The accuracy of rotordynamic analysis of aeroengine structures is typically limited by a trade-off between the capabilities and the computational cost of the squeeze-film damper (SFD) bearing model used. Identification techniques provide a means of efficiently implementing complex nonlinear bearing models in practical rotordynamic analysis; thus facilitating design optimisation of the SFD and the engine structure. This thesis considers both identification from advanced numerical models and identification from experimental tests. Identification from numerical models is essential at the design stage, where rapid simulation of the dynamic performance of a variety of designs is required. Experimental identification is useful to capture effects that are difficult to model (e.g. geometric imperfections). The main contributions of this thesis are: • The development of an identification technique using Chebyshev polynomial fits to identify the numerical solution of the incompressible Reynolds equation. The proposed method manipulates the Reynolds equation to allow efficient and accurate identification in the presence of cavitation, the feed-groove, feed-ports, end-plate seals and supply pressure. • The first-ever nonlinear dynamic analysis on a realistically sized twin-spool aeroengine model that fulfills the aim of taking into account the complexities of both structure and bearing model while allowing the analysis to be performed, in reasonable time frames, on a standard desktop computer. • The introduction and validation of a nonlinear SFD identification technique that uses neural networks trained from experimental data to reproduce the input-output function governing a real SFD. Numerical solution of the Reynolds equation, using a finite difference (FD) formulation with appropriate boundary conditions, is presented. This provides the base data for the identification of the SFD via Chebyshev interpolation. The identified 'FD-Chebyshev' model is initially validated against the base (FD) model by application to a simple rotor-bearing system. The superiority of vibration prediction using the FD-Chebyshev model over simplified analytical SFD models is demonstrated by comparison with published experimental results. An enhanced FD-Chebyshev scheme is then implemented within the whole-engine analysis of a realistically sized representative twin-spool aeroengine model provided by a leading manufacturer. Use of the novel Chebyshev polynomial technique is repeatedly demonstrated to reduce computation times by a factor of 10 or more when compared to the basis (FD) model, with virtually no effect on the accuracy. Focus is then shifted to an empirical identification technique. Details of the commissioning of an identification test rig and its associated data acquisition system are presented. Finally, the empirical neural networks identification process for the force function of an SFD is presented and thoroughly validated. When used within the rotordynamic analysis of the test rig, the trained neural networks is shown to be capable of predicting complex nonlinear phenomena with remarkable accuracy. The results show that the neural networks are able to capture the effects of features that are difficult to model or peculiar to a given SFD.

Line-of-sight stabilization of an optical instrument using magnetostnctlve actuators is described in this study. Various stabilization methods, i.e. gyroscopic, hydraulic, piezoelectric, electrodynamic and magnetostrictive methods, are compared and magnetostrictive stabilization is selected for its relatively large stroke length, low input voltage and wide frequency bandwidth. The system makes use of two magnetostrictive actuators, one at each end of the optical instrument, mounted between the moving base and instrument. Each actuator is equipped with cylindrical rods of Terfenol-D, a highly magnetostrictive material. Field coils are wound around the rods to produce a strain in the rods, thereby exciting angular motion of the instrument. Actuator stroke length is enhanced by means of a hingeless gain mechanism, rod prestressing and field biasing. Dynamic characteristics of the system are modelled to facilitate actuator, coil and control system design. A linear, single-degree-of-freedom actuator model, in state-space and transfer function forms, is derived and coupled to a distributed model of the optical instrument, using the Rayleigh-Ritz method. Transfer functions between actuator coil voltages and instrument angular acceleration are derived. Normal mode shapes, natural frequencies and damping factors are predicted. Design concepts for bias field, prestress, actuator gain and optical instrument support structure, are discussed and the most suitable concepts are selected. The required actuator gain, rod length and diameter, prestress spring stiffness, coil resistance and inductance are calculated. System components are designed in detail and safety of the design is checked. The actuators are characterized quasi-statically to determine the saturation strain, linear range of operation and DC bias field. The system is dynamically characterized to obtain transfer functions between the coil voltage and instrument angular acceleration. The test setups are described and limitations of the setups are discussed. Test results are processed and discussed. A comparison with the modelled results shows that the model is highly inaccurate. Reasons for inaccuracies are given and updating of the model is motivated. An updated model is obtained from the experimental results. The model is divided into electrical and mechanical subsystem models. The SDOF actuator models are replaced with 2DOF models (one for each actuator) and coupled to the instrument and base models, using substructure synthesis. The electrical and mechanical subsystem models are subsequently coupled. It is shown that the updated system model is considerably more accurate than the original model. A linear, suboptimal, disturbance feedforward plus output feedback controller, with output integral feedback, is designed, implemented and tested. An H2 optimal controller is designed and modified to improve robustness. The controller model is coupled to that of a suboptimal observer. An output integral feedback loop is added to further improve robustness. The controller is implemented in digital filter form. The test apparatus and procedure are described. Test results are processed and discussed. It is shown that the LOS stabilization system achieves 80% of the required isolation, over a frequency bandwidth of 0 Hz to 100 Hz. A summary of the work done, conclusions that can be drawn from the results, problems encountered and recommendations for future work, are given. / Thesis (PhD (Mechanical Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering / unrestricted

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Dissertation (M Eng (Mechanical Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2000. / Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering / unrestricted

No description available.

No description available.

Before the beginning of digital-computers era, a lot of research was carried out in order to find electric circuits the governing equations of which were analogous to the ones of mechanical systems. The mentioned circuits were called ectro-mechanical analogs. They were used as analogical computers for the simulation and the design of mechanical systems. The actual technological development of piezoelectric actuators, which are devices able to efficiently transduce energy between the electrical and mechanical form, induced us to consider again those electro-mechanical analogs in order to create coupled piezo-electro-mechanical systems. Our idea is that the coupling between electro-mechanical phenomena is maximum when the propagation of both electrical and mechanical waves are governed by similar equations. Let us remark that because of the propagating mechanical wave-speed is much lower than the light-speed for every material, it is not possible to search for an efficient electro-mechanical coupling inside a piezoelectric continuum. Consequently circuits able to support the propagation of electric-potential waves have been considered. In this work, the equations for the elastica and for the plate are considered and their circuital analogs are derived using their finite-difference approximation. Afterwards, the coupling between the two structures is modelled considering piezoelectric actuators uniformly distributed on the mechanical system and connected to the nodes of the electric circuit. Then the electro-mechanical coupled equations are derived, and an analytical solution is found for a particular case. Finally some numerical simulations showing the efficiently energy exchange is presented. / Master of Science

Yes / This paper presents an investigation into the development of an intelligent active vibration control (AVC) system. Evolutionary Genetic algorithms (GAs) and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference system (ANFIS) algorithms are used to develop mechanisms of an AVC system, where the controller is designed on the basis of optimal vibration suppression using the plant model. A simulation platform of a flexible beam system in transverse vibration using finite difference (FD) method is considered to demonstrate the capabilities of the AVC system using GAs and ANFIS. MATLAB GA tool box for GAs and Fuzzy Logic tool box for ANFIS function are used for AVC system design. The system is then implemented, tested and its performance assessed for GAs and ANFIS based design. Finally a comparative performance of the algorithm in implementing AVC system using GAs and ANFIS is presented and discussed through a set of experiments.

As power demand across communities increases, focus has been given to the maintenance of power lines against harsh environments such as wind-induced vibration (WIV). Currently, Inspection robots are used for maintenance efforts while fixed tuned mass dampers (FTMDs) are used to prevent structural damages. However, both solutions are facing many challenges. Inspection robots are limited by their size and considerable power demand, while FTMDs are narrowband and unable to adapt to changing wind characteristics, and thus are unable to reposition themselves at the antinodes of the vibrating loop. In view of these shortcomings, we propose a mobile damping robot (MDR) that integrates inspection robots' mobility and FTMDs WIV vibration control to help maintain power lines. In this effort, we model the conductor and the MDR by using Hamilton's principle and we consider the two-way nonlinear interaction between the MDR and the cable. The MDR is driven by a Proportional-Derivative controller to the optimal vibration location (i.e, antinodes) as the wind characteristics vary. The numerical simulations suggest that the MDR outperforms FTMDs for vibration mitigation. Furthermore, the key parameters that influence the performance of the MDR are identified through a parametric study. The findings could set up a platform to design a prototype and experimentally evaluate the performance of the MDR. / Master of Science / Power lines are civil structures that span more than 160000 miles across the United States. They help electrify businesses, factories and homes. However, power lines are subject to harsh environments with strong winds, which can cause Aeolian vibration. Vibration in this context corresponds to the oscillation of power lines in response to the wind. Aeolian vibration can cause significant structural damages that impact public safety and result in a significant economic loss. Today, different solutions have been explored to limit the damages to these key structures. For example, the lines are commonly inspected by foot patrol, helicopters, or inspection robots. These inspection techniques are labor intensive and expensive. Furthermore, Stockbridge dampers, mechanical vibration devices, can be used to reduce the vibration of the power line. However, Stockbridge dampers can get stuck at location called nodes, where they have zero efficiency. To tackle this issue, we propose a mobile damping robot that can re-adjust itself to points of maximum vibration to maximize vibration reduction. In this thesis, we explore the potential of this proposed solution and draw some conclusions of the numerical simulations.

A dual approach integrating structural tailoring and adaptive materials technology and designed to control the dynamic response of cantilever beams subjected to external excitations is addressed. The cantilevered structure is modeled as a thin-walled beam of arbitrary cross-section and incorporates a number of non-classical effects such as transverse shear, warping restraint, anisotropy of constituent materials and heterogeneity of the construction. Whereas structural tailoring uses the anisotropy properties of advanced composite materials, adaptive materials technology exploits the actuating/sensing capabilities of piezoelectric materials bonded or embedded into the host structure. Various control laws relating the piezoelectrically-induced bending moment with combined kinematical variables characterizing the response at given points of the structure are implemented and their effects on the closed-loop frequencies and dynamic response to external excitations are investigated. The combination of structural tailoring and control by means of adaptive materials proves very effective in damping out vibration. In addition, the influence of a number of non-classical effects characterizing the structural model on the open and closed-loop dynamic responses have been considered and their roles assessed. / Ph. D.

In the first part of this study, the dynamic behavior of a cracked rotating shaft with a rigid disk is analyzed, with an ideal and a nonideal motor, passing through its critical speed. The shaft contains a single transverse crack that is assumed to be either completely open or completely closed at any given time, depending on the curvature of the shaft at the cross section containing the crack. Flexible, damped supports and overhangs with a mass at one end are included. The supports are modeled with elastic springs and dashpots. The influence of gyroscopic moments of the disk (with an ideal motor) is investigated. For a nonideal motor, there is an interaction between the shaft and the motor. Eccentricity of the disk, gravitational forces, and internal and external damping are included. The equations of motion and boundary conditions are derived by Hamilton's Principle. To eliminate the spatial dependence, the Extended Galerkin Method is applied. Longitudinal vibration, shear deformation and torsional vibration are neglected. In the second part of this study, the vibration suppression of a cracked, simply supported, rotating shaft with a rigid disk is discussed, with an ideal and a nonideal motor, passing through the critical speed. The use of a flexible internal constraint is introduced to suppress the vibration. By activating this additional internal support, the shaft is prevented from passing its critical speed. Transient motions occur at the time of activation or deactivation of the constraint. The maximum displacement of the shaft during acceleration (run-up) or deceleration (coast-down) can be reduced significantly by appropriate application of this flexible internal support. / Ph. D.