Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Ryan, S. G.

Publications and source records attributed to Ryan, S. G..

An Improved Optical Spectral Line List for RR Telescopii

The symbiotic nova RR Telescopli has been observed with the 3.9m telescope of the Anglo-Australian Observatory (AAO), using the University College London Echelle Spectrograph in conjunction with a Tek CCD. It displays a rich emission line spectrum, ranging in excitation from N I to [Ni VIII]. We present a list of 824 measured lines, with their suggested identifications and absolute line intensities, covering a wavelength range from 3180 A to 9455 A. The absolute line intensities have been derived by comparing the high resolution data with a flux-calibrated low resolution spectrum taken with the Australian National University 2.3 m telescope. All of the lines have been successfully identified. Comparing our results with those of previous studies indicates that the RR Tel system is advancing towards higher degrees of ionization.

Crawford, F. L.↗

Modeling of Rolling Element Bearing Mechanics: Computer Program Updates

The Rolling Element Bearing Analysis System (REBANS) extends the capability available with traditional quasi-static bearing analysis programs by including the effects of bearing race and support flexibility. This tool was developed under contract for NASA-MSFC. The initial version delivered at the close of the contract contained several errors and exhibited numerous convergence difficulties. The program has been modified in-house at MSFC to correct the errors and greatly improve the convergence. The modifications consist of significant changes in the problem formulation and nonlinear convergence procedures. The original approach utilized sequential convergence for nested loops to achieve final convergence. This approach proved to be seriously deficient in robustness. Convergence was more the exception than the rule. The approach was changed to iterate all variables simultaneously. This approach has the advantage of using knowledge of the effect of each variable on each other variable (via the system Jacobian) when determining the incremental changes. This method has proved to be quite robust in its convergence. This technical memorandum documents the changes required for the original Theoretical Manual and User's Manual due to the new approach.

Ryan, S. G.↗

Limit-Cycle Vibrations In Turbomachinery

Paper presents theoretical study of vibrations in high-speed turbomachinery. Addresses relationship between two classes of vibrational phenomena previously studied separately: dynamic instabilities, including both those subject to linear analysis and limit-cycle instabilities in cases of nonlinear vibrational response, and subharmonic response to excitation caused by unbalance of rotor.

Ryan, S. G.↗

Limit cycle vibrations in turbomachinery

The focus is on an examination of rotordynamic systems which are simultaneously susceptible to limit cycle instability and subharmonic response. Characteristics of each phenomenon are determined as well as their interrelationship. A normalized, single mass rotor model is examined as well as a complex model of the high pressure fuel turbopump and the Space Shuttle Main Engine. Entrainment of limit cycle instability by subharmonic response is demonstrated for both models. The nonuniqueness of the solution is also demonstrated.

Ryan, S. G.↗