A Retrospective Analysis of a Vibration Problem in NASA

by Kaitlin Lostroscio

Submitted : Spring 2013

Mass dampening systems, as found on NASA’s Crawler Transporter, can sometimes encounter internal oscillations if the control system malfunctions or even because of faulty construction. These oscillations can be expressed as differential equations whose variables dictate the stability of the system. Fluctuations in the values of these variables distinguish the range at which the crawler should safely function. This project examines the natural resonant frequency of the mercury reservoir to show that there was an undesired coupling between the mercury fluid and the structure of the crawler.

Related Links:

[ Back ]