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NASA NTRS1982

Coupled flap-lag-torsional dynamics of hingeless rotor blades in forward flight

The aeroelastic stability and response problem of the coupled flap-lag-torsional dynamics of an isolated hingeless rotor blade in forward flight is considered. Linear, quasi-steady aerodynamics below stall is included. The spatial dependence of the partial differential nonliner equations of motion is discretized using a multimodal Galerkin method. The nonlinear time dependent equilibrium position (steady state response) about which the equations are linearized is obtained by solving a sequence of linear periodic response problems (quasilinearization). Results illustrating blade behavior in forward flight for both soft-in-plane and stiff-in-plane designs are presented. Quasilinearization provides a clear indication of the cases when nonlinear terms due to moderate deflections are important. The results indicate that nonlinearities affect system stability much more than system response. This implies that for obtaining blade vibrations and loads, approximate analytical models based on linearized formulations could be employed, whereas for determining blade stability a more accurate nonlinear analysis would be required.

Friedmann, P. P.↗

NASA NTRS2002

The Statistical Mechanics of Ideal Homogeneous Turbulence

Plasmas, such as those found in the space environment or in plasma confinement devices, are often modeled as electrically conducting fluids. When fluids and plasmas are energetically stirred, regions of highly nonlinear, chaotic behavior known as turbulence arise. Understanding the fundamental nature of turbulence is a long-standing theoretical challenge. The present work describes a statistical theory concerning a certain class of nonlinear, finite dimensional, dynamical models of turbulence. These models arise when the partial differential equations describing incompressible, ideal (i.e., nondissipative) homogeneous fluid and magnetofluid (i.e., plasma) turbulence are Fourier transformed into a very large set of ordinary differential equations. These equations define a divergenceless flow in a high-dimensional phase space, which allows for the existence of a Liouville theorem, guaranteeing a distribution function based on constants of the motion (integral invariants). The novelty of these particular dynamical systems is that there are integral invariants other than the energy, and that some of these invariants behave like pseudoscalars under two of the discrete symmetry transformations of physics, parity, and charge conjugation. In this work the 'rugged invariants' of ideal homogeneous turbulence are shown to be the only significant scalar and pseudoscalar invariants. The discovery that pseudoscalar invariants cause symmetries of the original equations to be dynamically broken and induce a nonergodic structure on the associated phase space is the primary result presented here. Applicability of this result to dissipative turbulence is also discussed.

Shebalin, John V.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Building Blocks for Reliable Complex Nonlinear Numerical Simulations

This chapter describes some of the building blocks to ensure a higher level of confidence in the predictability and reliability (PAR) of numerical simulation of multiscale complex nonlinear problems. The focus is on relating PAR of numerical simulations with complex nonlinear phenomena of numerics. To isolate sources of numerical uncertainties, the possible discrepancy between the chosen partial differential equation (PDE) model and the real physics and/or experimental data is set aside. The discussion is restricted to how well numerical schemes can mimic the solution behavior of the underlying PDE model for finite time steps and grid spacings. The situation is complicated by the fact that the available theory for the understanding of nonlinear behavior of numerics is not at a stage to fully analyze the nonlinear Euler and Navier-Stokes equations. The discussion is based on the knowledge gained for nonlinear model problems with known analytical solutions to identify and explain the possible sources and remedies of numerical uncertainties in practical computations. Examples relevant to turbulent flow computations are included.

Yee, H. C.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Building Blocks for Reliable Complex Nonlinear Numerical Simulations

This talk describes some of the building blocks to ensure a higher level of confidence in the predictability and reliability (PAR) of numerical simulation of multiscale complex nonlinear problems. The focus is on relating PAR of numerical simulations with complex nonlinear phenomena of numerics. To isolate sources of numerical uncertainties, the possible discrepancy between the chosen partial differential equation (PDE) model and the real physics and/or experimental data is set aside. The discussion is restricted to how well numerical schemes can mimic the solution behavior of the underlying PDE model for finite time steps and grid spacings. The situation is complicated by the fact that the available theory for the understanding of nonlinear behavior of numerics is not at a stage to fully analyze the nonlinear Euler and Navier-Stokes equations. The discussion is based on the knowledge gained for nonlinear model problems with known analytical solutions to identify and explain the possible sources and remedies of numerical uncertainties in practical computations. Examples relevant to turbulent flow computations are included.

Yee, H. C.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Reliability of Complex Nonlinear Numerical Simulations

This work describes some of the procedure to ensure a higher level of confidence in the predictability and reliability (PAR) of numerical simulation of multiscale complex nonlinear problems. The focus is on relating PAR of numerical simulations with complex nonlinear phenomena of numerics. To isolate sources of numerical uncertainties, the possible discrepancy between the chosen partial differential equation (PDE) model and the real physics and/or experimental data is set aside. The discussion is restricted to how well numerical schemes can mimic the solution behavior of the underlying PDE model for finite time steps and grid spacings. The situation is complicated by the fact that the available theory for the understanding of nonlinear behavior of numerics is not at a stage to fully analyze the nonlinear Euler and Navier-Stokes equations. The discussion is based on the knowledge gained for nonlinear model problems with known analytical solutions to identify and explain the possible sources and remedies of numerical uncertainties in practical computations. Examples relevant to turbulent flow computations are included.

Yee, H. C.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Building Blocks for Reliable Complex Nonlinear Numerical Simulations

Yee, H. C.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Cubic spline approximation techniques for parameter estimation in distributed systems

Approximation schemes employing cubic splines in the context of a linear semigroup framework are developed for both parabolic and hyperbolic second-order partial differential equation parameter estimation problems. Convergence results are established for problems with linear and nonlinear systems, and a summary of numerical experiments with the techniques proposed is given.

Banks, H. T.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Nonlinear control of aircraft

Transformations of nonlinear systems were used to design automatic flight controllers for vertical and short takeoff aircraft. Under the assumption that a nonlinear system can be mapped to a controllable linear system, a method using partial differential equations was constructed to approximate transformations in cases where exact ones cannot be found. An application of the design theory to a rotorcraft, the UH-1H helicopter, was presented.

Hunt, L. R.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Construction of finite difference schemes having special properties for ordinary and partial differential equations

Work on the construction of finite difference models of differential equations having zero truncation errors is summarized. Both linear and nonlinear unidirectional wave equations are discussed. Results regarding the construction of zero truncation error schemes for the full wave equation and Burger's equation are also briefly reported.

Mickens, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1995

On the nonlinear stability of the unsteady, viscous flow of an incompressible fluid in a curved pipe

The stability of the flow of an incompressible, viscous fluid through a pipe of circular cross-section curved about a central axis is investigated in a weakly nonlinear regime. A sinusoidal pressure gradient with zero mean is imposed, acting along the pipe. A WKBJ perturbation solution is constructed, taking into account the need for an inner solution in the vicinity of the outer bend, which is obtained by identifying the saddle point of the Taylor number in the complex plane of the cross-sectional angle co-ordinate. The equation governing the nonlinear evolution of the leading order vortex amplitude is thus determined. The stability analysis of this flow to periodic disturbances leads to a partial differential system dependent on three variables, and since the differential operators in this system are periodic in time, Floquet theory may be applied to reduce this system to a coupled infinite system of ordinary differential equations, together with homogeneous uncoupled boundary conditions. The eigenvalues of this system are calculated numerically to predict a critical Taylor number consistent with the analysis of Papageorgiou. A discussion of how nonlinear effects alter the linear stability analysis is also given, and the nature of the instability determined.

Shortis, Trudi A.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Application of the Green's function method for 2- and 3-dimensional steady transonic flows

A Time-Domain Green's function method for the nonlinear time-dependent three-dimensional aerodynamic potential equation is presented. The Green's theorem is being used to transform the partial differential equation into an integro-differential-delay equation. Finite-element and finite-difference methods are employed for the spatial and time discretizations to approximate the integral equation by a system of differential-delay equations. Solution may be obtained by solving for this nonlinear simultaneous system of equations in time. This paper discusses the application of the method to the Transonic Small Disturbance Equation and numerical results for lifting and nonlifting airfoils and wings in steady flows are presented.

Tseng, K.↗

NASA NTRS1971

Generalized invariance principles and the theory of stability.

Description of some recent extensions of the invariance principle to more generalized dynamical systems where the state space is not locally compact and the flow is unique only in the forward direction of time. A sufficient condition for asymptotic stability of an invariant set is obtained which does not require that the Liapunov function be positive-definite. A recently developed generalized invariance principle is described which is applicable to functional differential equations, partial differential equations, and, in particular, to certain stability problems arising in thermoelasticity, viscoelasticity, and distributed nonlinear networks.

Lasalle, J. P.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Analysis of a finite composite plate with smooth rigid pin

An elastic continuum method of analysis developed for a smooth rigid pin in a finite composite plate by using complex potentials that satisfy the governing orthotropic differential equation is presented. The plate is subjected to uniaxial loading and the nonlinear problems of partial contact in the pin-plate are studied. Three types of pin fits are examined: interference, push, and clearance. The problems of stresses due to pure interference, load contact behavior, and stresses variations are addressed. The effects of the rectangular geometry and the orthotropic property of the plate are demonstrated through numerical results. It is found that the use of large hole diameter/plate width ratios have deleterious effects and the use of interference has beneficial effects. The solutions obtained will help in the development of special finite elements for fastener joints. Finally, the boundary conditions on the finite outer boundaries are found to be satisfied by a successive integration technique.

Naidu, A. C. B.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Flag-lag-torsional dynamics or extensional and inextensional rotor blades in hover and in forward flight

The differential equations describing the flap-lag-torsional motion of a flexible rotor blade including third-order nonlinearities were derived for hover and forward flight. Making use of the two boundary conditions, those equations were reduced to a set of three integro partial differential equations written in terms of the flexural deflections and the torsional variable.

Crespodasilva, M. R. M.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Thermoelastic flutter models for elements of flexible satellites

Models of thermally induced flutter of the flexible elements of a satellite, such as beams, circular plates, and cylindrical shells have been obtained. These models form the necessary blocks for analyzing the motion of satellites. The heat input is considered to be caused by solar radiations. The partial differential equations for all the elements of the satellite are linear in the space dependent variables and nonlinear in the time-dependent variables. These equations are coupled through the motion of the center of mass of the satellite. Galerkin's method has been used to remove the space-dependence of these equations. In the succeeding paper, a further reduction of these equations is made into singular perturbation equations, which are amenable to solution for complex problems of extremely large number of degrees of freedom.

Huang, T. C.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Automating the parallel processing of fluid and structural dynamics calculations

The NASA Lewis Research Center is actively involved in the development of expert system technology to assist users in applying parallel processing to computational fluid and structural dynamic analysis. The goal of this effort is to eliminate the necessity for the physical scientist to become a computer scientist in order to effectively use the computer as a research tool. Programming and operating software utilities have previously been developed to solve systems of ordinary nonlinear differential equations on parallel scalar processors. Current efforts are aimed at extending these capabilities to systems of partial differential equations, that describe the complex behavior of fluids and structures within aerospace propulsion systems. This paper presents some important considerations in the redesign, in particular, the need for algorithms and software utilities that can automatically identify data flow patterns in the application program and partition and allocate calculations to the parallel processors. A library-oriented multiprocessing concept for integrating the hardware and software functions is described.

Arpasi, Dale J.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Automating the parallel processing of fluid and structural dynamics calculations

The NASA Lewis Research Center is actively involved in the development of expert system technology to assist users in applying parallel processing to computational fluid and structural dynamic analysis. The goal of this effort is to eliminate the necessity for the physical scientist to become a computer scientist in order to effectively use the computer as a research tool. Programming and operating software utilities have previously been developed to solve systems of ordinary nonlinear differential equations on parallel scalar processors. Current efforts are aimed at extending these capabilties to systems of partial differential equations, that describe the complex behavior of fluids and structures within aerospace propulsion systems. This paper presents some important considerations in the redesign, in particular, the need for algorithms and software utilities that can automatically identify data flow patterns in the application program and partition and allocate calculations to the parallel processors. A library-oriented multiprocessing concept for integrating the hardware and software functions is described.

Arpasi, Dale J.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Variations in the modal characteristics of a telescopically deploying beam

The equations of motion for a two-segment deploying telescopic beam are derived through application of Lagrange's equation. The outer tube of the beam is fixed at one end and the inner tube slides freely relative to the fixed segment. The resulting nonlinear, non-autonomous set of equations is linearized and simplified to the standard Euler-Bernoulli partial differential equations for an elastic beam by freezing the deployment process at various stages of deployment, and examining the small amplitude and natural modes of vibration of the resulting configuration. Application of the natural boundary conditions and compatibility of motion relations for the two segments in their common region of overlap leads to a transcendental characteristic equation in the frequency parameter Beta(L). Numerical solution of the equation for the characteristic roots determines the modal frequencies, and the corresponding mode shapes are obtained from the general solution of the Euler-Bernoulli equation tailored to the natural boundary conditions. Sample results of modal frequencies and shapes are presented for various stages of deployment and discussed. It is shown that for all intermediate stages of deployment (between 0 and 100 percent) the spectral distribution is drastically altered by the appearance of regions of very closely spaced modal frequencies. The sources of this modal agglomeration are explored.

Amos, Anthony K.↗