RATF

Abstract: A recent operational need for the development of a large (101,000 ft3) reverberant acoustic chamber at the Space Power Facility of NASA Glenn Research Center’s Plum Brook Station with the requirement of generating sound pressure levels (SPL) as high as 163 dB has resulted in the need to re-examine the generation of noise in reverberant rooms. Early in the design stage, it was realized that the acoustic power level capability (10-30 kW) of conventional electrodynamic air modulators, such as those supplied by the Wyle Corporation, would be required in unprecedented numbers to meet the test spectra requirements. The design team then turned to a lesser known modulator, the hydraulically driven air modulator supplied by the Team Corporation, which has 150-200 kW acoustic power capability. The advantage to the project was a significant reduction in the number of modulators required to meet the requirements. However, since only limited characterization of Team modulator’s performance has been reported, a test program was required in order to mitigate the risk of the design of the RATF. Aiolos Corporation, which is responsible for the acoustic design of the RATF, and the Institute of Aerospace Research (IAR) of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), entered into a collaborative agreement with the objective of characterizing, optimizing and investigating the controllability of the Team modulators. The test program was performed at the NRC-IAR reverberant chamber, a 19,000 ft3 facility located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The current paper provides details of the principle of operation of the Team modulators, including their servo control loops and provides of a summary of the characterization and controllability test program.

Abstract: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center (GRC) is leading the design and build of the new world-class vibroacoustic test capabilities at the NASA GRC's Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio, USA. Benham Companies, LLC is currently constructing modal, base-shake sine and reverberant acoustic test facilities to support the future testing needs of NASA s space exploration program. The large Reverberant Acoustic Test Facility (RATF) will be approximately 101,000 ft3 in volume and capable of achieving an empty chamber acoustic overall sound pressure level (OASPL) of 163 dB. This combination of size and acoustic power is unprecedented amongst the world s known active reverberant acoustic test facilities. The key to achieving the expected acoustic test spectra for a range of many NASA space flight environments in the RATF is the knowledge gained from a series of ground acoustic tests. Data was obtained from several NASA-sponsored test programs, including testing performed at the National Research Council of Canada s acoustic test facility in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and at the Redstone Technical Test Center acoustic test facility in Huntsville, Alabama, USA. The majority of these tests were performed to characterize the acoustic performance of the modulators (noise generators) and representative horns that would be required to meet the desired spectra, as well as to evaluate possible supplemental gas jet noise sources. The knowledge obtained in each of these test programs enabled the design of the RATF sound generation system to confidently advance to its final acoustic design and subsequent on-going construction.

Abstract: There is a significant and continuing worldwide interest in large Reverberant Acoustic Test Facilities (RATFs) that subject spacecraft to the simulated acoustic field of a rocket launch. Established companies continue to upgrade their existing RATFs or build new ones. Companies and countries that are just entering the field of spacecraft development must eventually build new integration and test facilities, including RATFs. Acoustic test facilities are rarer than vibration test systems and less well understood in general. Even experienced users typically require assistance during the development of specifications for an upgrade or for a new RATF. This paper provides an overview of some important topics that should be included in the specification of a large RATF, based on the many facilities the author has worked with over the past 23 years. Specific recommendations for certain aspects of an RATF are also included.

Abstract: The European Space Agency (ESA) and their prime contractor Airbus Defense Space (ADS) are developing the European Service Module (ESM) for integration and utilization with other modules of NASAs Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle. As part of this development, ESA, ADS, NASA and the Lockheed Martin Company performed a series of reverberant acoustic tests in April-May 2016 on the ESM Structural Test Article (E-STA), the mechanical mock-up of the ESM designated for mechanical tests. Testing the E-STA under acoustic qualification loads verifies whether it can successfully withstand the medium and high frequency mechanical environment occurring during the vehicles lift-off and atmospheric phases of flight. The testing occurred at the Reverberant Acoustic Test Facility (RATF) at the NASA Glenn Research Centers Plum Brook Station site in Sandusky, OH, USA. This highly successful acoustic test campaign excited the E-STA to acoustic test levels as high as 149.4 dB Overall Sound Pressure Level. This acoustic testing met all the ESA and ADSs test objectives, including establishingverifying the random vibration qualification test levels for numerous hardware components of the ESM, and qualifying the ESMs Solar Array Wing electrical power system. This paper will address the test objectives, the test articles configuration, the test instrumentation and excitation levels, the RATF site and capabilities, the series of acoustic tests performed, and the technical issues faced and overcome to result in a successful acoustic test campaign for the ESM. A discussion of several test results is also included.