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Smart Structures for Vibration Control on Long-Term Space Exploration and Habitation MissionsThe current vision for space exploration focuses on human missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. To support these goals, it is certain that new vehicles and intermediate bases will be developed, whether that means simply re-direction of the ISS as a "mission research facility" or construction of a lunar base. Since these facilities are expected to be constructed from inherently light-weight materials, this work examines some of the potential sources of vibration and noise as well as means for controlling these vibrations. Many of the operating components within these facilities, such as pumps, fans, and motors, will produce vibrations during operation. These vibrations become structure in which they are housed. Resonances can impact acoustic noise levels and noise quality within the environment, possibly affecting crew health and productivity. For long-term missions in particular, it is expected that crew members will spend significant portions of their time restrained in the structure, such as in seats. As a result, the general health and well-being of the crew can be improved by limiting the harmful effects of human exposure to long-term audible and tactile vibration input. Besides the human factor, this work also examines some operational considerations in which vibrations play an important role. Vibrations can impact the environment for science and in-situ manufacturing research within these vehicles. Since a benign vibratory environment is beneficial for most types of science experiments, there is a need for various forms of vibration control. Because the operational characteristics of a vehicle can change during a long-term mission, it is further expected that the characteristics of many of the vibratory excitations will change with time. Consequently, the form of vibration control needed to improve overall habitability and usefulness of the vehicle or element for exploration missions will rely to some degree on the vibration control system's ability to adapt. To address these needs, this work also examines the development and use of smart materials to tune the dynamic characteristics of the structure in a passive sense. One prime example is the use of an adaptive electrical shunt connected to a piezoelectric patch in order to provide tuned passive vibration damping. The work also examines the use of active vibration control, such as by applying power to that same piezoelectric patch. The overall goal is to examine the use of smart structures that can react to the environment thereby improving the overall living, working, and learning environment for these long-term missions.
Document ID
20050123606
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Gattis, Christy B.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Shepard, W. Steve, Jr.
(Alabama Univ. United States)
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
October 12, 2004
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA 1st Space Exploration Conference
Location: Orlando, FL
Country: United States
Start Date: January 30, 2005
End Date: February 1, 2005
Sponsors: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Funding Number(s)
OTHER: 398-30-10
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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