Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Computer implementation”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 199 records · Page 11

Thermoelastohydrodynamic analysis of an oil pumping ring seal

The selection and evaluation of the numerical methods used in the thermoelastohydrodynamic analysis of an oil pumping ring seal are described, and the results from test problems used to demonstrate the validity of the implementing computer program are presented. A sampling of predicted pumping ring performance values is compared with existing experimental data. Agreement between prediction and test performance is obtained, yielding detailed information concerning fluid and solid parameters.

Smith, P. J.↗

System identification of large flexible structures by using simple continuum models

Simple continuum models for the representation of large truss beams and truss platforms are constructed and employed in the solution of system identification problems permitting the significant reduction of the number of structural parameters. Two simple and easily computer-implemented algorithms are presented for the estimation of a simple model's equivalent structural parameters, and analytical and numerical solutions are given for the truss beam and truss platform cases in order to illustrate the basic concepts. It is found that model simplicity, in conjunction with the principle of least square erors, yields a feasible integration of structural and identification problems.

Juang, J. N.↗

Unconditionally stable implicit-explicit algorithms for coupled thermal stress waves

An unconditionally stable implicit-explicit method is proposed for the analysis of transient coupled thermal stress waves, and the computer-implementation aspects of the method are discussed. In the method proposed here, the mechanical displacement and temperature are used as independent variables. The resulting coupled finite element matrix equations are symmetric.

Liu, W. K.↗

Multiple buoyancy driven flows in a vertical cylinder heated from below

The structure of axisymmetric buoyancy-driven convection in a vertical cylinder heated from below is probed by finite element solution of the Boussinesq equations coupled with computed-implemented perturbation techniques for detecting and tracking multiple flows and for determining flow stability. Results are reported for fluids with Prandtl number of one and for cylinders with aspect ratio (Lambda) (defined as the height to radius of the cylinder) between 0.5 and 2.25. Extensive calculations of the neutral stability curve for the static solution and of the nonlinear motions along the bifurcating flow families show a continuous evolution of the primary cellular motion from a single toroidal cell to two and three cells nested radially in the cylinder, instead of the sharp transitions found for a cylinder with shear-free sidewalls. The smooth transitions in flow structure with Rayleigh number and lambda are explained by nonlinear connectivity between the first two bifurcating flow families formed either by a secondary bifurcation point for Lambda or = Lambda * approximately 0.80 or by a limit point for Lambda Lambda *. The transition between these two modes may be described by the theory of multiple limit point bifurcation.

Yamaguchi, Y.↗

A formulation of rotor-airframe coupling for design analysis of vibrations of helicopter airframes

A linear formulation of rotor airframe coupling intended for vibration analysis in airframe structural design is presented. The airframe is represented by a finite element analysis model; the rotor is represented by a general set of linear differential equations with periodic coefficients; and the connections between the rotor and airframe are specified through general linear equations of constraint. Coupling equations are applied to the rotor and airframe equations to produce one set of linear differential equations governing vibrations of the combined rotor airframe system. These equations are solved by the harmonic balance method for the system steady state vibrations. A feature of the solution process is the representation of the airframe in terms of forced responses calculated at the rotor harmonics of interest. A method based on matrix partitioning is worked out for quick recalculations of vibrations in design studies when only relatively few airframe members are varied. All relations are presented in forms suitable for direct computer implementation.

Kvaternik, R. G.↗

Ultrasonic velocity measurement using phase-slope cross-correlation methods

Computer implemented phase-slope and cross-correlation methods are introduced for measuring time delays between pairs of broadband ultrasonic pulse-echo signals for determining velocity in engineering materials. The phase-slope and cross-correlation methods are compared with the overlap method which is currently in wide use. Comparison of digital versions of the three methods shows similar results for most materials having low ultrasonic attenuation. However, the cross-correlation method is preferred for highly attenuating materials. An analytical basis for the cross-correlation method is presented. Examples are given for the three methods investigated to measure velocity in representative materials in the megahertz range.

Hull, D. R.↗

Natural convection in steady solidification - Finite element analysis of a two-phase Rayleigh-Benard problem

Galerkin finite-element approximations and Newton's method for solving free boundary problems are combined with computer-implemented techniques from nonlinear perturbation analysis to study solidification problems with natural convection in the melt. The Newton method gives rapid convergence to steady state velocity, temperature and pressure fields and melt-solid interface shapes, and forms the basis for algebraic methods for detecting multiple steady flows and assessing their stability. The power of this combination is demonstrated for a two-phase Rayleigh-Benard problem composed of melt and solid in a veritical cylinder with the thermal boundary conditions arranged so that a static melt with a flat melt-solid interface is always a solution. Multiple cellular flows bifurcating from the static state are detected and followed as Rayleigh number is varied. Changing the boundary conditions to approach those appropriate for the vertical Bridgman solidification system causes imperfections that eliminate the static state. The flow structure in the Bridgman system is related to those for the Rayleigh-Benard system by a continuous evolution of the boundary conditions.

Chang, C. J.↗

Closed-form recursive formula for an optimal tracker with terminal constraints

Feedback control laws are derived for a class of optimal finite time tracking problems with terminal constraints. Analytical solutions are obtained for the feedback gain and the closed-loop response trajectory. Such formulations are expressed in recursive forms so that a real-time computer implementation becomes feasible. Two examples are given to illustrate the validity and usefulness of the formulations.

Juang, J.-N.↗

Velocity estimation on a dual-spin spacecraft

The problem of estimating the changes in velocity during the various dV maneuvers of a dual-spin spacecrft is examined. A concise estimator suitable for on-board computer implementation is then developed to provide dV estimates based on the measurements obtained from two asymmetrically mounted accelerometers.

Boussalis, D.↗

Analysis of Landsat-4 Thematic Mapper data for classification of forest stands in Baldwin County, Alabama

A computer-implemented classification has been derived from Landsat-4 Thematic Mapper data acquired over Baldwin County, Alabama on January 15, 1983. One set of spectral signatures was developed from the data by utilizing a 3x3 pixel sliding window approach. An analysis of the classification produced from this technique identified forested areas. Additional information regarding only the forested areas. Additional information regarding only the forested areas was extracted by employing a pixel-by-pixel signature development program which derived spectral statistics only for pixels within the forested land covers. The spectral statistics from both approaches were integrated and the data classified. This classification was evaluated by comparing the spectral classes produced from the data against corresponding ground verification polygons. This iterative data analysis technique resulted in an overall classification accuracy of 88.4 percent correct for slash pine, young pine, loblolly pine, natural pine, and mixed hardwood-pine. An accuracy assessment matrix has been produced for the classification.

Hill, C. L.↗

Performance of the h, p and h-p versions

There are three basic versions of the finite element method, called the h, p and h-p versions. They are characterized by the way in which the finite element meshes and polynomial degree of elements are chosen. They differ in computer implementation (program architecture) and mathematical analysis. The manner in which the meshes and polynomial degree of the elements affect the accuracy of finite element solutions is examined. The approach is to fix certain parameters and increase the number of degrees of freedom so that the finie element solutions converge to the exact solution. Such a systematic increase of the number of degrees of freedom is called extension because it can be interpreted as a systematic extension of finite element spaces.

Babuska, I.↗

Slender body theory and Space Shuttle transonic aerodynamics

A computational implementation of transonic slender body theory and the equivalence rule has been utilized to study transonic flow field around the Space Shuttle Orbiter. The far field is described by a nonlinear axisymmetric Karman-Guderley model and the near field by a cross flow Laplace equation boundary value problem. The latter is treated using a source panel method. Preliminary comparisons with experiments give encouraging indications that the model can be useful for quick turnaround estimates. Areas of refinement to obtain more accurate predictions are discussed.

Malmuth, N. D.↗

Spectral response curve models applied to forest cover-type discrimination

The potential of remote sensing systems to provide a cost-effective inventory tool in the case of forest resources is currently of interest to a variety of natural resources management agencies. A number of studies have been performed regarding the use of Landsat data for mapping forest resources in Michigan. The present paper is concerned with current research, which has been directed toward the development and evaluation of computer-implemented classifications for the identification and characterization of coniferous forest types in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula. Attention is given to the characteristic response curves from Landsat MSS data, spectral response curve models, and forest cover-type discrimination. It is found that spectral response curve models can be used to evaluate and explain the characteristic spectral responses of coniferous forest types on a snow-covered, winter Landsat scene.

Hudson, W. D.↗

Strength Modeling Report

Strength modeling is a complex and multi-dimensional issue. There are numerous parameters to the problem of characterizing human strength, most notably: (1) position and orientation of body joints; (2) isometric versus dynamic strength; (3) effector force versus joint torque; (4) instantaneous versus steady force; (5) active force versus reactive force; (6) presence or absence of gravity; (7) body somatotype and composition; (8) body (segment) masses; (9) muscle group envolvement; (10) muscle size; (11) fatigue; and (12) practice (training) or familiarity. In surveying the available literature on strength measurement and modeling an attempt was made to examine as many of these parameters as possible. The conclusions reached at this point toward the feasibility of implementing computationally reasonable human strength models. The assessment of accuracy of any model against a specific individual, however, will probably not be possible on any realistic scale. Taken statistically, strength modeling may be an effective tool for general questions of task feasibility and strength requirements.

Badler, N. I.↗

Measurement of ultrasonic velocity using phase-slope and cross-correlation methods

Computer implemented phase-slope and cross-correlation methods are introduced for measuring time delays between pairs of broadband ultrasonic pulse-echo signals for determining velocity in engineering materials. The phase-slope and cross-correlation methods are compared with the overlap method which is currently in wide use. Comparison of digital versions of the three methods shows similar results for most materials having low ultrasonic attenuation. However, the cross-correlation method is preferred for highly attenuating materials. An analytical basis for the cross-correlation method is presented. Examples are given for the three methods investigated to measure velocity in representative materials in the magahertz range.

Hull, D. R.↗

Constitutive modeling of cyclic plasticity and creep, using an internal time concept

Using the concept of an internal time as related to plastic strains, a differential stress-strain relation for elastoplasticity is rederived, such that (1) the concept of a yield-surface is retained; (2) the definitions of elastic and plastic processes are analogous to those in classical plasticity theory; and (3) its computational implementation, via a 'tangent-stiffness' finite element method and a 'generalized-midpoint-radial-return' stress-integration algorithm, is simple and efficient. Also, using the concept of an internal time, as related to both the inelastic strains as well as the Newtonian time, a constitutive model for creep-plasticity interaction, is discussed. The problem of modeling experimental data for plasticity and creep, by the present analytical relations, as accurately as desired, is discussed. Numerical examples which illustrate the validity of the present relations are presented for the cases of cyclic plasticity and creep.

Watanabe, O.↗

Description of the Spacecraft Control Laboratory Experiment (SCOLE) facility

A laboratory facility for the study of control laws for large flexible spacecraft is described. The facility fulfills the requirements of the Spacecraft Control Laboratory Experiment (SCOLE) design challenge for laboratory experiments, which will allow slew maneuvers and pointing operations. The structural apparatus is described in detail sufficient for modelling purposes. The sensor and actuator types and characteristics are described so that identification and control algorithms may be designed. The control implementation computer and real-time subroutines are also described.

Williams, Jeffrey P.↗

Description of the Spacecraft Control Laboratory Experiment (SCOLE) facility

A laboratory facility for the study of control laws for large flexible spacecraft is described. The facility fulfills the requirements of the Spacecraft Control Laboratory Experiment (SCOLE) design challenge for a laboratory experiment, which will allow slew maneuvers and pointing operations. The structural apparatus is described in detail sufficient for modelling purposes. The sensor and actuator types and characteristics are described so that identification and control algorithms may be designed. The control implementation computer and real-time subroutines are also described.

Williams, Jeffrey P.↗