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Uncertainty in Inverted Pendulum Thrust MeasurementsAn uncertainty analysis of a common configuration of electric propulsion thrust stand is presented. The analysis applies to inverted pendulum thrust stands operating in a null-coil configuration with in-situ calibration. Several sources of bias and precision uncertainty are discussed, propagated, and combined to form conservative estimates of the relative and absolute thrust uncertainties. A case study of the NASA Glenn Research Center Vacuum Facility 6 thrust stand is presented. For the thruster investigated, the uncertainty was estimated to be ±6.9 mN over the entire span of thrust. This uncertainty represents a maximum instrument bias introduced by the thrust stand. The paper does not address repeatability of actual thrust measurements, as this is generally beyond the influence of the thrust stand and can be dependent on a large number of factors.
Document ID
20180006103
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Mackey, Jonathan A.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Haag, Thomas W.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Kamhawi, Hani
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Hall, Scott J.
(Vantage Partners, LLC Brook Park, OH, United States)
Peterson, Peter Y.
(Vantage Partners, LLC Brook Park, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
October 4, 2018
Publication Date
August 1, 2018
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
E-19563
GRC-E-DAA-TN59050
NASA/TM-2018-219952
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNC12BA01B
WBS: WBS 729200.06.03.05.05.01
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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