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At least 289 records · Page 16

Methods for evaluating the predictive accuracy of structural dynamic models

Modeling uncertainty is defined in terms of the difference between predicted and measured eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Data compiled from 22 sets of analysis/test results was used to create statistical databases for large truss-type space structures and both pretest and posttest models of conventional satellite-type space structures. Modeling uncertainty is propagated through the model to produce intervals of uncertainty on frequency response functions, both amplitude and phase. This methodology was used successfully to evaluate the predictive accuracy of several structures, including the NASA CSI Evolutionary Structure tested at Langley Research Center. Test measurements for this structure were within + one-sigma intervals of predicted accuracy for the most part, demonstrating the validity of the methodology and computer code.

Hasselman, Timothy K.↗

Multilevel optimization using a continuum model for structures

The new concept of using a continuum model in the multilevel decomposition of structural optimization problems is presented. The practicality of this concept is demonstrated by application in a scheme for the optimization of beam-like space structures. This scheme is tested against traditional optimization procedures for savings in computational cost. Results from both optimization methods are presented for comparison.

Yates, K.↗

New reflective symmetry design capability in the JPL-IDEAS Structure Optimization Program

The JPL-IDEAS antenna structure analysis and design optimization computer program was modified to process half structure models of symmetric structures subjected to arbitrary external static loads, synthesize the performance, and optimize the design of the full structure. Significant savings in computation time and cost (more than 50%) were achieved compared to the cost of full model computer runs. The addition of the new reflective symmetry analysis design capabilities to the IDEAS program allows processing of structure models whose size would otherwise prevent automated design optimization. The new program produced synthesized full model iterative design results identical to those of actual full model program executions at substantially reduced cost, time, and computer storage.

Strain, D.↗

An extended structure-based model based on a stochastic eddy-axis evolution equation

We have proposed and implemented an extension of the structure-based model for weak deformations. It was shown that the extended model will correctly reduce to the form of standard k-e models for the case of equilibrium under weak mean strain. The realizability of the extended model is guaranteed by the method of its construction. The predictions of the proposed model were very good for rotating homogeneous shear flows and for irrotational axisymmetric contraction, but were seriously deficient in the case of plane strain and axisymmetric expansion. We have concluded that the problem behind these difficulties lies in the algebraic constitutive equation relating the Reynolds stresses to the structure parameters rather than in the slow model developed here. In its present form, this equation assumes that under irrotational strain the principal axes of the Reynolds stresses remain locked onto those of the eddy-axis tensor. This is correct in the RDT limit, but inappropriate under weaker mean strains, when the non-linear eddy-eddy interactions tend to misalign the two sets of principal axes and create some non-zero theta and gamma.

Kassinos, S. C.↗

A layered solid finite element formulation with interlaminar enhanced displacements for the modeling of laminated composite structures

Accurate modeling of layered composite structures often requires the use of detailed finite element models which can sufficiently resolve the kinematics and material behavior within each layer of the composite. However, individually discretizing each material layer into finite elements presents a prohibitive computational expensive given the large number of thin layers comprising some laminated composites. To address these challenges, an 8-node layered solid hexahedral finite element is formulated with the aim of striking an appropriate balance between efficiency and fidelity. The element is discretized into an arbitrary number of distinct material layers, and employs reduced in-plane integration within each layer. The chosen reduced integration scheme is supplemented by a novel physical stabilization approach which includes layerwise enhancements to mitigate various forms of locking phenomena. The proposed framework additionally supports the inclusion of interlaminar enhanced displacements to better represent the kinematics of general layered composite materials. Finally, the described element formulation has been implemented in the ParaDyn finite element code, and its efficacy for modeling laminated composite structures is demonstrated on a variety of verification problems.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Toward a better understanding of helicopter stability derivatives

An amended six degree of freedom helicopter stability and control derivative model was developed in which body acceleration and control rate derivatives were included in the Taylor series expansion. These additional derivatives were derived from consideration of the effects of the higher order rotor flapping dynamics, which are known to be inadequately represented in the conventional six degree of freedom, quasistatic stability derivative model. The amended model was a substantial improvement over the conventional model, effectively doubling the unsable bandwidth and providing a more accurate representation of the short period and cross axis characteristics. Further investigations assessed the applicability of the two stability derivative model structures for flight test parameter identification. Parameters were identified using simulation data generated from a higher order base line model having sixth order rotor tip path plane dynamics. Three lower order models were identified: one using the conventional stability derivative model structure, a second using the amended six degree of freedom model structure, and a third model having eight degrees of freedom that included a simplified rotor tip path plane tilt representation.

Hansen, R. S.↗

Toward a better understanding of helicopter stability derivatives

An amended six degree of freedom helicopter stability and control derivative model was developed in which body acceleration and control rate derivatives were included in the Taylor series expansion. These additional derivatives were derived from consideration of the effects of the higher order rotor flapping dynamics, which are known to be inadequately represented in the conventional six degree of freedom, quasistatic stability derivative model. The amended model was a substantial improvement over the conventional model, effectively doubling the usable bandwidth and providing a more accurate representation of the short period and cross axis characteristics. Further investigations assessed the applicability of the two stability derivative model structures for flight test parameter identification. Parameters were identified using simulation data generated from a higher order base line model having sixth order rotor tip path plane dynamics. Three lower order models were identified: one using the conventional stability derivative model structure, a second using the amended six degree of freedom model structure, and a third model having eight degrees of freedom that included a simplified rotor tip path plane tilt representation. Previously announced in STAR as N82-32376

Hansen, R. S.↗

Toward a better understanding of helicopter stability derivatives

An amended six degree of freedom helicopter stability and control derivative model was developed in which body acceleration and control rate derivatives were included in the Taylor series expansion. These additional derivatives were derived from consideration of the effects of the higher order rotor flapping dynamics, which are known to be inadequately represented in the conventional six degree of freedom, quasistatic stability derivative model. The amended model was a substantial improvement over the conventional model, effectively doubling the unstable bandwidth and providing a more accurate representation of the short period and cross axis characteristics. Further investigations assessed the applicability of the two stability derivative model structures for flight test parameter identification. Parameters were identified using simulation data generated from a higher order base line model having sixth order rotor tip path plane dynamics. Three lower order models were identified: one using the conventional stability derivative model structure, a second using the amended six degree of freedom model structure, and a third model having eight degrees of freedom that included a simplified rotor tip path plane tilt representation. Previously announced in STAR as N82-32376

Hansen, R. S.↗

Methodologies for Verification and Validation of Space Launch System (SLS) Structural Dynamic Models

Responses to challenges associated with verification and validation (V&V) of Space Launch System (SLS) structural dynamics models are presented in this paper. Four methodologies addressing specific requirements for V&V are discussed. (1) Residual Mode Augmentation (RMA), which has gained acceptance by various principals in the NASA community, defines efficient and accurate FEM modal sensitivity models that are useful in test-analysis correlation and reconciliation and parametric uncertainty studies. (2) Modified Guyan Reduction (MGR) and Harmonic Reduction (HR, introduced in 1976), developed to remedy difficulties encountered with the widely used Classical Guyan Reduction (CGR) method, are presented. MGR and HR are particularly relevant for estimation of "body dominant" target modes of shell-type SLS assemblies that have numerous "body", "breathing" and local component constituents. Realities associated with configuration features and "imperfections" cause "body" and "breathing" mode characteristics to mix resulting in a lack of clarity in the understanding and correlation of FEM- and test-derived modal data. (3) Mode Consolidation (MC) is a newly introduced procedure designed to effectively "de-feature" FEM and experimental modes of detailed structural shell assemblies for unambiguous estimation of "body" dominant target modes. Finally, (4) Experimental Mode Verification (EMV) is a procedure that addresses ambiguities associated with experimental modal analysis of complex structural systems. Specifically, EMV directly separates well-defined modal data from spurious and poorly excited modal data employing newly introduced graphical and coherence metrics.

Coppolino, Robert N.↗

Influence of an asymmetric ring on the modeling of an orthogonally stiffened cylindrical shell

Structural models are examined for the influence of a ring with an asymmetrical cross section on the linear elastic response of an orthogonally stiffened cylindrical shell subjected to internal pressure. The first structural model employs classical theory for the shell and stiffeners. The second model employs transverse shear deformation theories for the shell and stringer and classical theory for the ring. Closed-end pressure vessel effects are included. Interacting line load intensities are computed in the stiffener-to-skin joints for an example problem having the dimensions of the fuselage of a large transport aircraft. Classical structural theory is found to exaggerate the asymmetric response compared to the transverse shear deformation theory.

Rastogi, Naveen↗

Three-Dimensional Coronal Density Structure: 1. Model

The three-dimensional (3-D) density structure of the solar corona is a fundamental boundary condition on the solar wind. Most easily applied models of the global coronal density have been restricted to date to axisymmetric 2-D cases. We present here a 3-D model made up of a superposition of multiple streamers, having distinct gaussian widths in longitude and latitude and both longitudinal and latitudinal dependence of the neutral lines implicit beneath the streamer cores. Nonradiality of streamers and solar B-angle tilt are also explicitly treated. We show how this simple model can capture many of the general properties of coronal white light observations and demonstrate how such a model can assist in the interpretation of the multiple views on coronal structures such as will be provided by the upcoming STEREO mission.

Gibson, S. E.↗

Structural design of supersonic cruise aircraft

The major efforts leading to an efficient structural design include: (1) the analysis methods used to improve the structural model optimization and compare the structural concepts, (2) the analysis and description of the fail-safe, crack growth, and residual strength studies and tests, (3) baseline structural trade studies to determine optimum structural weights including effects of geometry changes, strength, fail-safety, aeroelastics and flutter, 6AL-4V annealed titanium in structural efficiency after 70,000 hours at temperature, (5) the study of three structural models for aircraft at 2.0 Mach, 2.2 Mach, and 2.4 Mach cruise speeds, (6) the study of many structural concepts to determine their weight efficiencies; and (7) the determination of the requirements for large-scale structural development testing.

Fischler, J. E.↗

Energy densities and temperature associated with the diffuse X-ray background, galaxies and large scale structures

Model independent evidence indicating numerical coincidences between energy densities and temperatures which indicate possible connections between the diffuse X-ray background and the formation of galaxies and large scale structures is presented. A consideration of characteristic temperatures associated with galaxies, peculiar velocities of galaxies, and voids suggests characteristic energies of emission. Barring complications induced by magnetic fields, these temperatures may also be associated with components of the X-ray background. Thermal bremsstrahlung emmission associated with the formation of large scale structures may be the dominant contributor to the high energy X-ray background, 5 to 200 keV. Thermal bremsstrahlung emission produced by galaxies at the epoch of their formation may contribute significantly to the low energy X-ray background, 0.1 to 3 keV. It is concluded that an important, if not dominant fraction of the X-ray background, was probably emitted by hot gas associated with the formation of large scale structures and galaxies.

Daly, Ruth A.↗

Evaluation of predictive accuracy in structural dynamic models

The evaluation of the predictive accuracy of dynamic models for future large space structures is addressed. Mass and stiffness uncertainties derived from a comparison of analytical and experimental modes are used to evaluate the uncertainty of response predictions based on the analytical model.

Hasselman, T. K.↗

Development of technology for fluid-structure interaction modeling of a 1/8-scale dynamic model of shuttle External Tank (ET). Volume i: Technical report

A NASTRAN analysis of the external tank (ET) substructure of the 1/8-scale space shuttle structural dynamics model is described. The NASTRAN hydroelastic procedures were used to form a model of the liquid oxygen portion of the ET. Large computer storage requirements and running times were required unless these procedures were modified. Several possibilities were demonstrated including the substitution of the real for the complex eigenvalue routine and the use of the OMIT capability to reduce the number of fluid coordinates. A NASTRAN model of the complete ET was formed and reduced to 252 degrees of freedom. A review of the eigenvector extracted, using the unsymmetrical inverse power method, indicated that the structural OMIT's resulted in unsatisfactory modal deflections. Modifications to the NASTRAN hydroelastic capability appeared necessary to generate a successful ET model. An approach is described which, by assuming incompressibility, reduces the fluid representation to a symmetric mass matrix which can be added to the structural mass. The problem is solved using faster and more efficient eigenvalue routines. Using this approach the ET NASTRAN model was analyzed for three separate weight conditions.

Bernstein, M.↗

A magnetic loop model for structure and activity in the Galactic center

A simple model for the production and propagation of magnetized loops in the Galactic center is developed. It is found that a magnetized model can reproduce the filamentary, asymmetric structures on all scales from 100 pc to subparsec scales in the Galactic center. The radio and molecular gas morphology on all scales inside the Galactic center lobe may be explained in terms of the expansion of strongly magnetized loops and their interaction with the 2-5 pc torus and 30-50 pc portion of the center lobe. The magnetic loops have a toroidal field which explains the braided appearance of the radio continuum emission on the 2 pc scale. The barlike feature on the 2 pc radio continuum maps can be viewed as a piece of a magnetic loop with field strength about 0.01 G which is colliding and reconnecting with the ionized inner edge of the 2 pc molecular torus. The loop-torus interaction feeds energetic particles and shear Alfven waves into the torus, and deposits mass and energy.

Heyvaerts, Jean↗

Structural dynamics model and response of the deployable reference configuration space station

The analytical models and results of a structural dynamics investigation of the reference initial operation and evolutionary configurations of the nine foot bay space station are presented. This investigation was carried out between April and August 1984 as part of a team effort to define a reference configuration for the first U.S. manned space station. The results presented herein serve as a guide, a point of departure and a standard for future NASA and contractor studies leading to the design of the Space Station. The reference initial operation configuration of the nine foot bay station was found to be very flexible, with its lowest mode between 0.096 and 0.138 Hertz depending on station attachments. However, for the transient load cases which were then available, internal member loads had positive margins of safety and preliminary results indicate that laboratory experiments which require quiescent conditions can be satisfied down to the order of 0.0001 g's.

Housner, J. M.↗