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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 235 records · Page 13

Determination of the Heliospheric Radial Magnetic Field from the Standoff Distance of a CME-Driven Shock Observed by the Stereo Spacecraft

We report on the determination of radial magnetic field strength in the heliocentric distance range from 6 to 120 solar radii (R-solar) using data from Coronagraph 2 (COR2) and Heliospheric Imager I (HI1) instruments on board the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory spacecraft following the standoff-distance method of Gopalswamy & Yashiro. We measured the shock standoff distance of the 2008 April 5 coronal mass ejection (CME) and determined the flux-rope curvature by fitting the three-dimensional shape of the CME using the Graduated Cylindrical Shell model. The radial magnetic field strength is computed from the Alfven speed and the density of the ambient medium. We also compare the derived magnetic field strength with in situ measurements made by the Helios spacecraft, which measured the magnetic field at the heliocentric distance range from 60 to 215 R-solar.We found that the radial magnetic field strength decreases from 28 mG at 6 R-solar to 0.17 mG at 120 R-solar. In addition, we found that the radial profile can be described by a power law.

CMEs↗

Kriging as a Means of Improving WAAS Availability

The Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), an augmentation of the Global Positioning System (GPS), provides safe and reliable use of GPS signals for airline navigation over much of North America. Currently the largest source of positioning error in the system is signal delay caused by the ionosphere. To allow the user to take account of such error, WAAS computes and broadcasts ionospheric vertical delays at a set of regularly-spaced grid points. In addition, WAAS computes and broadcasts a safety-critical integrity bound at each ionospheric grid point (IGP) called the Grid Ionospheric Vertical Error (GIVE). GIVEs are constructed to be sufficiently large to protect the user against positioning error due to the presence of ionospheric irregularity. In the initial operating capability (IOC) of WAAS, the vertical delay estimate at each IGP is determined from a planar fit of neighboring slant delay measurements, projected to vertical using an obliquity factor specified by the standard thin-shell model of the ionosphere. In WAAS Follow-On (WFO) Release 3, however, the vertical delay will be estimated by an established, geo-statistical technique known as kriging. Compared to the planar fit model, the kriging model is found, in general, to match better the observed random structure of the vertical delay. This paper presents the kriging methodology that will be used to estimate the vertical delay and its uncertainty at each IGP, and it assesses the subsequent improvement in WAAS availability enabled by kriging.

GPS↗

Improved Plate and Beam Models for Thermoviscoelastic Constitutive Modeling of Composites

The effective properties of composites are influenced by the time-dependent behavior of polymer matrices very sensitive to changes in temperature. Improved plate and beam models are required to efficiently design, and simulate composite structures when the long-term performance of large anisotropic composite structures is the matter of interest. In this work, mechanics of structure genome (MSG) is used to con-struct linear thermoviscoelastic plate and beam models that can homogenize three-dimensional heterogeneous materials made of constituents with time- and temperature-dependent behavior. The formulation derives the transient strain energy based on integral formulation for thermorheologically simple materials subject to finite temperature changes with the restriction that the strain is small. The reduced time parameter is introduced to relate the time-temperature dependency of the anisotropic material by means of master curves at reference conditions. The new formulation has been implemented in SwiftCompTM, a general-purpose multiscale constitutive modeling code based on MSG. Experimental data and three-dimensional direct numerical simulations of thin-ply high-strain composites (TP-HSC) using a commercial finite element analysis (FEA) package are conducted to verify the accuracy of SwiftCompTM results. The paper also analyzes the relationship between the shift factor of the polymer matrix and the temperature dependencies of the effective beam properties.

Finite element analysis↗

Instrumental Biases in Ionospheric Measurement Derived from GPS Data

Line-of-sight ionosphere measurements derived from differencing dual frequency GPS range data are corrupted by instrumental biases in both receiver and GPS satellite transmitters due to hardware delays in the L1 and L2 signal paths. Using a global ionospheric shell model to fit GPS based ionospheric delay data from a world wide network of 30 to 40 receivers, we can estimate, with a single fit, satellite biases for the entire GPS constellation and receiver biases for all the uncalibrated receivers.

GPS↗

Unveiling the Journey of A Highly Inclined CME: Insights from the March 13, 2012, Event With 110° Longitudinal Separation

Context. A fast (∼2000 km s -1 ) and wide (>110°) coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the Sun on March 13, 2012. Its interplanetary counterpart was detected in situ two days later by STEREO-A and near-Earth spacecraft, such as ACE, Wind, and Cluster. We suggest that at 1 au the CME extended at least 110° in longitude, with Earth crossing its east flank and STEREO-A crossing its- west flank. Despite their separation, measurements from both positions showed very similar in situ CME signatures. The solar source region where the CME erupted was surrounded by three coronal holes (CHs). Their locations with respect to the CME launch site were east (negative polarity), southwest (positive polarity) and west (positive polarity). The solar magnetic field polarity of the area covered by each CH matches that observed at 1 au in situ. Suprathermal electrons at each location showed mixed signatures with only some intervals presenting clear counter streaming flows as the CME transits both locations. The strahl population coming from the shortest magnetic connection of the structure to the Sun showed more intensity. Aims. The aim of this work is to understand the propagation and evolution of the CME and its interaction with the surrounding CHs, to explain the similarities and differences between the observations at each spacecraft, and report what one of the most longitudinal expanded CME structures measured in situ would be. Methods. Known properties of the large-scale structures from a variety of catalogues and previous studies were used to have a better overview of this particular event. In addition, multipoint observations were used to reconstruct the 3D geometry of the CME and determine the context of the solar and heliospheric conditions before the CME eruption and during its propagation. The graduated cylindrical shell model (GCS) was used to reproduce the orientation, size and speed of the structure with a simple geometry. Also, the Drag-Based Model (DBM) was utilised to understand the conditions of the interplanetary medium better in terms of the drag undergone by the structure while propagating in different directions. Finally, a comparative analysis of the different regions of the structure through the different observatories was carried out in order to directly compare the in situ plasma and magnetic field properties at each location. Results. The study presents important findings regarding the in situ measured CME on March 15, 2012, detected at a longitudinal separation of 110° in the ecliptic plane despite its initial inclination being around 45° when erupted (March 13). This suggests that the CME may have deformed and/or rotated, allowing it to be observed near its legs with spacecraft at a separation angle greater than 100°. The CME structure interacted with high-speed streams generated by the surrounding CHs. The piled-up plasma in the sheath region exhibited an unexpected correlation in magnetic field strength despite the large separation in longitude. In situ observations reveal that at both locations there was a flank encounter – where the spacecraft crossed the first part of the CME – then encountered ambient solar wind, and finally passed near the legs of the structure. Conclusions. A scenario covering all evidence is proposed for both locations with a general view of the whole structure and solar wind conditions. Also, the study shows the necessity of having multipoint observations of large-scale structures in the heliosphere.

methods: data analysis↗

Verification of Orthogrid Finite Element Modeling Techniques

The stress analysis of orthogrid structures, specifically with I-beam sections, is regularly performed using finite elements. Various modeling techniques are often used to simplify the modeling process but still adequately capture the actual hardware behavior. The accuracy of such 'Oshort cutso' is sometimes in question. This report compares three modeling techniques to actual test results from a loaded orthogrid panel. The finite element models include a beam, shell, and mixed beam and shell element model. Results show that the shell element model performs the best, but that the simpler beam and beam and shell element models provide reasonable to conservative results for a stress analysis. When deflection and stiffness is critical, it is important to capture the effect of the orthogrid nodes in the model.

Steeve, B. E.↗

NASA Structural Analysis Report on the American Airlines Flight 587 Accident - Local Analysis of the Right Rear Lug

A detailed finite element analysis of the right rear lug of the American Airlines Flight 587 - Airbus A300-600R was performed as part of the National Transportation Safety Board s failure investigation of the accident that occurred on November 12, 2001. The loads experienced by the right rear lug are evaluated using global models of the vertical tail, local models near the right rear lug, and a global-local analysis procedure. The right rear lug was analyzed using two modeling approaches. In the first approach, solid-shell type modeling is used, and in the second approach, layered-shell type modeling is used. The solid-shell and the layered-shell modeling approaches were used in progressive failure analyses (PFA) to determine the load, mode, and location of failure in the right rear lug under loading representative of an Airbus certification test conducted in 1985 (the 1985-certification test). Both analyses were in excellent agreement with each other on the predicted failure loads, failure mode, and location of failure. The solid-shell type modeling was then used to analyze both a subcomponent test conducted by Airbus in 2003 (the 2003-subcomponent test) and the accident condition. Excellent agreement was observed between the analyses and the observed failures in both cases. From the analyses conducted and presented in this paper, the following conclusions were drawn. The moment, Mx (moment about the fuselage longitudinal axis), has significant effect on the failure load of the lugs. Higher absolute values of Mx give lower failure loads. The predicted load, mode, and location of the failure of the 1985-certification test, 2003-subcomponent test, and the accident condition are in very good agreement. This agreement suggests that the 1985-certification and 2003- subcomponent tests represent the accident condition accurately. The failure mode of the right rear lug for the 1985-certification test, 2003-subcomponent test, and the accident load case is identified as a cleavage-type failure. For the accident case, the predicted failure load for the right rear lug from the PFA is greater than 1.98 times the limit load of the lugs. I.

Raju, Ivatury S↗

Structural Analysis of the Right Rear Lug of American Airlines Flight 587

A detailed finite element analysis of the right rear lug of the American Airlines Flight 587 - Airbus A300-600R was performed as part of the National Transportation Safety Board s failure investigation of the accident that occurred on November 12, 2001. The loads experienced by the right rear lug are evaluated using global models of the vertical tail, local models near the right rear lug, and a global-local analysis procedure. The right rear lug was analyzed using two modeling approaches. In the first approach, solid-shell type modeling is used, and in the second approach, layered-shell type modeling is used. The solid-shell and the layered-shell modeling approaches were used in progressive failure analyses (PFA) to determine the load, mode, and location of failure in the right rear lug under loading representative of an Airbus certification test conducted in 1985 (the 1985-certification test). Both analyses were in excellent agreement with each other on the predicted failure loads, failure mode, and location of failure. The solid-shell type modeling was then used to analyze both a subcomponent test conducted by Airbus in 2003 (the 2003-subcomponent test) and the accident condition. Excellent agreement was observed between the analyses and the observed failures in both cases. The moment, Mx (moment about the fuselage longitudinal axis), has significant effect on the failure load of the lugs. Higher absolute values of Mx give lower failure loads. The predicted load, mode, and location of the failure of the 1985- certification test, 2003-subcomponent test, and the accident condition are in very good agreement. This agreement suggests that the 1985-certification and 2003-subcomponent tests represent the accident condition accurately. The failure mode of the right rear lug for the 1985-certification test, 2003-subcomponent test, and the accident load case is identified as a cleavage-type failure. For the accident case, the predicted failure load for the right rear lug from the PFA is greater than 1.98 times the limit load of the lugs.

Raju, Ivatury S.↗

Shell Tectonics: A Mechanical Model for Strike-slip Displacement on Europa

We introduce a new mechanical model for producing tidally-driven strike-slip displacement along preexisting faults on Europa, which we call shell tectonics. This model differs from previous models of strike-slip on icy satellites by incorporating a Coulomb failure criterion, approximating a viscoelastic rheology, determining the slip direction based on the gradient of the tidal shear stress rather than its sign, and quantitatively determining the net offset over many orbits. This model allows us to predict the direction of net displacement along faults and determine relative accumulation rate of displacement. To test the shell tectonics model, we generate global predictions of slip direction and compare them with the observed global pattern of strike-slip displacement on Europa in which left-lateral faults dominate far north of the equator, right-lateral faults dominate in the far south, and near-equatorial regions display a mixture of both types of faults. The shell tectonics model reproduces this global pattern. Incorporating a small obliquity into calculations of tidal stresses, which are used as inputs to the shell tectonics model, can also explain regional differences in strike-slip fault populations. We also discuss implications for fault azimuths, fault depth, and Europa's tectonic history.

2) Tectonics↗

Propagation of flexural and membrane waves with fluid loaded NASTRAN plate and shell elements

Modeling of flexural and membrane type waves existing in various submerged (or in vacuo) plate and/or shell finite element models that are excited with steady state type harmonic loadings proportioned to e(i omega t) is discussed. Only thin walled plates and shells are treated wherein rotary inertia and shear correction factors are not included. More specifically, the issue of determining the shell or plate mesh size needed to represent the spatial distribution of the plate or shell response is of prime importance towards successfully representing the solution to the problem at hand. To this end, a procedure is presented for establishing guide lines for determining the mesh size based on a simple test model that can be used for a variety of plate and shell configurations such as, cylindrical shells with water loading, cylindrical shells in vacuo, plates with water loading, and plates in vacuo. The procedure for doing these four cases is given, with specific numerical examples present only for the cylindrical shell case.

Kalinowski, A. J.↗

Tests of a protective shell passive release mechanism for hypersonic wind-tunnel models

A protective shell mechanism for wind tunnel models was developed and tested. The mechanism is passive in operation, reliable, and imposes no new structural design changes for wind tunnel models. Methods of predicting the release time and the measured loads associated with the release of the shell are given. The mechanism was tested in a series of wind tunnel tests to validate the removal process and measure the pressure loads on the model. The protective shell can be used for wind tunnel models that require a step input of heating and loading such as a thin skin heat transfer model. The mechanism may have other potential applications.

Puster, R. L.↗

Design of cryogenic tanks for space vehicles shell structures analytical modeling

The initial objective was to study the use of superplastically formed corrugated hat section stringers and frames in place of integrally machined stringers over separate frames for the tanks of large launch vehicles subjected to high buckling loads. The ALS was used as an example. The objective of the follow-on project was to study methods of designing shell structures subjected to severe combinations of structural loads and thermal gradients, with emphasis on new combinations of structural arrangements and materials. Typical applications would be to fuselage sections of high speed civil transports and to cryogenic tanks on the National Aerospace Plane.

Copper, Charles↗

Assessment of computational models for multilayered composite shells

A review is made of the different approaches used for modeling multilayered composite shells. Discussion focuses on different approaches for developing two-dimensional shear deformation theories; classification of two-dimensional theories based on introducing plausible displacement, strain and/or stress assumptions in the thickness direction; first-order shear deformation theories based on linear displacement assumptions in the thickness coordinate; and efficient computational strategies for anisotropic composite shells. Extensive numerical results are presented showing the effects of variation in the lamination and geometric parameters of simply supported composite cylinders on the accuracy of the static and vibrational responses predicted by eight different modeling approaches (based on two-dimensional shear deformation theories).

Noor, Ahmed K.↗

Structural Analysis Of General Shells (STAGS)

STAGS models complex thin shell structures including separate shell branches or segments connected along their boundaries. Options include static stress and vibration, transient, and bifurcation buckling analysis. Also useful for submarine design.

Almroth, B. O.↗