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Vehicle vibration is inherently random and non-stationary with a non-Gaussian distribution. In addition, variations in vehicle parameters, product payloads and distribution journeys mean that the characteristics of vibration are not identical for all distribution journeys. Because vehicle vibration and shock are key causes of damage during distribution, their simulation in pre-distribution testing is vital in order to ensure that adequate protection is provided for transported products. The established method set out in the current testing standards utilises a global set of averaged accelerated power spectral density spectra to construct random vibration signals. These signals are stationary with Gaussian distributions and, therefore, do not fully represent actual vehicle vibration, only an average. The aim of the investigation, reported on in this Thesis, was to create an improved test regime for simulating vehicle vibration for pre-distribution testing of packaging. This aim has been achieved through the construction of representative tests and the creation of realistic simulations with statistical significance. A journey database has been created, in which historic road profile data along with a quarter vehicle model have been used to approximate a known vehicle’s vibration on a specific distribution journey. Additionally, a wavelet decomposition method, in which wavelet analysis is used to decompose the approximate vehicle vibration in to a series of Gaussian approximations of varying amplitude and spectral content, has been developed. Along with theoretical work, case studies have been undertaken in order to validate the test regime.

by Julian Guerra. / Thesis (M.S.C.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2011. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2011. Mode of access: World Wide Web. / This work seeks to understand water turbine noise generation and to make preliminary estimations of the noise levels. Any structure attached to a turbine upstream its blades will generate unsteady fluctuating loads on the blade's surface, which are proportional to the radiated acoustic pressure. The noise levels of a simplified turbine based on existing designs surpass the ambient noise levels of the ocean at low frequencies (< 20 Hz) by approximately 50 dB ref 1 μPa and stay under the ambient noise levels at higher frequencies for a blade-passing frequency of 0.83 Hz and point of observation (100 m, 45 degrees, 45 degrees) from the hub. Streamlining the cross-section of the upstream structure as well as reducing its width decrease the noise levels by approximately 40 dB ref 1 μPa, at low frequencies and moderately increase them at higher frequencies. Increasing the structure-rotor distance decreases the noise levels with increasing frequencies (> 30 Hz).

ABSTRACT Forced Vibration Testing and Analysis of Pre- and Post- Retrofit Buildings Erica Dawn Jacobsen The primary goal of the thesis was to detect the retrofit through vibration testing of both buildings. The secondary goal focused on correctly identifying the behavior of the building through FVT, comparing that behavior to computational model predictions, and determining the necessary level of detail to include in the computational modeling. Forced vibration testing (FVT) of two stiff-wall/flexible-diaphragm buildings yielded natural frequencies and mode shapes for the two buildings. The buildings were nearly identical with the exception that one had been retrofitted. Both buildings were comprised of concrete shearwalls and steel moment frames in the north/south direction and moment frames in the east/west direction. The retrofit strengthened the moment connections and added braces to the perimeter walls in the east/west direction. The natural frequencies were found through FVT by setting a 30-lb shaker on the roof of both buildings and sweeping through a range of frequencies in both the east/west and north/south directions. Accelerometers were placed on the building to detect the accelerations. The peaks on the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) graphs indicated the frequencies at which the structure resonated. Mode shapes were tested for by placing the shaker in a position ideal for exciting the mode and setting the shaker to the natural frequency detected from the FFT graphs. The accelerometers were placed around the roof of the building to record the mode shape. After testing, computational models were created to determine if the models could accurately predict the frequencies and mode shapes of the buildings as well as the effect of the retrofit. A series of increasingly complex computational models, ranging from hand calculations to 3D models, were created to determine the level of detail necessary to predict the building behavior. Natural frequencies were the primary criteria used to determine whether the model accurately predicted the building behavior. The mid-diaphragm deflection and base shear from spectral analysis were the final criteria used to compare these select models. It was determined that in order to properly capture the modal behavior of the building, the sawtooth framing, major beams, and the lateral-force-resisting-system (LFRS) must be modeled. Though the mode shape of the building is dominated by the flexible diaphragm, the LFRS is necessary to model to accurately predict both the natural frequency of the building as well as the diaphragm deflection.

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 26-29, 1998 / Town & Country Resort Hotel and Convention Center, San Diego, California / The design and testing of an optical fiber telemetry link for use in rugged environments is described. Several potential applications for this cost effective telemetry link built from readily available components are given. The results of testing the simple telemetry link for vibrations up to 20g and temperatures up to 150° C are reported.

In the automotive industry uniaxial vibration testing is a common method used to predict the lifetime of components. In reality truck components work under multiaxial loads meaning that the excitation is multiaxial. A common method to account for the multiaxial effect is to apply a safety margin to the uniaxial test results. The aim of this work is to find a safety margin between the uniaxial and multiaxial testing by means of virtual vibration testing and statistical methods. Additionally to the safety margin the effect of the fixture’s stiffness on the resulting stress in components has been also investigated.

Modern composites are non-homogeneous materials having high strength fibers embedded in a polymeric or metal matrix, and having directional properties. Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) such as Nitinol can be embedded in composites for active control of structures. Since the micromechanics of composites in general and adaptive composites, in particular, are poorly understood, accurate values of material elastic properties and in-plane loads generated are seldom available. It is possible to determine these parameters if natural frequencies of the structure are available. The techniques used to determine these parameters from the modal response of a structure are generically called ‘System Identification’. This thesis reviews the various System Identification techniques applicable to vibrating structures. Three techniques are then adapted to an orthotropic laminate and implemented in FORTRAN. These techniques, being iterative in nature, require an initial estimate of the parameters to be identified as input. Because all the techniques discussed here are iterative, they are sensitive to the values of initial estimates. The robustness of these techniques in face of a scatter in the input data is tested using a randomized statistical analysis. The techniques are compared based on certain attributes and recommendations are made. / Master of Science

This thesis presents the design of a working and testable satellite with particular emphasis on the electrical, mechanical, and thermal modelling and performance issues for the ECOSat project in the framework of the Canadian Satellite Design Competition. In order of importance, based on the design challenges for the satellite structure were the dynamics modelling and analysis, thermal modeling and analysis, and assembly and integration modeling. Both the dynamics and thermal modeling of the satellite were completed using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in NX with the NASTRAN solver. The dynamic analysis study was performed first since it has the primary design driver for the structure. These frequencies are of concern due to the 90 Hz or greater fundamental frequency requirement for each axis. The dynamic modes of the satellite structure had the largest influence not only on the design of the structure but also its interface to the electronic systems as these had to meet the required testing qualification levels. It was found that the first fundamental frequency appeared near 200 Hz in the XY plane of the structure. The second study performed was on the thermal modeling of the satellite both for extreme operating conditions in “Hot” and “Cold” cases. Operational limiting cases were identified for the batteries in the cold and hot case study, and the power amplifier for the transmitter was identified for the hot case study. For the batteries to perform satisfactorily for the cold and hot case problem, a metal bracket with an electric heater was added to the design. The heaters were added to the design as a resistive heating element, the additional thermal coupling from the bracket improved heat transfer during the hot case. A trade study analysis was conducted for the power amplifier. Here, a bi directional heat spreader made of pyrolytic graphite attached to a frame member with high thermal inertia was chosen as the optimal solution. Finally, the third study performed tested the interface and clearance requirements of the satellite. The synergistic integration of the electrical and mechanical systems required significant attention in order to ensure the successful assembly, integration, and testing of the two systems. The investigation focused on the cabling assemblies of the satellite. Several design iterations were required for the power regulation, transmitter, receiver, modem, and onboard computer systems. Detailed assembly drawings were created for the cabling assembly fabrication prior to the final integration of the electrical and mechanical systems. The performance simulations show that the satellite systems meet or exceed the required launch qualification tests as well as the thermal cycling requirements for all systems and their components to operate within the manufacturer specified values. Once completely assembled and launched into orbit, the satellite should be able to perform and within its operational and mission requirements in both a sun synchronous or polar orbit at a range of altitudes. / Graduate / 0538 / 0544 / 0548 / jtcurran@uvic.ca

The European Parliment stipulated regulations concerning the forestry vehicles operators' health and working conditions. The allowed whole body vibrations were limited, which influenced the design of the vehicles' cabin. Surveys show a strong correlation between operator's comport and their productivity. The object of the research was Rottne AB Comfort Line Cabin, which was designed to increase the comfort for the forwarder operators. The main objective was to determine the cab's inertia properties, position of the centre of gravity and the resonance frequencies of the cab as well as a system consisting of the cab and its suspension. The methods used were an impact test with Mass-Line Analysis for the cab's properties and Operational Modal Analysis for the system. For both tests a Leuven Measurement System was used, but a part of the calculations were made in parallel by use of a MATLAB code written for this thesis. In addition a suspension test was made to estimate the centre of gravity and it was here treated as the reference value. The authors used reference values and the quality of the obtained results to compare the methods used. Further proposals for future research were made together with hints how to use vibration tests more effectively.

The Naval Postgraduate School is currently developing their first CubeSat, the Solar Cell Array Tester CubeSat, or NPS-SCAT. Launching a CubeSat, such as NPS-SCAT, requires environmental testing to ensure not only the success of the mission, but also the safety of other CubeSats housed in the same deployer. This thesis will address the development of CubeSat vibration testing methodology at NPS, including subsystem testing, engineering unit qualification, and flight unit testing. In addition, the new Cal Poly CubeSat Test POD Mk III will be introduced and evaluated based upon comparison with the Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer (P-POD). Using examples from the development of NPS-SCAT and test data from Cal Poly’s Test POD Mk III and P-POD, the current CubeSat testing methodology will be verified and an improved method for NPS CubeSat subsystem testing will be presented.