, respectively. Specifically, the interaction in the cyber layer between different security agents is modelled as a static infinite Stackelberg game, while in the underlying physical layer the full-information H∞ minimax control with package drops is modelled as a different Stackelberg game. Both games are solved sequentially, which is consistent with the actual situations. Finally, the proposed method is applied to the load frequency control of the power system, which demonstrates its effectiveness.

Development of Feedhorn-Coupled Multichroic Polarimeters for the Inflation Probe Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McMahon, Jeff

This proposal seeks support for the development of millimeter-wavelength multichroic polarimeters optimized for detecting Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) polarization signals with a future NASA Inflation Probe Mission. The technologies developed under this proposal would also have applications in future submillimeter astrophysics satellite missions. The proposed technology would increase the overall experimental sensitivity of an Inflation Probe Mission over that achievable by single-frequency pixels, making efficient use of available diffraction-limited focal plane area while maintaining unmatched control over systematics through the use of corrugated feedhorns. The sensitivity, multi-frequency coverage, and control of detector systematics offered by this technology on the Inflation Probe Mission would provide the definitive measurement of CMB polarization and foreground sources. These data would unambiguously detect or rule out all models of Grand Unified Theory (GUT) scale inflation, provide a precise measurement of the sum of the neutrino masses, and enable a wide variety of astrophysical and additional cosmological measurements. Control of systematics and foregrounds are paramount for a successful detection of the faint inflationary signal. Corrugated feedhorns are the gold standard for producing symmetric beams with low cross-polarization. Using ring-loaded slots, they can be designed to exceed one octave in bandwidth, allowing for multiple bands using a single feed. For the optimal characterization and control of foregrounds, approximately 10 bands are needed over a frequency range roughly spanning 40-300 GHz. Our plan is to develop a scalable multichroic architecture with four frequency bands within an octave of bandwidth, which we will then scale to three different frequency ranges, for a total of 12 bands with band centers on a logarithmic scale ranging from 40-288 GHz. At the key frequencies for CMB polarization (100-150 GHz) our proposed detectors achieve a sensitivity equal to 98% of that achieved with 3:1 bandwidth detectors and 85% of the ideal broad-frequency sensitivity, while providing the systematics benefits of using corrugated feedhorns. This work builds on the efforts of the TRUCE collaboration which has successfully developed 150 GHz polarization-sensitive bolometric detectors fabricated at NIST which are now being deployed in multiple CMB polarization experiments, ABS, ACTPol and SPTPol. Work to extend this architecture to realize broad-band multichroic detectors has already begun, using McMahon's startup funds. A prototype detector and ring-loaded corrugated feedhorn operating in both the 90 and 150 GHz bands has been designed, fabricated, and are now being tested. We will build on this work by developing quadruplexers to separate four bands, scaling this design to higher and lower frequencies, and fully optimizing these detectors for space. We will investigate the use of spline- profiled feeds to use at frequencies where corrugated horns are impractical. The broadband planar microwave technology we propose to develop is scalable to both higher and lower frequencies, and can be employed with a number of different detector technologies, including microwave kinetic inductance detectors (MKIDs). The objectives of the proposed work are directly related to the objectives given in the NASA Research Announcement (NRA) Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey.

Development of Aeroservoelastic Analytical Models and Gust Load Alleviation Control Laws of a SensorCraft Wind-Tunnel Model Using Measured Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Silva, Walter A.; Vartio, Eric; Shimko, Anthony; Kvaternik, Raymond G.; Eure, Kenneth W.; Scott,Robert C.

2007-01-01

Aeroservoelastic (ASE) analytical models of a SensorCraft wind-tunnel model are generated using measured data. The data was acquired during the ASE wind-tunnel test of the HiLDA (High Lift-to-Drag Active) Wing model, tested in the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT) in late 2004. Two time-domain system identification techniques are applied to the development of the ASE analytical models: impulse response (IR) method and the Generalized Predictive Control (GPC) method. Using measured control surface inputs (frequency sweeps) and associated sensor responses, the IR method is used to extract corresponding input/output impulse response pairs. These impulse responses are then transformed into state-space models for use in ASE analyses. Similarly, the GPC method transforms measured random control surface inputs and associated sensor responses into an AutoRegressive with eXogenous input (ARX) model. The ARX model is then used to develop the gust load alleviation (GLA) control law. For the IR method, comparison of measured with simulated responses are presented to investigate the accuracy of the ASE analytical models developed. For the GPC method, comparison of simulated open-loop and closed-loop (GLA) time histories are presented.

Development of Aeroservoelastic Analytical Models and Gust Load Alleviation Control Laws of a SensorCraft Wind-Tunnel Model Using Measured Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Silva, Walter A.; Shimko, Anthony; Kvaternik, Raymond G.; Eure, Kenneth W.; Scott, Robert C.

2006-01-01

Aeroservoelastic (ASE) analytical models of a SensorCraft wind-tunnel model are generated using measured data. The data was acquired during the ASE wind-tunnel test of the HiLDA (High Lift-to-Drag Active) Wing model, tested in the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT) in late 2004. Two time-domain system identification techniques are applied to the development of the ASE analytical models: impulse response (IR) method and the Generalized Predictive Control (GPC) method. Using measured control surface inputs (frequency sweeps) and associated sensor responses, the IR method is used to extract corresponding input/output impulse response pairs. These impulse responses are then transformed into state-space models for use in ASE analyses. Similarly, the GPC method transforms measured random control surface inputs and associated sensor responses into an AutoRegressive with eXogenous input (ARX) model. The ARX model is then used to develop the gust load alleviation (GLA) control law. For the IR method, comparison of measured with simulated responses are presented to investigate the accuracy of the ASE analytical models developed. For the GPC method, comparison of simulated open-loop and closed-loop (GLA) time histories are presented.

Estimating discharge and non-point source nitrate loading to streams from three end-member pathways using high-frequency water quality and streamflow data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, M. P.; Tesoriero, A. J.; Hood, K.; Terziotti, S.; Wolock, D.

2017-12-01

The myriad hydrologic and biogeochemical processes taking place in watersheds occurring across space and time are integrated and reflected in the quantity and quality of water in streams and rivers. Collection of high-frequency water quality data with sensors in surface waters provides new opportunities to disentangle these processes and quantify sources and transport of water and solutes in the coupled groundwater-surface water system. A new approach for separating the streamflow hydrograph into three components was developed and coupled with high-frequency specific conductance and nitrate data to estimate time-variable watershed-scale nitrate loading from three end-member pathways - dilute quickflow, concentrated quickflow, and slowflow groundwater - to two streams in central Wisconsin. Time-variable nitrate loads from the three pathways were estimated for periods of up to two years in a groundwater-dominated and a quickflow-dominated stream, using only streamflow and in-stream water quality data. The dilute and concentrated quickflow end-members were distinguished using high-frequency specific conductance data. Results indicate that dilute quickflow contributed less than 5% of the nitrate load at both sites, whereas 89±5% of the nitrate load at the groundwater-dominated stream was from slowflow groundwater, and 84±13% of the nitrate load at the quickflow-dominated stream was from concentrated quickflow. Concentrated quickflow nitrate concentrations varied seasonally at both sites, with peak concentrations in the winter that were 2-3 times greater than minimum concentrations during the growing season. Application of this approach provides an opportunity to assess stream vulnerability to non-point source nitrate loading and expected stream responses to current or changing conditions and practices in watersheds.

Effect of Degeneration on Fluid-Solid Interaction within Intervertebral Disk Under Cyclic Loading - A Meta-Model Analysis of Finite Element Simulations.

PubMed

Nikkhoo, Mohammad; Khalaf, Kinda; Kuo, Ya-Wen; Hsu, Yu-Chun; Haghpanahi, Mohammad; Parnianpour, Mohamad; Wang, Jaw-Lin

2015-01-01

The risk of low back pain resulted from cyclic loadings is greater than that resulted from prolonged static postures. Disk degeneration results in degradation of disk solid structures and decrease of water contents, which is caused by activation of matrix digestive enzymes. The mechanical responses resulted from internal solid-fluid interactions of degenerative disks to cyclic loadings are not well studied yet. The fluid-solid interactions in disks can be evaluated by mathematical models, especially the poroelastic finite element (FE) models. We developed a robust disk poroelastic FE model to analyze the effect of degeneration on solid-fluid interactions within disk subjected to cyclic loadings at different loading frequencies. A backward analysis combined with in vitro experiments was used to find the elastic modulus and hydraulic permeability of intact and enzyme-induced degenerated porcine disks. The results showed that the averaged peak-to-peak disk deformations during the in vitro cyclic tests were well fitted with limited FE simulations and a quadratic response surface regression for both disk groups. The results showed that higher loading frequency increased the intradiscal pressure, decreased the total fluid loss, and slightly increased the maximum axial stress within solid matrix. Enzyme-induced degeneration decreased the intradiscal pressure and total fluid loss, and barely changed the maximum axial stress within solid matrix. The increase of intradiscal pressure and total fluid loss with loading frequency was less sensitive after the frequency elevated to 0.1 Hz for the enzyme-induced degenerated disk. Based on this study, it is found that enzyme-induced degeneration decreases energy attenuation capability of disk, but less change the strength of disk.

Effect of Degeneration on Fluid–Solid Interaction within Intervertebral Disk Under Cyclic Loading – A Meta-Model Analysis of Finite Element Simulations

PubMed Central

Nikkhoo, Mohammad; Khalaf, Kinda; Kuo, Ya-Wen; Hsu, Yu-Chun; Haghpanahi, Mohammad; Parnianpour, Mohamad; Wang, Jaw-Lin

2015-01-01

The risk of low back pain resulted from cyclic loadings is greater than that resulted from prolonged static postures. Disk degeneration results in degradation of disk solid structures and decrease of water contents, which is caused by activation of matrix digestive enzymes. The mechanical responses resulted from internal solid–fluid interactions of degenerative disks to cyclic loadings are not well studied yet. The fluid–solid interactions in disks can be evaluated by mathematical models, especially the poroelastic finite element (FE) models. We developed a robust disk poroelastic FE model to analyze the effect of degeneration on solid–fluid interactions within disk subjected to cyclic loadings at different loading frequencies. A backward analysis combined with in vitro experiments was used to find the elastic modulus and hydraulic permeability of intact and enzyme-induced degenerated porcine disks. The results showed that the averaged peak-to-peak disk deformations during the in vitro cyclic tests were well fitted with limited FE simulations and a quadratic response surface regression for both disk groups. The results showed that higher loading frequency increased the intradiscal pressure, decreased the total fluid loss, and slightly increased the maximum axial stress within solid matrix. Enzyme-induced degeneration decreased the intradiscal pressure and total fluid loss, and barely changed the maximum axial stress within solid matrix. The increase of intradiscal pressure and total fluid loss with loading frequency was less sensitive after the frequency elevated to 0.1 Hz for the enzyme-induced degenerated disk. Based on this study, it is found that enzyme-induced degeneration decreases energy attenuation capability of disk, but less change the strength of disk. PMID:25674562

Feedforward Controller of Ill-Conditioned Hysteresis Using Singularity-Free Prandtl–Ishlinskii Model

PubMed Central

Tan, U-Xuan; Latt, Win Tun; Shee, Cheng Yap; Riviere, Cameron N.; Ang, Wei Tech

2009-01-01

Piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, and shape memory alloy actuators are gaining importance in high-frequency precision applications constrained by space. Their intrinsic hysteretic behavior makes control difficult. The Prandtl–Ishlinskii (PI) operator can model hysteresis well, albeit a major inadequacy: the inverse operator does not exist when the hysteretic curve gradient is not positive definite, i.e., ill condition occurs when slope is negative. An inevitable tradeoff between modeling accuracy and inversion stability exists. The hysteretic modeling improves with increasing number of play operators. But as the piecewise continuous interval of each operator reduces, the model tends to be ill-conditioned, especially at the turning points. Similar ill-conditioned situation arises when these actuators move heavy loads or operate at high frequency. This paper proposes an extended PI operator to map hysteresis to a domain where inversion is well behaved. The inverse weights are then evaluated to determine the inverse hysteresis model for the feedforward controller. For illustration purpose, a piezoelectric actuator is used. PMID:19936032

Immediate versus early loading of two implants placed with a flapless technique supporting mandibular bar-retained overdentures: a single-blinded, randomised controlled clinical trial.

PubMed

Cannizzaro, Gioacchino; Leone, Michele; Esposito, Marco

2008-01-01

To evaluate the efficacy of immediate loading versus early loading at 6 weeks of bar-retained mandibular overdentures supported by two implants placed with a flapless technique. Sixty patients were randomised: 30 to the immediately loaded group and 30 to the early loaded group. To be immediately loaded, implants had to be inserted with a minimum torque > 48 Ncm. Outcome measures were prosthesis and implant failures, biological and biomechanical complications, patient satisfaction, and Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) assessed with a resonance frequency analysis instrument. Sixty implants were placed in each group. Flaps had to be raised in nine patients to check drill direction or to better visualise the area after multiple teeth extraction. Two implants in two patients did not reach the planned insertion torque and were immediately replaced by larger diameters ones. After 1 year no drop out occurred and two early loaded implants failed in two patients. There were no statistically significant differences between groups for prosthesis failures, implant losses, complications, and mean ISQ values; however, patients in the immediately loaded group were significantly more satisfied than those loaded early. When comparing mean ISQ values taken 6 weeks after placement with 1-year data within each group, values decreased significantly. Mandibular overdentures can be successfully loaded the same day of implant placement with a minimally invasive surgery, increasing patient satisfaction while decreasing treatment time and patient discomfort. No apparent advantages were seen when loading the overdentures at 6 weeks.

Verification of voltage/frequency requirement for emergency diesel generator in nuclear power plant using dynamic modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hur, Jin-Suk; Roh, Myung-Sub

2014-02-01

One major cause of the plant shutdown is the loss of electrical power. The study is to comprehend the coping action against station blackout including emergency diesel generator, sequential loading of safety system and to ensure that the emergency diesel generator should meet requirements, especially voltage and frequency criteria using modeling tool. This paper also considered the change of the sequencing time and load capacity only for finding electrical design margin. However, the revision of load list must be verified with safety analysis. From this study, it is discovered that new load calculation is a key factor in EDG localization and in-house capability increase.

Excitation of plane Lamb wave in plate-like structures under applied surface loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Kai; Xu, Xinsheng; Zhao, Zhen; Yang, Zhengyan; Zhou, Zhenhuan; Wu, Zhanjun

2018-02-01

Lamb waves play an important role in structure health monitoring (SHM) systems. The excitation of Lamb waves has been discussed for a long time with absorbing results. However, little effort has been made towards the precise characterization of Lamb wave excitation by various transducer models with mathematical foundation. In this paper, the excitation of plane Lamb waves with plane strain assumption in isotropic plate structures under applied surface loading is solved with the Hamiltonian system. The response of the Lamb modes excited by applied loading is expressed analytically. The effect of applied loading is divided into the product of two parts as the effect of direction and the effect of distribution, which can be changed by selecting different types of transducer and the corresponding transducer configurations. The direction of loading determines the corresponding displacement of each mode. The effect of applied loading on the in-plane and normal directions depends on the in-plane and normal displacements at the surface respectively. The effect of the surface loading distribution on the Lamb mode amplitudes is mainly reflected by amplitude versus frequency or wavenumber. The frequencies at which the maxima and minima of the S0 or A0 mode response occur depend on the distribution of surface loading. The numerical results of simulations conducted on an infinite aluminum plate verify the theoretical prediction of not only the direction but also the distribution of applied loading. A pure S0 or A0 mode can be excited by selecting the appropriate direction and distribution at the corresponding frequency.

On the dynamic stability of shear deformable beams under a tensile load

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caddemi, S.; Caliò, I.; Cannizzaro, F.

2016-07-01

Loss of stability of beams in a linear static context due to the action of tensile loads has been disclosed only recently in the scientific literature. However, tensile instability in the dynamic regime has been only marginally covered. Several aspects concerning the role of shear deformation on the tensile dynamic instability on continuous and discontinuous beams are still to be addressed. It may appear as a paradox, but also for the case of the universally studied Timoshenko beam model, despite its old origin, frequency-axial load diagrams in the range of negative values of the load (i.e. tensile load) has never been brought to light. In this paper, for the first time, the influence of a conservative tensile axial loads on the dynamic behaviour of the Timoshenko model, according to the Haringx theory, is assessed. It is shown that, under increasing tensile loads, regions of positive/negative fundamental frequency variations can be distinguished. In addition, the beam undergoes eigen-mode changes, from symmetric to anti-symmetric shapes, until tensile instability of divergence type is reached. As a further original contribution on the subject, taking advantage of a new closed form solution, it is shown that the same peculiarities are recovered for an axially loaded Euler-Bernoulli vibrating beam with multiple elastic sliders. This latter model can be considered as the discrete counterpart of the Timoshenko beam-column in which the internal sliders concentrate the shear deformation that in the Timoshenko model is continuously distributed. Original aspects regarding the evolution of the vibration frequencies and the relevant mode shapes with the tensile load value are highlighted.

Performance of a Single Liquid Column Damper for the Control of Dynamic Responses of a Tension Leg Platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaksic, V.; Wright, C.; Chanayil, Afeef; Faruque Ali, Shaikh; Murphy, Jimmy; Pakrashi, Vikram

2015-07-01

Tuned liquid column dampers have been proved to be successful in mitigating the dynamic responses of civil infrastructure. There have been some recent applications of this concept on wind turbines and this passive control system can help to mitigate responses of offshore floating platforms and wave devices. The control of dynamic responses of these devices is important for reducing loads on structural elements and facilitating operations and maintenance (O&M) activities. This paper outlines the use of a tuned single liquid column damper for the control of a tension leg platform supported wind turbine. Theoretical studies were carried out and a scaled model was tested in a wave basin to assess the performance of the damper. The tests on the model presented in this paper correspond to a platform with a very low natural frequency for surge, sway and yaw motions. For practical purposes, it was not possible to tune the liquid damper exactly to this frequency. The consequent approach taken and the efficiency of such approach are presented in this paper. Responses to waves of a single frequency are investigated along with responses obtained from wave spectra characterising typical sea states. The extent of control is quantified using peak and root mean squared dynamic responses respectively. The tests present some guidelines and challenges for testing scaled devices in relation to including response control mechanisms. Additionally, the results provide a basis for dictating future research on tuned liquid column damper based control on floating platforms.

Dielectric-loaded coaxial-slot antenna for interstitial microwave hyperthermia: longitudinal control of heating patterns.

PubMed

Hamada, L; Saito, K; Yoshimura, H; Ito, K

2000-01-01

In this paper, the microwave interstitial antenna with the dielectric load in part near the tip is introduced to realize the tip-heating and to improve the dependence of the heating patterns on the insertion depth. Numerical simulations using the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method have been conducted at the frequency of 915 MHz for four different configurations of the coaxial-slot antenna inserted into a catheter: the media between the antenna and the catheter are (a) no, (b) a thin air layer, (c) a thin dielectric layer, and (d) a thin air layer and a dielectric load in part near the tip. The diameter of the antenna including the catheter is sufficiently small for minimally invasive therapy. Comparison of the SARs for the four configurations makes it clear that the dielectric-loaded antenna can realize the best tip-heating and suppress the hot spot near the surface of the human body. Dependence of the SAR distributions on the insertion depth of the antenna has also been examined. It is found from the investigation that the dielectric-loaded antenna has little dependence on the insertion depth.

Design of Linear Control System for Wind Turbine Blade Fatigue Testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toft, Anders; Roe-Poulsen, Bjarke; Christiansen, Rasmus; Knudsen, Torben

2016-09-01

This paper proposes a linear method for wind turbine blade fatigue testing at Siemens Wind Power. The setup consists of a blade, an actuator (motor and load mass) that acts on the blade with a sinusoidal moment, and a distribution of strain gauges to measure the blade flexure. Based on the frequency of the sinusoidal input, the blade will start oscillating with a given gain, hence the objective of the fatigue test is to make the blade oscillate with a controlled amplitude. The system currently in use is based on frequency control, which involves some non-linearities that make the system difficult to control. To make a linear controller, a different approach has been chosen, namely making a controller which is not regulating on the input frequency, but on the input amplitude. A non-linear mechanical model for the blade and the motor has been constructed. This model has been simplified based on the desired output, namely the amplitude of the blade. Furthermore, the model has been linearised to make it suitable for linear analysis and control design methods. The controller is designed based on a simplified and linearised model, and its gain parameter determined using pole placement. The model variants have been simulated in the MATLAB toolbox Simulink, which shows that the controller design based on the simple model performs adequately with the non-linear model. Moreover, the developed controller solves the robustness issue found in the existent solution and also reduces the needed energy for actuation as it always operates at the blade eigenfrequency.

Scaling analysis of bilateral hand tremor movements in essential tremor patients.

PubMed

Blesic, S; Maric, J; Dragasevic, N; Milanovic, S; Kostic, V; Ljubisavljevic, Milos

2011-08-01

Recent evidence suggests that the dynamic-scaling behavior of the time-series of signals extracted from separate peaks of tremor spectra may reveal existence of multiple independent sources of tremor. Here, we have studied dynamic characteristics of the time-series of hand tremor movements in essential tremor (ET) patients using the detrended fluctuation analysis method. Hand accelerometry was recorded with (500 g) and without weight loading under postural conditions in 25 ET patients and 20 normal subjects. The time-series comprising peak-to-peak (PtP) intervals were extracted from regions around the first three main frequency components of power spectra (PwS) of the recorded tremors. The data were compared between the load and no-load condition on dominant (related to tremor severity) and non-dominant tremor side and with the normal (physiological) oscillations in healthy subjects. Our analysis shows that, in ET, the dynamic characteristics of the main frequency component of recorded tremors exhibit scaling behavior. Furthermore, they show that the two main components of ET tremor frequency spectra, otherwise indistinguishable without load, become significantly different after inertial loading and that they differ between the tremor sides (related to tremor severity). These results show that scaling, a time-domain analysis, helps revealing tremor features previously not revealed by frequency-domain analysis and suggest that distinct oscillatory central circuits may generate the tremor in ET patients.

Supply and Demand Control of Distributed Generators in a Microgrid for New Energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimakage, Toyonari; Sumita, Jiro; Uchiyama, Noriyuki; Kato, Takeyoshi; Suzuoki, Yasuo

We report the operational results of distributed generators (DGs) in a microgrid and present the effects after incorporating photovoltaic power generation (PV) systems into the microgrid for electric power system. The microgrid was constructed at the EXPO 2005 Aichi site as part of a demonstration promoted by NEDO. A solution is needed to problems where instability in the DGs that utilize natural energy such as solar light and wind force negatively influence existing electric power systems. So, we developed energy control system and controlled DGs output to reduce the fluctuation at the grid connected point caused by PV system's instability output. Our microgrid consists of DGs such as PV systems, fuel cells, and NaS batteries, and these DGs are controlled by an energy control system. We verified practical effectiveness of the installing the microgrid as follows. (1) 99.5% of the power imbalance in the supply and demand over 30 minutes was within a range of ±3% under normal operating conditions, (2) the microgrid contributes to the load leveling, (3) energy control system smoothes the power flow fluctuation of PV system output at the grid connected point, (4) in the future, installing a microgrid will help reduce the additional LFC (Load Frequency Control) capacity.

Composite Reflective Absorptive IR-Blocking Filters Embedded in Metamaterial Antireflection Coated Silicon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Munson, C. D.; Choi, S. K.; Coughlin, K. P.; McMahon, J. J.; Miller, K. H.; Page, L. A.; Wollack, E. J.

2017-01-01

Infrared (IR)-blocking filters are crucial for controlling the radiative loading on cryogenic systems and for optimizing the sensitivity of bolometric detectors in the far-IR. We present a new IR filter approach based on a combination of patterned frequency-selective structures on silicon and a thin (2575 micron thick) absorptive composite based on powdered reststrahlen absorbing materials. For a 300 K blackbody, this combination reflects approximately 50% of the incoming light and blocks greater than.99.8% of the total power with negligible thermal gradients and excellent low-frequency transmission. This allows a reduction in the IR thermal loading to negligible levels in a single cold filter. These composite filters are fabricated on silicon substrates, which provide excellent thermal transport laterally through the filter and ensure that the entire area of the absorptive filter stays near the bath temperature. A metamaterial antireflection coating cut into these substrates reduces in-band reflections to below 1%, and the in-band absorption of the powder mix is below 1% for signal bands below 750 GHz. This type of filter can be directly incorporated into silicon refractive optical elements.

49 CFR 571.104 - Standard No. 104; Windshield wiping and washing systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... difference between one-half of the shoulder room dimension and the steering wheel centerline-to-car... frequency or speed shall be at least 45 cycles per minute regardless of engine load and engine speed. S4.1.1.3Regardless of engine speed and engine load, the highest and one lower frequency or speed shall differ by at...

1997 Technology Applications Report,

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-01-01

handle high -power loads at microwave radio frequencies , microwave vacuum tubes remain the chosen technology to amplify high power. Aria Microwave...structure called the active RF cavity amplifier (ARFCA). With this design , the amplifier handles high -power loads at radio and microwave frequencies ...developed this technology using BMDO-funded modeling methods designed to simulate the dynamics of large space-based structures. Because it increases

Core losses of an inverter-fed permanent magnet synchronous motor with an amorphous stator core under no-load

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denis, Nicolas; Kato, Yoshiyuki; Ieki, Masaharu; Fujisaki, Keisuke

2016-05-01

In this paper, an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) with a stator core made of amorphous magnetic material (AMM) is presented. The IPMSM is driven by a voltage source three-phase inverter with classical pulse width modulation (PWM) control. The core losses under no-load condition are measured by experiment and compared to an equivalent IPMSM with a stator core made of NO steel. Under these conditions, the core losses are influenced by the stator, rotor and magnet shapes but also by the PWM carrier signal that implies a high frequency harmonic in the magnetic flux density. It is demonstrated that the AMM can reduce the core losses by about 56 %.

Tunable Microstrip Filters Using Selectively Etched Ferroelectric Thin-Film Varactors for Coupling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mueller, Carl H.; VanKeuls, Frederick W.; Romanofsky, Robert R.; Subramanyam, Guru; Miranda, Felix A.

2006-01-01

We report on the use of patterned ferroelectric films to fabricate proof of concept tunable one-pole microstrip filters with excellent transmission and mismatch/reflection properties at frequencies up to 24 GHz. By controlling the electric field distribution within the coupling region between the resonator and input/output lines, sufficiently high loaded and unloaded Q values are maintained so as to be useful for microstrip filter design, with low mismatch loss. In the 23 - 24 GHz region, the filter was tunable over a 100 MHz range, the loaded and unloaded Q values were 29 and 68, respectively, and the reflection losses were below -16 dB, which demonstrates the suitability of these films for practical microwave applications.

Switched-capacitor isolated LED driver

DOEpatents

Sanders, Seth R.; Kline, Mitchell

2016-03-22

A switched-capacitor voltage converter which is particularly well-suited for receiving a line voltage from which to drive current through a series of light emitting diodes (LEDs). Input voltage is rectified in a multi-level rectifier network having switched capacitors in an ascending-bank configuration for passing voltages in uniform steps between zero volts up to full received voltage V.sub.DC. A regulator section, operating on V.sub.DC, comprises switched-capacitor stages of H-bridge switching and flying capacitors. A current controlled oscillator drives the states of the switched-capacitor stages and changes its frequency to maintain a constant current to the load. Embodiments are described for isolating the load from the mains, utilizing an LC tank circuit or a multi-primary-winding transformer.

Three-dimensional nonlinear responses to impact loads on free-span pipeline: Torsional coupling and load steps

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chung, J.S.; Huttelmaier, H.P.; Cheng, B.R.

1995-12-31

For a heavy object falling on a free-span pipeline, this study assesses three-dimensional (3-D) pipe-span responses with the torsional ({theta}x-) coupling of a pipeline through the biaxial (y) bending responses. The static pipe-span equilibrium is achieved with its self-weight and buoyancy and the external torsional moment induced by the cross-flow (y-directional) current on the sagged pipe span. Load steps taken for 2 different sequences of applying static loads induced different pipe deformations, and the pipe twists in entirely different pattern. The two types of impact loads are applied in the vertical (z-) direction to excite the pipe span in itsmore » static equilibrium: (1) triangular impulse loading and (2) ramp loading. Boundary condition of the span supports is ``fixed-fixed`` at both ends in both displacement and rotation. 3-D coupled axial (x-), bending (y- and z-) and torsional ({theta}x-) responses, both state and dynamic, to the z-directional impact loadings, are modeled and analyzed by a nonlinear FEM method for a 16-in pipeline. The 3-D responses are compared with 2-D responses. The comparison shows significant torsional vibrations caused by the cross-flow current, especially for longer spans. The torsional ({theta}x-) coupling is very sensitive to the time-step size in achieving numerical stability and accuracy, particularly for the ramp loading and for a shorter span. For very large impact loads, the response frequencies differ from the fundamental frequencies of the span, exhibiting beatings and strong bending-to-axial and to-twist couplings. Also, the eigenvalues for the linear system are not necessarily the resonance frequencies for these nonlinear coupled responses.« less

Elastic body dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holder, B. W.

1981-01-01

Most of the structural dynamics resources allocated to the Space Shuttle are concentrated on the flight events which result in critical structural loads and/or minimum control stability margins. Since these events are primarily sub-orbital, the data base of interest to those involved in orbital experimentation is somewhat limited. A brief discussion of available data is given. Although estimates of peak acceleration levels and the associated frequency spectrum in the payload bay due to thrusting of the various control system thrusters were made, the actual levels and time histories must be based on updated structural math models and a detailed knowledge of the input forcing functions.

Systems design and analysis of the microwave radiometer spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garrett, L. B.

1981-01-01

Systems design and analysis data were generated for microwave radiometer spacecraft concept using the Large Advanced Space Systems (LASS) computer aided design and analysis program. Parametric analyses were conducted for perturbations off the nominal-orbital-altitude/antenna-reflector-size and for control/propulsion system options. Optimized spacecraft mass, structural element design, and on-orbit loading data are presented. Propulsion and rigid-body control systems sensitivities to current and advanced technology are established. Spacecraft-induced and environmental effects on antenna performance (surface accuracy, defocus, and boresight off-set) are quantified and structured material frequencies and modal shapes are defined.

The controlled growth method - A tool for structural optimization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hajela, P.; Sobieszczanski-Sobieski, J.

1981-01-01

An adaptive design variable linking scheme in a NLP based optimization algorithm is proposed and evaluated for feasibility of application. The present scheme, based on an intuitive effectiveness measure for each variable, differs from existing methodology in that a single dominant variable controls the growth of all others in a prescribed optimization cycle. The proposed method is implemented for truss assemblies and a wing box structure for stress, displacement and frequency constraints. Substantial reduction in computational time, even more so for structures under multiple load conditions, coupled with a minimal accompanying loss in accuracy, vindicates the algorithm.

Ajustement automatique des parametres de coupe pour l'obtention de stabilite dynamique en usinage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tabet, Ricardo

High speed machining has as principal limitation the dynamic stability of the cutting action which can generate premature wear of the machine spindle and the cutting tool, tool breakage and dimensional errors on the machined part. This phenomenon is known in the literature as chatter and is defined as being self-excited vibrations. This master thesis presents an approach applicable to manufacturing environments that allows eliminating chatter in real time during machining of aerospace aluminum alloys before the damaging effect can occur. A control algorithm is developed in order to detect chatter using a microphone and by analyzing the audio signal in the frequency domain. The analysis allows determining precisely the frequency at which the chatter occurs and therefore, the spindle speed is adjusted in order to make the tooth passing frequency equal to the detected chatter frequency. Also, a new feedrate is determined by keeping a constant chip load and within the physical limits of the cutting tool. The new cutting parameters are then sent out to the machine controller as a command using a communication interface between an external computer and the controller. Multiples experimental tests were conducted to validate the effectiveness to detect and suppress chatter. High speed machining tests, between 15 000 and 33 000 RPM, were performed in order to reflect real conditions for aerospace components manufacturing.

Experimental study of an adaptive elastic metamaterial controlled by electric circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, R.; Chen, Y. Y.; Barnhart, M. V.; Hu, G. K.; Sun, C. T.; Huang, G. L.

2016-01-01

The ability to control elastic wave propagation at a deep subwavelength scale makes locally resonant elastic metamaterials very relevant. A number of abilities have been demonstrated such as frequency filtering, wave guiding, and negative refraction. Unfortunately, few metamaterials develop into practical devices due to their lack of tunability for specific frequencies. With the help of multi-physics numerical modeling, experimental validation of an adaptive elastic metamaterial integrated with shunted piezoelectric patches has been performed in a deep subwavelength scale. The tunable bandgap capacity, as high as 45%, is physically realized by using both hardening and softening shunted circuits. It is also demonstrated that the effective mass density of the metamaterial can be fully tailored by adjusting parameters of the shunted electric circuits. Finally, to illustrate a practical application, transient wave propagation tests of the adaptive metamaterial subjected to impact loads are conducted to validate their tunable wave mitigation abilities in real-time.

Stability and control of the Gossamer human powered aircraft by analysis and flight test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jex, H. R.; Mitchell, D. G.

1982-01-01

The slow flight speed, very light wing loading, and neutral stability of the Gossamer Condor and the Gossamer Albatross emphasized apparent-mass aerodynamic effects and unusual modes of motion response. These are analyzed, approximated, and discussed, and the resulting transfer functions and dynamic properties are summarized and compared. To verify these analytical models, flight tests were conducted with and electrically powered Gossamer Albatross II. Sensors were installed and their outputs were telemetered to records on the ground. Frequency sweeps of the various controls were made and the data were reduced to frequency domain measures. Results are given for the response of: pitch rate, airspeed and normal acceleration from canard-elevator deflection; roll rate and yaw rate from canard-rudder tilt; and roll rate and yaw rate from wing warp. The reliable data are compared with the analytical predictions.