A summary of supersonic decelerators with emphasis on problem areas in aerodynamics and structures.
Aerodynamic and structural data on supersonic decelerators, determining problem areas and voids
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Results for “Dynamic Structural Analysis”
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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Computer analysis of large structural systems.
Numerical procedure for structural systems analysis, discussing computer application to hydrodynamic, electric, magnetic, thermodynamic, elastostatic and elastodynamic problems
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS↗
Rosman I dynamic analysis.
Rosman I reflector antenna for collecting data from earth orbiting satellites, discussing dynamic analysis of structural response to natural frequencies
Butler, T. G.↗
Technical challenges of integrating the Space Shuttle
A review is presented of the technology involved in integrating the Space Shuttle system. A powered flight analysis of the Shuttle is presented, touching upon the following areas: ascent profile and abort mode integration, sizing and design, control of load factor by a stage thrust shaping, structural load constraints, flight performance reserve and trajectory design for the orbital flight test. A discussion is presented of aerothermodynamics including aerodynamic and plume heating. Flight control and separation is considered with attention paid to liftoff, ascent to booster staging, elevon load relief, booster tailoff thrust mismatch and gimbal limitations and booster separation. Structural analysis and dynamics is examined, considering: vehicle loads and modes and the pogo effect. Propulsion aspects (hydraulics, the LH2 recirculation system, the antigeyser system, the pressurization system, etc.), ground vibration tests, separation system verification and flight readiness firing are all described.
Martin, A. C.↗
Finite element dynamic analysis on CDC STAR-100 computer
Computational algorithms are presented for the finite element dynamic analysis of structures on the CDC STAR-100 computer. The spatial behavior is described using higher-order finite elements. The temporal behavior is approximated by using either the central difference explicit scheme or Newmark's implicit scheme. In each case the analysis is broken up into a number of basic macro-operations. Discussion is focused on the organization of the computation and the mode of storage of different arrays to take advantage of the STAR pipeline capability. The potential of the proposed algorithms is discussed and CPU times are given for performing the different macro-operations for a shell modeled by higher order composite shallow shell elements having 80 degrees of freedom.
Noor, A. K.↗
Simulation of large motions of nonuniform beams in orbit. I - The cantilever beam
An algorithm is developed for producing numerical simulations of large motions of a nonuniform cantilever beam in orbit. Special emphasis is given to the effective formulation of equations of motion and to the use of the finite element method to construct modal functions. Finite element methods are used to generate modal functions in such a way as to permit a particularly harmonious relationship to be established between the disciplines of rigid body dynamics and structural analysis. Sufficient information is provided to enable a reader to create, with relatively little effort, his own simulation program; simulation results are reported, both to provide check cases for other investigators and to illustrate certain important facets of the behavior of flexible spacecraft.
Levinson, D. A.↗
For operation of the Computer Software Management and Information Center (COSMIC)
Computer programs for degaussing, magnetic field calculation, low speed wing flap systems aerodynamics, structural panel analysis, dynamic stress/strain data acquisition, allocation and network scheduling, and digital filters are discussed.
Carmon, J. L.↗
Cumulutive reports and publications through December 31, 1984
A complete list of the Institute for Computer Applications in Science and Engineering (ICASE) Reports are given. Since ICASE Reports are intended to be preprints of articles that will appear in journals or conference proceedings, the published reference is included when it is available. Topics include numerical methods, parameter identification, fluid dynamics, acoustics, structural analysis, and computers.
Source record↗
Dynamic Creep Buckling: Analysis of Shell Structures Subjected to Time-dependent Mechanical and Thermal Loading
The objective of the present research is to develop a general mathematical model and solution methodologies for analyzing the structural response of thin, metallic shell structures under large transient, cyclic, or static thermomechanical loads. Among the system responses associated with these loads and conditions are thermal buckling, creep buckling, and ratcheting. Thus geometric and material nonlinearities (of high order) can be anticipated and must be considered in developing the mathematical model. A complete, true ab-initio rate theory of kinematics and kinetics for continuum and curved thin structures, without any restriction on the magnitude of the strains or the deformations, was formulated. The time dependence and large strain behavior are incorporated through the introduction of the time rates of metric and curvature in two coordinate systems: fixed (spatial) and convected (material). The relations between the time derivative and the covariant derivative (gradient) were developed for curved space and motion, so the velocity components supply the connection between the equations of motion and the time rates of change of the metric and curvature tensors.
Simitses, G. J.↗
Some experiences with the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm
The Eigensystem Realization Algorithm (ERA) is a multiinput/multioutput time-domain algorithm for minimum-order system realization and modal parameter identification. It has been used for structural dynamics data analysis at the Langley Research Center for several years. Some of the practical experiences encountered in these projects are discussed in this paper. Three examples are used: the Galileo spacecraft, the Solar Array Flight Experiment, and a laboratory space-truss model. Several techniques for assessing identification accuracy are illustrated.
Pappa, Richard S.↗
Dynamic analysis of an unrestrained, rotating structure through nonlinear simulation
An alternate derivation based on Hamilton's principle of equations of motion of a flexible body for use in nonlinear simulation modeling is presented. The equations include terms representing variation in the inertial properties of the body resulting from flexibility as well as terms coupling rigid body and flexible momenta that arise from satisfaction of only the linear part of the mean axis conditions. An approximate method for including the centrifugal stiffening in a way that permits a variable spin vector is given. The equations are exercised in a simulation program on an example structure initially spinning about its unstable principal axis in a gravity-free vacuum.
Zeiler, Thomas A.↗
Statistical analysis of modeling error in structural dynamic systems
The paper presents a generic statistical model of the (total) modeling error for conventional space structures in their launch configuration. Modeling error is defined as the difference between analytical prediction and experimental measurement. It is represented by the differences between predicted and measured real eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Comparisons are made between pre-test and post-test models. Total modeling error is then subdivided into measurement error, experimental error and 'pure' modeling error, and comparisons made between measurement error and total modeling error. The generic statistical model presented in this paper is based on the first four global (primary structure) modes of four different structures belonging to the generic category of Conventional Space Structures (specifically excluding large truss-type space structures). As such, it may be used to evaluate the uncertainty of predicted mode shapes and frequencies, sinusoidal response, or the transient response of other structures belonging to the same generic category.
Hasselman, T. K.↗
Computational structures technology and UVA Center for CST
Rapid advances in computer hardware have had a profound effect on various engineering and mechanics disciplines, including the materials, structures, and dynamics disciplines. A new technology, computational structures technology (CST), has recently emerged as an insightful blend between material modeling, structural and dynamic analysis and synthesis on the one hand, and other disciplines such as computer science, numerical analysis, and approximation theory, on the other hand. CST is an outgrowth of finite element methods developed over the last three decades. The focus of this presentation is on some aspects of CST which can impact future airframes and propulsion systems, as well as on the newly established University of Virginia (UVA) Center for CST. The background and goals for CST are described along with the motivations for developing CST, and a brief discussion is made on computational material modeling. We look at the future in terms of technical needs, computing environment, and research directions. The newly established UVA Center for CST is described. One of the research projects of the Center is described, and a brief summary of the presentation is given.
Noor, Ahmed K.↗
Partitioning of unstructured problems for parallel processing
Many large-scale computational problems are based on unstructured computational domains. Primary examples are unstructured grid calculations based on finite volume methods in computational fluid dynamics, or structural analysis problems based on finite element approximations. The question of how to distribute such unstructured computational domains over a large number of processors in a MIMD machine with distributed memory is addressed. A graph theoretical framework for these problems is established. Based on this framework three decomposition algorithms are introduced. In particular a new decomposition algorithm is discussed, which is based on the computation of an eigenvector of the Laplacian matrix associated with the graph. Numerical comparisons on large-scale two- and three-dimensional problems demonstrate the superiority of the new spectral bisection algorithm.
Simon, H. D.↗
Configuration design sensitivity analysis of built-up structures
In the design of complex built-up structures that are made of truss, beam, membrane, shell, and solid, there are five different kinds of design variables: material property, sizing, shape, configuration, and topological variables. Previous research has shown that the improvement in performances obtained by altering the configuration of structural components can be much more significant than those obtained when the geometry is assumed to be fixed. Using the variational approach, a unified design sensitivity was developed for the first three kinds of design variables, and was further extended recently in many structural analysis problems such as nonlinear, structural dynamics, and frequency response analysis. A continuum design sensitivity analysis method is developed for the configuration design variable of built-up structures.
Choi, Kyung K.↗
Stiffness-generated rigid-body mode shapes for Lanczos eigensolution with SUPORT DOF by way of a MSC/NASTRAN DMAP alter
When using all MSC/NASTRAN eigensolution methods except Lanczos, the analyst can replace the coupled system rigid-body modes calculated within DMAP module READ with mass orthogonalized and normalized rigid-body modes generated from the system stiffness. This option is invoked by defining MSC/NASTRAN r-set degrees of freedom via the SUPORT bulk data card. The newly calculated modes are required if the rigid-body modes calculated by the eigensolver are not 'clean' due to numerical roundoffs in the solution. When performing transient structural dynamic load analysis, the numerical roundoffs can result in inaccurate rigid-body accelerations which affect steady-state responses. Unfortunately, when using the Lanczos method and defining r-set degrees of freedom, the rigid-body modes calculated within DMAP module REIGL are retained. To overcome this limitation and to allow MSC/NASTRAN to handle SUPORT degrees of freedom identically for all eigensolvers, a DMAP Alter has been written which replaces Lanczos-calculated rigid-body modes with stiffness-generated rigid-body modes. The newly generated rigid-body modes are normalized with respect to the system mass and orthogonalized using the Gram-Schmidt technique. This algorithm has been implemented as an enhancement to an existing coupled loads methodology.
Abdallah, Ayman A.↗
Computational mechanics analysis tools for parallel-vector supercomputers
Computational algorithms for structural analysis on parallel-vector supercomputers are reviewed. These parallel algorithms, developed by the authors, are for the assembly of structural equations, 'out-of-core' strategies for linear equation solution, massively distributed-memory equation solution, unsymmetric equation solution, general eigen-solution, geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis, design sensitivity analysis for structural dynamics, optimization algorithm and domain decomposition. The source code for many of these algorithms is available from NASA Langley.
Storaasli, O. O.↗
Advanced Stirling Convertor Testing at NASA Glenn Research Center
The NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) has been testing high-efficiency free-piston Stirling convertors for potential use in radioisotope power systems (RPSs) since 1999. The current effort is in support of the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG), which is being developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company (LMSSC), Sunpower, Inc., and the NASA GRC. This generator would use two high-efficiency Advanced Stirling Convertors (ASCs) to convert thermal energy from a radioisotope heat source into electricity. As reliability is paramount to a RPS capable of providing spacecraft power for potential multi-year missions, GRC provides direct technology support to the ASRG flight project in the areas of reliability, convertor and generator testing, high-temperature materials, structures, modeling and analysis, organics, structural dynamics, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and permanent magnets to reduce risk and enhance reliability of the convertor as this technology transitions toward flight status. Convertor and generator testing is carried out in short- and long-duration tests designed to characterize convertor performance when subjected to environments intended to simulate launch and space conditions. Long duration testing is intended to baseline performance and observe any performance degradation over the life of the test. Testing involves developing support hardware that enables 24/7 unattended operation and data collection. GRC currently has 14 Stirling convertors under unattended extended operation testing, including two operating in the ASRG Engineering Unit (ASRG-EU). Test data and high-temperature support hardware are discussed for ongoing and future ASC tests with emphasis on the ASC-E and ASC-E2.
Wilson, Scott D.↗