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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.

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At least 199 records · Page 11
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NASA NTRS1989

Strain measurements in a rotary engine housing

The development of structural design tools for Rotary Combustion Engines (RCE) using Finite Element Modeling (FEM) requires knowledge about the response of engine materials to various service conditions. This paper describes experimental work that studied housing deformation as a result of thermal, pressure and mechanical loads. The measurement of thermal loads, clamping pressure, and deformation was accomplished by use of high-temperature strain gauges, thermocouples, and a high speed data acquisition system. FEM models for heat transfer stress analysis of the rotor housing will be verified and refined based on these experimental results.

Lee, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Investigation of difficult component effects on finite element model vibration prediction for the Bell AG-1G helicopter. Volume 2: Correlation results

Under the NASA-sponsored DAMVIBS (Design Analysis Methods for VIBrationS) program, a series of ground vibration tests and NASTRAN finite element model (FEM) correlations were conducted on the Bell AH-1G helicopter gunship to investigate the effects of difficult components on the vibration response of the airframe. Previous correlations of the AG-1G showed good agreement between NASTRAN and tests through 15 to 20 Hz, but poor agreement in the higher frequency range of 20 to 30 Hz. Thus, this effort emphasized the higher frequency airframe vibration response correlations and identified areas that need further R and T work. To conduct the investigations, selected difficult components (main rotor pylon, secondary structure, nonstructural doors/panels, landing gear, engine, furl, etc.) were systematically removed to quantify their effects on overall vibratory response of the airframe. The entire effort was planned and documented, and the results reviewed by NASA and industry experts in order to ensure scientific control of the testing, analysis, and correlation exercise. In particular, secondary structure and damping had significant effects on the frequency response of the airframe above 15 Hz. Also, the nonlinear effects of thrust stiffening and elastomer mounts were significant on the low frequency pylon modes below main rotor 1p (5.4 Hz). The results of the NASTRAN FEM correlations are given.

Dompka, R. V.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Combined structures-controls optimization of lattice trusses

The role that distributed parameter model can play in CSI is demonstrated, in particular in combined structures controls optimization problems of importance in preliminary design. Closed form solutions can be obtained for performance criteria such as rms attitude error, making possible analytical solutions of the optimization problem. This is in contrast to the need for numerical computer solution involving the inversion of large matrices in traditional finite element model (FEM) use. Another advantage of the analytic solution is that it can provide much needed insight into phenomena that can otherwise be obscured or difficult to discern from numerical computer results. As a compromise in level of complexity between a toy lab model and a real space structure, the lattice truss used in the EPS (Earth Pointing Satellite) was chosen. The optimization problem chosen is a generic one: of minimizing the structure mass subject to a specified stability margin and to a specified upper bond on the rms attitude error, using a co-located controller and sensors. Standard FEM treating each bar as a truss element is used, while the continuum model is anisotropic Timoshenko beam model. Performance criteria are derived for each model, except that for the distributed parameter model, explicit closed form solutions was obtained. Numerical results obtained by the two model show complete agreement.

Balakrishnan, A. V.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Computational technology for flight vehicles; Proceedings of the Symposium, Washington, DC, Nov. 5-7, 1990

Recent advances in computational fluid mechanics are discussed in reviews and reports. Sections are devoted to (1) the modeling of local phenomena and edge effects in solids, (2) stochastic modeling and simulation of fracture toughness, and (3) partitioning strategy and new finite elements. Particular attention is given to global and local finite-element/spectral-boundary-element techniques for failure analysis, simulations of microfracture in metal-matrix composites, fatigue analysis of cracked anisotropic plates under stochastic loading, mathematical modeling for the analysis of nonlinear aircraft dynamics, physical and mathematical modeling of wave propagation in the Ariane 5 VEB structure, partitioning based on symmetry transformations, an FEM approach to adaptive reliability assurance, and time-domain FEMs for the large rotational dynamics of multibody systems.

Noor, Ahmed K.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Development of UMARC (University of Maryland Advanced Rotorcraft Code)

The University of Maryland Advanced Rotorcraft Code (UMARC) is a user-friendly, FEM-based comprehensive helicopter rotor simulation code of high numerical robustness and computational efficiency. UMARC formulates the rotor-fuselage equations using Hamilton's principle, and are discretized using finite elements in space and time. The FEM formulation allows the code to analyze a wide variety of rotor designs. Dynamic inflow modeling is used for unsteady wake inflow computations. Predicted stability, response, and blade-load data are validated with experimental data for several configurations, including representative articulated, hingeless, and bearingless rotors.

Bir, Gunjit↗
NASA NTRS1991

A three-dimensional equivalent domain integral method for cracked solids

Three-dimensional FEM analysis is presently undertaken via the general formulation of the equivalent-domain integral method for mixed-mode fracture problems in general anisotropic and nonlinear materials. In mixed-mode integrals, the total J-integral is split into three separate modes of fracture; direct and decomposition methods are effective in this separation of the modes, as presently demonstrated by their application to several pure and mixed-mode fracture problems. The results are found to agree well with those reported in the literature, and suggest the usefulness of the method as a FEM-program postprocessing subroutines.

Shivakumar, K. N.↗
NASA NTRS1991

An improved error analysis of finite element solutions for postbuckled plates

The accurate calculation of stresses at boundaries and interfaces where FEM analysis may be unreliable is presently undertaken by an error analysis that derives a continuous approximation to discrete finite-element data, which can be differentiated to compute continuous stresses for component-failure predictions. An evaluation is conducted of this approximation in the context of the nonlinear PDEs. A novel interpolation formula which is a simple modification of the double Fourier sine series is used to reduce truncation errors near the rectangular plate boundary by means of an 'extended grid'. Results are presented from a FEM solution, a conventional double-Fourier series' continuous approximation, and a solution applying interpolation on the extended grid, which yields superior convergence properties near the plate boundaries.

Sistla, Rajaram↗
NASA NTRS1991

A hybrid approach to test-analysis-model development for large space structures

The present FEM reduction method for the generation of test-analysis-models (TAMs) in test-analysis correlation addresses contentions that the current modal TAM is hypersensitive to differences between test model shapes and analysis mode shapes, thereby generating large off-diagonal terms within the orthogonality and cross-orthogonality matrices employed in test-analysis mode-shape correlation. A hybrid TAM methodology is accordingly developed which combines the exact representation of the FEM target modes from the modal TAM with the more accurate TAM representation of the residual modes; the superior residual dynamics representation of the hybrid TAM is demonstrated for a detailed representation of a large space structure.

Kammer, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Iron Moessbauer spectroscopy: Superparamagnetism in hydrothermal vents and the search for evidence of past life on Mars

In view of the demonstrated value of Iron Moessbauer Spectroscopy (FeMS) in the study of extraterrestrial iron and the fact that, after silicon and oxygen, iron is the most abundant element on the surface of Mars, we proposed, and have under development, a backscatter Moessbauer spectrometer with x ray fluorescence capability (BaMS/XRF) for use on Mars as a geophysical prospecting instrument. Specifically, we have proposed BaMS/XRF as part of the geochemistry instrumentation on NASA's Mars Environment Survey (MESUR) mission. BaMS/XRF will have applications in: (1) the study of past environments through the examination of sedimentary material; (2) the study of the contemporary Martian environment; and (3) the study of iron-containing minerals of possible biogenic origin. Development of a reference library from a geophysical point of view for putative Martian surface materials at appropriate temperatures is now underway. We carried out preliminary optical reflectance and FeMS measurements on mineral products (iron oxyhydroxides) of deep-sea hydrothermal activity. Various aspects of this investigation are presented.

Agresti, David G.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The NASA/Industry Design Analysis Methods for Vibrations (DAMVIBS) Program - Boeing helicopters airframe finite element modeling

Finite-element modeling of the airframe vibration of the Army/Boeing CH-47D helicopter is conducted with comparisons to experimental data in an effort to improve the design process. A NASTRAN FEM is developed that is fully representative of the test configuration and includes the support fixture, shakers, and the aircraft/shaker suspension system. The analysis is conducted with specific attention given to the prediction of reasonable forced amplitudes throughout the airframe. Reasonable correlation is noted between the FEM and experimental results, although improved correlation can be obtained by including more accurate damping values and secondary effects such as stringer shear loading. It is shown that the general stress model does not provide an adequate dynamic analysis on which to base design improvements. A more detailed model is required that emphasizes highly detailed helicopter elements and employs a finer mesh particularly in the description of the mass distribution.

Gabel, R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Collapse of composite tubes under end moments

The Reissner (1959) approximate closed-form solution of the collapse of isotropic tubes subject to end moments is presently extended to encompass specially orthotropic material. This closed-form solution is verified via extensive nonlinear FEM analysis of the collapse of long tubes under applied end-moments; the radius/thickness value and composite layup ranges are representative of space-station truss framework designs. The FEM analysis validates the assumption of an inextensional deformation of the cylindrical cross-section, as well as the approximation of the material as specially orthotropic.

Stockwell, Alan E.↗
NASA NTRS1992

ROM/RMF control of the flexible, articulated-truss space crane

The large size and extreme flexibility of an articulated space crane entail great difficulties in precision positioning. Control strategies for the flexible multibody system are here developed using a Timoshenko-beam finite-element model (FEM) which captures the system's low frequency characteristics. From the FEM, a reduced-order model (ROM) controller is designed which rotates the fixed shape crane about the base alpha joint to actuate positioning control. Eigenvalue analysis of the closed-loop system shows the destabilizing effect of controller-structure interaction (CSI). Making use of a parallel bank of residual mode filters (RMFs) compensated for CSI, restoring system stability and performance. The linear control law is simulated in closed-loop with the beam model. The ROM-based control law with RMF compensation is an effective, low-order controller.

Reisenauer, Brian T.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Numerical solutions for heat flow in adhesive lap joints

The present formulation for the modeling of heat transfer in thin, adhesively bonded lap joints precludes difficulties associated with large aspect ratio grids required by standard FEM formulations. This quasi-static formulation also reduces the problem dimensionality (by one), thereby minimizing computational requirements. The solutions obtained are found to be in good agreement with both analytical solutions and solutions from standard FEM programs. The approach is noted to yield a more accurate representation of heat-flux changes between layers due to a disbond.

Howell, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Effects of geometric nonlinearities on the response of optimized box beam structures

The present minimum-mass designs for a two-spar rectangular box beam were derived on the basis of linear-buckling FEM analysis constraints. In order to ascertain the effects of any geometric nonlinearities on these designs, each was subjected to a geometrically nonlinear FEM analysis. In all cases, the structure collapses below the design load, and does so in a mode which differs from that of linear theory. This discrepancy is attributable to such nonlinear panel-interaction mechanisms as rib-crusing loads. The optimized design is highly sensitive to crushing loads, relative to the nonoptimal design.

Ragon, S.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Thermosolutal convection during dendritic solidification of a binary alloy

The FEM model of Heinrich (1988) is presently extended to the case of dendritic vertical solidification under steady-state conditions. An analysis is conducted of the nonlinear governing equations for linear stability, and FEM calculations are performed in cases where instability has been predicted for Pb-Sn melt systems; the results obtained show that the model is more stable than the plane front liquid-solid model, and shows similar, finger-like covection when unstable. It is found that convection in the 'mush' zone is confined to the top of that region; convective motion is driven by convection in the bulk fluid, in the absence of natural convection.

Heinrich, Juan C.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Application of symbolic and algebraic manipulation software in solving applied mechanics problems

As its name implies, symbolic and algebraic manipulation is an operational tool which not only can retain symbols throughout computations but also can express results in terms of symbols. This report starts with a history of symbolic and algebraic manipulators and a review of the literatures. With the help of selected examples, the capabilities of symbolic and algebraic manipulators are demonstrated. These applications to problems of applied mechanics are then presented. They are the application of automatic formulation to applied mechanics problems, application to a materially nonlinear problem (rigid-plastic ring compression) by finite element method (FEM) and application to plate problems by FEM. The advantages and difficulties, contributions, education, and perspectives of symbolic and algebraic manipulation are discussed. It is well known that there exist some fundamental difficulties in symbolic and algebraic manipulation, such as internal swelling and mathematical limitation. A remedy for these difficulties is proposed, and the three applications mentioned are solved successfully. For example, the closed from solution of stiffness matrix of four-node isoparametrical quadrilateral element for 2-D elasticity problem was not available before. Due to the work presented, the automatic construction of it becomes feasible. In addition, a new advantage of the application of symbolic and algebraic manipulation found is believed to be crucial in improving the efficiency of program execution in the future. This will substantially shorten the response time of a system. It is very significant for certain systems, such as missile and high speed aircraft systems, in which time plays an important role.

Tsai, Wen-Lang↗
NASA NTRS1993

FEM/SINDA: Combining the strengths of NASTRAN, SINDA, I-DEAS, and PATRAN for thermal and structural analysis

This paper describes the interface/integration between FEM/SINDA, a general purpose geometry driven thermal analysis code, and the FEM software: I-DEAS, PATRAN, and NASTRAN. FEM/SINDA brings together the advantages of the finite element method to model arbitrary geometry and anisotropic materials and SINDA's finite difference capability to model thermal properties, loads, and boundary conditions that vary with time or temperature. I-DEAS and PATRAN thermal entities are directly supported since FEM/SINDA uses the nodes of the FEM model as the point at which the temperature is determined. Output from FEM/SINDA (as well as the FEM/SINDA input deck) can be used directly by NASTRAN for structural analysis.

Zarda, P. Richard↗
NASA NTRS1994

Aircraft system aft telescope cavity configuration study for Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), phase 2

The SOFIA Aircraft System (AS) Phase 1 Study was a broad-based study which addressed itself to satisfying technical and programmatic requirements by drawing from existing technology and applying cost-efficient commercial approaches to the aircraft modification. In this SOFIA AS Phase 2 Study, five critical areas of the aircraft were selected for more detailed investigation: forward pressure bulkhead, aft bulkhead, 'free' shell to bulkhead interface, shell cut-out to bulkhead interface, and flooring. The in-depth investigation of these areas upon a finite element model (FEM), with a fine grid model in areas of particular interest, is discussed. The FEM code used is called 'STRAP' and was developed by the engineering firm, Rasmussen and Associates. STRAP is NASTRAN compatible to within 1%. The loads applied to the model were approximated from known 747 envelope conditions. The areas of investigation, and a section through the fuselage is shown. The thrust of this investigation was to develop the design concepts conceived under phase 1 to the point where detailed design could be undertaken with a high level of confidence.

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